Distribution, ecological and economic impacts and competition of the invasive alien aquatic weeds (Pontederia crassipes Mart., Pistia stratiotes L., Salvinia molesta D.S. Mitch. and Azolla filiculoides Lam.) in Madagascar
- Authors: Lehavana, Adolphe
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Pontederiaceae Madagascar , Water lettuce Madagascar , Salvinia molesta Madagascar , Azolla filiculoides Madagascar , Introduced aquatic organisms , Aquatic weeds Economic aspects , Aquatic weeds Social aspects , Aquatic weeds Geographical distribution
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/191225 , vital:45072
- Description: In Madagascar, as in several countries in the world, the invasion by four aquatic weeds (Pontederia crassipes Mart. (Pontederiaceae), Pistia stratiotes L. (Araceae), Salvinia molesta D.S. Mitch Salviniaceae) and Azolla filiculoides Lam. (Azollaceae) are among the drivers of environmental and socio-economic deterioration in aquatic ecosystems. Pistia stratiotes was first recorded on the island in the 19th century, and P. crassipes from the beginning of the 20th century, while S. molesta and A. filiculoides were only documented during in the 21st century. From the 1920s, botanists such as Henri Perrier de la Bathie and Raymond Decary were already aware of the dangers caused, in particular by P. crassipes in other countries, and raised the alarm, but little attention has been paid to these species. The aim of the research conducted for this thesis was to determine the distribution, socio-economic and ecological impacts of these four invasive alien aquatic weeds in Madagascar and to make recommendations for their control. First, the distributions of these four aquatic weeds were mapped. This mapping exercise compiled data from different sources including herbarium records, online data and field visits across Madagascar. The mapping study was undertaken from August 2015 to June 2020. Except for mountainous areas above 1800 m (Tsaratanana Massif, Ankaratra Massif and Andringitra Massif) where no data were available, all of Madagascar's bioclimates were invaded by at least one of the four aquatic weeds. In total, at least one species was recorded in 18 of the 22 Regions. Pontederia crassipes was recorded in 13 Regions, S. molesta in 14 Regions, P. stratiotes in 12 Regions, and A. filiculoides in 13 Regions. Herbarium records revealed the oldest record for P. stratiotes to be 1847, 1931 for P. crassipes, 1995 for S. molesta and there were no herbarium specimens for A. filiculoides prior to the start of the current study in 2015. We now know where these four weeds occur and how abundant they are. An objective of this research was to assess the impacts of the four invasive aquatic plants on the socio-economy of the island, mainly on rice production and fishing. Between 2016 and 2019, 102 households in three regions, Soanierana Ivongo, Foulpointe and Antananarivo, were randomly selected and questioned on the impact of these weeds in their aquatic ecosystems and their livelihoods such as fishing and rice growing. Surveys revealed that the four aquatic weeds significantly threatened household activities. On the east coast of Madagascar, the invasions of these four invasive species decreased fish and freshwater shrimp production by 82%. On the high plateau of Madagascar, they reduced rice yield by 30% despite requiring an additional expense of US$ 1,107/ha for control. Although farmers surveyed only used manual control to manage these weeds, they were receptive to other control methods, including integrated control using herbicides and biological control. Another objective of this research was to determine the ecological impacts of the four weeds and specifically if freshwater ecosystem functioning would return after control. To assess the ecological impact, between February 2017 to August 2019, on Lake Antsokafina, the following abiotic and biotic factors were considered: physico-chemistry of water, succession of macrophyte community and animal diversity. With the exception of turbidity, the values of the physico-chemical parameters of the water (pH, electrical conductivity, water temperature and turbidity), were similar between the infested zone and cleared zone. A study on the invasion process of aquatic weeds showed that the plant community succession of the lake changed over time in the areas that had been cleared. The submerged species Ceratophyllum demersum was the pioneer, followed by creeping species such as Echinochloa colona and Ipomoea aquatica, before the area was recolonized by aquatic weeds. Among the aquatic weeds, S. molesta was the most aggressive, covering 92% of the area one year after the start of the experiment. For animal diversity, bird, shrimp and fish community were assessed. The cleaning of the plots in the lake allowed the resumption of fishing activity providing 50 to 200g/catch for shrimp and from 0.25 to 0.5kg/catch for fish per person per day, while no catch was obtained in the areas infested by aquatic weeds were fishermen still attempting to harvest fish/shrimp from the aquatic weed infested areas. Three species of birds, Humblot’s Heron (Ardea humbloti), the white-faced whistling duck (Dendrocygna viduata) and red-billed teal (Anas erythrorhyncha) returned once the areas had been cleared. A manipulated outdoor as descriptor for laboratory experiment was conducted to determine the level and nature of competition of four aquatic weeds species against the indigenous floating fern, Salvinia hastata Desv. (Salviniaceae), using an additive series density model. It was shown that all four invasive species outcompeted S. hastata, with P. crassipes being 24 times more dominant, followed by P. stratiotes at 12 times, S. molesta at 8 times, and finally A. filiculoides at 1.2 times more dominant. This study provided direct evidence of the biodiversity impact of these four species and thus also provided an environmental argument for their control. Based on the findings of this study, a series of recommendations was formulated to manage the invasions of alien species in Madagascar with particular attention to invasive aquatic weeds. These recommendations mainly concern the establishment of management structures and legal instruments such as the creation of a lead government agency at national level and a cross-sectorial invasive species advisory committee, which should review legislation and regulations related to invasive species. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Lehavana, Adolphe
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Pontederiaceae Madagascar , Water lettuce Madagascar , Salvinia molesta Madagascar , Azolla filiculoides Madagascar , Introduced aquatic organisms , Aquatic weeds Economic aspects , Aquatic weeds Social aspects , Aquatic weeds Geographical distribution
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/191225 , vital:45072
- Description: In Madagascar, as in several countries in the world, the invasion by four aquatic weeds (Pontederia crassipes Mart. (Pontederiaceae), Pistia stratiotes L. (Araceae), Salvinia molesta D.S. Mitch Salviniaceae) and Azolla filiculoides Lam. (Azollaceae) are among the drivers of environmental and socio-economic deterioration in aquatic ecosystems. Pistia stratiotes was first recorded on the island in the 19th century, and P. crassipes from the beginning of the 20th century, while S. molesta and A. filiculoides were only documented during in the 21st century. From the 1920s, botanists such as Henri Perrier de la Bathie and Raymond Decary were already aware of the dangers caused, in particular by P. crassipes in other countries, and raised the alarm, but little attention has been paid to these species. The aim of the research conducted for this thesis was to determine the distribution, socio-economic and ecological impacts of these four invasive alien aquatic weeds in Madagascar and to make recommendations for their control. First, the distributions of these four aquatic weeds were mapped. This mapping exercise compiled data from different sources including herbarium records, online data and field visits across Madagascar. The mapping study was undertaken from August 2015 to June 2020. Except for mountainous areas above 1800 m (Tsaratanana Massif, Ankaratra Massif and Andringitra Massif) where no data were available, all of Madagascar's bioclimates were invaded by at least one of the four aquatic weeds. In total, at least one species was recorded in 18 of the 22 Regions. Pontederia crassipes was recorded in 13 Regions, S. molesta in 14 Regions, P. stratiotes in 12 Regions, and A. filiculoides in 13 Regions. Herbarium records revealed the oldest record for P. stratiotes to be 1847, 1931 for P. crassipes, 1995 for S. molesta and there were no herbarium specimens for A. filiculoides prior to the start of the current study in 2015. We now know where these four weeds occur and how abundant they are. An objective of this research was to assess the impacts of the four invasive aquatic plants on the socio-economy of the island, mainly on rice production and fishing. Between 2016 and 2019, 102 households in three regions, Soanierana Ivongo, Foulpointe and Antananarivo, were randomly selected and questioned on the impact of these weeds in their aquatic ecosystems and their livelihoods such as fishing and rice growing. Surveys revealed that the four aquatic weeds significantly threatened household activities. On the east coast of Madagascar, the invasions of these four invasive species decreased fish and freshwater shrimp production by 82%. On the high plateau of Madagascar, they reduced rice yield by 30% despite requiring an additional expense of US$ 1,107/ha for control. Although farmers surveyed only used manual control to manage these weeds, they were receptive to other control methods, including integrated control using herbicides and biological control. Another objective of this research was to determine the ecological impacts of the four weeds and specifically if freshwater ecosystem functioning would return after control. To assess the ecological impact, between February 2017 to August 2019, on Lake Antsokafina, the following abiotic and biotic factors were considered: physico-chemistry of water, succession of macrophyte community and animal diversity. With the exception of turbidity, the values of the physico-chemical parameters of the water (pH, electrical conductivity, water temperature and