Stratigraphy and sedimentology of the Mzamba formation in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Susela, Zamampondo
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Geology)
- Identifier: vital:11529 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1019807
- Description: This research project is aimed at providing new information to the stratigraphy, sedimentology, palaeontology and diagenesis of the Mzamba Formation. The study area is located at the south of Port Edward, Eastern Cape. The methodologies employed in this study include field geological investigation and sampling, stratigraphic measurement and logging, thin-section microscope study, powder samples of XRD analysis, and SEM-EDX analysis of rock textures and mineral compositions. The stratigraphy of the Mzamba Formation can be divided into three newly established members, i.e. the Lower Conglomerate Member, Middle Silt/Mudstone-Shell Bed Member and Upper Mudstone-Shell Bed Member with a total thickness of 31.26m in an inland borehole and 30.05m in the field measurement. The Lower Conglomerate Member is 2.65m thick and consists of pebbly conglomerate with coarse sandstone, shell fragments and silicified wood trunks, representing shallow marine nearshore deposits. The Middle Silt/Mudstone and Shell Bed Member is 9.5 m thick and consists of black mudstone and fine-grained siltstone alternated with medium grained pecten beds, which was deposited in a storm influenced deeper marine environment. The Upper Mudstone-Shell Bed Member is 17.9m thick and is made up of fine-mudstones with articulated pecten layers which were deposited in a deep and quiet marine environment. Petrology studies showed that the Mzamba Formation consists of mixed sediments of carbonate and siliciclastic rocks. Siliciclastic rocks include pebbly conglomerates, medium to coarse sandstones and fine-grained mudstones, whereas carbonate rocks include packstone, wackstone and grainstone (pecten beds). The formation shows cyclical pattern of a series fining-upward cyclicities, changing from bottom conglomerate to sandstone, then upward repeated series of cyclotherms from pecten bed to mudstone. Mineralogy of the Mzamba Formation consists of terrigenous minerals of quartz, orthoclase, plagioclase, muscovite and various igneous and metamorphic rock-lithics, clay minerals of smectite, illite and sericite, and carbonate minerals of calcite and dolomite; with minor diagenetic minerals of pyrite, glauconite, hematite, gypsum, albite and organic maceral of vitrinite. Heavy minerals of garnet, zircon and rutile are minor minerals in the strata, which were detrital in origin. Mzamba Formation is a fossiliferous sequence, and contains both fauna and flora fossils in the strata. The pecten beds host well-preserved bivalve, gastropod, brachiopoda, ammonite, and echinoderm; whereas trace fossils of coprolites, burrows and tracks, as well as plant fossils of silicified wood trunks were also found in the formation. Some new fossil species were collected and studied, which include Bivalve: Pteriaceae, Pinnacea and Ostreacea; Gastropod: Cerithiacea and Mesogastopoda; Echinoderm: Echinocystoidea and Crinoidea. The benthonic species predominate in the lower part in the succession, whilst the planktonic species are abundant in the upper part of the sequence, which points to increase in water depths of the depositional environment. Based on lithology, sedimentary structures, and stratum architecture, seven different facies have been distinguished. Facies A (Flat bedded pebbly conglomerate), Facie B (Cross-bedded coarse calcareous sandstone facies), Facies C (Burrowed sandstone facies), Facies D (Shell-fragmental fine-grained calcareous sandstone facies), Facies E (Horizontal bedded calcareous mudstone facies), Facies F (Calcareous patch reef), Facies G (Wash out reef facies). Wash out reef facies is rich in algae, bivalve shells, broken oysters, coral fragments and small pebbles. Four types of cements were found in the Mzamba Formation, including calcite, smectite, illite and quartz. Calcite cement can be further classified into two types, micrite calcite cement and sparite calcite cement. The clay cement consists of smectite and illite and mainly occurs as matrix. The isopachous rim calcite and bright isopachous rim of silica cements indicate diagenesis in a marine phreatic zone. Authigenic minerals which formed in early diagenetic stage include quartz, plagioclase, glauconite and organic maceral of vitrinite. Three stages of diagenesis have been recognised in the sequence, i.e. syndiagenesis, early and late diagenesis. Glauconite pellets and worm faecal pellets were formed in syndiagenetic stage; cementation and authigenic minerals were formed in early diagenetic stage; whereas clay mineral conversion of smectite to illite, quartz overgrowth, bioclast recrystallization and calcite replacement took place during late diagenetic stage. The pebbly conglomerate at the bottom of the Mzamba Formation represents high energy deposits in a shallow marine environment; the grain-size gradually becomes finer in the middle succession and finest mudstone facies at the top of the succession, which represents deep marine deposits. Meanwhile, benthonic fossils are dominant in the bottom succession while plankton fossils are more abundant in the top succession. These features indicate that the Mzamba Formation constitutes a perfect transgression sequence, and the depositional environments started from shallow marine near shore environment, and gradually shifted to a deep marine quiet water environment.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Susela, Zamampondo
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Geology)
- Identifier: vital:11529 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1019807
- Description: This research project is aimed at providing new information to the stratigraphy, sedimentology, palaeontology and diagenesis of the Mzamba Formation. The study area is located at the south of Port Edward, Eastern Cape. The methodologies employed in this study include field geological investigation and sampling, stratigraphic measurement and logging, thin-section microscope study, powder samples of XRD analysis, and SEM-EDX analysis of rock textures and mineral compositions. The stratigraphy of the Mzamba Formation can be divided into three newly established members, i.e. the Lower Conglomerate Member, Middle Silt/Mudstone-Shell Bed Member and Upper Mudstone-Shell Bed Member with a total thickness of 31.26m in an inland borehole and 30.05m in the field measurement. The Lower Conglomerate Member is 2.65m thick and consists of pebbly conglomerate with coarse sandstone, shell fragments and silicified wood trunks, representing shallow marine nearshore deposits. The Middle Silt/Mudstone and Shell Bed Member is 9.5 m thick and consists of black mudstone and fine-grained siltstone alternated with medium grained pecten beds, which was deposited in a storm influenced deeper marine environment. The Upper Mudstone-Shell Bed Member is 17.9m thick and is made up of fine-mudstones with articulated pecten layers which were deposited in a deep and quiet marine environment. Petrology studies showed that the Mzamba Formation consists of mixed sediments of carbonate and siliciclastic rocks. Siliciclastic rocks include pebbly conglomerates, medium to coarse sandstones and fine-grained mudstones, whereas carbonate rocks include packstone, wackstone and grainstone (pecten beds). The formation shows cyclical pattern of a series fining-upward cyclicities, changing from bottom conglomerate to sandstone, then upward repeated series of cyclotherms from pecten bed to mudstone. Mineralogy of the Mzamba Formation consists of terrigenous minerals of quartz, orthoclase, plagioclase, muscovite and various igneous and metamorphic rock-lithics, clay minerals of smectite, illite and sericite, and carbonate minerals of calcite and dolomite; with minor diagenetic minerals of pyrite, glauconite, hematite, gypsum, albite and organic maceral of vitrinite. Heavy minerals of garnet, zircon and rutile are minor minerals in the strata, which were detrital in origin. Mzamba Formation is a fossiliferous sequence, and contains both fauna and flora fossils in the strata. The pecten beds host well-preserved bivalve, gastropod, brachiopoda, ammonite, and echinoderm; whereas trace fossils of coprolites, burrows and tracks, as well as plant fossils of silicified wood trunks were also found in the formation. Some new fossil species were collected and studied, which include Bivalve: Pteriaceae, Pinnacea and Ostreacea; Gastropod: Cerithiacea and Mesogastopoda; Echinoderm: Echinocystoidea and Crinoidea. The benthonic species predominate in the lower part in the succession, whilst the planktonic species are abundant in the upper part of the sequence, which points to increase in water depths of the depositional environment. Based on lithology, sedimentary structures, and stratum architecture, seven different facies have been distinguished. Facies A (Flat bedded pebbly conglomerate), Facie B (Cross-bedded coarse calcareous sandstone facies), Facies C (Burrowed sandstone facies), Facies D (Shell-fragmental fine-grained calcareous sandstone facies), Facies E (Horizontal bedded calcareous mudstone facies), Facies F (Calcareous patch reef), Facies G (Wash out reef facies). Wash out reef facies is rich in algae, bivalve shells, broken oysters, coral fragments and small pebbles. Four types of cements were found in the Mzamba Formation, including calcite, smectite, illite and quartz. Calcite cement can be further classified into two types, micrite calcite cement and sparite calcite cement. The clay cement consists of smectite and illite and mainly occurs as matrix. The isopachous rim calcite and bright isopachous rim of silica cements indicate diagenesis in a marine phreatic zone. Authigenic minerals which formed in early diagenetic stage include quartz, plagioclase, glauconite and organic maceral of vitrinite. Three stages of diagenesis have been recognised in the sequence, i.e. syndiagenesis, early and late diagenesis. Glauconite pellets and worm faecal pellets were formed in syndiagenetic stage; cementation and authigenic minerals were formed in early diagenetic stage; whereas clay mineral conversion of smectite to illite, quartz overgrowth, bioclast recrystallization and calcite replacement took place during late diagenetic stage. The pebbly conglomerate at the bottom of the Mzamba Formation represents high energy deposits in a shallow marine environment; the grain-size gradually becomes finer in the middle succession and finest mudstone facies at the top of the succession, which represents deep marine deposits. Meanwhile, benthonic fossils are dominant in the bottom succession while plankton fossils are more abundant in the top succession. These features indicate that the Mzamba Formation constitutes a perfect transgression sequence, and the depositional environments started from shallow marine near shore environment, and gradually shifted to a deep marine quiet water environment.
