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Development of a co-operative stakeholder framework for employment growth in the South African automotive sector

  • Authors: Smith, Owen Christo
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Cooperative societies -- South Africa , Job creation -- South Africa , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: vital:8884 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020799
  • Description: Manufacturing has been identified by the Department of Trade and Industry as an important sector to drive economic growth in South Africa. The automotive manufacturing sector in particular has seen significant support from the DTI in the form of incentives to produce motor vehicles and components. South Africa is faced with a high unemployment rate and one of the strategies of the Government is to drive economic growth by supporting the automotive manufacturing sector. One of the spill-over targets is to increase employment creation in the industry. The automotive manufacturing sector consists of a diverse list of stakeholders representing motor vehicle manufacturers, component manufacturers, labour unions, government departments and industry associations. The Motor Industry Development Programme delivered significant progress in the number of vehicles produced in South Africa and the biggest growth was in the export of vehicles. Employment creation on the other hand did not see the same levels of growth as motor vehicle and component production. The purpose of this study was to identify and clarify what the variables are that influence employment creation and to develop a co-operation framework that would guide the automotive cluster stakeholders to work on employment creation initiatives as a collective. The survey questionnaire results representing the perception of managers showed that: - DTI Incentives schemes linked to employment creation; - Productivity, Technology and employment; - The role of competitiveness in the auto cluster; - Labour Union Collective bargaining; - Investment climate and infrastructure; - Education and skills development; does have an influence on employment creation in the automotive cluster.
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  • Date Issued: 2013

Development of a novel, quantitative assay for determining the rate of activity of antimalarial drugs

  • Authors: Khan, Tasmiyah
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Assay , ATP , Antimalarials -- Therapeutic use Malaria Malaria -- Drug therapy Adenosine triphosphate Luciferases Plasmodium falciparum
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: vital:3884 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001618
  • Description: Malaria, caused by an intracellular Plasmodium parasite, remains a devastating disease, having claimed approximately 655 000 lives worldwide in 2010. The Medicines for Malaria Venture suggests a "single-dose radical cure" as the ideal malaria treatment since rapid clearance of blood-stage parasites and symptom relief improves patient compliance and limits drug resistance. Thus, novel antimalarials should be rapid-acting and assessing their rate of activity is critical to drug discovery. Traditional evaluation of this rate by morphological assessments is flawed by highly subjective, operator-specific interpretations, mainly due to heterogeneous parasite morphology under routine culture conditions. This study aimed to develop an alternative, quantitative assay. Energy is vital for the growth and maintenance of all living organisms. Commercially available kits allow rapid quantification of the cell's energy currency, ATP. Therefore, quantification of parasite ATP shows potential for diagnosing abnormal parasite metabolism and the kinetics of drug action. In this study, a rapid protocol for detecting ATP in Plasmodium falciparum parasites using a luminescence-based kit was developed and optimised. Furthermore, luciferase-expressing transgenic parasites, in which luciferase activity is detected using a similar kit, were acquired. The utility of both methods for evaluating the rate of drug-induced stress was explored using antimalarials with varying modes of action and, presumably, rates of activity. Results showed that parasite ATP remained unchanged, increased or decreased during drug exposure. Morphological examinations by light microscopy and a Recovery assay, aided interpretation of the drug-induced changes in parasite ATP. These investigations suggested that unchanged parasite ATP levels reflect poor drug action, increased ATP levels indicate a stress response and partially compromised viability, while significantly reduced ATP reflects severely compromised viability. Concerning the Luciferase assay, parasite luciferase activity decreased during drug exposure, even in the presence of proteasome inhibitors. Changes in parasite ATP and luciferase activity occurred at rates which suggested that chloroquine is slow-acting, mefloquine has a moderate rate of activity and artemisinin is rapid-acting. These findings are compatible with the expected rates of activity of these established antimalarials. Hence, measurement of parasite ATP and/or luciferase activity may support assessments of parasite health and the kinetics of antimalarial action during drug discovery
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  • Date Issued: 2013

Development of thick section friction stir welding using a sliding tool shoulder

  • Authors: Chetty, Shamalin
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Friction welding
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
  • Identifier: vital:9633 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015081
  • Description: Sliding shoulder friction stir welding (SSFSW) is an alternative joining technique to the conventional friction stir welding process. The welding mechanism comprises of a rotating probe and a non-rotating shoulder. The shoulder therefore does not contribute to any heat generation or plastic deformation. When welding thicker section material, the contribution of heat generation from the shoulder becomes less significant and most of the heat and plastic deformation must be generated by the tool probe. For this reason it was decided to develop the process for thick section AA6082-T6. Due to the stationary (non-rotating) shoulder the weld track is smooth and there is no reduction in cross-sectional area. This research is based on the development of a sliding shoulder friction stir welding tool with the ability to create joints of up to 25mm thick on aluminium alloy 6082-T6 plate as well as the associated process development. The sliding shoulder friction stir welding tool was designed, manufactured and tested by initially performing partial penetration welds with various size tool probes and then finally by performing a sliding shoulder friction stir butt weld on 25mm thick plate. As welds were performed and more knowledge gained about the process, design modifications were made. These included varying the clearance between the tool probe and stationary shoulder; the profile of the shoulder which contributes to material flow during the process; and supporting the tool probe to prevent deflection when welding thicker sections at high forge forces. From the sliding shoulder friction stir welds performed, an understanding of material flow during the process was gained when analysing the macro-sections and exit holes of the welds. Typical process forces and torques associated with the process were measured to assist with future head unit and tool designs with regard to sliding shoulder friction stir welding.
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  • Date Issued: 2013

