A conceptual IT governance framework to guide the development of interoperable health information systems
- Authors: Matshaba, Lebogang
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Information technology Management , Information technology Management Standards , Information technology Security measures , Medical informatics South Africa , Medical records Data processing , Internetworking (Telecommunication) , National health insurance South Africa , Design Science Research (DSR)
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/284570 , vital:56075
- Description: In light of changing health needs, health information systems are presented with a plethora of challenges. For instance, the rise of COVID-19 in the past year has led to the discourse on the strength of current health systems to support health needs and the readiness for the National Health Insurance in South Africa. In addition to operating in resource-constrained environments, the lack of synchrony between health information systems across health facilities led to the fragmentation of health information and diminished access to quality healthcare. This research, following the Design Science Research Methodology (DSRM) process, developed an IT governance conceptual framework (HISIG-CF), to inform the interoperability of health information systems. The HISIG-CF is developed from literature and qualitative data collected using an expert reviews method from practitioners in the healthcare sector who evaluated the constructs of the HISIG-CF. Thematic analysis and hermeneutics were used to analyse and interpret the data. The results revealed a need for more guidance to inform interoperability interventions and strengthen current health information systems. The contribution of this study is the HISIG-CF which is deemed relevant and potentially fit-for-purpose to improve health information systems interoperability within the healthcare sector in South Africa. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Department of Information Systems, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
- Authors: Matshaba, Lebogang
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Information technology Management , Information technology Management Standards , Information technology Security measures , Medical informatics South Africa , Medical records Data processing , Internetworking (Telecommunication) , National health insurance South Africa , Design Science Research (DSR)
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/284570 , vital:56075
- Description: In light of changing health needs, health information systems are presented with a plethora of challenges. For instance, the rise of COVID-19 in the past year has led to the discourse on the strength of current health systems to support health needs and the readiness for the National Health Insurance in South Africa. In addition to operating in resource-constrained environments, the lack of synchrony between health information systems across health facilities led to the fragmentation of health information and diminished access to quality healthcare. This research, following the Design Science Research Methodology (DSRM) process, developed an IT governance conceptual framework (HISIG-CF), to inform the interoperability of health information systems. The HISIG-CF is developed from literature and qualitative data collected using an expert reviews method from practitioners in the healthcare sector who evaluated the constructs of the HISIG-CF. Thematic analysis and hermeneutics were used to analyse and interpret the data. The results revealed a need for more guidance to inform interoperability interventions and strengthen current health information systems. The contribution of this study is the HISIG-CF which is deemed relevant and potentially fit-for-purpose to improve health information systems interoperability within the healthcare sector in South Africa. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Department of Information Systems, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
A data-driven decision-making model for the third-party logistics industry in Africa
- Authors: Moyo, Faith
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53875 , vital:46022
- Description: Third-party logistics (3PL) providers have continued to be key players in the supply chain network and have witnessed a growth in the usage of information technology. This growth has enhanced the volume of structured and unstructured data that is collected at a high velocity, and is of rich variety, sometimes described as “Big Data”. Leaders in the 3PL industry are constantly seeking to effectively and efficiently mature their abilities to exploit this data to gain business value through data-driven decision-making (DDDM). DDDM helps the leaders to reduce the reliance they place on observations and intuition to make crucial business decisions in a volatile business environment. The aim of this research was to develop a prescriptive model for DDDM in 3PLs. The model consists of iterative elements that prescribe guidelines to decision-makers in the 3PL industry on how to adopt DDDM. A literature review of existing theoretical frameworks and models for DDDM was conducted to determine the extent to which they contribute towards DDDM for 3PLs. The Design-Science Research Methodology (DSRM) was followed to address the aim of the research and applied to pragmatically and iteratively develop and evaluate the artefact (the model for DDDM) in the real-world context of a 3PL. The literature findings revealed that the challenges with DDDM in organisations include three main categories of challenges related to data quality, data management, vision and capabilities. Once the challenges with DDDM were established, a prescriptive model was designed and developed for DDDM in 3PLs. Qualitative data was collected from semi-structured interviews to gain an understanding of the problems and possible solutions in the real-world context of 3PLs. An As-Is Analysis in the real-world case 3PL company confirmed the challenges identified in literature, and that data is still used in the 3PL company for descriptive and diagnostic analytics to aid with the decision-making processes. This highlights that there is still room for maturity into using data for predictive and prescriptive analytics that will, in turn, improve the decision-making process. An improved second version of the model was demonstrated to the participants (the targeted users), who had the opportunity to evaluate the model. The findings revealed that the model provided clear guidelines on how to make data-driven decisions and that the feedback loop and the data culture aspects highlighted in the design were some of the important features of the model. Some improvements were suggested by participants. A field study of three data analytics tools was conducted to identify the advantages and disadvantages of each as well as to highlight the status of DDDM at the real-world case 3PL. The limitations of the second version of the model, together with the recommendations from the participants were used to inform the improved and revised third version of the model. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Moyo, Faith
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53875 , vital:46022
- Description: Third-party logistics (3PL) providers have continued to be key players in the supply chain network and have witnessed a growth in the usage of information technology. This growth has enhanced the volume of structured and unstructured data that is collected at a high velocity, and is of rich variety, sometimes described as “Big Data”. Leaders in the 3PL industry are constantly seeking to effectively and efficiently mature their abilities to exploit this data to gain business value through data-driven decision-making (DDDM). DDDM helps the leaders to reduce the reliance they place on observations and intuition to make crucial business decisions in a volatile business environment. The aim of this research was to develop a prescriptive model for DDDM in 3PLs. The model consists of iterative elements that prescribe guidelines to decision-makers in the 3PL industry on how to adopt DDDM. A literature review of existing theoretical frameworks and models for DDDM was conducted to determine the extent to which they contribute towards DDDM for 3PLs. The Design-Science Research Methodology (DSRM) was followed to address the aim of the research and applied to pragmatically and iteratively develop and evaluate the artefact (the model for DDDM) in the real-world context of a 3PL. The literature findings revealed that the challenges with DDDM in organisations include three main categories of challenges related to data quality, data management, vision and capabilities. Once the challenges with DDDM were established, a prescriptive model was designed and developed for DDDM in 3PLs. Qualitative data was collected from semi-structured interviews to gain an understanding of the problems and possible solutions in the real-world context of 3PLs. An As-Is Analysis in the real-world case 3PL company confirmed the challenges identified in literature, and that data is still used in the 3PL company for descriptive and diagnostic analytics to aid with the decision-making processes. This highlights that there is still room for maturity into using data for predictive and prescriptive analytics that will, in turn, improve the decision-making process. An improved second version of the model was demonstrated to the participants (the targeted users), who had the opportunity to evaluate the model. The findings revealed that the model provided clear guidelines on how to make data-driven decisions and that the feedback loop and the data culture aspects highlighted in the design were some of the important features of the model. Some improvements were suggested by participants. A field study of three data analytics tools was conducted to identify the advantages and disadvantages of each as well as to highlight the status of DDDM at the real-world case 3PL. The limitations of the second version of the model, together with the recommendations from the participants were used to inform the improved and revised third version of the model. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
A multimodal analysis of the representation of voter disillusionment in social media memes distributed on Twitter in the lead up to the 2019 South African general election
- Authors: Jeftha, Courtney Alexandra
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Elections South Africa 21st century , Culture Study and teaching South Africa , Mass media Study and teaching South Africa , Social media South Africa , Memes South Africa , Visual sociology , Textual Analysis , Critical discourse analysis , Modality (Linguistics)
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/405930 , vital:70220
- Description: This study is situated in the context of the 2019 South African general election, which saw the lowest voter turnout since its first democratic election in 1994. Many have questioned the capabilities of the African National Congress (ANC) since they came into power in 1994, due to allegations of corruption, maladministration and poor leadership. The concerns about the party’s ability to manage the country’s various social issues have led to a drop in voter turnout. There was much discussion in the media about the lack of voter turnout amongst young people in South Africa. This topic became a trending topic on social media under the #iwanttovotebut hashtag. The sentiments expressed by South African Twitter users in the #iwanttovotebut memes are explored in this study. The analysis of the memes draws on the works of Kress and van Leeuwen’s (1996; 2006) visual social semiotics, Fairclough’s (1989) approach to Critical discourse analysis (CDA), and Thompson’s operation of ideologies. VSS allows for the description of the various semiotic resources that memers use to construct their meaning from multimodal texts. The tools provided by CDA go beyond the description of VSS and develop a more detailed analysis of how the memers construct their discourses of democracy/governance. Thompson’s (1991) approach to understanding how ideology operates in language enables the deepening of the understanding of the dominant and naturalised notions of democracy/governance. The findings indicate that memers have a limited understanding of democracy. They also have a limited understanding of how political parties operate and their responsibilities in the form of government and various agencies. In addition, it is not surprising that young people are not voting in the 2019 general election. This is a phenomenon that the media has characterized as “apathy.” However, this research indicates that it would be more accurate to describe it as “disillusionment.” , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Journalism and Media Studies, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Jeftha, Courtney Alexandra
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Elections South Africa 21st century , Culture Study and teaching South Africa , Mass media Study and teaching South Africa , Social media South Africa , Memes South Africa , Visual sociology , Textual Analysis , Critical discourse analysis , Modality (Linguistics)
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/405930 , vital:70220
- Description: This study is situated in the context of the 2019 South African general election, which saw the lowest voter turnout since its first democratic election in 1994. Many have questioned the capabilities of the African National Congress (ANC) since they came into power in 1994, due to allegations of corruption, maladministration and poor leadership. The concerns about the party’s ability to manage the country’s various social issues have led to a drop in voter turnout. There was much discussion in the media about the lack of voter turnout amongst young people in South Africa. This topic became a trending topic on social media under the #iwanttovotebut hashtag. The sentiments expressed by South African Twitter users in the #iwanttovotebut memes are explored in this study. The analysis of the memes draws on the works of Kress and van Leeuwen’s (1996; 2006) visual social semiotics, Fairclough’s (1989) approach to Critical discourse analysis (CDA), and Thompson’s operation of ideologies. VSS allows for the description of the various semiotic resources that memers use to construct their meaning from multimodal texts. The tools provided by CDA go beyond the description of VSS and develop a more detailed analysis of how the memers construct their discourses of democracy/governance. Thompson’s (1991) approach to understanding how ideology operates in language enables the deepening of the understanding of the dominant and naturalised notions of democracy/governance. The findings indicate that memers have a limited understanding of democracy. They also have a limited understanding of how political parties operate and their responsibilities in the form of government and various agencies. In addition, it is not surprising that young people are not voting in the 2019 general election. This is a phenomenon that the media has characterized as “apathy.” However, this research indicates that it would be more accurate to describe it as “disillusionment.” , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Journalism and Media Studies, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
