The effect of 14 weeks of strength training on insulin resistance
- Authors: Cairncross, Joy Claudia
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Insulin resistance , Diabetes -- Exercise therapy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10104 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018276
- Description: Insulin resistance is a precursor to type II diabetes mellitus and in conjunction with dyslipidaemia, hypertension, and obesity, these abnormalities constitute the metabolic syndrome. Insulin resistance usually develops before these other diseases and therefore identifying and successfully treating insulin resistant patients may have potentially great preventive value. Insulin resistance, obesity, and subsequently type II diabetes mellitus have increased dramatically and have reached epidemic proportions. The incidence of diabetes, and in particular type II diabetes mellitus, is increasing in developing countries and throughout the world and this is mainly as a result of increasingly sedentary lifestyle and obesity in an aging population. The specific aim of this study was to explore and describe the effect of a 14-week strength-based resistance training programme on insulin resistance amongst individuals aged 25 to 68 years, who are pre-diabetic, have T2DM, and/or are overweight. The research approach used in this investigation was explorative, experimental, and quantitative in nature. The quasi-experimental design consisted of a pre-test and post-test for an experimental and comparison group who were chosen through convenience and snowball sampling. A total of 30 participants were involved in this study, 15 participants in each group. The following dependent variables were selected, namely: body weight; BMI; body composition; waist-to-hip ratio; total cholesterol levels; triglyceride levels; HOMA-IR; and muscle strength for upper and lower body. Pre-and post-test analysis was performed at the Biokinetics and Sport Science Unit, located at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU). Blood samples of the participants were drawn by nurses at the Health Clinic at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University and these blood plasma samples were stored at the Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry at NMMU for later analysis of glucose and insulin. The experimental group trained three times per week for a period of fourteen weeks, performing strength training exercises with progressive increments in the intensity of the exercise. The control group remained sedentary throughout the intervention period. Analysis of the data was conducted utilizing descriptive and inferential statistics. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used as a hypothesis-testing procedure to evaluate the mean differences. The following dependent variables showed a decrease in mean values: body weight, body mass index, body fat percentage, waist minimum, cholesterol and insulin. However these differences in results were not practically and statistically significant. The following dependent variables showed an increase in mean values: hip maximum, arm relaxed, arm flexed, thigh circumference, glucose and HOMA-IR. However these results were not practically and statistically significant. The mean differences in the plasma insulin level, pre- to post-test, between both groups indicated that a significant difference (t = -1.77, p = 0.044) existed between them. Cohen‟s d revealed a value of 0.64, which indicates moderate practical significance. The only dependent variable which showed both statistical and practical significance was sum of skinfolds. The findings for sum of skinfolds revealed that the mean differences, from pre- to post-test, between both groups indicated that a significant difference (t = -2.30, p = 0.015) existed between them. Cohen‟s d revealed a value of 0.84, which indicated a large practical significance. Although the sample size was too small to indicate generalisations to the diabetic population as a whole, strength training should be furthermore explored as an alternative and successful modality in the existing range of options available to the health and exercise professional to address the needs of the person with T2DM. The researcher proposed that a bigger sample size be used for the experimental and control group, the intervention period increased as well as various differences related to frequency, intensity and duration of strength training could possibly result in significant changes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Cairncross, Joy Claudia
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Insulin resistance , Diabetes -- Exercise therapy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10104 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018276
- Description: Insulin resistance is a precursor to type II diabetes mellitus and in conjunction with dyslipidaemia, hypertension, and obesity, these abnormalities constitute the metabolic syndrome. Insulin resistance usually develops before these other diseases and therefore identifying and successfully treating insulin resistant patients may have potentially great preventive value. Insulin resistance, obesity, and subsequently type II diabetes mellitus have increased dramatically and have reached epidemic proportions. The incidence of diabetes, and in particular type II diabetes mellitus, is increasing in developing countries and throughout the world and this is mainly as a result of increasingly sedentary lifestyle and obesity in an aging population. The specific aim of this study was to explore and describe the effect of a 14-week strength-based resistance training programme on insulin resistance amongst individuals aged 25 to 68 years, who are pre-diabetic, have T2DM, and/or are overweight. The research approach used in this investigation was explorative, experimental, and quantitative in nature. The quasi-experimental design consisted of a pre-test and post-test for an experimental and comparison group who were chosen through convenience and snowball sampling. A total of 30 participants were involved in this study, 15 participants in each group. The following dependent variables were selected, namely: body weight; BMI; body composition; waist-to-hip ratio; total cholesterol levels; triglyceride levels; HOMA-IR; and muscle strength for upper and lower body. Pre-and post-test analysis was performed at the Biokinetics and Sport Science Unit, located at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU). Blood samples of the participants were drawn by nurses at the Health Clinic at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University and these blood plasma samples were stored at the Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry at NMMU for later analysis of glucose and insulin. The experimental group trained three times per week for a period of fourteen weeks, performing strength training exercises with progressive increments in the intensity of the exercise. The control group remained sedentary throughout the intervention period. Analysis of the data was conducted utilizing descriptive and inferential statistics. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used as a hypothesis-testing procedure to evaluate the mean differences. The following dependent variables showed a decrease in mean values: body weight, body mass index, body fat percentage, waist minimum, cholesterol and insulin. However these differences in results were not practically and statistically significant. The following dependent variables showed an increase in mean values: hip maximum, arm relaxed, arm flexed, thigh circumference, glucose and HOMA-IR. However these results were not practically and statistically significant. The mean differences in the plasma insulin level, pre- to post-test, between both groups indicated that a significant difference (t = -1.77, p = 0.044) existed between them. Cohen‟s d revealed a value of 0.64, which indicates moderate practical significance. The only dependent variable which showed both statistical and practical significance was sum of skinfolds. The findings for sum of skinfolds revealed that the mean differences, from pre- to post-test, between both groups indicated that a significant difference (t = -2.30, p = 0.015) existed between them. Cohen‟s d revealed a value of 0.84, which indicated a large practical significance. Although the sample size was too small to indicate generalisations to the diabetic population as a whole, strength training should be furthermore explored as an alternative and successful modality in the existing range of options available to the health and exercise professional to address the needs of the person with T2DM. The researcher proposed that a bigger sample size be used for the experimental and control group, the intervention period increased as well as various differences related to frequency, intensity and duration of strength training could possibly result in significant changes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The effectiveness in the administration of the national school nutrition programme in King Williams Town in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Fili, Linda Phinx
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: School children -- Food -- South Africa -- King William's Town -- Administration , Children -- Nutrition
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9224 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020965
- Description: Health and education are two important aspects of human capital and form the basis of an individual’s economic productivity in any country. In South Africa, hunger and malnutrition continue to hamper the health, quality of life and survival of school going children such that some children drop- out of school due to these socio-economic problems (Tomlinson,2007:2). The introduction of previous School Feeding Schemes to address the question of hunger and poverty within schools was mostly left in the 1980’s and 1990’s to charitable and Non-Governmental Organizations such as Operation Hunger and ITHUBA (Swartz, 2009:38). According to Perlman (1993:14) South Africa’s track record of child deaths was more than double that of any other country of similar income levels worldwide, due to the apartheid government deserting its responsibility of feeding the nation. The White Paper for the Transformation of Health System (1997: 125) had also stated that improving nutrition within the rural schools is an imperative and a sound economic investment which is politically rewarding. Nelson Mandela (1996:8) once said “Our children are our nation’s future. Prospects for development are seriously undermined by the kind of large scale deprivation of children that South Africa has experienced. On the other hand investing in their health, nutrition and education not only improves our children’s quality of life – the gains reverberate into the future generations. ” From April 1994, through the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) the Government of National Unity under the leadership of Dr. Nelson Mandela identified the area of school feeding as a policy prime concern in redressing the imbalances and inequities of the past governments. Another initiative to redress the inequities of the past, was through the programme of Poverty Reduction which manifested itself in lack of income, lack of education and skills, lack of access to services and amenities and lack of ownership of land and housing (Public Service Commission, 2007.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Fili, Linda Phinx
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: School children -- Food -- South Africa -- King William's Town -- Administration , Children -- Nutrition
