Bayesian spatial modelling of tuberculosis and its effects on socio-economic and demographic factors in South Africa : a case study of the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Obaromi, Abiodun Davies
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Tuberculosis -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Tuberculosis -- Epidemiology -- Statistics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9648 , vital:34813
- Description: This dissertation is concerned with evolving and extending statistical models in the area of Bayesian spatial modelling, an increasingly important field of spatial epidemiology with particular interest towards application to Tuberculosis data in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. In spatial epidemiology, the diseases to be examined usually occur within a map that needs spatial statistical methods that are appropriate, to model the observed data in the presence of some covariates and also cater for the variation of the disease. In this thesis, the Bayesian models were developed in such a way that they allowed several factors classified as fixed and random effects, to be included in the models and using the Bayesian approach. The basic model used in disease mapping is the Besag, York and Mollie model, which incorporates two random effects; one which is spatially structured and the other random effect which is spatially unstructured. The effects (fixed and random) were the covariate effects, socio-economic and demographic variability and the spatial variability respectively, which were all investigated in seven different hierarchical/multilevel Bayesian models. These factors showed varying and substantial effects in the posterior relative risk estimation of the disease. We assumed a negative binomial and generalized Poisson distributions to the response variable or relative risk estimate, 𝑦𝑖 ,to capture the over-dispersion phenomenon that is common and inherent with Poisson density for counts data. Spatial and non-spatial models were developed to model over-dispersion with all the distributions; Poisson, negative binomial and generalized Poisson. Negative binomial and generalized Poisson showed varying properties from comparisons with DIC values and parameter estimates to standard errors, which made either of them fit depending on the choice of model selection. It was found that a lower DIC value could be insufficient to determine a best fit model, if other models present estimates with lower variances even at higher DIC values. The generalized Poisson, a two parameter distribution like the negative binomial, which also has the ability to capture both under-dispersion and over-dispersion, was found to perform better in the results than the negative binomial on the basis of a lower variance and with more exact parameter estimates. A new weighted prior distribution, the “Besag2” ICAR model for the structured spatial random effects, which is an extension of the traditional ICAR prior model with two hyperparameters, was also developed and compared with some existing prior models; BYM and ICAR, to measure for spatial dependency in the regions. This new prior distribution was found to show a better fit, when compared to the basic ICAR prior usually assumed for the spatial random effect in the BYM model. This newly parameterized prior distribution in the Besag, York and Mollie model also led to improved parameter control, as the hyperparameters can be seen independently from each other. The result also showed that the new model performed well, both presenting good learning abilities and good shrinkage behaviour. In terms of model choice criteria, the proposed model performed at least equally well and better than the existing models, and the new formulation also gave parameters that are interpretable and have a clearer meaning. To interpolate scattered or regularly distributed data, there are imprecise or exact methods, but there are some of these methods that could be used for interpolating data in a regular grid and others in an irregular grid. Linear and biharmonic spline methods were implemented in MATLAB, to compare for smoothing in the distribution patterns of tuberculosis in the province. This smoothing spline is a method of fitting a smooth curve to a set of noisy observations using a spline function. This new method is rarely used in disease mapping applications, but it has a superior advantage to be assessed at subjective locations rather than only on a rectangular grid as seen in most traditional GIS methods of geospatial analyses. The proposed new models and methods in this thesis were found to be flexible and robust, since they can be reduced or extended according to the nature of the data. Nevertheless, great care must be considered in the choice of prior densities. The approaches developed in this dissertation helped to broaden the scope for spatial analysis and disease mapping applications in epidemiology and public health studies.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Obaromi, Abiodun Davies
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Tuberculosis -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Tuberculosis -- Epidemiology -- Statistics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9648 , vital:34813
- Description: This dissertation is concerned with evolving and extending statistical models in the area of Bayesian spatial modelling, an increasingly important field of spatial epidemiology with particular interest towards application to Tuberculosis data in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. In spatial epidemiology, the diseases to be examined usually occur within a map that needs spatial statistical methods that are appropriate, to model the observed data in the presence of some covariates and also cater for the variation of the disease. In this thesis, the Bayesian models were developed in such a way that they allowed several factors classified as fixed and random effects, to be included in the models and using the Bayesian approach. The basic model used in disease mapping is the Besag, York and Mollie model, which incorporates two random effects; one which is spatially structured and the other random effect which is spatially unstructured. The effects (fixed and random) were the covariate effects, socio-economic and demographic variability and the spatial variability respectively, which were all investigated in seven different hierarchical/multilevel Bayesian models. These factors showed varying and substantial effects in the posterior relative risk estimation of the disease. We assumed a negative binomial and generalized Poisson distributions to the response variable or relative risk estimate, 𝑦𝑖 ,to capture the over-dispersion phenomenon that is common and inherent with Poisson density for counts data. Spatial and non-spatial models were developed to model over-dispersion with all the distributions; Poisson, negative binomial and generalized Poisson. Negative binomial and generalized Poisson showed varying properties from comparisons with DIC values and parameter estimates to standard errors, which made either of them fit depending on the choice of model selection. It was found that a lower DIC value could be insufficient to determine a best fit model, if other models present estimates with lower variances even at higher DIC values. The generalized Poisson, a two parameter distribution like the negative binomial, which also has the ability to capture both under-dispersion and over-dispersion, was found to perform better in the results than the negative binomial on the basis of a lower variance and with more exact parameter estimates. A new weighted prior distribution, the “Besag2” ICAR model for the structured spatial random effects, which is an extension of the traditional ICAR prior model with two hyperparameters, was also developed and compared with some existing prior models; BYM and ICAR, to measure for spatial dependency in the regions. This new prior distribution was found to show a better fit, when compared to the basic ICAR prior usually assumed for the spatial random effect in the BYM model. This newly parameterized prior distribution in the Besag, York and Mollie model also led to improved parameter control, as the hyperparameters can be seen independently from each other. The result also showed that the new model performed well, both presenting good learning abilities and good shrinkage behaviour. In terms of model choice criteria, the proposed model performed at least equally well and better than the existing models, and the new formulation also gave parameters that are interpretable and have a clearer meaning. To interpolate scattered or regularly distributed data, there are imprecise or exact methods, but there are some of these methods that could be used for interpolating data in a regular grid and others in an irregular grid. Linear and biharmonic spline methods were implemented in MATLAB, to compare for smoothing in the distribution patterns of tuberculosis in the province. This smoothing spline is a method of fitting a smooth curve to a set of noisy observations using a spline function. This new method is rarely used in disease mapping applications, but it has a superior advantage to be assessed at subjective locations rather than only on a rectangular grid as seen in most traditional GIS methods of geospatial analyses. The proposed new models and methods in this thesis were found to be flexible and robust, since they can be reduced or extended according to the nature of the data. Nevertheless, great care must be considered in the choice of prior densities. The approaches developed in this dissertation helped to broaden the scope for spatial analysis and disease mapping applications in epidemiology and public health studies.
- Full Text:
Chemical transformation and phytochemical studies of bioactive constituents from extract of callistemon citrinus (curtis) skeels
- Authors: Larayetan, Rotimi Abisoye
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Callistemon Wild flowers
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9122 , vital:34272
- Description: Callistemon citrinus belongs to the family Myrtaceae and exhibits therapeutic activities. The aerial parts of this plant are used to treat different ailments, among them are parasitic infections. The leaves, flowers and stems of Callistemon citrinus were subjected to hydrodistillation. The oils collected were studied by GC-MS analysis for the essential constituents. The overall phenolic content of the leaves oil, radical scavenging, antibacterial action and antioxidant activities of the essential oils of Callistemon citrinus were determined using standard methods, with free radical DPPH or ABTS as reference antioxidants. Chemical transformation of the components was examined for a whole year. A relationship between the chemical change in the volatile oil constituents, antioxidant capacity, percentage yield of the oil of Callistemon citrinus and fluctuation in season has been established. Active phytochemicals present in both ethyl acetate and methanolic extracts of Callistemon citrinus were determined spectrophotometrically. The antimicrobial properties, time of kill, and antioxidant activity of the extracts were explored. The bioactive components were characterized by high level of fatty acids. Squalene, a triterpenoid synthesized in human liver was obtained in the two extracts at varying amounts. The ethyl acetate extract demonstrated strong activity against P. aeruginosa ACC (28.7 ± 1.2 mm), Listeria ACC (26.0 ± 2.0 mm) and Escherichia coli ATCC 35150 (24.0 ± 3.5 mm). Qualitative phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, steroids and triterpenoids, fats and oils, flavonoids, phenols and tannins in them. In the quantitative phytochemical determination (total tannin, total flavonoids and flavonols, total phenolic and total antioxidant capacity) were carried out. The minimum time needed to kill the tested bacterial strains totally ranged from 15 to 24 hours. The aqueous extracts used for biosynthesis of nanoparticles were obtained from the fresh aerial parts of the plant. The biosynthesized gold and silver nanoparticles (AuNPs and AgNPs) of the aqueous extracts of the seed, flower and leaf of the plant, which are active as reducing and capping agents, were characterized using UV-VIS spectrophotometry, XRD, SEM, EDS, TEM, and FT IR. The XRD analysis revealed that the AgNPs were crystalline and the TEM showed that the shapes were spherical with an average size of 29 nm. For AuNPs, an average particle size of about 37 nm was confirmed by the TEM while the morphology and composition of the AuNPs were ascertained by SEM and EDS micrographs; uneven spherical shaped nanoparticles were established by the SEM. Both SEM and EDS demonstrated triangular shaped materials made up of silver and oxygen only. Absorption spectra confirmed by UV-VIS signify the dispersed nature of the synthesized nanoparticles with absorption band observed at 280 nm for the leaf AgNPs. FT IR had absorption bands at about 1700 cm-1 establishing the C=O stretching due to the amide bond while the FT IR for the AuNPs showed an absorption peak at 230 cm-1 confirming the presence of gold nanoparticles. The phytochemical investigation, isolation and characterization of the bioactive compounds of various organic crude extracts like hexane, dichloromethane, methanol and ethyl acetate were as well carried out, and the compounds responsible for their medicinal actions were determined. The results from different experiments revealed that the leaves and flowers of Callistemon citrinus possessed phenolic compounds and cyclic ethers with a variety of pharmacological action. The ethyl acetate and methanol crude extracts were found to possess broad spectrum of antimicrobial activities and pharmaceutically essential bioactive components with striking antioxidant capacities that may be used in the synthesis of novel drugs for the management of different ailments. The AuNPs and AgNPs synthesized from the seed, flower and leaf extracts of Callistemon citrinus where found to have prominent antimalarial, antiplasmodial, and antibacterial activities. The biosynthesized nanoparticles inhibit all the bacterial strains used and they were not cytotoxic to Hela cells, confirming their prospect for use as an excellent source for naturally occurring drugs against malaria, cell cytotoxicity, trypanosomes, and microbial infection. Similarly the crude organic extracts and the fractions derived from them exhibited high antimalarial and antitrypanosomal activities, but they were toxic to Hela cells. This is an indication that they will not be safe for use as targeted drugs for mammalian organism.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Larayetan, Rotimi Abisoye
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Callistemon Wild flowers
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9122 , vital:34272
- Description: Callistemon citrinus belongs to the family Myrtaceae and exhibits therapeutic activities. The aerial parts of this plant are used to treat different ailments, among them are parasitic infections. The leaves, flowers and stems of Callistemon citrinus were subjected to hydrodistillation. The oils collected were studied by GC-MS analysis for the essential constituents. The overall phenolic content of the leaves oil, radical scavenging, antibacterial action and antioxidant activities of the essential oils of Callistemon citrinus were determined using standard methods, with free radical DPPH or ABTS as reference antioxidants. Chemical transformation of the components was examined for a whole year. A relationship between the chemical change in the volatile oil constituents, antioxidant capacity, percentage yield of the oil of Callistemon citrinus and fluctuation in season has been established. Active phytochemicals present in both ethyl acetate and methanolic extracts of Callistemon citrinus were determined spectrophotometrically. The antimicrobial properties, time of kill, and antioxidant activity of the extracts were explored. The bioactive components were characterized by high level of fatty acids. Squalene, a triterpenoid synthesized in human liver was obtained in the two extracts at varying amounts. The ethyl acetate extract demonstrated strong activity against P. aeruginosa ACC (28.7 ± 1.2 mm), Listeria ACC (26.0 ± 2.0 mm) and Escherichia coli ATCC 35150 (24.0 ± 3.5 mm). Qualitative phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, steroids and triterpenoids, fats and oils, flavonoids, phenols and tannins in them. In the quantitative phytochemical determination (total tannin, total flavonoids and flavonols, total phenolic and total antioxidant capacity) were carried out. The minimum time needed to kill the tested bacterial strains totally ranged from 15 to 24 hours. The aqueous extracts used for biosynthesis of nanoparticles were obtained from the fresh aerial parts of the plant. The biosynthesized gold and silver nanoparticles (AuNPs and AgNPs) of the aqueous extracts of the seed, flower and leaf of the plant, which are active as reducing and capping agents, were characterized using UV-VIS spectrophotometry, XRD, SEM, EDS, TEM, and FT IR. The XRD analysis revealed that the AgNPs were crystalline and the TEM showed that the shapes were spherical with an average size of 29 nm. For AuNPs, an average particle size of about 37 nm was confirmed by the TEM while the morphology and composition of the AuNPs were ascertained by SEM and EDS micrographs; uneven spherical shaped nanoparticles were established by the SEM. Both SEM and EDS demonstrated triangular shaped materials made up of silver and oxygen only. Absorption spectra confirmed by UV-VIS signify the dispersed nature of the synthesized nanoparticles with absorption band observed at 280 nm for the leaf AgNPs. FT IR had absorption bands at about 1700 cm-1 establishing the C=O stretching due to the amide bond while the FT IR for the AuNPs showed an absorption peak at 230 cm-1 confirming the presence of gold nanoparticles. The phytochemical investigation, isolation and characterization of the bioactive compounds of various organic crude extracts like hexane, dichloromethane, methanol and ethyl acetate were as well carried out, and the compounds responsible for their medicinal actions were determined. The results from different experiments revealed that the leaves and flowers of Callistemon citrinus possessed phenolic compounds and cyclic ethers with a variety of pharmacological action. The ethyl acetate and methanol crude extracts were found to possess broad spectrum of antimicrobial activities and pharmaceutically essential bioactive components with striking antioxidant capacities that may be used in the synthesis of novel drugs for the management of different ailments. The AuNPs and AgNPs synthesized from the seed, flower and leaf extracts of Callistemon citrinus where found to have prominent antimalarial, antiplasmodial, and antibacterial activities. The biosynthesized nanoparticles inhibit all the bacterial strains used and they were not cytotoxic to Hela cells, confirming their prospect for use as an excellent source for naturally occurring drugs against malaria, cell cytotoxicity, trypanosomes, and microbial infection. Similarly the crude organic extracts and the fractions derived from them exhibited high antimalarial and antitrypanosomal activities, but they were toxic to Hela cells. This is an indication that they will not be safe for use as targeted drugs for mammalian organism.
