The evolving image of the German Democratic republic as reflected in the works of Jurek Becker and Christa Wolf
- Authors: Williams, Alison Elizabeth
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Becker, Jurek, 1937-1997 Wolf, Christa German fiction -- Germany (East) -- 20th Century Germany (East) -- History -- 20th Century Germany (East) In literature
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3584 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002159
- Description: The primary objective of this thesis is to demonstrate the direct relationship between history and literature, with particular reference to literature published in the German Democratic Republic. It explores the period of history from 1945 to 1990 describing the collapse of National Socialist Germany after World War Two; the formation of the Federal Republic of Germany in the West and the German Democratic Republic in the East in 1949; the historical, political and cultural evolution of East Germany until the fall of the Berlin Wall in November 1989, and finally the absorption of the German Democratic Republic into the Federal Republic of Germany in 1990.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Williams, Alison Elizabeth
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Becker, Jurek, 1937-1997 Wolf, Christa German fiction -- Germany (East) -- 20th Century Germany (East) -- History -- 20th Century Germany (East) In literature
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3584 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002159
- Description: The primary objective of this thesis is to demonstrate the direct relationship between history and literature, with particular reference to literature published in the German Democratic Republic. It explores the period of history from 1945 to 1990 describing the collapse of National Socialist Germany after World War Two; the formation of the Federal Republic of Germany in the West and the German Democratic Republic in the East in 1949; the historical, political and cultural evolution of East Germany until the fall of the Berlin Wall in November 1989, and finally the absorption of the German Democratic Republic into the Federal Republic of Germany in 1990.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The experience and aftermath of chronic bullying on individuals' socio-emotional development
- Authors: Darney, Christine Kyle
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Bullying -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects , Bullying in schools -- South Africa -- Prevention
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9885 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1214 , Bullying -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects , Bullying in schools -- South Africa -- Prevention
- Description: Bullying behaviour is fast becoming a common feature in schools around the world. It is a practice that provokes concern, as it infringes upon the child’s right to human dignity, privacy, freedom and security. The physical, emotional and educational consequences of bullying behaviour can never be underestimated (Oyaziwo, 2008). Limited research has been conducted in South Africa regarding the prevalence and possible long-term effects of chronic bullying at school. This study intended to explore and describe the prevalence of bullying behaviour among a sample of grade 8 learners and the prevalence of previous chronic bullying at school among a sample of young adults in the Nelson Mandela Metropole. In addition, the study aimed to explore and describe the relationship between chronic bullying at school and self-esteem and attachment styles. Finally, the contextual factors which may influence the outcomes of chronic bullying for victims were explored and described. The study was exploratory descriptive in nature and employed a mixed method research design. Participants were selected by means of non-probability sampling. The sample consisted of 225 grade 8 learners at a secondary school in the Nelson Mandela Metropole and 101 young adult participants who had completed their school education in the Nelson Mandela Metropole within the past sixteen years. Data on the demographics of the sample was gathered through the administration of a biographical questionnaire. Furthermore, the Olweus (1996) Bully/Victim Questionnaire was utilized in order to obtain information about the prevalence of bullying behaviours among the participants. James Battle’s (1981) Culture-Free Self-Esteem Inventories were used to measure the construct of self-esteem, and Bartholomew and Horowitz’ (1991) Relationship Questionnaire was employed in order to identify the participants’ current attachment styles. Individual semi-structured interviews were later conducted among a sub-set of young adult participants, who had experienced chronic bullying at school, in order to identify the contextual factors which may have influenced the xiii outcomes of their experiences of victimization. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including correlations and multivariate analysis of variance (ANOVA), were utilized in order to analyze the quantitative data. Key findings revealed that eighty-five percent of the grade 8 participants had been involved in bullying behaviours at school this year and ninety-one percent of the young adult participants had been involved in bullying behaviours during some stage of their school careers. No significant relationship was found to exist between bullying and self-esteem in the grade 8 sample. Self-esteem scores did however vary significantly among the victims, bully-victims and bystanders in the young adult sample. Correlational coefficients confirmed that there was a significant relationship between previous chronic bullying at school and the total self-esteem scores of participants in the young adult sample. Findings also showed that there was no significant relationship between bullying and attachment in either of the samples in this study. Finally, qualitative results revealed that a number of contextual factors influenced the outcomes of chronic bullying at school for the sub-set of young adult victims. These factors included: The nature, frequency and duration of the bullying behaviour, the victims’ social support at the time as well as the victims’ personal characteristics.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Darney, Christine Kyle
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Bullying -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects , Bullying in schools -- South Africa -- Prevention
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9885 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1214 , Bullying -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects , Bullying in schools -- South Africa -- Prevention
- Description: Bullying behaviour is fast becoming a common feature in schools around the world. It is a practice that provokes concern, as it infringes upon the child’s right to human dignity, privacy, freedom and security. The physical, emotional and educational consequences of bullying behaviour can never be underestimated (Oyaziwo, 2008). Limited research has been conducted in South Africa regarding the prevalence and possible long-term effects of chronic bullying at school. This study intended to explore and describe the prevalence of bullying behaviour among a sample of grade 8 learners and the prevalence of previous chronic bullying at school among a sample of young adults in the Nelson Mandela Metropole. In addition, the study aimed to explore and describe the relationship between chronic bullying at school and self-esteem and attachment styles. Finally, the contextual factors which may influence the outcomes of chronic bullying for victims were explored and described. The study was exploratory descriptive in nature and employed a mixed method research design. Participants were selected by means of non-probability sampling. The sample consisted of 225 grade 8 learners at a secondary school in the Nelson Mandela Metropole and 101 young adult participants who had completed their school education in the Nelson Mandela Metropole within the past sixteen years. Data on the demographics of the sample was gathered through the administration of a biographical questionnaire. Furthermore, the Olweus (1996) Bully/Victim Questionnaire was utilized in order to obtain information about the prevalence of bullying behaviours among the participants. James Battle’s (1981) Culture-Free Self-Esteem Inventories were used to measure the construct of self-esteem, and Bartholomew and Horowitz’ (1991) Relationship Questionnaire was employed in order to identify the participants’ current attachment styles. Individual semi-structured interviews were later conducted among a sub-set of young adult participants, who had experienced chronic bullying at school, in order to identify the contextual factors which may have influenced the xiii outcomes of their experiences of victimization. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including correlations and multivariate analysis of variance (ANOVA), were utilized in order to analyze the quantitative data. Key findings revealed that eighty-five percent of the grade 8 participants had been involved in bullying behaviours at school this year and ninety-one percent of the young adult participants had been involved in bullying behaviours during some stage of their school careers. No significant relationship was found to exist between bullying and self-esteem in the grade 8 sample. Self-esteem scores did however vary significantly among the victims, bully-victims and bystanders in the young adult sample. Correlational coefficients confirmed that there was a significant relationship between previous chronic bullying at school and the total self-esteem scores of participants in the young adult sample. Findings also showed that there was no significant relationship between bullying and attachment in either of the samples in this study. Finally, qualitative results revealed that a number of contextual factors influenced the outcomes of chronic bullying at school for the sub-set of young adult victims. These factors included: The nature, frequency and duration of the bullying behaviour, the victims’ social support at the time as well as the victims’ personal characteristics.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The experiences of AIDS orphaned adolescents in Thaba-Bosiu, Maseru
- Authors: Motene, Khantse
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) in adolescence , AIDS (Disease) in children -- Social aspects , Orphans -- Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10001 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1025 , AIDS (Disease) in adolescence , AIDS (Disease) in children -- Social aspects , Orphans -- Africa
- Description: “We owe them fathers, and a family and loving homes they never knew because we know deep in our hearts that they are all our children too,” These are words from the musical Miss Saigon by Boubill and Schonberg as quoted by van Dyk (2005:278) which prompted the researcher’s interest in the study. According to a study by Kimane and Mturi (2000:8), a good number of AIDS orphaned adolescents have the responsibility of the care of siblings. Moreover, they are economically active, forced to earn income for their own survival or for their unemployed siblings or extended family household. They are the young people one sees in the streets of Lesotho’s principle cities, selling fruit or collecting fares in local taxis. For girls, the situation is particularly dire. While they too sell goods on the streets or some are employed as domestic workers, many find the lure of commercial sex work and the promise of cash irresistible (Kimane and Mturi, 2000:8). However, Fraser (2004:143) denotes that some children, when faced with stressful conditions, construct socially adverse situations as challenges and opportunities and access adequate amounts of available individual and environmental resources. This general frame of reference through which individuals appraise and react to events and situations in the environment is termed resiliency (Fraser, 2004:143). The aim of the study was to explore and describe the experiences of AIDS orphaned adolescents. A qualitative approach with an exploratory-descriptive research design was employed to meet the aims of the study. The research was conducted in Thaba-Bosiu, Maseru. Purposive sampling was used to access a research sample with the assistance of a service rendering organisation in Lesotho. Data was collected by means of semi-structured interviews with eight AIDS orphaned adolescents between the ages of 15 -18 years. Data was analysed according to the framework provided by Tesch (in Creswell, 1994:153) and Guba’s model (in Krefting, 1991:217) was employed for data verification. It was anticipated that the study would contribute to the recommendations towards the development of more effective programmes for the AIDS orphans in Lesotho. In addition, undertaking this research was viewed as critical as it would provide the much needed scientific basis on which the Social Work professional body would be able to reflect on its AIDS orphan support strategies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Motene, Khantse
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) in adolescence , AIDS (Disease) in children -- Social aspects , Orphans -- Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10001 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1025 , AIDS (Disease) in adolescence , AIDS (Disease) in children -- Social aspects , Orphans -- Africa
