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A qualitative review on the manner in which psychologists address language barriers in psychological testing with isiXhosa speaking clients.

  • Authors: Fouche, Nicoleen
  • Date: 2023-12
  • Subjects: language barriers , isiXhosa , psychological tests,
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62838 , vital:73055
  • Description: A racially segregated culture historically influenced the growth of psychological testing and evaluation in South Africa. Thus, South Africa's multicultural and multilingual community poses difficulties for psychologists in their daily work. Most of the psychological tests used by psychologists are predominantly normed in either or only English/Afrikaans. Given the economic and professional resources required to develop new standardised tests for the broader South African population, the current status quo is set to continue for the foreseeable future. Consequently, language barriers pose a challenge when psychometric standardised tests are administered in a language that is different from that of the client, and as a result, psychologists must develop ways to enhance the fairness of these measures for their client base. The avenue of research that was explored is how psychologists overcome the language boundary when assessing clients who speak an indigenous first language, particularly isiXhosa. As such, this study explored this question through qualitative methods. Through purposive sampling, nine psychologists were invited to share their practical expertise on this topic, using semi-structured online interviews. The findings of this study suggested several core themes providing useful methods for other psychologists facing the same challenge, including the challenges with administering psychological tests with isiXhosa clients, the availability of standardised tests in the South African context, and the importance of determining the client’s language proficiency. Five themes with several sub-themes emerged from the study. The study contributes to the currently limited existing body of knowledge, and subsequently to the research area that this study explores - thus further providing guidelines that practitioners can employ when working with clients who are isiXhosa speaking. , Thesis (Ma) -- Faculty of Health Science, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-12

A study exploring the understanding and interpretations of schizophrenia amongst Zulu Community members, in Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal Province

  • Authors: Lephoto, Thabo
  • Date: 2023-12
  • Subjects: chizophrenia , traditional healers , cultural belief,
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62859 , vital:73059
  • Description: Mental illness is a global and widespread phenomenon, and its presented symptoms are experienced differently within various contexts. In many contexts, cultural beliefs are noted as influencing the thinking, feeling, and behavior of individuals and groups. Schizophrenia is often associated with a clustering of symptoms, which are often interpreted from within a cultural lens. This is in part, due to the lack of access to mental health facilities, and the limited understanding of psychological processes, but primarily due to cultural belief systems. As such, many individuals rely on indigenous knowledge systems and traditional healing when experiencing psychological symptoms. Within South Africa, the symptoms associated with schizophrenia are understood and treated in accordance with cultural beliefs and it is likely that bewitchment, spirit possession, as well as ancestral callings such as ukuthwasa, etc. will be associated with the symptoms of mental illnesses. The implications that this poses to psychological treatments and interventions are vast and require exploration. This study employed a qualitative methodology, with an exploratory and descriptive design. There were 8 participants (males= 4; females= 4), aged between 26-37 that were recruited for the study by utilizing a purposive sampling strategy, as well as a snowball sampling technique. Thematic analysis was used as a means of data analysis, by following the method by Braun and Clarke. The study applies the principles of ethics with regard to confidentiality and privacy. The findings of the study revealed that participants’ perceptions of schizophrenia were influenced by their culture. Participants of the study suggested that culture is influential in the treatment of those diagnosed with schizophrenia. Furthermore, the study revealed that there is a hierarchical system in the Zulu Culture and those diagnosed with schizophrenia are placed at the bottom. , Thesis (Ma) -- Faculty of Health Science, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-12

Adherence narratives of COVID-19 in KwaNobuhle Township, Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Andries, Siyanda
  • Date: 2023-12
  • Subjects: Coronavirus Disease--Eastern Cape--South Africa , Vaccination--Eastern Cape, South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63243 , vital:73240
  • Description: The emergence of COVID-19 triggered a global health crisis that not only took many lives but disrupted economies, strained healthcare systems, and impacted social relations globally. KwaNobuhle township in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa falls under the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality. This municipality experienced some of South Africa’s highest COVID-19 fatalities, with the lowest levels of testing, active cases and hospitalisation in the country. This study investigates the narratives about COVID-19 prevention measures in KwaNobuhle. Primarily, it seeks to reveal how young and elderly peoples’ perceptions about COVID-19 influenced their compliance with prevention measures such as lockdown, testing and self-admission to hospital when sick. Fifteen residents of KwaNobuhle, who identify as Black people between 18 and 30 years and 50 and 65 years, were recruited as participants in this study. The two groups of study participants were recruited in order to enable an investigation into intergenerational narratives about infectious disease. In this study, Intergenerational narratives encompass stories, beliefs, and cultural traditions that transmit values, historical experiences, and a shared sense of identity, fostering connections between generations. This study provides an historical overview of how communities dealt with previous epidemics in South Africa and analyses how COVID-19 disrupted the lives of people with the preventative measures and changes that were implemented by the government. Social constructivism is a theory that emphasizes the role of social interactions and cultural context in shaping individuals' understanding of the world. Social constructivism theory is employed to frame the investigation of narratives of COVID-19 and is based on qualitative data collected through in-depth telephonic individual interviews. The data reveals that participants’ perceptions and narratives of diseases are shaped and influenced by their experiences and knowledge of the same. The findings confirm that the two different age groups of participants have distinct perspectives of COVID-19. Older participants rely on their past experiences of diseases, while younger participants form their understanding through mainstream and social media. This study further examines the inadequacy of healthcare system preparedness in South Africa to adequately address the onset of infectious diseases. Furthermore, this investigation unveils the way preventive measures against COVID-19 imposed inconvenience upon individuals' daily lives and overall lifestyles. These measures included curfews, a limitation on crowd size in public spaces vii such as markets, and the prohibition of alcohol consumption. Individuals who were reliant on the alcohol industry as their primary source of income were adversely affected. African traditional practices were also impacted, as burial custom alterations resulted. Lastly, the study illuminates that the acceptance and uptake of vaccinations was influenced by vaccine hesitancy, with social media serving as a prominent conduit for the proliferation of conspiracy theories in the context of COVID-19. , Thesis (Ma) -- Faculty of Humanities, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-12

An alternative model for the financial sustainability of social services sector NGOs in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