A spatial assessment of riparian vegetation density and implications for streambank erosion in relation to land tenure in the Mgwalana Catchment, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Maxama, Asakhile
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53864 , vital:46026
- Description: Riparian vegetation provides an array of various ecosystem functions and has significantly shaped the conditions of catchments. It has strong controls on fluvial geomorphology and erosion processes. The Mgwalana catchment has been intensively studied over the years and the current environmental condition of the study has been linked to land use history. The catchment has been subjected to land use/cover changes (LUCC) over the years. However, spatial variations in riparian vegetation, their implications for stream bank stability and the contribution of land tenure systems to stream channel degradation are poorly understood. The study sought to assess the implications of the spatial variations in riparian vegetation density for stream bank erosion in relation to land tenure on a catchment scale. Land tenure units comprising the catchment of study are traditional and betterment villages (communal lands), and former white commercial farms. A three-pronged approach using GIS and remote sensing, field investigations and laboratory procedures for soil analysis was employed in this study. Variations of riparian vegetation density in the catchment were mapped using ArcGIS for the two land tenure units to assess the spatial variations of riparian density along stream reaches and to determine the spatial relationship between land tenure units and riparian vegetation diminution. Other mapped shape files include sediment accumulation zones to analyse the spatial relationship between riparian vegetation density and sediment sinks. LUCC classification and analysis of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) were carried out in IDRISI Selva, using Landsat 8 TM imagery of 2018 to represent the current spatial riparian vegetation variations in the catchment. Field investigations were conducted to determine the coupling among hillslope gully erosion, riparian vegetation density and sink areas; and to assess physical characteristics of soil. This would permit an assessment of the implications of riparian vegetation for stream bank erosion and sediment accumulation within the tenure units. Soil samples were taken from scantily and densely vegetated stream reaches, as well as measurements of channel widths and depths. Analyses of soil physical properties viz; grain size distribution, bulk density, soil texture and aggregate stability were done. Results demonstrated that a sparse riparian vegetation distribution was consistent with the communal villages, confined to the upper catchment area. Dense riparian vegetation distribution was consistent with former commercial farms in the lower catchment area. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Maxama, Asakhile
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53864 , vital:46026
- Description: Riparian vegetation provides an array of various ecosystem functions and has significantly shaped the conditions of catchments. It has strong controls on fluvial geomorphology and erosion processes. The Mgwalana catchment has been intensively studied over the years and the current environmental condition of the study has been linked to land use history. The catchment has been subjected to land use/cover changes (LUCC) over the years. However, spatial variations in riparian vegetation, their implications for stream bank stability and the contribution of land tenure systems to stream channel degradation are poorly understood. The study sought to assess the implications of the spatial variations in riparian vegetation density for stream bank erosion in relation to land tenure on a catchment scale. Land tenure units comprising the catchment of study are traditional and betterment villages (communal lands), and former white commercial farms. A three-pronged approach using GIS and remote sensing, field investigations and laboratory procedures for soil analysis was employed in this study. Variations of riparian vegetation density in the catchment were mapped using ArcGIS for the two land tenure units to assess the spatial variations of riparian density along stream reaches and to determine the spatial relationship between land tenure units and riparian vegetation diminution. Other mapped shape files include sediment accumulation zones to analyse the spatial relationship between riparian vegetation density and sediment sinks. LUCC classification and analysis of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) were carried out in IDRISI Selva, using Landsat 8 TM imagery of 2018 to represent the current spatial riparian vegetation variations in the catchment. Field investigations were conducted to determine the coupling among hillslope gully erosion, riparian vegetation density and sink areas; and to assess physical characteristics of soil. This would permit an assessment of the implications of riparian vegetation for stream bank erosion and sediment accumulation within the tenure units. Soil samples were taken from scantily and densely vegetated stream reaches, as well as measurements of channel widths and depths. Analyses of soil physical properties viz; grain size distribution, bulk density, soil texture and aggregate stability were done. Results demonstrated that a sparse riparian vegetation distribution was consistent with the communal villages, confined to the upper catchment area. Dense riparian vegetation distribution was consistent with former commercial farms in the lower catchment area. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
A systematic review of sustainability reports in South African listed companies
- Authors: Marawu, Lindiwe Nolitha
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Corporation reports -- South Africa , Financial statements -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54036 , vital:46195
- Description: This study used a mixed methods approach to provide a systematic review of sustainability reports in South African listed companies that are included in the FTSE/JSE Responsible Investment Index. The purpose was to explore sustainability report content to guide companies of what should be included in such a report. A content analysis schedule was developed to provide the basis for the information to be extracted from the sustainability reports. Three categories, namely, biographical information, reporting format and the theoretical framework were included in the schedule. The sustainability reports of 18 South African JSE SRI Index companies listed on the JSE 2 July 2019 from the mining, retail and investment sectors were included in the sample. The main results showed that the majority of companies in the mining sector used sustainability reports, while nearly half of the companies in the retail sector used sustainability reports. Companies in the investment sector used a variety of reports with a third using integrated reports. Most companies used the JSE listing requirements as their guiding tool in developing their sustainability reports. Environmental issues also seemed to play a major role in sustainability development of a company irrespective of the sector to which it belonged. This systematic review identified the need for a regulator for sustainability reporting and the standardisation of sustainability report content. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Marawu, Lindiwe Nolitha
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Corporation reports -- South Africa , Financial statements -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54036 , vital:46195
- Description: This study used a mixed methods approach to provide a systematic review of sustainability reports in South African listed companies that are included in the FTSE/JSE Responsible Investment Index. The purpose was to explore sustainability report content to guide companies of what should be included in such a report. A content analysis schedule was developed to provide the basis for the information to be extracted from the sustainability reports. Three categories, namely, biographical information, reporting format and the theoretical framework were included in the schedule. The sustainability reports of 18 South African JSE SRI Index companies listed on the JSE 2 July 2019 from the mining, retail and investment sectors were included in the sample. The main results showed that the majority of companies in the mining sector used sustainability reports, while nearly half of the companies in the retail sector used sustainability reports. Companies in the investment sector used a variety of reports with a third using integrated reports. Most companies used the JSE listing requirements as their guiding tool in developing their sustainability reports. Environmental issues also seemed to play a major role in sustainability development of a company irrespective of the sector to which it belonged. This systematic review identified the need for a regulator for sustainability reporting and the standardisation of sustainability report content. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
A value alignment smart city stakeholder model
- Van der Hoogen, Anthea Vivian
- Authors: Van der Hoogen, Anthea Vivian
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54129 , vital:46309
- Description: The concept of a Smart City has evolved over the last three decades and has attracted the increasing interest of the scientific research community. Unfortunately, many Smart City projects and initiatives do not provide the value expected by all the stakeholders. Many of the reasons for this relate to a lack of data management, data integration, data access and stakeholder participation. People are an integral part of any city’s ecosystem, and the Smart City concept was introduced to address the challenges of an ever-growing global population leading to the risk of depletion of economic, environmental and social resources. The problem addressed in this study is based on the challenges preventing the creation of the value of smart cities or stakeholders. Limited research has been published on the status of Smart City initiatives or on the impact of various success factors on the potential value creation for stakeholders including citizens. Studies on initiatives in developing countries, such as South Africa are even less. Whilst some challenges and constraints related to smart cities in Africa have been reported, there are no studies reporting on initiatives across the data value chain that consider all types of stakeholders, nor the impact of these initiatives. This study addressed this gap in research and designed a theoretical Value Alignment Smart City Stakeholder (VASCS) Model based on a Systematic Literature Review and a review of related theories. The model has important components that should form part of any Smart City project or Smart City initiative. These five main components are: 1) nine Smart City dimensions with related success factors; 2) four stakeholder roles (enablers, providers, utilisers and users); 3) the data value chain; and 4) the five phases of stakeholder benefits/value realisation that can be linked to; 5) stakeholder value alignment. This study applied the VASCS Model to Smart City initiatives in two case studies in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, which were the Nelson Mandela Bay and Buffalo City to investigate and understand the status of such initiatives and the alignment of value thereof. The stakeholder interviews were conducted in two rounds with various stakeholders of Smart City initiatives, referred to as cases in the two case studies. An expert review of the VASCS Model was conducted with eight experts in the field of Information Systems and Smart Cities. The findings of this review served to confirm the components of the model, with only minor improvements recommended. It was confirmed that all of the components need to be considered in planning Smart City projects. The first round consisted of six interviews with enablers and providers and the second round consisted of 22 interviews with users, utilisers and citizens. The interviews investigated the value and impact experienced by stakeholders of these initiatives, with a particular focus on the users, utilisers and citizens of the cases. The interview data was transcribed and qualitatively analysed by using Atlas.tiand Excel. The data was analysed according to the Technological, Organisational and Environmental theory constructs and other identified themes. The interview analysis findings revealed several drivers for these initiatives, which were primarily cost reduction, integration and quality assurance. The results also highlighted access to resources, such as technical skills as a challenge. Another challenge identified was connectivity related to access to data and the digital and physical divide that can impact decision making. The main benefits of Smart City initiatives highlighted were the provision of infrastructure, education and training and digitalisation. The theoretical contribution of this study is the VASCS Model, which can assist other researchers and practitioners with knowledge of the factors, drivers, challenges and value obtained in Smart City initiatives. The model has two supplementary components: A Stakeholder Classification Model and a Smart City Success Factor Evaluation Template. The practical contribution of this study is the potential use of the VASCS Model by practitioners, city management, researchers and other stakeholders, who can use the model, with the related model and template for planning and evaluating Smart City initiatives. The model can be used to classify the digital activities according to a Smart City’s success factors while evaluating the value created by these activities. The impact of these initiatives can then be assessed through value realisation and alignment for stakeholders. The scientific contribution is the adoption of the model to the cases in the Eastern Cape. To reveal in depth, rich, interview findings that provide important lessons learnt relating to the value created for the stakeholders and the addition of these findings to the body of knowledge. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Van der Hoogen, Anthea Vivian
