The perceptions of Government Social Protection Programmes in mitigating the challenges faced by street children in Harare Metropolitan Province in Zimbabwe
- Authors: Gunhidzirai, Constance
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Poverty Alleviation Street children
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Social Work)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17998 , vital:42002
- Description: This study was aimed at examining the perceptions of Government Social Protection Programmes in mitigating the challenges faced by street children in Harare Metropolitan Province in Zimbabwe. The study was based on the pragmatism paradigm that triangulated both quantitative and qualitative research methods of collecting data. A questionnaire survey was administered to 202 street children while 32 heads of households were involved in focus group discussions and four Social Workers took part in semi-structured interviews. Drawing from the Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA), Psychoanalysis Theory and Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory (EST) that guided the study, the findings revealed that street children experienced economic, social, physical and psychological challenges that hindered their attainment of full growth and development. Findings further revealed that street children adopted various coping strategies to mitigate the challenges they encountered in the streets to ensure sustainability. Furthermore, not all Government Social Protection Programmes were effective in addressing the plights of street children. This was due to inadequate funds, corruption and discriminatory criteria for selection of beneficiaries. These impediments hindered the provision of comprehensive social welfare services to street children, which led street children to adopt various coping strategies to mitigate the challenges they encountered in their efforts to ensure sustainability. The study concludes that Government Social Protection Programmes (GSPPs) such as Basic Education Assistance Module, Child Adoption, Institutional Care, National Action Plan for Orphans and Vulnerable Children, Free vii Treatment Order and Harmonized Cash Transfer are not entirely addressing the challenges facing street children in Harare Metropolitan Province. This is because of the criteria used to select street children, which systematically excludes them from benefitting, resulting in extended impoverishment and vulnerability. The study further recommends that the government of Zimbabwe provide productive safety nets and sponsor self-help projects to empower vulnerable households, and source out additional resources such as human resource and finance for Social Protection Programmes from Non-Government Organisations, private companies
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Gunhidzirai, Constance
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Poverty Alleviation Street children
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Social Work)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17998 , vital:42002
- Description: This study was aimed at examining the perceptions of Government Social Protection Programmes in mitigating the challenges faced by street children in Harare Metropolitan Province in Zimbabwe. The study was based on the pragmatism paradigm that triangulated both quantitative and qualitative research methods of collecting data. A questionnaire survey was administered to 202 street children while 32 heads of households were involved in focus group discussions and four Social Workers took part in semi-structured interviews. Drawing from the Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA), Psychoanalysis Theory and Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory (EST) that guided the study, the findings revealed that street children experienced economic, social, physical and psychological challenges that hindered their attainment of full growth and development. Findings further revealed that street children adopted various coping strategies to mitigate the challenges they encountered in the streets to ensure sustainability. Furthermore, not all Government Social Protection Programmes were effective in addressing the plights of street children. This was due to inadequate funds, corruption and discriminatory criteria for selection of beneficiaries. These impediments hindered the provision of comprehensive social welfare services to street children, which led street children to adopt various coping strategies to mitigate the challenges they encountered in their efforts to ensure sustainability. The study concludes that Government Social Protection Programmes (GSPPs) such as Basic Education Assistance Module, Child Adoption, Institutional Care, National Action Plan for Orphans and Vulnerable Children, Free vii Treatment Order and Harmonized Cash Transfer are not entirely addressing the challenges facing street children in Harare Metropolitan Province. This is because of the criteria used to select street children, which systematically excludes them from benefitting, resulting in extended impoverishment and vulnerability. The study further recommends that the government of Zimbabwe provide productive safety nets and sponsor self-help projects to empower vulnerable households, and source out additional resources such as human resource and finance for Social Protection Programmes from Non-Government Organisations, private companies
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The political ecological economics of coal mining and water resources: a participatory economic valuation approach in Carolina, Mpumalanga
- Authors: Nzimande, Nqobile
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Natural resources -- Management , Natural resources -- Management -- South Africa -- Carolina , Natural resources -- Valuation , Natural resources -- Valuation -- South Africa -- Carolina , Coal mines and mining -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Carolina , Water-supply -- South Africa -- Carolina , Water-supply -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Carolina , Water conservation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/167274 , vital:41463
- Description: Globally, resource economic valuation has traditionally focused on monetary and market-based methods. However, there has been a recent move towards more transdiciplinary methods that encourage civil participation in resource economic valuation studies with the aim of generating more site-specific and appropriate values which can potentially improve natural resource management decisions. With a focus on Carolina, this thesis investigated whether citizen based participatory approaches can result in more appropriate resource economic values that reflect the social environmental values in Carolina. A qualitative research approach was adopted for this research which incorporated questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The research also adopted an inductive thematic analysis. The findings of the research showed that local scale stakeholders have different perceived values of natural resources. The research further showed that national scale resource governance institutions deal with issues of natural resource economic conflicts related to environmental policy and decision making. The study will contribute to deepening an understanding of the contribution that a natural resource economics assessment, or analysis can have on equitable, sustainable and efficient water resource management in the face of water-use contestation
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Nzimande, Nqobile
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Natural resources -- Management , Natural resources -- Management -- South Africa -- Carolina , Natural resources -- Valuation , Natural resources -- Valuation -- South Africa -- Carolina , Coal mines and mining -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Carolina , Water-supply -- South Africa -- Carolina , Water-supply -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Carolina , Water conservation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/167274 , vital:41463
- Description: Globally, resource economic valuation has traditionally focused on monetary and market-based methods. However, there has been a recent move towards more transdiciplinary methods that encourage civil participation in resource economic valuation studies with the aim of generating more site-specific and appropriate values which can potentially improve natural resource management decisions. With a focus on Carolina, this thesis investigated whether citizen based participatory approaches can result in more appropriate resource economic values that reflect the social environmental values in Carolina. A qualitative research approach was adopted for this research which incorporated questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The research also adopted an inductive thematic analysis. The findings of the research showed that local scale stakeholders have different perceived values of natural resources. The research further showed that national scale resource governance institutions deal with issues of natural resource economic conflicts related to environmental policy and decision making. The study will contribute to deepening an understanding of the contribution that a natural resource economics assessment, or analysis can have on equitable, sustainable and efficient water resource management in the face of water-use contestation
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The political promise of choreography in performance and/as research: First Physical Theatre Company’s manifesto and repertory, 1993-2015
- Authors: Finestone-Praeg, Juanita
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Choreography -- Political aspects , Dance -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Dance -- Political aspects , Performance art -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Performance art -- History and criticism , Performance art -- Research , Performance art -- Study and teaching , Performance art -- Philosophy , Experimental theater -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Experimental theater -- History and criticism , Political art -- South Africa -- Makhanda , First Physical Theatre Company , First Physical Theatre Company -- History and criticism
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/149373 , vital:38844
- Description: This study redefines the political in dance by drawing on the scholarly concept of the “choreopolitical” (André Lepecki) and extending it into analysing related concepts such as the “postdramatic” (Hans-Thies Lehmann), performance and/as research, among others from Performance Studies scholarship as well as from First Physical Theatre Company’s pioneering legacy of production, pedagogy and research in making Phyical Theatre performance. Following from the notion that performance is both a site and a method of study/knowing, the research invites a rethinking of the relationship between art (performance), epistemology and the political, in the sense that performance becomes a way, not of simply re-presenting the political but, as its own way of knowing, actively questioning the very categories on which the political is premised. The argument for Physical Theatre as having nascent potential to invoke what I call “the power of the small” is analysed as a choreopolitical method and community of practice that has a generative capacity to produce the “intimate revolts” (Julia Kristeva) or body of questions that can perform the imaginative curiosities/forms required to create provocative, subversive, ethical, reflexive and charged performance. My argument is supported by critical commentary, insight, choreological analysis and reflection on the dramaturgical strategies and choreopolitics of selected commissioned choreographers and dance forms that extended FPTC’s manifesto and production between 1993 and 2015. My project has the following three goals: (i) to contextualise, conceptualise and identify key issues in the identity, pedagogy and performance ethos of Physical Theatre as a performance philosophy and form; (ii) to engage critically with the praxis of Physical Theatre within the contextual, cultural, historical and political relationships between Physical Theatre and other performance practices in South Africa; and (iii) to document, analyse and interpret selected claims, works and performance processes from the archive of FPTC’s repertory and training manifesto from 1993 to 2015. The research evaluates the political significance and consequence of FPTC’s heritage and legacy problematising constraints, possibilities, tensions, failures and proposing the hope of imaginative entanglements with practising freedoms.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Finestone-Praeg, Juanita