  • Authors: Kagande, Albert Tafadzwa
  • Date: 2023-12
  • Subjects: Non-governmental organizations -- South Africa , Accounting -- Social aspects , Sustainability
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65644 , vital:74217
  • Description: The work of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) is traditionally deemed “unprofitable”, yet they provide valuable services to communities. With an exponentially growing NGO sector of more than 270 000 NGOs, of which 40% are social service sector NGOs, and an increased demand for NGO services, a decrease in government and donor funding has heightened the debate on the need for financial sustainability of NGOs in South Africa. NGOs are important development actors, and their financial sustainability is crucial as it ensures that the sector continues to be relevant and effective in ensuring that social needs are met. Using a mixed methods sequential explanatory research design, the study focused on the social services sector NGOs in the Eastern Cape with the aim of understanding their financial challenges and strategies being employed to address such and, in the process, develop an alternative model for the financial sustainability of these NGOs. A conceptual framework was developed from six theories which were used to explore the concept of financial sustainability drawing insights from the internal and external environment of the participating NGOs. These theories were used together to emphasise that no one theory could single-handedly and holistically explain the concept of the financial sustainability of social service sector NGOs. The use of multiple theories also came from the realisation that NGOs in South Africa, in general, are struggling to survive owing to a myriad of factors which include increased competition for resources and reduced funding from their traditional source. Furthermore, donor dependency, staff and organisational capacity, management practices and values, and the interplay of an NGO with its stakeholders and environment all have a bearing on financial sustainability. Being the poorest province in South Africa heightens the need for social services in the Eastern Cape. From the study, it was established that 48% of social services sector NGOs depended on government funding while only 16% had the capacity to generate their own income. However, depending on government funding was not sustainable and this was crippling the social services sector. The study also established that “young” NGOs struggled to secure funding when compared to their “mature” counterparts. In addition, staff capacity and the values of an organisation affected income generation and how funds were sourced. Lack of capacity to fundraise and/or implement commercial activities had affected the financial sustainability of the social sector NGOs. The interplay of an NGO and its stakeholders and environment also had a bearing on the financial sustainability of the sector. The study provides a multipronged approach and perspective to financial sustainability. The proposed financial sustainability model challenges social services sector NGOs to consciously reflect on their internal and external environments as well a come up with strategies that positively affect their financial sustainability. From the study, the strategies that were being implemented to realise financially sustainability included, retaining current donors, reaching out to new donors, innovative fundraising approaches, redesigning programme activities to include cost-recovery components, collaborating with other NGOs as well as commercial ventures. This study concludes that social services sector NGOs need all these approaches in addition to improving staff capacity and adopting a culture that enhances organisational performance. There is need to build a system where NGOs are adequately supported to do their work without worrying about income and where well-designed financial sustainability components help NGOs, funders, government and communities identify where change is needed. , Thesis (DPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-12

An application of the Mundell Fleming model in emerging market economies

  • Authors: Tenderere, Morris
  • Date: 2023-12
  • Subjects: Macroeconomics , Foreign exchange rates , International economic relations
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/66039 , vital:74319
  • Description: The core objective of this study was to test the applicability of the Mundell-Fleming model in emerging market economies. Despite its importance, no study has examined the applicability of the Mundell-Fleming model in emerging market economies, as far as this study is aware. The Mundell-Fleming model predicts that in an environment with freely floating exchange rates, a drop in interest rates will lead to capital flight, which in turn will result in a fall in the exchange rate and a rise in net exports. The model takes into account both the international flow of capital and the flow of goods and services that might have a big impact on the country. The model's theoretical foundations offer practical instruments for assessing the impact of economic policy in light of the adopted exchange rate regimes of a nation. The model plays a key role in anticipating the link between output, interest rates, and exchange rates. A quantitative approach using panel monthly data over the period 2000 to 2017 for five emerging countries was carried out. Brazil, Malaysia, China, India, and South Africa were the considered countries due to availability of data. The Dynamic Ordinary Least Square (DOLS) and Fully Modified Ordinary Least Square (FMOLS) were used to analyse the data. The study confirmed the applicability of the Mundell-Fleming model in the studied countries given a positive relationship between interest rate and portfolio investment. This result means that when interest rates rise, capital flows also increase. In addition, the confirmation of Mundell-Fleming model is reflected in the negative relationship between portfolio investment and the rate of exchange. The Mundell-Fleming model describes how movement of capital and exchange rates behave. The study recommended that to ease the threat of currency appreciation, the Central Banks in merging market economies must ensure that the domestic interest rate is always in line with the world interest rate. This will promote exchange rate stability and whenever there is an appreciation/depreciation the Central Banks must use interest rates to bring back the exchange rate to the desired rate. In emerging market economies, the reserve banks must employ what is referred to as the "sterilization" of capital flows to lessen the threat of currency appreciation. The local component of the monetary base (bank reserves plus currency) is decreased in a successful sterilization operation to counteract the reserve influx, at least temporarily. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-12

An architecture for feedback-driven learning analytics

  • Authors: Winfield, Philip John
  • Date: 2023-12
  • Subjects: Educational statistics -- Data processing , Education -- Research -- Statistical methods , Teacher-student relationships
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62744 , vital:72935
  • Description: Feedback from students provides an opportunity to gain insights into students’ learning behaviour and participation in higher education learning and teaching. Academic staff are expected to constantly review and improve the learning and teaching environment where feedback contributes vital information toward pedagogical decision-making. Reviewing student feedback is essential but time-consuming, making it crucial to explore more effective and efficient ways to analyse and present feedback that encourages intervention and support. The general design science research evaluation pattern guided the construction and evaluation of a Feedback-Driven Architecture (FDA) for Learning Analytics (LA) to address this problem. An FDA implementation using a suitable case demonstrated each component validating the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed design. The components identified for inclusion in the FDA were integrated within layers of a three-tiered architecture pattern. The data layer incorporates the collection, preparation and storage of learning management system data which includes free-form narrative student feedback. The application layer contains logic to support the analysis of free-form narrative student feedback and extraction of learning analytics. Arrangement and visualisation of information in the presentation layer aim to promote appropriate intervention and support. Evaluation using a case study showed that the FDA provided necessary guidelines for developing an implementation that produced feedbackdriven learning analytics. Data preparation transformed unstructured data into a suitable representation for effective analysis. Cohorts within narrative feedback responses were identified using the k-means clustering algorithm and latent Dirichlet allocation. Logistic regression and support vector machines were applied as predictive models and trained using extracted quantitative markers to predict academic success. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-12