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9224 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020965
- Description: Health and education are two important aspects of human capital and form the basis of an individual’s economic productivity in any country. In South Africa, hunger and malnutrition continue to hamper the health, quality of life and survival of school going children such that some children drop- out of school due to these socio-economic problems (Tomlinson,2007:2). The introduction of previous School Feeding Schemes to address the question of hunger and poverty within schools was mostly left in the 1980’s and 1990’s to charitable and Non-Governmental Organizations such as Operation Hunger and ITHUBA (Swartz, 2009:38). According to Perlman (1993:14) South Africa’s track record of child deaths was more than double that of any other country of similar income levels worldwide, due to the apartheid government deserting its responsibility of feeding the nation. The White Paper for the Transformation of Health System (1997: 125) had also stated that improving nutrition within the rural schools is an imperative and a sound economic investment which is politically rewarding. Nelson Mandela (1996:8) once said “Our children are our nation’s future. Prospects for development are seriously undermined by the kind of large scale deprivation of children that South Africa has experienced. On the other hand investing in their health, nutrition and education not only improves our children’s quality of life – the gains reverberate into the future generations. ” From April 1994, through the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) the Government of National Unity under the leadership of Dr. Nelson Mandela identified the area of school feeding as a policy prime concern in redressing the imbalances and inequities of the past governments. Another initiative to redress the inequities of the past, was through the programme of Poverty Reduction which manifested itself in lack of income, lack of education and skills, lack of access to services and amenities and lack of ownership of land and housing (Public Service Commission, 2007.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The effects of conflict on development: the case of the Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Sankoloba, Boikutso Palesa
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Conflict management -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Political stability -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9207 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020570
- Description: This study examines the effects of conflict on socio-economic development. It focuses on the ongoing political conflict in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality due to national political factionalism that has negatively affected service delivery. Political conflict led to the absence of the municipal manager from 2009, impacting the administration of the Metro. Since that time, no municipal manager has held office for more than four months. The municipal manager’s job is crucial to the operation of the Metro, including the allocation of funds required for service delivery. Service delivery has therefore been negatively affected by the conflict, with waste removal being particularly neglected. This has been prevalent in areas such as New Brighton and Motherwell, which will be the primary focus of this treatise. This study found that, as a consequence of the situation in the Metro community members have become indifferent to political affairs. However, they still seek change and have faith that their livelihoods could be improved.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Sankoloba, Boikutso Palesa
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Conflict management -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Political stability -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9207 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020570
- Description: This study examines the effects of conflict on socio-economic development. It focuses on the ongoing political conflict in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality due to national political factionalism that has negatively affected service delivery. Political conflict led to the absence of the municipal manager from 2009, impacting the administration of the Metro. Since that time, no municipal manager has held office for more than four months. The municipal manager’s job is crucial to the operation of the Metro, including the allocation of funds required for service delivery. Service delivery has therefore been negatively affected by the conflict, with waste removal being particularly neglected. This has been prevalent in areas such as New Brighton and Motherwell, which will be the primary focus of this treatise. This study found that, as a consequence of the situation in the Metro community members have become indifferent to political affairs. However, they still seek change and have faith that their livelihoods could be improved.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The experiences of employees utilizing an employee assistance programme in a psychiatric hospital
- Authors: Zonke, Phindiwe Princess
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Employee assistance programs -- South Africa , Health services administration , Job stress
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10054 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018571
- Description: Employer’s assistance to employees experiencing personal problems originated in the 19th century. The term Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) was however formulated in the 1970’s in the United States and, initially, only focused on alcohol dependence rehabilitation. EAPs have since seen a paradigm shift in their focus as they now deal with the full range of problems experienced by employees such as family life or relationship issues, work related stresses, financial pressures, depression or anxiety, alcohol and drug abuse. The researcher observed that some employees in the psychiatric institution, where they are employed as both professionals and non-professionals, were experiencing personal problems and very little if anything was done to provide assistance to them. It also seemed as if very few of them made use of the voluntary EAP service made available by the institution. The fact that a number of employees have problems can have serious negative consequences in that it causes a high rate of absenteeism and the institution’s core business, which is to provide care to its users, is compromised. The researcher undertook this study because EAP services fall within the realm of institutional development. This study could therefore make an invaluable contribution to the transformation discourse which has been taking place in the South African health systems in general and psychiatric institutions in particular. The purpose of this research is to determine employees’ experience of utilizing an EAP in a psychiatric hospital. The researcher is personally interested in employees’ experiences of utilizing the EAP in order to provide recommendations that will assist and strengthen the policy/guidelines for the Eastern Cape Department of Health on the use of EAPs. The workplace has an obligation to provide EAP services to employees so as to help them meet their contractual obligations in a holistic and healthy manner. The research goals are to explore the experiences of employees who have utilized an EAP. The findings will be used to make recommendations regarding the utilization of the EAP policy/guidelines that are currently used to assist the employees. The research methodology will be qualitative, descriptive, exploratory and contextual. The research population and sampling for this study will consist of the employees who have made use of an EAP. Participants will be selected using a purposive sampling approach. Data gathering will be done using semi-structured interviews, at a venue convenient to the participants. Open-ended questions will be asked to enable participants to express their perceptions on the topic. The data will be analyzed using Tesch’s method of data analysis. The identified themes will be used to describe employees’ experience of utilizing an EAP. Trustworthiness will be ensured by using Guba’s model of trustworthiness. The ethical principles of beneficence, self-determination and justice will be ensured by asking for each participant’s consent, by not coercing individuals to participate in the study and by ensuring permission from the Department of Health and from the University’s research committee to conduct the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Zonke, Phindiwe Princess
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Employee assistance programs -- South Africa , Health services administration , Job stress
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10054 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018571
- Description: Employer’s assistance to employees experiencing personal problems originated in the 19th century. The term Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) was however formulated in the 1970’s in the United States and, initially, only focused on alcohol dependence rehabilitation. EAPs have since seen a paradigm shift in their focus as they now deal with the full range of problems experienced by employees such as family life or relationship issues, work related stresses, financial pressures, depression or anxiety, alcohol and drug abuse. The researcher observed that some employees in the psychiatric institution, where they are employed as both professionals and non-professionals, were experiencing personal problems and very little if anything was done to provide assistance to them. It also seemed as if very few of them made use of the voluntary EAP service made available by the institution. The fact that a number of employees have problems can have serious negative consequences in that it causes a high rate of absenteeism and the institution’s core business, which is to provide care to its users, is compromised. The researcher undertook this study because EAP services fall within the realm of institutional development. This study could therefore make an invaluable contribution to the transformation discourse which has been taking place in the South African health systems in general and psychiatric institutions in particular. The purpose of this research is to determine employees’ experience of utilizing an EAP in a psychiatric hospital. The researcher is personally interested in employees’ experiences of utilizing the EAP in order to provide recommendations that will assist and strengthen the policy/guidelines for the Eastern Cape Department of Health on the use of EAPs. The workplace has an obligation to provide EAP services to employees so as to help them meet their contractual obligations in a holistic and healthy manner. The research goals are to explore the experiences of employees who have utilized an EAP. The findings will be used to make recommendations regarding the utilization of the EAP policy/guidelines that are currently used to assist the employees. The research methodology will be qualitative, descriptive, exploratory and contextual. The research population and sampling for this study will consist of the employees who have made use of an EAP. Participants will be selected using a purposive sampling approach. Data gathering will be done using semi-structured interviews, at a venue convenient to the participants. Open-ended questions will be asked to enable participants to express their perceptions on the topic. The data will be analyzed using Tesch’s method of data analysis. The identified themes will be used to describe employees’ experience of utilizing an EAP. Trustworthiness will be ensured by using Guba’s model of trustworthiness. The ethical principles of beneficence, self-determination and justice will be ensured by asking for each participant’s consent, by not coercing individuals to participate in the study and by ensuring permission from the Department of Health and from the University’s research committee to conduct the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The family in Shakespeare's plays: a study of South African revisions
