Understanding the sexual risk behaviours of people living with different mental illnesses and their vulnerability to HIV infection
- Authors: Ndlovu, Deogracious
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Health -- Social aspects , HIV infections
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25037 , vital:63899
- Description: This study was primarily carried out in order to assess the sexual risk behaviours of people living with mental illnesses as well as their vulnerability to HIV infection. It sets out the basic realities of the interaction between mental illness and HIV/AIDS and its impact on individuals and communities. This study explores the implications for health policy and practice, and suggests how to provide better support and assistance in the empowerment of people living with mental illness as far as HIV and AIDS is concerned, including community support. It was also the aim of this study to look into the factors that expose this group of people to HIV infection as well as to understand the link between HIV/AIDS and mental illness. It also tested the inclusion of people with mental disabilities in HIV and AIDS prevention and education programmes. The research was conducted on the basis of a qualitative research design. A semi-structured interview schedule was used in broad based interviews to gather information from caregivers or guardians of people with mental disabilities as well as the professionals in the mental health sector. The results of the research revealed that people who are living with mental illnesses are a vulnerable group as regards HIV infection. It also conveys that this group of people presents with sexual risk behaviours, which increase their vulnerability to HIV and AIDS. In addition, there are many barriers against the inclusion of this group of people in HIV and AIDS prevention and education programmes and, as a result, they are often excluded from participating in such programmes. Importantly, the findings of this study acknowledge that there is a two-fold relationship between mental illness and HIV/AIDS. It indicates that mental illnesses are still regarded as mysterious in the community and there is much stigma and discrimination towards the mentally ill, increasing their vulnerability to HIV infection. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2013
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ndlovu, Deogracious
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Health -- Social aspects , HIV infections
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25037 , vital:63899
- Description: This study was primarily carried out in order to assess the sexual risk behaviours of people living with mental illnesses as well as their vulnerability to HIV infection. It sets out the basic realities of the interaction between mental illness and HIV/AIDS and its impact on individuals and communities. This study explores the implications for health policy and practice, and suggests how to provide better support and assistance in the empowerment of people living with mental illness as far as HIV and AIDS is concerned, including community support. It was also the aim of this study to look into the factors that expose this group of people to HIV infection as well as to understand the link between HIV/AIDS and mental illness. It also tested the inclusion of people with mental disabilities in HIV and AIDS prevention and education programmes. The research was conducted on the basis of a qualitative research design. A semi-structured interview schedule was used in broad based interviews to gather information from caregivers or guardians of people with mental disabilities as well as the professionals in the mental health sector. The results of the research revealed that people who are living with mental illnesses are a vulnerable group as regards HIV infection. It also conveys that this group of people presents with sexual risk behaviours, which increase their vulnerability to HIV and AIDS. In addition, there are many barriers against the inclusion of this group of people in HIV and AIDS prevention and education programmes and, as a result, they are often excluded from participating in such programmes. Importantly, the findings of this study acknowledge that there is a two-fold relationship between mental illness and HIV/AIDS. It indicates that mental illnesses are still regarded as mysterious in the community and there is much stigma and discrimination towards the mentally ill, increasing their vulnerability to HIV infection. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2013
- Full Text:
Understanding the contribution of Land Use/Cover (LUC) classes on soil erosion and sedimentation using sediment fingerprinting technique and RUSLE in a GIS interface at sub-catchment level
- Taeni, Thembalethu (https://orcid.org/ 0000-0001-7662-8652)
- Authors: Taeni, Thembalethu (https://orcid.org/ 0000-0001-7662-8652)
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Geographic information systems , Soil erosion , River sediments
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20920 , vital:46747
- Description: Soil erosion by water is the major source of soil degradation in the world, and South Africa (SA) is not an exception particularly in the Free State (FS) Province. In South Africa, the Caledon River Catchment in the FS Province has been identified as one of the regions where soil erosion has been prevalent for decades. Evidence across many parts of the catchment show a widespread of soil erosion and the contaminant flux associated with sediment into river systems and reservoirs; including the Welbedatcht dam and Carthcart-drift dam in Ladybrand. It is of these issues that the current work aimed at enhancing the understanding of sediment sources and soil erosion dynamics at the Caledon River Basin. The objectives of the study were to locate sources of suspended sediments and to assess and quantify the contribution of Land Use Cover (LUC) classes to water erosion and sediment yield at a sub – catchment level of the Caledon River Basin. To achieve the objectives set out for this research, a study was conducted at a sub - catchment level of the Caledon River Basin in the FS Province, South Africa. The sediment–fingerprinting approach and the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model were used in the study under Geographic Information System (GIS) settings. A qualitative and quantitative interpretation of the geochemical data were used to evaluate the potential for distinguishing catchment sediment sources. The application of multivariate sediment mixing models incorporating Monte Carlo simulations was undertaken to investigate recent variations in sediment sources. Lastly, to document the impact of LUC change on soil erosion; data from soil profile database, Landsat 8 OLI–TIRS and climate (i.e. rainfall) were used to assess and map the spatial and temporal pattern changes of soil erosion at a sub – catchment level as related to LUC changes. In this study, the sub–catchment was classified into 6 LUC classes. Thereafter soil erosion was quantified for three consecutive years namely; 2015, 2016 and 2018 using the soil erosion factors as GIS–layers. The investigation of sediment source types and spatial provenance in the catchment showed that the grassland areas have consistently been the main sediment source (83 percent) throughout the study period. Findings further showed that there was an increase in contributions from cultivation and abandoned cultivated fields. Sediment contribution from surface sources was dominant (54 percent) and thereafter, subsurface sediment input increased (62 percent). This trend is indicative of increased severity of gully erosion in the area and thus is consistent with other studies. To comprehend the influence of LUC class modification dynamics on soil erosion, water erosion in particular at the sub-catchment commencing from 2015 to 2018 (4 years), multi-temporal Landsat 8 information jointly with the RUSLE model were used. A post-classification, LUC class alteration comparison revealed that water bodies, shrubs and forested region and grassland declined by 0.27 percent, 15.60 percent, and 37.60 percent, respectively. On the other hand, regions under Bad lands, and bare-soil and built-up regions including agricultural region expanded by 2.22 percent, 5.78 percent, and 45.67 percent respectively, between 2015 to 2018 study period. The average yearly soil loss decreased at the sub-catchment and was 10.23,5.71 and 5.82 t ⋅ ha -1 ⋅ yr-1 for 2015, 2016 and 2018 respectively. Although soil loss lessened for the duration of the perceived period, a closer scrutiny revealed that there were nonetheless seeming signs of persistent escalation in soil loss risk. These signs were mostly shown in the elevated parts of the sub-catchment as shown by the red regions on the soil loss map. Additional examination of soil loss findings by LUC classes categories further indicated that most LUC classes categories, including Bare-soil and built-up area, agricultural-land, grassland, and region under shrubs and forests, showed increased soil loss levels during the 4 years’ study period at the sub-catchment. The information on the comparative vividness of diverse sediment sources given by the study must be observed as a noteworthy development towards an understanding of the sediment source dynamics in agricultural river based catchments; more so of the Caledon River Basin. Further research is recommended for other erosion prone catchments in South Africa to identify additional evidence of the spatial and temporal variations in soil erosion and sediment sources. The results of the study suggest that the procedure of assimilating the GIS and RS with the RUSLE model is not just precise, time-efficient and exact in recognizing soil erosion susceptible regions in geospatial and temporal standings. However, it is a cost-efficient substitute to standard field-founded approaches. , Thesis (MSc) (Soil Science) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Authors: Taeni, Thembalethu (https://orcid.org/ 0000-0001-7662-8652)
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Geographic information systems , Soil erosion , River sediments
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20920 , vital:46747
- Description: Soil erosion by water is the major source of soil degradation in the world, and South Africa (SA) is not an exception particularly in the Free State (FS) Province. In South Africa, the Caledon River Catchment in the FS Province has been identified as one of the regions where soil erosion has been prevalent for decades. Evidence across many parts of the catchment show a widespread of soil erosion and the contaminant flux associated with sediment into river systems and reservoirs; including the Welbedatcht dam and Carthcart-drift dam in Ladybrand. It is of these issues that the current work aimed at enhancing the understanding of sediment sources and soil erosion dynamics at the Caledon River Basin. The objectives of the study were to locate sources of suspended sediments and to assess and quantify the contribution of Land Use Cover (LUC) classes to water erosion and sediment yield at a sub – catchment level of the Caledon River Basin. To achieve the objectives set out for this research, a study was conducted at a sub - catchment level of the Caledon River Basin in the FS Province, South Africa. The sediment–fingerprinting approach and the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model were used in the study under Geographic Information System (GIS) settings. A qualitative and quantitative interpretation of the geochemical data were used to evaluate the potential for distinguishing catchment sediment sources. The application of multivariate sediment mixing models incorporating Monte Carlo simulations was undertaken to investigate recent variations in sediment sources. Lastly, to document the impact of LUC change on soil erosion; data from soil profile database, Landsat 8 OLI–TIRS and climate (i.e. rainfall) were used to assess and map the spatial and temporal pattern changes of soil erosion at a sub – catchment level as related to LUC changes. In this study, the sub–catchment was classified into 6 LUC classes. Thereafter soil erosion was quantified for three consecutive years namely; 2015, 2016 and 2018 using the soil erosion factors as GIS–layers. The investigation of sediment source types and spatial provenance in the catchment showed that the grassland areas have consistently been the main sediment source (83 percent) throughout the study period. Findings further showed that there was an increase in contributions from cultivation and abandoned cultivated fields. Sediment contribution from surface sources was dominant (54 percent) and thereafter, subsurface sediment input increased (62 percent). This trend is indicative of increased severity of gully erosion in the area and thus is consistent with other studies. To comprehend the influence of LUC class modification dynamics on soil erosion, water erosion in particular at the sub-catchment commencing from 2015 to 2018 (4 years), multi-temporal Landsat 8 information jointly with the RUSLE model were used. A post-classification, LUC class alteration comparison revealed that water bodies, shrubs and forested region and grassland declined by 0.27 percent, 15.60 percent, and 37.60 percent, respectively. On the other hand, regions under Bad lands, and bare-soil and built-up regions including agricultural region expanded by 2.22 percent, 5.78 percent, and 45.67 percent respectively, between 2015 to 2018 study period. The average yearly soil loss decreased at the sub-catchment and was 10.23,5.71 and 5.82 t ⋅ ha -1 ⋅ yr-1 for 2015, 2016 and 2018 respectively. Although soil loss lessened for the duration of the perceived period, a closer scrutiny revealed that there were nonetheless seeming signs of persistent escalation in soil loss risk. These signs were mostly shown in the elevated parts of the sub-catchment as shown by the red regions on the soil loss map. Additional examination of soil loss findings by LUC classes categories further indicated that most LUC classes categories, including Bare-soil and built-up area, agricultural-land, grassland, and region under shrubs and forests, showed increased soil loss levels during the 4 years’ study period at the sub-catchment. The information on the comparative vividness of diverse sediment sources given by the study must be observed as a noteworthy development towards an understanding of the sediment source dynamics in agricultural river based catchments; more so of the Caledon River Basin. Further research is recommended for other erosion prone catchments in South Africa to identify additional evidence of the spatial and temporal variations in soil erosion and sediment sources. The results of the study suggest that the procedure of assimilating the GIS and RS with the RUSLE model is not just precise, time-efficient and exact in recognizing soil erosion susceptible regions in geospatial and temporal standings. However, it is a cost-efficient substitute to standard field-founded approaches. , Thesis (MSc) (Soil Science) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
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Trust and identity management within online social networks
- Authors: Galpin, Ryan
- Date: 2010-12
- Subjects: Online social networks , Data privacy
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25972 , vital:64638