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54129 , vital:46309
- Description: The concept of a Smart City has evolved over the last three decades and has attracted the increasing interest of the scientific research community. Unfortunately, many Smart City projects and initiatives do not provide the value expected by all the stakeholders. Many of the reasons for this relate to a lack of data management, data integration, data access and stakeholder participation. People are an integral part of any city’s ecosystem, and the Smart City concept was introduced to address the challenges of an ever-growing global population leading to the risk of depletion of economic, environmental and social resources. The problem addressed in this study is based on the challenges preventing the creation of the value of smart cities or stakeholders. Limited research has been published on the status of Smart City initiatives or on the impact of various success factors on the potential value creation for stakeholders including citizens. Studies on initiatives in developing countries, such as South Africa are even less. Whilst some challenges and constraints related to smart cities in Africa have been reported, there are no studies reporting on initiatives across the data value chain that consider all types of stakeholders, nor the impact of these initiatives. This study addressed this gap in research and designed a theoretical Value Alignment Smart City Stakeholder (VASCS) Model based on a Systematic Literature Review and a review of related theories. The model has important components that should form part of any Smart City project or Smart City initiative. These five main components are: 1) nine Smart City dimensions with related success factors; 2) four stakeholder roles (enablers, providers, utilisers and users); 3) the data value chain; and 4) the five phases of stakeholder benefits/value realisation that can be linked to; 5) stakeholder value alignment. This study applied the VASCS Model to Smart City initiatives in two case studies in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, which were the Nelson Mandela Bay and Buffalo City to investigate and understand the status of such initiatives and the alignment of value thereof. The stakeholder interviews were conducted in two rounds with various stakeholders of Smart City initiatives, referred to as cases in the two case studies. An expert review of the VASCS Model was conducted with eight experts in the field of Information Systems and Smart Cities. The findings of this review served to confirm the components of the model, with only minor improvements recommended. It was confirmed that all of the components need to be considered in planning Smart City projects. The first round consisted of six interviews with enablers and providers and the second round consisted of 22 interviews with users, utilisers and citizens. The interviews investigated the value and impact experienced by stakeholders of these initiatives, with a particular focus on the users, utilisers and citizens of the cases. The interview data was transcribed and qualitatively analysed by using Atlas.tiand Excel. The data was analysed according to the Technological, Organisational and Environmental theory constructs and other identified themes. The interview analysis findings revealed several drivers for these initiatives, which were primarily cost reduction, integration and quality assurance. The results also highlighted access to resources, such as technical skills as a challenge. Another challenge identified was connectivity related to access to data and the digital and physical divide that can impact decision making. The main benefits of Smart City initiatives highlighted were the provision of infrastructure, education and training and digitalisation. The theoretical contribution of this study is the VASCS Model, which can assist other researchers and practitioners with knowledge of the factors, drivers, challenges and value obtained in Smart City initiatives. The model has two supplementary components: A Stakeholder Classification Model and a Smart City Success Factor Evaluation Template. The practical contribution of this study is the potential use of the VASCS Model by practitioners, city management, researchers and other stakeholders, who can use the model, with the related model and template for planning and evaluating Smart City initiatives. The model can be used to classify the digital activities according to a Smart City’s success factors while evaluating the value created by these activities. The impact of these initiatives can then be assessed through value realisation and alignment for stakeholders. The scientific contribution is the adoption of the model to the cases in the Eastern Cape. To reveal in depth, rich, interview findings that provide important lessons learnt relating to the value created for the stakeholders and the addition of these findings to the body of knowledge. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Administrative justice and the implementation of the reconstruction and development program in Berlin Town, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Makie, Fundiswa
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54460 , vital:46577
- Description: Housing delivery in South Africa is a crucial and topical issue affecting many citizens. The primary objective of the study was to determine the role of administrative justice in the implementation of the Reconstructive and Development Programme (RDP) in Berlin Town, in the province of the Eastern Cape in South Africa. In addition, the aim of this study was to explore the challenges of RDP housing in the study area, as a way of probing whether housing needs were being met. The study was conducted using a qualitative research methodology in gathering data from Berlin Town residents, Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality staff and Berlin Town councillors. The data analysis revealed that respondents affirmed the importance of administrative justice and the effective implementation of the RDP with regard to housing. Based on the findings of the study, the researcher recommends that the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality prioritise the full implementation of the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) in dealing with the housing backlog and challenges in Berlin Town. Moreover, the findings of this study revealed that it is possible to highlight specific recommendations that can be used by various other local municipalities. Thus, the research study showed that efficient local municipal operations have a direct impact on the delivery of RDP houses. Relating to ethical considerations, the researcher ensured that all the requirements for credible research were met throughout the study. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Makie, Fundiswa
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54460 , vital:46577
- Description: Housing delivery in South Africa is a crucial and topical issue affecting many citizens. The primary objective of the study was to determine the role of administrative justice in the implementation of the Reconstructive and Development Programme (RDP) in Berlin Town, in the province of the Eastern Cape in South Africa. In addition, the aim of this study was to explore the challenges of RDP housing in the study area, as a way of probing whether housing needs were being met. The study was conducted using a qualitative research methodology in gathering data from Berlin Town residents, Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality staff and Berlin Town councillors. The data analysis revealed that respondents affirmed the importance of administrative justice and the effective implementation of the RDP with regard to housing. Based on the findings of the study, the researcher recommends that the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality prioritise the full implementation of the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) in dealing with the housing backlog and challenges in Berlin Town. Moreover, the findings of this study revealed that it is possible to highlight specific recommendations that can be used by various other local municipalities. Thus, the research study showed that efficient local municipal operations have a direct impact on the delivery of RDP houses. Relating to ethical considerations, the researcher ensured that all the requirements for credible research were met throughout the study. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
An assessment of the financial sustainability of Thandusana non-governmental organisation
- Authors: Murombo, Tapiwa
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Non-governmental organizations , Business enterprises -- Finance , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54947 , vital:48509
- Description: The role that is played by Non-Governmental Organisations in aiding development initiatives can never be overemphasised. These organisations have partnered with numerous States, mostly in developing countries, in spearheading, facilitating, and evaluating various development programmes. Yet, they face daunting futures as their constant reliability on donor funds has affected their sustainability. To this end, their efforts in addressing social, economic, and even political challenges in a sustainable manner is greatly compromised. This research seeks to assess the financial sustainability of local NGOs with Thandusana as a case study. It further explores factors other than funding that influences an organisation's financial sustainability. These factors are income diversification, sound financial management practices, good donor relationships and own income generation. The research concurred with many other scholars that local non-governmental organisations in South Africa are financially unsustainable and are dependent on donor funds, and Thandusana is no exception. After having found out that Thandusana is not geared to create its own income-generating activities, the research concludes by recommending that the governing board establish structures that commit funds for profit-making ventures which are in turn used to sponsor their non-profit functions but caution should be exercised lest they abandon their missions for profit-making. This study employed a qualitative research approach and is based on an interpretive paradigm. The research used a descriptive case study design. Data was collected using document compilation while document analysis was the data analysis tool. Non-probability sampling was used in selecting the sample that was used. , Thesis (MADS) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Murombo, Tapiwa
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Non-governmental organizations , Business enterprises -- Finance , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54947 , vital:48509
- Description: The role that is played by Non-Governmental Organisations in aiding development initiatives can never be overemphasised. These organisations have partnered with numerous States, mostly in developing countries, in spearheading, facilitating, and evaluating various development programmes. Yet, they face daunting futures as their constant reliability on donor funds has affected their sustainability. To this end, their efforts in addressing social, economic, and even political challenges in a sustainable manner is greatly compromised. This research seeks to assess the financial sustainability of local NGOs with Thandusana as a case study. It further explores factors other than funding that influences an organisation's financial sustainability. These factors are income diversification, sound financial management practices, good donor relationships and own income generation. The research concurred with many other scholars that local non-governmental organisations in South Africa are financially unsustainable and are dependent on donor funds, and Thandusana is no exception. After having found out that Thandusana is not geared to create its own income-generating activities, the research concludes by recommending that the governing board establish structures that commit funds for profit-making ventures which are in turn used to sponsor their non-profit functions but caution should be exercised lest they abandon their missions for profit-making. This study employed a qualitative research approach and is based on an interpretive paradigm. The research used a descriptive case study design. Data was collected using document compilation while document analysis was the data analysis tool. Non-probability sampling was used in selecting the sample that was used. , Thesis (MADS) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
An investigation of language choice on Twitter: the case of isiXhosa-speaking users and the o jewa ke eng? Trend
- Authors: Nkunzi, Zindzi
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Twitter , Social media South Africa , Social media and society South Africa , Xhosa language Usage , Mass media and language South Africa , Language choice , Language shift , Language attitude
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/406331 , vital:70259
