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Applications of lead phthalocyanines embedded in electrospun fibers for the photoinactivation of Escherichia coli in water

  • Authors: Osifeko, Olawale L , Nyokong, Tebello
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: To be catalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/189898 , vital:44945 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dyepig.2014.05.010"
  • Description: Lead (II) pyridyloxyphthalocyanine (PbTpyPc) and its quaternized form (PbTepyPc) were synthesized and the photophysical behavior examined. Low fluorescence quantum yields (ΦF) of 0.01 and 0.02 were observed for PbTepyPc and PbTpyPc, respectively. The singlet oxygen quantum yields (ΦΔ) were 0.60 and 0.68, for PbTepyPc and PbTpyPc, respectively using DPBF as a quencher in DMF. Singlet oxygen production of the embedded sensitizers in electrospun fiber were quantified using ADMA and were found to be ΦΔ = 0.41 and ΦΔ = 0.21 for PbTepyPc and PbTpyPc, respectively. Photodynamic inactivation of Escherichia coli (E. coli) with the quaternized photosensitizer at 5 μM, totally inactivated the E. coli (with log CFU = 10 decrease). Only 0.4 log CFU decrease was obtained with PbTpyPc. The embedded non-quaternized photosensitizer (PbTpyPc) was less active on the gram negative bacteria but the quaternized photosensitizer (PbTepyPc) was effective towards inactivation of E. coli.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

Applications of lead phthalocyanines embedded in electrospun fibers for the photoinactivation of Escherichia coli in water

  • Authors: Osifeko, Olawale L , Nyokong, Tebello
  • Date: 2014
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: vital:7304 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020381
  • Description: Lead (II) pyridyloxyphthalocyanine (PbTpyPc) and its quaternized form (PbTepyPc) were synthesized and the photophysical behavior examined. Low fluorescence quantum yields (ΦF) of 0.01 and 0.02 were observed for PbTepyPc and PbTpyPc, respectively. The singlet oxygen quantum yields (ΦΔ) were 0.60 and 0.68, for PbTepyPc and PbTpyPc, respectively using DPBF as a quencher in DMF. Singlet oxygen production of the embedded sensitizers in electrospun fiber were quantified using ADMA and were found to be ΦΔ = 0.41 and ΦΔ = 0.21 for PbTepyPc and PbTpyPc, respectively. Photodynamic inactivation of Escherichia coli (E. coli) with the quaternized photosensitizer at 5 μM, totally inactivated the E. coli (with log CFU = 10 decrease). Only 0.4 log CFU decrease was obtained with PbTpyPc. The embedded non-quaternized photosensitizer (PbTpyPc) was less active on the gram negative bacteria but the quaternized photosensitizer (PbTepyPc) was effective towards inactivation of E. coli. , Original publication is available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.dyepig.2014.05.010
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  • Date Issued: 2014

Apprehension of bias and the spectacle of the fair-minded observer: a survey of recent commonwealth and South African decisions on pre-judgment

  • Authors: Okpaluba, Chuks , Juma, Laurence
  • Date: 2014
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/126107 , vital:35850 , http://specjuris.ufh.ac.za/apprehension-bias-and-spectacle-fair-minded-observer-survey-recent-commonwealth-and-south-african
  • Description: A perusal of contemporary Commonwealth case law reveals that allegations of bias or apprehension of bias tend to revolve around the pecuniary or other interests of the Judge arising from kinship, previous relationship, or association with party or counsel.1Apparent bias could also be inferred from the judge‘s conduct or utterances, especially, his/her criticisms or cumulative criticisms of a party during proceedings or in adjudication.2In other instances, a judge‘s previous knowledge or association with the case in court, or of an important witness, may disqualify him/her from sitting or passing judgment in the case.3
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  • Date Issued: 2014

Appropriateness of municipal workers' job behaviour and performance at the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality

  • Authors: Twalo, Thembinkosi Gladden
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Education -- Employees , Employees -- Attitudes , Employees -- Rating of
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
  • Identifier: vital:9587 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020997
  • Description: The Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) has been experiencing inappropriate job behaviour and performance from some of its workers. These inappropriate practices have been widely reported in the media, audit reports, parliamentary discussions, reports to parliament, municipal reports, and departmental reports. They include misappropriation of municipal resources, maladministration, mismanagement, lack of service delivery, fraud, and corruption. Since many BCMM workers have various levels of formal education, such practices are not expected, because the structural-functionalist assumption is that formal education is a solution to societal challenges. At the BCMM, however, formal education seemed to also serve a different purpose, that of realising the principle that says “[k]now the rules well, so you can break them effectively” (Dalai Lama 2013, 2). This study therefore hypothesises that the perpetual inappropriate job behaviour and performance at the BCMM is due to the paucity of broad skills. The concept of broad skills includes the various dimensions of knowledge (know that, know why, know how) as well as attitudes, ethics and values. Inappropriate job behaviour and performance practices thus indicate that current levels of broad skills are insufficient. This study acknowledges that labour (ability to work) is a product of multifarious forms of capital, hence this study amalgamates four forms of capital - human capital, social capital, cultural capital, and reputation capital – into a theoretical framework in order to get a broader explanation of the workers’ job behaviour and performance. The various forms of capital contribute to the formation of skill, hence the notion of broad skills. How workers discharge their responsibilities is determined by numerous factors such as cultural capital (the workers’ family background, race, ethnicity, personality, and geographical area) (Bourdieu 1977); reputation capital (the workers’ brand, public perceptions of trustworthiness, popularity, authority in the field, ethics, integrity and reputation) (Ingbretsen 2011); social capital (the workers’ social development, social relations, and social networks) (Blackmore 1997); and human capital (schooling) (Becker 1964). The value of adopting the broad skills approach lies in gaining a broader perspective on job performance as opposed to the dominant use of the human capital model alone which predominantly uses schooling to explain job performance. In practice, the human capital model is characterised by its association of job performance problems with lack of skills. However, investigation of the role of attitudes, ethics and values in the labour process reveals that the lack of will also contributes to job performance problems. In fact, the adoption of multiple perspectives for investigating the paradoxical co-existence of inappropriate job behaviour and performance with formal education reveals several factors that make this phenomenon possible, besides lack of skills. These include the job environment, ineffective performance management systems, compromised municipal effectiveness and efficiency due to the politicisation of municipal management, and manipulation of the labour process to suit the interests of the workers who want to engage in inappropriate practices.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

Architectural design interventions toward improvement of construction health, safety, and ergonomics in South Africa

  • Authors: Goldswain, Craig Colin
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Construction industry -- Safety measures , Construction industry -- Accidents -- South Africa , Architectural design -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
  • Identifier: vital:9717 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021060
  • Description: The construction industry produces a high rate of accident statistics. Constructors are exposed to a range of construction hazards and risks which manifest themselves in accidents and lead to a high incidence of illnesses, injuries and fatalities. Despite evidence that up to 50 percent of construction accidents can be avoided through mitigation of hazards and risks in the design phase of construction projects, architectural designers do not adequately engage in designing for construction health, safety, and ergonomics. The research localises the problem in the context of South Africa and sets out to develop an architectural design oriented model toward a reduction of construction hazards and risks, which can be engendered through optimisation of tertiary architectural education and through continuing professional development (CPD) programmes. The ultimate aim is to realise a paradigm shift in architectural design relative to construction health, safety, and ergonomics as architectural designers in South Africa still view it as the constructor’s responsibility. The research intertwined a range of secondary data with four provisional studies undertaken in the Eastern Cape Province considered representative of South Africa. This involved both quantitative and qualitative methodologies and were directed at architectural designers registered with the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP). The provisional studies were published in international conference proceedings and served to gradually provide local insight, and ultimately provided a line of structured questions for use in the main study. The main study was positioned in the action research (AR) paradigm and used focus group (FG) methodology to solicit a vast richness of qualitative data from SACAP registered architectural designers who participated in the FG proceedings. Synthesis of data with literature and the provisional studies gave rise to a provisional model comprising six main model components and a range of sub-components. The provisional model was validated and refined while simultaneously testing the research hypotheses by means of questionnaires directed at the SACAP registered FG participants. The evolved model includes a core model embedded in a greater process model, and implementation and use of the core model relies on appropriate knowledge of architectural designers. It is ultimately recommended that tertiary architectural education institutions and those involved in architectural CPD programmes take ‘upstream design ownership’ and use the model as a basis for designing and implementing appropriate tertiary architectural programmes and architectural CPD offerings. Ultimately the model is not considered as a complete means to an end, and further investigation is needed in order to design and implement the recommended programmes. Only then can we begin to realise a paradigm shift in architectural thinking and practice.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