An exploration of stakeholder perceptions of the quality of teaching and learning in higher education

  • Authors: Jackson,Linda Grace
  • Date: 2023-12
  • Subjects: Quality assurance --Education (Higher)-- South Africa , Teaching and learning – Nelson Mandela University , Quality education—South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62464 , vital:72757
  • Description: Quality in higher education is a complex and evolving concept that has been a subject of measurement, assurance and promotion in universities globally for the past three decades. However, its precise definition remains elusive due to its fluid nature, influenced by various contextual factors and stakeholder perspectives. This study explored the concepts of quality teaching and quality learning within the specific context of Nelson Mandela University, focusing on two critical internal stakeholder groups, lecturers and students. By maintaining a constant context, the study sought to gain a deeper understanding of how these stakeholders perceived and contributed to the overall quality of education at the institution. Defining quality in higher education (HE) is important, as it directly impacts on the evaluation processes within educational institutions. Presently, most Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) assess quality using tangible inputs and outputs, resulting in a quantifiable representation of quality. Despite this approach, realistically, the anticipated improvements in the quality of teaching and learning are not apparent, leading to concerns about graduate readiness for the demands of the workforce. This situation raises imperative questions about the quality of teaching and learning within HEIs, necessitating a response to address this issue. This study used the conceptual model Schindler et al. (2015) developed to investigate stakeholder perceptions of quality teaching and quality learning in higher education (HE). The research followed a novel perspective by uncoupling quality in HE from the prevailing neoliberal approach and considering quality in HE within social inclusion interventions (Gidley et al., 2010a) already in place in HE settings. The research methodology expanded on social inclusion theory and employed a qualitative, participative and visual approach adapted from Mmogo-method®, an indigenous method. The research design fostered active participation from the participants, who assumed the role of co-researchers. Participants constructed their answers to the research question using unstructured materials, subsequently sharing, explaining, and interpreting their viewpoints within the group setting. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, School of teaching and learning, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-12

Analysis of export performance and its determinants in Uganda

  • Authors: Mugambe, Kenneth
  • Date: 2023-12
  • Subjects: Economics -- Uganda , Shipping -- Economic aspects -- Uganda , Exports -- Uganda
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65841 , vital:74273
  • Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether variations in the factor endowments, endo-genous factors and governance factors can explain the growth rates in export performance in Uga-nda. The study was guided by the objectives, which included examining the effect of factor endowments on export performance in Uganda, examining the effect of endogenous factors on export performance in Uganda and examining the effect of governance factors on Uganda’s export performance. From the theoretical review, the study benchmarks the growth frameworks of neo-classical theory, endogenous growth theory and institutionalist growth theory, which guided the formulation of the empirical growth models. The study followed a longitudinal research design with time series analysis. A longitudinal design was selected for this study to examine the determinants of exporting in Uganda from 1996 to 2021. The estimation was achieved by imple-menting the first instrumental variable generalised method moments (1V-GMM) on a linear dy-namic panel model through the specific-to-general modelling technique. Among the factors moti-vated by the neo-classical theory paradigm, estimates from this study indicate that foreign direct investment has a positive influence on Uganda’s export performance positively. At the same time, gross capital formation significantly reduces the growth of exports. On the other hand, labour force (in the final model) does not influence changes in export performance since it is insignificant. Among the endogenous growth factors, estimates show that higher exchange rates and inflation have a significant negative effect on Uganda’s export performance. Estimates indicate further that among the governance factors, control of corruption has no effect on Uganda’s export performance. On the other hand, government effectiveness (which also serves as regulatory quality) has a significant negative effect on export performance in that government efforts to im-prove its efficacy affect export performance negatively. So the study shows that variations in Uga-nda’s export performance can partially be explained by the neo-classical trade theory and the endogenous growth model with little influence from the institutional growth model, suggesting the incompleteness of the growth frameworks adopted in assessing the sources of export performance in Uganda. The regression results from Model 3 indicate that all the independent variables explain 77.21% (R Square = .7721) of the variations in export performance, implying that the remaining 22.79% explains other factors not considered in this study. In conclusion, factor endowments play a crucial role in driving Uganda’s export performance. Foreign direct investment consistently influences exports, underscoring the role of capital, technology and international market access in enhancing export competitiveness. However, the negative co-efficient for gross capital formation raises concerns about potential trade-offs between domestic investment and export promotion. In addition, the positive co-efficient for real effective exchange rate (REER) in Model 2 suggests that a favourable exchange rate enhances export competitiveness. This highlights the importance of exchange rate policies that promote stability and competitiveness. However, the mixed and marginal significance of REER in Model 3 indicates the presence of other factors influencing the relationship, emphasising the need for a comprehensive analysis of exchange rate dynamics. The negative co-efficients for inflation across the models imply that higher inflation rates may hinder export performance, emphasising the importance of maintaining price stability to preserve export competitiveness. Based on the results of the analysis, a number of policy recommendations for Uganda can be made. The country should prioritise export promotion initiatives as supported by the positive and significant influence of previous export performance and foreign direct investment on exports. The government could implement targeted policies and programmes to support export-oriented industries, provide incentives for export activities and facilitate market access for Ugandan goods and services. Uganda could attract more investments and stimulate export growth by fostering a conducive environment for exporters. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-12

Arts-based participatory research for more equitable ocean governance in South Africa

