An evaluation of industrial action in selected agro-based infant industries in the Msasa Industrial Area of Harare (Zimbabwe)
- Authors: Kapunura, Gift
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Strikes and lockouts--Zimbabwe Zimbabwe--Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Sociology
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15452 , vital:40409
- Description: Agro based-infant industries played a greater role in the development of Zimbabwe since 1980 when the country gained its independence. However, its success has been hindered by industrial action in the country. The continuous increase in the number of industrial action is the major motives of this study. Conversely, with the increasing levels of industrial action in the country, it was noted that the main causes of industrial action were low wages, poor communication between employers and employees, disparities in pay structures, lack of consultation in the process of decision-making and poor working conditions. The study adopted a qualitative approach in data collection and analysis. Thirty in-depth interviews were undertaken with selected participants who are the workers and managers of agro-based infant industries using purposive sampling technique in Msasa industrial area. Findings of the study show that main forms of industrial action were industrial strike, sit in, absenteeism, go slow, work to rule and overtime ban. Major findings of the study point to the fact that industrial action affects the solidarity of workers negatively since some of the workers will not stand for others when they are dismissed after industrial action. In general, industrial action therefore weakens worker solidarity. Secondly, industrial action affects the economic welfare of workers and their families negatively. This is because during the period of industrial action there could be pay cut and the families will not be able to afford basic commodities, thereby affecting their general welfare as well as bringing tension and conflicts within the families. Thirdly, it is also acknowledged in the study that industrial action affects employer-employee relations.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Kapunura, Gift
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Strikes and lockouts--Zimbabwe Zimbabwe--Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Sociology
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15452 , vital:40409
- Description: Agro based-infant industries played a greater role in the development of Zimbabwe since 1980 when the country gained its independence. However, its success has been hindered by industrial action in the country. The continuous increase in the number of industrial action is the major motives of this study. Conversely, with the increasing levels of industrial action in the country, it was noted that the main causes of industrial action were low wages, poor communication between employers and employees, disparities in pay structures, lack of consultation in the process of decision-making and poor working conditions. The study adopted a qualitative approach in data collection and analysis. Thirty in-depth interviews were undertaken with selected participants who are the workers and managers of agro-based infant industries using purposive sampling technique in Msasa industrial area. Findings of the study show that main forms of industrial action were industrial strike, sit in, absenteeism, go slow, work to rule and overtime ban. Major findings of the study point to the fact that industrial action affects the solidarity of workers negatively since some of the workers will not stand for others when they are dismissed after industrial action. In general, industrial action therefore weakens worker solidarity. Secondly, industrial action affects the economic welfare of workers and their families negatively. This is because during the period of industrial action there could be pay cut and the families will not be able to afford basic commodities, thereby affecting their general welfare as well as bringing tension and conflicts within the families. Thirdly, it is also acknowledged in the study that industrial action affects employer-employee relations.
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An evaluation of the effectiveness of campus safety and security measures in crime prevention at the University of Fort Hare (Alice) campus
- Authors: Mdlungu, Tandiwe
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Crime prevention Campus violence Universities and colleges -- Security measures
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12557 , vital:39287
- Description: The study focused on safety and security measures employed at institutions of higher learning. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of safety and security measures employed by institutions of higher learning in preventing crime. The study was carried out at the University of Fort Hare. An empirical research was conducted to collect data from the students using questionnaires. The study highlighted the rate of crime on campus as well as the effectiveness of safety and security measures on campus. The general finding of this study indicate that 51 percent of the students on campus have been victims of crime. From the victims, more than 50 percent did not report the crime to authorities. Majority of crimes are property crimes. Majority of students are not aware of any safety and security policies in the campus. Findings highlighted crime prevention challenges faced by the university. Moreover, students agree that the institution needs to improve as well as upgrade its existing safety and security measure which could help prevent the high prevalence of crime on campus From the findings of the research the researcher made recommendations and drew conclusions that could be beneficial to students as well as the institutions administrators.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mdlungu, Tandiwe
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Crime prevention Campus violence Universities and colleges -- Security measures
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12557 , vital:39287
- Description: The study focused on safety and security measures employed at institutions of higher learning. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of safety and security measures employed by institutions of higher learning in preventing crime. The study was carried out at the University of Fort Hare. An empirical research was conducted to collect data from the students using questionnaires. The study highlighted the rate of crime on campus as well as the effectiveness of safety and security measures on campus. The general finding of this study indicate that 51 percent of the students on campus have been victims of crime. From the victims, more than 50 percent did not report the crime to authorities. Majority of crimes are property crimes. Majority of students are not aware of any safety and security policies in the campus. Findings highlighted crime prevention challenges faced by the university. Moreover, students agree that the institution needs to improve as well as upgrade its existing safety and security measure which could help prevent the high prevalence of crime on campus From the findings of the research the researcher made recommendations and drew conclusions that could be beneficial to students as well as the institutions administrators.
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An evaluation of the impact of the biogas digesters project at Melani village, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Mthimunye , Thabiso Vincent
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Biogas
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/14561 , vital:40014
- Description: A study was conducted in Melani rural community of Raymond Mhlaba district in Eastern Cape, with the aim of identifying types of energy sources and households energy utilization. Melani village (32°43’29” S, 27°07’35” E) is 13 km away from Alice, the closest town and its household population is about 350. The survey was conducted with 50% of the randomly chosen households using semi-structured questionnaires and some onset CTA-A hobo current transducers were installed in three households to measure electricity used for either cooking, heating or lighting. The survey shows that electricity (supplied by Eskom) is the main source of energy for cooking, lighting and heating, while paraffin and candles are also used for lighting. The data collected using the data acquisition system has also shown that each household consumes an average of 140 kWh of electricity per month. Assuming this amount of energy being used throughout the year, on average the households consume 1680 kWh of electricity per year. The research concludes that there is a need to promote sustainable energy resources and technologies such as the use of biogas digesters as an alternative source of energy since the households has on average 20 of cattle, 10 of goats, 10 sheep and 4 donkeys. The research has also shown that the economic analysis of the biogas project is financially feasible. The Net present value was high and positive showing the feasibility of the investment on the project. The payback period was implying that the project pays itself off within the service life or within a set payback limit, which must be shorter than the technical service period of 5 years. The research has further shown that the emission factor for carbon dioxide for every 1MWh of electrical energy saved is 1.07 kg and consequently a corresponding volume of avoidance water is 1.40 KL. This can be mentioned that this monthly cost saving in the electrical energy consumption can go a long way in improving the social and economic welfare of the people. More so, it also vi plays a key role in the reduction of the global warming potential and the amount of air pollutant in the atmosphere. The avoidance water also contributed greatly in reducing the total volume of water used in the cooling towers of the coal power generation plant.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mthimunye , Thabiso Vincent
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Biogas
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/14561 , vital:40014
- Description: A study was conducted in Melani rural community of Raymond Mhlaba district in Eastern Cape, with the aim of identifying types of energy sources and households energy utilization. Melani village (32°43’29” S, 27°07’35” E) is 13 km away from Alice, the closest town and its household population is about 350. The survey was conducted with 50% of the randomly chosen households using semi-structured questionnaires and some onset CTA-A hobo current transducers were installed in three households to measure electricity used for either cooking, heating or lighting. The survey shows that electricity (supplied by Eskom) is the main source of energy for cooking, lighting and heating, while paraffin and candles are also used for lighting. The data collected using the data acquisition system has also shown that each household consumes an average of 140 kWh of electricity per month. Assuming this amount of energy being used throughout the year, on average the households consume 1680 kWh of electricity per year. The research concludes that there is a need to promote sustainable energy resources and technologies such as the use of biogas digesters as an alternative source of energy since the households has on average 20 of cattle, 10 of goats, 10 sheep and 4 donkeys. The research has also shown that the economic analysis of the biogas project is financially feasible. The Net present value was high and positive showing the feasibility of the investment on the project. The payback period was implying that the project pays itself off within the service life or within a set payback limit, which must be shorter than the technical service period of 5 years. The research has further shown that the emission factor for carbon dioxide for every 1MWh of electrical energy saved is 1.07 kg and consequently a corresponding volume of avoidance water is 1.40 KL. This can be mentioned that this monthly cost saving in the electrical energy consumption can go a long way in improving the social and economic welfare of the people. More so, it also vi plays a key role in the reduction of the global warming potential and the amount of air pollutant in the atmosphere. The avoidance water also contributed greatly in reducing the total volume of water used in the cooling towers of the coal power generation plant.