Argumentative and trustworthy scholars

  • Authors: McKenna, Sioux , Boughey, Chrissie
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: To be catalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/187216 , vital:44580 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/13562517.2014.934351"
  • Description: Research-intensive universities, such as the Russell Group in the UK, the Ivy League Colleges in the USA and the Sandstone Universities in Australia, enjoy particular status in the higher education landscape. They are, however, also often associated with social elitism and selectivity, and this has led to critique as higher education systems seek to widen access. This article looks at how academic staff are discursively constructed in five such institutions in South Africa through an analysis of documentation submitted as part of a national review. Three interrelated discourses are identified: a discourse of ‘staff as scholars’ whereby research is privileged over teaching, a discourse of ‘academic argumentation’ whereby a critical disposition is valued and is called upon by academics to resist development initiatives and a discourse of ‘trust’ whereby it is assumed that academics share a value system and should thus be trusted to undertake quality teaching without interference.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

Aspects of the ecology of leopards (Panthera Pardus) in the Little Karoo, South Africa

  • Authors: Mann, Gareth
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Leopard -- South Africa -- Little Karoo Leopard -- Monitoring -- South Africa -- Little Karoo Leopard -- Ecology -- South Africa -- Little Karoo Wildlife monitoring -- South Africa Wildlife conservation -- South Africa Animal populations -- South Africa -- Little Karoo Leopard -- Conservation -- South Africa -- Little Karoo
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
  • Identifier: vital:5855 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012241
  • Description: Leopards (Panthera pardus) are the most common large predators, free roaming outside of protected areas across most of South Africa. Leopard persistence is attributed to their tolerance of rugged terrain that is subject to less development pressure, as well as their cryptic behaviour. Nevertheless, existing leopard populations are threatened indirectly by ongoing transformation of natural habitat and directly through hunting and conflict with livestock farmers. Together these threats may further isolate leopards to fragmented areas of core natural habitat. I studied leopard habitat preferences, population density, diet and the attitudes of landowners towards leopards in the Little Karoo, Western Cape, South Africa, an area of mixed land-use that contains elements of three overlapping global biodiversity hotspots. Data were gathered between 2010 and 2012 using camera traps set up at 141 sites over an area of ~3100km², GPS tracking collars fitted to three male leopards, scat samples (n=76), interviews with landowners (n=53) analysed in combination with geographical information system (GIS) layers. My results reveal that leopards preferred rugged, mountainous terrain of intermediate elevation, avoiding low-lying, open areas where human disturbance was generally greater. Despite relatively un-fragmented habitat within my study area, the leopard population density (0.75 leopards/100km²) was one of the lowest yet recorded in South Africa. This may reflect low prey densities in mountain refuges in addition to historical human persecution in the area. Currently local landowners are more tolerant of leopards than other wildlife species with incidents of conflict involving leopards being rare relative to black-backed jackals (Canis mesomelas), baboons (Papio hamadryas), caracals (Caracal caracal) and porcupine (Hystrix africaeaustralis). Although current levels of conflict between leopards and stock farmers are low, leopards do depredate livestock, which constitute 10-15% of their diet. Improved livestock husbandry measures and co-operation between conservation authorities and farmers are necessary to mitigate such conflict and balance economic security with biodiversity conservation in the region. Leopards are the only remaining top predators throughout much of the Little Karoo and the Western Cape and as such are predicted to play a critical role in ecosystem structure and the survival of other species. Current high levels of connectivity between areas of suitable leopard habitat bode well for the conservation status of leopards within this region and future conservation efforts need to ensure that narrow corridors linking such habitat are preserved. The potential for leopards to serve as both an umbrella and a flagship species for biodiversity conservation suggests that long term monitoring of this population would be a conservation priority for the Little Karoo.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

Assessing farmers’ aspirations and goals to expand irrigation crop production from homestead gardens to irrigation plots in Mhlontlo Local Municipality

  • Authors: Finiza, Tabisa Nomava
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Crops irrigation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
  • Identifier: vital:11209 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016173 , Crops irrigation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Description: Most land is still state owned and is granted to users through traditional authorities. Even though the government has undertaken some programmes to reduce rural poverty and has initiated land reform programmes, improved service delivery and formed new water rights legislation in rural areas, the problem of low crop production still persists among South African farmers. The study was undertaken to identify different farmers’ aspirations and goals for expanding their crop production from homestead gardening to irrigation plots in Mhlontlo Local Municipality, in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. The central problem is that smallholder farmers are not expanding their scale of crop production even though they have access to natural capital which includes land and water. The broad objective of the study was to determine the aspirations and goals of farmers to expand irrigation crop production from homestead gardens to irrigation plots. The specific objectives of the study were to assess factors that addressed smallholder farmers’ aspirations and goals to expand crop production, to identify challenges that smallholder farmers encountered in expanding from homestead gardens to irrigation plots and to determine the current state of homestead gardens and irrigation plots. A list of 20 goals were identified from the field survey with 54 homestead food gardeners and 50 smallholder irrigation farmers in the different villages of the Mhlontlo Local Municipality. Random sampling was used to select the farmers who were asked to score the identified farm enterprise goals in terms of their relative importance. The goals were categorised into five factors using Gasson goal ranking methods which ranked goals on the basis of intrinsic, expressive, instrumental, and social criteria. The next step was to determine the standard deviations and means of the ranked goals. Descriptive statistics was then used to profile the farmers according to such factors as age, gender, years of farm experience, types of plot, the availability of water and land for crop production, the income farmers generate from the sale of crops produced and these are cross-tabulated with their goal rankings. The Logit model was used to estimate the probability that farmers would belong to a particular goal ranking and performance category. The logit model was also used to identify the factors that influence the expansion of the cropped area. The results revealed that maize production and land size where significant at 1%. Age and type of irrigation used were also positively significant at 1%. The results also revealed that the adoption of agricultural technology by smallholder irrigation farmers and homestead food gardens contributed to better quality produce.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

