An investigation on the effectiveness of lifestyle modification interventions for hypertensive patients in a public health clinic, in the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Katiya, Lulama Pearl
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Community Nursing Science)
- Identifier: vital:11926 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1021131
- Description: The continued increase in morbidity and mortality of hypertensive patients in Alice in the Eastern Cape Province, prompted the researcher to investigate the effectiveness of lifestyle modification intervention on hypertensive patients. High morbidity and mortality rates of hypertensive patients are occuring in spite of hypertensive patients being taught about lifestyle modification (De Haan, 2006:55). According to the fifth South African Guidelines (2011:60), hypertension is a global health burden affecting developed and developing countries including South Africa. In 2003, the South African District Health Statistics showed that in the Eastern Cape, 221 females over 15 years of age and 101 males over 15 years of age had moderate hypertension and 92 males over 15 years had severe hypertension. Hypertension is a `silent killer` because it seldom gives rise to any symptoms (De Haan, 2006:66). The objectives of the study were to: investigate the effectiveness of lifestyle modification intervention on hypertensive patients, and to determine the strategies used in order to ensure the effectiveness of lifestyle modification by hypertensive patients. The research question was: what is the level of effectiveness of lifestyle modification on hypertensive patients in Alice? A descriptive quantitative research design was used in this study. This design allowed the researcher to investigate the effectiveness of lifestyle modification of hypertensive patients in Alice area. A convenience sample was used to sample the target population for the study on the criteria and a total of 169 respondents served as a size of the sample. A pre-test of the tool was carried out on 16 participants to validate the tool before the actual data collection commenced. Ethical approval was obtained from University of Fort Hare, the Department of Health, as well as Victoria Hospital and clinics. Data were collected by means of self-administered questionnaires. The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 21.0 software for windows reference was used to analyse the data. The results were presented in tables, graphs and pie charts. The results revealed that 77% (n=125) reported to know nothing about hypertension. Twenty three percent of the participants (n=37) knew about hypertension, they mentioned that it is when the heart has too much blood that is overloading the heart due to problems of the heart, then the blood flow through the heart is disturbed. Furthermore participants stated that it is important that every hypertensive patient engage in lifestyle modification. The study recommended that the Department of Health should emphasise the use of Hypertension Guidelines where all nurses in public clinics should be trained in educating and doing counselling to all hypertensive patients, including those who are pre-hypertensive that are visiting the clinics. Health education about risk factors and complications of hypertension must be done. All patients visiting public clinics must be educated regardless of their problems.
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An investigation on the opinions of teachers on the policy implementation of life orientation curriculum: a case study of five schools in Cofimvaba Education District
- Authors: Matshikiza, Spokazi
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Curriculum-based assessment -- South Africa , Curriculum planning -- South Africa , High school teaching --South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/679 , vital:26487 , Curriculum-based assessment -- South Africa , Curriculum planning -- South Africa , High school teaching --South Africa
- Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate the opinions of teachers on the implementation of Life Orientation curriculum in five schools of the Cofimvaba Education District. In 1994, there were so many changes in South Africa which brought educational transformation at the fore front and centre of all discussions about the changes in general. The curriculum was reviewed and perceived as a guide meant to reflect the values and principles for envisaged learner such as human rights, social and environmental justice with a high level of skills, values and knowledge. Life Orientation as a compulsory subject that was introduced in the epitome of these changes and presents South Africa with the opportunity of providing a meaningful contribution to its youth and mainly as a partial solution to various social problems. The bottom-up model was used to explain the data which was collected from 5 schools in Cofimvaba district using structured interview schedule The schools selected were based in the rural areas of Cofimvaba District and the number of participants interviewed were 15 teachers with different educational qualifications. The data was then arranged and sorted into common themes as well as tallying and ranking of the responses. This was done in order to uncover the main issues that make the findings of the current study. The data collected revealed that some of the Life Orientation teachers from the GET Band (school 2: 3 teachers, school 3: 6 teachers and school 5: 2 teachers) did not receive any training nor support from the Department of Education on implementing Life Orientation and that resulted to implementation difficulties in their schools. However, some teachers that were interviewed in school 1, 2 (3 teachers) and in school 4 joyfully responded by informing the researcher that the Department of Education was supportive to such an extent that the department has provided study material, teaching material, annual teaching plan and also organised support workshops for them. Although that was the case, some schools (2, 3 and 5) are still experiencing some shortages in terms of teaching materials as they go to the neighbouring schools for support. Though there was support that was given by the Department of Education to Life Orientation, it is still inadequate as it could not cater for all the needs of the schools. In addition, the challenges faced by the above mentioned schools may also result in the provision of unbalanced LO curriculum implementation. Support and monitoring is crucial aspect when it comes to implementation of a certain learning area especially when dealing with Life Orientation. This is an easy subject to deal with since it entails issues of life, therefore, whatever support that needs to be provided in future will be appreciated in order to the teachers to be able to implement the curriculum according to its expected standards.