- Description: “We owe them fathers, and a family and loving homes they never knew because we know deep in our hearts that they are all our children too,” These are words from the musical Miss Saigon by Boubill and Schonberg as quoted by van Dyk (2005:278) which prompted the researcher’s interest in the study. According to a study by Kimane and Mturi (2000:8), a good number of AIDS orphaned adolescents have the responsibility of the care of siblings. Moreover, they are economically active, forced to earn income for their own survival or for their unemployed siblings or extended family household. They are the young people one sees in the streets of Lesotho’s principle cities, selling fruit or collecting fares in local taxis. For girls, the situation is particularly dire. While they too sell goods on the streets or some are employed as domestic workers, many find the lure of commercial sex work and the promise of cash irresistible (Kimane and Mturi, 2000:8). However, Fraser (2004:143) denotes that some children, when faced with stressful conditions, construct socially adverse situations as challenges and opportunities and access adequate amounts of available individual and environmental resources. This general frame of reference through which individuals appraise and react to events and situations in the environment is termed resiliency (Fraser, 2004:143). The aim of the study was to explore and describe the experiences of AIDS orphaned adolescents. A qualitative approach with an exploratory-descriptive research design was employed to meet the aims of the study. The research was conducted in Thaba-Bosiu, Maseru. Purposive sampling was used to access a research sample with the assistance of a service rendering organisation in Lesotho. Data was collected by means of semi-structured interviews with eight AIDS orphaned adolescents between the ages of 15 -18 years. Data was analysed according to the framework provided by Tesch (in Creswell, 1994:153) and Guba’s model (in Krefting, 1991:217) was employed for data verification. It was anticipated that the study would contribute to the recommendations towards the development of more effective programmes for the AIDS orphans in Lesotho. In addition, undertaking this research was viewed as critical as it would provide the much needed scientific basis on which the Social Work professional body would be able to reflect on its AIDS orphan support strategies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The experiences of people living with HIV-AIDS with regard to the comprehensive antiretroviral therapy management received from registered nurses at selected public primary heathcare clinics in Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Jackson, Dawne Shirley
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Antiretroviral agents -- South Africa , Stigma (Social psychology) , Nurses -- South Africa -- Attitudes , HIV-positive persons -- Counseling of -- South Africa , AIDS (Disease) -- Treatment -- South Africa , HIV infections -- Treatment -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10032 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1253 , Antiretroviral agents -- South Africa , Stigma (Social psychology) , Nurses -- South Africa -- Attitudes , HIV-positive persons -- Counseling of -- South Africa , AIDS (Disease) -- Treatment -- South Africa , HIV infections -- Treatment -- South Africa
- Description: Currently South Africa has the highest number of persons living with HIV-AIDS (PLWAs) in the world. Focus-group discussions conducted by Moon (2005:3) in the Eastern Cape indicated that people may not want to get tested for HIV or to access antiretroviral therapy (ART) for fear of disclosure of their HIV-positive status and of stigmatization. These findings prompted the researcher to conduct a study in this field. The objectives of this study are to explore and describe the experiences of PLWAs with regard to the comprehensive ART management received from registered nurses at selected public primary healthcare clinics in Nelson Mandela Bay; and to develop guidelines for registered nurses that could facilitate them in rendering appropriate comprehensive ART management. The research study is based on a qualitative, explorative, descriptive, phenomenological and contextual research design. The research population comprised of HIV-positive patients who received treatment at the selected public primary healthcare clinics. Criterion-based, purposive sampling was used to select participants for the interviews. Ten in-depth unstructured interviews were conducted. Data was then transcribed and coded. One central theme identified the fact that PLWAs experienced both positive and negative experiences at the clinics. The main findings of this research included evidence of various forms of stigma experienced by the PLWAs; distrust of the lay health counselors; but also that PLWAs were generally well-treated and satisfied with the service they had received. Broad guidelines for registered nurses was formulated that could facilitate them in rendering appropriate comprehensive ART management. The study concludes with recommendations made with regards to the areas of nursing practice, education and research. Throughout the study the researcher abided by the ethical considerations. The aspects of trustworthiness implemented in this study, included dependability, credibility, transferability and confirmability (Holloway & Wheeler, 2002:354).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Jackson, Dawne Shirley
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Antiretroviral agents -- South Africa , Stigma (Social psychology) , Nurses -- South Africa -- Attitudes , HIV-positive persons -- Counseling of -- South Africa , AIDS (Disease) -- Treatment -- South Africa , HIV infections -- Treatment -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10032 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1253 , Antiretroviral agents -- South Africa , Stigma (Social psychology) , Nurses -- South Africa -- Attitudes , HIV-positive persons -- Counseling of -- South Africa , AIDS (Disease) -- Treatment -- South Africa , HIV infections -- Treatment -- South Africa
- Description: Currently South Africa has the highest number of persons living with HIV-AIDS (PLWAs) in the world. Focus-group discussions conducted by Moon (2005:3) in the Eastern Cape indicated that people may not want to get tested for HIV or to access antiretroviral therapy (ART) for fear of disclosure of their HIV-positive status and of stigmatization. These findings prompted the researcher to conduct a study in this field. The objectives of this study are to explore and describe the experiences of PLWAs with regard to the comprehensive ART management received from registered nurses at selected public primary healthcare clinics in Nelson Mandela Bay; and to develop guidelines for registered nurses that could facilitate them in rendering appropriate comprehensive ART management. The research study is based on a qualitative, explorative, descriptive, phenomenological and contextual research design. The research population comprised of HIV-positive patients who received treatment at the selected public primary healthcare clinics. Criterion-based, purposive sampling was used to select participants for the interviews. Ten in-depth unstructured interviews were conducted. Data was then transcribed and coded. One central theme identified the fact that PLWAs experienced both positive and negative experiences at the clinics. The main findings of this research included evidence of various forms of stigma experienced by the PLWAs; distrust of the lay health counselors; but also that PLWAs were generally well-treated and satisfied with the service they had received. Broad guidelines for registered nurses was formulated that could facilitate them in rendering appropriate comprehensive ART management. The study concludes with recommendations made with regards to the areas of nursing practice, education and research. Throughout the study the researcher abided by the ethical considerations. The aspects of trustworthiness implemented in this study, included dependability, credibility, transferability and confirmability (Holloway & Wheeler, 2002:354).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The experiences of registered nurses' of their work environment in a critical care unit
- Authors: Adams, Bernardene Lucreshia
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Intensive care nursing -- South Africa , Intensive care units , Nurses -- Job stress -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10013 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1057 , Intensive care nursing -- South Africa , Intensive care units , Nurses -- Job stress -- South Africa
- Description: Critical care nursing is a vital and significant part of health care provision to critically ill patients. It is a specialty area of nursing that requires registered nurses who are highly motivated, knowledgeable and skilled to provide optimal care to critically ill patients. These patients are nursed in a complex environment consisting of specialised equipment (such as ventilators, defibrillators, intravenous pumps, and cardiac monitors) that is not found in any other field of nursing. Collegial support and an adequate registered nurse: patient ratio is vital in critical care units in order to provide optimal quality care to critically ill patients. However, an understaffed work environment, the demands of critical care nursing and other work-related problems, such as conflict with physicians, inadequate remuneration packages and an increased workload can cause serious distress and dissatisfaction amongst registered nurses in this specific environment (Carayon & Gürses, 2005:287). The objectives of this study therefore are to explore and describe the experiences of registered nurses of their work environment in a critical care unit and to make recommendations that will assist registered nurses working in a critical care unit. A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual research design will be utilised. Data will be collected by means of semi-structured interviews and analysed according to the framework provided by Tesch (in Cresswell, 2003:192). Purposive sampling will be used to select a sample of registered nurses working in a critical care environment. Guba’s model (in Krefting, 1991) will be utilised to verify data and to ensure trustworthiness of the study. Ethical considerations will be adhered to throughout the study. Once data has been analysed, recommendations will be made that will assist registered nurses working in a critical care unit.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Adams, Bernardene Lucreshia
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Intensive care nursing -- South Africa , Intensive care units , Nurses -- Job stress -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10013 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1057 , Intensive care nursing -- South Africa , Intensive care units , Nurses -- Job stress -- South Africa
- Description: Critical care nursing is a vital and significant part of health care provision to critically ill patients. It is a specialty area of nursing that requires registered nurses who are highly motivated, knowledgeable and skilled to provide optimal care to critically ill patients. These patients are nursed in a complex environment consisting of specialised equipment (such as ventilators, defibrillators, intravenous pumps, and cardiac monitors) that is not found in any other field of nursing. Collegial support and an adequate registered nurse: patient ratio is vital in critical care units in order to provide optimal quality care to critically ill patients. However, an understaffed work environment, the demands of critical care nursing and other work-related problems, such as conflict with physicians, inadequate remuneration packages and an increased workload can cause serious distress and dissatisfaction amongst registered nurses in this specific environment (Carayon & Gürses, 2005:287). The objectives of this study therefore are to explore and describe the experiences of registered nurses of their work environment in a critical care unit and to make recommendations that will assist registered nurses working in a critical care unit. A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual research design will be utilised. Data will be collected by means of semi-structured interviews and analysed according to the framework provided by Tesch (in Cresswell, 2003:192). Purposive sampling will be used to select a sample of registered nurses working in a critical care environment. Guba’s model (in Krefting, 1991) will be utilised to verify data and to ensure trustworthiness of the study. Ethical considerations will be adhered to throughout the study. Once data has been analysed, recommendations will be made that will assist registered nurses working in a critical care unit.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The experiences of women of their HIV/AIDS status disclosure to sexual partners: an exploratory study of Magunje township, Zimbabwe
- Kambarami, Maureen Cresencia
- Authors: Kambarami, Maureen Cresencia
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Rural women -- Zimbabwe , Promiscuity -- Zimbabwe , HIV-positive women -- Zimbabwe , AIDS (Disease) in women -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M SW
- Identifier: vital:11757 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/231 , Rural women -- Zimbabwe , Promiscuity -- Zimbabwe , HIV-positive women -- Zimbabwe , AIDS (Disease) in women -- Zimbabwe
- Description: The African continent has been hit the hardest by the HIV/AIDS epidemic which has seen more women becoming infected than men (Hunter, 2003; UNAIDS, 2004). This has been attributed to the permissible nature of the African culture which is lenient on male promiscuity (Foreman, 1999; Colvin 2000; Leclerc-Madlala 2001; Dube 2003). African women are not only vulnerable to infection but are also vulnerable to negative disclosure experiences when they disclose their status to sexual partners. This double impact of culture has not been addressed by past researches (UNAIDS 2004). The present research thus attempts to fill that gap. It explores the interplay between culture and HIV transmission as well as the interplay between culture and disclosure experiences. The study’s setting is Magunje Township, a rural village in Mashonaland Central province in Zimbabwe. Taking into consideration the limitations of the present analysis, data gathered indicates that African women are vulnerable to both HIV infection and negative disclosure experiences. Their vulnerability also hampers prevention and treatment efforts as it makes them decide to keep their status a secret from sexual partners for fear of losing the financial income tied to sexual partners. The present researcher concludes with some suggestions for policy makers and programme implementers, highlighting the importance of focusing on HIV/AIDS status disclosure as a prevention and treatment method in the absence of a cure for HIV.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Kambarami, Maureen Cresencia