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An examination of the pass-through from exchange rate to inflation in South Africa
- Authors: Mhizha,Tinashe
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa Inflation (Finance) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Economics)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13705 , vital:39698
- Description: This study examined the exchange-rate-pass-through to import, producer and consumer prices in South Africa using quarterly data covering the period 2000 to 2015. The study made use of panel data techniques to examine the degree of pass-through to import prices, producer prices as well consumer prices. The Hausman test indicated fixed effects (FE) as the correct model for the data. In order to correct for errors and get a more robust model, the least squares dummy variable (LSDV) model was estimated. The key findings claim that the exchange rate is negative and weakly significant to explain South African prices. It was highest for producer prices, followed by import prices and lowest at consumer prices. The findings have implications for policy and theory.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mhizha,Tinashe
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa Inflation (Finance) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Economics)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13705 , vital:39698
- Description: This study examined the exchange-rate-pass-through to import, producer and consumer prices in South Africa using quarterly data covering the period 2000 to 2015. The study made use of panel data techniques to examine the degree of pass-through to import prices, producer prices as well consumer prices. The Hausman test indicated fixed effects (FE) as the correct model for the data. In order to correct for errors and get a more robust model, the least squares dummy variable (LSDV) model was estimated. The key findings claim that the exchange rate is negative and weakly significant to explain South African prices. It was highest for producer prices, followed by import prices and lowest at consumer prices. The findings have implications for policy and theory.
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An exploration of first-time mothers' experiences of exclusive breastfeeding and support in the Buffalo City Metropolitan, South Africa
- Authors: Dasheka, Zukiswa Theodorah
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Breastfeeding--South Africa Breastfeeding
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Nursing Science
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11096 , vital:37130
- Description: There are inadequate child feeding practices worldwide, and this varies amongst the regions. Suboptimal exclusive breastfeeding remains the key contributor to the leading causes of child mortalities, namely, diarrhoea and acute respiratory infections. An infant who is not exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life has fourteen times likelihood of dying of all causes, especially, diarrhoea and pneumonia compared to an exclusively breastfed infant. Worldwide, only 40 percent infants are exclusively breastfed for the first six months of their lives. South Africa, on the other hand, has an alarming figure of only 8 percent infants that are exclusively breastfed for six months. A qualitative approach, with an exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design was chosen to seek deeper understanding and meaning of first-time mothers’ experiences regarding exclusive breastfeeding practices and support’s influence on maintenance of exclusive breastfeeding within their natural environment. First-time mothers were the population for this study while the target population were first-time mothers who had given birth to a live, full term and healthy infant, regardless of the delivery mode in one of the Community Health Centres or hospitals within Buffalo City Metropolitan, South Africa. A non-probability, purposive sample of 10 participants was used. Ethical approval was granted by the University of Fort Hare Research Ethics Committee. The Eastern Cape Department of Health issued the clearance certificate. Informed consent was obtained from participants before data collection. Emotional risk protection was managed by the researcher through stopping of the interviews when the participant seemed emotional affected by the interviews. The relevant ethical considerations were accommodated. Trustworthiness was ensured through observing the principles of transferability, credibility, confirmability and dependability. Data were collected through individual face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured interview guide and conducted at the participant’s home or at the local clinic per participants’ choice. Two audio-recorders were used to capture the data. Data were then analysed according to Creswell’s steps and Tesch’s eight coding steps. Codes, categories, sub-categories and themes were formulated. Findings The key findings were challenges, empowerment, support and resilience during initiation of breastfeeding and diverse support and resilience during maintenance of exclusive breastfeeding. Conclusion All participants agreed on the benefits of breastfeeding, receiving information about exclusive breastfeeding during antenatal care and making a decision to exclusively breastfeed upon delivery. It is evident that the information received by first-time mothers is not congruent with the challenges they faced during initiation. There is a need, therefore, for nurses to find a way of sharing breastfeeding practice with the community members in order to avoid mixed messages which end up confusing to the first-time mother. Furthermore, the education given to the first-time mothers needs to be individualised to focus on individual needs of these mothers. Given the current staffing structure in the delivery centres, nurses are not always enough to give full focus and practical assistance to first-time mothers. It is therefore recommended that peer supporters be available to play this role, post-delivery, before the first-time mother is discharged. The formulation of compulsory supportive group among the first-time mothers was suggested.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Dasheka, Zukiswa Theodorah
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Breastfeeding--South Africa Breastfeeding
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Nursing Science
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11096 , vital:37130
- Description: There are inadequate child feeding practices worldwide, and this varies amongst the regions. Suboptimal exclusive breastfeeding remains the key contributor to the leading causes of child mortalities, namely, diarrhoea and acute respiratory infections. An infant who is not exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life has fourteen times likelihood of dying of all causes, especially, diarrhoea and pneumonia compared to an exclusively breastfed infant. Worldwide, only 40 percent infants are exclusively breastfed for the first six months of their lives. South Africa, on the other hand, has an alarming figure of only 8 percent infants that are exclusively breastfed for six months. A qualitative approach, with an exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design was chosen to seek deeper understanding and meaning of first-time mothers’ experiences regarding exclusive breastfeeding practices and support’s influence on maintenance of exclusive breastfeeding within their natural environment. First-time mothers were the population for this study while the target population were first-time mothers who had given birth to a live, full term and healthy infant, regardless of the delivery mode in one of the Community Health Centres or hospitals within Buffalo City Metropolitan, South Africa. A non-probability, purposive sample of 10 participants was used. Ethical approval was granted by the University of Fort Hare Research Ethics Committee. The Eastern Cape Department of Health issued the clearance certificate. Informed consent was obtained from participants before data collection. Emotional risk protection was managed by the researcher through stopping of the interviews when the participant seemed emotional affected by the interviews. The relevant ethical considerations were accommodated. Trustworthiness was ensured through observing the principles of transferability, credibility, confirmability and dependability. Data were collected through individual face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured interview guide and conducted at the participant’s home or at the local clinic per participants’ choice. Two audio-recorders were used to capture the data. Data were then analysed according to Creswell’s steps and Tesch’s eight coding steps. Codes, categories, sub-categories and themes were formulated. Findings The key findings were challenges, empowerment, support and resilience during initiation of breastfeeding and diverse support and resilience during maintenance of exclusive breastfeeding. Conclusion All participants agreed on the benefits of breastfeeding, receiving information about exclusive breastfeeding during antenatal care and making a decision to exclusively breastfeed upon delivery. It is evident that the information received by first-time mothers is not congruent with the challenges they faced during initiation. There is a need, therefore, for nurses to find a way of sharing breastfeeding practice with the community members in order to avoid mixed messages which end up confusing to the first-time mother. Furthermore, the education given to the first-time mothers needs to be individualised to focus on individual needs of these mothers. Given the current staffing structure in the delivery centres, nurses are not always enough to give full focus and practical assistance to first-time mothers. It is therefore recommended that peer supporters be available to play this role, post-delivery, before the first-time mother is discharged. The formulation of compulsory supportive group among the first-time mothers was suggested.