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Analysis of entrepreneurial behaviour of smallholder irrigation farmers: empirical evidence from Qamata Irrigation scheme
- Authors: Chitsa, Gilbert
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Irrigation farming -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural extension work -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Crops -- Irrigation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Crops -- Water requirements -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11216 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1019769 , Irrigation farming -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural extension work -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Crops -- Irrigation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Crops -- Water requirements -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Albeit much effort having been put to review the performance trend of smallholder irrigation farmers in South Africa. However, there seems to be a paucity of information regarding the level of entrepreneurship on these farmers. Most research works on smallholder irrigation farmers have mainly focused on livelihoods trajectory providing a review on how the welfare of the rural poor has been transformed after the introduction of irrigation schemes. With most research evidence indicating a high degree of underperformance on most smallholder irrigation schemes, this research attempted to investigate the level of entrepreneurship among the small holder irrigation farmers. In order to achieve the main research objective, a sample of 110 farmers drawn from Qamata irrigation scheme was interviewed and each farmer’s performance on the nine components of entrepreneurship was assessed. The aspects assessed to determine the farmer’s entrepreneurial behaviour were: planning ability, risk taking, achievement motivation, leadership ability, Cosmo politeness, decision making, and innovativeness and farming knowledge. Basing on previous studies which indicated entrepreneurial behaviour to be influenced by several factors the study also analysed the determinants of entrepreneurship among the irrigation farmers and a binary logistic regression model was used to establish the connection between various independent variables and the farmers’ entrepreneurial performance given as a total score of the nine components. Though the findings of the study revealed a prevalently low level of entrepreneurship among the smallholder irrigation farmers on Qamata irrigation scheme, a high proportion of the respondent farmers (65.5% and 60.5%) showed to have a high degree of achievement motivation and decision making ability, respectively. The observed trend thus reflected that smallholder farmers have a potential to become entrepreneurs and are willing to succeed. The binary model results revealed that the prevailing land tenure system will be a strong determinant of the farmer’s level of entrepreneurship. Equally, levels of training in farming, motive for farming and information seeking tendency also proved to have a significant influence on the degree of farmer entrepreneurship. Based on the results of this study recommendations have thus been drawn on the need for policies and practices aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and not dependency among farmers. Key focus areas identified include: the need to revise the current land ii tenure system on irrigation schemes, intensify on entrepreneurship training for both farmers and extension officers and regular on-farm training on new technologies.
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Analysis of grade 10 mathematical literacy students’ errors in financial mathematics
- Authors: Khalo, Xolani
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Academic support -- Programmes , Peer support -- Higher education , South Africa -- Previously disadvantaged students , Errors analysis -- Financial mathematics , Mathematical literacy -- Irrelevant rules -- Language difficulty
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1369 , vital:26550 , Academic support -- Programmes , Peer support -- Higher education , South Africa -- Previously disadvantaged students , Errors analysis -- Financial mathematics , Mathematical literacy -- Irrelevant rules -- Language difficulty
- Description: The main aim of the study was (1) to identify errors committed by learners in financial mathematics and (2) to understand why learners continue to make such errors so that mechanisms to avoid such errors could be devised. The following has been hypothesised; (1) errors committed by learners are not impact upon by language difficulties, (2) errors committed by learners in financial mathematics are not due to prerequisite skills, facts and concepts, (3) errors committed by learners in financial mathematics are not due to the application of irrelevant rules and strategies. Having used Polya’s problem-solving techniques, Threshold Concept and Newman’s Error Analysis as the theoretical frameworks for the study, a four-point Likert scale and three content-based structured-interview questionnaires were developed to address the research questions. The study was conducted by means of a case study guided by the positivists’ paradigm where the research sample comprised of 105 Grade-10 Mathematics Literacy learners as respondents. Four sets of structured-interview questionnaires were used for collecting data, aimed at addressing the main objective of the study. In order to test the reliability and consistency of the questionnaires for this study, Cronbach’s Alpha was calculated for standardised items (α = 0.705). Content analysis and correlation analysis were employed to analyse the data. The three hypotheses of this study were tested using the ANOVA test and hence revealed that, (1) errors committed by learners in financial mathematics are not due to language difficulties, as all the variables illustrated a statistical non-significance (2) errors committed by learners in financial mathematics are not due to prerequisite skills, facts and concepts, as the majority of the variables showed non-significance and (3) errors committed by learners in financial mathematics were due to the application of irrelevant rules and strategies, as 66.7% of the variables illustrated a statistical significance to the related research question.