  • Authors: Strand, Mia
  • Date: 2023-12
  • Subjects: Marine resources conservation , Marine resources development , Law of the sea
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/66017 , vital:74307
  • Description: This research explored the usefulness of arts-based participatory research (ABPR) in identifying more equitable ocean governance in South Africa. Co-developing the ABPR with Indigenous and local knowledge holders as co-researchers, the research expanded on opportunities to inform more equitable marine spatial planning (MSP) and marine protected areas (MPAs) processes. Working with 24 co-researchers in Algoa Bay (Eastern Cape) and 24 co-researchers in Mandeni (KwaZulu-Natal) for over two years, the thesis formulated and contextually adapted an approach incorporating photovoice and digital storytelling for co-researchers to share their ocean knowledges, priorities and stories. As people hold various priorities, interests and knowledges of the ocean, these knowledges shape how people interact with the ocean and coast. Despite a multitude of interconnected and complex ocean knowledges (pluriversality), a growing body of literature describes the exclusionary, top-down and inequitable nature of area-based ocean management in South Africa, which do not recognise Indigenous and local knowledge systems (ILKS). The research was conceptualised as a response to these realities, and the ABPR processes were developed with knowledge holders who felt excluded from current ocean governance approaches. Working within a broader theoretical framework of social and environmental justice, the research drew on contextually relevant literature and theoretical paradigms such as social sustainability, social-ecological systems, decolonial and postcolonial theory, social learning, transdisciplinary knowledge co-production and arts-based research. The ABPR methods were carefully crafted together with co-researchers, and photovoice experts assisted with cross-learning workshops. The ABPR included in situ photography and storytelling processes to ensure co-researchers could convey embodied, daily lived experiences or re-imagined connections with the ocean and coast. Embracing and reclaiming world-making through processes of participatory community mapping, the ABPR also facilitated collaborative analysis of co-researchers’ relationships and interactions with the ocean in light of current MSP and MPA processes. The final photostories from the ABPR processes were shared by the co-researchers at two multimedia exhibitions and two multi-stakeholder workshops that brought together relevant government representatives, coastal managers, conservation authorities, scientists and local community members. The results from the ABPR processes provided a number of novel and significant insights into ocean knowledges, connections and priorities that are currently not recognised in ocean governance processes in South Africa. Specifically, the ABPR proved useful in highlighting strong spiritual and traditional connections to the ocean and facilitating direct engagements and social learning processes between various ocean priorities to start bridging the gap between ILKS, marine science and ocean decision-making. Furthermore, the ABPR was valuable in mapping sociocultural priorities and interactions with the ocean, which could inform more inclusive and equitable MSP and MPAs processes. The ABPR surfaced opportunities for cognitive justice, where ILKS holders could own the knowledge production process, and identify opportunities for greater co-management in ocean decision-making. The insights from the research are relevant for several disciplines, research practices, and ocean governance processes. In summary, the ABPR process was useful to identify practical approaches and pathways necessary for embracing and working with the complexity of social-ecological marine systems and the plurality of ocean knowledges for more equitable ocean futures. , Thesis (DPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-12

Assessing land degradation and the effectiveness of calcrete bontveld rehabilitation in a grassridge PPC cement mining area using multi-sensor remotely sensed data and machine learning techniques

  • Authors: Mpisane, Khanyisa
  • Date: 2023-12
  • Subjects: Land degradation -- South Africa , Environmental degradation , Mines and mineral resources -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62527 , vital:72821
  • Description: This study uses multi-temporal remote sensing data to spatially visualise and quantify land degradation due to mining as well as Calcrete Bontveld rehabilitation at the Grassridge PPC Cement mine, Gqeberha formerly known as Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Botanical field data is also used to verify the suasses of rehabilitation in the area. SPOT-6 and Landsat multi-spectral images were compared, and Support Vector Machine and Random Forest algorithms were used for classification in order to determine which yields more accurate results for a limestone mine. Support Vector Machine analysis using SPOT-6 images yielded the best results. This was due to the high spatial resolution of SPOT-6 compared to Landsat and Support Vector Machine classifier was able to classify images with fewer training points compared to Random Forest. The spatio-temporal land cover change at the mine was then determined between the years 2000, 2015 and 2020. Land cover classification is useful for monitoring land degradation and, in this case, was able to show the extent of rehabilitation success. For the year 2020, a 17% area was rehabilitated; however, the algorithm could not distinguish between unmined Calcrete Bontveld matrix and rehabilitation sites that were older than five years. The performed change detection also showed that 29.50% of unmined Calcrete Bontveld matrix had changed to “mature rehabilitation” (rehabilitation sites older than five years). Again, for this percentage in some areas the algorithm could not distinguish between the unmined Calcrete Bontveld matrix and rehabilitation sites that were older than five years due to high similarities between the two land cover types. Area changes of the different land cover classes could also be used to demonstrate how rehabilitation areas have matured over time and lead to the conclusion that most of the Calcrete Bontveld which was mined, has over the years been successfully rehabilitated. Vegetation analysis was conducted to further validate the rehabilitation success of Calcrete Bontveld matrix. Multivariant Detrended Correspondent Analysis showed that rehabilitation sites which were younger than five years (2–year-old rehabilitation plots that were sampled) had great dissimilarity to the natural unmined Calcrete Bontveld matrix and that rehabilitation sites older than five years, in this case 16–years older, had high similarity and resemblance to natural unmined Calcrete Bontveld matrix and therefore could be considered as being mature. This was a more definitive assessment as it considers all aspects of the vegetation. Species cover and species richness also showed that Calcrete Bontveld matrix rehabilitation sites which have been rehabilitated for more than 5 years had greater similarity to natural unmined vegetation compared to areas that have been rehabilitated for less than five years. This study, therefore, demonstrates that due to the high similarity between mature rehabilitation sites and unmined Calcrete Bontveld, rehabilitation has been successful. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-12

Assessing the effectiveness of smart solutions on potable water in rural areas within Ngqushwa local municipality