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An exploration of the effects of government financial subsidies on the performance of schools and learners in the OR Tambo District Municipality
- Mtyida, Thembani Justice Zolisa
- Authors: Mtyida, Thembani Justice Zolisa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: School budgets -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape School management and organization Education -- South Africa -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9198 , vital:34304
- Description: An exploration of the effects of government financial subsidies on the performance of schools and learners in the OR Tambo District Municipality Under the Direction of: Prof EOC Ijeoma. As much as the awarded fiscal resources have been critical for improving the quality of learning and education as well as the performance of schools, there are still often inhibitors that affect the extent to which such fiscal packages are able to induce achievement of the desired educational outcomes. Thematic analysis of the interview findings revealed the limitations undermining the extent to which the allocated fiscal resources are able to influence the achievement of the desired positive educational outcomes and these are linked to poor school financial management, poor planning and budgeting, poor school governance and corruption and theft of funds. The other limitations that mar the effective performance of certain schools to achieve the desired educational outcomes were also noted to arise from the shortage of teachers for critical subjects, poor motivation of teachers in rural areas, poor learners’ welfare and poor infrastructure. To respond to these challenges, it is argued that the OR Tambo District Department of Education must develop special fiscal packages for teachers in the rural areas, develop special fiscal packages for teachers of special subjects such as science and mathematics, invest in the educational infrastructure and facilities, and proactively develop school managers. Future research can explore a framework for monitoring and evaluation of the effects of educational fiscal grants on the performance of schools and learners.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mtyida, Thembani Justice Zolisa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: School budgets -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape School management and organization Education -- South Africa -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9198 , vital:34304
- Description: An exploration of the effects of government financial subsidies on the performance of schools and learners in the OR Tambo District Municipality Under the Direction of: Prof EOC Ijeoma. As much as the awarded fiscal resources have been critical for improving the quality of learning and education as well as the performance of schools, there are still often inhibitors that affect the extent to which such fiscal packages are able to induce achievement of the desired educational outcomes. Thematic analysis of the interview findings revealed the limitations undermining the extent to which the allocated fiscal resources are able to influence the achievement of the desired positive educational outcomes and these are linked to poor school financial management, poor planning and budgeting, poor school governance and corruption and theft of funds. The other limitations that mar the effective performance of certain schools to achieve the desired educational outcomes were also noted to arise from the shortage of teachers for critical subjects, poor motivation of teachers in rural areas, poor learners’ welfare and poor infrastructure. To respond to these challenges, it is argued that the OR Tambo District Department of Education must develop special fiscal packages for teachers in the rural areas, develop special fiscal packages for teachers of special subjects such as science and mathematics, invest in the educational infrastructure and facilities, and proactively develop school managers. Future research can explore a framework for monitoring and evaluation of the effects of educational fiscal grants on the performance of schools and learners.
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An exploratory study of control and oversight measures for ethical conduct in supply chain management : the case of Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
- Authors: Zindi, Beauty
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Public Administration
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10415 , vital:35459
- Description: Unethical conduct takes root and largely flourishes in environments devoid of compliance with SCM laws, regulations and sound corporate governance values and principles. Ethical conduct is a prerequisite of good governance and sound municipal financial management. Unethical conduct in SCM leads to a loss of public trust and confidence in the management of public affairs. Despite the existence of control and oversight structures and processes for monitoring compliance with ethical standards, norms and regulations in SCM, procurement and contract management processes, BCMM still flouts SCM regulations. This leads to non-compliance with precincts of SCM policy regulations, the MFMA, as well as the Municipal Systems Act (MSA). Lack of adequate and effective control and oversight measures further exacerbates the problem, leading to poor management of procurement systems as well as inconsistencies in the disposal and delivery of services. Effective control and oversight often results in the reduction of waste, eradication of corruption and improvement of municipal financial performance, as well as improved ethical conduct, integrity, transparency and accountability. Qualitative approach was used to gather data using interviews and secondary sources in the form of official documents to explore the extent to which control and oversight measures for ethical conduct in Supply Chain Management are effective in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. The data is to be analysed using content analysis and filtering techniques. Challenges that are affecting the effective management of Supply Chain in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality were brought forth and recommendations to improve Supply Chain Management in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality are examined in this study.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Zindi, Beauty
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Public Administration
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10415 , vital:35459
- Description: Unethical conduct takes root and largely flourishes in environments devoid of compliance with SCM laws, regulations and sound corporate governance values and principles. Ethical conduct is a prerequisite of good governance and sound municipal financial management. Unethical conduct in SCM leads to a loss of public trust and confidence in the management of public affairs. Despite the existence of control and oversight structures and processes for monitoring compliance with ethical standards, norms and regulations in SCM, procurement and contract management processes, BCMM still flouts SCM regulations. This leads to non-compliance with precincts of SCM policy regulations, the MFMA, as well as the Municipal Systems Act (MSA). Lack of adequate and effective control and oversight measures further exacerbates the problem, leading to poor management of procurement systems as well as inconsistencies in the disposal and delivery of services. Effective control and oversight often results in the reduction of waste, eradication of corruption and improvement of municipal financial performance, as well as improved ethical conduct, integrity, transparency and accountability. Qualitative approach was used to gather data using interviews and secondary sources in the form of official documents to explore the extent to which control and oversight measures for ethical conduct in Supply Chain Management are effective in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. The data is to be analysed using content analysis and filtering techniques. Challenges that are affecting the effective management of Supply Chain in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality were brought forth and recommendations to improve Supply Chain Management in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality are examined in this study.
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An intervention for high-risk type 2 diabetic clients during preconception and internatal in re-engineering of primary health care
- Authors: Ngoma, Siphokazi Amanda
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Diabetes Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , (MCur) Nursing
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10199 , vital:35375
- Description: The South African disease profile has changed significantly and has increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity in relation to body mass index. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is greatly associated with increased body mass index and poses a great health concern for women of childbearing age. Complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus in pregnancy has life-threatening for the mother and baby. South African women have a tendency of avoiding and neglecting routine screening before pregnancy, that is part of preconception care or internatal care. The aim of the study sought to identify women of childbearing age with predisposing factors of type 2 diabetes, in order to intervene, using a lifestyle modification to delay and prevent the occurrence of type 2 diabetes. A quantitative intervention study using parallel group randomized control trials was used. One hundred and forty-six women of childbearing age (18-45 years) were recruited and assigned to either control (n=73 + 9) or experimental group (n=73 +9). using a computer software randomizer application to avoid bias in selection of participants by the researcher. Both groups received health education from the researcher and the dietician from hospital. The control group had no intervention done, whereas the experimental group attended physical activity sessions which were administered by a hired lay coach. The findings showed that both groups are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes although they both groups lose weight. The weight loss of the control group was owed to education during recruitment. Vegetable consumption was minimal to the younger age group than the older age groups. Waist circumference above 105cm consumed less vegetables, a higher waist circumference is associated with insulin resistance. There was also minimal exercises and knowledge about the preconception care. Diabetes prevention is vital for the women of childbearing age as it affects both mother and child. The study recommends lifestyle modification (exercise and healthy diet) to prevent and delay of type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes mellitus. The study also recommends Preconception care and Re- engineering of Primary health care uses community health care workers for screening high risk women during home visits.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ngoma, Siphokazi Amanda
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Diabetes Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , (MCur) Nursing
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10199 , vital:35375
- Description: The South African disease profile has changed significantly and has increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity in relation to body mass index. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is greatly associated with increased body mass index and poses a great health concern for women of childbearing age. Complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus in pregnancy has life-threatening for the mother and baby. South African women have a tendency of avoiding and neglecting routine screening before pregnancy, that is part of preconception care or internatal care. The aim of the study sought to identify women of childbearing age with predisposing factors of type 2 diabetes, in order to intervene, using a lifestyle modification to delay and prevent the occurrence of type 2 diabetes. A quantitative intervention study using parallel group randomized control trials was used. One hundred and forty-six women of childbearing age (18-45 years) were recruited and assigned to either control (n=73 + 9) or experimental group (n=73 +9). using a computer software randomizer application to avoid bias in selection of participants by the researcher. Both groups received health education from the researcher and the dietician from hospital. The control group had no intervention done, whereas the experimental group attended physical activity sessions which were administered by a hired lay coach. The findings showed that both groups are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes although they both groups lose weight. The weight loss of the control group was owed to education during recruitment. Vegetable consumption was minimal to the younger age group than the older age groups. Waist circumference above 105cm consumed less vegetables, a higher waist circumference is associated with insulin resistance. There was also minimal exercises and knowledge about the preconception care. Diabetes prevention is vital for the women of childbearing age as it affects both mother and child. The study recommends lifestyle modification (exercise and healthy diet) to prevent and delay of type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes mellitus. The study also recommends Preconception care and Re- engineering of Primary health care uses community health care workers for screening high risk women during home visits.