- Description: The study critically examines and discusses language choice on twitter, a social media platform that has a vast number of people from different language groups. This diverse platform allows people to tweet, communicate, and share information online. There are tweets that trend and attract more engagement across different language groups. O jewa ke eng? which translates to ‘what’s bothering you?’ is one of those tweets, and it is communicated in Sesotho. (More discussion about the tweet in the introduction section that follows). According to Eisenstein, O’ Connor, Smith & Xing (2010) & Eisenstein (2016), “the popularity and ubiquity of social media allows access to a wide variety of spontaneous language enabling researchers to study language variation across space and time at large scale”, (Preotiuc-Pietro & Ungar, 2018: 1534). The introduction to the internet and socially mediated platforms such as Twitter and others has changed how information is produced and consumed. Social media allow people to communicate and engage in languages they are comfortable and familiar with. The study discusses language choice at three levels: language choice between isiXhosa verses English; isiXhosa verses other African languages and isiXhosa verses other varieties. The study is pursued with the overarching aim to investigate the possibility of African languages such as isiXhosa being used as dominant languages on social media. Thus, the study explores language use by isiXhosa speaking users on twitter that engaged with the tweet. Moreover, the study investigated why they choose to use one language over the other or multiple languages. To give a broader perspective on the study, language choice, language shift and language attitude are discussed and critically evaluated. Theoretically, the concept of code-switching and code-mixing is used when looking at bilingualism and multilingualism. It is imperative to look at multilingualism because the prevalent use of English is no longer a barrier to communication, social media platforms have created a space where African language users are able to engage in their native languages. Moreover, the study explores the use of standard and non-standard isiXhosa languages. There are varieties of languages such as tsotsitaal, slang and others, and these language varieties are not recognised as standard, used in educational settings and so on. In doing so, language attitude is used as the concept to investigate what propels isiXhosa users to or not to use these language varieties in the online communities. The study is explored with the aim to investigate whether social media either grows and preserves African languages online or these platforms are detrimental to these languages, as the language utilised on them is casual and vague, in terms of both spoken and written speech. , Olu phando luvavanya kwaye luxoxa nzulu ngokhetho lolwimi kuTwitter, ikhasi lonxibelelwano elinenani elikhulu labantu abavela kumaqela eelwimi ezahlukeneyo. Eli khasi labantu abohlukeneyo libavumela ukuba babhale, banxibelelane, kwaye babelane ngolwazi kwi-intanethi. Kukho ii-tweets (imibhalwana emifutshane) ezihamba phambili kwaye zitsala uthethathethwano phakathi kumaqela eelwimi ezahlukeneyo. O jewa ke eng? ethetha ukuthi, ‘ukhathazwa yintoni?’ yenye yezo tweets (yalo mibhalwana mifutshane), kwaye idluliselwe ngesiSuthu. (Ingxoxo engakumbi malunga ne-tweet (nombhalwana omfutshane) ifumaneka kwicandelo lentshayelelo elilandelayo). Ngokutsho kukaEisenstein, O’ Connor, Smith & Xing (2010) kunye noEisenstein (2016), “ukuduma kunye nobuninzi beendaba zoluntu kubangela ezo ndaba ukuba zinwenwele kwiindidi ezininzi zeelwimi nezivumela abaphandi ukuba bafunde ngokwahlukana kolwimi kwindawo kunye nexesha…”, (Preotiuc-Pietro & Ungar, 2008: 1534). Ulwaziso kwi-intanethi kunye namakhasi onxibelelwano oluntu afana ne-Twitter kunye namanye, luyitshintshile indlela ulwazi oluveliswa ngayo kunye nendlela olusetyenziswa ngayo. Amakhasi onxibelelwano oluntu avumela abantu ukuba banxibelelane kwaye bazibandakanye ngeelwimi abakhululekileyo ukuzisebenzisa nabaqhelene nazo Olu phando luxoxa ngokukhethwa kolwimi kumanqanaba amathathu: ukukhethwa kolwimi phakathi kwesiXhosa kunye nesiNgesi, isiXhosa kunye nezinye iilwimi ziseNtu, kwakunye nesiXhosa kunye nezinye iindidi zolwimi. Olu phando luqhutywa ngeyona njongo iphambili yokuphanda ukuba ngaba iilwimi zesiNtu ezifana nesiXhosa zingasetyenziswa njengeelwimi eziphambili kamakhasi onxibelelwano na. Kungoko, uphando luphonononga ukusetyenziswa kolwimi ngabo bantetho isisiXhosa kuTwitter abanxibelelana ne-tweet (nombhalo omfutshane). Olu phando, lukwaphanda ukuba kutheni bekhetha ukusebenzisa ulwimi oluthile kunolunye okanye iilwimi ezininzi. Ukunika umbono ngokuthe gabalala ngolu phando, ukukhethwa kolwimi, utshintsho lolwimi, kunye nesimo sengqondo solwimi ziyaxoxwa kwaye zihlolwa ngokunzulu. Ngokwethiyori, ingqikelelo yokutshintshatshintsha iilwimi kunye nokuxuba iilwimi (ukusebenzisa iilwimi ezahlukeneyo kumgca okanye umbhalo omnye) ziyasetyenziswa xa kujongwa ukusetyenziswa kweelwimi ezimbini kunye neelwimi ezininzi. Kunyanzelekile ukuba kujongwe ukusetyenziswa kweelwimi ezininzi kuba ukuxhaphaka kokusetyenziswa kwesiNgesi akusengomqobo kunxibelelwano, amakhasi onxibelelwano (amaqonga osasazo) oluntu avule indawo apho abasebenzisi beelwimi zesiNtu bakwaziyo ukuthetha ngeelwimi zabo zomthonyama. Ngaphezu koko, olu phando luphonononga ukusetyenziswa kweelwimi zesiXhosa ezisemgangathweni nezingekho mgangathweni. Kukho iintlobo ngeentlobo zeelwimi ezifana neTsotsitaal, ulwimi lwe-slang nezinye, kwaye ezi ntlobo zeelwimi aziqatshelwa njengeelwimi ezisemgangathweni, ezisetyenziswa kumajelo emfundo njalo njalo. Ngokwenza oko, isimo sengqondo solwimi sisetyenziswa njengengcamango yokuphanda ukuba yintoni eyenza abasebenzisi besiXhosa basebenzise okanye bangasebenzisi ezi ntlobo zeelwimi kwi-intanethi. Olu phononongo luphononongwa ngeenjongo zokuphanda apho amaqonga onxibelelwano akhula kwaye agcine khona iilwimi zesiNtu kwi-intanethi okanye lamaqonga onxibelelwano abubungozi kwezilwimi, njengoko ulwimi olusetyenziswa kula maqonga luqhelekile kwaye alucacanga, ngokwentetho ethethwayo nebhaliweyo. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Languages and Literatures, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Nkunzi, Zindzi
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Twitter , Social media South Africa , Social media and society South Africa , Xhosa language Usage , Mass media and language South Africa , Language choice , Language shift , Language attitude
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/406331 , vital:70259
- Description: The study critically examines and discusses language choice on twitter, a social media platform that has a vast number of people from different language groups. This diverse platform allows people to tweet, communicate, and share information online. There are tweets that trend and attract more engagement across different language groups. O jewa ke eng? which translates to ‘what’s bothering you?’ is one of those tweets, and it is communicated in Sesotho. (More discussion about the tweet in the introduction section that follows). According to Eisenstein, O’ Connor, Smith & Xing (2010) & Eisenstein (2016), “the popularity and ubiquity of social media allows access to a wide variety of spontaneous language enabling researchers to study language variation across space and time at large scale”, (Preotiuc-Pietro & Ungar, 2018: 1534). The introduction to the internet and socially mediated platforms such as Twitter and others has changed how information is produced and consumed. Social media allow people to communicate and engage in languages they are comfortable and familiar with. The study discusses language choice at three levels: language choice between isiXhosa verses English; isiXhosa verses other African languages and isiXhosa verses other varieties. The study is pursued with the overarching aim to investigate the possibility of African languages such as isiXhosa being used as dominant languages on social media. Thus, the study explores language use by isiXhosa speaking users on twitter that engaged with the tweet. Moreover, the study investigated why they choose to use one language over the other or multiple languages. To give a broader perspective on the study, language choice, language shift and language attitude are discussed and critically evaluated. Theoretically, the concept of code-switching and code-mixing is used when looking at bilingualism and multilingualism. It is imperative to look at multilingualism because the prevalent use of English is no longer a barrier to communication, social media platforms have created a space where African language users are able to engage in their native languages. Moreover, the study explores the use of standard and non-standard isiXhosa languages. There are varieties of languages such as tsotsitaal, slang and others, and these language varieties are not recognised as standard, used in educational settings and so on. In doing so, language attitude is used as the concept to investigate what propels isiXhosa users to or not to use these language varieties in the online communities. The study is explored with the aim to investigate whether social media either grows and preserves African languages online or these platforms are detrimental to these languages, as the language utilised on them is casual and vague, in terms of both spoken and written speech. , Olu phando luvavanya kwaye luxoxa nzulu ngokhetho lolwimi kuTwitter, ikhasi lonxibelelwano elinenani elikhulu labantu abavela kumaqela eelwimi ezahlukeneyo. Eli khasi labantu abohlukeneyo libavumela ukuba babhale, banxibelelane, kwaye babelane ngolwazi kwi-intanethi. Kukho ii-tweets (imibhalwana emifutshane) ezihamba phambili kwaye zitsala uthethathethwano phakathi kumaqela eelwimi ezahlukeneyo. O jewa ke eng? ethetha ukuthi, ‘ukhathazwa yintoni?’ yenye yezo tweets (yalo mibhalwana mifutshane), kwaye idluliselwe ngesiSuthu. (Ingxoxo engakumbi malunga ne-tweet (nombhalwana omfutshane) ifumaneka kwicandelo lentshayelelo elilandelayo). Ngokutsho kukaEisenstein, O’ Connor, Smith & Xing (2010) kunye noEisenstein (2016), “ukuduma kunye nobuninzi beendaba zoluntu kubangela ezo ndaba ukuba zinwenwele kwiindidi ezininzi zeelwimi nezivumela abaphandi ukuba bafunde ngokwahlukana kolwimi kwindawo kunye nexesha…”, (Preotiuc-Pietro & Ungar, 2008: 1534). Ulwaziso kwi-intanethi kunye namakhasi onxibelelwano oluntu afana ne-Twitter kunye namanye, luyitshintshile indlela ulwazi oluveliswa ngayo kunye nendlela olusetyenziswa ngayo. Amakhasi onxibelelwano oluntu avumela abantu ukuba banxibelelane kwaye bazibandakanye ngeelwimi abakhululekileyo ukuzisebenzisa nabaqhelene nazo Olu phando luxoxa ngokukhethwa kolwimi kumanqanaba amathathu: ukukhethwa kolwimi phakathi kwesiXhosa kunye nesiNgesi, isiXhosa kunye nezinye iilwimi ziseNtu, kwakunye nesiXhosa kunye nezinye iindidi zolwimi. Olu phando luqhutywa ngeyona njongo iphambili yokuphanda ukuba ngaba iilwimi zesiNtu ezifana nesiXhosa zingasetyenziswa njengeelwimi eziphambili kamakhasi onxibelelwano na. Kungoko, uphando luphonononga ukusetyenziswa kolwimi ngabo bantetho isisiXhosa kuTwitter abanxibelelana ne-tweet (nombhalo omfutshane). Olu phando, lukwaphanda ukuba kutheni bekhetha ukusebenzisa ulwimi oluthile kunolunye okanye iilwimi ezininzi. Ukunika umbono ngokuthe gabalala ngolu phando, ukukhethwa kolwimi, utshintsho lolwimi, kunye nesimo sengqondo solwimi ziyaxoxwa kwaye zihlolwa ngokunzulu. Ngokwethiyori, ingqikelelo yokutshintshatshintsha iilwimi kunye nokuxuba iilwimi (ukusebenzisa iilwimi ezahlukeneyo kumgca okanye umbhalo omnye) ziyasetyenziswa xa kujongwa ukusetyenziswa kweelwimi ezimbini kunye neelwimi ezininzi. Kunyanzelekile ukuba kujongwe ukusetyenziswa kweelwimi ezininzi kuba ukuxhaphaka kokusetyenziswa kwesiNgesi akusengomqobo kunxibelelwano, amakhasi onxibelelwano (amaqonga osasazo) oluntu avule indawo apho abasebenzisi beelwimi zesiNtu bakwaziyo ukuthetha ngeelwimi zabo zomthonyama. Ngaphezu koko, olu phando luphonononga ukusetyenziswa kweelwimi zesiXhosa ezisemgangathweni nezingekho mgangathweni. Kukho iintlobo ngeentlobo zeelwimi ezifana neTsotsitaal, ulwimi lwe-slang nezinye, kwaye ezi ntlobo zeelwimi aziqatshelwa njengeelwimi ezisemgangathweni, ezisetyenziswa kumajelo emfundo njalo njalo. Ngokwenza oko, isimo sengqondo solwimi sisetyenziswa njengengcamango yokuphanda ukuba yintoni eyenza abasebenzisi besiXhosa basebenzise okanye bangasebenzisi ezi ntlobo zeelwimi kwi-intanethi. Olu phononongo luphononongwa ngeenjongo zokuphanda apho amaqonga onxibelelwano akhula kwaye agcine khona iilwimi zesiNtu kwi-intanethi okanye lamaqonga onxibelelwano abubungozi kwezilwimi, njengoko ulwimi olusetyenziswa kula maqonga luqhelekile kwaye alucacanga, ngokwentetho ethethwayo nebhaliweyo. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Languages and Literatures, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
Applying insights from machine learning towards guidelines for the detection of text-based fake news
- Authors: Ngada, Okuhle
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Machine learning , Fake News
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60243 , vital:64141
- Description: Web-based technologies have fostered an online environment where information can be disseminated in a fast and cost-effective manner whilst targeting large and diverse audiences. Unfortunately, the rise and evolution of web-based technologies have also created an environment where false information, commonly referred to as “fake news”, spreads rapidly. The effects of this spread can be catastrophic. Finding solutions to the problem of fake news is complicated for a myriad of reasons, such as: what is defined as fake news, the lack of quality datasets available to researchers, the topics covered in such data, and the fact that datasets exist in a variety of languages. The effects of false information dissemination can result in reputational damage, financial damage to affected brands, and ultimately, misinformed online news readers who can make misinformed decisions. The objective of the study is to propose a set of guidelines that can be used by other system developers to implement misinformation detection tools and systems. The guidelines are constructed using findings from the experimentation phase of the project and information uncovered in the literature review conducted as part of the study. A selection of machine and deep learning approaches are examined to test the applicability of cues that could separate fake online articles from real online news articles. Key performance metrics such as precision, recall, accuracy, F1-score, and ROC are used to measure the performance of the selected machine learning and deep learning models. To demonstrate the practicality of the guidelines and allow for reproducibility of the research, each guideline provides background information relating to the identified problem, a solution to the problem through pseudocode, code excerpts using the Python programming language, and points of consideration that may assist with the implementation. , Thesis (MA) --Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Applying insights from machine learning towards guidelines for the detection of text-based fake news