Assessing intrapreneurship in a pharmaceutical manufacturing firm in the Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Allen, Kevin Ian
  • Date: 2014
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: vital:8828 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019758
  • Description: Continuous innovation in terms of products, processes, administration and structures is needed to compete effectively in the global markets of the 21st century. This continuous innovation within an existing firm can be described in terms of intrapreneurship. The extent to which intrapreneurship is practiced within a Pharmaceutical firm (Firm A) within the Eastern Cape is the main question addressed in the research conducted. The research conducted involved the collection of two data sets. The first set looked at the perceived intrapreneurial characteristics of employees and their superiors. The second data set involved an assessment of 13 constructs (Strong customer orientation; Entrepreneurial leadership; Resource availability and accessibility; Innovation and creativity / new ideas encouraged; Empowered teams / multi-disciplined teamwork and diversity; Tolerance for risk, mistakes and failure; Sponsors (champions); Discretionary time and work; Appropriate rewards and reinforcement; Flat organisational structure with open communication and strong sense of belonging; Vision and strategic intent; Continuous- and cross-functional learning; Management support) measuring the intrapreneurial climate within the firm. Research took place within Firm A via a survey questionnaire that measured intrapreneurial characteristics using a 20 question self and superior assessment. The intrapreneurial climate survey consisted of 68 statements, which were assessed using a likert scale. A census was used given that the firm size was 450 employees. Results for the intrapreneurial climate gave Cronbach alpha values of greater than 0.6 for all of the constructs thus proving reliability of the data. With regard to the intrapreneurial characteristics results indicated that superiors were perceived to have weak characteristics as opposed to self-assessments which indicated strong characteristics. Three intrapreneurial climate constructs (Tolerance for risk, mistakes and failure; Appropriate rewards and reinforcement and Flat organisational structure) had mean results between 1.5 and 2.5 indicating respondents are not satisfied and attention needs to be given to improvement initiatives. The remaining ten constructs had mean scores between 2.5 and 3.5 indicating that respondents are neutral to the statement, indicating that improvement is recommended. Inferential statistics did not find significant differences in all constructs for any of the demographic variables tested. From the research it was concluded that the level of intrapreneurship within firm A is poor and recommendations are given. Further research within the firm is recommended.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

Assessing the business success of co-operatives in the East London municipal area of the Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Nhawu, Mucharambeyi
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Cooperative societies -- South Africa -- East London , Success in business -- South Africa -- East London
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7086 , vital:21226
  • Description: South Africa is faced with much poverty, joblessness and an economy that is not sustainable. Unemployment is on the rise in South Africa with the Eastern Cape having the largest number of unemployed people. Co-operatives can be used as a tool to combat poverty and for job creation, but the problem is that co-operatives are still an unknown entity in South Africa. Co-operatives are only known by a few and those few are still sceptical and not willing to form co-operatives. The already established businesses are also not forthcoming nor showing any willingness to do businesses with co-operatives. The less they do business with them, the less the co-operatives flourish. The present study investigates to what extent co-operatives can be a solution to decrease poverty and unemployment. The primary objective of this study was to make a contribution to the development and success of co-operatives by investigating the performance of co-operatives in the in the important business functions of financial management, general management, human resources management, marketing management and operations management. The study also investigated which of these business functions were the most important determinants of business success in these co-operatives. A sample of 50 co-operatives in the East London area of the Eastern Cape was selected and three members per co-operative were requested to answer the questionnaire. The expected number of respondents was therefore 150. However, only 65 usable questionnaires (response rate of 43.3%) were returned. The SEDA Small Business Assessment Tool was used to measure the co-operatives’ performance in these business functions. The empirical results revealed that the strongest correlates of business success in these co-operatives were financial management (r = 0.57, p < 0.05) followed by human resources management (r = 0.49, p < 0.05) and operations management (r = 0.40, p < 0.05). The results also show that, while the co-operatives do have some form of financial management strategies in place, they do not address some of the major financial management concepts that are really essential in a sound financial management policy. The co-operatives generally do not follow any formal financial costing system at all. The results however indicated that the co-operatives expressed high confidence in their financial, general and human resource management practices and low confidence in their marketing and operations management practices.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

