Improving the first-generation students’ alumni awareness at Sol Plaatje University
- Authors: Sompondo, Qondakele Beuc
- Date: 2024-04-03
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434690 , vital:73096
- Description: This research study aimed to improve the alumni awareness of FGS at Sol Plaatje University in order to enjoy a lifelong connection with their alma mater. Furthermore, this study provides recommendations to Sol Plaatje University on how engage first-generation students (FGS) and alumni more effectively in the future. This study used a mixed-method research design to collect and analyse data. The first phase of data collection used a quantitative research method in the form of a survey to obtain biographical information about the final-year students and to identify FGS as key participants for this study. The second data collection phase employed qualitative research to gain insight into alumni awareness among FGS through an alumni awareness workshop and a follow-up questionnaire. The survey findings revealed that students needed to be informed about alumni and related activities on campus. In addition, all were eager to attend the alumni workshop in the second phase of the study. The study findings revealed that FGS showed improved knowledge of alumni and related activities after attending the alumni awareness workshop. They also indicated their willingness to attend university alumni events such as reunions, homecoming, and fundraising events after graduation. Recommendations include suggestions for Sol Plaatje University to identify FGS at registration and tailor its extracurricular and support programmes to cater for such students. The university should also introduce alumni awareness workshops to prepare students for life after graduation as alumni and for the world of work. Lastly, the university should develop a mentoring programme for its FGS and alumni at an earlier stage to help them transition into and out of the university. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2024
- Full Text:
- Authors: Sompondo, Qondakele Beuc
- Date: 2024-04-03
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434690 , vital:73096
- Description: This research study aimed to improve the alumni awareness of FGS at Sol Plaatje University in order to enjoy a lifelong connection with their alma mater. Furthermore, this study provides recommendations to Sol Plaatje University on how engage first-generation students (FGS) and alumni more effectively in the future. This study used a mixed-method research design to collect and analyse data. The first phase of data collection used a quantitative research method in the form of a survey to obtain biographical information about the final-year students and to identify FGS as key participants for this study. The second data collection phase employed qualitative research to gain insight into alumni awareness among FGS through an alumni awareness workshop and a follow-up questionnaire. The survey findings revealed that students needed to be informed about alumni and related activities on campus. In addition, all were eager to attend the alumni workshop in the second phase of the study. The study findings revealed that FGS showed improved knowledge of alumni and related activities after attending the alumni awareness workshop. They also indicated their willingness to attend university alumni events such as reunions, homecoming, and fundraising events after graduation. Recommendations include suggestions for Sol Plaatje University to identify FGS at registration and tailor its extracurricular and support programmes to cater for such students. The university should also introduce alumni awareness workshops to prepare students for life after graduation as alumni and for the world of work. Lastly, the university should develop a mentoring programme for its FGS and alumni at an earlier stage to help them transition into and out of the university. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2024
- Full Text:
Enhancement of the electrocatalytic activity of phthalocyanines through the reduction in symmetry and conjugation to detonation nanodiamonds
- Authors: Ncwane, Lunathi
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Phthalocyanines , Electrocatalysis , Nanodiamonds , Hydrazine
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424541 , vital:72162
- Description: This thesis reports on the synthesis of novel phthalocynines tetrakis[(benzo[d]thiazol-2ylthio)phthalocyaninato]cobalt(II)chloride (complex 1) and tris(2-(ethylthio)benzo[d]thiazole)2-(phthalocyanine-9-ylthio)propionate cobalt(II) chloride (complex 2). The complexes are combined with DNDs via different techniques such as π-π stacking, covalent linkage and sequential modification on glassy carbon electrode. The synthesized MPcs and conjugates were characterized using UV-visible, mass, Fourier transform infrared, and Raman spectroscopies as well as transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. Combining MPcs with DNDs sought to improve electrooxidation of hydrazine. The electrochemical studies were conducted using cyclic voltammetry, chronocoloumetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and chronoamperometry. Hydrazine was utilized as an analyte of interest, due to its mutagenic and carcinogenic effects. Glassy carbon electrodes (GCE) were modified using drop and dry method. The conjugation via covalent linkage proved to be the best way of enhancing electrocatalytic properties. Since it performed better in terms of limit of detection (0.33 μM), even though catalytic rate and sensitivity are not the highest. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Chemistry, 2023
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ncwane, Lunathi
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Phthalocyanines , Electrocatalysis , Nanodiamonds , Hydrazine
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424541 , vital:72162
- Description: This thesis reports on the synthesis of novel phthalocynines tetrakis[(benzo[d]thiazol-2ylthio)phthalocyaninato]cobalt(II)chloride (complex 1) and tris(2-(ethylthio)benzo[d]thiazole)2-(phthalocyanine-9-ylthio)propionate cobalt(II) chloride (complex 2). The complexes are combined with DNDs via different techniques such as π-π stacking, covalent linkage and sequential modification on glassy carbon electrode. The synthesized MPcs and conjugates were characterized using UV-visible, mass, Fourier transform infrared, and Raman spectroscopies as well as transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. Combining MPcs with DNDs sought to improve electrooxidation of hydrazine. The electrochemical studies were conducted using cyclic voltammetry, chronocoloumetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and chronoamperometry. Hydrazine was utilized as an analyte of interest, due to its mutagenic and carcinogenic effects. Glassy carbon electrodes (GCE) were modified using drop and dry method. The conjugation via covalent linkage proved to be the best way of enhancing electrocatalytic properties. Since it performed better in terms of limit of detection (0.33 μM), even though catalytic rate and sensitivity are not the highest. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Chemistry, 2023
- Full Text:
The possible effect of insecticide drift from citrus orchards, and acute toxicity of insecticides on the biocontrol agents of Pontederia crassipes (Mart.) Solms-Laub (Pontederiaceae) established along citrus orchards in the Lowveld region of Mpumalanga Province, South Africa