  • Authors: Fodo, Portia Noluthando
  • Date: 2023-12
  • Subjects: Potable water -- tap water , water infrastructure
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63298 , vital:73245
  • Description: Providing potable water is a critical reposition towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. In addition, the use of smart solutions facilitates towards guaranteeing smart cities aligned with SDG11 which is aimed at making cities and human settlements inclusive, secure, resilient and viable. Access to potable water is a challenging issue in most rural areas as these areas were affected by the Apartheid regime where services were distributed according to the colour of the skin. In rural areas where many black people reside, the challenge of service delivery still exists. Ngqushwa Municipality is faced with several trials in the management of water, including water scarcity, lack of water infrastructure as well as illegal water connections. Despite more than 25 years of democracy, rural dwellers in Ngqushwa Municipality still suffer from a deficiency of access to potable water, which results in other health problems, such as Cholera. This study was aimed at assessing the role of smart solutions in the effective management of potable water in rural areas in Ngqushwa Local Municipality. The objectives to be achieved include identification of the policies that support the implementation of smart solutions in the provision of potable water in Ngqushwa Local Municipality, as well as determining the opportunities and challenges associated with smart solutions in the delivery of potable water. Moreover, identifying the existing difficulties affecting the execution of smart solutions in the delivery of potable water, along with developing recommendations on how smart solutions can effectively be put into operation in rural areas to control water. A qualitative research approach was applied as the chosen research methodology most appropriate to achieving the objectives of the research study. Data was collected using secondary sources and was analysed using thematic content analysis. The study revealed that opportunities available include accurate billing, smart metering and information availability. Furthermore, the obstacles included capacity constraints, cost factors and resistance to change. The investigation recommended, inter alia, that the municipality should accurately train its employees on matters relating to change management and establish effective debt controlling mechanisms to enhance water supervision in rural areas. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-12

Assessing the effectiveness of the planning, utilisation and implementation of the electronic human resource management strategy: a case of the department of home affairs in the Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Dyan, Margaret Nombuyiselo
  • Date: 2023-12
  • Subjects: Personnel management , Home Affairs -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63287 , vital:73244
  • Description: This study assessed the effectiveness of planning, implementing and utilising the electronic human resource management (e-HRM) strategy within the King William’s Town (KWT) Department of Home Affairs (DHA) in the Eastern Cape Province (EC) of South Africa (SA). E-HRM emerged because of the advent of technology. Many organisations use information technology to optimise the performance of both the employees and the organisation. Thus, this technology has been incorporated into organisations’ human resource functions, taking advantage of the latest technology to deliver an online real-time human resource management (HRM) solution. Therefore, this study sought to assess the e-HRM strategy's effectiveness within the KWT DHA. The technology acceptance model was adopted as a theoretical framework for the study to explain the adoption of the e-HRM strategy. A qualitative research approach using a case study research design was used for this study. Non-probability purposive sampling and convenience sampling were used to identify participants for the study. These participants provided the information needed to answer the research questions. The data was collected using in-depth interviews with the participants. The data was then analysed using thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke’s guidelines (2006). The study results revealed that implementing the e-HRM strategy within KWT DHA proves to be effective and efficient. The strategy’s implementation has been associated with improved performance of the KWT DHA in the Eastern Cape. It also saves time and ensures that HR information is accessed easily. The study also found barriers to the planning, implementation and utilisation of the e-HRM strategy, including a lack of skills and knowledge and resource constraints. The study also found that the current e-HRM policies are not fully functional. The study recommends continuous personnel training regarding the strategy, maximising the use of the e-HRM strategy and addressing the resource challenges. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-12

Assessing the effects of fish stock management on Cape gannet foraging behaviour in South Africa

  • Authors: Strydom, Zanri , Grémillet, David , Pichegru, Lorien
  • Date: 2023-12
  • Subjects: Gannets -- South Africa , Birds of prey -- Behavior -- South Africa , Fish stock assessment
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62622 , vital:72887
  • Description: Seabirds are one of the most threatened groups of birds under both marine and terrestrial pressures. Among seabirds, the Cape gannet Morus capensis is a southern African endemic species facing several pressures of anthropogenic origin, including competition with industrial fisheries on small pelagic fish stocks. Cape gannets, being a long-lived species that is sensitive to environmental changes, are sentinels of change in oceanic environments granting it important to understand which factors influence their foraging behaviour and breeding outputs. For example, factors like age can result in a loss of physical capabilities which can lead to behavioral compensation and subsequent changes in chick provisioning rates and amounts. With the current fisheries management the fish stocks are continually decreasing, indicating the importance of an updated fine-scale assessment on the spatiotemporal overlap between foraging gannets and fisheries. The first objective of this thesis was to determine the influence of adult Cape gannets’ age and sex on their foraging characteristics and energy expenditure during foraging. I equipped chick-rearing Cape gannets of known age and sex with a 3D accelerometer and GPS device. Foraging effort (trip duration, foraging path and maximum distance to the nest) did not differ between sexes nor with age in Cape gannets. Both sexes rested less on the water with age. Aging females also spent more time in flight than males. The age- and sexual differences in energy expenditure prevalent in our study might reflect niche and/or risk partitioning strategies to ensure adequate provisioning to the chick. The second objective of this thesis was to determine the influence of fisheries catch rates, sardine and anchovy biomass, and adult foraging effort on chick growth rates in Cape gannets, using a long-term dataset collected between 2005 and 2020 on Malgas Island. I equipped chick-rearing adults with a GPS device and I weighed the chicks for between 3 to 6 increments to calculate the average daily mass increment. Of all the variables, foraging trip duration was the main determinant of daily growth rates, with chicks benefitting from parents’ shorter foraging trip durations. Chicks tended to grow slower when fisheries catch of sardine and anchovy were higher, possibly an effect of competition with fisheries. Chicks also grew faster when fish biomass was higher. This long-term monitoring demonstrated the possible effect of food competition between Cape gannets and fisheries, with negative impacts on gannet fitness as determined via chick growth rates. The third objective of this thesis was to determine the influence of both the biomass and fisheries catch rates of sardine and anchovy on Cape gannet foraging effort at a spatial and temporal scale. This was achieved by equipping a total of 668 chick-rearing Cape gannets with a GPS device. With an increase in fisheries catch there was an increase in the birds’ foraging effort. To reduce competition between the gannets and fisheries, the gannets’ core foraging areas seldomly overlapped with the fisheries catch locations, at the cost of the gannets’ increased foraging effort. One method to halt the Cape gannet population decline would be to conserve the fish resources close to the breeding colonies. This would reduce the birds’ foraging whereby increasing their fitness. Safeguarding small pelagic fish to ensure the perseverance of the remaining Benguela seabird populations, would lead to preserving the Benguela marine ecosystem as a whole. My study provided new insight into effects of fish stock management on Cape gannet foraging behaviour in South Africa, and the need for adequate management to ensure population persistence. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-12

Assessing the effects of materials management practices on performance of locomotive manufacturing firms in Gauteng province