turbidity), were similar between the infested zone and cleared zone. A study on the invasion process of aquatic weeds showed that the plant community succession of the lake changed over time in the areas that had been cleared. The submerged species Ceratophyllum demersum was the pioneer, followed by creeping species such as Echinochloa colona and Ipomoea aquatica, before the area was recolonized by aquatic weeds. Among the aquatic weeds, S. molesta was the most aggressive, covering 92% of the area one year after the start of the experiment. For animal diversity, bird, shrimp and fish community were assessed. The cleaning of the plots in the lake allowed the resumption of fishing activity providing 50 to 200g/catch for shrimp and from 0.25 to 0.5kg/catch for fish per person per day, while no catch was obtained in the areas infested by aquatic weeds were fishermen still attempting to harvest fish/shrimp from the aquatic weed infested areas. Three species of birds, Humblot’s Heron (Ardea humbloti), the white-faced whistling duck (Dendrocygna viduata) and red-billed teal (Anas erythrorhyncha) returned once the areas had been cleared. A manipulated outdoor as descriptor for laboratory experiment was conducted to determine the level and nature of competition of four aquatic weeds species against the indigenous floating fern, Salvinia hastata Desv. (Salviniaceae), using an additive series density model. It was shown that all four invasive species outcompeted S. hastata, with P. crassipes being 24 times more dominant, followed by P. stratiotes at 12 times, S. molesta at 8 times, and finally A. filiculoides at 1.2 times more dominant. This study provided direct evidence of the biodiversity impact of these four species and thus also provided an environmental argument for their control. Based on the findings of this study, a series of recommendations was formulated to manage the invasions of alien species in Madagascar with particular attention to invasive aquatic weeds. These recommendations mainly concern the establishment of management structures and legal instruments such as the creation of a lead government agency at national level and a cross-sectorial invasive species advisory committee, which should review legislation and regulations related to invasive species. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Taxonomic, ecological and biogeographic re-evaluation of temperate stream fishes in Southern Africa: a case study of the enteromius anoplus complex
- Authors: Kambikambi, Manda Juliet
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Stream ecology South Africa , Barbs (Fish) Ecology South Africa Cape Fold Belt , Barbs (Fish) Ecology South Africa Highveld (Region) , Barbs (Fish) Ecology South Africa Amathole District Municipality , Biotic communities South Africa , Fishes Classification , Cryptic species , Chubbyhead barb
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/191023 , vital:45051 , 10.21504/10962/191023
- Description: Worldwide, cryptic species, which comprise two or more distinct species that are classified as one due to their morphological similarity, are more common than previously thought. In South Africa, the chubbyhead barb, Enteromius anoplus (Weber, 1897), is the most widespread freshwater fish species. The widespread occurrence of this species across different river basins raised questions on its taxonomic status due to the likely occurrence of hidden diversity. This further raised the need to evaluate the ecological patterns associated with likely occurrence of such hidden diversity. Phylogenetic analyses of the cytochrome b gene of E. anoplus populations across South Africa revealed the occurrence of four genetically distinct species. These findings supported the restoration Enteromius cernuus (Barnard 1943) stat. rev. from the Olifants River system; the restoration of Enteromius anoplus sensu stricto (Weber 1897) stat. rev. from the Gouritz River system; the redescription of Enteromius oraniensis (Barnard 1943) stat. rev. from the Orange River system; and the description of a new species, Enteromius mandelai sp. nov. from the Eastern Cape rivers. Analyses of morphometric and meristic data revealed that these species were differentiated based on barbel length and number of lateral line scales. Ecological studies on Enteromius mandelai were conducted within headwater streams of major river systems in the Eastern Cape region. These headwater streams had different catchment characteristics ranging from near-natural to anthropogenically-perturbed mainly due to agriculture-related disturbances and invasion of riparian zones by non-native plants. Stable isotope analysis provided evidence of trophic plasticity for E. mandelai across the different headwater streams. Specifically, E. mandelai exhibited large isotopic niches in agriculture-disturbed headwater streams, whereas small isotopic niches were observed in headwater streams invaded by non-native plants. Because of the evidence of trophic plasticity for E. mandelai, this study further hypothesized that this species would exhibit variable environmental niche patterns related to its distribution, abundance and the presence of contra-specifics due to different abiotic factors across its range. Enteromius mandelai was generally most abundant at sites with high total dissolved solids and sand substratum, which was characteristic of large pool habitats, and least abundant at sites with high turbidity. In the Great Fish River, E. mandelai occurred as the only species in most headwater sites, whereas in the Keiskamma and Buffalo River systems, it co-occurred with Amatolacypris trevelyani and Sandelia bainsii. Enteromius mandelai was, nevertheless, found to be ubiquitous together with having wide environmental niches, and exhibited no discernible patterns in its habitat associations. The taxonomic re-evaluation of the E. anoplus complex, which provided evidence of the existence of new species, has implications for the biogeographic zonation of the ichthyofauna of the Cape Fold Ecoregion (CFE), Amathole-Winterberg Highlands Ecoregion (AWHE) and the Southern Temperate Highveld Ecoregion (STHE). For example, the currently recognised southern limit of the STHE, which encompasses the AWHE, is based on the occurrence of E. anoplus, Enteromius pallidus and Labeo umbratus. However, evidence from this and other recent studies indicate the occurrence of either new species or distinct lineages in the southern-most section of the STHE, which is consistent with the patterns observed in the CFE. Comparison of taxonomic composition showed that species in the eastern part of the CFE were similar to species in the AWHE and the southern-most section of the STHE. Because of the close affinities among most of the new taxa in these regions, this study proposes that the current delimitation of the CFE should be reviewed by extending it to include the AWHE and sections of the STHE. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Kambikambi, Manda Juliet
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Stream ecology South Africa , Barbs (Fish) Ecology South Africa Cape Fold Belt , Barbs (Fish) Ecology South Africa Highveld (Region) , Barbs (Fish) Ecology South Africa Amathole District Municipality , Biotic communities South Africa , Fishes Classification , Cryptic species , Chubbyhead barb
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/191023 , vital:45051 , 10.21504/10962/191023
- Description: Worldwide, cryptic species, which comprise two or more distinct species that are classified as one due to their morphological similarity, are more common than previously thought. In South Africa, the chubbyhead barb, Enteromius anoplus (Weber, 1897), is the most widespread freshwater fish species. The widespread occurrence of this species across different river basins raised questions on its taxonomic status due to the likely occurrence of hidden diversity. This further raised the need to evaluate the ecological patterns associated with likely occurrence of such hidden diversity. Phylogenetic analyses of the cytochrome b gene of E. anoplus populations across South Africa revealed the occurrence of four genetically distinct species. These findings supported the restoration Enteromius cernuus (Barnard 1943) stat. rev. from the Olifants River system; the restoration of Enteromius anoplus sensu stricto (Weber 1897) stat. rev. from the Gouritz River system; the redescription of Enteromius oraniensis (Barnard 1943) stat. rev. from the Orange River system; and the description of a new species, Enteromius mandelai sp. nov. from the Eastern Cape rivers. Analyses of morphometric and meristic data revealed that these species were differentiated based on barbel length and number of lateral line scales. Ecological studies on Enteromius mandelai were conducted within headwater streams of major river systems in the Eastern Cape region. These headwater streams had different catchment characteristics ranging from near-natural to anthropogenically-perturbed mainly due to agriculture-related disturbances and invasion of riparian zones by non-native plants. Stable isotope analysis provided evidence of trophic plasticity for E. mandelai across the different headwater streams. Specifically, E. mandelai exhibited large isotopic niches in agriculture-disturbed headwater streams, whereas small isotopic niches were observed in headwater streams invaded by non-native plants. Because of the evidence of trophic plasticity for E. mandelai, this study further hypothesized that this species would exhibit variable environmental niche patterns related to its distribution, abundance and the presence of contra-specifics due to different abiotic factors across its range. Enteromius mandelai was generally most abundant at sites with high total dissolved solids and sand substratum, which was characteristic of large pool habitats, and least abundant at sites with high turbidity. In the Great Fish River, E. mandelai occurred as the only species in most headwater sites, whereas in the Keiskamma and Buffalo River systems, it co-occurred with Amatolacypris trevelyani and Sandelia bainsii. Enteromius mandelai was, nevertheless, found to be ubiquitous together with having wide environmental niches, and exhibited no discernible patterns in its habitat associations. The taxonomic re-evaluation of the E. anoplus complex, which provided evidence of the existence of new species, has implications for the biogeographic zonation of the ichthyofauna of the Cape Fold Ecoregion (CFE), Amathole-Winterberg Highlands Ecoregion (AWHE) and the Southern Temperate Highveld Ecoregion (STHE). For example, the currently recognised southern limit of the STHE, which encompasses the AWHE, is based on the occurrence of E. anoplus, Enteromius pallidus and Labeo umbratus. However, evidence from this and other recent studies indicate the occurrence of either new species or distinct lineages in the southern-most section of the STHE, which is consistent with the patterns observed in the CFE. Comparison of taxonomic composition showed that species in the eastern part of the CFE were similar to species in the AWHE and the southern-most section of the STHE. Because of the close affinities among most of the new taxa in these regions, this study proposes that the current delimitation of the CFE should be reviewed by extending it to include the AWHE and sections of the STHE. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