- Description: Online social networking is one of the largest Internet activities, with almost one third of all daily Internet users visiting these websites. Characteristics of this environment are issues relating to trust, user privacy and anonymity. Service providers are focused primarily on acquiring users, and little attention is given to the effective management of these users within the social networking environment. This study serves to evaluate if proper identity management processes and controls are needed to protect users and their informational privacy, while establishing a higher degree of user trust for other users and the system. Design Science is followed as the primary methodology, with the final outcome being a proposed artefact. Through a detailed experiment, an evaluation of the controls and processes exhibited by Facebook and MySpace was conducted. The areas of evaluation were identified through the Vulnerability Mitigation and Assessment (VAM) methodology. The findings of this experiment, together with the secondary data reviewed, form the proposed artefact, which is a set of controls aimed at increasing trust and privacy through the effective implementation of these controls and identity management processes. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2010
- Full Text:
- Authors: Galpin, Ryan
- Date: 2010-12
- Subjects: Online social networks , Data privacy
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25972 , vital:64638
- Description: Online social networking is one of the largest Internet activities, with almost one third of all daily Internet users visiting these websites. Characteristics of this environment are issues relating to trust, user privacy and anonymity. Service providers are focused primarily on acquiring users, and little attention is given to the effective management of these users within the social networking environment. This study serves to evaluate if proper identity management processes and controls are needed to protect users and their informational privacy, while establishing a higher degree of user trust for other users and the system. Design Science is followed as the primary methodology, with the final outcome being a proposed artefact. Through a detailed experiment, an evaluation of the controls and processes exhibited by Facebook and MySpace was conducted. The areas of evaluation were identified through the Vulnerability Mitigation and Assessment (VAM) methodology. The findings of this experiment, together with the secondary data reviewed, form the proposed artefact, which is a set of controls aimed at increasing trust and privacy through the effective implementation of these controls and identity management processes. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2010
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Triggers and barriers to youth entrepreneurship in the Eastern Cape South Africa
- Authors: Chindoga, Lynety
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Youth development -- South Africa , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Young adults -- Employment -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25948 , vital:64636
- Description: To realise the dream of the African Renaissance and a better life for all South Africans, the entrepreneurial energies of all people, including children, should be harnessed to contribute towards economic development, job creation and poverty alleviation. Entrepreneurship creates wealth and results in economic prosperity for a country. However, in South Africa, entrepreneurship still remains a dream yet to be realised. This is supported by the findings of Maas and Herrington (2006), who identified entrepreneurial activity in South Africa to be very weak as evidenced by a low Total Entrepreneurial Activity (TEA) rate. Youths are not engaging in entrepreneurial activity and are making the bulk of the unemployed in South Africa. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the perceived triggers and barriers to youth entrepreneurship in South Africa. Two sets of questionnaires were self- administered to high school students and university students. The respondents which consisted of three hundred and twenty three university students and two hundred and fifty six high school students, were selected using simple random sampling method. Five point Likert scale was used to measure the responses. Descriptive as well as inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. The results indicated that youth entrepreneurial intention is low in South Africa. The results also indicated that students perceived mainly extrinsic rewards, market opportunities as well as intrinsic rewards as the three top triggers towards entrepreneurial intention. Independence/autonomy and capital were also regarded as triggers to entrepreneurial intentions. The barriers to youth entrepreneurship included lack of capital, skill and support as well as lack of market opportunities and risk. The study recommends that in order to encourage youth entrepreneurial intentions, government and all stakeholders should ensure that all the perceived triggers are made available. In addition, the barriers to youth entrepreneurship should be minimised. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2011
- Full Text:
- Authors: Chindoga, Lynety
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Youth development -- South Africa , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Young adults -- Employment -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25948 , vital:64636
- Description: To realise the dream of the African Renaissance and a better life for all South Africans, the entrepreneurial energies of all people, including children, should be harnessed to contribute towards economic development, job creation and poverty alleviation. Entrepreneurship creates wealth and results in economic prosperity for a country. However, in South Africa, entrepreneurship still remains a dream yet to be realised. This is supported by the findings of Maas and Herrington (2006), who identified entrepreneurial activity in South Africa to be very weak as evidenced by a low Total Entrepreneurial Activity (TEA) rate. Youths are not engaging in entrepreneurial activity and are making the bulk of the unemployed in South Africa. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the perceived triggers and barriers to youth entrepreneurship in South Africa. Two sets of questionnaires were self- administered to high school students and university students. The respondents which consisted of three hundred and twenty three university students and two hundred and fifty six high school students, were selected using simple random sampling method. Five point Likert scale was used to measure the responses. Descriptive as well as inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. The results indicated that youth entrepreneurial intention is low in South Africa. The results also indicated that students perceived mainly extrinsic rewards, market opportunities as well as intrinsic rewards as the three top triggers towards entrepreneurial intention. Independence/autonomy and capital were also regarded as triggers to entrepreneurial intentions. The barriers to youth entrepreneurship included lack of capital, skill and support as well as lack of market opportunities and risk. The study recommends that in order to encourage youth entrepreneurial intentions, government and all stakeholders should ensure that all the perceived triggers are made available. In addition, the barriers to youth entrepreneurship should be minimised. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2011
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Treatment adherence among tuberculosis patients in Nelson Mandela District, Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Sohuma, Ntombifikile
- Date: 2019-09
- Subjects: Patient compliance , Tuberculosis -- Patients , Tuberculosis -- Mortality
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22957 , vital:53254
- Description: Tuberculosis (TB) morbidity and mortality rates remain high globally and are even higher in Africa. The key factor that continues to drive the burden of disease is poor compliance / adherence to treatment regimens. This study aimed to identify determinants that continue to drive poor treatment adherence among low-income communities in South Africa. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted, drawing on TB patients who were defaulting on treatment. An assessment tool with several socio-economic and disease-related determinants was administered to participants. Data was entered into MS Excel and analysed in SPSS version 24. Results Regarding health services factors generally, all participants agreed that health service delivery was conducted in a conducive environment and that facilities were reasonably close to their places of residence. Participants demonstrated that health workers do not provide adequate information regarding medications that patients receive. Of patients cited, 11percent indicated that they stopped medications owing to health services. When questioned, participants reported that health workers shouted at them for coming late (e.g. after lunch) and that waiting times were very long. Approximately 85percent of the study participants were more likely to adhere poorly to TB medication owing to various factors such as comorbidities and personal perceptions of wellbeing / health status. Comorbidities are high among patients, with 58percent taking other medication while on TB treatment. Self-prognosis on wellbeing is significantly high, and 44percent reported a tendency to stop medication when they were seemingly in recovery. The unemployment rate among respondents was 78percent, with limited education: 69percent had below matric. Of the respondents, 40percent showed an unsatisfactory perception of their social and economic life, 55percent were somewhat satisfied and only 5percent were very satisfied. These indicators constitute a highly vulnerable community that depends heavily on subsidised healthcare from the state. Adherence to TB treatment is mainly influenced by poverty, the health service provider–patient relationship and perceived stigma. Limited family support was noted towards the treatment of patients. , Thesis (MPH) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2019
- Full Text:
- Authors: Sohuma, Ntombifikile
- Date: 2019-09
- Subjects: Patient compliance , Tuberculosis -- Patients , Tuberculosis -- Mortality
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22957 , vital:53254
- Description: Tuberculosis (TB) morbidity and mortality rates remain high globally and are even higher in Africa. The key factor that continues to drive the burden of disease is poor compliance / adherence to treatment regimens. This study aimed to identify determinants that continue to drive poor treatment adherence among low-income communities in South Africa. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted, drawing on TB patients who were defaulting on treatment. An assessment tool with several socio-economic and disease-related determinants was administered to participants. Data was entered into MS Excel and analysed in SPSS version 24. Results Regarding health services factors generally, all participants agreed that health service delivery was conducted in a conducive environment and that facilities were reasonably close to their places of residence. Participants demonstrated that health workers do not provide adequate information regarding medications that patients receive. Of patients cited, 11percent indicated that they stopped medications owing to health services. When questioned, participants reported that health workers shouted at them for coming late (e.g. after lunch) and that waiting times were very long. Approximately 85percent of the study participants were more likely to adhere poorly to TB medication owing to various factors such as comorbidities and personal perceptions of wellbeing / health status. Comorbidities are high among patients, with 58percent taking other medication while on TB treatment. Self-prognosis on wellbeing is significantly high, and 44percent reported a tendency to stop medication when they were seemingly in recovery. The unemployment rate among respondents was 78percent, with limited education: 69percent had below matric. Of the respondents, 40percent showed an unsatisfactory perception of their social and economic life, 55percent were somewhat satisfied and only 5percent were very satisfied. These indicators constitute a highly vulnerable community that depends heavily on subsidised healthcare from the state. Adherence to TB treatment is mainly influenced by poverty, the health service provider–patient relationship and perceived stigma. Limited family support was noted towards the treatment of patients. , Thesis (MPH) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2019
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Transition experiences from student to nascent Entreprenuership: a narrative analysis.
- Authors: Soda, Ruth
- Date: 2021-05
- Subjects: Business education. , Entrepreneurship. , Career development.
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22323 , vital:52023
- Description: Orientation: South Africa is facing an increase in the unemployment rate. This has affected many youths, particularly the graduates of South Africa. In a quest to better their lives, many of them are engaging in nascent entrepreneurship. Although they are facing challenges in the journey, they are managing to devise solutions that work for their success. Research purpose: The main purpose of this research was to explore the transition experiences from student to nascent entrepreneur. The secondary aims included: i) investigating the journey (experiences and transitions in becoming a nascent entrepreneur), ii) exploring the challenges as part of the experiences and transitions faced by nascent entrepreneurs, and iii) exploring how nascent entrepreneurs, as part of the challenges faced during experiences and transition, navigate past these. Motivation for the study: Many studies in literature have focused on nascent entrepreneurship. Further studies should concentrate on narrowing this aspect to the South African context and also more qualitative studies should be conducted to gain a deep understanding of nascent entrepreneurship. Research approach/design and method: A qualitative research approach was used as a way of generating new information. Narrative inquiry was employed and this allowed the participants to express their views freely. A sample of 22 participants was utilised for this study. Data was analysed using the three levels of meaning-making. Main findings: The findings of this study were grouped into three narratives. The first narrative was nascent entrepreneurship expressed as a solution to social challenges. The second narrative elaborated the challenges that these participants faced in their nascent entrepreneurship journey. The last narrative focused on the solutions that were implied by the participants in response to the challenges they encountered in the transition process. Practical implications: Based on the research findings, this research has recommendations that can assist universities and students, those who are already in the entrepreneurial space, as well as the government. Contribution/value-add: All the universities in South Africa should integrate the need for thorough entrepreneurship education in their institutions to prepare students for the world of work and policies set for entrepreneurship should be amended. , Thesis (MCom) (Business Management) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Authors: Soda, Ruth
- Date: 2021-05
- Subjects: Business education. , Entrepreneurship. , Career development.