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An investigation into births before arrival in healthcare facilities in uThungulu Health District during a period of 1 April 2014 to 31 March 2015
- Mkhwanazi, Cynthia Nqobile Nokuthula
- Authors: Mkhwanazi, Cynthia Nqobile Nokuthula
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Childbirth Childbirth at home
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Public Health
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11161 , vital:37198
- Description: Births Before Arrival (BBAs) in healthcare facilities is a worldwide health challenge. These births results with diverse obstetric and neonatal complications which could be avoided should delivery took place in an accredited environment. Delivery in health facility rate and Births Before Arrival is one of the vital measures used to monitor access as well as quality of Maternal and Child health services. A birth before arrival in health institutions happens accidentally and unattended by skilled health professionals outside the healthcare facilities (Lazic & Takač, 2011). It is found in both developed and developing countries with various adverse outcomes ranging from haemorrhage to death. Important strides had been taken to improve maternal and child health globally but the healthcare facilities are still experiencing an overwhelming number of births before arrival in healthcare facilities. This is a public health concern. The purpose of the study was to identify factors associated with Births before Arrival in UThungulu Health District facilities and determine the prevalence of BBAs and the neonatal and maternal morbidity and mortality associated with it. A retrospective quantitative research design was used. Maternity clinical records Reviews of 238 Births Before Arrival (BBA) in healthcare facilities that occurred between 1 April 2014 to 31 March 2015 were conducted in the six hospitals in UThungulu Health District. The births before arrival data was analysed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science) version 23, for Windows and used for descriptive and inferential analysis. The reasons for BBA included poor ante natal education of mothers on early signs of labour, lack of transport, poor use of maternity waiting areas and some clinics do not conduct deliveries. The majority of study participants were single (unmarried) and this accentuates the importance of strengthening family planning coverage in this area. Poor reporting of early neonatal deaths and stillbirths was one of the significant observations made during the study. Deceased babies were left at home and buried without being registered at home affairs. Taking cognizance of diverse risks and health needs of expectant women would assist the Health department in planning for adequate coverage for provision of suitable pregnancy care that would improve the health of women and their babies.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mkhwanazi, Cynthia Nqobile Nokuthula
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Childbirth Childbirth at home
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Public Health
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11161 , vital:37198
- Description: Births Before Arrival (BBAs) in healthcare facilities is a worldwide health challenge. These births results with diverse obstetric and neonatal complications which could be avoided should delivery took place in an accredited environment. Delivery in health facility rate and Births Before Arrival is one of the vital measures used to monitor access as well as quality of Maternal and Child health services. A birth before arrival in health institutions happens accidentally and unattended by skilled health professionals outside the healthcare facilities (Lazic & Takač, 2011). It is found in both developed and developing countries with various adverse outcomes ranging from haemorrhage to death. Important strides had been taken to improve maternal and child health globally but the healthcare facilities are still experiencing an overwhelming number of births before arrival in healthcare facilities. This is a public health concern. The purpose of the study was to identify factors associated with Births before Arrival in UThungulu Health District facilities and determine the prevalence of BBAs and the neonatal and maternal morbidity and mortality associated with it. A retrospective quantitative research design was used. Maternity clinical records Reviews of 238 Births Before Arrival (BBA) in healthcare facilities that occurred between 1 April 2014 to 31 March 2015 were conducted in the six hospitals in UThungulu Health District. The births before arrival data was analysed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science) version 23, for Windows and used for descriptive and inferential analysis. The reasons for BBA included poor ante natal education of mothers on early signs of labour, lack of transport, poor use of maternity waiting areas and some clinics do not conduct deliveries. The majority of study participants were single (unmarried) and this accentuates the importance of strengthening family planning coverage in this area. Poor reporting of early neonatal deaths and stillbirths was one of the significant observations made during the study. Deceased babies were left at home and buried without being registered at home affairs. Taking cognizance of diverse risks and health needs of expectant women would assist the Health department in planning for adequate coverage for provision of suitable pregnancy care that would improve the health of women and their babies.
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An Investigation of victims' perspectives of "Ukuthwala" practice :a case study of Mbizana Local Municipality
- Authors: Voyi, Ziyanda
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Forced marriage -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Girls -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Crimes againts Child abuse -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10361 , vital:35441
- Description: This research was an investigation of victims’ perspectives of ukuthwala practice in Mbizana Local Municipality. The aim of the study was to describe the consequences and experiences of ukuthwala practice relating to infringement of Human Rights, to identify the modus operandi men use to abduct (thwala) these victims, to investigate the reasons that hinder victims from reporting the practice to the police officials and to investigate programs that can be implemented to prevent the ukuthwala practice. This study focused on victims’ perspectives of ukuthwala practice, which seemed to be on the rise in Mbizana Local Municipality. The study used the feminist theory and the social exchange theory. The study is qualitative in nature and it employed the exploratory research design. The study collected data from married and divorced females aged between 16 and 45 years, who were residing in Mbizana Local Municipality at the time of the study and who were also victims of ukuthwala practice. The study used snowball non-probability sampling. In non-probability sampling, the chances of selecting a particular individual are not known. The study collected data using semi-structured in-depth interviews. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. The research findings show that there are a number of women and girls in Mbizana Local municipality who are in forced marriages. The study also found that the practice of ukuthwala (forced marriage) is still practiced in rural areas of Mbizana Local Municipality and victims face many challenges in these marriages. The findings reveal that girls as young as twelve years are forced to marry older men, in some cases with the consent of their parents or guardians. Most victims are unaware that the ukuthwala practice is illegal. Those who are aware are afraid to disappoint their families. The findings of the study also show that community members are keen help stop the ukuthwala practice. The study shows the important for the relevant government stakeholders to intervene. The study recommends that government departments and community members should work hand in hand in order to fight the issue of ukuthwala practice in the municipality.
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- Authors: Voyi, Ziyanda
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Forced marriage -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Girls -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Crimes againts Child abuse -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10361 , vital:35441
- Description: This research was an investigation of victims’ perspectives of ukuthwala practice in Mbizana Local Municipality. The aim of the study was to describe the consequences and experiences of ukuthwala practice relating to infringement of Human Rights, to identify the modus operandi men use to abduct (thwala) these victims, to investigate the reasons that hinder victims from reporting the practice to the police officials and to investigate programs that can be implemented to prevent the ukuthwala practice. This study focused on victims’ perspectives of ukuthwala practice, which seemed to be on the rise in Mbizana Local Municipality. The study used the feminist theory and the social exchange theory. The study is qualitative in nature and it employed the exploratory research design. The study collected data from married and divorced females aged between 16 and 45 years, who were residing in Mbizana Local Municipality at the time of the study and who were also victims of ukuthwala practice. The study used snowball non-probability sampling. In non-probability sampling, the chances of selecting a particular individual are not known. The study collected data using semi-structured in-depth interviews. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. The research findings show that there are a number of women and girls in Mbizana Local municipality who are in forced marriages. The study also found that the practice of ukuthwala (forced marriage) is still practiced in rural areas of Mbizana Local Municipality and victims face many challenges in these marriages. The findings reveal that girls as young as twelve years are forced to marry older men, in some cases with the consent of their parents or guardians. Most victims are unaware that the ukuthwala practice is illegal. Those who are aware are afraid to disappoint their families. The findings of the study also show that community members are keen help stop the ukuthwala practice. The study shows the important for the relevant government stakeholders to intervene. The study recommends that government departments and community members should work hand in hand in order to fight the issue of ukuthwala practice in the municipality.
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An investigation study on the effectiveness of Community Policing Forums in Sephokong Local Council Leribe in Lesotho
- Authors: Tlhakana, Motlalepula W
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Community policing Police
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc (Criminology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16430 , vital:40719
- Description: The purpose of this study was to examine the role of Community Policing Forums (CPFs) in Sephokong village in the Leribe District of Lesotho. The objectives of this study were; to describe the participation of the community members in the Community Policing Forums; to identify the participation of CPFs in the community; to identify challenges faced by Community Policing Forums in Sephokong Local Council Leribe District in Lesotho; to identify the purpose of the Community Policing Forums in Sephokong in Lesotho; to establish the strengths of the CPFs in doing their work; and to determine the needs of the CPFs to enable them to do their work. The research methodology used in the study is the qualitative type. The major findings of the study revealed that CPFs, which were trained by the Lesotho Mounted Police Services (LMPS), was beneficial to the communities because they were equipped with skills and knowledge that they used to protect the villagers and their property. The social status of the villagers was also enhanced by the presence of the CPFs, in that they were capable of discussing their differences amicably and brought them to the chief or the police station for further deliberations if some members were not satisfied. Also study findings indicated that a lot of criminal activities could have taken place without the work of CPFs in the village since they were the only trained people to do the patrolling at night, which deterred the criminals. The chiefs, in particular, benefited from the CPFs’ work when they reported cases, arrested criminals and assisted in mobilizing the villagers for a meeting at the chief’s court. All in all, the CPFs unified the people, protected the pastures, going between the chief and the LMPS and they followed after the stolen (stock) animals and rescued them from the hands of thieves even though they were not paid by members of the community or LMPS. v | Page Lastly the Police officers pointed out that they provide trainings to CPFs members in different villages as to serve the community members in their different vicinities. While CPFs help them to arrest the suspects for them and provide them with enough information for investigations. Hence their presence in the villages plays solve the matters easily, and during operations they work together with CPFs as police officer and that enables them to give evidence in the courts of laws.
