Adequacy of the advanced certificate in education to develop the work-intergrated learning competencies of principals: a case study
- Authors: Dali, Christopher Malizo
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: School principals -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Emotional intelligence -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Educational leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DEd
- Identifier: vital:9472 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1342 , School principals -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Emotional intelligence -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Educational leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The aim of this study was to explore the adequacy of the Advanced Certificate in Education (School Leadership) programme to develop the school principals’ workintegrated learning competencies (WILCs) at the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). One of the objectives of this study was therefore to determine the extent to which the Advanced Certificate in Education (ACE) – School Leadership (SL) programme could utilise emotional intelligence (EI) to develop the principals’ intrapersonal and interpersonal competencies for collegial leadership. Another objective was to explore the school principals’ perceptions of their emotional competencies that could link their theoretical studies at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) with their practical learning experiences in their schools. Presently, one of the major programmes that could use EI in the development of school principals’ WILCs is the ACE (SL) programme offered by HEIs. The challenge for HEIs, such as the NMMU, is to offer an ACE (SL) programme that is capable of empowering principals from divergent school backgrounds. This would enable them to better understand and interpret the contextual evironments in their schools and their emotional relationships with their teachers as colleagues. The purposively selected research participants for this study comprised of school principals from one hundred and thirty rural, urban, township and farm schools. These schools are located in areas such as Lusikisiki, Bizana, Kokstad, Maluti, Mount Frere, Mount Fletcher, Cradock, Graaff-Reinet, Uitenhage and Port Elizabeth. For the purposes of triangulation, forty-two semi-structured questionnaire responses, five focus group interviews, ten in-depth interviews, and the school principals’ portfolio reflections, were used in the collection and analysis of the data. The findings of this interpretive, explorative, descriptive, and phenomenological study revealed that generally, the school principals had satisfactory levels of EI, firstly especially in terms of their intrapersonal competencies such as adaptability, v achievement drive, commitment, initiative and optimism. The school principals valued the opportunity afforded to them by the ACE (SL) programme to discuss their individual emotions and experiences with principals from similar and different school contexts. The ACE (SL) programme helped them to interrogate and express their own perceptions and experiences and the WILCs required in their leadership positions in schools. Secondly, the findings on the effectiveness of the interpersonal WILCs revealed that most of the school principals were adept at inducing desirable feelings and actions in their teachers. The feedback from the semi-structured questionnaire, the in-depth interviews, the focus group interviews, and the principals’ reflection portfolios indicated that EI could strongly influence the development of the WILCs of school principals. Politically astute principals know how to collaborate with teachers to achieve school goals. They create a culture of trust and achievement as they collaborate as colleagues in their schools. In conceptualising the development of the WILCs of school principals, one of the major recommendations emanating from this study is the utilisation of the WILCs model to develop the school principals’ collegial leadership abilities. The WILCs model was developed as a recommendation to provide a common language for discussing emotional capabilities and guidance for a host of WILCs such as self-awareness, selfregulation, empathy, conflict management, building bonds, enabling and inspiring others to develop in a collaborative and collegial manner. Underpinning the WILCs model are five major assumptions. The first assumption is that although the intrapersonal and interpersonal competencies are essential, generic and could be applied to any organisational context, the focus in this study is on school principals and their school environments. The second assumption of this model is that the WILCs are the result of rigorous research and represent a way of describing the effective leadership abilities of principals within their school contexts. The third assumption is that the WILCs are interrelated, complex, and serve to highlight key elements of effective leadership in the school environment without privileging one over another. Fourthly, the conceptual basis for the construction of the WILCs model is the vi empowerment of principals and their interpersonal relationships with the wider school community. Fifthly, and a highly relevant assumption for school principals, this WILCs model brings together the social constructivist essence of the two epistemic sites of learning discussed in this study – the schools and the HEIs – and the interconnectedness between EI and IQ in the development of principals’ WILCs for collegial leadership. Evidently, principals cannot solely depend on their experiences only to hone their leadership competencies. Formal programmes, such as the ACE (SL) programme, are essential to develop the WILCs of school principals. Nothing less should be contemplated to develop their collegial leadership competencies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Dali, Christopher Malizo
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: School principals -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Emotional intelligence -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Educational leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DEd
- Identifier: vital:9472 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1342 , School principals -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Emotional intelligence -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Educational leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The aim of this study was to explore the adequacy of the Advanced Certificate in Education (School Leadership) programme to develop the school principals’ workintegrated learning competencies (WILCs) at the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). One of the objectives of this study was therefore to determine the extent to which the Advanced Certificate in Education (ACE) – School Leadership (SL) programme could utilise emotional intelligence (EI) to develop the principals’ intrapersonal and interpersonal competencies for collegial leadership. Another objective was to explore the school principals’ perceptions of their emotional competencies that could link their theoretical studies at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) with their practical learning experiences in their schools. Presently, one of the major programmes that could use EI in the development of school principals’ WILCs is the ACE (SL) programme offered by HEIs. The challenge for HEIs, such as the NMMU, is to offer an ACE (SL) programme that is capable of empowering principals from divergent school backgrounds. This would enable them to better understand and interpret the contextual evironments in their schools and their emotional relationships with their teachers as colleagues. The purposively selected research participants for this study comprised of school principals from one hundred and thirty rural, urban, township and farm schools. These schools are located in areas such as Lusikisiki, Bizana, Kokstad, Maluti, Mount Frere, Mount Fletcher, Cradock, Graaff-Reinet, Uitenhage and Port Elizabeth. For the purposes of triangulation, forty-two semi-structured questionnaire responses, five focus group interviews, ten in-depth interviews, and the school principals’ portfolio reflections, were used in the collection and analysis of the data. The findings of this interpretive, explorative, descriptive, and phenomenological study revealed that generally, the school principals had satisfactory levels of EI, firstly especially in terms of their intrapersonal competencies such as adaptability, v achievement drive, commitment, initiative and optimism. The school principals valued the opportunity afforded to them by the ACE (SL) programme to discuss their individual emotions and experiences with principals from similar and different school contexts. The ACE (SL) programme helped them to interrogate and express their own perceptions and experiences and the WILCs required in their leadership positions in schools. Secondly, the findings on the effectiveness of the interpersonal WILCs revealed that most of the school principals were adept at inducing desirable feelings and actions in their teachers. The feedback from the semi-structured questionnaire, the in-depth interviews, the focus group interviews, and the principals’ reflection portfolios indicated that EI could strongly influence the development of the WILCs of school principals. Politically astute principals know how to collaborate with teachers to achieve school goals. They create a culture of trust and achievement as they collaborate as colleagues in their schools. In conceptualising the development of the WILCs of school principals, one of the major recommendations emanating from this study is the utilisation of the WILCs model to develop the school principals’ collegial leadership abilities. The WILCs model was developed as a recommendation to provide a common language for discussing emotional capabilities and guidance for a host of WILCs such as self-awareness, selfregulation, empathy, conflict management, building bonds, enabling and inspiring others to develop in a collaborative and collegial manner. Underpinning the WILCs model are five major assumptions. The first assumption is that although the intrapersonal and interpersonal competencies are essential, generic and could be applied to any organisational context, the focus in this study is on school principals and their school environments. The second assumption of this model is that the WILCs are the result of rigorous research and represent a way of describing the effective leadership abilities of principals within their school contexts. The third assumption is that the WILCs are interrelated, complex, and serve to highlight key elements of effective leadership in the school environment without privileging one over another. Fourthly, the conceptual basis for the construction of the WILCs model is the vi empowerment of principals and their interpersonal relationships with the wider school community. Fifthly, and a highly relevant assumption for school principals, this WILCs model brings together the social constructivist essence of the two epistemic sites of learning discussed in this study – the schools and the HEIs – and the interconnectedness between EI and IQ in the development of principals’ WILCs for collegial leadership. Evidently, principals cannot solely depend on their experiences only to hone their leadership competencies. Formal programmes, such as the ACE (SL) programme, are essential to develop the WILCs of school principals. Nothing less should be contemplated to develop their collegial leadership competencies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Adherence to pre-selected infant feeding practices among mothers on the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV/AIDS programme in the Amathole region, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Yako, Elizabeth Matseliso
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Child care -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Child health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mother and infant -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Parenteral feeding of children -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Motherhood -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , HIV infections -- Children -- Transmission -- Prevention , Maternal health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , AIDS (Disease) in pregnancy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Nursing Science)