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Rural women -- Zimbabwe , Promiscuity -- Zimbabwe , HIV-positive women -- Zimbabwe , AIDS (Disease) in women -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M SW
- Identifier: vital:11757 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/231 , Rural women -- Zimbabwe , Promiscuity -- Zimbabwe , HIV-positive women -- Zimbabwe , AIDS (Disease) in women -- Zimbabwe
- Description: The African continent has been hit the hardest by the HIV/AIDS epidemic which has seen more women becoming infected than men (Hunter, 2003; UNAIDS, 2004). This has been attributed to the permissible nature of the African culture which is lenient on male promiscuity (Foreman, 1999; Colvin 2000; Leclerc-Madlala 2001; Dube 2003). African women are not only vulnerable to infection but are also vulnerable to negative disclosure experiences when they disclose their status to sexual partners. This double impact of culture has not been addressed by past researches (UNAIDS 2004). The present research thus attempts to fill that gap. It explores the interplay between culture and HIV transmission as well as the interplay between culture and disclosure experiences. The study’s setting is Magunje Township, a rural village in Mashonaland Central province in Zimbabwe. Taking into consideration the limitations of the present analysis, data gathered indicates that African women are vulnerable to both HIV infection and negative disclosure experiences. Their vulnerability also hampers prevention and treatment efforts as it makes them decide to keep their status a secret from sexual partners for fear of losing the financial income tied to sexual partners. The present researcher concludes with some suggestions for policy makers and programme implementers, highlighting the importance of focusing on HIV/AIDS status disclosure as a prevention and treatment method in the absence of a cure for HIV.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The extent of the right to strike in South African labour law
- Authors: Myeza, Sanele Phillip
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Strikes and lockouts -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Right to strike -- South Africa , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10225 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1037 , Strikes and lockouts -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Right to strike -- South Africa , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa
- Description: South Africa emerges from a history where, workers, and in particular African workers, were excluded from enjoying labour rights and particularly the right to strike, without consequences. Participation in industrial action was treated as a delict or even a criminal offence by employers and the state. A history where participation in a strike was treated as breach of contract and therefore the employer could dismiss striking employees at will. The first democratic elections in South Africa introduced a Constitutional democracy. The Constitution introduced the Bill of Rights in terms whereof the right of every employee to form and join trade unions and to participate in its activities and programmes and to strike was entrenched. Section 27 of the Constitution provides that national legislation shall be enacted to give effect to its purpose and to regulate labour matters, hence the Labour Relations Act of 1995. This study will show that the Labour Relations Act of 1995 marked a major change in South Africa’s statutory industrial relations system. Following the transition to the new political dispensation and a democratic system, the LRA encapsulated the new government’s aims to reconstruct and democratise the economy and society. It ushered in a new order where employers and workers had the opportunity to move away from the adversarialism that had characterised their relations in the past. It promoted more orderly collective bargaining and greater co-operation at workplace and industry levels, and provided an expeditious dispute resolution system. This study also takes a closer view of the provisions of international instruments and institutions such the International Labour Organisation and it, further, does a comparative analysis of the provisions of strike law in other jurisdictions like the United States of America, Canada and the United Kingdom. This study shows further that, while South Africa has democratised the workplace and done away with legislation, policies and practices that discriminated against the majority of the workers and deprived them of the rights that were otherwise enjoyed by their white counterparts to form and join unions and to participate in the activities of the unions, including participating in a strike and while it has made provisions for a protected strike under the LRA and while South Africa has tried to level the playing field and brought some equilibrium in the power between workers and employers, the very same right to participate in a strike and to compel employers to accede to their demands is taken away by the provision in the LRA that allows employers to lock them out and replace them with temporary workers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Myeza, Sanele Phillip
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Strikes and lockouts -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Right to strike -- South Africa , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10225 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1037 , Strikes and lockouts -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Right to strike -- South Africa , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa
- Description: South Africa emerges from a history where, workers, and in particular African workers, were excluded from enjoying labour rights and particularly the right to strike, without consequences. Participation in industrial action was treated as a delict or even a criminal offence by employers and the state. A history where participation in a strike was treated as breach of contract and therefore the employer could dismiss striking employees at will. The first democratic elections in South Africa introduced a Constitutional democracy. The Constitution introduced the Bill of Rights in terms whereof the right of every employee to form and join trade unions and to participate in its activities and programmes and to strike was entrenched. Section 27 of the Constitution provides that national legislation shall be enacted to give effect to its purpose and to regulate labour matters, hence the Labour Relations Act of 1995. This study will show that the Labour Relations Act of 1995 marked a major change in South Africa’s statutory industrial relations system. Following the transition to the new political dispensation and a democratic system, the LRA encapsulated the new government’s aims to reconstruct and democratise the economy and society. It ushered in a new order where employers and workers had the opportunity to move away from the adversarialism that had characterised their relations in the past. It promoted more orderly collective bargaining and greater co-operation at workplace and industry levels, and provided an expeditious dispute resolution system. This study also takes a closer view of the provisions of international instruments and institutions such the International Labour Organisation and it, further, does a comparative analysis of the provisions of strike law in other jurisdictions like the United States of America, Canada and the United Kingdom. This study shows further that, while South Africa has democratised the workplace and done away with legislation, policies and practices that discriminated against the majority of the workers and deprived them of the rights that were otherwise enjoyed by their white counterparts to form and join unions and to participate in the activities of the unions, including participating in a strike and while it has made provisions for a protected strike under the LRA and while South Africa has tried to level the playing field and brought some equilibrium in the power between workers and employers, the very same right to participate in a strike and to compel employers to accede to their demands is taken away by the provision in the LRA that allows employers to lock them out and replace them with temporary workers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The factors that hinder the overall equipment effectiveness at Ford Struandale Engine Plant
- Authors: Qweleka, Sazile
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Total productive maintenance -- South Africa , Industrial equipment -- Maintenance and repair -- Planning , Plant maintenance -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8673 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1163 , Total productive maintenance -- South Africa , Industrial equipment -- Maintenance and repair -- Planning , Plant maintenance -- Management
- Description: This treatise investigates the underlying factors that are hindering the improvement of Overall Equipment Effectiveness at the Ford Struandale Engine Plant. In January of 2008 the Ford Motor Company announced plans to invest more than R1.5 billion to expand operations for the production of Ford's next-generation compact pickup truck and the PUMA diesel engine. Ford will use the investment to expand operations both in Silverton for the production of 75 000 units of a new bakkie and in Port Elizabeth for 220 000 units of its new-generation PUMA diesel engines (http://www.autoblog.com /2008/01/31/ford-to-invest-209m-in-south-africa-for-new-ranger-pickup/). Only five Ford plants globally will be producing the PUMA engine (Turkey, UK, Thailand, Argentina and South Africa – Ford Struandale Engine Plant). The Ford Struandale Engine Plant will be the only plant which will have the I4 assembly, I5 assembly and 3C (Crank, Cylinder Block, and Cylinder Head) machining and the expectations of operating in a lean environment is high. The management team at the Ford Struandale Engine Plant needs to understand what the underlying factors that are hindering the improvement of Overall Equipment Effectiveness of the plant or, in other words, they need to be informed of the total benefits of TPM. A literature review was conducted to determine what the theory reveals about Overall Equipment Effectiveness, the three factors of OEE (Availability, Performance Efficiency, and Quality), the influence of Six Big Losses on each of the factors and the role of Total Productive Maintenance in improving OEE by eliminating these Six Big Losses. A Ford literature study was conducted to reveal the current literature being applied at Ford. This was then followed by an empirical survey conducted within the Ford Struandale Engine Plant. In addition, a task team formed to analyse the current maintenance operating strategy. Finally, the findings from discussions with the task team, the empirical survey, Ford Struandale Engine Plant literature survey and a general literature survey were amalgamated to draw conclusions relating to the Ford Struandale Engine Plant. These conclusions indicate what the underlying factors are that are hindering the improvement of Overall Equipment Effectiveness of the Ford Struandale Engine Plant facilities and equipment. Then recommendations are made as to how the Ford Struandale Engine Plant can improve the Overall Equipment Effectiveness of its facilities and equipment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Qweleka, Sazile
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Total productive maintenance -- South Africa , Industrial equipment -- Maintenance and repair -- Planning , Plant maintenance -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8673 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1163 , Total productive maintenance -- South Africa , Industrial equipment -- Maintenance and repair -- Planning , Plant maintenance -- Management
- Description: This treatise investigates the underlying factors that are hindering the improvement of Overall Equipment Effectiveness at the Ford Struandale Engine Plant. In January of 2008 the Ford Motor Company announced plans to invest more than R1.5 billion to expand operations for the production of Ford's next-generation compact pickup truck and the PUMA diesel engine. Ford will use the investment to expand operations both in Silverton for the production of 75 000 units of a new bakkie and in Port Elizabeth for 220 000 units of its new-generation PUMA diesel engines (http://www.autoblog.com /2008/01/31/ford-to-invest-209m-in-south-africa-for-new-ranger-pickup/). Only five Ford plants globally will be producing the PUMA engine (Turkey, UK, Thailand, Argentina and South Africa – Ford Struandale Engine Plant). The Ford Struandale Engine Plant will be the only plant which will have the I4 assembly, I5 assembly and 3C (Crank, Cylinder Block, and Cylinder Head) machining and the expectations of operating in a lean environment is high. The management team at the Ford Struandale Engine Plant needs to understand what the underlying factors that are hindering the improvement of Overall Equipment Effectiveness of the plant or, in other words, they need to be informed of the total benefits of TPM. A literature review was conducted to determine what the theory reveals about Overall Equipment Effectiveness, the three factors of OEE (Availability, Performance Efficiency, and Quality), the influence of Six Big Losses on each of the factors and the role of Total Productive Maintenance in improving OEE by eliminating these Six Big Losses. A Ford literature study was conducted to reveal the current literature being applied at Ford. This was then followed by an empirical survey conducted within the Ford Struandale Engine Plant. In addition, a task team formed to analyse the current maintenance operating strategy. Finally, the findings from discussions with the task team, the empirical survey, Ford Struandale Engine Plant literature survey and a general literature survey were amalgamated to draw conclusions relating to the Ford Struandale Engine Plant. These conclusions indicate what the underlying factors are that are hindering the improvement of Overall Equipment Effectiveness of the Ford Struandale Engine Plant facilities and equipment. Then recommendations are made as to how the Ford Struandale Engine Plant can improve the Overall Equipment Effectiveness of its facilities and equipment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The feasibility of starting a dating company in South Africa