An enquiry on gender, religion and sport: the case of Muslim women residing in Malabar, Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Sait, Shaabiera
- Date: 2020-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55196 , vital:49588
- Description: Modern sports have made many claims, one of which is to give surety of equality within sporting codes. They also specifically focus on providing equal rights to allow individuals to compete in sports. The political history of South Africa is particularly important as it is essentially linked to the capacity to participate in sport in South Africa. Therefore, it is safe to say that politics and sports are intrinsically entwined in the country. Sport played a vibrant role in the struggle against the system of apartheid and has a vigorous role to play in the transformation and nation-building of South Africa. Islam has been open to growth and development, adaptation, and even change. Since its revelation, Islam has been filtered through a succession of cultural growth, reflecting the complex ways in which religious beliefs and social reality accommodate one another. Islam possesses a unifying framework which is provided by the Quran (Islam’s primary source regarded by Muslims as God’s revealed word) as the quintessential source along with the Hadith (the statements and deeds of Prophet Muhammad [Peace be unto him]) and language of the religion of Islam. This unity is accompanied by a multitude of diversities that must be considered in any discussion regarding Islam and its practice by Muslims. The Muslim women presented in this thesis were specifically from the Malabar area in Port Elizabeth, where different interpretations or perspectives of Islam exist. Malabar was created in 1961 under the Group Areas Act of 1950 in terms of which the Apartheid government forced people of different race categories to live separately. In a variety of societies and communities where legislation, customs, and traditions are affected or inspired by interpretations of the Quran and Sunnah, they combine to define the roles and status of men and women. Within a specific Muslim society, however, these may vary from one class or generation to another. Muslim women’s lives and the choices they face are influenced as much by patriarchal social arrangements as they are by religious ideology. The research is centred around the interpretations of Islam and what these interpretations mean for Muslim women and their participation in sports, while also considering the interconnectedness of personal choice and the rules and regulations of Islam. The objective of this study was to critically analyse the effect that the different interpretations of Islam have on Muslim women’s participation in sporting activities, as iii well as the barriers that Muslim women face during their involvement in sports. The research adopted a qualitative research method in which 20 Muslim women were interviewed, with the use of semi-structured interview schedules, as well as participant observation to collect the necessary data. A case study method was used to share the data collected from interviews. Furthermore, an auto-ethnographic method is also utilized for self-reflection and to explore personal experience relevant to this research. This thesis also draws on the Marxist feminist theoretical approach, focusing on investigating and explaining how women are oppressed through systems of capitalism and private property. Marxism and feminism are theories of power, which is distributed unequally in society. In researching gender, religion, and sport, I found that the relationship between Muslim women and sport is understood in different ways because of different interpretations of Islam and its teachings, often between one generation to the next and amongst various Muslim communities. Thus, individuals who are passionate about their sport will go the extra mile to ensure participation. In some cases, this would be regardless of the rules and regulations of Islam. Muslim women across the world have made many strides and overcome many barriers in sport. Over the years, although not favourably portrayed in the media, participation by women has increased drastically over time. This thesis explores gender, religion, and sport as well as the ‘lived body’ experiences of veiled Muslim women in sport and physical activity. I attempt to explain the relationship between religious requirements and participation in sport and physical activity. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-12
- Authors: Sait, Shaabiera
- Date: 2020-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55196 , vital:49588
- Description: Modern sports have made many claims, one of which is to give surety of equality within sporting codes. They also specifically focus on providing equal rights to allow individuals to compete in sports. The political history of South Africa is particularly important as it is essentially linked to the capacity to participate in sport in South Africa. Therefore, it is safe to say that politics and sports are intrinsically entwined in the country. Sport played a vibrant role in the struggle against the system of apartheid and has a vigorous role to play in the transformation and nation-building of South Africa. Islam has been open to growth and development, adaptation, and even change. Since its revelation, Islam has been filtered through a succession of cultural growth, reflecting the complex ways in which religious beliefs and social reality accommodate one another. Islam possesses a unifying framework which is provided by the Quran (Islam’s primary source regarded by Muslims as God’s revealed word) as the quintessential source along with the Hadith (the statements and deeds of Prophet Muhammad [Peace be unto him]) and language of the religion of Islam. This unity is accompanied by a multitude of diversities that must be considered in any discussion regarding Islam and its practice by Muslims. The Muslim women presented in this thesis were specifically from the Malabar area in Port Elizabeth, where different interpretations or perspectives of Islam exist. Malabar was created in 1961 under the Group Areas Act of 1950 in terms of which the Apartheid government forced people of different race categories to live separately. In a variety of societies and communities where legislation, customs, and traditions are affected or inspired by interpretations of the Quran and Sunnah, they combine to define the roles and status of men and women. Within a specific Muslim society, however, these may vary from one class or generation to another. Muslim women’s lives and the choices they face are influenced as much by patriarchal social arrangements as they are by religious ideology. The research is centred around the interpretations of Islam and what these interpretations mean for Muslim women and their participation in sports, while also considering the interconnectedness of personal choice and the rules and regulations of Islam. The objective of this study was to critically analyse the effect that the different interpretations of Islam have on Muslim women’s participation in sporting activities, as iii well as the barriers that Muslim women face during their involvement in sports. The research adopted a qualitative research method in which 20 Muslim women were interviewed, with the use of semi-structured interview schedules, as well as participant observation to collect the necessary data. A case study method was used to share the data collected from interviews. Furthermore, an auto-ethnographic method is also utilized for self-reflection and to explore personal experience relevant to this research. This thesis also draws on the Marxist feminist theoretical approach, focusing on investigating and explaining how women are oppressed through systems of capitalism and private property. Marxism and feminism are theories of power, which is distributed unequally in society. In researching gender, religion, and sport, I found that the relationship between Muslim women and sport is understood in different ways because of different interpretations of Islam and its teachings, often between one generation to the next and amongst various Muslim communities. Thus, individuals who are passionate about their sport will go the extra mile to ensure participation. In some cases, this would be regardless of the rules and regulations of Islam. Muslim women across the world have made many strides and overcome many barriers in sport. Over the years, although not favourably portrayed in the media, participation by women has increased drastically over time. This thesis explores gender, religion, and sport as well as the ‘lived body’ experiences of veiled Muslim women in sport and physical activity. I attempt to explain the relationship between religious requirements and participation in sport and physical activity. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-12
Colonial power and the transformation of feudal relations in Buganda 1900-1962
- Authors: Sekiswa, Peter
- Date: 2020-12
- Subjects: Uganda , Uganda (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55218 , vital:49670