- Authors: Mabuza, Mefika Michael
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424468 , vital:72156
- Description: This study investigated the possible effect of insecticide drift on naturalized biological control agents of Pontederia crassipes (Mart.) Solms-Laub (Pontederiaceae), in the Lowveld region of Mpumalanga Province of South Africa. Occurrence and abundance of biocontrol agents were recorded at three sites on the Crocodile River and at three dams adjacent to citrus orchards. Leaves of P. crassipes and water samples were collected for insecticide residues and also nutrient status of the water and plants. Eccritotarsus catarinensis Carvalho (Hemiptera: Miridae), Neochetina spp. (combined) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), and Orthogalumna terebrantis Wallwork (Sarcoptiformes: Galumnidae) were recorded with notable variation in abundance between the river and dams across regions. Insecticide residues were not detected on all leaves sampled across study regions, however, nutrients were detected with nitrate ranging between oligotrophic and mesotrophic. Phosphorus was also detected, but, neither of the nutrients correlated with the occurrence and abundance of naturalized biological control agents of P. crassipes. Bioassays were conducted to measure the effect of commonly used insecticides (viz. Methomyl and Chlorpyrifos) on the survival and feeding damage of biological control agents of P. crassipes. Survival of individual insects was recorded between 0.5 and 120 hours for Megamelus scutellaris and Neochetina eichhorniae Warner (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) adults for treatments where insecticides were topically applied onto the insects or leaves were dipped into the pesticides. Concentrations below field rates, recommended and above field rates of Methomyl and Chlorpyrifos on either exposure techniques significantly reduced survival and feeding of biocontrol agents. Methomyl was more toxic compared to Chlorpyrifos and it significantly reduced the survival of M. scutellaris and N. eichhorniae. In conclusion, in this study, population abundance of biocontrol agents of P. crassipes at the Lowveld region of Mpumalanga was not influenced by pesticide drift, but, insecticides commonly used in the citrus orchards has the potential to negatively impact naturalized biological control of P. crassipes as demonstrated by the bioassays. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mabuza, Mefika Michael
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424468 , vital:72156
- Description: This study investigated the possible effect of insecticide drift on naturalized biological control agents of Pontederia crassipes (Mart.) Solms-Laub (Pontederiaceae), in the Lowveld region of Mpumalanga Province of South Africa. Occurrence and abundance of biocontrol agents were recorded at three sites on the Crocodile River and at three dams adjacent to citrus orchards. Leaves of P. crassipes and water samples were collected for insecticide residues and also nutrient status of the water and plants. Eccritotarsus catarinensis Carvalho (Hemiptera: Miridae), Neochetina spp. (combined) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), and Orthogalumna terebrantis Wallwork (Sarcoptiformes: Galumnidae) were recorded with notable variation in abundance between the river and dams across regions. Insecticide residues were not detected on all leaves sampled across study regions, however, nutrients were detected with nitrate ranging between oligotrophic and mesotrophic. Phosphorus was also detected, but, neither of the nutrients correlated with the occurrence and abundance of naturalized biological control agents of P. crassipes. Bioassays were conducted to measure the effect of commonly used insecticides (viz. Methomyl and Chlorpyrifos) on the survival and feeding damage of biological control agents of P. crassipes. Survival of individual insects was recorded between 0.5 and 120 hours for Megamelus scutellaris and Neochetina eichhorniae Warner (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) adults for treatments where insecticides were topically applied onto the insects or leaves were dipped into the pesticides. Concentrations below field rates, recommended and above field rates of Methomyl and Chlorpyrifos on either exposure techniques significantly reduced survival and feeding of biocontrol agents. Methomyl was more toxic compared to Chlorpyrifos and it significantly reduced the survival of M. scutellaris and N. eichhorniae. In conclusion, in this study, population abundance of biocontrol agents of P. crassipes at the Lowveld region of Mpumalanga was not influenced by pesticide drift, but, insecticides commonly used in the citrus orchards has the potential to negatively impact naturalized biological control of P. crassipes as demonstrated by the bioassays. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2023
- Full Text:
A business model framework for mission-driven organisations
- Authors: Thackeray, Sean Robin
- Date: 2023-03-31
- Subjects: Nonprofit organizations South Africa Makhanda , Business model , Sustainable development South Africa Makhanda , Resource-based view , Social responsibility of business South Africa Makhanda
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419123 , vital:71618
- Description: Non-profit organisations (NPOs) contribute to our society by addressing needs through value-creation activities which are normally not addressed by normal for-profit organisations. These NPOs generate their income through donations, fundraising and market activities such as the sale of products or services. However, in the pursuit of organisational sustainability, these NPOs need to ensure that their income meets their expenditure needs over the long run, to allow continuous value creation and to pursue their mission. An organisation’s business model can be visualised through a business model framework (BMF), which have been illustrated to be useful tools for organisations to test new business models, plan and coordinate activities, and to communicate how an organisations business model works to stakeholders. The use of BMFs by NPOs may be useful for similar purposes. However, a key challenge for NPOs and their management is adapting for-profit tools to be more applicable to the NPO environment. Whilst there has been some progress within the literature on adapting these for-profit business model tools to NPOs, this area of research is relatively underrepresented in the literature. The single case study method, exploratory in nature, following a deductive approach with a theoretical framework was used to evaluate the NPO Business model framework for NPOs with multiple income streams (Sanderse, 2014) appropriateness for the Centre for Biological Control (CBC), a mission-driven research organisation located within Rhodes University. The study made use of an interpretivist paradigm through the lens of resource-based theory. The contextual environment of the CBC was similar to other NPOs in that their organisational sustainability was at risk due to uncertainty about the availability of long-term funding. The CBC is actively diversifying their income streams by establishing new partnerships, which increase the capacity and resource base of the organisation to improve its