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Human rights in South African correctional centres: a case study of two correctional centres in the urban and rural areas of the Eastern Cape Province

  • Authors: Spayile, S
  • Date: 2008
  • Subjects: Human rights -- Prisoners -- Eastern Cape , Correctional services
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA (Human Rights)
  • Identifier: vital:11111 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/105 , Human rights -- Prisoners -- Eastern Cape , Correctional services
  • Description: This research project focuses on human rights violation in South African correctional centres. The method of research comprises interviews conducted with correctional officials and inmates. It is a case study of one correctional centre in urban and in rural area of the Eastern Cape Province. The researcher hopes that this study will be a basis for further research into the violation of human rights in South African prisons. The findings of the research indicated that the main causes of human rights violation in South African prisons are overcrowding; gangsterism; and non adherence to Departmental policies by correctional officials. Recommendations have been made that: (i) Provision of adequate prison accommodation; (ii) Upgrading training and staff development.
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Implementation of Domestic Violence Act No 116 of 1998 in South Africa: a case study of two townships in Nkonkobe Municipality District Eastern Cape Province

  • Authors: Mesatywa, Nontando Jennifer
  • Date: 2008
  • Subjects: Human rights , Feminist theory , Domestic Violence Act No 116 1998 -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA (Human Rights)
  • Identifier: vital:11107 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/192 , Human rights , Feminist theory , Domestic Violence Act No 116 1998 -- South Africa
  • Description: This is an exploratory study on the implementation of the Domestic Violence Act No 116 of 1998 in South Africa. It is a case study of two townships in the Nkonkobe Municipality District, Eastern Cape Province. The study was conducted at Ntselamanzi and Upper Qhumashe townships in Nkonkobe Municipality District, Eastern Cape. Since this is a qualitative exploratory study, in-depth interviews were conducted on a sample of ten women in abusive relationships and focus group interviews were conducted on five service providers for a triangulation. A study of related literature focused on African women in battered relationships. An African women’s perspective on the experiences of abuse have been explored. Gender based radical feminist views were discussed and legislations and conventions were analyzed from a human rights perspective. The implementation of the Domestic Violence Act and the role of service providers were also looked into. The findings suggest that African women experience abuse in partner relationships. They sustain grievous bodily harm, psychological, emotional and financial abuse. The patriarchy system, alcohol abuse, infidelity, traditional practices and failure to maintain children have been cited as some of the reasons. The social networks and service providers assisted these women to some extent. However, there is need for ethnic sensitive interdisciplinary training approach on African communities on the Act and a legal system that is accessible to rural women in order to curb further abuse. Various recommendations have been put forward. The study indicated a need for ethnic sensitive empowerment programs for the abused, rehabilitative programs that take into cognizance human rights violations of these women and the abusers, and effective legal remedies to prohibit women abuse.
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Implementing a robust, cost effective, e-commerce platform for a disadvantaged community of the Eastern Cape, South Africa

  • Authors: Njeje, Sicelo Given
  • Date: 2008
  • Subjects: Computer network architectures -- South Africa -- Design and construction , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Internet marketing , Business enterprises -- Computer networks , Electronic commerce
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science)
  • Identifier: vital:11373 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/75 , Computer network architectures -- South Africa -- Design and construction , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Internet marketing , Business enterprises -- Computer networks , Electronic commerce
  • Description: The development of electronic commerce (e-commerce) is the most visible business use of the World Wide Web. The primary goal of an e-commerce site is to sell goods and services online. This project deals with developing an e-commerce platform for marginalized communities of the Eastern Cape region, South Africa. An online “shopping mall” to support the marketing of art and crafts from disadvantaged communities is presented, with Linux-Apache-MySQL-PHP (LAMP) as the development environment. Free and Open Source Software has been chosen to develop the virtual shopping mall system because the use of Open Source allows easy localization and extensions to the system developed and long term sustainability, as the source code is available. Also, it might start a “virtuous” circle, whereby young members of the communities hosting art and craft makers become involved in maintenance, and then production, of software systems. One important design constraint from the e-commerce platform presented in this thesis is the possibility for the art and craft makers to manage their shops directly, from the initial loading of their wares to the day-to-day maintenance, such as changes of price or items. The user requirement elicitation and initial field testing were conducted in Dwesa, an area on the wild coast, South Africa. The system currently comprising two shops is live at the time of writing this thesis at www.dwesa.com.
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In search of a regime of responsibility and accountability for perpetrators of torture with reference to persons with special responsibility for protecting human rights