- Description: This thesis has engaged in a debate that the establishment of colonial administration in Buganda in the 19th century more than anything else saw the transformation the Buganda state into an African feudal state. Basic explanation for this state of affairs was the need by the colonial authority to establish a dependent commodity producing economy in Buganda. The African feudal state contextually referred to is the transformation of power, labour and economic relations in this period to suit circumstances that favoured the process of commodity production in the Buganda state; a process that involved the strengthening of the political power base, by creating a landed oligarchy, thus destroying the traditional patron–client relations and creating out of such a relation a class of civil servants, yet also extracting land rent from siting tenant in an agrarian economic system. This period saw an interplay of numerous actors like the Christian missionaries and their Buganda collaborators, the Christian elite (Abasomi), the Learners. The second phase of this study examines the creation of a colonial economic system based on commodity production and the colonial authority creating a frame work of operation, as to how the economy-based commodity production was to operate as to either allow a settler plantation or a peasant mode of production. Coupled with the effects of the wars of nations the deteriorating economic conditions and the age of the rise of the spirit of nationalism in the 1950s, created a class of agitators against the colonial authority. Using the historical methodology, the study employed the use of oral interviews, archives, primary printed journals, and secondary sources, to trace the evolution of labour, political and economic relations in the Buganda state. This was in order to understand the process leading to the creation of the modern Buganda colonial state by 1962. The study puts it that the intercourse between the British colonial administrators and the Buganda state leaders was responsible for the resultant state of affairs. Intentionally or unintentionally, the British colonial authority created a new nation state dominated by a landed class elite. It is this elite class that led the independence struggle not for the whole nation but for one region of the country - their kingdom Buganda - the cause of conflict between the British colonial authority and the Buganda Kingdom, but also a source of economic and political competition between Buganda and other regions of Uganda. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-12
- Authors: Sekiswa, Peter
- Date: 2020-12
- Subjects: Uganda , Uganda (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55218 , vital:49670
- Description: This thesis has engaged in a debate that the establishment of colonial administration in Buganda in the 19th century more than anything else saw the transformation the Buganda state into an African feudal state. Basic explanation for this state of affairs was the need by the colonial authority to establish a dependent commodity producing economy in Buganda. The African feudal state contextually referred to is the transformation of power, labour and economic relations in this period to suit circumstances that favoured the process of commodity production in the Buganda state; a process that involved the strengthening of the political power base, by creating a landed oligarchy, thus destroying the traditional patron–client relations and creating out of such a relation a class of civil servants, yet also extracting land rent from siting tenant in an agrarian economic system. This period saw an interplay of numerous actors like the Christian missionaries and their Buganda collaborators, the Christian elite (Abasomi), the Learners. The second phase of this study examines the creation of a colonial economic system based on commodity production and the colonial authority creating a frame work of operation, as to how the economy-based commodity production was to operate as to either allow a settler plantation or a peasant mode of production. Coupled with the effects of the wars of nations the deteriorating economic conditions and the age of the rise of the spirit of nationalism in the 1950s, created a class of agitators against the colonial authority. Using the historical methodology, the study employed the use of oral interviews, archives, primary printed journals, and secondary sources, to trace the evolution of labour, political and economic relations in the Buganda state. This was in order to understand the process leading to the creation of the modern Buganda colonial state by 1962. The study puts it that the intercourse between the British colonial administrators and the Buganda state leaders was responsible for the resultant state of affairs. Intentionally or unintentionally, the British colonial authority created a new nation state dominated by a landed class elite. It is this elite class that led the independence struggle not for the whole nation but for one region of the country - their kingdom Buganda - the cause of conflict between the British colonial authority and the Buganda Kingdom, but also a source of economic and political competition between Buganda and other regions of Uganda. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-12
Effects of non-communicable diseases on labour market outcomes in South Africa
- Lawana, Nozuko https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0027-4725
- Authors: Lawana, Nozuko https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0027-4725
- Date: 2020-12
- Subjects: Labor economics , Environmental health
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20340 , vital:45656
- Description: South Africa has experienced a high and rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and lifestyle risk factors over the past decade. Health as a category of human capital is generally ex-pected to influence an individual’s labour supply and productivity. Despite the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases, the high rate of economically inactive population and persistent wage inequalities in South Africa, there is limited empirical research on the effect of NCDs on labour force participation, employment status and wage differentials. Given this, the main object-ive of this study was to determine the effects of NCDs on three labour market outcomes: labour force participation, employment status and wage differentials in South Africa. This was divided into three major analytical objectives. Data used was extracted from the five waves of the National Income Dynamics Study, a nationally representative survey collected by the South African Labour and Development Research Unit (SALDRU). Several econometric tests, including cross-sectional data analysis, panel data analysis and the Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition methods, were used in the study. The first analytical objective focused on estimating the effect of lifestyle risk factors on labour force participation through NCDs by gender. Endogenous multivariate probit models with a recur-sive simultaneous structure were employed as a method of analysis. The empirical findings suggested that NCDs and associated risk factors have detrimental effect on labour force participation. The analysis was further expanded to analyse the effect of gender differences, considering that the effect of NCDs may be gender-specific. The results revealed that the effect of stroke and heart diseases were significant only for men, while diabetes and high blood pressure were only significant for women. The results also emphasised the significant indirect influence of obesity, physical inactivity, and alcohol consumption on labour force participation through NCDs, especially for men. The second analytical chapter focused on investigating the effect of NCDs on employment status – that is, those employed, unemployed and economically inactive in the population of South Africa by gender. The estimation technique known as generalised linear latent and mixed methods (GLLAMM) was employed to fit the multinomial logit model with correlated random intercept. The findings suggest that NCDs affect the economically inactive population significantly relative to those employed, and the magnitude is larger for women than for men. There was no significant difference found in the effect of NCDs on the unemployed relative to the employed segment of the population. In addition, the results revealed gender differences on the effect of NCDs on employment status and that stroke had a significant influence on the employment status of both sexes, while heart diseases had significant influence only in men, whereas diabetes had significant effects only in women. The last analytical chapter focuses on estimating the effect of NCDs on wage differentials in South Africa by gender. The recentred influence function regression model and Blinder-Oaxaca de-composition with RIF were used in the chapter. The empirical results revealed that the effect of NCDs on earnings differ by gender. It was found that women with NCDs earn less than those without NCDs, while men with NCDs were found to earn more than their counterparts without NCDs. The results further revealed that women with NCDs suffer from wage discrimination in South Africa. The policy implications of this study are gender-specific. The results highlight the necessity for undertaking a massive awareness campaign regarding the prevention and control of NCDs, espe-cially among women. This can be achieved through specific female health programmes, including maternal healthcare. The findings of the study imply largely that calls for gender-responsive health approaches which take into account gender-specific needs and priorities should be promoted, compared to a blanket approach. In addition, there is a need for the government to complement education policies to promote labour market outcomes. Policies aimed at increasing access to education should continue to improve access to higher education and so to enhance participation in the labour force and reduce wage gaps. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-12
- Authors: Lawana, Nozuko https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0027-4725
- Date: 2020-12
- Subjects: Labor economics , Environmental health
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20340 , vital:45656