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- Authors: Tlhakana, Motlalepula W
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Community policing Police
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc (Criminology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16430 , vital:40719
- Description: The purpose of this study was to examine the role of Community Policing Forums (CPFs) in Sephokong village in the Leribe District of Lesotho. The objectives of this study were; to describe the participation of the community members in the Community Policing Forums; to identify the participation of CPFs in the community; to identify challenges faced by Community Policing Forums in Sephokong Local Council Leribe District in Lesotho; to identify the purpose of the Community Policing Forums in Sephokong in Lesotho; to establish the strengths of the CPFs in doing their work; and to determine the needs of the CPFs to enable them to do their work. The research methodology used in the study is the qualitative type. The major findings of the study revealed that CPFs, which were trained by the Lesotho Mounted Police Services (LMPS), was beneficial to the communities because they were equipped with skills and knowledge that they used to protect the villagers and their property. The social status of the villagers was also enhanced by the presence of the CPFs, in that they were capable of discussing their differences amicably and brought them to the chief or the police station for further deliberations if some members were not satisfied. Also study findings indicated that a lot of criminal activities could have taken place without the work of CPFs in the village since they were the only trained people to do the patrolling at night, which deterred the criminals. The chiefs, in particular, benefited from the CPFs’ work when they reported cases, arrested criminals and assisted in mobilizing the villagers for a meeting at the chief’s court. All in all, the CPFs unified the people, protected the pastures, going between the chief and the LMPS and they followed after the stolen (stock) animals and rescued them from the hands of thieves even though they were not paid by members of the community or LMPS. v | Page Lastly the Police officers pointed out that they provide trainings to CPFs members in different villages as to serve the community members in their different vicinities. While CPFs help them to arrest the suspects for them and provide them with enough information for investigations. Hence their presence in the villages plays solve the matters easily, and during operations they work together with CPFs as police officer and that enables them to give evidence in the courts of laws.
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Analysis of the role of unions in health services delivery at Uitenhage district hospital
- Authors: Tshamase, Nozibele Yvonne
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Public health Health services accessibility Labor unions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPH
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12348 , vital:39255
- Description: Purpose: According to Khan and Khan (2011:56), a trade union is an organization of employee tasked with activities which include negotiating on behalf of their members for “pay and conditions of employment”. Several authors have purported that these roles extend beyond ensuring not only that the rights of workers are not violated and that their working environment complies with health and safety standards, but also that unions may have an effect on management practices, generally and specifically, on efficiencies and performance (Zulu, 2009; McGuire, 2011; & Dhliwayo, 2012). Health care workers including professionals are organised by the unions in a bid to influence social and economic reforms in the South African democracy. The main aim of this study was to examine the role of public sector unions and how they exercise their functions in delivery of health services Method: A qualitative research method based on phenomenological and case approaches was applied. Semi-structured interviews with open ended questions were used to prompt discussions. Documents were used to obtain complementary data. Senior managers, middle managers, union/employee representatives and employees who are members of the unions in the district hospital of Nelson Mandela Bay health district constituted the target population. Purposive non-probability sampling, which was the preferred method for this study, yielded 16 participants. Results Analysis followed Creswell’s thematic analysis involving coding responses categorising them and identifying themes. This followed repeated and thorough listening to the recorded interviews and transcribing. Themes identified were organisational functioning in line with the service delivery context; worker’s rights protection; negotiating better service conditions; implementing legislation, policies and resolutions; union-management interaction; engaging in strikes and impact on services delivery. Conclusion and Recommendations: The study found that the presence of unions in health care services was necessary because there are various categories of employees – working class – whose interests must be served. The role of the unions leaned heavily towards protection of the rights of the workers. As far as the observation of legislation is concerned, the unions demonstrated knowledge of the legislation applicable to the health care personnel, that is, the BCEA, the LRA and the PSA. The study found that unions were a hindrance to health services delivery in their quest to exercise voice monopoly. The unions tended to exert undue influence on management resulting in lack of discipline and dereliction of duty. The strike actions compromised quality of health care and the rights of citizens to access health care. There was no active participation nor positive contributions in committees where advancement of service delivery standards were deliberated and promoted. Recommendations included training of shop stewards; capacitation and training of managers, and development and communication of departmental labour relations policies.
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- Authors: Tshamase, Nozibele Yvonne
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Public health Health services accessibility Labor unions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPH
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12348 , vital:39255
- Description: Purpose: According to Khan and Khan (2011:56), a trade union is an organization of employee tasked with activities which include negotiating on behalf of their members for “pay and conditions of employment”. Several authors have purported that these roles extend beyond ensuring not only that the rights of workers are not violated and that their working environment complies with health and safety standards, but also that unions may have an effect on management practices, generally and specifically, on efficiencies and performance (Zulu, 2009; McGuire, 2011; & Dhliwayo, 2012). Health care workers including professionals are organised by the unions in a bid to influence social and economic reforms in the South African democracy. The main aim of this study was to examine the role of public sector unions and how they exercise their functions in delivery of health services Method: A qualitative research method based on phenomenological and case approaches was applied. Semi-structured interviews with open ended questions were used to prompt discussions. Documents were used to obtain complementary data. Senior managers, middle managers, union/employee representatives and employees who are members of the unions in the district hospital of Nelson Mandela Bay health district constituted the target population. Purposive non-probability sampling, which was the preferred method for this study, yielded 16 participants. Results Analysis followed Creswell’s thematic analysis involving coding responses categorising them and identifying themes. This followed repeated and thorough listening to the recorded interviews and transcribing. Themes identified were organisational functioning in line with the service delivery context; worker’s rights protection; negotiating better service conditions; implementing legislation, policies and resolutions; union-management interaction; engaging in strikes and impact on services delivery. Conclusion and Recommendations: The study found that the presence of unions in health care services was necessary because there are various categories of employees – working class – whose interests must be served. The role of the unions leaned heavily towards protection of the rights of the workers. As far as the observation of legislation is concerned, the unions demonstrated knowledge of the legislation applicable to the health care personnel, that is, the BCEA, the LRA and the PSA. The study found that unions were a hindrance to health services delivery in their quest to exercise voice monopoly. The unions tended to exert undue influence on management resulting in lack of discipline and dereliction of duty. The strike actions compromised quality of health care and the rights of citizens to access health care. There was no active participation nor positive contributions in committees where advancement of service delivery standards were deliberated and promoted. Recommendations included training of shop stewards; capacitation and training of managers, and development and communication of departmental labour relations policies.
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Analysis of the security and reliability of packet transmission in Wireless Mesh Networks (WMNs) : a case study of Malicious Packet drop attack
- Adeniji, Victor Oluwatobiloba
- Authors: Adeniji, Victor Oluwatobiloba
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Wireless communication systems Mobile communication systems
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Computer Science
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17450 , vital:40969
- Description: Wireless Mesh Networks (WMNs) are known for possessing good attributes such as low up-front cost, easy network maintenance, and reliable service coverage. This has largely made them to be adopted in various areas such as; school campus networks, community networking, pervasive healthcare, office and home automation, emergency rescue operations and ubiquitous wireless networks. The routing nodes are equipped with self-organized and self-configuring capabilities. The routing mechanisms of WMNs depend on the collaboration of all participating nodes for reliable network performance. However, it has been noted that most routing algorithms proposed for WMNs in the last few years are designed with the assumption that all the participating nodes will collaboratively be involved in relaying the data packets originated from a source to a multi-hop destination. Such design approach exposes WMNs to vulnerability such as malicious packet drop attack. Therefore, it is imperative to design and implement secure and reliable packet routing mechanisms to mitigate this type of attack. While there are works that have attempted to implement secure routing approach, the findings in this research unearthed that further research works are required to improve the existing secure routing in order to provide more secure and reliable packet transmission in WMNs, in the event of denial of service (DoS) attacks such black hole malicious pack drop attack. This study further presents an analysis of the impact of the black hole malicious packet drop attack with other influential factors in WMNs. In the study, NS-3 simulator was used with AODV as the routing protocol. The results show that the packet delivery ratio and throughput of WMN under attack decreases sharply as compared to WMN free from attack.
