A critical analysis of the influence of media reporting on xenophobic behaviours among students in selected South African universities
- Authors: Mgogo, Quatro
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Reporters and reporting Xenophobia -- South Africa Universities and colleges -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17495 , vital:41081
- Description: A number of theoretical and empirically proven studies have shown that the media exert varying degree of influence on audience members. The South African media framing and coverage of foreign nationals is a good example of this. Media critics and scholars hold that the way and manner foreign nationals are represented in South African media landscape contributes to the endemic xenophobic outbreaks in the country. (Endong, 2018; George & Aidoo, 2017). This study aims to critically analyse the influence of media reporting on xenophobic behaviours among students in selected South African universities. Part of its aim is to assert if there exist xenophobic behaviours among students learning in South African universities, which are influenced by the manner in which media reports have stigmatised foreign nationals. Therefore, this study looked at three South African universities, namely the University of Fort Hare, Alice campus, the University of KwaZulu Natal, Howard college campus and the University of Johannesburg, Soweto campus. Data for the study were collected using the qualitative methods, particularly the focus groups discussions and in-depth interviews. The findings of this study have revealed that xenophobic behaviours were evident among students, in lecture-rooms, as well as student residences. The participants also confirmed that the media’s focus and reliance on negative stereotypes and generalized information when representing foreign nationals were the main contributing factors to xenophobic behaviours, including its previous adopting of the words like Amakwerekwere, Aliens and Amagrigamba. In an attempt to discourage xenophobic behaviours, this study has therefore recommended peace journalism and Ubuntu journalism as alternative models for reporting xenophobic violence and conflict.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mgogo, Quatro
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Reporters and reporting Xenophobia -- South Africa Universities and colleges -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17495 , vital:41081
- Description: A number of theoretical and empirically proven studies have shown that the media exert varying degree of influence on audience members. The South African media framing and coverage of foreign nationals is a good example of this. Media critics and scholars hold that the way and manner foreign nationals are represented in South African media landscape contributes to the endemic xenophobic outbreaks in the country. (Endong, 2018; George & Aidoo, 2017). This study aims to critically analyse the influence of media reporting on xenophobic behaviours among students in selected South African universities. Part of its aim is to assert if there exist xenophobic behaviours among students learning in South African universities, which are influenced by the manner in which media reports have stigmatised foreign nationals. Therefore, this study looked at three South African universities, namely the University of Fort Hare, Alice campus, the University of KwaZulu Natal, Howard college campus and the University of Johannesburg, Soweto campus. Data for the study were collected using the qualitative methods, particularly the focus groups discussions and in-depth interviews. The findings of this study have revealed that xenophobic behaviours were evident among students, in lecture-rooms, as well as student residences. The participants also confirmed that the media’s focus and reliance on negative stereotypes and generalized information when representing foreign nationals were the main contributing factors to xenophobic behaviours, including its previous adopting of the words like Amakwerekwere, Aliens and Amagrigamba. In an attempt to discourage xenophobic behaviours, this study has therefore recommended peace journalism and Ubuntu journalism as alternative models for reporting xenophobic violence and conflict.
- Full Text:
A critical assessment of the implementation of community development projects in mitigating youth unemployment: A case of Mashonaland West province Zimbabwe
- Authors: Mafa, Dennyford
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Economic development projects -- Evaluation Poverty -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17473 , vital:41079
- Description: The aim of the study was to critically assess the implementation of community development projects in mitigating youth unemployment in Mashonaland province of Zimbabwe. The study used the mixed method which dwells beneath a social phenomenon in order to draw substantiated findings. Data was collected using three method and these include, individual face-to- face interviews, focus group discussion and questionnaire administered to youth, government officials and the local authorities. The study was underpinned by the asset based community development theory and sustainable livelihood approach. Findings highlighted that the participants and the respondents meet the characteristics and criterion for selected community development projects aimed at mitigating youth unemployment. The study revealed that there has been lack on youth involvement in the planning and initiation of the youth community development projects which aim to mitigate youth unemployment and poverty eradication. It has been found out that the implementation process of the youth community development projects was surrounded by lack of knowledge and lack of the involvement of the youths, which resulted in the failure of mitigating youth unemployment and eradication of poverty. Although accessibility (to youth) of these community development projects was for all the community youth who were unemployed, it emerged that the access was not as indicated due to factors like, lack of funding, partisan distribution of resources. The study also realized that due to lack of involvement and proper implementation, the youth community development projects were not sustainable, which was evidenced by the high rate of youth unemployment and poverty levels. Furthermore, the study revealed that effectiveness of youth community development projects in v alleviating youth unemployment in the province has also been marred with pitfalls. Thus, there has been an increase of youth unemployment and poverty. Last but not least, the findings of the study revealed that there were a couple of challenges, which are rooted in partnerships, lack of youth inclusion and involvement, as well lack of involvement of other stakeholders with expertise on implementation of youth community development projects to eradicate poverty and alleviate youth unemployment. Regardless of the brilliant ideas and strategic interventions, the government lacks the practicality of the implementation of these intervention strategies. The study found that interventions were there. However, intervention entails a process which has different facets and obligates the government to function systematically to avoid default in the process of service delivery. It is recommended amongst others that the government and various stakeholders should take cognizance and develop mechanisms and strategies for poverty alleviation, growth, development and employment creation for the youth.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mafa, Dennyford
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Economic development projects -- Evaluation Poverty -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17473 , vital:41079
- Description: The aim of the study was to critically assess the implementation of community development projects in mitigating youth unemployment in Mashonaland province of Zimbabwe. The study used the mixed method which dwells beneath a social phenomenon in order to draw substantiated findings. Data was collected using three method and these include, individual face-to- face interviews, focus group discussion and questionnaire administered to youth, government officials and the local authorities. The study was underpinned by the asset based community development theory and sustainable livelihood approach. Findings highlighted that the participants and the respondents meet the characteristics and criterion for selected community development projects aimed at mitigating youth unemployment. The study revealed that there has been lack on youth involvement in the planning and initiation of the youth community development projects which aim to mitigate youth unemployment and poverty eradication. It has been found out that the implementation process of the youth community development projects was surrounded by lack of knowledge and lack of the involvement of the youths, which resulted in the failure of mitigating youth unemployment and eradication of poverty. Although accessibility (to youth) of these community development projects was for all the community youth who were unemployed, it emerged that the access was not as indicated due to factors like, lack of funding, partisan distribution of resources. The study also realized that due to lack of involvement and proper implementation, the youth community development projects were not sustainable, which was evidenced by the high rate of youth unemployment and poverty levels. Furthermore, the study revealed that effectiveness of youth community development projects in v alleviating youth unemployment in the province has also been marred with pitfalls. Thus, there has been an increase of youth unemployment and poverty. Last but not least, the findings of the study revealed that there were a couple of challenges, which are rooted in partnerships, lack of youth inclusion and involvement, as well lack of involvement of other stakeholders with expertise on implementation of youth community development projects to eradicate poverty and alleviate youth unemployment. Regardless of the brilliant ideas and strategic interventions, the government lacks the practicality of the implementation of these intervention strategies. The study found that interventions were there. However, intervention entails a process which has different facets and obligates the government to function systematically to avoid default in the process of service delivery. It is recommended amongst others that the government and various stakeholders should take cognizance and develop mechanisms and strategies for poverty alleviation, growth, development and employment creation for the youth.
- Full Text:
A Financial Sustainability Model for the South African Local Government
- Authors: Mhlanga, Shepherd
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Finance Municipal finance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , D.Admin
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13715 , vital:39699
- Description: Local government financial sustainability leverages a local municipality’s capabilities to conceptualize and implement an array of its developmental programmes. This thesis evaluates the state of the initiatives for bolstering financial sustainability in the increasingly complex contemporary South African local government sphere. The motive of the study was to identify major paradoxes and a local government financial sustainability model that could be extracted and suggested for mitigating such constraints. Using a meta-synthesis as a principal technique in content analysis, findings revealed that major determinants of local government financial sustainability are often linked to the application of the four-step’s processes in strategic cyclical financial sustainability framework and three foundational constructs for financial sustainability management. The four-step’s processes in strategic cyclical financial sustainability framework were found to aid environmental analysis, identification of the sources of revenues and revenue generation, managing the utilization of the generated revenues and monitoring and evaluation. As it emerged from the findings, these positive effects of strategic cyclical financial sustainability framework are often illuminated by three foundational constructs for financial sustainability that leverage financial risk management, governance and leadership. However, in lieu of the application of relevant mitigating strategies, it also emerged from the analysis of the findings that initiatives that bolster financial sustainability may still be constrained by poor analysis and identification of the level of financial sustainability maturity. Other paradoxes were found to be linked to lack of suitable government financing models, poor strategic financial planning and budgeting as well as lack of effective models for managing equity. However, even in the midst of such paradoxes, findings still indicated that the concept of financial sustainability is a notion which is increasingly being emphasized by the South African local government sphere. To leverage municipal financial sustainability, most municipalities were found to use financial sustainability models and methods such as central financial grant system, SALGA’s model for financial sustainability, investment in revenue-generating activities and managing municipal operational efficiency as a driver of cost 4 | P a g e minimisation. However, despite such significant strides, findings still revealed that even with various socio-economic initiatives undertaken to leverage financial sustainability of the South African local government, the state of financial sustainability in the South African local government sphere seems to be at risk as viewed from such issues as compliance, systematic and strategic levels. As it emerged from the findings, this is attributable to the fact that most initiatives for improving financial sustainability in the South African local government are often still constrained by inadequate municipal capacity, limited income-generating activities, deficient local government procurement system and poor leadership and governance. Such findings seem consonant with theoretical findings that signified the major paradoxes of financial sustainability in the contemporary public sector organisations are often associated with poor analysis and identification of the level of financial sustainability maturity, lack of suitable government financing models, poor strategic financial planning and budgeting and lack of effective models for managing equity. Drawing from these findings, it is argued it is critical that the Department of Local Government adopts and applies the local government financial sustainability model akin to the conceptual model suggested in Figure 1. The application of such a model would require integration and use of the four main pillars (strategic financial planning, income diversification, sound financial administration and management, and own income generation) for local government financial sustainability, three foundational constructs (financial risk management, financial governance and financial ethical leadership) for local government financial sustainability, and three foundational nonfinancial constructs (political stability, fiscal and economic stability, forecasting and sensing to mitigate the devastating negative effects of natural calamities and disaster) for local government financial sustainability. It was further argued that all these must be accompanied by measurement of the overall maturity of the financial sustainability of the local municipality using four perspectives (liquidity, resilience, service and fiscal responsibility and public confidence) of local government financial sustainability in conjunction with the five spectrums (at risk, compliance-based, incremental, strategic and systematic) of local government financial sustainability.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mhlanga, Shepherd
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Finance Municipal finance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , D.Admin
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13715 , vital:39699
- Description: Local government financial sustainability leverages a local municipality’s capabilities to conceptualize and implement an array of its developmental programmes. This thesis evaluates the state of the initiatives for bolstering financial sustainability in the increasingly complex contemporary South African local government sphere. The motive of the study was to identify major paradoxes and a local government financial sustainability model that could be extracted and suggested for mitigating such constraints. Using a meta-synthesis as a principal technique in content analysis, findings revealed that major determinants of local government financial sustainability are often linked to the application of the four-step’s processes in strategic cyclical financial sustainability framework and three foundational constructs for financial sustainability management. The four-step’s processes in strategic cyclical financial sustainability framework were found to aid environmental analysis, identification of the sources of revenues and revenue generation, managing the utilization of the generated revenues and monitoring and evaluation. As it emerged from the findings, these positive effects of strategic cyclical financial sustainability framework are often illuminated by three foundational constructs for financial sustainability that leverage financial risk management, governance and leadership. However, in lieu of the application of relevant mitigating strategies, it also emerged from the analysis of the findings that initiatives that bolster financial sustainability may still be constrained by poor analysis and identification of the level of financial sustainability maturity. Other paradoxes were found to be linked to lack of suitable government financing models, poor strategic financial planning and budgeting as well as lack of effective models for managing equity. However, even in the midst of such paradoxes, findings still indicated that the concept of financial sustainability is a notion which is increasingly being emphasized by the South African local government sphere. To leverage municipal financial sustainability, most municipalities were found to use financial sustainability models and methods such as central financial grant system, SALGA’s model for financial sustainability, investment in revenue-generating activities and managing municipal operational efficiency as a driver of cost 4 | P a g e minimisation. However, despite such significant strides, findings still revealed that even with various socio-economic initiatives undertaken to leverage financial sustainability of the South African local government, the state of financial sustainability in the South African local government sphere seems to be at risk as viewed from such issues as compliance, systematic and strategic levels. As it emerged from the findings, this is attributable to the fact that most initiatives for improving financial sustainability in the South African local government are often still constrained by inadequate municipal capacity, limited income-generating activities, deficient local government procurement system and poor leadership and governance. Such findings seem consonant with theoretical findings that signified the major paradoxes of financial sustainability in the contemporary public sector organisations are often associated with poor analysis and identification of the level of financial sustainability maturity, lack of suitable government financing models, poor strategic financial planning and budgeting and lack of effective models for managing equity. Drawing from these findings, it is argued it is critical that the Department of Local Government adopts and applies the local government financial sustainability model akin to the conceptual model suggested in Figure 1. The application of such a model would require integration and use of the four main pillars (strategic financial planning, income diversification, sound financial administration and management, and own income generation) for local government financial sustainability, three foundational constructs (financial risk management, financial governance and financial ethical leadership) for local government financial sustainability, and three foundational nonfinancial constructs (political stability, fiscal and economic stability, forecasting and sensing to mitigate the devastating negative effects of natural calamities and disaster) for local government financial sustainability. It was further argued that all these must be accompanied by measurement of the overall maturity of the financial sustainability of the local municipality using four perspectives (liquidity, resilience, service and fiscal responsibility and public confidence) of local government financial sustainability in conjunction with the five spectrums (at risk, compliance-based, incremental, strategic and systematic) of local government financial sustainability.
