An exploration of leadership attributes for good governance in selected public community learning centres in the Eastern Cape province
- Madikiza-Sambane, Ndiliwe Christabell
- Authors: Madikiza-Sambane, Ndiliwe Christabell
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Human services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Political leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13403 , vital:39658
- Description: The success of any government depends on its leadership’s efficiency and effectiveness in ensuring that government’s vision is realized. It therefore becomes important that all public administration activities are in line with the elements of good governance as reflected on the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996. These elements include, among others, responsiveness to the needs of the public, accountability, public participation, equity, effectiveness and efficiency. Leadership attributes play a pivotal role in this regard, as all leaders are expected to be able to give guidance and direction towards the vision of government, good communicators, have humble confidence and display exemplary behavior to be successful in their leadership responsibilities. This includes leaders who are assigned responsibilities at all levels and sectors, both in public and private institutions. The purpose of this study therefore, was to explore leadership attributes for good governance in selected Public Community Learning Centres (PCLCs) in the Eastern Cape Province and its focus was in Libode District. It sought to answer a number of questions relating to community participation, policy formulation and implementation, problem solving and the envisaged solutions to address the problems that enhance good governance in the PCLCs. The study is viewed as significant in assisting the process of putting new systems in place for the implementation of new approaches in adult education. The extensive literature review that was conducted before the study resumed contributed tremendously in the success of the study as it provided more insight to the study. The qualitative approach was mainly used and the data was collected through self- administered questionnaires, interviews and observation. The findings of the study revealed challenges that exist with regards to leadership attributes and the enhancement of good governance in Public Community Learning Centres. All participating Ward Councillors (the community leaders) expressed their ignorance about what is happening in the PCLCs. However, they expressed their willingness to work together with the centres for the benefit of all community members within their wards. The recommendations of the study are based on the problems revealed in the findings and provide solutions and answers to the research questions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Madikiza-Sambane, Ndiliwe Christabell
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Human services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Political leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13403 , vital:39658
- Description: The success of any government depends on its leadership’s efficiency and effectiveness in ensuring that government’s vision is realized. It therefore becomes important that all public administration activities are in line with the elements of good governance as reflected on the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996. These elements include, among others, responsiveness to the needs of the public, accountability, public participation, equity, effectiveness and efficiency. Leadership attributes play a pivotal role in this regard, as all leaders are expected to be able to give guidance and direction towards the vision of government, good communicators, have humble confidence and display exemplary behavior to be successful in their leadership responsibilities. This includes leaders who are assigned responsibilities at all levels and sectors, both in public and private institutions. The purpose of this study therefore, was to explore leadership attributes for good governance in selected Public Community Learning Centres (PCLCs) in the Eastern Cape Province and its focus was in Libode District. It sought to answer a number of questions relating to community participation, policy formulation and implementation, problem solving and the envisaged solutions to address the problems that enhance good governance in the PCLCs. The study is viewed as significant in assisting the process of putting new systems in place for the implementation of new approaches in adult education. The extensive literature review that was conducted before the study resumed contributed tremendously in the success of the study as it provided more insight to the study. The qualitative approach was mainly used and the data was collected through self- administered questionnaires, interviews and observation. The findings of the study revealed challenges that exist with regards to leadership attributes and the enhancement of good governance in Public Community Learning Centres. All participating Ward Councillors (the community leaders) expressed their ignorance about what is happening in the PCLCs. However, they expressed their willingness to work together with the centres for the benefit of all community members within their wards. The recommendations of the study are based on the problems revealed in the findings and provide solutions and answers to the research questions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
An exploration of the effectiveness of social work interventions in assisting children living with HIV/AIDS : the case of Nobuhle Unit 8 Community Clinic, Mdantsane, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Mdlankomo, Andiswa Pamella
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Social case work -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Social work with children -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape HIV infections
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8574 , vital:33137
- Description: Social work practice in South African societies is of paramount importance because of high levels of poverty and various vulnerabilities. Despite the fact that there is much research on social work and children living with HIV/AIDS in South Africa, the link between social work approaches and vulnerable children has remained silent. Therefore, it was necessary to explore the quality of service delivery and understand how effective are social work interventions towards specific vulnerable children with the aim of enhancing their wellbeing. Thus, the study explored social work interventions towards assisting children living with HIV/AIDS. The study adopted qualitative research approach method for the purposes of collecting data. In-depth interviews were used as methods of data collection to find out the effectiveness and relevancy of social work interventions towards assisting children living with HIV/AIDS. The data was thematically analysed. The main findings indicated a lack of commitment in social work practice and that mirrors a lack of adequate Continuous Professional Development Training (CPDT); Social work practice in Mdantsane is overwhelmed by statutory work; and social work practice as associated with monotonous duties or an inescapable boring work routine. Moreover, the study unearthed that social workers‟ interventions towards assisting children living with HIV/AIDS are ineffective in Mdantsane Nobuhle Unit 8 community due to service delivery constraints faced by social workers, such as lack of specific HIV/AIDS proper care work training of social workers, lack of resources, high caseloads, misconceptions, and poor implementation of governmental policies. Hence, the study recommends the need for more social workers to fill up this shortage. Thus, the study recommended that there should be an indigenous social welfare and social work practice of assisting children infected and affected by HIV/AIDs. Furthermore, the study recommended that social workers should be equipped with local based skills and knowledge so as to be able to practice professionally. The study concluded that, there should be practical interventions looking into the socio-economic and political contexts and challenging the theorization of the practice, but adopting a more pragmatic approach through influencing and lobbying the government to respondent to the children needs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mdlankomo, Andiswa Pamella
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Social case work -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Social work with children -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape HIV infections
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8574 , vital:33137
- Description: Social work practice in South African societies is of paramount importance because of high levels of poverty and various vulnerabilities. Despite the fact that there is much research on social work and children living with HIV/AIDS in South Africa, the link between social work approaches and vulnerable children has remained silent. Therefore, it was necessary to explore the quality of service delivery and understand how effective are social work interventions towards specific vulnerable children with the aim of enhancing their wellbeing. Thus, the study explored social work interventions towards assisting children living with HIV/AIDS. The study adopted qualitative research approach method for the purposes of collecting data. In-depth interviews were used as methods of data collection to find out the effectiveness and relevancy of social work interventions towards assisting children living with HIV/AIDS. The data was thematically analysed. The main findings indicated a lack of commitment in social work practice and that mirrors a lack of adequate Continuous Professional Development Training (CPDT); Social work practice in Mdantsane is overwhelmed by statutory work; and social work practice as associated with monotonous duties or an inescapable boring work routine. Moreover, the study unearthed that social workers‟ interventions towards assisting children living with HIV/AIDS are ineffective in Mdantsane Nobuhle Unit 8 community due to service delivery constraints faced by social workers, such as lack of specific HIV/AIDS proper care work training of social workers, lack of resources, high caseloads, misconceptions, and poor implementation of governmental policies. Hence, the study recommends the need for more social workers to fill up this shortage. Thus, the study recommended that there should be an indigenous social welfare and social work practice of assisting children infected and affected by HIV/AIDs. Furthermore, the study recommended that social workers should be equipped with local based skills and knowledge so as to be able to practice professionally. The study concluded that, there should be practical interventions looking into the socio-economic and political contexts and challenging the theorization of the practice, but adopting a more pragmatic approach through influencing and lobbying the government to respondent to the children needs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
An investigation into academic dishonesty at the University of Fort Hare
- Authors: Mapetere, Gabriel Talent
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Cheating (Education) Education, Higher -- Moral and ethical aspects Cheating (Education) -- Prevention
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M. Soc. Sc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9588 , vital:34795
- Description: This study investigated the phenomenon of academic dishonesty among university students using a case study of the University of Fort Hare in South Africa. Objectives of this study were to find out the incidence of academic dishonesty, factors associated with academic dishonesty, the frequency of academic dishonesty and mitigation measures placed to curb academic dishonesty at the University of Fort Hare. A mixed methods approach was used to collect data, which was then interpreted using the social learning theory. The study argues that, academic dishonesty at the University of Fort Hare is mainly entrenched in the dynamic transformations brought about by technological advancement, which has given rise to new forms of academic dishonesty and as well facilitated the existent forms of academic dishonesty. The social learning theory offers an explanation of the acquisition of new behaviour and its maintenance thereof hence it has been adopted as the theoretical framework in this study. Findings of the current study indicated that the institution, like many other institutions globally is affected by academic dishonesty. Apart from that, academic dishonesty in its various forms is significantly high and it continues to soar. Moreover, the study revealed that the institution has adopted a diverse array of measures to curb academic dishonesty. Nevertheless, students continue to engage in academic dishonesty regardless of efforts made by institutions to reduce this epidemic. There is therefore a need to revisit the policies and measures implemented by institutions to curb academic dishonesty in a bid to come up with effective solutions to this problem.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mapetere, Gabriel Talent
