Source of introduced populations of Hemidactylus mabouia (Moreau de Jonnès, 1818) into the Eastern Cape Province and the potential spread to other South African regions
- Authors: Jeme, Alungile
- Date: 2023-03-29
- Subjects: Introduced vertebrates , Hemidactylus , Tropical house gecko , Species Distribution Model , Biogeography South Africa Eastern Cape , Biological invasions
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/422334 , vital:71933
- Description: Human movements globally have resulted in dispersal and introduction of terrestrial and marine organisms into areas outside of their native range. Species that have been introduced to new habitats can either be alien (not causing any harm to the new environment) or invasive alien species (destroying or competing with the indigenous species for resources). Investigating the source of these introductions is important as it provides baseline information about their biology and evolution. It also allows for better prevention measures for future invasions and for effective conservation strategies. In this study, I investigate the source of the introduced populations of tropical house geckos Hemidactylus mabouia in the Eastern Cape Province using two mitochondrial gene regions, ribosomal 16S and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 4 (ND4). We also look at the potential spread of these species using species distribution models (SDMs). The phylogeny showed that the introduced populations into the Eastern Cape were genetically similar to both H. mabouia lineages found in Central & Southern Africa. The phylogeny produced two clades from which the majority of the introduced samples were grouped in a clade with samples from Angola, DRC, and Mozambique, and only a few nested within the second clade with the South African native population. Haplotype networks from both genes also showed two clades, matching those found in the phylogeny. The introduced samples were associated with samples from Angola and those from South Africa (native) as these localities had a number of shared haplotypes. SDMs showed less evidence that these individuals could naturally move west down the coast as the probability of occurrence was below 0.4 from the Eastern Cape to the Western Cape. Our conclusion was that the introductions may be due to multiple avenues like species moving down the east coast or human translocation including trade routes. From this we can conclude that geckos are largely translocated through human movement as they are known for their opportunistic behaviours as they are commensal with humans. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-03-29
- Authors: Jeme, Alungile
- Date: 2023-03-29
- Subjects: Introduced vertebrates , Hemidactylus , Tropical house gecko , Species Distribution Model , Biogeography South Africa Eastern Cape , Biological invasions
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/422334 , vital:71933
- Description: Human movements globally have resulted in dispersal and introduction of terrestrial and marine organisms into areas outside of their native range. Species that have been introduced to new habitats can either be alien (not causing any harm to the new environment) or invasive alien species (destroying or competing with the indigenous species for resources). Investigating the source of these introductions is important as it provides baseline information about their biology and evolution. It also allows for better prevention measures for future invasions and for effective conservation strategies. In this study, I investigate the source of the introduced populations of tropical house geckos Hemidactylus mabouia in the Eastern Cape Province using two mitochondrial gene regions, ribosomal 16S and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 4 (ND4). We also look at the potential spread of these species using species distribution models (SDMs). The phylogeny showed that the introduced populations into the Eastern Cape were genetically similar to both H. mabouia lineages found in Central & Southern Africa. The phylogeny produced two clades from which the majority of the introduced samples were grouped in a clade with samples from Angola, DRC, and Mozambique, and only a few nested within the second clade with the South African native population. Haplotype networks from both genes also showed two clades, matching those found in the phylogeny. The introduced samples were associated with samples from Angola and those from South Africa (native) as these localities had a number of shared haplotypes. SDMs showed less evidence that these individuals could naturally move west down the coast as the probability of occurrence was below 0.4 from the Eastern Cape to the Western Cape. Our conclusion was that the introductions may be due to multiple avenues like species moving down the east coast or human translocation including trade routes. From this we can conclude that geckos are largely translocated through human movement as they are known for their opportunistic behaviours as they are commensal with humans. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-03-29
Population dynamics, fire, and reproductive ecology of Oldenburgia grandis (Asteraceae), an unusual fynbos tree endemic to the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Mostert, Emma Charlotte
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/365268 , vital:65722
- Description: Thesis embargoed. Possible release date set for early 2024. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Botany, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Mostert, Emma Charlotte
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/365268 , vital:65722
- Description: Thesis embargoed. Possible release date set for early 2024. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Botany, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
Climate change and small-scale farmer livelihood adaptation in rural border communities in Southern Africa: A case study of Ezondweni Village in Mchinji, Malawi