- Full Text:
Critical assessment of the human resource capacity needs of senior management at Thaba Chweu Municipality in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa
- Authors: Dube, Boy David
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Municipal government Rural poor Senior leadership teams
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12172 , vital:39193
- Description: The terrain of local government is not only very complex, dynamic, and challenging, but also very unique. The quality of human resources is vital in a public institution, particularly in institutions that are meant to service communities by providing sustainable basic services. Amongst the concerns raised at a municipal level are the lack of professionalism and the required competency and capacity amongst the workforce that must perform the actual duties of servicing the local communities. This study was aimed at identifying and analysing human resource development and human resource management policies, strategies and needs in line with the current circumstances and conditions at a particular municipality. A series of challenges (that a number of community members, newspaper articles, community leaders and both the Mpumalanga Provincial Government and other spheres of government raised and complained about) prompted this study. Constant complaints are leveled against municipalities about appropriate and well qualified candidates being overlooked for employment opportunities at the expense of nepotism, cronyism and blatant corrupt activities. This study is a combination of both quantitative and qualitative methods. In line with the quantitative method of generating and assembling information, the researcher used the judgement sampling method. Questionnaires were administered to collect quantitative data while primary data was collected via interviews. Data was obtained from 45 participants in Thaba Chweu Municipality. The findings show that the majority of respondents (in the form of percentages) spoke against the capacity of the officials. A smaller percentage spoke in favour of the availability of capacity. These respondents stated that municipal officials have the required skills and capacity to perform their duties. Furthermore, the study found that there was inconsistency in the implementation of council resolutions and interference in administrative matters. These factors compromised achieving the objectives of the municipal strategies and policies. The study recommends that the municipality ensures that the human resource management and development departments are consonant with current and modernised needs and that delegations to line functionaries are properly assigned and documented.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Dube, Boy David
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Municipal government Rural poor Senior leadership teams
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12172 , vital:39193
- Description: The terrain of local government is not only very complex, dynamic, and challenging, but also very unique. The quality of human resources is vital in a public institution, particularly in institutions that are meant to service communities by providing sustainable basic services. Amongst the concerns raised at a municipal level are the lack of professionalism and the required competency and capacity amongst the workforce that must perform the actual duties of servicing the local communities. This study was aimed at identifying and analysing human resource development and human resource management policies, strategies and needs in line with the current circumstances and conditions at a particular municipality. A series of challenges (that a number of community members, newspaper articles, community leaders and both the Mpumalanga Provincial Government and other spheres of government raised and complained about) prompted this study. Constant complaints are leveled against municipalities about appropriate and well qualified candidates being overlooked for employment opportunities at the expense of nepotism, cronyism and blatant corrupt activities. This study is a combination of both quantitative and qualitative methods. In line with the quantitative method of generating and assembling information, the researcher used the judgement sampling method. Questionnaires were administered to collect quantitative data while primary data was collected via interviews. Data was obtained from 45 participants in Thaba Chweu Municipality. The findings show that the majority of respondents (in the form of percentages) spoke against the capacity of the officials. A smaller percentage spoke in favour of the availability of capacity. These respondents stated that municipal officials have the required skills and capacity to perform their duties. Furthermore, the study found that there was inconsistency in the implementation of council resolutions and interference in administrative matters. These factors compromised achieving the objectives of the municipal strategies and policies. The study recommends that the municipality ensures that the human resource management and development departments are consonant with current and modernised needs and that delegations to line functionaries are properly assigned and documented.
- Full Text:
Cross-Border Migration, Social Cohesion and African Continental Integration: Perspectives of African Immigrants and South African Nationals in Gauteng, South Africa
- Authors: Maseng, Jonathan Oshupeng
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Migration -- Africa Emigration and immigration Social integration
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD(Sociology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8855 , vital:33673
- Description: Using the Sunnyside suburb of South Africa’s capital city of Pretoria as a case study, this study sought to gather, analyse and engage the perspectives, narratives and idealisations of African migrants and South African nationals in Gauteng province on cross-border migration, social cohesion and African continental integration. The goal was to interrogate the dominant discourse and assumption in migration scholarship that contact between nationals and immigrants is inherently conflict-inducing. The study adopted a qualitative methodology, with in-depth interviews, “street ethnography”, expert interviews and document analysis as the main sources of primary data. Overall, 85 in-depth interviews were conducted with immigrants and nationals of different occupational, gender and class backgrounds. The study found, among other things, that while many respondents expressed negative sentiments with regard to how cross-border migration affected their experience of social cohesion and idealisations about African continental integration, the relations between African immigrants and South African nationals in the study area were overwhelmingly congenial. This was even when there was no policy-oriented action by government to promote these positive relations. Respondents attributed this congeniality to, among other things, the fact that most small immigrant businesses depended on a predominantly South African clientele, while South African nationals in the study area saw such businesses as filling a crucial gap in their immediate socio-economic environments. Importantly, service provider-client relations served as “enhancers” of social cohesion in the study area. On the other hand, the relative dominance of immigrants in the small business sector in the study area served as a “threat” to social cohesion. From these findings, the study concluded that, contact between immigrants and nationals was not necessarily inherently conflict-inducing, and that social cohesion also rested on the logic of mutual dependence.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Maseng, Jonathan Oshupeng
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Migration -- Africa Emigration and immigration Social integration
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD(Sociology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8855 , vital:33673
- Description: Using the Sunnyside suburb of South Africa’s capital city of Pretoria as a case study, this study sought to gather, analyse and engage the perspectives, narratives and idealisations of African migrants and South African nationals in Gauteng province on cross-border migration, social cohesion and African continental integration. The goal was to interrogate the dominant discourse and assumption in migration scholarship that contact between nationals and immigrants is inherently conflict-inducing. The study adopted a qualitative methodology, with in-depth interviews, “street ethnography”, expert interviews and document analysis as the main sources of primary data. Overall, 85 in-depth interviews were conducted with immigrants and nationals of different occupational, gender and class backgrounds. The study found, among other things, that while many respondents expressed negative sentiments with regard to how cross-border migration affected their experience of social cohesion and idealisations about African continental integration, the relations between African immigrants and South African nationals in the study area were overwhelmingly congenial. This was even when there was no policy-oriented action by government to promote these positive relations. Respondents attributed this congeniality to, among other things, the fact that most small immigrant businesses depended on a predominantly South African clientele, while South African nationals in the study area saw such businesses as filling a crucial gap in their immediate socio-economic environments. Importantly, service provider-client relations served as “enhancers” of social cohesion in the study area. On the other hand, the relative dominance of immigrants in the small business sector in the study area served as a “threat” to social cohesion. From these findings, the study concluded that, contact between immigrants and nationals was not necessarily inherently conflict-inducing, and that social cohesion also rested on the logic of mutual dependence.
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Developing a model for promoting physical fitness and healthy lifestyle of primary school learners in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Gomwe, Howard
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Physical fitness for children -- South Africa Physical education for children Schools -- Health promotion services
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Nursing
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10050 , vital:35307
- Description: The challenge of low level participation in physical activity and, consequently, limited physical fitness has been acknowledged as being a national public health concern in South African schools. The main aim of this study was to develop a behavioural model for promoting physical fitness and healthy lifestyle of primary school learners in the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. The first thing was to determine their physical fitness level and body composition then develop a behavioural model based on the findings. The study was conducted in three phases. A quantitative, qualitative and theory-generating research design was conducted using questionnaires, deductive and inductive strategies and literature triangulation. The study involved primary school learners: 356 boys and 520 girls aged 9-14 years old, who were randomly selected. Anthropometric assessments were conducted using ISAK (Marfell-Jones et al., 2006) and EUROFIT (1988) test batteries.The following measurements of body mass, stature, skinfolds (triceps and subscapular), waist circumference and gluteal were taken. The percent BF was calculated from a sum of two skinfolds (triceps and subscapular), using Slaughter et al.‘ s (1988) equation to predict body fat. Physical fitness measurements included sit and reach, push-ups, sit-ups and a 20 metre shuttle run. Physical activity level and sedentary behaviour were assessed by means of self-report questionnaires. Demographic, psychological and environmental variables were also measured by a self-report questionnaire. Six focus group discussions were conducted with school learners. The physical fitness levels were categorized as hypoactive, minimal active and inactive. Sedentary behaviours were categorized by number of minutes spent on sedentary activities. Dietary intake was assessed by a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Food intake was classified as healthy, unhealthy/junk and traditional food. Body composition was measured by calculating body mass index (BMI) (weight/height2) and waist-to-hip ratio, respectively. Categories: underweight: 0<18, normal weight: 18, 5<25, overweight: 25<30 or obese: 30 and blood pressure measurements were classified as healthy and unhealthy. The main findings were as follows: underweight 60, 25 percent: normal weight 30, 54 percent: overweight 4, 18 percent: and obese 5, 02 percent: for the peri-urban school learners. Underweight 64, 78 percent: normal 31, 52 percent: overweight 2,83 percent: and obesity 0,87 percent:for the rural school learners. 