- Full Text:
A model for secure and usable passphrases for multilingual users
- Authors: Maoneke, Pardon Blessings
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Computers -- Access control -- Passwords Computer security
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Information Systems)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12571 , vital:39289
- Description: Research on more than 100 million passwords that have been leaked to the public domain has uncovered various security limitations associated with user-generated short passwords. Long passwords (passphrases) are considered an alternative solution that could provide a balance between security and usability. However, the literature shows a lack of consistency in the security and usability contributions of passphrases. For example, studies that investigated passphrase security focusing on structural dependencies at character level found passphrases to be secure. Inversely, other research findings suggest that passphrase security could be compromised by the use of predictable grammatical rules, popular words in a natural language and keyboard patterns. This is further exacerbated by research on passphrases that is focused on the Global North. This is a huge concern given that results from inter-cultural studies suggest that local languages do influence password structure and to some extent, password usability and security. To address these gaps in the literature, this study used socio-technical theory which emphasised both the social and technical aspects of the phenomenon under study. Psychological studies show that the memory has limited capacity, something that threatens password usability; hence, the need to utilise information that is already known during password generation. Socio-cultural theory suggests that the information that is already known by users is contextually informed, hence sociocultural theory was applied to understand the contextual factors that could be used to enhance passphrase security and usability. With reference to the Southern African context, this study argues that system designers should take advantage of a multilingual user group and encourage the generation of passphrases that are based on substrings from different languages. This study went on to promote the use of multilingual passphrases instead of emphasising multi-character class passwords. This study was guided by design science research. Participants were invited to take part in a short password and multilingual passphrase generation and recall experiment that was made available using a web-based application. These passwords were generated by participants under pre-specified conditions. Quantitative and qualitative data was gathered. The study findings showed the use of both African and Indo-European languages in multilingual passphrases and short passwords. English oriented passwords and substrings dominated the multilingual passphrase and short password corpora. In addition, some of the short passwords and substrings in the multilingual passphrase corpora were found among the most common passwords of 2016, 2017 and 2018. Usability tests showed that multilingual passphrases are usable, even though they were not easy to create and recall when compared to short passwords. A high rate of password reuse during short password generation by participants might have worked in favour of short passwords. Nonetheless, participants appear to reflect better usability with multilingual passphrases over time due to repeated use. Females struggled to recall short passwords and multilingual passphrases when compared to their male counterparts. Security tests using the Probabilistic Context-Free Grammar suggest that short passwords are weaker, with just more than 50% of the short passwords being guessed, while none 4 Final Submission of Thesis, Dissertation or Research Report/Project, Conference or Exam Paper of the multilingual passphrases were guessed. Further analysis showed that short passwords that were oriented towards an IndoEuropean language were more easily guessed than African language-oriented short passwords. As such, this study encourages orienting passwords towards African languages while the use of multilingual passphrases is expected to offer more security. The use of African languages and multilingual passphrases by a user group that is biased towards English-oriented passwords could enhance security by increasing the search space.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Maoneke, Pardon Blessings
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Computers -- Access control -- Passwords Computer security
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Information Systems)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12571 , vital:39289
- Description: Research on more than 100 million passwords that have been leaked to the public domain has uncovered various security limitations associated with user-generated short passwords. Long passwords (passphrases) are considered an alternative solution that could provide a balance between security and usability. However, the literature shows a lack of consistency in the security and usability contributions of passphrases. For example, studies that investigated passphrase security focusing on structural dependencies at character level found passphrases to be secure. Inversely, other research findings suggest that passphrase security could be compromised by the use of predictable grammatical rules, popular words in a natural language and keyboard patterns. This is further exacerbated by research on passphrases that is focused on the Global North. This is a huge concern given that results from inter-cultural studies suggest that local languages do influence password structure and to some extent, password usability and security. To address these gaps in the literature, this study used socio-technical theory which emphasised both the social and technical aspects of the phenomenon under study. Psychological studies show that the memory has limited capacity, something that threatens password usability; hence, the need to utilise information that is already known during password generation. Socio-cultural theory suggests that the information that is already known by users is contextually informed, hence sociocultural theory was applied to understand the contextual factors that could be used to enhance passphrase security and usability. With reference to the Southern African context, this study argues that system designers should take advantage of a multilingual user group and encourage the generation of passphrases that are based on substrings from different languages. This study went on to promote the use of multilingual passphrases instead of emphasising multi-character class passwords. This study was guided by design science research. Participants were invited to take part in a short password and multilingual passphrase generation and recall experiment that was made available using a web-based application. These passwords were generated by participants under pre-specified conditions. Quantitative and qualitative data was gathered. The study findings showed the use of both African and Indo-European languages in multilingual passphrases and short passwords. English oriented passwords and substrings dominated the multilingual passphrase and short password corpora. In addition, some of the short passwords and substrings in the multilingual passphrase corpora were found among the most common passwords of 2016, 2017 and 2018. Usability tests showed that multilingual passphrases are usable, even though they were not easy to create and recall when compared to short passwords. A high rate of password reuse during short password generation by participants might have worked in favour of short passwords. Nonetheless, participants appear to reflect better usability with multilingual passphrases over time due to repeated use. Females struggled to recall short passwords and multilingual passphrases when compared to their male counterparts. Security tests using the Probabilistic Context-Free Grammar suggest that short passwords are weaker, with just more than 50% of the short passwords being guessed, while none 4 Final Submission of Thesis, Dissertation or Research Report/Project, Conference or Exam Paper of the multilingual passphrases were guessed. Further analysis showed that short passwords that were oriented towards an IndoEuropean language were more easily guessed than African language-oriented short passwords. As such, this study encourages orienting passwords towards African languages while the use of multilingual passphrases is expected to offer more security. The use of African languages and multilingual passphrases by a user group that is biased towards English-oriented passwords could enhance security by increasing the search space.
- Full Text:
Agriculture vocational education programme and the promotion of job creation skills in the Free State technical vocational education and training college
- Authors: Thwala, William Mandla
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Vocational education Technical education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Education)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16698 , vital:40762
- Description: The aim of the study was to investigate agriculture educational programme and the promotion of job creation skills in the OFS FET College. The interpretivism paradigm and design approach were adopted in this qualitative research. The sample consisted of three final year students, three facilitators and one coordinator. The non-probability and purposive sampling techniques was used for the qualitative research. The qualitative data was descriptive, and thematically analysed. The study found that there is a big demand for agricultural professional in South Africa but very few are choosing this career. The quality of education in agricultural sector is not where it should be. The demand for skilled people in the sector is growing, while the number of students enrolling in agriculture-related training continues to decrease. Africa’s agricultural education is failing to produce a new wave of farmers. The study found that FET colleges did not train and provide enough skills to students to enhance development in agriculture sectors and therefore make students non-productive at labour market. The study also found that the FET colleges had left a trail of low skills, partially educated and jobless youth behind. The study also found that the curriculum tended to be outmoded, irrelevant to adequately address the challenges facing modern agriculture .The curriculum still focused on farm production rather than encompassing all segments of agricultural value chains, entrepreneurship, and agriculture business processing market. Agriculture forms the basic food security of every country .It contributes a large proportion of gross domestic product in many developing countries and is the source of income and subsistence for many of the poorest and most vulnerable individuals and households.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Thwala, William Mandla
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Vocational education Technical education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Education)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16698 , vital:40762
- Description: The aim of the study was to investigate agriculture educational programme and the promotion of job creation skills in the OFS FET College. The interpretivism paradigm and design approach were adopted in this qualitative research. The sample consisted of three final year students, three facilitators and one coordinator. The non-probability and purposive sampling techniques was used for the qualitative research. The qualitative data was descriptive, and thematically analysed. The study found that there is a big demand for agricultural professional in South Africa but very few are choosing this career. The quality of education in agricultural sector is not where it should be. The demand for skilled people in the sector is growing, while the number of students enrolling in agriculture-related training continues to decrease. Africa’s agricultural education is failing to produce a new wave of farmers. The study found that FET colleges did not train and provide enough skills to students to enhance development in agriculture sectors and therefore make students non-productive at labour market. The study also found that the FET colleges had left a trail of low skills, partially educated and jobless youth behind. The study also found that the curriculum tended to be outmoded, irrelevant to adequately address the challenges facing modern agriculture .The curriculum still focused on farm production rather than encompassing all segments of agricultural value chains, entrepreneurship, and agriculture business processing market. Agriculture forms the basic food security of every country .It contributes a large proportion of gross domestic product in many developing countries and is the source of income and subsistence for many of the poorest and most vulnerable individuals and households.