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- Authors: Adeniji, Victor Oluwatobiloba
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Wireless communication systems Mobile communication systems
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Computer Science
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17450 , vital:40969
- Description: Wireless Mesh Networks (WMNs) are known for possessing good attributes such as low up-front cost, easy network maintenance, and reliable service coverage. This has largely made them to be adopted in various areas such as; school campus networks, community networking, pervasive healthcare, office and home automation, emergency rescue operations and ubiquitous wireless networks. The routing nodes are equipped with self-organized and self-configuring capabilities. The routing mechanisms of WMNs depend on the collaboration of all participating nodes for reliable network performance. However, it has been noted that most routing algorithms proposed for WMNs in the last few years are designed with the assumption that all the participating nodes will collaboratively be involved in relaying the data packets originated from a source to a multi-hop destination. Such design approach exposes WMNs to vulnerability such as malicious packet drop attack. Therefore, it is imperative to design and implement secure and reliable packet routing mechanisms to mitigate this type of attack. While there are works that have attempted to implement secure routing approach, the findings in this research unearthed that further research works are required to improve the existing secure routing in order to provide more secure and reliable packet transmission in WMNs, in the event of denial of service (DoS) attacks such black hole malicious pack drop attack. This study further presents an analysis of the impact of the black hole malicious packet drop attack with other influential factors in WMNs. In the study, NS-3 simulator was used with AODV as the routing protocol. The results show that the packet delivery ratio and throughput of WMN under attack decreases sharply as compared to WMN free from attack.
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Archie Mafeje and the question of philosophy as a liberatory discourse
- Authors: Dladla, Thabang
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Philosophy, African Eurocentrism Liberty
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12160 , vital:39192
- Description: This dissertation seeks to articulate a liberatory conception of philosophy which interprets reality on its own terms. It is an attempt to intervene in the practice of philosophy in South Africa, which has continued along colonial lines expressed through the marginality of African philosophy up to the present, to the general neglect of the unjust and divisive social reality that defines South Africa. It is our argument that such a continuity is indicative of outstanding liberation on the part of the indigenous people conquered in the unjust wars of colonisation. Our main task then is to struggle for this liberation at the epistemic level with Archie Mafeje, through an examination of his intellectual works and life as a revolutionary intellectual, as an inspiration and an instance of a liberatory practice of philosophy. We draw on the work of Archie Mafeje to elaborate and defend his account of African Philosophy, as a historically specific expression of the liberatory struggle of Africans against unjust Euro-centric colonial domination. This shall be achieved in three instances. In the first instance, Chapter 1, we trace the history of institutionalised philosophy in South Africa outlining Eurocentrism and mimesis as its defining features. In the second instance, Chapter 2, a history of contemporary African philosophy is outlined as emanative from the question concerning the existence of African philosophy, of which mainstream South African philosophy has largely been ignorant. In the final instance, Chapter 3 and 4, a liberatory practice of philosophy is presented, as a necessary response to this context, with Mafeje’s account of African philosophy defended as such an instance. The birth of the Azanian Philosophical Society is also presented as such an instance and as a challenge to the unchallenged hegemony of white philosophy in South Africa.
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- Authors: Dladla, Thabang
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Philosophy, African Eurocentrism Liberty
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12160 , vital:39192
- Description: This dissertation seeks to articulate a liberatory conception of philosophy which interprets reality on its own terms. It is an attempt to intervene in the practice of philosophy in South Africa, which has continued along colonial lines expressed through the marginality of African philosophy up to the present, to the general neglect of the unjust and divisive social reality that defines South Africa. It is our argument that such a continuity is indicative of outstanding liberation on the part of the indigenous people conquered in the unjust wars of colonisation. Our main task then is to struggle for this liberation at the epistemic level with Archie Mafeje, through an examination of his intellectual works and life as a revolutionary intellectual, as an inspiration and an instance of a liberatory practice of philosophy. We draw on the work of Archie Mafeje to elaborate and defend his account of African Philosophy, as a historically specific expression of the liberatory struggle of Africans against unjust Euro-centric colonial domination. This shall be achieved in three instances. In the first instance, Chapter 1, we trace the history of institutionalised philosophy in South Africa outlining Eurocentrism and mimesis as its defining features. In the second instance, Chapter 2, a history of contemporary African philosophy is outlined as emanative from the question concerning the existence of African philosophy, of which mainstream South African philosophy has largely been ignorant. In the final instance, Chapter 3 and 4, a liberatory practice of philosophy is presented, as a necessary response to this context, with Mafeje’s account of African philosophy defended as such an instance. The birth of the Azanian Philosophical Society is also presented as such an instance and as a challenge to the unchallenged hegemony of white philosophy in South Africa.
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Artisanal mining and its contribution to sustainable rural livelihoods : a case of Esigodini area, Umzingwane rural district, Matabeleland South Province of Zimbabwe
- Authors: Nkala, Khayelihle
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Mineral industries Rural poor Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15551 , vital:40458
- Description: This study examined the contribution of artisanal mining to the livelihoods of rural communities. Artisanal mining has over the past decade been taken up by rural communities as an alternative of sustaining their livelihoods due to the collapse of agriculture due to the successive droughts, economic meltdown and the general failure of the fast track land reform program. Hence this study sought to fill this knowledge gap using Esigodini as a case. The study made use of focus group discussions, interviews and documents review to gather information on how artisanal mining activities have contributed to the livelihoods of rural communities. Although artisanal mining has its negative impacts to the environment it does contribute to the livelihoods of communities, as the findings of the study reveal that the Esigodini community has benefited from improved socio-economic activities as a result of the practice.
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- Authors: Nkala, Khayelihle
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Mineral industries Rural poor Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15551 , vital:40458
- Description: This study examined the contribution of artisanal mining to the livelihoods of rural communities. Artisanal mining has over the past decade been taken up by rural communities as an alternative of sustaining their livelihoods due to the collapse of agriculture due to the successive droughts, economic meltdown and the general failure of the fast track land reform program. Hence this study sought to fill this knowledge gap using Esigodini as a case. The study made use of focus group discussions, interviews and documents review to gather information on how artisanal mining activities have contributed to the livelihoods of rural communities. Although artisanal mining has its negative impacts to the environment it does contribute to the livelihoods of communities, as the findings of the study reveal that the Esigodini community has benefited from improved socio-economic activities as a result of the practice.
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Assessing factors influencing professional nurses' attrition in South Africa : a case study of private hospitals in Johannesburg
- Authors: Mbobo, Angelina Pretty
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Intensive care nursing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Public Health Leadership
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11181 , vital:37200
- Description: South Africa faces an immense shortage of healthcare professionals, especially trained and experienced critical care nurses. This thesis assesses factors influencing professional nurses ‘attrition in two selected private hospitals. This results in an HR risk; loss of skills, task shifting and the use of less skilled nurses, and not limited to the high workloads in intensive care units together with the job dissatisfaction consequently. To confirm this, a case study making use of a qualitative approach, follows the definition of a social constructivism framework. The study assessed 40 trained and experienced critical care nurses in focus groups of 5, with which a stratified purposive sampling technique was used and the focus group interviews were 90 minutes Seven structured interviews were undertaken, (using a narrative summary) with hospital operational managers working directly with the critical care nurses. Audio-recorded data were analysed by thematic content analysis using Creswell’s steps content analysis method. Multiple reasons, as given by nurses, to discontinue their services in private hospitals emerged. These were: Heavy workloads, shortage of trained staff, medico-legal risks; lack of supervision, support and teamwork, physical and emotional exhaustion, fatigue, stress and burnout, differential salary scales, non-competitive retirement packages role ambiguity, inadequate equipment, unresolved conflict with colleagues or management, personal financial crisis, lack of recognition and Lack of career development or promotion. These factors make use of themes, which include issues related to line management, administration, subjective and uncertainty of roles. Operational managers confirmed such reasons for the discontinuation of services offered by critical care nurses in private hospitals. Management views to the attrition of critical care nurses were that: (a) The staffing crisis was a serious matter of concern, (b) the use of less skilled staff resulted in negative effects on patient care and (c) the low number of critical care nursing staff negatively affected organisational goals.