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Stratigraphy, sedimentary facies and diagenesis of the ECCA group, Karoo supergroup in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Nyathi, Nonhlanhla
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Geology)
- Identifier: vital:11528 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1019776
- Description: This is a MSc research project, and is aimed at the new insight on the stratigraphy, sedimentary facies, diagenesis and depositional environments of the Ecca Group, Karoo Supergroup in the Eastern Cape Province. Methodologies used in this research include field investigation, stratigraphic logging, thin-section microscope study, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analyses. The stratigraphy of the Ecca Group is divided into five formations, namely the Prince Albert Formation, Whitehill Formation, Collingham Formation, Rippon Formation and the Fort Brown Formation from bottom upward. Based on the field investigation and laboratory correlation, the Prince Albert, Whitehill, Collingham, and Fort Brown Formations can each be subdivided into two new members, i.e. lower member and upper member; whereas three new members have been proposed for the Rippon Formation, i.e. lower, middle and upper members. The Ecca Group sediments were accumulated in various depositional environments, from bottom of deep marine environment, passed through the middle of deltaic environment, and ended in a lacustrine environment. The Prince Albert Formation, Whitehill Formation and the Collingham Formation were all deposited in a deep marine basin, whilst the Rippon Formation was laid down in a deltaic environment. As the climate gradually became warmer and drier, the top Fort Brown Formation was lastly deposited in a lacustrine environment. The stratigraphic succession of the Ecca Group constitutes a perfect regression sequence, indicating that the marine water gradually retreated and the sea-level gradually dropped. The rocks in the Ecca Group are mainly terrigenous sandstone and mudstone with some coarse grain-sized siliciclastic rock of conglomerate. The sandstones are dominated by feldspathic graywackes with minor quartz-wackes, and there are no arenites in the Ecca Group. Whereas the mudstones are dominated by grayish mudrocks and black shales, purer claystone was found in the turbidite facies of the Collingham Formation, which probably has economic significance for the future since the reserve is quite large. Optical microscope, XRD and SEM analyses demonstrated that the minerals in the Ecca Group include detrital minerals of quartz, orthoclase, microcline, plagioclase, biotite, muscovite; and clay minerals (smectite, kaolinite, illite and sericite). These minerals constitute the rock framework grains and cements whereas; the authigenic minerals of calcite and hematite were formed during diagenesis. Accessory minerals such as rutile and zircon are the heavy minerals present in the strata, and occur only in a small amount. Based on the lithologies, sedimentary structures and sequence stacking patterns, ten sedimentary facies have been recognised, namely 1) Grayish laminated and thin bedded shale facies, 2) Grayish laminated shale and intercalated chert facies, 3) Grayish rhythmite facies (all the three facies above were deposited in deep marine water); 4) Flat and lenticular bedded graywacke facies, 5) Grayish alternating mudstone and sandstone facies, 6) Dark organic rich mudstone facies, 7) Fossil bearing mudstone facies, 8) Laminated and thin bedded black mudstone with lenticular siltstone facies, 9) Interbedded grayish sandstone and mudstone facies (above Facies 4-9 were deposited in deltaic environment and appeared in the Rippon Formation); and 10) Varved rhythmic mudstone facies, which occurs only in the Fort Brown Formation and represents lacustrine sediments. Four types of cements have been identified in the rocks of the Ecca Group, including quartz, smectite, calcite and feldspar cements. The first three cement types are the major cement types, whilst the feldspar cement is minor and occurs only locally. Recrystallisation in Ecca sediments includes quartz, feldspar, clay mineral recrystallisation and conversion from smectite and kaolinite to illite and then to sericite. Replacement involves calcite replacing quartz, feldspar and clay matrix; accompanied by albitization, i.e. albite replacing other feldspar minerals in a deep burial environment. Dissolution in the Ecca Group involved calcite and kaolinite dissolving and leaching, which created more pore-space and increased porosity. The sediments of the Ecca Group went through three stages of digenesis, namely the early stage, the late stage and the up lift stage which led the rocks being exposed on the Earth’s surface and being weathered. In each stage, some minerals became unstable, then replaced by a more stable mineral suitable for the new diagenetic environment. Precipitation of cements and formation of authigenic minerals mostly occurred in the early diagenetic stage, which led the soft sediments becoming a hard rock; whilst recrystallisation, replacement, and dissolution took place mostly in the later diageneti
- Full Text:
- Authors: Nyathi, Nonhlanhla
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Geology)
- Identifier: vital:11528 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1019776
- Description: This is a MSc research project, and is aimed at the new insight on the stratigraphy, sedimentary facies, diagenesis and depositional environments of the Ecca Group, Karoo Supergroup in the Eastern Cape Province. Methodologies used in this research include field investigation, stratigraphic logging, thin-section microscope study, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analyses. The stratigraphy of the Ecca Group is divided into five formations, namely the Prince Albert Formation, Whitehill Formation, Collingham Formation, Rippon Formation and the Fort Brown Formation from bottom upward. Based on the field investigation and laboratory correlation, the Prince Albert, Whitehill, Collingham, and Fort Brown Formations can each be subdivided into two new members, i.e. lower member and upper member; whereas three new members have been proposed for the Rippon Formation, i.e. lower, middle and upper members. The Ecca Group sediments were accumulated in various depositional environments, from bottom of deep marine environment, passed through the middle of deltaic environment, and ended in a lacustrine environment. The Prince Albert Formation, Whitehill Formation and the Collingham Formation were all deposited in a deep marine basin, whilst the Rippon Formation was laid down in a deltaic environment. As the climate gradually became warmer and drier, the top Fort Brown Formation was lastly deposited in a lacustrine environment. The stratigraphic succession of the Ecca Group constitutes a perfect regression sequence, indicating that the marine water gradually retreated and the sea-level gradually dropped. The rocks in the Ecca Group are mainly terrigenous sandstone and mudstone with some coarse grain-sized siliciclastic rock of conglomerate. The sandstones are dominated by feldspathic graywackes with minor quartz-wackes, and there are no arenites in the Ecca Group. Whereas the mudstones are dominated by grayish mudrocks and black shales, purer claystone was found in the turbidite facies of the Collingham Formation, which probably has economic significance for the future since the reserve is quite large. Optical microscope, XRD and SEM analyses demonstrated that the minerals in the Ecca Group include detrital minerals of quartz, orthoclase, microcline, plagioclase, biotite, muscovite; and clay minerals (smectite, kaolinite, illite and sericite). These minerals constitute the rock framework grains and cements whereas; the authigenic minerals of calcite and hematite were formed during diagenesis. Accessory minerals such as rutile and zircon are the heavy minerals present in the strata, and occur only in a small amount. Based on the lithologies, sedimentary structures and sequence stacking patterns, ten sedimentary facies have been recognised, namely 1) Grayish laminated and thin bedded shale facies, 2) Grayish laminated shale and intercalated chert facies, 3) Grayish rhythmite facies (all the three facies above were deposited in deep marine water); 4) Flat and lenticular bedded graywacke facies, 5) Grayish alternating mudstone and sandstone facies, 6) Dark organic rich mudstone facies, 7) Fossil bearing mudstone facies, 8) Laminated and thin bedded black mudstone with lenticular siltstone facies, 9) Interbedded grayish sandstone and mudstone facies (above Facies 4-9 were deposited in deltaic environment and appeared in the Rippon Formation); and 10) Varved rhythmic mudstone facies, which occurs only in the Fort Brown Formation and represents lacustrine sediments. Four types of cements have been identified in the rocks of the Ecca Group, including quartz, smectite, calcite and feldspar cements. The first three cement types are the major cement types, whilst the feldspar cement is minor and occurs only locally. Recrystallisation in Ecca sediments includes quartz, feldspar, clay mineral recrystallisation and conversion from smectite and kaolinite to illite and then to sericite. Replacement involves calcite replacing quartz, feldspar and clay matrix; accompanied by albitization, i.e. albite replacing other feldspar minerals in a deep burial environment. Dissolution in the Ecca Group involved calcite and kaolinite dissolving and leaching, which created more pore-space and increased porosity. The sediments of the Ecca Group went through three stages of digenesis, namely the early stage, the late stage and the up lift stage which led the rocks being exposed on the Earth’s surface and being weathered. In each stage, some minerals became unstable, then replaced by a more stable mineral suitable for the new diagenetic environment. Precipitation of cements and formation of authigenic minerals mostly occurred in the early diagenetic stage, which led the soft sediments becoming a hard rock; whilst recrystallisation, replacement, and dissolution took place mostly in the later diageneti
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Studies on the antimicrobial, antioxidant and antiproliferative potential of the ethyl acetate extract and compounds of Peltophorum africanum
- Authors: Okeleye, Benjamin Ifeoluwa
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Microbiology)
- Identifier: vital:11282 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016165
- Description: Cells are constantly exposed to a variety of oxidizing agents, some of which are necessary for life. Oxidants produced in excess can cause an imbalance, leading to oxidative stress, especially in chronic bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections. This can result to damage of biomolecules such as lipids, proteins, and DNA, hence, an increased risk for cancer. Plants have a long history of use in the treatment of cancer. Plant secondary metabolites have proved to be an excellent reservoir of new medical compounds. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains contain a wide variety of antioxidant phytochemicals, such as phenolics and carotenoids, and may help protect cellular systems from oxidative damage and also may lower the risk of chronic diseases. Peltophorum africanum, a member of the family Fabaceae (Sond) is also known as the African weeping wattle and is used in traditional medicine in South Africa. This study investigated the antimicrobial, antioxidant and antiproliferative potential of the ethyl acetate extract and compounds of Peltophorum africanum in order to validate its pharmacological use. The study assessed the in vitro antimicrobial activity of ethyl acetate extract (EAE) of Peltophorum africanum stem bark and its fractions by the agar well and macrodilution methods. The toxicity on a normal human liver cell (Chang liver cell) and antiproliferation of human breast (MCF-7), colon (HT-29) and cervical (HeLa) cancer cell lines were determined using the CellTiter-Blue cell viability assay and the mechanism of action delineated using the Nucleic Acid and Protein Purification Nucleospin® Tissue Kit, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Propidium iodide (PI) and Acridine orange (AO) double-staining techniques, the Cleaved Caspase 3 (Asp 175) Alexa Fluor® 488 Antibody and the Coulter® DNA PrepTM Reagents Kit. Purification and identification of the compounds from EAE and fractions as well as the morphological alteration of bacteria, yeast and cancer cells were determined using thin layer chromatography, infrared spectra fingerprint and GC-MS analysis, micro-dilution and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. In vitro antioxidant activity of EAE was determined by means of radical scavenging and ferric reducing power analysis using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2, 2`-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) kit, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), iron (iii) chloride (Fe3+) and nitric oxide (NO). To assess the likely effects of secondary metabolites on the activities observed; total proanthocyanidins, phenolics, flavonols, and flavonoids were determined using standard phytochemical methods. Data were analyzed by one way analysis of variance (ANOVA; SPSS Version 17.0, 2011), regression analysis (MINITAB, version 12 for windows), probit analysis test (software NCSS, 2007) and GraphPad Prism4 software package. The p-values < 0.05 were considered significant. Marked activity of the extract was observed against Plesiomonas shigelloides ATCC 51903, with MIC and MLC values of 0.15625 and 0.3125mg/mL, respectively. The extract was both bactericidal (MICindex ≤ 2) and bacteriostatic/fungistatic (MICindex > 2) in activity. Lethal dose at 50 (LD50) showed 82.64 ± 1.40 degree of toxicity at 24 hrs, and 95 percentile of cell death dose activity ranged from log 3.12 ± 0.01 to 4.59 ± 0.03. The activity of the eight fractions tested ranged from 1.0 ± 0.5 to 3.7 ± 1.6 mg/mL (IC50) and from 2.1 ± 0.8 to 6.25 ± 0 mg/mL (IC90) (Chapter 3). Due to the effect of compounds present in the crude extract and fractions, the P. aeruginosa treated with EAE had a reduction of sodium from 5.55 % (untreated) - 1.50 %. For C. albicans, pottasium was reduced from 4.16 % (untreated) - 0.76 % (T1). Remarkable morphological alterations were observed including deformation of the germ tubes and perforation of the cell wall (Chapter 4). Extract scavenging activity of 88.73± 6.69 % (25 μg mL-1), 53.93±1.09 % (25 μg mL-1) were recorded for H2O2 and NO respectively with proanthocyanidins (92.18±4.68 mg/g) occurring more (p < 0.05) in the extract compared to all other phenolics compounds (Chapter 5). Significant reduction in cell viability of the cells was noted as the MCF-7 cells were reduced from 100 - 54.33±1.84 % after 72 hrs of treatment with 5 μg/mL of EAE (P. value < 0.05). TEt10 was cytotoxic against human normal cells (chang liver cell) at EC50 of 37 μg/mL and 74 μg/mL after 24 and 48 h of treatment respectively. Marked antiproliferative activity of 13.2 μg/mL (EC50) was observed when HeLa cells were treated for 48 h. Internucleosomal DNA of MCF-7, HT-29 and HeLa cells randomly fragmented into an uninterrupted spectrum of sizes, complemented by the intercalation of nucleic acid-specific fluorochromes by PI and AO spotting two phases of apoptosis; early (EA) and late (LA) apoptosis. Distinctive ultramorphological changes observed include; cell shrinkage, membrane blebbing, and typical cell induced death. The study also recorded 705.102 ± 28.56 % TEt10 caspase-3 activity compared to curcumin 592.857 ± 165.76 % (positive control) and untreated (negative control; 100 ± 15.81 %) cells. Percentage HeLa cell with Sub-G1 DNA phase increased from 0.13 ± 0.06 % (negative control) to 13.8 ± 3.04 % compared to curcumin (8.17 ± 2.20 %) after treatment with TEt10. The compounds identified in the fractions including Colchicine, N-(trifluoroacetyl)methyl-N-deacetyl-, Lupeol and .gamma.-Sitosterol may be responsible for the induction of apoptosis observed and could be further studied in vivo as a potential template for new anticancer treatment (Chapter 6 & 7).