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Analysis of marketing channels used by smallholder crop farmers in Vryheid (Abaqulusi) Municipality, Kwazulu-Natal
- Authors: Ntshangase, Muziwandile Gift
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Marketing channels -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Farm management -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11222 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1019823 , Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Marketing channels -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Farm management -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal
- Description: A total of 120 structured questionnaires were administered to analyse marketing channels used by smallholder crop farmers, at Abaqulusi Municipality, Vryheid and KwaZulu Natal Province, South Africa. Research methodology consisted of research design, sample frame, sampling procedure, data collection and data analysis which were used in the study. Descriptive statistics analysis was used, where frequencies and percentages of the variables were indicated. Variables which were measured included demographic socio-economic profile of survey household heads where age, marital status, educational level, occupation other than farming, land ownership, household size and gender of the household heads.The results show that the statistically significant variables (gender, household size) at 5% level positively affect smallholder crop farmers’ access to market information, expertise on grades and standards, availability of contractual agreements, existence of extensive social capital, availability of good market infrastructure, group participation and reliance on tradition. These findings suggest that an adjustment in each one of the significant variables can significantly influence the probability of participation in either formal or informal marketing, and hence their marketing channels. In the light of the foregoing research findings, several policy options were suggested. These include encouraging collective action, promotion of contract farming, ensuring the availability of market information to all farmers, encouraging value addition and investment in rural infrastructure.
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Analysis of technical efficiency of small-scale maize producers: a case study in Tsolo magisterial district in O.R Tambo district in the Eastern Cape of South Africa
- Authors: Avuletey, Richard
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Corn -- Fertilizers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Corn -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11210 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016191 , Corn -- Fertilizers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Corn -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Maize is the most important cereal crop grown in South Africa. This crop is produced throughout the country under diverse conditions and in diverse environments. The study only focuses on technical efficiency because it is an important subject in developing agriculture where resources are limited, but high population growth is very common. In such a setting, increased output will depend more on efficiency improvements and assessing the scope for such efficiency improvements within the system is a crucial need. The objective of the study was to determine the level of technical efficiency and to identify the socio-economic and institutional characteristics as well as the entrepreneurial spirit that influence the technical efficiency of small-scale maize producers in the Tsolo magisterial district. Purposive and Snowball sampling techniques were used to collect primary data from 120 small-scale farmers. The stochastic frontier model was used to determine the level of technical efficiency. The Multivariate OLS was used to analyze the socio-economic factors and institutional characteristics that have influenced the technical efficiency of maize production. A similar linear regression model was used to estimate the influence of positive psychological capital and entrepreneurial spirit on the technical efficiency of maize production. The stochastic results revealed that small-scale farmers in Tsolo are technically efficient at 98 percent in maize production and experience increasing return to scale (1.37), which means that increase in the use of inputs, will as well increase their productivity and efficiency. The inefficiency model results indicated that age, years in farming, household size and extension contact significant and 3 variables, namely, as years in farming, extension contact and farm size are significant in the OLS model. Lastly the results of the linear regression indicated that, out of the 4 variables estimated in the entrepreneurial spirit, self-efficacy and resilience were significant with respect to its responsiveness to total maize output.