Diet and foraging distribution of gentoo penguins pygoscelis papua at Cow Bay, Falkland Islands

  • Authors: Handley, Jonathan Murray
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Gentoo penguin -- Food -- Falkland Islands
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: vital:10724 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020377
  • Description: Knowledge of diet and distribution in marine top predators is critical in interpreting their ecological role. Furthermore, this information is required for effective management and conservation of these species. For gentoo penguins at the Falkland Islands a previous overlap in dietary items with commercial fisheries was recognised. Despite this the at-sea distribution has been poorly studied and only at a few localities. Therefore, this thesis looks to broaden the knowledge of foraging ecology for gentoo penguins at another site in the archipelago, Cow Bay. The aim was firstly, through stomach content analysis, to determine if diet changed over a large temporal scale (2002/03/04 – 2011/12/13), and between the chick guard and crèche periods of chick rearing. Secondly, through GPS loggers, to assess distribution at sea during the incubation and chick guard periods (2012/13). Additionally, foraging ecology between genders was investigated. Gentoo penguins at Cow Bay foraged primarily on fish (66-99 percent) throughout the entire study period. The principle prey item by mass was Patagonotothen spp., considered previously as discard by fisheries but now an important commercial resource, for all periods (47-78 percent) except that of the 2012/13 crèche period (19 percent). During this period Sprattus fugensis made up the bulk of the diet (52 percent). Cephalopods, particularly Loligo gahi (1-24 percent), were also prominent in the diet and crustaceans contributed negligibly. The diet indicated that gentoo penguins are capable of both a benthic and pelagic feeding strategy which likely reflects changes in local prey abundance. Birds typically conducted foraging activities during daylight hours with greater trip duration, path length, maximum distance and area utilised during the incubation period than the guard. All trips were confined to the continental shelf and within the boundaries of a marine management zone, the Falkland Islands Interim Conservation Zone (FICZ). Males and females fed on the same size and composition of prey items. Trip duration, path length and maximum distance from the colony were not significantly different, although males foraged in a slightly larger area than females marginally to the north. As at-sea distribution was confined within the FICZ this management area provides protection to food resources of gentoo penguins breeding at Cow Bay. At this site, the population is increasing, likely associated with increased prey availability as evidenced by record catches of Patagonotothen spp. in recent years at the Falkland Islands. Continued long term monitoring of gentoo penguin diet and fishery yields to allow detection of possible competition in the future is recommended. As marine sentinels, on-going monitoring of gentoo penguin populations at the Falkland Islands is likely to provide early warning signs of reduced prey availability.
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  • Date Issued: 2013

Disaster risk reduction in Namibia (flooding): responses and best practices

  • Authors: Van der Ross, Nolan Lloyd
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Flood damage prevention -- Risk assessment , delete
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:9241 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021114
  • Description: This study was undertaken in order to obtain an understanding of how Namibia in general, and the education sector in particular, deal with flood emergencies. The goal of the National Policy for Disaster Risk Management in Namibia (2009) is “to contribute to the attainment of sustainable development in line with Namibia’s Vision 2030 through strengthening national capacities to significantly reduce disaster risk and built community resilience to disasters” (Republic of Namibia, 2009). This goal was the starting point for determining the extent to which the Ministry of Education complies with these national standards, and for gauging, in the light of responses to flood emergencies so far, the Ministry’s preparedness and response capacities, in line with international frameworks that Namibia has ratified. This qualitative study is situated within the theory of resilience, and sustainable resilience particularly. To obtain some of the information sought, a non-probability sampling method was used to ‘hand-pick’ subjects within the Ministry of Education to be interviewed at their respective locations, nationally and regionally. Five education officials who were intimately involved in past responses to flood emergencies were interviewed – three in Oshana and Ohangwena Regions, and two at Head Office in Windhoek – by means of a semi-structured interview. In addition, a literature review was conducted. The conclusions drawn from both the literature review and the information obtained from the respondents accord with the research problem identified: the Ministry of Education does not appear to be adequately prepared for, and does not assign the necessary priority to deal with, flood emergencies in particular. Possible recommendations for uptake within the Ministry of Education include: mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction at all decentralized levels; sensitizing all education officials, school community members and relevant stakeholders to policy frameworks and accountability structures to strengthen resilience within school communities; deeming costed contingency planning a priority, and hence strengthening links between decentralized regional structures; and continuously monitoring implementation of designed interventions.
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  • Date Issued: 2013