- Full Text:
- Authors: Okeleye, Benjamin Ifeoluwa
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Microbiology)
- Identifier: vital:11282 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016165
- Description: Cells are constantly exposed to a variety of oxidizing agents, some of which are necessary for life. Oxidants produced in excess can cause an imbalance, leading to oxidative stress, especially in chronic bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections. This can result to damage of biomolecules such as lipids, proteins, and DNA, hence, an increased risk for cancer. Plants have a long history of use in the treatment of cancer. Plant secondary metabolites have proved to be an excellent reservoir of new medical compounds. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains contain a wide variety of antioxidant phytochemicals, such as phenolics and carotenoids, and may help protect cellular systems from oxidative damage and also may lower the risk of chronic diseases. Peltophorum africanum, a member of the family Fabaceae (Sond) is also known as the African weeping wattle and is used in traditional medicine in South Africa. This study investigated the antimicrobial, antioxidant and antiproliferative potential of the ethyl acetate extract and compounds of Peltophorum africanum in order to validate its pharmacological use. The study assessed the in vitro antimicrobial activity of ethyl acetate extract (EAE) of Peltophorum africanum stem bark and its fractions by the agar well and macrodilution methods. The toxicity on a normal human liver cell (Chang liver cell) and antiproliferation of human breast (MCF-7), colon (HT-29) and cervical (HeLa) cancer cell lines were determined using the CellTiter-Blue cell viability assay and the mechanism of action delineated using the Nucleic Acid and Protein Purification Nucleospin® Tissue Kit, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Propidium iodide (PI) and Acridine orange (AO) double-staining techniques, the Cleaved Caspase 3 (Asp 175) Alexa Fluor® 488 Antibody and the Coulter® DNA PrepTM Reagents Kit. Purification and identification of the compounds from EAE and fractions as well as the morphological alteration of bacteria, yeast and cancer cells were determined using thin layer chromatography, infrared spectra fingerprint and GC-MS analysis, micro-dilution and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. In vitro antioxidant activity of EAE was determined by means of radical scavenging and ferric reducing power analysis using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2, 2`-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) kit, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), iron (iii) chloride (Fe3+) and nitric oxide (NO). To assess the likely effects of secondary metabolites on the activities observed; total proanthocyanidins, phenolics, flavonols, and flavonoids were determined using standard phytochemical methods. Data were analyzed by one way analysis of variance (ANOVA; SPSS Version 17.0, 2011), regression analysis (MINITAB, version 12 for windows), probit analysis test (software NCSS, 2007) and GraphPad Prism4 software package. The p-values < 0.05 were considered significant. Marked activity of the extract was observed against Plesiomonas shigelloides ATCC 51903, with MIC and MLC values of 0.15625 and 0.3125mg/mL, respectively. The extract was both bactericidal (MICindex ≤ 2) and bacteriostatic/fungistatic (MICindex > 2) in activity. Lethal dose at 50 (LD50) showed 82.64 ± 1.40 degree of toxicity at 24 hrs, and 95 percentile of cell death dose activity ranged from log 3.12 ± 0.01 to 4.59 ± 0.03. The activity of the eight fractions tested ranged from 1.0 ± 0.5 to 3.7 ± 1.6 mg/mL (IC50) and from 2.1 ± 0.8 to 6.25 ± 0 mg/mL (IC90) (Chapter 3). Due to the effect of compounds present in the crude extract and fractions, the P. aeruginosa treated with EAE had a reduction of sodium from 5.55 % (untreated) - 1.50 %. For C. albicans, pottasium was reduced from 4.16 % (untreated) - 0.76 % (T1). Remarkable morphological alterations were observed including deformation of the germ tubes and perforation of the cell wall (Chapter 4). Extract scavenging activity of 88.73± 6.69 % (25 μg mL-1), 53.93±1.09 % (25 μg mL-1) were recorded for H2O2 and NO respectively with proanthocyanidins (92.18±4.68 mg/g) occurring more (p < 0.05) in the extract compared to all other phenolics compounds (Chapter 5). Significant reduction in cell viability of the cells was noted as the MCF-7 cells were reduced from 100 - 54.33±1.84 % after 72 hrs of treatment with 5 μg/mL of EAE (P. value < 0.05). TEt10 was cytotoxic against human normal cells (chang liver cell) at EC50 of 37 μg/mL and 74 μg/mL after 24 and 48 h of treatment respectively. Marked antiproliferative activity of 13.2 μg/mL (EC50) was observed when HeLa cells were treated for 48 h. Internucleosomal DNA of MCF-7, HT-29 and HeLa cells randomly fragmented into an uninterrupted spectrum of sizes, complemented by the intercalation of nucleic acid-specific fluorochromes by PI and AO spotting two phases of apoptosis; early (EA) and late (LA) apoptosis. Distinctive ultramorphological changes observed include; cell shrinkage, membrane blebbing, and typical cell induced death. The study also recorded 705.102 ± 28.56 % TEt10 caspase-3 activity compared to curcumin 592.857 ± 165.76 % (positive control) and untreated (negative control; 100 ± 15.81 %) cells. Percentage HeLa cell with Sub-G1 DNA phase increased from 0.13 ± 0.06 % (negative control) to 13.8 ± 3.04 % compared to curcumin (8.17 ± 2.20 %) after treatment with TEt10. The compounds identified in the fractions including Colchicine, N-(trifluoroacetyl)methyl-N-deacetyl-, Lupeol and .gamma.-Sitosterol may be responsible for the induction of apoptosis observed and could be further studied in vivo as a potential template for new anticancer treatment (Chapter 6 & 7).
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Synoptic circulation patterns and its relationship with ground thermal characteristics along an altitudinal transect on sub-Antarctic Marion Island
- Authors: Bierman, Stefni
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Geography)
- Identifier: vital:11516 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015532
- Description: The climate of Marion Island is driven by synoptic weather patterns which have also been suggested to influence the soil thermal characteristics. The primary aim of this work was to examine the effect of synoptic weather systems on soil temperature dynamics on an altitudinal gradient on the eastern side of Marion Island. The study specifically addresses the implications of climate change on future soil thermal dynamics in a maritime sub-Antarctic environment. Ground temperature were obtained from three ground temperature monitoring stations on the eastern side of Marion Island, which were established along an altitudinal gradient at Long Ridge North (200m a.s.l.), Katedraalkrans (750m a.s.l) and at Delta Extension (1000m a.s.l.). To assess the synoptic weather circulation patterns, a synoptic climate classification methodology that is based on the single station principal component (PCA) and cluster analysis were used. Results show that certain clusters were more dominant than others and over the measured time span certain synoptic weather patterns, mainly cyclonic air circulation types, have decreased while anticyclonic circulation have increased. Soil frost occurs at all three stations on Marion Island, not only under cyclonic circulations (as previously suggested) but significantly under anticyclonic air mass circulation as well. Soil frost is dependent on the duration of post-cyclonic Antarctic air mass circulation. Synoptic weather patterns are also affecting ground surface lapse rates. Changes from positive to negative lapse rates were observed and this predominantly occurred under the atmospheric circulation pattern associated with clusters that are predominantly anticyclonic. Long term climatic change as predicted by the PCA show a reduction in low pressure systems or more anticyclonic conditions affecting the island. These change will significantly affect the soil thermal dynamics at an altitudinal scale on sub-Antarctic Marion Island.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Bierman, Stefni
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Geography)
- Identifier: vital:11516 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015532
- Description: The climate of Marion Island is driven by synoptic weather patterns which have also been suggested to influence the soil thermal characteristics. The primary aim of this work was to examine the effect of synoptic weather systems on soil temperature dynamics on an altitudinal gradient on the eastern side of Marion Island. The study specifically addresses the implications of climate change on future soil thermal dynamics in a maritime sub-Antarctic environment. Ground temperature were obtained from three ground temperature monitoring stations on the eastern side of Marion Island, which were established along an altitudinal gradient at Long Ridge North (200m a.s.l.), Katedraalkrans (750m a.s.l) and at Delta Extension (1000m a.s.l.). To assess the synoptic weather circulation patterns, a synoptic climate classification methodology that is based on the single station principal component (PCA) and cluster analysis were used. Results show that certain clusters were more dominant than others and over the measured time span certain synoptic weather patterns, mainly cyclonic air circulation types, have decreased while anticyclonic circulation have increased. Soil frost occurs at all three stations on Marion Island, not only under cyclonic circulations (as previously suggested) but significantly under anticyclonic air mass circulation as well. Soil frost is dependent on the duration of post-cyclonic Antarctic air mass circulation. Synoptic weather patterns are also affecting ground surface lapse rates. Changes from positive to negative lapse rates were observed and this predominantly occurred under the atmospheric circulation pattern associated with clusters that are predominantly anticyclonic. Long term climatic change as predicted by the PCA show a reduction in low pressure systems or more anticyclonic conditions affecting the island. These change will significantly affect the soil thermal dynamics at an altitudinal scale on sub-Antarctic Marion Island.