- Authors: Hjul, Lauren Martha
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Parents , Parental bonds , Family , Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616 -- In literature -- Research , Coetzee, J M, 1940-. Disgrace , Gordimer, Nadine. My son's story , Peteni, R L, 1915-. Hill of fools , English drama -- 17th century -- History and criticism , Families in literature , English literature -- History and criticism
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2181 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001832
- Description: This thesis provides a detailed consideration of the family in Shakespeare’s canon and the engagement therewith in three South African novels: Hill of Fools (1976) by R. L. Peteni, My Son’s Story (1990) by Nadine Gordimer, and Disgrace (1999) by J. M. Coetzee. The study is divided into an introduction, three chapters each addressing one of the South African novels and its relationship with a Shakespeare text or texts, and a conclusion. The introductory chapter provides an analysis of the two strands of criticism in which the thesis is situated – studies of the family in Shakespeare and studies of appropriations of Shakespeare – and discusses the ways in which these two strands may be combined through a detailed discussion of the presence of power dynamics in the relationship between parent and child in all of the texts considered. The three chapters each contextualise the South African text and provide detailed discussions of the family dynamics within the relevant texts, with particular reference to questions of authority and autonomy. The focus in each chapter is determined by the nature of the intertextual relationship between the South African novel and the Shakespearean text being discussed. Thus, the first chapter, “The Dissolution of Familial Structures in Hill of Fools” considers power dynamics in the family as an inherent part of the Romeo and Juliet genre, of which William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is but a part. Similarly, the impact of a socio-political identity, and the secrecy it necessitates, is the focus of the second chapter, “Fathers, Sons and Legacy in My Son’s Story” as is the role of Shakespeare and literature within South Africa. These concerns are connected to the novel’s use of Shakespeare’s Sonnets, King Lear, and Hamlet. In the third chapter, “Reclaiming Agency through the Daughter in Disgrace and The Tempest”, I expand on Laurence Wright’s argument that Disgrace is an engagement with The Tempest and consider ways in which the altered power dynamic between father and daughter results in the reconciliation of the father figure with society. The thesis thus addresses the tension between parental bonds and parental bondage
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Hjul, Lauren Martha
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Parents , Parental bonds , Family , Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616 -- In literature -- Research , Coetzee, J M, 1940-. Disgrace , Gordimer, Nadine. My son's story , Peteni, R L, 1915-. Hill of fools , English drama -- 17th century -- History and criticism , Families in literature , English literature -- History and criticism
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2181 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001832
- Description: This thesis provides a detailed consideration of the family in Shakespeare’s canon and the engagement therewith in three South African novels: Hill of Fools (1976) by R. L. Peteni, My Son’s Story (1990) by Nadine Gordimer, and Disgrace (1999) by J. M. Coetzee. The study is divided into an introduction, three chapters each addressing one of the South African novels and its relationship with a Shakespeare text or texts, and a conclusion. The introductory chapter provides an analysis of the two strands of criticism in which the thesis is situated – studies of the family in Shakespeare and studies of appropriations of Shakespeare – and discusses the ways in which these two strands may be combined through a detailed discussion of the presence of power dynamics in the relationship between parent and child in all of the texts considered. The three chapters each contextualise the South African text and provide detailed discussions of the family dynamics within the relevant texts, with particular reference to questions of authority and autonomy. The focus in each chapter is determined by the nature of the intertextual relationship between the South African novel and the Shakespearean text being discussed. Thus, the first chapter, “The Dissolution of Familial Structures in Hill of Fools” considers power dynamics in the family as an inherent part of the Romeo and Juliet genre, of which William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is but a part. Similarly, the impact of a socio-political identity, and the secrecy it necessitates, is the focus of the second chapter, “Fathers, Sons and Legacy in My Son’s Story” as is the role of Shakespeare and literature within South Africa. These concerns are connected to the novel’s use of Shakespeare’s Sonnets, King Lear, and Hamlet. In the third chapter, “Reclaiming Agency through the Daughter in Disgrace and The Tempest”, I expand on Laurence Wright’s argument that Disgrace is an engagement with The Tempest and consider ways in which the altered power dynamic between father and daughter results in the reconciliation of the father figure with society. The thesis thus addresses the tension between parental bonds and parental bondage
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The impact of community development projects on unmployment in Mndantsane
- Authors: Ngamlana, Felicia Nolitha
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Community development - South Africa -- East London , Unemployment - South Africa - East London
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9176
- Description: Unemployment in South Africa has been escalating over the past few years. Unemployment is the most serious economic problem facing South African society. It is not only partly responsible for the widespread poverty, continuing violence and an unacceptably high incidence of crime, but it deprives many South Africans of the privilege of fulfilling their vocation. There is no single satisfactory answer of unemployment and its impact on the economy of South Africa. The aim of the research report is to evaluate unemployment-curbing projects in the Mdantsane community in order to improve the living conditions of the inhabitants. In order to formulate a conceptual and theoretical framework of the study, a theoretical foundation of the study, unemployment frameworks, theories of development particularly local economic development, the meaning of Local Economic, development and theories underpinning Local economic development and related literature on unemployment. The research methodology for the study is descriptive, sourced from available literature. Due to the restricted extent of the research, no empirical survey will be conducted. A number of normative criteria to deal with the research problem will be identified from the available literature, from which conclusions will be drawn and recommendations made.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Ngamlana, Felicia Nolitha
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Community development - South Africa -- East London , Unemployment - South Africa - East London
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9176
- Description: Unemployment in South Africa has been escalating over the past few years. Unemployment is the most serious economic problem facing South African society. It is not only partly responsible for the widespread poverty, continuing violence and an unacceptably high incidence of crime, but it deprives many South Africans of the privilege of fulfilling their vocation. There is no single satisfactory answer of unemployment and its impact on the economy of South Africa. The aim of the research report is to evaluate unemployment-curbing projects in the Mdantsane community in order to improve the living conditions of the inhabitants. In order to formulate a conceptual and theoretical framework of the study, a theoretical foundation of the study, unemployment frameworks, theories of development particularly local economic development, the meaning of Local Economic, development and theories underpinning Local economic development and related literature on unemployment. The research methodology for the study is descriptive, sourced from available literature. Due to the restricted extent of the research, no empirical survey will be conducted. A number of normative criteria to deal with the research problem will be identified from the available literature, from which conclusions will be drawn and recommendations made.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The impact of crime in socio-economic development of Mdantsane township
- Authors: Matyeni, Bukelwa Wendy
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Crime -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa , Criminal behavior , Criminal justice, Administration of -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9204 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020425
- Description: This study examined the impact of crime on socio-economic development in Mdantsane Township which is an urban area under Buffalo city Municipality. The study is concerned with the growing rate of crime, which is perceived to have affected community development. A survey was conducted for this study and questionnaires were administered for data collection. The study found that Mdantsane area is fraught with problems of high unemployment, high crime levels and lack of physical infrastructure. It was shown that the levels of crime like robbery and assault cases are the order of the day. Many crimes are committed either during the day or at night. This study made several recommendations relating to what should be done to ensure that local residents, potential developers and investors feel safe in Mdantsane. Amongst other recommendations put forward are the establishment of community relations with the police, namely community policing forums (CPFs) and development community safety centres.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Matyeni, Bukelwa Wendy
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Crime -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa , Criminal behavior , Criminal justice, Administration of -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9204 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020425