Dog wars : a Victorian steampunk adventure

  • Authors: Molino, Nicolene Chloe
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Creative writing , Fiction , South Africa , Creative writing (Higher education) , Short stories, South African (English) -- 21st century , South African fiction (English) -- 21st century , English language -- Writing
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:5965 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001815
  • Description: We're in an alternate universe, circa Dickensian London. Leofric Lieven, a local crime lord, is about to find the past catching up on him. The Romany Carnival has come to town, and a gypsy woman, his former lover and partner in crime, demands from him a favour which will redress his betrayal of years before: he must secure a stolen object and return it to her. But things go horribly wrong when local delivery boy Cards Bennish is kidnapped by Leofric’s competitor before he can deliver the goods that will cover Leofric's debt to the gypsy. In this world, humans can shape shift into animals, entirely or only partially, dog fighting is the favourite pastime for high stakes betting, and power belongs to the highest bidder. The gypsy’s final bet, for the highest stakes yet, will seal the fates of a number of people, for better or worse
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  • Date Issued: 2013

Dynamic linkages between monetary policy and the stock market: the case of South Africa

  • Authors: Mabitle, Mope
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Johannesburg Stock Exchange , South African Reserve Bank , Monetary policy -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
  • Identifier: vital:11483 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015290 , Johannesburg Stock Exchange , South African Reserve Bank , Monetary policy -- South Africa
  • Description: This study analyses the linkage between monetary policy and the stock market in South Africa using monthly data for the period from 2000 to 2010. It provides an overview of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and the monetary regimes adopted by the South African Reserve Bank since the 1960s and the interrelation between the monetary variables and the stock market. It also provides a review of literature, both theoretical and empirical on the linkages between the two variables. Based on the review of literature, a Vector Autoregression [VAR] model was chosen as a method of analyzing the relationship between the two variables. The empirical results revealed that there is no long term relationship between the variables, however, in the short-run there is a dynamic relationship between monetary policy and the stock market in South Africa. This implies that innovations in the stock market affect the implementation of monetary policy and vice-versa. The study recommended that monetary authorities should pay attention to the fact that the stock market performance has a great impact on their decision making due to the fact it is greatly affected by repo rates.
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  • Date Issued: 2013

Dysfunctional facilities management service provision in an outsource environment

  • Authors: Otoo, Ernest Kweku
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Facility management
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: vital:9725 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019717
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  • Date Issued: 2013

Econometric analysis of labour demand in the South African textiles, clothing and footwear manufacturing sector: 1990-2012

  • Authors: Chikwanha, Tafadzwa R
  • Date: 2013
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
  • Identifier: vital:11498 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1018551
  • Description: South Africa in its quest for socio-economic improvement still faces the problem of persistent unemployment. Unemployment in South Africa is very intricate and therefore makes it a complex challenge to tackle for policy makers. Differing unemployment phenomena exist in different sectors of the economy. Some sectors are facing employment growth while others are declining. This study examines the possible major determinants of labour demand (employment) in the textiles, clothing and footwear manufacturing sector in South Africa. The study is based on semi-annual time series data from 1990 to 2012. The Johansen (1991) model is used to examine the trends. The model is an error correction model imposed upon a vector autoregressive model. The results obtained showed that wages and imports both have negative relationships with the demand for workers. Based on these two important results, policy recommendations were made. The study recommended the introduction of a sector-based wage subsidy. The wage structure in South Africa is a perpetually problematic factor of the labour market and therefore a significant determinant in the viability of business and investment. Secondly, the import structure on textiles, clothing and footwear is not clearly and thoroughly setup. A complete restructuring of import tariffs on the entire sector is suggested.
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  • Date Issued: 2013

Effect of agricultural extension services on beneficiaries of the Nguni cattle project: the case of Ncera and Kwezana villages, Eastern Cape Province