- Full Text:
Teaching strategies to improve the writing skills for grade and 9 learners in English first additional language: a case study of Forth High School in the Cradock Education district
- Authors: Kalipha, Zimkhitha
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Teaching strategies -- writing skills , Writing skills -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , English language -- Study and teaching -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:16215 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1017297 , Teaching strategies -- writing skills , Writing skills -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , English language -- Study and teaching -- South Africa
- Description: Writing skills is are an essential requirement to lifelong learner success yet the way teachers teach and provide feedback to their learners on writing is quite challenging. This study sought to explore the teaching strategies to improve writing skills as an essential requirement for effective learning in schools for grade 8 and 9 learners in English First Additional Language. For people living in the townships and rural areas in South Africa, exposure to English is limited, because the majority of people communicate with each other in local languages. With teachers and learners residing in the townships where communication occurs mostly in isiXhosa, problems in language proficiency, in particular writing in English First Additional Language, are often encountered not only by the learners, but by educators as well. This was a case study of four high schools in the Cradock Education District. In-depth interviews were conducted with eight participants in the four schools. There were eight main findings, which are as follows: Lack of support for teachers, lack of a culture of learning amongst learners, and lack of competence in English for both learners and parents, which need to be addressed; and strategies proposed to improve writing skills are: the importance of creative writing; regular feedback and the importance of drafts.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Kalipha, Zimkhitha
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Teaching strategies -- writing skills , Writing skills -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , English language -- Study and teaching -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:16215 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1017297 , Teaching strategies -- writing skills , Writing skills -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , English language -- Study and teaching -- South Africa
- Description: Writing skills is are an essential requirement to lifelong learner success yet the way teachers teach and provide feedback to their learners on writing is quite challenging. This study sought to explore the teaching strategies to improve writing skills as an essential requirement for effective learning in schools for grade 8 and 9 learners in English First Additional Language. For people living in the townships and rural areas in South Africa, exposure to English is limited, because the majority of people communicate with each other in local languages. With teachers and learners residing in the townships where communication occurs mostly in isiXhosa, problems in language proficiency, in particular writing in English First Additional Language, are often encountered not only by the learners, but by educators as well. This was a case study of four high schools in the Cradock Education District. In-depth interviews were conducted with eight participants in the four schools. There were eight main findings, which are as follows: Lack of support for teachers, lack of a culture of learning amongst learners, and lack of competence in English for both learners and parents, which need to be addressed; and strategies proposed to improve writing skills are: the importance of creative writing; regular feedback and the importance of drafts.
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The analysis of the economic impact of climate change on maize production under different farming systems: the case of smallholder Farmers in Jozini Municipality, KwaZulu Natal Province, South Africa
- Authors: Nxumalo, Bongiwe Goodness
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Climate change mitigation -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Irrigation farming -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Dry farming -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Food supply -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Corn -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11229 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1021277 , Climate change mitigation -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Irrigation farming -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Dry farming -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Food supply -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Corn -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal
- Description: Maize is the most grown crop by the farmers in Jozini. Therefore, the main objective of the study was to assess the economic impact of climate change on maize production under different farming systems in Jozini Municipality in KwaZulu Natal (KZN). The study was looking at the smallholder farmers producing maize under dryland and irrigation system. A total of 100 farmers were selected for the study (40 from dry-land and 60 from irrigating farmers). Cluster and random sampling procedures were used to select the sample. Questionnaires were used for the collection of primary data, from the respondents (maize farmers). Data was analysed using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentages), gross margin, regression analysis and the Ricardian model. Data for computing gross margins and net revenue was taken from the on-farm trials. Gross margin was used on regression analysis and the net revenue was used on the Ricardian modelThe results of the regression analysis indicated that land size, farmer’s experience to farming, level of education, use of fertiliser, use of irrigation and the yield obtained were significant and have a positive relationship with farmers gross margin. The results of the Ricardian model indicated that climate change affects both farming systems, but farmers that are producing under dryland are the most affected farmers because they rely more on climate variables especially rainfall for their production. So a change in climate variables affects maize farmers’ productivity and thus affecting farmers’ gross margin and net revenue. The study recommends that the farmers must use irrigation in order to support maize production even in the absence of rainfall. Farmers must also adapt to the short growing season so that they will be able to produce even in the presence of climate change.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Nxumalo, Bongiwe Goodness
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Climate change mitigation -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Irrigation farming -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Dry farming -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Food supply -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Corn -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11229 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1021277 , Climate change mitigation -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Irrigation farming -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Dry farming -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Food supply -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Corn -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal
- Description: Maize is the most grown crop by the farmers in Jozini. Therefore, the main objective of the study was to assess the economic impact of climate change on maize production under different farming systems in Jozini Municipality in KwaZulu Natal (KZN). The study was looking at the smallholder farmers producing maize under dryland and irrigation system. A total of 100 farmers were selected for the study (40 from dry-land and 60 from irrigating farmers). Cluster and random sampling procedures were used to select the sample. Questionnaires were used for the collection of primary data, from the respondents (maize farmers). Data was analysed using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentages), gross margin, regression analysis and the Ricardian model. Data for computing gross margins and net revenue was taken from the on-farm trials. Gross margin was used on regression analysis and the net revenue was used on the Ricardian modelThe results of the regression analysis indicated that land size, farmer’s experience to farming, level of education, use of fertiliser, use of irrigation and the yield obtained were significant and have a positive relationship with farmers gross margin. The results of the Ricardian model indicated that climate change affects both farming systems, but farmers that are producing under dryland are the most affected farmers because they rely more on climate variables especially rainfall for their production. So a change in climate variables affects maize farmers’ productivity and thus affecting farmers’ gross margin and net revenue. The study recommends that the farmers must use irrigation in order to support maize production even in the absence of rainfall. Farmers must also adapt to the short growing season so that they will be able to produce even in the presence of climate change.
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The challenges facing the National Rural Youth Service Corps' (NARYSEC) skills development programme implementation in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa : a case study of O.R. Tambo district municipality
- Authors: Magwentshu, Kanyisa
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Youth -- Employment Vocational guidance Youth development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12803 , vital:39363
- Description: The purpose of the study was to investigate the challenges facing the National Youth Service Corps’ (NARYSEC) skills development programme implementation in the OR Tambo District in the Eastern Cape Province. A secondary aim was to determine whether the actual NARYSEC implementation matches the desirable needs of the poverty-stricken unemployed NARYSEC beneficiary participants and their communities. The study, which was framed within Amartya Sen’s Capability and Entitlement Approaches (1985), used multiple data collection instruments – (1) semi-structured survey questionnaire, (2) face-to-face semi-structured interviews, (3) semi-structured telephonic interviews and (4) key expert informant in-depth face-to-face interviews – to collect data from 73 NARYSEC participants and three expert informants (N=76). The study used purposive and snowball sampling strategies in selecting the participants. Data was analysed using thematic data analysis technique and the results suggested that the NARYSEC skills development programme offered to unemployed youth in the resource depleted former homeland districts of the former Transkei of the Eastern Cape Province, did not achieve the NARYSEC objectives and the desirable needs of the NARYSEC beneficiaries and their communities. The evidence suggested that failure of the NARYSEC programme could be attributed to the implementation methods as well repeated cycles of mismatch between the official NARYSEC objectives of recruiting and developing rural youth to perform community service in their own communities and the actual NARYSEC implementation results. The study showed that one of the challenges NARYSEC programme faced was from the poorly structured implementation mechanisms, which were manned by untrained civil servants and not by skills development experts who were capable of implementing the programme successfully. The research findings also seemed to suggest that two of the major factors responsible for the NARYSEC programme failure in the Eastern Cape were the chronic implementation weaknesses stemming from the historical and contextual constraints dating back to the apartheid era. To enhance the NARYSEC objectives and the desirable needs of the unemployed rural youth and their communities, the study suggests the following: Firstly, it was recommended that policy planners and implementers should incorporate the desirable needs and aspirations of the youth and their communities into the NARYSEC programme design and implementation process. This recommendation is informed by the divergence that characterized the NARYSEC programme implementation. Secondly, it is suggested that the NARYSEC Monitoring &Evaluation process must be revamped in order to reverse the general trend of the poor monitoring and evaluation performance that characterised the NARYSEC programme implementation.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Magwentshu, Kanyisa
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Youth -- Employment Vocational guidance Youth development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12803 , vital:39363
- Description: The purpose of the study was to investigate the challenges facing the National Youth Service Corps’ (NARYSEC) skills development programme implementation in the OR Tambo District in the Eastern Cape Province. A secondary aim was to determine whether the actual NARYSEC implementation matches the desirable needs of the poverty-stricken unemployed NARYSEC beneficiary participants and their communities. The study, which was framed within Amartya Sen’s Capability and Entitlement Approaches (1985), used multiple data collection instruments – (1) semi-structured survey questionnaire, (2) face-to-face semi-structured interviews, (3) semi-structured telephonic interviews and (4) key expert informant in-depth face-to-face interviews – to collect data from 73 NARYSEC participants and three expert informants (N=76). The study used purposive and snowball sampling strategies in selecting the participants. Data was analysed using thematic data analysis technique and the results suggested that the NARYSEC skills development programme offered to unemployed youth in the resource depleted former homeland districts of the former Transkei of the Eastern Cape Province, did not achieve the NARYSEC objectives and the desirable needs of the NARYSEC beneficiaries and their communities. The evidence suggested that failure of the NARYSEC programme could be attributed to the implementation methods as well repeated cycles of mismatch between the official NARYSEC objectives of recruiting and developing rural youth to perform community service in their own communities and the actual NARYSEC implementation results. The study showed that one of the challenges NARYSEC programme faced was from the poorly structured implementation mechanisms, which were manned by untrained civil servants and not by skills development experts who were capable of implementing the programme successfully. The research findings also seemed to suggest that two of the major factors responsible for the NARYSEC programme failure in the Eastern Cape were the chronic implementation weaknesses stemming from the historical and contextual constraints dating back to the apartheid era. To enhance the NARYSEC objectives and the desirable needs of the unemployed rural youth and their communities, the study suggests the following: Firstly, it was recommended that policy planners and implementers should incorporate the desirable needs and aspirations of the youth and their communities into the NARYSEC programme design and implementation process. This recommendation is informed by the divergence that characterized the NARYSEC programme implementation. Secondly, it is suggested that the NARYSEC Monitoring &Evaluation process must be revamped in order to reverse the general trend of the poor monitoring and evaluation performance that characterised the NARYSEC programme implementation.