flexibility in meeting current and potential funders’ needs. The NPO Business model framework for NPOs with multiple income streams was found to be a suitable BMF to visualise the holistic operations of the CBC. However, the role of governance-related matters being represented in this BMF was found to be lacking. An amended framework including governance as part of the Business model framework for NPOs with multiple income streams was developed. This improved the BMF, by allowing for further contextual insight into the CBCs business model as governance played a major role in the key activities and income-generating strategies they participate in. The role a BMF has in assisting an organisation with resource management activities was also explored. A suitable BMF, which allows for a holistic and explicit display of an organisation’s business model, would assist in determining how resources could be better managed or orchestrated to pursue different potential income-generating strategies or improve the efficiency of how resources are used in the current business model. This study contributed to business model theory by further testing the Business model framework for NPOs with multiple income streams as a tool to visualise an NPOs business model and identifying that once the governance block was added, this BMF became more suitable within the CBCs context. A minor contribution to resource based theory was the exploration of the potential roles BMFs play in resource management, which should be further investigated in line with additional research questions proposed. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2023
- Full Text:
- Authors: Thackeray, Sean Robin
- Date: 2023-03-31
- Subjects: Nonprofit organizations South Africa Makhanda , Business model , Sustainable development South Africa Makhanda , Resource-based view , Social responsibility of business South Africa Makhanda
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419123 , vital:71618
- Description: Non-profit organisations (NPOs) contribute to our society by addressing needs through value-creation activities which are normally not addressed by normal for-profit organisations. These NPOs generate their income through donations, fundraising and market activities such as the sale of products or services. However, in the pursuit of organisational sustainability, these NPOs need to ensure that their income meets their expenditure needs over the long run, to allow continuous value creation and to pursue their mission. An organisation’s business model can be visualised through a business model framework (BMF), which have been illustrated to be useful tools for organisations to test new business models, plan and coordinate activities, and to communicate how an organisations business model works to stakeholders. The use of BMFs by NPOs may be useful for similar purposes. However, a key challenge for NPOs and their management is adapting for-profit tools to be more applicable to the NPO environment. Whilst there has been some progress within the literature on adapting these for-profit business model tools to NPOs, this area of research is relatively underrepresented in the literature. The single case study method, exploratory in nature, following a deductive approach with a theoretical framework was used to evaluate the NPO Business model framework for NPOs with multiple income streams (Sanderse, 2014) appropriateness for the Centre for Biological Control (CBC), a mission-driven research organisation located within Rhodes University. The study made use of an interpretivist paradigm through the lens of resource-based theory. The contextual environment of the CBC was similar to other NPOs in that their organisational sustainability was at risk due to uncertainty about the availability of long-term funding. The CBC is actively diversifying their income streams by establishing new partnerships, which increase the capacity and resource base of the organisation to improve its flexibility in meeting current and potential funders’ needs. The NPO Business model framework for NPOs with multiple income streams was found to be a suitable BMF to visualise the holistic operations of the CBC. However, the role of governance-related matters being represented in this BMF was found to be lacking. An amended framework including governance as part of the Business model framework for NPOs with multiple income streams was developed. This improved the BMF, by allowing for further contextual insight into the CBCs business model as governance played a major role in the key activities and income-generating strategies they participate in. The role a BMF has in assisting an organisation with resource management activities was also explored. A suitable BMF, which allows for a holistic and explicit display of an organisation’s business model, would assist in determining how resources could be better managed or orchestrated to pursue different potential income-generating strategies or improve the efficiency of how resources are used in the current business model. This study contributed to business model theory by further testing the Business model framework for NPOs with multiple income streams as a tool to visualise an NPOs business model and identifying that once the governance block was added, this BMF became more suitable within the CBCs context. A minor contribution to resource based theory was the exploration of the potential roles BMFs play in resource management, which should be further investigated in line with additional research questions proposed. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2023
- Full Text:
Pink Concrete
- Authors: Curr, Jill Alexandra
- Date: 2022-04-07
- Subjects: Creative writing (Higher education) South Africa , Diaries -- Authorship , South African fiction (English) 21st century , English fiction History and criticism , Nigerian fiction (English) History and criticism , Argentine fiction History and criticism , Angolan fiction (Portuguese) History and criticism
- Language: English
- Type: Master's thesis , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/232388 , vital:49987
- Description: (From Reader Report Reflection) - I started this course believing I was not a writer. I knew that I loved to write, I knew that it was innate to how I perceived the world. I had written a novel previously, it was an outpouring, uncontrollable imagination spew. I was often scared and doubted myself throughout writing it, but I took comfort in my reading. I picked up all the classics, modern and old, rewriting the words into notebooks alongside my own, retracing the sounds, the rhythms, the symbols and their little links, the pauses. I collected pieces rereading them with reverence, my fingers curling over the lines sunken into the page. I didn’t understand what I was doing, it felt natural to hide in the skirts of other writers peering behind the curtain to see how they built the illusion. And yet, even after finishing my novel I still didn’t think I was a writer; it was a hobby, it was something extra to me, a backpack I could take off and on. I denied what was innate, and said it was not that important to me. I applied for this Master’s in Creative Writing (MACW)7 course because I wanted external validation on my first novel and an application was probably the only way, I was going to get someone to read it. It is sad and stunted that I needed this external validation to believe I could