- Bezuidenhout, Jacques Du Mont
- Authors: Bezuidenhout, Jacques Du Mont
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Online dating -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8686 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1114 , Online dating -- South Africa
- Description: The purpose of the research is to determine the feasibility of starting a dating company, which focuses specifically on the South African market. Further sub problems were defined as follow: • Which South Africans would use a dating service, that is, who will be the main customers? • Is there specifically identifiable information that can help to recognise customers? Or can a profile be created for to identify customers? • How much are the customers willing to pay? • Does or can technology play a role in in courtship? The role of technology was investigated, in which it was found that globalisation affects everyone. One of the core factors that caused many other technologies to evolve from it, is the Internet. The intranet was a natural evolution from the Internet, which is normally specific to a company. A further literature survey was conducted to gain an understanding of dating companies globally and locally, to gain an understanding of the subject, which was used to create a questionnaire. The questionnaire reached a 120 participants, with 52 participants responding, which relates to a response rate of 43.3 percent. The questionnaire produces 37 variables, which were correlated, and as a result it was recommended that it is feasible to start a dating company in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Bezuidenhout, Jacques Du Mont
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Online dating -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8686 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1114 , Online dating -- South Africa
- Description: The purpose of the research is to determine the feasibility of starting a dating company, which focuses specifically on the South African market. Further sub problems were defined as follow: • Which South Africans would use a dating service, that is, who will be the main customers? • Is there specifically identifiable information that can help to recognise customers? Or can a profile be created for to identify customers? • How much are the customers willing to pay? • Does or can technology play a role in in courtship? The role of technology was investigated, in which it was found that globalisation affects everyone. One of the core factors that caused many other technologies to evolve from it, is the Internet. The intranet was a natural evolution from the Internet, which is normally specific to a company. A further literature survey was conducted to gain an understanding of dating companies globally and locally, to gain an understanding of the subject, which was used to create a questionnaire. The questionnaire reached a 120 participants, with 52 participants responding, which relates to a response rate of 43.3 percent. The questionnaire produces 37 variables, which were correlated, and as a result it was recommended that it is feasible to start a dating company in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The formation of self-assembled monolayers of thiophthalocyanine complexes of titanium, vanadium and manganese and their use in l-cysteine electrocatalysis
- Mbambisa, Gcineka, Nombona, Nolwazi, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Mbambisa, Gcineka , Nombona, Nolwazi , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/263375 , vital:53622 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.microc.2009.04.009"
- Description: Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) based on octapentylthiophthalocyanine complexes of oxovanadium (IV) (OVOPThPc), titanium(IV) (OTiOPThPc), and manganese (III) acetate (AcMnOPThPc), and of tetraphenylthiophthalocyanine complexes of hydroxo manganese(III) (OHMnTPPc) and oxotitanium(IV) (OTiTPPc) are described. The oxidation of l-cysteine was observed at potentials which ranged from 0.52 V to 0.67 V. The detection limits for l-cysteine analysis were of the order of 10− 7 to 10− 6 M.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Mbambisa, Gcineka , Nombona, Nolwazi , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/263375 , vital:53622 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.microc.2009.04.009"
- Description: Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) based on octapentylthiophthalocyanine complexes of oxovanadium (IV) (OVOPThPc), titanium(IV) (OTiOPThPc), and manganese (III) acetate (AcMnOPThPc), and of tetraphenylthiophthalocyanine complexes of hydroxo manganese(III) (OHMnTPPc) and oxotitanium(IV) (OTiTPPc) are described. The oxidation of l-cysteine was observed at potentials which ranged from 0.52 V to 0.67 V. The detection limits for l-cysteine analysis were of the order of 10− 7 to 10− 6 M.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The geological framework and depositional environments of the coal-bearing Karoo strata in the Central Kalahari Karoo Basin, Botswana
- Authors: Segwabe, Tebogo
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Coal -- Geology -- Botswana , Sedimentation and deposition -- Botswana
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4955 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005567 , Coal -- Geology -- Botswana , Sedimentation and deposition -- Botswana
- Description: The investigation of the geological history (i.e., stratigraphy and sedimentology) and the dynamics of coal depositional environments, in particular, the forces responsible for changes in the accommodation space (e.g., subsidence vs. sedimentation rates) in the Permian coal-bearing Karoo strata in the Central Kalahari Karoo Basin (Botswana) revealed new details about the depositional processes and environments. Detailed review of the temporal and spatial stratigraphic variation of the coal-bearing Ecca Group successions via the analysis of facies changes based on core descriptions, gamma logs, field observations and palaeo-current measurements, lead to the identification of two main informal stratigraphic units, namely the Basal and Upper Units. The Basal Unit is characterised by an upward-coarsening succession, and it is interpreted as a product of a progradational deltaic setting (i.e., regressive deltaic cycle). This is followed by five sequences of fining-upward successions of sandstones and siltstones in the Upper Unit, interpreted as deposits of distributary channels (the basal arenaceous member) capped by finer argillaceous sequences of the deltaic floodplains (the upper coal-bearing member). The Upper Unit thus is interpreted as a delta plain facies association which was formed during transgressive phases when conditions for coal-quality peat accumulation (e.g., high water table) were present and the available accommodation space was partly controlled by tectonic uplift (repeated?) at basin margins. Limited palaeo-current analysis indicates deposition by channels flowing from the east, south-east and north-east. The lack of good quality exposures hampers the reconstruction of the plan form of the channel patterns. However, the little available evidence indicates a high-energy fluvio-deltaic system with irregular discharge and a high proportion of bedload sediments. Coal-seam thickness in the upper coal-bearing member reflect the complex control of the geological processes associated with and following peat formation, such as differential compaction of the underlying lithology, and the erosive or protective nature of the immediately overlying lithology.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Segwabe, Tebogo
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Coal -- Geology -- Botswana , Sedimentation and deposition -- Botswana
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4955 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005567 , Coal -- Geology -- Botswana , Sedimentation and deposition -- Botswana
- Description: The investigation of the geological history (i.e., stratigraphy and sedimentology) and the dynamics of coal depositional environments, in particular, the forces responsible for changes in the accommodation space (e.g., subsidence vs. sedimentation rates) in the Permian coal-bearing Karoo strata in the Central Kalahari Karoo Basin (Botswana) revealed new details about the depositional processes and environments. Detailed review of the temporal and spatial stratigraphic variation of the coal-bearing Ecca Group successions via the analysis of facies changes based on core descriptions, gamma logs, field observations and palaeo-current measurements, lead to the identification of two main informal stratigraphic units, namely the Basal and Upper Units. The Basal Unit is characterised by an upward-coarsening succession, and it is interpreted as a product of a progradational deltaic setting (i.e., regressive deltaic cycle). This is followed by five sequences of fining-upward successions of sandstones and siltstones in the Upper Unit, interpreted as deposits of distributary channels (the basal arenaceous member) capped by finer argillaceous sequences of the deltaic floodplains (the upper coal-bearing member). The Upper Unit thus is interpreted as a delta plain facies association which was formed during transgressive phases when conditions for coal-quality peat accumulation (e.g., high water table) were present and the available accommodation space was partly controlled by tectonic uplift (repeated?) at basin margins. Limited palaeo-current analysis indicates deposition by channels flowing from the east, south-east and north-east. The lack of good quality exposures hampers the reconstruction of the plan form of the channel patterns. However, the little available evidence indicates a high-energy fluvio-deltaic system with irregular discharge and a high proportion of bedload sediments. Coal-seam thickness in the upper coal-bearing member reflect the complex control of the geological processes associated with and following peat formation, such as differential compaction of the underlying lithology, and the erosive or protective nature of the immediately overlying lithology.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The governance and management of commonages in three small towns in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Martens, Claire
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Commons -- Conservation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Natural resources, Communal -- Management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Land tenure -- South Africa Land reform -- South Africa Property -- South Africa Property rights -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:4757 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007142
- Description: Commonage is land that is usually found adjacent to a town, which is owned by the local municipality and acquired through state grants or, historically, through the church. Since the new government dispensation in 1994, poor and previously disadvantaged residents have acquired access rights to commonage for agricultural purposes. Through the Department of Land Affair’s Commonage Programme, local municipalities are acquiring more commonage land for purposes of agriculture and grazing livestock. Commonages are increasingly being recognised as an important livelihood asset for the poor and unemployed residents’ of towns and rapid urbanisation is contributing to the increasing use of commonage for livelihood provisioning. Some municipalities view commonage as a key asset to promote Local Economic Development, while others are finding it difficult to manage the land effectively, to the extent that some analysts see tragic ecological consequences occurring due to over-grazing. This has been likened to the “tragedy of the commons” as advocated by Hardin in 1968. Commonage and common property resource systems have many similarities and co-management has been advocated as a potential management regime for commonage. Researching the policy framework, institutional structures and management bodies involved in commonage, gave a better understanding of the governance and management of the commonages in Grahamstown, Fort Beaufort and Bathurst. Current management attempts are not ensuring the efficient, equitable and sustainable use of these commonages. The governance framework is not adequately supporting proper management. In an environment of resource-poor institutional bodies, adaptive co-management could prove to be the most effective system to ensure the sustainable use and development of this natural resource. Furthermore, commonage is no longer contributing to the Land Reform Programme. Commonage should be better integrated into agrarian reform through lease schemes and an efficient Emerging Farmer Programme.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Martens, Claire
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Commons -- Conservation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Natural resources, Communal -- Management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Land tenure -- South Africa Land reform -- South Africa Property -- South Africa Property rights -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:4757 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007142
- Description: Commonage is land that is usually found adjacent to a town, which is owned by the local municipality and acquired through state grants or, historically, through the church. Since the new government dispensation in 1994, poor and previously disadvantaged residents have acquired access rights to commonage for agricultural purposes. Through the Department of Land Affair’s Commonage Programme, local municipalities are acquiring more commonage land for purposes of agriculture and grazing livestock. Commonages are increasingly being recognised as an important livelihood asset for the poor and unemployed residents’ of towns and rapid urbanisation is contributing to the increasing use of commonage for livelihood provisioning. Some municipalities view commonage as a key asset to promote Local Economic Development, while others are finding it difficult to manage the land effectively, to the extent that some analysts see tragic ecological consequences occurring due to over-grazing. This has been likened to the “tragedy of the commons” as advocated by Hardin in 1968. Commonage and common property resource systems have many similarities and co-management has been advocated as a potential management regime for commonage. Researching the policy framework, institutional structures and management bodies involved in commonage, gave a better understanding of the governance and management of the commonages in Grahamstown, Fort Beaufort and Bathurst. Current management attempts are not ensuring the efficient, equitable and sustainable use of these commonages. The governance framework is not adequately supporting proper management. In an environment of resource-poor institutional bodies, adaptive co-management could prove to be the most effective system to ensure the sustainable use and development of this natural resource. Furthermore, commonage is no longer contributing to the Land Reform Programme. Commonage should be better integrated into agrarian reform through lease schemes and an efficient Emerging Farmer Programme.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The green revolution and poverty alleviation challenges faced by women in small-scale agriculture: an investigation into the Siyazondla Homestead Food Production Programme, Mbhashe local municipality Eastern Cape