- Full Text:
The delivery of the clothing and textiles curriculum in Zimbabwean universities: towards an integrated approach to vertical and horizontal discourses
- Authors: Muzenda, Verity
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Clothing and dress -- Study and teaching --Zimbabwe , Education -- Curricula -- Zimbabwe , Textile industry -- Study and teaching -- Zimbabwe , Universities and colleges -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:16227 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1019748 , Clothing and dress -- Study and teaching --Zimbabwe , Education -- Curricula -- Zimbabwe , Textile industry -- Study and teaching -- Zimbabwe , Universities and colleges -- Zimbabwe
- Description: The introduction of Technical Vocational Education (TVE) has been marred by a myriad of challenges, and this has not spared universities. The incompetency of lecturers, the perceptions of both lecturers and students, the relationship between universities and the world of work as well as support strategies have been the most contested issues in TVE. The researcher used the mixed method design which is rooted in the post-positivist research paradigm that integrates concurrent procedures in the collection, analysis and interpretation of the data. Post-positivist research paradigm attempts to enhance one’s understanding of the way certain phenomena are and that objectivity is an ideal that can never be achieved. The sample of the study comprised two Heads of Department (HODs) from the universities under study, 18 lecturers for the interviews, 18 lecturers who responded to the questionnaire, 24 students formed the 4 focus groups for both universities with 6 students each. Two industrial personnel were also interviewed. Questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data while qualitative data were collected through interviews, focus group discussions, observations and document analysis. The researcher employed the Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) to summarise, compile tables and graphs on quantitative data and qualitative data was analysed using content analysis through emerging themes. The study established that lecturers were not competent enough to deliver CT curriculum in universities and this was as a result of the type of training lecturers received which was no longer congruent with the technological advancement which have taken place in the textile industry. It was also instituted that universities were producing students who lacked the hands-on skills necessary for them to be acceptable in the world of work. There was a stern shortage of equipment and machinery in CT departments in universities. The machinery and equipment in the departments were too old and broken. Furthermore, the study established that there was no collaboration between universities and industries. Industrial personnel lamented that universities were not willing to put into consideration all the suggestions they gave them and that time for Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) or placement was too short for them to impart all the requisite skills to students. It was also established that students were discontented by the teaching methods that lecturers were using and the way they were being assessed. Students conveyed their desire for the industry to be involved in assessing them whilst they were in universities. Based on the above findings, the study concluded that lecturers were incapacitated to deliver CT due to the training they received in colleges and universities which was no longer congruent with the dynamics of technology. The study also concluded that the shortage of machinery and equipment also demotivated lecturers and incapacitated them. It was also concluded that the lack of collaboration between universities and industries posed serious challenges to both lecturers and students. The study recommends that the quality of the existing lecturing force must be improved mainly through extensive staff development training programmes.There is need for lecturers to be staff developed through training workshops in order to improve on competence. There should be collaboration among University management, lecturers and the industry during curriculum design, implementation and monitoring to improve their attachment and sense of ownership of CT programmes. To improve on students’ acquisition of skills, the study recommends that time for Work-Integrated Learning should be lengthened so that students leave the industry well equipped with relevant skills and knowledge.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Muzenda, Verity
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Clothing and dress -- Study and teaching --Zimbabwe , Education -- Curricula -- Zimbabwe , Textile industry -- Study and teaching -- Zimbabwe , Universities and colleges -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:16227 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1019748 , Clothing and dress -- Study and teaching --Zimbabwe , Education -- Curricula -- Zimbabwe , Textile industry -- Study and teaching -- Zimbabwe , Universities and colleges -- Zimbabwe
- Description: The introduction of Technical Vocational Education (TVE) has been marred by a myriad of challenges, and this has not spared universities. The incompetency of lecturers, the perceptions of both lecturers and students, the relationship between universities and the world of work as well as support strategies have been the most contested issues in TVE. The researcher used the mixed method design which is rooted in the post-positivist research paradigm that integrates concurrent procedures in the collection, analysis and interpretation of the data. Post-positivist research paradigm attempts to enhance one’s understanding of the way certain phenomena are and that objectivity is an ideal that can never be achieved. The sample of the study comprised two Heads of Department (HODs) from the universities under study, 18 lecturers for the interviews, 18 lecturers who responded to the questionnaire, 24 students formed the 4 focus groups for both universities with 6 students each. Two industrial personnel were also interviewed. Questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data while qualitative data were collected through interviews, focus group discussions, observations and document analysis. The researcher employed the Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) to summarise, compile tables and graphs on quantitative data and qualitative data was analysed using content analysis through emerging themes. The study established that lecturers were not competent enough to deliver CT curriculum in universities and this was as a result of the type of training lecturers received which was no longer congruent with the technological advancement which have taken place in the textile industry. It was also instituted that universities were producing students who lacked the hands-on skills necessary for them to be acceptable in the world of work. There was a stern shortage of equipment and machinery in CT departments in universities. The machinery and equipment in the departments were too old and broken. Furthermore, the study established that there was no collaboration between universities and industries. Industrial personnel lamented that universities were not willing to put into consideration all the suggestions they gave them and that time for Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) or placement was too short for them to impart all the requisite skills to students. It was also established that students were discontented by the teaching methods that lecturers were using and the way they were being assessed. Students conveyed their desire for the industry to be involved in assessing them whilst they were in universities. Based on the above findings, the study concluded that lecturers were incapacitated to deliver CT due to the training they received in colleges and universities which was no longer congruent with the dynamics of technology. The study also concluded that the shortage of machinery and equipment also demotivated lecturers and incapacitated them. It was also concluded that the lack of collaboration between universities and industries posed serious challenges to both lecturers and students. The study recommends that the quality of the existing lecturing force must be improved mainly through extensive staff development training programmes.There is need for lecturers to be staff developed through training workshops in order to improve on competence. There should be collaboration among University management, lecturers and the industry during curriculum design, implementation and monitoring to improve their attachment and sense of ownership of CT programmes. To improve on students’ acquisition of skills, the study recommends that time for Work-Integrated Learning should be lengthened so that students leave the industry well equipped with relevant skills and knowledge.
- Full Text:
The effect of real exchange rate volatility on export performance: evidence from South Africa (2000-2011)
- Authors: Chamunorwa, Wilson
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Monetary policy -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa , Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
- Identifier: vital:11499 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1018600 , Monetary policy -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa , Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa
- Description: The effect of real exchange rate volatility on export performance: evidence from South Africa (2000-2011) This study sought to investigate the relationship between exchange rate volatility and export performance in South Africa. The main objective of the study was to examine the impact of exchange rate volatility on export performance in South Africa. This relationship was examined using GARCH methods. Exports were regressed against real effective exchange rate, trade openness and capacity utilisation. The research aimed to establish whether exchange rate volatility impacts negatively on export performance in the manner suggested by the econometric model. The result obtained showed that exchange rate volatility had a significantly negative effect on South African exports in the period 2000-2011.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Chamunorwa, Wilson
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Monetary policy -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa , Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
- Identifier: vital:11499 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1018600 , Monetary policy -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa , Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa
- Description: The effect of real exchange rate volatility on export performance: evidence from South Africa (2000-2011) This study sought to investigate the relationship between exchange rate volatility and export performance in South Africa. The main objective of the study was to examine the impact of exchange rate volatility on export performance in South Africa. This relationship was examined using GARCH methods. Exports were regressed against real effective exchange rate, trade openness and capacity utilisation. The research aimed to establish whether exchange rate volatility impacts negatively on export performance in the manner suggested by the econometric model. The result obtained showed that exchange rate volatility had a significantly negative effect on South African exports in the period 2000-2011.