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- Authors: Mbobo, Angelina Pretty
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Intensive care nursing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Public Health Leadership
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11181 , vital:37200
- Description: South Africa faces an immense shortage of healthcare professionals, especially trained and experienced critical care nurses. This thesis assesses factors influencing professional nurses ‘attrition in two selected private hospitals. This results in an HR risk; loss of skills, task shifting and the use of less skilled nurses, and not limited to the high workloads in intensive care units together with the job dissatisfaction consequently. To confirm this, a case study making use of a qualitative approach, follows the definition of a social constructivism framework. The study assessed 40 trained and experienced critical care nurses in focus groups of 5, with which a stratified purposive sampling technique was used and the focus group interviews were 90 minutes Seven structured interviews were undertaken, (using a narrative summary) with hospital operational managers working directly with the critical care nurses. Audio-recorded data were analysed by thematic content analysis using Creswell’s steps content analysis method. Multiple reasons, as given by nurses, to discontinue their services in private hospitals emerged. These were: Heavy workloads, shortage of trained staff, medico-legal risks; lack of supervision, support and teamwork, physical and emotional exhaustion, fatigue, stress and burnout, differential salary scales, non-competitive retirement packages role ambiguity, inadequate equipment, unresolved conflict with colleagues or management, personal financial crisis, lack of recognition and Lack of career development or promotion. These factors make use of themes, which include issues related to line management, administration, subjective and uncertainty of roles. Operational managers confirmed such reasons for the discontinuation of services offered by critical care nurses in private hospitals. Management views to the attrition of critical care nurses were that: (a) The staffing crisis was a serious matter of concern, (b) the use of less skilled staff resulted in negative effects on patient care and (c) the low number of critical care nursing staff negatively affected organisational goals.
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Assessing grade 9 learners' attitude towards their academic performance in mathematics in Pinetown education district, KwaZulu-Natal
- Authors: Olorunfemi, Sunday Olayinka
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8518 , vital:32859
- Description: The world education system is faced with many challenges. Learners’ performance in mathematics in particular is one of the main areas of concern. Over decades, Mathematics has become an indispensable tool in the march towards technological breakthrough. The use of Mathematics reveals how people deal with their various private, social, and civil lives. The indispensable implications of Mathematics in the society made it to become a compulsory subject in the primary and secondary education in most countries of the world. Nevertheless, despite its wide application of Mathematics in the society, there are still many learners particularly in secondary schools who struggle to achieve the best knowledge of Mathematics. As applicable to most countries of the world, the performance of learner in South Africa is not encouraging. For example, the performance of Grade 9 learners, Pinetown Education District in particular, is not improving. Attitude is one major factor identified among learners that gravely affects learner’s performance in Mathematics. The study adopted qualitative approach which is rooted in interpretive paradigm to frame and focus the study. Interpretive paradigm is consistent with the assumption that experience of the world is subjective and best understood in terms of individuals’ subjective meanings rather than the researcher’s objective definitions. The sample included 15 participants (which include three Mathematics educators and twelve Grade nine learners) selected purposefully across three secondary schools, with attitudes and performance as inclusion criteria. Data were obtained through classroom observations and semi-structured interviews conducted with the selected Mathematics educators and learners of the selected schools to obtain their views on the impact of the attitudes of Grade nine learners on their performances in the subject. The study found that the learners perceived difficulty in Mathematics because of the information that was passed to them through their parents or guardians, seniors and peers who have negative attitudes towards Mathematics; their previous performances at early grades; the nature of Mathematics itself; and that learners were not well prepared from primary schools. It was also indicated that many learners have negative attitude towards Mathematics whose behaviours in the classroom affected others who would have loved to enjoy Mathematics. The study also revealed that all stakeholders (the educators, school managements, policy makers and parents) have part to play in motivating the learners to engage more in Mathematics. Also the study found that qualified educators who will develop good and friendly classroom environment, employing a highly interactive teaching method and as well giving adequate homework and assignments to the learners are needed to teach Mathematics in secondary schools. The study revealed that learning resources are not made available to the learners. There study therefore potentially provides that, educators can help mould the learners with negative preset mind about Mathematics through their classroom behaviours. The study further provides that learning materials such as textbooks and other geometry tools be made available for the learners use at home. The study also, provides that consideration be given to Mathematics class in the morning hours. The study concluded by giving general recommendations for improving learners’ participation and attitudes towards learning Mathematics.
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- Authors: Olorunfemi, Sunday Olayinka
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8518 , vital:32859
- Description: The world education system is faced with many challenges. Learners’ performance in mathematics in particular is one of the main areas of concern. Over decades, Mathematics has become an indispensable tool in the march towards technological breakthrough. The use of Mathematics reveals how people deal with their various private, social, and civil lives. The indispensable implications of Mathematics in the society made it to become a compulsory subject in the primary and secondary education in most countries of the world. Nevertheless, despite its wide application of Mathematics in the society, there are still many learners particularly in secondary schools who struggle to achieve the best knowledge of Mathematics. As applicable to most countries of the world, the performance of learner in South Africa is not encouraging. For example, the performance of Grade 9 learners, Pinetown Education District in particular, is not improving. Attitude is one major factor identified among learners that gravely affects learner’s performance in Mathematics. The study adopted qualitative approach which is rooted in interpretive paradigm to frame and focus the study. Interpretive paradigm is consistent with the assumption that experience of the world is subjective and best understood in terms of individuals’ subjective meanings rather than the researcher’s objective definitions. The sample included 15 participants (which include three Mathematics educators and twelve Grade nine learners) selected purposefully across three secondary schools, with attitudes and performance as inclusion criteria. Data were obtained through classroom observations and semi-structured interviews conducted with the selected Mathematics educators and learners of the selected schools to obtain their views on the impact of the attitudes of Grade nine learners on their performances in the subject. The study found that the learners perceived difficulty in Mathematics because of the information that was passed to them through their parents or guardians, seniors and peers who have negative attitudes towards Mathematics; their previous performances at early grades; the nature of Mathematics itself; and that learners were not well prepared from primary schools. It was also indicated that many learners have negative attitude towards Mathematics whose behaviours in the classroom affected others who would have loved to enjoy Mathematics. The study also revealed that all stakeholders (the educators, school managements, policy makers and parents) have part to play in motivating the learners to engage more in Mathematics. Also the study found that qualified educators who will develop good and friendly classroom environment, employing a highly interactive teaching method and as well giving adequate homework and assignments to the learners are needed to teach Mathematics in secondary schools. The study revealed that learning resources are not made available to the learners. There study therefore potentially provides that, educators can help mould the learners with negative preset mind about Mathematics through their classroom behaviours. The study further provides that learning materials such as textbooks and other geometry tools be made available for the learners use at home. The study also, provides that consideration be given to Mathematics class in the morning hours. The study concluded by giving general recommendations for improving learners’ participation and attitudes towards learning Mathematics.
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Assessing teaching strategies of grade four English second language teachers in Amathole District, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Adegoriolu, Emmanuel Tobi
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Education--South Africa English language--Study and teaching--Foreign speakers Second language acquisition
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Applied Linguistics
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15474 , vital:40411
- Description: The intention of this study was to assess the teaching strategies of Grade 4 English second language teachers in the Amathole district of the Eastern Cape. The objectives of the study were firstly, to identify the teaching strategies currently employed by Grade 4 teachers in the teaching of English as a second language in selected schools in Amathole district of the Eastern Cape in South Africa. Secondly, the study sought to establish how the existing teaching strategies impacted on the performance of the learners of English as a second language in the selected schools in Amathloe district of the Eastern Cape, and to establish the teachers‟ perceptions on the most effective teaching strategies in the selected schools. The study used translanguaging and communicative language teaching as the theoretical lens and guide in data collection and analysis. The study employed the use of mixed methods of both quantitative and qualitative research design. Data was collected through the use of eight comprehensive classroom observations and eight teacher questionnaires in four different primary schools. The conclusion of the study as established in the outcome of data showed that there was no recommended teaching strategy by the Department of Education for English second language teachers teaching Grade 4. The study observed that the language teachers made use of various teaching strategies in the instruction of Grade 4 learners. In addition, it was concluded that the placement of the English language subject on the timetable affected the performance of young learners during the summer period. Moreover, the absence of teacher-learner cordial relationship compromised learning outcomes and performance of Grade 4 learners in the skills of English second language. The study recommends that teachers of English as a second language be trained on communicative language teaching in order to achieve positive outcomes in the classroom.