  • Authors: Odeku, Kolawole Olusola
  • Date: 2008
  • Subjects: Human rights -- Accountability -- Perpetrators of torture -- Torture
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , LLD
  • Identifier: vital:11112 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/101 , Human rights -- Accountability -- Perpetrators of torture -- Torture
  • Description: orture is a serious violation of human rights and it is strictly prohibited by numerous human rights instruments. The prohibition of torture enshrines one of the most fundamental values of a democratic society. Its prohibition in a national constitution commits the country, and specifically its law enforcement officers, to performing their duties with due regard to the essential dignity of every human being. The irony is that the law enforcement officials and the security agents who are entrusted with the responsibility of maintaining law and order in the society sometimes breach the law which they have sworn to uphold. Most of the perpetrators of acts of torture are usually those in positions of state power. In addition, other persons who wield other forms of authority or influence also perpetrate torture. It is contended that both civil and criminal responsibilities of the perpetrators should be explored by bringing them to justice in order to serve as deterrence to others. Despite being stringently outlawed, torture continues to be practised in many countries in the world. The underlying assumption is that, although the prohibition of torture has become part of customary international law, the practice of torture remains widespread. Torturers and those who order or encourage torturers to ply their trade or acquiesce in their doing so, enjoy virtual impunity from prosecution within their own jurisdictions. In many cases, the majority of the torturers go unpunished because they are, most often than not, agents or officials of the state. Nowadays, there are various international human rights instruments prohibiting torture. Violations of the provisions of these instruments by states or individuals will attract necessary and appropriate sanction. The erring state or individual will be held accountable and if found liable, sanctions as contained in the instruments banning torture will be invoked accordingly. It must be stressed that condemnation of torture is universal and its prohibition forms not only part of customary international law, but has joined that narrow category of crimes so egregious as to demand universal criminal jurisdiction. There is no save haven for perpetrators because the various mechanisms and adjudicating bodies of state parties and the United Nations have competent jurisdictions to right the wrong. Furthermore, it must be stressed that there can be no justification for torture because CAT and other important international human rights instruments assume increasing importance tools which have realistic prospects for eliminating torture.
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Informal cross-border trade: a review of its impact on household poverty reduction (Zimbabwe)

  • Authors: Chani, Chivimbiso
  • Date: 2008
  • Subjects: Poverty -- Zimbabwe , Households -- Economic aspects -- Zimbabwe , Foreign trade regulations , International trade
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Dev)
  • Identifier: vital:11407 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/167 , Poverty -- Zimbabwe , Households -- Economic aspects -- Zimbabwe , Foreign trade regulations , International trade
  • Description: This study endeavors to explore the value of informal cross-border trade to household poverty reduction. Informal cross-border trade has become a panacea to most Zimbabweans both employed and unemployed in the middle of the socio-economic crisis which has eroded the standards of living in Zimbabwe. This study is an eye opener to those who view informal cross-border trade as merely a survival strategy. It explores the efficacy of informal cross-border trade as a poverty reduction strategy looking at its viability and sustainability despite criticism by many people who associate informal cross-border trade with all kinds of negativity. It thrusts forward the agenda of participatory poverty reduction agenda within a nexus of partnerships and relationships between the government, non-governmental organization, institutions and families. Informal cross-border traders have maneuvered their way out of the chains and shackles of poverty even though it has been tough due to many obstacles from different angles. They have helped to distribute the scarce goods and products in Zimbabwe as a consequent of the socio-economic crisis. If they are given a better platform they can 5 perform much better than they are getting at present. Thus this study advocates the forging of networks between various stakeholders in both the formal and informal sector in order to fight against poverty.
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Integrating natural sciences and indigenous knowledge systems for rural economic development: a model for rural enterprise development, health and nutrition initiatives in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

  • Authors: Lupuwana, Pumezo
  • Date: 2008
  • Subjects: Natural resources -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nutrition -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Ethnobotany)
  • Identifier: vital:11884 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/81 , Natural resources -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nutrition -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Description: This study demonstrated that the demographic profile of the Eastern Cape Province portrayed high levels of poverty and underdevelopment in the mostly rural population. This is despite the fact that the Eastern Cape is characterized by a rich endowment of natural resources, hosting a wide range of natural plant species, numerous rivers, water springs from mountains and no less than six biomes due to the variety of climatic conditions prevalent in the Province. In contrast, the natural resources found in the Province were regarded to have a high potential to grow and transform the economy of the Province. In this study, the integrated approach was conceptualized, developed and implemented in action within the rural communities selected with varying degrees of success, as a function of the material and objective socio-economic conditions prevailing in each community. A model for rural enterprise development based on agricultural production utilizing the principles of Community-Public-Private Partnerships was conceptualized and executed with the assistance of specialist professionals from various disciplines and organizations. Case studies structured on the basis of methodologies derived from the integration of natural sciences and indigenous knowledge systems were conducted to demonstrate the feasibility of the conceptual framework of the study as indicated by the following case studies. The first case study undertaken was the development of agricultural enterprises in the selected rural communities in joint ventures through the commercial production of food and vegetable crops for local markets and to provide nutrition for the rural communities as the first line of therapy against the HIV/AIDS infection and other diseases associated with malnutrition. The second case study was the establishment of an agricultural enterprise in partnership between rural communities, government agencies and agricultural specialist for the commercial production of grain crops, namely, Sorghum alternating with Wheat to satisfy the demand of local markets for these crops. The third case study was the establishment of a community-based enterprise through the commercial production of two Pelargonium plant species, namely, Pelargonium reniforme and P. sidoides. The two species had a high market demand in the pharmaceutical industry; hence, the plant species were V domestically cultivated to satisfy the industry demand and to ensure the survival of the plant species. The enterprise succeeded in sustaining the livelihoods of the rural communities and conserving the plant species. The fourth case study was the commercial production of essential oil-producing plants in six selected rural communities providing employment for some of the members of these communities even though the initial phase of the start-up enterprise was a trial cultivation to determine the suitability of the environmental and climatic conditions for the propagation of the selected essential-producing plants. The demand for essential oils in local and international markets was determined to relatively high. The incorporation of Indigenous Knowledge Systems of the rural communities in the planning and implementation processes in the areas of Commercial Agricultural Production and Primary Health Care resulted in a gradual paradigm shift on the part of rural communities from a dependence mindset to one of self-reliance that is critical for sustainable rural economic development and the improvement of rural livelihoods. An integrated approach in the strategic planning and execution that involved the rural communities by government stakeholders, the academic community and other stakeholders from the Private Sector was piloted. The recognition of Indigenous Knowledge Systems by all the relevant stakeholders and their essential role in rural enterprise development, food production and primary health care as a pre-requisite for a successful transformation agenda was highlighted as never before. An all-inclusive approach that accorded the rural communities the status of equal partnership had a positive impact on most aspects of planning and implementing programmes for sustainable rural economic development and biodiversity conservation. Working in partnership with rural communities was found to be a challenge; hence, an understanding of the sub-cultures and the social dynamics that often manifested themselves in the form of internecine conflicts became necessary for successfully initiating the research programme in the rural communities. Furthermore, recognition of the rural communities as an integral part of the solution towards biodiversity conservation and the sustainable exploitation of natural resources was found to be a critical component for an effective strategy to ensure the continued survival of the endangered plant species. This attitude underpinned the co-operation of the rural communities and the overarching goals of rural transformation towards the consistent and sustainable improvement of rural livelihoods. Theapproach also marked a radical shift from all the preceeding practices in biodiversity conservation and the management of sustainable natural resource utilization. The study demonstrated that the integration of Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Natural Sciences for sustainable rural economic development with the ultimate strategic objective of contributing towards the reduction of poverty, the improvement of the quality and cost-effectiveness of primary health care and adequate food production is feasible.
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Intimacy in romantic relationships during young adulthood: the role of the mother-daughter relationship