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Antibiogram profiling of Escherichia coli pathotypes isolated from Kat River and Fort Beaufort abstraction water
- Authors: Nontongana, Nolonwabo
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Escherichia coli infections -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water -- Pollution -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Microbiology)
- Identifier: vital:11289 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1019820 , Escherichia coli infections -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water -- Pollution -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a widespread species that includes a broad variety of strains, ranging from highly pathogenic strains causing worldwide outbreaks of severe disease to virulent isolates which are part of the normal intestinal flora or which are well characterized and safe laboratory strains. The pathogenicity of a given E. coli strain is mainly determined by specific virulence factors which include adhesins, invasins, toxins and capsule. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and antibiogram profiles of E. coli pathotypes previously isolated from Kat River and Fort Beaufort abstraction water. A total of 171 E. coli isolates showed at least one pathogenic determinant among the isolated 278 E. coli. The other 107 isolates were negative for the tested virulence genes. All 278 presumptive isolates tested positive for the UidA gene, and were therefore classified as non-categorized pathogenic E. coli. The 171 pathogenic isolates had at least one characteristic gene of pathogenic E. coli and were identified and classified as enteropathogenic E. coli (6%), enterotoxigenicE. coli (131), uropathogenic E. coli (6), neonatal meningitis E. coli (14), diffusely adherent E. coli (1) and enterohaemrrhagic E. coli (1). Interestingly, no virulence genes were detected for the enteroinvasive E. coli and the enteroaggregative E. coli. The antibiotic resistance profiles for all isolates that were identified as E. coli showed 100% resistance to penicillin G, 98% resistance to ampicillin, 38% resistance to trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole and 8% resistance to streptomycin. Multiple antibacterial resistance (MAR) was also observed, where 44% of the isolates were resistant to three antibiotics and 8% resistant to four antibiotics. The results of this study showed the Kat River and Fort Beaufort abstraction water are reservoirs of pathogenic strains of E. coli which harbour antibiotic resistance determinants that can cause serious health risks to the people in the surrounding communities.
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Assessing farmers’ aspirations and goals to expand irrigation crop production from homestead gardens to irrigation plots in Mhlontlo Local Municipality
- Authors: Finiza, Tabisa Nomava
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Crops irrigation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11209 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016173 , Crops irrigation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Most land is still state owned and is granted to users through traditional authorities. Even though the government has undertaken some programmes to reduce rural poverty and has initiated land reform programmes, improved service delivery and formed new water rights legislation in rural areas, the problem of low crop production still persists among South African farmers. The study was undertaken to identify different farmers’ aspirations and goals for expanding their crop production from homestead gardening to irrigation plots in Mhlontlo Local Municipality, in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. The central problem is that smallholder farmers are not expanding their scale of crop production even though they have access to natural capital which includes land and water. The broad objective of the study was to determine the aspirations and goals of farmers to expand irrigation crop production from homestead gardens to irrigation plots. The specific objectives of the study were to assess factors that addressed smallholder farmers’ aspirations and goals to expand crop production, to identify challenges that smallholder farmers encountered in expanding from homestead gardens to irrigation plots and to determine the current state of homestead gardens and irrigation plots. A list of 20 goals were identified from the field survey with 54 homestead food gardeners and 50 smallholder irrigation farmers in the different villages of the Mhlontlo Local Municipality. Random sampling was used to select the farmers who were asked to score the identified farm enterprise goals in terms of their relative importance. The goals were categorised into five factors using Gasson goal ranking methods which ranked goals on the basis of intrinsic, expressive, instrumental, and social criteria. The next step was to determine the standard deviations and means of the ranked goals. Descriptive statistics was then used to profile the farmers according to such factors as age, gender, years of farm experience, types of plot, the availability of water and land for crop production, the income farmers generate from the sale of crops produced and these are cross-tabulated with their goal rankings. The Logit model was used to estimate the probability that farmers would belong to a particular goal ranking and performance category. The logit model was also used to identify the factors that influence the expansion of the cropped area. The results revealed that maize production and land size where significant at 1%. Age and type of irrigation used were also positively significant at 1%. The results also revealed that the adoption of agricultural technology by smallholder irrigation farmers and homestead food gardens contributed to better quality produce.
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Assessing the effectiveness of public participation in Integrated Development Planning processes in the King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality, Province of the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Makhedama, Mputumeni
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11697 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015110
- Description: In order to eradicate the legacy of the past, the South African democratic government adopted a developmental approach to local government. This necessitated a commitment on the part of local government, through the Integrated Development Plan (IDP), in facilitating community participation by finding sustainable ways of meeting their social, economic and material needs and improving their quality of life. This study sought to assess the effectiveness of public participation in Integrated Development Planning processes in King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality. The objectives of this study were; to identify and assess critical factors that determine the effectiveness of municipal IDP and to assess the effect of poor literacy skills on municipal participatory processes. In this study face-to-face interviews and focus group interviews were used to collect data. The findings revealed that the community had participated only in the first of the five phases of the IDP. The study recommended that the King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality should streamline the needs identification and the needs prioritisation phases of the IDP processes so that the community can participate directly. The study also recommended that in order for the community to have an impact on IDP processes, capacity-building workshops be purpose-centred and responsive to any gaps in capacity challenges. The study further recommended that external service providers such as academic institutions should be utilised to capacitate communities to contribute effectively on municipal IDP processes. The study concluded that the municipality had not created an enabling environment for meaningful public participation, and had consequently limited the impact of community engagement on the IDP Guidelines which are proposed for public participation in all the phases of the IDP process.