- Identifier: vital:11891 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001091 , Child care -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Child health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mother and infant -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Parenteral feeding of children -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Motherhood -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , HIV infections -- Children -- Transmission -- Prevention , Maternal health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , AIDS (Disease) in pregnancy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Infant feeding in the context of HIV/AIDS poses a challenge among mothers. The implementation of UNICEF guidelines on infant feeding, which state that “when replacement feeding is acceptable, feasible, affordable, sustainable and safe, avoidance of all breastfeeding by HIV-infected mothers is recommended” (WHO, 2003:12) are not easy to meet. In more developed countries, where these criteria are met, almost all HIV-infected mothers have ceased to breast feed. Consequently, infants of mothers in these countries are less likely to be infected with HIV postnatally. In South Africa, more specifically in the Eastern Cape, infant feeding is a challenge as a number of UNICEF criteria cannot be met. The Eastern Cape is one of the poorest Provinces in South Africa, with a number of rural communities. Earlier studies have shown that, if mothers select either exclusive breast feeding or exclusive formula feeding, this reduces mother-to-child transmission of HIV. A limited number of studies on adherence to the method of infant feeding selected before delivery were found in the literature, hence the need for the current study. The purpose of the study was to explore adherence to exclusive breast feeding and exclusive formula feeding among mothers with HIV infection and to determine the problems that mothers may be facing in implementing their pre-selected methods.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Yako, Elizabeth Matseliso
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Child care -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Child health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mother and infant -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Parenteral feeding of children -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Motherhood -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , HIV infections -- Children -- Transmission -- Prevention , Maternal health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , AIDS (Disease) in pregnancy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Nursing Science)
- Identifier: vital:11891 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001091 , Child care -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Child health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mother and infant -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Parenteral feeding of children -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Motherhood -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , HIV infections -- Children -- Transmission -- Prevention , Maternal health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , AIDS (Disease) in pregnancy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Infant feeding in the context of HIV/AIDS poses a challenge among mothers. The implementation of UNICEF guidelines on infant feeding, which state that “when replacement feeding is acceptable, feasible, affordable, sustainable and safe, avoidance of all breastfeeding by HIV-infected mothers is recommended” (WHO, 2003:12) are not easy to meet. In more developed countries, where these criteria are met, almost all HIV-infected mothers have ceased to breast feed. Consequently, infants of mothers in these countries are less likely to be infected with HIV postnatally. In South Africa, more specifically in the Eastern Cape, infant feeding is a challenge as a number of UNICEF criteria cannot be met. The Eastern Cape is one of the poorest Provinces in South Africa, with a number of rural communities. Earlier studies have shown that, if mothers select either exclusive breast feeding or exclusive formula feeding, this reduces mother-to-child transmission of HIV. A limited number of studies on adherence to the method of infant feeding selected before delivery were found in the literature, hence the need for the current study. The purpose of the study was to explore adherence to exclusive breast feeding and exclusive formula feeding among mothers with HIV infection and to determine the problems that mothers may be facing in implementing their pre-selected methods.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Adjustment of commercial banks' interest rates and the effectiveness of monetary policy: evidence from Anglophone West Africa
- Authors: Bangura, Lamin
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Monetary policy -- Africa, West , Banks and banking -- Africa, West , Interest rates -- Africa, West
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:951 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002685 , Monetary policy -- Africa, West , Banks and banking -- Africa, West , Interest rates -- Africa, West
- Description: Most central banks use short-term interest rates as their main instrument of monetary policy. It is assumed that a change in policy rate will influence interest rates set by commercial banks, but this is not usually the case. Commercial banks adjust their interest rates in response to changes in policy rate with lags, which make their interest rates sticky. Stickiness in commercial banks interest rates have been seen as an obstacle to the smooth transmission of monetary policy decisions. Despite the importance of the transmission process, little attention has been given to a systematic measurement of the degree of response of commercial banks‟ interest rates to changes in monetary policy stance in the Anglophone West African countries, specifically within the West African Monetary Zone (WAMZ) economies. Against this backdrop, this study explores the interest rate adjustment dynamics using monthly interest rate series on discount rate, treasury bill rate, commercial banks‟ deposit and lending rates from 1989 to 2009 (for Gambia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone) and from 2000 to 2009 (for Ghana). Specifically, the study set out to examine how lending and deposit rates respond to changes in the official rates and to see whether there is a convergence among the rates over time. Also, to examine the relative adjustment of commercial bank lending rates to changes in the official rate when there is disequilibrium. The analyses were twofold: a full sample period and a rolling window analysis. Following Cottarelli and Kourelis (1994), the study employed cointegration technique and an asymmetric error correction model to obtain the short-run and long-run parameters from which the error correction coefficients, mean adjustment lags and asymmetric mean adjustment lags were estimated. The results for the entire sample period revealed that the long-run pass-through in Nigeria was 81% and 67% for lending rates and deposit rates respectively. In Ghana, it was 66% and 69% for lending and deposit rates respectively. While in Sierra Leone, long-run pass-through was 62% and 72% for lending and deposit rates respectively. In Gambia, it was 50% and 40% for lending and deposit rates respectively. On the other hand, the short-run pass-through was found to be lower compared to the long-run pass-through: in Nigeria it was 66% and 47%; in Gambia, 26% and 29%; in Sierra Leone, 30% and 13%; and in Ghana, -6% and 35% for lending and deposit rates respectively in each country. The pass-through estimates for the rolling windows were mixed for short-run and long-run pass-through. The mean adjustment lags suggest that the speed of adjustment of Lending rates for full sample period were two, two, seven and twelve months in Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone and Gambia respectively. While for deposit rates they were five, six, seven and eighteen for Ghana, Nigeria, Gambia and Sierra Leone respectively. The average speeds of adjustment for the rolling windows were four and five months for lending and deposit rates respectively. Weak evidence of convergence was found in lending and deposit rates in the short-run and long-run pass-through among the countries. However, the results suggest that the magnitude and speed of the pass-through amongst the countries on average were high compared to emerging Asian countries. Significant asymmetric adjustments were found in the lending rates for Gambia and Sierra Leone, while in Gambia and Nigeria there were asymmetries in deposit rates. Based on the evidence provided, interest rate pass-through is high in Nigeria and Ghana compared to Gambia and Sierra Leone and this calls for the harmonization of financial policies on the part of the financial authorities in the WAMZ. Viewed solely from an interest rate pass-through, the lack of convergence among the countries suggests that WAMZ is far from ready for a monetary union. The relatively low pass-through in some of the countries suggests rigidity in the banking system which may be due to underdevelopment of the system. Thus efforts geared toward strengthening the banking system and the financial system as whole would further enhance the prospect of a monetary union among them.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Bangura, Lamin
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Monetary policy -- Africa, West , Banks and banking -- Africa, West , Interest rates -- Africa, West
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:951 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002685 , Monetary policy -- Africa, West , Banks and banking -- Africa, West , Interest rates -- Africa, West
- Description: Most central banks use short-term interest rates as their main instrument of monetary policy. It is assumed that a change in policy rate will influence interest rates set by commercial banks, but this is not usually the case. Commercial banks adjust their interest rates in response to changes in policy rate with lags, which make their interest rates sticky. Stickiness in commercial banks interest rates have been seen as an obstacle to the smooth transmission of monetary policy decisions. Despite the importance of the transmission process, little attention has been given to a systematic measurement of the degree of response of commercial banks‟ interest rates to changes in monetary policy stance in the Anglophone West African countries, specifically within the West African Monetary Zone (WAMZ) economies. Against this backdrop, this study explores the interest rate adjustment dynamics using monthly interest rate series on discount rate, treasury bill rate, commercial banks‟ deposit and lending rates from 1989 to 2009 (for Gambia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone) and from 2000 to 2009 (for Ghana). Specifically, the study set out to examine how lending and deposit rates respond to changes in the official rates and to see whether there is a convergence among the rates over time. Also, to examine the relative adjustment of commercial bank lending rates to changes in the official rate when there is disequilibrium. The analyses were twofold: a full sample period and a rolling window analysis. Following Cottarelli and Kourelis (1994), the study employed cointegration technique and an asymmetric error correction model to obtain the short-run and long-run parameters from which the error correction coefficients, mean adjustment lags and asymmetric mean adjustment lags were estimated. The results for the entire sample period revealed that the long-run pass-through in Nigeria was 81% and 67% for lending rates and deposit rates respectively. In Ghana, it was 66% and 69% for lending and deposit rates respectively. While in Sierra Leone, long-run pass-through was 62% and 72% for lending and deposit rates respectively. In Gambia, it was 50% and 40% for lending and deposit rates respectively. On the other hand, the short-run pass-through was found to be lower compared to the long-run pass-through: in Nigeria it was 66% and 47%; in Gambia, 26% and 29%; in Sierra Leone, 30% and 13%; and in Ghana, -6% and 35% for lending and deposit rates respectively in each country. The pass-through estimates for the rolling windows were mixed for short-run and long-run pass-through. The mean adjustment lags suggest that the speed of adjustment of Lending rates for full sample period were two, two, seven and twelve months in Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone and Gambia respectively. While for deposit rates they were five, six, seven and eighteen for Ghana, Nigeria, Gambia and Sierra Leone respectively. The average speeds of adjustment for the rolling windows were four and five months for lending and deposit rates respectively. Weak evidence of convergence was found in lending and deposit rates in the short-run and long-run pass-through among the countries. However, the results suggest that the magnitude and speed of the pass-through amongst the countries on average were high compared to emerging Asian countries. Significant asymmetric adjustments were found in the lending rates for Gambia and Sierra Leone, while in Gambia and Nigeria there were asymmetries in deposit rates. Based on the evidence provided, interest rate pass-through is high in Nigeria and Ghana compared to Gambia and Sierra Leone and this calls for the harmonization of financial policies on the part of the financial authorities in the WAMZ. Viewed solely from an interest rate pass-through, the lack of convergence among the countries suggests that WAMZ is far from ready for a monetary union. The relatively low pass-through in some of the countries suggests rigidity in the banking system which may be due to underdevelopment of the system. Thus efforts geared toward strengthening the banking system and the financial system as whole would further enhance the prospect of a monetary union among them.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Adoption and sustained use of M-Commerce to improve efficacy of construction SMMEs