- Description: This study examined the impact of crime on socio-economic development in Mdantsane Township which is an urban area under Buffalo city Municipality. The study is concerned with the growing rate of crime, which is perceived to have affected community development. A survey was conducted for this study and questionnaires were administered for data collection. The study found that Mdantsane area is fraught with problems of high unemployment, high crime levels and lack of physical infrastructure. It was shown that the levels of crime like robbery and assault cases are the order of the day. Many crimes are committed either during the day or at night. This study made several recommendations relating to what should be done to ensure that local residents, potential developers and investors feel safe in Mdantsane. Amongst other recommendations put forward are the establishment of community relations with the police, namely community policing forums (CPFs) and development community safety centres.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The impact of early marriage on the education attainment of the San-girl child in Omaheke Region, Namibia
- Kavari, Elizabeth Ikka Tjipetekera
- Authors: Kavari, Elizabeth Ikka Tjipetekera
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Women -- Namibia , Marriage -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9165 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020052
- Description: One of the basic challenges that faces Namibian society as it emerges from colonial times is the issue of inequality and the oppression of women and girls. The San girl-child is no exception in this regard. San women in Namibia are subject to low socio- economic status and the poorest rates of formal education. San girls who enrolled at primary school hardly make it to secondary schools because of their significantly high dropout rate. This is prevalent among girls in particular as a result of early pregnancies, marriages and other related factors. The practice of early marriage is still prevalent, despite the Namibian government’s efforts to address the issues of inequality and oppression of women. For example, article 10 of the Namibian Constitution that stipulates that all persons are equal before the law. It also prohibits any discrimination on ground of sex, race etc. Moreover, in spite of the adoption of some National Gender legal Frameworks and the signing of various regional and international gender instruments, barriers to gender equality, equity and education attainment for the San girl child remain in place. However, in Namibia as in many developing countries researches onto early marriage has largely been neglected and data on various aspects of early marriage is minimal. Hence, the study aimed to shed light on the impact of early marriages on the education attainment of the San-girl child in particular as well as to draw the attention of policymaker and the Omaheke region community attention tothese harmful traditional and socio- economic practices, such as early marriage. For my study on the perceptions of selected respondents of the impact of early marriage on the education attainment of the San-girl child, I used aqualitative research approach and employed a semi-structured interview technique as my main data collection tool. The study revealed that early marriage impacts negatively on the education attainment of the San girl-child and that this undermines the status of San girls and constitutes a barrier to gender equality and equity attainment in their lives.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Kavari, Elizabeth Ikka Tjipetekera
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Women -- Namibia , Marriage -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9165 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020052
- Description: One of the basic challenges that faces Namibian society as it emerges from colonial times is the issue of inequality and the oppression of women and girls. The San girl-child is no exception in this regard. San women in Namibia are subject to low socio- economic status and the poorest rates of formal education. San girls who enrolled at primary school hardly make it to secondary schools because of their significantly high dropout rate. This is prevalent among girls in particular as a result of early pregnancies, marriages and other related factors. The practice of early marriage is still prevalent, despite the Namibian government’s efforts to address the issues of inequality and oppression of women. For example, article 10 of the Namibian Constitution that stipulates that all persons are equal before the law. It also prohibits any discrimination on ground of sex, race etc. Moreover, in spite of the adoption of some National Gender legal Frameworks and the signing of various regional and international gender instruments, barriers to gender equality, equity and education attainment for the San girl child remain in place. However, in Namibia as in many developing countries researches onto early marriage has largely been neglected and data on various aspects of early marriage is minimal. Hence, the study aimed to shed light on the impact of early marriages on the education attainment of the San-girl child in particular as well as to draw the attention of policymaker and the Omaheke region community attention tothese harmful traditional and socio- economic practices, such as early marriage. For my study on the perceptions of selected respondents of the impact of early marriage on the education attainment of the San-girl child, I used aqualitative research approach and employed a semi-structured interview technique as my main data collection tool. The study revealed that early marriage impacts negatively on the education attainment of the San girl-child and that this undermines the status of San girls and constitutes a barrier to gender equality and equity attainment in their lives.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The impact of environmental pollution on public health with specific reference to Sasolburg industrial area, South Africa
- Authors: Moshanyana, Lineo Grace
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Environmental toxicology -- South Africa -- Free State , Pollution -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Free State , Environmental health -- South Africa -- Free State , Public health -- South Africa -- Free State , Mines and mineral resources -- South Africa -- Free State
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9147 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018899
- Description: The Mining industry in South Africa is viewed as the backbone of the country’s economy, while benefiting from this engine of economic development, its impact on the environment and health has been of a major concern to different stakeholders. The majority of people acknowledge the role of mining in the economy and the country. Others put more emphasis on public health and the environment. The aim of the study was then to assess the impact of environmental pollution and public health on the Sasolburg community from a developmental perspective. The present study can be described as a quantitative descriptive survey that uncovered serious levels of pollution in Sasolburg that had dire health consequences for people involved. The findings of the study indicate that residents live with the constant smell of a variety of chemical pollutants released both by normal production and by periodic incidents. They experience chronic respiratory symptoms, burning eyes, hearing deficiency and skin irritations. The study revealed that environmental pollution consequences affecting residents are inversely related to distance from the mines. The results obtained in this study are evidence that environmental pollution in the Sasolburg area is a definite risk to the health of people living within the surrounding area. Although indicating the need to carry out a comprehensive study, the results call for immediate action to prevent continued public over-exposure to environmental pollution.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Moshanyana, Lineo Grace
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Environmental toxicology -- South Africa -- Free State , Pollution -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Free State , Environmental health -- South Africa -- Free State , Public health -- South Africa -- Free State , Mines and mineral resources -- South Africa -- Free State
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9147 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018899
- Description: The Mining industry in South Africa is viewed as the backbone of the country’s economy, while benefiting from this engine of economic development, its impact on the environment and health has been of a major concern to different stakeholders. The majority of people acknowledge the role of mining in the economy and the country. Others put more emphasis on public health and the environment. The aim of the study was then to assess the impact of environmental pollution and public health on the Sasolburg community from a developmental perspective. The present study can be described as a quantitative descriptive survey that uncovered serious levels of pollution in Sasolburg that had dire health consequences for people involved. The findings of the study indicate that residents live with the constant smell of a variety of chemical pollutants released both by normal production and by periodic incidents. They experience chronic respiratory symptoms, burning eyes, hearing deficiency and skin irritations. The study revealed that environmental pollution consequences affecting residents are inversely related to distance from the mines. The results obtained in this study are evidence that environmental pollution in the Sasolburg area is a definite risk to the health of people living within the surrounding area. Although indicating the need to carry out a comprehensive study, the results call for immediate action to prevent continued public over-exposure to environmental pollution.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The impact of land reform on the livelihoods of farm workers : the case of the Oaks/Willows citrus farm
- Authors: Pako, Marupeng Phillip
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Land reform -- South Africa -- Limpopo , Agricultural laborers -- South Africa -- Limpopo , Poverty -- South Africa -- Limpopo
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9225 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020972
- Description: South Africa‟s social, economic and political landscape was shaped by a long and bitter history of land reform and dispossession. It is against this background that the land reform policy was introduced. According to the Department of Land Affairs the objective of land reform was to alleviate poverty and improve the livelihoods of the poor. Since the introduction of the land reform policy in South Africa, there is no empirical evidence that land reform is improving the livelihoods of its beneficiaries and other affected groups such as farm workers. However government focus has been on how much land was redistributed to the previously disadvantaged and dispossessed. The study sought to assess the impact of land reform on the livelihoods of farm workers with specific reference to the Oaks/Willows Citrus farm in Maruleng Local Municipality, Limpopo Province. The study focussed on whether this land reform project achieved its intended objective of improving livelihoods and alleviating poverty. The following groups participated in the study: The farm workers, project committee members, representative of the traditional leader and a representative of the Department of Rural development. The study found that the livelihoods of the farm workers had not improved after the implementation of this land reform project. The study also revealed that government intervention with post settlement support programmes to monitor progress or offer assistance with regard to farm management and extension services, is very important to ensure that land reform projects achieve their intended objective of reducing poverty and improving the livelihoods of the poor.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Pako, Marupeng Phillip