- Authors: Blaai-Mdolo, Bulelwa
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Women in agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural poor -- South Africa , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Rural Development)
- Identifier: vital:11935 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/133 , Women in agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural poor -- South Africa , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The researcher is perturbed by the escalating levels of poverty and unemployment in Mbhashe Local Municipality (Integrated Development Plan, 2008/9) despite the poverty alleviation programmes that have been established since 1994. The main objective of this study is to identify the underlying factors and challenges faced by women of the Impumelelo Isezandleni Community Garden and Poultry Project in meeting the set objectives of the programme such as improving food security and job creation through sustainable agricultural development. This project falls under the Siyazondla Homestead Food Production Programme (SHFPP), which is one of the programmes developed under the Green Revolution strategy of the Department of Agriculture. SHFPP is proclaimed to be running successfully in improving food security in the Mbhashe Local Municipality (MECDoA: 2008/9). 7 ABSTRACT The researcher is perturbed by the escalating levels of poverty and unemployment in Mbhashe Local Municipality (Integrated Development Plan, 2008/9) despite the poverty alleviation programmes that have been established since 1994. The main objective of this study is to identify the underlying factors and challenges faced by women of the Impumelelo Isezandleni Community Garden and Poultry Project in meeting the set objectives of the programme such as improving food security and job creation through sustainable agricultural development. This project falls under the Siyazondla Homestead Food Production Programme (SHFPP), which is one of the programmes developed under the Green Revolution strategy of the Department of Agriculture. SHFPP is proclaimed to be running successfully in improving food security in the Mbhashe Local Municipality (MECDoA: 2008/9). The dissertation argues that women, the beneficiaries of the project, are faced with a variety of challenges which make it impossible to meet the set objectives. Using a qualitative research methodology where semi-structured interviews gather data from 15 respondents who are beneficiaries in the project, findings indicate that there are a number of challenges and constraints that are experienced by women in the project. These challenges amongst others range from gender equity, culture and tradition; lack of provisions for diverse women population in the project; violation of the people-centered approach; limited women empowerment; insufficient support and lack of capacity from the Department of Agriculture (DoA) officials, the non-existent Land Reform Programme etc. While women seem committed and want the project to grow to sustain them, this is not complemented with enough support by the DoA. The study anticipates that should these women find viable alternatives, they will soon abandon the project. To avoid a total anticipated collapse of the project in future, the study recommends that a serious intervention by the state should occur coupled with the revitalization of the programme and a paradigm shift towards an effective food security programme which emphasizes women and their important role in agriculture.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Blaai-Mdolo, Bulelwa
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Women in agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural poor -- South Africa , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Rural Development)
- Identifier: vital:11935 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/133 , Women in agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural poor -- South Africa , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The researcher is perturbed by the escalating levels of poverty and unemployment in Mbhashe Local Municipality (Integrated Development Plan, 2008/9) despite the poverty alleviation programmes that have been established since 1994. The main objective of this study is to identify the underlying factors and challenges faced by women of the Impumelelo Isezandleni Community Garden and Poultry Project in meeting the set objectives of the programme such as improving food security and job creation through sustainable agricultural development. This project falls under the Siyazondla Homestead Food Production Programme (SHFPP), which is one of the programmes developed under the Green Revolution strategy of the Department of Agriculture. SHFPP is proclaimed to be running successfully in improving food security in the Mbhashe Local Municipality (MECDoA: 2008/9). 7 ABSTRACT The researcher is perturbed by the escalating levels of poverty and unemployment in Mbhashe Local Municipality (Integrated Development Plan, 2008/9) despite the poverty alleviation programmes that have been established since 1994. The main objective of this study is to identify the underlying factors and challenges faced by women of the Impumelelo Isezandleni Community Garden and Poultry Project in meeting the set objectives of the programme such as improving food security and job creation through sustainable agricultural development. This project falls under the Siyazondla Homestead Food Production Programme (SHFPP), which is one of the programmes developed under the Green Revolution strategy of the Department of Agriculture. SHFPP is proclaimed to be running successfully in improving food security in the Mbhashe Local Municipality (MECDoA: 2008/9). The dissertation argues that women, the beneficiaries of the project, are faced with a variety of challenges which make it impossible to meet the set objectives. Using a qualitative research methodology where semi-structured interviews gather data from 15 respondents who are beneficiaries in the project, findings indicate that there are a number of challenges and constraints that are experienced by women in the project. These challenges amongst others range from gender equity, culture and tradition; lack of provisions for diverse women population in the project; violation of the people-centered approach; limited women empowerment; insufficient support and lack of capacity from the Department of Agriculture (DoA) officials, the non-existent Land Reform Programme etc. While women seem committed and want the project to grow to sustain them, this is not complemented with enough support by the DoA. The study anticipates that should these women find viable alternatives, they will soon abandon the project. To avoid a total anticipated collapse of the project in future, the study recommends that a serious intervention by the state should occur coupled with the revitalization of the programme and a paradigm shift towards an effective food security programme which emphasizes women and their important role in agriculture.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The grooming process and the defence of consent in child sexual abuse cases
- Authors: Minnie, Deon
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Child sexual abuse -- South Africa , Sexually abused children -- Family relationships -- South Africa , Sexual consent -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10172 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1036 , Child sexual abuse -- South Africa , Sexually abused children -- Family relationships -- South Africa , Sexual consent -- South Africa
- Description: Child sexual abuse in its various guises is a phenomenon that has been part and parcel of society for centuries. It is only in the last few decades, however, that professional and societal interest in this social tragedy has been triggered, and continues to increase. The consequences and impact of child sexual abuse are far-reaching. Not only are individual victims marred by its consequences, but so too does it profoundly affect family systems and societies. As a result of professional interest in this field which has been fuelled by the popular media, the cloak of social secrecy which has covered this previously taboo subject has been shed. Although still hugely under-reported, sometimes even denied and buried by some individuals and societies, it is now widely acknowledged that child sexual abuse is a stark reality. Definitions of this phenomenon abound, with some definitions being more descriptive than others. The grooming process often forms an integral part of child sexual abuse. Through purposefully constructed relationships with their victims, sex offenders make their victims feel responsible for, complicit in and guilty about the abuse. The child is therefore tricked into keeping the abuse a secret. Often the child may not realise that what is happening is in fact abusive. Through grooming the abusive behaviour is normalised and the child may believe that it is part of an affectionate and caring relationship with the offender. The victim often gets lost in the labyrinth of confusion created by a web of deceit, which may result in consensual sexual activities between the child and the sex offender, a fact which is widely acknowledged. Consent is often raised as a defence when sex offenders are charged with and prosecuted for their crimes, more specifically in relation to victims who are over the age of twelve years and more frequently in relation to victims who are sixteen years and older. This consent, however, ought not to be valid for purposes of any sexual activities between such adults and children. Consent is often given as a consequence of the unique dynamics of the grooming process and the imbalance of power and authority. Furthermore, the child’s level of understanding and life experience, as shaped by the grooming process, may also have an important impact on ostensible consent given. South African courts, in accordance with international trends, have apparently started acknowledging the impact of the grooming process on consent given by children in sexual abuse cases. Some courts, as of late, are prepared to more readily reject the defence of consent in such cases. It is noteworthy that this trend has started to develop in South Africa even prior to the commencement of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 32 of 2007. This act defines consent for purposes of the newly created offences, and also stipulates the circumstances in which ostensible consent does not comply with the definition. This definition does not differ materially from the “traditional” approach to consent that was applied prior to the commencement of this act. Furthermore, a number of new offences were created, amongst them the offence of sexual grooming of children. Courts can therefore no longer ignore the existence of the grooming phenomenon and the impact thereof in child sexual abuse cases.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Minnie, Deon
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Child sexual abuse -- South Africa , Sexually abused children -- Family relationships -- South Africa , Sexual consent -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10172 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1036 , Child sexual abuse -- South Africa , Sexually abused children -- Family relationships -- South Africa , Sexual consent -- South Africa
- Description: Child sexual abuse in its various guises is a phenomenon that has been part and parcel of society for centuries. It is only in the last few decades, however, that professional and societal interest in this social tragedy has been triggered, and continues to increase. The consequences and impact of child sexual abuse are far-reaching. Not only are individual victims marred by its consequences, but so too does it profoundly affect family systems and societies. As a result of professional interest in this field which has been fuelled by the popular media, the cloak of social secrecy which has covered this previously taboo subject has been shed. Although still hugely under-reported, sometimes even denied and buried by some individuals and societies, it is now widely acknowledged that child sexual abuse is a stark reality. Definitions of this phenomenon abound, with some definitions being more descriptive than others. The grooming process often forms an integral part of child sexual abuse. Through purposefully constructed relationships with their victims, sex offenders make their victims feel responsible for, complicit in and guilty about the abuse. The child is therefore tricked into keeping the abuse a secret. Often the child may not realise that what is happening is in fact abusive. Through grooming the abusive behaviour is normalised and the child may believe that it is part of an affectionate and caring relationship with the offender. The victim often gets lost in the labyrinth of confusion created by a web of deceit, which may result in consensual sexual activities between the child and the sex offender, a fact which is widely acknowledged. Consent is often raised as a defence when sex offenders are charged with and prosecuted for their crimes, more specifically in relation to victims who are over the age of twelve years and more frequently in relation to victims who are sixteen years and older. This consent, however, ought not to be valid for purposes of any sexual activities between such adults and children. Consent is often given as a consequence of the unique dynamics of the grooming process and the imbalance of power and authority. Furthermore, the child’s level of understanding and life experience, as shaped by the grooming process, may also have an important impact on ostensible consent given. South African courts, in accordance with international trends, have apparently started acknowledging the impact of the grooming process on consent given by children in sexual abuse cases. Some courts, as of late, are prepared to more readily reject the defence of consent in such cases. It is noteworthy that this trend has started to develop in South Africa even prior to the commencement of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 32 of 2007. This act defines consent for purposes of the newly created offences, and also stipulates the circumstances in which ostensible consent does not comply with the definition. This definition does not differ materially from the “traditional” approach to consent that was applied prior to the commencement of this act. Furthermore, a number of new offences were created, amongst them the offence of sexual grooming of children. Courts can therefore no longer ignore the existence of the grooming phenomenon and the impact thereof in child sexual abuse cases.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The human resource alignment with the strategic plan 2006-2011 in the Eastern Cape Chris Hani District Municipality with specific reference to the Emalahleni Local Municipality