Assessing the effectiveness of public participation in Integrated Development Planning processes in the King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality, Province of the Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Makhedama, Mputumeni
  • Date: 2014
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
  • Identifier: vital:11697 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015110
  • Description: In order to eradicate the legacy of the past, the South African democratic government adopted a developmental approach to local government. This necessitated a commitment on the part of local government, through the Integrated Development Plan (IDP), in facilitating community participation by finding sustainable ways of meeting their social, economic and material needs and improving their quality of life. This study sought to assess the effectiveness of public participation in Integrated Development Planning processes in King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality. The objectives of this study were; to identify and assess critical factors that determine the effectiveness of municipal IDP and to assess the effect of poor literacy skills on municipal participatory processes. In this study face-to-face interviews and focus group interviews were used to collect data. The findings revealed that the community had participated only in the first of the five phases of the IDP. The study recommended that the King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality should streamline the needs identification and the needs prioritisation phases of the IDP processes so that the community can participate directly. The study also recommended that in order for the community to have an impact on IDP processes, capacity-building workshops be purpose-centred and responsive to any gaps in capacity challenges. The study further recommended that external service providers such as academic institutions should be utilised to capacitate communities to contribute effectively on municipal IDP processes. The study concluded that the municipality had not created an enabling environment for meaningful public participation, and had consequently limited the impact of community engagement on the IDP Guidelines which are proposed for public participation in all the phases of the IDP process.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

Assessing the effectiveness of section 21 schools in public financial management (a case of circuit 13 in King William’s Town district in the Eastern Cape)

  • Authors: Mnwana, Vuyokazi
  • Date: 2014
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1133 , vital:26529
  • Description: The transformation in the education system of South Africa has led to a series of changes in the manner in which schools function and the manner in which they are managed. The transformation process saw the promotion and devolution of powers to schools and self management whilst at the same time ensuring equal access to education. The South African Schools Act spelt out the regulations that need to be followed towards the achievement of the envisaged goal, coupled with the other regulatory framework such as National Norms and Standards for School Funding. The new dispensation saw schools being classified into two categories: Section 20 and Section 21 with stipulated functions. The Section 21 schools experienced an added responsibility of being expected to manage their funds, allocated by the Department of Education through a paper budget, a function they are not formally trained for. The principals and School Governing Bodies had to ensure that they comply with the framework that governs public financial management so as to ensure that financial resources are managed in an effective, efficient and economic manner. This function prompted schools to acquaint themselves with the laws and regulations such as the Public Finance Management Act and the Treasury Regulations in order to ensure that their financial management practices are compliant with the prescribed framework. Their activities need to be conducted in a manner that promotes transparency, responsibility, equity and accountability, all of which are principles of good governance. To ensure effective financial management, schools have to acquire new knowledge and skills in basic financial management. The aim of the study was to assess whether the schools have the skills needed to render effective public financial management in order to be able to account on their financial activities. The study further attempted to establish the role played by the Department of Education towards facilitating empowerment strategies and the role played by the auditors in terms of the assessment of the school’s financial records. A case study of three schools was conducted, all of which are section 21 schools but differ in terms of their socio-economic backgrounds, location and conditions. The socio-economic backgrounds are described in terms of the quintile system and the location in terms of urban, rural and sub-urban schools. The information was gathered through interviews with the principals of the three schools, chairperson and treasurer of the School Governing Body and the school finance officer or bursar. Other interviews were conducted with the Education Development Officer, who is a representative of the Department of Education at schools and an auditor who conducts the auditing function for schools in terms of financial control. It emerged from the findings that the urban schools are well equipped and capable of managing school finances in an effective manner, whilst the sub-urban and rural schools do not have the necessary skills and knowledge to manage school finances. As it turned out, theirs is a functioning for compliance without proper understanding of the financial processes which include budgeting, funds and income management, expenditure management and financial reporting. Although the Department of Education is employing all means possible to empower stakeholders on financial management it has emerged that the strategies are inadequate to address the problems experienced by these schools. The auditor has identified a series of discrepancies and challenges in terms of financial reporting although they also try to mentor and support schools.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