try, to believe that I could learn to control this compulsion, to believe that I could become a writer. In our first course contact week,8 lecturers and supervisors kept saying again again that we were already writers, that this is what we are. I was scared of this, that they would find out I was not really meant to be here. Writing, taking those solitary thoughts that are too much for my skull and making them real, something tangible; this is how I move through my existence. I take pieces of myself and paste them to the page, otherwise the thoughts build up like snow around a car until you are suffocating in an icebox. And by removing this part of myself to just a hobby, a silly backpack that I can pick up and put down, was just me running away. This MACW course gave me the tools to tap into what I am, that I have a why that I must write to and that I have an audience for this why. By sharing pieces of myself, I make them real again, something I can study, tracing their edges, their dark underbelly, the light hillocks. I sat with my fear for two years slowly, piece by piece, cracking it open. I learnt to love my voice and believe in it without needing external validation, without needing the gold star of acceptance, because I accept and love what I am trying to build with my writing. , Thesis (MACW) -- Faculty of Arts, School of Languages and Literatures, 2022
- Full Text:
- Authors: Curr, Jill Alexandra
- Date: 2022-04-07
- Subjects: Creative writing (Higher education) South Africa , Diaries -- Authorship , South African fiction (English) 21st century , English fiction History and criticism , Nigerian fiction (English) History and criticism , Argentine fiction History and criticism , Angolan fiction (Portuguese) History and criticism
- Language: English
- Type: Master's thesis , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/232388 , vital:49987
- Description: (From Reader Report Reflection) - I started this course believing I was not a writer. I knew that I loved to write, I knew that it was innate to how I perceived the world. I had written a novel previously, it was an outpouring, uncontrollable imagination spew. I was often scared and doubted myself throughout writing it, but I took comfort in my reading. I picked up all the classics, modern and old, rewriting the words into notebooks alongside my own, retracing the sounds, the rhythms, the symbols and their little links, the pauses. I collected pieces rereading them with reverence, my fingers curling over the lines sunken into the page. I didn’t understand what I was doing, it felt natural to hide in the skirts of other writers peering behind the curtain to see how they built the illusion. And yet, even after finishing my novel I still didn’t think I was a writer; it was a hobby, it was something extra to me, a backpack I could take off and on. I denied what was innate, and said it was not that important to me. I applied for this Master’s in Creative Writing (MACW)7 course because I wanted external validation on my first novel and an application was probably the only way, I was going to get someone to read it. It is sad and stunted that I needed this external validation to believe I could try, to believe that I could learn to control this compulsion, to believe that I could become a writer. In our first course contact week,8 lecturers and supervisors kept saying again again that we were already writers, that this is what we are. I was scared of this, that they would find out I was not really meant to be here. Writing, taking those solitary thoughts that are too much for my skull and making them real, something tangible; this is how I move through my existence. I take pieces of myself and paste them to the page, otherwise the thoughts build up like snow around a car until you are suffocating in an icebox. And by removing this part of myself to just a hobby, a silly backpack that I can pick up and put down, was just me running away. This MACW course gave me the tools to tap into what I am, that I have a why that I must write to and that I have an audience for this why. By sharing pieces of myself, I make them real again, something I can study, tracing their edges, their dark underbelly, the light hillocks. I sat with my fear for two years slowly, piece by piece, cracking it open. I learnt to love my voice and believe in it without needing external validation, without needing the gold star of acceptance, because I accept and love what I am trying to build with my writing. , Thesis (MACW) -- Faculty of Arts, School of Languages and Literatures, 2022
- Full Text:
Soil and vegetation recovery following Acacia dealbata clearing in the Tsitsa catchment, Eastern Cape Province of South Africa: implications for ecological restoration
- Authors: Balintulo, Putuma
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Acacia South Africa Eastern Cape , Invasive plants South Africa Eastern Cape , Working for Water Programme , Soil restoration South Africa Eastern Cape , Plant nutrients South Africa Eastern Cape , Restoration ecology South Africa Eastern Cape , Clearing of land South Africa Eastern Cape , Legacy effect
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/290778 , vital:56783
- Description: Invasion by alien plant species in South Africa continues to compromise the stability of ecosystems by causing declines in biodiversity, altering soil nutrients and processes, and subsequently transforming ecosystem functionality. Control of invasive alien plant species has been widely implemented in South Africa to minimize their negative impacts; however, the legacy effects can persist long after the plant has been removed. The impacts of Acacia dealbata clearing on soil properties and native vegetation recovery remains understudied despite their significance in ecological restoration and monitoring. This comparative study determined the impacts of A. dealbata clearing on both soil physicochemical properties and vegetation in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Soils were collected from three different clearing treatments, namely, cleared, invaded, and uninvaded, on 5 m x 5 m plots over three summer months. The plots were replicated four times for each clearing treatment, making a total of 72 sampling plots. Soils were assessed for soil pH, resistivity, P, C, N, and exchangeable cations as well as soil moisture content, penetration resistance, infiltration rate, hydraulic conductivity, and water repellency. Clearing of A. dealbata did not have any significant effects on most soil nutrients, however, there were variations in soil pH, resistance, and Na. Soil pH was significantly higher in the uninvaded treatments than in the cleared and invaded treatments. Soil moisture content was significantly higher in the cleared treatments than the adjacent invaded and uninvaded treatments, but this was observed in the month of December only. Soil penetration resistance and infiltration rates were significantly higher in the month of December in the cleared treatments. For all clearing treatments, no significant differences were recorded for soil hydraulic conductivity. These results on changes in soil properties following A. dealbata clearing are varied, with some soil properties showing decreases, an indication that removal of A. dealbata has the potential to shift soil properties towards a positive recovery trajectory. This study further assessed whether the clearing of A. dealbata facilitates