- Full Text:
An assessment of school food and nutrition environments for strengthening the integrated school health policy in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Okeyo, Alice Phelgona
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Nutrition policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape School health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17039 , vital:40836
- Description: The 2012 Integrated School Health Policy (ISHP) offers a framework for adequate school food environment. It aims to contribute to the improvement of the general health of school-going children and to address health barriers to learning in order to improve education outcomes. This study assessed the school food and nutrition environment and critically appraised the position of nutrition within ISHP in order to make recommendations for best practice and promotion of healthy-eating in quintiles 1 – 3 secondary school learners of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Areas evaluated included the school food environment (National School Food Nutrition Programme, NSNP, tuck-shop, vendor, lunch box, and school vegetable garden); eating practice; nutrition knowledge; and nutrition status. A quantitative and qualitative cross-sectional design was applied in data collection. Data was collected from 1,357 learners at 18 secondary schools in three districts: Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Chris Hani and OR Tambo, using semi-structured questionnaires. Five major food items provided in the school food and nutrition environment included: beans, pap, sour-milk, rice, and samp (maize) (NSNP); chips, sandwich, pap, biscuits, and cake (tuck-shop); chips, sandwich, pap, cake, and pop-corn (vendor); and samp (maize), noodles, fat-cake, chips, and Russian/Viennas (lunch boxes). Only three of the 16 schools had school vegetable gardens which produced vegetables and no fruits. Five most frequently eaten foods for breakfast were porridge, rusks, stiff-pap, bread-with-spread, eggs, and polony. Learners from quintile 3 (60.8percent) significantly ate more cooked porridge than learners from quintiles 1 and 2 (51.9percent) (p = 0.015). Leaners from quintile 3 (59.4percent) significantly ate more brown bread-with-spread than learners from quintiles 1 and 2 (50.4) (p = 0.022). The majority of learners (72.7percent) ate breakfast; more male learners (24.4percent) than female learners (29.1percent) skipped breakfast. The majority (62.2percent) of learners had poor nutritional knowledge; significantly, more male (35percent) than female (27percent) learners had poor nutritional knowledge (p = 0.003). Nutritional knowledge increased with age; significantly more grade 8 learners had poor (42.6percent) nutritional knowledge than grade 12 learners (14.1percent) (p < 0.001). Leaners from quintile 3 had good (23.5percent) nutritional knowledge than learners from quintiles 1 and 2 (15.7percent) (p < 0.001). School lessons, books and television were the most important source for nutritional information to learners. The most significant source was lessons (72.0percent; p < 0.001); followed by television (69.4percent; p < 0.001) and books (67.8percent; p = 0.014), in that ranking order. The majority of learners (64percent) had normal body weight. The prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity was 13.0percent, 15.0percent and 8.0percent, respectively. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was higher in females than males (21.3percent vs 5.3percent; overweight; p < 0.001)) and (11.6percent vs 1.2percent; obesity; p < 0.001), respectively; while the prevalence in terms of underweight was significantly higher in male (21.3percent) learners than in female learners (8.1percent); p < 0.001. The study indicated that the school food environment was not supported by ISHP. The Integrated School Health Policy did not include on-site package for nutritional assessment, thus, there is need to offer nutritional interventions in schools.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Okeyo, Alice Phelgona
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Nutrition policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape School health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17039 , vital:40836
- Description: The 2012 Integrated School Health Policy (ISHP) offers a framework for adequate school food environment. It aims to contribute to the improvement of the general health of school-going children and to address health barriers to learning in order to improve education outcomes. This study assessed the school food and nutrition environment and critically appraised the position of nutrition within ISHP in order to make recommendations for best practice and promotion of healthy-eating in quintiles 1 – 3 secondary school learners of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Areas evaluated included the school food environment (National School Food Nutrition Programme, NSNP, tuck-shop, vendor, lunch box, and school vegetable garden); eating practice; nutrition knowledge; and nutrition status. A quantitative and qualitative cross-sectional design was applied in data collection. Data was collected from 1,357 learners at 18 secondary schools in three districts: Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Chris Hani and OR Tambo, using semi-structured questionnaires. Five major food items provided in the school food and nutrition environment included: beans, pap, sour-milk, rice, and samp (maize) (NSNP); chips, sandwich, pap, biscuits, and cake (tuck-shop); chips, sandwich, pap, cake, and pop-corn (vendor); and samp (maize), noodles, fat-cake, chips, and Russian/Viennas (lunch boxes). Only three of the 16 schools had school vegetable gardens which produced vegetables and no fruits. Five most frequently eaten foods for breakfast were porridge, rusks, stiff-pap, bread-with-spread, eggs, and polony. Learners from quintile 3 (60.8percent) significantly ate more cooked porridge than learners from quintiles 1 and 2 (51.9percent) (p = 0.015). Leaners from quintile 3 (59.4percent) significantly ate more brown bread-with-spread than learners from quintiles 1 and 2 (50.4) (p = 0.022). The majority of learners (72.7percent) ate breakfast; more male learners (24.4percent) than female learners (29.1percent) skipped breakfast. The majority (62.2percent) of learners had poor nutritional knowledge; significantly, more male (35percent) than female (27percent) learners had poor nutritional knowledge (p = 0.003). Nutritional knowledge increased with age; significantly more grade 8 learners had poor (42.6percent) nutritional knowledge than grade 12 learners (14.1percent) (p < 0.001). Leaners from quintile 3 had good (23.5percent) nutritional knowledge than learners from quintiles 1 and 2 (15.7percent) (p < 0.001). School lessons, books and television were the most important source for nutritional information to learners. The most significant source was lessons (72.0percent; p < 0.001); followed by television (69.4percent; p < 0.001) and books (67.8percent; p = 0.014), in that ranking order. The majority of learners (64percent) had normal body weight. The prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity was 13.0percent, 15.0percent and 8.0percent, respectively. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was higher in females than males (21.3percent vs 5.3percent; overweight; p < 0.001)) and (11.6percent vs 1.2percent; obesity; p < 0.001), respectively; while the prevalence in terms of underweight was significantly higher in male (21.3percent) learners than in female learners (8.1percent); p < 0.001. The study indicated that the school food environment was not supported by ISHP. The Integrated School Health Policy did not include on-site package for nutritional assessment, thus, there is need to offer nutritional interventions in schools.
- Full Text:
Analyses of Retail and Transport Geography of Liquefied Petroleum Products in Ibadan metropolis, Nigeria
- Authors: Ajayi, Adeyinka Peter
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Petroleum products
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19065 , vital:40090
- Description: This study analyzed the effects that spatial arrangement of petroleum products retail outlets and the supply chain management techniques employed for products distribution (for both intra city and intercity shipments) have on the retailing dynamism of petroleum products within built environment and peripherals of Ibadan metropolis over the years. Specifically, the study investigated the differentials in the spatial configurations of petroleum products retail outlets between the core and periurban zones of the metropolis. An attempt was made to determine the explanatory variables that influence the spatial distributional decisions of petroleum products retail outlets in the metropolis. The study equally examined how the supply chain management (SCM) techniques by the different categories of the retail outlet owners influence the efficient and cost effective distribution of petroleum products. Lastly an attempt was made to analyze the relationship between the socio-economic attributes of the haulers and the achievement of compliance to the HSE stipulations guiding the conveyance of petroleum products. The theoretical underpinnings for the research were a derivative of the amalgamation of normative and psychological theories from geography, psychology, SCM and retailing science. Specifically, Expectation Disconfirmation Theory (EDT), Distributive Justice, Central Place Theory (CPT) Theories of Urban Impact (TUI) and Theory of Constraint (ToC) were the theories utilized in the study. For the achievement of the first objective which was to investigate the possible differential in the compliance rate between spatial pattern of fuel retail outlets in the core and peripheral zones of Ibadan metropolis, the first hypothesis of the study (which examined if there was no significant difference in the rate of compliance to the planning authority stipulations guiding the location pattern of petroleum product retail outlets between those located in the built up and xxiv peripheral zones of the city), was tested through the use of buffering and proximity analyses in the ArcMap environment of ArcGIS 10.1, while inferential statistical tool of an independent-samples t-test was conducted to compare the rate of compliance to the stipulations guiding the locations of these outlets in both the core and the peripheral zones. The result from the GIS analysis indicated that 33 (15.56%) out of the 220 outlets in the core zone of the metropolis complied with the planning stipulations guiding the location of fuel retail outlets. For the peripheral zone, out of the 220 fuel retail outlets 24 (10.90%) complied with the stipulations. The result from the t- test which was employed to test the hypothesis indicated that no significant difference existed in the rate of compliance t (263) =-2.66, p = 0.08 between fuel retail outlets in the core zone (M=3.9, SD=1.4) and peripheral zone (M=4.5, SD=1.79). The alternate hypothesis which stated that ―no significant difference existed in the compliance rate between fuel retail outlets located in the two zones‖ is accepted. For the achievement of the second objective of the study which was to analyze the factors which determine the location of fuel retail outlets both in the core and peripheral zones of Ibadan metropolis. All the managers/owners of the 432 fuel retail outlets in the metropolis were sampled out of which 256 questionnaires were retrieved for the purpose of this analysis. The breakdown of the socio-economic characteristics of the sampled respondents showed that the gender distribution showed that 194 (75.78%) of the respondents were males, while 64 (24.22 %) were females. The average age of the sampled population was 33.70 years. The mixed method was employed for the achievement of the second objective of this study. Logistic Regression Model (LRM) was employed to test the hypothesis and the result revealed that the inclusion of the independent variables in the model increased the overall level of it accuracy. The overall significance revealed that the Model Chi- xxv Square, derived from the likelihood fitted is also accurate (X2 = 43.47, df=5, p>.05). The model chi-square value of 43.47 (approximately 44% ) was significant. Thus, the indication is that the model has a good fit in predicting the possibility of a fuel retail outlet being located in the core or peripheral zone of the metropolis as determined by the explanatory variables (the independent variables accounted for about 44% of possible factors which determined whether a fuel retail outlets is located either within the core or peripheral zones of the metropolis. The remaining 56% are factors not considered in the study). The result gotten from the in depth interview sessions corroborated the findings from the tested hypothesis. The third objective was to examine the effects which the supply chain technique employed (either vertically integrated model or third-party arrangement) has on the achievement of efficient and effective distribution of the products. In order to achieve this objective, all the 389 registered members of Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) association who are members of the PTD in the metropolis were sampled, 265 (around 70%) of the distributed questionnaires were retrieved and used for the analysis. In depth interview sessions were also conducted with three different managers of the three major conglomerates in the downstream sector of the Nigerian petroleum sector. The result of one-way between subjects (ANOVA) which was conducted to compare differences in the management and performances of haulage services outsourced to the 3PLS and those run under VIM showed that there was a significant effect of ownership type on management performance (F (2,262) = 60.26, p<.05). The null hypothesis was therefore rejected while the alternate hypothesis was accepted. The findings from the interview sessions posted similar results. The fourth and final objective was to analyze the effect that the socio-economic attributes of the participants (haulers and managers of retail outlets) involved in the distribution of xxvi petroleum products has on the safe, efficient and cost-effective distribution of product and this was done through the use of descriptive statistics, inferential statistics and incisive analysis of the interview sessions. A total number of 265 (70%) out of the 389 registered members of Petroleum Tanker Driver Association (PTDA) participated in the study. Multiple regression analysis (MRA) was used to test this hypothesis. The result from the statistical analysis show that the use of stimulant, work condition, marital status and educational attainment/literacy level have joint influence on compliance (R2 = 0.31, F (4,260) = 29.72, p<.05). On the basis of the foregoing, the hypothesis is thus accepted. The result from the interview sessions confirmed the existence of strong relationship between the explanatory variables and the hypothetical dependant variable. The study recommended a review of the planning processes guiding the establishment of fuel retail outlets. The study also advocated that retailers should endeavour to have stronger control over the supply chain of their products this could done by investing more in VIM rather than outsourcing such functions to 3PLs. This will help in better business performances. Government agencies in charge of monitoring drug abuse among haulers are advised to be more proactive by the duo of prevention and punishment strategies. This should include advocacy campaign against drug abuse. Different ranges of punishments should also be meted out for individual haulers found culpable.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ajayi, Adeyinka Peter
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Petroleum products
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19065 , vital:40090