  • Authors: Addinall, Elizabeth Liezl
  • Date: 2008
  • Subjects: Intimacy (Psychology) , Parent and child , Mothers and daughters
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (C Psy)
  • Identifier: vital:11850 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/160 , Intimacy (Psychology) , Parent and child , Mothers and daughters
  • Description: This study addressed the role of the mother-daughter relationship on the daughter‟s development of the capacity for intimacy with a romantic partner. The objective of this study was to examine whether separateness in mother-daughter interactions was related to romantic intimacy (sexual and non-sexual intimacy) in romantic relationships. The following instruments were used: 1) Socio-demographic questionnaire; 2) Competence in Mother-Daughter Relationship Questionnaire (ICQ-M) and 3) Personal Assessment of Intimacy Questionnaire (PAIR). 179 adolescent female university students participated in this study most of who were between the ages of 20 and 24. The results indicated that a positive relationship existed between separateness and sexual intimacy (r=.688, p<.01) as well as separateness and non-sexual intimacy (r=.598, p<.01). A positive relationship between connectedness and non-sexual intimacy (r=.468, p<.01) was also observed, however no correlation was observed between connectedness and sexual intimacy. These findings indicate that separateness in mother-daughter interactions has a definite effect on the different dimensions of romantic intimacy. Therefore, late adolescent women who possess the ability to assert themselves and express differences between themselves and their mothers are not as apprehensive as their peers when it comes to romantic intimacy with a partner.
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Investigating the learners perceptions on the factors that influence learners to use and abuse drugs: a case study of one secondary school in the Eastern Cape Province

  • Authors: Pama, Mzingisi Nimrod
  • Date: 2008
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
  • Identifier: vital:16160 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/186
  • Description: The research interest in this study was on learners’ perceptions on the factors that influence learners to use and abuse drugs. This study discussed learner understanding of drug use and abuse, what learners consider as reasons why learners use and abuse drugs and what could be done to discourage this phenomenon. The investigation was carried in the central region of the Eastern Cape in Fort Beaufort District. This district covers the rural areas of Nkonkobe municipality. I made use of qualitative methodology to obtain data from a sample of 56 learners and 12 teachers including the principal of the school. This study is located in one high school in the Fort Beaufort District. Methods used included learner surveys, learners’ focus group discussions, teachers’ focus discussions, learners individual interviews as well as document analysis. A major finding in this study indicates that learners understood what drugs as well as heir effects on those who use and abused them. The learners also unpacked factors that contribute to this phenomenon, which include peer pressure, socialization, stress and others. Teachers and learners also suggested ways in which drug use can be discouraged. Teacher also acknowledged that there was a drug problem amongst learners in their school and that something should urgently be done to discourage this phenomenon.
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Job stress, burnout and coping strategies of South African police officers