  • Authors: Setino, Rebecca
  • Date: 2023-12
  • Subjects: Materials management , Industrial procurement , Business logistics -- South Africa -- Gauteng
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65935 , vital:74288
  • Description: The study assessed the effects of materials management practices (materials planning, procurement, availability, handling, and delivery) on the performance of rail rolling stock and locomotive manufacturing firms in Gauteng Province. The study also investigated the causes of delays in supply of materials in the rail rolling stock and locomotive manufacturing industry in Gauteng. The research design employed was both descriptive and explanatory, using a quantitative research approach in which online surveys were conducted on a sample of 200 respondents from the rolling stock manufacturing firms in Gauteng. Descriptive statistics performed through SPSS 27 and SEM performed through AMOS 26 were used for data analysis. The findings of the study revealed that materials management practises were implemented in the rail rolling stock and locomotive manufacturing industry. According to the results, materials availability and materials handling have positive and statistically significant effects on the performance of rail manufacturing firms in Gauteng Province. However, materials planning, procurement and delivery practices have no significant effect on the performance of rail manufacturing firms in Gauteng Province. Therefore, the results reveal that firm performance is driven by materials availability and materials handling. In addition, late delivery of materials to the production line was found to be the main cause of project delays. The study thus offered a contrasting perspective to the general findings that show materials management practices to be a significant contributor to manufacturing firm performance. However, the study confirms the importance of materials handling and availability as a predictor of performance in manufacturing firms. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Management Sciences, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-12

Assessment of knowledge, attitudes, practices and the prevalence of intestinal parasites in Sarah Baartman District, Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Mrwebi, Sisanda
  • Date: 2023-12
  • Subjects: Intestinal parasites , Knowledge Attitudes and Practices , transmitted helminths
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62924 , vital:73070
  • Description: ntestinal parasites also known as parasitic worms are one of the common water, soil and feacal transmitted infections of public importance in the world. This study evaluated the Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) of public workers comprising EPWP and CWP general workers on intestinal parasites in a selected municipality in the study area . Additionally, using secondary data, the researcher established the prevalence of intestinal parasites in Sarah Baartman District Municipality (SBDM) from 2012 to 2020. Method: The study made use of a quantitative, cross-sectional research design resembling a study by S.D. Hambury .A structured questionnaire, closed-ended, telephonically-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from 160 Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) and Community Work Programme (CWP) general workers. Data on the prevalence was obtained from the SBDM National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS). Data was analysed using both inferential and descriptive statistics using SPSS software version 16.1, inferential statistics tests used were Chi2 square tests and p-value tests. Descriptive statistic tests used included frequency distributions, percentage, cumulative percent, and valid percent. Results: The participants’ overall awareness, attitudes and practices of the study were poor, 64.4% of the study participants had the correct knowledge about intestinal parasite infections. The age of study participants and who the participants thought was at risk of being infected by intestinal parasites had a non significant relationship (p>0.05). Gender and the responses to who is at risk of getting infected with intestinal parasites had a statistically significant (p<0.05) relationship. Intestinal parasite prevalence from 2012 to 2020 in SBDM was 46.37% which means it was close to half of the sampled population. Males had the highest prevalence as compared to females, with a prevalence of 53.1% xvi in males and 46.9% in females. The highest disease infection was found between ages one and six years. Conclusion: The researcher concluded that the overall awareness, attitudes and practices on intestinal parasites in SBDM were poor. The intestinal parasites present in SBDM were Cytoisospora belli (35.4%) and Giardia lamblia (35.4%), Ascaris lumbricoides (17.7%), Trichuris trichiura (3%), and Taenia species (2%). The study also revealed that the prevalence of intestinal parasites was low from 2012 to 2020. Recommendations were made with an emphasis on education to increase disease prevention and control awareness. , Thesis (Ma) -- Faculty of Health Science, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-12

Case-based research on the fedup model for self-help housing

  • Authors: Qumbisa, Nolwazi
  • Date: 2023-12
  • Subjects: Community participation , Human settlements , Informal settlements
  • Language: English
  • Type: doctoral's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62199 , vital:72007
  • Description: In South Africa, the government subsidises the building of starter homes to meet the demand for housing for people with lower incomes. However, it is necessary for the state to revise its efforts to meet the demand for housing in the country. Self-help housing is a model that can be used as an alternative to state housing subsidies. The present research study investigates the essential aspects of sustainable self-help housing in the central region of South Africa. The present study aimed to address the central research topic by eliciting responses from participants: How can self-help provision become sustainable in the central region of South Africa? In response to the question, an effective self-help housing support model was developed, the aim of which is to outline how self-help housing projects could be improved. The literature findings demonstrate the potential of this model as a viable alternative to the existing housing delivery mechanism in South Africa. This assertion is supported by a study of self-help housing trajectories and an examination of relevant South African housing policies. However, there has been a lack of emphasis on the simplification of current models to accommodate the needs of implementers, government entities, and beneficiaries of self-help housing initiatives. This study aimed to address the highlighted gaps by utilising a qualitative methodology and drawing upon the data obtained. The data collection techniques included semi-structured interviews, structured observations, and focus-group discussions. A total of 25 semi-structured interviews were conducted with key stakeholders in human settlements, while the focus-group discussions involved 50 participants. A total of 5 focus group discussions were conducted with each group consisting of 10 participants. Moreover, the researcher conducted a document analysis, observations, and questionnaire survey. The data collected were analysed thematically. The results revealed that there are still challenges with implementing self-help housing. Moreover, the results are attributed mainly to a mismatch of the roles and responsibilities and not understanding the Enhanced People’s Housing Process (EPHP) policy. The principal contribution of the thesis is that housing policies, programmes and sector plans must encourage beneficiaries to play an active role. This study found that weak or unclear project vi specifications lead to contractor misunderstandings or discrepancies in housing project implementation, resulting in poor-quality work or delays. The conventional contractor-driven housing-delivery model also has issues like poor construction, corruption and mismanagement, profit-driven contractors, high contractor rates, project delays/incomplete projects, illegal occupation of incomplete projects, riots and disputes, ineffective project specifications, and beneficiary disengagement. In this study, it is demonstrated how a positive social impact on housing could be the outcome of an improved self-help approach. Consequently, the research suggests the adoption of an effective self-help housing support model, which may effectively address the challenges posed by informal settlements while enhancing the execution of self-help housing projects. The model has the potential to make contemporary contributions to the public housing policy model in South Africa. This study contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable housing alternatives, providing insights into the various obstacles, potential advantages, and recommended strategies within the realm of selfhelp housing. The study's qualitative approach facilitated a comprehensive examination of the lived experiences and viewpoints of diverse stakeholders. This yielded valuable insights that can inform policymakers, practitioners, and communities in their efforts to improve the sustainability of self-help housing solutions in the central region of South Africa. , Thesis (PhD) -- Engineering, Built Environment and Technology, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-12