- Description: South Africa has experienced a high and rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and lifestyle risk factors over the past decade. Health as a category of human capital is generally ex-pected to influence an individual’s labour supply and productivity. Despite the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases, the high rate of economically inactive population and persistent wage inequalities in South Africa, there is limited empirical research on the effect of NCDs on labour force participation, employment status and wage differentials. Given this, the main object-ive of this study was to determine the effects of NCDs on three labour market outcomes: labour force participation, employment status and wage differentials in South Africa. This was divided into three major analytical objectives. Data used was extracted from the five waves of the National Income Dynamics Study, a nationally representative survey collected by the South African Labour and Development Research Unit (SALDRU). Several econometric tests, including cross-sectional data analysis, panel data analysis and the Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition methods, were used in the study. The first analytical objective focused on estimating the effect of lifestyle risk factors on labour force participation through NCDs by gender. Endogenous multivariate probit models with a recur-sive simultaneous structure were employed as a method of analysis. The empirical findings suggested that NCDs and associated risk factors have detrimental effect on labour force participation. The analysis was further expanded to analyse the effect of gender differences, considering that the effect of NCDs may be gender-specific. The results revealed that the effect of stroke and heart diseases were significant only for men, while diabetes and high blood pressure were only significant for women. The results also emphasised the significant indirect influence of obesity, physical inactivity, and alcohol consumption on labour force participation through NCDs, especially for men. The second analytical chapter focused on investigating the effect of NCDs on employment status – that is, those employed, unemployed and economically inactive in the population of South Africa by gender. The estimation technique known as generalised linear latent and mixed methods (GLLAMM) was employed to fit the multinomial logit model with correlated random intercept. The findings suggest that NCDs affect the economically inactive population significantly relative to those employed, and the magnitude is larger for women than for men. There was no significant difference found in the effect of NCDs on the unemployed relative to the employed segment of the population. In addition, the results revealed gender differences on the effect of NCDs on employment status and that stroke had a significant influence on the employment status of both sexes, while heart diseases had significant influence only in men, whereas diabetes had significant effects only in women. The last analytical chapter focuses on estimating the effect of NCDs on wage differentials in South Africa by gender. The recentred influence function regression model and Blinder-Oaxaca de-composition with RIF were used in the chapter. The empirical results revealed that the effect of NCDs on earnings differ by gender. It was found that women with NCDs earn less than those without NCDs, while men with NCDs were found to earn more than their counterparts without NCDs. The results further revealed that women with NCDs suffer from wage discrimination in South Africa. The policy implications of this study are gender-specific. The results highlight the necessity for undertaking a massive awareness campaign regarding the prevention and control of NCDs, espe-cially among women. This can be achieved through specific female health programmes, including maternal healthcare. The findings of the study imply largely that calls for gender-responsive health approaches which take into account gender-specific needs and priorities should be promoted, compared to a blanket approach. In addition, there is a need for the government to complement education policies to promote labour market outcomes. Policies aimed at increasing access to education should continue to improve access to higher education and so to enhance participation in the labour force and reduce wage gaps. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-12
Rural enterprise development as a means to poverty alleviation
- Authors: Bodley, David Cyril
- Date: 2020-12
- Subjects: Poverty -- South Africa , Rural development projects -- South Africa , Economic assistance, Domestic -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49759 , vital:41797
- Description: South Africa’s disappointing economic performance over the last decade has resulted in a socio-economic crisis, with unemployment and inequality rates being of the highest rates anywhere in the world. Furthermore, unemployment is concentrated among the young, unskilled, and previously disadvantaged population posing a considerable threat to South Africa’s new democracy. Internationally, a method to absorb job seekers into the economy is to make small business the engine-room of economic growth and development. Consequently, the South African Government has identified in its National Development Plan the establishment of small businesses as a priority, including the development of small businesses in rural and marginalised communities. As rural communities in South Africa experience systemic problems such as the lack of infrastructure, financial capital, skills and potential markets, establishing enterprises in rural settings is often more complex than those more advanced parts of the economy elsewhere where fewer constraints exist. This makes the task of establishing and growing rural entities particularly challenging, suggesting bespoke policy and support is required. This study analyses the literature to gain an understanding of economic development theory and how this intersects with and informs small enterprise development policy. It then looks at South Africa’s strategy and policy framework pertaining to enterprise development. Specifically, the literature examines the role of rural enterprise development to establish whether this enables people to move out of poverty or further entraps people in poverty. The study collates data from a rural and marginalised community through observation and interview techniques. Firstly, multiple in-depth interviews were conducted with nineteen entrepreneurs in a rural community to collect data on business opportunities and explore the type of support entrepreneurs would require from government. Secondly, a focus group interview was conducted with entrepreneurs that had ii experienced institutional support to understand how well current policy and programmes support rural enterprise development. The primary data was analysed in conjunction with the literature on economic theory and enterprise development using the technique of triangulation to avoid logic leaps and formation of false assumptions. The insights and findings from the analysis reinforced certain facts within the body of knowledge pertaining to enterprise development, but there were also some interesting new insights that emanate from the data. South Africa has been able to introduce a wide range of policy initiatives and has multiple programmes and strategies to support small enterprise development. It has achieved firm success and impetus as well as experiencing certain failures. The study clearly highlights both and makes recommendations to improve policy promoting rural enterprise development as a means to alleviate poverty. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Management Sciences, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-12
- Authors: Bodley, David Cyril
- Date: 2020-12
- Subjects: Poverty -- South Africa , Rural development projects -- South Africa , Economic assistance, Domestic -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49759 , vital:41797
- Description: South Africa’s disappointing economic performance over the last decade has resulted in a socio-economic crisis, with unemployment and inequality rates being of the highest rates anywhere in the world. Furthermore, unemployment is concentrated among the young, unskilled, and previously disadvantaged population posing a considerable threat to South Africa’s new democracy. Internationally, a method to absorb job seekers into the economy is to make small business the engine-room of economic growth and development. Consequently, the South African Government has identified in its National Development Plan the establishment of small businesses as a priority, including the development of small businesses in rural and marginalised communities. As rural communities in South Africa experience systemic problems such as the lack of infrastructure, financial capital, skills and potential markets, establishing enterprises in rural settings is often more complex than those more advanced parts of the economy elsewhere where fewer constraints exist. This makes the task of establishing and growing rural entities particularly challenging, suggesting bespoke policy and support is required. This study analyses the literature to gain an understanding of economic development theory and how this intersects with and informs small enterprise development policy. It then looks at South Africa’s strategy and policy framework pertaining to enterprise development. Specifically, the literature examines the role of rural enterprise development to establish whether this enables people to move out of poverty or further entraps people in poverty. The study collates data from a rural and marginalised community through observation and interview techniques. Firstly, multiple in-depth interviews were conducted with nineteen entrepreneurs in a rural community to collect data on business opportunities and explore the type of support entrepreneurs would require from government. Secondly, a focus group interview was conducted with entrepreneurs that had ii experienced institutional support to understand how well current policy and programmes support rural enterprise development. The primary data was analysed in conjunction with the literature on economic theory and enterprise development using the technique of triangulation to avoid logic leaps and formation of false assumptions. The insights and findings from the analysis reinforced certain facts within the body of knowledge pertaining to enterprise development, but there were also some interesting new insights that emanate from the data. South Africa has been able to introduce a wide range of policy initiatives and has multiple programmes and strategies to support small enterprise development. It has achieved firm success and impetus as well as experiencing certain failures. The study clearly highlights both and makes recommendations to improve policy promoting rural enterprise development as a means to alleviate poverty. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Management Sciences, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-12