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Assessing the effectiveness of section 21 schools in public financial management (a case of circuit 13 in King William’s Town district in the Eastern Cape)
- Authors: Mnwana, Vuyokazi
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1133 , vital:26529
- Description: The transformation in the education system of South Africa has led to a series of changes in the manner in which schools function and the manner in which they are managed. The transformation process saw the promotion and devolution of powers to schools and self management whilst at the same time ensuring equal access to education. The South African Schools Act spelt out the regulations that need to be followed towards the achievement of the envisaged goal, coupled with the other regulatory framework such as National Norms and Standards for School Funding. The new dispensation saw schools being classified into two categories: Section 20 and Section 21 with stipulated functions. The Section 21 schools experienced an added responsibility of being expected to manage their funds, allocated by the Department of Education through a paper budget, a function they are not formally trained for. The principals and School Governing Bodies had to ensure that they comply with the framework that governs public financial management so as to ensure that financial resources are managed in an effective, efficient and economic manner. This function prompted schools to acquaint themselves with the laws and regulations such as the Public Finance Management Act and the Treasury Regulations in order to ensure that their financial management practices are compliant with the prescribed framework. Their activities need to be conducted in a manner that promotes transparency, responsibility, equity and accountability, all of which are principles of good governance. To ensure effective financial management, schools have to acquire new knowledge and skills in basic financial management. The aim of the study was to assess whether the schools have the skills needed to render effective public financial management in order to be able to account on their financial activities. The study further attempted to establish the role played by the Department of Education towards facilitating empowerment strategies and the role played by the auditors in terms of the assessment of the school’s financial records. A case study of three schools was conducted, all of which are section 21 schools but differ in terms of their socio-economic backgrounds, location and conditions. The socio-economic backgrounds are described in terms of the quintile system and the location in terms of urban, rural and sub-urban schools. The information was gathered through interviews with the principals of the three schools, chairperson and treasurer of the School Governing Body and the school finance officer or bursar. Other interviews were conducted with the Education Development Officer, who is a representative of the Department of Education at schools and an auditor who conducts the auditing function for schools in terms of financial control. It emerged from the findings that the urban schools are well equipped and capable of managing school finances in an effective manner, whilst the sub-urban and rural schools do not have the necessary skills and knowledge to manage school finances. As it turned out, theirs is a functioning for compliance without proper understanding of the financial processes which include budgeting, funds and income management, expenditure management and financial reporting. Although the Department of Education is employing all means possible to empower stakeholders on financial management it has emerged that the strategies are inadequate to address the problems experienced by these schools. The auditor has identified a series of discrepancies and challenges in terms of financial reporting although they also try to mentor and support schools.
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Assessing the efficacy of integrating human resource development with organization strategy as a precursor to strategic management in the Eastern Cape Legislature (2006-2012)
- Authors: Matomane, Nyanisile Frisco
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Personnel management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Legislators -- Services for Public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4560 , vital:28418
- Description: This research article studies the factors that are likely to affect the visible part of human resource development (HRD)– the use of HRD activities in the Legislature Sector. It is argued that the active use of HRD activities as such does not indicate the role HRD plays in a Legislature’s business: rather, one has to pay attention to HRD orientation that captures the paradigm of an organization as regards the development of people. In this empirical study of Legislature Sector, several factors related to the organization, strategy, HRD function, and HRD person are identified as meaningful predictors of HRD orientation. Results imply that the outcomes of HRD are also dependent on factors outside the traditional authority of HRD function. The model that is formed based on the results helps those involved in HRD to understand the inherent linkages and holistic nature of people development in organizations.