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22323 , vital:52023
- Description: Orientation: South Africa is facing an increase in the unemployment rate. This has affected many youths, particularly the graduates of South Africa. In a quest to better their lives, many of them are engaging in nascent entrepreneurship. Although they are facing challenges in the journey, they are managing to devise solutions that work for their success. Research purpose: The main purpose of this research was to explore the transition experiences from student to nascent entrepreneur. The secondary aims included: i) investigating the journey (experiences and transitions in becoming a nascent entrepreneur), ii) exploring the challenges as part of the experiences and transitions faced by nascent entrepreneurs, and iii) exploring how nascent entrepreneurs, as part of the challenges faced during experiences and transition, navigate past these. Motivation for the study: Many studies in literature have focused on nascent entrepreneurship. Further studies should concentrate on narrowing this aspect to the South African context and also more qualitative studies should be conducted to gain a deep understanding of nascent entrepreneurship. Research approach/design and method: A qualitative research approach was used as a way of generating new information. Narrative inquiry was employed and this allowed the participants to express their views freely. A sample of 22 participants was utilised for this study. Data was analysed using the three levels of meaning-making. Main findings: The findings of this study were grouped into three narratives. The first narrative was nascent entrepreneurship expressed as a solution to social challenges. The second narrative elaborated the challenges that these participants faced in their nascent entrepreneurship journey. The last narrative focused on the solutions that were implied by the participants in response to the challenges they encountered in the transition process. Practical implications: Based on the research findings, this research has recommendations that can assist universities and students, those who are already in the entrepreneurial space, as well as the government. Contribution/value-add: All the universities in South Africa should integrate the need for thorough entrepreneurship education in their institutions to prepare students for the world of work and policies set for entrepreneurship should be amended. , Thesis (MCom) (Business Management) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
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Transformation in the Ministry of Defence of South Sudan: An organizational change management approach
- Authors: Nyuon, Mayen Garang Malual
- Date: 2015-09
- Subjects: Organizational change , Reengineering (Management)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25338 , vital:64146
- Description: The purpose of this study assessed Transformation Strategy of 2012 - 2017 of the Ministry of Defence, which was developed as a set of objectives and principles to facilitate effective transformation and change management approach. Further, the effectiveness of public service reforms, public institutions restructuring and management of transformation policy in the Ministry of Defence is examined. This is to establish areas of compliance with existing structures in the public institutions of the government of South Sudan. Furthermore, this study examined practical experiences from South Sudan and the international experience of the public service reforms in some leading countries in Africa such as South Africa and Nigeria and also Rwanda public sector reform is assessed. In this study, the strengths and weakness of transformation process in the Ministry of Defence was analyzed. It is revealed that human resource management in Ministry of Defence enhanced knowledge in transformation process. The literature related to Transformation in the Ministry of Defence of South Sudan: organizational change and change management approach was reviewed, critically analyzing the knowledge gap that exists. Specifically the literature reviewed was in the areas of organizational change and importance of change management approach. The study was mainly quantitative though qualitative research paradigm was also engaged. It was cross sectional in nature involving a number of respondents who were in the Ministry of Defence. This study used exploratory design with the intention to explore and describe the public service transformation processes in Ministry of Defence. However, the research involved structured interviews and an in-depth investigation to understand the effect of public service transformation and change management strategy and its impact on the management and the structures of the Ministry of Defence. This was achieved through vital techniques and research instruments such as mixed research design. The findings of this study, the number shows that how transformation and reforms policies are formulated and implementation is the only problem facing the Ministry of Defence. This required Ministry to change the strategy of non-implementation of policies and to adapt effective implementation to ensure accountability and transparency to materialize change in the SPLA and Ministry as a whole. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2015
- Full Text:
- Authors: Nyuon, Mayen Garang Malual
- Date: 2015-09
- Subjects: Organizational change , Reengineering (Management)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25338 , vital:64146
- Description: The purpose of this study assessed Transformation Strategy of 2012 - 2017 of the Ministry of Defence, which was developed as a set of objectives and principles to facilitate effective transformation and change management approach. Further, the effectiveness of public service reforms, public institutions restructuring and management of transformation policy in the Ministry of Defence is examined. This is to establish areas of compliance with existing structures in the public institutions of the government of South Sudan. Furthermore, this study examined practical experiences from South Sudan and the international experience of the public service reforms in some leading countries in Africa such as South Africa and Nigeria and also Rwanda public sector reform is assessed. In this study, the strengths and weakness of transformation process in the Ministry of Defence was analyzed. It is revealed that human resource management in Ministry of Defence enhanced knowledge in transformation process. The literature related to Transformation in the Ministry of Defence of South Sudan: organizational change and change management approach was reviewed, critically analyzing the knowledge gap that exists. Specifically the literature reviewed was in the areas of organizational change and importance of change management approach. The study was mainly quantitative though qualitative research paradigm was also engaged. It was cross sectional in nature involving a number of respondents who were in the Ministry of Defence. This study used exploratory design with the intention to explore and describe the public service transformation processes in Ministry of Defence. However, the research involved structured interviews and an in-depth investigation to understand the effect of public service transformation and change management strategy and its impact on the management and the structures of the Ministry of Defence. This was achieved through vital techniques and research instruments such as mixed research design. The findings of this study, the number shows that how transformation and reforms policies are formulated and implementation is the only problem facing the Ministry of Defence. This required Ministry to change the strategy of non-implementation of policies and to adapt effective implementation to ensure accountability and transparency to materialize change in the SPLA and Ministry as a whole. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2015
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Traditional healing as social practice: an ethnographic study of communicative practices in engagements between traditional healers and their clients in Maseru, Lesotho
- Authors: Molefe, Stanley
- Date: 2015-02
- Subjects: Ethnology -- Lesotho , Healers -- Lesotho
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26152 , vital:64926
- Description: Practices of traditional healing may be studied as an accomplishment of healers and their clients in talk-in-interaction together. An ethnomethodological perspective on traditional healing brings the researcher to focus on the taken-for-granted ‘folk methods’, or ‘ethnomethods’ that participants in healing practices use to understand each other, and so to bring about the social practice that is conventionally recognized as traditional healing. This thesis analyses transcripts of three Sesotho healers’ (bo-makherenkhoa) consultations with their clients in Maseru, Lesotho. The researcher adopted an ethnographic approach to studying the situations in which participants performed each ritual; and having made field notes and recorded these sessions on an audio device, used ethnomethodological conversation analysis to reveal in what way these sessions constitute and represent practices of Sesotho traditional healing. Despite the apparently dissimilar procedures used by each healer, the analysis found each session to comprise of a diving sequence and a consultation sequence. Each session was also remarkably ordered, using recognized patterns of talk discovered by conversation analysis. Traditional healing is a practical accomplishment between its participants. A practice can be defined as an established social pattern of ‘doings and sayings’. While the three sessions were found to have different uses of divining bones and uttering of prayers to ancestors, the conversation analyses demonstrate that sufficient similarity exists between these sessions to identify them as instances of a Sesotho traditional healing. While paradigm ethnomethodology and the method of conversation analysis are both referred to as forming part of the social constructionist perspective in Communication Studies, there are very few examples of studies that actually use the method or the paradigm. This thesis attempts to demonstrate the value of using these in the field of Communication. , Thesis (MSoc.C) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2015
- Full Text:
- Authors: Molefe, Stanley
- Date: 2015-02
- Subjects: Ethnology -- Lesotho , Healers -- Lesotho
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26152 , vital:64926
- Description: Practices of traditional healing may be studied as an accomplishment of healers and their clients in talk-in-interaction together. An ethnomethodological perspective on traditional healing brings the researcher to focus on the taken-for-granted ‘folk methods’, or ‘ethnomethods’ that participants in healing practices use to understand each other, and so to bring about the social practice that is conventionally recognized as traditional healing. This thesis analyses transcripts of three Sesotho healers’ (bo-makherenkhoa) consultations with their clients in Maseru, Lesotho. The researcher adopted an ethnographic approach to studying the situations in which participants performed each ritual; and having made field notes and recorded these sessions on an audio device, used ethnomethodological conversation analysis to reveal in what way these sessions constitute and represent practices of Sesotho traditional healing. Despite the apparently dissimilar procedures used by each healer, the analysis found each session to comprise of a diving sequence and a consultation sequence. Each session was also remarkably ordered, using recognized patterns of talk discovered by conversation analysis. Traditional healing is a practical accomplishment between its participants. A practice can be defined as an established social pattern of ‘doings and sayings’. While the three sessions were found to have different uses of divining bones and uttering of prayers to ancestors, the conversation analyses demonstrate that sufficient similarity exists between these sessions to identify them as instances of a Sesotho traditional healing. While paradigm ethnomethodology and the method of conversation analysis are both referred to as forming part of the social constructionist perspective in Communication Studies, there are very few examples of studies that actually use the method or the paradigm. This thesis attempts to demonstrate the value of using these in the field of Communication. , Thesis (MSoc.C) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2015
- Full Text:
Trade openness, economic growth, income inequality and poverty nexus in SADC countries: 1980-2019
- Gonese, Dorcas https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0774-024X
- Authors: Gonese, Dorcas https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0774-024X
- Date: 2022-01
- Subjects: Economic development , Income distribution
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23370 , vital:57618
- Description: Trade openness (TO) has been identified as a critical component for sustainable economic growth, income inequality reduction, and poverty reduction in the 2030 Agenda as per the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) regional indicative strategic development plan (RISDP). Despite the opening up to the global world, developing countries such as the SADC continue to face exclusive and unstable economic growth, massive income disparity, and poverty. Considering the previous empirical work, many controversies are related to methodologies and measurement issues. The study attempted to examine the impact of trade openness on economic growth of the SADC countries as well as its effect on income inequality and poverty reduction from 1980 to 2019. The study builds on existing studies in the region that have mainly analysed this kind of relationship, assuming that it is only TO and economic growth (EGR) that matters. The study sought to address three analytical objectives. The first objective focused on examining the effects of trade openness on economic growth in the SADC countries. In addressing this objective, the Pooled Mean Group (PMG) was utilised, given the nature of the relationship between the variables of interest. The empirical results revealed that all measures of trade openness (real trade openness, economic globalisation, exports and imports of goods and services) used in the study have a positive effect on economic growth in SADC countries. This implies that the foreign factors account for a share of SADC's economic growth. The PMG indicates that the mediating variables of all measures of trade openness with human capital development have a positive effect on economic growth. This implies that the beneficial impact of the said measures of trade openness, are more effective when investment in human capital increases. The second objective focused on analysing trade openness's direct and indirect impact on income inequality using the PMG model again. The empirical results indicate that trade openness via exports has a negative effect on income inequality. In contrast, real trade openness and imports positively affect income inequality. This implies that the exports of goods and services in SADC are drivers of income inequality reduction while real trade openness and imports worsen it. Therefore, the SADC countries must be wary of real trade openness and import policies addressing income inequality. As for the interaction effects, the empirical results indicate that greater openness via real trade openness, economic globalisation, exports and imports reduce income inequality when economic growth increases and when the financial sector is more developed. The final analytical objective focused on analysing the effects of TO on poverty in the SADC region. The PMG model was utilised for trade openness-non-income poverty (NPOV) relationship. However, because there is a scarcity of income-poverty (IPOV) data, the time dimensions for the income poverty-trade openness model are smaller than the cross sections. Therefore, the current study employed the system generalised method of moments (SGMM) estimation technique which is a more effective and efficient estimation technique for controlling for endogeneity when the time dimension is smaller than the cross sections. The findings indicate that real trade openness has a positive effect on NPOV, whereas economic globalisation, exports, and imports negatively affect NPOV. This implies that real trade openness increases poverty reduction while economic globalisation, exports and imports exacerbate non-income poverty in SADC countries. On testing whether trade openness- NPOV relationship changes with economic growth, income inequality, human capital development, financial development and institutional quality, the complementary variable with EGR is positive and significant for real trade openness and exports, implying that real trade openness and exports reduce NPOV when economic growth increases. The SGMM indicates that only economic globalisation and imports have negative impact on income poverty in SADC countries. This implies that economic globalisation and imports are determinants of income poverty reduction in the SADC countries. The SADC governments and policymakers should be mindful about what ways they should globalise, what goods they export or imports to minimise income poverty. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