- Authors: Nyukwana, Nomveliso
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Strategic planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Personnel management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Manpower policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11641 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001250 , Strategic planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Personnel management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Manpower policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The aim of this study was to investigate the alignment of human resources with the strategic plan at Emalahleni Local Municipality in Chris Hani District Municipality, Eastern Cape. The alignment of the human resources plan with the strategic plan is the requirement for inclusive integrated planning legislated in local government acts. The research in this area does not investigate the alignment of the human resources plan with the strategic plan especially in Eastern Cape local government. Integrated planning which is inclusive of human resource development and performance management is a legal requirement legislated in the Local Government Municipal Systems Act no. 32 of 2000. From the literature review it was evident that it is essential for organisations to have a clear vision and measurable specific attainable time-bound objectives which could transpire into measurable performance standards. For achievement of the strategic objectives human resource planning of the organisation has to be informed by the objectives of the organisation so that there can be a relationship between the employees and the business in which they are employed. The literature raised the importance of the involvement of the human resource manager and employees in general in the development of human resource strategy and strategy planning in the organisation and the performance of the organisation. A combination of the qualitative and quantitative approaches was used to achieve the objectives of evaluation research used as the research design in the study. A document study, interviews, and questionnaires were used to investigate the alignment studied. The participants were employees ranging from managers to lowest-level employees. The main patterns that emerged from collected data were the lack of clear strategic objectives, lack of alignment of the strategic plan and human resources, the lack of human resource strategy and development, and performance management systems. Emalahleni Local Municipality was then advised to review and reconceptualise its strategy plan to contain objectives which were clear, specific and measurable, and strategic objectives to include a human resource strategy for human resource alignment with the strategic plan. Such alignment could lead to integrated planning which could be measured to evaluate failure or success in the achievement of the strategic objectives.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Nyukwana, Nomveliso
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Strategic planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Personnel management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Manpower policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11641 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001250 , Strategic planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Personnel management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Manpower policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The aim of this study was to investigate the alignment of human resources with the strategic plan at Emalahleni Local Municipality in Chris Hani District Municipality, Eastern Cape. The alignment of the human resources plan with the strategic plan is the requirement for inclusive integrated planning legislated in local government acts. The research in this area does not investigate the alignment of the human resources plan with the strategic plan especially in Eastern Cape local government. Integrated planning which is inclusive of human resource development and performance management is a legal requirement legislated in the Local Government Municipal Systems Act no. 32 of 2000. From the literature review it was evident that it is essential for organisations to have a clear vision and measurable specific attainable time-bound objectives which could transpire into measurable performance standards. For achievement of the strategic objectives human resource planning of the organisation has to be informed by the objectives of the organisation so that there can be a relationship between the employees and the business in which they are employed. The literature raised the importance of the involvement of the human resource manager and employees in general in the development of human resource strategy and strategy planning in the organisation and the performance of the organisation. A combination of the qualitative and quantitative approaches was used to achieve the objectives of evaluation research used as the research design in the study. A document study, interviews, and questionnaires were used to investigate the alignment studied. The participants were employees ranging from managers to lowest-level employees. The main patterns that emerged from collected data were the lack of clear strategic objectives, lack of alignment of the strategic plan and human resources, the lack of human resource strategy and development, and performance management systems. Emalahleni Local Municipality was then advised to review and reconceptualise its strategy plan to contain objectives which were clear, specific and measurable, and strategic objectives to include a human resource strategy for human resource alignment with the strategic plan. Such alignment could lead to integrated planning which could be measured to evaluate failure or success in the achievement of the strategic objectives.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The ichthyofauna associated with Taylor's salt marsh, Kariega estuary (Eastern Cape), South Africa
- Authors: Booth, Tara Loren
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Fishes -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Estuaries -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Fish communities -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Salt marsh animals -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Eelgrass -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Gray mullets -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5710 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005396 , Fishes -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Estuaries -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Fish communities -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Salt marsh animals -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Eelgrass -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Gray mullets -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The spatial and temporal patterns in the ichthyofaunal community composition and structure in Taylor’s salt marsh and adjacent eelgrass beds (Zostera capensis) in the Kariega Estuary, was investigated every two months between May 2006 and March 2007. Total ichthyofaunal abundances and biomass in the salt marsh ranged between 0.55 and 21.7 ind.10m-2 and between 0.03 and 1.9 g.wwt.10m⁻², respectively. There were no significant spatial patterns in the values evident (P > 0.05 in all cases) although seasonal trends were marked, with highest values consistently recorded during the warmer summer months. Investigations into the community structure showed that the ichthyofaunal community within salt marsh was composed almost exclusively of juveniles of estuarine dependant (category II) species, mainly juvenile Mugilidae (<20mm SL) that comprised up to 83% of all fish sampled. Hierarchical cluster analysis and multidimensional scaling did not identify any distinct spatial patterns in the ichthyofaunal community within the salt marsh. The absence of any spatial patterns in the community structure could be related to the absence of any significant spatial patterns in the physico-chemical (temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen concentrations) and biological (water column and microphytobenthic algal concentrations) variables within the salt marsh (P > 0.05 in all cases). Temporal shifts in the ichthyofaunal community structure within the salt marsh were, however, evident largely reflecting the breeding cycles of individual species within the sub-region. Within the adjacent eelgrass beds, total ichthyofaunal abundances and biomass ranged between 8.4 and 49.4 ind.10m⁻² and between 2.9 and 94.5 g.wwt.10m⁻², respectively. Once again there were no distinct spatial patterns in the abundance and biomass values evident although seasonal patterns were marked. In contrast to the salt marsh, within the in the eelgrass community, there were a large number of adult individuals recorded. Again category II species, the estuarine dependent species, were numerically and gravimetrically dominant. The dominance of category II species reflects the marine dominance of Kariega Estuary. The remaining estuarine utilisation categories did not contribute significantly to abundance or standing stock totals. Hierarchical cluster analysis showed that the salt marsh and eelgrass beds represented two distinct habitats within the Kariega Estuary. Within the salt marsh, the family Mugilidae were numerically dominant contributing 83% of the total catch. Within the eelgrass beds, the sparid, Rhabdosargus holubi and representatives of the family Gobidae contributed 36.3% and 33.9% respectively to the total catch. Estuaries with a wide range of microhabitats have been demonstrated to support a more diverse ichthyofaunal community. Shallow water habitats in general are important areas for juvenile fish within estuaries. Taylor’s salt marsh provides an alternative shallow water habitat, occupied by a distinct ichthyofaunal community composition, with increased food availability and decreased predation pressure, for a wide range of fish species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Booth, Tara Loren
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Fishes -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Estuaries -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Fish communities -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Salt marsh animals -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Eelgrass -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Gray mullets -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5710 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005396 , Fishes -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Estuaries -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Fish communities -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Salt marsh animals -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Eelgrass -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Gray mullets -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The spatial and temporal patterns in the ichthyofaunal community composition and structure in Taylor’s salt marsh and adjacent eelgrass beds (Zostera capensis) in the Kariega Estuary, was investigated every two months between May 2006 and March 2007. Total ichthyofaunal abundances and biomass in the salt marsh ranged between 0.55 and 21.7 ind.10m-2 and between 0.03 and 1.9 g.wwt.10m⁻², respectively. There were no significant spatial patterns in the values evident (P > 0.05 in all cases) although seasonal trends were marked, with highest values consistently recorded during the warmer summer months. Investigations into the community structure showed that the ichthyofaunal community within salt marsh was composed almost exclusively of juveniles of estuarine dependant (category II) species, mainly juvenile Mugilidae (<20mm SL) that comprised up to 83% of all fish sampled. Hierarchical cluster analysis and multidimensional scaling did not identify any distinct spatial patterns in the ichthyofaunal community within the salt marsh. The absence of any spatial patterns in the community structure could be related to the absence of any significant spatial patterns in the physico-chemical (temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen concentrations) and biological (water column and microphytobenthic algal concentrations) variables within the salt marsh (P > 0.05 in all cases). Temporal shifts in the ichthyofaunal community structure within the salt marsh were, however, evident largely reflecting the breeding cycles of individual species within the sub-region. Within the adjacent eelgrass beds, total ichthyofaunal abundances and biomass ranged between 8.4 and 49.4 ind.10m⁻² and between 2.9 and 94.5 g.wwt.10m⁻², respectively. Once again there were no distinct spatial patterns in the abundance and biomass values evident although seasonal patterns were marked. In contrast to the salt marsh, within the in the eelgrass community, there were a large number of adult individuals recorded. Again category II species, the estuarine dependent species, were numerically and gravimetrically dominant. The dominance of category II species reflects the marine dominance of Kariega Estuary. The remaining estuarine utilisation categories did not contribute significantly to abundance or standing stock totals. Hierarchical cluster analysis showed that the salt marsh and eelgrass beds represented two distinct habitats within the Kariega Estuary. Within the salt marsh, the family Mugilidae were numerically dominant contributing 83% of the total catch. Within the eelgrass beds, the sparid, Rhabdosargus holubi and representatives of the family Gobidae contributed 36.3% and 33.9% respectively to the total catch. Estuaries with a wide range of microhabitats have been demonstrated to support a more diverse ichthyofaunal community. Shallow water habitats in general are important areas for juvenile fish within estuaries. Taylor’s salt marsh provides an alternative shallow water habitat, occupied by a distinct ichthyofaunal community composition, with increased food availability and decreased predation pressure, for a wide range of fish species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The idea of the university in South Africa today