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Choreography -- Political aspects , Dance -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Dance -- Political aspects , Performance art -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Performance art -- History and criticism , Performance art -- Research , Performance art -- Study and teaching , Performance art -- Philosophy , Experimental theater -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Experimental theater -- History and criticism , Political art -- South Africa -- Makhanda , First Physical Theatre Company , First Physical Theatre Company -- History and criticism
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/149373 , vital:38844
- Description: This study redefines the political in dance by drawing on the scholarly concept of the “choreopolitical” (André Lepecki) and extending it into analysing related concepts such as the “postdramatic” (Hans-Thies Lehmann), performance and/as research, among others from Performance Studies scholarship as well as from First Physical Theatre Company’s pioneering legacy of production, pedagogy and research in making Phyical Theatre performance. Following from the notion that performance is both a site and a method of study/knowing, the research invites a rethinking of the relationship between art (performance), epistemology and the political, in the sense that performance becomes a way, not of simply re-presenting the political but, as its own way of knowing, actively questioning the very categories on which the political is premised. The argument for Physical Theatre as having nascent potential to invoke what I call “the power of the small” is analysed as a choreopolitical method and community of practice that has a generative capacity to produce the “intimate revolts” (Julia Kristeva) or body of questions that can perform the imaginative curiosities/forms required to create provocative, subversive, ethical, reflexive and charged performance. My argument is supported by critical commentary, insight, choreological analysis and reflection on the dramaturgical strategies and choreopolitics of selected commissioned choreographers and dance forms that extended FPTC’s manifesto and production between 1993 and 2015. My project has the following three goals: (i) to contextualise, conceptualise and identify key issues in the identity, pedagogy and performance ethos of Physical Theatre as a performance philosophy and form; (ii) to engage critically with the praxis of Physical Theatre within the contextual, cultural, historical and political relationships between Physical Theatre and other performance practices in South Africa; and (iii) to document, analyse and interpret selected claims, works and performance processes from the archive of FPTC’s repertory and training manifesto from 1993 to 2015. The research evaluates the political significance and consequence of FPTC’s heritage and legacy problematising constraints, possibilities, tensions, failures and proposing the hope of imaginative entanglements with practising freedoms.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The political thought of Thomas Sankara and its contemporary relevance
- Authors: Kabwato, Levison M
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Sankara, Thomas , Sankara, Thomas -- Influence , Burkina Faso -- Politics and government -- 1960-1987 , Cabral, Amílcar, 1924-1973 , Fanon, Frantz, 1925-1961 , Nkrumah, Kwame, 1909-1972
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/146556 , vital:38536
- Description: On 4 August 1983, a thirty-three year-old army captain seized power in Burkina Faso and embarked on what can be described a revolutionary journey. Over the next four years, until his assassination in 1987 the government, led by Captain Thomas Sankara, attempted to redeem Burkina Faso from the clutches of neo-colonialism. Through popular mobilisation and organisation, infrastructure (schools, hospitals, bridges) was built, millions of children were vaccinated and diseases such as river blindness were eliminated. Women, long-subjugated by patriarchal systems took up space and led their own initiatives in freedom, including holding senior roles in the public service. On the international stage, practical solidarity was extended to countries either fighting or threatened by neo-colonialism despite the fact that Burkina Faso was poor and was itself threatened by France and her lackeys. What Sankara inherited in August 1983, twenty-three years after Burkina Faso’s independence, was a fragile neo-colonial state which was not allowed by dominant imperialist interests to set an example of what true independence means. So, in just four years, it was all over. Sankara was assassinated by his comrades and the revolutionary project he had led came to a halt. The tragedy of Sankara was the tragedy of all those attempts at revolution which occur before mass movements have had the opportunity to develop and organise themselves independently of the state. Despite this, it is apparent today that Sankara has been influential on current political movements and parties in Africa, from Burkina Faso to South Africa. One of these political movements is the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in South Africa. This half-thesis is an investigation of Sankara’s political thought. It also examines the extent to which his answers to questions of nationalism and pan-Africanism both matched and differed from his predecessors. To accomplish the latter, a brief but critical analysis of the writings of Amílcar Cabral, Frantz Fanon, Kwame Nkrumah is made.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Kabwato, Levison M
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Sankara, Thomas , Sankara, Thomas -- Influence , Burkina Faso -- Politics and government -- 1960-1987 , Cabral, Amílcar, 1924-1973 , Fanon, Frantz, 1925-1961 , Nkrumah, Kwame, 1909-1972
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/146556 , vital:38536
- Description: On 4 August 1983, a thirty-three year-old army captain seized power in Burkina Faso and embarked on what can be described a revolutionary journey. Over the next four years, until his assassination in 1987 the government, led by Captain Thomas Sankara, attempted to redeem Burkina Faso from the clutches of neo-colonialism. Through popular mobilisation and organisation, infrastructure (schools, hospitals, bridges) was built, millions of children were vaccinated and diseases such as river blindness were eliminated. Women, long-subjugated by patriarchal systems took up space and led their own initiatives in freedom, including holding senior roles in the public service. On the international stage, practical solidarity was extended to countries either fighting or threatened by neo-colonialism despite the fact that Burkina Faso was poor and was itself threatened by France and her lackeys. What Sankara inherited in August 1983, twenty-three years after Burkina Faso’s independence, was a fragile neo-colonial state which was not allowed by dominant imperialist interests to set an example of what true independence means. So, in just four years, it was all over. Sankara was assassinated by his comrades and the revolutionary project he had led came to a halt. The tragedy of Sankara was the tragedy of all those attempts at revolution which occur before mass movements have had the opportunity to develop and organise themselves independently of the state. Despite this, it is apparent today that Sankara has been influential on current political movements and parties in Africa, from Burkina Faso to South Africa. One of these political movements is the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in South Africa. This half-thesis is an investigation of Sankara’s political thought. It also examines the extent to which his answers to questions of nationalism and pan-Africanism both matched and differed from his predecessors. To accomplish the latter, a brief but critical analysis of the writings of Amílcar Cabral, Frantz Fanon, Kwame Nkrumah is made.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The potential of Geography fieldwork projects to develop action competence in response to social-ecological concerns: a case study of two Grade 10 Geography classes in Northern Namibia
- Authors: Mwiila, Modestus
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Geography -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/126563 , vital:35901
- Description: The study explored the potential of Geography fieldwork projects to develop learners’ action competence in response to social-ecological problems in two schools in the Omusati and Oshana Education Regions. The study investigates ways in which learners’ activities create an opportunity for them to act for the environment. That is, to investigate ways in which learners can be shaped into environmentally literate citizens who act for the environment. A total of 43 grade 10 learners and two grade 10 Geography teachers participated in this qualitative, interpretive case study. Data was generated through document analysis, focus group interview with learners, semi-structured interviews with educators, and participant observations. Such data were analysed into three phases, first inductively and then abductively using Jensen’s (2004) Investigations, Visions, Actions and Change (IVAC) model to produce analytic statements that form the basis of the research findings. The study found that Geography fieldwork projects foster understandings of environmental problems in a local area. Through fieldwork projects, schools initiate indirect environmental actions, however, some environmental problems are too large or complex to be resolved by the actions initiated by learners. Based on these findings, the study identifies Geography fieldwork as an opportunity to create a community of practice in effort to address socioecological concerns. The study further recommends that learners should be allowed to engage with both social investigative actions and technical, scientific investigative actions when doing project work.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Mwiila, Modestus
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Geography -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/126563 , vital:35901
- Description: The study explored the potential of Geography fieldwork projects to develop learners’ action competence in response to social-ecological problems in two schools in the Omusati and Oshana Education Regions. The study investigates ways in which learners’ activities create an opportunity for them to act for the environment. That is, to investigate ways in which learners can be shaped into environmentally literate citizens who act for the environment. A total of 43 grade 10 learners and two grade 10 Geography teachers participated in this qualitative, interpretive case study. Data was generated through document analysis, focus group interview with learners, semi-structured interviews with educators, and participant observations. Such data were analysed into three phases, first inductively and then abductively using Jensen’s (2004) Investigations, Visions, Actions and Change (IVAC) model to produce analytic statements that form the basis of the research findings. The study found that Geography fieldwork projects foster understandings of environmental problems in a local area. Through fieldwork projects, schools initiate indirect environmental actions, however, some environmental problems are too large or complex to be resolved by the actions initiated by learners. Based on these findings, the study identifies Geography fieldwork as an opportunity to create a community of practice in effort to address socioecological concerns. The study further recommends that learners should be allowed to engage with both social investigative actions and technical, scientific investigative actions when doing project work.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The potential of Raman spectroscopy in distinguishing between wool and mohair fibres