- Description: This study analyzed the effects that spatial arrangement of petroleum products retail outlets and the supply chain management techniques employed for products distribution (for both intra city and intercity shipments) have on the retailing dynamism of petroleum products within built environment and peripherals of Ibadan metropolis over the years. Specifically, the study investigated the differentials in the spatial configurations of petroleum products retail outlets between the core and periurban zones of the metropolis. An attempt was made to determine the explanatory variables that influence the spatial distributional decisions of petroleum products retail outlets in the metropolis. The study equally examined how the supply chain management (SCM) techniques by the different categories of the retail outlet owners influence the efficient and cost effective distribution of petroleum products. Lastly an attempt was made to analyze the relationship between the socio-economic attributes of the haulers and the achievement of compliance to the HSE stipulations guiding the conveyance of petroleum products. The theoretical underpinnings for the research were a derivative of the amalgamation of normative and psychological theories from geography, psychology, SCM and retailing science. Specifically, Expectation Disconfirmation Theory (EDT), Distributive Justice, Central Place Theory (CPT) Theories of Urban Impact (TUI) and Theory of Constraint (ToC) were the theories utilized in the study. For the achievement of the first objective which was to investigate the possible differential in the compliance rate between spatial pattern of fuel retail outlets in the core and peripheral zones of Ibadan metropolis, the first hypothesis of the study (which examined if there was no significant difference in the rate of compliance to the planning authority stipulations guiding the location pattern of petroleum product retail outlets between those located in the built up and xxiv peripheral zones of the city), was tested through the use of buffering and proximity analyses in the ArcMap environment of ArcGIS 10.1, while inferential statistical tool of an independent-samples t-test was conducted to compare the rate of compliance to the stipulations guiding the locations of these outlets in both the core and the peripheral zones. The result from the GIS analysis indicated that 33 (15.56%) out of the 220 outlets in the core zone of the metropolis complied with the planning stipulations guiding the location of fuel retail outlets. For the peripheral zone, out of the 220 fuel retail outlets 24 (10.90%) complied with the stipulations. The result from the t- test which was employed to test the hypothesis indicated that no significant difference existed in the rate of compliance t (263) =-2.66, p = 0.08 between fuel retail outlets in the core zone (M=3.9, SD=1.4) and peripheral zone (M=4.5, SD=1.79). The alternate hypothesis which stated that ―no significant difference existed in the compliance rate between fuel retail outlets located in the two zones‖ is accepted. For the achievement of the second objective of the study which was to analyze the factors which determine the location of fuel retail outlets both in the core and peripheral zones of Ibadan metropolis. All the managers/owners of the 432 fuel retail outlets in the metropolis were sampled out of which 256 questionnaires were retrieved for the purpose of this analysis. The breakdown of the socio-economic characteristics of the sampled respondents showed that the gender distribution showed that 194 (75.78%) of the respondents were males, while 64 (24.22 %) were females. The average age of the sampled population was 33.70 years. The mixed method was employed for the achievement of the second objective of this study. Logistic Regression Model (LRM) was employed to test the hypothesis and the result revealed that the inclusion of the independent variables in the model increased the overall level of it accuracy. The overall significance revealed that the Model Chi- xxv Square, derived from the likelihood fitted is also accurate (X2 = 43.47, df=5, p>.05). The model chi-square value of 43.47 (approximately 44% ) was significant. Thus, the indication is that the model has a good fit in predicting the possibility of a fuel retail outlet being located in the core or peripheral zone of the metropolis as determined by the explanatory variables (the independent variables accounted for about 44% of possible factors which determined whether a fuel retail outlets is located either within the core or peripheral zones of the metropolis. The remaining 56% are factors not considered in the study). The result gotten from the in depth interview sessions corroborated the findings from the tested hypothesis. The third objective was to examine the effects which the supply chain technique employed (either vertically integrated model or third-party arrangement) has on the achievement of efficient and effective distribution of the products. In order to achieve this objective, all the 389 registered members of Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) association who are members of the PTD in the metropolis were sampled, 265 (around 70%) of the distributed questionnaires were retrieved and used for the analysis. In depth interview sessions were also conducted with three different managers of the three major conglomerates in the downstream sector of the Nigerian petroleum sector. The result of one-way between subjects (ANOVA) which was conducted to compare differences in the management and performances of haulage services outsourced to the 3PLS and those run under VIM showed that there was a significant effect of ownership type on management performance (F (2,262) = 60.26, p<.05). The null hypothesis was therefore rejected while the alternate hypothesis was accepted. The findings from the interview sessions posted similar results. The fourth and final objective was to analyze the effect that the socio-economic attributes of the participants (haulers and managers of retail outlets) involved in the distribution of xxvi petroleum products has on the safe, efficient and cost-effective distribution of product and this was done through the use of descriptive statistics, inferential statistics and incisive analysis of the interview sessions. A total number of 265 (70%) out of the 389 registered members of Petroleum Tanker Driver Association (PTDA) participated in the study. Multiple regression analysis (MRA) was used to test this hypothesis. The result from the statistical analysis show that the use of stimulant, work condition, marital status and educational attainment/literacy level have joint influence on compliance (R2 = 0.31, F (4,260) = 29.72, p<.05). On the basis of the foregoing, the hypothesis is thus accepted. The result from the interview sessions confirmed the existence of strong relationship between the explanatory variables and the hypothetical dependant variable. The study recommended a review of the planning processes guiding the establishment of fuel retail outlets. The study also advocated that retailers should endeavour to have stronger control over the supply chain of their products this could done by investing more in VIM rather than outsourcing such functions to 3PLs. This will help in better business performances. Government agencies in charge of monitoring drug abuse among haulers are advised to be more proactive by the duo of prevention and punishment strategies. This should include advocacy campaign against drug abuse. Different ranges of punishments should also be meted out for individual haulers found culpable.
- Full Text:
Application of some missing data techniques in estimating missing data in high blood pressure covariates
- Authors: Odeyemi, A. S
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Missing observations (Statistics) Hypertension
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15189 , vital:40195
- Description: Cases recorded with high blood pressure are a major concern in both public and private hospitals. Adequate provision of health information of patients relating to high blood pressure in Eastern Cape Hospitals hinges so much on the outcome of statistical analysis results. The usual statistical methodologies become inadequate in handling statistical analysis of data collected due to incomplete patients’ information stored in the hospital database. From time to time, new methods are developed to address the problem of missing data. High blood pressure is linked to a lot of diseases such hypertension, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease and stroke. In this study, we developed a new method for addressing the problem of missing data in assessing model used for estimating missing values in terms of minimum errors(using RMSE, MAE, and SE) and goodness-of-fits(using 2 R and adjusted 2 R ) of this model and P-value. . The study compared six different methods: Original data (OD), Listwise deletion (LD), Mean imputations (MEI), Mean above (MA), and Mean above below(MAB) and two steps nearest neighbour (2-NN).The comparison was performed using original data set, and missing values at 5%, 10%, 20%, 30% were simulated on Framingham risk scores under MCAR and MAR simulation on BMI values given some assumptions. Five performance indicators were used to describe the model minimum errors and goodness of fit for all the methods. The results showed that the 2-NN is the best replacement method at lower levels (5% and10%) of missing values while MA and MEI performed best at higher levels(15% and 20%) of missing values. All comparison was based on estimates closest to those of the original data where no value was missing. MAR results showed that 2-NN performed better than LD,MA,MAB, and MEI at 5%,10%, and 20% levels of missing data in terms of absolute difference in p-value to original data.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Odeyemi, A. S
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Missing observations (Statistics) Hypertension
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15189 , vital:40195
- Description: Cases recorded with high blood pressure are a major concern in both public and private hospitals. Adequate provision of health information of patients relating to high blood pressure in Eastern Cape Hospitals hinges so much on the outcome of statistical analysis results. The usual statistical methodologies become inadequate in handling statistical analysis of data collected due to incomplete patients’ information stored in the hospital database. From time to time, new methods are developed to address the problem of missing data. High blood pressure is linked to a lot of diseases such hypertension, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease and stroke. In this study, we developed a new method for addressing the problem of missing data in assessing model used for estimating missing values in terms of minimum errors(using RMSE, MAE, and SE) and goodness-of-fits(using 2 R and adjusted 2 R ) of this model and P-value. . The study compared six different methods: Original data (OD), Listwise deletion (LD), Mean imputations (MEI), Mean above (MA), and Mean above below(MAB) and two steps nearest neighbour (2-NN).The comparison was performed using original data set, and missing values at 5%, 10%, 20%, 30% were simulated on Framingham risk scores under MCAR and MAR simulation on BMI values given some assumptions. Five performance indicators were used to describe the model minimum errors and goodness of fit for all the methods. The results showed that the 2-NN is the best replacement method at lower levels (5% and10%) of missing values while MA and MEI performed best at higher levels(15% and 20%) of missing values. All comparison was based on estimates closest to those of the original data where no value was missing. MAR results showed that 2-NN performed better than LD,MA,MAB, and MEI at 5%,10%, and 20% levels of missing data in terms of absolute difference in p-value to original data.
- Full Text:
Assessment of Supply Chain Corruption in the three Metropolitan Municipalities in the Gauteng Province of South Africa
- Authors: Sisi, Molebedi Gordon
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Government purchasing -- South Africa Political corruption Municipal services
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , D.Admin
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/14104 , vital:39844
- Description: The aim of the current study was to assess the supply chain corruption in the three metropolitan municipalities in the Gauteng Province of South Africa. Core to the assessment was to establish the causes and ramifications of supply chain corruption as well as the nature and extent of supply chain corruption in the three metropolitan municipalities. In order to meet the objectives of the current the study, a qualitative research approach underpinned by ethics and accountability theories was used. The study employed interviews and observation as a primary source of data collection as well as document review in a form of government documents, legislation and court case decisions as secondary source of data, which were then thematically analysed. The study pointed out that while supply chain corruption certainly negatively affects the day-to-day running of public affairs, it is actually the collapse of ethical behaviour together with the failure to uphold accountability and consequence management that has created fertile ground for supply chain corruption. It further, purported that in order to combat the scourge of supply chain corruption in all its manifestations, there is a need to install a Central Supplier Database application, which has been sufficiently tested to determine its effectiveness as blacklisted companies and their directors have a way of masquerading in another form, to do business with the state. South Africa needs the embodiment of ethical behaviour from its citizenry, along with anti-corruption policy enforcement and consequence management. The Kanyane Ethics Architecture should be launched in municipalities across the board as a comprehensive and all-encompassing mix model to prevent supply chain corruption, in its various manifestations, from taking place.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Sisi, Molebedi Gordon
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Government purchasing -- South Africa Political corruption Municipal services
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , D.Admin
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/14104 , vital:39844
- Description: The aim of the current study was to assess the supply chain corruption in the three metropolitan municipalities in the Gauteng Province of South Africa. Core to the assessment was to establish the causes and ramifications of supply chain corruption as well as the nature and extent of supply chain corruption in the three metropolitan municipalities. In order to meet the objectives of the current the study, a qualitative research approach underpinned by ethics and accountability theories was used. The study employed interviews and observation as a primary source of data collection as well as document review in a form of government documents, legislation and court case decisions as secondary source of data, which were then thematically analysed. The study pointed out that while supply chain corruption certainly negatively affects the day-to-day running of public affairs, it is actually the collapse of ethical behaviour together with the failure to uphold accountability and consequence management that has created fertile ground for supply chain corruption. It further, purported that in order to combat the scourge of supply chain corruption in all its manifestations, there is a need to install a Central Supplier Database application, which has been sufficiently tested to determine its effectiveness as blacklisted companies and their directors have a way of masquerading in another form, to do business with the state. South Africa needs the embodiment of ethical behaviour from its citizenry, along with anti-corruption policy enforcement and consequence management. The Kanyane Ethics Architecture should be launched in municipalities across the board as a comprehensive and all-encompassing mix model to prevent supply chain corruption, in its various manifestations, from taking place.
- Full Text:
Assessment Of Supply Chain Corruption In The Three Metropolitan Municipalities, Gauteng Province Of South Africa
- Authors: Sisi, Molebedi Gordon
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Government purchasing Political corruption| Municipal government
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD(Public Administration)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8343 , vital:32300
- Description: The aim of the current study was to assess the supply chain corruption in the three metropolitan municipalities in the Gauteng Province of South Africa. Core to the assessment was to establish the causes and ramifications of supply chain corruption as well as the nature and extent of supply chain corruption in the three metropolitan municipalities. In order to meet the objectives of the current the study, a qualitative research approach underpinned by ethics and accountability theories was used. The study employed interviews and observation as a primary source of data collection as well as document review in a form of government documents, legislation and court case decisions as secondary source of data, which were then thematically analysed. The study pointed out that while supply chain corruption certainly negatively affects the day-to-day running of public affairs, it is actually the collapse of ethical behaviour together with the failure to uphold accountability and consequence management that has created fertile ground for supply chain corruption. It further, purported that in order to combat the scourge of supply chain corruption in all its manifestations, there is a need to install a Central Supplier Database application, which has been sufficiently tested to determine its effectiveness as blacklisted companies and their directors have a way of masquerading in another form, to do business with the state. South Africa needs the embodiment of ethical behaviour from its citizenry, along with anti-corruption policy enforcement and consequence management. The Kanyane Ethics Architecture should be launched in municipalities across the board as a comprehensive and all-encompassing mix model to prevent supply chain corruption, in its various manifestations, from taking place.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Sisi, Molebedi Gordon
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Government purchasing Political corruption| Municipal government
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD(Public Administration)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8343 , vital:32300
- Description: The aim of the current study was to assess the supply chain corruption in the three metropolitan municipalities in the Gauteng Province of South Africa. Core to the assessment was to establish the causes and ramifications of supply chain corruption as well as the nature and extent of supply chain corruption in the three metropolitan municipalities. In order to meet the objectives of the current the study, a qualitative research approach underpinned by ethics and accountability theories was used. The study employed interviews and observation as a primary source of data collection as well as document review in a form of government documents, legislation and court case decisions as secondary source of data, which were then thematically analysed. The study pointed out that while supply chain corruption certainly negatively affects the day-to-day running of public affairs, it is actually the collapse of ethical behaviour together with the failure to uphold accountability and consequence management that has created fertile ground for supply chain corruption. It further, purported that in order to combat the scourge of supply chain corruption in all its manifestations, there is a need to install a Central Supplier Database application, which has been sufficiently tested to determine its effectiveness as blacklisted companies and their directors have a way of masquerading in another form, to do business with the state. South Africa needs the embodiment of ethical behaviour from its citizenry, along with anti-corruption policy enforcement and consequence management. The Kanyane Ethics Architecture should be launched in municipalities across the board as a comprehensive and all-encompassing mix model to prevent supply chain corruption, in its various manifestations, from taking place.