Social policy and regional integration in SADC: a regional health care perspective
- Authors: Maduna-Mafu, Nqobani
- Date: 2020-12
- Subjects: Regionalism , AIDS (Disease) -- Africa, Southern , HIV-positive persons -- Africa, Southern Africa, Southern -- Government policy
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19848 , vital:43386
- Description: The study examined the implementation of SADC health programmes, particularly the health protocol and its role to the advancement of health justice in the SADC region. Social driven regionalism involves member states adopting common policies in social policy areas that include; health, education and social protection. Therefore, the focus of this study was on regional integration-social policy interface and contribution towards socially equitable regional development with specific focus on health care provision. Since the 19th century development co-operation between countries has been informed by traditionalist views on regionalism, particularly the comparative advantage and the customs union paradigms. These anachronistic models have constructed a narrative suggesting that adopting trade-based regional integration schemes is a sustainable solution to fragmented markets and weak economies that are vulnerable to global economic trends. This antediluvian approach has produced forms of regionalism whose endeavour is the liberalisation of trade to the negation of human development. The SADC has experimented with this approach since the 1980s leading to the neglect of social policy and deepening human insecurity as shown by high mortality rates attributable to epidemics and low life expectancy in SADC member countries. Although neo-classical foundations are the socio-historical pivots of regional integration SADC has instruments that are centred on social actions aiming to promote citizens’ normative right to health. Thus, the fundamental strength with SADC regional social policy instruments is the incorporation of pro-poor commitments in systems of regional governance. While these social policies do not establish guarantees to the realisation of the right to health because they do have the politico-legal means to enforce such guarantees, they define regional agenda for justice in the context of deepening social challenges. This consequently makes the SADC region a site for norms that engender practices towards addressing the challenge of economic development and social transformation dichotomy. The existence of social policies arising from global health diplomacy means that the region has an opportunity to play a role as a vector for social justice through committing member states to equity and promoting social rights while providing brokerage needed for redistribution of public commodities. Using the qualitative approach, the study examined the implementation of SADC health programmes, particularly the health protocol, and the contribution to regional integration experience in the region. Narratives showed that SADC is facing enormous challenges in re-inventing regional co-operation towards health diplomacy. Although there is a confluence of factors militating against this form of regionalism, the fundamental contributory factor is lopsided regional integration favouring economic development ahead of social transformation. The architectural framework of SADC is trade-driven. Consequently, it lacks structures that can foster regional action on social questions that include; health infrastructure, health human resources, medical research and technology, vaccines production and procurement, regional health financing, civil society engagement towards achieving health justice in the region. The study has adopted the justice-driven regional health approach grounded on South to South co-operation principles and universalisation of health as the framework for understanding region and state-level interventions required to resolve intensifying social policy challenges including TB and HIV/AIDS. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management & Commerce, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-12
- Authors: Maduna-Mafu, Nqobani
- Date: 2020-12
- Subjects: Regionalism , AIDS (Disease) -- Africa, Southern , HIV-positive persons -- Africa, Southern Africa, Southern -- Government policy
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19848 , vital:43386
- Description: The study examined the implementation of SADC health programmes, particularly the health protocol and its role to the advancement of health justice in the SADC region. Social driven regionalism involves member states adopting common policies in social policy areas that include; health, education and social protection. Therefore, the focus of this study was on regional integration-social policy interface and contribution towards socially equitable regional development with specific focus on health care provision. Since the 19th century development co-operation between countries has been informed by traditionalist views on regionalism, particularly the comparative advantage and the customs union paradigms. These anachronistic models have constructed a narrative suggesting that adopting trade-based regional integration schemes is a sustainable solution to fragmented markets and weak economies that are vulnerable to global economic trends. This antediluvian approach has produced forms of regionalism whose endeavour is the liberalisation of trade to the negation of human development. The SADC has experimented with this approach since the 1980s leading to the neglect of social policy and deepening human insecurity as shown by high mortality rates attributable to epidemics and low life expectancy in SADC member countries. Although neo-classical foundations are the socio-historical pivots of regional integration SADC has instruments that are centred on social actions aiming to promote citizens’ normative right to health. Thus, the fundamental strength with SADC regional social policy instruments is the incorporation of pro-poor commitments in systems of regional governance. While these social policies do not establish guarantees to the realisation of the right to health because they do have the politico-legal means to enforce such guarantees, they define regional agenda for justice in the context of deepening social challenges. This consequently makes the SADC region a site for norms that engender practices towards addressing the challenge of economic development and social transformation dichotomy. The existence of social policies arising from global health diplomacy means that the region has an opportunity to play a role as a vector for social justice through committing member states to equity and promoting social rights while providing brokerage needed for redistribution of public commodities. Using the qualitative approach, the study examined the implementation of SADC health programmes, particularly the health protocol, and the contribution to regional integration experience in the region. Narratives showed that SADC is facing enormous challenges in re-inventing regional co-operation towards health diplomacy. Although there is a confluence of factors militating against this form of regionalism, the fundamental contributory factor is lopsided regional integration favouring economic development ahead of social transformation. The architectural framework of SADC is trade-driven. Consequently, it lacks structures that can foster regional action on social questions that include; health infrastructure, health human resources, medical research and technology, vaccines production and procurement, regional health financing, civil society engagement towards achieving health justice in the region. The study has adopted the justice-driven regional health approach grounded on South to South co-operation principles and universalisation of health as the framework for understanding region and state-level interventions required to resolve intensifying social policy challenges including TB and HIV/AIDS. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management & Commerce, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-12
The moderating effect of flourishing at work on psychological determinants and performance amongst early career academics at a selected university
- Authors: Mpofu, Mthokozisi
- Date: 2020-12
- Subjects: Job satisfaction , Work environment
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21443 , vital:48629