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Assessing the impact of primary agricultural co-operative membership on smallholder farm performance (crops) in Mnquma Local Municipality of the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Mzuyanda, Christian
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Agriculture, Cooperative -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Cooperative marketing of farm produce -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Producer cooperatives -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11231 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1021285 , Agriculture, Cooperative -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Cooperative marketing of farm produce -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Producer cooperatives -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
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Assessing the implementation of performance management policies in the public service: a case study of the Department of Human Settlements in the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Sandiso, Mahlala
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1183 , vital:26534
- Description: This dissertation set out to assess the implementation of performance management policies in the public service using the case study of the Eastern Cape Department of Housing known currently as Human Settlements. It examines how monitoring and evaluation policies are important in governance deliverables, such as transparency, accountability and learning, influences public administration practice. The exchange between democracy and monitoring and evaluation was demonstrated by assessing how the country managed democratic transition, the influence of globalization on country practice, and specifically how the developmental state advances governance. It also focused on other focal points of how performance management policies in the public service are being utilized to assist Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlements. The study looked at the „new‟ role of performance management systems in meeting „performance information needs‟ of public sector managers as a potential area for further research. This type of research is qualitative in nature as it used documents to elaborate on matters. This study uses documents of the department as a case study to gain more insight about the department as well as the theory of change to guide the study.
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Assessing the implementation of the Employment Equity Act in the public service with specific reference to the appointment of women to top management positions: a case study of the Eastern Cape Provincial Administration
- Authors: Mtebele, Nozibele Sweetness
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11704 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015154
- Description: The Employment Equity Act, No 55 of 1998forms part of the transformation legislation aimed at promoting equity, and eliminating discriminatory and unfair treatment in the workplace. The South African government has developed a comprehensive policy framework that promotes equity while supporting the advancement of women to managerial positions.An area of consideration for this study is the representation of women in top management positions in the various departments of the Eastern Cape Provincial Administration.This study examined the legislative framework and progress that has made in the appointment of women to managerial positions in the South African public service and, in particular, the Eastern Cape Province. A comparison between the 2012 and 2013 Eastern Cape employment equity reports shows that there is slow progress in the implementation of employment equity. Although both South African men and women are well represented in the economically active population, women hold a relatively small percentage of top management positions. This study, through an in-depth review of literature, identified barriers to the implementation of employment equity in the Eastern Cape Provincial Administration.The Eastern Cape employment equity reports were analysed. The purpose of this analysis was to find the strengths and weaknesses, and successes and failures in the implementation of the Employment Equity Act and related legislation. The final part of this studyprovided an in-depth discussion and recommendations regarding the barriers and weaknesses of the South African employment equity system that have been highlighted throughout the study.
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Assessing the role of Walter Sisulu University on economic development in King Sabata Dalindyebo (Eastern Cape)
- Authors: Boti, Z T
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11700 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015138
- Description: This mini-dissertation assesses the role played by Walter Sisulu University in achieving economic development in King Sabata Dalindyebo municipality. The aims of the study were: Assess the role played by Walter Sisulu University in achieving economic development in KSD. Assess the strides and achievements that Walter Sisulu University as an institution for higher learning has achieved in terms of advancing economic development in KSD municipality. In accordance with these aims, an investigation of respondent’s perceptions the role played by WSU was undertaken. The participants were 20 staff members from three faculties and two units in Nelson Mandela Drive campus of Walter Sisulu University. Using purposive sampling to select the research respondents, data was collected. The researcher also used journals, articles and books, both published and unpublished to collect data. A quantitative and qualitative data analysis was used in order to draw conclusions about the strides taken by WSU, and satisfaction of respondents with the existing programmers offered at Walter Sisulu University. Empirical evidence concerning problems with implementation of research initiatives that support community-based research and business research as supported by the mission and vision of the institution has been uncovered. In spite of the clearly articulated mission statement and the vision of this comprehensive university, the research revealed that the institution is lagging behind in delivering its mandate. On the basis of the findings, recommendations for enhancing economic development in KSD were put forward.
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Assessment of procurement processes in the department of transport
- Authors: Mahleza, Xolani
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11739 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1018509
- Description: The purpose of this mini-dissertation is to understand the perception of end users on the public procurement system challenges in the Eastern Cape Department of Transport, addressing the extent to which the procurement systems have resulted in disgruntlement of end-users. The public sector procurement function continues to face growing pressures to reform current procurement process, the reform comes with changes which some public officials are unable to adapt to. The uncertainty and the complexity of the reforms to a certain extent bring resistance to the end users whose concern is to meet delivery targets for a particular financial year. Public procurement is still faced with somewhat of an “identity crisis”, people still see the function as clerical or technical in nature. The remaining challenge is to convince these individuals that procurement is a strategic function. This study however, seeks to investigate the level of understanding of procurement prescripts and relevant legislations by end users and the unnatural working relationship with SCM office.