- Authors: Williams, Zenande
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Construction industry , Mobile commerce , Small business , Computer-assisted instruction , Interactive videos
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Information Systems)
- Identifier: vital:11125 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/528 , Construction industry , Mobile commerce , Small business , Computer-assisted instruction , Interactive videos
- Description: E-commerce has been said to bring value to businesses by improving business efficiency and effectiveness and thus providing business with a competitive advantage through the potential benefits that it offers (Cloete, Courtney & Fintz, 2002). However, despite the potential benefits that e-commerce can offer, the adoption of B2C e-commerce in South African construction SMMEs is low and this is due to the challenges associated with e-commerce (Vaithanathan, 2010; Uzoka, Shemi & Seleka, 2007; Love & Irani, 2004; Anumba & Ruikar, 2002). These e-commerce challenges include: high implementation costs, lack or poor infrastructure, inadequate resources, low use of e-commerce by suppliers and consumers, lack of access to e-commerce, computer illiteracy, deficiency in understanding the potential benefits of e-commerce and security concerns (Vaithanathan, 2010; Uzoka, Shemi, & Seleka, 2007; Mensah, Bahta, & Mhlanga, 2005; Cloete, Courtney, & Fintz, 2002). Therefore, due to these e-commerce challenges, construction SMMEs do not exploit the business advantages that e-commerce offers. In order to assist South African construction SMMEs in their efforts to improve their business effectiveness and efficiency through commercial technologies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Williams, Zenande
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Construction industry , Mobile commerce , Small business , Computer-assisted instruction , Interactive videos
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Information Systems)
- Identifier: vital:11125 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/528 , Construction industry , Mobile commerce , Small business , Computer-assisted instruction , Interactive videos
- Description: E-commerce has been said to bring value to businesses by improving business efficiency and effectiveness and thus providing business with a competitive advantage through the potential benefits that it offers (Cloete, Courtney & Fintz, 2002). However, despite the potential benefits that e-commerce can offer, the adoption of B2C e-commerce in South African construction SMMEs is low and this is due to the challenges associated with e-commerce (Vaithanathan, 2010; Uzoka, Shemi & Seleka, 2007; Love & Irani, 2004; Anumba & Ruikar, 2002). These e-commerce challenges include: high implementation costs, lack or poor infrastructure, inadequate resources, low use of e-commerce by suppliers and consumers, lack of access to e-commerce, computer illiteracy, deficiency in understanding the potential benefits of e-commerce and security concerns (Vaithanathan, 2010; Uzoka, Shemi, & Seleka, 2007; Mensah, Bahta, & Mhlanga, 2005; Cloete, Courtney, & Fintz, 2002). Therefore, due to these e-commerce challenges, construction SMMEs do not exploit the business advantages that e-commerce offers. In order to assist South African construction SMMEs in their efforts to improve their business effectiveness and efficiency through commercial technologies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Adoption, use and perception of Australian acacias around the world
- Kull, Christian A, Shackleton, Charlie M, Cunningham, Peter J, Ducatillon, Catherine, Dufour-Dror, Jean-Mark, Esler, Karen J, Friday, James B, Gouveia, António C, Griffin, A R, Marchante, Elizabete, Midgley, Steven J, Pauchard, Aníbal, Rangan, Haripriya, Richardson, David M, Rinaudo, Tony, Tassin, Jacques, Urgenson, Lauren S, van Maltitz, Graham P, Zenni, Rafael D, Zylstra, Matthew J
- Authors: Kull, Christian A , Shackleton, Charlie M , Cunningham, Peter J , Ducatillon, Catherine , Dufour-Dror, Jean-Mark , Esler, Karen J , Friday, James B , Gouveia, António C , Griffin, A R , Marchante, Elizabete , Midgley, Steven J , Pauchard, Aníbal , Rangan, Haripriya , Richardson, David M , Rinaudo, Tony , Tassin, Jacques , Urgenson, Lauren S , van Maltitz, Graham P , Zenni, Rafael D , Zylstra, Matthew J
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/182149 , vital:43804 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1472-4642.2011.00783.x"
- Description: To examine the different uses and perceptions of introduced Australian acacias (wattles; Acacia subgenus Phyllodineae) by rural households and communities. Eighteen landscape-scale case studies around the world, in Vietnam, India, Réunion, Madagascar, South Africa, Congo, Niger, Ethiopia, Israel, France, Portugal, Brazil, Chile, Dominican Republic and Hawai‘i. Qualitative comparison of case studies, based on questionnaire sent to network of acacia researchers. Information based on individual knowledge of local experts, published and unpublished sources. We propose a conceptual model to explain current uses and perceptions of introduced acacias. It highlights historically and geographically contingent processes, including economic development, environmental discourses, political context, and local or regional needs. Four main groupings of case studies were united by similar patterns: (1) poor communities benefiting from targeted agroforestry projects; (2) places where residents, generally poor, take advantage of a valuable resource already present in their landscape via plantation and/or invasion; (3) regions of small and mid-scale tree farmers participating in the forestry industry; and (4) a number of high-income communities dealing with the legacies of former or niche use of introduced acacia in a context of increased concern over biodiversity and ecosystem services. Economic conditions play a key role shaping acacia use. Poorer communities rely strongly on acacias (often in, or escaped from, formal plantations) for household needs and, sometimes, for income. Middle-income regions more typically host private farm investments in acacia woodlots for commercialization. Efforts at control of invasive acacias must take care to not adversely impact poor dependent communities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Kull, Christian A , Shackleton, Charlie M , Cunningham, Peter J , Ducatillon, Catherine , Dufour-Dror, Jean-Mark , Esler, Karen J , Friday, James B , Gouveia, António C , Griffin, A R , Marchante, Elizabete , Midgley, Steven J , Pauchard, Aníbal , Rangan, Haripriya , Richardson, David M , Rinaudo, Tony , Tassin, Jacques , Urgenson, Lauren S , van Maltitz, Graham P , Zenni, Rafael D , Zylstra, Matthew J
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/182149 , vital:43804 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1472-4642.2011.00783.x"
- Description: To examine the different uses and perceptions of introduced Australian acacias (wattles; Acacia subgenus Phyllodineae) by rural households and communities. Eighteen landscape-scale case studies around the world, in Vietnam, India, Réunion, Madagascar, South Africa, Congo, Niger, Ethiopia, Israel, France, Portugal, Brazil, Chile, Dominican Republic and Hawai‘i. Qualitative comparison of case studies, based on questionnaire sent to network of acacia researchers. Information based on individual knowledge of local experts, published and unpublished sources. We propose a conceptual model to explain current uses and perceptions of introduced acacias. It highlights historically and geographically contingent processes, including economic development, environmental discourses, political context, and local or regional needs. Four main groupings of case studies were united by similar patterns: (1) poor communities benefiting from targeted agroforestry projects; (2) places where residents, generally poor, take advantage of a valuable resource already present in their landscape via plantation and/or invasion; (3) regions of small and mid-scale tree farmers participating in the forestry industry; and (4) a number of high-income communities dealing with the legacies of former or niche use of introduced acacia in a context of increased concern over biodiversity and ecosystem services. Economic conditions play a key role shaping acacia use. Poorer communities rely strongly on acacias (often in, or escaped from, formal plantations) for household needs and, sometimes, for income. Middle-income regions more typically host private farm investments in acacia woodlots for commercialization. Efforts at control of invasive acacias must take care to not adversely impact poor dependent communities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Adventures with abalone : aquaculture, poaching, and fishery restoration
- Authors: Britz, Peter Jacobus, 1959-
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:583 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018943
- Description: [From the text] Tonight I am going to tell you about my research on a another mollusc, the humble abalone. - In contrast with the highly evolved squid, this marine snail belonging to the ancient archeogastrod lineage which has a much simpler anatomy and lifestyle. It doesn’t posses a proper brain mass, only having 4 ganglia or nerves knots at the front end. Its two simple eye spots which detect light and dark, a tough shell and a large and extremely powerful foot muscle to adhere to rocks. This simple configuration has served well for over 100 million years.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Britz, Peter Jacobus, 1959-
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:583 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018943
- Description: [From the text] Tonight I am going to tell you about my research on a another mollusc, the humble abalone. - In contrast with the highly evolved squid, this marine snail belonging to the ancient archeogastrod lineage which has a much simpler anatomy and lifestyle. It doesn’t posses a proper brain mass, only having 4 ganglia or nerves knots at the front end. Its two simple eye spots which detect light and dark, a tough shell and a large and extremely powerful foot muscle to adhere to rocks. This simple configuration has served well for over 100 million years.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Africa: unity, sovereignty and sorrow A book review
- Authors: Matthews, Sally
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/142387 , vital:38075 , DOI: 10.1080/02589001.2011.562007
- Description: This ambitious book begins with the statement ‘By and large, the states of sub-Saharan Africa are failures’ (p. 1) and then sets out to explain state failure in Africa and to provide some ‘rational policy fantasies’ in response to this failure. The book builds on the work of scholars like Robert Jackson, William Reno and Jeffrey Herbst, with the particular focus of Englebert's book being on the domestic implications of the unconditional recognition of the sovereignty of African states. African states are internationally recognised despite lacking the features and not being able to perform the functions typically associated with statehood. Englebert's interest is to examine some of the domestic effects of this unconditional international recognition.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Matthews, Sally
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/142387 , vital:38075 , DOI: 10.1080/02589001.2011.562007
- Description: This ambitious book begins with the statement ‘By and large, the states of sub-Saharan Africa are failures’ (p. 1) and then sets out to explain state failure in Africa and to provide some ‘rational policy fantasies’ in response to this failure. The book builds on the work of scholars like Robert Jackson, William Reno and Jeffrey Herbst, with the particular focus of Englebert's book being on the domestic implications of the unconditional recognition of the sovereignty of African states. African states are internationally recognised despite lacking the features and not being able to perform the functions typically associated with statehood. Englebert's interest is to examine some of the domestic effects of this unconditional international recognition.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
African traditional medicine-antiretroviral interactions : effects of Sutherlandia frutescens on the pharmacokinetics of Atazanavir
- Authors: Müller, Adrienne Carmel
- Date: 2011 , 2011-03-28
- Subjects: Antiretroviral agents , Medicinal plants , Traditional medicine , AIDS (Disease) -- Treatment , HIV infections -- Drug therapy , Drug interactions , Pharmacokinetics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3859 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013373