- Authors: Ngada, Okuhle
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Machine learning , Fake News
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60243 , vital:64141
- Description: Web-based technologies have fostered an online environment where information can be disseminated in a fast and cost-effective manner whilst targeting large and diverse audiences. Unfortunately, the rise and evolution of web-based technologies have also created an environment where false information, commonly referred to as “fake news”, spreads rapidly. The effects of this spread can be catastrophic. Finding solutions to the problem of fake news is complicated for a myriad of reasons, such as: what is defined as fake news, the lack of quality datasets available to researchers, the topics covered in such data, and the fact that datasets exist in a variety of languages. The effects of false information dissemination can result in reputational damage, financial damage to affected brands, and ultimately, misinformed online news readers who can make misinformed decisions. The objective of the study is to propose a set of guidelines that can be used by other system developers to implement misinformation detection tools and systems. The guidelines are constructed using findings from the experimentation phase of the project and information uncovered in the literature review conducted as part of the study. A selection of machine and deep learning approaches are examined to test the applicability of cues that could separate fake online articles from real online news articles. Key performance metrics such as precision, recall, accuracy, F1-score, and ROC are used to measure the performance of the selected machine learning and deep learning models. To demonstrate the practicality of the guidelines and allow for reproducibility of the research, each guideline provides background information relating to the identified problem, a solution to the problem through pseudocode, code excerpts using the Python programming language, and points of consideration that may assist with the implementation. , Thesis (MA) --Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Assessing factors impacting effective corporate governance within Eastern Cape public entities
- Authors: Yamile, William Themba
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Corporate governance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54619 , vital:46866
- Description: Corporate governance is regarded as a system by which an organisation is directed and controlled and it is concerned with structures and responsibilities within organisations. Public entities’ corporate governance is a concept that is gaining more interest, both in specialized literature and in practice. Corporate governance practices are not standard across countries and this dissimilarity is a result of diverse legal structures and cultural settings adopted by different states and provinces. The Eastern Cape Public Entities (ECPEs) have an important role to play in pursuing the economic, social and developmental state agenda. The EC province has ten (10) public entities with mandates and enabling legislations to enhance the provincial economic development, growth and sustainability issues. Of the ten (10) public entities, one entity was used for pilot study. Furthermore, one public entity decided to withdraw from the study, as it was voluntary to participate and that resulted in eight public entities participating. In terms of the questionnaire returns, forty-four (44) responses were received from eight (8) public entities. The main objective of this study was to investigate selected factors impacting on effective corporate governance of ECPEs. In this study, positivistic research paradigm was utilised by means of quantitative research method. Non-probability sampling was used. Primary data was collected using the survey method by means of structured self-administered questionnaires. The empirical results showed that ethical value, organisational culture and policy regulatory framework had a statistically significant impact on corporate governance of ECPEs; while employee morale, leadership, and role clarification were found not to have a statistically significant impact on corporate governance. The findings of this study are envisaged to assist in ensuring effective governance of public entities in order to encourage accountability, public confidence or trust in the corporate system and to drive public policy. Furthermore, the findings can help public entities to achieve what is expected, in terms of work performance objectives or productivity in accordance with the norms and standards. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Yamile, William Themba
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Corporate governance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54619 , vital:46866
- Description: Corporate governance is regarded as a system by which an organisation is directed and controlled and it is concerned with structures and responsibilities within organisations. Public entities’ corporate governance is a concept that is gaining more interest, both in specialized literature and in practice. Corporate governance practices are not standard across countries and this dissimilarity is a result of diverse legal structures and cultural settings adopted by different states and provinces. The Eastern Cape Public Entities (ECPEs) have an important role to play in pursuing the economic, social and developmental state agenda. The EC province has ten (10) public entities with mandates and enabling legislations to enhance the provincial economic development, growth and sustainability issues. Of the ten (10) public entities, one entity was used for pilot study. Furthermore, one public entity decided to withdraw from the study, as it was voluntary to participate and that resulted in eight public entities participating. In terms of the questionnaire returns, forty-four (44) responses were received from eight (8) public entities. The main objective of this study was to investigate selected factors impacting on effective corporate governance of ECPEs. In this study, positivistic research paradigm was utilised by means of quantitative research method. Non-probability sampling was used. Primary data was collected using the survey method by means of structured self-administered questionnaires. The empirical results showed that ethical value, organisational culture and policy regulatory framework had a statistically significant impact on corporate governance of ECPEs; while employee morale, leadership, and role clarification were found not to have a statistically significant impact on corporate governance. The findings of this study are envisaged to assist in ensuring effective governance of public entities in order to encourage accountability, public confidence or trust in the corporate system and to drive public policy. Furthermore, the findings can help public entities to achieve what is expected, in terms of work performance objectives or productivity in accordance with the norms and standards. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Assessing service delivery protests in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality: the case of Walmer Township
- Authors: Mdanyana, Esethu
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54492 , vital:46609
- Description: In many South Africa’s areas, citizen’s frustration with poor or slow service delivery has resulted in a surge of service delivery protests. Some of these service delivery protests are violent in nature, resulting in the damage of public and private property. Therefore, it is imperative to scrutinize service delivery protests. The South African constitution states that municipalities have the responsibility to make sure that all citizens are provided with services to satisfy their basic needs. These services include water supply, sewage collection and disposal electricity, gas supply health services, roads, storm water drainage, street lighting, municipal parks and recreation. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Mdanyana, Esethu
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54492 , vital:46609
- Description: In many South Africa’s areas, citizen’s frustration with poor or slow service delivery has resulted in a surge of service delivery protests. Some of these service delivery protests are violent in nature, resulting in the damage of public and private property. Therefore, it is imperative to scrutinize service delivery protests. The South African constitution states that municipalities have the responsibility to make sure that all citizens are provided with services to satisfy their basic needs. These services include water supply, sewage collection and disposal electricity, gas supply health services, roads, storm water drainage, street lighting, municipal parks and recreation. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Barriers of entry for black people from owning game reserves in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Mazaleni, Zintle
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Game reserves -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management , Game reserves -- Black people -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54903 , vital:48469
- Description: The conservation industry was closed in the previous apartheid time from the black native people and only opened for the white people alone (Spierenburg & Brooks, 2014). According to Mokotjomela, Nombewu, and Peinke, 2015, the game transformation industry is in need of being transformed to more young black people; they noted the challenges that are faced by the young black people in being able to own nature reserves. These include the fact that they are landless. Secondly, the land transformation that is done through the Department of Rural Development, Land and Agrarian Reform (DRDLAR) is not given back to the rightful owners with the title deeds which is also a challenge as one cannot develop land when there is no certainty that it is theirs (Turner, 2004). Tourism destinations which include the game reserves attract tourists because of the positive economic impacts such as labour-intensive jobs, foreign exchange, and foreign direct investments that come with tourists and boost small businesses. According to Sifilo and Henama (2017), tourism has been an economic messiah of South Africa and the decline of mining jobs has been mitigated by the growth of jobs in the tourism industry. The Eastern Cape's economy is still characterised by disparities in employment rates, income, service levels, and productivity. Economic growth rates have been modest, in line with the rest of the country. Low growth and high unemployment have created considerable issues for the province, with a notably increased demand for social services. According to the most recent economic data, the province's economy is declining (or at the very least is stagnant): The average yearly change in gross domestic product (GDP) per region (Eastern Cape) was 1% in the preceding five years, but only 0.6 percent in the last year The selection of the qualitative research approach and in particular the use of open-ended questionnaires is because it is the only platform that will allow participants to voice their opinions fully without limits and allow the study not to be limited with the information given by the participants. The first section of the questionnaire aimed at obtaining profile data on the respondents. These include age, gender, ethnicity, home language, educational level and time working in conservation and the tourism sector. Questions 8 – 17 focused on respondents stating no, yes, or maybe to the posed questions and elaborating on their experience and knowledge of the wildlife industry, while questions 18 – 24 mainly focused on gaining and listing opinions of respondents on solution to allow entry for black people into the wildlife industry, as well as giving advice on how government and the private sector can assist in reaching the desired goal. Strongly indicated by the empirical results is the gap between the previously disadvantaged group and the white minority group in the province of the Eastern Cape in the wildlife conservation industry. Shown by the results is the position of the black people in the industry as just servants or employees and not owners or equal shareholders and the lack of women leadership in the industry, as well as young people involvement in the decisions and operations of the industry. The list of barriers had one common barrier identified by almost all respondents as noted by the researcher: the issue of land unavailability for the black people in the province. Communal land does not have title deeds as the land is in the hands of governmental departments and traditional authorities. Conditions stipulated on the game transformation policy of the Eastern Cape state that an individual must be in possession of a title deed to the land. This is but a dream to the black people of the Eastern Cape, especially a title deed to a land big enough to be converted into a game reserve. The empirical results strongly indicate the land ownership as the number one barrier for black people from owning game reserves. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Mazaleni, Zintle
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Game reserves -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management , Game reserves -- Black people -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54903 , vital:48469