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Assessment of the performance of smallholder irrigated sugarcane farming in Maphumulo municipality of KwaZulu-Natal Province
- Authors: Mdletshe, Sifiso Themba Clement
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Irrigation projects -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Sugarcane industry -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Irrigation farming -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11221 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1019822 , Irrigation projects -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Sugarcane industry -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Irrigation farming -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal
- Description: Kwa-Zulu Natal (KZN) is mainly composed of small-scale farmers with low production capacity and knowledge (ISRADS, 2004). The general problem is the performance of smallholder irrigation schemes, issues that cause low productivity; whereas the cost of purchasing machinery is too high. In the rural areas the majority of the people are unemployed due to different reasons such as lack of employment opportunities available to them, lack of skill, and low level of education and mostly they are inexperienced. This study identifies theperformance of irrigation projects amongst smallholder sugarcane farmers in KwaZulu Natal in order to uplift the livelihood of smallholder sugarcane production as well as its sustainability.This was done on the basis of demographics, historical background and agricultural potential. This dissertation will discusses all approaches used to conduct the study. The dissertation also describes the analytical framework used in this study, namely: The research design, sampling, sample size, data, data collection procedures, model description and the specific analyses carried out to address the study objectives. The results of net values of irrigated and non-irrigated lands, the irrigating households indicated13% of sugar cane production per hector more than non-irrigators. It is clearly indicated that water/ irrigation can contribute on maximizing sugarcane yield and promotes sustainability. Improving the technology from small scale growers’ point of view, extension officers from different areas that produce sugarcane should be scheduled to attend Refresher Courses at SASRI to train them on different aspect of irrigation management and sugarcane production. When there is newly established technology, such as invention of a new variety of sugarcane that is resistant to drought and diseases. It would be more essential for agricultural development to encourage government investment on more irrigation schemes facilities.
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Assessment of the prevalence of faecal coliforms and Escherichia coli o157:h7 in the final effluents of two wastewater treatment plants in Amahlathi Local Municipality of Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Ajibade, Adefisoye Martins
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Sewage disposal plants , Escherichia coli -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Escherichia coli O157:H7 , Escherichia coli , Effluent quality -- Testing , Whole effluent toxicity testing , Water -- Purification
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Microbiology)
- Identifier: vital:11283 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016166 , Sewage disposal plants , Escherichia coli -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Escherichia coli O157:H7 , Escherichia coli , Effluent quality -- Testing , Whole effluent toxicity testing , Water -- Purification
- Description: The production of final effluents that meet discharged requirements and guidelines remain a major challenge particularly in the developing world with the resultant problem of surface water pollution. This study assessed the physicochemical and microbiological qualities of two wastewater treatment works in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa in terms of the prevalence of faecal coliforms and Escherichia coli O157:H7 over a five month period. All physicochemical and microbiological analyses were carried out using standard methods. Data were collected in triplicates and analysed statistically using IBM SPSS version 20.0. The ranges of some of the physicochemical parameters that complied with set guidelines include pH (6.7 – 7.6), TDS (107 – 171 mg/L), EC (168 – 266 μS/cm), Temperature (15 – 24oC), NO3- (0 – 8.2 mg/L), NO2- (0.14 – 0.71 mg/L) and PO4 (1.05 – 4.50 mg/L). Others including Turbidity (2.64 – 58.00 NTU), Free Cl (0.13 – 0.65 mg/L), DO (2.20 – 8.48 mg/L), BOD (0.13 – 6.85 mg/L) and COD (40 – 482 mg/L) did not comply with set guidelines. The microbiological parameters ranged 0 – 2.7 × 104 CFU/100 ml for FC and 0 – 9.3 × 103 for EHEC CFU/100 ml, an indication of non-compliance with set guidelines. Preliminary identification of 40 randomly selected presumptive enterohemorrhagic E. coli isolates by Gram’s staining and oxidase test shows 100% (all 40 selected isolates) to be Gram positive while 90% (36 randomly selected isolates) were oxidase negative. Statistical correlation between the physicochemical and the microbiological parameters were generally weak except in the case of free chlorine and DO where they showed inverse correlation with the microbiological parameters. The recovery of EHEC showed the inefficiency of the treatment processes to effectively inactivate the bacteria, and possibly other pathogenic bacteria that may be present in the treated wastewater. The assessment suggested the need for proper monitoring and a review of the treatment procedures used at these treatment works.