- Full Text:
The effectiveness of centralised human resource management on service delivery: a case of Bedford Hospital, Department of Health, Province of the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Ncebakazi, Frances Qalase
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11683 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1013557
- Description: The Eastern Cape Department of Health centralised Human Resource functions from the facilities to the provincial office. This according to the provincial office was to address the over expenditure on Compensation of employees that was highlighted by the Auditor General report of 2008/2009. The researcher was of the opinion that various issues of concern were over looked by the provincial office before or during the implementation of the centralisation of HRM. The primary objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of the centralisation of HRM on service delivery in the ECDoH and Bedford hospital. The secondary objective was to find out what centralisation is and its implications. Lastly, to develop recommendations which address the outcomes of the study. Purposive sampling was used to identify key informants from Bedford hospital and the provincial office. Interview questions were used to collect data from both respondents. The study examined both responses and grouped them into themes. The findings did not imply that centralisation does not improve service delivery but have indicated a lack of service delivery focus on the part of the provincial office. The Eastern Cape Department of Health centralised Human Resource functions from the facilities to the provincial office. This according to the provincial office was to address the over expenditure on Compensation of employees that was highlighted by the Auditor General report of 2008/2009. The researcher was of the opinion that various issues of concern were over looked by the provincial office before or during the implementation of the centralisation of HRM. The primary objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of the centralisation of HRM on service delivery in the ECDoH and Bedford hospital. The secondary objective was to find out what centralisation is and its implications. Lastly, to develop recommendations which address the outcomes of the study. Purposive sampling was used to identify key informants from Bedford hospital and the provincial office. Interview questions were used to collect data from both respondents. The study examined both responses and grouped them into themes. The findings did not imply that centralisation does not improve service delivery but have indicated a lack of service delivery focus on the part of the provincial office. The research has also revealed that amongst the challenges identified, there were those that were key challenges. The researcher was of the opinion that addressing those key generic challenges would minimise all other challenges and improve service delivery. Lack of communication on organisation strategies and lack of Monitoring and Evaluation systems were identified as key challenges that cut across the entire ECDoH. The study has recommended that the provincial office should improve on communication strategies with the facilities whenever decisions are taken. Secondly, to develop M&E systems in order to ensure that performance standards are monitored and evaluated. This according to the researcher would improve service delivery in the ECDoH and Bedford hospital.that were key challenges. The researcher was of the opinion that addressing those key generic challenges would minimise all other challenges and improve service delivery. Lack of communication on organisation strategies and lack of Monitoring and Evaluation systems were identified as key challenges that cut across the entire ECDoH. The study has recommended that the provincial office should improve on communication strategies with the facilities whenever decisions are taken. Secondly, to develop M&E systems in order to ensure that performance standards are monitored and evaluated. This according to the researcher would improve service delivery in the ECDoH and Bedford hospital.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ncebakazi, Frances Qalase
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11683 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1013557
- Description: The Eastern Cape Department of Health centralised Human Resource functions from the facilities to the provincial office. This according to the provincial office was to address the over expenditure on Compensation of employees that was highlighted by the Auditor General report of 2008/2009. The researcher was of the opinion that various issues of concern were over looked by the provincial office before or during the implementation of the centralisation of HRM. The primary objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of the centralisation of HRM on service delivery in the ECDoH and Bedford hospital. The secondary objective was to find out what centralisation is and its implications. Lastly, to develop recommendations which address the outcomes of the study. Purposive sampling was used to identify key informants from Bedford hospital and the provincial office. Interview questions were used to collect data from both respondents. The study examined both responses and grouped them into themes. The findings did not imply that centralisation does not improve service delivery but have indicated a lack of service delivery focus on the part of the provincial office. The Eastern Cape Department of Health centralised Human Resource functions from the facilities to the provincial office. This according to the provincial office was to address the over expenditure on Compensation of employees that was highlighted by the Auditor General report of 2008/2009. The researcher was of the opinion that various issues of concern were over looked by the provincial office before or during the implementation of the centralisation of HRM. The primary objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of the centralisation of HRM on service delivery in the ECDoH and Bedford hospital. The secondary objective was to find out what centralisation is and its implications. Lastly, to develop recommendations which address the outcomes of the study. Purposive sampling was used to identify key informants from Bedford hospital and the provincial office. Interview questions were used to collect data from both respondents. The study examined both responses and grouped them into themes. The findings did not imply that centralisation does not improve service delivery but have indicated a lack of service delivery focus on the part of the provincial office. The research has also revealed that amongst the challenges identified, there were those that were key challenges. The researcher was of the opinion that addressing those key generic challenges would minimise all other challenges and improve service delivery. Lack of communication on organisation strategies and lack of Monitoring and Evaluation systems were identified as key challenges that cut across the entire ECDoH. The study has recommended that the provincial office should improve on communication strategies with the facilities whenever decisions are taken. Secondly, to develop M&E systems in order to ensure that performance standards are monitored and evaluated. This according to the researcher would improve service delivery in the ECDoH and Bedford hospital.that were key challenges. The researcher was of the opinion that addressing those key generic challenges would minimise all other challenges and improve service delivery. Lack of communication on organisation strategies and lack of Monitoring and Evaluation systems were identified as key challenges that cut across the entire ECDoH. The study has recommended that the provincial office should improve on communication strategies with the facilities whenever decisions are taken. Secondly, to develop M&E systems in order to ensure that performance standards are monitored and evaluated. This according to the researcher would improve service delivery in the ECDoH and Bedford hospital.
- Full Text:
The effectiveness of tender practises in municipal supply chain management: an exploration of two municipalities in Amathole District Municpality in the Eastern Cape province (2009-2012)
- Authors: Ngqase, S A
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1119 , vital:26527
- Description: The tendering process is central to acquisition of public services and goods in all over South Africa. Municipalities and government institutions just like any private institution need to buy products and services in order to perform their functions effectively. But the procurement function has not been an easy one for the government with the tender process being slow and not transparent which can lead to a process of selling invoices taking up to three months, potentially destroying small businesses. The primary objective of the study therefore, is to find the causes of nepotisms, bribery, and corruption in tender practices in the two selected municipalities of the Amathole District and the factors that lead to delayed payments in the tender practices and further makes recommendations on how to eliminate such factors. The study used a mixed method approach research methodology which is a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods and included the two municipalities from the Amathole District Municipality, the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality and Nkonkobe Municipality, and used questionnaires and an interview to collect a data.
- Full Text: false
- Authors: Ngqase, S A
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1119 , vital:26527
- Description: The tendering process is central to acquisition of public services and goods in all over South Africa. Municipalities and government institutions just like any private institution need to buy products and services in order to perform their functions effectively. But the procurement function has not been an easy one for the government with the tender process being slow and not transparent which can lead to a process of selling invoices taking up to three months, potentially destroying small businesses. The primary objective of the study therefore, is to find the causes of nepotisms, bribery, and corruption in tender practices in the two selected municipalities of the Amathole District and the factors that lead to delayed payments in the tender practices and further makes recommendations on how to eliminate such factors. The study used a mixed method approach research methodology which is a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods and included the two municipalities from the Amathole District Municipality, the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality and Nkonkobe Municipality, and used questionnaires and an interview to collect a data.
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The efficacy of revenue collection strategies in local government: the case of Yei River County, South Sudan
- Authors: Logoro, John Mogga Ezekiel
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1092 , vital:26526
- Description: The study explores the Efficacy of Revenue Collection Strategies in Local Government as a Public Sector management tool for service provision in Yei River County – Republic of South Sudan. The main research question being pursued sought to find out the extent to which Revenue collection strategies can be an effective tool for public sector management and service provision in Yei River County. The study used both quantitative data (obtained through questionnaire survey) and qualitative data (through in-depth responses from County staff). The findings of the study seem to indicate that ineffective revenue collection strategies are being utilised by the local government officials. Some members of the communities and traders were still ignorant as to why they should be paying taxes which makes many of them to evade paying taxes. The study also reveals some challenges such as corrupt practices, poverty and illiteracy as some of the hindrances to effective revenue collection. However, there is a degree of success in revenue collection in the County as evidenced by the ongoing development activities such as urban road repairs which were financed by local taxes. A lot needs to be done in order to improve revenue collection in this County of Yei River County if services are to be delivered effectively and efficiently to the people. It is therefore strongly recommended that there is a need to put in place good educative measures to ensure that the citizens are informed about why they should be paying taxes to the County other than evading taxes and above all, the County need to strengthen the County Revenue Authority for better revenue collection.
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- Authors: Logoro, John Mogga Ezekiel
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1092 , vital:26526
- Description: The study explores the Efficacy of Revenue Collection Strategies in Local Government as a Public Sector management tool for service provision in Yei River County – Republic of South Sudan. The main research question being pursued sought to find out the extent to which Revenue collection strategies can be an effective tool for public sector management and service provision in Yei River County. The study used both quantitative data (obtained through questionnaire survey) and qualitative data (through in-depth responses from County staff). The findings of the study seem to indicate that ineffective revenue collection strategies are being utilised by the local government officials. Some members of the communities and traders were still ignorant as to why they should be paying taxes which makes many of them to evade paying taxes. The study also reveals some challenges such as corrupt practices, poverty and illiteracy as some of the hindrances to effective revenue collection. However, there is a degree of success in revenue collection in the County as evidenced by the ongoing development activities such as urban road repairs which were financed by local taxes. A lot needs to be done in order to improve revenue collection in this County of Yei River County if services are to be delivered effectively and efficiently to the people. It is therefore strongly recommended that there is a need to put in place good educative measures to ensure that the citizens are informed about why they should be paying taxes to the County other than evading taxes and above all, the County need to strengthen the County Revenue Authority for better revenue collection.
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The enforcement of the right of access to adequate housing in South Africa: a lesson for Lesotho
- Authors: Pule, Sesinyi Edwin
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Housing -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Housing -- Law and legislation -- Lesotho
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:11122 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016249 , Housing -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Housing -- Law and legislation -- Lesotho
- Description: South Africa is one of the countries with a very horrifying history. However, in the dawn of democratic governance, a worldly admirable constitution was brought into picture. The 1993 and 1996 South African Constitutions entrenched an elaborate Bill of Rights with provisions empowering courts to grant “appropriate relief and to make “just and equitable” orders. Happily, the Bill of Rights included justiciable and enforceable socio-economic rights. Amongst them, there is a right of access to adequate housing, for which this work is about. South Africa is viewed as a country with developed jurisprudence in the enforcement of socio-economic rights, hence it has been used as a lesson for Lesotho. Lesotho is still drowning in deep blue seas on enforcement of socio-economic rights either because the constitution itself hinders the progress thereon or because the parliament is unwilling to commit execute to the obligations found in the socio-economic rights filed. This work scrutinizes many jurisdictions and legal systems with a view to draw lively examples that may be followed by Lesotho courts towards enforcing housing rights. Indian and South African jurisprudences epitomize this notion.
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- Authors: Pule, Sesinyi Edwin
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Housing -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Housing -- Law and legislation -- Lesotho
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:11122 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016249 , Housing -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Housing -- Law and legislation -- Lesotho
- Description: South Africa is one of the countries with a very horrifying history. However, in the dawn of democratic governance, a worldly admirable constitution was brought into picture. The 1993 and 1996 South African Constitutions entrenched an elaborate Bill of Rights with provisions empowering courts to grant “appropriate relief and to make “just and equitable” orders. Happily, the Bill of Rights included justiciable and enforceable socio-economic rights. Amongst them, there is a right of access to adequate housing, for which this work is about. South Africa is viewed as a country with developed jurisprudence in the enforcement of socio-economic rights, hence it has been used as a lesson for Lesotho. Lesotho is still drowning in deep blue seas on enforcement of socio-economic rights either because the constitution itself hinders the progress thereon or because the parliament is unwilling to commit execute to the obligations found in the socio-economic rights filed. This work scrutinizes many jurisdictions and legal systems with a view to draw lively examples that may be followed by Lesotho courts towards enforcing housing rights. Indian and South African jurisprudences epitomize this notion.