- Description: In response to the urgent call for investigations into antiretroviral (ARV)-African traditional medicine (ATM) interactions, this research was undertaken to ascertain whether chronic administration of the ATM, Sutherlandia frutescens (SF) may alter the bioavailability of the protease inhibitor (PI), atazanavir (ATV), which may impact on the safety or efficacy of the ARV. Prior to investigating a potential interaction between ATV and SF in vitro and in vivo, a high performance liquid chromatography method with ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV) was developed and validated for the bioanalysis of ATV in human plasma and liver microsomes. An improved and efficient analytical method with minimal use of solvents and short run time was achieved in comparison to methods published in the literature. In addition, the method was selective, linear, accurate and precise for quantitative analysis of ATV in these studies. Molecular docking studies were conducted to compare the binding modes and affinities of ATV and two major SF constituents, Sutherlandioside B and Sutherlandin C, with the efflux transporter, P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and the CYP450 isoenzyme, CYP3A4 to determine the potential for these phytochemicals to competitively inhibit the binding of ATV to these two proteins, which are mediators of absorption and metabolism. These studies revealed that modulation of P-gp transport of ATV by Sutherlandioside B and Sutherlandin C was not likely to occur via competitive inhibition. The results further indicated that weak competitive inhibition of CYP3A4 may possibly occur in the presence of either of these two SF constituents. The Caco-2 cell line was used as an in vitro model of human intestinal absorption. Accumulation studies in these cells were conducted to ascertain whether extracts and constituents of SF have the ability to alter the absorption of ATV. The results showed that the aqueous extract of SF significantly reduced ATV accumulation, suggesting decreased ATV absorption, whilst a triterpenoid glycoside fraction isolated from SF exhibited an opposing effect. Analogous responses were elicited by the aqueous extract and a triterpenoid glycoside fraction in similar accumulation studies in P-gp overexpressing Madin–Darby Canine Kidney Strain II cells (MDCKII-MDR1), which signified that the effects of this extract and component on ATV transport in the Caco-2 cells were P-gp-mediated. The quantitative analysis of ATV in human liver microsomes after co-incubation with extracts and components of SF was conducted to determine the effects of SF on the metabolism of ATV. The aqueous and methanolic extracts of SF inhibited ATV metabolism, whilst the triterpenoid glycoside fraction had a converse effect. Analogous effects by the extracts were demonstrated in experiments conducted in CYP3A4-transfected microsomes, suggesting that the inhibition of ATV metabolism in the liver microsomes by these SF extracts was CYP3A4-mediated. A combination of Sutherlandiosides C and D also inhibited CYP3A4-mediated ATV metabolism, which was in contrast to the response elicited by the triterpenoid fraction in the liver microsomes, where other unidentified compounds, shown to be present therein, may have contributed to the activation of ATV metabolism. The in vitro studies revealed the potential for SF to alter the bioavailability of ATV, therefore a clinical study in which the effect of a multiple dose regimen of SF on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of a single dose of ATV was conducted in healthy male volunteers. The statistical analysis showed that the 90 % confidence intervals around the geometric mean ratios (ATV + SF/ATV alone) for both Cmax and AUC0-24 hours, fell well below the lower limit of the "no-effect" boundary of 0.8 – 1.25, implying that the bioavailability of ATV was significantly reduced in this cohort of subjects. It may thus be concluded that if the reduction in bioavailability observed in this clinical study is found to be clinically relevant, co-administration of SF commercial dosage forms and ATV in HIV/AIDS patients may potentially result in subtherapeutic ATV levels, which may in turn contribute to ATV resistance and/or treatment failure. This research has therefore highlighted the potential risk for toxicity or lack of efficacy of ARV regimens which may result when ATMs and PIs are used concurrently and that patients and health care practitioners alike should be aware of these perils.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Müller, Adrienne Carmel
- Date: 2011 , 2011-03-28
- Subjects: Antiretroviral agents , Medicinal plants , Traditional medicine , AIDS (Disease) -- Treatment , HIV infections -- Drug therapy , Drug interactions , Pharmacokinetics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3859 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013373
- Description: In response to the urgent call for investigations into antiretroviral (ARV)-African traditional medicine (ATM) interactions, this research was undertaken to ascertain whether chronic administration of the ATM, Sutherlandia frutescens (SF) may alter the bioavailability of the protease inhibitor (PI), atazanavir (ATV), which may impact on the safety or efficacy of the ARV. Prior to investigating a potential interaction between ATV and SF in vitro and in vivo, a high performance liquid chromatography method with ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV) was developed and validated for the bioanalysis of ATV in human plasma and liver microsomes. An improved and efficient analytical method with minimal use of solvents and short run time was achieved in comparison to methods published in the literature. In addition, the method was selective, linear, accurate and precise for quantitative analysis of ATV in these studies. Molecular docking studies were conducted to compare the binding modes and affinities of ATV and two major SF constituents, Sutherlandioside B and Sutherlandin C, with the efflux transporter, P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and the CYP450 isoenzyme, CYP3A4 to determine the potential for these phytochemicals to competitively inhibit the binding of ATV to these two proteins, which are mediators of absorption and metabolism. These studies revealed that modulation of P-gp transport of ATV by Sutherlandioside B and Sutherlandin C was not likely to occur via competitive inhibition. The results further indicated that weak competitive inhibition of CYP3A4 may possibly occur in the presence of either of these two SF constituents. The Caco-2 cell line was used as an in vitro model of human intestinal absorption. Accumulation studies in these cells were conducted to ascertain whether extracts and constituents of SF have the ability to alter the absorption of ATV. The results showed that the aqueous extract of SF significantly reduced ATV accumulation, suggesting decreased ATV absorption, whilst a triterpenoid glycoside fraction isolated from SF exhibited an opposing effect. Analogous responses were elicited by the aqueous extract and a triterpenoid glycoside fraction in similar accumulation studies in P-gp overexpressing Madin–Darby Canine Kidney Strain II cells (MDCKII-MDR1), which signified that the effects of this extract and component on ATV transport in the Caco-2 cells were P-gp-mediated. The quantitative analysis of ATV in human liver microsomes after co-incubation with extracts and components of SF was conducted to determine the effects of SF on the metabolism of ATV. The aqueous and methanolic extracts of SF inhibited ATV metabolism, whilst the triterpenoid glycoside fraction had a converse effect. Analogous effects by the extracts were demonstrated in experiments conducted in CYP3A4-transfected microsomes, suggesting that the inhibition of ATV metabolism in the liver microsomes by these SF extracts was CYP3A4-mediated. A combination of Sutherlandiosides C and D also inhibited CYP3A4-mediated ATV metabolism, which was in contrast to the response elicited by the triterpenoid fraction in the liver microsomes, where other unidentified compounds, shown to be present therein, may have contributed to the activation of ATV metabolism. The in vitro studies revealed the potential for SF to alter the bioavailability of ATV, therefore a clinical study in which the effect of a multiple dose regimen of SF on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of a single dose of ATV was conducted in healthy male volunteers. The statistical analysis showed that the 90 % confidence intervals around the geometric mean ratios (ATV + SF/ATV alone) for both Cmax and AUC0-24 hours, fell well below the lower limit of the "no-effect" boundary of 0.8 – 1.25, implying that the bioavailability of ATV was significantly reduced in this cohort of subjects. It may thus be concluded that if the reduction in bioavailability observed in this clinical study is found to be clinically relevant, co-administration of SF commercial dosage forms and ATV in HIV/AIDS patients may potentially result in subtherapeutic ATV levels, which may in turn contribute to ATV resistance and/or treatment failure. This research has therefore highlighted the potential risk for toxicity or lack of efficacy of ARV regimens which may result when ATMs and PIs are used concurrently and that patients and health care practitioners alike should be aware of these perils.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
After Baines
- Walters, John Attwood Vereker
- Authors: Walters, John Attwood Vereker
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Baines, Thomas, 1820-1875 Baines, Thomas, 1820-1875 -- Biography Painting, South African -- Exhibitions Painters -- South Africa -- Biography
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MFA
- Identifier: vital:2432 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004368
- Description: By researching the life and work of Thomas Baines (1820 - 1875) in relation to a broader discourse of painting and the lived experience of being a 'white' male in a post-apartheid South Africa, I explore the ways in which this figure from the past has provoked the three series of artworks I have produced for my Master of Fine Art exhibition. This study has been divided into two parts, represented by the two chapters contained herein. Chapter One includes a critical retelling of Baines' biography and a discussion of the primary ways in which I have engaged with both the life and the working practice of this artist. I also address my own personal complicity in the constructions of 'the figure of Baines' as I have framed him both visually and textually during my work for this degree. Chapter Two describes some of the practicalities of my working process as a visual artist, including how I understand the theoretical and conceptual concerns which I raise in Chapter One to be visually manifest in my work. In this chapter, I also discuss my work in relation to the work of the contemporary South African artists William Kentridge and Johannes Phokela. The artistic practice of one artist imitating another artist's work is also explored as a central conceptual thread which could be seen to weave my verbal and visual production together.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Walters, John Attwood Vereker
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Baines, Thomas, 1820-1875 Baines, Thomas, 1820-1875 -- Biography Painting, South African -- Exhibitions Painters -- South Africa -- Biography
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MFA
- Identifier: vital:2432 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004368
- Description: By researching the life and work of Thomas Baines (1820 - 1875) in relation to a broader discourse of painting and the lived experience of being a 'white' male in a post-apartheid South Africa, I explore the ways in which this figure from the past has provoked the three series of artworks I have produced for my Master of Fine Art exhibition. This study has been divided into two parts, represented by the two chapters contained herein. Chapter One includes a critical retelling of Baines' biography and a discussion of the primary ways in which I have engaged with both the life and the working practice of this artist. I also address my own personal complicity in the constructions of 'the figure of Baines' as I have framed him both visually and textually during my work for this degree. Chapter Two describes some of the practicalities of my working process as a visual artist, including how I understand the theoretical and conceptual concerns which I raise in Chapter One to be visually manifest in my work. In this chapter, I also discuss my work in relation to the work of the contemporary South African artists William Kentridge and Johannes Phokela. The artistic practice of one artist imitating another artist's work is also explored as a central conceptual thread which could be seen to weave my verbal and visual production together.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Age validation, growth, mortality, and demographic modeling of spotted gully shark (Triakis megalopterus) from the southeast coast of South Africa
- Booth, Anthony J, Foulis, Alan J, Smale, Malcolm J
- Authors: Booth, Anthony J , Foulis, Alan J , Smale, Malcolm J
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/123630 , vital:35466 , https://spo.nmfs.noaa.gov/sites/default/files/pdf-content/2011/1091/booth.pdf