- Description: The conservation industry was closed in the previous apartheid time from the black native people and only opened for the white people alone (Spierenburg & Brooks, 2014). According to Mokotjomela, Nombewu, and Peinke, 2015, the game transformation industry is in need of being transformed to more young black people; they noted the challenges that are faced by the young black people in being able to own nature reserves. These include the fact that they are landless. Secondly, the land transformation that is done through the Department of Rural Development, Land and Agrarian Reform (DRDLAR) is not given back to the rightful owners with the title deeds which is also a challenge as one cannot develop land when there is no certainty that it is theirs (Turner, 2004). Tourism destinations which include the game reserves attract tourists because of the positive economic impacts such as labour-intensive jobs, foreign exchange, and foreign direct investments that come with tourists and boost small businesses. According to Sifilo and Henama (2017), tourism has been an economic messiah of South Africa and the decline of mining jobs has been mitigated by the growth of jobs in the tourism industry. The Eastern Cape's economy is still characterised by disparities in employment rates, income, service levels, and productivity. Economic growth rates have been modest, in line with the rest of the country. Low growth and high unemployment have created considerable issues for the province, with a notably increased demand for social services. According to the most recent economic data, the province's economy is declining (or at the very least is stagnant): The average yearly change in gross domestic product (GDP) per region (Eastern Cape) was 1% in the preceding five years, but only 0.6 percent in the last year The selection of the qualitative research approach and in particular the use of open-ended questionnaires is because it is the only platform that will allow participants to voice their opinions fully without limits and allow the study not to be limited with the information given by the participants. The first section of the questionnaire aimed at obtaining profile data on the respondents. These include age, gender, ethnicity, home language, educational level and time working in conservation and the tourism sector. Questions 8 – 17 focused on respondents stating no, yes, or maybe to the posed questions and elaborating on their experience and knowledge of the wildlife industry, while questions 18 – 24 mainly focused on gaining and listing opinions of respondents on solution to allow entry for black people into the wildlife industry, as well as giving advice on how government and the private sector can assist in reaching the desired goal. Strongly indicated by the empirical results is the gap between the previously disadvantaged group and the white minority group in the province of the Eastern Cape in the wildlife conservation industry. Shown by the results is the position of the black people in the industry as just servants or employees and not owners or equal shareholders and the lack of women leadership in the industry, as well as young people involvement in the decisions and operations of the industry. The list of barriers had one common barrier identified by almost all respondents as noted by the researcher: the issue of land unavailability for the black people in the province. Communal land does not have title deeds as the land is in the hands of governmental departments and traditional authorities. Conditions stipulated on the game transformation policy of the Eastern Cape state that an individual must be in possession of a title deed to the land. This is but a dream to the black people of the Eastern Cape, especially a title deed to a land big enough to be converted into a game reserve. The empirical results strongly indicate the land ownership as the number one barrier for black people from owning game reserves. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Beneficiation of pyrolysis-derived waste tyre char by blending with torrefied wood and microalgae to produce solid fuel
- Authors: Dube, Cleopatra Thulani
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Pyrolysis , Solid fuel reactors
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58439 , vital:59241
- Description: he thermal decomposition of waste tyres via pyrolysis is considered to be amongst the most promising methods of recycling tyres due to its minimal environmental impact (in terms of reduction in pollution). During pyrolysis, tyres are thermally degraded in an inert environment to produce gas, oil and char. The gas and oil have promising commercialization prospects while the char remains a pollutant despite the strides made in a lot of research to upgrade the char to carbon black, activated carbon and even for reuse as a filler in tyre manufacture. For pyrolysis to be profitable, or worthy of investments, all three of its products (oil, char and gas) need to be valorised. Pyrolysis-derived tyre chars (PT-char) have an energy value equivalent to high rank coals, however, the use of PT char as a solid fuel is uncommon due to the high contents of sulphur and mineral matter as well as low volatile matter content of the PT-char. As such, the combustion of PT-char is characterised by high ignition temperature, low thermal reactivity, and no flame formation due to the low amounts of volatile matter. On the other hand, biomass are clean, renewable feedstock, having low sulphur and mineral matter contents, as well as high thermal reactivity. The blending of PT-char with biomass could potentially improve the combustion properties of PT-char and minimise the release of toxic emissions from the char, and thus, could make PT-char suitable for use as a fuel source. In this study, PT-char was blended with torrefied wood and microalgae biomass to demonstrate the suitability of using PT-char-biomass-fuel blend as an energy feedstock. To this effect, a mixture design of experiments was used to formulate the PT-char biomass blends and regression analysis was employed to select an optimum blend formulation for the combustion and mechanical properties of the blends. Proximate analysis results showed a non-linear increase in the volatile matter and a non-linear decrease in the fixed carbon and ash yield as the biomass ratio increased. The calorific value also increased on an additive basis with increasing biomass proportion. The elemental analysis results showed a decrease in the calcium, zinc and bromine contents and an increase in the potassium and iron contents increased with increasing biomass proportion. Likewise, the sulphur content decreased while the oxygen, hydrogen and nitrogen contents increased with increasing biomass ratio. vi Thus, the fuel properties of the blends improved with increasing biomass ratio and without compromising the calorific value of the PT-char. Moreover, the TG-MS analysis showed that the PT-char and the respective blends did not show any release SO2 up to 650°C. Thus, making the fuel suitable for use in low temperature applications such as household and certain boilers. The results of the regression analysis showed that the blend formulation with the highest proportions of biomass, thus C55-T30-M15, is the optimum blend to produce a solid fuel with a low initial decomposition (214°C) and char ignition temperatures (532°C) as well as maximum burn-out temperature (640°C). In essence, the high thermal reactivity of PT-char is improved when both biomasses are loaded at maximum ratios as per the experimental design. The results of the MS showed a decrease in CO2 and NO2 emissions with increasing biomass proportion. The optimum blend (C55-T30-M15) was found to have a comparably higher gross calorific value (26 MJ/kg), lower sulphur content (1.1 wt.%), low ash yield (11wt.%) and lower concentration of minerals (i.e. zinc) than raw PT-char. In addition, the volatile matter content of the blend (20 wt.%) was found to be higher than that of PT-char and the ignition temperature of the optimum fuel blend was relatively lower and its burnout temperature higher than that of PT char. The MS results revealed that the CO2 and NO2 emissions were higher in the optimum blend than the PT-char. The mechanical properties of the pellets; impact resistance and compressive strength increased with increasing biomass blending ratio and even more so with increasing microalgae ratio. The C55-T30-M15 and C75-T10-M15 were selected as optimum blends using regression analysis and both blends exceeded the benchmark for mechanical properties except for water resistance. The blending did not improve the water resistance and all the blends did not meet the minimum threshold for water resistance. Overall, the blending of PT-char with torrefied wood and microalgae biomass has shown to improve the fuel properties PT-char, and therefore, making it a suitable potential fuel source. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Dube, Cleopatra Thulani
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Pyrolysis , Solid fuel reactors
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58439 , vital:59241
- Description: he thermal decomposition of waste tyres via pyrolysis is considered to be amongst the most promising methods of recycling tyres due to its minimal environmental impact (in terms of reduction in pollution). During pyrolysis, tyres are thermally degraded in an inert environment to produce gas, oil and char. The gas and oil have promising commercialization prospects while the char remains a pollutant despite the strides made in a lot of research to upgrade the char to carbon black, activated carbon and even for reuse as a filler in tyre manufacture. For pyrolysis to be profitable, or worthy of investments, all three of its products (oil, char and gas) need to be valorised. Pyrolysis-derived tyre chars (PT-char) have an energy value equivalent to high rank coals, however, the use of PT char as a solid fuel is uncommon due to the high contents of sulphur and mineral matter as well as low volatile matter content of the PT-char. As such, the combustion of PT-char is characterised by high ignition temperature, low thermal reactivity, and no flame formation due to the low amounts of volatile matter. On the other hand, biomass are clean, renewable feedstock, having low sulphur and mineral matter contents, as well as high thermal reactivity. The blending of PT-char with biomass could potentially improve the combustion properties of PT-char and minimise the release of toxic emissions from the char, and thus, could make PT-char suitable for use as a fuel source. In this study, PT-char was blended with torrefied wood and microalgae biomass to demonstrate the suitability of using PT-char-biomass-fuel blend as an energy feedstock. To this effect, a mixture design of experiments was used to formulate the PT-char biomass blends and regression analysis was employed to select an optimum blend formulation for the combustion and mechanical properties of the blends. Proximate analysis results showed a non-linear increase in the volatile matter and a non-linear decrease in the fixed carbon and ash yield as the biomass ratio increased. The calorific value also increased on an additive basis with increasing biomass proportion. The elemental analysis results showed a decrease in the calcium, zinc and bromine contents and an increase in the potassium and iron contents increased with increasing biomass proportion. Likewise, the sulphur content decreased while the oxygen, hydrogen and nitrogen contents increased with increasing biomass ratio. vi Thus, the fuel properties of the blends improved with increasing biomass ratio and without compromising the calorific value of the PT-char. Moreover, the TG-MS analysis showed that the PT-char and the respective blends did not show any release SO2 up to 650°C. Thus, making the fuel suitable for use in low temperature applications such as household and certain boilers. The results of the regression analysis showed that the blend formulation with the highest proportions of biomass, thus C55-T30-M15, is the optimum blend to produce a solid fuel with a low initial decomposition (214°C) and char ignition temperatures (532°C) as well as maximum burn-out temperature (640°C). In essence, the high thermal reactivity of PT-char is improved when both biomasses are loaded at maximum ratios as per the experimental design. The results of the MS showed a decrease in CO2 and NO2 emissions with increasing biomass proportion. The optimum blend (C55-T30-M15) was found to have a comparably higher gross calorific value (26 MJ/kg), lower sulphur content (1.1 wt.%), low ash yield (11wt.%) and lower concentration of minerals (i.e. zinc) than raw PT-char. In addition, the volatile matter content of the blend (20 wt.%) was found to be higher than that of PT-char and the ignition temperature of the optimum fuel blend was relatively lower and its burnout temperature higher than that of PT char. The MS results revealed that the CO2 and NO2 emissions were higher in the optimum blend than the PT-char. The mechanical properties of the pellets; impact resistance and compressive strength increased with increasing biomass blending ratio and even more so with increasing microalgae ratio. The C55-T30-M15 and C75-T10-M15 were selected as optimum blends using regression analysis and both blends exceeded the benchmark for mechanical properties except for water resistance. The blending did not improve the water resistance and all the blends did not meet the minimum threshold for water resistance. Overall, the blending of PT-char with torrefied wood and microalgae biomass has shown to improve the fuel properties PT-char, and therefore, making it a suitable potential fuel source. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Bioethical analysis of COVID19, WASH/waste and related disaster management implications
- Authors: Iheanetu, Chidinma Uchenna
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/232250 , vital:49975
- Description: Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Biotechnology Innovation Centre, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
- Authors: Iheanetu, Chidinma Uchenna
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/232250 , vital:49975
- Description: Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Biotechnology Innovation Centre, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
Bond market integration in the Common Monetary Area (CMA)
- Ramoriting, Retšelisitsoe Silvia
- Authors: Ramoriting, Retšelisitsoe Silvia
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Globalization , Globalization Economic aspects , Bond market , Rand area , Africa, Southern Economic integration , Autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/284592 , vital:56077