- Authors: Simango, Kennedy Khuzwayo
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Farms, Small Malawi Mchinji , Climatic changes Economic aspects Malawi Mchinji , Climatic changes Risk management Malawi Mchinji , Crops and climate Malawi Mchinji , Sustainable agriculture Malawi Mchinji , Farmers Social networks Malawi Mchinji , Farm income Malawi Mchinji
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/190008 , vital:44955
- Description: Southern Africa is a region increasingly experiencing the detrimental effects of climate change and variability. The rural areas in particular face unprecedented climate change-induced challenges in relation to small-scale farmers being able to pursue household-based livelihoods, and these farmers seek ways of adapting to climate change and variability in doing so. Some rural communities exist along territorial borders and their attempts at adapting to climate change entails cross-border networks and activities. In this context, this thesis examines small-scale farmer adaptation to climate change and variability in the small village of Ezondweni in Malawi near the Zambian border. Analytically, the study draws upon the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework as well as social network theory and the theory of reflexive agency put forward by Margaret Archer. A qualitative research design entailed informal interviews with a small number of Ezondweni villagers, focusing on their perceptions of climate change and their practices of climate change adaptation. The study demonstrates the diverse activities pursued by villagers, both within Malawi and beyond, in seeking to maintain household-based livelihoods, as well as the significance of mutually-supportive social networks which facilitate these livelihood processes. , Thesis (MSocSci) -- Faculty of Humanities, Social Science, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Simango, Kennedy Khuzwayo
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Farms, Small Malawi Mchinji , Climatic changes Economic aspects Malawi Mchinji , Climatic changes Risk management Malawi Mchinji , Crops and climate Malawi Mchinji , Sustainable agriculture Malawi Mchinji , Farmers Social networks Malawi Mchinji , Farm income Malawi Mchinji
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/190008 , vital:44955
- Description: Southern Africa is a region increasingly experiencing the detrimental effects of climate change and variability. The rural areas in particular face unprecedented climate change-induced challenges in relation to small-scale farmers being able to pursue household-based livelihoods, and these farmers seek ways of adapting to climate change and variability in doing so. Some rural communities exist along territorial borders and their attempts at adapting to climate change entails cross-border networks and activities. In this context, this thesis examines small-scale farmer adaptation to climate change and variability in the small village of Ezondweni in Malawi near the Zambian border. Analytically, the study draws upon the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework as well as social network theory and the theory of reflexive agency put forward by Margaret Archer. A qualitative research design entailed informal interviews with a small number of Ezondweni villagers, focusing on their perceptions of climate change and their practices of climate change adaptation. The study demonstrates the diverse activities pursued by villagers, both within Malawi and beyond, in seeking to maintain household-based livelihoods, as well as the significance of mutually-supportive social networks which facilitate these livelihood processes. , Thesis (MSocSci) -- Faculty of Humanities, Social Science, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Negotiating shame: An exploration of the body experience among young South African women who have attended or are attending University
- Authors: Spyker, Jessica Grace
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Shame , Body image in women , Body image Social aspects , College students Social conditions , College students Attitudes , Feminist aesthetics , Self-perception in women
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/294880 , vital:57265
- Description: Guided by phenomenological and feminist phenomenological perspectives, this research aimed to explore the ways in which young South African women, who were attending or had recently graduated from university, navigated body shame. It interrogated the socially situated ‘lived body’ and the way it was impacted by restrictive appearance ideals. Fifteen in-depth interviews were conducted, mostly through the video conferencing website Zoom. It became evident that women experienced their bodies in complex ways. There was evidence of conformity to as well as resistance against the “regime of shame”. Conformity and resistance often happened simultaneously. Both of these kinds of experiences were viewed as valid and explored in their own right. External messages around women’s bodies and how they should look had greatly influenced participants experiences of their own bodies. This included messages from discourses such as postfeminism and the body positivity movement, which informed the ways in which they navigated shame. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Spyker, Jessica Grace
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Shame , Body image in women , Body image Social aspects , College students Social conditions , College students Attitudes , Feminist aesthetics , Self-perception in women
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/294880 , vital:57265