- Description: This study documents validation of vertebral band-pair formation in spotted gully shark (Triakis megalopterus) with the use of f luorochrome injection and tagging of captive and wild sharks over a 21-year period. Growth and mortality rates of T. megalopterus were also estimated and a demographic analysis of the species was conducted. Of the 23 OTC (oxytetracycline) -marked vertebrae examined (12 from captive and 11 from wild sharks), seven vertebrae (three from captive and four from wild sharks) exhibited chelation of the OTC and f luoresced under ultraviolet light. It was concluded that a single opaque and translucent band pair was deposited annually up to at least 25 years of age, the maximum age recorded. Reader precision was assessed by using an index of average percent error calculated at 5%. No significant differences were found between male and female growth patterns (P>0.05), and von Bertalanffy growth model parameters for combined sexes were estimated to be L∞=1711.07 mm TL, k=0.11/yr and t0= –2.43 yr (n=86). Natural mortality was estimated at 0.17/yr. Age at maturity was estimated at 11 years for males and 15 years for females. Results of the demographic analysis showed that the population, in the absence of fishing mortality, was stable and not significantly different from zero and particularly sensitive to overfishing. At the current age at first capture and natural mortality rate, the fishing mortality rate required to result in negative population growth was low at F>0.004/ yr. Elasticity analysis revealed that juvenile survival was the principal factor in explaining variability in population growth rate.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Booth, Anthony J , Foulis, Alan J , Smale, Malcolm J
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/123630 , vital:35466 , https://spo.nmfs.noaa.gov/sites/default/files/pdf-content/2011/1091/booth.pdf
- Description: This study documents validation of vertebral band-pair formation in spotted gully shark (Triakis megalopterus) with the use of f luorochrome injection and tagging of captive and wild sharks over a 21-year period. Growth and mortality rates of T. megalopterus were also estimated and a demographic analysis of the species was conducted. Of the 23 OTC (oxytetracycline) -marked vertebrae examined (12 from captive and 11 from wild sharks), seven vertebrae (three from captive and four from wild sharks) exhibited chelation of the OTC and f luoresced under ultraviolet light. It was concluded that a single opaque and translucent band pair was deposited annually up to at least 25 years of age, the maximum age recorded. Reader precision was assessed by using an index of average percent error calculated at 5%. No significant differences were found between male and female growth patterns (P>0.05), and von Bertalanffy growth model parameters for combined sexes were estimated to be L∞=1711.07 mm TL, k=0.11/yr and t0= –2.43 yr (n=86). Natural mortality was estimated at 0.17/yr. Age at maturity was estimated at 11 years for males and 15 years for females. Results of the demographic analysis showed that the population, in the absence of fishing mortality, was stable and not significantly different from zero and particularly sensitive to overfishing. At the current age at first capture and natural mortality rate, the fishing mortality rate required to result in negative population growth was low at F>0.004/ yr. Elasticity analysis revealed that juvenile survival was the principal factor in explaining variability in population growth rate.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Aging, sex, death (and heavy metals)
- Authors: Limson, Janice L
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:589 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1019732
- Description: Vice Chancellor's Distinguished Research Award Lecture August 2011
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Limson, Janice L
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:589 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1019732
- Description: Vice Chancellor's Distinguished Research Award Lecture August 2011
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Alleviating poverty and promoting sustainable livelihoods through implementing skills development programmes
- Authors: Mandavha, Ndovhatshinyani
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Poverty -- South Africa , Economic assistance, Domestic -- South Africa , Economic development projects -- South Africa , Poor -- Services for
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9046 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1620 , Poverty -- South Africa , Economic assistance, Domestic -- South Africa , Economic development projects -- South Africa , Poor -- Services for
- Description: Poverty alleviation projects are interventions designed to assist the socio-economic conditions of poor communities. This is a case study on a skills development project that has been implemented with the aim of alleviating poverty through equipping people with productive skills. The study was conducted in Lephalale, Limpopo province. It was conducted during July and August 2011. The study focuses on skills development as a poverty alleviation strategy because developing skills is essential for building human capacity. The study evaluates the effectiveness of skills development within a community that is characterised by lack of education and skills. Many rural communities fail to apprehend education and skills as a result of their location and poverty. They are isolated from cities and towns and this has an impact on their surrounding conditions including the level of skills and education. The study found that the skills development project in Lephalale played a vital role of developing skills through training community members with the skills necessary to obtain jobs and be able to create self-employment. Creating self-employment is one way to address the challenges of unemployment and the lack of income. There research found that there are various job opportunities being created in the area, however the local community cannot participate due to lack of skills required in the labour market. The study revealed the majority of the people who joined the skills development project did not complete grade 12 and have never worked.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Mandavha, Ndovhatshinyani
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Poverty -- South Africa , Economic assistance, Domestic -- South Africa , Economic development projects -- South Africa , Poor -- Services for
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9046 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1620 , Poverty -- South Africa , Economic assistance, Domestic -- South Africa , Economic development projects -- South Africa , Poor -- Services for
- Description: Poverty alleviation projects are interventions designed to assist the socio-economic conditions of poor communities. This is a case study on a skills development project that has been implemented with the aim of alleviating poverty through equipping people with productive skills. The study was conducted in Lephalale, Limpopo province. It was conducted during July and August 2011. The study focuses on skills development as a poverty alleviation strategy because developing skills is essential for building human capacity. The study evaluates the effectiveness of skills development within a community that is characterised by lack of education and skills. Many rural communities fail to apprehend education and skills as a result of their location and poverty. They are isolated from cities and towns and this has an impact on their surrounding conditions including the level of skills and education. The study found that the skills development project in Lephalale played a vital role of developing skills through training community members with the skills necessary to obtain jobs and be able to create self-employment. Creating self-employment is one way to address the challenges of unemployment and the lack of income. There research found that there are various job opportunities being created in the area, however the local community cannot participate due to lack of skills required in the labour market. The study revealed the majority of the people who joined the skills development project did not complete grade 12 and have never worked.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
An analysis of business skills and training needs in the plastic manufacturing industry in the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Macheke, Richard
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Plastics industry and trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employees -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Industrial management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Success in business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Vocational guidance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Skilled labor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Unskilled labor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com (Business Management)
- Identifier: vital:11322 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007118 , Plastics industry and trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employees -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Industrial management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Success in business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Vocational guidance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Skilled labor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Unskilled labor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Skills development is one of the major challenges faced by South Africans, with more than 60 percent of the labour force being unskilled. This affects many industries around the country as are they forced to employ unskilled employees a development which has a negative bearing on the quality of products having a negative bearing on the quality of products. The Plastic Manufacturing Industry in the Eastern Cape Province is a prime example of firms that are affected by the short supply of skilled personnel on the labour market. Required skills range from business skills that are essential for the operating of a business, to technical skills that are essential for the employees who are involved in the production of goods and services. Training in skills has been proven to be a key to success. The primary objective of this study was to undertake an analysis concerning the significance of business skills and training needs for business success. Secondary objectives were to determine whether training in business skills as well as technical skills for the employees, could bring on success to the business. The study further went on to investigate the importance of training programmes for businesses. Research methodology included literature review and an empirical study, making use of the survey method through self-administered questionnaires. The statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, frequencies, Chi-square tests and linear regression and ANOVA. The Cronbach’s alpha was used to measure reliability of the research results. The research findings established that training in business skills and related types of skills was essential for the success of a business. The findings further showed that, due to training, there was improvement in sales, annual turnover, and product quality and employee skills. Recommendations included advice to invest in human capital through training which then should improve the quality of products. Further studies in other regions other than the Eastern Cape Province were recommended.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Macheke, Richard
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Plastics industry and trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employees -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Industrial management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Success in business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Vocational guidance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Skilled labor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Unskilled labor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com (Business Management)