  • Authors: Gwala, Lindokuhle
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Agricultural assistance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural extension work -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agriculture, Cooperative -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Farmers -- Education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
  • Identifier: vital:11219 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1019814 , Agricultural assistance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural extension work -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agriculture, Cooperative -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Farmers -- Education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Description: The study was conducted to determine the effect of agricultural extension services on beneficiaries of the Nguni Cattle project in Ncera and Kwezana villages, both in Nkonkobe local Municipality of the Eastern Cape Province. The objectives of this study were to determine the quality of extension services offered to the beneficiaries of the Nguni cattle project, relationship between extension officers and beneficiaries of the project, lastly was to determine communication strategies used by extension officers to communicate with the project beneficiaries. A total of 73 Nguni cattle project beneficiaries were interviewed. Semi- structured questionnaires were administered to the beneficiaries of the project who were willing to participate in the study. Xhosa speaking enumerators assisted in data collection. Focus group discussions were later carried out in both villages to determine effect of agricultural extension services on socio-economic status of the beneficiaries. The focus groups were divided into three groups of different ages and gender. The majority of the beneficiaries in the project were males (62.2 % Ncera and 75% Kwezana). There was an association between gender and extension services. Farmers depended on different sources of income. Old age pension and animal sales being the main contributing sources and also having a significant difference. The results of the study further revealed that the beneficiaries were faced with cattle production challenges, lack of extension support services being the main challenge. The results of the study indicated that the majority of beneficiaries had no access to extension services. Only 37.8% and 32.1 % at Ncera and Kwezana respectively reported that they had access to extension services. Although the latter is the case it was further explained by the beneficiaries that extension services offered to them were of poor quality due to poor communication strategies used to provide these services. Beneficiaries also reported the relationship between them and extension officers’ as poor. It was concluded that extension services had an effect on beneficiaries of the Nguni cattle project, largely based on the constraints they face on the project and limited access to extension services.
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  • Date Issued: 2013

Effect of dietary inclusion of Moringa oleifera Lam leaf meal on feed conversion efficiency, meat quality, fatty acid composition, shelf life and consumer health-related perceptions of pork

  • Authors: Mukumbo, Felicitas Esnart
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Moringa oleifera , Meat -- Quality , Feed utilization efficiency
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
  • Identifier: vital:11827 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016071 , Moringa oleifera , Meat -- Quality , Feed utilization efficiency
  • Description: The objective of the study was to determine the feed conversion efficiency (FCE), carcass characteristics, physico-chemical quality, fatty acid (FA) composition and shelf life of pork from pigs fed diets containing either 0% (T1), 2.5% (T2), 5% (T3) or 7.5% (T4) Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM). Consumer health-related perceptions on pork and fatty acids were also investigated. Twenty four crossbred Large White x Landrace pigs of both sexes at 18 weeks of age and initially weighing 71.6 kg on average were housed individually and had ad libitum access to one of the four dietary treatments for a period of six weeks. Average daily feed intake (ADFI) and average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratios (FCR) were calculated as an indication of FCE and pigs were slaughtered at an average live weight of 99.6 kg. Carcass traits such as back fat thickness (BFT), carcass temperatures and pH readings taken 45 minutes and 24 hours (pH45 and pHu) post mortem were recorded. M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) samples were taken from each carcass for the determination of lightness (L*), redness (a*), yellowness (b*), thawing loss percentage (TL%), cooking loss percentage (CL%), Warner Bratzler Shear Force (WBSF), shelf life and FA composition. Furthermore a survey was conducted amongst 80 University of Fort Hare Students to determine their health-related perceptions on pork and fatty acids as well as their pork consumption frequency using questionnaires. The FCE of pigs fed on 0-5% MOLM (T1, T2 and T3) diets did not differ significantly, but the FCE of pigs fed 7.5% MOLM (T4) was significantly (p<0.05) reduced. No significant relationship was reported between inclusion of MOLM carcass characteristics and physico-chemical pork quality. There was however a significant improvement (p<0.05) in the shelf life of the pork from MOLM fed pigs in terms of colour and odour during 10 days of refrigerated storage (at 3±1°C). There was a significant (p<0.05) reduction in the total intramuscular fat (IMF) content and the saturated fatty acid (SFA) C18:0 (stearic acid) content and an overall non-significant (p>0.05) increase in the poly unsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content of pork from MOLM fed pigs. The possible reason for this is that the feeding of MOLM was commenced when the pigs were at an advanced age and weight. The survey revealed that the majority of interviewed students consume fresh (39.7%) and processed (32.4%) pork two to three times a week, perceive pork to be generally healthy (70%) and the second most healthy meat type (39.5%). While the majority (55.4%) were aware of the health implications of FAs they did not know which FA classes pose more of a health risk (51.3%). In conclusion2.5% and 5% of MOLM in finisher pig feed did not negatively affect FCE, carcass characteristics or physico-chemical meat quality; significantly improved pork shelf life and reduced total IMF and SFA content of pork but 7.5% MOLM negatively affected FCE; and the majority of students perceive pork to be the second most healthy type of meat and are generally aware of the health implications of FAs.
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  • Date Issued: 2013

Effectiveness of TB dot support programme as percieved by community health workers at Inxuba Yethemba and Tsolwana Sub-districts under Chris Hani District