- Description: Guided by phenomenological and feminist phenomenological perspectives, this research aimed to explore the ways in which young South African women, who were attending or had recently graduated from university, navigated body shame. It interrogated the socially situated ‘lived body’ and the way it was impacted by restrictive appearance ideals. Fifteen in-depth interviews were conducted, mostly through the video conferencing website Zoom. It became evident that women experienced their bodies in complex ways. There was evidence of conformity to as well as resistance against the “regime of shame”. Conformity and resistance often happened simultaneously. Both of these kinds of experiences were viewed as valid and explored in their own right. External messages around women’s bodies and how they should look had greatly influenced participants experiences of their own bodies. This included messages from discourses such as postfeminism and the body positivity movement, which informed the ways in which they navigated shame. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Evaluating the physiological, morphological and nutritional effects of elevated atmospheric CO2 and drought on select South African maize cultivars
- Authors: Bopape, Tebadi Mamadiga
- Date: 2021-10
- Subjects: Corn Varieties South Africa , Dry farming South Africa , Corn Effect of atmospheric carbon dioxide on South Africa , Corn Effect of drought on South Africa , Corn Morphology , Corn Nutrition , Corn Physiological effect
- Language: English
- Type: Master theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/189020 , vital:44807
- Description: Thesis embargoed. Expected Release date October 2022. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Botany, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10
- Authors: Bopape, Tebadi Mamadiga
- Date: 2021-10
- Subjects: Corn Varieties South Africa , Dry farming South Africa , Corn Effect of atmospheric carbon dioxide on South Africa , Corn Effect of drought on South Africa , Corn Morphology , Corn Nutrition , Corn Physiological effect
- Language: English
- Type: Master theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/189020 , vital:44807
- Description: Thesis embargoed. Expected Release date October 2022. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Botany, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10
Assessing the effects of the South African schools rationalisation policy on educator morale-case study of Buffalo City District Education in King Williams Town – Eastern Cape
- Authors: Mgedezi, Nomahlubi Pamela
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Teacher morale
- Language: English
- Type: Master's/ theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20439 , vital:45666
- Description: The purpose of the study was to scrutinise and assess the effects of South African school’s rationalization framework on educator morale in the Eastern Cape Department of Basic Education amidst the research objectives. The researcher wanted to establish if the Department of Education had succeeded in the implementation of the policy. In terms of the accomplishment of the objectives the researcher wanted to determine whether the exercise of the policy had affected the morale of educators. The study reviewed the literature, theoretical and empirical assessment of rationalisation process on the morale of educators in the King William’s Town district in the Eastern Cape. The study adopted a case study design of qualitative approach. The target population of the study included seventeen educators of the five schools in King William’s Town. A purposive sampling was used to select the respondents. A semi – structured interviews and questionnaires was used, and data was analysed using thematic approach according to the themes from the research questions. The questionnaire method succeeded by interviews was used for the collection of data. The tables and bar graphs were used to represent the number of respondents that participated in the study. The findings denoted that some of the educators believed the Department of Education had not planned the process of rationalisation sufficiently as it brought about anxiety and stress, though some of the affected educators mentioned that it brought relief as there are additional educators to teach other learning areas. The study recommended that the Department of basic Education in Eastern Cape should as a matter of priority provide maximum support to the affected educators. The study concluded that it became evident that the interaction with the respondents showed that the rationalisation process affects redeployed educators negatively. The outcome of the study could be helpful to the Department of Education to come up with strategies of implementing the policy and serve as a centre of reference towards other organisations and unions. , Thesis (MPA) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
- Authors: Mgedezi, Nomahlubi Pamela
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Teacher morale
- Language: English
- Type: Master's/ theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20439 , vital:45666
- Description: The purpose of the study was to scrutinise and assess the effects of South African school’s rationalization framework on educator morale in the Eastern Cape Department of Basic Education amidst the research objectives. The researcher wanted to establish if the Department of Education had succeeded in the implementation of the policy. In terms of the accomplishment of the objectives the researcher wanted to determine whether the exercise of the policy had affected the morale of educators. The study reviewed the literature, theoretical and empirical assessment of rationalisation process on the morale of educators in the King William’s Town district in the Eastern Cape. The study adopted a case study design of qualitative approach. The target population of the study included seventeen educators of the five schools in King William’s Town. A purposive sampling was used to select the respondents. A semi – structured interviews and questionnaires was used, and data was analysed using thematic approach according