56,25 percent underweight: 36,93 percent normal weight: 5,68 percent overweight: and 1,14 percent obese for the urban school learners. The mean body mass of learners from three locations were urban 40.0±10.185; peri-urban 39.8±10.181 and rural 38.7±10.279, respectively. (Chi-square = 3.3107; P=0.191). The mean values stature of all the three residences are urban; 144.1 ±10.400 peri-urban 144.4±9.187 and rural 143.7±12.617 (Chi-square = 1.2651; P=0.5312). The mean waist circumference for urban was (78.4±9.493), peri-urban (78.4±9.399) and rural was (77.1±10.214), respectively (Z=2.474;p=0.2903). The triceps value (z=21.4565p <.0001). Urban (13.9±5.589), (12.5±6.023) for peri-urban and (12.1±6.390) for rural. Subscapular (z=4.1151;p=0.1278). Urban area had (9.3±5.426), (9.3±5.463) for peri-urban and (8.9±6.381) for rural. The mean systolic blood pressure of urban school learners was (109.2±19.512), (107.9±19.273) for peri-urban and (107.4±19.488) for rural school learners. Lumbar and hamstring flexibility (z= 57.733; p<.0001). (25.3±5.507) for urban, (23.0±6.435) for peri-urban and (26.9±6.854) for rural. Sit-up (z=9.8414;p=0.0073). (18.3±12.571) for urban, (19.7±12.323) for peri-urban and (21.7±13.782) for rural area. Push-ups (z= 37.7591p=<.00001). (15.8±10.285) for urban, (18.5±11.086) for peri-urban and (20.9±9.981) for rural area. Maximal oxygen intake (z= 163.186p=<.0001). (25.0±6.454) for urban, (29.9±7.225) for peri-urban and (35.5±11.085) for rural area. PA enjoyment (4.1±0.698) for urban, (4.0±0.764) for peri-urban, (4.0±0.799) for rural. With regard to health-related physical fitness, the learners in the rural and peri-urban better than those in urban areas. PA attitude (z=7.5507;p=0.0563), (2.5±0.792) for urban area, (2.6±0.802) for peri-urban and (2.7±0.890) for rural area. Parental role modelling in PA (z=0.3083; p=<.000). (3.1±1.008) for urban area, (3.3±0.916) for peri-urban (3.1±0.981) for rural area. Peer encouragement (z=2.5367; p=0.2813) (3.4±0.893) for urban, (3.3±1.064) for peri-urban, (3.3±1.005) for rural area. Parental encouragement (z= 7.2266p=0.027),(3.7±0.985) for urban area, (3.5±0.906) for peri-urban and (3.7±0.774 ) for rural area. Teacher encouragement (z=2.0069p=0.3668).The mean values for three residences are (3.5±0.802) for urban area, (3.4±0.784) for peri-urban, (3.5±0.733) for rural areas. Most of the school learners in all the three residences prefer unhealthy/junky food. Based on the results, an exploratory factor analysis was conducted on data to identify and analyse the factors for model development. The findings indicated that there is evidence of low level of physical fitness and high prevalence of excessive weight and obesity among primary school learners, the study, therefore, suggests the development of the behavioural model to enhance physical fitness and prevent or reduce overweight/obesity among school learners.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Gomwe, Howard
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Physical fitness for children -- South Africa Physical education for children Schools -- Health promotion services
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Nursing
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10050 , vital:35307
- Description: The challenge of low level participation in physical activity and, consequently, limited physical fitness has been acknowledged as being a national public health concern in South African schools. The main aim of this study was to develop a behavioural model for promoting physical fitness and healthy lifestyle of primary school learners in the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. The first thing was to determine their physical fitness level and body composition then develop a behavioural model based on the findings. The study was conducted in three phases. A quantitative, qualitative and theory-generating research design was conducted using questionnaires, deductive and inductive strategies and literature triangulation. The study involved primary school learners: 356 boys and 520 girls aged 9-14 years old, who were randomly selected. Anthropometric assessments were conducted using ISAK (Marfell-Jones et al., 2006) and EUROFIT (1988) test batteries.The following measurements of body mass, stature, skinfolds (triceps and subscapular), waist circumference and gluteal were taken. The percent BF was calculated from a sum of two skinfolds (triceps and subscapular), using Slaughter et al.‘ s (1988) equation to predict body fat. Physical fitness measurements included sit and reach, push-ups, sit-ups and a 20 metre shuttle run. Physical activity level and sedentary behaviour were assessed by means of self-report questionnaires. Demographic, psychological and environmental variables were also measured by a self-report questionnaire. Six focus group discussions were conducted with school learners. The physical fitness levels were categorized as hypoactive, minimal active and inactive. Sedentary behaviours were categorized by number of minutes spent on sedentary activities. Dietary intake was assessed by a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Food intake was classified as healthy, unhealthy/junk and traditional food. Body composition was measured by calculating body mass index (BMI) (weight/height2) and waist-to-hip ratio, respectively. Categories: underweight: 0<18, normal weight: 18, 5<25, overweight: 25<30 or obese: 30 and blood pressure measurements were classified as healthy and unhealthy. The main findings were as follows: underweight 60, 25 percent: normal weight 30, 54 percent: overweight 4, 18 percent: and obese 5, 02 percent: for the peri-urban school learners. Underweight 64, 78 percent: normal 31, 52 percent: overweight 2,83 percent: and obesity 0,87 percent:for the rural school learners. 56,25 percent underweight: 36,93 percent normal weight: 5,68 percent overweight: and 1,14 percent obese for the urban school learners. The mean body mass of learners from three locations were urban 40.0±10.185; peri-urban 39.8±10.181 and rural 38.7±10.279, respectively. (Chi-square = 3.3107; P=0.191). The mean values stature of all the three residences are urban; 144.1 ±10.400 peri-urban 144.4±9.187 and rural 143.7±12.617 (Chi-square = 1.2651; P=0.5312). The mean waist circumference for urban was (78.4±9.493), peri-urban (78.4±9.399) and rural was (77.1±10.214), respectively (Z=2.474;p=0.2903). The triceps value (z=21.4565p <.0001). Urban (13.9±5.589), (12.5±6.023) for peri-urban and (12.1±6.390) for rural. Subscapular (z=4.1151;p=0.1278). Urban area had (9.3±5.426), (9.3±5.463) for peri-urban and (8.9±6.381) for rural. The mean systolic blood pressure of urban school learners was (109.2±19.512), (107.9±19.273) for peri-urban and (107.4±19.488) for rural school learners. Lumbar and hamstring flexibility (z= 57.733; p<.0001). (25.3±5.507) for urban, (23.0±6.435) for peri-urban and (26.9±6.854) for rural. Sit-up (z=9.8414;p=0.0073). (18.3±12.571) for urban, (19.7±12.323) for peri-urban and (21.7±13.782) for rural area. Push-ups (z= 37.7591p=<.00001). (15.8±10.285) for urban, (18.5±11.086) for peri-urban and (20.9±9.981) for rural area. Maximal oxygen intake (z= 163.186p=<.0001). (25.0±6.454) for urban, (29.9±7.225) for peri-urban and (35.5±11.085) for rural area. PA enjoyment (4.1±0.698) for urban, (4.0±0.764) for peri-urban, (4.0±0.799) for rural. With regard to health-related physical fitness, the learners in the rural and peri-urban better than those in urban areas. PA attitude (z=7.5507;p=0.0563), (2.5±0.792) for urban area, (2.6±0.802) for peri-urban and (2.7±0.890) for rural area. Parental role modelling in PA (z=0.3083; p=<.000). (3.1±1.008) for urban area, (3.3±0.916) for peri-urban (3.1±0.981) for rural area. Peer encouragement (z=2.5367; p=0.2813) (3.4±0.893) for urban, (3.3±1.064) for peri-urban, (3.3±1.005) for rural area. Parental encouragement (z= 7.2266p=0.027),(3.7±0.985) for urban area, (3.5±0.906) for peri-urban and (3.7±0.774 ) for rural area. Teacher encouragement (z=2.0069p=0.3668).The mean values for three residences are (3.5±0.802) for urban area, (3.4±0.784) for peri-urban, (3.5±0.733) for rural areas. Most of the school learners in all the three residences prefer unhealthy/junky food. Based on the results, an exploratory factor analysis was conducted on data to identify and analyse the factors for model development. The findings indicated that there is evidence of low level of physical fitness and high prevalence of excessive weight and obesity among primary school learners, the study, therefore, suggests the development of the behavioural model to enhance physical fitness and prevent or reduce overweight/obesity among school learners.
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Development of health promotion guidelines for weight management among primary health care nurses in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Monakali, Sizeka
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Health promotion Body weight -- Regulation Obesity -- prevention and control
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Nursing
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10006 , vital:35285
- Description: Overweight and obesity have become significant public health threats both globally and in South Africa. PHC professional nurses are first contact to patients and the community as well as key stakeholders in the management and education of obese patients. However, anecdotal evidence seems to question their suitability as good models of the advocated healthy lifestyle behaviours and weight management, as overweight and obesity is also prevalent among the professional nurses. This study examines the prevalence and determinants of overweight and obesity among PHC professional nurses in the Eastern Cape (EC) Province of South Africa. This was a workplace, cross-sectional study involving 203 PHC professional nurses conveniently selected across 41 PHC facilities in EC, South Africa. A WHO STEP wise questionnaire was used to collect demographic and behavioural data. Anthropometric (weight, height and waist circumference [WC]) measurements were taken following a standard protocol. Overweight and obesity was defined as a BMI of 25-29.9kgm-2, and BMI ≥ 30kgm-2, respectively. Seventy six percent of the nurses were obese. An additional 18 percent were overweight. Age, gender, marital status, duration of practice, alcohol use and smoking were significantly associated with obesity. There was no association between physical activity and obesity. After adjusting for confounders, only age more than 30 years (OR=5.2, 95 percentCI=1.6-16.4) and not using alcohol (OR= 4.0 95 percentCI= 1.7-9.1) were significant and independent predictors of obesity among the nurses. In conclusion is an alarmingly high prevalence of obesity among primary healthcare professional nurses in Eastern Cape, South Africa. This shows that PHC professional nurses in EC are not good models of the healthy behaviours, judge be BMI indicator, if they do advocates for healthy weight management to patients. This constitutes a future risk for an increased prevalence of chronic diseases and a handicapped healthcare workforce. There is a need to implement measures to promote healthy lifestyle behaviour and weight management among professional nurses in this setting.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Monakali, Sizeka
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Health promotion Body weight -- Regulation Obesity -- prevention and control
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Nursing
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10006 , vital:35285
- Description: Overweight and obesity have become significant public health threats both globally and in South Africa. PHC professional nurses are first contact to patients and the community as well as key stakeholders in the management and education of obese patients. However, anecdotal evidence seems to question their suitability as good models of the advocated healthy lifestyle behaviours and weight management, as overweight and obesity is also prevalent among the professional nurses. This study examines the prevalence and determinants of overweight and obesity among PHC professional nurses in the Eastern Cape (EC) Province of South Africa. This was a workplace, cross-sectional study involving 203 PHC professional nurses conveniently selected across 41 PHC facilities in EC, South Africa. A WHO STEP wise questionnaire was used to collect demographic and behavioural data. Anthropometric (weight, height and waist circumference [WC]) measurements were taken following a standard protocol. Overweight and obesity was defined as a BMI of 25-29.9kgm-2, and BMI ≥ 30kgm-2, respectively. Seventy six percent of the nurses were obese. An additional 18 percent were overweight. Age, gender, marital status, duration of practice, alcohol use and smoking were significantly associated with obesity. There was no association between physical activity and obesity. After adjusting for confounders, only age more than 30 years (OR=5.2, 95 percentCI=1.6-16.4) and not using alcohol (OR= 4.0 95 percentCI= 1.7-9.1) were significant and independent predictors of obesity among the nurses. In conclusion is an alarmingly high prevalence of obesity among primary healthcare professional nurses in Eastern Cape, South Africa. This shows that PHC professional nurses in EC are not good models of the healthy behaviours, judge be BMI indicator, if they do advocates for healthy weight management to patients. This constitutes a future risk for an increased prevalence of chronic diseases and a handicapped healthcare workforce. There is a need to implement measures to promote healthy lifestyle behaviour and weight management among professional nurses in this setting.