- Full Text:
- Authors: Gonese, Dorcas https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0774-024X
- Date: 2022-01
- Subjects: Economic development , Income distribution
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23370 , vital:57618
- Description: Trade openness (TO) has been identified as a critical component for sustainable economic growth, income inequality reduction, and poverty reduction in the 2030 Agenda as per the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) regional indicative strategic development plan (RISDP). Despite the opening up to the global world, developing countries such as the SADC continue to face exclusive and unstable economic growth, massive income disparity, and poverty. Considering the previous empirical work, many controversies are related to methodologies and measurement issues. The study attempted to examine the impact of trade openness on economic growth of the SADC countries as well as its effect on income inequality and poverty reduction from 1980 to 2019. The study builds on existing studies in the region that have mainly analysed this kind of relationship, assuming that it is only TO and economic growth (EGR) that matters. The study sought to address three analytical objectives. The first objective focused on examining the effects of trade openness on economic growth in the SADC countries. In addressing this objective, the Pooled Mean Group (PMG) was utilised, given the nature of the relationship between the variables of interest. The empirical results revealed that all measures of trade openness (real trade openness, economic globalisation, exports and imports of goods and services) used in the study have a positive effect on economic growth in SADC countries. This implies that the foreign factors account for a share of SADC's economic growth. The PMG indicates that the mediating variables of all measures of trade openness with human capital development have a positive effect on economic growth. This implies that the beneficial impact of the said measures of trade openness, are more effective when investment in human capital increases. The second objective focused on analysing trade openness's direct and indirect impact on income inequality using the PMG model again. The empirical results indicate that trade openness via exports has a negative effect on income inequality. In contrast, real trade openness and imports positively affect income inequality. This implies that the exports of goods and services in SADC are drivers of income inequality reduction while real trade openness and imports worsen it. Therefore, the SADC countries must be wary of real trade openness and import policies addressing income inequality. As for the interaction effects, the empirical results indicate that greater openness via real trade openness, economic globalisation, exports and imports reduce income inequality when economic growth increases and when the financial sector is more developed. The final analytical objective focused on analysing the effects of TO on poverty in the SADC region. The PMG model was utilised for trade openness-non-income poverty (NPOV) relationship. However, because there is a scarcity of income-poverty (IPOV) data, the time dimensions for the income poverty-trade openness model are smaller than the cross sections. Therefore, the current study employed the system generalised method of moments (SGMM) estimation technique which is a more effective and efficient estimation technique for controlling for endogeneity when the time dimension is smaller than the cross sections. The findings indicate that real trade openness has a positive effect on NPOV, whereas economic globalisation, exports, and imports negatively affect NPOV. This implies that real trade openness increases poverty reduction while economic globalisation, exports and imports exacerbate non-income poverty in SADC countries. On testing whether trade openness- NPOV relationship changes with economic growth, income inequality, human capital development, financial development and institutional quality, the complementary variable with EGR is positive and significant for real trade openness and exports, implying that real trade openness and exports reduce NPOV when economic growth increases. The SGMM indicates that only economic globalisation and imports have negative impact on income poverty in SADC countries. This implies that economic globalisation and imports are determinants of income poverty reduction in the SADC countries. The SADC governments and policymakers should be mindful about what ways they should globalise, what goods they export or imports to minimise income poverty. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
- Full Text:
Threatened plant species in Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, Limpopo province, South Africa: Problems and prospects of conservation and utilization
- Ramarumo, Luambo Jeffrey https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2393-6982
- Authors: Ramarumo, Luambo Jeffrey https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2393-6982
- Date: 2022-03
- Subjects: Plants -- Extinction , Rare plants , Botany, Economic
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22754 , vital:52738
- Description: Threatened plant species are those species that are vulnerable or at the risk of extinction. According to Version 3.1 of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)’s Red List Categories and Criteria, the three categories of threat in order of increasing risk of extinction are: Vulnerable (VU), Endangered (EN) and Critically Endangered (CR). These species are oftenly protected by both national and international obligations. Scientific evidence suggests that threatened plants are disappearing at an alarming rate. The current expansion of agricultural land, urbanization, over-exploitation of biological resources, climate change and invasive alien species are regarded as major drivers of biodiversity loss and high rate of species extinction worldwide. Scientists and conservation managers are seeking to understand and monitor plant species that are likely to be on the verge of extinction. Monitoring of threatened plants can be better achieved through insights about indigenous knowledge dynamics associated with such species. Scientific scholars including botanists, ethnobotanists, conservationists and anthropologists, all share common interest about the use of indigenous knowledge for livelihoods, scientific and economic growth. As a result, there is a growing interest on indigenous knowledge researches, particularly involving utilization and conservation of plant species. Given the fact that recent scientific evidence suggests that such studies are lacking in South African Biosphere Reserves, as well as the fact that scientist and conservation managers are seeking to understand species likely to be on the verge of extinction risk. It is within this context that this study is aimed at investigating threatened plant species utilization, conservation statuses and distribution in the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, Limpopo Province in South Africa. The hypothesis of this study states that traditional knowledge about utilization, distribution and conservation statuses of threatened plant species provide suggestions for appropriate conservation practices. Since the current study is ethnobotanical in nature that is focusing on human interactions with plants, the research methods used addressed multidisciplinary aspects and involved disciplinary integration. An integrated participatory research approach focusing on shared learning, forging collaborative relations with participants, analyzing and validating the shared knowledge was used to document ethnobotanical data within the study area. This research approach was selected as it is considered to be a quick and effective way of acquiring data associated with indigenous knowledge systems. To offset the elements of bias during data collection, the research technique was designed to accommodate core principles that interlinked participatory rural appraisal (PRA) and rapid rural appraisal (RRA). Furthermore, the integrated core principles of participatory rural appraisal and rapid rural appraisal were used with conventional methods such as field surveys and interviews using questionnaires. Therefore, ethnobotanical data were collected through interviews with 203 participants. The data associated with threatened plant’s population size were gathered through literal counting of individual plants as per the IUCN’s Red List Criteria. Data associated with the conservation statuses were gathered from both the South African National Biodiversity Institute and IUCN databases. A total of 13 useful threatened plants belonging to 12 families were recorded with their conservation statuses ranging from being Vulnerable to Critically Endangered. The majority of the threatened plant species (46.0percent) were used for medicinal purposes only, followed by species used for medicinal purposes and as ornamentals (23.0percent). The frequently cited useful threatened species with use values (UV) > 0.024, relative frequency citation (RFC) > 0.059 and fidelity level percentage (FLpercent) > 5.911percent, included Asparagus sekukuniensis, Bowiea volubilis, Brackenridgea zanguebarica, Ocotea bullata, Rhynchosia vendae, Siphonochilus aethiopicus and Warburgia salutaris. About 47.0percent of the recorded useful threatened plants were distributed in remote areas of the Thathe Vonḓo and its surroundings. Threatened plants with population size < 100 adult individuals constituted the majority (61.54percent). Birdlime-making plant species were also documented in the current study. A total of 12 birdlime-making plants belonging to six families were recorded, including threatened Huernia nouhuysii, which is categorized as Vulnerable in South Africa. Amongst the recorded families, Loranthaceae and Euphorbiaceae were categorized as the most frequently utilized families. Among the recorded species, six of them were reported to being used in the birdlime-making for the first time and these species include Euphorbia pulvinata (17.2percent), followed by Tapinanthus forbesii (8percent), Tapinanthus rubromarginatus (7.2percent), Erianthemum ngamicum (7.2percent), Englerophytum magalismon-tanum (3.6percent), Huernia nouhuysii (2.0percent), and Euphorbia tirucalli (0.8percent). Only three plant parts were utilized for birdlime-making. The milky latex was preferred plant part (58.3percent), followed by fruit (33.3percent) and root bark (8.4percent). Birdlime-making techniques involved crushing, which accounted for 55.7percent, followed by air blown (29.6percent) and boiling (14.7percent). Furthermore, the complementary contribution of birdlime toward human development included, being used for bird hunting or trapping small birds (45.8percent), adhesion (23.2percent), teeth cleaning (17.2percent) and roof-waterproofing (13.8percent). The indigenous conservation strategies employed by participants included harvesting of single lateral root per individual medicinal plant (15.3percent), medicinal and timber materials are only harvested during winter season (16.7percent), the use of moist soil to cover injured plant part after bark harvest (18.2percent), prohibit harvesting of and/ or from an injured plant (11.8percent), collection of dried or fallen plants for firewood (8.4percent), issuing of permits by traditional council through the chief or headman to allow collection of medicinal materials and timber (9.9percent), prohibit chopping down of medicinal plant species (13.8percent) and collection of some Critically Endangered plant species such as Brackenridgea zanguebarica and Siphonochilus aethiopicus during the night by authorized people only (5.9percent). The hypothesis which stated that traditional knowledge about utilization, distribution and conservation statuses of threatened plant species provide suggestions for appropriate conservation practices can therefore, not be rejected as there is room for further and more detailed ethnobotanical investigations that is focused on human interactions with threatened plant species. The data presented in this thesis could be used as baseline information for formulating new conservation strategies, monitoring and management plans of threatened plant species not only in the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, but in other regions of South African. This study provided insights associated with ethnomedicinal uses of Asparagus sekukuniensis, Protea laetans and Encephalartos hirsutus. Results of this study could also stimulate interest in other scientific disciplines such as the phytochemistry, pharmacology, bioprocessing, conservation and anthropology involving documentation threatened plant species. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2022
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ramarumo, Luambo Jeffrey https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2393-6982
- Date: 2022-03
- Subjects: Plants -- Extinction , Rare plants , Botany, Economic
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22754 , vital:52738