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The generalization ability of artificial neural networks in forecasting TCP/IP network traffic trends
- Authors: Moyo, Vusumuzi
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science)
- Identifier: vital:11404 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1021127
- Description: Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) have been used in many fields for a variety of applications, and proved to be reliable. They have proved to be one of the most powerful tools in the domain of forecasting and analysis of various time series. The forecasting of TCP/IP network traffic is an important issue receiving growing attention from the computer networks. By improving upon this task, efficient network traffic engineering and anomaly detection tools can be created, resulting in economic gains from better resource management. The use of ANNs requires some critical decisions on the part of the user. These decisions, which are mainly concerned with the determinations of the components of the network structure and the parameters defined for the learning algorithm, can significantly affect the ability of the ANN to generalize, i.e. to have the outputs of the ANN approximate target values given inputs that are not in the training set. This has an impact on the quality of forecasts produced by the ANN. Although there are some discussions in the literature regarding the issues that affect network generalization ability, there is no standard method or approach that is universally accepted to determine the optimum values of these parameters for a particular problem. This research examined the impact a selection of key design features has on the generalization ability of ANNs. We examined how the size and composition of the network architecture, the size of the training samples, the choice of learning algorithm, the training schedule and the size of the learning rate both individually and collectively affect the ability of an ANN to learn the training data and to generalize well to novel data. To investigate this matter, we empirically conducted several experiments in forecasting a real world TCP/IP network traffic time series and the network performance validated using an independent test set. MATLAB version 7.4.0.287’s Neural Network toolbox version 5.0.2 (R2007a) was used for our experiments. The results are found to be promising in terms of ease of design and use of ANNs. Our results indicate that in contrast to Occam’s razor principle for a single hidden layer an increase in number of hidden neurons produces a corresponding increase in generalization ability of ANNs, however larger networks do not always improve the generalization ability of ANNs even though an increase in number of hidden neurons results in a concomitant rise in network generalization. Also, contradicting commonly accepted guidelines, networks trained with a larger representation of the data, exhibit better generalization than networks trained on smaller representations, even though the larger networks have a significantly greater capacity. Furthermore, the results obtained indicate that the learning rate, momentum, training schedule and choice of learning algorithm have as much a significant effect on ANN generalization ability. A number of conclusions were drawn from the results and later used to generate a comprehensive set of guidelines that will facilitate the process of design and use of ANNs in TCP/IP network traffic forecasting. The main contribution of this research lies in the identification of optimal strategies for the use of ANNs in forecasting TCP/IP network traffic trends. Although the information obtained from the tests carried out in this research is specific to the problem considered, it provides users of back-propagation networks with a valuable guide on the behaviour of networks under a wide range of operating conditions. It is important to note that the guidelines accrued from this research are of an assistive and not necessarily restrictive nature to potential ANN modellers.
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- Authors: Moyo, Vusumuzi
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science)
- Identifier: vital:11404 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1021127
- Description: Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) have been used in many fields for a variety of applications, and proved to be reliable. They have proved to be one of the most powerful tools in the domain of forecasting and analysis of various time series. The forecasting of TCP/IP network traffic is an important issue receiving growing attention from the computer networks. By improving upon this task, efficient network traffic engineering and anomaly detection tools can be created, resulting in economic gains from better resource management. The use of ANNs requires some critical decisions on the part of the user. These decisions, which are mainly concerned with the determinations of the components of the network structure and the parameters defined for the learning algorithm, can significantly affect the ability of the ANN to generalize, i.e. to have the outputs of the ANN approximate target values given inputs that are not in the training set. This has an impact on the quality of forecasts produced by the ANN. Although there are some discussions in the literature regarding the issues that affect network generalization ability, there is no standard method or approach that is universally accepted to determine the optimum values of these parameters for a particular problem. This research examined the impact a selection of key design features has on the generalization ability of ANNs. We examined how the size and composition of the network architecture, the size of the training samples, the choice of learning algorithm, the training schedule and the size of the learning rate both individually and collectively affect the ability of an ANN to learn the training data and to generalize well to novel data. To investigate this matter, we empirically conducted several experiments in forecasting a real world TCP/IP network traffic time series and the network performance validated using an independent test set. MATLAB version 7.4.0.287’s Neural Network toolbox version 5.0.2 (R2007a) was used for our experiments. The results are found to be promising in terms of ease of design and use of ANNs. Our results indicate that in contrast to Occam’s razor principle for a single hidden layer an increase in number of hidden neurons produces a corresponding increase in generalization ability of ANNs, however larger networks do not always improve the generalization ability of ANNs even though an increase in number of hidden neurons results in a concomitant rise in network generalization. Also, contradicting commonly accepted guidelines, networks trained with a larger representation of the data, exhibit better generalization than networks trained on smaller representations, even though the larger networks have a significantly greater capacity. Furthermore, the results obtained indicate that the learning rate, momentum, training schedule and choice of learning algorithm have as much a significant effect on ANN generalization ability. A number of conclusions were drawn from the results and later used to generate a comprehensive set of guidelines that will facilitate the process of design and use of ANNs in TCP/IP network traffic forecasting. The main contribution of this research lies in the identification of optimal strategies for the use of ANNs in forecasting TCP/IP network traffic trends. Although the information obtained from the tests carried out in this research is specific to the problem considered, it provides users of back-propagation networks with a valuable guide on the behaviour of networks under a wide range of operating conditions. It is important to note that the guidelines accrued from this research are of an assistive and not necessarily restrictive nature to potential ANN modellers.
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The impact of financial development on private investment in south Africa
- Authors: Mukuya, Prisca R
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa , Gross domestic product -- South Africa , Investments, Foreign -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
- Identifier: vital:11488 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1018210 , Economic development -- South Africa , Gross domestic product -- South Africa , Investments, Foreign -- South Africa
- Description: Empirical evidence and theoretical propositions suggest that financial development is strongly correlated to private investment because financial development positively affects investments by affecting capital accumulation, altering savings rate or by channelizing savings to various capital producing technologies. This study empirically investigated the impact of financial development on private investment in South Africa using quarterly data for the period 1994/01 to 2011/04. This study assess whether the theoretical and empirical propositions can be supported in South Africa. Cointegration tests using the Johansen approach (1988) were conducted to examine if there is a stable relationship in the level of private investment and financial development in South Africa. As a proxy for financial sector development, credit to private sector as per cent of GDP and stock market development were employed. Other variables that affect investment such as real interest rates and real GDP were also included in the model. Results of the study indicate that stock market development and real GDP have a positive relationship with private investment. Bank credit to the private sector however showed a negative relationship with private investment. A negative relationship was also noted for the relationship between private investment and real interest rates.
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- Authors: Mukuya, Prisca R
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa , Gross domestic product -- South Africa , Investments, Foreign -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
- Identifier: vital:11488 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1018210 , Economic development -- South Africa , Gross domestic product -- South Africa , Investments, Foreign -- South Africa
- Description: Empirical evidence and theoretical propositions suggest that financial development is strongly correlated to private investment because financial development positively affects investments by affecting capital accumulation, altering savings rate or by channelizing savings to various capital producing technologies. This study empirically investigated the impact of financial development on private investment in South Africa using quarterly data for the period 1994/01 to 2011/04. This study assess whether the theoretical and empirical propositions can be supported in South Africa. Cointegration tests using the Johansen approach (1988) were conducted to examine if there is a stable relationship in the level of private investment and financial development in South Africa. As a proxy for financial sector development, credit to private sector as per cent of GDP and stock market development were employed. Other variables that affect investment such as real interest rates and real GDP were also included in the model. Results of the study indicate that stock market development and real GDP have a positive relationship with private investment. Bank credit to the private sector however showed a negative relationship with private investment. A negative relationship was also noted for the relationship between private investment and real interest rates.
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The impact of financial intermediaries on the savings-investment ratio in South Africa
- Authors: Mtimkhulu, Ayibongwe Joseph
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Saving and investment -- South Africa , Intermediation (Finance) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
- Identifier: vital:11484 , Saving and investment -- South Africa , Intermediation (Finance) -- South Africa
- Description: This study examined whether or not financial intermediation can explain the variations in the savings-investment ratio in South Africa during the period 1990 to 2012. The study specifically tests the McKinnon Conduit Effect hypothesis which states that increasing interest rate raises the capacity of financial savings via financial intermediaries based on data from South Africa. Apart from informal graphical test, this study employed formal tests such as the Augmented Dickey-Fuller and Phillips Perron stationarity tests to test the properties of the variables considered, including interest rates, for stationarity. In order to ascertain the long-run and short-run dynamics between its variables, the Johansen co-integration test is utilized, while the Error Correction Mechanism is also employed. Results from the study state that financial assets (a proxy for financial intermediation), income and real interest rate all positively impact the savings-investment ratio. Additionally, short-run analysis results showed that income, financial assets and real interest rates positively influence the savings-investment ratio. Real interest rates were seen as being both positive and statistically significant. Therefore the study recommended that the financial services sector and the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) should work together as this will result in the improvement of efficiencies in price discovery with regards to bank charges, access to banking facilities and the timely provision of services in order to encourage savings (for investment purposes) in the South African economy.
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- Authors: Mtimkhulu, Ayibongwe Joseph
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Saving and investment -- South Africa , Intermediation (Finance) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
- Identifier: vital:11484 , Saving and investment -- South Africa , Intermediation (Finance) -- South Africa
- Description: This study examined whether or not financial intermediation can explain the variations in the savings-investment ratio in South Africa during the period 1990 to 2012. The study specifically tests the McKinnon Conduit Effect hypothesis which states that increasing interest rate raises the capacity of financial savings via financial intermediaries based on data from South Africa. Apart from informal graphical test, this study employed formal tests such as the Augmented Dickey-Fuller and Phillips Perron stationarity tests to test the properties of the variables considered, including interest rates, for stationarity. In order to ascertain the long-run and short-run dynamics between its variables, the Johansen co-integration test is utilized, while the Error Correction Mechanism is also employed. Results from the study state that financial assets (a proxy for financial intermediation), income and real interest rate all positively impact the savings-investment ratio. Additionally, short-run analysis results showed that income, financial assets and real interest rates positively influence the savings-investment ratio. Real interest rates were seen as being both positive and statistically significant. Therefore the study recommended that the financial services sector and the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) should work together as this will result in the improvement of efficiencies in price discovery with regards to bank charges, access to banking facilities and the timely provision of services in order to encourage savings (for investment purposes) in the South African economy.