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Land reform -- South Africa -- Limpopo , Agricultural laborers -- South Africa -- Limpopo , Poverty -- South Africa -- Limpopo
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9225 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020972
- Description: South Africa‟s social, economic and political landscape was shaped by a long and bitter history of land reform and dispossession. It is against this background that the land reform policy was introduced. According to the Department of Land Affairs the objective of land reform was to alleviate poverty and improve the livelihoods of the poor. Since the introduction of the land reform policy in South Africa, there is no empirical evidence that land reform is improving the livelihoods of its beneficiaries and other affected groups such as farm workers. However government focus has been on how much land was redistributed to the previously disadvantaged and dispossessed. The study sought to assess the impact of land reform on the livelihoods of farm workers with specific reference to the Oaks/Willows Citrus farm in Maruleng Local Municipality, Limpopo Province. The study focussed on whether this land reform project achieved its intended objective of improving livelihoods and alleviating poverty. The following groups participated in the study: The farm workers, project committee members, representative of the traditional leader and a representative of the Department of Rural development. The study found that the livelihoods of the farm workers had not improved after the implementation of this land reform project. The study also revealed that government intervention with post settlement support programmes to monitor progress or offer assistance with regard to farm management and extension services, is very important to ensure that land reform projects achieve their intended objective of reducing poverty and improving the livelihoods of the poor.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The impact of local economic development on economic sustainability of Buffalo City Metro Municipality
- Authors: Mahlanza, Zanele
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Economic development , Local government -- South Africa -- East London , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- East London
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9172 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020110
- Description: The national framework of local economic development (LED) in South Africa (2006 – 2011) has the goal to support the growth of sustainable local economies through integrated government action. Municipalities as custodians of integrated development programs and local economic development strategies work with different stakeholders such as private industry, other government departments, non-government organizations and relevant community sectors in attaining envisioned developmental goals; thus are avoiding wasteful duplication of effort and resources. LED in the context of this study is defined as development of infrastructure within the BCMM for sustainability of small medium and micro enterprises in alleviating poverty in the area. This report presents an evaluation of the impact of local economic development in terms of basic infrastructure availability on the sustainability of small medium and micro enterprise development in the Buffalo City Metro Municipality (BCMM). This refers to amongst others accessibility of electricity and telecommunication in the operations of a business. The overall approach followed by the researcher throughout this research is the mixed methods or pragmatic approach. The research method followed is that one of a descriptive approach. The results of this study indicate that local economic development is still a new notion which is still unclear. There is evidence that there is a lack of basic services in some areas in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipal, this including access to electricity. The respondents also saw the local municipality as not doing much in support of new and small business and creating job opportunities for them. The study recommends that factors such as skills development, accessibility to basic service, development and promotion of SMMEs, are also major contributors to the effective impact of LED in BCMM.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Mahlanza, Zanele
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Economic development , Local government -- South Africa -- East London , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- East London
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9172 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020110
- Description: The national framework of local economic development (LED) in South Africa (2006 – 2011) has the goal to support the growth of sustainable local economies through integrated government action. Municipalities as custodians of integrated development programs and local economic development strategies work with different stakeholders such as private industry, other government departments, non-government organizations and relevant community sectors in attaining envisioned developmental goals; thus are avoiding wasteful duplication of effort and resources. LED in the context of this study is defined as development of infrastructure within the BCMM for sustainability of small medium and micro enterprises in alleviating poverty in the area. This report presents an evaluation of the impact of local economic development in terms of basic infrastructure availability on the sustainability of small medium and micro enterprise development in the Buffalo City Metro Municipality (BCMM). This refers to amongst others accessibility of electricity and telecommunication in the operations of a business. The overall approach followed by the researcher throughout this research is the mixed methods or pragmatic approach. The research method followed is that one of a descriptive approach. The results of this study indicate that local economic development is still a new notion which is still unclear. There is evidence that there is a lack of basic services in some areas in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipal, this including access to electricity. The respondents also saw the local municipality as not doing much in support of new and small business and creating job opportunities for them. The study recommends that factors such as skills development, accessibility to basic service, development and promotion of SMMEs, are also major contributors to the effective impact of LED in BCMM.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The impact of mining on infrastructure development and poverty reduction in mining communities
- Authors: Xongo, Nosipho
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Mineral industries -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Mineral industries -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Gauteng , Economic development -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Gauteng , Poverty -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9309 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018576
- Description: There is a growing concern from government, communities, civil society and mining companies on the sustained development of the impact of mining on communities and the benefits of mineral development. Communities are more vocal in expressing their expectations for benefits and on the other hand mines are concerned about profits and maintaining a social licence to operate. This study critically evaluates the impact mining has on socio-economic development in mining communities. The focus area of the study is the West Rand District Municipality in Gauteng Province, South Africa. The ‘impact’ refers to the mine’s contribution to infrastructure development and poverty reduction projects in areas where the mine is operating and sourcing labour from. Forecasts for better performance in the future will be assessed. Issues such as community consultation, identification of projects, development forums, the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and partnerships are addressed. The literature was reviewed from existing national and international research on the topic. The study starts from two assumptions. The first is that minerals are potentially a great resource of wealth for poor countries. The second assumption is that minerals have the potential to benefit the local population through the creation of indirect employment, skills transfer, enhancing the capacity of health and education services, improved infrastructure and small and medium business opportunities. Poverty levels are viewed on a national and international scale. The study reveals problems, with existing approaches, on mine community development. It concludes that the impact of mining on infrastructure development and poverty reduction projects can be huge, but only if a variety of demanding preconditions are met. The study concludes that the reality of mineral led development in mine communities has not lived up to a roaring promise.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Xongo, Nosipho
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Mineral industries -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Mineral industries -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Gauteng , Economic development -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Gauteng , Poverty -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9309 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018576
- Description: There is a growing concern from government, communities, civil society and mining companies on the sustained development of the impact of mining on communities and the benefits of mineral development. Communities are more vocal in expressing their expectations for benefits and on the other hand mines are concerned about profits and maintaining a social licence to operate. This study critically evaluates the impact mining has on socio-economic development in mining communities. The focus area of the study is the West Rand District Municipality in Gauteng Province, South Africa. The ‘impact’ refers to the mine’s contribution to infrastructure development and poverty reduction projects in areas where the mine is operating and sourcing labour from. Forecasts for better performance in the future will be assessed. Issues such as community consultation, identification of projects, development forums, the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and partnerships are addressed. The literature was reviewed from existing national and international research on the topic. The study starts from two assumptions. The first is that minerals are potentially a great resource of wealth for poor countries. The second assumption is that minerals have the potential to benefit the local population through the creation of indirect employment, skills transfer, enhancing the capacity of health and education services, improved infrastructure and small and medium business opportunities. Poverty levels are viewed on a national and international scale. The study reveals problems, with existing approaches, on mine community development. It concludes that the impact of mining on infrastructure development and poverty reduction projects can be huge, but only if a variety of demanding preconditions are met. The study concludes that the reality of mineral led development in mine communities has not lived up to a roaring promise.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The impact of social grants on poverty reduction