- Full Text:
Assessment of the municipal support and intervention programme in selected municipalities of the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Ngwadi, Mzamo
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Municipal services Public administration|
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , D.Admin
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17061 , vital:40844
- Description: The study assesses the outcomes and impact of Municipal Support and Intervention Programme which was implemented in the study sites of Blue Crane Route and Kouga Local Municipalities, which are falling under Sarah Baartman District Municipality, in the Province of Eastern Cape, in the Republic of South Africa. The researcher’s study is an attempt to pursue and record the foot-prints left by Municipal Support and Intervention Programme (MSIP) in these study sites in order to determine the potential extended implementation of the programme in other municipalities with similar challenges of political instability, poor governance, poor audit opinions, unsound financial management systems leading to poor and unsustainable municipal service delivery. The Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) conducted a diagnosis on the performance of the then 45municipalities (2007/08 Financial Year) and identified challenges of similar nature but different degrees in fifteen municipalities from the erstwhile Transkei Administration. The municipalities comprised: 2 Metropolitans, 37 Locals and 6 Districts. The diagnostic results compelled COGTA and National Treasury to develop a Municipal Support and Intervention Framework (MSIF) which was piloted in those 15 municipalities then and later adopted as a fully-fledged programme, referred to above as MSIP by the Member of Executive Committee (MEC) for COGTA and Mayors in September, 2014 at Komani (Queenstown). x The concern of the researcher is, in spite of numerous efforts by National and Provincial Departments and Treasuries, it has been observed that some municipalities are still faced with challenges of political instability, poor governance and unsound financial management/financial variability which result to poor municipal service delivery. The latter challenges manifest themselves in protests by the citizenry, poor external audit results due to ineffective political oversight coupled with the lack of scarce and critical professional technical skills. A review of existing literature assists the researcher to identify the key concepts of relevance to the study and assists the investigator to become knowledgeable to the limits, challenges and the language of the type of the research they plan to conduct. The research questions or hypothesis are as follows: • What is the understanding of Municipal Support and Intervention Programme by Blue Crane Route and Kouga Local Municipalities towards service delivery? • Which factors have influenced the effectiveness of the implementation of Municipal Support and Intervention Programme in Blue Crane Route and Kouga Local Municipalities? • What are the recommendations for improved implementation of Municipal Support and Intervention Programme in Blue Crane Route and Kouga Local Municipalities? The aim of this study is to assess the impact of Municipal Support and Intervention Programme (MSIP) Implementation by the Provincial Administration at the municipal level, with special reference to Blue Crane Route and Kouga Municipalities. The objectives of the research are: xi • To explore understanding of the Municipal Support and Intervention Programme in Blue Crane Route and Kouga Local Municipalities. • To explore the factors which influence the effectiveness of the Municipal Support and Intervention Programme in Blue Crane Route and Kouga Local Municipalities • To explore some findings on the study of Municipal Support and Intervention Programme in Blue Crane Route and Kouga Local Municipalities. • To explore recommendations towards improving the implementation of the Municipal Support and Intervention Programme in Blue Crane Route and Kouga Local Municipalities. Qualitative and Quantitative Methodologies were utilised for data gathering in the two study sites. The study concluded that when the above-mentioned challenges are existing in a municipality, they will manifest themselves through the demonstrations by citizenry which sometimes lead to damage of infrastructure. It is therefore, recommended that the three spheres of government should go back to the drawing board when deploying councillors in municipality by considering basic relevant educational qualifications because the Local Government Sector is highly legislated and complicated. The learning curve is sometimes a bit longer during a five-year elections term. This should be the same considerations when technocrats are being appointed at the level of Section 54 and 56, in terms of Municipal Systems Act, No. 32 of 2000, especially in the area of scarce and critical professional skills. In the case of educational, training and development gaps, the National Department of Co-operative Governance, National Treasury and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), could enhance upskilling supporting politicians and municipal senior managers with accredited and refresher courses
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ngwadi, Mzamo
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Municipal services Public administration|
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , D.Admin
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17061 , vital:40844
- Description: The study assesses the outcomes and impact of Municipal Support and Intervention Programme which was implemented in the study sites of Blue Crane Route and Kouga Local Municipalities, which are falling under Sarah Baartman District Municipality, in the Province of Eastern Cape, in the Republic of South Africa. The researcher’s study is an attempt to pursue and record the foot-prints left by Municipal Support and Intervention Programme (MSIP) in these study sites in order to determine the potential extended implementation of the programme in other municipalities with similar challenges of political instability, poor governance, poor audit opinions, unsound financial management systems leading to poor and unsustainable municipal service delivery. The Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) conducted a diagnosis on the performance of the then 45municipalities (2007/08 Financial Year) and identified challenges of similar nature but different degrees in fifteen municipalities from the erstwhile Transkei Administration. The municipalities comprised: 2 Metropolitans, 37 Locals and 6 Districts. The diagnostic results compelled COGTA and National Treasury to develop a Municipal Support and Intervention Framework (MSIF) which was piloted in those 15 municipalities then and later adopted as a fully-fledged programme, referred to above as MSIP by the Member of Executive Committee (MEC) for COGTA and Mayors in September, 2014 at Komani (Queenstown). x The concern of the researcher is, in spite of numerous efforts by National and Provincial Departments and Treasuries, it has been observed that some municipalities are still faced with challenges of political instability, poor governance and unsound financial management/financial variability which result to poor municipal service delivery. The latter challenges manifest themselves in protests by the citizenry, poor external audit results due to ineffective political oversight coupled with the lack of scarce and critical professional technical skills. A review of existing literature assists the researcher to identify the key concepts of relevance to the study and assists the investigator to become knowledgeable to the limits, challenges and the language of the type of the research they plan to conduct. The research questions or hypothesis are as follows: • What is the understanding of Municipal Support and Intervention Programme by Blue Crane Route and Kouga Local Municipalities towards service delivery? • Which factors have influenced the effectiveness of the implementation of Municipal Support and Intervention Programme in Blue Crane Route and Kouga Local Municipalities? • What are the recommendations for improved implementation of Municipal Support and Intervention Programme in Blue Crane Route and Kouga Local Municipalities? The aim of this study is to assess the impact of Municipal Support and Intervention Programme (MSIP) Implementation by the Provincial Administration at the municipal level, with special reference to Blue Crane Route and Kouga Municipalities. The objectives of the research are: xi • To explore understanding of the Municipal Support and Intervention Programme in Blue Crane Route and Kouga Local Municipalities. • To explore the factors which influence the effectiveness of the Municipal Support and Intervention Programme in Blue Crane Route and Kouga Local Municipalities • To explore some findings on the study of Municipal Support and Intervention Programme in Blue Crane Route and Kouga Local Municipalities. • To explore recommendations towards improving the implementation of the Municipal Support and Intervention Programme in Blue Crane Route and Kouga Local Municipalities. Qualitative and Quantitative Methodologies were utilised for data gathering in the two study sites. The study concluded that when the above-mentioned challenges are existing in a municipality, they will manifest themselves through the demonstrations by citizenry which sometimes lead to damage of infrastructure. It is therefore, recommended that the three spheres of government should go back to the drawing board when deploying councillors in municipality by considering basic relevant educational qualifications because the Local Government Sector is highly legislated and complicated. The learning curve is sometimes a bit longer during a five-year elections term. This should be the same considerations when technocrats are being appointed at the level of Section 54 and 56, in terms of Municipal Systems Act, No. 32 of 2000, especially in the area of scarce and critical professional skills. In the case of educational, training and development gaps, the National Department of Co-operative Governance, National Treasury and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), could enhance upskilling supporting politicians and municipal senior managers with accredited and refresher courses
- Full Text:
Assessment of the role of the board of directors in the implementation of corporate governance in the state owned entities: a case in the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Makhala, Nombuyiselo
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Corporate governance Directors of corporations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , D.Admin
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13642 , vital:39687
- Description: Corporate governance is a well-recognized governing method, which ensures that the organization achieves its goals. This concept has received too much attention due to the number of reported corporate scandals in both public and private entities. Due to these highly publicized governance failures, the role of Board of Directors in the implementation of corporate governance has been questioned. Their role has been the topic of interest. The main aim of this study was to assess the role of the Board of Directors in the implementation of Corporate Governance in the State Owned Entities in the Eastern Cape Province. It also aimed to determine the strategies and mechanisms that can be used to enhance the role played by the Board of directors in the successful implementation of corporate governance in the public entities. This research was qualitative in nature and as part of this approach data was gathered through questionnaires and interviews. For this study, small scale and manageable sample was used. The sample was selected with the view that all the participants selected were experienced and directly involved in the policy and decision-making as well as in implementation of corporate governance in the state-owned entities. The secondary data was collected through the audit reports, performance, and annual reports of the different public entities. The findings of this study revealed that some Board of Directors are unable to play the effective role in the implementation of corporate governance due to lack of experience and skills required. The research has also revealed that the Boards are not effective in their role due to lax in enforcing accountability by the shareholder. The findings on poor performance management of the Boards is because of no standardized performance management system for the Eastern Cape Province public entities in place. Political deployment of board members had an impact in the independency and objectivity of the boards. The study recommends the appointment of skilled and qualifying board members, training and induction of newly appointed be conducted. Development of accountability framework for all the boards of the public entities in the Eastern Cape. For the Boards to successfully play an effective role in the implementation of corporate governance, adequate budget should be allocated to the public entities. Lastly, the development of the standardized performance management system and framework with prescribed key responsibility areas for all the Boards of the state owned entities will assist the Boards in knowing what is expected of them.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Makhala, Nombuyiselo
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Corporate governance Directors of corporations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , D.Admin
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13642 , vital:39687
- Description: Corporate governance is a well-recognized governing method, which ensures that the organization achieves its goals. This concept has received too much attention due to the number of reported corporate scandals in both public and private entities. Due to these highly publicized governance failures, the role of Board of Directors in the implementation of corporate governance has been questioned. Their role has been the topic of interest. The main aim of this study was to assess the role of the Board of Directors in the implementation of Corporate Governance in the State Owned Entities in the Eastern Cape Province. It also aimed to determine the strategies and mechanisms that can be used to enhance the role played by the Board of directors in the successful implementation of corporate governance in the public entities. This research was qualitative in nature and as part of this approach data was gathered through questionnaires and interviews. For this study, small scale and manageable sample was used. The sample was selected with the view that all the participants selected were experienced and directly involved in the policy and decision-making as well as in implementation of corporate governance in the state-owned entities. The secondary data was collected through the audit reports, performance, and annual reports of the different public entities. The findings of this study revealed that some Board of Directors are unable to play the effective role in the implementation of corporate governance due to lack of experience and skills required. The research has also revealed that the Boards are not effective in their role due to lax in enforcing accountability by the shareholder. The findings on poor performance management of the Boards is because of no standardized performance management system for the Eastern Cape Province public entities in place. Political deployment of board members had an impact in the independency and objectivity of the boards. The study recommends the appointment of skilled and qualifying board members, training and induction of newly appointed be conducted. Development of accountability framework for all the boards of the public entities in the Eastern Cape. For the Boards to successfully play an effective role in the implementation of corporate governance, adequate budget should be allocated to the public entities. Lastly, the development of the standardized performance management system and framework with prescribed key responsibility areas for all the Boards of the state owned entities will assist the Boards in knowing what is expected of them.