- Identifier: vital:11322 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007118 , Plastics industry and trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employees -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Industrial management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Success in business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Vocational guidance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Skilled labor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Unskilled labor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Skills development is one of the major challenges faced by South Africans, with more than 60 percent of the labour force being unskilled. This affects many industries around the country as are they forced to employ unskilled employees a development which has a negative bearing on the quality of products having a negative bearing on the quality of products. The Plastic Manufacturing Industry in the Eastern Cape Province is a prime example of firms that are affected by the short supply of skilled personnel on the labour market. Required skills range from business skills that are essential for the operating of a business, to technical skills that are essential for the employees who are involved in the production of goods and services. Training in skills has been proven to be a key to success. The primary objective of this study was to undertake an analysis concerning the significance of business skills and training needs for business success. Secondary objectives were to determine whether training in business skills as well as technical skills for the employees, could bring on success to the business. The study further went on to investigate the importance of training programmes for businesses. Research methodology included literature review and an empirical study, making use of the survey method through self-administered questionnaires. The statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, frequencies, Chi-square tests and linear regression and ANOVA. The Cronbach’s alpha was used to measure reliability of the research results. The research findings established that training in business skills and related types of skills was essential for the success of a business. The findings further showed that, due to training, there was improvement in sales, annual turnover, and product quality and employee skills. Recommendations included advice to invest in human capital through training which then should improve the quality of products. Further studies in other regions other than the Eastern Cape Province were recommended.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
An analysis of Samuel P. Huntington's theories
- Authors: Kirkby, Daniela M
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Liberalism , Politics and literature , Political science -- History
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8271 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015964
- Description: The traditional notion of Western liberal democracy has in recent years been met with a barrage of negative criticism. Liberal democracy from both a minimalist and substantive position appears to be backsliding, and once more falling into what Samuel P. Huntington (1991) termed a reverse wave. The analysis which Huntington (1991) presented ended in an era in which liberal democracy once more dominated the political landscape for a third consecutive wave, without any indication that it was going to relapse. In light of Huntington’s (1991) closure, this study has attempted to continue with his analysis and point to the possible existence of a third wave reversal. In order to do so, this study has meticulously used the same methodological approach as Huntington (1991) did to highlight previous wave reversals. This has been done by critically discussing, with examples, the existence of those factors that lead to a global decline in liberal democratic practice as prescribed by Huntington (1991). This study attempts not only to point to the possible existence of a third wave reversal, but also to explain the contextual reasons behind such an increase in anti-democratic rhetoric. The application of Huntington’s (1991) wave theory does not explain the subjective reasoning behind the contemporary deterioration of liberal democracy, as his factors leading to wave reversals may be too pragmatic for this study. It is in this light that a second argument as brought forward by Huntington in 1996, serves as the contextual layer for the decrease in democratic support as it provides the basis for the application of a critical discourse analysis. Therefore, this study serves not only as an investigation of the possible existence of a current third wave reversal, but also as an analysis into the discursive nature of liberal democracy’s historical and future trajectory.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Kirkby, Daniela M
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Liberalism , Politics and literature , Political science -- History
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8271 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015964
- Description: The traditional notion of Western liberal democracy has in recent years been met with a barrage of negative criticism. Liberal democracy from both a minimalist and substantive position appears to be backsliding, and once more falling into what Samuel P. Huntington (1991) termed a reverse wave. The analysis which Huntington (1991) presented ended in an era in which liberal democracy once more dominated the political landscape for a third consecutive wave, without any indication that it was going to relapse. In light of Huntington’s (1991) closure, this study has attempted to continue with his analysis and point to the possible existence of a third wave reversal. In order to do so, this study has meticulously used the same methodological approach as Huntington (1991) did to highlight previous wave reversals. This has been done by critically discussing, with examples, the existence of those factors that lead to a global decline in liberal democratic practice as prescribed by Huntington (1991). This study attempts not only to point to the possible existence of a third wave reversal, but also to explain the contextual reasons behind such an increase in anti-democratic rhetoric. The application of Huntington’s (1991) wave theory does not explain the subjective reasoning behind the contemporary deterioration of liberal democracy, as his factors leading to wave reversals may be too pragmatic for this study. It is in this light that a second argument as brought forward by Huntington in 1996, serves as the contextual layer for the decrease in democratic support as it provides the basis for the application of a critical discourse analysis. Therefore, this study serves not only as an investigation of the possible existence of a current third wave reversal, but also as an analysis into the discursive nature of liberal democracy’s historical and future trajectory.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
An analysis of selected cartoons published during Zimbabwe's 2008 elections
- Authors: Mushohwe, Knowledge
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Zimbabwe. Parliament -- Elections, 2008 , World politics Caricatures and cartoons , Editorial cartoons -- Zimbabwe , Zimbabwe -- Politics and government -- 20th century , Mass media -- Law and legislation -- Zimbabwe , Freedom of speech -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:8493 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1609 , Zimbabwe. Parliament -- Elections, 2008 , World politics Caricatures and cartoons , Editorial cartoons -- Zimbabwe , Zimbabwe -- Politics and government -- 20th century , Mass media -- Law and legislation -- Zimbabwe , Freedom of speech -- Zimbabwe
- Description: During Zimbabwe’s 2008 harmonised elections the country’s media laws had a direct impact on the way editorial cartoonists expressed themselves. Although the online newspapers were unregulated and the print media published under Zimbabwe’s media laws, Public Order and Security Act and Access to Information and Protection of Privacy act - the editorial cartoons from both sources show deliberate bias towards one candidate and contempt towards the main rival. The study contextualises the understanding of the editorial cartoon, as practised in an environment of freedom of speech and defined by the four categories identified by Press (1981) and Manning and Phiddian (2004), and delineates the effect of media laws on the newspaper industry in Zimbabwe. The four categories of editorial cartoons identified are descriptive editorial cartoons, laughing satirical editorial cartoons, destructive satirical editorial cartoons, and savage indignation editorial cartoons. The study reviews eight editorial cartoons, read using a semiotic framework investigating non-verbal communication, as defined and suggested by Du Plooy (1996), and a text and language grid, as suggested by Leech (1974), according to the criteria of symbols/metaphors, exaggeration/distortion, stereotypes, caricature, irony, captions, and background knowledge, as developed by Fetsko (2001). A comparative analysis of the cartoons reveals that objectives and functions of the unregulated zimonline.co.za and the regulated the Herald newspapers are the same. They constitute propagandistic representations of Zimbabwean politics that are more an extension of political ideology than they are a reflection of the country’s sociopolitical landscape.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Mushohwe, Knowledge
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Zimbabwe. Parliament -- Elections, 2008 , World politics Caricatures and cartoons , Editorial cartoons -- Zimbabwe , Zimbabwe -- Politics and government -- 20th century , Mass media -- Law and legislation -- Zimbabwe , Freedom of speech -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:8493 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1609 , Zimbabwe. Parliament -- Elections, 2008 , World politics Caricatures and cartoons , Editorial cartoons -- Zimbabwe , Zimbabwe -- Politics and government -- 20th century , Mass media -- Law and legislation -- Zimbabwe , Freedom of speech -- Zimbabwe
- Description: During Zimbabwe’s 2008 harmonised elections the country’s media laws had a direct impact on the way editorial cartoonists expressed themselves. Although the online newspapers were unregulated and the print media published under Zimbabwe’s media laws, Public Order and Security Act and Access to Information and Protection of Privacy act - the editorial cartoons from both sources show deliberate bias towards one candidate and contempt towards the main rival. The study contextualises the understanding of the editorial cartoon, as practised in an environment of freedom of speech and defined by the four categories identified by Press (1981) and Manning and Phiddian (2004), and delineates the effect of media laws on the newspaper industry in Zimbabwe. The four categories of editorial cartoons identified are descriptive editorial cartoons, laughing satirical editorial cartoons, destructive satirical editorial cartoons, and savage indignation editorial cartoons. The study reviews eight editorial cartoons, read using a semiotic framework investigating non-verbal communication, as defined and suggested by Du Plooy (1996), and a text and language grid, as suggested by Leech (1974), according to the criteria of symbols/metaphors, exaggeration/distortion, stereotypes, caricature, irony, captions, and background knowledge, as developed by Fetsko (2001). A comparative analysis of the cartoons reveals that objectives and functions of the unregulated zimonline.co.za and the regulated the Herald newspapers are the same. They constitute propagandistic representations of Zimbabwean politics that are more an extension of political ideology than they are a reflection of the country’s sociopolitical landscape.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
An analysis of sources and predictability of geomagnetic storms
- Authors: Uwamahoro, Jean
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Ionospheric storms Solar flares Interplanetary magnetic fields Magnetospheric substorms Coronal mass ejections Space environment Neural networks (Computer science)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5451 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005236
- Description: Solar transient eruptions are the main cause of interplanetary-magnetospheric disturbances leading to the phenomena known as geomagnetic storms. Eruptive solar events such as coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are currently considered the main cause of geomagnetic storms (GMS). GMS are strong perturbations of the Earth’s magnetic field that can affect space-borne and ground-based technological systems. The solar-terrestrial impact on modern technological systems is commonly known as Space Weather. Part of the research study described in this thesis was to investigate and establish a relationship between GMS (periods with Dst ≤ −50 nT) and their associated solar and interplanetary (IP) properties during solar cycle (SC) 23. Solar and IP geoeffective properties associated with or without CMEs were investigated and used to qualitatively characterise both intense and moderate storms. The results of this analysis specifically provide an estimate of the main sources of GMS during an average 11-year solar activity period. This study indicates that during SC 23, the majority of intense GMS (83%) were associated with CMEs, while the non-associated CME storms were dominant among moderate storms. GMS phenomena are the result of a complex and non-linear chaotic system involving the Sun, the IP medium, the magnetosphere and ionosphere, which make the prediction of these phenomena challenging. This thesis also explored the predictability of both the occurrence and strength of GMS. Due to their nonlinear driving mechanisms, the prediction of GMS was attempted by the use of neural network (NN) techniques, known for their non-linear modelling capabilities. To predict the occurrence of storms, a combination of solar and IP parameters were used as inputs in the NN model that proved to predict the occurrence of GMS with a probability of 87%. Using the solar wind (SW) and IP magnetic field (IMF) parameters, a separate NN-based model was developed to predict the storm-time strength as measured by the global Dst and ap geomagnetic indices, as well as by the locally measured K-index. The performance of the models was tested on data sets which were not part of the NN training process. The results obtained indicate that NN models provide a reliable alternative method for empirically predicting the occurrence and strength of GMS on the basis of solar and IP parameters. The demonstrated ability to predict the geoeffectiveness of solar and IP transient events is a key step in the goal towards improving space weather modelling and prediction.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Uwamahoro, Jean