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- Authors: Adegoriolu, Emmanuel Tobi
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Education--South Africa English language--Study and teaching--Foreign speakers Second language acquisition
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Applied Linguistics
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15474 , vital:40411
- Description: The intention of this study was to assess the teaching strategies of Grade 4 English second language teachers in the Amathole district of the Eastern Cape. The objectives of the study were firstly, to identify the teaching strategies currently employed by Grade 4 teachers in the teaching of English as a second language in selected schools in Amathole district of the Eastern Cape in South Africa. Secondly, the study sought to establish how the existing teaching strategies impacted on the performance of the learners of English as a second language in the selected schools in Amathloe district of the Eastern Cape, and to establish the teachers‟ perceptions on the most effective teaching strategies in the selected schools. The study used translanguaging and communicative language teaching as the theoretical lens and guide in data collection and analysis. The study employed the use of mixed methods of both quantitative and qualitative research design. Data was collected through the use of eight comprehensive classroom observations and eight teacher questionnaires in four different primary schools. The conclusion of the study as established in the outcome of data showed that there was no recommended teaching strategy by the Department of Education for English second language teachers teaching Grade 4. The study observed that the language teachers made use of various teaching strategies in the instruction of Grade 4 learners. In addition, it was concluded that the placement of the English language subject on the timetable affected the performance of young learners during the summer period. Moreover, the absence of teacher-learner cordial relationship compromised learning outcomes and performance of Grade 4 learners in the skills of English second language. The study recommends that teachers of English as a second language be trained on communicative language teaching in order to achieve positive outcomes in the classroom.
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Assessing the implementation and effects of the Fetsa Tlala Food Initiative Programme in achieving its vision of eradicating household level food insecurity in Lukhanji Local Municipality, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Njara, L I
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Households -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10476 , vital:35484
- Description: Declining agrarian activities in significant parts of the country, even in the subsistence sector, has meant that access to food is increasingly a function of household cash income, hence low-income households experience inadequate access to food. Over 12 million people in South Africa are vulnerable to food insecurity. Since 2013, substantial efforts and large sums of money have been devoted to poverty reduction through government’s Fetsa Tlala Food Production Initiative. Fetsa Tlala was conceptualised as an integrated government framework that seeks to promote food and nutrition security and to address the structural causes of food insecurity, which continue to perpetuate inequality and social exclusion. The main objective of this study is to assess the implementation and effects of Fetsa Tlala. The specific objectives include: to measure the direct and indirect benefits of Fetsa Tlala; to assess the cost-effectiveness of the programme; to evaluate the model of the programme using a social systems approach; and to assess the implementation approach of Fetsa Tlala. A cross-sectional study was carried on a sample of 70 households and four Fetsa Tlala projects in the Eastern Cape. Households were selected using the simple random sampling procedure. Structured and semi-structured interviews using questionnaires were conducted. The research objectives were analysed using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Among the quantitative approaches used was a micro simulation exercise, which was performed to help understand the cost-effectiveness of the programme. The results show that the business model of the programme is not built with sustainability in mind and the systems approach was ignored when designing the programme. Furthermore, the cost of the programme outweighs its benefits. This study recommends that the programme should take into account human development and build a needs-based approach going forward. Further recommendations are that the government should target relevant partners, and prioritise agricultural insurance, infrastructure and agro-processing.
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- Authors: Njara, L I
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Households -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10476 , vital:35484
- Description: Declining agrarian activities in significant parts of the country, even in the subsistence sector, has meant that access to food is increasingly a function of household cash income, hence low-income households experience inadequate access to food. Over 12 million people in South Africa are vulnerable to food insecurity. Since 2013, substantial efforts and large sums of money have been devoted to poverty reduction through government’s Fetsa Tlala Food Production Initiative. Fetsa Tlala was conceptualised as an integrated government framework that seeks to promote food and nutrition security and to address the structural causes of food insecurity, which continue to perpetuate inequality and social exclusion. The main objective of this study is to assess the implementation and effects of Fetsa Tlala. The specific objectives include: to measure the direct and indirect benefits of Fetsa Tlala; to assess the cost-effectiveness of the programme; to evaluate the model of the programme using a social systems approach; and to assess the implementation approach of Fetsa Tlala. A cross-sectional study was carried on a sample of 70 households and four Fetsa Tlala projects in the Eastern Cape. Households were selected using the simple random sampling procedure. Structured and semi-structured interviews using questionnaires were conducted. The research objectives were analysed using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Among the quantitative approaches used was a micro simulation exercise, which was performed to help understand the cost-effectiveness of the programme. The results show that the business model of the programme is not built with sustainability in mind and the systems approach was ignored when designing the programme. Furthermore, the cost of the programme outweighs its benefits. This study recommends that the programme should take into account human development and build a needs-based approach going forward. Further recommendations are that the government should target relevant partners, and prioritise agricultural insurance, infrastructure and agro-processing.
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Assessing the income derived from agricultural hawking in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Seteni, Vuyo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Street vendors -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Street vendors -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10167 , vital:35364
- Description: The hawking business has grown profusely in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, to such an extent that street hawkers are found on every street corner of the Metro. The literature suggests that street hawking holds great potential for employment creation for the unskilled population who cannot find employment opportunities in the formal sector. In light of the proliferation of street hawking in BCMM, the study aimed at assessing the performance of agricultural hawkers in the municipality by means of looking at hawkers’ strategies, determining their sales and net income, and ascertaining their level of ‘job satisfaction’. The sample was selected from the population of hawkers in three major towns of BCMM, namely Mdantsane, East London and King William’s Town. A sum of 200 respondents were selected in the study through interval based probability sampling. The study made use of a cross tabulation of the hawkers’ income according to the three main towns. The results revealed that that agricultural hawking contributes to poverty alleviation in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, as the majority of hawkers earn enough to live above the poverty line. A correlation matrix was used to ascertain the strength and direction of association between hawkers’ monthly income and selected independent variables. The study also used an ordered probit model to determine which specific variables affect hawkers’ monthly income generated from fruit and vegetable sales. The results from the model suggest that business training is significantly and positively related to increasing monthly income, as are age, years of experience, and membership of a hawkers’ association. The study recommends that Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality build new markets and improve the infrastructure of existing markets, and also provide proper sanitation and clean water to avoid unhygienic situations in street hawkers’ markets.
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- Authors: Seteni, Vuyo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Street vendors -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Street vendors -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10167 , vital:35364
- Description: The hawking business has grown profusely in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, to such an extent that street hawkers are found on every street corner of the Metro. The literature suggests that street hawking holds great potential for employment creation for the unskilled population who cannot find employment opportunities in the formal sector. In light of the proliferation of street hawking in BCMM, the study aimed at assessing the performance of agricultural hawkers in the municipality by means of looking at hawkers’ strategies, determining their sales and net income, and ascertaining their level of ‘job satisfaction’. The sample was selected from the population of hawkers in three major towns of BCMM, namely Mdantsane, East London and King William’s Town. A sum of 200 respondents were selected in the study through interval based probability sampling. The study made use of a cross tabulation of the hawkers’ income according to the three main towns. The results revealed that that agricultural hawking contributes to poverty alleviation in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, as the majority of hawkers earn enough to live above the poverty line. A correlation matrix was used to ascertain the strength and direction of association between hawkers’ monthly income and selected independent variables. The study also used an ordered probit model to determine which specific variables affect hawkers’ monthly income generated from fruit and vegetable sales. The results from the model suggest that business training is significantly and positively related to increasing monthly income, as are age, years of experience, and membership of a hawkers’ association. The study recommends that Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality build new markets and improve the infrastructure of existing markets, and also provide proper sanitation and clean water to avoid unhygienic situations in street hawkers’ markets.
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