the recovery of native plant species. Vegetation surveys were conducted in the three above-mentioned treatments and plots. Results showed little recruitment of native grasses and forbs, but the persistence of A. dealbata seedlings in the cleared treatments. Species richness and Shannon-Wiener diversity index were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the cleared and invaded treatments than the uninvaded treatments, and this was more visible for trees and shrubs. Cover for all species was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the uninvaded than the cleared and invaded treatments. This study observed the recruitment of some native species in the cleared treatments that were not present in the invaded treatments. Therefore, the recruitment and establishment of some native species, mostly grasses, in the cleared treatments gives assurance that passive restoration is on a positive vegetation recovery trajectory that can lead to recovery of native vegetation after A. dealbata clearing. Therefore, the study concludes that investing in ecological restoration after alien plant clearing is a necessity for complete ecosystem recovery to be achieved. Overall, the study concludes that the removal of A. dealbata triggers changes to some soil properties. Similarly, the study observed recruitment of some native grasses in cleared areas, an indication that alien plant clearing facilitates changes in both soil properties and vegetation. However, soil and vegetation recovery are being hampered by the regrowth of A. dealbata and secondary invaders that were observed in the cleared treatments. Two key recommendations of this study are (i) clearing follow-up to remove recruiting seedlings of invasive plant species and secondary invaders should be timeous and well-funded, and (ii) active restoration should be considered to speed-up soil and vegetation recovery processes. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Environmental Science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Authors: Balintulo, Putuma
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Acacia South Africa Eastern Cape , Invasive plants South Africa Eastern Cape , Working for Water Programme , Soil restoration South Africa Eastern Cape , Plant nutrients South Africa Eastern Cape , Restoration ecology South Africa Eastern Cape , Clearing of land South Africa Eastern Cape , Legacy effect
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/290778 , vital:56783
- Description: Invasion by alien plant species in South Africa continues to compromise the stability of ecosystems by causing declines in biodiversity, altering soil nutrients and processes, and subsequently transforming ecosystem functionality. Control of invasive alien plant species has been widely implemented in South Africa to minimize their negative impacts; however, the legacy effects can persist long after the plant has been removed. The impacts of Acacia dealbata clearing on soil properties and native vegetation recovery remains understudied despite their significance in ecological restoration and monitoring. This comparative study determined the impacts of A. dealbata clearing on both soil physicochemical properties and vegetation in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Soils were collected from three different clearing treatments, namely, cleared, invaded, and uninvaded, on 5 m x 5 m plots over three summer months. The plots were replicated four times for each clearing treatment, making a total of 72 sampling plots. Soils were assessed for soil pH, resistivity, P, C, N, and exchangeable cations as well as soil moisture content, penetration resistance, infiltration rate, hydraulic conductivity, and water repellency. Clearing of A. dealbata did not have any significant effects on most soil nutrients, however, there were variations in soil pH, resistance, and Na. Soil pH was significantly higher in the uninvaded treatments than in the cleared and invaded treatments. Soil moisture content was significantly higher in the cleared treatments than the adjacent invaded and uninvaded treatments, but this was observed in the month of December only. Soil penetration resistance and infiltration rates were significantly higher in the month of December in the cleared treatments. For all clearing treatments, no significant differences were recorded for soil hydraulic conductivity. These results on changes in soil properties following A. dealbata clearing are varied, with some soil properties showing decreases, an indication that removal of A. dealbata has the potential to shift soil properties towards a positive recovery trajectory. This study further assessed whether the clearing of A. dealbata facilitates the recovery of native plant species. Vegetation surveys were conducted in the three above-mentioned treatments and plots. Results showed little recruitment of native grasses and forbs, but the persistence of A. dealbata seedlings in the cleared treatments. Species richness and Shannon-Wiener diversity index were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the cleared and invaded treatments than the uninvaded treatments, and this was more visible for trees and shrubs. Cover for all species was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the uninvaded than the cleared and invaded treatments. This study observed the recruitment of some native species in the cleared treatments that were not present in the invaded treatments. Therefore, the recruitment and establishment of some native species, mostly grasses, in the cleared treatments gives assurance that passive restoration is on a positive vegetation recovery trajectory that can lead to recovery of native vegetation after A. dealbata clearing. Therefore, the study concludes that investing in ecological restoration after alien plant clearing is a necessity for complete ecosystem recovery to be achieved. Overall, the study concludes that the removal of A. dealbata triggers changes to some soil properties. Similarly, the study observed recruitment of some native grasses in cleared areas, an indication that alien plant clearing facilitates changes in both soil properties and vegetation. However, soil and vegetation recovery are being hampered by the regrowth of A. dealbata and secondary invaders that were observed in the cleared treatments. Two key recommendations of this study are (i) clearing follow-up to remove recruiting seedlings of invasive plant species and secondary invaders should be timeous and well-funded, and (ii) active restoration should be considered to speed-up soil and vegetation recovery processes. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Environmental Science, 2022
- Full Text:
A critical assessment of the relationship between the AfCFTA and World Trade Organisation dispute settlement mechanisms, in light of the Conflict of Jurisdiction
- Nhemachena, Tichakunda Charles
- Authors: Nhemachena, Tichakunda Charles
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: African Continental Free Trade Area , World Trade Organization , Dispute resolution (Law) , Conflict of judicial decisions , Good faith (Law)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192052 , vital:45191