Characterization of the coastal Aquifer of Gqeberha, South Africa : Developing a conceptual understanding

  • Authors: Vandala, Bamanye
  • Date: 2023-12
  • Subjects: Aquifers -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Groundwater ecology , Hydrogeology
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62710 , vital:72932
  • Description: The aquifer systems in Gqeberha are poorly understood due to a lack of groundwater studies within the area, and this is particularly the case for the coastal aquifer of Gqeberha. Amidst the water crisis the city is currently facing, groundwater has become crucial, with over 1000 boreholes reportedly drilled in the coastal area, most of which are residential. This has resulted in the need to conduct more groundwater studies in the area and in Nelson Mandela Bay. This study presents a detailed hydrogeological characterization of the coastal aquifer of Gqeberha. This was achieved through the use of different techniques, which include field mapping, geophysics, hydrochemistry, and pumping test analysis. The work was done on the coastal seeps of the Algoa Group Formation and the fractured aquifer of the Peninsula Formation. The results through mapping indicated an abundance of folds, faults, and fractures which all have implications for groundwater flow. The majority of fractures are striking in the NE-SW and NW-SE directions. The pumping test analysis also indicated fractal flow with significant matrix flow resulting in a dual porosity system up to at least 200m in depth. The transmissivity and storativity values range from 6.78 – 44.5 m2/day and 0.0172 – 0.0325, respectively. This is highly dependent on the fracture interconnectivity, which varies across the area and is higher at shallow depths, as suggested by the geophysical profiles. Geophysical profiles indicate that the contact between the Algoa Group Formations and the Peninsula Formation results in coastal seeps due to the difference in hydraulic conductivities. The hydrochemical analysis suggests that the seeps generally have Na-Cl and Ca-Mg-Cl water types. The groundwater in the eastern area has a Ca-HCO3 water type, and the groundwater in the western region has a Ca-Mg-Cl water type, with the Chelsea-Noordhoek Fault system separating the two groundwater signatures. Groundwater at greater depths has a Na-Cl water type with higher TDS values. The chemical signatures seen are due to external factors, which include sea sprays, anthropogenic activities, rock-water processes, and possibly connate water in the Peninsula Formation aquifer. The findings of this study offer valuable insights into the present conditions of the aquifer in Gqeberha. This research serves as a foundational study that can provide a baseline for future hydrogeological investigations in the area. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-12

Chemical analysis and biological activities of crude extracts and essential oil of selected medicinal plants from the Eastern Cape, South Africa, and Volta Region of Ghana

  • Authors: Agbo, Irene Adzo
  • Date: 2023-12
  • Subjects: Medicinal plants , Lantana camara , Peptic ulcer -- Treatment , Traditional medicine - South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Traditional medicine -- Ghana
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62431 , vital:72728
  • Description: Lantana camara and Khaya grandifoliola extracts are among many plants found traditionally effective for the treatment of wounds and ulcers. This study assessed the phytochemical content, isolation and identification of single compounds from methanol and ethyl acetate extracts of Lantana camara and Khaya grandifoliola. Further, the bioactivity testing including antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytoxicity of the extracts was done to confirm the wound healing potential discovered by the traditional healers. Materials and methods: Extraction was done successively using maceration method with 100 % ethyl acetate and 100 % methanol with a biomass-to-solvent ratio of 1:3 (w/v) to obtain L. camara ethyl acetate extracts of berry (ELB), flower (ELF) and leaf (ELL) and methanol extracts of MLB, MLF, MLL and K. grandifoliola ethyl acetate extracts of leaf (EKL), root (EKR) and stem bark (EKSB) and methanol extracts of MKL, MKR, MKSB respectively. L. camara leaf essential oil (EO) was extracted using the hydro-distillation method with a Clevenger apparatus. Total phytochemical content was assessed for each extract using spectrophotometric methods and a calibration curve of standards: bromocresol green method with atropine; Folin–Ciocalteu colorimetric method with gallic acid, aluminium chloride colorimetric method with quercetin and concentrated sulphuric acid chloroform with linalool for total alkaloid, phenolic, flavonoid and terpenoid contents respectively. Single compound isolation and purification was conducted using chromatographic techniques. Elucidation of single compounds was done using spectrometric method, high resolution- mass spectrometry, and one and two-dimensional (1D and 2D)-NMR. Stereochemistry of each compound was confirmed using electronic circular dichroism spectra. A Crystalline compound was identified by single crystal X-ray diffraction using CuKα-radiation. In vitro bioactivities were assessed with methods such as 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, free radical scavenging activity of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, inhibitory effect on nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-activated RAW 264.7 macrophages, and 96-well plate micro dilution for cytotoxicity, ant-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity testing. Results: Methanol extracts of both plants retained high phytochemical concentrations of all the phytoconstituents investigated compared with the ethyl acetate extracts which retained lower concentrations. The results of the L. camara methanol extracts include; total alkaloid content (TAC) (2.05±0.18, 1.87±1.54 and 2.60±1.10 mg AEQ/100 mg); total phenolic content (TPC) (14.05±4.04, 34.59±3.01 and 18.58±1.87 mg GAEQ/100 mg); the total flavonoid content(TFC) of flower (12.45±1.87, 20.41±2.69 and mg QEQ/100 mg); total terpenoids (TTC) (20.74±2.34, 20.74±2.34 and 15.97±1.19 mg LIN EQ/100mg) of MLB, MLF and MLL respectively. Whereas that of the K. grandifoliola methanol extracts include; TAC (7.32±0.14,8.49±0.34, 10.67±0.22 mg AEQ/100 mg); TPC (37.49±1.40, 44.41±0.69, 53.57±1.50 mgGAEQ/100 mg); TFC (6.54±0.55, 9.58±0.89 and 10.26±0.92 mg QEQ/100 mg); TTC(10.16±1.41, 35.78±2.14 and 23.45±1.76 mg LIN EQ/100mg) of MKL, MKR and MKSB respectively. The major components of essential oil, out of the 71 constituents identified include Davanone D (32.91 %), Caryophyllene (5.07 %), Nerolidol 2 (3.56 %) and GermacreneD (3.13 %). Compounds 3.47 was isolated from the methanol extract of L. camara flowers. This compound is reported for the first time from the L. camara flower extract. Two compounds, compounds 4.23, and 4.26, were isolated from the methanol extract of K. grandifoliola roots, compound 4.22 was isolated from the ethyl acetate root extract while compounds 4.24 and 4.25 were isolated from the ethyl acetate stem bark extract as isomers in a mixture. Compounds 4.22 and 4.23 are reported from K. grandifoliola root for the first time. The isolated compounds (compounds 3.47 and 4.23) were nontoxic to the Vero cell line and this may contribute to possible stimulation of cell proliferation, promoting wound healing. Cytotoxicity describes extract virulence to Vero cell line. MLF and ELB were found nontoxic even at the highest concentration of 200 μg/mL. The MKSB and MKR, as well as the EKSB were nontoxic. Antioxidant activity results, described by the percentage inhibition in the DPPH assay, showed that MLF and MKSB had the highest antioxidant activities compared with the ascorbic acid standard, with IC50 of 38.68±5.09 and 37.03±11.95 μg/mL for L. camara and K. grandifoliola respectively. ELB exhibited a significant anti-inflammatory activity inhibiting NO• radical generation in the LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages at concentration ranging from 50 and 100 μg/mL. EKSB and MKR showed significant anti-inflammatory activity at 100 and 200 μg/ml respectively. ELL and ELF demonstrated potent growth inhibition against S. pyogenes with an MIC value ≤ 0.125 mg/mL, while the MICs of the ELB and MLL were 0.5 mg/mL and 2 mg/mL respectively. MKSB and MKR and EKSB extract exhibited an effective growth inhibition against S. aureus with MIC of 1 mg/mL. The growth of S. pyogenes was supressed by both ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of all plant parts tested with MIC ranging from 0.25–2 mg/mL. Conclusion: The potent bioactivity shown in the results of the cytotoxicity, antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity testing, and the nontoxic singlecompounds of L. camara and K. grandifoliola extracts led to the conclusion that the two plants had wound healing potential. The study therefore confirmed their traditional uses for treatment of wounds. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-12