  • Authors: Myendeki, Akhona Nangamso
  • Date: 2008
  • Subjects: Burn out (Psychology) , Stress management , Police -- South Africa , Police -- Job stress , Stress (Psychology) , Job stress
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (C Psy)
  • Identifier: vital:11859 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/136 , Burn out (Psychology) , Stress management , Police -- South Africa , Police -- Job stress , Stress (Psychology) , Job stress
  • Description: The aim of this study was to determine whether coping strategies of police officers help moderate the outcome of burnout resulting from job stress. The nature of the job demands of police officers is such that they may experience high levels of stress. A convenience sample (N = 89: n Males = 58; n Female = 29) of police officers in police stations in the Eastern Cape was surveyed. The Maslach Burnout Inventory – General Survey, Police Stress Inventory and COPE questionnaire were administered. Results for all the participants indicate that when the occupational stressor Lack of Resources occurs police officers implement Avoidance Coping (COPE) as a strategy, which leads to the experience of Exhaustion. Results also indicate that police officers use Active Coping, Cognitive Coping and Turning to Religion as means of moderating the stress-burnout relationship. Results also show that the coping strategy Avoidance Coping, used by male officers lead to Cynicism. When female police officers experience Job Demands and a Lack of Resources they make use of Seeking Emotional Support as a coping strategy. Male police officers were shown to make use of Active Coping as a strategy to regulate the stress-burnout relationship while female police officers implemented Active Coping and Turning to Religion to act as a buffer between job stress and burnout.
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Land management in the Wild Coast: the case of indigenous people in Coffee Bay, Eastern Cape, South Africa

  • Authors: Kalumba, Ahmed Mukalazi
  • Date: 2008
  • Subjects: Land use -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Geography)
  • Identifier: vital:11514 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/79 , Land use -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Description: An under-reported consequence of the democratic transition is the impact on land management (LM) within communal areas of South Africa (SA).Yet land is an essential natural resource, both for the survival and prosperity of humanity, and for the maintenance of all terrestrial ecosystems (FAO&UNEP,1997.)This study focuses on land management in the Wild Coast with special reference to indigenous people in Coffee Bay.Using the concept of the land management paradigm, the study adopts an intensive research design for the analysis and interpretation of data.The study aims to examine how land as a 'resource'is managed by the local indigenous people with special reference to wether it is moving towards or away from sustainability.The study discusses LM in the rural-built up environment with emphasis on land based activities, land tenure, gender issues,indigenous knowledge systems, changes in land use and degradation.The study looks at the indigenous people's participation in the new LM policy formation as predetermined by the grand scheme of democratization and decentralization.It highlights that indigenous knowledge systems are at the centre in rural sustainable LM, and equity in land issues forms another breakthrough for communal tenure system in the new SA.Indigenous people's views in policy formulation are not necessarily matched with national policy objectives due to poor public consultation.In general, the study provides an understanding of how indigenous people grapple with new policy changes in LM, to ensure sustainable land management in the rural South Africa
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Learning organisations: an exploration of the extent to which early childhood development non-government organisations (NGOS) in the Eastern Cape Province are learning organisations

  • Authors: Hornby, Diana Scot
  • Date: 2008
  • Subjects: Early childhood education , Child development , Child psychology , Non-governmental organizations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Community Development)
  • Identifier: vital:11843 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/242 , Early childhood education , Child development , Child psychology , Non-governmental organizations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Description: The first decade of democracy marks a massive transition in the life of South African children. The South African Constitution is perhaps the most assertive affirmation of the rights of children any where in the world. The new Government has highlighted the plight of young children by publishing the first white paper for children under the age of 6 years: Education White Paper (5) on Early Childhood Development (RSA, 2001) as well as other policies to guide an integrated developmental approach to early childhood services. Despite progress, according to Porteus (in Chisholm 2004), the gains have not been strong enough to work against the momentum of inequity facing the nation’s young. Non Government Organisations have played a key role over the past thirty years to establish services that address the developmental needs of disadvantaged young children under the age of 6 years. Their challenge now, is to respond to the changes in a transforming state and provide services that are relevant and appropriate. There has been a ‘realignment’ occurring in the ECD sector where activities have shifted beyond the formal classroom possibilities to pro-child social development. This adjustment is making huge demands on the ECD sector as they grapple with the paradigm shift. The Learning Organisation is a strategy that allows organisations to re-invent themselves and remain relevant. The focus of this study examines five ECD NGO’s in the Eastern Cape Province, to assess the extent to which they meet the characteristics that make a learning organisation, in the current democratic context of South Africa. The research was qualitative in nature and utilizing the case study method and through semi-structured interview schedules and document analysis, the researcher was able to gain insight into the Organisations. The Directors in five organisations formed the core of the research sample. The research findings suggest that although the Directors are grappling with the paradigm shift to an integrated, pro-child social development approach, the human resources within organisations are not being fully mobilised, enhanced and tapped. Practicing a Learning Organisation strategy would assist the ECD NGO’s to re-invent themselves, but the research findings suggest that these characteristics remain under-utilized.
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Male perspectives on gender violence in South Africa: the case of Nkonkobe municipal area