to the themes from the research questions. The questionnaire method succeeded by interviews was used for the collection of data. The tables and bar graphs were used to represent the number of respondents that participated in the study. The findings denoted that some of the educators believed the Department of Education had not planned the process of rationalisation sufficiently as it brought about anxiety and stress, though some of the affected educators mentioned that it brought relief as there are additional educators to teach other learning areas. The study recommended that the Department of basic Education in Eastern Cape should as a matter of priority provide maximum support to the affected educators. The study concluded that it became evident that the interaction with the respondents showed that the rationalisation process affects redeployed educators negatively. The outcome of the study could be helpful to the Department of Education to come up with strategies of implementing the policy and serve as a centre of reference towards other organisations and unions. , Thesis (MPA) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
Impact of sovereign credit ratings on emerging bond and stock market returns
- Authors: Mkhonto, Zoyisile
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Rating agencies (Finance) , Credit ratings , Bond market
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/177170 , vital:42796
- Description: The primary role of credit rating agencies is to reduce asymmetric information between the parties in a lending relationship. The three major rating agencies have received extensive criticism over the years. These rating agencies have been accused of providing inaccurate ratings which ultimately led to various financial calamities. Late rating action has also been blamed for exacerbating financial and economic cycles. Moreover, there is an argument that emerging markets are unfairly rated in comparison to developed economies. Hence, the reliability and informational value of the assessments provided by credit rating agencies is met with scepticism. Despite these criticisms, rating agencies are characterised as gatekeepers to capital and credit ratings remain essential financial market indicators. Albeit, the literature regarding the impact of sovereign credit ratings on bond and stock markets is inconclusive. This study aims to add to the body of literature and provide insights into the informational value of sovereign credit ratings in emerging markets. More specifically to estimate the relationship between various sovereign credit rating announcements, and bond and stock market returns. Also, to examine whether sovereign credit ratings have a differential impact between bond and stock markets. As well as address the question does it matter who provides the rating? Using an event study, abnormal returns surrounding rating announcements from 2009 to 2019 for 24 emerging markets were analyzed. Firstly, this study concluded that sovereign credit ratings are informative. Secondly, the degree of informativeness differs between the bond and stock markets. Thirdly, an asymmetrical impact was observed between the types of rating announcements. Lastly, that it does matter which rating agency provides the rating because each agency has a unique reputation. The findings of this research have implications on how investors and portfolio managers decide on asset allocation. Furthermore, policymakers may find our investment grade analysis of value when evaluating regulatory reform. It’s recommended that future research refines the event methodology and examines country specific characteristics within each of the emerging markets. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Mkhonto, Zoyisile
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Rating agencies (Finance) , Credit ratings , Bond market
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/177170 , vital:42796
- Description: The primary role of credit rating agencies is to reduce asymmetric information between the parties in a lending relationship. The three major rating agencies have received extensive criticism over the years. These rating agencies have been accused of providing inaccurate ratings which ultimately led to various financial calamities. Late rating action has also been blamed for exacerbating financial and economic cycles. Moreover, there is an argument that emerging markets are unfairly rated in comparison to developed economies. Hence, the reliability and informational value of the assessments provided by credit rating agencies is met with scepticism. Despite these criticisms, rating agencies are characterised as gatekeepers to capital and credit ratings remain essential financial market indicators. Albeit, the literature regarding the impact of sovereign credit ratings on bond and stock markets is inconclusive. This study aims to add to the body of literature and provide insights into the informational value of sovereign credit ratings in emerging markets. More specifically to estimate the relationship between various sovereign credit rating announcements, and bond and stock market returns. Also, to examine whether sovereign credit ratings have a differential impact between bond and stock markets. As well as address the question does it matter who provides the rating? Using an event study, abnormal returns surrounding rating announcements from 2009 to 2019 for 24 emerging markets were analyzed. Firstly, this study concluded that sovereign credit ratings are informative. Secondly, the degree of informativeness differs between the bond and stock markets. Thirdly, an asymmetrical impact was observed between the types of rating announcements. Lastly, that it does matter which rating agency provides the rating because each agency has a unique reputation. The findings of this research have implications on how investors and portfolio managers decide on asset allocation. Furthermore, policymakers may find our investment grade analysis of value when evaluating regulatory reform. It’s recommended that future research refines the event methodology and examines country specific characteristics within each of the emerging markets. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Local economic development in the rural town of Butterworth, Mnquma Municipality, 1997-2013