  • Authors: Gili-Stemele, Lindiwe
  • Date: 2013
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Nursing Science)
  • Identifier: vital:11196 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1006882
  • Description: Background: The National Department of Health realised that its TB control efforts had been ineffective and joined its international counterparts by adopting Directly Observed Treatment short course [DOTs] strategy to fight the spread of TB. DOT is the only globally recognised strategy for effective TB control. This strategy ensures that infectious TB patients are identified and cured using standardised drug combinations. Treatment supporters observe patients as they swallow their drugs daily (SA Tuberculosis control Programme practical guide, 2000). Objectives of the study are: to assess the relevancy and quality of training for DOT supporters at InxubaYethemba and Tsolwana sub – districts,to identify challenges faced by TB DOT supporters during the execution of their duties and to assess satisfaction of TB DOT supporters, with their remuneration packages and other conditions of employment. Method: A quantitative descriptive convenient design was conducted for this study. A self - administered questionnaire was used.The researcher’s targeted sample was 42 participants although only 39 filled in the questionnaires. The questionnaires were personally distributed by the researcher to TB DOT supporters. Items in the questionnaire included the following: Demographic data, working hours per day, distance covered, meeting with managers, salary and remuneration issues and acceptance by community members. Results: The research findings indicated that the TB DOT Supporters are generally not happy with the conditions they are working under. From the 100 percent (n=39) TB DOTS responses, 8 percent (n=11) received a three days training, which is not in line with the Department of Health’s guidelines, and resulted in rendering ineffective delivery of DOT programme. Of the 100 percent ) 23.1 percent (n=9) walk 8kilometres, 51.3 percent percent(n=20) walk 7kilometers, 12.8 percent (n=5) walk 5kilometers, 10.3 percent (n=4) walk 4kilometers. This is against the required distance allowed to travel by foot which is five kilometres. Conclusion:According the results of this study, the effectiveness of TB DOT Supporters is being distracted by many factors, such as: Not having transport for doing home visits, Less number of hours worked per day, few number of community health workers working as TB DOT supporters, not having meetings with the management to discuss their challenges, and most of all not being given a clear explanation as far as their salaries are concern. The mentioned factors render D OT Support programme is rendered in effective at the Chris Hani District. According to Tuberculosis, A training Manual proven for Health Workers (1998:13) the most effective means of controlling TB known to us is a strategy known as Directly Observed Treatment Short Course (DOTS). This strategy enables tuberculosis clients to complete their treatment and has four areas of strength when compared to previous TB control strategies in South Africa. Recommendation: The results from this study proves that there is a definite need for improvement of working condition amongst TB Co-ordinators, TB Managers and the TB DOT Supporters. It is clear that increased number of MDR/XDR is due to the challenges that were mentioned above. There is a need for the additional number of TB DOT Supporters, as the area is big for only two TB DOT Supporters in each area. Hours worked by TB DOT needs to be extended considering their salaries as well.Therefore it is essential to empower TB DOT Supporters with more knowledge and skills so that they can be able to make an impact in TB service delivery system.
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  • Date Issued: 2013

Effectiveness of the high value crop-based extension model in improving rural livelihoods

  • Authors: Jakavula, Siyabulela Cornelius
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Crops -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural extension work , Agricultural administration -- South Africa , Agriculture -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food supply -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
  • Identifier: vital:11202 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007533 , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Crops -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural extension work , Agricultural administration -- South Africa , Agriculture -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food supply -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Description: The problem that is researched in this study relates to the effectiveness of the extension model applied in the High Value Crop programme in improving rural livelihoods in the Eastern Cape. The extent of poverty in rural areas in the Eastern Cape motivated for the intervention of the Is‘Baya through the introduction of Integrated Village Renewal Programme (IVRP). The need to improve the quality of life of rural households through the promotion of agriculture and industry gave rise to the collaborative effort between the Is‘Baya Development Trust and Agricultural Research Council (ARC) in South Africa. The HVC programme was established to mitigate the effects of food shortage and poverty through the production of fruit trees, herbs and vegetables at household level. Evaluation of the effectiveness of this collaborative effort was carried out in four local municipalities of the OR Tambo District and these included: King Sabata Dalindyebo municipality (Zangci); Nyadeni municipality (Hluleka); Port St Johns municipality (Noqhekwana) and Ngquza Hill municipality (Hombe). An equal number of villages where Siyazondla was implemented by DRDAR were visited for the survey to relate the extension model applied with HVC. The villages visited included: OR Tambo (Mhlontlo local municipality) Xhokonxa village; Amathole (Amahlathi local municipality) Ndakana village, (Ngqushwa local municipality) Mgababa village and (Mbhashe local municipality) Mbanyana village. The broad objective of the study therefore, was to evaluate the effectiveness of the extension model applied on the HVC programme as well as to identify the roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders involved in the model. The specific objectives of the study were to describe the HVC based extension model as it is currently organized and implemented in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa in relation to the erstwhile Siyazondla programme, to establish the effectiveness of the extension model in terms of skills transfer and capacity development, to determine the socio-economic impact of the extension model on the livelihood of involved households, to establish the extent to which the extension model has empowered women and youths and to study the factors that has contributed to the sustainability of the extension model. In carrying out this research and in line with the practice of Agricultural Research for Development (ARD), qualitative and quantitative methods of information gathering were applied. Group approach such as the Rural Rapid Appraisal (RRA) and the Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) methods of data collection were used. These tools include semi-structured interviews, focus-group discussions, transect walks, seasonal calendars, key-informant interviews, resource maps and secondary data. A sample of 149 respondents was selected from eight villages in the OR Tambo and Amathole districts. The HVC model was analysed using qualitative approach, descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The Is‘Baya/ARC extension model is thus said to be effective in meeting the objectives of the HVC programme due to the efficient transfer of skills and technology and its positive impact on the livelihood of the people. There was also an improvement of the income and food security status of the rural dwellers in O.R Tambo district. The regression analysis model was applied and the results of the model were significant to the highest income earned. Out of 22 explanatory variables fitted in the regression model, 12 were significant. The R² and adjusted R² are 73 percent and 68 percent respectively which shows the significance of the fitted variables in the model. The very high F value of 15.427 shows strong significance of the fitted variables to the model. The study therefore concluded that the HVC based extension model implemented by Is‘Baya and ARC was very effective in improving rural livelihoods. The study further recommended investment in infrastructure, market linkages, value adding, public-private partnerships, creation of tenure security, investigation of different funding sources, investment on agricultural research, extension of skills provided and implementation of similar model by the public sector.
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  • Date Issued: 2013