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Cheating (Education) Education, Higher -- Moral and ethical aspects Cheating (Education) -- Prevention
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M. Soc. Sc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9588 , vital:34795
- Description: This study investigated the phenomenon of academic dishonesty among university students using a case study of the University of Fort Hare in South Africa. Objectives of this study were to find out the incidence of academic dishonesty, factors associated with academic dishonesty, the frequency of academic dishonesty and mitigation measures placed to curb academic dishonesty at the University of Fort Hare. A mixed methods approach was used to collect data, which was then interpreted using the social learning theory. The study argues that, academic dishonesty at the University of Fort Hare is mainly entrenched in the dynamic transformations brought about by technological advancement, which has given rise to new forms of academic dishonesty and as well facilitated the existent forms of academic dishonesty. The social learning theory offers an explanation of the acquisition of new behaviour and its maintenance thereof hence it has been adopted as the theoretical framework in this study. Findings of the current study indicated that the institution, like many other institutions globally is affected by academic dishonesty. Apart from that, academic dishonesty in its various forms is significantly high and it continues to soar. Moreover, the study revealed that the institution has adopted a diverse array of measures to curb academic dishonesty. Nevertheless, students continue to engage in academic dishonesty regardless of efforts made by institutions to reduce this epidemic. There is therefore a need to revisit the policies and measures implemented by institutions to curb academic dishonesty in a bid to come up with effective solutions to this problem.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
An investigation of experiences encountered by female adults living with HIV/AIDS and taking ARV treatment: the case of Ntselanzi location, Raymond Mhlaba municipality, Alice Eastern Cape
- Authors: Matumelo, Nobuhle
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Prevention , HIV-positive persons -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , HIV infections -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15012 , vital:40132
- Description: The study investigated the experiences encountered by female adults from Ntselamanzi living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus/ Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) and using Anti-retroviral (ARV) treatment. The study used a qualitative approach as well as a case study design that was descriptive explorative and explanative. The sample size or the unit of analysis consisted of 29 participants who included 12 female adults living with HIV/AIDS and having used ARVs for a minimum of three months; six nurses directly serving the people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA); six family members catering for the infected members within their family setting; and five key informants that included a social worker, a community leader, a health promoter, a community developer, and an HIV co-ordinator situated within the community of Ntselamanzi. A non-probability sampling method was adopted, specifically incorporating both snowball and purposive sampling techniques to select the sample. Significantly, the study was led by the following objectives: (1) To explore the experiences of female adults living with HIV/AIDS in Ntselamanzi, (2) To establish the coping mechanisms adopted by the PLWHA (3) To determine the effects of coping challenges and the adherence to ARVs. The data was collected by means of face-toface in-depth interviews in tandem with focus group discussion (FGD); and it was analysed qualitatively using content thematic analysis. The findings of the study revealed that all female adults living with HIV/AIDS and using ARVs encountered innumerable challenges that impaired their coping. The findings also indicated that malfunctioning and interruption of PLWHA coping was influenced by social factors such as unemployment, high level of poverty, low educational levels, lack of information sharing programmes and dependency on social grants. Lastly, the support to PLWHA especially by family members was highly indicated in the study’s findings. The following recommendations emanated from the study: strengthening research on coping challenges of female adults using ARVs in rural areas; empowering and training more caregivers for PLWHA by the Health Department; more involvement of social workers in helping the PLWHA; more involvement of government in the HIV/AIDS campaign in rural settings; and government facilitation and support to the PLWHA to form and belong to support groups.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Matumelo, Nobuhle
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Prevention , HIV-positive persons -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , HIV infections -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15012 , vital:40132
- Description: The study investigated the experiences encountered by female adults from Ntselamanzi living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus/ Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) and using Anti-retroviral (ARV) treatment. The study used a qualitative approach as well as a case study design that was descriptive explorative and explanative. The sample size or the unit of analysis consisted of 29 participants who included 12 female adults living with HIV/AIDS and having used ARVs for a minimum of three months; six nurses directly serving the people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA); six family members catering for the infected members within their family setting; and five key informants that included a social worker, a community leader, a health promoter, a community developer, and an HIV co-ordinator situated within the community of Ntselamanzi. A non-probability sampling method was adopted, specifically incorporating both snowball and purposive sampling techniques to select the sample. Significantly, the study was led by the following objectives: (1) To explore the experiences of female adults living with HIV/AIDS in Ntselamanzi, (2) To establish the coping mechanisms adopted by the PLWHA (3) To determine the effects of coping challenges and the adherence to ARVs. The data was collected by means of face-toface in-depth interviews in tandem with focus group discussion (FGD); and it was analysed qualitatively using content thematic analysis. The findings of the study revealed that all female adults living with HIV/AIDS and using ARVs encountered innumerable challenges that impaired their coping. The findings also indicated that malfunctioning and interruption of PLWHA coping was influenced by social factors such as unemployment, high level of poverty, low educational levels, lack of information sharing programmes and dependency on social grants. Lastly, the support to PLWHA especially by family members was highly indicated in the study’s findings. The following recommendations emanated from the study: strengthening research on coping challenges of female adults using ARVs in rural areas; empowering and training more caregivers for PLWHA by the Health Department; more involvement of social workers in helping the PLWHA; more involvement of government in the HIV/AIDS campaign in rural settings; and government facilitation and support to the PLWHA to form and belong to support groups.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
An investigation of the contribution of street vending on livelihoods : case of street vendors in Nkonkobe Municipality
- Authors: Dube, Thulani
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Street vendors -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Street vendors -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Economic conditions Vending stands -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/6068 , vital:29488
- Description: The informal sector thrives in a context of high unemployment, underemployment, poverty, gender inequality and precarious work. It plays a significant role in such circumstances, especially in income generation and in contributing to the livelihood of those engaged in it. The study investigated the contribution of street vending to the livelihood of street vendors in Nkonkobe Municipality. The aim of the study was to investigate whether street vending has the potential to sustain the lives of those engaged in it. In order to reach its objectives, the study employed a qualitative research approach whereby a non-probability sampling design in the form of a purposive sampling method was adopted and considered appropriate for this study. In terms of data collection, the study made use of structured questionnaires as a data collection method whereby questionnaires were administered and distributed to 40 street venders. The Upper Bound Poverty Line (UBPL) was used as a measurement to assess whether the participants’ incomes were above the poverty datum line in order to determine the sector’s contribution to the traders’ livelihood. From this study, it was found that street vending has both positive and negative impacts with regard to the success and profit-earning potential of these traders. Thus, the study concluded that street vending is a vital community development tool and a major source of livelihood as it plays a very important socio-economic role in Nkonkobe and in South Africa in general. The sector provides a livelihood for a huge population mainly comprised of the poor and other impoverished groups of society.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Dube, Thulani
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Street vendors -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Street vendors -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Economic conditions Vending stands -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/6068 , vital:29488
- Description: The informal sector thrives in a context of high unemployment, underemployment, poverty, gender inequality and precarious work. It plays a significant role in such circumstances, especially in income generation and in contributing to the livelihood of those engaged in it. The study investigated the contribution of street vending to the livelihood of street vendors in Nkonkobe Municipality. The aim of the study was to investigate whether street vending has the potential to sustain the lives of those engaged in it. In order to reach its objectives, the study employed a qualitative research approach whereby a non-probability sampling design in the form of a purposive sampling method was adopted and considered appropriate for this study. In terms of data collection, the study made use of structured questionnaires as a data collection method whereby questionnaires were administered and distributed to 40 street venders. The Upper Bound Poverty Line (UBPL) was used as a measurement to assess whether the participants’ incomes were above the poverty datum line in order to determine the sector’s contribution to the traders’ livelihood. From this study, it was found that street vending has both positive and negative impacts with regard to the success and profit-earning potential of these traders. Thus, the study concluded that street vending is a vital community development tool and a major source of livelihood as it plays a very important socio-economic role in Nkonkobe and in South Africa in general. The sector provides a livelihood for a huge population mainly comprised of the poor and other impoverished groups of society.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
An investigation on the motivational feattures influence on technical efficiency and profitability of smallholder irrigated crop farmers in Kwa-Nobuhle, Eastern Cape province of South Africa
- Authors: Funde, Sibongile
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Crops -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Marketing Irrigation farming -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11917 , vital:39118