- Authors: Pillay, Krishnavani
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Education, Higher -- South Africa , Universities and colleges -- South Africa , Blacks -- Education (Higher) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DEd
- Identifier: vital:9527 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/901 , Education, Higher -- South Africa , Universities and colleges -- South Africa , Blacks -- Education (Higher) -- South Africa
- Description: This thesis aims to examine the concept of the university in contemporary South Africa. The aim of this thesis evolves from the question, what is the idea of the university in contemporary South Africa? This question evolves from my current experiences as an academic in a contemporary South African university. My colleagues and I are faced with many epistemological challenges on a daily basis as we try to teach our students, by providing them with both access to higher education as well as epistemological access, as we try and transform our curricula from an Apartheid determined one, to one that is more congruent with the values of our new dispensation, and which at the same time will contribute to the coherent development of both our universities and our country. Central to these issues and practices is a particular understanding of a university in our context. This priority is very challenging in a context such as ours which has a rich history of a politically determined, highly differentiated university sector. A direct consequence of this legacy is an unclear and shared understanding of a university in our country at present. What is currently required in our university and broader context is more determined thinking about a concept of the university in this country. In order to examine the concept of a university in contemporary South Africa, I engaged in a conceptual analysis. In so doing I divided my thesis into two parts, on the basis of the two conceptual analysis techniques which I used. In Part one I constructed a Model Example, and in the second part I applied this Model Example (scope of application) to different contexts. My Model example of a concept of a university is predicated on a Theory of concepts; a Theory of institutions, a Theory of practices, a theory of Inquiry and a Theory of Higher Education. I then examine the concept of a university in South Africa, by focusing on an examination of the concept of a university in different chronological and geographical contexts. In this part of my thesis I engage in examining the scope of applicability of a particular concept of a university. I examine the concept of a university firstly at a more historical level, by going back to Cardinal Newman, Von Humboldt and Jaspers. This examination is important to the contemporary concept of the university in South Africa, as our current concept of a university still attempts to hold onto the components that characterised the concept of the university that these historical figures were instrumental in developing. I then go on to examine a concept of a university in Germany and America, as contemporary South Africa has extended its borders to become part of a more globally competitive context. In so doing the concept of the university in contemporary South Africa is also at the same time, influenced by the kinds of developments in such countries. I then go on to examine a concept of a university during Apartheid South Africa, to provide a context for current change initiatives in this sector. The last two chapters focus on the post Apartheid university context. On the basis of two seminal higher education policy documents, I extrapolate a concept of a university in the contemporary South African policy context. I then go on to examine how this concept of a university is impacting on current transformatory initiatives in contemporary universities. In attempting to examine an idea of a university in a contemporary South African context, I had to grapple with an array of issues. But the most fundamental challenge for me was trying to clarify an essentially contentious concept. What emerges continuously from an examination of a concept of a university is the tension that has existed and which continues to exist, between the social responsibilities of a public institution such as a university; and its traditionally established epistemological functions. Most conflicts and disillusionment regarding this concept and its use, is predicated on the challenge of trying to establish how a university can be both relevant and valuable to society and still maintain its epistemic authority and value. The South African context further complicates this dilemma, because central to our transformatory goals is a particular world view that we as South Africans regard as valuable. Such a world view is based on the social epistemology and ontology of Ubuntu. This world view comes up constantly in policy documents and discourses that underpin the university terrain. I set out to examine the idea of the university in contemporary South Africa within the parameters of such a context and world view. It is against such a backdrop that I construct a Model Example of a concept of a university. My model example acknowledges both the socio-political functions and identity of a university; as well as its constitutive epistemological functions and identity. Central to such an understanding is the imperative to maintain a dialogical balance between these two important functions. Although this thesis goes into deep epistemological regions, it just skims the surface of such an exciting epistemological terrain. What it does do however, is open up an alternate perspective on how to try and understand a concept of a university and extend its scope of applicability in a variety of ways.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Pillay, Krishnavani
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Education, Higher -- South Africa , Universities and colleges -- South Africa , Blacks -- Education (Higher) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DEd
- Identifier: vital:9527 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/901 , Education, Higher -- South Africa , Universities and colleges -- South Africa , Blacks -- Education (Higher) -- South Africa
- Description: This thesis aims to examine the concept of the university in contemporary South Africa. The aim of this thesis evolves from the question, what is the idea of the university in contemporary South Africa? This question evolves from my current experiences as an academic in a contemporary South African university. My colleagues and I are faced with many epistemological challenges on a daily basis as we try to teach our students, by providing them with both access to higher education as well as epistemological access, as we try and transform our curricula from an Apartheid determined one, to one that is more congruent with the values of our new dispensation, and which at the same time will contribute to the coherent development of both our universities and our country. Central to these issues and practices is a particular understanding of a university in our context. This priority is very challenging in a context such as ours which has a rich history of a politically determined, highly differentiated university sector. A direct consequence of this legacy is an unclear and shared understanding of a university in our country at present. What is currently required in our university and broader context is more determined thinking about a concept of the university in this country. In order to examine the concept of a university in contemporary South Africa, I engaged in a conceptual analysis. In so doing I divided my thesis into two parts, on the basis of the two conceptual analysis techniques which I used. In Part one I constructed a Model Example, and in the second part I applied this Model Example (scope of application) to different contexts. My Model example of a concept of a university is predicated on a Theory of concepts; a Theory of institutions, a Theory of practices, a theory of Inquiry and a Theory of Higher Education. I then examine the concept of a university in South Africa, by focusing on an examination of the concept of a university in different chronological and geographical contexts. In this part of my thesis I engage in examining the scope of applicability of a particular concept of a university. I examine the concept of a university firstly at a more historical level, by going back to Cardinal Newman, Von Humboldt and Jaspers. This examination is important to the contemporary concept of the university in South Africa, as our current concept of a university still attempts to hold onto the components that characterised the concept of the university that these historical figures were instrumental in developing. I then go on to examine a concept of a university in Germany and America, as contemporary South Africa has extended its borders to become part of a more globally competitive context. In so doing the concept of the university in contemporary South Africa is also at the same time, influenced by the kinds of developments in such countries. I then go on to examine a concept of a university during Apartheid South Africa, to provide a context for current change initiatives in this sector. The last two chapters focus on the post Apartheid university context. On the basis of two seminal higher education policy documents, I extrapolate a concept of a university in the contemporary South African policy context. I then go on to examine how this concept of a university is impacting on current transformatory initiatives in contemporary universities. In attempting to examine an idea of a university in a contemporary South African context, I had to grapple with an array of issues. But the most fundamental challenge for me was trying to clarify an essentially contentious concept. What emerges continuously from an examination of a concept of a university is the tension that has existed and which continues to exist, between the social responsibilities of a public institution such as a university; and its traditionally established epistemological functions. Most conflicts and disillusionment regarding this concept and its use, is predicated on the challenge of trying to establish how a university can be both relevant and valuable to society and still maintain its epistemic authority and value. The South African context further complicates this dilemma, because central to our transformatory goals is a particular world view that we as South Africans regard as valuable. Such a world view is based on the social epistemology and ontology of Ubuntu. This world view comes up constantly in policy documents and discourses that underpin the university terrain. I set out to examine the idea of the university in contemporary South Africa within the parameters of such a context and world view. It is against such a backdrop that I construct a Model Example of a concept of a university. My model example acknowledges both the socio-political functions and identity of a university; as well as its constitutive epistemological functions and identity. Central to such an understanding is the imperative to maintain a dialogical balance between these two important functions. Although this thesis goes into deep epistemological regions, it just skims the surface of such an exciting epistemological terrain. What it does do however, is open up an alternate perspective on how to try and understand a concept of a university and extend its scope of applicability in a variety of ways.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The identification and awareness level of students towards the new Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University's brand
- Authors: Mpuya, Adeline Nkwimba
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Corporate image
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8392 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1024 , Corporate image
- Description: In the past fourteen years, mergers and takeovers have represented a major dimension of corporate identity changes in South African institutions of higher learning. This treatise firstly describes and then explores if students identify themselves with the NMMU corporate identity. Thereafter, it firstly explores and then describes the corporate identity awareness level of NMMU students. Design: An exploratory-descriptive research design was used. The researcher used two types of data. One was secondary data and the other one was primary data. The former were collected by means of an extensive review of the related literature. The latter were obtained by means of surveys. In addition this treatise has referred to The Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Brand Strategy (2007) document that was prepared by the brand manager, Karen Coetzee. Findings: The level of brand awareness among students is considered to be low. There is a need to improve the corporate identity awareness level of these strategic stakeholders for the future success of the university. Limitations: This treatise has concentrated on the parent brand (NMMU). Furthermore, the sampling has been limited to students studying at NMMU (Port Elizabeth campuses). Significance: It is important to explore the corporate brand awareness level of the students. It is also essential to discover if students identify themselves with the new NMMU brand.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Mpuya, Adeline Nkwimba