- Authors: Notayi, Mzwamadoda
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Textile fabrics , Textile fibers -- Mechanical properties Wool -- Dissertations Mohair -- Dissertations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49248 , vital:41614
- Description: The possible application of the FT Raman, Raman micro-spectroscopy and ATR-FTIR micro-spectroscopy, have been investigated for distinguishing between wool and mohair. Highly identical Raman and FTIR spectra were obtained from the two fibre types, indicating that indeed they share similar basic molecular structural chemistry. The analysis of the amide I through curve fitting of wool and mohair FT Raman spectra showed that the protein and polypeptide secondary structure exists mainly in the α-helical structural conformation with smaller proportions of β-pleated sheet and β-Turns. These proportions, however, could not be used to distinguish between wool and mohair, due to the significant overlap observed between the two fibres. This study also determined the disulphide contents for possibly distinguishing between wool and mohair fibres, with the average and standard deviation values of 0.20±0.04 and 0.17±0.03 for wool and mohair, respectively, being found. Despite the mean values being found to differ statistically significant (p<0.05), a considerable overlap was observed, posing a doubt in the possible application of the method for distinguishing between the two fibres and blend composition analysis of the two fibres. The application of ratiometric analysis, based on the relative peak heights of certain FT Raman bands, showed that a combination of ratios A (I2932/I1450) and D (I508/I1450) could hold great potential in distinguishing between wool and mohair fibre samples. The individual values of ratios A and D varied a great deal from one mohair sample to the other and even more from one wool sample to another, with the individual values for ratio A ranging from 2.71-3.68 and 2.35-3.08 for wool and mohair, respectively, while ratio D ranged from 0.18-0.32 and 0.17-0.22 for wool and mohair, respectively. An important observation from this study is that if, for an unknown sample, if individual values of ratios A and D exceed 3.1 and 0.22, respectively, are found then the sample is most likely to be either a pure wool or blend of wool and mohair, whereas if all the values fall below the two threshold values, then the unknown sample can be declared a pure mohair sample. A Raman spectral database or library of approximately 100 high quality Raman average spectra of wool and mohair fibres has been established for the Bruker 80V FTIR/Raman spectrophotometer at the Nelson Mandela University (NMU). Although this has not been fully validated due to the unforeseen frequent breakdown encountered with the FT Raman system, at this stage, it has been realized that verification of unknown materials is highly possible. A great need for the development of a classification model based on multivariate or chemometrics has been realized. An ATR-FTIR LUMOS micro-spectroscopic system was also investigated for the possible application in distinguishing between wool and mohair single fibres. The amide I/II band ratios were determined for both wool and mohair fibres to distinguish between the two fibre types. The mean and standard deviation values of 1.20±0.02 and 1.21±0.01 for mohair and wool, respectively, were found and were shown not to differ statistically significant (p˃0.05). The secondary structure analysis showed that the content of the α-helical secondary structure might be different between the two fibre types, with a great overlap of individual values, however, being observed between the two fibre types (wool and mohair), raising concerns in the possible application of the α-helical content for distinguishing the two fibres.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Notayi, Mzwamadoda
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Textile fabrics , Textile fibers -- Mechanical properties Wool -- Dissertations Mohair -- Dissertations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49248 , vital:41614
- Description: The possible application of the FT Raman, Raman micro-spectroscopy and ATR-FTIR micro-spectroscopy, have been investigated for distinguishing between wool and mohair. Highly identical Raman and FTIR spectra were obtained from the two fibre types, indicating that indeed they share similar basic molecular structural chemistry. The analysis of the amide I through curve fitting of wool and mohair FT Raman spectra showed that the protein and polypeptide secondary structure exists mainly in the α-helical structural conformation with smaller proportions of β-pleated sheet and β-Turns. These proportions, however, could not be used to distinguish between wool and mohair, due to the significant overlap observed between the two fibres. This study also determined the disulphide contents for possibly distinguishing between wool and mohair fibres, with the average and standard deviation values of 0.20±0.04 and 0.17±0.03 for wool and mohair, respectively, being found. Despite the mean values being found to differ statistically significant (p<0.05), a considerable overlap was observed, posing a doubt in the possible application of the method for distinguishing between the two fibres and blend composition analysis of the two fibres. The application of ratiometric analysis, based on the relative peak heights of certain FT Raman bands, showed that a combination of ratios A (I2932/I1450) and D (I508/I1450) could hold great potential in distinguishing between wool and mohair fibre samples. The individual values of ratios A and D varied a great deal from one mohair sample to the other and even more from one wool sample to another, with the individual values for ratio A ranging from 2.71-3.68 and 2.35-3.08 for wool and mohair, respectively, while ratio D ranged from 0.18-0.32 and 0.17-0.22 for wool and mohair, respectively. An important observation from this study is that if, for an unknown sample, if individual values of ratios A and D exceed 3.1 and 0.22, respectively, are found then the sample is most likely to be either a pure wool or blend of wool and mohair, whereas if all the values fall below the two threshold values, then the unknown sample can be declared a pure mohair sample. A Raman spectral database or library of approximately 100 high quality Raman average spectra of wool and mohair fibres has been established for the Bruker 80V FTIR/Raman spectrophotometer at the Nelson Mandela University (NMU). Although this has not been fully validated due to the unforeseen frequent breakdown encountered with the FT Raman system, at this stage, it has been realized that verification of unknown materials is highly possible. A great need for the development of a classification model based on multivariate or chemometrics has been realized. An ATR-FTIR LUMOS micro-spectroscopic system was also investigated for the possible application in distinguishing between wool and mohair single fibres. The amide I/II band ratios were determined for both wool and mohair fibres to distinguish between the two fibre types. The mean and standard deviation values of 1.20±0.02 and 1.21±0.01 for mohair and wool, respectively, were found and were shown not to differ statistically significant (p˃0.05). The secondary structure analysis showed that the content of the α-helical secondary structure might be different between the two fibre types, with a great overlap of individual values, however, being observed between the two fibre types (wool and mohair), raising concerns in the possible application of the α-helical content for distinguishing the two fibres.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The precarious ‘good mother’ position: a psychosocial reading of maternal subjectivity of working mothers in scarcely-resourced South African communities
- Authors: Kinahan-Sweeney, Siobhan
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Motherhood -- Psychological aspects -- South Africa , Working mothers -- South Africa -- Attitudes , Working mothers -- South Africa -- Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/142464 , vital:38082
- Description: This psychosocial study investigates the maternal subjectivities of mothers returning to work after maternity leave, who are living in scarcely-resourced Cape Town communities in South Africa. Engaging with interview texts and listening to mothers’ talk, I explore how and why maternal subjectivity is constructed discursively and defensively in our talk. This thesis claims that these particular mothers predominately employ instrumental mothering discourse. The traditional subject position of the intensive mother – which is typically assumed to be the ‘good mother’ – is not a position available to these mothers due to their social circumstances and working role. Subsequently, material provision, the baby’s thriving and surviving body, finding substitute carers and maternal preoccupation are constructed as qualities of ‘good mothering’ in their talk. This ‘good mother’ position, however, is a precarious position that both these mothers and I invest in to defend against feelings towards their babies and themselves as well as to deny (maternal) ambivalence in a problematic social system. In a combined analysis drawing on discursive theory and psychoanalysis, more specifically contemporary attachment theory and intersubjectivity theory, I illustrate how both these mothers and I – as emotional, social and political subjects – co-construct maternal subjectivity. Based on the findings, recommendations for parent-infant interventions are discussed. Arguing that a purely psychoanalytic reading of investment perpetuates notions of individual blame and pathology, I advocate for a psychosocial reading that does not neglect failing social systems but rather pursues an open and reflective, yet critical, mindfulness when listening to talk.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Kinahan-Sweeney, Siobhan
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Motherhood -- Psychological aspects -- South Africa , Working mothers -- South Africa -- Attitudes , Working mothers -- South Africa -- Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/142464 , vital:38082
- Description: This psychosocial study investigates the maternal subjectivities of mothers returning to work after maternity leave, who are living in scarcely-resourced Cape Town communities in South Africa. Engaging with interview texts and listening to mothers’ talk, I explore how and why maternal subjectivity is constructed discursively and defensively in our talk. This thesis claims that these particular mothers predominately employ instrumental mothering discourse. The traditional subject position of the intensive mother – which is typically assumed to be the ‘good mother’ – is not a position available to these mothers due to their social circumstances and working role. Subsequently, material provision, the baby’s thriving and surviving body, finding substitute carers and maternal preoccupation are constructed as qualities of ‘good mothering’ in their talk. This ‘good mother’ position, however, is a precarious position that both these mothers and I invest in to defend against feelings towards their babies and themselves as well as to deny (maternal) ambivalence in a problematic social system. In a combined analysis drawing on discursive theory and psychoanalysis, more specifically contemporary attachment theory and intersubjectivity theory, I illustrate how both these mothers and I – as emotional, social and political subjects – co-construct maternal subjectivity. Based on the findings, recommendations for parent-infant interventions are discussed. Arguing that a purely psychoanalytic reading of investment perpetuates notions of individual blame and pathology, I advocate for a psychosocial reading that does not neglect failing social systems but rather pursues an open and reflective, yet critical, mindfulness when listening to talk.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The predictive ability of the yield spread in timing the stock exchange: a South African case