- Description: Substantial impact and the importance of agriculture in the economies of the developing countries is increasingly acknowledged. Agriculture generally has shown to remain crucial to economic development. It has been noted that agricultural growth plays a pivotal role in poverty reduction and employment creation. Due to the potential of the smallholder sector to alleviate poverty and minimize unemployment rate leading to the country’s economic growth, enormous development programs have in the past and continues to be implemented by South African government. Programs such as land-based development strategies including agriculture, extension services, improved technologies including irrigation establishment, revitalization and rehabilitation, water rights legislation and financial support. However, the current state of smallholder low-agricultural productivity growth trends raises concerns on what other fundamental development strategies to implement in order to enhance agricultural productivity growth. Hence, this study seeks to address the impact of social farming on agricultural productivity by investigating smallholder farmer’s motivational features. Motivational features regarded are as important determinants of success, modify behaviour, serve to mobilize and direct energy into actions. Given the importance of motivational features and their formation in social interaction, the objective of the study was to investigate motivational features of smallholder farmers with regard to expanding irrigation land, determine technical efficiency of smallholder farmers as well as their profitability generation capability. A multistage sampling method was used that involved using purposive sampling, simple random sampling was adopted where three smallholder agriculture projects using irrigation methods to farm were selected and by use of snowball sampling the study ended up collecting data from a total of 124 respondents. The sample was chosen on the basis that smallholder farmers hold attributes that were crucial for execution of this research. The study proceeded by conducting face-to face interviews of smallholder farmers, focus groups and key informant using interview schedules and a questionnaire consisting both open and close-ended questions. Data were analysed using different methods. Firstly, data were analysed descriptively to get a deeper understanding of smallholder farmer’s socio-economic characteristics as well as their motivational features. Secondly, data were analysed statistically to determine Technical Efficiency (TE) of smallholder farmers using both Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA). Lastly, Gross Margin Analysis was used to measure farmer’s profitability. Results show that smallholder farmers have a range of motivational features that incorporates both productive and non-productive goals. The study made use of twenty-five goals obtained from literature studies and categorised them into six motivational feature types namely; outcome based, process focused/extrinsic, performance, achievement, intrinsic/self-efficacy, and household livelihood strategies. Smallholder female and male outcome based motivations were found to be statistically significant at 5percent, while process focused/extrinsic, performance, achievement, intrinsic/self-efficacy and household livelihood strategies motivations between them were found not to be statistically significant, which means that smallholder female and male motivations are not different and that both farmers consider such motivations at the same level. Technical Efficiency (TE) was measured using DEA method and was found to be 0.70, which is different from the TE obtained using SFA that was 0.47. Three dominant crops were produced, namely potatoes, cabbage and spinach. Cabbage crop was the most produced, had the highest gross margin results with a commercialization ratio of 0.33percent as compared to potatoes and spinach. Which indicates that cabbage is a high value crop to smallholder farmers of Kwa-Nobuhle area. In view of the research findings, it was concluded that motivational features of smallholder farmers were positively related to technical efficiency which implies that the more motivated farmers become, the higher their technical efficiency, hence their potential to expand land under irrigation. Cabbage production was high and more profitable than potatoes and spinach production. Recommendations include that government, NGO’s, private sector and institution need to promote the use of improved technologies, agricultural training and take smallholder farmer’s motivational features into account in development programmes. These actions are necessary to increase irrigated farming, overcome low-performance levels and enhance profitability of smallholder farmers, and ultimately achieve poverty alleviation and improve employment opportunities in the rural areas.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Funde, Sibongile
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Crops -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Marketing Irrigation farming -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11917 , vital:39118
- Description: Substantial impact and the importance of agriculture in the economies of the developing countries is increasingly acknowledged. Agriculture generally has shown to remain crucial to economic development. It has been noted that agricultural growth plays a pivotal role in poverty reduction and employment creation. Due to the potential of the smallholder sector to alleviate poverty and minimize unemployment rate leading to the country’s economic growth, enormous development programs have in the past and continues to be implemented by South African government. Programs such as land-based development strategies including agriculture, extension services, improved technologies including irrigation establishment, revitalization and rehabilitation, water rights legislation and financial support. However, the current state of smallholder low-agricultural productivity growth trends raises concerns on what other fundamental development strategies to implement in order to enhance agricultural productivity growth. Hence, this study seeks to address the impact of social farming on agricultural productivity by investigating smallholder farmer’s motivational features. Motivational features regarded are as important determinants of success, modify behaviour, serve to mobilize and direct energy into actions. Given the importance of motivational features and their formation in social interaction, the objective of the study was to investigate motivational features of smallholder farmers with regard to expanding irrigation land, determine technical efficiency of smallholder farmers as well as their profitability generation capability. A multistage sampling method was used that involved using purposive sampling, simple random sampling was adopted where three smallholder agriculture projects using irrigation methods to farm were selected and by use of snowball sampling the study ended up collecting data from a total of 124 respondents. The sample was chosen on the basis that smallholder farmers hold attributes that were crucial for execution of this research. The study proceeded by conducting face-to face interviews of smallholder farmers, focus groups and key informant using interview schedules and a questionnaire consisting both open and close-ended questions. Data were analysed using different methods. Firstly, data were analysed descriptively to get a deeper understanding of smallholder farmer’s socio-economic characteristics as well as their motivational features. Secondly, data were analysed statistically to determine Technical Efficiency (TE) of smallholder farmers using both Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA). Lastly, Gross Margin Analysis was used to measure farmer’s profitability. Results show that smallholder farmers have a range of motivational features that incorporates both productive and non-productive goals. The study made use of twenty-five goals obtained from literature studies and categorised them into six motivational feature types namely; outcome based, process focused/extrinsic, performance, achievement, intrinsic/self-efficacy, and household livelihood strategies. Smallholder female and male outcome based motivations were found to be statistically significant at 5percent, while process focused/extrinsic, performance, achievement, intrinsic/self-efficacy and household livelihood strategies motivations between them were found not to be statistically significant, which means that smallholder female and male motivations are not different and that both farmers consider such motivations at the same level. Technical Efficiency (TE) was measured using DEA method and was found to be 0.70, which is different from the TE obtained using SFA that was 0.47. Three dominant crops were produced, namely potatoes, cabbage and spinach. Cabbage crop was the most produced, had the highest gross margin results with a commercialization ratio of 0.33percent as compared to potatoes and spinach. Which indicates that cabbage is a high value crop to smallholder farmers of Kwa-Nobuhle area. In view of the research findings, it was concluded that motivational features of smallholder farmers were positively related to technical efficiency which implies that the more motivated farmers become, the higher their technical efficiency, hence their potential to expand land under irrigation. Cabbage production was high and more profitable than potatoes and spinach production. Recommendations include that government, NGO’s, private sector and institution need to promote the use of improved technologies, agricultural training and take smallholder farmer’s motivational features into account in development programmes. These actions are necessary to increase irrigated farming, overcome low-performance levels and enhance profitability of smallholder farmers, and ultimately achieve poverty alleviation and improve employment opportunities in the rural areas.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Analyses of the simple harmonic oscillator and its variations
- Authors: Bambiso, Noludwe Patience
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Harmonic analysis Vibration -- Mathematical models Oscillations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8132 , vital:31530
- Description: Vibratory motion is fundamental to all natural phenomena. It occurs everywhere in nature, from fundamental particles to the complexity of the life of the smallest cell, to the properties of the cosmos. Its frequency ranges from those of gammarays down the spectrum of X-rays, microwave, optical and radio waves. These are common concepts in everyday life, but their origin and nature are seldom comprehended. In this thesis we look at the mathematical fundamentals and how to apply them. We start with fundamental concepts and extend them to more complicated systems. We consider methods of analysis and applications. In Chapter 2 we consider simple harmonic oscillators and their mathematical analyses and in Chapter 3 we look at applications. Chapter 4 discusses the general form of simple harmonic motion, i.e. damped and forced harmonic motion. We consider simple coupled systems and their analysis. In Chapter 5 we introduce the method of complex functions and its application to complicated compound systems. Chapter 6 introduces a novel application, that of how SHM can be used as a model for advanced effects, or acausality. Chapter 7 presents a summary and conclusion.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Bambiso, Noludwe Patience
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Harmonic analysis Vibration -- Mathematical models Oscillations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8132 , vital:31530
- Description: Vibratory motion is fundamental to all natural phenomena. It occurs everywhere in nature, from fundamental particles to the complexity of the life of the smallest cell, to the properties of the cosmos. Its frequency ranges from those of gammarays down the spectrum of X-rays, microwave, optical and radio waves. These are common concepts in everyday life, but their origin and nature are seldom comprehended. In this thesis we look at the mathematical fundamentals and how to apply them. We start with fundamental concepts and extend them to more complicated systems. We consider methods of analysis and applications. In Chapter 2 we consider simple harmonic oscillators and their mathematical analyses and in Chapter 3 we look at applications. Chapter 4 discusses the general form of simple harmonic motion, i.e. damped and forced harmonic motion. We consider simple coupled systems and their analysis. In Chapter 5 we introduce the method of complex functions and its application to complicated compound systems. Chapter 6 introduces a novel application, that of how SHM can be used as a model for advanced effects, or acausality. Chapter 7 presents a summary and conclusion.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Aspects of the feeding biology of the copepod Pseudodiaptomus hessei (Copepoda: Calanoida) under culture conditions
- Authors: Mzozo, Ziyanda
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Copepoda Microbial ecology Fishes -- Feeding and feeds
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4727 , vital:28502