- Description: Orientation – Flourishing is a phenomenon that moderates the relationship between psychological determinants and performance amongst early career academics at a selected South African university. Research objective – The main objective of this investigation was to explore if flourishing moderates the relationship between psychological determinants and performance amongst early career academics at a selected South African university. Motivation for the study – There are numerous difficulties that early career academics (ECAs) encounter in their career paths, including managing their current work performance, setting sights to pursue and explore further career development, and executing their tasks and activities. Coupled with this, they are expected to perform important roles that include facilitating teaching, its associated support work and research. Following on this, the most significant intervention with regards to ECAs’ professional careers would be to understand the controlling effect of flourishing at work on psychological determinants and the ability to execute job tasks and activities amongst early career academics with the intention of providing knowledge to help ECAs perform to their optimum level. Research approach/design and methods – A quantitative approach was applied with the Flourishing-at-Work Scale (FAWS) which was used to measure flourishing at work, while the Career Success Scale (CSS) was used to measure career performance. Resilience was measured through the Dispositional Resilience Scale, motivation was measured through the Achievement Motivation Questionnaire and personality was measured using The Big Five Inventory (BFI). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was conducted to model the relationship between the research variables aided by the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 and the Linear Structural Relations (LISREL) version 8.80. Main findings – The major finding in this study was that flourishing at work moderates the relationship between psychological determinants and performance. The findings revealed that personality predicts performance, and that a noteworthy relationship exists between resilience and performance. Additionally, a connection was found between motivation and performance. The results also revealed that all the psychological determinants, namely personality, resilience and motivation are important predictors of performance. Practical/Managerial implications – Institutions of higher learning and associated stakeholders will need to find ways to improve employee flourishing, managing personality, resilience, performance and motivation of ECAs in their workspaces through providing physical, emotional and intellectual resources that will afford employees to perform their tasks effectively; offering supportive and trusting relationships with leaders and managers; building sound relationships among co-workers; providing challenging, interesting roles and responsibilities; availing career advancement opportunities; providing clearly defined goals and role clarity; providing authentic leadership; being mindful that individual ECAs have unique personalities that assist them to perform satisfactorily in their roles; providing ECAs with opportunities for work adaptation, , optimistic thinking, realism, behavioural control, physical aptness, selflessness and removing removing uncertainty in their roles; availing environments that promote resilience within individuals which include a positive command climate, teamwork, and cohesion; and providing sound motivation systems correlated to organisation goals which might include growth/career advancement, stability, training and development, stimulating work and recognition. , Thesis (MCom) (Industrial Psychology) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-12
- Authors: Mpofu, Mthokozisi
- Date: 2020-12
- Subjects: Job satisfaction , Work environment
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21443 , vital:48629
- Description: Orientation – Flourishing is a phenomenon that moderates the relationship between psychological determinants and performance amongst early career academics at a selected South African university. Research objective – The main objective of this investigation was to explore if flourishing moderates the relationship between psychological determinants and performance amongst early career academics at a selected South African university. Motivation for the study – There are numerous difficulties that early career academics (ECAs) encounter in their career paths, including managing their current work performance, setting sights to pursue and explore further career development, and executing their tasks and activities. Coupled with this, they are expected to perform important roles that include facilitating teaching, its associated support work and research. Following on this, the most significant intervention with regards to ECAs’ professional careers would be to understand the controlling effect of flourishing at work on psychological determinants and the ability to execute job tasks and activities amongst early career academics with the intention of providing knowledge to help ECAs perform to their optimum level. Research approach/design and methods – A quantitative approach was applied with the Flourishing-at-Work Scale (FAWS) which was used to measure flourishing at work, while the Career Success Scale (CSS) was used to measure career performance. Resilience was measured through the Dispositional Resilience Scale, motivation was measured through the Achievement Motivation Questionnaire and personality was measured using The Big Five Inventory (BFI). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was conducted to model the relationship between the research variables aided by the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 and the Linear Structural Relations (LISREL) version 8.80. Main findings – The major finding in this study was that flourishing at work moderates the relationship between psychological determinants and performance. The findings revealed that personality predicts performance, and that a noteworthy relationship exists between resilience and performance. Additionally, a connection was found between motivation and performance. The results also revealed that all the psychological determinants, namely personality, resilience and motivation are important predictors of performance. Practical/Managerial implications – Institutions of higher learning and associated stakeholders will need to find ways to improve employee flourishing, managing personality, resilience, performance and motivation of ECAs in their workspaces through providing physical, emotional and intellectual resources that will afford employees to perform their tasks effectively; offering supportive and trusting relationships with leaders and managers; building sound relationships among co-workers; providing challenging, interesting roles and responsibilities; availing career advancement opportunities; providing clearly defined goals and role clarity; providing authentic leadership; being mindful that individual ECAs have unique personalities that assist them to perform satisfactorily in their roles; providing ECAs with opportunities for work adaptation, , optimistic thinking, realism, behavioural control, physical aptness, selflessness and removing removing uncertainty in their roles; availing environments that promote resilience within individuals which include a positive command climate, teamwork, and cohesion; and providing sound motivation systems correlated to organisation goals which might include growth/career advancement, stability, training and development, stimulating work and recognition. , Thesis (MCom) (Industrial Psychology) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-12
The state and civil society in building a capable developmental state : a case of the National Department of Social Development and the Non Profit Organisations sector in South Africa
- Authors: Morkel, Candice
- Date: 2020-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55031 , vital:48824
- Description: The challenges in the relationship between the Department of Social Development (DSD) and Non Profit Organisations (NPOs) in South Africa pose a risk to their ability to partner successfully in order to deliver government’s Constitutional obligations in meeting citizens’ developmental social welfare needs. Some contemporary theories of the state (such as pluralism and corporatism) as well as approaches to Public Administration and Management (such as co-production) support a collaborative approach between governments and civil society in order to address development challenges. Peter Evans’ (cf. 1995, 1997, 1998, 2008; 2014) expansive scholarship on embedded autonomy and building capable developmental states, suggests that a state that is sufficiently embedded in an intimate partnership with nonstate actors is more likely to achieve its development goals. However, these relations must also be autonomous and unfettered by private or sectional interests to circumvent the risk of neopatrimonialism and state capture. In view of growing critiques of economic growth as the primary marker of a developmental state, which prioritises the state’s relationship with private capital, Evans (ibid.) also argued for a more expanded definition of embedded autonomy. Building on Evan’s perspective, this study examines the relationship between the DSD and the NPO sector in South Africa to address the gap in the literature on how other forms of embedded autonomy (beyond the state-private sector nexus) may function in a developmental state. Its purpose is to make an original contribution to knowledge by examining how the achievement of South Africa’s Developmental Social Welfare (DSW) outcomes and the building of a capable developmental state may be affected by weaknesses in embeddedness, autonomy and state capacity. It argues that a relationship of trust and solidarity between the state and civil society that prioritises the well-being of people as the primary indicator of development, is a necessary feature of the capable developmental state. The study therefore provides insights into the interventions required to ensure collaborative and integrated service delivery between the state and civil society in South Africa. This is forged from an examination of the deeply held conflicting beliefs and expectations around the execution of the DSW mandate, the current tensions in the relationship, its intersections with the history of the non-profit sector in the apartheid welfare state and the challenges of transformation since 1994. In this respect, it fills a further gap in the literature by focusing on expanded, non-traditional state-society ties imagined by Evans’ conceptual framework of embedded autonomy and the developmental state. Furthermore, the study makes an elemental contribution to knowledge around co-production, which remains poorly formulated despite increasing interest and research in this area of Public Administration and Management (Gawlowski, 2018:72; Osborne, Radnor & Strokosch, 2016:644). This study used a qualitative design to derive meaning from indepth interviews with twentythree (23) knowledgeable experts representing the DSD (current and ex-staff members), NPOs, members of the Ministerial Committee for the 2013-2016 Review of the White Paper for Social Welfare (1997), NPO umbrella bodies and social justice activists. These were supplemented by a Focus Group Discussion comprising of nine (9) activists based at a grassroots NPO. Employing both an interpretive and constructivist approach, the design facilitated an in-depth examination of participants’ perceptions of the state’s constitutional obligation towards social justice through delivering DSW services in collaboration with the NPO Sector. The researcher used thematic content analysis to explore how weaknesses in the inter-play between embeddedness and autonomy in the DSW sector may explain the tensions between the DSD and NPOs. An analysis of the literature also helped in drawing linkages between weaknesses in embedded autonomy, building a capable developmental state and achieving the country’s DSW outcomes. The study found that the adversarial relationship between the DSD and NPOs has a negative effect on the rendering of DSW services to citizens, which places South Africa’s pursuit of a capable developmental state at risk. Applying a strategic-relational conceptualisation of the state, it argued how South Africa’s commitment to a participatory and people-centred approach to public policy and the protection of the socio-economic rights of citizens requires a fully engaged civil society, balanced by autonomy. Invoking a Gramscian lens, the study also provided an analysis of the potential for civil society to act as a counter-hegemonic force against the domination of global capital and the marketization of the state in order to protect the rights of the subaltern. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-12