  • Authors: Danga, Talent
  • Date: 2008
  • Subjects: Abused wives -- South Africa , Abused women -- South Africa , Family violence -- South Africa , Women -- Crimes against -- South Africa , Family violence -- South Africa -- Research , Family violence -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , M SW
  • Identifier: vital:11753 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/180 , Abused wives -- South Africa , Abused women -- South Africa , Family violence -- South Africa , Women -- Crimes against -- South Africa , Family violence -- South Africa -- Research , Family violence -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
  • Description: The study explores the experiences of men who perpetrated violence against women in the domestic sphere. The study’s overarching concern is that violence has been largely seen as a women’s problem and not an issue that is central to men and yet in most cases are the perpetrators of this violence. Consequently, men have not been targeted in initiatives that curb domestic violence (Salo, 2005). It is in this frame of reference that this study saw it imperative to focus on the male perspective of gender violence. The study aims to find factors that contribute to male violence and in turn recommend practical and appropriate strategies of dealing with male violence perpetrators. The study drew its theoretical framework largely from the feminist theory, systems theory and the social learning theory in-order to gain insight into the different frameworks for making judgement about male violence against women. Feminists hold the view that, starting with people’s experiences is a powerful tool that provides the rational for their studies. The study was therefore qualitative in nature as it sought to gather men’s experiences of violent against their spouses; semi-structured interviews were utilized during data collection. A purposive sampling method was utilised to select ten men who were known to have perpetrated violence against their partners and five key informants with special knowledge on domestic violence. The research was conducted through the Department of Social Development in Alice in the Eastern Cape, which facilitated a trusting relationship between the researcher and its clients. The findings established that violence is used to maintain control and power over women. Men invoked hegemonic discourses as violence is employed as an instrument to suppress women, mostly in instances were women question their prerogatives and undermine their authority. It was evidenced that cultural practices such as ‘lobola’ (dowry) usually contribute to men’s use of violence. Most of the respondents understood violence from the physical dimension only, as violence was equated to beating and slapping. Added to that was the respondents’ inadequate understanding of domestic violence laws and legislation. The study also established that social service providers seem not to have concrete procedures and capacity to deal with perpetrators of domestic violence. In light of the problems discussed, the study recommends effective counseling and educational programs, policy improvement, capacitation of service providers and the criminal justice system and further research as strategies for dealing with male violence in the Nkonkobe District.
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Managing of work stress among blue collarworkers in the mining industry in Lesotho

  • Authors: Molaoa, Tsalong
  • Date: 2008
  • Subjects: Working class , Mineral industries -- Lesotho , Job stress , Stress (Psychology)
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Industrial Psychology)
  • Identifier: vital:11550 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/187 , Working class , Mineral industries -- Lesotho , Job stress , Stress (Psychology)
  • Description: There are various ways in which work can be harmful to our health. Accidents and violence on the job and exposure to noxious chemicals in factories and sealed office buildings account for substantial numbers of injuries and deaths every year. Another danger, stress affects millions of employees and costs companies millions of cash every year, but it operates in more silent and subtle way. Stress is a psychological agent that affects the health of workers, productivity, and morale worldwide. Some of the causes of stress in the workplace include work over and underload, personal and family problems, organizational design and relationships in the organization. Stress-related diseases are widespread among employees throughout the world. A national survey was conducted in the United states by a life insurance company found that nearly half of all employed adults considered their jobs to be extremely stressful. Furthermore, a major share of physical complaints may be psychosomatic, that is, actual physical disorders caused by or related to emotional factors such as stress on the job. Physical problems associated with stress include high blood pressure, ulcers, heart disease, lower back pain and cancer. Stress in the workplace is very costly to employers in terms of lower productivity, reduced motivation, and increased errors and accidents. Moderate stress is encouraged as it can help employees in achieving the goals by being productive but too much or high stress level is related to increases in turnover and counterproductive behavior, such as theft and drug and alcohol abuse.
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Parasite prevalence, nutritionally-related blood metabolites and pre-slaughter stress response in Nguni, Bonsmara and Angus steers raised on veld

  • Authors: Ndlovu, Thulile
  • Date: 2008
  • Subjects: Parasites , Nguni cattle , Bonsmara cattle , Metabolites , Slaughtering and slaughter-houses , Aberdeen -- Angus cattle
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Microbiology)
  • Identifier: vital:11258 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/73 , Parasites , Nguni cattle , Bonsmara cattle , Metabolites , Slaughtering and slaughter-houses , Aberdeen -- Angus cattle
  • Description: The effects of month on body weight, body condition scores, internal parasite prevalence and on nutritionally related blood metabolites were studied in Angus, Bonsmara and Nguni steers raised on sweet veld. Pre-slaughter stress was also determined using catecholamines, cortisol, dopamine, packed cell volume and serum creatinine levels. The blood chemical constituents evaluated included glucose, cholesterol, total protein, creatinine, urea, globulin, albumin, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, aspartate amino transferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and creatinine kinase (CK). The Nguni steers maintained their body condition throughout the study period whereas Angus steers had the least body condition scores. Parasite levels were high during the rainy season and low during the dry season. The predominant internal parasites were Haemonchus (39.3 percent), Trichostrongylus (37.8 percent), Cooperia pectinita (25.5 percent), Fasciola gigantica (16.3 percent) and Ostertagia ostertagi (11.2 percent). The Nguni had the least parasite infestation levels and had high PCV levels. Nguni had higher levels of cholesterol and glucose (2.86 and 4mmol/l, respectively) than the other two breeds. Nguni and Bonsmara steers had higher (P<0.05) mineral levels. There were significant breed and month differences for glucose, cholesterol, creatinine, calcium, albumin, phosphorus, albumin-globulin ratio and ALP levels. Bonsmara was more susceptible to transport and pre-slaughter stress as it had the highest (P<0.05) levels of adrenalin (10.8nmol/mol), noradrenalin (9.7nmol/mol) and dopamine (14.8nmol/mol) levels, whereas the Nguni had the least levels of adrenalin (6.5nmol/mol), noradrenalin (4.6nmol/mol) and dopamine (4nmol/mol) levels. In conclusion, Nguni steers were better adapted to the local environmental conditions
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Patterns of risk-taking behaviour of first year university students