- Authors: Cook, Jenna
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Stocks -- Mathematical models , Probits , Johannesburg Stock Exchange
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/147025 , vital:38586
- Description: The use of the yield curve in forecasting economic recessions is well established in the literature. A new avenue of use for the yield curve has emerged in the form of using it to forecast bull and bear stock markets. This has the potential to change how investors manage portfolios. A dynamic market-timing strategy would allow investors to shift out of or in to stock markets based on the probability of bear stock market in the future. The relationship between the yield curve and the stock market is tested using an adapted probit model. This has proven positive with encouraging results for the US, India and Spain. This is tested for South Africa using the adapted probit model and the SA yield spread. Bear stock markets are identified on the JSE and forms part of the probit modelling process. Bear markets are identified using a six- and four-month criteria. As South Africa is a small, open and developing economy, the probit is also modelled using the US yield spread. The three probit models do not appear to track bear markets well. This is substantiated through the Henriksson-Merton parametric model test which tests for market timing ability. The results for the SA yield spread using both bear market criteria do not show market timing ability, however, the SA and US yield spread model does show potential market timing ability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Cook, Jenna
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Stocks -- Mathematical models , Probits , Johannesburg Stock Exchange
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/147025 , vital:38586
- Description: The use of the yield curve in forecasting economic recessions is well established in the literature. A new avenue of use for the yield curve has emerged in the form of using it to forecast bull and bear stock markets. This has the potential to change how investors manage portfolios. A dynamic market-timing strategy would allow investors to shift out of or in to stock markets based on the probability of bear stock market in the future. The relationship between the yield curve and the stock market is tested using an adapted probit model. This has proven positive with encouraging results for the US, India and Spain. This is tested for South Africa using the adapted probit model and the SA yield spread. Bear stock markets are identified on the JSE and forms part of the probit modelling process. Bear markets are identified using a six- and four-month criteria. As South Africa is a small, open and developing economy, the probit is also modelled using the US yield spread. The three probit models do not appear to track bear markets well. This is substantiated through the Henriksson-Merton parametric model test which tests for market timing ability. The results for the SA yield spread using both bear market criteria do not show market timing ability, however, the SA and US yield spread model does show potential market timing ability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The preparedness of the insurance industry for industry 4.0 in the Republic of South Africa (RSA) towards 2030
- Authors: Haribans, Sarika
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Insurance companies -- South Africa Industrial revolution -- Insurance -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48147 , vital:40511
- Description: The exponential growth of technology over the past few years has given rise to the term Industry 4.0. The term Industry 4.0 has since gained increasing relevance and importance. Klaus Schwab, founder of the World Economic Forum (WEF) emphasised that the world is on the verge of a technological revolution that will profoundly alter the way we live, work and relate to one another; and that the scale, scope and complexity of the transformation will be unlike anything humankind has experienced before (Schwab, 2016). Industry 4.0 is said to be unlike the previous three industrial revolutions, it is a distinct one of speed, extent and systems impact, characterised by a major disruption to all sectors of business, governments and individuals globally. Industry’s such as insurance, is considered conservative and slow to change, as such the industry has never been quick to adapt to technological advancements. One thing however, that is certain about Industry 4.0 and predicted by many, is its significant impact on jobs in the world as robotics; automation and artificial intelligence become more abundant. This phenomenon has a direct impact on South Africa, which is currently strained by challenges such as infrastructure constraints, political instability, high levels of unemployment, rising costs, and shortages of skills, the loss of further jobs should raise an alarm of concern for government and the private sector alike. The outcomes of the extensive analysis of future studies practice and theory in this research study gives credibility to the argument that the manner in which planning is taking place for the future of the Industry 4.0 in the South African insurance industry context, requires significant adjustments. Business is encouraged to make collaborative decisions and fashion strategies that are founded on and informed by futures studies as this involves the development of fresh insight, fundamental to the planning process. This research attempted to gain insight into the possible future of the South African insurance industry through the creation of four scenarios towards 2030. These are outlined as follows: Insurance innovators and expansionists, which is the ‘best case’ scenario, to which the country aspires; The divide, the ‘worst case’ scenario, in which everything takes a negative turn; The uninsurable, the outlier future based on a surprise future centred on a disruptive emerging area; and Sitting this one out, in which no change takes place, making it ‘business as usual’. The research further undertook to discover the preferred future for the insurance industry in the South African context, as a basis for the Future Vision of the insurance industry of South Africa towards 2030. Inayatullah’s (2008) six pillars of futures studies was employed as an instrument to to guide the mapping of the present and future, further deepening and broadening the future through the development of scenarios, and, finally, transforming the future by narrowing it down to the preferred. In order to achieve the preferred, Future Vision of the insurance industry of South Africa towards 2030 is up to the insurance industry of South Africa, in collaboration with public and private sectors to determine the path to be followed in the decisions surrounding the embrace, acceptance and implementation of Industry 4.0 for the greater good of all, as the country moves towards progression, financial inclusion and sustainable development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Haribans, Sarika
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Insurance companies -- South Africa Industrial revolution -- Insurance -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48147 , vital:40511
- Description: The exponential growth of technology over the past few years has given rise to the term Industry 4.0. The term Industry 4.0 has since gained increasing relevance and importance. Klaus Schwab, founder of the World Economic Forum (WEF) emphasised that the world is on the verge of a technological revolution that will profoundly alter the way we live, work and relate to one another; and that the scale, scope and complexity of the transformation will be unlike anything humankind has experienced before (Schwab, 2016). Industry 4.0 is said to be unlike the previous three industrial revolutions, it is a distinct one of speed, extent and systems impact, characterised by a major disruption to all sectors of business, governments and individuals globally. Industry’s such as insurance, is considered conservative and slow to change, as such the industry has never been quick to adapt to technological advancements. One thing however, that is certain about Industry 4.0 and predicted by many, is its significant impact on jobs in the world as robotics; automation and artificial intelligence become more abundant. This phenomenon has a direct impact on South Africa, which is currently strained by challenges such as infrastructure constraints, political instability, high levels of unemployment, rising costs, and shortages of skills, the loss of further jobs should raise an alarm of concern for government and the private sector alike. The outcomes of the extensive analysis of future studies practice and theory in this research study gives credibility to the argument that the manner in which planning is taking place for the future of the Industry 4.0 in the South African insurance industry context, requires significant adjustments. Business is encouraged to make collaborative decisions and fashion strategies that are founded on and informed by futures studies as this involves the development of fresh insight, fundamental to the planning process. This research attempted to gain insight into the possible future of the South African insurance industry through the creation of four scenarios towards 2030. These are outlined as follows: Insurance innovators and expansionists, which is the ‘best case’ scenario, to which the country aspires; The divide, the ‘worst case’ scenario, in which everything takes a negative turn; The uninsurable, the outlier future based on a surprise future centred on a disruptive emerging area; and Sitting this one out, in which no change takes place, making it ‘business as usual’. The research further undertook to discover the preferred future for the insurance industry in the South African context, as a basis for the Future Vision of the insurance industry of South Africa towards 2030. Inayatullah’s (2008) six pillars of futures studies was employed as an instrument to to guide the mapping of the present and future, further deepening and broadening the future through the development of scenarios, and, finally, transforming the future by narrowing it down to the preferred. In order to achieve the preferred, Future Vision of the insurance industry of South Africa towards 2030 is up to the insurance industry of South Africa, in collaboration with public and private sectors to determine the path to be followed in the decisions surrounding the embrace, acceptance and implementation of Industry 4.0 for the greater good of all, as the country moves towards progression, financial inclusion and sustainable development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The primacy of illicit financial flows (IFFs) in developing countries: a comparative study analysis of South Africa and China
- Authors: Mahlaba, Asande Cikizwa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Money -- Developing countries , Transfer pricing -- South Africa , Developing countries -- Economic conditions , Tax evasion -- China , Tax evasion -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/147435 , vital:38636