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Donor support, electoral dynamics and democratisation in South Africa :the case of the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Bosompem, Henry Kofi
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Democratization -- South Africa Elections -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD(Sociology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11243 , vital:37612
- Description: This thesis is on Donor Support, Electoral Dynamics and Democratisation in South Africa with particular focus on the Buffalo City Municipality of the Eastern Cape. The main aim of the thesis is to investigate and highlight the global outlook of donor support perspectives and conditionalities and to examine the basic tenets of democratisation and link them to the interplay of the electoral dynamics that influence grassroots political participation. Furthermore, the study attempts to ascertain the involvement and perceptions of local communities with regard to the role of donor support in democratic governance, development and electoral dynamics. In this era and dispensation of democracy, the fledging democratic institutions require substantial donor support to perform their constitutional mandatory obligations. Most of this support had traditionally come from government. Given the weight and pressure on the government budget, the widening unemployment and inequality in South African communities, there is the need to solicit assistance from development partners for electoral administration and development. The current study, therefore, investigated community voters, political parties and the Elected or Nominated Councillors’ perceptions of donor support and democratisation. This thesis further investigated the roles and functions of the Donor Agency, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) in donor support, electoral administration and democratisation. The study utilized a mixed method approach where 384 structured questionnaires were administered and 52 in-depth interviews conducted with the respondents. The study made use of a systematic empirical inquiry and literature review to understand its subject matter. It did not only scrutinise data previously collected by other researchers but also utilised information from other sources such as tabloid surveys, brochures, bulletins and the internet. Thus, this strategy is ideal for the present study which seeks to capture the views, experiences and feelings and understanding of party officials. This study utilized the Development aid theory, political party and democratisation theories, Gouldner’s theory of Moral Norm of Reciprocity and Social Support in combination with Larzasfeld’s Voters’ behaviour theory and the social justice and equity perspective as elements of the theoretical framework.The purpose of achieving electoral confidence among the citizens is to demonstrate the value of electoral dynamics and perspectives of democratization that forms an expressed vi indicator of the relationship between politics and development. The electoral dynamics that shape political institutions, governance and its discourses in any democratic enterprise include: party affiliation, party and donor support mobilisation, voting patterns, government and the state agency’s performance. In addition, it includes economic policies towards poverty alleviation, service delivery, ethnic politics and all the state democratization policies which are pursued to bring greater relief to its citizens. Correspondingly, it is geared towards creating a balanced relationship on the donor-recipient equation and to ensure socio-economic well-being to the citizens guided by reciprocity, good governance, transparency, accountability and social justice.The emerging findings indicate that most political parties and elected councillors in the municipality receive donor support beside the traditional sources that we know such as membership dues, party subscriptions, levies, state sponsorship,fundraising for special projects and sale of souvenirs. Some of the sources were from international community and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). The study found that donors require huge returns on their support and investments. The IEC and BCMM were largely funded by Treasury for their projects and programmes. However, the BCMM also gets substantial support from sister-city relations with other municipalities abroad. Some community voters hold the view that political party funding opens the doors for the hijacking of democracy. Others hold the opinion that dishonest donors corrupt weak governments, undiscerning officials and immoral leaders. Nevertheless, some political party officials felt that donors were not all that evil. They hold the view that genuine donors help to build the capacity of officials and strengthen party structures, thereby deepening democratic ethics and culture. They were of the view that good donors promote transparency, accountability and good governance to strengthen the pillars and the threshold of democracy and the democratisation processes in emerging states in sub-Saharan Africa. On the basis of these findings, the core argument of this study is that donor support induces democratisation which mainly benefit donor communities and municipal elites at the expense of local communities. Nevertheless, the perception that development projects funded by donor agencies are meant for donor poverty alleviation, despite the absence of visible effects of trickle down, account for community members’ participation in the electoral system.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Bosompem, Henry Kofi
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Democratization -- South Africa Elections -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD(Sociology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11243 , vital:37612
- Description: This thesis is on Donor Support, Electoral Dynamics and Democratisation in South Africa with particular focus on the Buffalo City Municipality of the Eastern Cape. The main aim of the thesis is to investigate and highlight the global outlook of donor support perspectives and conditionalities and to examine the basic tenets of democratisation and link them to the interplay of the electoral dynamics that influence grassroots political participation. Furthermore, the study attempts to ascertain the involvement and perceptions of local communities with regard to the role of donor support in democratic governance, development and electoral dynamics. In this era and dispensation of democracy, the fledging democratic institutions require substantial donor support to perform their constitutional mandatory obligations. Most of this support had traditionally come from government. Given the weight and pressure on the government budget, the widening unemployment and inequality in South African communities, there is the need to solicit assistance from development partners for electoral administration and development. The current study, therefore, investigated community voters, political parties and the Elected or Nominated Councillors’ perceptions of donor support and democratisation. This thesis further investigated the roles and functions of the Donor Agency, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) in donor support, electoral administration and democratisation. The study utilized a mixed method approach where 384 structured questionnaires were administered and 52 in-depth interviews conducted with the respondents. The study made use of a systematic empirical inquiry and literature review to understand its subject matter. It did not only scrutinise data previously collected by other researchers but also utilised information from other sources such as tabloid surveys, brochures, bulletins and the internet. Thus, this strategy is ideal for the present study which seeks to capture the views, experiences and feelings and understanding of party officials. This study utilized the Development aid theory, political party and democratisation theories, Gouldner’s theory of Moral Norm of Reciprocity and Social Support in combination with Larzasfeld’s Voters’ behaviour theory and the social justice and equity perspective as elements of the theoretical framework.The purpose of achieving electoral confidence among the citizens is to demonstrate the value of electoral dynamics and perspectives of democratization that forms an expressed vi indicator of the relationship between politics and development. The electoral dynamics that shape political institutions, governance and its discourses in any democratic enterprise include: party affiliation, party and donor support mobilisation, voting patterns, government and the state agency’s performance. In addition, it includes economic policies towards poverty alleviation, service delivery, ethnic politics and all the state democratization policies which are pursued to bring greater relief to its citizens. Correspondingly, it is geared towards creating a balanced relationship on the donor-recipient equation and to ensure socio-economic well-being to the citizens guided by reciprocity, good governance, transparency, accountability and social justice.The emerging findings indicate that most political parties and elected councillors in the municipality receive donor support beside the traditional sources that we know such as membership dues, party subscriptions, levies, state sponsorship,fundraising for special projects and sale of souvenirs. Some of the sources were from international community and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). The study found that donors require huge returns on their support and investments. The IEC and BCMM were largely funded by Treasury for their projects and programmes. However, the BCMM also gets substantial support from sister-city relations with other municipalities abroad. Some community voters hold the view that political party funding opens the doors for the hijacking of democracy. Others hold the opinion that dishonest donors corrupt weak governments, undiscerning officials and immoral leaders. Nevertheless, some political party officials felt that donors were not all that evil. They hold the view that genuine donors help to build the capacity of officials and strengthen party structures, thereby deepening democratic ethics and culture. They were of the view that good donors promote transparency, accountability and good governance to strengthen the pillars and the threshold of democracy and the democratisation processes in emerging states in sub-Saharan Africa. On the basis of these findings, the core argument of this study is that donor support induces democratisation which mainly benefit donor communities and municipal elites at the expense of local communities. Nevertheless, the perception that development projects funded by donor agencies are meant for donor poverty alleviation, despite the absence of visible effects of trickle down, account for community members’ participation in the electoral system.
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Educators' perceptions of inclusive education for learners with physical disabilities
- Authors: Mpu, Nondumiso Yolanda
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: People with disabilities -- Education -- South Africa Inclusive education -- South Africa Disability studies -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9401 , vital:34346
- Description: There is a grave concern that in South Africa, the total population of learners between the ages of 5 and 18 was estimated at approximately 14.6 million – of which near 1,000,000 are disabled. The record in addition to this regard estimates that the wide variety of children with disabilities who are of school‐going age, yet are out of school, could be as high as half a million. The motives why disabled children are not attending school are manifold; however paramount among them is that their needs are not catered for. Inclusive education entails changing values, attitudes of people, specifically of educators and learners, policies and the practices inside schools. Since post apartheid there is only one known policy which reveals that only 20 percent of learners with disabilities were accommodated in special schools. Current statistics show that only about 64,200 learners with disabilities or impairments are accommodated in about 380 special schools. This indicates that, potentially, 280,000 learners with disabilities or impairments are unaccounted for. Analysis of the data reveals the extent of the disparities in provision for learners with disabilities, for example: The incidence of disabilities in the Eastern Cape constitutes 17.39 percent of the disabled population, yet the province has only 10.79 percent of the total number of special schools. Gauteng has 17.14 percent of the disabled population but has 25.26 percent of the schools. The Western Cape has 5.47 percent of the disabled population but has 21.58 percent of the schools. This mismatch between needs and provision is a direct result of previous apartheid policies that allocated facilities on a racial basis. Inclusive education calls for an education system, which does no longer discriminate, however welcomes all individuals, providing support and services so that every child benefits equally in mainstream schools around their regions as only 41 special schools are in the Eastern Cape. Educator perceptions as the key personnel in the inclusion and in the implementation of policies related with classroom related issued play centre stage and need to be considered.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mpu, Nondumiso Yolanda
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: People with disabilities -- Education -- South Africa Inclusive education -- South Africa Disability studies -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9401 , vital:34346
- Description: There is a grave concern that in South Africa, the total population of learners between the ages of 5 and 18 was estimated at approximately 14.6 million – of which near 1,000,000 are disabled. The record in addition to this regard estimates that the wide variety of children with disabilities who are of school‐going age, yet are out of school, could be as high as half a million. The motives why disabled children are not attending school are manifold; however paramount among them is that their needs are not catered for. Inclusive education entails changing values, attitudes of people, specifically of educators and learners, policies and the practices inside schools. Since post apartheid there is only one known policy which reveals that only 20 percent of learners with disabilities were accommodated in special schools. Current statistics show that only about 64,200 learners with disabilities or impairments are accommodated in about 380 special schools. This indicates that, potentially, 280,000 learners with disabilities or impairments are unaccounted for. Analysis of the data reveals the extent of the disparities in provision for learners with disabilities, for example: The incidence of disabilities in the Eastern Cape constitutes 17.39 percent of the disabled population, yet the province has only 10.79 percent of the total number of special schools. Gauteng has 17.14 percent of the disabled population but has 25.26 percent of the schools. The Western Cape has 5.47 percent of the disabled population but has 21.58 percent of the schools. This mismatch between needs and provision is a direct result of previous apartheid policies that allocated facilities on a racial basis. Inclusive education calls for an education system, which does no longer discriminate, however welcomes all individuals, providing support and services so that every child benefits equally in mainstream schools around their regions as only 41 special schools are in the Eastern Cape. Educator perceptions as the key personnel in the inclusion and in the implementation of policies related with classroom related issued play centre stage and need to be considered.
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Effect of a participatory voter education programme on secondary school students' political knowledge and attitude in Ekiti State, Nigeria
- Authors: Dada, Adekunle Babatunde
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Voting -- Education (Secondary) -- Nigeria Political participation -- Nigeria Education, Secondary -- Nigeria
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9478 , vital:34355
- Description: Nigeria has been besieged by an array of political, economic and social problems. This became obvious as many Nigerian youths that are said to be future leaders, because of the crucial role played in political and social development of the nation are derailing politically. These young leaders don’t just wake up to become leaders in a day; they need to be empowered and their minds need to be redirected through appropriate civic and electoral education in order for them to be strong enough to play their inevitable roles in sustainable national development and electoral processes. The continuous use of teacher-centered strategies portends retardation in teaching-learning processes; as learning outcomes are largely reduced to mere passing of examination; leaving out the essential knowledge, attitude and practice which are required for enhancing responsible citizenry and active political participation of students. The use of conventional method has also led to poor attitude of students to socio-political issues. This study therefore determined the effect of a Participatory Voter Education Programme on Secondary School Students’ Political Knowledge and Attitude. It also investigated the moderating effects of location and gender on the dependent variables. The pre-test, post-test, control group quasi-experimental design with a 2x2x2 factorial matrix was adopted for the study. One hundred and fifty-four secondary school two students from the three senatorial districts of Ekiti State were randomly selected for the study using multi-stage random sampling and assigned to experimental and control groups. An intact class sample selection was also employed for the study. Seven null hypotheses were generated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. Four instruments were developed. These were Voter Education Concepts (Political) Knowledge Test (VECKT), Voter Education (political) Attitude Test (VEAS) Instructional Guide for the Participatory Teaching Strategy and,Conventional Teaching Method Guide. The study lasted for ten weeks. Data collected were analyzed using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA), Estimated Marginal Means (EMM) and graphs. There was a significant effect of treatment on secondary school students’ political knowledge (F (1,385) = 1026.945; P <0.05). The Secondary school students exposed to the participatory Voter Education programme performed better (X= 29.17) than those exposed to the conventional Method ( X = 6.65). Also there was a significant effect of treatment on Secondary School Students Political Attitude (F (1,385) = 98.970; p < 0.05). Those exposed to participatory Voter Education programme performed better ( X = 63.97) than those in the conventional Method ( X = 56.27). Also, those in the Urban area obtained higher mean Political Knowledge score ( X = 19.78) than those in the rural area ( X = 16.78). While there were no significant main effect of gender on secondary school students’ political knowledge and attitude. The participatory Voter Education programme is effective in impacting Secondary School Students’ political knowledge and attitude. It was, therefore, recommended that the Participatory Voter Education programme be adopted by the Social Studies/ Civic Educators for presenting the political concepts to students in their classroom.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Dada, Adekunle Babatunde
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Voting -- Education (Secondary) -- Nigeria Political participation -- Nigeria Education, Secondary -- Nigeria
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9478 , vital:34355
- Description: Nigeria has been besieged by an array of political, economic and social problems. This became obvious as many Nigerian youths that are said to be future leaders, because of the crucial role played in political and social development of the nation are derailing politically. These young leaders don’t just wake up to become leaders in a day; they need to be empowered and their minds need to be redirected through appropriate civic and electoral education in order for them to be strong enough to play their inevitable roles in sustainable national development and electoral processes. The continuous use of teacher-centered strategies portends retardation in teaching-learning processes; as learning outcomes are largely reduced to mere passing of examination; leaving out the essential knowledge, attitude and practice which are required for enhancing responsible citizenry and active political participation of students. The use of conventional method has also led to poor attitude of students to socio-political issues. This study therefore determined the effect of a Participatory Voter Education Programme on Secondary School Students’ Political Knowledge and Attitude. It also investigated the moderating effects of location and gender on the dependent variables. The pre-test, post-test, control group quasi-experimental design with a 2x2x2 factorial matrix was adopted for the study. One hundred and fifty-four secondary school two students from the three senatorial districts of Ekiti State were randomly selected for the study using multi-stage random sampling and assigned to experimental and control groups. An intact class sample selection was also employed for the study. Seven null hypotheses were generated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. Four instruments were developed. These were Voter Education Concepts (Political) Knowledge Test (VECKT), Voter Education (political) Attitude Test (VEAS) Instructional Guide for the Participatory Teaching Strategy and,Conventional Teaching Method Guide. The study lasted for ten weeks. Data collected were analyzed using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA), Estimated Marginal Means (EMM) and graphs. There was a significant effect of treatment on secondary school students’ political knowledge (F (1,385) = 1026.945; P <0.05). The Secondary school students exposed to the participatory Voter Education programme performed better (X= 29.17) than those exposed to the conventional Method ( X = 6.65). Also there was a significant effect of treatment on Secondary School Students Political Attitude (F (1,385) = 98.970; p < 0.05). Those exposed to participatory Voter Education programme performed better ( X = 63.97) than those in the conventional Method ( X = 56.27). Also, those in the Urban area obtained higher mean Political Knowledge score ( X = 19.78) than those in the rural area ( X = 16.78). While there were no significant main effect of gender on secondary school students’ political knowledge and attitude. The participatory Voter Education programme is effective in impacting Secondary School Students’ political knowledge and attitude. It was, therefore, recommended that the Participatory Voter Education programme be adopted by the Social Studies/ Civic Educators for presenting the political concepts to students in their classroom.