- Description: This study aimed to investigate the feeding behaviour of the calanoid copepod, Pseudodiaptomus hessei, particularly whether it prefers to feed on a planktonic or benthic food source. The effect of different microalgae species on the feeding preference, ingestion, and gut evacuation rate were investigated. Two microalgae species (Isochrysis galbana and Tetraselmis suecica) were used, to test gut fullness and gut evacuation of P. hessei. The copepods were starved for 6 h and allowed to feed on monalgae diets, I .galbana and T. suecica, and a 1:1 binary diet mixture of T. suecica and I. galbana. The gut fullness and gut evacuation rates were determined by observing under the dissecting microscope and gut content percentage was recorded (as 0, 25, 50, 75 or 100 percent) along with copepod sex. Copepods that feed on T. suecica fill their gut after 30 min, while those that feed on I. galbana do so after 40 min. There was a significant difference (p= 0.02) between sexes with males filling their gut faster than females. However, copepods that fed on I. galbana evacuated their gut content completely after 30 min, while those fed on T suecica evacuated theirs after 40 min. There was no difference between males and females for gut evacuation. Even though there was high gut fullness rate when P. hessei was feeding on T. suecica, I. galbana is recommended as the best mono-algae diet to culture P. hessei. The feeding behaviour of P. hessei was investigated, as to whether it prefers to feed on a planktonic or benthic food source. Copepods were starved for 3 h and then allowed to feed on two microalgae species (I. galbana and T. suecica), one presented as a benthic and other as planktonic. Controls included swapping the modes of presentation for each algae species. Ingested microalgae species were quantified using real-time PCR, with threshold cycles interpreted as relative abundance ratio (planktonic microalgae divided by benthic microalgae species). Pseudodiaptomus hessei preferred to feed on planktonic food sources initially as there was a difference between planktonic and benthic ingested food (p=0.026). Copepods shifted from planktonic to benthic food sources after 80 min of feeding planktonically. Planktonic food sources were the preferred choice for P. hessei regardless of microalgae species offered. The results from this study also confirm that P. hessei feed on a benthic food source during the day under culture conditions. This information can be used as baseline information for aquaculturists to rear the species as live feed for marine fish larvae.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mzozo, Ziyanda
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Copepoda Microbial ecology Fishes -- Feeding and feeds
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4727 , vital:28502
- Description: This study aimed to investigate the feeding behaviour of the calanoid copepod, Pseudodiaptomus hessei, particularly whether it prefers to feed on a planktonic or benthic food source. The effect of different microalgae species on the feeding preference, ingestion, and gut evacuation rate were investigated. Two microalgae species (Isochrysis galbana and Tetraselmis suecica) were used, to test gut fullness and gut evacuation of P. hessei. The copepods were starved for 6 h and allowed to feed on monalgae diets, I .galbana and T. suecica, and a 1:1 binary diet mixture of T. suecica and I. galbana. The gut fullness and gut evacuation rates were determined by observing under the dissecting microscope and gut content percentage was recorded (as 0, 25, 50, 75 or 100 percent) along with copepod sex. Copepods that feed on T. suecica fill their gut after 30 min, while those that feed on I. galbana do so after 40 min. There was a significant difference (p= 0.02) between sexes with males filling their gut faster than females. However, copepods that fed on I. galbana evacuated their gut content completely after 30 min, while those fed on T suecica evacuated theirs after 40 min. There was no difference between males and females for gut evacuation. Even though there was high gut fullness rate when P. hessei was feeding on T. suecica, I. galbana is recommended as the best mono-algae diet to culture P. hessei. The feeding behaviour of P. hessei was investigated, as to whether it prefers to feed on a planktonic or benthic food source. Copepods were starved for 3 h and then allowed to feed on two microalgae species (I. galbana and T. suecica), one presented as a benthic and other as planktonic. Controls included swapping the modes of presentation for each algae species. Ingested microalgae species were quantified using real-time PCR, with threshold cycles interpreted as relative abundance ratio (planktonic microalgae divided by benthic microalgae species). Pseudodiaptomus hessei preferred to feed on planktonic food sources initially as there was a difference between planktonic and benthic ingested food (p=0.026). Copepods shifted from planktonic to benthic food sources after 80 min of feeding planktonically. Planktonic food sources were the preferred choice for P. hessei regardless of microalgae species offered. The results from this study also confirm that P. hessei feed on a benthic food source during the day under culture conditions. This information can be used as baseline information for aquaculturists to rear the species as live feed for marine fish larvae.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Assessing the role of the community radio stations in facilitating development : a case study of Forte FM in the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Mawokomayi, Betina
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Radio in community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Community radio -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5462 , vital:29259
- Description: Community radio stations play an important role in the development of their communities. Forte FM is a community radio station located at University of Fort Hare Alice campus and was established to facilitate development in communities within the Amathole district municipality. Alice, a small rural town under Raymond Mhlaba Municipality, is one of the communities under the coverage of Forte FM. This study assessed the role that Forte FM plays in facilitating the development of Alice community. The study adopted a mixed method design in which questionnaires and interviews were used to collect primary data. The study findings show that although Forte FM is faced with serious financial challenges, it contributes to the development of Alice in various ways which includes providing the community with agricultural information, health information, promoting local culture, equipping the community with skills, promote local artists and sports personnel and educational programmes. The findings also revealed that the community is involved in the management of some aspects of the station’s operations through a board which is elected annually by the community itself. The results indicate that the radio station involve some community members in programming as experts on some topics or as people who have experienced an ordeal so they could share their experiences and advice other people how to manage similar situations. However, there is need to involve the community in the whole production process. The respondents’ attributed poor levels of community participation in programming to insufficient funds. The study recommends that Forte FM should lobby members of the community to fund the production of programmes since the station belongs to the community. This will enhance the sense of community ownership towards the radio station.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mawokomayi, Betina
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Radio in community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Community radio -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5462 , vital:29259
- Description: Community radio stations play an important role in the development of their communities. Forte FM is a community radio station located at University of Fort Hare Alice campus and was established to facilitate development in communities within the Amathole district municipality. Alice, a small rural town under Raymond Mhlaba Municipality, is one of the communities under the coverage of Forte FM. This study assessed the role that Forte FM plays in facilitating the development of Alice community. The study adopted a mixed method design in which questionnaires and interviews were used to collect primary data. The study findings show that although Forte FM is faced with serious financial challenges, it contributes to the development of Alice in various ways which includes providing the community with agricultural information, health information, promoting local culture, equipping the community with skills, promote local artists and sports personnel and educational programmes. The findings also revealed that the community is involved in the management of some aspects of the station’s operations through a board which is elected annually by the community itself. The results indicate that the radio station involve some community members in programming as experts on some topics or as people who have experienced an ordeal so they could share their experiences and advice other people how to manage similar situations. However, there is need to involve the community in the whole production process. The respondents’ attributed poor levels of community participation in programming to insufficient funds. The study recommends that Forte FM should lobby members of the community to fund the production of programmes since the station belongs to the community. This will enhance the sense of community ownership towards the radio station.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Assessment of national small and medium scale policy as a driver of local economic development : a case study of Ife Central Local government, Nigeria
- Authors: Adefemi, Adebayo Oluwaseun
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Economic policy Economic development -- Nigeria
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M.Admin
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12711 , vital:39301
- Description: This study, assessment of national small and medium scale policy as a driver of local economic development: a case study of Ife Central Local Government, Nigeria, was undertaken to find out if the National SME policy in Nigeria has performed its critical role of driving the local economic and if not, why, and also to identify measures to solve the problems that are hindering the implementation of the National SMEs policy. This study will therefore investigate the contributions of the Small and Medium Enterprises sub-sector of the Nigerian economy, its problems and prospects and also examine the National SME policy and the importance of the policy. The objective of this study is to explore the implementation of National SME policy as a driver of local economic development, analyse the challenges that are associated with implementing the National SME policy in Ife Central Local Government and make recommendations regarding the implementation of SME policy in Nigeria. A total of 5 MP’s were randomly selected from a cross section of 7 MP’s that represent Ife Central Local Government. Interviews was used to determine how the National SME policy is been implemented in there constituency and if they are facing any challenges as to the implementing the policy and how are they solving the problems that are associated with the policy. The major findings of this study include the following: the National SME policy is an important policy which if well implemented would help the development of SMEs and also have great impact on the local economic development. Among the problems associated with the policy according to the MP’s are financial problems, illiteracy level of people in their constituency, Land segmentation problem, marketing problems. This study therefore recommended that government should strengthen financial laws that mandates financial institutions to give low interest rate loans to SMEs with little or no collateral. The government should accelerated development and upgrade of rural roads and rail network and other infrastructural facilities and review taxies in favour of local manufacturers especially the SMEs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Adefemi, Adebayo Oluwaseun
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Economic policy Economic development -- Nigeria
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M.Admin
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12711 , vital:39301
- Description: This study, assessment of national small and medium scale policy as a driver of local economic development: a case study of Ife Central Local Government, Nigeria, was undertaken to find out if the National SME policy in Nigeria has performed its critical role of driving the local economic and if not, why, and also to identify measures to solve the problems that are hindering the implementation of the National SMEs policy. This study will therefore investigate the contributions of the Small and Medium Enterprises sub-sector of the Nigerian economy, its problems and prospects and also examine the National SME policy and the importance of the policy. The objective of this study is to explore the implementation of National SME policy as a driver of local economic development, analyse the challenges that are associated with implementing the National SME policy in Ife Central Local Government and make recommendations regarding the implementation of SME policy in Nigeria. A total of 5 MP’s were randomly selected from a cross section of 7 MP’s that represent Ife Central Local Government. Interviews was used to determine how the National SME policy is been implemented in there constituency and if they are facing any challenges as to the implementing the policy and how are they solving the problems that are associated with the policy. The major findings of this study include the following: the National SME policy is an important policy which if well implemented would help the development of SMEs and also have great impact on the local economic development. Among the problems associated with the policy according to the MP’s are financial problems, illiteracy level of people in their constituency, Land segmentation problem, marketing problems. This study therefore recommended that government should strengthen financial laws that mandates financial institutions to give low interest rate loans to SMEs with little or no collateral. The government should accelerated development and upgrade of rural roads and rail network and other infrastructural facilities and review taxies in favour of local manufacturers especially the SMEs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Assessment of the Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform's maize cropping programme in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Mqamelo, Luvolwethu