- Description: The main objective of this study was to question and investigate the primacy of illicit financial flows (IFFs) in developing countries, specifically focused on two countries namely China and South Africa. Africa is estimated to have lost approximately $1 trillion to IFFs over the last 50 years, which exceeds the financial assistance that these nations needed over the same period. For years. Africa has been the feeding ground for exploitation and resource plunder, and the narrative has always been Africa is underdeveloped because of this crime. Although this statement holds true in most African countries, what this paper seeks to do is to question whether capital flight, IFFs and more specifically tax evasion and tax haven activity are the reason for the deterioration of African economies or are IFFs perpetuated by economies with unsustainable growth paths. IFFs are an important factor when it comes to obstacles of economic growth. But are they the cause or effect? A very strong case can be made that they are the latter however, it is beyond the scope of this article to resolve this question. Its purpose is merely to assert that the question is a valid one and that presuming the answer could divert attention from the real question of economic development. This study contextualized the way in which IFFs are currently viewed in the world economic system according to the two approaches to development finance, and discussed modern monetary theory as an extension off these theories. Due to the nature of the study, the methodology employed is a case study approach between China and South Africa by means of extensive numerical and document analysis. Upon conducting this analysis on the primacy of illicit financial flows in developing countries there was difficulty in measuring IFFs. The reason for this is because IFFs have a range of estimates so it was very difficult to produce precise and accurate results. The key findings of this paper were that there seems to be some kind of parallel between developing countries with large volumes of illicit financial outflows, and a dependency these countries have on external debt. This means it seems that weak economies, that are highly dependent on external debt and have large amounts of this debt, seem to have the largest volumes of illicit financial outflows. Weak regulation, high levels of debt and liberalised trade markets seem to be contributing factors to the degree to which companies evade taxes and partake in tax haven activity in these regions. Another key finding was that in 2012, despite China being ranked number one in the the countries which have the largest amounts of outflows on average, it still managed to achieve large amounts growth in the last 20 years. Indicating that there is some form of indication that IFFs could be viewed as symptomatic of weak financial systems and weak economies, instead of IFFs being the core of the problem.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Mahlaba, Asande Cikizwa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Money -- Developing countries , Transfer pricing -- South Africa , Developing countries -- Economic conditions , Tax evasion -- China , Tax evasion -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/147435 , vital:38636
- Description: The main objective of this study was to question and investigate the primacy of illicit financial flows (IFFs) in developing countries, specifically focused on two countries namely China and South Africa. Africa is estimated to have lost approximately $1 trillion to IFFs over the last 50 years, which exceeds the financial assistance that these nations needed over the same period. For years. Africa has been the feeding ground for exploitation and resource plunder, and the narrative has always been Africa is underdeveloped because of this crime. Although this statement holds true in most African countries, what this paper seeks to do is to question whether capital flight, IFFs and more specifically tax evasion and tax haven activity are the reason for the deterioration of African economies or are IFFs perpetuated by economies with unsustainable growth paths. IFFs are an important factor when it comes to obstacles of economic growth. But are they the cause or effect? A very strong case can be made that they are the latter however, it is beyond the scope of this article to resolve this question. Its purpose is merely to assert that the question is a valid one and that presuming the answer could divert attention from the real question of economic development. This study contextualized the way in which IFFs are currently viewed in the world economic system according to the two approaches to development finance, and discussed modern monetary theory as an extension off these theories. Due to the nature of the study, the methodology employed is a case study approach between China and South Africa by means of extensive numerical and document analysis. Upon conducting this analysis on the primacy of illicit financial flows in developing countries there was difficulty in measuring IFFs. The reason for this is because IFFs have a range of estimates so it was very difficult to produce precise and accurate results. The key findings of this paper were that there seems to be some kind of parallel between developing countries with large volumes of illicit financial outflows, and a dependency these countries have on external debt. This means it seems that weak economies, that are highly dependent on external debt and have large amounts of this debt, seem to have the largest volumes of illicit financial outflows. Weak regulation, high levels of debt and liberalised trade markets seem to be contributing factors to the degree to which companies evade taxes and partake in tax haven activity in these regions. Another key finding was that in 2012, despite China being ranked number one in the the countries which have the largest amounts of outflows on average, it still managed to achieve large amounts growth in the last 20 years. Indicating that there is some form of indication that IFFs could be viewed as symptomatic of weak financial systems and weak economies, instead of IFFs being the core of the problem.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The profile of local hunters in South Africa
- Du Plessis, Madelaine Patricia
- Authors: Du Plessis, Madelaine Patricia
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Hunters -- Economic conditions -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48324 , vital:40847
- Description: The South African hunting industry, but more specifically local hunting, is regarded as one of the key sectors within South Africa’s wildlife industry – not only for the significant economic contribution it makes, but also from an equally vital conservation point of view. Despite this, local hunters are neglected in the sense that hunting accommodation and hunting packages provided by the majority of game ranches mainly focus on accommodating trophy hunters. This study investigated the profile of local hunters in South Africa. The objectives of this study were the following: establishing the factors which determine the profile of local hunters and then comparing the results to existing information, as well as identifying the economic contribution local hunters make towards South Africa’s economy. The study commenced with a literature review of existing research on the local hunting industry and on the profile of local hunters. Thereafter, a self-administered questionnaire was developed and conducted amongst active local hunters via the CHASA hunting confederation website, by means of which the primary data for the current study were collected. The study concluded that the profile of the South African local hunter has undergone slight changes from what previous research had established. This was attributed to several external as well as internal factors. The current research would assist hunting farms in approaching the local hunting sector with up-to-date information in order to accurately tailor their packages and marketing in line with the evidence presented in this dissertation regarding the changes in the profile of the South African local hunter.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Du Plessis, Madelaine Patricia
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Hunters -- Economic conditions -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48324 , vital:40847
- Description: The South African hunting industry, but more specifically local hunting, is regarded as one of the key sectors within South Africa’s wildlife industry – not only for the significant economic contribution it makes, but also from an equally vital conservation point of view. Despite this, local hunters are neglected in the sense that hunting accommodation and hunting packages provided by the majority of game ranches mainly focus on accommodating trophy hunters. This study investigated the profile of local hunters in South Africa. The objectives of this study were the following: establishing the factors which determine the profile of local hunters and then comparing the results to existing information, as well as identifying the economic contribution local hunters make towards South Africa’s economy. The study commenced with a literature review of existing research on the local hunting industry and on the profile of local hunters. Thereafter, a self-administered questionnaire was developed and conducted amongst active local hunters via the CHASA hunting confederation website, by means of which the primary data for the current study were collected. The study concluded that the profile of the South African local hunter has undergone slight changes from what previous research had established. This was attributed to several external as well as internal factors. The current research would assist hunting farms in approaching the local hunting sector with up-to-date information in order to accurately tailor their packages and marketing in line with the evidence presented in this dissertation regarding the changes in the profile of the South African local hunter.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The quality of tertiary healthcare in the Port Elizabeth - Eastern Cape province hospital complex
- Authors: Aroyewun, Nurudeen
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: SERVQUAL (Service quality framework)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47515 , vital:40115
- Description: The goal of this study was to carry out a comprehensive assessment of the quality of healthcare in the Port Elizabeth Hospital Complex in the province of the Eastern Cape in South Africa. The assessment was made on the basis of the perceptions of patients of the features of the hospital and the services which it provides to patients. A quantitative research design was adopted to conduct the study. The data was derived from a questionnaire which the research assistants administered to patients in a number of surgical clinics in the hospital. Across-sectional sample of 350 patients, who were making their first follow-up visits after having previously been admitted to the hospital to undergo surgical procedures, was obtained by making use of convenience sampling. The researcher made use of the modified SERVQUAL scale for hospital services in order to measure the extent to which the participants agreed with statements pertaining to five specific dimensions of the quality of service, namely, tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy. The overall gap score was negative (-0.52), which indicates that the respondents perceived that the quality of healthcare which the hospital provided was unsatisfactory. Although the gap scores for each of five of the dimensions of quality were negative, the two dimensions whose gap scores reflected the highest levels of dissatisfaction were reliability (-0.66) and responsiveness (-0.63). The findings of this study could assist the Department of Health of the Eastern Cape Provincial Government to appreciate the perceptions of the public of the quality of healthcare which the Port Elizabeth Hospital Complex provides to patients. The recommendations which are made on the basis of the findings of this study could assist policymakers and members of the senior management of the hospital complex to formulate policies which result in substantial improvements in the quality of healthcare in the hospital complex. Further research is still needed to identify the factors which adversely affect the performance of the staff of the hospital and limit their ability to provide satisfactory healthcare consistently to patients.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Aroyewun, Nurudeen