  • Authors: Essendrup, Eugene
  • Date: 2008
  • Subjects: College students -- South Africa -- Social conditions , Risk-taking (Psychology)
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (C Psy)
  • Identifier: vital:11851 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/135 , College students -- South Africa -- Social conditions , Risk-taking (Psychology)
  • Description: This study investigated risk-taking behaviours among 244 first year students (Male=52 and Female=192). The risk-taking behaviours of the students were grouped into Risky and Violent Behaviour, Tobacco Use, Alcohol and Drug Use, Risky Sexual Behaviour and Unhealthy Dietary Behaviour subscales. Statistically significant correlations were found among all the risk-taking behaviour subscales other than Unhealthy Dietary Behaviours, which did not correlate with the other risky behaviours. Statistical significant sex differences were found regarding risk-taking behaviour that implicated males as higher risk-takers than females.
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Prevalence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in water and meat and meat products and vegetables sold in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa and its impact on the diarrhoeic conditions of HIV/AIDS patients

  • Authors: Abong'o, Benard Omondi
  • Date: 2008
  • Subjects: Foodborne diseases , Diarrhea , Escherichia coli , HIV infections , AIDS (Disease) , Bacterial diseases
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Microbiology)
  • Identifier: vital:11263 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/87 , Foodborne diseases , Diarrhea , Escherichia coli , HIV infections , AIDS (Disease) , Bacterial diseases
  • Description: Water and food borne Escherichia coli O157:H7 could be one of the pathogens posing high health risk to patients suffering from Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) because of its incrimination in diarrhoea cases in AIDS patients. The present study, which was conducted between March 2005 and August 2006, investigated the prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 in water, meat and meat products and vegetables and its impact on diarrhoeic conditions of confirmed and non-confirmed HIV/AIDS patients in the Amathole District in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The water samples used in the study were obtained from stand pipes supplying treated drinking water to communities residing in Fort Beaufort, Alice, Dimbaza and Mdantsane whereas borehole waters were sampled from Ngwenya and Kwasaki. The meat and meat products and vegetable samples were purchased from shops, butcheries, supermarkets and open air markets in Fort Beaufort, Alice and Mdantsane. The stool swabs used in the study were obtained from HIV/AIDS and outpatient clinics at Frere Hospital in East London. A total of 180 each of water, meat and meat products and vegetable samples and another 360 stool samples were analyzed for E. coli O157:H7. Presumptive E. coli O157 was isolated from the samples by culture-based methods and confirmed using Polymerase Chain Reaction techniques. Anti-biogram as well as risk assessment were also carried out using standard methods. The viable counts of presumptive E. coli O157 for water samples ranged between 3.3 × 104 and 1.71 × 105 CFU/ml, and between 1.8 × 104 and 5.04 × 106 CFU/g for meat and meat products, whereas those for vegetables ranged between 1.3 × 103 and 1.6 × 106 CFU/g. The counts of presumptive E. coli O157 for the water and vegetable samples were not significantly different whereas those for meat and meat products were found to be significantly different (P ≤ 0.05). The prevalence rates of presumptive E coli O157 in meat and meat products was 35.55 percent (64/180), and 25.55 percent (46/180) and 21.66 percent (39/180) for water and vegetables respectively. Prevalence of presumptive E. coli O157 in the stool samples of HIV/AIDS patients was 36.39 percent (131/360), of which 56.5 percent (74/131) and 43.5 percent (57/131) were from stools of confirmed and non-confirmed HIV/AIDS patients, respectively. Molecular analysis of representative presumptive E. coli O157 indicated that 10.29 percent (4/39) of vegetables; 14.81 percent (4/27) of water and 38.46 percent (5/13) of meat and meat products carried E. coli O157:H7. Also 36 percent (9/25) and 17.24 percent (5/29) of the stool samples were positive for E. coli O157:H7. Antimicrobial susceptibility profile revealed that all of the E. coli O157:H7 isolated from water, meat and meat products and vegetables as well as those isolated from stools of confirmed and non-confirmed HIV/AIDS patients were resistant (R) to gentamycin and erythromycin. However, 75 percent (20/27) of these isolates were resistant (R) to ampicillin and tetracycline whereas approximately 25 percent (6/27) were resistant (R) to nalidixic acid, ceftriaxone, and chloramphenicol. All the isolates (27/27) were susceptible (S) to amikacin. Probability of risk of E. coli O157:H7 infection was high for confirmed HIV/AIDS patients than for the non-confirmed HIV/AIDS patients. Estimated probability of risk of E. coli O157:H7 due to ingestion of water was 1.00 for 100 confirmed and non-confirmed HIV/AIDS patients. Risk due to meat and meat products was estimated at 0.27 and 0.20 and for vegetables at 0.21 and 0.15 per 100 confirmed and non-confirmed HIV/AIDS patients. The findings of this study predicted a possible link between E. coli O157:H7 isolated from drinking water, meat and meat products and vegetables and diarrhoeic conditions in both confirmed and non-confirmed HIV/AIDS patients, and concludes that confirmed HIV/AIDS patients can be at higher risk of contracting water and food borne E. coli O157:H7 than nonconfirmed HIV/AIDS patients. It is thus recommended that proper water treatment and food handling, maximum food and water safety and sanitation as well as personal body hygiene should be maintained, in order to prevent E. coli O157:H7 infections. Education initiatives and active surveillance of E. coli O157:H7 should be taken by all the stake-holders working directly or indirectly towards ensuring enduring sound public health.
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Prevalence of ticks and tick-borne diseases in cattle on communal rangelands in the Highland Areas of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