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Cropping systems Crops and climate Crop yields
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9165 , vital:34288
- Description: The Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform maize cropping programme is one of the flagship projects that has been entrusted by the provincial government to tackle the social ills faced by the rural communities of the Eastern Cape Province. The programme is in line with a number of policies that strive to unlock the agricultural potential in inducing the much talked about radical economic transformation. This study was aimed at establishing if the outlay of the implementation processes and the outcomes of the maize cropping programme in Eastern Cape are sufficient to achieve the stated objectives. The study adopted a triangulation method to get comprehensive understanding of the programme and for accuracy and verification of the data collected. A pre-tested semistructured questionnaire was used to collect the demographics and socio-economic status of the respondents; technical skills and capabilities; implementation processes of the programme and the perceptions of the participants and key strategic role players in the maize cropping programme. A total of 120 respondents from DRDAR’s 2016/2017 financial year supported list and 9 key informants were sampled for the study. Furthermore, a gross margin analysis was used to establish the viability and the sustainability of the programme with and without DRDAR’s subsidies. For purposes of determining if there was any relation between the maize enterprise income and 13 independent variables, a multiple regression model was employed. The results of the study show that the programme is dominated by old and uneducated individuals with an average age of 60 years. The implementation processes are proving to be fairly progressed however, at a very limited scale. This includes provision of production inputs and mechanization services on time, formation of self-serving legal entities and unlocking the private sector investment. The gross margins generated from the programme have been observed to be non-viable and unsustainable. As a result, only 31% of the respondents were able to attain a gross margin equal or greater than the allocable costs of producing maize both under irrigation and dry land. The results of the regression model indicated that, only 5 of the 13 independent variables (household gender, marital status, years of participation, area planted and yield) were found to have a significant effect to the maize enterprise income. Overall, the DRDAR’s maize cropping programme has failed to meet its intended objectives. In addition, more than 70 percent of the programme participants produced for subsistence purposes and showed no desire to fully commercialise their operations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mqamelo, Luvolwethu
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Cropping systems Crops and climate Crop yields
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9165 , vital:34288
- Description: The Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform maize cropping programme is one of the flagship projects that has been entrusted by the provincial government to tackle the social ills faced by the rural communities of the Eastern Cape Province. The programme is in line with a number of policies that strive to unlock the agricultural potential in inducing the much talked about radical economic transformation. This study was aimed at establishing if the outlay of the implementation processes and the outcomes of the maize cropping programme in Eastern Cape are sufficient to achieve the stated objectives. The study adopted a triangulation method to get comprehensive understanding of the programme and for accuracy and verification of the data collected. A pre-tested semistructured questionnaire was used to collect the demographics and socio-economic status of the respondents; technical skills and capabilities; implementation processes of the programme and the perceptions of the participants and key strategic role players in the maize cropping programme. A total of 120 respondents from DRDAR’s 2016/2017 financial year supported list and 9 key informants were sampled for the study. Furthermore, a gross margin analysis was used to establish the viability and the sustainability of the programme with and without DRDAR’s subsidies. For purposes of determining if there was any relation between the maize enterprise income and 13 independent variables, a multiple regression model was employed. The results of the study show that the programme is dominated by old and uneducated individuals with an average age of 60 years. The implementation processes are proving to be fairly progressed however, at a very limited scale. This includes provision of production inputs and mechanization services on time, formation of self-serving legal entities and unlocking the private sector investment. The gross margins generated from the programme have been observed to be non-viable and unsustainable. As a result, only 31% of the respondents were able to attain a gross margin equal or greater than the allocable costs of producing maize both under irrigation and dry land. The results of the regression model indicated that, only 5 of the 13 independent variables (household gender, marital status, years of participation, area planted and yield) were found to have a significant effect to the maize enterprise income. Overall, the DRDAR’s maize cropping programme has failed to meet its intended objectives. In addition, more than 70 percent of the programme participants produced for subsistence purposes and showed no desire to fully commercialise their operations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Assessment strategy framework for the National Diploma : fashion course at one Eastern Cape Comprehensive University
- Authors: McLaren, Lorian
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Fashion -- Study and teaching Fashion design -- Study and teaching Clothing trade -- Handbooks, manuals, etc
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4904 , vital:28750
- Description: The purpose of the study was born out of a perceived need to establish an assessment strategy framework for the fashion programme of one Eastern Cape comprehensive university. The study focused on one Eastern Cape comprehensive university. The programme, National Diploma: Fashion, is offered by the university at two campuses (120km apart). Although this programme is currently offered at both of the sites under the auspices of the university, disparity exists in many of the academic functions within the programme. The most challenging is assessment and the implications of a non-existent standard framework for assessment across both campuses. This research undertook to identify a framework that would best serve the Fashion programme of the researched university. Assessment in the context of this study referred to the process of both gathering evidence of student learning as well as assigning grades to that learning. The lack of an assessment framework affects the quality of assessment. Consistency in the assessment process across both campuses is important. At present assessment is not consistent as it is done independently on each campus. This lack of consistency could prove to favour students at the one campus while marginalizing students at the other campus and vice versa. Inconsistency arises from staff having no common assessment framework to refer to when assessment takes place. This study was a case study. Interviews were conducted with a sample of lecturers and students from both sites. A document analysis of relevant policies was done. The documents included the Higher Education Quality Committee document Criteria for Programme Accreditation, 2004, the South African Qualification Authority document Criteria and Guidelines for Assessment of NQF Registered Unit Standards and Qualifications, 2001, and the South African Qualification Authority document Guidelines for Integrated Assessment, 2005. University policy documents pertaining to assessment were also included in the research.The findings of this study lead to the conclusion that there is no clear assessment framework currently in place for the National Diploma: Fashion at one Eastern Cape comprehensive university. The assessment methods currently in use are not fully understood and comprehended by lecturers or students. The assessment types are limited with little or no variety as to how assessment is practiced. Although continuous assessment is advocated in the department, a lack of understanding by lecturers and students as to the true practice of continuous assessment is evident. Much of the assessment is done at the end of a teaching module, rather than embedded in the teaching module. This means that assessment is done of learning rather than for learning.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: McLaren, Lorian
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Fashion -- Study and teaching Fashion design -- Study and teaching Clothing trade -- Handbooks, manuals, etc
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4904 , vital:28750
- Description: The purpose of the study was born out of a perceived need to establish an assessment strategy framework for the fashion programme of one Eastern Cape comprehensive university. The study focused on one Eastern Cape comprehensive university. The programme, National Diploma: Fashion, is offered by the university at two campuses (120km apart). Although this programme is currently offered at both of the sites under the auspices of the university, disparity exists in many of the academic functions within the programme. The most challenging is assessment and the implications of a non-existent standard framework for assessment across both campuses. This research undertook to identify a framework that would best serve the Fashion programme of the researched university. Assessment in the context of this study referred to the process of both gathering evidence of student learning as well as assigning grades to that learning. The lack of an assessment framework affects the quality of assessment. Consistency in the assessment process across both campuses is important. At present assessment is not consistent as it is done independently on each campus. This lack of consistency could prove to favour students at the one campus while marginalizing students at the other campus and vice versa. Inconsistency arises from staff having no common assessment framework to refer to when assessment takes place. This study was a case study. Interviews were conducted with a sample of lecturers and students from both sites. A document analysis of relevant policies was done. The documents included the Higher Education Quality Committee document Criteria for Programme Accreditation, 2004, the South African Qualification Authority document Criteria and Guidelines for Assessment of NQF Registered Unit Standards and Qualifications, 2001, and the South African Qualification Authority document Guidelines for Integrated Assessment, 2005. University policy documents pertaining to assessment were also included in the research.The findings of this study lead to the conclusion that there is no clear assessment framework currently in place for the National Diploma: Fashion at one Eastern Cape comprehensive university. The assessment methods currently in use are not fully understood and comprehended by lecturers or students. The assessment types are limited with little or no variety as to how assessment is practiced. Although continuous assessment is advocated in the department, a lack of understanding by lecturers and students as to the true practice of continuous assessment is evident. Much of the assessment is done at the end of a teaching module, rather than embedded in the teaching module. This means that assessment is done of learning rather than for learning.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Attitudes of community stakeholders towards stigmatization of people living with HIV/AIDS in Highland View, linked to St Patrick's Clinic, Bizana, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Nkalane, Athenkosi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , HIV-positive persons -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Stigma (Social psychology)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9446 , vital:34352