- Full Text:
Caregivers’ and parents’ views about preschool education as a school readiness programme in the Queenstown Education District
- Mtyuda, Pamela Nomonde Pettina
- Authors: Mtyuda, Pamela Nomonde Pettina
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Education, Preschool Readiness for school
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16166 , vital:40674
- Description: The aim of this study was to uncover preschool caregivers’ and parents’ views about preschool education as a preschool readiness programme in the Queenstown education district. The research study addressed the following specific objectives, to determine: the caregivers’ and parents’ understanding of school readiness nature of preschool education; the extent to which the caregivers’ practices can make children ready for formal schooling; the parents’ assessment of the preschool centres as places that make children ready for formal schooling; caregivers’ and parents’ views on the challenges facing preschool centres against making children ready for formal schooling; and lastly, the possible solutions to the challenges facing preschool centres. In the present study, both qualitative and quantitative data were collected. Quantitative data were gathered through questionnaires from 40 preschool caregivers at preschools and 40 parents of the children in those preschools that were chosen by the caregivers on the basis of parents who are highly committed in the education of their children. The qualitative data were gathered through focus group discussions with 2 focus groups located in the Queenstown Education district. Twelve participants were interviewed, and these comprised 6 caregivers that formed the focus group discussion 1 and 6 parents that formed the focus group discussion 2, using the interview schedules as guides. Purposive sampling to select the participants was used. Triangulation design was used to gather both quantitative and qualitative data at the same time and to integrate the two forms of data in order to have a better understanding of the research objectives. The research findings indicated that the most frequently reported issues by the participants were the problems with some caregivers who had limited knowledge to make children ready for formal schooling. Some of the parents and caregivers do not understand the importance of the domains of development in making children fully ready for formal schooling. There is still lack of parental involvement in those centres; no effective communication between parents and staff; caregivers are not aware of the policies that govern the preschools; poverty and unemployment are factors that inhibit the right of young children to education; no proper resources in preschools and the unregistered preschools also still need to be helped by coordinated efforts from communities and the government bodies. It was concluded that the quality of early childhood development(ECD) programmes in Queenstown preschools was still compromised. The study recommended extensive investment in infrastructure and learning and teaching support materials is necessary; there should be sufficient staffing with ECD expertise; programmes should be designed in order to educate and encourage parents to actively involve themselves with preschool activities.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mtyuda, Pamela Nomonde Pettina
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Education, Preschool Readiness for school
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16166 , vital:40674
- Description: The aim of this study was to uncover preschool caregivers’ and parents’ views about preschool education as a preschool readiness programme in the Queenstown education district. The research study addressed the following specific objectives, to determine: the caregivers’ and parents’ understanding of school readiness nature of preschool education; the extent to which the caregivers’ practices can make children ready for formal schooling; the parents’ assessment of the preschool centres as places that make children ready for formal schooling; caregivers’ and parents’ views on the challenges facing preschool centres against making children ready for formal schooling; and lastly, the possible solutions to the challenges facing preschool centres. In the present study, both qualitative and quantitative data were collected. Quantitative data were gathered through questionnaires from 40 preschool caregivers at preschools and 40 parents of the children in those preschools that were chosen by the caregivers on the basis of parents who are highly committed in the education of their children. The qualitative data were gathered through focus group discussions with 2 focus groups located in the Queenstown Education district. Twelve participants were interviewed, and these comprised 6 caregivers that formed the focus group discussion 1 and 6 parents that formed the focus group discussion 2, using the interview schedules as guides. Purposive sampling to select the participants was used. Triangulation design was used to gather both quantitative and qualitative data at the same time and to integrate the two forms of data in order to have a better understanding of the research objectives. The research findings indicated that the most frequently reported issues by the participants were the problems with some caregivers who had limited knowledge to make children ready for formal schooling. Some of the parents and caregivers do not understand the importance of the domains of development in making children fully ready for formal schooling. There is still lack of parental involvement in those centres; no effective communication between parents and staff; caregivers are not aware of the policies that govern the preschools; poverty and unemployment are factors that inhibit the right of young children to education; no proper resources in preschools and the unregistered preschools also still need to be helped by coordinated efforts from communities and the government bodies. It was concluded that the quality of early childhood development(ECD) programmes in Queenstown preschools was still compromised. The study recommended extensive investment in infrastructure and learning and teaching support materials is necessary; there should be sufficient staffing with ECD expertise; programmes should be designed in order to educate and encourage parents to actively involve themselves with preschool activities.
- Full Text:
Challenges faced by grandparents in caring for their grandchildren in Mdlankomo location, Libode, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Soganga, Aseza
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Grandparents as parents Grandchildren -- Care
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16188 , vital:40692
- Description: The study aimed to investigate the challenges that older grandparents face in caring for their grandchildren in Mdlankomo Location, Libode, Eastern Cape. The study intended to achieve three (3) objectives: (i) to establish factors that make caregiving of children by their grandparents challenging, (ii) to establish resources that grandparents need to care for their grandchildren and (iii) to establish the availability of resources required by the grandparents to care for their grandchildren and its possible gaps. The study utilized qualitative research approach, and date collection methods used were in-depth interviews, focus group discussion and key informant method. The number of participants was 34 in total consisting of 23 grandparents and 11 key informants. The findings of the study showed that death of children’s own parents; cultural expectations, youth unemployment, abdication of parental responsibilities, youth unemployment, and carelessness of biological parents were the major reasons for grandparents to care for their grandchildren. The study findings also revealed that grandparents in this caregiving experience both benefits and barriers. The findings further revealed that there are gaps in welfare services, medical services and education. Therefore, the researcher recommended that, those in power should be interested, eager and inquisitive enough about certain aspects that need attention in caregiving of children by their grandparents.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Soganga, Aseza
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Grandparents as parents Grandchildren -- Care
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16188 , vital:40692
- Description: The study aimed to investigate the challenges that older grandparents face in caring for their grandchildren in Mdlankomo Location, Libode, Eastern Cape. The study intended to achieve three (3) objectives: (i) to establish factors that make caregiving of children by their grandparents challenging, (ii) to establish resources that grandparents need to care for their grandchildren and (iii) to establish the availability of resources required by the grandparents to care for their grandchildren and its possible gaps. The study utilized qualitative research approach, and date collection methods used were in-depth interviews, focus group discussion and key informant method. The number of participants was 34 in total consisting of 23 grandparents and 11 key informants. The findings of the study showed that death of children’s own parents; cultural expectations, youth unemployment, abdication of parental responsibilities, youth unemployment, and carelessness of biological parents were the major reasons for grandparents to care for their grandchildren. The study findings also revealed that grandparents in this caregiving experience both benefits and barriers. The findings further revealed that there are gaps in welfare services, medical services and education. Therefore, the researcher recommended that, those in power should be interested, eager and inquisitive enough about certain aspects that need attention in caregiving of children by their grandparents.
- Full Text:
Characterization of the heat source of thermal aquifers within the Soutpansberg Basin in the Limpopo Province, South Africa: Evidence from geophysical and geological investigations
- Authors: Nyabeze, Peter Kushara
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Basins (Geology) -- Analysis Geology, Structural -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Geology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15167 , vital:40192
- Description: The research was conducted to contribute towards the knowledge base on the potential for geothermal energy in the Soutpansberg Basin, located in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. The focus area was Siloam, an area that hosts a hottest spring with the highest recorded temperature of 67.5°C. The research involved visits to the Soutpansberg Basin, water sampling, carrying out ground geophysical surveys, and high-level processing of airborne magnetic data to determine depths and temperatures of magnetic sources. The water samples from the hot springs were found to be enriched in sodium, bicarbonate and chlorine with very low concentrations of other element species. The chemical composition of the spring water indicated a source chemistry comprising of the Na-ClHCO3 water assemblage that is a typical signature for deep circulating groundwater of meteoric origin. The circulation depth was inferred to be 2.0 km. The increased resolution of the ground magnetic, electrical resistivity tomography, and electromagnetic conductivity methods data made it possible to delineate subsurface structures at the spring such as dykes, sills, faults and fractures from generated depth models. Modelling of ground magnetic data showed that the Siloam hot spring occurred between two interpreted north dipping dykes approximately 150 m apart. The minimum depth extent of the dykes was interpreted to be 650 m. The magnetic susceptibility values determined from rock measurements and modelling of magnetic data indicated the presence of volcanic and metamorphic rocks. Electromagnetic profiling data showed that there were three main high conductivity zones in the study area with values above 100 mS/m; A central zone associated with the spring; A zone to the south of the spring and a north zone associated with the Siloam Fault. Ground geophysics survey results confirmed the existence of the Siloam Fault. Two artesian boreholes with water warmer than 40 °C were identified to the south of the Siloam hot spring. Both electromagnetic conductivity and electrical resistivity tomography surveys delineated lateral and vertical variation in the bedrock to depths of 40 m to 60 m. Water bearing structures that could be faults, or fractures were identified. Layering due to weathering and water content was found to be in the depth range of 20 m to 40 m. The depths of the potential heat sources were computed from the radially averaged power spectrum of airborne magnetic data for square blocks with side dimensions L of 51 km, 103 km, and 129 km. Spectral analysis based approaches namely Centroid method, Spectral peak method, and the Fractal based approach were used for computing depth and temperatures to heat sources. Airborne magnetic data sets with larger window sizes were preferred for depth computations, as they preserved spectral signatures of deeper sources and reduced the contribution of shallower sources. The size of the data windows did not have a marked effect of depth and temperature values. Shallower magnetic sources depths of approximately 2.0 km were delineated using the Euler deconvolution method. An anticlinal feature at depths of 2.0 to 4.5 km was 4 Final Submission of Thesis, Dissertation or Research Report/Project, Conference or Exam Paper delineated in the central part of the basin. Spectral analysis results indicated that the depth to the top of magnetic sources was at 3.5 km to 6.2 km; the centroid of the basement at 7.92 km to 13.41 km, and the basal below 11.09 km and 14.08 km. The lower end depth spectrum was determined from application of the Centroid method with the deeper being results from the Fractal based approach. The Spectral peak method was useful for determining the depth to the top of magnetic sources. The temperature of the top of magnetic sources and basement centroid were computed to be in the range 234.00 °C to 281.34 °C. Magnetic source depths and basal temperatures that were in the Curie point range within which rocks lose magnetism due to heat were determined, using a computation approach that utilised fractal parameters, to be 21.39 km and 577.42 °C, respectively. Increasing the value of the fractal parameter β from 0 to 4, had an effect of retaining deeper depths and higher temperatures. The fractal parameter β range of 3 to 4 that gave the Curie point parameters indicated basal rock types with an igneous predisposition. The research highlighted evidence for the existence of the Soutpansberg Basin Geothermal Field (SBGF). The area around Siloam is a potential target for drilling exploration geothermal energy boreholes based on the occurrence of hot springs, shallow heat source depths, anticlinal structure, high formation temperatures, deep circulating water and the achieved Curie point temperature.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Nyabeze, Peter Kushara
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Basins (Geology) -- Analysis Geology, Structural -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Geology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15167 , vital:40192
- Description: The research was conducted to contribute towards the knowledge base on the potential for geothermal energy in the Soutpansberg Basin, located in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. The focus area was Siloam, an area that hosts a hottest spring with the highest recorded temperature of 67.5°C. The research involved visits to the Soutpansberg Basin, water sampling, carrying out ground geophysical surveys, and high-level processing of airborne magnetic data to determine depths and temperatures of magnetic sources. The water samples from the hot springs were found to be enriched in sodium, bicarbonate and chlorine with very low concentrations of other element species. The chemical composition of the spring water indicated a source chemistry comprising of the Na-ClHCO3 water assemblage that is a typical signature for deep circulating groundwater of meteoric origin. The circulation depth was inferred to be 2.0 km. The increased resolution of the ground magnetic, electrical resistivity tomography, and electromagnetic conductivity methods data made it possible to delineate subsurface structures at the spring such as dykes, sills, faults and fractures from generated depth models. Modelling of ground magnetic data showed that the Siloam hot spring occurred between two interpreted north dipping dykes approximately 150 m apart. The minimum depth extent of the dykes was interpreted to be 650 m. The magnetic susceptibility values determined from rock measurements and modelling of magnetic data indicated the presence of volcanic and metamorphic rocks. Electromagnetic profiling data showed that there were three main high conductivity zones in the study area with values above 100 mS/m; A central zone associated with the spring; A zone to the south of the spring and a north zone associated with the Siloam Fault. Ground geophysics survey results confirmed the existence of the Siloam Fault. Two artesian boreholes with water warmer than 40 °C were identified to the south of the Siloam hot spring. Both electromagnetic conductivity and electrical resistivity tomography surveys delineated lateral and vertical variation in the bedrock to depths of 40 m to 60 m. Water bearing structures that could be faults, or fractures were identified. Layering due to weathering and water content was found to be in the depth range of 20 m to 40 m. The depths of the potential heat sources were computed from the radially averaged power spectrum of airborne magnetic data for square blocks with side dimensions L of 51 km, 103 km, and 129 km. Spectral analysis based approaches namely Centroid method, Spectral peak method, and the Fractal based approach were used for computing depth and temperatures to heat sources. Airborne magnetic data sets with larger window sizes were preferred for depth computations, as they preserved spectral signatures of deeper sources and reduced the contribution of shallower sources. The size of the data windows did not have a marked effect of depth and temperature values. Shallower magnetic sources depths of approximately 2.0 km were delineated using the Euler deconvolution method. An anticlinal feature at depths of 2.0 to 4.5 km was 4 Final Submission of Thesis, Dissertation or Research Report/Project, Conference or Exam Paper delineated in the central part of the basin. Spectral analysis results indicated that the depth to the top of magnetic sources was at 3.5 km to 6.2 km; the centroid of the basement at 7.92 km to 13.41 km, and the basal below 11.09 km and 14.08 km. The lower end depth spectrum was determined from application of the Centroid method with the deeper being results from the Fractal based approach. The Spectral peak method was useful for determining the depth to the top of magnetic sources. The temperature of the top of magnetic sources and basement centroid were computed to be in the range 234.00 °C to 281.34 °C. Magnetic source depths and basal temperatures that were in the Curie point range within which rocks lose magnetism due to heat were determined, using a computation approach that utilised fractal parameters, to be 21.39 km and 577.42 °C, respectively. Increasing the value of the fractal parameter β from 0 to 4, had an effect of retaining deeper depths and higher temperatures. The fractal parameter β range of 3 to 4 that gave the Curie point parameters indicated basal rock types with an igneous predisposition. The research highlighted evidence for the existence of the Soutpansberg Basin Geothermal Field (SBGF). The area around Siloam is a potential target for drilling exploration geothermal energy boreholes based on the occurrence of hot springs, shallow heat source depths, anticlinal structure, high formation temperatures, deep circulating water and the achieved Curie point temperature.