- Description: The study reviews the phenomenon of financial integration. During the late 1980s and 1990s, financial market integration around the world increased due to globalisation of investments and the need for higher returns and international risk diversification. The increase was accompanied by a significant increase in private capital flows into developing countries from developed countries. The main goal of the study is to examine bond market integration in the common monetary area The study therefore investigates the co-movement of government bond returns within the CMA using data from Eswatini, Namibia, and South Africa. The study attempts to find the short-run and long-run relationship of these government bond returns using the ARDL cointegration technique. The study uses daily data of 10-year government bond yields spanning from August 2014 to September 2019. The empirical results reveal that there exists a short-run and long-run relationship between South Africa and Eswatini. Between South Africa and Namibia, there only exist a short-run relationship. Just like the previously mentioned studies, the short-run relationship is a result of policy convergence. The lack of long-run relationship between South and Namibia was due to poor institutional developments and limited investment opportunities. In this case, policy measures (or reforms) and a review of the union are necessary to increase integration of these bond markets. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
- Authors: Ramoriting, Retšelisitsoe Silvia
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Globalization , Globalization Economic aspects , Bond market , Rand area , Africa, Southern Economic integration , Autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/284592 , vital:56077
- Description: The study reviews the phenomenon of financial integration. During the late 1980s and 1990s, financial market integration around the world increased due to globalisation of investments and the need for higher returns and international risk diversification. The increase was accompanied by a significant increase in private capital flows into developing countries from developed countries. The main goal of the study is to examine bond market integration in the common monetary area The study therefore investigates the co-movement of government bond returns within the CMA using data from Eswatini, Namibia, and South Africa. The study attempts to find the short-run and long-run relationship of these government bond returns using the ARDL cointegration technique. The study uses daily data of 10-year government bond yields spanning from August 2014 to September 2019. The empirical results reveal that there exists a short-run and long-run relationship between South Africa and Eswatini. Between South Africa and Namibia, there only exist a short-run relationship. Just like the previously mentioned studies, the short-run relationship is a result of policy convergence. The lack of long-run relationship between South and Namibia was due to poor institutional developments and limited investment opportunities. In this case, policy measures (or reforms) and a review of the union are necessary to increase integration of these bond markets. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
Chinese character learning with the aid of an ICT website among Mandarin Second Additional Language learners in South Africa: a case study
- Authors: Fu, Shuying
- Date: 2022-04-08
- Subjects: Mandarin dialects Study and teaching (Secondary) South Africa , Mandarin dialects Computer-assisted instruction for English speakers , Second language acquisition , Chinese characters , Information technology South Africa , Educational technology South Africa , Arch Chinese
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/263590 , vital:53641
- Description: The teaching of Mandarin as a Second Additional Language (SAL) in South African schools was only introduced in 2016. The year 2018 saw the first Mandarin as SAL National Senior Certificate examination. Little research has been done on the teaching and learning of Mandarin as a SAL subject at the high school level in South Africa. Character learning and teaching are some of the most challenging aspects of this language teaching and learning. This research sought to investigate how beginner Mandarin SAL learners can be supported by a particular Information Communication Technology (ICT) website, www.archchinese.com (Arch Chinese), in their character learning. Learners’ ability to memorise Chinese characters is of utmost importance for their success in this language learning, especially for matriculants. To support the main research goal, this study set out to investigate the requirements for Chinese character learning, the role the website Arch Chinese plays in learners’ character learning and Mandarin SAL learners’ experience of using Arch Chinese as a learning tool. This research was conducted in the form of a case study within the interpretative paradigm. It adopted a questionnaire and document analysis for data collection to gain insight into the research topic. To get answers to the research questions posed above, the study analysed the Curriculum Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) Mandarin SAL documents from Grade 4–12, the Independent Examination Board (IEB) Mandarin Subject Assessment Guidelines (SAGs), and a textbook for beginners, Learn Chinese with me: Student’s book 1 in relation to character learning. The features and functions of the website, Arch Chinese, were also evaluated and Mandarin SAL learners’ answers to a questionnaire on their use of the website Arch Chinese were analysed. The study found that character teaching and learning has not been given enough attention in the curriculum. It was only covered in the Intermediate Phase but was seldom mentioned in the Senior and Further Education and Training Phases in the curriculum. The CAPS Mandarin SAL documents do not consider the special characteristics of the Mandarin language, as this curriculum was based on the CAPS English Generic SAL document. As a result, the assessment requirements on writing (character count requirement in particular) were not realistic. The teaching approaches promoted in the curriculum and the teaching time do not correspond well with the teaching and learning of this language. Moreover, this study found that there was no vocabulary list prescribed in the curriculum and therefore a gap exists between the curriculum on paper and the curriculum in practice. The analysis of the IEB SAGs found that the assessments were suitable for the level of Mandarin SAL learners. This is because the IEB considered the characteristics of the Mandarin language, which is non-cognate, to the alphabet-based languages that respondents in this research spoke or were familiar with. At the same time, the analysis of the website and the learners’ questionnaire found that learners held a positive attitude towards their use of the website and that it proved to help facilitate Mandarin SAL learners in their character learning. This study ends with recommendations for teachers, policy makers, the IEB, and character-learning websites. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2022
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2022-04-08
- Authors: Fu, Shuying
- Date: 2022-04-08
- Subjects: Mandarin dialects Study and teaching (Secondary) South Africa , Mandarin dialects Computer-assisted instruction for English speakers , Second language acquisition , Chinese characters , Information technology South Africa , Educational technology South Africa , Arch Chinese
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/263590 , vital:53641
- Description: The teaching of Mandarin as a Second Additional Language (SAL) in South African schools was only introduced in 2016. The year 2018 saw the first Mandarin as SAL National Senior Certificate examination. Little research has been done on the teaching and learning of Mandarin as a SAL subject at the high school level in South Africa. Character learning and teaching are some of the most challenging aspects of this language teaching and learning. This research sought to investigate how beginner Mandarin SAL learners can be supported by a particular Information Communication Technology (ICT) website, www.archchinese.com (Arch Chinese), in their character learning. Learners’ ability to memorise Chinese characters is of utmost importance for their success in this language learning, especially for matriculants. To support the main research goal, this study set out to investigate the requirements for Chinese character learning, the role the website Arch Chinese plays in learners’ character learning and Mandarin SAL learners’ experience of using Arch Chinese as a learning tool. This research was conducted in the form of a case study within the interpretative paradigm. It adopted a questionnaire and document analysis for data collection to gain insight into the research topic. To get answers to the research questions posed above, the study analysed the Curriculum Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) Mandarin SAL documents from Grade 4–12, the Independent Examination Board (IEB) Mandarin Subject Assessment Guidelines (SAGs), and a textbook for beginners, Learn Chinese with me: Student’s book 1 in relation to character learning. The features and functions of the website, Arch Chinese, were also evaluated and Mandarin SAL learners’ answers to a questionnaire on their use of the website Arch Chinese were analysed. The study found that character teaching and learning has not been given enough attention in the curriculum. It was only covered in the Intermediate Phase but was seldom mentioned in the Senior and Further Education and Training Phases in the curriculum. The CAPS Mandarin SAL documents do not consider the special characteristics of the Mandarin language, as this curriculum was based on the CAPS English Generic SAL document. As a result, the assessment requirements on writing (character count requirement in particular) were not realistic. The teaching approaches promoted in the curriculum and the teaching time do not correspond well with the teaching and learning of this language. Moreover, this study found that there was no vocabulary list prescribed in the curriculum and therefore a gap exists between the curriculum on paper and the curriculum in practice. The analysis of the IEB SAGs found that the assessments were suitable for the level of Mandarin SAL learners. This is because the IEB considered the characteristics of the Mandarin language, which is non-cognate, to the alphabet-based languages that respondents in this research spoke or were familiar with. At the same time, the analysis of the website and the learners’ questionnaire found that learners held a positive attitude towards their use of the website and that it proved to help facilitate Mandarin SAL learners in their character learning. This study ends with recommendations for teachers, policy makers, the IEB, and character-learning websites. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2022
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2022-04-08
Climate change and food security in South Africa
- Authors: Xola, Dungelo
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Food security -- Climatic factors -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/${Handle} , vital:45720
- Description: Climate change continues to pose a threat to mankind. Its impacts are evident in both developed and developing countries. South Africa is a no exception to the climate change problems. Climate change in South Africa has affected water availability which subsequently affects food security of the country. This research study investigated the impacts of climate change on food security in South Africa. South Africa’s food security is severely affected by climate change and as a result, the South African government through the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has devised strategies to respond to climate change and ensure food security in the country. The study analysed government documents and articles about climate change from 2008 to 2018. The study employed content analysis as a data analysis method and the study developed eighteen codes and from those codes, four themes emerged. The research findings highlight that South Africa is a food secure nation only at a national level. In addition, the findings highlighted that climate change poses a significant threat on the agricultural sector which ultimately affects food security in South Africa. The climate change impacts in South Africa include an increase in temperatures, rise in sea water levels, and floods. Climate change in South Africa continues to pose a significant threat in the GDP as it affects crop production and livestock farming, which ultimately affects the exports of the country. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Economics, Development & Tourism, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Xola, Dungelo
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Food security -- Climatic factors -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/${Handle} , vital:45720
- Description: Climate change continues to pose a threat to mankind. Its impacts are evident in both developed and developing countries. South Africa is a no exception to the climate change problems. Climate change in South Africa has affected water availability which subsequently affects food security of the country. This research study investigated the impacts of climate change on food security in South Africa. South Africa’s food security is severely affected by climate change and as a result, the South African government through the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has devised strategies to respond to climate change and ensure food security in the country. The study analysed government documents and articles about climate change from 2008 to 2018. The study employed content analysis as a data analysis method and the study developed eighteen codes and from those codes, four themes emerged. The research findings highlight that South Africa is a food secure nation only at a national level. In addition, the findings highlighted that climate change poses a significant threat on the agricultural sector which ultimately affects food security in South Africa. The climate change impacts in South Africa include an increase in temperatures, rise in sea water levels, and floods. Climate change in South Africa continues to pose a significant threat in the GDP as it affects crop production and livestock farming, which ultimately affects the exports of the country. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Economics, Development & Tourism, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Communal property associations and protected areas management: some participation controversies in Dwesa-Cwebe Nature Reserve, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Zwelakhe, Loyiso