- Full Text:
Employee motivation, workplace surveillance and employee engagement among selected Zimbabwe revenue authority employees
- Tsvangirai, Fidelis Pedzisai
- Authors: Tsvangirai, Fidelis Pedzisai
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Employee motivation Employee motivation--Zimbabwe Organizational effectiveness--Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Industrial Psychology
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17384 , vital:40961
- Description: Orientation: The study is located in the micro environmental circumstances in Zimbabwe where the size of the informal sector is overtaking that of the formal sector. The country is experiencing a high labour turnover averaging at 19percent per year due to an unstable economic setting. The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) is experiencing an employee engagement score as low as 2.1 out of 5. This low employee engagement level and high labour turnover call for employers to find strategies not only to keep their employees motivated and engaged but also to monitor how they work. Research purpose: The study sought to examine how employee motivation mediates between workplace surveillance and employee engagement among selected employees at the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA). Motivation of the study: Public organisations often face the criticism that they do not deliver the quality of service expected and one in every five of their employees is disengaged from their work. ZIMRA’s mandate has a significant impact on the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and the organisation needs to deliver against all odds. Currently no research exists which provides information on the mediating effect of employee motivation on the relationship between workplace surveillance and employee engagement in Zimbabwe. Research philosophy, design and method: This study adopted the positivism research philosophy and a survey research design, which is quantitative and descriptive in nature. The study utilised the principles of structural equation modelling (SEM) in formulating the research hypotheses and in data analysis. Main findings: The findings of the study, through utilising SEM, were that a negative relationship exists between workplace surveillance and employee engagement and that employee motivation has a positive significant relationship with employee engagement. The study also found that workplace surveillance positively relates to employee motivation. The study also found that employee motivation partially mediates the relationship between workplace surveillance and employee engagement. Practical/Managerial implications: A negative relationship between workplace surveillance and employee engagement calls for ZIMRA management to seek employee buy-in when implementing workplace surveillance measures. A positive relationship between employee motivation and employee engagement calls for ZIMRA management to invest much in these two variables. A positive relationship between workplace surveillance and employee motivation calls for ZIMRA management to put in place policies that ensure employees do not abuse work time by doing their own business. Contribution or value-add: The study contributes to the body of knowledge on the debate around the impact of employee motivation as a mediator of the relationship between workplace surveillance and employee engagement. This study agree with the vast amount of literature that the relationship between workplace surveillance and employee motivation is not always negative.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Tsvangirai, Fidelis Pedzisai
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Employee motivation Employee motivation--Zimbabwe Organizational effectiveness--Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Industrial Psychology
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17384 , vital:40961
- Description: Orientation: The study is located in the micro environmental circumstances in Zimbabwe where the size of the informal sector is overtaking that of the formal sector. The country is experiencing a high labour turnover averaging at 19percent per year due to an unstable economic setting. The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) is experiencing an employee engagement score as low as 2.1 out of 5. This low employee engagement level and high labour turnover call for employers to find strategies not only to keep their employees motivated and engaged but also to monitor how they work. Research purpose: The study sought to examine how employee motivation mediates between workplace surveillance and employee engagement among selected employees at the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA). Motivation of the study: Public organisations often face the criticism that they do not deliver the quality of service expected and one in every five of their employees is disengaged from their work. ZIMRA’s mandate has a significant impact on the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and the organisation needs to deliver against all odds. Currently no research exists which provides information on the mediating effect of employee motivation on the relationship between workplace surveillance and employee engagement in Zimbabwe. Research philosophy, design and method: This study adopted the positivism research philosophy and a survey research design, which is quantitative and descriptive in nature. The study utilised the principles of structural equation modelling (SEM) in formulating the research hypotheses and in data analysis. Main findings: The findings of the study, through utilising SEM, were that a negative relationship exists between workplace surveillance and employee engagement and that employee motivation has a positive significant relationship with employee engagement. The study also found that workplace surveillance positively relates to employee motivation. The study also found that employee motivation partially mediates the relationship between workplace surveillance and employee engagement. Practical/Managerial implications: A negative relationship between workplace surveillance and employee engagement calls for ZIMRA management to seek employee buy-in when implementing workplace surveillance measures. A positive relationship between employee motivation and employee engagement calls for ZIMRA management to invest much in these two variables. A positive relationship between workplace surveillance and employee motivation calls for ZIMRA management to put in place policies that ensure employees do not abuse work time by doing their own business. Contribution or value-add: The study contributes to the body of knowledge on the debate around the impact of employee motivation as a mediator of the relationship between workplace surveillance and employee engagement. This study agree with the vast amount of literature that the relationship between workplace surveillance and employee motivation is not always negative.
- Full Text:
Engagement of fathers in early childhood care and education provisioning in one education district in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Mufutau, Monsuru Atanda
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Early childhood education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Education -- Parent participation Early childhood education -- Parent participation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8942 , vital:34175
- Description: This study focused on the engagement of fathers in early childhood care and education provisioning in one education district in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Significantly, a specific programme to get fathers engaged in the early childhood of their children is not well addressed by the National Integrated Early Childhood Development (ECD) Policy of 2015, despite the notion that early childhood education provisioning demands the total involvement of multiple partners and other stakeholders. The research drew its theoretical framework from the ecological system theory. Ecological system theory argues that, in order to understand human development, one must consider the entire ecological system in which growth occurs. This study utilized the quantitative research approach to obtain primary data in line with the positivist paradigm. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The instruments were scrutinized by the research supervisor to ensure validity and were pre-tested in the field study. The reliability was obtained at a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, of 0.94 and 0.96. The results were presented in the form of pie chart and grouped into different tables of sixteen. Pearson’s ProductMoment Correlation, Analysis of Variance and t-test were used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. Two structured questionnaire instruments were used in the study, Principal and Teachers’ Views Questionnaire (PTVQ) and Father’s and Mother’s Views Questionnaire (FMVQ). The Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select the sample for this study. To this end, 16 principals, 12 teachers, 18 mothers and 18 fathers of children in the selected sample served as respondents. The results reveal that stakeholders have positive views about fathers’ engagement in early childhood care and education provisioning. The result indicated that schools do provide support mechanisms to encourage fathers’ engagement in early childhood care and education provisioning. The results showed that a number of strategies are used by the schools. The result also indicated that functional policy and practice will no doubt improve and encourage the engagement of fathers in ECCE provisioning. Furthermore, the study concluded that stakeholders have positive views on the engagement of fathers in ECCE provisioning. The study recommends that all stakeholders and media houses should be involved in the effective dissemination of information, and that the South African government should advocate for ECCE policies that lay out concrete commitment and guidelines for fathers and, above all, symposia, lectures, workshops, and seminars should be organized for fathers.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mufutau, Monsuru Atanda
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Early childhood education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Education -- Parent participation Early childhood education -- Parent participation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8942 , vital:34175
- Description: This study focused on the engagement of fathers in early childhood care and education provisioning in one education district in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Significantly, a specific programme to get fathers engaged in the early childhood of their children is not well addressed by the National Integrated Early Childhood Development (ECD) Policy of 2015, despite the notion that early childhood education provisioning demands the total involvement of multiple partners and other stakeholders. The research drew its theoretical framework from the ecological system theory. Ecological system theory argues that, in order to understand human development, one must consider the entire ecological system in which growth occurs. This study utilized the quantitative research approach to obtain primary data in line with the positivist paradigm. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The instruments were scrutinized by the research supervisor to ensure validity and were pre-tested in the field study. The reliability was obtained at a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, of 0.94 and 0.96. The results were presented in the form of pie chart and grouped into different tables of sixteen. Pearson’s ProductMoment Correlation, Analysis of Variance and t-test were used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. Two structured questionnaire instruments were used in the study, Principal and Teachers’ Views Questionnaire (PTVQ) and Father’s and Mother’s Views Questionnaire (FMVQ). The Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select the sample for this study. To this end, 16 principals, 12 teachers, 18 mothers and 18 fathers of children in the selected sample served as respondents. The results reveal that stakeholders have positive views about fathers’ engagement in early childhood care and education provisioning. The result indicated that schools do provide support mechanisms to encourage fathers’ engagement in early childhood care and education provisioning. The results showed that a number of strategies are used by the schools. The result also indicated that functional policy and practice will no doubt improve and encourage the engagement of fathers in ECCE provisioning. Furthermore, the study concluded that stakeholders have positive views on the engagement of fathers in ECCE provisioning. The study recommends that all stakeholders and media houses should be involved in the effective dissemination of information, and that the South African government should advocate for ECCE policies that lay out concrete commitment and guidelines for fathers and, above all, symposia, lectures, workshops, and seminars should be organized for fathers.
- Full Text:
Enhancing parental involvement in children’s academic work: Implications for teaching and learning
- Authors: Fihla, Gcobisa Victoria
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Education -- Parent participation Parent-teacher relationships Academic achievement
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Education)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8042 , vital:31485
- Description: Partnership between schools and parents seems to substandard, leading to both parties questioning each other on why children underperform. Most parents view the school as an instrument for the achievement of children and parents with limited or no education may have little or no interest in supporting children’s academic work. The aim of this study was to investigate how parental involvement in children’s academic work can be enhanced. It focused on three rural secondary schools in the Amathole West Education District in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study particularly investigated how school schools involved parents in children’s academic work and how they, together with principals, teachers and learners view their involvement in children’s academic work. Guided by Epstein’s theory of parental involvement, this qualitative study was premised on the interpretative paradigm. Face to face interviews and focus group discussions were used to collect data from three high schools in the Amathole West Education District. Purposive sampling was used to select participants who comprised a target population of 24 participants. It emerged from the data that although schools were trying to involve parents in children’s academic work, their activities were uncoordinated, occurred at school level rather than classroom level and focused less on learners’ academic work. Parent’ involvement in their children’s academic work was not touching the real curriculum issues; rather it touched on the outside. The data also showed that parents’ academic statuses influenced their participation as those who had little education seemed to be reluctant to participate on academic issues. The study concludes that there was lack of coordinated strategies by schools to involve parents in children’s academic work. The study, therefore, recommends that Coordinated Grade-based Parent-Teacher Forums be established. This will assist in opening a planform for teachers and parents to engage on teaching and learning discussions and curriculum debates.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Fihla, Gcobisa Victoria
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Education -- Parent participation Parent-teacher relationships Academic achievement
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Education)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8042 , vital:31485
- Description: Partnership between schools and parents seems to substandard, leading to both parties questioning each other on why children underperform. Most parents view the school as an instrument for the achievement of children and parents with limited or no education may have little or no interest in supporting children’s academic work. The aim of this study was to investigate how parental involvement in children’s academic work can be enhanced. It focused on three rural secondary schools in the Amathole West Education District in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study particularly investigated how school schools involved parents in children’s academic work and how they, together with principals, teachers and learners view their involvement in children’s academic work. Guided by Epstein’s theory of parental involvement, this qualitative study was premised on the interpretative paradigm. Face to face interviews and focus group discussions were used to collect data from three high schools in the Amathole West Education District. Purposive sampling was used to select participants who comprised a target population of 24 participants. It emerged from the data that although schools were trying to involve parents in children’s academic work, their activities were uncoordinated, occurred at school level rather than classroom level and focused less on learners’ academic work. Parent’ involvement in their children’s academic work was not touching the real curriculum issues; rather it touched on the outside. The data also showed that parents’ academic statuses influenced their participation as those who had little education seemed to be reluctant to participate on academic issues. The study concludes that there was lack of coordinated strategies by schools to involve parents in children’s academic work. The study, therefore, recommends that Coordinated Grade-based Parent-Teacher Forums be established. This will assist in opening a planform for teachers and parents to engage on teaching and learning discussions and curriculum debates.