- Authors: Magengelele, Mkhuseli
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51809 , vital:43374
- Description: The purpose of this study is to investigate how Local Economic Development (LED) in Mnquma, with a particular focus on Butterworth, has impacted the alleviation of inequality, underdevelopment and poverty among the poorest of the poor. The aim of the literature review is to analyse the existing knowledge about LED, its impact in the alleviation of inequality, underdevelopment and poverty among the poorest of the poor and the tangible concrete pointer that shows that all key sector role-players are participating in LED. This study is qualitative in nature and employs a case study as the research design. The convenience sampling technique was used to select seven municipal workers and eight members of the community, giving a total of 14 participants. An open-ended interview schedule was used for the face-to-face in-depth interviews in order to collect data from the participants. Collected data was thematically analysed and raw data put set into meaningful segments, codes and categories. Themes were drawn from the responses of the participants and analysed. Some of the findings were that Butterworth municipality was seen as having both urban and rural features. On the other hand, it was found that the municipality did nothing to provide basic services to the people, the towns were dirty and streets lights were not working, there was insufficient representation based on the number of councillors elected under the Mnquma Local Municipality, municipality councillors lack skills, do not give feedback to the communities and need to be capacitated. The study also found that: ward committee members are less involved in the governance of the local municipality; there is a prevalence of high level unemployment and poverty in the municipality. However, there are various expanded Public Works Programmes currently going on in the municipality. The researcher made some recommendations to ensure effective LED with regard to the alleviation of inequality, underdevelopment and poverty among the poorest of the poor of the Mnquma area in the Butterworth municipality. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Development Studies, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Magengelele, Mkhuseli
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51809 , vital:43374
- Description: The purpose of this study is to investigate how Local Economic Development (LED) in Mnquma, with a particular focus on Butterworth, has impacted the alleviation of inequality, underdevelopment and poverty among the poorest of the poor. The aim of the literature review is to analyse the existing knowledge about LED, its impact in the alleviation of inequality, underdevelopment and poverty among the poorest of the poor and the tangible concrete pointer that shows that all key sector role-players are participating in LED. This study is qualitative in nature and employs a case study as the research design. The convenience sampling technique was used to select seven municipal workers and eight members of the community, giving a total of 14 participants. An open-ended interview schedule was used for the face-to-face in-depth interviews in order to collect data from the participants. Collected data was thematically analysed and raw data put set into meaningful segments, codes and categories. Themes were drawn from the responses of the participants and analysed. Some of the findings were that Butterworth municipality was seen as having both urban and rural features. On the other hand, it was found that the municipality did nothing to provide basic services to the people, the towns were dirty and streets lights were not working, there was insufficient representation based on the number of councillors elected under the Mnquma Local Municipality, municipality councillors lack skills, do not give feedback to the communities and need to be capacitated. The study also found that: ward committee members are less involved in the governance of the local municipality; there is a prevalence of high level unemployment and poverty in the municipality. However, there are various expanded Public Works Programmes currently going on in the municipality. The researcher made some recommendations to ensure effective LED with regard to the alleviation of inequality, underdevelopment and poverty among the poorest of the poor of the Mnquma area in the Butterworth municipality. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Development Studies, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Testing the applicability of the Twin deficits and the Ricardian equivalence hypotheses in South Africa
- Authors: Makua, Khutso Baltimore
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Budget deficits -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic conditions , Economics
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51831 , vital:43376