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: SERVQUAL (Service quality framework)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47515 , vital:40115
- Description: The goal of this study was to carry out a comprehensive assessment of the quality of healthcare in the Port Elizabeth Hospital Complex in the province of the Eastern Cape in South Africa. The assessment was made on the basis of the perceptions of patients of the features of the hospital and the services which it provides to patients. A quantitative research design was adopted to conduct the study. The data was derived from a questionnaire which the research assistants administered to patients in a number of surgical clinics in the hospital. Across-sectional sample of 350 patients, who were making their first follow-up visits after having previously been admitted to the hospital to undergo surgical procedures, was obtained by making use of convenience sampling. The researcher made use of the modified SERVQUAL scale for hospital services in order to measure the extent to which the participants agreed with statements pertaining to five specific dimensions of the quality of service, namely, tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy. The overall gap score was negative (-0.52), which indicates that the respondents perceived that the quality of healthcare which the hospital provided was unsatisfactory. Although the gap scores for each of five of the dimensions of quality were negative, the two dimensions whose gap scores reflected the highest levels of dissatisfaction were reliability (-0.66) and responsiveness (-0.63). The findings of this study could assist the Department of Health of the Eastern Cape Provincial Government to appreciate the perceptions of the public of the quality of healthcare which the Port Elizabeth Hospital Complex provides to patients. The recommendations which are made on the basis of the findings of this study could assist policymakers and members of the senior management of the hospital complex to formulate policies which result in substantial improvements in the quality of healthcare in the hospital complex. Further research is still needed to identify the factors which adversely affect the performance of the staff of the hospital and limit their ability to provide satisfactory healthcare consistently to patients.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The regulation of the use of cannibis in the workplace
- Authors: Oberem, stacy Lee
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Cannabis -- Law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47403 , vital:39978
- Description: This treatise considers the implications of the judgment in Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development v Prince (2018) ZACC 30 in the workplace. It includes a critical study of cases prior and post the judgment and identifies the gaps within those judgments. It will consider various legislation pertaining to the topic and the critical differences when it comes to testing for intoxication of alcohol versus cannabis. To conclude, it will consider the challenges of having a zero-tolerance policy in the workplace and provide recommendations to employer’s substance abuse policies specifically relating to the use of cannabis and its effects within the workplace.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Oberem, stacy Lee
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Cannabis -- Law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47403 , vital:39978
- Description: This treatise considers the implications of the judgment in Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development v Prince (2018) ZACC 30 in the workplace. It includes a critical study of cases prior and post the judgment and identifies the gaps within those judgments. It will consider various legislation pertaining to the topic and the critical differences when it comes to testing for intoxication of alcohol versus cannabis. To conclude, it will consider the challenges of having a zero-tolerance policy in the workplace and provide recommendations to employer’s substance abuse policies specifically relating to the use of cannabis and its effects within the workplace.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The relationship between economic growth and electricity consumption in South Africa
- Authors: Mabinya, Buyiswa Yoliswa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Energy consumption -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48753 , vital:41068
- Description: In recent years, the relationship between electricity consumption and economic growth has been examined extensively in numerous countries. While there is high consensus in the scientific sphere on the interdependence between electricity consumption and economic growth, recent literature suggests that there are still competing views on the causal relationship between the two variables. Energy has long been viewed as a vital driving force for economies. However, the crucial role that the energy sector has played during the industrial revolution allowed some authors to consider energy in the same way as the capital and labor factors in the production function. The energy factor is considered essential today in the process of development. Almost everyone agrees on the importance of its contribution to the process of growth and development by considering growth / energy model as an indicator of wealth and a vector to reduce social inequalities. Meanwhile, according to the different scenarios observed, energy consumption may or may not have impacts on economic growth or wealth creation. The problem of access to energy (electricity) in certain regions in Africa (and particularly in South Africa) remains one of the major challenges that require urgent attention over the coming decades. In addition, the lack of consensus among researchers has triggered a shift towards focusing on study methods and techniques used for investigations on the energy-growth nexus. Using R programming for data analysis, this study investigates the asymmetric relationship between energy consumption and economic growth in South Africa by incorporating the following intermediary variables: trade openness, capital and labour. Results suggest that a conservation hypothesis is the most prevailing theory on the causal link between GDP and Energy Consumption in South Africa. This opinion is acknowledged as the growth-led electricity consumption opinion. From an economic perspective, evidence from the research suggests that, without necessarily expanding energy accessibility, trade liberalisation and capital could generate clear gains to South Africa and efforts to promote and accelerate these initiatives should be encouraged. Given the often-competing resource limitation challenges faced by the South African government, as a result of prioritisation, trade liberalisation should be favoured and be given roughly in the range of 1.5 times more attention than capital. Therefore, South Africa may not necessarily need electricity for its economic growth. Although energy consumption has a major influence on economic growth, the latter could also possibly be achieved by increasing trade and/or capital, without any change in energy consumption. Energy conservation policies could be executed with little or no hostile effects on economic growth. As a policy intervention, the research study recommends sustained efforts to strengthen regional integration with the view to achieving trade liberalisation, increasing capital formation and creating greater synergy for economic growth.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Mabinya, Buyiswa Yoliswa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Energy consumption -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48753 , vital:41068
- Description: In recent years, the relationship between electricity consumption and economic growth has been examined extensively in numerous countries. While there is high consensus in the scientific sphere on the interdependence between electricity consumption and economic growth, recent literature suggests that there are still competing views on the causal relationship between the two variables. Energy has long been viewed as a vital driving force for economies. However, the crucial role that the energy sector has played during the industrial revolution allowed some authors to consider energy in the same way as the capital and labor factors in the production function. The energy factor is considered essential today in the process of development. Almost everyone agrees on the importance of its contribution to the process of growth and development by considering growth / energy model as an indicator of wealth and a vector to reduce social inequalities. Meanwhile, according to the different scenarios observed, energy consumption may or may not have impacts on economic growth or wealth creation. The problem of access to energy (electricity) in certain regions in Africa (and particularly in South Africa) remains one of the major challenges that require urgent attention over the coming decades. In addition, the lack of consensus among researchers has triggered a shift towards focusing on study methods and techniques used for investigations on the energy-growth nexus. Using R programming for data analysis, this study investigates the asymmetric relationship between energy consumption and economic growth in South Africa by incorporating the following intermediary variables: trade openness, capital and labour. Results suggest that a conservation hypothesis is the most prevailing theory on the causal link between GDP and Energy Consumption in South Africa. This opinion is acknowledged as the growth-led electricity consumption opinion. From an economic perspective, evidence from the research suggests that, without necessarily expanding energy accessibility, trade liberalisation and capital could generate clear gains to South Africa and efforts to promote and accelerate these initiatives should be encouraged. Given the often-competing resource limitation challenges faced by the South African government, as a result of prioritisation, trade liberalisation should be favoured and be given roughly in the range of 1.5 times more attention than capital. Therefore, South Africa may not necessarily need electricity for its economic growth. Although energy consumption has a major influence on economic growth, the latter could also possibly be achieved by increasing trade and/or capital, without any change in energy consumption. Energy conservation policies could be executed with little or no hostile effects on economic growth. As a policy intervention, the research study recommends sustained efforts to strengthen regional integration with the view to achieving trade liberalisation, increasing capital formation and creating greater synergy for economic growth.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The relationship between employee wellness and work engagement in a non-governmental organisation
- Authors: Coopasamy, Kubashinie
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Employee health promotion
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47685 , vital:40323