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: National parks and reserves -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54355 , vital:46478
- Description: The management and protection of protected areas such as nature reserves remains a primary concern for the different stakeholders involved; especially the marginalised rural communities that are deprived of genuine ownership of the natural resources. The representation of the marginalised rural communities adjacent to the protected areas has become significant in the control and utilisation of natural resources in protected areas. Communal Property Associations (CPAs) were established to help represent their communities in such matters of natural resources ownership and control. Despite; the formation of the CPAs, the participation of these associations in the management of the nature reserve in Dwesa-Cwebe has been questioned and under scrutiny. Therefore, this study seeks to understand the dynamics around the participation of the Dwesa-Cwebe Community Property Association in the management of Dwesa-Cwebe Nature Reserve. The study sought to find out experiences of the members of Dwesa-Cwebe CPA regarding their participation in the management of Dwesa-Cwebe Nature Reserve. Some questions needed to be answered, such as: To what extent is the membership in Dwesa-Cwebe CPAs a true representation of the needs of the local communities in the management of Dwesa-Cwebe Nature Reserve? What are the challenges faced by the members of the Dwesa-Cwebe CPA in representing the local communities in the management of the Dwesa-Cwebe Nature Reserve? What recommendations can be provided to solve the challenges faced by the Dwesa-Cwebe CPA in the management of Dwesa-Cwebe Nature Reserve? The study utilised a qualitative research methodology to obtain the answers to the main research questions. The study utilised convenience sampling to select ten suitable participants who were prepared to participate in the study and who are members of the CPA from Dwesa-Cwebe area. The research used interviews and non-participant observation to gather data. The collected data was analysed using thematic analysis. The analysis of the data revealed that there is limited participation by the CPA members in the management of Dwesa-Cwebe Nature Reserve. The study’s findings also indicated the CPA members are not involved in the management of the utilisation of generated revenue. The findings of this study also revealed that there are benefits that are entrenched in the participation of CPA members in the activities of the Dwesa-Cwebe Nature Reserve. However, the participation mechanisms are not producing the desired outcomes. Based on these findings the study recommends that the management of the Dwesa-Cwebe Nature Reserve review their management approach so as to ensure effective participation by CPA members. Further, there is a need to produce reports that update the Dwesa-Cwebe community on how the management of the nature reserve is utilising the generated revenue and its development plans. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Zwelakhe, Loyiso
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: National parks and reserves -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54355 , vital:46478
- Description: The management and protection of protected areas such as nature reserves remains a primary concern for the different stakeholders involved; especially the marginalised rural communities that are deprived of genuine ownership of the natural resources. The representation of the marginalised rural communities adjacent to the protected areas has become significant in the control and utilisation of natural resources in protected areas. Communal Property Associations (CPAs) were established to help represent their communities in such matters of natural resources ownership and control. Despite; the formation of the CPAs, the participation of these associations in the management of the nature reserve in Dwesa-Cwebe has been questioned and under scrutiny. Therefore, this study seeks to understand the dynamics around the participation of the Dwesa-Cwebe Community Property Association in the management of Dwesa-Cwebe Nature Reserve. The study sought to find out experiences of the members of Dwesa-Cwebe CPA regarding their participation in the management of Dwesa-Cwebe Nature Reserve. Some questions needed to be answered, such as: To what extent is the membership in Dwesa-Cwebe CPAs a true representation of the needs of the local communities in the management of Dwesa-Cwebe Nature Reserve? What are the challenges faced by the members of the Dwesa-Cwebe CPA in representing the local communities in the management of the Dwesa-Cwebe Nature Reserve? What recommendations can be provided to solve the challenges faced by the Dwesa-Cwebe CPA in the management of Dwesa-Cwebe Nature Reserve? The study utilised a qualitative research methodology to obtain the answers to the main research questions. The study utilised convenience sampling to select ten suitable participants who were prepared to participate in the study and who are members of the CPA from Dwesa-Cwebe area. The research used interviews and non-participant observation to gather data. The collected data was analysed using thematic analysis. The analysis of the data revealed that there is limited participation by the CPA members in the management of Dwesa-Cwebe Nature Reserve. The study’s findings also indicated the CPA members are not involved in the management of the utilisation of generated revenue. The findings of this study also revealed that there are benefits that are entrenched in the participation of CPA members in the activities of the Dwesa-Cwebe Nature Reserve. However, the participation mechanisms are not producing the desired outcomes. Based on these findings the study recommends that the management of the Dwesa-Cwebe Nature Reserve review their management approach so as to ensure effective participation by CPA members. Further, there is a need to produce reports that update the Dwesa-Cwebe community on how the management of the nature reserve is utilising the generated revenue and its development plans. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Community development and sustainable livelihoods: the Jeffrey’s Bay wind farm cattle farming co-operative, South Africa
- Authors: Mnwana, Zandile
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Community development -- South Africa , Agriculture, Cooperative -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54925 , vital:48481
- Description: In the South African context, co-operatives are mostly established to ease the impact of unemployment and poverty, particularly in rural communities. The Kruisfontein Cattle Farming Co-operative is no different, as it was formed by a group of farmers who were looking into converting their herd from that of a poor genetic quality, low-value breed to a superior quality breed. These farmers were all facing similar challenges prior to forming the co-operative and they hoped that through working together they would be able to overcome some of the challenges they faced and thus become a successful co-operative that can compete with established farmers. The Jeffery’s Bay Wind Farm carried a mandate from the Department of Energy, through the REIPPP, to ensure that a portion of its profits is redirected to assist communities that are within a 50km radius of the JBWF. The Kruisfontein Cattle Farming Co-operative became part of the programme and the JBWF’s project manager became the person responsible for the smooth running of the programme. However, research conducted in this field has revealed that in most cases project managers in the renewable energy sector encounter challenges when implementing community development initiatives and they may lack an in-depth understanding of what community or social development entails, as it might not necessarily be an area of expertise for them. Therefore, this study aimed to explore how the Kruisfontein Cattle Farming Co-operative has influenced the livelihoods of the beneficiaries. The theories that were adopted and deemed applicable to this study included the traditional modernisation theory, dependency theory and sustainable development. The study employed a qualitative approach and a case study research design. The study made use of primary data collected through semi-structured interviews and documents, and an interview schedule was employed to carry out the interviews. In terms of sampling, the researcher made use of convenience sampling, which is a form of non-probability sampling. All the members of the Kruisfontein Cattle Farming Co-operative, which was the entire population of the study, were interviewed, thus making the sample type a census. The study explored how the Kruisfontein Cattle Farming Co-operative has influenced the livelihoods of the beneficiaries and revealed that since the involvement of the JBWF, the co-operative has recorded several achievements such as fencing around the grazing land and cattle kraal as well as calves of a superior breed that will enable the beneficiaries to receive good prices when selling their cattle. However, the co-operative is faced with challenges associated with weak livelihood assets, as the asset pentagon illustrated that the beneficiaries have moderate access to physical, human and social capital, while their natural capital is low, and their financial capital is significantly low. An overreliance on nature-based activities as a livelihood strategy is also a challenge facing the co-operative. Lastly, notwithstanding the abovementioned challenges, it can be concluded that the Kruisfontein Cattle Farming Co-operative has had a positive influence on the livelihoods of the beneficiaries, as they indicated that they experienced reduced vulnerability through the fenced grazing land and anticipated an improvement in their financial capital status through the increased income they would receive from selling cattle of a superior breed. , Thesis (MADS) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Mnwana, Zandile
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Community development -- South Africa , Agriculture, Cooperative -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54925 , vital:48481
- Description: In the South African context, co-operatives are mostly established to ease the impact of unemployment and poverty, particularly in rural communities. The Kruisfontein Cattle Farming Co-operative is no different, as it was formed by a group of farmers who were looking into converting their herd from that of a poor genetic quality, low-value breed to a superior quality breed. These farmers were all facing similar challenges prior to forming the co-operative and they hoped that through working together they would be able to overcome some of the challenges they faced and thus become a successful co-operative that can compete with established farmers. The Jeffery’s Bay Wind Farm carried a mandate from the Department of Energy, through the REIPPP, to ensure that a portion of its profits is redirected to assist communities that are within a 50km radius of the JBWF. The Kruisfontein Cattle Farming Co-operative became part of the programme and the JBWF’s project manager became the person responsible for the smooth running of the programme. However, research conducted in this field has revealed that in most cases project managers in the renewable energy sector encounter challenges when implementing community development initiatives and they may lack an in-depth understanding of what community or social development entails, as it might not necessarily be an area of expertise for them. Therefore, this study aimed to explore how the Kruisfontein Cattle Farming Co-operative has influenced the livelihoods of the beneficiaries. The theories that were adopted and deemed applicable to this study included the traditional modernisation theory, dependency theory and sustainable development. The study employed a qualitative approach and a case study research design. The study made use of primary data collected through semi-structured interviews and documents, and an interview schedule was employed to carry out the interviews. In terms of sampling, the researcher made use of convenience sampling, which is a form of non-probability sampling. All the members of the Kruisfontein Cattle Farming Co-operative, which was the entire population of the study, were interviewed, thus making the sample type a census. The study explored how the Kruisfontein Cattle Farming Co-operative has influenced the livelihoods of the beneficiaries and revealed that since the involvement of the JBWF, the co-operative has recorded several achievements such as fencing around the grazing land and cattle kraal as well as calves of a superior breed that will enable the beneficiaries to receive good prices when selling their cattle. However, the co-operative is faced with challenges associated with weak livelihood assets, as the asset pentagon illustrated that the beneficiaries have moderate access to physical, human and social capital, while their natural capital is low, and their financial capital is significantly low. An overreliance on nature-based activities as a livelihood strategy is also a challenge facing the co-operative. Lastly, notwithstanding the abovementioned challenges, it can be concluded that the Kruisfontein Cattle Farming Co-operative has had a positive influence on the livelihoods of the beneficiaries, as they indicated that they experienced reduced vulnerability through the fenced grazing land and anticipated an improvement in their financial capital status through the increased income they would receive from selling cattle of a superior breed. , Thesis (MADS) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12