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Ionospheric storms Solar flares Interplanetary magnetic fields Magnetospheric substorms Coronal mass ejections Space environment Neural networks (Computer science)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5451 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005236
- Description: Solar transient eruptions are the main cause of interplanetary-magnetospheric disturbances leading to the phenomena known as geomagnetic storms. Eruptive solar events such as coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are currently considered the main cause of geomagnetic storms (GMS). GMS are strong perturbations of the Earth’s magnetic field that can affect space-borne and ground-based technological systems. The solar-terrestrial impact on modern technological systems is commonly known as Space Weather. Part of the research study described in this thesis was to investigate and establish a relationship between GMS (periods with Dst ≤ −50 nT) and their associated solar and interplanetary (IP) properties during solar cycle (SC) 23. Solar and IP geoeffective properties associated with or without CMEs were investigated and used to qualitatively characterise both intense and moderate storms. The results of this analysis specifically provide an estimate of the main sources of GMS during an average 11-year solar activity period. This study indicates that during SC 23, the majority of intense GMS (83%) were associated with CMEs, while the non-associated CME storms were dominant among moderate storms. GMS phenomena are the result of a complex and non-linear chaotic system involving the Sun, the IP medium, the magnetosphere and ionosphere, which make the prediction of these phenomena challenging. This thesis also explored the predictability of both the occurrence and strength of GMS. Due to their nonlinear driving mechanisms, the prediction of GMS was attempted by the use of neural network (NN) techniques, known for their non-linear modelling capabilities. To predict the occurrence of storms, a combination of solar and IP parameters were used as inputs in the NN model that proved to predict the occurrence of GMS with a probability of 87%. Using the solar wind (SW) and IP magnetic field (IMF) parameters, a separate NN-based model was developed to predict the storm-time strength as measured by the global Dst and ap geomagnetic indices, as well as by the locally measured K-index. The performance of the models was tested on data sets which were not part of the NN training process. The results obtained indicate that NN models provide a reliable alternative method for empirically predicting the occurrence and strength of GMS on the basis of solar and IP parameters. The demonstrated ability to predict the geoeffectiveness of solar and IP transient events is a key step in the goal towards improving space weather modelling and prediction.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
An analysis of the elements of genocide with reference to the South African farmer's case
- Authors: Du Toit, Johanna Helena
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Genocide -- South Africa , Human rights -- South Africa , Farmers -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10168 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1568 , Genocide -- South Africa , Human rights -- South Africa , Farmers -- South Africa
- Description: The definition of genocide encompasses not only the killing of a protected group as is so often erroneously believed, but also inter alia the causing of serious bodily and mental harm to a group and deliberately inflicting conditions of life on a group calculated to bring about its destruction in whole or in part. Eight stages have been identified through which conventional genocide goes. There is a closed list of four groups named in the Genocide Convention in respect of which genocide can be perpetrated. Problems have been experienced with the classification and the determination whether a group should qualify or not. In answer to this problem, the definition of the groups should be seen cohesively and attempts should preferably not be made to compartmentalise any group suspected of being targeted for genocide. The special intent required for genocide sets it apart from other crimes against humanity. The intention that needs to be proven is the desire to exterminate a group as such in whole or in part. The mention of “in part” opens the door for genocide to be perpetrated against a small sub-group which conforms to the definition of a group. The white Afrikaner farmer forms part of the larger white Afrikaner group residing in South Africa. Incitement to genocide is an inchoate crime and is regarded as a lesser crime reflected in lower sentences being passed for incitement than for genocide itself. The requirements are that the incitement must be direct and public. The required intention to incite must also be proven for a conviction to follow. The farmer who laid the complaint with the International Criminal Court, did so in the hope that the Prosecutor would utilise his or her proprio motu powers to instigate an investigation in South Africa regarding white Afrikaner farmers. The complaint and petition as well as the statistics used by the farmer paint the picture of incitement to genocide and possible genocide. The allegations are not specific and will have to be proven in a court of law for any such finding to follow. , Abstract
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Du Toit, Johanna Helena
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Genocide -- South Africa , Human rights -- South Africa , Farmers -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10168 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1568 , Genocide -- South Africa , Human rights -- South Africa , Farmers -- South Africa
- Description: The definition of genocide encompasses not only the killing of a protected group as is so often erroneously believed, but also inter alia the causing of serious bodily and mental harm to a group and deliberately inflicting conditions of life on a group calculated to bring about its destruction in whole or in part. Eight stages have been identified through which conventional genocide goes. There is a closed list of four groups named in the Genocide Convention in respect of which genocide can be perpetrated. Problems have been experienced with the classification and the determination whether a group should qualify or not. In answer to this problem, the definition of the groups should be seen cohesively and attempts should preferably not be made to compartmentalise any group suspected of being targeted for genocide. The special intent required for genocide sets it apart from other crimes against humanity. The intention that needs to be proven is the desire to exterminate a group as such in whole or in part. The mention of “in part” opens the door for genocide to be perpetrated against a small sub-group which conforms to the definition of a group. The white Afrikaner farmer forms part of the larger white Afrikaner group residing in South Africa. Incitement to genocide is an inchoate crime and is regarded as a lesser crime reflected in lower sentences being passed for incitement than for genocide itself. The requirements are that the incitement must be direct and public. The required intention to incite must also be proven for a conviction to follow. The farmer who laid the complaint with the International Criminal Court, did so in the hope that the Prosecutor would utilise his or her proprio motu powers to instigate an investigation in South Africa regarding white Afrikaner farmers. The complaint and petition as well as the statistics used by the farmer paint the picture of incitement to genocide and possible genocide. The allegations are not specific and will have to be proven in a court of law for any such finding to follow. , Abstract
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
An analysis of the factors influencing the provision of water in the Buffalo City Municipality, province of the Eastern Cape
- Zwelibanzi, Mantombi Elizabeth
- Authors: Zwelibanzi, Mantombi Elizabeth
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Water-supply -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8260 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1013011
- Description: Factors affecting the provision of water constitute a great challenge to water officials not only in Buffalo City Municipality but also globally. Interviews form the basic data collection instrument used to provide empirical evidence to the objectives of the study. The objectives of the study are: To evaluate the underlying challenges encountered by water sector Engineers; To evaluate the role of municipal water sector officials in the provision of clean water; To analyse the factors influencing the provision of water in Buffllo City Municipality. Recommendations are provided which could assist Buffalo City Municipality in addressing the challenges affecting the provision of water as follows: The involvement of national and provincial governments in order to improve the Buffalo City Municipal infrastructure and capacity building is highly recommended. Power failure and water interruptions caused by mechanical problems and natural disasters, are further municipal challenges that need to be addressed irrespective of financial constraints. Public and private sector sponsors can be approached to join the initiative. Informal settlements should be formalised and limited to a certain number of people per site or household, depending on the infrastructure. If the infrastructure is not conducive they should be relocated elsewhere. Public and private sector sponsors should offer assistance to Buffalo City Municipality to develop the required water skills, by financing water officials who are interested in furthering their education at tertiary level. Public consultation, through meetings and public forums, and public participation, by the street committees and police forums, are recommended. Coupon systems for basic services like water and electricity for all residents is highly recommended. A generator for the municipal water sector is needed. This will overcome the power failure problem. The provision of water is affected by power outages as water equipment needs electricity to be able to operate. Installation of a water plant in Buffalo City Municipality‟s main dam, the Maden dam, that is supposed to supply King Williams town and the surrounding areas directly.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Zwelibanzi, Mantombi Elizabeth
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Water-supply -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8260 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1013011
- Description: Factors affecting the provision of water constitute a great challenge to water officials not only in Buffalo City Municipality but also globally. Interviews form the basic data collection instrument used to provide empirical evidence to the objectives of the study. The objectives of the study are: To evaluate the underlying challenges encountered by water sector Engineers; To evaluate the role of municipal water sector officials in the provision of clean water; To analyse the factors influencing the provision of water in Buffllo City Municipality. Recommendations are provided which could assist Buffalo City Municipality in addressing the challenges affecting the provision of water as follows: The involvement of national and provincial governments in order to improve the Buffalo City Municipal infrastructure and capacity building is highly recommended. Power failure and water interruptions caused by mechanical problems and natural disasters, are further municipal challenges that need to be addressed irrespective of financial constraints. Public and private sector sponsors can be approached to join the initiative. Informal settlements should be formalised and limited to a certain number of people per site or household, depending on the infrastructure. If the infrastructure is not conducive they should be relocated elsewhere. Public and private sector sponsors should offer assistance to Buffalo City Municipality to develop the required water skills, by financing water officials who are interested in furthering their education at tertiary level. Public consultation, through meetings and public forums, and public participation, by the street committees and police forums, are recommended. Coupon systems for basic services like water and electricity for all residents is highly recommended. A generator for the municipal water sector is needed. This will overcome the power failure problem. The provision of water is affected by power outages as water equipment needs electricity to be able to operate. Installation of a water plant in Buffalo City Municipality‟s main dam, the Maden dam, that is supposed to supply King Williams town and the surrounding areas directly.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