- Description: Threatened plant species are those species that are vulnerable or at the risk of extinction. According to Version 3.1 of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)’s Red List Categories and Criteria, the three categories of threat in order of increasing risk of extinction are: Vulnerable (VU), Endangered (EN) and Critically Endangered (CR). These species are oftenly protected by both national and international obligations. Scientific evidence suggests that threatened plants are disappearing at an alarming rate. The current expansion of agricultural land, urbanization, over-exploitation of biological resources, climate change and invasive alien species are regarded as major drivers of biodiversity loss and high rate of species extinction worldwide. Scientists and conservation managers are seeking to understand and monitor plant species that are likely to be on the verge of extinction. Monitoring of threatened plants can be better achieved through insights about indigenous knowledge dynamics associated with such species. Scientific scholars including botanists, ethnobotanists, conservationists and anthropologists, all share common interest about the use of indigenous knowledge for livelihoods, scientific and economic growth. As a result, there is a growing interest on indigenous knowledge researches, particularly involving utilization and conservation of plant species. Given the fact that recent scientific evidence suggests that such studies are lacking in South African Biosphere Reserves, as well as the fact that scientist and conservation managers are seeking to understand species likely to be on the verge of extinction risk. It is within this context that this study is aimed at investigating threatened plant species utilization, conservation statuses and distribution in the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, Limpopo Province in South Africa. The hypothesis of this study states that traditional knowledge about utilization, distribution and conservation statuses of threatened plant species provide suggestions for appropriate conservation practices. Since the current study is ethnobotanical in nature that is focusing on human interactions with plants, the research methods used addressed multidisciplinary aspects and involved disciplinary integration. An integrated participatory research approach focusing on shared learning, forging collaborative relations with participants, analyzing and validating the shared knowledge was used to document ethnobotanical data within the study area. This research approach was selected as it is considered to be a quick and effective way of acquiring data associated with indigenous knowledge systems. To offset the elements of bias during data collection, the research technique was designed to accommodate core principles that interlinked participatory rural appraisal (PRA) and rapid rural appraisal (RRA). Furthermore, the integrated core principles of participatory rural appraisal and rapid rural appraisal were used with conventional methods such as field surveys and interviews using questionnaires. Therefore, ethnobotanical data were collected through interviews with 203 participants. The data associated with threatened plant’s population size were gathered through literal counting of individual plants as per the IUCN’s Red List Criteria. Data associated with the conservation statuses were gathered from both the South African National Biodiversity Institute and IUCN databases. A total of 13 useful threatened plants belonging to 12 families were recorded with their conservation statuses ranging from being Vulnerable to Critically Endangered. The majority of the threatened plant species (46.0percent) were used for medicinal purposes only, followed by species used for medicinal purposes and as ornamentals (23.0percent). The frequently cited useful threatened species with use values (UV) > 0.024, relative frequency citation (RFC) > 0.059 and fidelity level percentage (FLpercent) > 5.911percent, included Asparagus sekukuniensis, Bowiea volubilis, Brackenridgea zanguebarica, Ocotea bullata, Rhynchosia vendae, Siphonochilus aethiopicus and Warburgia salutaris. About 47.0percent of the recorded useful threatened plants were distributed in remote areas of the Thathe Vonḓo and its surroundings. Threatened plants with population size < 100 adult individuals constituted the majority (61.54percent). Birdlime-making plant species were also documented in the current study. A total of 12 birdlime-making plants belonging to six families were recorded, including threatened Huernia nouhuysii, which is categorized as Vulnerable in South Africa. Amongst the recorded families, Loranthaceae and Euphorbiaceae were categorized as the most frequently utilized families. Among the recorded species, six of them were reported to being used in the birdlime-making for the first time and these species include Euphorbia pulvinata (17.2percent), followed by Tapinanthus forbesii (8percent), Tapinanthus rubromarginatus (7.2percent), Erianthemum ngamicum (7.2percent), Englerophytum magalismon-tanum (3.6percent), Huernia nouhuysii (2.0percent), and Euphorbia tirucalli (0.8percent). Only three plant parts were utilized for birdlime-making. The milky latex was preferred plant part (58.3percent), followed by fruit (33.3percent) and root bark (8.4percent). Birdlime-making techniques involved crushing, which accounted for 55.7percent, followed by air blown (29.6percent) and boiling (14.7percent). Furthermore, the complementary contribution of birdlime toward human development included, being used for bird hunting or trapping small birds (45.8percent), adhesion (23.2percent), teeth cleaning (17.2percent) and roof-waterproofing (13.8percent). The indigenous conservation strategies employed by participants included harvesting of single lateral root per individual medicinal plant (15.3percent), medicinal and timber materials are only harvested during winter season (16.7percent), the use of moist soil to cover injured plant part after bark harvest (18.2percent), prohibit harvesting of and/ or from an injured plant (11.8percent), collection of dried or fallen plants for firewood (8.4percent), issuing of permits by traditional council through the chief or headman to allow collection of medicinal materials and timber (9.9percent), prohibit chopping down of medicinal plant species (13.8percent) and collection of some Critically Endangered plant species such as Brackenridgea zanguebarica and Siphonochilus aethiopicus during the night by authorized people only (5.9percent). The hypothesis which stated that traditional knowledge about utilization, distribution and conservation statuses of threatened plant species provide suggestions for appropriate conservation practices can therefore, not be rejected as there is room for further and more detailed ethnobotanical investigations that is focused on human interactions with threatened plant species. The data presented in this thesis could be used as baseline information for formulating new conservation strategies, monitoring and management plans of threatened plant species not only in the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, but in other regions of South African. This study provided insights associated with ethnomedicinal uses of Asparagus sekukuniensis, Protea laetans and Encephalartos hirsutus. Results of this study could also stimulate interest in other scientific disciplines such as the phytochemistry, pharmacology, bioprocessing, conservation and anthropology involving documentation threatened plant species. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2022
- Full Text:
Thermal studies on three common mangrove-associated ectotherms in Mngazana Estuary, with emphasis on the survival of the salt marsh crab, Parasesarma catenatum (Ortman 1897
- Nonyukela, Asandiswa Simamkele
- Authors: Nonyukela, Asandiswa Simamkele
- Date: 2020-02
- Subjects: Mangrove forests
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20838 , vital:46627
- Description: Ecological data on the development and distribution of mangroves over time suggest that mangroves were strictly tropical in nature but have extended to higher latitudes during warmer periods. Species distribution models show that the mangrove range may have since 1963 expand by 17 km in 2020 and by as much as 68 km southwards by 2050. More climate data obtained, and modelling of future climate have increased interest in the thermal tolerance or organisms. Critical thermal maxima (CTMax) and thermal tolerance were employed to determine the thermal limits of common estuarine species associated with the mangrove forests at Mngazana Estuary. Three species were selected, each representing a medium within the mangrove environment: for water, i) Palaemon peringueyi; ii) for air, Cerithidea decollata; and iii) Parasesarma catenatum on the substratum. Animals were acclimated for 48 hrs following the thermal history of the environment. Each individual was exposed to constant rate of water temperature increase of 1°C.h-1. Different size classes (adult, sub-adult, juveniles) of crabs were used to determine the CTMax performance. Parasesarma catenatum showed intraspecific variability in CTMax in both air and water. Palaemon Peringueyi had a CTMax value of 33.8°C±1.96 while C. decollata had a CTMax of 39.6°C±2.76 and P. catenatum had a CTMax of 36,38 ±1,57 in water and 34,1 ±1,67 in air. Different size classes (Adult, Sub-adult, Juveniles) of crabs were used to further determine their CTMax performance. Parasesarma catenatum showed of intraspecific variability in CTMax in both air and water. Juvenile crabs showed higher CTMax in water than in air, while adult and sub-adults showed a higher CTMax in air. The size classes of P. catenatum (Adult, Sub-adult, Juveniles) were exposed to a range of salinity treatments from 5-65 for both shock and acclimated exposures. For acclimated exposures, crabs were acclimated down/up at change of 5-10 untill the test salinity was reached, at which point the crabs were exposed. For the shock exposure, the crabs were directly exposed to the test salinity from the holding salinity of 35. This study shows P. catenatum is euryhaline, tolerating salinities been 10 and 50. Survival was highest across all cohorts for the short-term (shock) exposure, suggesting prolonged exposure to hypo/hypersaline conditions may be detrimental for this keystone Mngazana Estuary species. Juven.ile populations showed the highest survival rate for both shock and acclimated exposure. This study highlights the importance of microhabitat variability and its effect on the tolerance of different species to abiotic factors and so may be useful in modelling the effects of climate change in these systems. , Thesis (MSc) (Zoology) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Authors: Nonyukela, Asandiswa Simamkele
- Date: 2020-02
- Subjects: Mangrove forests
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20838 , vital:46627
- Description: Ecological data on the development and distribution of mangroves over time suggest that mangroves were strictly tropical in nature but have extended to higher latitudes during warmer periods. Species distribution models show that the mangrove range may have since 1963 expand by 17 km in 2020 and by as much as 68 km southwards by 2050. More climate data obtained, and modelling of future climate have increased interest in the thermal tolerance or organisms. Critical thermal maxima (CTMax) and thermal tolerance were employed to determine the thermal limits of common estuarine species associated with the mangrove forests at Mngazana Estuary. Three species were selected, each representing a medium within the mangrove environment: for water, i) Palaemon peringueyi; ii) for air, Cerithidea decollata; and iii) Parasesarma catenatum on the substratum. Animals were acclimated for 48 hrs following the thermal history of the environment. Each individual was exposed to constant rate of water temperature increase of 1°C.h-1. Different size classes (adult, sub-adult, juveniles) of crabs were used to determine the CTMax performance. Parasesarma catenatum showed intraspecific variability in CTMax in both air and water. Palaemon Peringueyi had a CTMax value of 33.8°C±1.96 while C. decollata had a CTMax of 39.6°C±2.76 and P. catenatum had a CTMax of 36,38 ±1,57 in water and 34,1 ±1,67 in air. Different size classes (Adult, Sub-adult, Juveniles) of crabs were used to further determine their CTMax performance. Parasesarma catenatum showed of intraspecific variability in CTMax in both air and water. Juvenile crabs showed higher CTMax in water than in air, while adult and sub-adults showed a higher CTMax in air. The size classes of P. catenatum (Adult, Sub-adult, Juveniles) were exposed to a range of salinity treatments from 5-65 for both shock and acclimated exposures. For acclimated exposures, crabs were acclimated down/up at change of 5-10 untill the test salinity was reached, at which point the crabs were exposed. For the shock exposure, the crabs were directly exposed to the test salinity from the holding salinity of 35. This study shows P. catenatum is euryhaline, tolerating salinities been 10 and 50. Survival was highest across all cohorts for the short-term (shock) exposure, suggesting prolonged exposure to hypo/hypersaline conditions may be detrimental for this keystone Mngazana Estuary species. Juven.ile populations showed the highest survival rate for both shock and acclimated exposure. This study highlights the importance of microhabitat variability and its effect on the tolerance of different species to abiotic factors and so may be useful in modelling the effects of climate change in these systems. , Thesis (MSc) (Zoology) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
Theme and protest in the South African post-apartheid novel: a case study of the writings of three black South African novelists
- Moyo, Mbongeni https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2256-9671
- Authors: Moyo, Mbongeni https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2256-9671
- Date: 2021-06
- Subjects: Postcolonialism in literature , Apartheid in literature , Protest literature, South African (English)
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22023 , vital:51937
- Description: This study analyses a selected cohort of black South African novelists‟ depiction of the real burning issues of the post-Apartheid South Africa. The ideas that the study is concerned with in the novel under study, are based on the aspect of theme and how it is utilised by the respective authors to address the social, economic and political issues in the post-Apartheid South Africa. The study is an investigation of the extent to which black South African novelists have depicted the aforementioned issues. The research highlights those issues that the novels under study addressed and continues by revealing how the authors depict these issues in their texts. Moreover, the study concludes that literature has a role to play in the society and recommends that it should be reliable and useful to the society. It further recommends that literature should not ignore societal issues and should be corrective in its approach. The study is comprised of six chapters: Chapter One functions as an introduction to the study. It provides information on the aims and objectives of the study, the background information on the novels under study and South African literature itself. The chapter also outlines the method and the theories, which will be used in the study. It concludes by addressing the significance of the study. Chapter Two provides a detailed analysis of the theories, which will be used in the study. This includes the Marxism and Realism theory, Afrocentric theory and the Feminist Literary theory. It also defines the concept of theme and outlines its characteristics. It discusses post-colonial literature and its development in Africa. The chapter will conclude with a disclosure of the role of theme and of the author in the African novel. Chapter Three addresses the depiction of burning issues in Mpe‟s novel “Welcome to Our Hillbrow”. It discusses the real post-colonial challenges confronting the society during the post-Apartheid South Africa. It determines whether the novel under study adequately addresses these issues. Chapter Four identifies and addresses the depiction of burning post-colonial issues in Magona‟s novel “Beauty‟s Gift”. It unveils the themes that are dealt with in the novel under study thereby linking them effectively to the current situation in the new South Africa. Chapter Five unveils the central themes in Mahala‟s Novel “When a Man Cries” and it illustrates how the author protests against the ills of post-Apartheid South Africa. Chapter Six serves as the conclusion of the study and brings out the findings and recommendations of the study. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
- Full Text:
- Authors: Moyo, Mbongeni https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2256-9671
- Date: 2021-06
- Subjects: Postcolonialism in literature , Apartheid in literature , Protest literature, South African (English)
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22023 , vital:51937