- Description: This thesis interrogates the relationship between the Dispute Settlement Understanding and Africa Continental Free Trade Area dispute settlement mechanism, in light of the conflict of jurisdiction. The conflict of jurisdiction is an adverse effect of the fragmentation of international law. The uncoordinated proliferation of international treaties has increased occurrences of overlapping memberships and overlapping subject matter regulation amongst treaties. Whenever the overlaps mentioned above exist, and a dispute arises concerning matters of overlap, that dispute can be heard in more than one tribunal, giving rise to a conflict of jurisdiction. Jurisdictional conflicts are a problem because they breed uncertainty in the adjudication of disputes; they increase the risk of forum shopping, conflict of rulings, protracted litigation, and waste resources. There is a significant risk for jurisdictional conflicts between the World Trade Organisation and Africa Continental Free Trade Area agreements, because of membership and subject matter overlaps. To mitigate the problems caused by jurisdictional conflicts, the Africa Continental Free Trade Area agreement has incorporated a fork-in-the-road clause. Fork-in-the-road provisions allow parties to choose their preferred forum, and once the forum is chosen, the parties are prohibited from bringing the same dispute to another tribunal. Unfortunately, fork-in-the-road clauses are insufficient in resolving jurisdictional conflicts because they do not bind the Dispute Settlement Understanding. It is only bound to enforce World Trade Organisation obligations and not non-World Trade Organisation obligations. The extent to which non-World Trade Organisation norms apply in the Dispute Settlement Understanding is unsettled, making it difficult to conclude whether a fork-in-the-road provision will be effective an effective solution to potential jurisdictional conflicts. In this thesis, the researcher investigates the prospects of the World Trade Organisation applying the AfCFTA fork-in-the-road clause, directly, as a potential solution to the conflict of jurisdiction. In addition, the researcher will also investigate an alternative means of applying the AfCFTA fork-in-the-road provision, indirectly, using the World Trade Organisation procedural good faith provisions. In conclusion, the researcher provides recommendations on how the World Trade Organisation and the AfCFTA agreement can facilitate the application of fork-in-the-road clauses in the Dispute Settlement Understanding to resolve the conflict of jurisdiction. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Law, 2021
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- Authors: Nhemachena, Tichakunda Charles
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: African Continental Free Trade Area , World Trade Organization , Dispute resolution (Law) , Conflict of judicial decisions , Good faith (Law)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192052 , vital:45191
- Description: This thesis interrogates the relationship between the Dispute Settlement Understanding and Africa Continental Free Trade Area dispute settlement mechanism, in light of the conflict of jurisdiction. The conflict of jurisdiction is an adverse effect of the fragmentation of international law. The uncoordinated proliferation of international treaties has increased occurrences of overlapping memberships and overlapping subject matter regulation amongst treaties. Whenever the overlaps mentioned above exist, and a dispute arises concerning matters of overlap, that dispute can be heard in more than one tribunal, giving rise to a conflict of jurisdiction. Jurisdictional conflicts are a problem because they breed uncertainty in the adjudication of disputes; they increase the risk of forum shopping, conflict of rulings, protracted litigation, and waste resources. There is a significant risk for jurisdictional conflicts between the World Trade Organisation and Africa Continental Free Trade Area agreements, because of membership and subject matter overlaps. To mitigate the problems caused by jurisdictional conflicts, the Africa Continental Free Trade Area agreement has incorporated a fork-in-the-road clause. Fork-in-the-road provisions allow parties to choose their preferred forum, and once the forum is chosen, the parties are prohibited from bringing the same dispute to another tribunal. Unfortunately, fork-in-the-road clauses are insufficient in resolving jurisdictional conflicts because they do not bind the Dispute Settlement Understanding. It is only bound to enforce World Trade Organisation obligations and not non-World Trade Organisation obligations. The extent to which non-World Trade Organisation norms apply in the Dispute Settlement Understanding is unsettled, making it difficult to conclude whether a fork-in-the-road provision will be effective an effective solution to potential jurisdictional conflicts. In this thesis, the researcher investigates the prospects of the World Trade Organisation applying the AfCFTA fork-in-the-road clause, directly, as a potential solution to the conflict of jurisdiction. In addition, the researcher will also investigate an alternative means of applying the AfCFTA fork-in-the-road provision, indirectly, using the World Trade Organisation procedural good faith provisions. In conclusion, the researcher provides recommendations on how the World Trade Organisation and the AfCFTA agreement can facilitate the application of fork-in-the-road clauses in the Dispute Settlement Understanding to resolve the conflict of jurisdiction. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Law, 2021
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Power in periods: a Foucauldian-feminist exploration of menstruation in an all-girls’ secondary school in South Africa
- Authors: Parkinson, Catherine Anne
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Menstruation South Africa , Menstruation Social aspects South Africa , High school girls Health and hygiene South Africa , Communication in reproductive health South Africa , Sexual health South Africa , Sex differences (Psychology) in adolescence South Africa , Male domination (Social structure) South Africa , Feminist theory , Foucault, Michel, 1926-1984. Surveiller et punir. English , Discourse analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/190930 , vital:45042
- Description: Absenteeism from school among girls due to a lack of menstrual health management (MHM) products has increasingly attracted attention from researchers and activists in recent years. Having highlighted the challenges caused by a lack of MHM products, the focus has been on the available facilities at schools to ensure MHM. Many schools in South Africa lack water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) to ensure hygiene standards for the removal of bodily excre-ment, which further causes distress to girls needing MHM while at school. To investigate fur-ther the MHM challenges girls face, apart from access to products and WASH, this qualita-tive study purposively selected an all-girls’ school with access to good sanitation facilities. This research uses Foucauldian Discourse Analysis and Feminist Theory to explore the forms of discipline and control that girls experience at school to contain their bodily functioning and fluids, and the forms of resistance and support that girls encounter with MHM at school. I will argue that the ambivalent meanings girls acquire about menstruation at home and in soci-ety persist at school despite their own views that menstruation is normal. While MHM prod-ucts and WASH facilities need to be freely available, the problematic social response to men-struation is what needs to be addressed in order to emancipate women from the social patriar-chal power that informs their understanding that menstruation is shameful. MHM cannot only encompass products and facilities but needs to encompass a change in societal views of sex-ual and reproductive health. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Authors: Parkinson, Catherine Anne