- Authors: Magawana, Xolisa Tania
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Poverty -- Economic aspects , Economic development , Social problems
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9170 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020106
- Description: The South African government implements numerous strategies with the aim of reducing poverty. The social grant system is one of these. Social grants are aimed at reducing poverty as well as income inequality. Considering the growing number of social grant beneficiaries, people often question whether these grants reduce poverty and, if they do, whether they are effective.This treatise investigates the impact of social grants in poverty reduction. In order to investigate this, the researcher used the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, Gauteng Province, as a study area. This study examines the different views of social grants beneficiaries, and the importance of prioritisation when using this unearned money. It alsoinvestigates the role played by the heads of household and shows how beneficiaries’ locations can influence the use of unearned income. Social grants dispense little money, but the researcher discovered that the responsibility of spending and allocating the money lies with the head of household. The descriptive statists show that social grants have created dependency and that families require exit strategies to stop depending entirely on these grants. Findings from the correlation matrix show both positive and negative correlations. Finally, the study has identified the need for an integrated strategy that will not only provide income, but that will also improve the lives of South Africans.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Magawana, Xolisa Tania
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Poverty -- Economic aspects , Economic development , Social problems
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9170 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020106
- Description: The South African government implements numerous strategies with the aim of reducing poverty. The social grant system is one of these. Social grants are aimed at reducing poverty as well as income inequality. Considering the growing number of social grant beneficiaries, people often question whether these grants reduce poverty and, if they do, whether they are effective.This treatise investigates the impact of social grants in poverty reduction. In order to investigate this, the researcher used the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, Gauteng Province, as a study area. This study examines the different views of social grants beneficiaries, and the importance of prioritisation when using this unearned money. It alsoinvestigates the role played by the heads of household and shows how beneficiaries’ locations can influence the use of unearned income. Social grants dispense little money, but the researcher discovered that the responsibility of spending and allocating the money lies with the head of household. The descriptive statists show that social grants have created dependency and that families require exit strategies to stop depending entirely on these grants. Findings from the correlation matrix show both positive and negative correlations. Finally, the study has identified the need for an integrated strategy that will not only provide income, but that will also improve the lives of South Africans.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The impact of socio-economic development initiatives on the perceptions of wine farm labourers in the Cape Town wine region
- Authors: Prosapio, Luci Katherine
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Economic development -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Cape Town , Agricultural laborers -- South Africa -- Economic conditions , Economic impact analysis -- South Africa -- Cape Town
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9231 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021013
- Description: The South African wine industry faces unique challenges in the socio-economic development of its farm labourers due to its historical context and development over the past three centuries. A long history of malpractice, a lasting paternalistic mentality, and only partial compliance to regulations to reduce inequality and improve livelihoods for farm labourers hinders the success of industry-wide transformation. Despite studies regarding the current state of living and working conditions in the wine industry and types of socio-economic development needed for successful transformation, little research has been done to address whether these initiatives are creating a lasting impact on the well-being of labourers. Research on current intervention strategies aimed at empowering labourers must take into account the origin of wine in the Cape region, the legacy of Apartheid, and the current state of socio-economic inequality amongst wine industry workers. The purpose of this research is to provide a better understanding of how and to what degree initiatives and programmes designed for socio-economic development are actually making an impact within the industry. The central research question asks: “to what extent has socio-economic development initiatives aimed at the transformation of wine farm labourers influenced perceptions of well-being?” This research combines both document analysis and qualitative comparative case study methods in assessing the impact these initiatives have had on labourers’ perceptions and attitudes towards personal development and a better standard of living. At the end of the study, the researcher wants to know how the labourers perceive socio-economic initiatives; do they actually believe themselves has having gained increased levels of respect, dignity, and equality, and have these perceptions been impacted by current socio-economic initiatives?.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Prosapio, Luci Katherine
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Economic development -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Cape Town , Agricultural laborers -- South Africa -- Economic conditions , Economic impact analysis -- South Africa -- Cape Town
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9231 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021013
- Description: The South African wine industry faces unique challenges in the socio-economic development of its farm labourers due to its historical context and development over the past three centuries. A long history of malpractice, a lasting paternalistic mentality, and only partial compliance to regulations to reduce inequality and improve livelihoods for farm labourers hinders the success of industry-wide transformation. Despite studies regarding the current state of living and working conditions in the wine industry and types of socio-economic development needed for successful transformation, little research has been done to address whether these initiatives are creating a lasting impact on the well-being of labourers. Research on current intervention strategies aimed at empowering labourers must take into account the origin of wine in the Cape region, the legacy of Apartheid, and the current state of socio-economic inequality amongst wine industry workers. The purpose of this research is to provide a better understanding of how and to what degree initiatives and programmes designed for socio-economic development are actually making an impact within the industry. The central research question asks: “to what extent has socio-economic development initiatives aimed at the transformation of wine farm labourers influenced perceptions of well-being?” This research combines both document analysis and qualitative comparative case study methods in assessing the impact these initiatives have had on labourers’ perceptions and attitudes towards personal development and a better standard of living. At the end of the study, the researcher wants to know how the labourers perceive socio-economic initiatives; do they actually believe themselves has having gained increased levels of respect, dignity, and equality, and have these perceptions been impacted by current socio-economic initiatives?.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The impact of staff educational levels in ensuring effective health programmes implementation : a comparative study of NPO's in the City of Tshwane
- Authors: Msomi, Sweetness Mbalenhle
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Public health -- Evaluation , Public health personnel -- Education -- South Africa -- City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality , Nonprofit organizations -- South Africa -- City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9178 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020139
- Description: This research study investigated the impact of staff education levels in ensuring implementation of effective health programmes: A comparative study of NPOs in City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality. The literature that was consulted explains the current level of education, worldwide and South Africa, challenges and reasons for lack of critical skills among health professionals and social workers. An exploratory approach was used in the study; by conducting a case study on two selected Non Profit Orgaisations (NPOs) namely, Hope for Life and Bophelong Life Community Hospice, both receiving funding from the Department of Health and Social Development and from the National Lotteries Distribution Trust (NLDTF) through the National Lotteries Board (NLB). Three methods of data collection were used to triangulate data, i.e. questionnaires, interviews and documentation reviews. Data was collected from staff members, NPO management and documentation from NPOs and Grant Funding System of the NLB. At the end of the study and using acquired information, a number of recommendations are made for the effective implementation of programmes for both NPOs and funding organisations such as NLB.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Msomi, Sweetness Mbalenhle
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Public health -- Evaluation , Public health personnel -- Education -- South Africa -- City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality , Nonprofit organizations -- South Africa -- City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9178 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020139
- Description: This research study investigated the impact of staff education levels in ensuring implementation of effective health programmes: A comparative study of NPOs in City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality. The literature that was consulted explains the current level of education, worldwide and South Africa, challenges and reasons for lack of critical skills among health professionals and social workers. An exploratory approach was used in the study; by conducting a case study on two selected Non Profit Orgaisations (NPOs) namely, Hope for Life and Bophelong Life Community Hospice, both receiving funding from the Department of Health and Social Development and from the National Lotteries Distribution Trust (NLDTF) through the National Lotteries Board (NLB). Three methods of data collection were used to triangulate data, i.e. questionnaires, interviews and documentation reviews. Data was collected from staff members, NPO management and documentation from NPOs and Grant Funding System of the NLB. At the end of the study and using acquired information, a number of recommendations are made for the effective implementation of programmes for both NPOs and funding organisations such as NLB.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The impact of the Blue Crane development agency on tourism development: a comparative analysis