- Authors: Morkel, Candice
- Date: 2020-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55031 , vital:48824
- Description: The challenges in the relationship between the Department of Social Development (DSD) and Non Profit Organisations (NPOs) in South Africa pose a risk to their ability to partner successfully in order to deliver government’s Constitutional obligations in meeting citizens’ developmental social welfare needs. Some contemporary theories of the state (such as pluralism and corporatism) as well as approaches to Public Administration and Management (such as co-production) support a collaborative approach between governments and civil society in order to address development challenges. Peter Evans’ (cf. 1995, 1997, 1998, 2008; 2014) expansive scholarship on embedded autonomy and building capable developmental states, suggests that a state that is sufficiently embedded in an intimate partnership with nonstate actors is more likely to achieve its development goals. However, these relations must also be autonomous and unfettered by private or sectional interests to circumvent the risk of neopatrimonialism and state capture. In view of growing critiques of economic growth as the primary marker of a developmental state, which prioritises the state’s relationship with private capital, Evans (ibid.) also argued for a more expanded definition of embedded autonomy. Building on Evan’s perspective, this study examines the relationship between the DSD and the NPO sector in South Africa to address the gap in the literature on how other forms of embedded autonomy (beyond the state-private sector nexus) may function in a developmental state. Its purpose is to make an original contribution to knowledge by examining how the achievement of South Africa’s Developmental Social Welfare (DSW) outcomes and the building of a capable developmental state may be affected by weaknesses in embeddedness, autonomy and state capacity. It argues that a relationship of trust and solidarity between the state and civil society that prioritises the well-being of people as the primary indicator of development, is a necessary feature of the capable developmental state. The study therefore provides insights into the interventions required to ensure collaborative and integrated service delivery between the state and civil society in South Africa. This is forged from an examination of the deeply held conflicting beliefs and expectations around the execution of the DSW mandate, the current tensions in the relationship, its intersections with the history of the non-profit sector in the apartheid welfare state and the challenges of transformation since 1994. In this respect, it fills a further gap in the literature by focusing on expanded, non-traditional state-society ties imagined by Evans’ conceptual framework of embedded autonomy and the developmental state. Furthermore, the study makes an elemental contribution to knowledge around co-production, which remains poorly formulated despite increasing interest and research in this area of Public Administration and Management (Gawlowski, 2018:72; Osborne, Radnor & Strokosch, 2016:644). This study used a qualitative design to derive meaning from indepth interviews with twentythree (23) knowledgeable experts representing the DSD (current and ex-staff members), NPOs, members of the Ministerial Committee for the 2013-2016 Review of the White Paper for Social Welfare (1997), NPO umbrella bodies and social justice activists. These were supplemented by a Focus Group Discussion comprising of nine (9) activists based at a grassroots NPO. Employing both an interpretive and constructivist approach, the design facilitated an in-depth examination of participants’ perceptions of the state’s constitutional obligation towards social justice through delivering DSW services in collaboration with the NPO Sector. The researcher used thematic content analysis to explore how weaknesses in the inter-play between embeddedness and autonomy in the DSW sector may explain the tensions between the DSD and NPOs. An analysis of the literature also helped in drawing linkages between weaknesses in embedded autonomy, building a capable developmental state and achieving the country’s DSW outcomes. The study found that the adversarial relationship between the DSD and NPOs has a negative effect on the rendering of DSW services to citizens, which places South Africa’s pursuit of a capable developmental state at risk. Applying a strategic-relational conceptualisation of the state, it argued how South Africa’s commitment to a participatory and people-centred approach to public policy and the protection of the socio-economic rights of citizens requires a fully engaged civil society, balanced by autonomy. Invoking a Gramscian lens, the study also provided an analysis of the potential for civil society to act as a counter-hegemonic force against the domination of global capital and the marketization of the state in order to protect the rights of the subaltern. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-12
Towards a thriving youth culture: a framework for the development and empowerment of rural unemployed youth in Mhlontlo Municipality, South Africa
- Authors: Mugabe, Tanaka Candida
- Date: 2020-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55053 , vital:49026
- Description: The basis for youth employment and development in rural areas encapsulates transformation which brings about freedom in terms of economic growth as well as social stability. nevertheless, research provides evidence that one of the complex dilemmas in South Africa and across the globe is youth unemployment. Statistics South Africa in 2019 estimated that 70,9% of the total number of unemployed citizens are youths, with consequences that have a far-reaching impact on their quality of life and future prospects; thus, a social problem that requires urgent redress. In addition, there is evidence that youth unemployment is more prominent in rural than urban areas. It is for this reason that this study focused on the lived experiences of unemployed youth in Mhlontlo Municipality, a rural locality in South Africa to better understand the complexity and multifaceted unemployment phenomenon. Youth unemployment requires an understanding of its nature; especially, when considering and/or implementing interventions. Although the youth may share common denominators such as their culture, being unemployed and have a need for development and empowerment, youths experience their world as individuals and differently. Ensuring positive development and thriving requires insightful understanding about lived experiences of unemployed youths, as well as the immediate effect and long-standing impact caused by the nature of interaction between youths and their broader ecological environment. The research findings in this thesis highlight that whether as a source (self) or re-source (cocreator) of human capital, unemployed youth have the capacity to thrive and/or to enable thriving. Thus, an intervention initiative should create a culture of thriving; the latter, both a means and end, irrespective of the adversity in which unemployed youths find themselves. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-12
- Authors: Mugabe, Tanaka Candida
- Date: 2020-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55053 , vital:49026
- Description: The basis for youth employment and development in rural areas encapsulates transformation which brings about freedom in terms of economic growth as well as social stability. nevertheless, research provides evidence that one of the complex dilemmas in South Africa and across the globe is youth unemployment. Statistics South Africa in 2019 estimated that 70,9% of the total number of unemployed citizens are youths, with consequences that have a far-reaching impact on their quality of life and future prospects; thus, a social problem that requires urgent redress. In addition, there is evidence that youth unemployment is more prominent in rural than urban areas. It is for this reason that this study focused on the lived experiences of unemployed youth in Mhlontlo Municipality, a rural locality in South Africa to better understand the complexity and multifaceted unemployment phenomenon. Youth unemployment requires an understanding of its nature; especially, when considering and/or implementing interventions. Although the youth may share common denominators such as their culture, being unemployed and have a need for development and empowerment, youths experience their world as individuals and differently. Ensuring positive development and thriving requires insightful understanding about lived experiences of unemployed youths, as well as the immediate effect and long-standing impact caused by the nature of interaction between youths and their broader ecological environment. The research findings in this thesis highlight that whether as a source (self) or re-source (cocreator) of human capital, unemployed youth have the capacity to thrive and/or to enable thriving. Thus, an intervention initiative should create a culture of thriving; the latter, both a means and end, irrespective of the adversity in which unemployed youths find themselves. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-12
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