Assessing the efficacy of integrating human resource development with organization strategy as a precursor to strategic management in the Eastern Cape Legislature (2006-2012)

  • Authors: Matomane, Nyanisile Frisco
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Personnel management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Legislators -- Services for Public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4560 , vital:28418
  • Description: This research article studies the factors that are likely to affect the visible part of human resource development (HRD)– the use of HRD activities in the Legislature Sector. It is argued that the active use of HRD activities as such does not indicate the role HRD plays in a Legislature’s business: rather, one has to pay attention to HRD orientation that captures the paradigm of an organization as regards the development of people. In this empirical study of Legislature Sector, several factors related to the organization, strategy, HRD function, and HRD person are identified as meaningful predictors of HRD orientation. Results imply that the outcomes of HRD are also dependent on factors outside the traditional authority of HRD function. The model that is formed based on the results helps those involved in HRD to understand the inherent linkages and holistic nature of people development in organizations.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

Assessing the genetic diversity of catface rockcod epinephelus andersoni in the subtropical Western Indian Ocean and modelling the effects of climate change on their distribution

  • Authors: Coppinger, Christine Rose
  • Date: 2014
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/54499 , vital:26570
  • Description: The catface rockcod Epinephelus andersoni is a range-restricted species that is endemic to the southeast coast of Africa from Quissico in Mozambique (subtropical) to Knysna in South Africa (warmtemperate). Its complex life-history, long-lived nature and high residency make E. andersoni potentially vulnerable to over-exploitation. Epinephelus andersoni is an important fishery species and has shown signs of depletion. Due to inadequate information necessary for management and conservation, further research is vital, particularly in the face of potentially significant climatic changes which could put further pressure on E. andersoni. The aim of the study was to provide information for the management of E. andersoni, with considerations for the possibly detrimental effects of future climate change. The objectives of this study were to describe the genetic structure and diversity of E. andersoni and to determine possible range shifts of E. andersoni with future changes in sea surface temperature. Genetic samples were collected throughout the distribution of E. andersoni. Standard DNA extraction and PCR using universal primers were conducted and nuclear (RPS7-1) and mitochondrial (cytochrome b) data were analysed to determine genetic diversity. A combination of nuclear and mitochondrial markers was used to ensure that the results were robust. RPS7-1 haplotype diversity was high (0.801) and an AMOVA on the RPS7-1 data showed significantly high among group variation (ΦCT = 0.204, p < 0.05) between five groups: 1. Quissico to Inhaca; 2. Cape Vidal to Port Edward; 3 Port St Johns to Coffee Bay; 4. Mbashe; 5. Port Alfred. This geographic structuring could be attributed to low gene flow across barriers such as the Port Alfred upwelling cell, the Mozambique Channel eddies and smaller more localised upwelling cells such as the Port St Johns cell. The cytochrome b results contrastingly indicate low haplotype diversity (0.309) and no differentiation (ΦCT = 0.265, p = 0.074) between groups and support the hypothesis of a historical population bottleneck. This may be due to an unusually slower mutation rate of the cytochrome b region than the RPS7-1 region, resulting in the RPS7-1 data showing a more recent picture of diversification. To complement the genetic results, niche modelling techniques were used to determine range shifts of E. andersoni with future temperature trends using species distribution and climatic data. The model illustrated a contraction of the E. andersoni distribution as well as future intensification of various upwelling cells along the south-east African coast including the Port Alfred upwelling cell. Due to the low gene flow across these barriers this intensification could decrease the resilience of E. andersoni, as its range becomes more limited with global change. The genetic data and modelling results combined provide useful information on which to base future fisheries management.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

Assessing the impact of primary agricultural co-operative membership on smallholder farm performance (crops) in Mnquma Local Municipality of the Eastern Cape Province

Assessing the implementation of performance management policies in the public service: a case study of the Department of Human Settlements in the Eastern Cape Province

  • Authors: Sandiso, Mahlala
  • Date: 2014
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1183 , vital:26534
  • Description: This dissertation set out to assess the implementation of performance management policies in the public service using the case study of the Eastern Cape Department of Housing known currently as Human Settlements. It examines how monitoring and evaluation policies are important in governance deliverables, such as transparency, accountability and learning, influences public administration practice. The exchange between democracy and monitoring and evaluation was demonstrated by assessing how the country managed democratic transition, the influence of globalization on country practice, and specifically how the developmental state advances governance. It also focused on other focal points of how performance management policies in the public service are being utilized to assist Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlements. The study looked at the „new‟ role of performance management systems in meeting „performance information needs‟ of public sector managers as a potential area for further research. This type of research is qualitative in nature as it used documents to elaborate on matters. This study uses documents of the department as a case study to gain more insight about the department as well as the theory of change to guide the study.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