- Authors: Zokoza, Makhaya
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Tourism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Travel agents -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9129 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018602
- Description: This research investigates the impact of the Blue Crane Development Agency (BCDA) on tourism development by comparing the implementation of the Responsible Tourism Sector Plan of the Blue Crane Route Municipality (BCRM) with the Responsible Tourism Sector Plan of the Sundays River Valley Municipality (SRVM). In the latter instance, there is no development agency involved. A qualitative approach to research is applied with a specific focus on in-depth interviews. The literature review focuses on responsible tourism, local economic development (LED) and development agencies. The research is grounded in the Endogenous Growth Theory. The research notes the phenomenal success of the development agency model for delivery of LED projects. There is a notable growth in the tourism sector within the BCRM. With 45 permanent jobs created, the BCRM is a better place as compared to what it was in the era prior to the establishment of the BCDA. This surpasses by far the number of jobs created in the SRVM where the development agency model does not exist. The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) prefers a district-wide development agency as opposed to a local development agency. The establishment of Cacadu Development Agency (CDA) follows this suggestion. The findings of this research are thus very significant for the SALGA in their pursuit for best practices in LED. Both the BCRM and the SRVM are under-marketed, a negative factor on their tourism growth and development. Placing of billboards at the Ncanara interchange to advertise them would ideally enhance their tourism marketing campaigns. The research also finds that both local municipalities have inadequate monitoring and evaluation systems for projects. In this respect, the research suggests that the Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency (ECPTA) should consider conducting a provincial research covering all the districts, on the contribution of tourism to the local economies. As a provincial entity, the ECPTA would be better placed to undertake that task. They would have less legal restrictions imposed by jurisdictional issues than would a local municipality. The research recommends the relocation of the CDA and the CDM from the metropolitan city of Port Elizabeth to one of the local municipalities. That would most likely increase business tourism, thereby boosting the local economy in the relevant small municipality. In conclusion, this research proposes that the presence of a development agency enhances tourism growth and development in the BCRM.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Zokoza, Makhaya
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Tourism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Travel agents -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9129 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018602
- Description: This research investigates the impact of the Blue Crane Development Agency (BCDA) on tourism development by comparing the implementation of the Responsible Tourism Sector Plan of the Blue Crane Route Municipality (BCRM) with the Responsible Tourism Sector Plan of the Sundays River Valley Municipality (SRVM). In the latter instance, there is no development agency involved. A qualitative approach to research is applied with a specific focus on in-depth interviews. The literature review focuses on responsible tourism, local economic development (LED) and development agencies. The research is grounded in the Endogenous Growth Theory. The research notes the phenomenal success of the development agency model for delivery of LED projects. There is a notable growth in the tourism sector within the BCRM. With 45 permanent jobs created, the BCRM is a better place as compared to what it was in the era prior to the establishment of the BCDA. This surpasses by far the number of jobs created in the SRVM where the development agency model does not exist. The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) prefers a district-wide development agency as opposed to a local development agency. The establishment of Cacadu Development Agency (CDA) follows this suggestion. The findings of this research are thus very significant for the SALGA in their pursuit for best practices in LED. Both the BCRM and the SRVM are under-marketed, a negative factor on their tourism growth and development. Placing of billboards at the Ncanara interchange to advertise them would ideally enhance their tourism marketing campaigns. The research also finds that both local municipalities have inadequate monitoring and evaluation systems for projects. In this respect, the research suggests that the Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency (ECPTA) should consider conducting a provincial research covering all the districts, on the contribution of tourism to the local economies. As a provincial entity, the ECPTA would be better placed to undertake that task. They would have less legal restrictions imposed by jurisdictional issues than would a local municipality. The research recommends the relocation of the CDA and the CDM from the metropolitan city of Port Elizabeth to one of the local municipalities. That would most likely increase business tourism, thereby boosting the local economy in the relevant small municipality. In conclusion, this research proposes that the presence of a development agency enhances tourism growth and development in the BCRM.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The impact of the expanded public works programme on poverty in Amathole district municipality
- Authors: Nkonki, Pamela
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: South Africa. Expanded Public Works Programme , Public works -- South Africa , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Job creation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9209 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020762
- Description: The study aimed at analysis the South African government’s attempt to reduce poverty through alleviation and reduction of unemployment. The study analyses this using Ngqushwa Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape. The introduction of labour intensive projects of government in infrastructural development, under auspices of the Department of Public Works, has brought a relief in addressing unemployment and poverty in the country. While the provision of these short-term based jobs is life-saving, the question is whether or not these projects (EPWP) will provide a sustainable solution to unemployment and poverty with the skills and information they provide to the employees. To achieve this aim the study used both qualitative and quantitative research methodology. First, a literature review on the Expanded Public Works Programme was done. Secondly, policy review on poverty and conservation was done. A small sample size of sixteen people was selected using purposive sampling, targeting ten beneficiaries of EPWP, three Municipal managers and three Departmental managers that were involved in EPWP. Firstly, I wanted to know how many people participated in the EPWP initiatives in the Amathole District Municipality between 2008 and 2012. Secondly, what training was provided to people that were temporarily employed on the EPWP projects and what recruitment tools were used to recruit EPWP employees. Thirdly, to find out how many were able to find permanent employment after the EPWP projects in Amathole District Municipality communities were completed. Fourthly, has the EPWP benefited the poorest of the targeted areas and redressing racial imbalances? It is clear that EPWP is appreciated by some of the beneficiaries who do not have better school qualifications as they make significant, short-term contribution to their livelihoods and, than those who have better qualifications especially the youth, who claimed that this programme is partly wasting their time as they were looking for permanent jobs, and in South Africa age restriction is one of the problems that the people were facing when looking for a job. The study proposes that the government should make a physical relief on poverty and employment reduction by making this programme a permanent job.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Nkonki, Pamela
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: South Africa. Expanded Public Works Programme , Public works -- South Africa , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Job creation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9209 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020762
- Description: The study aimed at analysis the South African government’s attempt to reduce poverty through alleviation and reduction of unemployment. The study analyses this using Ngqushwa Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape. The introduction of labour intensive projects of government in infrastructural development, under auspices of the Department of Public Works, has brought a relief in addressing unemployment and poverty in the country. While the provision of these short-term based jobs is life-saving, the question is whether or not these projects (EPWP) will provide a sustainable solution to unemployment and poverty with the skills and information they provide to the employees. To achieve this aim the study used both qualitative and quantitative research methodology. First, a literature review on the Expanded Public Works Programme was done. Secondly, policy review on poverty and conservation was done. A small sample size of sixteen people was selected using purposive sampling, targeting ten beneficiaries of EPWP, three Municipal managers and three Departmental managers that were involved in EPWP. Firstly, I wanted to know how many people participated in the EPWP initiatives in the Amathole District Municipality between 2008 and 2012. Secondly, what training was provided to people that were temporarily employed on the EPWP projects and what recruitment tools were used to recruit EPWP employees. Thirdly, to find out how many were able to find permanent employment after the EPWP projects in Amathole District Municipality communities were completed. Fourthly, has the EPWP benefited the poorest of the targeted areas and redressing racial imbalances? It is clear that EPWP is appreciated by some of the beneficiaries who do not have better school qualifications as they make significant, short-term contribution to their livelihoods and, than those who have better qualifications especially the youth, who claimed that this programme is partly wasting their time as they were looking for permanent jobs, and in South Africa age restriction is one of the problems that the people were facing when looking for a job. The study proposes that the government should make a physical relief on poverty and employment reduction by making this programme a permanent job.