Effects of BT Maize (MON810) crop and its residues on selected soil biological properties and N and P release in a sandy loam soil from Alice, Eastern Cape, South Africa

  • Authors: Landzela, Besule
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Bacillus (Bacteria) , Bacillus thuringiensis , Corn -- Planting , Biomass , Plant proteins , Enzymes , Soil fertility , Crop residue management
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Crop Science)
  • Identifier: vital:11870 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007542 , Bacillus (Bacteria) , Bacillus thuringiensis , Corn -- Planting , Biomass , Plant proteins , Enzymes , Soil fertility , Crop residue management
  • Description: There are apprehensions that genetic modification of maize with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) may have negative effects on soil biodiversity, ecosystem processes and functions. This study aimed at determining the effect of Bt maize crop, Bt maize residues and its genetic modification on microbial biomass carbon (MBC), selected enzyme activities, vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi and N and P release patterns. The study was conducted under field, glasshouse and laboratory conditions. In 2010/2011 season, four maize cultivars; DKC 61-25B (Bt), DKC 61-24 (non-Bt), PAN 6Q-321B (Bt) and PAN6777 (non-Bt) were planted. Determination of MBC, enzyme activities and fungal spore count was done at 42, 70, and 105 days after planting (DAP). A loam soil amended with Bt or non-Bt maize leaf residues from a study of 2009/2010 season was incubated to investigate effects of Bt maize residues on MBC and soil enzyme activities. Leaf residues of Bt and non-Bt maize cultivars (DKC 61-25B, DKC 61-24, PAN 6Q-321B and PAN6777) were used and soil without residues was used as a control. Samples were collected at 7, 28 and 56 days of incubation (DOI). An incubation study was also carried out in the laboratory to determine the effect of Bt maize residues (i.e. leaf, stem and root) and its genetic modification on N and P release patterns. Residues of DKC 61-25B, DKC 61-24, PAN 6Q-321B and PAN6777and soil without residues as a control were incubated in the laboratory. After destructive sampling at 0, 7, 14, 28, and 56 DOI, N in the form of NH4-N and NO3-N and P mineralisation were determined. Amendment of soil with residues enhanced MBC (p < 0.05) at all the sampling dates. For example MBC increased from 95 in the control to 146.3 mg/kg in the DKC 61-25B treatment at the end of the glasshouse trial. In the field DKC 61-25B had 9.1 mg/kg greater MBC than DKC 61-24, while PAN 6Q-321B had 23.9 mg/kg more MBC than PAN6777 at the end of the trial. However, no differences (p < 0.05) were observed in enzyme activities under field and glasshouse conditions except for dehydrogenase that had greater activity where DKC 61-25B and PAN 6777 were grown. There were no differences between the type of residues (Bt and non-Bt) on enzyme activities tested. However, differences were observed among the sampling dates. No effects of Bt maize crop on fungal spore count were observed. Similarly no differences were observed in leaf, stem and root tissues composition between Bt and non-Bt maize cultivars. Net N and P mineralisation from Bt maize cultivars did not differ from that of non-Bt maize cultivars. However, differences were observed among the cultivars. The results of this study suggested that Bt maize with Bt MON810 event can be grown in the central region of the Eastern Cape (EC), South Africa without affecting MBC, soil enzyme activities, VAM, and release of N and P nutrients from its residues.
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  • Date Issued: 2013

Effects of crop rotation and tillage system on the control of ryegrass (lolium multiflorum X perenne) in wheat (triticum aestivum) in the Swartland production area of South Africa's Western Cape Province