- Full Text:
Communication barriers within virtual communities in an ethnoreligious diverse society: a case study of Nigeria
- Authors: Ogunnubi ,Adeyemi
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Communication
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15859 , vital:40533
- Description: The study explores the communication barriers that exist within virtual communities in an ethno-religious diverse society like Nigeria. Qualitative research approach was employed. Subsequently, data was collected using qualitative questionnaire that contained open ended questions and through participant observation (online ethnography). Purposive sampling was used to select participants through liaising with Facebook users, as one of the online virtual communities in Nigeria. Having monitored online discourse on Facebook for some months, this study purposively selected 300 active facebook users from various Nigerian cultural and ethnic backgrounds, but only 60 participants indicated their interest to participate. Also, out of the 60 participants who agreed to participate, only 30 participants (25 males and 5 females) fully participated to the final stage while the other 30 withdrew from the study. The participants were mainly adults between the age brackets of 20 and 59. Thematic Analysis was subsequently used to analyse the data by identifying main themes to provide detailed descriptions of the setting, participants as well as activities. The findings of this study revealed that majority of the participants agree that due to Facebook familiarity and Nigeria's religious colouration, there is a display of disrespect, insolence and deep arrogance to other interactants online. The study further identified and revealed other barriers such as differences in cultural backgrounds and opinions, lack of politeness, prejudging and filtering, name calling and insults. The study proposes that social media platforms as virtual communities should be regulated with full implementation of the law and its sustenance, regardless of individuals having power to make their own choices about the kind of languages they use within virtual communities and considering its effect on other online users. Vulgar languages, hate speeches, incitements, bullying and other offensive comments would hopefully be curbed to the barest minimum if this intervention could be implemented. The conclusion of the study was that Nigerians should be civil in responding to discourse in virtual communities as certain inflammatory, religious or utterances based on ethnicity due to an uninformed perspective usually display one's poor knowledge on issues of national interests
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ogunnubi ,Adeyemi
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Communication
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15859 , vital:40533
- Description: The study explores the communication barriers that exist within virtual communities in an ethno-religious diverse society like Nigeria. Qualitative research approach was employed. Subsequently, data was collected using qualitative questionnaire that contained open ended questions and through participant observation (online ethnography). Purposive sampling was used to select participants through liaising with Facebook users, as one of the online virtual communities in Nigeria. Having monitored online discourse on Facebook for some months, this study purposively selected 300 active facebook users from various Nigerian cultural and ethnic backgrounds, but only 60 participants indicated their interest to participate. Also, out of the 60 participants who agreed to participate, only 30 participants (25 males and 5 females) fully participated to the final stage while the other 30 withdrew from the study. The participants were mainly adults between the age brackets of 20 and 59. Thematic Analysis was subsequently used to analyse the data by identifying main themes to provide detailed descriptions of the setting, participants as well as activities. The findings of this study revealed that majority of the participants agree that due to Facebook familiarity and Nigeria's religious colouration, there is a display of disrespect, insolence and deep arrogance to other interactants online. The study further identified and revealed other barriers such as differences in cultural backgrounds and opinions, lack of politeness, prejudging and filtering, name calling and insults. The study proposes that social media platforms as virtual communities should be regulated with full implementation of the law and its sustenance, regardless of individuals having power to make their own choices about the kind of languages they use within virtual communities and considering its effect on other online users. Vulgar languages, hate speeches, incitements, bullying and other offensive comments would hopefully be curbed to the barest minimum if this intervention could be implemented. The conclusion of the study was that Nigerians should be civil in responding to discourse in virtual communities as certain inflammatory, religious or utterances based on ethnicity due to an uninformed perspective usually display one's poor knowledge on issues of national interests
- Full Text:
Customary marriage and family practices that discriminate against amaXhosa women: a critical study of selected isixhosa literary text
- Authors: Mbatyoti, Pheliwe Yvonne
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Forced marriage -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Customary law -- South Africa Xhosa (African people) -- Social life and customs
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , D Litt et Phil (African Studies)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10736 , vital:35731
- Description: In many parts of Africa, the cultural practices and customs that were in use over the ages are still largely in place today. Many of these practices discriminate against individuals and compromise their human rights, particularly the rights of African women. The aim of this investigation is to study customary marital practices among the amaXhosa in order to establish their effect on modern amaXhosa society. In addition, this includes other discriminatory practices, such as the diminished status of wedded women. Within the study, the social status of women before and after 1994 is dealt with as depicted in the selected texts. The study further determines the current social status of married women under the current dispensation and finds out whether the rights of married women are sufficiently recognised in the texts under discussion. It is clear therefore that whilst Africa has made good progress on the political front, the same cannot be said for some of the cultural values that are still adhered to in the present age. This applies in particular to the rights of women in an African society. Globally, women and girls suffer the harmful and life-threatening effects of discriminatory traditional and cultural practices that continue under the guise of social, cultural and religious ceremonies. In the democratic South Africa, there is growing concern and awareness that some cultural practices are harmful to women and girls. The study analyses a number of texts namely, novels and drama, that were published before and after the 1994 era in South Africa with aims and objectives being outlined in Chapter 1. Chapter 2 is devoted to the theoretical framework, which includes the general theory pertaining to the status of women, feminism and human rights. Secondly, it deals with African theory pertaining to the status of African women as well as their rights; finally, it reflects on the role of women in societies where traditional marriage custom is still in use. Chapter 3 analyses the depiction of customary marriage as a theme in isiXhosa prose before and after 1994. Chapter 4 examines the depiction of customary marriage in v isiXhosa drama before and after 1994 and focuses more on human rights elements. Chapter 5 summarises the arguments distilled from the analysed works. The researcher came to the conclusion that the practice of forced marriage does not occur in amaXhosa society only but it is also found on a wider scale on the rest of the African continent and beyond. The study was concluded with a set of recommendations that were made to combat the scourge of anti-feminism that is found in modern society.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mbatyoti, Pheliwe Yvonne
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Forced marriage -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Customary law -- South Africa Xhosa (African people) -- Social life and customs
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , D Litt et Phil (African Studies)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10736 , vital:35731
- Description: In many parts of Africa, the cultural practices and customs that were in use over the ages are still largely in place today. Many of these practices discriminate against individuals and compromise their human rights, particularly the rights of African women. The aim of this investigation is to study customary marital practices among the amaXhosa in order to establish their effect on modern amaXhosa society. In addition, this includes other discriminatory practices, such as the diminished status of wedded women. Within the study, the social status of women before and after 1994 is dealt with as depicted in the selected texts. The study further determines the current social status of married women under the current dispensation and finds out whether the rights of married women are sufficiently recognised in the texts under discussion. It is clear therefore that whilst Africa has made good progress on the political front, the same cannot be said for some of the cultural values that are still adhered to in the present age. This applies in particular to the rights of women in an African society. Globally, women and girls suffer the harmful and life-threatening effects of discriminatory traditional and cultural practices that continue under the guise of social, cultural and religious ceremonies. In the democratic South Africa, there is growing concern and awareness that some cultural practices are harmful to women and girls. The study analyses a number of texts namely, novels and drama, that were published before and after the 1994 era in South Africa with aims and objectives being outlined in Chapter 1. Chapter 2 is devoted to the theoretical framework, which includes the general theory pertaining to the status of women, feminism and human rights. Secondly, it deals with African theory pertaining to the status of African women as well as their rights; finally, it reflects on the role of women in societies where traditional marriage custom is still in use. Chapter 3 analyses the depiction of customary marriage as a theme in isiXhosa prose before and after 1994. Chapter 4 examines the depiction of customary marriage in v isiXhosa drama before and after 1994 and focuses more on human rights elements. Chapter 5 summarises the arguments distilled from the analysed works. The researcher came to the conclusion that the practice of forced marriage does not occur in amaXhosa society only but it is also found on a wider scale on the rest of the African continent and beyond. The study was concluded with a set of recommendations that were made to combat the scourge of anti-feminism that is found in modern society.
- Full Text:
Differentiated Instruction: A Study of English Second Language Teachers’ Awareness and Implementation in Selected High Schools in the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Ndu, Onyinyechi Glory
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: English language -- Study and teaching Language and languages -- Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , D Lit. (English)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11440 , vital:39072
- Description: The lack of visible academic excellence in South Africa has necessitated the search for a more in-depth approach in teaching and learning. The Department of Basic Education, school administrators and School Governing Bodies are not left out in the search for a distinct approach that would be able to assist teachers and also accommodate diverse learning abilities found in the classroom. The purpose of this study is to investigate English Second Language teachers’ awareness and implementation of differentiated instruction in selected high schools in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The objectives were to find out the extent to which teachers adopt differentiated instructions in their classes: to examine teachers’ narratives about differentiated instruction and the alternative instruction teachers’ use in their classrooms. The study was anchored on the socio-cultural theory, multiple intelligence theory and learning style theory. It employed a mixed method research and triangulation, which was very beneficial for the validation of the research findings. It followed a case study exploratory design and descriptive survey design. A purposive sample of hundred and six (106) participants were used in the study. The quantitative data were analysed using tables, frequencies and percentages while the qualitative data were analysed thematically. The findings of the study revealed that ESL Grade 10 high school teachers were not aware of the term “Differentiated Instruction” even though to some extent they adopted DI approach. Teachers had mixed narratives about DI implementation and they used different alternative instructions during their lessons. The researcher recommended that teachers should be introduced to DI approach and be given more assistance, motivation, exposure and trainings in the form of conferences and seminars on proper DI implementation. Also teachers should be encouraged to continuously develop themselves academically in order to adjust to the new trend of managing the diverse learners that exist in their classes and in differentiating instruction with technology.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ndu, Onyinyechi Glory
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: English language -- Study and teaching Language and languages -- Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , D Lit. (English)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11440 , vital:39072
- Description: The lack of visible academic excellence in South Africa has necessitated the search for a more in-depth approach in teaching and learning. The Department of Basic Education, school administrators and School Governing Bodies are not left out in the search for a distinct approach that would be able to assist teachers and also accommodate diverse learning abilities found in the classroom. The purpose of this study is to investigate English Second Language teachers’ awareness and implementation of differentiated instruction in selected high schools in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The objectives were to find out the extent to which teachers adopt differentiated instructions in their classes: to examine teachers’ narratives about differentiated instruction and the alternative instruction teachers’ use in their classrooms. The study was anchored on the socio-cultural theory, multiple intelligence theory and learning style theory. It employed a mixed method research and triangulation, which was very beneficial for the validation of the research findings. It followed a case study exploratory design and descriptive survey design. A purposive sample of hundred and six (106) participants were used in the study. The quantitative data were analysed using tables, frequencies and percentages while the qualitative data were analysed thematically. The findings of the study revealed that ESL Grade 10 high school teachers were not aware of the term “Differentiated Instruction” even though to some extent they adopted DI approach. Teachers had mixed narratives about DI implementation and they used different alternative instructions during their lessons. The researcher recommended that teachers should be introduced to DI approach and be given more assistance, motivation, exposure and trainings in the form of conferences and seminars on proper DI implementation. Also teachers should be encouraged to continuously develop themselves academically in order to adjust to the new trend of managing the diverse learners that exist in their classes and in differentiating instruction with technology.