Creating a value proposition in the optometry industry: perceptions of customers

  • Authors: Mmamogobo, Maleage Jacob
  • Date: 2023-12
  • Subjects: Optometry--Economic aspects , Optometry--Practice , Consumer behavior -- South Africa , Corporate image -- Management
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65782 , vital:74237
  • Description: The highly competitive environment in the optometry healthcare industry, the over-serviced urban market and the cost of keeping businesses operating with little knowledge of how a profitable business operates lead most independent business owners to employ inappropriate strategies to manage situations that arise, and the optometry industry, particularly standalone practices, are particularly vulnerable to these challenges. As a result, creating a value proposition for customers has become a common approach to operations and ensuring service providers’ survival in new and existing practices. Therefore, the limitations under which service providers operate need to be investigated to determine which competencies are lacking. The study aimed to create a value proposition in the optometry industry in South Africa by exploring optometry customers’ perceptions. Through a qualitative research approach a total of 17 telephone interviews and eight mask-to-mask interviews were conducted with participants (five per chosen service provider from all nine provinces). The participants were drawn from all service providers’ current customers, including those whom in the past three months used the services or products, purchased an optical frame temple or full pair of spectacles, underwent an eye examination, and others. The qualitative data analysis employed content and thematic analyses, focusing on key elements such as the importance of creating a value proposition, developing a value proposition process, and the challenges associated with its creation. The five building blocks for creating a value proposition are visibility, service and product, price and value, reputation management and communication. This study’s findings will assist individual service providers to evaluate themselves against customers’ expectations and benefit customers and researchers. The main recommendations are 24-hour online access to a website, quality of services or products, full standard optometry service, affordable health care products or services, a short turnaround time for complete products, and acquired management skills to grow and generate sales. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Management Sciences, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-12

Eco-leadership determinants necessary for effective sustainability implementation

  • Authors: May,Jodé
  • Date: 2023-12
  • Subjects: Retail trade -- Management , Leadership -- South Africa , Sustainability
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65683 , vital:74228
  • Description: Sustainability is regarded globally as one of the key focus areas for organisations and requires also considering environmental and social performance in addition to economic performance. Eco-leadership is required to ensure operations impact society and the environment in a positive manner, in particular in the retail sector as customers have become conscious of their purchases being produced sustainably. The main objective of this study was thus to explore eco-leadership determinants necessary for sustainability implementation in retail organisations. The research was aimed at expanding knowledge about how retailers can implement or improve their sustainability status by following an eco-leadership approach. A literature review was conducted on what leadership in organisations entailed and how it can be described in terms of leaders’ characteristics, work practices and decisions. In addition a review on, leader qualities and leadership styles in general and of change leaders such as eco-leaders, sustainability strategies from both an environmental and socially responsible view in general and of the retail sector, was provided. The study followed a qualitative research approach using purposive sampling to identify the 11 participants from across the provinces in South Africa and retail product categories comprising of two hard-line retailers, five soft goods and consumables retailers, three FMCG retailers and one art retailer. A semi-structured interview guide was utilised to gather primary data using face-to-face, telephonic and email interviews. Content and constant comparative analysis was used to analyse the data. It appears that retailers ascribe eco-leadership in relation to resource management-, being people centred and practising sustainability leadership. All retailers seem to demonstrate their commitment to eco-leadership and serve society. Their sustainability status is publicised via digital and print media or visually displayed in-store. They practise eco-leadership as it is beneficial for their reputation or to ensure business continuity. Retailers use innovation and incorporate eco-leadership into their business models and have further plans to improve their sustainability. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Management Sciences, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-12
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