  • Authors: Marufu, Munyaradzi Christopher
  • Date: 2008
  • Subjects: Cattle -- Diseases , Livestock diseases -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Ixodidae -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Tick-borne diseases -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Ticks -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
  • Identifier: vital:11814 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/152 , Cattle -- Diseases , Livestock diseases -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Ixodidae -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Tick-borne diseases -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Ticks -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Description: Surveys were conducted to compare the seasonal tick prevalence and loads, and sero-prevalence of tick-borne diseases (TBD) in Nguni and non-descript cattle on the sweet and sour communal rangelands of the Eastern Cape Province. The tick species observed on both rangeland types were Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (71.0 %), Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) species (29.2 %) and Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi (40.2 %). Hyalomma species (19.0 %) occurred only on the sour rangeland. Tick loads were higher (P < 0.05) in the hot-wet season than in the cool-dry season. Cattle in the sweet rangeland had significantly lower (P < 0.05) tick loads than those in the sour rangeland. Rhipicephalus appendiculatus loads were lower (P < 0.05) in the indigenous Nguni than non-descript cattle in the hot-wet and post-rainy season. Hyalomma species were also significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the Nguni than non-descript cattle in all the seasons. Three TBDs were observed, namely Babesia bovis (44.6 %), Babesia bigemina (45.9 %) and Anaplasma marginale (25.6 %). All the animals were sero-negative for Ehrlichia ruminantium. Nguni cattle had lower (P < 0.05) sero-prevalence for A. marginale in the cool-dry season and B. bigemina in the cool-dry and hot-wet seasons. Cattle in the sweet rangeland had significantly lower sero-prevalence of B. bovis and B. bigemina. Infection with B. bovis and A. marginale decreased (P < 0.05) the packed cell volume. Nguni cattle were recommended for use in the integrated control of ticks and TBD in the communal areas of South Africa as they were better able to cope with tick and TBD infestations than non-descript breeds.
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Reproductive performance of cows in sweet and sour veld types under communal production systems in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa

  • Authors: Nqeno, Noluvuyo
  • Date: 2008
  • Subjects: Pastoral systems -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Commons -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Beef cattle -- Breeding , Beef cattle -- Reproduction , Grazing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Dairy cattle , Cows
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
  • Identifier: vital:11815 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/141 , Pastoral systems -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Commons -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Beef cattle -- Breeding , Beef cattle -- Reproduction , Grazing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Dairy cattle , Cows
  • Description: The objective of the study was to evaluate cow reproductive performance in the sweetveld and sourveld communal grazing areas of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. In the first experiment, farmer perceptions were obtained using participatory rural appraisals. Farmers ranked lack of fences, tick-borne diseases, poor animal condition during winter and poor breeding practices, respectively as major constraints limiting cattle production in the Eastern Cape. Cattle, sheep and goats, in that order, were ranked as the most important livestock species and were mainly kept for meat, cash and ceremonies, respectively. The non-descript cattle breed was the most common breed found in the smallholder areas. Most farmers preferred Nguni breed because of its adaptive attributes. In the second experiment, structured questionnaires were administered, between June and August 2006, to a total of 551 farmers from 10 communities of the Eastern Cape. There was a significant association (P<0.05) between the use of pregnancy diagnoses and community. About 87 and 77 % of the interviewed farmers did not respond on the extent of pregnancy and calving rates in their herds. A higher proportion of farmers from Hekele (51%) and from Upper Mnxe (45.3%) communities reported low number of bulls as a major constraint to cow reproductive performance. Body condition and ovarian activity were measured in the sweet and sour veld types. Body condition score of animals was measured from March iii 2007 until January 2008 and ovarian activity of cows was performed by a veterinarian through rectal palpation in June, August and October 2007 and January 2008. From March to July, there was a marked decline in body condition on both veld types. In the sweetveld, body condition improved from September until January, whereas in the sourveld the improvement in body condition started in October. The cows in both veld types conceived throughout the year. Most cows in the sweetveld were cycling in January and August (P<0.05) whereas in the sourveld there was no distinct period when the animals were cycling. Overall, there were no differences in the proportion of cows that were cycling between the sour and sweet veldts (P>0.05). There were more cows cycling in sourveld in October than in the sweetveld. Reproductive performance of cows in communal areas could, therefore, be determined by levels and quality of nutrition. Keywords: Participatory rural appraisals; Structured questionnaires; Farmer participation; Farmer perceptions; Body condition scoring; Ovarian activity; Pregnancy diagnoses.
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Socio-economic impact of the participatory and conventionally implemented irrigation and livestock development projects: a case of Beitbridge and Mberengwa Districts of Zimbabwe