  • Authors: Nteyi, Sinovuyo Mava
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Cropping systems , Conservation tillage -- South Africa -- Western Cape , Ryegrasses
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
  • Identifier: vital:10738 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020990
  • Description: A major challenge facing agriculture today is to sustain the productivity of agricultural systems with the reduction of weed invasion. The Swartland region in the Western Cape (South Africa) is intensively cropped, producing wheat (Triticum aestivum) as the major crop. As a result of the weedy ryegrass invasion the wheat yield is reduced. In addition, ryegrass has developed resistance to grass herbicides (graminicides). This situation has increased the need to use alternative practices for controlling the invasion of ryegrass in wheat fields. In this regard, crop rotation and tillage systems were proposed as techniques to suppress the ryegrass invasion. This could thus maintain a sustainable long-term wheat production system with less application of herbicides, decreased input costs and increased total grain yield. Against this background, the effects of crop rotation and tillage were determined on ryegrass seedling emergence in a field and shade netting experiment, while seed dormancy was determined in the laboratory. The objectives were to compare the wheat production of two crop rotations with mono-cropped wheat and assess the impact on the ryegrass population in no-till and minimum tillage systems. Analyses of variance on data sets of ryegrass seeds from 2009, 2010 and 2011 were used to determine germination and dormancy percentages in laboratory experiments. The performance of laboratory treatments was evaluated on the basis of germination percentage of seeds. In the field and shade netting experiments, analyses of variance for data from 2007, 2011 and 2012 were used to determine crop rotation x tillage system response. Field and shade netting performance were evaluated on the basis of ryegrass population inhibition and stimulation respectively. Ryegrass seeds from 2009 and 2010 showed higher germination percentages (80 per cent and 73 per cent) than 2011 (42 per cent). Primary dormancy prevented high germination of newly harvested seeds as dormancy release increase with age of the seed. Results of field and shade netting experiments showed stimulation of the ryegrass weed population in wheat monoculture under minimum tillage. However, when wheat was rotated with leguminous crops under both tillage systems (minimum-till and no-till) ryegrass was significantly inhibited. It was concluded that the critical period for weed competition is the first six weeks after planting. Results from this study provide a basis for producers of cereals to make good decisions with regards to timing weed control measures. It is essential to use competitive crop sequences which will inhibit weeds. The challenge is getting this practice adopted and implemented by producers as it will promote conservation agriculture within the region. This study promotes long-term sustainable wheat production systems with an efficient weed management programme that is environmentally friendly using less herbicides within the Swartland region.
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  • Date Issued: 2013

Effects of exchange rate volatility on the stock market: a case study of South Africa

  • Authors: Mlambo, Courage
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa , Currency question -- South Africa , Free trade -- South Africa , Capital movements -- South Africa , Cointegration -- South Africa , Investments, Foreign , International trade , Stock exchanges -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic policy
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
  • Identifier: vital:11468 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007125 , Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa , Currency question -- South Africa , Free trade -- South Africa , Capital movements -- South Africa , Cointegration -- South Africa , Investments, Foreign , International trade , Stock exchanges -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic policy
  • Description: This study assessed the effects of currency volatility on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. An evaluation of literature on exchange rate volatility and stock markets was conducted resulting into specification of an empirical model.The Generalised Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedascity (1.1) (GARCH) model was used in establishing the relationship between exchange rate volatility and stock market performance. The study employed monthly South African data for the period 2000 – 2010. The data frequency selected ensured an adequate number of observations. A very weak relationship between currency volatility and the stock market was confirmed. The research finding is supported by previous studies. Prime overdraft rate and total mining production were found to have a negative impact on Market capitalisation. Surprisingly, US interest rates were found to have a positive impact on Market capitalisation. This study recommended that, since the South African stock market is not really exposed to the negative effects of currency volatility, government can use exchange rate as a policy tool to attract foreign portfolio investment. The weak relationship between currency volatility and the stock market suggests that the JSE can be marketed as a safe market for foreign investors. However, investors, bankers and portfolio managers still need to be vigilant in regard to the spillovers from the foreign exchange rate into the stock market. Although there is a weak relationship between rand volatility and the stock market in South Africa, this does not necessarily mean that investors and portfolio managers need not monitor the developments between these two variables.
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  • Date Issued: 2013

Effects of management and leadership styles of school managers on teaching and learning in Fort Beaufort basic education district Eastern Cape Province

  • Authors: Zinto, Sinekhaya Homeboy
  • Date: 2013
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
  • Identifier: vital:11717 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016106
  • Description: The aim of the study was to investigate the management and leadership styles of school managers and how it affects quality teaching and learning in Debe Nek schools at Fort Beaufort District. It was a mixed study that used both the qualitative and quantitative research methods. It adopted a correlation survey research design that helped in establishing the relationship of management and leadership styles and quality teaching and learning. In this regard, data for this study was collected on the independent variables, which was management and leadership styles, and that of the dependent variables, which was quality teaching and learning. The relationship between the two variables was investigated in order to determine the strength of the relationship that exists between them. The literature reviewed identify many factors affecting quality teaching and learning in schools. To achieve the aim of the study, the researcher administrated a number of questionnaires, conducted interviews and observed what is happening in schools during school visits. The findings of the assessment showed that there is relationship between management and leadership styles and quality teaching and learning. The researcher analysed democratic and autocratic management and leadership styles in relation to quality teaching and learning. The study established a positive relationship from the use of democratic management and leadership style and quality teaching and learning. The study also established that autocratic management and leadership style has a negative effect in quality teaching and learning in schools. The key recommendation of the study was the need for the programmes that must focus at development of management and leadership skills among school managers with the help from Districts in partnership with the Universities so as to help in the overall improvement of the schools.
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  • Date Issued: 2013