- Description: Employee wellness and work engagement have a positive influence on organisational behaviour. The main aim of the research study was to understand whether a relationship existed between employee wellness and work engagement in a Non-Governmental organisation (NGO). The research used a cross-sectional design and a composite questionnaire to measure employee wellness and work engagement. This was a paper and pen-based questionnaire which was distributed to 160 employees. Of the 160 questionnaires distributed only 155 participants responded. These participants are employed at NGO’s based in Port Elizabeth, Johannesburg and East London. An exploratory factor analysis determined a new more reliable factor structure for PWS. Employee wellness lost items and became a three-factor structure. The results showed that the new EFA model was best suited for the present study. Work Engagement remained a three-factor structure. T-tests and ANOVAs revealed significant differences between the constructs and the demographic groups. Correlations showed the main findings of the study to be a relationship between employee wellness and work engagement in a non-governmental organisation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Coopasamy, Kubashinie
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Employee health promotion
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47685 , vital:40323
- Description: Employee wellness and work engagement have a positive influence on organisational behaviour. The main aim of the research study was to understand whether a relationship existed between employee wellness and work engagement in a Non-Governmental organisation (NGO). The research used a cross-sectional design and a composite questionnaire to measure employee wellness and work engagement. This was a paper and pen-based questionnaire which was distributed to 160 employees. Of the 160 questionnaires distributed only 155 participants responded. These participants are employed at NGO’s based in Port Elizabeth, Johannesburg and East London. An exploratory factor analysis determined a new more reliable factor structure for PWS. Employee wellness lost items and became a three-factor structure. The results showed that the new EFA model was best suited for the present study. Work Engagement remained a three-factor structure. T-tests and ANOVAs revealed significant differences between the constructs and the demographic groups. Correlations showed the main findings of the study to be a relationship between employee wellness and work engagement in a non-governmental organisation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The relationship between export diversification, export concentration and economic growth
- Authors: Mchani, Sibusisiwe
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Exports Economic development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49670 , vital:41769
- Description: Export diversification on economic growth has been a controversial issue in the empirical literature for a long time. This study examined the role of export diversification and export concentration on economic growth in the top ten trading countries in Africa and top ten trading countries in the world. The study used annual time series data for the period covering 1995 to 2014 and employed a PMG (Pooled Mean Group) Model to determine the effects of export concentration and export diversification and possible factors that affect it on economic growth. The estimation results attest to a positive effect of export diversification and a negative effect of export concentration on economic growth in the top ten trading countries in the world. However, for the top ten trading countries in Africa, the results show that export diversification is negatively related to economic growth, while export concentration positively affects economic growth. These results hold even when the DOLS and FMOLS are employed establishing their robustness. The study further shows that other control variables such as employment and government spending positively affect economic growth, while human capital and investment negatively affects economic growth in Africa. In the top ten trading countries in the World, government expenditure and investment are significant positive determinants of economic growth. It is recommended that governments in Africa countries should promote export diversification together with government expenditure, and pursue policies that will attract foreign direct investment into growth–enhancing productive sectors of their economies
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Mchani, Sibusisiwe
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Exports Economic development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49670 , vital:41769
- Description: Export diversification on economic growth has been a controversial issue in the empirical literature for a long time. This study examined the role of export diversification and export concentration on economic growth in the top ten trading countries in Africa and top ten trading countries in the world. The study used annual time series data for the period covering 1995 to 2014 and employed a PMG (Pooled Mean Group) Model to determine the effects of export concentration and export diversification and possible factors that affect it on economic growth. The estimation results attest to a positive effect of export diversification and a negative effect of export concentration on economic growth in the top ten trading countries in the world. However, for the top ten trading countries in Africa, the results show that export diversification is negatively related to economic growth, while export concentration positively affects economic growth. These results hold even when the DOLS and FMOLS are employed establishing their robustness. The study further shows that other control variables such as employment and government spending positively affect economic growth, while human capital and investment negatively affects economic growth in Africa. In the top ten trading countries in the World, government expenditure and investment are significant positive determinants of economic growth. It is recommended that governments in Africa countries should promote export diversification together with government expenditure, and pursue policies that will attract foreign direct investment into growth–enhancing productive sectors of their economies
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The relationship between inflation and financial development in South Africa
- Authors: Ninana, Amahle
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Inflation (Finance) -- South Africa South Africa -- Economic development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18643 , vital:42639
- Description: This study examined the relationship between inflation and financial development in South Africa using quarterly data (2005–2016). The study assessed whether theoretical and empirical propositions can be supported in South Africa. Co-integration tests utilising ARDL bounds testing method were employed to examine if there is a relationship between the variables of interest. As a proxy of financial sector development, stock market capitalisation and bank credit to the private sector were employed. Other variables that affect financial development such as money supply, interest rates, Gross Domestic Product, trade openness and net interest margin were also included in the model. The results of the study indicate that there exists a negative relationship between inflation and stock market capitalisation. Bank credit to the private sector showed a positive relationship with inflation both in the short run and long run.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Ninana, Amahle
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Inflation (Finance) -- South Africa South Africa -- Economic development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18643 , vital:42639
- Description: This study examined the relationship between inflation and financial development in South Africa using quarterly data (2005–2016). The study assessed whether theoretical and empirical propositions can be supported in South Africa. Co-integration tests utilising ARDL bounds testing method were employed to examine if there is a relationship between the variables of interest. As a proxy of financial sector development, stock market capitalisation and bank credit to the private sector were employed. Other variables that affect financial development such as money supply, interest rates, Gross Domestic Product, trade openness and net interest margin were also included in the model. The results of the study indicate that there exists a negative relationship between inflation and stock market capitalisation. Bank credit to the private sector showed a positive relationship with inflation both in the short run and long run.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The relationship between workplace trust, work engagement and turnover intentions
- Authors: Gouws, Rumelda Hendrieka
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Organizational behavior Manufacturing industries
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Mcom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48124 , vital:40494
- Description: The primary objective of this study was to investigate whether relationships exist between workplace trust, work engagement and turnover intentions. Moreover, it also investigated the significant demographical differences of the constructs. This study is of a positive psychology paradigm and primarily non-experimental cross-sectional and correlational in nature. The participants were from the workforce of a large manufacturing organisation (n=568) within the Eastern Cape. A non-probability convenience sampling method was used. Data was collected through the aid of self-administered standardised paper-and-pencil questionnaires, which incorporated the Workplace Trust Survey, the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale and the Turnover Intentions Scale. Only instruments that showed construct validity and reliability were used. The necessary steps were taken to ensure that plagiarism, bias, data manipulation and physical and/or emotional harm was avoided, whereas confidentiality and anonymity were maintained. Only 140 questionnaires were returned, from which only 104 were fully completed. Data analysis and interpretation were performed with the aid of descriptive and inferential statistical analysis methods. Pearson’s product-moment correlations were used to determine statistically significant relationships between the constructs. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s post-hoc tests were used to determine significant demographical differences between the constructs. It was found that all three measuring instruments had Cronbach’s alpha scores above 0.80, indicating good internal reliability and validity. The findings of the study identified a number of correlations between the constructs and their factors. It was found that a positive relationship exists between workplace trust and work engagement, as well as between the factors of both these constructs. A negative relationship was found between turnover intentions and both workplace trust and work engagement and their respective factors. Significant demographical differences were found for gender on the workplace trust scale, and two of its factors (trust in the organisation and in the immediate manager), and vigour. In addition to this, significant demographical differences were found for race on the workplace trust scale and two of its factors, namely trust in the organisation and in the immediate manager. This research study’s findings made a valuable contribution to the field of workplace trust, work engagement, turnover intentions and the manufacturing environment. The results of this study hold important implications for the organisation in question and provide a platform for future research studies. This study aids in better understanding the relationships between the constructs and their variables, to formulate better retention and enhancement strategies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Gouws, Rumelda Hendrieka