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Corporate image
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8392 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1024 , Corporate image
- Description: In the past fourteen years, mergers and takeovers have represented a major dimension of corporate identity changes in South African institutions of higher learning. This treatise firstly describes and then explores if students identify themselves with the NMMU corporate identity. Thereafter, it firstly explores and then describes the corporate identity awareness level of NMMU students. Design: An exploratory-descriptive research design was used. The researcher used two types of data. One was secondary data and the other one was primary data. The former were collected by means of an extensive review of the related literature. The latter were obtained by means of surveys. In addition this treatise has referred to The Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Brand Strategy (2007) document that was prepared by the brand manager, Karen Coetzee. Findings: The level of brand awareness among students is considered to be low. There is a need to improve the corporate identity awareness level of these strategic stakeholders for the future success of the university. Limitations: This treatise has concentrated on the parent brand (NMMU). Furthermore, the sampling has been limited to students studying at NMMU (Port Elizabeth campuses). Significance: It is important to explore the corporate brand awareness level of the students. It is also essential to discover if students identify themselves with the new NMMU brand.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The impact of angling on smallmouth and largemouth yellowfish, labeobarbus aeneus and labeobarbus kimberleyensis, in Lake Gariep, South Africa
- Authors: Ellender, Bruce Robert
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Barbus aeneus , Largemouth bass , Labeobarbus , Fishing -- South Africa -- Gariep Dam
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5289 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005133 , Barbus aeneus , Largemouth bass , Labeobarbus , Fishing -- South Africa -- Gariep Dam
- Description: A large sportfishery that targets both smallmouth (Labeobarbus aeneus) and largemouth (Labeobarbus kimberleyensis) yellowfish exists in South Africa. Both species have high conservation priority, and no assessments documenting the effect of angling on L. aeneus and L. kimberleyensis have been undertaken. The overall aim of this study was to provide an assessment of the impact of angling on L. aeneus and L. kimberleyensis. The specific objectives of this study were to characterise the sectors utilising Lake Gariep, document catch, effort and total catch for the fishery as well as the locality specific biology of L. aeneus and L. kimberleyensis. The study was undertaken on Lake Gariep, South Africa's largest impoundment, situated on the Orange River system in central South Africa. Subsistence fishers were the dominant user group, constituting 60 % of the fishery, the remainder constituted recreational anglers. Angler catches were dominated by carp (Cyprinus carpio; 74 %), followed by mudfish (Labeo capensis; 13 %) and smallmouth yellowfish (8 %). Catches of largemouth yellowfish contributed < 0.5 % to the total catch. The relative abundance of species by weight differed by area (χ² test of independence: χ² = 182, df = 4, p ≤ 0.05). On any sampling day time fished was the best predictor for differences in probability of capture (PC) (Wald X²(1) = 7.169, p = 0.007). The probability of capturing L. aeneus differed significantly between month (Wald X²(5) = 20.690, p = 0.000) and region (Wald X²(3) = 46.755, p = 0.000). The single best predictor of differences in log abundance and non-zero CPUE was region (Factorial ANOVA p ≤ 0.05). Mean CPUE ranged from 0.21 ± 0.06 kg. man⁻¹.hr⁻¹ to 0.82 ± 0.11 kg. man⁻¹.hr⁻¹ in the OV region and 0.42 ± 0.10 kg. man⁻¹.hr⁻¹ to 1.17 ± 0.24 kg. man⁻¹.hr⁻¹ in the GD region. Angler effort was higher in OV than in GD and ranged from 17 ± 3 anglers/day to 45 ± 9 anglers/day and 6 ± 1 anglers/day to 41 ± 8 anglers/day, respectively. Total catch was higher in the GD 46.0 [95 % CI = 15:102.6] t. period⁻¹ than the OV region 40.0 [95 % CI = 13.9:89.6] t. period⁻¹. The total catch from the Lake Gariep fishery between March and December 2007 was estimated to be 86.0 [95 % CI = 40.4:154.8] t. period⁻¹. Age and growth was determined using whole otoliths. The growth of L. aeneus was best described by the von Bertalanffy growth model as Lt = 481.80 (1- e⁻°·²²⁽t⁺°·⁶¹⁾). Gonadal development for L. aeneus was seasonal, with the gonadosomatic index peaking in January, revealing a distinct spawning season. The length at 50 % maturity for female L. aeneus was attained at a fork length of 354.7 mm. Natural mortality (M) was estimated at 0.55 year⁻¹. The growth of L. kimberleyensis was described by the von Bertalanffy growth model as Lt = 763.22 (1- e⁻°·¹¹⁽t⁺°·⁶³⁾). Only 6 mature female and 15 mature male L. kimberleyensis were recorded during the study period. The smallest mature female was a 390 mm FL stage four female and the earliest recorded mature male was a 337 mm FL, ripe running male. Natural mortality (M) was estimated at 0.08 year⁻¹ for L. kimberleyensis. Per recruit analysis indicated that current fishing mortality reduces the L. aeneus spawner biomass by 7 %, which is considered negligible. Labeobarbus kimberleyensis forms an insignificant proportion of anglers catches and stock status is currently considered pristine.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Ellender, Bruce Robert
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Barbus aeneus , Largemouth bass , Labeobarbus , Fishing -- South Africa -- Gariep Dam
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5289 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005133 , Barbus aeneus , Largemouth bass , Labeobarbus , Fishing -- South Africa -- Gariep Dam
- Description: A large sportfishery that targets both smallmouth (Labeobarbus aeneus) and largemouth (Labeobarbus kimberleyensis) yellowfish exists in South Africa. Both species have high conservation priority, and no assessments documenting the effect of angling on L. aeneus and L. kimberleyensis have been undertaken. The overall aim of this study was to provide an assessment of the impact of angling on L. aeneus and L. kimberleyensis. The specific objectives of this study were to characterise the sectors utilising Lake Gariep, document catch, effort and total catch for the fishery as well as the locality specific biology of L. aeneus and L. kimberleyensis. The study was undertaken on Lake Gariep, South Africa's largest impoundment, situated on the Orange River system in central South Africa. Subsistence fishers were the dominant user group, constituting 60 % of the fishery, the remainder constituted recreational anglers. Angler catches were dominated by carp (Cyprinus carpio; 74 %), followed by mudfish (Labeo capensis; 13 %) and smallmouth yellowfish (8 %). Catches of largemouth yellowfish contributed < 0.5 % to the total catch. The relative abundance of species by weight differed by area (χ² test of independence: χ² = 182, df = 4, p ≤ 0.05). On any sampling day time fished was the best predictor for differences in probability of capture (PC) (Wald X²(1) = 7.169, p = 0.007). The probability of capturing L. aeneus differed significantly between month (Wald X²(5) = 20.690, p = 0.000) and region (Wald X²(3) = 46.755, p = 0.000). The single best predictor of differences in log abundance and non-zero CPUE was region (Factorial ANOVA p ≤ 0.05). Mean CPUE ranged from 0.21 ± 0.06 kg. man⁻¹.hr⁻¹ to 0.82 ± 0.11 kg. man⁻¹.hr⁻¹ in the OV region and 0.42 ± 0.10 kg. man⁻¹.hr⁻¹ to 1.17 ± 0.24 kg. man⁻¹.hr⁻¹ in the GD region. Angler effort was higher in OV than in GD and ranged from 17 ± 3 anglers/day to 45 ± 9 anglers/day and 6 ± 1 anglers/day to 41 ± 8 anglers/day, respectively. Total catch was higher in the GD 46.0 [95 % CI = 15:102.6] t. period⁻¹ than the OV region 40.0 [95 % CI = 13.9:89.6] t. period⁻¹. The total catch from the Lake Gariep fishery between March and December 2007 was estimated to be 86.0 [95 % CI = 40.4:154.8] t. period⁻¹. Age and growth was determined using whole otoliths. The growth of L. aeneus was best described by the von Bertalanffy growth model as Lt = 481.80 (1- e⁻°·²²⁽t⁺°·⁶¹⁾). Gonadal development for L. aeneus was seasonal, with the gonadosomatic index peaking in January, revealing a distinct spawning season. The length at 50 % maturity for female L. aeneus was attained at a fork length of 354.7 mm. Natural mortality (M) was estimated at 0.55 year⁻¹. The growth of L. kimberleyensis was described by the von Bertalanffy growth model as Lt = 763.22 (1- e⁻°·¹¹⁽t⁺°·⁶³⁾). Only 6 mature female and 15 mature male L. kimberleyensis were recorded during the study period. The smallest mature female was a 390 mm FL stage four female and the earliest recorded mature male was a 337 mm FL, ripe running male. Natural mortality (M) was estimated at 0.08 year⁻¹ for L. kimberleyensis. Per recruit analysis indicated that current fishing mortality reduces the L. aeneus spawner biomass by 7 %, which is considered negligible. Labeobarbus kimberleyensis forms an insignificant proportion of anglers catches and stock status is currently considered pristine.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The impact of construction supply chain management on value on projects
- Authors: Emuze, Fidelis Abumere
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Construction industry -- South Africa -- Management , Business logistics -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:9677 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1209 , Construction industry -- South Africa -- Management , Business logistics -- South Africa
- Description: Much research work has assessed the construction process and discovered that the process is ineffective and besieged with problems. Analysis of these problems has shown that a major part of them are related to the state and workings of the supply chains. Prior research justifies that waste and problems in construction supply chains are extensively present and persistent. This anomaly may be ascribed to the nature of the industry. Horizontal integration that is common place in the construction industry tends to fragment the supply chain, resulting in an unstable production environment occasioned by high unpredictability, much rework, low profits and eventual low level of value creation in the process. Therefore, an increased level of integration of interfaces and processes has been canvassed. The purpose of supply chain management is to achieve the expected increased level of integration of the whole supply chain. Supply chain management is a concept that has flourished in the manufacturing industry through Just in Time production and logistics. Supply chain management represents an autonomous managerial tool, though still largely dominated by logistics. Supply chain management has long been advocated as a means of improving the performance of supply chains in construction. This research study reports on an investigation into the impact of supply chain management on value creation in the South African construction industry. The research discovered that collaborative working is already in the industry and contractors consider supply chain management important for project success. Here construction supply chains were approached from the relationship view point. All issues are encouraged to be viewed and resolved in the supply chain from the relationship perspective.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Emuze, Fidelis Abumere
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Construction industry -- South Africa -- Management , Business logistics -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:9677 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1209 , Construction industry -- South Africa -- Management , Business logistics -- South Africa
- Description: Much research work has assessed the construction process and discovered that the process is ineffective and besieged with problems. Analysis of these problems has shown that a major part of them are related to the state and workings of the supply chains. Prior research justifies that waste and problems in construction supply chains are extensively present and persistent. This anomaly may be ascribed to the nature of the industry. Horizontal integration that is common place in the construction industry tends to fragment the supply chain, resulting in an unstable production environment occasioned by high unpredictability, much rework, low profits and eventual low level of value creation in the process. Therefore, an increased level of integration of interfaces and processes has been canvassed. The purpose of supply chain management is to achieve the expected increased level of integration of the whole supply chain. Supply chain management is a concept that has flourished in the manufacturing industry through Just in Time production and logistics. Supply chain management represents an autonomous managerial tool, though still largely dominated by logistics. Supply chain management has long been advocated as a means of improving the performance of supply chains in construction. This research study reports on an investigation into the impact of supply chain management on value creation in the South African construction industry. The research discovered that collaborative working is already in the industry and contractors consider supply chain management important for project success. Here construction supply chains were approached from the relationship view point. All issues are encouraged to be viewed and resolved in the supply chain from the relationship perspective.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009