  • Authors: Ndou, Portia
  • Date: 2008
  • Subjects: Irrigation -- Zimbabwe , Water resources development -- Zimbabwe , Range management -- Zimbabwe , Livestock projects -- Zimbabwe
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
  • Identifier: vital:11191 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/82 , Irrigation -- Zimbabwe , Water resources development -- Zimbabwe , Range management -- Zimbabwe , Livestock projects -- Zimbabwe
  • Description: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of participatory and conventional approaches to livestock and irrigation project implementation in Zimbabwe’s Beitbridge and Mberengwa districts. The conventional livestock projects performed better than the participatory. Despite the breed for the participatory livestock projects being unsuitable for the environment, the farmers failed to utilize the drugs and surplus funding set aside for replacement of dead cattle. Farmer training was found to be of paramount importance in the establishment of the livestock projects in spite of the participatory approach used for the implementation of the projects. Also the technical backup and support for the livestock project beneficiaries is important to ensure early rectification of problems that may affect the smooth running of the projects as well as an opportunity to introduce new technical advice to boost production. Livestock projects take long period of time to establish, i.e. for the financial turn over to be realized. It takes long time for farmers in these projects to make investments from the proceeds of the livestock projects. For this reason, there is need for the number of beneficiaries for each pass-on livestock project to take into account the number of beasts at project establishment and also the number per each beneficiary group. However, the projects should still be encouraged as they will take full operation at a later stage and be of benefit to the rural disadvantaged who cannot access other means to own cattle, which in turn play a pivotal role in crop production (through draft power, manure provision) and cash earnings that indirectly ensures food security. Regardless of approach used, livestock projects should be strongly supported because the districts under study are prone to poor crop production and hence the cattle can be a source of income and food. Participatory irrigation projects performed better than the conventionally implemented, despite their small hectarages. This proved that farmer participation can greatly improve the efficiency of development work and eliminate many of the problems regarding proprietorship and enhance development activities at community level. Conventional irrigation projects were plagued by problems of mismanagement and theft as was reflected by poor performance and malfunction of the conventional Chingechuru and Chimwe-Chegato irrigation schemes. Fencing theft atChingechuru irrigation scheme had brought it to a stand still. However, the larger incomes associated with the conventionally implemented irrigation projects were the result of the larger areas under cropping for these projects. Production levels in participatory irrigation schemes were good. Adoption of most technical innovations in livestock projects was found to be associated with the conventional approach. Asset procurement was a function of the farmer’s accessibility to non-project income, like formal employment, and procurement of specific assets applied more to project type than the approach to project implementation. This study found that the approach used in implementation had a greater influence on the performance of irrigation projects than livestock projects.
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Stress and traumatic symptoms among police officers: a gender analysis

  • Authors: Williams, Wendy Claudia
  • Date: 2008
  • Subjects: Stress (Psychology) -- South Africa , Psychic trauma -- South Africa , Post-traumatic stress disorder -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (C Psy)
  • Identifier: vital:11846 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/144 , Stress (Psychology) -- South Africa , Psychic trauma -- South Africa , Post-traumatic stress disorder -- South Africa
  • Description: This study assessed the extent to which exposure to traumatic events affected the traumatic stress response of male and female police officers. A convenience sample of male and female police officers (N = 66: n Male=46, n Female=20) was surveyed at an Eastern Cape police station. The following instruments were used: 1) Biographical questionnaire 2) PTSS-10 scales 3) The 39-item stress incident scale. Findings of this study indicate that the frequency of exposure to stressful incidents especially for more serious events is significant higher than that of Peltzer (2001) study. The four most frequent stressful incidents experienced by all participants were 1) Finding a corpse after murder (86.4 percent), 2) Responding to a scene involving accidental injury of a child (84.8 percent), .3) Finding a corpse (died of natural causes) (84.8 percent), 4) Duty related violence (non-shooting) (84.8 percent ).The four least frequent incidents experienced by participants were: (1) Response to the depressing social situation (71.2 percent), (2) Dragging of a corpse (74.2 percent), (3) Taking a life in the line of duty (75.8 percent), (4) Violent death of a colleague (77.3 percent ).Female participants results indicated a positive relationship between frequency of stressful incidents and total threat, anxiety, helplessness and PTSS-scale , where male participants’ results indicate no significant relationship between frequency of stressful incidents and total threat, anxiety, helplessness and PTSS-scale. Findings on male participants however indicate a positive relationship between years of service in police, age of police officers and PTSS-scale, while female participants’ results indicated no relationship between years of service in the police, age of police officer and PTSS-scale.
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