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Organizational behavior Manufacturing industries
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Mcom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48124 , vital:40494
- Description: The primary objective of this study was to investigate whether relationships exist between workplace trust, work engagement and turnover intentions. Moreover, it also investigated the significant demographical differences of the constructs. This study is of a positive psychology paradigm and primarily non-experimental cross-sectional and correlational in nature. The participants were from the workforce of a large manufacturing organisation (n=568) within the Eastern Cape. A non-probability convenience sampling method was used. Data was collected through the aid of self-administered standardised paper-and-pencil questionnaires, which incorporated the Workplace Trust Survey, the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale and the Turnover Intentions Scale. Only instruments that showed construct validity and reliability were used. The necessary steps were taken to ensure that plagiarism, bias, data manipulation and physical and/or emotional harm was avoided, whereas confidentiality and anonymity were maintained. Only 140 questionnaires were returned, from which only 104 were fully completed. Data analysis and interpretation were performed with the aid of descriptive and inferential statistical analysis methods. Pearson’s product-moment correlations were used to determine statistically significant relationships between the constructs. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s post-hoc tests were used to determine significant demographical differences between the constructs. It was found that all three measuring instruments had Cronbach’s alpha scores above 0.80, indicating good internal reliability and validity. The findings of the study identified a number of correlations between the constructs and their factors. It was found that a positive relationship exists between workplace trust and work engagement, as well as between the factors of both these constructs. A negative relationship was found between turnover intentions and both workplace trust and work engagement and their respective factors. Significant demographical differences were found for gender on the workplace trust scale, and two of its factors (trust in the organisation and in the immediate manager), and vigour. In addition to this, significant demographical differences were found for race on the workplace trust scale and two of its factors, namely trust in the organisation and in the immediate manager. This research study’s findings made a valuable contribution to the field of workplace trust, work engagement, turnover intentions and the manufacturing environment. The results of this study hold important implications for the organisation in question and provide a platform for future research studies. This study aids in better understanding the relationships between the constructs and their variables, to formulate better retention and enhancement strategies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The relative efficacy of liberation theology and critical solidarity in keeping the SACC to its goals of human welfare and Ecumenical unity in its relationship with the South African state
- Authors: Pongolo, Mziwamadoda
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Black theology Liberation theology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18269 , vital:42247
- Description: The problem that this study is grappling with is that since the SACC has followed the Critical Solidarity model it is less successful in meeting its goals, to support human welfare and ecumenical solidarity in South Africa. The research will compare the two respective models of relations between SACC and State, that which guided the SACC after the demise of Apartheid that which guided it. First, the research will investigate why the present relationship of Critical Solidarity has proven less effective in achieving its goals. Secondly it will investigate factors accounting for the relative success of the model of relations between SACC and the South African State during the struggle against apartheid, that of Liberation Theology. Secondly, this study will recommend the reconstruction of a more effective model of Critical Solidarity, to remedy present weaknesses, by incorporating factors from the apartheid-era model of Liberation Theology that which serve the goals of ecumenical solidarity and human welfare. The research seeks to address the following questions. What challenges, for the goals of the SACC, of ecumenical solidarity and human welfare, have arisen for the SACC that may be attributed to its adoption of a model of Critical Solidarity in its relationship with the State? What factors conducive to ecumenical solidarity and human welfare are absent from the present model of Critical Solidarity, though they present the preceding model of relations between Church and State as adopted adopted by the SACC during the struggle against apartheid, modeled on Liberation Theology? How might these factors conducive to Church unity and social justice in South Africa be reintroduced in the present model of Critical Solidarity
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Pongolo, Mziwamadoda
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Black theology Liberation theology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18269 , vital:42247
- Description: The problem that this study is grappling with is that since the SACC has followed the Critical Solidarity model it is less successful in meeting its goals, to support human welfare and ecumenical solidarity in South Africa. The research will compare the two respective models of relations between SACC and State, that which guided the SACC after the demise of Apartheid that which guided it. First, the research will investigate why the present relationship of Critical Solidarity has proven less effective in achieving its goals. Secondly it will investigate factors accounting for the relative success of the model of relations between SACC and the South African State during the struggle against apartheid, that of Liberation Theology. Secondly, this study will recommend the reconstruction of a more effective model of Critical Solidarity, to remedy present weaknesses, by incorporating factors from the apartheid-era model of Liberation Theology that which serve the goals of ecumenical solidarity and human welfare. The research seeks to address the following questions. What challenges, for the goals of the SACC, of ecumenical solidarity and human welfare, have arisen for the SACC that may be attributed to its adoption of a model of Critical Solidarity in its relationship with the State? What factors conducive to ecumenical solidarity and human welfare are absent from the present model of Critical Solidarity, though they present the preceding model of relations between Church and State as adopted adopted by the SACC during the struggle against apartheid, modeled on Liberation Theology? How might these factors conducive to Church unity and social justice in South Africa be reintroduced in the present model of Critical Solidarity
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The relevance of industrial/organisational psychology research in “post” colonial/apartheid South Africa : exploring the views of academics
- Authors: Christison, Michael Alan
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Psychology, Industrial -- Research -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/140331 , vital:37880
- Description: This dissertation explored the views of academics who teach and research in the area of Industrial/Organisational Psychology in South Africa about the utility of the field in engaging with the post-1994 South African workplace, thereby remaining relevant. When it emerged as a field of study and practice, Industrial/Organisational Psychology research’s aim was to inform workplace practice and contribute to the betterment of society. It appears as if today this research is deemed irrelevant to the workplace and society, with many practitioners relying on their own knowledge and irrelevant repetitive one size-fit-all Euro-American developed theoretical framework and research evidence to solve the challenges of the post-1994 South African workplace, and to serve its society. The latter propelled the researcher to ask broadly the question of relevancy of the discipline in meeting the demands of the post-1994 South African workplace. Face-to-face, semi-structured interviews were employed to collect data on 8 senior and younger generations of academics in 3 different universities. The collected data was analysed using Braun and Clarke’s 6 steps of thematic analysis. The data and study as a whole was approached with a ‘post’-colonial lens and a Contexualist paradigm in order to contextualise in the present time the past nuances that arose in our country during the colonial and apartheid eras. Themes discussed seemed to indicate a lack of research focus by academics and their students due to limited time and stringent bureaucratic publication structures present both within their universities and outside. When it came to the discipline as seen through the lens of the data and what this suggested in terms of speaking to post-1994 workplace organisational psychological problems, the study found that the findings arising out of the research in I/O psychology appear to be of little relevance to whom they are currently aimed, leading to the idea of these studies acting as a change agent in the workplace and society to fall to the wayside.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Christison, Michael Alan
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Psychology, Industrial -- Research -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/140331 , vital:37880
- Description: This dissertation explored the views of academics who teach and research in the area of Industrial/Organisational Psychology in South Africa about the utility of the field in engaging with the post-1994 South African workplace, thereby remaining relevant. When it emerged as a field of study and practice, Industrial/Organisational Psychology research’s aim was to inform workplace practice and contribute to the betterment of society. It appears as if today this research is deemed irrelevant to the workplace and society, with many practitioners relying on their own knowledge and irrelevant repetitive one size-fit-all Euro-American developed theoretical framework and research evidence to solve the challenges of the post-1994 South African workplace, and to serve its society. The latter propelled the researcher to ask broadly the question of relevancy of the discipline in meeting the demands of the post-1994 South African workplace. Face-to-face, semi-structured interviews were employed to collect data on 8 senior and younger generations of academics in 3 different universities. The collected data was analysed using Braun and Clarke’s 6 steps of thematic analysis. The data and study as a whole was approached with a ‘post’-colonial lens and a Contexualist paradigm in order to contextualise in the present time the past nuances that arose in our country during the colonial and apartheid eras. Themes discussed seemed to indicate a lack of research focus by academics and their students due to limited time and stringent bureaucratic publication structures present both within their universities and outside. When it came to the discipline as seen through the lens of the data and what this suggested in terms of speaking to post-1994 workplace organisational psychological problems, the study found that the findings arising out of the research in I/O psychology appear to be of little relevance to whom they are currently aimed, leading to the idea of these studies acting as a change agent in the workplace and society to fall to the wayside.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020