An analysis of the influence of domestic macroeconomic variables on the performance of the South African stock market sectoral indices
- Authors: Hancocks, Ryan Lee
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Johannesburg Stock Exchange , Stock price indexes -- South Africa , Interest rates -- South Africa , Macroeconomics -- Econometric models
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:954
- Description: An econometric study was undertaken to determine the extent to which selected macroeconomic variables influenced stock market prices on the All-Share, Financial, Mining and Retail Indices of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange in South Africa from 1996:7 to 2008:12. The Johansen cointegration method was used to determine whether cointegrating relationships existed between the macroeconomic variables and the stock market indices. A Vector Error Correction model was estimated and found significant results that money supply, inflation, long and short- run interest rates, and the exchange rate all had an influence on stock market prices. Further, the VECM results for each sector indicated that certain macroeconomic variables had differing influences on each sector of the stock market. Impulse Response tests indicated that the selected macroeconomic variables caused shock to the sectoral indices in the short-run but that the effect was lagged. The Variance Decomposition tests conducted supported earlier evidence that the macroeconomic variables had a strong level of sectoral index determinacy in the long run. The results found that the All-Share and Financial Indices were negatively influenced by inflation and short term interest rates in the long run, while the Financial Index also had a negative relationship with long-run interest rates. Money supply was found to have a positive effect on all the indices. A weakening of the exchange rate was found to have a positive influence on both the Retail and Mining Indices, while it negatively affected the All-Share and Financial Indices. The long-run interest rate had a positive influence on both the Retail and Mining Indices. Overall the study finds that macroeconomic variables are important determinants of stock market prices in South Africa and that it is important to examine each sector of the stock market separately to capture what are different effects. The limitations of the study are that a different measure for exchange rates from the nominal rand/dollar exchange rate used here may yield more decisive results and provide insight into the link between exchange rate behaviour and performance of especially the retail sector.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Hancocks, Ryan Lee
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Johannesburg Stock Exchange , Stock price indexes -- South Africa , Interest rates -- South Africa , Macroeconomics -- Econometric models
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:954
- Description: An econometric study was undertaken to determine the extent to which selected macroeconomic variables influenced stock market prices on the All-Share, Financial, Mining and Retail Indices of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange in South Africa from 1996:7 to 2008:12. The Johansen cointegration method was used to determine whether cointegrating relationships existed between the macroeconomic variables and the stock market indices. A Vector Error Correction model was estimated and found significant results that money supply, inflation, long and short- run interest rates, and the exchange rate all had an influence on stock market prices. Further, the VECM results for each sector indicated that certain macroeconomic variables had differing influences on each sector of the stock market. Impulse Response tests indicated that the selected macroeconomic variables caused shock to the sectoral indices in the short-run but that the effect was lagged. The Variance Decomposition tests conducted supported earlier evidence that the macroeconomic variables had a strong level of sectoral index determinacy in the long run. The results found that the All-Share and Financial Indices were negatively influenced by inflation and short term interest rates in the long run, while the Financial Index also had a negative relationship with long-run interest rates. Money supply was found to have a positive effect on all the indices. A weakening of the exchange rate was found to have a positive influence on both the Retail and Mining Indices, while it negatively affected the All-Share and Financial Indices. The long-run interest rate had a positive influence on both the Retail and Mining Indices. Overall the study finds that macroeconomic variables are important determinants of stock market prices in South Africa and that it is important to examine each sector of the stock market separately to capture what are different effects. The limitations of the study are that a different measure for exchange rates from the nominal rand/dollar exchange rate used here may yield more decisive results and provide insight into the link between exchange rate behaviour and performance of especially the retail sector.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
An analysis of the long run comovements between financial system development and mining production in South Africa
- Authors: Ajagbe, Stephen Mayowa
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa , Econometric models , Mineral industries -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic conditions , South Africa -- Economic policy , Principal components analysis , Cointegration , Stock exchanges -- South Africa , Banks and banking -- South Africa , Foreign exchange rates
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:955 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002689 , Economic development -- South Africa , Econometric models , Mineral industries -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic conditions , South Africa -- Economic policy , Principal components analysis , Cointegration , Stock exchanges -- South Africa , Banks and banking -- South Africa , Foreign exchange rates
- Description: This study examines the nature of the relationship which exists between mining sector production and development of the financial systems in South Africa. This is particularly important in that the mining sector is considered to be one of the major contributors to the country’s overall economic growth. South Africa is also considered to have a very well developed financial system, to the point where the dominance of one over the other is difficult to identify. Therefore offering insight into the nature of this relationship will assist policy makers in identifying the most effective policies in order to ensure that the developments within the financial systems impact appropriately on the mining sector, and ultimately on the economy. In addition to using the conventional proxies of financial system development, this study utilises the principal component analysis (PCA) to construct an index for the entire financial system. The multivariate cointegration approach as proposed by Johansen (1988) and Johansen and Juselius (1990) was then used to estimate the relationship between the development of the financial systems and the mining sector production for the period 1988-2008. The study reveals mixed results for different measures of financial system development. Those involving the banking system show that a negative relationship exists between total mining production and total credit extended to the private sector, while liquid liabilities has a positive relationship. Similarly, with the stock market system, mixed results are also obtained which reveal a negative relationship between total mining production and stock market capitalisation, while a positive relationship is found with secondary market turnover. Of all the financial system variables, only that of stock market capitalisation was found to be significant. The result with the financial development index reveals that a significant negative relationship exists between financial system development and total mining sector production. Results on the other variables controlled in the estimation show that positive and significant relationships exist between total mining production and both nominal exchange rate and political stability respectively. Increased mining production therefore takes place in periods of appreciating exchange rates, and similarly in the post-apartheid era. On the other hand, negative relationships were found for both trade openness and inflation control variables. The impulse response and variance decomposition analyses showed that total mining production explains the largest amount of shocks within itself. Overall, the study reveals that the mining sector might not have benefited much from the development in the South African financial system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Ajagbe, Stephen Mayowa
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa , Econometric models , Mineral industries -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic conditions , South Africa -- Economic policy , Principal components analysis , Cointegration , Stock exchanges -- South Africa , Banks and banking -- South Africa , Foreign exchange rates
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:955 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002689 , Economic development -- South Africa , Econometric models , Mineral industries -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic conditions , South Africa -- Economic policy , Principal components analysis , Cointegration , Stock exchanges -- South Africa , Banks and banking -- South Africa , Foreign exchange rates
- Description: This study examines the nature of the relationship which exists between mining sector production and development of the financial systems in South Africa. This is particularly important in that the mining sector is considered to be one of the major contributors to the country’s overall economic growth. South Africa is also considered to have a very well developed financial system, to the point where the dominance of one over the other is difficult to identify. Therefore offering insight into the nature of this relationship will assist policy makers in identifying the most effective policies in order to ensure that the developments within the financial systems impact appropriately on the mining sector, and ultimately on the economy. In addition to using the conventional proxies of financial system development, this study utilises the principal component analysis (PCA) to construct an index for the entire financial system. The multivariate cointegration approach as proposed by Johansen (1988) and Johansen and Juselius (1990) was then used to estimate the relationship between the development of the financial systems and the mining sector production for the period 1988-2008. The study reveals mixed results for different measures of financial system development. Those involving the banking system show that a negative relationship exists between total mining production and total credit extended to the private sector, while liquid liabilities has a positive relationship. Similarly, with the stock market system, mixed results are also obtained which reveal a negative relationship between total mining production and stock market capitalisation, while a positive relationship is found with secondary market turnover. Of all the financial system variables, only that of stock market capitalisation was found to be significant. The result with the financial development index reveals that a significant negative relationship exists between financial system development and total mining sector production. Results on the other variables controlled in the estimation show that positive and significant relationships exist between total mining production and both nominal exchange rate and political stability respectively. Increased mining production therefore takes place in periods of appreciating exchange rates, and similarly in the post-apartheid era. On the other hand, negative relationships were found for both trade openness and inflation control variables. The impulse response and variance decomposition analyses showed that total mining production explains the largest amount of shocks within itself. Overall, the study reveals that the mining sector might not have benefited much from the development in the South African financial system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011