- Description: The researcher attempted to investigate attitudes of community stakeholders towards stigmatization of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). This is because people living with HIV/AIDS are usually subjected to negative and positive attitudes in South African communities. The study made use of a case study as a specific research design which was explorative and descriptive. The study employed in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and secondary data sources to collect data. The study was a cross-sectional and adopted a non-probability sampling methodology, but specifically purposive technique. The study used 25 participants who consisted of 12 PLWHA, 5 nurses, and 8 selected community members. The data were analyzed through content thematic analysis. The findings that emanated from the study were: awareness of stigmatizing attitudes subjected to people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA); the attitudes displayed towards PLWHA, the drivers of stigma; the impact of stigma on PLWHA; PLWHA suffers immense psychosocial deficit; PLWHA face a state of abject poverty; PLWHA faces Psycho-emotional deficit; the secrecy surrounding the virus forms a fertile ground for infection; fear of contagion; stigma confounds chances of HIV/AIDS disclosure and issues of confidentiality. The study recommended that: the government should prioritize the PLWHA’s human rights; adoption of social media platforms to raise awareness and education of HIV/AIDS; collaboration between the Department of Health and the Department of Traditional affairs; invention of a youth-based psycho-emotional programme; and establishment of in-depth community supported interventions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Nkalane, Athenkosi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , HIV-positive persons -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Stigma (Social psychology)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9446 , vital:34352
- Description: The researcher attempted to investigate attitudes of community stakeholders towards stigmatization of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). This is because people living with HIV/AIDS are usually subjected to negative and positive attitudes in South African communities. The study made use of a case study as a specific research design which was explorative and descriptive. The study employed in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and secondary data sources to collect data. The study was a cross-sectional and adopted a non-probability sampling methodology, but specifically purposive technique. The study used 25 participants who consisted of 12 PLWHA, 5 nurses, and 8 selected community members. The data were analyzed through content thematic analysis. The findings that emanated from the study were: awareness of stigmatizing attitudes subjected to people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA); the attitudes displayed towards PLWHA, the drivers of stigma; the impact of stigma on PLWHA; PLWHA suffers immense psychosocial deficit; PLWHA face a state of abject poverty; PLWHA faces Psycho-emotional deficit; the secrecy surrounding the virus forms a fertile ground for infection; fear of contagion; stigma confounds chances of HIV/AIDS disclosure and issues of confidentiality. The study recommended that: the government should prioritize the PLWHA’s human rights; adoption of social media platforms to raise awareness and education of HIV/AIDS; collaboration between the Department of Health and the Department of Traditional affairs; invention of a youth-based psycho-emotional programme; and establishment of in-depth community supported interventions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Attitutes of professional nurses towards the dimensions of quality care in the community health centres of the King Sabatha Dalindyebo sub-district, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Ntuku, Nonzukiso Sheila
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Community health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Nursing services -- South Africa-- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13989 , vital:39737
- Description: The study focused on attitudes of professional nurses towards the dimensions of quality care. Quality care is the main focus of the Department of Health in the Republic of South Africa. The researcher believes that professional nurses form the backbone of the whole health care fraternity; hence they are central to the study of quality care dimensions. The aim of the study was to determine and describe the attitudes of professional nurses towards the dimensions of quality care in the community health centres of the KingSabatha Dalindyebo sub-district. A quantitative descriptive design was employed to meet the objectives of the study. The non-probability purposive sampling method was used to select participants to provide information on the attitudes of professional nurses towards the dimensions of quality care in the community health centres of the King Sabatha Dalindyebo sub-district, Eastern Cape. From the target of 84 professional nurses who were employed at the five community health centres of King Sabatha Dalindyebo sub-district of the O.R. Tambo District, Eastern Cape Province, 70 (83,3percent) professional nursesresponded to the questionnaires. A self-administered questionnaire written in simple English was used to collect data from the professional nurses regarding their attitudes towards dimensions of quality care. The researcher adhered to the ethical standards of nursing research as described by the Democratic Nursing Organisationof South Africa regarding anonymity, confidentiality, privacy and quality research, according to which the names of professional nurses were not recorded on the questionnaires. The data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) computer software. The distribution of the results has been presented in tables and a bar graph. The results of the study revealed that the professional nurses of these community health centres had positive attitudes towards the dimensions of quality care.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Ntuku, Nonzukiso Sheila
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Community health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Nursing services -- South Africa-- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13989 , vital:39737
- Description: The study focused on attitudes of professional nurses towards the dimensions of quality care. Quality care is the main focus of the Department of Health in the Republic of South Africa. The researcher believes that professional nurses form the backbone of the whole health care fraternity; hence they are central to the study of quality care dimensions. The aim of the study was to determine and describe the attitudes of professional nurses towards the dimensions of quality care in the community health centres of the KingSabatha Dalindyebo sub-district. A quantitative descriptive design was employed to meet the objectives of the study. The non-probability purposive sampling method was used to select participants to provide information on the attitudes of professional nurses towards the dimensions of quality care in the community health centres of the King Sabatha Dalindyebo sub-district, Eastern Cape. From the target of 84 professional nurses who were employed at the five community health centres of King Sabatha Dalindyebo sub-district of the O.R. Tambo District, Eastern Cape Province, 70 (83,3percent) professional nursesresponded to the questionnaires. A self-administered questionnaire written in simple English was used to collect data from the professional nurses regarding their attitudes towards dimensions of quality care. The researcher adhered to the ethical standards of nursing research as described by the Democratic Nursing Organisationof South Africa regarding anonymity, confidentiality, privacy and quality research, according to which the names of professional nurses were not recorded on the questionnaires. The data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) computer software. The distribution of the results has been presented in tables and a bar graph. The results of the study revealed that the professional nurses of these community health centres had positive attitudes towards the dimensions of quality care.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Bank Competition and Economic Growth: The Case of South Africa, Russia and China
- Authors: Sokapase ,Zukile
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Banks and banking
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Economics)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/14120 , vital:39846
- Description: This study examined the relationship between bank competition and economic growth across South Africa, Russia and China. In this regard, the study conducted a comparative analysis which allowed for country differences and thus enhanced the provision of relevant policy guidance given how each of the country’s economic growth is reacting to changes in bank competition. To account for country differences, the study estimated a random coefficient panel (RCP) model using Swamy’s generalised least squares (GLS) estimators for the period 1999 – 2015. Across the three countries, bank competition and economic growth have been found to be positively related. In addition, bank competition has been found to be highly significant in influencing economic growth across the three countries. However, the extent of influence that bank competition has on economic growth differs in each country. Therefore, this study recommends that policies aimed at promoting competition in the banking sector of South Africa, Russia and China should be adopted in order to promote economic growth.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Sokapase ,Zukile
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Banks and banking
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Economics)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/14120 , vital:39846
- Description: This study examined the relationship between bank competition and economic growth across South Africa, Russia and China. In this regard, the study conducted a comparative analysis which allowed for country differences and thus enhanced the provision of relevant policy guidance given how each of the country’s economic growth is reacting to changes in bank competition. To account for country differences, the study estimated a random coefficient panel (RCP) model using Swamy’s generalised least squares (GLS) estimators for the period 1999 – 2015. Across the three countries, bank competition and economic growth have been found to be positively related. In addition, bank competition has been found to be highly significant in influencing economic growth across the three countries. However, the extent of influence that bank competition has on economic growth differs in each country. Therefore, this study recommends that policies aimed at promoting competition in the banking sector of South Africa, Russia and China should be adopted in order to promote economic growth.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Biological children's experiences and perceptions about having foster children in their households: a case study of Zwelitsha township
- Authors: Ntshongwana, Zintle
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Foster children -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Social work with teenagers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Foster parents -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/3033 , vital:28240
- Description: Most research studies focus on foster children or foster parents, there is dearth of research on the impact of fostering on biological children. This aim of this study was to fill the gap in the literature regarding the experiences of biological children sharing a home with foster children. It also investigated how biological children perceive foster care and challenges encountered by children under foster care. This was achieved through a qualitative research approach. The study was conducted at Zwelitsha Township in King Williams Town. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with thirty biological children of foster parents and ten social workers in practice. Two focus group discussions were held with twenty foster parents. A focus group discussion guide was used in collecting information during the discussions. Purposive sampling was used in the study and data was analysed according to themes. The major findings revealed that fostering has both positive and negative impacts on biological children and the foster family. Biological children find foster care placement as helpful to children whose parents cannot provide care and protection for children. They gain and learn new knowledge through fostering and are happy about their new siblings in the family since they have companionship. On the other hand, minority of biological children were ambivalent about foster care as they were uncertain between altruistic feelings of making a difference in the lives of needy children against the negative outcomes of fostering. One biological child was negative about foster care. This participant did not like the idea of fostering and did not describe any personal positive outcomes resulting from his fostering experiences. The findings revealed that biological children are unable to voice out their views and ideas regarding foster care placement. The findings also revealed that biological children are not passive observers on how fostering influences their daily lives. Instead, they use strategies to influence fostering processes, especially to protect their foster siblings for the fostering process to be successful, while also having feelings of responsibility for their foster siblings. The findings further suggest that despite the complex nature of the fostering task, professionals should recognise and acknowledge the input of biological children to fostering. It is, therefore, suggested more training should be provided to foster parents to continually include the opinions of their own children in fostering decisions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Ntshongwana, Zintle