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- Date Issued: 2013
The impact of unemployment on people resinding in Kuyga
- Authors: Makinana, Zoliswa L
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Unemployment -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Poverty -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Social problems -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9171 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020107
- Description: The study strives to highlight the factors contributing to unemployment in South Africa, specifically economic factors. The primary focus of the study is to analyse the impact of unemployment within the economy. The core the underlying causes of unemployment within the economy are low standard of education, low standard of living, and ineffective macroeconomic policies such as Growth, Employment and Redistribution (GEAR). The assumption of the study is that unemployment is a socioeconomic issue which the government is struggling to address adequately. The study outlines the challenges faced by the government in tackling unemployment. It also uses the Kuyga Township as a case study, analysing the impact of unemployment and poverty within the community. The government has made efforts to address the aforementioned issue. It established specific macroeconomic policies to remedy the situation. However, these policies fell short and were ineffective. The apartheid system created an environment that continues to perpetuate both unemployment and poverty especially within poor communities. Kuyga Township has a high rate of unemployment which contributes to poverty. The study’s aim was to investigate the impact of unemployment in Nelson Mandela Bay area, determine the rate of unemployment, and compare strategies, projects and or programmes creating job opportunities in the area. It evaluated the success and failure of policies and strategies formulated to combat unemployment and alleviate poverty. The study also strived to determine the number of individuals affected by unemployment in Kuyga Township and the Nelson Mandela Bay area. The study makes recommendation and proposes plausible measures which the government could implement in order to manage and curtail the prevalence of unemployment and poverty within the Kuyga Township. It also highlights the role thatbusinesses can play in creating employment opportunities within the community.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Makinana, Zoliswa L
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Unemployment -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Poverty -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Social problems -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9171 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020107
- Description: The study strives to highlight the factors contributing to unemployment in South Africa, specifically economic factors. The primary focus of the study is to analyse the impact of unemployment within the economy. The core the underlying causes of unemployment within the economy are low standard of education, low standard of living, and ineffective macroeconomic policies such as Growth, Employment and Redistribution (GEAR). The assumption of the study is that unemployment is a socioeconomic issue which the government is struggling to address adequately. The study outlines the challenges faced by the government in tackling unemployment. It also uses the Kuyga Township as a case study, analysing the impact of unemployment and poverty within the community. The government has made efforts to address the aforementioned issue. It established specific macroeconomic policies to remedy the situation. However, these policies fell short and were ineffective. The apartheid system created an environment that continues to perpetuate both unemployment and poverty especially within poor communities. Kuyga Township has a high rate of unemployment which contributes to poverty. The study’s aim was to investigate the impact of unemployment in Nelson Mandela Bay area, determine the rate of unemployment, and compare strategies, projects and or programmes creating job opportunities in the area. It evaluated the success and failure of policies and strategies formulated to combat unemployment and alleviate poverty. The study also strived to determine the number of individuals affected by unemployment in Kuyga Township and the Nelson Mandela Bay area. The study makes recommendation and proposes plausible measures which the government could implement in order to manage and curtail the prevalence of unemployment and poverty within the Kuyga Township. It also highlights the role thatbusinesses can play in creating employment opportunities within the community.
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- Date Issued: 2013
The implementation of local economic development projects in Amathole District Municipality
- Authors: Dunga, Sipokazi
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Amathole District Municipality (South Africa) , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8265 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1013256
- Description: The study investigated the problems and challenges facing the Amathole District Municipality when implementing Local Economic Development (LED) projects. The aim of the study was to evaluate the factors affecting this implementation. The other major challenge is the number of different institutions and agencies that are involved in LED. Consequently, the desired results cannot be achieved, thus the communities continue to live in poverty, the local economy cannot improve and there will be a high rate of unemployment. In order to address the research problem and to achieve the research objectives, available literature on Local Economic Development was reviewed. Empirical data was also collected making use of face-to-face interviews. The research revealed that the implementation of LED projects has not been entirely effective, mainly caused by the lack of capacity within the municipality to fully provide support in the implementation of LED projects; limited funding; shortage of personnel; political and administrative instability; problems regarding to social facilitation; and LED not being prioritised by the municipality and also seen as an unfunded mandate. From the investigation, the findings indicate that the effective implementation of these projects require strengthened capacity which needs more funding, more skilled personnel to drive the process, de-politicised development and the municipality to prioritise high impact projects that yield sustainability as opposed to smaller projects that unsustainable.
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- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Dunga, Sipokazi
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Amathole District Municipality (South Africa) , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8265 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1013256
- Description: The study investigated the problems and challenges facing the Amathole District Municipality when implementing Local Economic Development (LED) projects. The aim of the study was to evaluate the factors affecting this implementation. The other major challenge is the number of different institutions and agencies that are involved in LED. Consequently, the desired results cannot be achieved, thus the communities continue to live in poverty, the local economy cannot improve and there will be a high rate of unemployment. In order to address the research problem and to achieve the research objectives, available literature on Local Economic Development was reviewed. Empirical data was also collected making use of face-to-face interviews. The research revealed that the implementation of LED projects has not been entirely effective, mainly caused by the lack of capacity within the municipality to fully provide support in the implementation of LED projects; limited funding; shortage of personnel; political and administrative instability; problems regarding to social facilitation; and LED not being prioritised by the municipality and also seen as an unfunded mandate. From the investigation, the findings indicate that the effective implementation of these projects require strengthened capacity which needs more funding, more skilled personnel to drive the process, de-politicised development and the municipality to prioritise high impact projects that yield sustainability as opposed to smaller projects that unsustainable.
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- Date Issued: 2013
The limitations and possiblilites of identity and form in selected recent memoirs and novels by white, female Zimbabwean writers : Alexandra Fuller, Lauren Liebenberg
- Authors: Eppel, Ruth
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Women, White -- Zimbabwe -- Biography Women, White -- Zimbabwe -- Fiction Zimbabwean fiction (English) -- 21st century Women, White -- Zimbabwe -- Autobiography Fuller, Alexandra, 1969- Liebenberg, Lauren St. John, Lauren,1966- Rheam, Bryony
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2185 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001985
- Description: This study examines selected works by four white female Zimbabwean writers: Alexandra Fuller, Lauren Liebenberg, Bryony Rheam and Lauren St John, in light of the controversy over the spate of white memoirs which followed the violent confiscation of white farms in Zimbabwe from 2000 onwards. The controversy hinges on the notion that white memoir writers exploit the perceived victimhood of white Zimbabweans in the international sphere, and nostalgically recall a time of belonging – as children in Rhodesia – which fails to address the fraught colonial history which is directly related to the current political climate of the country. I argue that such critiques are too generalised, and I regard the selected texts as primarily critical of the values and lifestyles of white Rhodesians/Zimbabweans. The texts I have selected include a range of autobiographical and fictional writing, or memoirs and pseudo-memoirs, and I focus on form as a medium enabling an exploration of identity. The ways in which these authors conform to and adapt particular narratives of becoming is examined in each chapter, with a particular focus on the transition from innocence to experience, the autobiography, and the Bildungsroman. Gender is a recurring point of interest: in each case the female selves/protagonists are situated in terms of the family, which, in reflecting social values, is a key site of conflict. In regard to trends in white African writing, I explore the white African (farm) childhood memoir and the confessional mode. Ultimately I maintain that while the texts may be classified as white writing, as they are fundamentally concerned with white identity, and therefore evince certain limitations of perspective and form, including clichéd tendencies, all the writers interrogate white identity and the fictional texts more self-reflexively deconstruct tropes of white writing.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Eppel, Ruth
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Women, White -- Zimbabwe -- Biography Women, White -- Zimbabwe -- Fiction Zimbabwean fiction (English) -- 21st century Women, White -- Zimbabwe -- Autobiography Fuller, Alexandra, 1969- Liebenberg, Lauren St. John, Lauren,1966- Rheam, Bryony
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2185 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001985
- Description: This study examines selected works by four white female Zimbabwean writers: Alexandra Fuller, Lauren Liebenberg, Bryony Rheam and Lauren St John, in light of the controversy over the spate of white memoirs which followed the violent confiscation of white farms in Zimbabwe from 2000 onwards. The controversy hinges on the notion that white memoir writers exploit the perceived victimhood of white Zimbabweans in the international sphere, and nostalgically recall a time of belonging – as children in Rhodesia – which fails to address the fraught colonial history which is directly related to the current political climate of the country. I argue that such critiques are too generalised, and I regard the selected texts as primarily critical of the values and lifestyles of white Rhodesians/Zimbabweans. The texts I have selected include a range of autobiographical and fictional writing, or memoirs and pseudo-memoirs, and I focus on form as a medium enabling an exploration of identity. The ways in which these authors conform to and adapt particular narratives of becoming is examined in each chapter, with a particular focus on the transition from innocence to experience, the autobiography, and the Bildungsroman. Gender is a recurring point of interest: in each case the female selves/protagonists are situated in terms of the family, which, in reflecting social values, is a key site of conflict. In regard to trends in white African writing, I explore the white African (farm) childhood memoir and the confessional mode. Ultimately I maintain that while the texts may be classified as white writing, as they are fundamentally concerned with white identity, and therefore evince certain limitations of perspective and form, including clichéd tendencies, all the writers interrogate white identity and the fictional texts more self-reflexively deconstruct tropes of white writing.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013