Assessing the implementation of the Employment Equity Act in the public service with specific reference to the appointment of women to top management positions: a case study of the Eastern Cape Provincial Administration

  • Authors: Mtebele, Nozibele Sweetness
  • Date: 2014
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
  • Identifier: vital:11704 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015154
  • Description: The Employment Equity Act, No 55 of 1998forms part of the transformation legislation aimed at promoting equity, and eliminating discriminatory and unfair treatment in the workplace. The South African government has developed a comprehensive policy framework that promotes equity while supporting the advancement of women to managerial positions.An area of consideration for this study is the representation of women in top management positions in the various departments of the Eastern Cape Provincial Administration.This study examined the legislative framework and progress that has made in the appointment of women to managerial positions in the South African public service and, in particular, the Eastern Cape Province. A comparison between the 2012 and 2013 Eastern Cape employment equity reports shows that there is slow progress in the implementation of employment equity. Although both South African men and women are well represented in the economically active population, women hold a relatively small percentage of top management positions. This study, through an in-depth review of literature, identified barriers to the implementation of employment equity in the Eastern Cape Provincial Administration.The Eastern Cape employment equity reports were analysed. The purpose of this analysis was to find the strengths and weaknesses, and successes and failures in the implementation of the Employment Equity Act and related legislation. The final part of this studyprovided an in-depth discussion and recommendations regarding the barriers and weaknesses of the South African employment equity system that have been highlighted throughout the study.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

Assessing the local government turnaround strategy: the case of Ngqushwa Local Municipality

  • Authors: Bokwe, Nosiphiwo Gloria
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal corporations -- South Africa , Regional planning -- Citizen participation
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:8312 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020084
  • Description: The thrust of the study is to investigate the Local Government Turnaround Strategy as introduced by Cabinet in the year 2009. In this treatise a critical evaluation of the Local Government Turnaround Strategy that was passed by cabinet as a panacea that seeks to address the challenges that are being faced by municipalities today will be embarked upon. A case study of the Ngqushwa Local Municipality in the Amathole District Municipal area will be undertaken with the view to understand whether the Local Government Turnaround Strategy will indeed assist ailing local municipalities like Ngqushwa. As can be seen in our country, apartheid has left many problems both in the social, economic and political realms of our society. When local government was first established it was for the perpetuation of separate development as enshrined in the policy of apartheid. Apartheid was not the beginning of geographic, institutional and social separation at the local level. Segregation was already a policy by the time apartheid was introduced in 1948. However, the Group Areas Act, the key piece of legislation, instituted strict residential segregation and compulsory removal of black people to own group areas. Through spatial separation, influx control, and a policy of own management for own areas, apartheid aimed to limit the extent to which affluent white municipalities would bear the financial burden of servicing disadvantaged black areas. These separate developments led to the collapse of the former Black Local Authorities. When the democratic government took over the same challenges reared their heads again. Many intervention programmes were introduced to assist ailing municipalities to be viable. The study thus has tried to indicate how the Turnaround has assisted municipalities like the Ngqushwa Local Municipality.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