- Description: This study analyses a selected cohort of black South African novelists‟ depiction of the real burning issues of the post-Apartheid South Africa. The ideas that the study is concerned with in the novel under study, are based on the aspect of theme and how it is utilised by the respective authors to address the social, economic and political issues in the post-Apartheid South Africa. The study is an investigation of the extent to which black South African novelists have depicted the aforementioned issues. The research highlights those issues that the novels under study addressed and continues by revealing how the authors depict these issues in their texts. Moreover, the study concludes that literature has a role to play in the society and recommends that it should be reliable and useful to the society. It further recommends that literature should not ignore societal issues and should be corrective in its approach. The study is comprised of six chapters: Chapter One functions as an introduction to the study. It provides information on the aims and objectives of the study, the background information on the novels under study and South African literature itself. The chapter also outlines the method and the theories, which will be used in the study. It concludes by addressing the significance of the study. Chapter Two provides a detailed analysis of the theories, which will be used in the study. This includes the Marxism and Realism theory, Afrocentric theory and the Feminist Literary theory. It also defines the concept of theme and outlines its characteristics. It discusses post-colonial literature and its development in Africa. The chapter will conclude with a disclosure of the role of theme and of the author in the African novel. Chapter Three addresses the depiction of burning issues in Mpe‟s novel “Welcome to Our Hillbrow”. It discusses the real post-colonial challenges confronting the society during the post-Apartheid South Africa. It determines whether the novel under study adequately addresses these issues. Chapter Four identifies and addresses the depiction of burning post-colonial issues in Magona‟s novel “Beauty‟s Gift”. It unveils the themes that are dealt with in the novel under study thereby linking them effectively to the current situation in the new South Africa. Chapter Five unveils the central themes in Mahala‟s Novel “When a Man Cries” and it illustrates how the author protests against the ills of post-Apartheid South Africa. Chapter Six serves as the conclusion of the study and brings out the findings and recommendations of the study. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
- Full Text:
The utilization of contraceptives amongst adolescents at Stutterheim in the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Ntengo-Kupula, Visisa
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Contraception , Birth control , Teenage pregnancy
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27082 , vital:66272
- Description: Introduction Contraception has been identified as one way in which women can prevent unwanted pregnancies. Contraceptive utilization has been proved to minimize maternal mortality by lowering the risk of pregnancy and its associated life-threatening problems. Therefore, the researcher conducted a study at Stutterheim about the “utilization of contraceptives amongst adolescents at Stutterheim in Eastern Cape Province” with the intentions to explore perceptions of adolescents on utilization of contraceptives and to determine the factors that influence that contraceptive utilization. Methods This study adopted a quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional design which involved questionnaire tools completed by 436 adolescents between the ages of 14 and 19 years at Stutterheim health facilities and the surrounding schools, regardless of whether they were sexually active or not. After obtaining ethical clearance from the University ethics Committee and permission from the Department of Health the researcher visited the gatekeepers for obtaining informed consent and data collection procedures. The researcher administered the instruments herself to ensure validity and reliability of the instrument through a pilot study. The respondents of the pilot study did not participate in the major study. Any irregularities with the data instruments were corrected accordingly. Data collection took 3 weeks to complete all the sites. The raw data was captured onto an Excel spread sheet and analysed by the researcher with the assistance of a statistician. Results The data suggests that as much as the parents discuss about sex related issues and pregnancy, they are less likely to educate their adolescent girls about contraceptives probably due to the beliefs they have, lack of knowledge and the fear of introducing them into premarital sex. The 34.4percent of participants indicated that they were scared of contraceptive rumours spreading around the community as well as the stigmatization. Conclusion Due to the results of this study the Department of Health should work together with the department of education to put into effect the optimal utilization of contraceptives amongst adolescents by adding sexual, reproductive and contraceptives health education, as a subject in the school curriculum. Department of health must also make use of main media and social media since they are influential and can be the great sources of information for campaigns and more seminars on contraceptive utilization and its benefits to the adolescents, society and the State. , Thesis (MPH) -- Faculty of Health Science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ntengo-Kupula, Visisa
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Contraception , Birth control , Teenage pregnancy
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27082 , vital:66272
- Description: Introduction Contraception has been identified as one way in which women can prevent unwanted pregnancies. Contraceptive utilization has been proved to minimize maternal mortality by lowering the risk of pregnancy and its associated life-threatening problems. Therefore, the researcher conducted a study at Stutterheim about the “utilization of contraceptives amongst adolescents at Stutterheim in Eastern Cape Province” with the intentions to explore perceptions of adolescents on utilization of contraceptives and to determine the factors that influence that contraceptive utilization. Methods This study adopted a quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional design which involved questionnaire tools completed by 436 adolescents between the ages of 14 and 19 years at Stutterheim health facilities and the surrounding schools, regardless of whether they were sexually active or not. After obtaining ethical clearance from the University ethics Committee and permission from the Department of Health the researcher visited the gatekeepers for obtaining informed consent and data collection procedures. The researcher administered the instruments herself to ensure validity and reliability of the instrument through a pilot study. The respondents of the pilot study did not participate in the major study. Any irregularities with the data instruments were corrected accordingly. Data collection took 3 weeks to complete all the sites. The raw data was captured onto an Excel spread sheet and analysed by the researcher with the assistance of a statistician. Results The data suggests that as much as the parents discuss about sex related issues and pregnancy, they are less likely to educate their adolescent girls about contraceptives probably due to the beliefs they have, lack of knowledge and the fear of introducing them into premarital sex. The 34.4percent of participants indicated that they were scared of contraceptive rumours spreading around the community as well as the stigmatization. Conclusion Due to the results of this study the Department of Health should work together with the department of education to put into effect the optimal utilization of contraceptives amongst adolescents by adding sexual, reproductive and contraceptives health education, as a subject in the school curriculum. Department of health must also make use of main media and social media since they are influential and can be the great sources of information for campaigns and more seminars on contraceptive utilization and its benefits to the adolescents, society and the State. , Thesis (MPH) -- Faculty of Health Science, 2022
- Full Text:
The use of earth observation multi-sensor systems to monitor and model Pastures: a case of Savannah Grasslands in Hluvukani Village, Bushbuckridge Local Municipality, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa
- Nduku, Lwandile https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9168-4548
- Authors: Nduku, Lwandile https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9168-4548
- Date: 2022-01
- Subjects: Climatic changes , Grassland conservation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22578 , vital:52470
- Description: Grassland degradation associated with climate change and inappropriate grassland management has been characterized as a global environmental concern driving decreased grassland ecosystem's ecological functioning. More than 60% of South African grassland is degraded or permanently transformed to other land uses and nearly 2% properly conserved. Yet, grasslands are a major source of food for livestock grazing and provide material and non-material benefits to many livelihoods. Therefore, grassland above-ground biomass (AGB) estimation is crucial in planning and managing pastoral agriculture and the benefits derived from it. However, current grassland monitoring techniques used in rural smallholder livestock farms rely on conventional methods, which are destructive, labour-intensive, costly, and restricted to small areas. This study investigated the monitoring and modelling of protected grasslands biomass using current Earth observation systems (EOS), an approach, which is non-destructive, cost-effective, cover larger areas and is a time-saving alternative to conventional methods. Hence, the research objectives were: (i) to map the trends and advances in data and models used in the monitoring of grassland (pastures) with Earth observation systems, and (ii) to assess above-ground biomass estimation in semi-arid savannah grassland integrating Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 data with Machine-Learning. This goal was to assess if this approach could provide the requisite information, which could contribute to the long-term goal of developing a semi-automated system for data processing, and mapping grassland biomass to benefit local communities. For this investigation, it was crucial to understanding what research had achieved so far in this area of pasture management. An assessment of the Scopus database showed the recent developments in European Union (EU) programs and Sentinel missions, including statistical models and machine learning for monitoring grassland changes at multiple scales. However, Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 data, machine learning models, and variable importance techniques were applied for grassland AGB estimation. These techniques have been used in similar studies to determine optimum machine learning models, influential variables, and the capability of integrated Sentinel datasets for mapping grassland AGB, spatial distribution, and abundance. Results showed improved performance with the Random forest regression (RFR) model (R² of 34.7%, RMSE of 9.47 Mg and MAE of 7.68 Mg ). The study also observed optimum sensitivity of Difference Vegetation Index (DVI) and Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) in all three machine learning models for modelling grassland AGB estimation in the study area. A further, statistical comparison of all three machine learning models showed an insignificant difference in the predictive capacity for AGB in the study area with Gradient Boosting regression (GBR) model (R² of 27.7, RMSE of 9.97 Mg and MAE of 8.03 Mg ) and Extreme Gradient Boost Regression (XGBR) model (R² of 17.3%, RMSE of 10.66 Mg and MAE of 8.83 Mg ). The study revealed that an integration of Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 has improved capabilities for monitoring grassland AGB estimation. This research sheds light on the timely and cost-effective techniques for grassland management strategies to enhance or restore the ecological functioning of grassland ecosystems and promote community sustainability. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2022
- Full Text:
- Authors: Nduku, Lwandile https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9168-4548
- Date: 2022-01
- Subjects: Climatic changes , Grassland conservation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22578 , vital:52470
- Description: Grassland degradation associated with climate change and inappropriate grassland management has been characterized as a global environmental concern driving decreased grassland ecosystem's ecological functioning. More than 60% of South African grassland is degraded or permanently transformed to other land uses and nearly 2% properly conserved. Yet, grasslands are a major source of food for livestock grazing and provide material and non-material benefits to many livelihoods. Therefore, grassland above-ground biomass (AGB) estimation is crucial in planning and managing pastoral agriculture and the benefits derived from it. However, current grassland monitoring techniques used in rural smallholder livestock farms rely on conventional methods, which are destructive, labour-intensive, costly, and restricted to small areas. This study investigated the monitoring and modelling of protected grasslands biomass using current Earth observation systems (EOS), an approach, which is non-destructive, cost-effective, cover larger areas and is a time-saving alternative to conventional methods. Hence, the research objectives were: (i) to map the trends and advances in data and models used in the monitoring of grassland (pastures) with Earth observation systems, and (ii) to assess above-ground biomass estimation in semi-arid savannah grassland integrating Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 data with Machine-Learning. This goal was to assess if this approach could provide the requisite information, which could contribute to the long-term goal of developing a semi-automated system for data processing, and mapping grassland biomass to benefit local communities. For this investigation, it was crucial to understanding what research had achieved so far in this area of pasture management. An assessment of the Scopus database showed the recent developments in European Union (EU) programs and Sentinel missions, including statistical models and machine learning for monitoring grassland changes at multiple scales. However, Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 data, machine learning models, and variable importance techniques were applied for grassland AGB estimation. These techniques have been used in similar studies to determine optimum machine learning models, influential variables, and the capability of integrated Sentinel datasets for mapping grassland AGB, spatial distribution, and abundance. Results showed improved performance with the Random forest regression (RFR) model (R² of 34.7%, RMSE of 9.47 Mg and MAE of 7.68 Mg ). The study also observed optimum sensitivity of Difference Vegetation Index (DVI) and Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) in all three machine learning models for modelling grassland AGB estimation in the study area. A further, statistical comparison of all three machine learning models showed an insignificant difference in the predictive capacity for AGB in the study area with Gradient Boosting regression (GBR) model (R² of 27.7, RMSE of 9.97 Mg and MAE of 8.03 Mg ) and Extreme Gradient Boost Regression (XGBR) model (R² of 17.3%, RMSE of 10.66 Mg and MAE of 8.83 Mg ). The study revealed that an integration of Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 has improved capabilities for monitoring grassland AGB estimation. This research sheds light on the timely and cost-effective techniques for grassland management strategies to enhance or restore the ecological functioning of grassland ecosystems and promote community sustainability. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2022
- Full Text:
The Training of pre-service science teachers in the integration of Information and Communication Technology integration in Science teaching: A case of two colleges of education in The Volta Region of Ghana
- Authors: Ofori, Mac-Jones
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: Teachers -- Training of , Science -- Study and teaching , Information technology -- Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27898 , vital:70467
- Description: The study was carried out to investigate the training of pre-service Science teachers in the integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Science teaching at two colleges of education in the Volta region of Ghana. The study aimed to recommend a framework that can be used to enhance the training in ICT integration competencies of pre-service Science teachers at colleges of education in the country. The study was underpinned by two theoretical frameworks: Rogan and Grayson’s curriculum implementation framework and Guzman and Nussbaum’s ICT integration framework and was located within the interpretive paradigm. The qualitative research approach was adopted to generate data on the types of ICT integration competences that pre-service Science teachers are trained in, the pedagogical strategies used, the support provided, and the challenges faced during the training. The study adopted the explanatory case study design. Convenience and purposive sampling were used to select the study sites and participants respectively, which consisted of two teacher education colleges, two heads of Science department, ten lecturers, and 20 pre-service Science teachers. The study’s data collection methods were semi-structured face-to-face interviews with the lecturers, focus group discussions with the pre-service Science teachers, non-participatory lesson observation, and document analysis. The data was analysed using thematic approach. The study established that pre-service Science teachers at the two colleges received training in mastering the usage of ICT tools, relating ICT to teaching; using ICT for assessment and providing feedback, creating an appropriate environment for ICT integration, and developing positive attitudes toward ICT usage. The study revealed the pedagogical strategies used for training the pre-service Science teachers in ICT integration competencies to include a standalone ICT course, demonstration, group work, self-learning and how assessment is carried out. The study also established that there was support from both within and without the college environment in training pre-service Science teachers, although this was inadequate. The major challenges found by the study to be hindering effective pre-service teacher training in ICT integration competencies were lack of technical know-how among lecturers, poor pre-service Science teachers’ backgrounds in ICT, inadequate ICT resources and infrastructure, prolonged organisational and management bureaucracy, and insufficient funding of ICT. The recommendations made included the need for upgrading infrastructure in the colleges while also upgrading lecturers’ competencies in handling ICT in the colleges. An alternative training framework for preparing pre-service Science teachers in ICT integration competencies was also proposed. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, 2023
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ofori, Mac-Jones
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: Teachers -- Training of , Science -- Study and teaching , Information technology -- Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27898 , vital:70467
- Description: The study was carried out to investigate the training of pre-service Science teachers in the integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Science teaching at two colleges of education in the Volta region of Ghana. The study aimed to recommend a framework that can be used to enhance the training in ICT integration competencies of pre-service Science teachers at colleges of education in the country. The study was underpinned by two theoretical frameworks: Rogan and Grayson’s curriculum implementation framework and Guzman and Nussbaum’s ICT integration framework and was located within the interpretive paradigm. The qualitative research approach was adopted to generate data on the types of ICT integration competences that pre-service Science teachers are trained in, the pedagogical strategies used, the support provided, and the challenges faced during the training. The study adopted the explanatory case study design. Convenience and purposive sampling were used to select the study sites and participants respectively, which consisted of two teacher education colleges, two heads of Science department, ten lecturers, and 20 pre-service Science teachers. The study’s data collection methods were semi-structured face-to-face interviews with the lecturers, focus group discussions with the pre-service Science teachers, non-participatory lesson observation, and document analysis. The data was analysed using thematic approach. The study established that pre-service Science teachers at the two colleges received training in mastering the usage of ICT tools, relating ICT to teaching; using ICT for assessment and providing feedback, creating an appropriate environment for ICT integration, and developing positive attitudes toward ICT usage. The study revealed the pedagogical strategies used for training the pre-service Science teachers in ICT integration competencies to include a standalone ICT course, demonstration, group work, self-learning and how assessment is carried out. The study also established that there was support from both within and without the college environment in training pre-service Science teachers, although this was inadequate. The major challenges found by the study to be hindering effective pre-service teacher training in ICT integration competencies were lack of technical know-how among lecturers, poor pre-service Science teachers’ backgrounds in ICT, inadequate ICT resources and infrastructure, prolonged organisational and management bureaucracy, and insufficient funding of ICT. The recommendations made included the need for upgrading infrastructure in the colleges while also upgrading lecturers’ competencies in handling ICT in the colleges. An alternative training framework for preparing pre-service Science teachers in ICT integration competencies was also proposed. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, 2023
- Full Text:
The term structure of interest rate and expected inflation in South Africa
- Authors: Deve, Richard
- Date: 2021-02
- Subjects: Inflation (Finance) , Rational expectations (Economic theory)| , Inflation (Finance) -- Mathematical models
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20252 , vital:45639
- Description: One of the questions in the minds of policy-makers, monetary authorities and the government is the nature of South Africa’s yield curve and its ability to predict inflation expectations for this country. This calls for an investigation of the relationship between the term structure of interest rates and expected inflation in South Africa. The study seeks to provide answers to three sequentially structured questions: Is there a long-term relationship between the yield curve and inflation expectations in South Africa? Does interest rate term structure contain information about future inflation movements in an inflation-targeting regime for South Africa? And finally: How useful is the yield spread as a predictor for future inflation in South Africa? To shed light on these questions, monthly data for five core variables covering the period January 2000 to January 2017 was used. In South Africa, a tight monetary policy stance affects economic activity positively. The development of sounder bond markets in developed economies, which enhance economic development, creates predictable monetary policy direction relative to developing economies that are cha-racterised by unstable economic conditions coupled with policy inconsistence. This phenomenon results in less credible central banks, and hence leads to less anchored inflation expectations. However, South Africa has well-anchored inflation expectations and one of the most liquid bond markets in the world, which sets it in an excellent position to compete with developed economies. South Africa’s risk premium and inflation are less volatile than those of other developing countries. This particular study finds that a tight monetary policy stance results in an increase in short-term interest rates, leading consequently to a decline in future inflation expectations, and hence leading to a decrease in long-term interest rates, through which the credibility of the central bank is recognised. The positive marginal effect of the yield spread on inflation expectations suggests that the inflation expectation changes are influenced positively by changes in the yield spread. An observed long-run relationship exists between inflation expectations and the yield spread signals that the yield spread has predictive ability for inflation ex-pectations in South Africa. The forecast inflation mimics realised inflation, which could suggest that the forecast is fairly accurate and valuable in explaining the influence of the inflation targeting regime adopted by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB). On the other hand, inflation expectations are viewed as a lagging indicator. In this line of argument, Mishkin (1990b) mentions that past studies have used the yield curve to extract information about future inflation. This is in line with the findings of the SARB (2016). That study (2016) found that the yield spread is useful for predicting expected future yield over 24 quarters in the South African economy. The study found that the yield curve does have a predictive ability with regard to expected inflation, which is moderate. However, it was found that the repo rate and the current levels of inflation had more predictive power than the yield curve. , Thesis (DPhil) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2021
- Full Text:
- Authors: Deve, Richard
- Date: 2021-02
- Subjects: Inflation (Finance) , Rational expectations (Economic theory)| , Inflation (Finance) -- Mathematical models
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20252 , vital:45639
- Description: One of the questions in the minds of policy-makers, monetary authorities and the government is the nature of South Africa’s yield curve and its ability to predict inflation expectations for this country. This calls for an investigation of the relationship between the term structure of interest rates and expected inflation in South Africa. The study seeks to provide answers to three sequentially structured questions: Is there a long-term relationship between the yield curve and inflation expectations in South Africa? Does interest rate term structure contain information about future inflation movements in an inflation-targeting regime for South Africa? And finally: How useful is the yield spread as a predictor for future inflation in South Africa? To shed light on these questions, monthly data for five core variables covering the period January 2000 to January 2017 was used. In South Africa, a tight monetary policy stance affects economic activity positively. The development of sounder bond markets in developed economies, which enhance economic development, creates predictable monetary policy direction relative to developing economies that are cha-racterised by unstable economic conditions coupled with policy inconsistence. This phenomenon results in less credible central banks, and hence leads to less anchored inflation expectations. However, South Africa has well-anchored inflation expectations and one of the most liquid bond markets in the world, which sets it in an excellent position to compete with developed economies. South Africa’s risk premium and inflation are less volatile than those of other developing countries. This particular study finds that a tight monetary policy stance results in an increase in short-term interest rates, leading consequently to a decline in future inflation expectations, and hence leading to a decrease in long-term interest rates, through which the credibility of the central bank is recognised. The positive marginal effect of the yield spread on inflation expectations suggests that the inflation expectation changes are influenced positively by changes in the yield spread. An observed long-run relationship exists between inflation expectations and the yield spread signals that the yield spread has predictive ability for inflation ex-pectations in South Africa. The forecast inflation mimics realised inflation, which could suggest that the forecast is fairly accurate and valuable in explaining the influence of the inflation targeting regime adopted by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB). On the other hand, inflation expectations are viewed as a lagging indicator. In this line of argument, Mishkin (1990b) mentions that past studies have used the yield curve to extract information about future inflation. This is in line with the findings of the SARB (2016). That study (2016) found that the yield spread is useful for predicting expected future yield over 24 quarters in the South African economy. The study found that the yield curve does have a predictive ability with regard to expected inflation, which is moderate. However, it was found that the repo rate and the current levels of inflation had more predictive power than the yield curve. , Thesis (DPhil) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2021
- Full Text:
The string vibrator experiment-experimental and analytical determination of system fundamental natural frequencies
- Authors: Gordon, Mark Leonard
- Date: 2011-11
- Subjects: Vibration , Nonlinear oscillations , Waves
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24002 , vital:62245
- Description: This thesis represents an experimental and intellectual journey of more than three years. The String Vibrator Experiment (SVE) is an experimental payload on the SumbandilaSat, satellite. The experiment was initially designed to compare low-earthorbitstretched string nonlinear dynamics with those found terrestrially, with particular emphasis on the effects of micro-gravity and near vacuum. Due to the damage of some internal components of the SVE, the terrestrial experiment had to be characterized by finding both transverse fundamental natural frequencies and the longitudinal system fundamental natural frequency. Forced and free vibration tests were performed on the SVE, with comparable results. The percentage frequency difference between measurement results obtained for the said natural frequencies was found to be acceptable. An analytical model for the string longitudinal system was developed using Energy Methods, assuming linear coupling of the stretched string and the flexible support. Bessel Functions were used to find the natural frequency of the flexible support, which is made of a thin-circular plate loaded centrally by the stretched string and fixed on its outer boundary. The natural frequency thus predicted, corresponds closely with that measured by Laser Doppler Vibrometry. It was found that the longitudinal system behaves in an uncoupled, manner. In this study use was made of piezo bi-morph sensors as vibration measuring devices, with promising results. A method called the peak amplitude discrimination method is introduced to find the respective resonant frequencies; this method is an adaptation of the sweptsine frequency method Nonlinear behavior of the SVE was found to exist exhibiting Sub-harmonics, Super-harmonics, Combination harmonics and Internal Resonances. It is hoped that the experimental methods used in this study would aid in the measurement and analysis of longitudinal vibrations found in flexible cables, rods and rigid bars. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2011
- Full Text:
- Authors: Gordon, Mark Leonard
- Date: 2011-11
- Subjects: Vibration , Nonlinear oscillations , Waves
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24002 , vital:62245
- Description: This thesis represents an experimental and intellectual journey of more than three years. The String Vibrator Experiment (SVE) is an experimental payload on the SumbandilaSat, satellite. The experiment was initially designed to compare low-earthorbitstretched string nonlinear dynamics with those found terrestrially, with particular emphasis on the effects of micro-gravity and near vacuum. Due to the damage of some internal components of the SVE, the terrestrial experiment had to be characterized by finding both transverse fundamental natural frequencies and the longitudinal system fundamental natural frequency. Forced and free vibration tests were performed on the SVE, with comparable results. The percentage frequency difference between measurement results obtained for the said natural frequencies was found to be acceptable. An analytical model for the string longitudinal system was developed using Energy Methods, assuming linear coupling of the stretched string and the flexible support. Bessel Functions were used to find the natural frequency of the flexible support, which is made of a thin-circular plate loaded centrally by the stretched string and fixed on its outer boundary. The natural frequency thus predicted, corresponds closely with that measured by Laser Doppler Vibrometry. It was found that the longitudinal system behaves in an uncoupled, manner. In this study use was made of piezo bi-morph sensors as vibration measuring devices, with promising results. A method called the peak amplitude discrimination method is introduced to find the respective resonant frequencies; this method is an adaptation of the sweptsine frequency method Nonlinear behavior of the SVE was found to exist exhibiting Sub-harmonics, Super-harmonics, Combination harmonics and Internal Resonances. It is hoped that the experimental methods used in this study would aid in the measurement and analysis of longitudinal vibrations found in flexible cables, rods and rigid bars. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2011
- Full Text:
The South African media portrayal of Sindisiwe Manqele’s intimate partner homicide Case of Nkululeko ‘Flabba’ Habedi: A feminist narrative analysis
- Authors: Ntweni, Nosiphiwo
- Date: 2022-01
- Subjects: Homicide -- Psychological aspects , Content analysis (Communication)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23787 , vital:60542
- Description: The story construction of intimate partner homicide in the media reflects the inherent influence the media has on the society and the shaping of its attitudes. This study uses an exploratory qualitative research design with the aim that is to investigate how the South African news media constructs and narrates the Intimate Partner Homicide of Nkululeko ‘Flabba’ Habedi by Sindisiwe Manqele. This objective was achieved through feminist narrative analysis of 30 South African media articles, with an underpinning theory of feminist constructionism. Feminist constructionism is a theoretical framework that ties together feminist psychology and social constructionist methods. The main ideas followed by the S.A. media reporters were sub-divided into three main deductive themes; ‘sad/victim’, ‘mad’ and ‘bad’. Overall, Manqele as a character, was demonised and portrayed as a villain, which followed the bad narrative. The ‘sad/victim’ narrative followed, and then the ‘mad’ narrative. The ‘sad/victim’ narrative frames Manqele as a victim of intimate partner violence (IPV). The ‘mad’ narrative showed up in the smallest number of the sample represented her as unstable and irrational. The ‘bad’ Manqele was primarily depicted as wicked and evil manipulator, the jealous, cold-blooded killer, and a promiscuous, sexual deviant. The possibility of history of IPV in the relationship its context was largely ignored. The narrative about rappers made allowances for the use of drugs, living a life of sexual experimentation and living with culture of aggression. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ntweni, Nosiphiwo
- Date: 2022-01
- Subjects: Homicide -- Psychological aspects , Content analysis (Communication)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23787 , vital:60542
- Description: The story construction of intimate partner homicide in the media reflects the inherent influence the media has on the society and the shaping of its attitudes. This study uses an exploratory qualitative research design with the aim that is to investigate how the South African news media constructs and narrates the Intimate Partner Homicide of Nkululeko ‘Flabba’ Habedi by Sindisiwe Manqele. This objective was achieved through feminist narrative analysis of 30 South African media articles, with an underpinning theory of feminist constructionism. Feminist constructionism is a theoretical framework that ties together feminist psychology and social constructionist methods. The main ideas followed by the S.A. media reporters were sub-divided into three main deductive themes; ‘sad/victim’, ‘mad’ and ‘bad’. Overall, Manqele as a character, was demonised and portrayed as a villain, which followed the bad narrative. The ‘sad/victim’ narrative followed, and then the ‘mad’ narrative. The ‘sad/victim’ narrative frames Manqele as a victim of intimate partner violence (IPV). The ‘mad’ narrative showed up in the smallest number of the sample represented her as unstable and irrational. The ‘bad’ Manqele was primarily depicted as wicked and evil manipulator, the jealous, cold-blooded killer, and a promiscuous, sexual deviant. The possibility of history of IPV in the relationship its context was largely ignored. The narrative about rappers made allowances for the use of drugs, living a life of sexual experimentation and living with culture of aggression. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
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The School Governing Bodies conceptualization of ulwaluko in school-based policies: Towards a deconstructed educational leadership and management framework
- Gqeba, Nokuzola Gloria https://orcid.org/ 0000-0002-9009-2150
- Authors: Gqeba, Nokuzola Gloria https://orcid.org/ 0000-0002-9009-2150
- Date: 2021-07
- Subjects: Initiation rites
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20057 , vital:45104
- Description: Ulwaluko (male initiation), one of the African traditions, which serves as transitional rite of passage from boyhood, has evolved over time, through the colonial era, apartheid regime and the current dispensation (Ntsebeza, 2004). Evidence indicates that within the South African context, the majority of candidates of Ulwaluko are males of school-going age. Ulwaluko is said to be a school where initiates are taught, yet there is no link between ulwaluko and formal schooling. Therefore, the study examines the extent to which School Governing Bodies (SGBs) conceptualize ulwaluko in the school-based policies. The study used theoretical lenses of Hall’s ‘Third Space’ or hybridity, as well as Decoloniality, qualitative approach, and a Case Study Design. For this study, two high schools were purposely sampled, with a total of twelve participants that included Principals, SGB Chairpersons, and SGB Educator Representatives, Representatives of Learners and Ordinary SGB members. In-depth interviews and document reviews were employed as research instruments. The findings of the study suggest that even though ulwaluko seemed to affect the management of the two schools, it was not explicitly addressed in their policies. Ulwaluko is reluctantly and cautiously addressed informally. Lastly, the schools were reportedly reluctant to open debates on how ulwaluko could be accommodated for fear of “contaminating” school protocols with the African culture, which they thought did not belong in schools. The study makes various suggestions to build a strong relationship between ulwaluko and formal school practices. One of the main recommendations is the integration of ulwaluko into the mainstream education system through school governance and school-based policy. The study also proposes a deconstructed leadership and management framework that places African cultural practices such as Ulwaluko into the mainstream of management and curriculum. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, 2021
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- Authors: Gqeba, Nokuzola Gloria https://orcid.org/ 0000-0002-9009-2150
- Date: 2021-07
- Subjects: Initiation rites
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20057 , vital:45104
- Description: Ulwaluko (male initiation), one of the African traditions, which serves as transitional rite of passage from boyhood, has evolved over time, through the colonial era, apartheid regime and the current dispensation (Ntsebeza, 2004). Evidence indicates that within the South African context, the majority of candidates of Ulwaluko are males of school-going age. Ulwaluko is said to be a school where initiates are taught, yet there is no link between ulwaluko and formal schooling. Therefore, the study examines the extent to which School Governing Bodies (SGBs) conceptualize ulwaluko in the school-based policies. The study used theoretical lenses of Hall’s ‘Third Space’ or hybridity, as well as Decoloniality, qualitative approach, and a Case Study Design. For this study, two high schools were purposely sampled, with a total of twelve participants that included Principals, SGB Chairpersons, and SGB Educator Representatives, Representatives of Learners and Ordinary SGB members. In-depth interviews and document reviews were employed as research instruments. The findings of the study suggest that even though ulwaluko seemed to affect the management of the two schools, it was not explicitly addressed in their policies. Ulwaluko is reluctantly and cautiously addressed informally. Lastly, the schools were reportedly reluctant to open debates on how ulwaluko could be accommodated for fear of “contaminating” school protocols with the African culture, which they thought did not belong in schools. The study makes various suggestions to build a strong relationship between ulwaluko and formal school practices. One of the main recommendations is the integration of ulwaluko into the mainstream education system through school governance and school-based policy. The study also proposes a deconstructed leadership and management framework that places African cultural practices such as Ulwaluko into the mainstream of management and curriculum. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, 2021
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The role of ward committees in the local government sector: a case study of Enoch Mgijima local municipality of Eastern Cape (2012 – 2016)
- Authors: Mteyise, Nomapa Pretty
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Public administration--Citizen participation. , Community development. , Public administration.
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22143 , vital:51987
- Description: Public participation is a vital aspect of developmental local government. A ward committee system was introduced in South Africa, as a channel for driving public participation programmes. This study set out to examine the experiences of ward committee members in Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality (EMLM). The aim was to assess the ward committee system as a vehicle for meaningful public participation in the integrated development planning processes. In 1995 the government formulated the White Paper on the Transformation of the Public Service. It indicated the importance of service delivery, and the aim was to transform the South African public service, as the key machinery of the government to equalize service delivery to all citizens. In 1996, the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa anchored the Bill of Rights as the cornerstone of democracy that enshrines the rights of all people and affirms the democratic values of human dignity, equality and freedom. The South African government has developed a wide array of legislation that ensures that communities are consulted on an unremitting basis with regard to how services need to be rendered. Communities have a right to be consulted and to give input into issues affecting them. Public consultation as envisaged in the South African legislation has, nevertheless, not yielded the desired results, which is evident in the spate of service delivery protests over poor or non-service delivery. Section 152(1) (e) of the Constitution promotes involvement of communities and community organisations in the matters of local government. Section 73 of the Municipal Structures Act (Act 117 of 1998) also requires municipalities to establish ward committees in a manner that seeks to enhance participatory democracy at the local level. This study set out to explore the experiences of ward committee members in EMLM. The intention was to evaluate the role of ward committees in the local government sector. , Thesis (MPA) -- University of Fort Hare, 2022
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- Authors: Mteyise, Nomapa Pretty
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Public administration--Citizen participation. , Community development. , Public administration.
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22143 , vital:51987
- Description: Public participation is a vital aspect of developmental local government. A ward committee system was introduced in South Africa, as a channel for driving public participation programmes. This study set out to examine the experiences of ward committee members in Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality (EMLM). The aim was to assess the ward committee system as a vehicle for meaningful public participation in the integrated development planning processes. In 1995 the government formulated the White Paper on the Transformation of the Public Service. It indicated the importance of service delivery, and the aim was to transform the South African public service, as the key machinery of the government to equalize service delivery to all citizens. In 1996, the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa anchored the Bill of Rights as the cornerstone of democracy that enshrines the rights of all people and affirms the democratic values of human dignity, equality and freedom. The South African government has developed a wide array of legislation that ensures that communities are consulted on an unremitting basis with regard to how services need to be rendered. Communities have a right to be consulted and to give input into issues affecting them. Public consultation as envisaged in the South African legislation has, nevertheless, not yielded the desired results, which is evident in the spate of service delivery protests over poor or non-service delivery. Section 152(1) (e) of the Constitution promotes involvement of communities and community organisations in the matters of local government. Section 73 of the Municipal Structures Act (Act 117 of 1998) also requires municipalities to establish ward committees in a manner that seeks to enhance participatory democracy at the local level. This study set out to explore the experiences of ward committee members in EMLM. The intention was to evaluate the role of ward committees in the local government sector. , Thesis (MPA) -- University of Fort Hare, 2022
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