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Menstruation South Africa , Menstruation Social aspects South Africa , High school girls Health and hygiene South Africa , Communication in reproductive health South Africa , Sexual health South Africa , Sex differences (Psychology) in adolescence South Africa , Male domination (Social structure) South Africa , Feminist theory , Foucault, Michel, 1926-1984. Surveiller et punir. English , Discourse analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/190930 , vital:45042
- Description: Absenteeism from school among girls due to a lack of menstrual health management (MHM) products has increasingly attracted attention from researchers and activists in recent years. Having highlighted the challenges caused by a lack of MHM products, the focus has been on the available facilities at schools to ensure MHM. Many schools in South Africa lack water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) to ensure hygiene standards for the removal of bodily excre-ment, which further causes distress to girls needing MHM while at school. To investigate fur-ther the MHM challenges girls face, apart from access to products and WASH, this qualita-tive study purposively selected an all-girls’ school with access to good sanitation facilities. This research uses Foucauldian Discourse Analysis and Feminist Theory to explore the forms of discipline and control that girls experience at school to contain their bodily functioning and fluids, and the forms of resistance and support that girls encounter with MHM at school. I will argue that the ambivalent meanings girls acquire about menstruation at home and in soci-ety persist at school despite their own views that menstruation is normal. While MHM prod-ucts and WASH facilities need to be freely available, the problematic social response to men-struation is what needs to be addressed in order to emancipate women from the social patriar-chal power that informs their understanding that menstruation is shameful. MHM cannot only encompass products and facilities but needs to encompass a change in societal views of sex-ual and reproductive health. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2021
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An investigation of support services available for black female owners of bed & breakfasts in Makhanda
- Authors: Mdluli, Lukhona Silubonile
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Bed and breakfast accommodations -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Businesspeople, Black -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Business enterprises, Black -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Women-owned business enterprises -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Government aid to small business -- South Africa , Small business -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Racism -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Businesswomen -- South Africa -- Makhanda
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/177181 , vital:42797
- Description: Over the last 26 years, the South African government has committed to SMME development. To do this, policies and support institutions were put in place which would create a favourable environment for SMME development. This was particularly important as after 1994, when the South African economy was re-integrated into global markets after years of having sanctions imposed against the country as a result of the apartheid system. The tourism industry was identified as one of the key economic drivers which would strengthen the economy and assist in job creation, especially since South Africa would be able to attract international tourists. Further, it created the opportunity for new participants to enter the industry, including black entrepreneurs who previously could not enter the industry as a result of the apartheid laws. The opening up of the country to international markets and the focus on the tourism industry also presented the opportunity for new forms of tourism to be explored including township tourism, which gave rise to the black-owned bed & breakfast sector. Over time, it has become evident that black entrepreneurs in this sector are facing a number of challenges, in spite of the pro-SMME policies and support institutions that are in place. Because this study seeks to investigate the support services available for black female bed & breakfast owners in Makhanda, a qualitative research approach using the interpretative theoretical framework was applied. By using semi-structured interview questions, to establish what challenges do black female bed and breakfast owners face the researcher was able to respond to the following; what participants identify as their needs; and whether they are able to access the support services that are made available by the Government. Results indicated that the majority of entrepreneurs have difficulty accessing funding to develop their businesses. The seasonality of Grahamstown/ Makhanda tourism businesses has its pros and cons for tourism entrepreneurs. Despite efforts by government to transform the tourism industry, black female entrepreneurs in this industry still experience a myriad of challenges, including passive racism. Insufficient institutional support and inaccessible support services for women have made it difficult to manage in this this environment. Thus, a recommendation is put forward for female focused entrepreneurship policy, which is more responsive in terms of a judicial and legal system(s) aimed at addressing women’s particular needs and challenges. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2021
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mdluli, Lukhona Silubonile
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Bed and breakfast accommodations -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Businesspeople, Black -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Business enterprises, Black -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Women-owned business enterprises -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Government aid to small business -- South Africa , Small business -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Racism -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Businesswomen -- South Africa -- Makhanda
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/177181 , vital:42797