- Full Text:
Ethnicity, conflict and the developmental state in Rwanda
- Authors: Muleya, Emmison
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Rwanda -- Politics and government -- 1994- Rwanda -- Politics and government -- 1962-1994 Rwanda -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Development Studies)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10083 , vital:35334
- Description: Socioeconomic development is a crucial means of improving standards of living and increasing the incomes of developing countries. This study is premised upon the assumption that the concepts of the developmental state and socioeconomic development are inextricably interrelated. The concept of a developmental state has gained a significant amount of traction in both academic and non-academic circles in recent times. This study took the form of a case study of Rwanda and its developmental trajectory since the country gained independence in 1962. By adopting a historical approach, this study determined that the factors which continue to retard socioeconomic development in post-colonial and post-genocide Rwanda are rooted in a lingering colonial legacy. Although Rwanda has achieved a significant degree of socioeconomic development since 1994, the sustainability of the nascent developmental state which appears to be emerging could still be undermined by ethnic divisions. Accordingly, it was recommended on the basis of the findings of this study that the Rwandan state and its development partners should pursue transformative socioeconomic policies which ensure an equitable distribution of socioeconomic resources, in order to facilitate the creation of an enabling environment for local entrepreneurs and a reduction of dependence upon foreign aid through the effective mobilisation of domestic resources.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Muleya, Emmison
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Rwanda -- Politics and government -- 1994- Rwanda -- Politics and government -- 1962-1994 Rwanda -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Development Studies)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10083 , vital:35334
- Description: Socioeconomic development is a crucial means of improving standards of living and increasing the incomes of developing countries. This study is premised upon the assumption that the concepts of the developmental state and socioeconomic development are inextricably interrelated. The concept of a developmental state has gained a significant amount of traction in both academic and non-academic circles in recent times. This study took the form of a case study of Rwanda and its developmental trajectory since the country gained independence in 1962. By adopting a historical approach, this study determined that the factors which continue to retard socioeconomic development in post-colonial and post-genocide Rwanda are rooted in a lingering colonial legacy. Although Rwanda has achieved a significant degree of socioeconomic development since 1994, the sustainability of the nascent developmental state which appears to be emerging could still be undermined by ethnic divisions. Accordingly, it was recommended on the basis of the findings of this study that the Rwandan state and its development partners should pursue transformative socioeconomic policies which ensure an equitable distribution of socioeconomic resources, in order to facilitate the creation of an enabling environment for local entrepreneurs and a reduction of dependence upon foreign aid through the effective mobilisation of domestic resources.
- Full Text:
Evaluating selected enterprises for sustainable social development in South Africa :|ba case study of Buffalo City Municipality, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Kajiita, Robert Mutemi
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Social entrepreneurship Social responsibility of business Nonprofit organizations -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10829 , vital:35825
- Description: Globally, countries, institutions, and organizations are investing time, resources, and human capital on finding best solutions to address poverty, inequality and unemployment; and importantly on achieving sustainable development. This study sought to investigate how social enterprises in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) contribute to sustainable social development within the municipality and the country at large. The study endeavoured to answer the following research questions: what is the knowledge level among the selected stakeholders on social enterprise in BCMM? What is the scope, application, and sustainability of selected social enterprises in BCMM? What is the contribution of selected social enterprises in social development in BCMM? What are the bottlenecks associated with the application of social entrepreneurship in BCMM? These questions were answered through mixed methods approaches and techniques, where both qualitative and quantitative data was collected and analysed. The data was collected through in-depth interviews (key informant technique) and a min-survey which was administered to users of the social enterprises. Qualitative data was analysed thematically, while quantitative data was statistically analysed with help of SPSS software. The interpretation of the findings was premised on pragmatic and transformative paradigms. The study further used theoretical lenses such as empowerment theory, capability approach and positive theory of social enterprise to support and explain the findings. The main findings showed that: the selected stakeholders conceptualized social enterprises through the African lens of communal living; the social enterprises widely provided their services across a range of sectors and geographical locations; the social enterprises had direct and indirect contribution to socio-economic development in BCMM. This was specifically through provision of employment, training and skill development among others; the future of social enterprises in the country is bright as many sectors presented opportunities for social investment; and social enterprises face financial constraints, lack of skills in the sector, and competition from the mainstream market. The recommendations from this study address government entities, social services providers and practitioners, social enterprises, and researchers on pertinent endeavours to improve the growth and development of social enterprises. The study concludes that social enterprises are: vital vehicles of socio-economic development, more especially for the marginalized segment of the populations; tools for reducing inequality; platforms for innovations, community participation and conduits of empowerment interventions. Thus, social enterprises play dynamic role and presents potential for capable sustainable social development in the local communities and the South African community at large.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Kajiita, Robert Mutemi
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Social entrepreneurship Social responsibility of business Nonprofit organizations -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10829 , vital:35825
- Description: Globally, countries, institutions, and organizations are investing time, resources, and human capital on finding best solutions to address poverty, inequality and unemployment; and importantly on achieving sustainable development. This study sought to investigate how social enterprises in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) contribute to sustainable social development within the municipality and the country at large. The study endeavoured to answer the following research questions: what is the knowledge level among the selected stakeholders on social enterprise in BCMM? What is the scope, application, and sustainability of selected social enterprises in BCMM? What is the contribution of selected social enterprises in social development in BCMM? What are the bottlenecks associated with the application of social entrepreneurship in BCMM? These questions were answered through mixed methods approaches and techniques, where both qualitative and quantitative data was collected and analysed. The data was collected through in-depth interviews (key informant technique) and a min-survey which was administered to users of the social enterprises. Qualitative data was analysed thematically, while quantitative data was statistically analysed with help of SPSS software. The interpretation of the findings was premised on pragmatic and transformative paradigms. The study further used theoretical lenses such as empowerment theory, capability approach and positive theory of social enterprise to support and explain the findings. The main findings showed that: the selected stakeholders conceptualized social enterprises through the African lens of communal living; the social enterprises widely provided their services across a range of sectors and geographical locations; the social enterprises had direct and indirect contribution to socio-economic development in BCMM. This was specifically through provision of employment, training and skill development among others; the future of social enterprises in the country is bright as many sectors presented opportunities for social investment; and social enterprises face financial constraints, lack of skills in the sector, and competition from the mainstream market. The recommendations from this study address government entities, social services providers and practitioners, social enterprises, and researchers on pertinent endeavours to improve the growth and development of social enterprises. The study concludes that social enterprises are: vital vehicles of socio-economic development, more especially for the marginalized segment of the populations; tools for reducing inequality; platforms for innovations, community participation and conduits of empowerment interventions. Thus, social enterprises play dynamic role and presents potential for capable sustainable social development in the local communities and the South African community at large.
- Full Text:
Evaluation and identification of microbial contaminants in polyherbal medicines used for the treatment of tuberculosis in Amathole District Municipality, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Famewo, Elizabeth Bosede
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Tuberculosis -- Treatment -- South Africa Mycobacterial diseases -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9680 , vital:34818
- Description: Tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The emergence of drug-resistant strains of this organism has become a global public health problem. In the continuing search for effective treatment, polyherbal medicines offer a great hope in the development of alternative drugs for the treatment of tuberculosis. The use of herbal formulations for therapeutic purposes has significantly increased in the developed and developing countries because of their curative property, less toxicity and minimal side effects. However, there is little information on their safety and effectiveness in the literature. To address this, polyherbal medicines used for the treatment of tuberculosis in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa were evaluated. Ethno-medicinal survey was conducted through semi-structured questionnaires coupled with informal conversations with the herbal sellers in five communities in the study area. Bacterial and fungal DNA was extracted from the polyherbal medicines purchased. A fragment of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene and internal transcribed spacer region of the fungal rRNA operon were amplified with universal primers 27F and 518R, and ITS1 and ITS4 respectively. Following standard procedures, the amplicons were finally run on Illumina’s MiSeq platform. Furthermore, the remedies were screened against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv using Middlebrook 7H9 media and MGIT BACTEC 960 system. Agar dilution method was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the remedies against eight bacteria and three fungi isolates. The herbal preparations were assayed for their toxicity using hatchability success and larval mortality of Artemia salina Leach. Finally, their nutritive properties were analysed using an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer for mineral analysis while the vitamins were determined using standardized methods A total of nine polyherbal preparations were collected. The herbs used for the preparation of these remedies belong to 20 families. Apiaceae [5(25 percent)] was the most prominent plant family used, followed by Liliaceae [4(20 percent)], Strychnaceae [4(20 percent)], Rutaceae [4(20 percent)] and Hypoxidaceae [3(15 percent)]. The two most frequently used plants were Allium sativum L. (Liliaceae) and Strychnos decussata (Pappe) Gilg. (Strychnaceae). Rhizomes was the most common parts used, followed by the roots and barks. The herbal medicines were prepared mainly by infusion and decoction. The presences of pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria were identified in the polyherbal medicines. Generally, the most common bacteria identified from the samples were Bacillus sp., Enterobacter sp., Klebsiella sp., Rahnella sp., Paenibacillus sp., Clostridium sp. and Pantoea sp. The predominant mycoflora obtained belongs to different genera or species of fungi; these include Alternaria, Candida, Ramularia, Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus and Malassezia. The susceptibility testing revealed that all the remedies contain anti-tubercular activity against M. tuberculosis H37Rv at concentrations below 50 ug/ml. Seven of the polyherbal preparations showed activity at concentrations below 25 ug/ml. The MIC values exhibited inhibitory activity at 1.562 μg/ml. However, isoniazid showed more inhibitory activity against M. tuberculosis at 0.05 μg/ml when compared to the polyherbal remedies. The inhibitory activity of the polyherbal medicines based on the overall MIC revealed that Hogsback first site (HBfs) and Fort Beaufort (FB) remedies were the most active remedies against the bacterial isolates at the concentration of 2.5 mg/mL. Among the nine herbal formulations, only King Williams Town site A (KWTa) remedy showed activity against Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus fumigatus with the MIC valve of 2.5 mg/mL. While King Williams Town site C (KWTc) and Hogsback third site (HBts) had the highest activity at 1.25 mg/mL against Candida albicans, the remaining remedies were active at 2.5 mg/mL. The percentage hatchability of 44.42 percent, 42.96 percent and 39.70 percent were observed in A. salina cysts incubated with herbal preparations from KWTa, HBfs and HBts respectively. The hatching success of the cysts in these remedies was significantly higher than the positive control (nystatin) and the negative control (sea water) at p < 0.05. The mortality of A. salina nauplii incubated in Alice (AL), King Williams Town site B (KWTb) and KWTc remedies were significantly higher than when larvae were incubated in both controls. Based on Meyer’s index, the LD50 of each polyherbal medicine was between 2.9 and 4.0 mg/ml, the LD50 values greater than 1 mg/ml, an indication that they are not toxic. The polyherbal preparations were found to be rich in vitamins and mineral nutrients. Calcium was the highest macronutrient detected while the lowest nutrient was phosphorus. Iron was the highest micronutrient in the majority of the polyherbal preparations while the lowest value was recorded for copper. Vitamin C was absent in the herbal preparations while vitamin A and E were detected. This study provides significant ethno-medicinal information on polyherbal medicines used for the treatment of TB in the study area. The presence of the identified bacteria and fungi in the herbal formulations is a cause for concern. However, the ability of the remedies to possess activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and other pathogenic microorganisms associated with tuberculosis infection makes them potential sources of new antimycobacterial agents. Also, they are rich sources of mineral nutrients, and are as well non-toxic, thus, they are safe for consumption. In view of their anti-tubercular properties, this study has provided a better understanding of the reasons why TB-patients make use of these polyherbal formulations. Also, the study supports the folkloric use of polyherbal medicines in the treatment of tuberculosis in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Famewo, Elizabeth Bosede
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Tuberculosis -- Treatment -- South Africa Mycobacterial diseases -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9680 , vital:34818
- Description: Tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The emergence of drug-resistant strains of this organism has become a global public health problem. In the continuing search for effective treatment, polyherbal medicines offer a great hope in the development of alternative drugs for the treatment of tuberculosis. The use of herbal formulations for therapeutic purposes has significantly increased in the developed and developing countries because of their curative property, less toxicity and minimal side effects. However, there is little information on their safety and effectiveness in the literature. To address this, polyherbal medicines used for the treatment of tuberculosis in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa were evaluated. Ethno-medicinal survey was conducted through semi-structured questionnaires coupled with informal conversations with the herbal sellers in five communities in the study area. Bacterial and fungal DNA was extracted from the polyherbal medicines purchased. A fragment of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene and internal transcribed spacer region of the fungal rRNA operon were amplified with universal primers 27F and 518R, and ITS1 and ITS4 respectively. Following standard procedures, the amplicons were finally run on Illumina’s MiSeq platform. Furthermore, the remedies were screened against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv using Middlebrook 7H9 media and MGIT BACTEC 960 system. Agar dilution method was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the remedies against eight bacteria and three fungi isolates. The herbal preparations were assayed for their toxicity using hatchability success and larval mortality of Artemia salina Leach. Finally, their nutritive properties were analysed using an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer for mineral analysis while the vitamins were determined using standardized methods A total of nine polyherbal preparations were collected. The herbs used for the preparation of these remedies belong to 20 families. Apiaceae [5(25 percent)] was the most prominent plant family used, followed by Liliaceae [4(20 percent)], Strychnaceae [4(20 percent)], Rutaceae [4(20 percent)] and Hypoxidaceae [3(15 percent)]. The two most frequently used plants were Allium sativum L. (Liliaceae) and Strychnos decussata (Pappe) Gilg. (Strychnaceae). Rhizomes was the most common parts used, followed by the roots and barks. The herbal medicines were prepared mainly by infusion and decoction. The presences of pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria were identified in the polyherbal medicines. Generally, the most common bacteria identified from the samples were Bacillus sp., Enterobacter sp., Klebsiella sp., Rahnella sp., Paenibacillus sp., Clostridium sp. and Pantoea sp. The predominant mycoflora obtained belongs to different genera or species of fungi; these include Alternaria, Candida, Ramularia, Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus and Malassezia. The susceptibility testing revealed that all the remedies contain anti-tubercular activity against M. tuberculosis H37Rv at concentrations below 50 ug/ml. Seven of the polyherbal preparations showed activity at concentrations below 25 ug/ml. The MIC values exhibited inhibitory activity at 1.562 μg/ml. However, isoniazid showed more inhibitory activity against M. tuberculosis at 0.05 μg/ml when compared to the polyherbal remedies. The inhibitory activity of the polyherbal medicines based on the overall MIC revealed that Hogsback first site (HBfs) and Fort Beaufort (FB) remedies were the most active remedies against the bacterial isolates at the concentration of 2.5 mg/mL. Among the nine herbal formulations, only King Williams Town site A (KWTa) remedy showed activity against Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus fumigatus with the MIC valve of 2.5 mg/mL. While King Williams Town site C (KWTc) and Hogsback third site (HBts) had the highest activity at 1.25 mg/mL against Candida albicans, the remaining remedies were active at 2.5 mg/mL. The percentage hatchability of 44.42 percent, 42.96 percent and 39.70 percent were observed in A. salina cysts incubated with herbal preparations from KWTa, HBfs and HBts respectively. The hatching success of the cysts in these remedies was significantly higher than the positive control (nystatin) and the negative control (sea water) at p < 0.05. The mortality of A. salina nauplii incubated in Alice (AL), King Williams Town site B (KWTb) and KWTc remedies were significantly higher than when larvae were incubated in both controls. Based on Meyer’s index, the LD50 of each polyherbal medicine was between 2.9 and 4.0 mg/ml, the LD50 values greater than 1 mg/ml, an indication that they are not toxic. The polyherbal preparations were found to be rich in vitamins and mineral nutrients. Calcium was the highest macronutrient detected while the lowest nutrient was phosphorus. Iron was the highest micronutrient in the majority of the polyherbal preparations while the lowest value was recorded for copper. Vitamin C was absent in the herbal preparations while vitamin A and E were detected. This study provides significant ethno-medicinal information on polyherbal medicines used for the treatment of TB in the study area. The presence of the identified bacteria and fungi in the herbal formulations is a cause for concern. However, the ability of the remedies to possess activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and other pathogenic microorganisms associated with tuberculosis infection makes them potential sources of new antimycobacterial agents. Also, they are rich sources of mineral nutrients, and are as well non-toxic, thus, they are safe for consumption. In view of their anti-tubercular properties, this study has provided a better understanding of the reasons why TB-patients make use of these polyherbal formulations. Also, the study supports the folkloric use of polyherbal medicines in the treatment of tuberculosis in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.