- Description: This study investigates the applicability of the twin deficit and Ricardian equivalence hypotheses in South Africa by exploring the relationship between budget deficits and current account deficits for the period 1990-2020 in South Africa. The reviewed theoretical and empirical literature has shown the results of this relationship to be mixed, depending on the region in review and the policy regime in some instances. The Johansen cointegration test was used because it has advantage over the Engle-Granger over the number of cointegrating relationships they both test. Compared to Engle-Granger, Johansen cointegration allows for more than one cointegrating relationship. The test show evidence that there is cointegration between current account deficits, budget deficits and other explanatory variables. The tests indicated the presence of cointegration which led to the estimation of VECM. Co-integration and vector error correction modelling techniques were applied to South African data between 1990 to 2020 period. The study at hand indicated that government budget deficits have a long run negative effect on current account deficits, but Granger causality failed to prove the direction of causality between the main variables, current account deficits and current account deficits. Therefore, the study concluded that the twin deficits hypothesis is not applicable in South Africa and revealed that South Africa is a Ricardian economy as Granger causality could not establish that budget deficits cause current account deficits. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Economics, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Makua, Khutso Baltimore
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Budget deficits -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic conditions , Economics
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51831 , vital:43376
- Description: This study investigates the applicability of the twin deficit and Ricardian equivalence hypotheses in South Africa by exploring the relationship between budget deficits and current account deficits for the period 1990-2020 in South Africa. The reviewed theoretical and empirical literature has shown the results of this relationship to be mixed, depending on the region in review and the policy regime in some instances. The Johansen cointegration test was used because it has advantage over the Engle-Granger over the number of cointegrating relationships they both test. Compared to Engle-Granger, Johansen cointegration allows for more than one cointegrating relationship. The test show evidence that there is cointegration between current account deficits, budget deficits and other explanatory variables. The tests indicated the presence of cointegration which led to the estimation of VECM. Co-integration and vector error correction modelling techniques were applied to South African data between 1990 to 2020 period. The study at hand indicated that government budget deficits have a long run negative effect on current account deficits, but Granger causality failed to prove the direction of causality between the main variables, current account deficits and current account deficits. Therefore, the study concluded that the twin deficits hypothesis is not applicable in South Africa and revealed that South Africa is a Ricardian economy as Granger causality could not establish that budget deficits cause current account deficits. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Economics, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
The representation of female consumerism in three African novels
- Authors: Njokweni, Manzendonga
- Date: 2020-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55096 , vital:49114
- Description: The portrayal of women and consumer culture is a pertinent issue in African literature. This dissertation examines female characters in three South African novels namely Hunger Eats a Man (2015) by Nkosinathi Sithole, Men of the South (2010) by Zukiswa Wanner and Black Diamond (2009) by Zakes Mda and exposes the effects of feminized consumerism. The theoretical framework for the study is taken from Carolyn Elizabeth Miller’s (2006) theory of consumerism and sexist oppression and is used to expose the oppressive effects of consumerism that nevertheless construct feminine identity in a capitalist world. To augment Miller’s theory, the work of other theorists are consulted to establish a theoretical framework for analysing feminized consumerism. The first chapter shows the effects of feminized consumerism as oppressive to wealthy women and poor women alike. The second chapter shows that female characters are domesticated by consumerism; domestication referring to the phenomenon of prohibiting women from male spaces or subordinating women within those spaces. The third chapter shows that some of the female characters are engaged in commodity fetishism and that they are affected in adverse ways because of this. The fourth chapter explains how female characters are portrayed as inferior to their male counterparts as a result of femininized consumerism in storytelling. In addition to concluding the oppressive effects of feminized consumerism, the fourth chapter analyses comments about capitalism that the authors make; authors like Wanner and Sithole seem to severely critique capitalism and its effects while Mda seems to verily defend capitalism. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Language, Media and Communication, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-12
- Authors: Njokweni, Manzendonga
- Date: 2020-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55096 , vital:49114
- Description: The portrayal of women and consumer culture is a pertinent issue in African literature. This dissertation examines female characters in three South African novels namely Hunger Eats a Man (2015) by Nkosinathi Sithole, Men of the South (2010) by Zukiswa Wanner and Black Diamond (2009) by Zakes Mda and exposes the effects of feminized consumerism. The theoretical framework for the study is taken from Carolyn Elizabeth Miller’s (2006) theory of consumerism and sexist oppression and is used to expose the oppressive effects of consumerism that nevertheless construct feminine identity in a capitalist world. To augment Miller’s theory, the work of other theorists are consulted to establish a theoretical framework for analysing feminized consumerism. The first chapter shows the effects of feminized consumerism as oppressive to wealthy women and poor women alike. The second chapter shows that female characters are domesticated by consumerism; domestication referring to the phenomenon of prohibiting women from male spaces or subordinating women within those spaces. The third chapter shows that some of the female characters are engaged in commodity fetishism and that they are affected in adverse ways because of this. The fourth chapter explains how female characters are portrayed as inferior to their male counterparts as a result of femininized consumerism in storytelling. In addition to concluding the oppressive effects of feminized consumerism, the fourth chapter analyses comments about capitalism that the authors make; authors like Wanner and Sithole seem to severely critique capitalism and its effects while Mda seems to verily defend capitalism. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Language, Media and Communication, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-12
The role of the national development plan in reducing unemployment
- Authors: Mase, Akhona
- Date: 2020-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54755 , vital:47657
- Description: South Africa has one of the most disturbing joblessness rates in the world, especially among young people and black women. In 2018 the country’s narrow unemployment rate was at 26.7%, while by broader definition was anticipated to be at 35.1% (www.statssa.gov.za, 2018). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the role of the National Development Plan (NDP) in reducing unemployment in South Africa. The NDP was selected because it is the latest employment growth strategy the country has adopted. The National Development Plan targets economic growth, as the main factor for generating employment. To achieve the goal of this study, the researcher adopted the qualitative research methodology. Secondary data was gathered, analysed and interpreted to establish facts about the issue of high unemployment in South Africa and to determine if the National Development Plan is achieving its goal of reducing unemployment. This research established that the high unemployment rate in South Africa continues to be a major challenge, despite the introduction of the National Development Plan. The Plan projected that the rate of unemployment in South Africa will decline from 25% in 2013 to 14% by 2020. However, the unemployment rate in the country has increased from 25% in 2013 to 27% in 2018. In addition, this study established that unemployment in South Africa is structural, and it is caused by these four factors: Firstly, poor education, secondly, skills mismatch, the third factor which contributed immensely to unemployment in the country was the forceful removal of black people from places close to economic activities. This happened during the apartheid era. The fourth and last factor that led to increase in unemployment in South Africa was the 2008/2009 global recession. Structural unemployment is the type of unemployment that persists even when the economy is on the rise, as it is not caused by slow growth in the economy but by factors such as skill mismatch or complete unavailability of skills required in the economy. Therefore, targeting economic growth as a key mechanism for job creation will not yield any positive outcomes for South Africa. The study made a number of recommendations that the government can employ to adequately tackle unemployment in South Africa. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-04
- Authors: Mase, Akhona
- Date: 2020-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54755 , vital:47657
- Description: South Africa has one of the most disturbing joblessness rates in the world, especially among young people and black women. In 2018 the country’s narrow unemployment rate was at 26.7%, while by broader definition was anticipated to be at 35.1% (www.statssa.gov.za, 2018). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the role of the National Development Plan (NDP) in reducing unemployment in South Africa. The NDP was selected because it is the latest employment growth strategy the country has adopted. The National Development Plan targets economic growth, as the main factor for generating employment. To achieve the goal of this study, the researcher adopted the qualitative research methodology. Secondary data was gathered, analysed and interpreted to establish facts about the issue of high unemployment in South Africa and to determine if the National Development Plan is achieving its goal of reducing unemployment. This research established that the high unemployment rate in South Africa continues to be a major challenge, despite the introduction of the National Development Plan. The Plan projected that the rate of unemployment in South Africa will decline from 25% in 2013 to 14% by 2020. However, the unemployment rate in the country has increased from 25% in 2013 to 27% in 2018. In addition, this study established that unemployment in South Africa is structural, and it is caused by these four factors: Firstly, poor education, secondly, skills mismatch, the third factor which contributed immensely to unemployment in the country was the forceful removal of black people from places close to economic activities. This happened during the apartheid era. The fourth and last factor that led to increase in unemployment in South Africa was the 2008/2009 global recession. Structural unemployment is the type of unemployment that persists even when the economy is on the rise, as it is not caused by slow growth in the economy but by factors such as skill mismatch or complete unavailability of skills required in the economy. Therefore, targeting economic growth as a key mechanism for job creation will not yield any positive outcomes for South Africa. The study made a number of recommendations that the government can employ to adequately tackle unemployment in South Africa. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-04
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