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Attitudes, knowledge and behaviour of HIV positive pregnant women attending antenatal care in Buffalo city metropolitan district East London towards prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT)
- Authors: Matroshe, Florence Nozakhe Skoti
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Nursing Science)
- Identifier: vital:11915 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016150
- Description: The National HIV and AIDS and STI strategic plan for South Africa, 2007-2011 aims to reduce the rate of mother to child transmission to less than 5% by 2011. On the World Aids day in 2009, the Honorable President Jacob Zuma announced the intervention to improve antiretroviral therapy (ARV), access to priority group’s in order to decrease the disease burden, to address maternal and child mortality, and to improve life expectancy (PMTCT Guidelines: 2010). According to the literature reviewed, accepting attitudes may indicate better knowledge and understanding of HIV and AIDS. Marking a change in South Africa’s history of HIV the South African Government launched a major HIV Counseling and Testing program campaign (HCT) in 2010. For the PMTCT program to work and be acceptable, it needs to be known by its clients. It helps the individual to know about their status so that they make important choices for self and others. Amongst the important choices, medications for opportunistic medications, ARV’S, behavior change, etc, are included (Project Literacy 2006:40). Aim and Objectives: The study assessed the knowledge that the pregnant women have towards the prevention of mother to-child transmission which includes HIV testing, antiretroviral prophylaxis during pregnancy, labour, and post natal and feeding options. Methods: A quantitative descriptive method was used for this study. The questionnaires developed by the researcher were used for data collection. The items on the questionnaire were divided into four (4) subsections. The questionnaire was administered to all positive pregnant women coming for follow up visit and those available at the time of data collection. Conclusion: In this study evaluation of the level of knowledge and attitude of positive pregnant women with regard to PMTCT in 5 Buffalo City Municipality clinics was conducted. It was found that some of positive pregnant women have better knowledge about PMTC though there were still those that need further education. Recommendations: The service providers, who are the professional nurses, should be provided with proper training on PMTCT program to improve their standard of service delivery and to capacitate them with knowledge and skills. Integration of HIV related health aspects during assessment and treatment of pregnant women should be strengthened, as the purpose of implementation of PMTCT was to reduce mortality rate by 50%, and also to reach the 4th Millennium Development Goal of reducing these deaths by two-thirds by 2015.east london towards prevention of mother to child transmission (pmtct)
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Barriers and incentives to potential adoption of biofuel crops by smallholder farmers in selected areas in the Chris Hani and O.R. Tambo district municipalities, South Africa
- Authors: Cheteni, Priviledge
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Renewable energy sources -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Energy crops industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11225 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1020182 , Renewable energy sources -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Energy crops industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Since the launch of the Biofuels Industrial Strategy in 2007 by the South African government, only a few smallholder farmers have adopted biofuels for production. The government hopes to stimulate economic development and alleviate poverty by targeting areas that were previously neglected for agriculture by the apartheid government. However, there still appears to be a lack of a clear and comprehensive policy framework for the development of a South African biofuel industry, because the proposed initiatives have not been implemented to date. There are also concerns among stakeholders that government policy is taking too long to formulate, compounding existing uncertainty in the industry. This study therefore aims to identify barriers and incentives that influence the potential adoption of biofuel crops in selected areas in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The study utilised a semi-structured questionnaire to record responses from 129 smallholder farmers that were identified through a snowballing sampling technique. Descriptive statistical analysis and a Heckman two-step model were applied to analyse the data. Analysis was done using SPSS 21 and EViews 8. Results obtained showed that the variables: arable land, incentives offered, challenges faced, labour source and farm experience were statistical significant at 5 or 10 percent p value to awareness of farmers to biofuel crops. Adoption of biofuel crops was statistically related to gender, qualification, membership to association and household size. The study recommends that the Biofuels Industrial Strategy Policy be revisited in order to have a mechanism of including smallholder farmers that it aims to empower with employment and improvement in their livelihoods. The government can help smallholder farmers by addressing the challenges they face in improving their output. Furthermore, it recommends that a national study on barriers and incentives that influence the adoption of biofuel crops be carried out in order to identify other factors that may hinder the Biofuels Strategy Policy aims in empowering the disadvantaged farmers.
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