Effects of poor solid waste management on sustainable development in informal settlement

  • Authors: Mgwebi, Alicia Zoliswa
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Refuse and refuse disposal -- Management , Refuse and refuse disposal -- Environmental aspects
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:9244 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021135
  • Description: The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of poor solid waste disposal on a sustainable environment/development in the Mzamomhle urban informal settlement. According to Coffey & Coad, (2010) informal or squatter urban communities pay no municipal taxes, because of their informal status, and this fact has often been used as the principal argument against providing these communities with municipal services.
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  • Date Issued: 2013

Effects of the brittle national information policy framework on information services in Malawi

  • Authors: Gausi, Hambani Adamson
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Information science -- Malawi , Information policy -- Malawi , Information services -- Law and legislation -- Malawi , Libraries -- Malawi
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , M Bibl
  • Identifier: vital:11573 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1005989 , Information science -- Malawi , Information policy -- Malawi , Information services -- Law and legislation -- Malawi , Libraries -- Malawi
  • Description: The aim of the study was to explore the effects of the absence of an overarching national information policy on information services in Malawi. The objectives of the study were to: find out the effects of the absence of an overarching national information policy on information access in Malawi; establish factors impeding the development of an overarching national information policy in Malawi; find out the extent to which the absence of an overarching policy has affected capacity building in information services in Malawi; and identify the legal and regulatory framework implications of the absence of such a policy in Malawi. The study adopted an exploratory research design. Data were collected using document analysis, observations and in-depth interviews. Eighty-two face-to-face interviews were conducted with policy makers in government, Members of Parliamentary committees on legal and media issues, information scientists, information service providers, academicians, legal experts and information users. Purposive sampling was used to select participants. An interview guide comprising closed and open ended questions was used to interview respondents. Data were analysed using quantitative and qualitative methods. The findings of this study may be used by Government in developing relevant national information policies that would enhance free access and utilisation of information. Furthermore the study is significant in identifying factors that may impede the development of a national information policy. The study revealed that Malawi has a brittle national information policy framework for the provision of information services. Malawi doesn’t have an overarching policy framework for the sector and as a result, there is no policy guidance to drive the development of sectoral policies and supporting legislation. Policy development in Malawi is more reactive to issues than systematic and very slow. Consequently, access to and utilization of information is low; capacity building is low in terms of competencies and infrastructure and; the legal and regulatory framework for information services is weak. The study also revealed that factors impeding the development of an overarching national information policy include: motivation for the development of sectoral information policies; lack of an institutional framework to guide the development of policy; lack of finances and technical capacity; lack of sustained political will; level of economic development; existence of overarching government development plans; international trends; and the diverse nature of the information sector. The general recommendation emanating from the findings of the study is that Malawi needs an overarching national information policy which would articulate and address issues regarding access to information, capacity building in terms of skills and infrastructure, and the legal and regulatory framework. Information is a cross-cutting issue requiring an all-encompassing policy. However, specific recommendations from the findings of this study are that government should expedite the development of policies and enactment of relevant pieces of legislation which are not yet in place to enhance free access and utilisation of information and ICTs; government should speed up the introduction of information literacy in the school curriculum starting from primary school level to university; government should develop a library policy to promote the development of school libraries in both primary and secondary schools, and public libraries in all towns, district assemblies and rural growth centres which should be well resourced including Internet facilities; and government should constantly review and harmonise policies and legislation in the information sector so that they are in line with current trends.
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  • Date Issued: 2013

Emotional intelligence as a moderator of the relations hip between participative leadership and psychological climate among the employees of an automotive dealer company in East London region

  • Authors: Ramncwana, Ntombekhaya
  • Date: 2013
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Industrial Psychology)
  • Identifier: vital:11561 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1014671
  • Description: This study investigates the role of emotional intelligence in participative leadership and psychological climate. The objective of the study was to examine whether emotional intelligence is related to participative leadership and psychological climate, and whether participative leaders generally possess some levels of emotional intelligence. Based on the literature review an instrument composed of four sections was used to find the levels of perceived participative leadership, psychological climate and emotional int elligence. For this purpose, data from employees of an automotive dealer company was used. The study found no significant correlations between the three variables. However, the study did find a significant negative correlation between participative leadership and psychological climate. In addition, the study showed that emotional intelligence is not related to either participative leadership or psychological climate. Based on the findings, recommendations and suggestions for future research and for auto motive dealer managers are presented.
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  • Date Issued: 2013
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