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Diversity, host plant range and ecology of Lepidoptera stem borers in South Africa
- Authors: Stemele, Mxolisi Arnold
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Lepidoptera Host plants Stem borers
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15409 , vital:40405
- Description: The biology and ecology of Lepidopteran pests stem borers has been extensively studied because of the economic importance of pest species such as Busseola fusca (Fuller) (Noctuidae), Sesamia calamistis (Hampson) (Noctuidae), Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) (Crambidae), and Eldana saccharina (Walker) (Pyralidae). Knowledge relating to diversity, infestation dynamics, and host plant range is readily available. In natural vegetation, the variety of stem borers is higher than that found in agroecosystems. However, there is a paucity of South African studies that explain the observed differences in diversity between the two systems. Stem borers are also known to exhibit species-specific ecological requirements, which influence their distribution between African countries. South African biomes are classified based on vegetation structure and climate, which happens to be the most critical factors that affect the distribution of phytophagous insects. This makes biomes an excellent model to investigate diversity and distribution of stem borer species. In this study, we investigated diversity, distribution and species composition in four biomes. The results showed that diversity and distribution of the stem borers in natural vegetation was determined by host plant distribution. Stem borer diversity correlated with high diversity of host plants. Thirty-two stem borer species were collected from 27 host plants and another three from light traps. Widely distributed host plants supported a higher diversity of stem borers, which is consistent with the resource availability hypotheses. Non-metric dimensional scale unfolding revealed disparity in host plant preference and plant species composition between the various stem borer families (Kruskal’s Stress = 0.16). Tortricidae species and Sesamia typhae (Le rü) (Noctuidae) feed exclusively on hydrophytic Cyperaceae species. The majority of Noctuidae, Crambidae and Phycitidae species collected were oligophagous on terrestrial Poaceae, with a few polyphagous exceptions feeding on hydrophytic Cyperaceae and Typhaceae. Additionally, species composition of Poaceae host plants differed between 8 Crambidae and the Phycitidae species. Stem borer species composition between biomes revealed the presence of distinct host plants (2D stress = 0.09) and stem borer (2D stress = 0.13) communities. The stem borer abundance and diversity were strongly correlated (R2 = 0.64), but species diversity (R2 = - 0.95) and host plant diversity (R2 = - 0.85) were inversely correlated to altitude. Based on these results it was concluded that stem borer diversity and distribution in natural vegetation was influenced by host plant diversity and distribution as well as climate associated with altitudinal gradients. In the last two decades, four stem borer species previously known on wild host plants; Busseola segeta (Bowden), Busseola phaia (Bowden), Pirateolea piscator (Fletcher) and Conicofrontia sesamoides (Hampson) have invaded cultivated crops. These invasions remained undetected because of a shortage of surveys, habitat transformation and misidentifications. Misidentifications are common among stem borers due to the considerable resemblance between morphospecies. In this study, we assessed the capacity of the mitochondrial gene Cytochrome c oxidase (COI) to delineate closely related species to develop monitoring and early detection of invasive species and to assess migration patterns and gene flow between the populations. The results demonstrated that COI is an effective DNA marker for species delineation and assessment of intra- and interspecific genetic relationship. The K2P distances and phylogenetic tree defined boundaries between Noctuidae species with high resolution. No divergence distance was detected between intraspecific species, but for the congener species, divergence distance was 0.044%-0.111% with an average of 0.076%. The average interspecies K2P distance (0.57%) was 5-15 times higher than the congener species distances. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the presence of two clades. Busseola and Sesamia species were connected in a monophyletic clade with a strong (93%) bootstrap. The second monophyletic clade comprised of a cluster of Pirateolea, Acrapex and Conicofrontia species, and this was also supported with 9 a strong bootstrap (100%). The gene flow study revealed low levels of genetic differentiation between the populations of B. fusca collected from different maize producing areas in South Africa. This low genetic differentiation was consistent with high gene flow. The number of effective migrants between the populations was between 8 and 99 individuals per generation. These results indicate high connectivity between the populations.
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- Authors: Stemele, Mxolisi Arnold
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Lepidoptera Host plants Stem borers
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15409 , vital:40405
- Description: The biology and ecology of Lepidopteran pests stem borers has been extensively studied because of the economic importance of pest species such as Busseola fusca (Fuller) (Noctuidae), Sesamia calamistis (Hampson) (Noctuidae), Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) (Crambidae), and Eldana saccharina (Walker) (Pyralidae). Knowledge relating to diversity, infestation dynamics, and host plant range is readily available. In natural vegetation, the variety of stem borers is higher than that found in agroecosystems. However, there is a paucity of South African studies that explain the observed differences in diversity between the two systems. Stem borers are also known to exhibit species-specific ecological requirements, which influence their distribution between African countries. South African biomes are classified based on vegetation structure and climate, which happens to be the most critical factors that affect the distribution of phytophagous insects. This makes biomes an excellent model to investigate diversity and distribution of stem borer species. In this study, we investigated diversity, distribution and species composition in four biomes. The results showed that diversity and distribution of the stem borers in natural vegetation was determined by host plant distribution. Stem borer diversity correlated with high diversity of host plants. Thirty-two stem borer species were collected from 27 host plants and another three from light traps. Widely distributed host plants supported a higher diversity of stem borers, which is consistent with the resource availability hypotheses. Non-metric dimensional scale unfolding revealed disparity in host plant preference and plant species composition between the various stem borer families (Kruskal’s Stress = 0.16). Tortricidae species and Sesamia typhae (Le rü) (Noctuidae) feed exclusively on hydrophytic Cyperaceae species. The majority of Noctuidae, Crambidae and Phycitidae species collected were oligophagous on terrestrial Poaceae, with a few polyphagous exceptions feeding on hydrophytic Cyperaceae and Typhaceae. Additionally, species composition of Poaceae host plants differed between 8 Crambidae and the Phycitidae species. Stem borer species composition between biomes revealed the presence of distinct host plants (2D stress = 0.09) and stem borer (2D stress = 0.13) communities. The stem borer abundance and diversity were strongly correlated (R2 = 0.64), but species diversity (R2 = - 0.95) and host plant diversity (R2 = - 0.85) were inversely correlated to altitude. Based on these results it was concluded that stem borer diversity and distribution in natural vegetation was influenced by host plant diversity and distribution as well as climate associated with altitudinal gradients. In the last two decades, four stem borer species previously known on wild host plants; Busseola segeta (Bowden), Busseola phaia (Bowden), Pirateolea piscator (Fletcher) and Conicofrontia sesamoides (Hampson) have invaded cultivated crops. These invasions remained undetected because of a shortage of surveys, habitat transformation and misidentifications. Misidentifications are common among stem borers due to the considerable resemblance between morphospecies. In this study, we assessed the capacity of the mitochondrial gene Cytochrome c oxidase (COI) to delineate closely related species to develop monitoring and early detection of invasive species and to assess migration patterns and gene flow between the populations. The results demonstrated that COI is an effective DNA marker for species delineation and assessment of intra- and interspecific genetic relationship. The K2P distances and phylogenetic tree defined boundaries between Noctuidae species with high resolution. No divergence distance was detected between intraspecific species, but for the congener species, divergence distance was 0.044%-0.111% with an average of 0.076%. The average interspecies K2P distance (0.57%) was 5-15 times higher than the congener species distances. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the presence of two clades. Busseola and Sesamia species were connected in a monophyletic clade with a strong (93%) bootstrap. The second monophyletic clade comprised of a cluster of Pirateolea, Acrapex and Conicofrontia species, and this was also supported with 9 a strong bootstrap (100%). The gene flow study revealed low levels of genetic differentiation between the populations of B. fusca collected from different maize producing areas in South Africa. This low genetic differentiation was consistent with high gene flow. The number of effective migrants between the populations was between 8 and 99 individuals per generation. These results indicate high connectivity between the populations.
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Educators and school governing bodies’ perceptions on rationalisation and redeployment in the Alfred-Nzo West District: advancing an argument for policy change
- Authors: Mgojo, Vuyani Sybriel
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Schools boards School administrators School management and organization
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Education)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16643 , vital:40739
- Description: The focus of this study was to report on the exploration of educators and school governing body members’ perceptions on the aspects of rationalisation and redeployment in the Alfred Nzo West District. In 1996 the Department introduced a policy on rationalisation and redeployment of teachers, based on Resolution 3 of the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC) with the aim of phasing in a learner – teacher ratio of 40:1 in primary schools and 35:1 in high schools. A case study design using a qualitative approach was adopted for the study. Data was gathered from ten purposively selected participants using semi-structured interviews, observations and documents reviews. A thematic approach was followed for the data analysis of this study. The overall findings of the study showed that the Department of Education followed a top-down approach with no interactive communication and consultation with school stakeholders during the implementation process of this policy. Participants cast doubt on principals’ understanding when implementing this policy, which inevitably leads to low morale, anxiety and uncertainty amongst teachers. It appears that this policy has not been internalized as an instrument to promote quality and access to schools, as it has been argued that the implementation thereof has resulted in lack of physical and human resources which is compromising the quality of teaching and learning. Moreover, participants were ambivalent about rationalisation and redeployment as an enabler and as a barrier to improvement as some participants view it as an alternative to retrenchment and a cost saving measure for the Department of Education. Given the aforementioned findings, it can be concluded that if the aims of rationalisation and redeployment are to be achieved, there is a need for policy change
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mgojo, Vuyani Sybriel
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Schools boards School administrators School management and organization
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Education)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16643 , vital:40739
- Description: The focus of this study was to report on the exploration of educators and school governing body members’ perceptions on the aspects of rationalisation and redeployment in the Alfred Nzo West District. In 1996 the Department introduced a policy on rationalisation and redeployment of teachers, based on Resolution 3 of the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC) with the aim of phasing in a learner – teacher ratio of 40:1 in primary schools and 35:1 in high schools. A case study design using a qualitative approach was adopted for the study. Data was gathered from ten purposively selected participants using semi-structured interviews, observations and documents reviews. A thematic approach was followed for the data analysis of this study. The overall findings of the study showed that the Department of Education followed a top-down approach with no interactive communication and consultation with school stakeholders during the implementation process of this policy. Participants cast doubt on principals’ understanding when implementing this policy, which inevitably leads to low morale, anxiety and uncertainty amongst teachers. It appears that this policy has not been internalized as an instrument to promote quality and access to schools, as it has been argued that the implementation thereof has resulted in lack of physical and human resources which is compromising the quality of teaching and learning. Moreover, participants were ambivalent about rationalisation and redeployment as an enabler and as a barrier to improvement as some participants view it as an alternative to retrenchment and a cost saving measure for the Department of Education. Given the aforementioned findings, it can be concluded that if the aims of rationalisation and redeployment are to be achieved, there is a need for policy change
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