- Description: Over the last 26 years, the South African government has committed to SMME development. To do this, policies and support institutions were put in place which would create a favourable environment for SMME development. This was particularly important as after 1994, when the South African economy was re-integrated into global markets after years of having sanctions imposed against the country as a result of the apartheid system. The tourism industry was identified as one of the key economic drivers which would strengthen the economy and assist in job creation, especially since South Africa would be able to attract international tourists. Further, it created the opportunity for new participants to enter the industry, including black entrepreneurs who previously could not enter the industry as a result of the apartheid laws. The opening up of the country to international markets and the focus on the tourism industry also presented the opportunity for new forms of tourism to be explored including township tourism, which gave rise to the black-owned bed & breakfast sector. Over time, it has become evident that black entrepreneurs in this sector are facing a number of challenges, in spite of the pro-SMME policies and support institutions that are in place. Because this study seeks to investigate the support services available for black female bed & breakfast owners in Makhanda, a qualitative research approach using the interpretative theoretical framework was applied. By using semi-structured interview questions, to establish what challenges do black female bed and breakfast owners face the researcher was able to respond to the following; what participants identify as their needs; and whether they are able to access the support services that are made available by the Government. Results indicated that the majority of entrepreneurs have difficulty accessing funding to develop their businesses. The seasonality of Grahamstown/ Makhanda tourism businesses has its pros and cons for tourism entrepreneurs. Despite efforts by government to transform the tourism industry, black female entrepreneurs in this industry still experience a myriad of challenges, including passive racism. Insufficient institutional support and inaccessible support services for women have made it difficult to manage in this this environment. Thus, a recommendation is put forward for female focused entrepreneurship policy, which is more responsive in terms of a judicial and legal system(s) aimed at addressing women’s particular needs and challenges. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2021
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The South African income tax implications of transactions entered into to earn points for a Broad- Based Black Economic Empowerment scorecard, with reference to a selection of structures
- Authors: Jaga, Praksha
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Black Economic Empowerment (Program : South Africa) , South Africa. Income Tax Act, 1962 , Income tax -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Spendings tax -- South Africa , Tax deductions -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/177306 , vital:42808
- Description: This thesis discussed the South African income tax implications, in terms of the Income Tax Act, No. 58 of 1962, arising from complying with Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment requirements, and related principles established in case law. Various structures and transactions entered into for the purposes of earning points for the B-BBEE scorecard were identified. In the assessment of the deductibility of B-BBEE expenditure in terms of the preamble to section 11, section 11(a) and section 23(g) of the Act, it was highlighted that, in the South African economic environment, B-BBEE compliance represents a competitive advantage for entities. In addition, many South African organisations are required to comply with B-BBEE requirements for legal and regulatory purposes. The analysis of the deductibility of B-BBEE expenditure revealed that taxpayers that incur this expenditure would be carrying on a trade or commencing to do so. It was also concluded that B-BBEE expenditure is incurred in the production of income and would generally not be capital in nature, except in certain circumstances, in which case the Act provides certain allowances. Any deduction will only be allowed in the year of assessment in which the expenditure is actually incurred, or when the taxpayer incurs an unconditional legal obligation. This thesis explored several alternatives to achieve the requirements of the ownership element of B-BBEE and highlighted the income tax implications that arise because of these structures. It was also observed that there are a number of incentives in the Act that could be beneficial to taxpayers seeking to earn points for the remaining elements of the B-BBEE scorecard. A legal interpretive approach, in particular a doctrinal research methodology, was adopted in carrying out this research. This research concluded that the Act facilitates most of the B-BBEE transactions and structures, but due to the complex and sometimes uncertain nature of the tax consequences of B-BBEE transactions and structures, there is a need for further guidance in this area of tax law. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Accounting, 2021
- Full Text:
- Authors: Jaga, Praksha
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Black Economic Empowerment (Program : South Africa) , South Africa. Income Tax Act, 1962 , Income tax -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Spendings tax -- South Africa , Tax deductions -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/177306 , vital:42808
- Description: This thesis discussed the South African income tax implications, in terms of the Income Tax Act, No. 58 of 1962, arising from complying with Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment requirements, and related principles established in case law. Various structures and transactions entered into for the purposes of earning points for the B-BBEE scorecard were identified. In the assessment of the deductibility of B-BBEE expenditure in terms of the preamble to section 11, section 11(a) and section 23(g) of the Act, it was highlighted that, in the South African economic environment, B-BBEE compliance represents a competitive advantage for entities. In addition, many South African organisations are required to comply with B-BBEE requirements for legal and regulatory purposes. The analysis of the deductibility of B-BBEE expenditure revealed that taxpayers that incur this expenditure would be carrying on a trade or commencing to do so. It was also concluded that B-BBEE expenditure is incurred in the production of income and would generally not be capital in nature, except in certain circumstances, in which case the Act provides certain allowances. Any deduction will only be allowed in the year of assessment in which the expenditure is actually incurred, or when the taxpayer incurs an unconditional legal obligation. This thesis explored several alternatives to achieve the requirements of the ownership element of B-BBEE and highlighted the income tax implications that arise because of these structures. It was also observed that there are a number of incentives in the Act that could be beneficial to taxpayers seeking to earn points for the remaining elements of the B-BBEE scorecard. A legal interpretive approach, in particular a doctrinal research methodology, was adopted in carrying out this research. This research concluded that the Act facilitates most of the B-BBEE transactions and structures, but due to the complex and sometimes uncertain nature of the tax consequences of B-BBEE transactions and structures, there is a need for further guidance in this area of tax law. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Accounting, 2021
- Full Text:
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