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The impact of human resource practices on employee commitment and retention among nurses in Amathole district, South Africa
- Authors: Terera, Sharon Ruvimbo
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Industrial Psychology)
- Identifier: vital:11566 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1017905
- Description: This study explored the impact of human resource practices on employee commitment and retention among nurses in Amathole District, South Africa. The objectives of this study were to determine the influence of human resources practices (HR) on nurse retention in public hospitals; investigate the influence of HR practices on organizational commitment of nurses, and retention and to make recommendations to the hospitals on possible ways to improve the organisational commitment and employee retention of nurses based on the research findings. The study utilized a quantitative research design and questionnaires were used to collect data. The sample comprised of 150 nurses and the data was analysed through descriptive and inferential statistics. Research findings revealed that the effective use of sound human resources practices reduces nurse turnover whilst nurse organisational commitment and retention improves.
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- Authors: Terera, Sharon Ruvimbo
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Industrial Psychology)
- Identifier: vital:11566 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1017905
- Description: This study explored the impact of human resource practices on employee commitment and retention among nurses in Amathole District, South Africa. The objectives of this study were to determine the influence of human resources practices (HR) on nurse retention in public hospitals; investigate the influence of HR practices on organizational commitment of nurses, and retention and to make recommendations to the hospitals on possible ways to improve the organisational commitment and employee retention of nurses based on the research findings. The study utilized a quantitative research design and questionnaires were used to collect data. The sample comprised of 150 nurses and the data was analysed through descriptive and inferential statistics. Research findings revealed that the effective use of sound human resources practices reduces nurse turnover whilst nurse organisational commitment and retention improves.
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The impact of land and agrarian reforms on poverty alleviation: lessons from the Jay Dee Rovon workers trust and Mon Desire in Joubertina, Eastern Cape-South Africa
- Authors: Mqikela, Ntombozuko
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Land reform -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural extension work -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11207 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016070 , Land reform -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural extension work -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The broad objective of the study is to investigate the impact of Land and Agrarian reforms on poverty alleviation in Joubertina. Purposive sampling method (non-probability sampling) was carried out mainly on two groups of people, land reform beneficiary in Jay Dee Rovon and non-beneficiary in Mon Desire. Moreover, the stratified random sampling method was also applied in Jay Dee Rovon to choose a sample of 60 households from 129 land reform beneficiaries in Jay Dee Rovon and simple random sample of 60 applied to Mon Desire household subsistence. Binary Logistic Regression model was used to test factors that influenced beneficiary on level of production. Results indicated that age and farming experience were significant variables. Age had a negative coefficient value, meaning an increase in age was less likely to cause beneficiary to produce at commercial level. Descriptive statistics revealed that farming activities in the study areas seems to be performed mostly by relatively medium age people followed by younger people and lastly by the older people. Moreover, farming experience with positive coefficient revealed that it is highly likely to influence the beneficiary to produce at commercial for marketing. The older the farmer the more the experience s/he had in farming activities. However, descriptive revealed, medium and young age people with little knowledge tend to be more active than older people on farming activities but on the other hand they are more capable of carrying out physical activities. The results revealed that land reform beneficiaries likely to influence the level of production for marketing while non-beneficiaries produce for home consumption and little for sale in local market. An improvement on yield results an increase on income and thus leading to a change in ownership of household’s durable assets. An increase in yield also indirectly results employment recreation, increasing real wage and improve farm income thus leading to poverty reduction in JDR as compare to MD. The study recommends that the government should also assist non-beneficiaries in MD with agricultural infrastructure to improve their level of production and food security at household level.
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- Authors: Mqikela, Ntombozuko
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Land reform -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural extension work -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11207 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016070 , Land reform -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural extension work -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The broad objective of the study is to investigate the impact of Land and Agrarian reforms on poverty alleviation in Joubertina. Purposive sampling method (non-probability sampling) was carried out mainly on two groups of people, land reform beneficiary in Jay Dee Rovon and non-beneficiary in Mon Desire. Moreover, the stratified random sampling method was also applied in Jay Dee Rovon to choose a sample of 60 households from 129 land reform beneficiaries in Jay Dee Rovon and simple random sample of 60 applied to Mon Desire household subsistence. Binary Logistic Regression model was used to test factors that influenced beneficiary on level of production. Results indicated that age and farming experience were significant variables. Age had a negative coefficient value, meaning an increase in age was less likely to cause beneficiary to produce at commercial level. Descriptive statistics revealed that farming activities in the study areas seems to be performed mostly by relatively medium age people followed by younger people and lastly by the older people. Moreover, farming experience with positive coefficient revealed that it is highly likely to influence the beneficiary to produce at commercial for marketing. The older the farmer the more the experience s/he had in farming activities. However, descriptive revealed, medium and young age people with little knowledge tend to be more active than older people on farming activities but on the other hand they are more capable of carrying out physical activities. The results revealed that land reform beneficiaries likely to influence the level of production for marketing while non-beneficiaries produce for home consumption and little for sale in local market. An improvement on yield results an increase on income and thus leading to a change in ownership of household’s durable assets. An increase in yield also indirectly results employment recreation, increasing real wage and improve farm income thus leading to poverty reduction in JDR as compare to MD. The study recommends that the government should also assist non-beneficiaries in MD with agricultural infrastructure to improve their level of production and food security at household level.
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The impact of learning advancement and quality of work-life on turnover intentions among nurses in Amathole District, South Africa
- Authors: Marufu, Tandiwe Joy
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Nurses -- Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Employee retention -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5630 , vital:29353
- Description: Ongoing instability in the nursing workforce is raising questions globally about the issue of nurse turnover. It is against this background that this research examines the impact of learning, advancement and quality of work-life on turnover intentions among nurses in selected hospitals from Eastern Cape. Little research has been conducted to investigate the impact of the above mentioned subjects on turnover intentions among nurses in the South African health sector. Research questions as well as hypotheses were formulated as the means to gain data on the subject. The research employed a quantitative design with a sample size of 160 nurses and 159 were returned. The data analysis consisted of both descriptive and inferential statistics. The main findings of the study showed a positive relationship among job satisfaction, work-life rewards, learning and advancement opportunities and job satisfaction. However, there were negative relationships between job satisfaction and turnover intentions; work-life rewards and turnover intentions; and also among learning, career advancement and turnover intentions. Finally, suggestions were made to the top management in the Health sector to come up with strategies and mechanisms that improve nurses’ quality of work-life and offering them training and advancement opportunities through organisational change programs.
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- Authors: Marufu, Tandiwe Joy
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Nurses -- Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Employee retention -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5630 , vital:29353
- Description: Ongoing instability in the nursing workforce is raising questions globally about the issue of nurse turnover. It is against this background that this research examines the impact of learning, advancement and quality of work-life on turnover intentions among nurses in selected hospitals from Eastern Cape. Little research has been conducted to investigate the impact of the above mentioned subjects on turnover intentions among nurses in the South African health sector. Research questions as well as hypotheses were formulated as the means to gain data on the subject. The research employed a quantitative design with a sample size of 160 nurses and 159 were returned. The data analysis consisted of both descriptive and inferential statistics. The main findings of the study showed a positive relationship among job satisfaction, work-life rewards, learning and advancement opportunities and job satisfaction. However, there were negative relationships between job satisfaction and turnover intentions; work-life rewards and turnover intentions; and also among learning, career advancement and turnover intentions. Finally, suggestions were made to the top management in the Health sector to come up with strategies and mechanisms that improve nurses’ quality of work-life and offering them training and advancement opportunities through organisational change programs.
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The impact of learning advancement and quality of work-life on turnover intentions among nurses in Amathole District, South Africa
- Authors: Marufu, Tandiwe Joy
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Nurses -- Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Employee retention -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2182 , vital:27666
- Description: Ongoing instability in the nursing workforce is raising questions globally about the issue of nurse turnover. It is against this background that this research examines the impact of learning, advancement and quality of work-life on turnover intentions among nurses in selected hospitals from Eastern Cape. Little research has been conducted to investigate the impact of the above mentioned subjects on turnover intentions among nurses in the South African health sector. Research questions as well as hypotheses were formulated as the means to gain data on the subject. The research employed a quantitative design with a sample size of 160 nurses and 159 were returned. The data analysis consisted of both descriptive and inferential statistics. The main findings of the study showed a positive relationship among job satisfaction, work-life rewards, learning and advancement opportunities and job satisfaction. However, there were negative relationships between job satisfaction and turnover intentions; work-life rewards and turnover intentions; and also among learning, career advancement and turnover intentions. Finally, suggestions were made to the top management in the Health sector to come up with strategies and mechanisms that improve nurses’ quality of work-life and offering them training and advancement opportunities through organisational change programs.
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- Authors: Marufu, Tandiwe Joy
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Nurses -- Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Employee retention -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2182 , vital:27666
- Description: Ongoing instability in the nursing workforce is raising questions globally about the issue of nurse turnover. It is against this background that this research examines the impact of learning, advancement and quality of work-life on turnover intentions among nurses in selected hospitals from Eastern Cape. Little research has been conducted to investigate the impact of the above mentioned subjects on turnover intentions among nurses in the South African health sector. Research questions as well as hypotheses were formulated as the means to gain data on the subject. The research employed a quantitative design with a sample size of 160 nurses and 159 were returned. The data analysis consisted of both descriptive and inferential statistics. The main findings of the study showed a positive relationship among job satisfaction, work-life rewards, learning and advancement opportunities and job satisfaction. However, there were negative relationships between job satisfaction and turnover intentions; work-life rewards and turnover intentions; and also among learning, career advancement and turnover intentions. Finally, suggestions were made to the top management in the Health sector to come up with strategies and mechanisms that improve nurses’ quality of work-life and offering them training and advancement opportunities through organisational change programs.
- Full Text: