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Central Bank policy and the exchange rate under an inflation targeting regime: a case dtudy of South Africa

  • Authors: Gonzo, Prosper
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Foreign exchange rates -- Government policy -- South Africa , Inflation (Finance) -- South Africa , Monetary policy -- South Africa , Banks and banking, Central -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic conditions , Banking industry -- Finance -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
  • Identifier: vital:11476 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015043 , Foreign exchange rates -- Government policy -- South Africa , Inflation (Finance) -- South Africa , Monetary policy -- South Africa , Banks and banking, Central -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic conditions , Banking industry -- Finance -- South Africa
  • Description: This work examined the optimality of the inclusion of the exchange rate in the reaction function of the Central Bank in an inflation targeting framework. The study attempts to answer the question whether the exchange rate should have an independent role in an open economy Taylor-type rule. To this end, a Taylor-type rule is incorporating the exchange rate is estimated by the cointegration and vector error correction modeling (VECM) using quarterly data for the period of 1995 to 2009. The empirical studies point out the importance of the exchange rates in explaining and forecasting the behaviour of the South African Reserve Bank monetary policy control variable.
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  • Date Issued: 2013

Challenges encountered by schools in the implementation of inclusive education in the Eastern Cape: a survey study in the Ngcobo District

  • Authors: Hlatini-Mphomane, Nyameka Winnifred
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Inclusive education -- Evaluation , Eastern Cape -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
  • Identifier: vital:18441 , http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1007258
  • Description: This study investigated challenges encountered by schools in the implementation of inclusive education in the Eastern Cape. It was a Survey Study carried out in Ngcobo District. School principals of randomly-sampled mainstream schools and special schools participated in this research project. The key research question that the study sought to answer was: What are the challenges encountered by schools in the implementation of Inclusive Education in the Ngcobo District of the Eastern Cape Province? The following were the sub-research questions: (a). How does the lack of specialized or in-service, trained human resource personnel challenge or hinder the implementation of Inclusive Education? (b). How is the implementation of Inclusive Education affected by available infra-structure? (c). How do the attitudes of stake holders such as learners, educators (ILST) and parents (SGB) affect the implementation of inclusive education? The findings of the study revealed that: There is a gross shortage of educators qualified in inclusive education or related streams, and in some schools none at all. Institution Level Support Teams (ILSTs) in some schools have not been established and some of those that are established are not functional. Needed specialists such as psychologists and occupational therapists are not available in special schools. Workshops or in-service training for educators generally are held for to ILSTs only instead of all educators and SMTs. School buildings and toilets have not been adapted for when inclusion is to be implemented and there are no specific, funded departmental projects to rectify this. Assistive devices for learners experiencing barriers to teaching, learning and development are rarely found. There are no clear departmental budgets to ensure the policy is implemented in ordinary schools. Negative attitudes of some parents, teachers and learners toward inclusion still exist. The following recommendations were made for consideration in order to facilitate the smooth implementation of Inclusive Education in the schools. There should be adequate provision of human resource training and development Educators have to further their studies in Inclusive Education. There should be provision of a specific budget for buildings. Maintenance funds ought to be used to renovate school buildings so as to be Inclusive Education friendly. Advocacy and awareness programmes for different stakeholders should be conducted.
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  • Date Issued: 2013

Challenges faced by the Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Local Government integrated development planning unit in supporting municipalities to deliver credible integrated development plans, using Sundays River Valley Municipality as a case study

  • Authors: Salman, Lindile Andrew
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: City planning -- South Africa -- Sundays River Valley , Community development -- South Africa -- Sundays River Valley -- Management , Civic improvement -- South Africa -- Sundays River Valley , Local government -- South Africa -- Sundays River Valley
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:8917 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021092
  • Description: This Research was undertaken to explore the challenges faced by the Eastern Cape Department of Local Government and Traditional Affairs Integrated Development Planning Unit to support municipalities to deliver credible Integrated Development Plans (IDPs), using Sunday’s River Valley Municipality as a case study. The legal obligation of the Department of Local Government is to support Municipalities to able them to perform their function and execute the duties allocated to them. This mandate originates from the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Act 108 of 1996. The Provincial Department of Local Government Integrated Development Unit is therefore obliged to support and guide municipalities in the development of IDPs by mobilizing and coordinating sector departments to participate in IDP processes, and to identify and allocate funds for projects. It is suggested that the DLGTA IDP Unit is not doing enough to support municipalities so as to deliver credible IDPs, hence the wide-spread violent service delivery protests. The study aimed at establishing whether there is a direct link between the efforts or not of DLGTA to help the municipality to develop a credible IDP and service delivery protests. The IDP may be credible, but the implementation may be flawed, or funding does not flow as expected, or the people on the ground may not understand that it may take years to deliver services. The study targeted senior managers of coordinating Departments, the Sunday’s River Valley Municipality (SRVM) and IDP Managers of SRVM and the Cacadu District Municipality (CDM). The study discovered that sector departments do not participate meaningfully in IDP processes mainly because: (1) SRVM does not extend invitations to all sector departments to attend IDP meetings; (2) There is no legal obligation to participate at local level; (3) There appears to be no commitment shown by senior managers of SRVM on IDP Processes. The DLGTA IDP Unit efforts to assist SRVM to deliver credible IDPs cannot be deemed successful, because the SRVM IDP continued to receive medium rating score for four years in succession. The DLGTA IDP Unit never paid attention to the issues cited above as the cause of stagnation of SRVM IDP. The DLGTA IDP Unit was not aware that the issues cited above were the cause for the poor SRVM IDP until the researcher brought it to their attention. It is therefore recommended that the culture of participation in the IDP processes by top management of both SRVM and DLGTA should be included in the performance contracts of top management officials. It is also recommended that the Inter Governmental Relations (IGR) Framework Act be reviewed to recognize IGR IDP Structures at local level such as IDP Representative Forums. The Act currently is silent on those structures at local level.
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  • Date Issued: 2013

Challenges faced by uMgungundlovu District Municipality in the implementation of tourism to enhance local economic development

  • Authors: Motumi, Kabelo Kenneth
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa -- uMgungundlovu District Municipality , Tourism -- South Africa -- uMgungundlovu District Municipality
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:9195 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020388
  • Description: Tourism is gradually recognized and acknowledged as an important sector to drive economic growth across many nations. It is by no coincidence that the South African government took a bold decision to elevate the importance of tourism in the economy through the establishment of a dedicated tourism ministry in 2009. Tourism derives its mandate from the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa 108 of 1996, which outlines tourism function as an area of concurrent competence between the three spheres of government that is national, provincial and local government. According to Tsatsire (2008:1), the new mandate given to local government post 1994 implies that local government is no longer expected to render basic services only, but is also required to serve as an agent of development. The main objective of the study is to identify the challenges faced by the municipalities in the implementation of tourism functions, using UMgungundlovu District Municipality as a case study and pursued the following specific objectives: To establish the roles and responsibilities of municipalities in tourism; To assess whether these responsibilities are adequately performed and to understand the reasons for deficiencies, if there are any; To highlight the contribution of tourism to local economic development; To ascertain the status of the implementation of the tourism strategy for the UMgungundlovu District Municipality (UMDM); To highlight the significance of the role of municipalities in achieving national and provincial tourism objectives and; To recommend appropriate actions to overcome the challenges pertaining to implementation of tourism at a local government level. The study is premised upon the acknowledgement that there are many developmental challenges facing municipalities and tourism is one of them. With tourism being recognised more and more as an essential component of local economic development, municipalities are required to play a central role in ensuring the implementation of national and provincial priorities to boost the sector’s contribution to the economy. The study explores various pieces of legislation upon which tourism mandate on local government is embedded. This has enabled to provide clarification with regards to the roles and responsibilities of local government in tourism. The connection between tourism and local economic development is succinctly discussed to ascertain the benefits of tourism and its contribution in local economy. The study took a form of qualitative research and therefore employing the use of qualitative research techniques in terms of data collection, analysis and interpretation process. Data were collected through the review and analysis of strategy documents including the Local Economic Development Strategy, Tourism Strategy and the Integrated Development Plan of UMgungundlovu District Municipality. Interviews were also conducted with the officials responsible for tourism within UMDM and other local tourism stakeholder organization within the study area including uMsunduzi Pietermaritzburg Tourism Association, Howick uMngeni Community Tourism Association, Pietermaritzburg Business Chamber of Commerce, KwaZulu Natal Department of Economic Development and Tourism and Tourism KwaZulu Natal. The methodology that was followed in the study has enabled the researcher to address all the study objectives and to compile the findings report presented in chapter four. Tourism is one of the functions of local government; however, municipalities are faced with a variety of challenges in the implementation of tourism function. Challenges that are pertinent to UMDM are discussed and articulated in this report. The study concludes by documenting the recommendations conferred by the respondents with the objective to overcome the challenges pertaining to implementation of tourism at a local government level. These recommendations are further discussed to explore practical actions on how the UMDM can overcome the identified challenges to enhance local economic development through tourism.
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  • Date Issued: 2013

Challenges facing the implementation of integrated development plan (IDP): the case of Motherwell township in Nelson Mandela Bay

Challenges for rural tourism development in Zimbabwe: a case of the Great Zimbabwe Masvingo area

  • Authors: Musasa, Gabriel
  • Date: 2013
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Dev)
  • Identifier: vital:11442 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007317
  • Description: The main focus of this study is the challenges of rural tourism development in Zimbabwe. The study identified that there is a lack of sustainable interventions in the development of rural tourism which is catalyzed by the absence of rural tourism promotion strategy to support the sustenance of livelihoods through socio-economic transformation. Meaningful socio economic transformation in the African rural areas through tourism remains a major development challenge. Development initiatives through different forms of tourism in the rural communities, has to a less magnitude benefited the rural communities and have negatively impacted the socio–economic environment. A qualitative research methodology and case study design was employed in order to have a deeper understanding of the experiences of the society around this project. Face to face interviews and focus group discussions guides were used to collect primary data. Purposive and convenience sampling techniques was employed to select respondents. Data was analysed using the transformative theory and sustainable livelihoods theory and was organized into categories and themes. The study established that the absence of a strategy is caused by political instability, community conflict, lack of finance, marketing, poor communication, and limited knowledge of tourism. All the aforementioned reasons complement each other and poise a challenge to the sustainability of rural tourism development. For Zimbabwe to effectively transform its economy through tourism, the government needs to plan the process, formulate and implement relevant economic and social development strategies and policies. Although this dissertation is a case study of sustainable rural tourism in Zimbabwe, it can be used to appreciate the role of tourism in bringing about socio-economic transformation and sustaining livelihoods in developing countries.
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  • Date Issued: 2013

Challenges in the implementation of technology learning area in the senior phase in some Mthatha schools

  • Authors: Nokwali, Mlandeli Philbert
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Computer-assisted instruction
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/245 , vital:26589
  • Description: Technology education is an important factor in every learner’s education. It contributes to the intellectual and practical development of the learners to enable them to cope with the challenges of a technological society. The main purpose of the study was to investigate the extent to which the learning and teaching of technology were implemented in schools in the Mthatha District. The main research question was: What are the challenges for the implementation of technology learning area in the Senior Phase? Research sub questions were: What support does the Department of Education give to educators?; To what extent have the objectives of implementing the technology learning area been achieved?; and, What suggestions do educators have to improve implementation of technology education? There were 20 Junior Secondary Schools involved in the study. There were two groups of samples: (a) the educators’ sample and (b) the learners’ sample. The educators’ sample: The sample size was 20 educators consisting of those who were teaching technology in either all the Senior Phase grades (Grade 7, 8 and 9) or at least in one of the grades in the senior phase in his/her school. On the researcher’s request, the Principal of each school nominated an educator and hence there was one educator in the educators’ sample from each of the 20 schools. The learners’ sample: The sample size was 40 learners consisting of at least two learners from each of the 20 schools. On the researcher’s request each educator in the educators’ sample nominated two learners from the senior phase. The instrument which was made to collect data was a researcher-designed questionnaire. The researcher personally visited each school involved in the study and gave the questionnaires to the two learners and one educator from that particular school to complete them independently within five days. The researcher personally re-visited each school on a day after the agreed-upon 5-day period but only after confirming over the phone that the questionnaires were indeed completed. The data were analyzed manually. The results obtained revealed that the implementation of the technology learning area is challenged by a number of problems. Those which were specifically identified were: lack of resources especially the rural schools; lack of people who are knowledgeable on Outcomes-based education (OBE) or the OBE modes of learning & teaching technology and its assessment methods, ineffectiveness arising out of large and overcrowded classes, challenges originating from or as a consequence of redeployment and the rationalization of educators and the lack of human resource to assist in the implementation of technology. The study showed the need for the provision of supportive service and continuous contact with educators to offer advice and assistance in order to improve the quality of technology teaching and learning in schools. The professional knowledge and skills of subject advisors as well as educators needed to be extended, refreshed and updated.
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  • Date Issued: 2013

Changes in muscle recruitment, functional strength and ratings of perceived effort during an 8-over bowling spell: impact on performance

  • Authors: Barford, Gareth Charles
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Cricket -- Bowling , Sports -- Physiological aspects , Muscles -- Wounds and injuries , Fatigue , Physical fitness , Cricket injuries
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: vital:5102 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003926 , Cricket -- Bowling , Sports -- Physiological aspects , Muscles -- Wounds and injuries , Fatigue , Physical fitness , Cricket injuries
  • Description: Background: The musculoskeletal demands placed on the lower limb musculature of fast bowlers over time have not received much attention. In particular, measures of muscle recruitment changes have, to the author’s knowledge, not been considered. Objective: The present study, therefore sought to establish any associations between an eight over, simulated fast bowling spell, and muscle activation patterns, power output, perceptual demands, and changes in performance. This will enable improvements in the development of training programmes. Methods: Players’ were required to attend two sessions in total. The purpose of the initial session was to collect specific demographic, anthropometric and physiological data and injury history information from each player. In addition, this first session allowed for habituation with the treadmill, the jump meter and all other equipment involved in experimentation. The second testing session involved electrode attachment sites being identified on player’s dominant leg. The areas were then shaved, wiped with an alcohol swab and left to dry, to ensure good connectivity. Pre- and post- measures of muscle activity and functional strength of the lower limbs were recorded in the Department of Human Kinetics and Ergonomics. The protocol took place at the Kingswood High Performance Centre, which is in close proximity to the initial testing site. The protocol involved players bowling eight overs (48 balls). During the protocol, accuracy, ball release speed and perceptual measures were recorded at the end of each over. After the protocol, players were driven back to the Human Kinetics and Ergonomics Department where post-testing measures were completed. The dependable variables of interest were muscle activation, functional strength of the lower limbs, ‘local’ ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), body discomfort, accuracy, and ball release speed. Results: For all muscles it was shown that, as the speed increased so did the muscle activity in players’ lower limbs. There were no significant changes in muscle activity preversus post-protocol. There was however, a general trend of decreasing muscle activity post protocol at higher testing speeds. There were significant (p<0.05) decreases in peak power following the simulated eight over bowling spell. ‘Local’ RPE displayed a significant (P<0.05) increase with each additional over and were observed to reach the ‘heavy’ category. The players’ highest discomfort area was in the lower back, with 13 players perceiving discomfort in this region following the eight over spell. The shoulder and chest were another two areas player’s indicated discomfort with eight players selecting the dominant shoulder. Seven players complained of the dominant side pectoral muscle, leading foot and dominant latissimus dorsi muscle being uncomfortable. Interestingly, the dominant pectoral showed the highest body discomfort ratings amongst players. There were no significant changes in accuracy between overs although there were large interindividual differences in accuracy points between players. The decrease in ball release speed observed during over seven was shown to be significantly (p<0.05) lower than overs one to four. Conclusion: The power output and perceived strain results of the players, appears to indicate the presence of fatigue in players. However, the results are not conclusive, as the fatigue was not shown in muscle recruitment patterns, as well as the body discomfort ratings. There was a non-significant trend observed in the lower limb muscle activation decreasing at higher speeds. Players were able to maintain accuracy. However, the significantly lower ball release speed observed during over seven showed players performance decreasing.
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  • Date Issued: 2013

Characterisation of a plasmodium falciparum type II Hsp40 chaperone exported to the cytosol of infected erythrocytes

  • Authors: Maphumulo, Philile Nompumelelo
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Erythrocytes , Heat shock proteins , Plasmodium falciparum , Molecular chaperones , Malaria -- Prevention -- Research , Protein folding , Proteins -- Analysis , Malaria -- Immunological aspects
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: vital:4128 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015681
  • Description: Heat Shock 40 kDa proteins (Hsp40s) partner with heat shock 70 kDa proteins (Hsp70s) in facilitating, among other chaperone activities; correct protein transport, productive protein folding and assembly within the cells; under both normal and stressful conditions. Hsp40 proteins regulate the ATPase activity of Hsp70 through interaction with the J-domain. Plasmodium falciparum Hsp70s (PfHsp70s) do not contain a Plasmodium export element (PEXEL) sequence although PfHsp70-1 and PfHsp70-3 have been located outside of the parasitophorous vacuole. Studies reveal that a type I P. falciparum (PfHsp40) chaperone (PF14_0359) stimulates the rate of ATP hydrolysis of the cytosolic PfHsp70 (PfHsp70-1) and that of human Hsp70A1A. PFE0055c is a PEXEL-bearing type II Hsp40 that is exported into the cytosol of P. falciparum-infected erythrocytes; where it potentially interacts with human Hsp70. Studies reveal that PFE0055c associates with structures found in the erythrocyte cytosol termed “J-dots” which are believed to be involved in trafficking parasite-encoded proteins through the erythrocyte cytosol. If P. falciparum exports PFE0055c into the host cytosol, it may be proposed that it interacts with human Hsp70, making it a possible drug target. The effect of PFE0055c on the ATPase activity of human Hsp70A1A has not been previously characterised. Central to this study was bioinformatic analysis and biochemical characterisation PFE0055c using an in vitro (ATPase assay) approach. Structural domains that classify PFE0055c as a type II Hsp40 were identified with similarity to two other exported type II PfHsp40s. Plasmids encoding the hexahistidine-tagged versions of PFE0055c and human Hsp70A1A were used for the expression and purification of these proteins from Escherichia coli. Purification was achieved using nickel affinity chromatography. The urea-denaturing method was used to obtain the purified PFE0055c whilst human Hsp70A1A was purified using the native method. PFE0055c could stimulate the ATPase activity of alfalfa Hsp70, although such was not the case for human Hsp70A1A in vitro.
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  • Date Issued: 2013

Characterization and application of phthalocyanine-gold nanoparticle conjugates

  • Authors: Tombe, Sekai Lana
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Phthalocyanines , Gold , Zinc , Nanoparticles , Bioconjugates , Photochemistry , Photocatalysis , Electrospinning , Polymers , Pollutants , Phenols , Azo dyes
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: vital:4293 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004517 , Phthalocyanines , Gold , Zinc , Nanoparticles , Bioconjugates , Photochemistry , Photocatalysis , Electrospinning , Polymers , Pollutants , Phenols , Azo dyes
  • Description: This work presents the syntheses, photophysical and photochemical characterization of arylthio zinc phthalocyanines and their gold nanoparticle conjugates. Spectroscopic and microscopic studies confirmed the formation of the phthalocyanine-gold nanoparticle conjugates which exhibited enhanced photophysicochemical properties in comparison to the phthalocyanines. The studies showed that the presence of gold nanoparticles significantly lowered fluorescence quantum yields and lifetimes. However, this interaction did not restrict the formation of excited singlet and triplet states and hence the formation of singlet oxygen required for photocatalysis. The conjugates showed significantly higher singlet oxygen quantum yields and therefore enhanced photocatalytic activity compared to the phthalocyanines. The zinc phthalocyanines and their gold nanoparticle conjugates were successfully incorporated into electrospun polymer fibers. Spectral characteristics of the functionalized electrospun fibers indicated that the phthalocyanines and phthalocyanine-gold nanoparticle conjugates were bound and their integrity was maintained within the polymeric fiber matrices. The photophysical and photochemical properties of the complexes were equally maintained within the electrospun fibers. The functionalized fibers were applied for the photoconversion of 4-chlorophenol and Orange G as model organic pollutants. , Microsoft� Word 2010 , Adobe Acrobat 9.53 Paper Capture Plug-in
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  • Date Issued: 2013

Children's grants and social security communities in the Eastern Cape: the case of Nqabarha administrative area

  • Authors: Mwangolela, Tafadzwa Fungayi
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Children -- Services for -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Finance , Grants-in-aid , Social security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Rural Development)
  • Identifier: vital:11946 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1005990 , Children -- Services for -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Finance , Grants-in-aid , Social security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Description: This study examines the impact of children’s grants on household access to food, education and health care. In the face of increased poverty and socio-economic inequalities, social grants are a critical poverty alleviation intervention implemented by the government of South Africa. The children’s grants are offered as part of the social security system which is provided for in the Republic of South Africa Constitution of 1996 and the Social Assistance Act of 2004. The basic needs conceptual framework is the lens informing the focus of the study. Among other major findings, the study reveals that (a) childrens grants play a critical role in improvement of access to food, health care and education, (b) childrens grants are used as collateral, to access short term loans, and (c) social networks and home gardens play a significant role in aiding children’s grants to ensure household access to food, education and health care.
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  • Date Issued: 2013

China's African FDI safari : opportunistic exploitation or muturally beneficial to all participants

  • Authors: Dreier, Tina , Rhodes University
  • Date: 2013 , 2013-04-10
  • Subjects: Africa -- Foreign economic relations -- China , China -- Foreign economic relations -- Africa , Investments, Foreign -- China , Foreign direct investment
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
  • Identifier: vital:929 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001455 , Africa -- Foreign economic relations -- China , China -- Foreign economic relations -- Africa , Investments, Foreign -- China
  • Description: When implemented within a favourable legislative framework, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) can produce domestic growth-enhancing spillovers in host countries. Other potential positive effects include the provision of investment capital, the creation of local employment and the transfer of sophisticated technology or advanced knowledge. African nations in particular have been historically reliant on externally-provided funds. Prevailing low income levels, marginal savings rates and the absence of functioning financial markets necessary to provide local start-up capital continue to keep Africa reliant on foreign inflows. Considering China’s increasing financial commitments to Sub- Saharan Africa (SSA) over the last decade, this study examines the state of current Sino-African investment relationships. Specific attention is paid to the outcomes of this strategic bilateral alliance in order to determine whether or not a mutually beneficial investment relationship has evolved. The distinct nature and structure of, the motivation behind and the most significant determinants of Chinese FDI to SSA are all analysed in accordance with traditional FDI theories. A case study approach is used to establish whether China’s contemporary interest in SSA differs from historical investments and to also investigate country-specific commonalities and differences. Of particular relevance to SSA are resource-backed Chinese loans that finance major infrastructure projects in host nations. Interestingly, a lot of the Sino-African investment packages resemble similar deals struck between China and Japan in the 1970s. The results of this study indicate that China’s investment motives seem more diverse than initially expected. Resource-seeking, profit-seeking and market access-seeking reasons appear to be the most important motives. After establishing the Top- Ten recipients of Chinese FDI in SSA, these nations are then classified into three major categories: resource-, oil- or agricultural-rich nations. Undiversified resource- or oil-rich economies are found to have secured the largest shares of Chinese FDI. This study suggests that China’s contemporary “African Safari” is an unconventional way of providing financial assistance. Rather than solely supplying FDI, China finances a diverse mix of instruments, the most important being concessional loans, export credits, zero-interest loans and the establishment of Special Economic Zones. A profound difference to traditional Western investment packages is China’s non-interference approach. Accordingly, Beijing not only refrains from intervening in host countries’ domestic affairs but also refuses to attach formal conditionalties to its loans. China’s “financial safari” into Africa has produced many positive as well as negative effects in host countries. Nevertheless, it would seem that the positive effects outweigh the negative and China’s FDI could contribute to sustainable development in SSA
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  • Date Issued: 2013

Clarifying the influence of human-environment interaction in nature-based adventure tourism in the Tsitsikamma, South Africa

  • Authors: Giddy, Julia K
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Human ecology -- South Africa -- Tsitsikammaberge , Tourism -- South Africa -- Tsitsikammaberge
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: vital:10674 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020782
  • Description: Adventure tourism (AT), defined as “a broad spectrum of outdoor touristic activities,often commercialized and involving an interaction with the natural environment away from the participants’ home range and containing elements of risk,” (Hall, 1992, p. 143) is currently one of the fastest growing sub-sectors of the tourism industry (Buckley 2010). Because it has emerged relatively recently as a field of study, a number of scholars have called for ongoing research in the area, see Swarbrooke (2003), Pomfret (2006), Buckley (2010), Rogerson (2007), and Williams & Soutar (2005). Much of this research, to date, has focused on marketing, injury caused by AT participation, environmental impacts, and the broad notion of “risk” associated with AT. The problem is that little of this work has focused on the significance of the environment in adventure tourism – an important element inherent in its definition. Thus, this thesis aims to move beyond a general risk-based analysis of AT, and focus on the role of the environment. This is done through a human-environment interaction approach undertaken in Tsitsikamma Village where five adventure tourist operations are based. The first step in operationalizing this approach was to develop a conceptual framework that integrated adventure tourism into a general framework on humanenvironment interaction. The second step was to use a research instrument which enabled one to examine the influence of the environment on human motivations and adventure tourism experiences, and not only the influence of humans on the environment. The former was accomplished through questionnaires based on external, environmental elements that attract adventure tourists as well as inherent personality traits impel such tourists to participate in AT. The latter, based on interviews and participant perceptions, sought to establish the significance of impacts on the environment as well as initiatives taken by AT companies to minimize environmental damage. The findings show that although risk/thrill does play a role, AT motivations and experiences are complex and multidimensional. The environment does significantly influence both motivations and even more so AT experiences. Furthermore, there are distinct differences between the motivations and experiences of participants in different types of AT activities, indicating that generalizing the industry as whole neglects these significant differences. In terms of influences on the environment, the results show that most AT operators in the Tsitsikamma have some consideration for environmental protection and take some initiatives to minimize environmental damage, though the degree to which this occurs differs significantly. Furthermore, activity participants do not believe that the activities have a strong negative impact on the environment, though the majority acknowledge small impacts. The types of impacts observed by participants vary significantly between companies. This thesis demonstrates the manner in which the two-way relationship between humans and the environment manifests itself in the commercial AT industry. The result is a well-rounded examination of the influence of human-environment interaction on AT participants.
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  • Date Issued: 2013

Client satisfaction with midwifery services rendered at Empilweni Gompo and Nontyuatyambo community health centres in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

  • Authors: Mfundisi, Nokwamkela Pearl
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Primary health care -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community health nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Midwifery -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Midwives -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Nursing Science)
  • Identifier: vital:11908 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1006902 , Primary health care -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community health nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Midwifery -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Midwives -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Description: The aim of this study was to investigate whether patients were satisfied with midwifery services rendered at the two Community Health Centres in the Eastern Cape Province.The study sites were Empilweni Gompo and Nontyatyambo Community Health Centres. Descriptive quantitative study design was employed, using a questionnaire with closed and open ended questions as the data collecting tool. Likert Scale was used to measure the following variables: quality care variables to measure level of satisfaction with midwifery services rendered and to determine positive and negative perceptions regarding quality of care received during antenatal, labour and postnatal period. Non-random convenience sampling of sixty pregnant women, thirty from each Community Health Centre, with two or more antenatal subsequent visits and forty postpartum women, twenty from each health facility, six hours after delivery if there were no complications. Out of 60 participants interviewed n=60 (100 percent) agreed that individual counseling and importance of HIV testing was explained.The majority of participants n=53(88 percent) disagreed that they were educated about focused antenatal visits. Out of 60 participants interviewed n=41(68 percent) agreed that delivery plan formed part of their ANC visits and n=18 (30 percent) disagreed. Of the 60 participants interviewed n=11(18 percent) agreed that they were told that they had the right to choose labour companions and n=48 (80 percent) disagreed.Out of 60 participants interviewed n=23 (38 percent) stated that they waited a long period of time without being attended to by midwives. In general, the study revealed high satisfaction level with intrapartum and postnatal care due to functional accessibility of both Community Health Centres. Both health centres delivered normal healthy babies and mothers. However, the participants were dissatisfied with antenatal care rendered at the two facilities. The researcher’s recommendations were based on the closing of gaps that were identified with regard to the implementation of Basic Antenatal Care; birth companions: health education deficiency; community involvement and participation.
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  • Date Issued: 2013

Coming clean: the treatment of traces

  • Authors: Wilmot, Cassandra
  • Date: 2013 , 2013-09-13
  • Subjects: Salcedo, Doris, 1958- Bereavement in art
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MFA
  • Identifier: vital:2442 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006121
  • Description: Coming Clean is a mixed media installation which aims to address and express ambivalent feelings or notions of loss arising particularly in the absence of a comprehensive narrative or history by focussing on what remains. By researching the role of indexical signs and strategies, particularly as they are deployed by the artist Doris Salcedo, I explore the capacity for these traces to not only effectively mark and memorialise loss, but to also convey the state of loss as experienced by the bereaved without providing a narrative account of the events which preceded them. The domestic ritual of washing is both alluded to and used as a metaphor in etchings, photographic prints and readymade objects to illustrate my concerns, with particular emphasis on the dialectic between what is revealed or concealed. Using representations or traces of this task of laundry to examine this dialectic between concealment and revelation, I comment on the anxiety of dealing with incomplete narrative inheritances by considering how traces of the past which impose themselves on the present may affect both remembrance and the ritual of loss, while also taking into account the complexities behind the disclosure of sensitive information in families.
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  • Date Issued: 2013

Commercialisation of emerging famers in the Eastern Cape province: identification of limiting factors that inhibit the progression from subsistence to commercial farming

  • Authors: Khapayi, Musa
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
  • Identifier: vital:10593 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020067
  • Description: The broad objective of the study was to investigate the limiting factors that prevent a breakthrough of emerging farmers to commercial agricultural farming industry. The research objectives were to describe the demographic characteristics such as age, education, farming skills and experience; determine the required support services needed; and inform the limiting factors that prevent breakthrough of emerging farmers to enter commercial agricultural industry. The study was conducted in King William’s Town area through structured questionnaires administered by the researcher. A sample of 50 emerging farmers was drawn in the area. The majority of households in the area depend on subsistence farming for household survival. Results indicated that emerging farmers are faced with poor physical infrastructure such as implements to better their production as well as low education levels which results as an inability to interpret market information to be used in production planning. It is also clear that the farmers face a lack of market infrastructure, poor roads, lack of market information, lack of transportation to markets and high transportation costs. The majority of the farmers were old and the youth was not engaged in agriculture. The findings showed that there is an insufficient role from government with regards to emerging farmer support and providing the required infrastructure to access markets or improving rural infrastructure. As a result the majority of the farmers are trapped in a cycle of poverty. The following policy recommendations are suggested: Financial services such as credit must be made available to emerging farmers at reasonable interest rates such as low interest rate subsidies to emerging farmers up until commercialisation. The requirements for emerging farmers to access loans, funding or credit should be restructured or adjusted to the ability of the farmer to repay the credit rather than the availability of title deeds or assets as collateral. Extension officers should regularly visit the localities were emerging farmers are farming have a better understanding of their farming areas, farming methods and improve their communication with the farmers. Lastly the land reform initiatives should be re-organised or developed if necessary to ensure efficient re-allocation of land. The policies should be developed to focus on both the individual farm plots and the collective rights.
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  • Date Issued: 2013

Communication practices of NGOs in poverty alleviation programmes in rural communities of Zimbabwe: the case of Deutsche Welthungerhilfe German Agro Action (GAA) in Gowke South Rural District

  • Authors: Tasaranago, Collet
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Deutsche Welthungerhilfe , Poverty -- Prevention , Non-governmental organizations , Communication in economic development , Poverty -- Zimbabwe , Midlands Province (Zimbabwe)
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Com)
  • Identifier: vital:11366 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1006028 , Deutsche Welthungerhilfe , Poverty -- Prevention , Non-governmental organizations , Communication in economic development , Poverty -- Zimbabwe , Midlands Province (Zimbabwe)
  • Description: The aim of this study was to analyse the communication practices of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in their poverty alleviation programmes, using Deutsche Weltihungerhilfe German Agro Action (GAA) in Gokwe South Rural District, Midlands Province, Zimbabwe as a case study. The study was based on the premise that effective communication is essential for successful poverty alleviation programmes. Communication facilitates the diffusion of innovations and encourages active participation by local people in programmes. It is also clear that despite several attempts to end the social malaise, poverty still persists. While several factors such as corruption, misappropriation of funds and misdirection of programs are not innocuous considering the failures of poverty alleviation programmes, communication is an indispensible tool to their success. It therefore becomes imperative that the communication practices be evaluated to identify the missing links. It is evident that by so doing, going forward, NGOs can effectively communicate with the local people and advances towards poverty alleviation can be realised. To this end, third world countries amongst them Zimbabwe and particularly rural communities, Gokwe included continue to suffer from poverty despite a number of programmes to address the pandemic by NGOs. The study was guided by the tenets of the Diffusion of innovations and Participatory development communication theories. These theories were considered the most applicable in terms of the research subject. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative research methods and it was carried out in four of the wards in the district. The research methods were applied to solicit information from the rural people on how communication took place between the organisation and the community. The study found out that GAA used mainly the Indigenous Communication Systems (ICSs) in form of meetings and interpersonal face-toface communication modes. Names of projects were also fairly used for communication. The Modern Communication Systems (MCSs) used were cell phones and letters. GAA used local Page v languages mainly Shona and Ndebele and was flexible with the use of the indigenous languages. English language was also used for communication. The communication modes as well as the languages used were effective. The research also analysed and evaluated the communication practices by GAA. The study found out that the organisation effectively used the communication modes which were available for use but there were limitations in terms of access to other communication modes, especially the modern mediums due to poor infrastructure, state monopolisation of the mass media industry using regulations and fear of political persecution. The modern communication modes which GAA did not have access to could facilitate the diffusion of innovations and provide adequate information for active participation by the rural people in poverty alleviation programmes. The study also found out that only one person had heard about GAA through radio and no-one heard about GAA through the television, magazine or newspaper. The orgnanisation did not use these forms of mass media. In addition, the integration of ICSs and MCSs would provide an effective feedback system in Gokwe South Rural District. The researcher suggested the Tilled Communication Field approach whereby every stakeholder is required to make sure that the ICSs and MCSs are available for use by anyone at anytime for development purposes. There is need to give everyone adequate opportunity to use all the communication systems and users are advised to use communication for positive purposes, poverty alleviation included.
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  • Date Issued: 2013

Community development projects in Ingquza Hill and its impact on poverty alleviation

  • Authors: Tyali, Zukiswa
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic assistance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:9190 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020311
  • Description: The fight against poverty is one of South African government priorities and challenges. Despite the large amounts of funds donated by government to poverty alleviation in South Africa almost half of the population still continue to live below the poverty line. There have been many government interventions towards projects. These projects are established in an effort to reduce poverty. However, most of these projects have had a minimal impact on the poverty level of the country. In this study, the researcher illustrated the impact of community development projects on poverty alleviation in Lubala village in Ingquza Hill Local municipality. The research methodology for the study is descriptive, sourced from available literature.
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  • Date Issued: 2013

Community perceptions of Cannabis Sativa (dagga) in the Mzintlava location, Ingquza Hill Local Municipality, Eastern Cape Province

  • Authors: Lum, Niba Rosemary
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Cannabis sativa -- Eastern Cape -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA (Anthropology)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/226 , vital:26586
  • Description: Nowadays young people and other members of the society often find themselves in many malpractices such as rape, suicide, murder dropping out of school and other harmful activities due to the use of cannabis sativa (dagga) which is on the rise. This study concentrated on the use of cannabis sativa (dagga) in Mzintlava, Ngquza Hill Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Young people are actually the victims of the consequences of the use of dagga. Indications are that parents often ignore their children to use cannabis sativa until they can no longer stop them. Earlier researches on substance use in South Africa have always been descriptive. This resulted in sketchy understanding of factors that predisposed young children to the use and even abuse of dagga and the reasons why parents and the community underestimated the practice until the stage of addiction. Without this understanding, it will be difficult to introduce effective ways of abolishing dagga use among young children and other members of the community. Finding effective measures to prevent substance use has been difficult. Research is therefore needed in order to understand the basis of the problem. This study attempts to examine factors that make parents and the communities to leave children to taking substances until the stage where they can longer stop them. It will also lead to establishing factors that put young children or teenagers particularly at risk to the use of dagga.
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  • Date Issued: 2013

Comparative phytochemical analyses of Aloe Ferox Mill. found in Eastern and Western Cape provinces in South Africa

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