- Full Text:
Examination of the capacity of Limpopo water services authorities in providing access to clean drinking water and decent sanitation
- Pilusa,Kgoshi Kgashane Lucas
- Authors: Pilusa,Kgoshi Kgashane Lucas
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Municipal water supply Sanitation, Rural
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , D.Admin
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13932 , vital:39728
- Description: This study analysed the capacity of Limpopo Water Services Authorities in providing access to clean drinking water and decent sanitation. The study raised issues of the state of access to clean drinkable water and decent sanitation through the prism of the municipality and the community. Arguably, the provision of water and sanitation services collapsed, at the level of local government, during the Jacob Zuma administration, because of the escalation of violent service delivery protests due to poor administration and management. It was discovered that all Water Services Authorities owe the Department of Water Affairs exorbitant amounts of money, well into the range of millions of Rands. This prompted the Water Boards to issue threats that they would limit the provision of bulk water. Such austerity measures compromised citizens who regularly pay for the services provided; hence, it sparked violent protests. One of the major drawbacks of the current institutional arrangements arose from the overlapping mandates of the Department of Water Affairs, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Water Services Authorities, Local Municipalities and the Department of Human Settlements. Consequently, the structural design of the intergovernmental system should enforce synergy between all water and sanitation units. The reports produced by all units must be scrutinised, debated and followed through. The study was anchored in a qualitative research design, grounded in the descriptive approach. Interviews were conducted to acquire information from politicians, administrators and community members. It was discovered that there were no skilled personnel in Water Services Authorities and Water Service Providers and, as such, institutional capacity was in disarray. More importantly, during the interviews conducted for this study, it surfaced that financial mismanagement in all municipalities is conspicuously unacceptable, especially unauthorised, irregular and fruitless expenditures. These situations prevailed under the supervision of the well-established oversight institutions that were tasked to enhance the monitoring and evaluation for good governance, such as The Auditor General of South Africa, the Human Rights Commission and the Public Protector. Professionalism and quality performance remain at a low point, with no improvement in service provision. Therefore, radical enforcement of monitoring and evaluation through Auditor General of South Africa, Human Rights Commission and Public Protector, amongst others, is critical to any attempt to disrupt the status v quo. In addition, the appointment of the heads of these oversight institutions must be removed from the Presidency and be made by the Chief Justice. The encounters confronting Water Services Authorities and Water Service Providers are complex and may not be resolved by the government alone, without the participation of the private sector and other actors such as Civil Society Organisations, the business community and public entities. Therefore, an area for further research could be an examination of attempts to introduce effective integrated water and sanitation governance structures, and monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, under robust public scrutiny in order to inform immediate and long-term interventions.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Pilusa,Kgoshi Kgashane Lucas
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Municipal water supply Sanitation, Rural
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , D.Admin
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13932 , vital:39728
- Description: This study analysed the capacity of Limpopo Water Services Authorities in providing access to clean drinking water and decent sanitation. The study raised issues of the state of access to clean drinkable water and decent sanitation through the prism of the municipality and the community. Arguably, the provision of water and sanitation services collapsed, at the level of local government, during the Jacob Zuma administration, because of the escalation of violent service delivery protests due to poor administration and management. It was discovered that all Water Services Authorities owe the Department of Water Affairs exorbitant amounts of money, well into the range of millions of Rands. This prompted the Water Boards to issue threats that they would limit the provision of bulk water. Such austerity measures compromised citizens who regularly pay for the services provided; hence, it sparked violent protests. One of the major drawbacks of the current institutional arrangements arose from the overlapping mandates of the Department of Water Affairs, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Water Services Authorities, Local Municipalities and the Department of Human Settlements. Consequently, the structural design of the intergovernmental system should enforce synergy between all water and sanitation units. The reports produced by all units must be scrutinised, debated and followed through. The study was anchored in a qualitative research design, grounded in the descriptive approach. Interviews were conducted to acquire information from politicians, administrators and community members. It was discovered that there were no skilled personnel in Water Services Authorities and Water Service Providers and, as such, institutional capacity was in disarray. More importantly, during the interviews conducted for this study, it surfaced that financial mismanagement in all municipalities is conspicuously unacceptable, especially unauthorised, irregular and fruitless expenditures. These situations prevailed under the supervision of the well-established oversight institutions that were tasked to enhance the monitoring and evaluation for good governance, such as The Auditor General of South Africa, the Human Rights Commission and the Public Protector. Professionalism and quality performance remain at a low point, with no improvement in service provision. Therefore, radical enforcement of monitoring and evaluation through Auditor General of South Africa, Human Rights Commission and Public Protector, amongst others, is critical to any attempt to disrupt the status v quo. In addition, the appointment of the heads of these oversight institutions must be removed from the Presidency and be made by the Chief Justice. The encounters confronting Water Services Authorities and Water Service Providers are complex and may not be resolved by the government alone, without the participation of the private sector and other actors such as Civil Society Organisations, the business community and public entities. Therefore, an area for further research could be an examination of attempts to introduce effective integrated water and sanitation governance structures, and monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, under robust public scrutiny in order to inform immediate and long-term interventions.
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Examinee invariant condition of test score equating : the case of school certificate examination in computer studies for examinees across rural and urban areas of selected secondary schools in Malawi
- Authors: Phiri, Gerson Mutala
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Educational tests and measurements -- Malawi Computer studies -- Malawi -- Examinations Malawi School Certificate of Education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8507 , vital:32853
- Description: This study examined the invariant condition of equating test scores of examinees for the Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) Computer Studies test across rural and urban areas of Zomba District in Malawi. Equating of test scores to create comparable and interchangeable scores in assessment is increasingly becoming popular to most examining bodies. However, the Malawi National Examinations Board (MANEB) and many other examining bodies in Africa and Europe do not embrace test score equating in their assessment systems. The consequences of not equating test scores have not been clearly documented. Furthermore, there are no proper equating designs for some agencies to employ because they administer tests annually to different examinee' populations and they disclose all items after each administration. Therefore, the study sought to establish whether the invariant condition of equating test scores of examinees holds for the Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) Computer Studies test across rural and urban areas of Zomba District in Malawi. Data were collected through two Computer Studies tests which were administered to a sample of rural and urban examinees. The data were analysed using means, standard deviations, T-tests and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The study revealed that score distributions and test difficulties were similar across test forms signifying that test score equating is necessary. The classification of examinees into rural and urban geographical areas across the test forms were different before score equating, but similar after score equating. The equating of scores for the two sub-populations of rural and urban examinees displayed similarities in their Standard Error of Equating (SEE) values but they were not the same. The equated scores for rural examinees displayed more equating errors than the equated scores of urban examinees, indicating a better performance in Computer Studies by urban examinees than the performance of rural examinees. The study further revealed that equating of test scores was necessary because it was almost impossible to construct multiple forms of a test that were completely parallel. Even though test developers use the same test specifications to develop test items and make every effort to develop items in one test form as similar as possible to the items in another test form, the study has shown that there is no guarantee that the difficulty levels of the items would be the same. Among the many recommendations made, one major one is that the Malawi National Examinations Board (MANEB) should embrace the practice of equating test scores to improve fairness of decisions which are made on examination results.
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- Authors: Phiri, Gerson Mutala
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Educational tests and measurements -- Malawi Computer studies -- Malawi -- Examinations Malawi School Certificate of Education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8507 , vital:32853
- Description: This study examined the invariant condition of equating test scores of examinees for the Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) Computer Studies test across rural and urban areas of Zomba District in Malawi. Equating of test scores to create comparable and interchangeable scores in assessment is increasingly becoming popular to most examining bodies. However, the Malawi National Examinations Board (MANEB) and many other examining bodies in Africa and Europe do not embrace test score equating in their assessment systems. The consequences of not equating test scores have not been clearly documented. Furthermore, there are no proper equating designs for some agencies to employ because they administer tests annually to different examinee' populations and they disclose all items after each administration. Therefore, the study sought to establish whether the invariant condition of equating test scores of examinees holds for the Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) Computer Studies test across rural and urban areas of Zomba District in Malawi. Data were collected through two Computer Studies tests which were administered to a sample of rural and urban examinees. The data were analysed using means, standard deviations, T-tests and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The study revealed that score distributions and test difficulties were similar across test forms signifying that test score equating is necessary. The classification of examinees into rural and urban geographical areas across the test forms were different before score equating, but similar after score equating. The equating of scores for the two sub-populations of rural and urban examinees displayed similarities in their Standard Error of Equating (SEE) values but they were not the same. The equated scores for rural examinees displayed more equating errors than the equated scores of urban examinees, indicating a better performance in Computer Studies by urban examinees than the performance of rural examinees. The study further revealed that equating of test scores was necessary because it was almost impossible to construct multiple forms of a test that were completely parallel. Even though test developers use the same test specifications to develop test items and make every effort to develop items in one test form as similar as possible to the items in another test form, the study has shown that there is no guarantee that the difficulty levels of the items would be the same. Among the many recommendations made, one major one is that the Malawi National Examinations Board (MANEB) should embrace the practice of equating test scores to improve fairness of decisions which are made on examination results.
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Examining factors influencing the academic performance of grade 12 learners in English language : a study of four schools in the Oshikoto Region of Namibia
- Authors: Limene, Tobias
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: English language -- Study and teaching -- Namibia Teachers -- Training of -- Nambia Language and education -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9566 , vital:34792
- Description: This study examined factors that influence the academic performance of Grade 12 learners in English Language (L 2) in the Oshikoto Region. The theoretical framework that underpinned and guided the present study was the Systems Theory of von Bertalanffy (1930), supplemented and complemented by the School Context Model of Bascia (2014). These helped me to understand how the school context shapes core processes of teaching and learning. The study sample consisted of four principals, eight parents, eight teachers and thirty two learners who were purposively sampled from four selected secondary schools. The study was anchored in the pragmatic paradigm and it adopted the mixed methods research approach. Data collection instruments consisted of questionnaires, semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. Major findings were that, both Grade 12 English Language (L 2) teachers and learners lack English Language proficiency. This was due to lack of exposure to the English Language. The study also noted lack of learning materials in both school and the home. Major recommendations were that schools (principals) should expose both teachers and learners to English Language by coming up with policies that make it mandatory for teachers and learners to use English while at school. Teachers should also actively involve learners in their learning by using methods such as debates and drama. The study also recommended that the Ministry of Education, schools and parents work together to provide adequate reading materials for learners. For future research, the study recommended an in-depth qualitative study to test the findings of the present study.