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Foster children -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Social work with teenagers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Foster parents -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/3033 , vital:28240
- Description: Most research studies focus on foster children or foster parents, there is dearth of research on the impact of fostering on biological children. This aim of this study was to fill the gap in the literature regarding the experiences of biological children sharing a home with foster children. It also investigated how biological children perceive foster care and challenges encountered by children under foster care. This was achieved through a qualitative research approach. The study was conducted at Zwelitsha Township in King Williams Town. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with thirty biological children of foster parents and ten social workers in practice. Two focus group discussions were held with twenty foster parents. A focus group discussion guide was used in collecting information during the discussions. Purposive sampling was used in the study and data was analysed according to themes. The major findings revealed that fostering has both positive and negative impacts on biological children and the foster family. Biological children find foster care placement as helpful to children whose parents cannot provide care and protection for children. They gain and learn new knowledge through fostering and are happy about their new siblings in the family since they have companionship. On the other hand, minority of biological children were ambivalent about foster care as they were uncertain between altruistic feelings of making a difference in the lives of needy children against the negative outcomes of fostering. One biological child was negative about foster care. This participant did not like the idea of fostering and did not describe any personal positive outcomes resulting from his fostering experiences. The findings revealed that biological children are unable to voice out their views and ideas regarding foster care placement. The findings also revealed that biological children are not passive observers on how fostering influences their daily lives. Instead, they use strategies to influence fostering processes, especially to protect their foster siblings for the fostering process to be successful, while also having feelings of responsibility for their foster siblings. The findings further suggest that despite the complex nature of the fostering task, professionals should recognise and acknowledge the input of biological children to fostering. It is, therefore, suggested more training should be provided to foster parents to continually include the opinions of their own children in fostering decisions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Biomass yield, nutrient content and silage quality of three forage sorghum (Sorghum Bicolour (L.) varieties grown in the semi-arid region of Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Gwantshu, Vuyolwethu Hamilton
- Authors: Gwantshu, Vuyolwethu Hamilton
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Sorghum -- Varieties -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Sorghum -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Forage
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9545 , vital:34368
- Description: The study determined the biomass yield, nutrient content and silage quality of forage sorghum varieties. Three varieties were used (King, PAN 868, and PAN 888), in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three blocks and three replicates per treatment at the University of Fort Hare research farm. The research study was conducted during the 2016/2017 growing season. The forages were harvested at flowering stage of growth. Biomass yields of fresh forage and dry matter yield were measured. Sub-samples were then dried, milled and analysed for nutrient content. Furthermore, the forage sorghum was ensiled and the silage was analysed for fermentation parameters and nutrient content. The fresh and dry matter biomass yield showed no significant differences (P>0.05) among the varieties. The highest fresh biomass yields were observed in PAN 888 variety was 13400 kg/ha, King had 12600 kg/ha and PAN 868 had 12600 kg/ha. The dry matter yield observed in PAN 888 was 4300.00 DM kg/ha, PAN 868 had 3633.33 DM kg/ha and King yielded 3533.33 DM kg/ha. The different sorghum varieties showed a significant (P<0.01) difference in some chemical composition parameters namely DM, NDIN and NSC. The different sorghum varieties had significant difference (P<0.01) in the silage fermentation parameters of pH, starch and lactic acid. The sorghum silage varieties were significantly (P<0.01) different in the starch fermentation with values of 0.001percent. The sorghum silage varieties were significant different for fermentation of lactic acid with values ranging from 1.99 to 2.62percent. However, PAN 868 and PAN 888 were not different from each other. Similarly, all varieties were different (P<0.05) in the pH with values ranging from 4.16 to 4.53. There were no significant (P>0.05) differences in CP, Fat, NDF, ADF, Hemicellulose, Ash, and ADIN content of the silages. The mineral composition (macro and micro) of the silage were not significantly (P>0.05) different among the varieties. In conclusion, the dry matter production and nutrient content of the three forage sorghum varieties were not significantly different. The silage fermentation quality showed significant (P<0.05) differences among the three sorghum varieties. Therefore, according to the results of this study PAN 888 is the recommended variety to grow in the semi-arid region of the Eastern Cape.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Gwantshu, Vuyolwethu Hamilton
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Sorghum -- Varieties -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Sorghum -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Forage
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9545 , vital:34368
- Description: The study determined the biomass yield, nutrient content and silage quality of forage sorghum varieties. Three varieties were used (King, PAN 868, and PAN 888), in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three blocks and three replicates per treatment at the University of Fort Hare research farm. The research study was conducted during the 2016/2017 growing season. The forages were harvested at flowering stage of growth. Biomass yields of fresh forage and dry matter yield were measured. Sub-samples were then dried, milled and analysed for nutrient content. Furthermore, the forage sorghum was ensiled and the silage was analysed for fermentation parameters and nutrient content. The fresh and dry matter biomass yield showed no significant differences (P>0.05) among the varieties. The highest fresh biomass yields were observed in PAN 888 variety was 13400 kg/ha, King had 12600 kg/ha and PAN 868 had 12600 kg/ha. The dry matter yield observed in PAN 888 was 4300.00 DM kg/ha, PAN 868 had 3633.33 DM kg/ha and King yielded 3533.33 DM kg/ha. The different sorghum varieties showed a significant (P<0.01) difference in some chemical composition parameters namely DM, NDIN and NSC. The different sorghum varieties had significant difference (P<0.01) in the silage fermentation parameters of pH, starch and lactic acid. The sorghum silage varieties were significantly (P<0.01) different in the starch fermentation with values of 0.001percent. The sorghum silage varieties were significant different for fermentation of lactic acid with values ranging from 1.99 to 2.62percent. However, PAN 868 and PAN 888 were not different from each other. Similarly, all varieties were different (P<0.05) in the pH with values ranging from 4.16 to 4.53. There were no significant (P>0.05) differences in CP, Fat, NDF, ADF, Hemicellulose, Ash, and ADIN content of the silages. The mineral composition (macro and micro) of the silage were not significantly (P>0.05) different among the varieties. In conclusion, the dry matter production and nutrient content of the three forage sorghum varieties were not significantly different. The silage fermentation quality showed significant (P<0.05) differences among the three sorghum varieties. Therefore, according to the results of this study PAN 888 is the recommended variety to grow in the semi-arid region of the Eastern Cape.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Blessing or curse? : an evaluation of the African Growth Opportunity Act
- Authors: Matenga, Lloyd
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: United States -- African Growth and Opportunity Act Tariff preferences Terms of trade
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8825 , vital:33667
- Description: The core of the commercial relations between the United States (US) and Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries is primarily based on the advancement of unilateral preferential treatment as envisaged under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). AGOA is a bipartisan US legislation promulgated to govern the North-South agreement between the US and SSA countries. Notably, AGOA can be categorized as an exception to the Most Favored Nation (MFN) clause of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and consequently under the legal framework of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). The US through the AGOA Extension and Enhancement Act (TPEA) has prolonged the lifespan of AGOA to 2025 in consonance with AGOA and other relevant US legislation. However, there is an ongoing debate as to whether AGOA is working to the advantage or benefit of the eligible SSA countries. This is due to several problematic issues which inter alia relate to the legitimacy of the unilateral preferential treatment, the applicable Rules of Origin (RoO) and the requirement for adoption of robust intellectual property protection regimes as impediments to the enjoyment of AGOA duty and quota free benefits. This study will thus examine the pertinent legal issues underpinning the granting of unilateral preferential treatment in favour of the SSA countries under AGOA and assess the extent to which AGOA complies with or fulfills the purposes and objects of the Enabling Clause.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Matenga, Lloyd
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: United States -- African Growth and Opportunity Act Tariff preferences Terms of trade
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8825 , vital:33667
- Description: The core of the commercial relations between the United States (US) and Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries is primarily based on the advancement of unilateral preferential treatment as envisaged under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). AGOA is a bipartisan US legislation promulgated to govern the North-South agreement between the US and SSA countries. Notably, AGOA can be categorized as an exception to the Most Favored Nation (MFN) clause of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and consequently under the legal framework of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). The US through the AGOA Extension and Enhancement Act (TPEA) has prolonged the lifespan of AGOA to 2025 in consonance with AGOA and other relevant US legislation. However, there is an ongoing debate as to whether AGOA is working to the advantage or benefit of the eligible SSA countries. This is due to several problematic issues which inter alia relate to the legitimacy of the unilateral preferential treatment, the applicable Rules of Origin (RoO) and the requirement for adoption of robust intellectual property protection regimes as impediments to the enjoyment of AGOA duty and quota free benefits. This study will thus examine the pertinent legal issues underpinning the granting of unilateral preferential treatment in favour of the SSA countries under AGOA and assess the extent to which AGOA complies with or fulfills the purposes and objects of the Enabling Clause.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Characterisation and cryopreservation of semen from indigenous Namaqua Afrikaner sheep breed, in comparison with Dorper and Dohne Merino breeds
- Authors: Letsoalo, Phutiane Thomas
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Merino sheep Dorper sheep Semen
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Animal Science
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11707 , vital:39099