Assessing the optimal size and composition of public debt in Zimbabwe

  • Authors: Mupunga, Nebson
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Debts, Public -- Management , Debts, Public -- Zimbabwe
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DCom
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8977 , vital:26448
  • Description: This study provides an analysis of public debt dynamics with a view to assess the optimal size and composition of public debt in Zimbabwe that is consistent with maintaining public debt at sustainable levels. The analysis was performed by applying public debt data for Zimbabwe over the period 1980 to 2012. Robustness checks were conducted, using data for selected low income countries in the sub-Saharan Africa. The study was motivated by the public debt management concerns caused by the 2008/09 global financial crisis and the European sovereign debt crisis as well as the external public debt overhang experienced by Zimbabwe since the year 2000. The findings of the study complement existing research findings and information on public debt management of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other researchers. The major contribution of this thesis is the determination of optimal public debt thresholds for Zimbabwe. The optimal public debt thresholds were estimated from a joint analysis of the macroeconomic variables that affect public debt and the reaction of fiscal policy to changes in debt. The classical linear regression and Bayesian Vector Auto Regression (BVAR) models were applied to examine the drivers of debt accumulation and to assess the sensitivity of debt to macroeconomic shocks. The information from the drivers of public debt accumulation, together with the fiscal response mechanism was used to calibrate the long-run stable (optimal) public debt target. The optimal public debt threshold was also determined by assessing the link between public debt and economic growth. This assessment was carried out to establish the tipping point beyond which public debt adversely affects growth. Such a tipping point provides valuable information on the optimal size of public debt. The study also applied simulation approaches to determine the optimal composition of public debt. The results show that public debt dynamics in Zimbabwe largely comprised extensive stock flow adjustments emanating from extra budgetary expenditures to meet social and political related needs. The results of the assessment on the sensitivity of public debt to macroeconomic shocks show that Zimbabwe‟s public debt has been more vulnerable to economic growth, exchange rate and interest rate shocks. The significant influence of these variables highlights the role of automatic debt dynamics in public debt management. The results from the fiscal reaction function show that government has been responding positively to increases in public debt. This analysis also shows that government‟s policies are a-cyclical; as explained by the negative and insignificant response of the primary balance to the output gap. The dynamic stochastic simulation analysis suggests that Zimbabwe‟s public debt could follow an array of potential paths depending on the policy stance implemented by government. The simulated risk to public debt dynamics is larger, with an upper bound public debt to GDP ratio of 100 per cent and a lower bound public debt ratio of 32 per cent. The simulated lower bound provides a measure of a natural debt limit, which the government could adopt without fearing the risk of default. The results suggest that the main risks to public debt sustainability lie in growth shocks, whose volatility have been high for the period under study. The results from the analysis of growth and debt confirm the existence of an optimal growth maximising public debt ratio depicted by an inverted U-shaped relationship between public debt and economic growth. The optimal size of public debt was found to be at public debt levels of between 45-50 per cent of GDP. This means that higher public debt ratios have been associated with lower economic growth rates at debt levels above 50 per cent of GDP. The results are consistent with empirical findings for low income countries which suggest the existence of a debt laffer-curve. The results from an analysis of an optimal composition of public debt show a trade-off between a debt composition with more external concessional debt and one with more domestic debt. While a composition with more concessional borrowing was found to be desirable from a cost perspective, it proved to be less desirable from a risk perspective after taking into consideration stock flow adjustments due to changes in cross exchange rates. The findings of the study point to a need for the Zimbabwean government to swiftly respond to increases in public debt to control the swings in debt dynamics caused by macroeconomic shocks. The inverted U-shaped relationship between debt and growth suggests that government borrowing must be done in a way that simultaneously entrenches debt sustainability and ensures sustained economic growth rates in the medium to long-term. The study also highlights the need for counter-cyclical macroeconomic policies to avoid explosive debt dynamics emanating from frequent changes in the business cycle, and to minimise the interest/growth rate differential to ensure sustainable public debt dynamics. There is also a need for authorities to ensure a true balance between external and domestic borrowing to minimise the volatility in debt service costs caused by macroeconomic shocks. Generally, the findings from this study can assist in informing the policy agenda to address the imperatives of debt resolution, fiscal consolidation and economic growth acceleration.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

Assessing the personal development of employees in a municipal environment

  • Authors: Ntile, Zukiswa
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Performance standards , Employee retention , Employees -- Recruiting , Employees -- Training of
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: vital:8875 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020420
  • Description: Skills transfer to Municipal employees is lacking due to management delays in acknowledging and understanding its importance to the affected employees. These result in poor work performance and services delivery to the communities. In the research design the Job Performance in any organisation is expected to be releasing good results or outcomes. Employees expect to be recognised in their work they perform. The employers’ responsibility is to ensure that the employee’s interests are taken care of reasonably. Scarce skill is a very important aspect in the career of specialised skilled employees and expectations are very high in this kind of environment. Globally the scarce skill is one of the aspects that is encouraged that organisations should take cognisance of. When staff is recruited and works for the Municipality it is vital that they are retained and capacitated through trainings. The employees that have worked for the Municipality a longer period should or must at least transfer those skills for the preparation of the succession planning and continuity in the organisation. The data was collected in a form of a questionnaire where respondents indicated their responses based on the questions formulated to measure their job performance, scarce skills, retention of staff, recruitment and selection, on-the-job training for skills transfer and training in relevant field. The data collected was analysed and presented in the form of tables and percentages. The study has revealed that the clear strategies recommended are essential in the personal development of employees through training, recognition inthe institution by way of remuneration or awards and ensuring to retain staff for a longer period for succession planning in a municipal environment.
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  • Date Issued: 2014
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