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- Authors: Limene, Tobias
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: English language -- Study and teaching -- Namibia Teachers -- Training of -- Nambia Language and education -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9566 , vital:34792
- Description: This study examined factors that influence the academic performance of Grade 12 learners in English Language (L 2) in the Oshikoto Region. The theoretical framework that underpinned and guided the present study was the Systems Theory of von Bertalanffy (1930), supplemented and complemented by the School Context Model of Bascia (2014). These helped me to understand how the school context shapes core processes of teaching and learning. The study sample consisted of four principals, eight parents, eight teachers and thirty two learners who were purposively sampled from four selected secondary schools. The study was anchored in the pragmatic paradigm and it adopted the mixed methods research approach. Data collection instruments consisted of questionnaires, semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. Major findings were that, both Grade 12 English Language (L 2) teachers and learners lack English Language proficiency. This was due to lack of exposure to the English Language. The study also noted lack of learning materials in both school and the home. Major recommendations were that schools (principals) should expose both teachers and learners to English Language by coming up with policies that make it mandatory for teachers and learners to use English while at school. Teachers should also actively involve learners in their learning by using methods such as debates and drama. The study also recommended that the Ministry of Education, schools and parents work together to provide adequate reading materials for learners. For future research, the study recommended an in-depth qualitative study to test the findings of the present study.
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Farmers' vulnerability to climate change and variability and adaptation strategies : a case study of commercial tobacco farmers in Zimbabwe
- Authors: Nyathi, Confidence G
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Climatic changes Global environmental change
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9111 , vital:34269
- Description: The fast track land reform program (FTRLP) of 2000 in Zimbabwe resulted in a dynamic change of Zimbabwe’s agricultural landscape. It resulted in the conversion of white owned commercial farms into resettlement models A1 and A2. Model A1 was intended to decongest communal areas and was targeted at land-constrained farmers in communal areas. Model A2 on the other hand was a commercial settlement scheme comprising small, medium and large scale commercial settlement, intended to create a cadre of black commercial farmers. This model was in principle, targeted at any Zimbabwean citizen who could prove farming experience and/or resource availability and was based on the concept of full cost recovery from the beneficiary (Musemwa, 2011) This study looked at the demographic that constitutes of commercial tobacco farmers, in Zimbabwe after the FTLRP, how they are affected by climate change and variability and how they adapt to these climate extremes; in particular, their uptake of crop insurance. The study was quantitative and utilised a structured pre-coded questionnaire to interview 158 farmers that are into commercial tobacco farming in Manicaland, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland West and Mashonaland East Provinces of Zimbabwe. The focus was on two central themes. The first was an investigation of the commercial tobacco farmers’ vulnerability to climate change and variability in Zimbabwe. The second theme analysed the factors influencing the farmers’ adoption of crop insurance and the challenges faced by both the farmers and insurance companies in its adoption. Three approaches were used to address the above objectives. Firstly to analyze the vulnerability of commercial tobacco farmers to climate change and variability, the integrated vulnerability assessment approach using vulnerability indicators from four tobacco producing provinces in Zimbabwe was used. The vulnerability indicators used included a series of different socio-economic, institutional and biophysical attributes which were further categorized into three classes, based on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC 2001) definition of vulnerability, which consists of adaptive capacity, sensitivity and exposure. The LV Index and LVI-IPCC Index (Ms Excel) were then used to determine the farmer’s vulnerability index. Secondly, descriptive statistics were used to determine the manner in which farmers have been adapting to climate change and variability and lastly, the study used the binary logistic regression model to determine factors that influence the adoption of crop insurance by these farmers. The results from the analysis show that the net effect of exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity is moderate for the provinces of Mashonaland East, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland West and Manicaland. Through the LVI Index and LVI-IPCC index, the study found indices of 0.566 and 0.100 respectively showing that the commercial farmers in these provinces are moderately vulnerable to the effects of climate change and variability. The factors that contributed the most to this vulnerability were aspects of finance, knowledge and skills, support services, and the state of the environment. In terms of adaptation, the majority of farmers indicated that they were aware of climate change and were aware of increased climate variability and had observed an increase in temperature and rainfall variability. The different ways in which the farmers adapted included, off-farm income, enterprise diversification, irrigation, crop rotation, conservation tillage practices, establishing woodlots and using alternative fuel for curing such as coal. The binary logistic regression model showed that the factors that were significant with a positive effect on the uptake of crop insurance are; subscription to contract farming which was the major determinant, access to crop insurance information, farm tenure and area under tobacco. Factors that had a significant but negative effect, and led to a reduction in the uptake of crop insurance were level of education, perception of crop insurance premiums and enterprise diversification. The farmers were found to be highly diversified either with off-farm income, crop diversification and or enterprise diversification. The study recommended that the farmers should promote sustainable development through their production activities and adaptation strategies adopted to increase their resilience to climate change and variability. Strengthening of social networks and institutional capacities was also recommended to; increase bargaining power, for information dissemination and provision of technical support and extension services to enable the farmers to take on appropriate measues to reduce their vulnerability. In terms of crop insurance uptake, the study recommended improvement in the dialogue between the farmers and insurance companies, and periodic training and education of farmers to improve knowledge and encourage uptake.
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- Authors: Nyathi, Confidence G
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Climatic changes Global environmental change
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9111 , vital:34269
- Description: The fast track land reform program (FTRLP) of 2000 in Zimbabwe resulted in a dynamic change of Zimbabwe’s agricultural landscape. It resulted in the conversion of white owned commercial farms into resettlement models A1 and A2. Model A1 was intended to decongest communal areas and was targeted at land-constrained farmers in communal areas. Model A2 on the other hand was a commercial settlement scheme comprising small, medium and large scale commercial settlement, intended to create a cadre of black commercial farmers. This model was in principle, targeted at any Zimbabwean citizen who could prove farming experience and/or resource availability and was based on the concept of full cost recovery from the beneficiary (Musemwa, 2011) This study looked at the demographic that constitutes of commercial tobacco farmers, in Zimbabwe after the FTLRP, how they are affected by climate change and variability and how they adapt to these climate extremes; in particular, their uptake of crop insurance. The study was quantitative and utilised a structured pre-coded questionnaire to interview 158 farmers that are into commercial tobacco farming in Manicaland, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland West and Mashonaland East Provinces of Zimbabwe. The focus was on two central themes. The first was an investigation of the commercial tobacco farmers’ vulnerability to climate change and variability in Zimbabwe. The second theme analysed the factors influencing the farmers’ adoption of crop insurance and the challenges faced by both the farmers and insurance companies in its adoption. Three approaches were used to address the above objectives. Firstly to analyze the vulnerability of commercial tobacco farmers to climate change and variability, the integrated vulnerability assessment approach using vulnerability indicators from four tobacco producing provinces in Zimbabwe was used. The vulnerability indicators used included a series of different socio-economic, institutional and biophysical attributes which were further categorized into three classes, based on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC 2001) definition of vulnerability, which consists of adaptive capacity, sensitivity and exposure. The LV Index and LVI-IPCC Index (Ms Excel) were then used to determine the farmer’s vulnerability index. Secondly, descriptive statistics were used to determine the manner in which farmers have been adapting to climate change and variability and lastly, the study used the binary logistic regression model to determine factors that influence the adoption of crop insurance by these farmers. The results from the analysis show that the net effect of exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity is moderate for the provinces of Mashonaland East, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland West and Manicaland. Through the LVI Index and LVI-IPCC index, the study found indices of 0.566 and 0.100 respectively showing that the commercial farmers in these provinces are moderately vulnerable to the effects of climate change and variability. The factors that contributed the most to this vulnerability were aspects of finance, knowledge and skills, support services, and the state of the environment. In terms of adaptation, the majority of farmers indicated that they were aware of climate change and were aware of increased climate variability and had observed an increase in temperature and rainfall variability. The different ways in which the farmers adapted included, off-farm income, enterprise diversification, irrigation, crop rotation, conservation tillage practices, establishing woodlots and using alternative fuel for curing such as coal. The binary logistic regression model showed that the factors that were significant with a positive effect on the uptake of crop insurance are; subscription to contract farming which was the major determinant, access to crop insurance information, farm tenure and area under tobacco. Factors that had a significant but negative effect, and led to a reduction in the uptake of crop insurance were level of education, perception of crop insurance premiums and enterprise diversification. The farmers were found to be highly diversified either with off-farm income, crop diversification and or enterprise diversification. The study recommended that the farmers should promote sustainable development through their production activities and adaptation strategies adopted to increase their resilience to climate change and variability. Strengthening of social networks and institutional capacities was also recommended to; increase bargaining power, for information dissemination and provision of technical support and extension services to enable the farmers to take on appropriate measues to reduce their vulnerability. In terms of crop insurance uptake, the study recommended improvement in the dialogue between the farmers and insurance companies, and periodic training and education of farmers to improve knowledge and encourage uptake.
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Implementation of programmes for maintaining care and safety of learners in secondary schools in the Graaff Reinet education district
- Authors: Bilatyi, Nkosana Carlon
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Schools -- Security measures -- Eastern Cape School environment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9379 , vital:34339
- Description: Care and safety of learners refers to the behavioral practices which protect children from danger, risks and injuries. It also includes environment that is free from violence since where there is no fear perceived, there is reverence for the school and its disciplinary measures (Hernandez & Seem, 2004; Marotz, Cross, Rush, 2005; Mathe, 2008; Chukwu, 2008). Schools should have positive environment which allows members of staff, learners and guests to freely interact without threats or fear. Learners and staff should feel psychologically, physically and emotionally safe and secure (Dwyer & Osher, 2000; Tabancali &Bektas, 2009; Butcher& Manning 2005). Consequently, care and safety of learners can also be viewed in a more practical and management oriented way. According to Hull (2010) care and safety of learners in a management oriented way includes, maintenance of school buildings and grounds, care of facilities, furniture and equipment with spacious corridors that allow free flow and emergency movement to prevent illness and death. Classes should accommodate the required educator-learner ratio. The playgrounds are reduced to limited space to ensure that learners are visible and are controllable. Moreover provision of care and safety of learners includes school culture and the appropriate training of educators as well as school staff who should respond to threats and hazards. It also includes addressing the range of crisis the school can face such as death and natural disasters (Phaneuf, 2009). Reeves, Nickerson, Conolly-Wilson, Suson, Lazzaro, Jimerson, and Pesce (2012) contend that the educators on duty should provide learners with safety precautions to guard against the possibility of single learner slipping away and suffering injuries (Dilion, 2007). According to Mogopodi, Banyaladzi & Petros (2015) facilities like laboratories should be suitable for all learners because they help to transform theoretical education into practice making learning effective. Astor, Guerra, Van Acker (2010) suggest that provision of care and safety for learners is among the most essential components for achieving effective teaching and learning. This will only be achieved by putting in place proper care and safety programmes and ensuring that they are effectively implemented (Netshitahame, & Vollenhoven, 2002, Astor et.al.2010).
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- Authors: Bilatyi, Nkosana Carlon
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Schools -- Security measures -- Eastern Cape School environment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9379 , vital:34339
- Description: Care and safety of learners refers to the behavioral practices which protect children from danger, risks and injuries. It also includes environment that is free from violence since where there is no fear perceived, there is reverence for the school and its disciplinary measures (Hernandez & Seem, 2004; Marotz, Cross, Rush, 2005; Mathe, 2008; Chukwu, 2008). Schools should have positive environment which allows members of staff, learners and guests to freely interact without threats or fear. Learners and staff should feel psychologically, physically and emotionally safe and secure (Dwyer & Osher, 2000; Tabancali &Bektas, 2009; Butcher& Manning 2005). Consequently, care and safety of learners can also be viewed in a more practical and management oriented way. According to Hull (2010) care and safety of learners in a management oriented way includes, maintenance of school buildings and grounds, care of facilities, furniture and equipment with spacious corridors that allow free flow and emergency movement to prevent illness and death. Classes should accommodate the required educator-learner ratio. The playgrounds are reduced to limited space to ensure that learners are visible and are controllable. Moreover provision of care and safety of learners includes school culture and the appropriate training of educators as well as school staff who should respond to threats and hazards. It also includes addressing the range of crisis the school can face such as death and natural disasters (Phaneuf, 2009). Reeves, Nickerson, Conolly-Wilson, Suson, Lazzaro, Jimerson, and Pesce (2012) contend that the educators on duty should provide learners with safety precautions to guard against the possibility of single learner slipping away and suffering injuries (Dilion, 2007). According to Mogopodi, Banyaladzi & Petros (2015) facilities like laboratories should be suitable for all learners because they help to transform theoretical education into practice making learning effective. Astor, Guerra, Van Acker (2010) suggest that provision of care and safety for learners is among the most essential components for achieving effective teaching and learning. This will only be achieved by putting in place proper care and safety programmes and ensuring that they are effectively implemented (Netshitahame, & Vollenhoven, 2002, Astor et.al.2010).
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