- Description: The aim of this study was to characterise and cryopreserve semen of the indigenous Namaqua Afrikaner breed, and to compare it to that of Dorper and Dohne Merino sheep, whose semen is commercially frozen on a large scale. The study was conducted between January and August 2015. September 2013-born Namaqua Afrikaner (12), Dohne Merino (12) and Dorper (9) rams were used in the study. The rams were kept under kraal conditions with adequate shade, and they received a high protein, high energy diet. Originally it was envisaged to collect semen samples using the artificial vagina (AV) method, which proved to be problematic with the Namaqua Afrikaner rams. Semen samples were subsequently collected twice a week by either AV (Dohne Merino and Dorper) or electro-ejaculation (EE; all three breeds). Macroscopic sperm traits were assessed and sperm concentration determined immediately after collection. Each semen sample was diluted with Triladyl® (1:3) and subsequently frozen in liquid nitrogen vapour in straws. Frozen straws were thawed and evaluated at 7, 30 and 90 days after cryopreservation. A droplet (0.5 ml) from each thawed sample was assessed microscopically for post-thaw motility and percentage live sperm. Nigrosin-Eosin smears were prepared of fresh, diluted and frozen-thawed semen samples for determination of percentage live sperm. Data of all the traits were analysed with the GLM and CHI-SQUARE procedures of the SAS statistical package. Breed had a significant effect on ejaculate volume of fresh semen collected either via electro-ejaculation or artificial vagina. Dorper rams (1.37 ± 0.08 ml) and Dohne Merino rams (1.20 ± 0.08 ml) produced ejaculates with higher (P <0.05) semen volume than Namaqua Afrikaner rams (1.09 ± 0.08 ml) when using the EE. With the AV method, Dohne Merino rams (1.46 ± 0.08 ml) produced a higher (P <0.05) ejaculate volume than Dorper rams (1.22 ± 0.08 ml). Motility of the frozen-thawed semen samples was lower than that of the fresh and diluted samples for all breeds and collection methods. Furthermore, motility 3 hours after thawing was also lower than motility assessed immediately after thawing for all breeds and collection methods. Motility of frozen-thawed semen collected with an AV and evaluated at 7, 30 and 90 days after freezing was significantly higher than that collected via EE. Dorper rams had the lowest sperm concentration (1.10 ± 5.29x109 sperm/ml) and the Namaqua rams the highest sperm concentration (1.22 ± 5.20x109 sperm/ml) (P ˂0.05). The AV samples had a higher (P >0.05) sperm concentration (1.20 ± 3.68x109 sperm/ml) than the EE samples (1.11 ± 3.51x109 sperm/ml). The percentage live sperm in the fresh semen samples did not differ among Namaqua Afrikaner (67.76 ± 1.94percent), Dohne Merino (68.59 ± 1.94percent) and Dorper (72.82 ± 1.98percent) rams. The percentage live sperm for all three breeds dropped considerably after freezing to 17.76 ± 2.03percent, 17.86 ± 2.03percent and 22.72 ± 2.07percent respectively. It remained constant for all the breeds from 7 until 90 days after freezing, indicating that length of storage should not have an effect on percentage live sperm for semen collected via AV or EE. Percentage live sperm of the frozen-thawed semen of the Namaqua rams was lower than that of the Dorper rams, indicating that the Namaqua semen collected via EE did not freeze as well as that of the Dorper semen. In conclusion, neither fresh nor frozen-thawed Dorper and Dohne Merino semen collected via EE did differ significantly. Furthermore, except for semen volume, Dorper and Dohne Merino semen collected via AV did not differ significantly whether evaluated as fresh or frozen-thawed semen. However, both Dorper and Dohne Merino rams produced semen with higher motility and a higher percentage live sperm post-thaw when the semen samples were collected via an AV than via EE. From these results it can therefore be postulated that if Namaqua semen were collected via AV it could have a higher post-thaw percentage live sperm than if semen was collected via EE. Advanced further studies are necessary to investigate the reason for the lower post-thaw survival rate of sperm of the Namaqua Afrikaner rams. This is necessary as semen stored in a cryobank for breeding and conservation purposes for this endangered breed has to be of high quality. Such resources as cryobanks are expensive and funds cannot be wasted on preserving inferior samples that could not fertilize an ovum when needed. The low percentage of live sperm obtained with the frozen-thawed samples in this, as well as other studies on indigenous breeds, is an indication that further research is needed into more suitable freezing protocols. It can be concluded that Namaqua Afrikaner semen cannot be frozen successfully for the purpose of storage in a cryobank, when using a freezing protocol based on Triladyl® as extender. Furthermore, any increase in post-thaw survival rate of sperm will be beneficial and it is therefore suggested that all efforts be made to solve the problem of the Namaqua Afrikaner rams that do not want to ejaculate into an artificial vagina.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Letsoalo, Phutiane Thomas
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Merino sheep Dorper sheep Semen
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Animal Science
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11707 , vital:39099
- Description: The aim of this study was to characterise and cryopreserve semen of the indigenous Namaqua Afrikaner breed, and to compare it to that of Dorper and Dohne Merino sheep, whose semen is commercially frozen on a large scale. The study was conducted between January and August 2015. September 2013-born Namaqua Afrikaner (12), Dohne Merino (12) and Dorper (9) rams were used in the study. The rams were kept under kraal conditions with adequate shade, and they received a high protein, high energy diet. Originally it was envisaged to collect semen samples using the artificial vagina (AV) method, which proved to be problematic with the Namaqua Afrikaner rams. Semen samples were subsequently collected twice a week by either AV (Dohne Merino and Dorper) or electro-ejaculation (EE; all three breeds). Macroscopic sperm traits were assessed and sperm concentration determined immediately after collection. Each semen sample was diluted with Triladyl® (1:3) and subsequently frozen in liquid nitrogen vapour in straws. Frozen straws were thawed and evaluated at 7, 30 and 90 days after cryopreservation. A droplet (0.5 ml) from each thawed sample was assessed microscopically for post-thaw motility and percentage live sperm. Nigrosin-Eosin smears were prepared of fresh, diluted and frozen-thawed semen samples for determination of percentage live sperm. Data of all the traits were analysed with the GLM and CHI-SQUARE procedures of the SAS statistical package. Breed had a significant effect on ejaculate volume of fresh semen collected either via electro-ejaculation or artificial vagina. Dorper rams (1.37 ± 0.08 ml) and Dohne Merino rams (1.20 ± 0.08 ml) produced ejaculates with higher (P <0.05) semen volume than Namaqua Afrikaner rams (1.09 ± 0.08 ml) when using the EE. With the AV method, Dohne Merino rams (1.46 ± 0.08 ml) produced a higher (P <0.05) ejaculate volume than Dorper rams (1.22 ± 0.08 ml). Motility of the frozen-thawed semen samples was lower than that of the fresh and diluted samples for all breeds and collection methods. Furthermore, motility 3 hours after thawing was also lower than motility assessed immediately after thawing for all breeds and collection methods. Motility of frozen-thawed semen collected with an AV and evaluated at 7, 30 and 90 days after freezing was significantly higher than that collected via EE. Dorper rams had the lowest sperm concentration (1.10 ± 5.29x109 sperm/ml) and the Namaqua rams the highest sperm concentration (1.22 ± 5.20x109 sperm/ml) (P ˂0.05). The AV samples had a higher (P >0.05) sperm concentration (1.20 ± 3.68x109 sperm/ml) than the EE samples (1.11 ± 3.51x109 sperm/ml). The percentage live sperm in the fresh semen samples did not differ among Namaqua Afrikaner (67.76 ± 1.94percent), Dohne Merino (68.59 ± 1.94percent) and Dorper (72.82 ± 1.98percent) rams. The percentage live sperm for all three breeds dropped considerably after freezing to 17.76 ± 2.03percent, 17.86 ± 2.03percent and 22.72 ± 2.07percent respectively. It remained constant for all the breeds from 7 until 90 days after freezing, indicating that length of storage should not have an effect on percentage live sperm for semen collected via AV or EE. Percentage live sperm of the frozen-thawed semen of the Namaqua rams was lower than that of the Dorper rams, indicating that the Namaqua semen collected via EE did not freeze as well as that of the Dorper semen. In conclusion, neither fresh nor frozen-thawed Dorper and Dohne Merino semen collected via EE did differ significantly. Furthermore, except for semen volume, Dorper and Dohne Merino semen collected via AV did not differ significantly whether evaluated as fresh or frozen-thawed semen. However, both Dorper and Dohne Merino rams produced semen with higher motility and a higher percentage live sperm post-thaw when the semen samples were collected via an AV than via EE. From these results it can therefore be postulated that if Namaqua semen were collected via AV it could have a higher post-thaw percentage live sperm than if semen was collected via EE. Advanced further studies are necessary to investigate the reason for the lower post-thaw survival rate of sperm of the Namaqua Afrikaner rams. This is necessary as semen stored in a cryobank for breeding and conservation purposes for this endangered breed has to be of high quality. Such resources as cryobanks are expensive and funds cannot be wasted on preserving inferior samples that could not fertilize an ovum when needed. The low percentage of live sperm obtained with the frozen-thawed samples in this, as well as other studies on indigenous breeds, is an indication that further research is needed into more suitable freezing protocols. It can be concluded that Namaqua Afrikaner semen cannot be frozen successfully for the purpose of storage in a cryobank, when using a freezing protocol based on Triladyl® as extender. Furthermore, any increase in post-thaw survival rate of sperm will be beneficial and it is therefore suggested that all efforts be made to solve the problem of the Namaqua Afrikaner rams that do not want to ejaculate into an artificial vagina.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Characterisation and cryopreservation of semen from indigenous Namaqua Afrikaner sheep breed, in comparison with Dorper and Dohne Merino breeds
- Authors: Letsoalo, Phutiane Thomas
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Cryopreservation of organs, tissues, etc Merino sheep Dorper sheep
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4759 , vital:28510
- Description: The aim of this study was to characterise and cryopreserve semen of the indigenous Namaqua Afrikaner breed, and to compare it to that of Dorper and Dohne Merino sheep, whose semen is commercially frozen on a large scale. The study was conducted between January and August 2015. September 2013-born Namaqua Afrikaner (12), Dohne Merino (12) and Dorper (9) rams were used in the study. The rams were kept under kraal conditions with adequate shade, and they received a high protein, high energy diet. Originally it was envisaged to collect semen samples using the artificial vagina (AV) method, which proved to be problematic with the Namaqua Afrikaner rams. Semen samples were subsequently collected twice a week by either AV (Dohne Merino and Dorper) or electro-ejaculation (EE; all three breeds). Macroscopic sperm traits were assessed and sperm concentration determined immediately after collection. Each semen sample was diluted with Triladyl® (1:3) and subsequently frozen in liquid nitrogen vapour in straws. Frozen straws were thawed and evaluated at 7, 30 and 90 days after cryopreservation. A droplet (0.5 ml) from each thawed sample was assessed microscopically for post-thaw motility and percentage live sperm..
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Letsoalo, Phutiane Thomas
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Cryopreservation of organs, tissues, etc Merino sheep Dorper sheep
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4759 , vital:28510
- Description: The aim of this study was to characterise and cryopreserve semen of the indigenous Namaqua Afrikaner breed, and to compare it to that of Dorper and Dohne Merino sheep, whose semen is commercially frozen on a large scale. The study was conducted between January and August 2015. September 2013-born Namaqua Afrikaner (12), Dohne Merino (12) and Dorper (9) rams were used in the study. The rams were kept under kraal conditions with adequate shade, and they received a high protein, high energy diet. Originally it was envisaged to collect semen samples using the artificial vagina (AV) method, which proved to be problematic with the Namaqua Afrikaner rams. Semen samples were subsequently collected twice a week by either AV (Dohne Merino and Dorper) or electro-ejaculation (EE; all three breeds). Macroscopic sperm traits were assessed and sperm concentration determined immediately after collection. Each semen sample was diluted with Triladyl® (1:3) and subsequently frozen in liquid nitrogen vapour in straws. Frozen straws were thawed and evaluated at 7, 30 and 90 days after cryopreservation. A droplet (0.5 ml) from each thawed sample was assessed microscopically for post-thaw motility and percentage live sperm..
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017