Political competition and local government debt: implications for human development: A case study of Eastern Cape municipalities
- Authors: Matapuri, Fadzai Valerie
- Date: 2024-04-04
- Subjects: Local government South Africa Eastern Cape , Municipal finance South Africa Eastern Cape , Public administration South Africa Eastern Cape , Municipal services South Africa Eastern Cape , Electoral competition , Human development
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/435874 , vital:73208
- Description: South African Municipalities are currently in a precarious financial situation. The financial distress has intensified so much that local governments are on the brink of collapse. Municipalities in South Africa currently owe over 35.5 billion rands. Reports from the Auditor-General of South Africa portrayed a grim picture of the state of financial affairs in municipalities; only 33 municipalities out of 278 had received a clean audit, with over 30 billion rands in expenditure declared irregular. The report further revealed that there were numerous cases of non-compliance with key legislation in municipalities. The poor financial audits across the country have stressed the severe lack of accountability, government issues and political turmoil. Due to this state of affairs, municipalities cannot deliver services such as sanitation, electricity, and water. As a result, many service delivery protests have occurred over the years. Political factors have been highlighted as the leading cause of these local government woes. This study aims to investigate the relationship between political competition and local government debt and its effect on human development in Eastern Cape municipalities. The study used a panel data set for 32 municipalities and electoral data from 2009 to 2016. The panel vector autoregression model, generalized least squares, fixed and random effects methods were used to investigate the relationship between political competition and local government debt. The study found a positive unidirectional relationship between political competition and local debt. This was found using the normalized Herfindahl index, debt to asset, tress index, human development index, population and poverty variables. Moreover, estimated results showed that local governments in the eastern cape were characterised by a political monopoly that, in turn, increased local government debt through growth-hindering policies adopted by political leaders. Resulting in economic concentration, which hinders local economic growth and human development. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2024
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- Date Issued: 2024-04-04
Evaluating perceptions of co-management on small-scale fisheries in the Wild Coast of South Africa
- Authors: Mthombeni, Vusi Gedla
- Date: 2024-04-03
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434678 , vital:73095
- Description: Shared perceptions by stakeholders can improve the understanding of managing natural resources. This study aimed to evaluate stakeholders’ perceptions towards co-management of small-scale fisheries to improve the management of these resources. Eleven participants were purposively sampled from government agencies, non-profit organisations and community representatives from Coffee Bay, Port St Johns, Lusikisiki and Xolobeni on the Wild Coast of South Africa. Predetermined themes derived from the literature were used to develop the interview schedule. Semi-structured, one-on-one interviews were conducted to probe the participants’ understanding of the term “co-management” and its objectives, benefits, processes, and outcomes. Data were recorded and transcribed into text, and thematic analysis was used to detect themes that emerged from the data. The results indicated that all participants perceived co-management of Small-scale fisheries as beneficial. Securing access rights through fishing permits was a benefit that was exclusive to the fishers, whereas self-regulation, sharing of information, and mobilising and utilising the strengths of different stakeholders were the benefits noted by all stakeholder participants. Government representatives viewed the involvement of government in the co-management structures of SSF as necessary, whereas the other representatives’ views were that government should be excluded. Incorporating the traditional and government regulatory systems was recommended to manage fisheries resources effectively. The benefits of co-management exceeded costs, suggesting that co-management was viable for the Wild Coast. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2024
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- Date Issued: 2024-04-03
Health and safety coordination between main contractors and subcontractors at the Medupi power station project
- Authors: Nkqayana, Yolisa Jennifer
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Contractors' operations , Subcontractors (Medupi power station) , Limpopo (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65119 , vital:74026
- Description: Health and safety (H&S) coordination between main contractors and subcontractors on construction projects is one of the most important factors for the success of a project. The aim of this study was to develop a framework to improve H&S coordination between main contractors and subcontractors on the Medupi power station project, and the objectives were to ascertain the H&S measures used to assess the H&S risks towards the reduction of hazards and injuries; assess the enforcement mechanisms of H&S regulations, and examine the challenges encountered in terms of the coordination of H&S at the Medupi power station project. Moreover, this research addressed the significant issue of possible ineffective coordination of H&S guidelines and policies in the South African construction industry, as well as at the Medupi power station project. This research will help to alleviate incidents and accidents at the Medupi power station project. The research entailed a review of the literature pertaining to H&S, and a questionnaire survey that was used to gain insight into the working conditions on site and to evaluate the state of H&S coordination, its implications, and compliance with the Construction Regulations by all parties concerned. A purposive sampling method was adopted to survey contractors working on the Medupi power station project. The research findings revealed that inadequate H&S communication between main contractors and subcontractors negatively affected project performance as it resulted in the occurrence of accidents on site. The research findings also revealed that most respondents, both main contractors and subcontractors, were aware, and clearly understood the required H&S practices. However, a small number indicated that they were uncertain with respect to such practices. This indicated that there was a gap in terms of H&S coordination between the main contractors and subcontractors on the Medupi power station project. The research findings further revealed that lack of commitment to H&S practices, inadequate communication / consultation relative to the implementation of the H&S management system (H&SMS), inadequate resources as well as inadequate contractor relations between the main contractors and subcontractors constituted barriers in terms of the H&SMS. 5 Recommendations included a need for the following relative to H&S: management leadership, worker participation, hazard identification and control, education and training, programme evaluation and improvement, and optimum communication and coordination for employers on multi-employer work sites. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, 2023
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- Date Issued: 2023-04
Health capital and labour productivity in selected Southern African Development Community (SADC) Countries
- Authors: Mafunda, Lihle Andiswa
- Date: 2023-00
- Subjects: Masters of commerce
- Language: English
- Type: Masters theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/10116 , vital:74937
- Description: Health plays a critical role in economic development, as it directly affects productivity and ultimately leads to higher per capita income. Within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries, health capital has immense significance for labour productivity, serving as a catalyst for growth. This study investigated the relationship between health capital and labour productivity in selected SADC countries from 2000 to 2020, with the chosen period primarily based on data availability and coverage for the selected countries during this timeframe. To accomplish this, the study employed the panel autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) models and techniques, which leverage the advantages of panel data and ARDL models, enabling the analysis of both short-run and long-run relationships, providing a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics between variables over time. The data for the study period was obtained from a single reliable source, The Global Economy, ensuring credibility. The primary finding from the pooled mean group (PMG) estimator indicates a positive and significant relationship between health capital and labour productivity in the short run, suggesting that investments in healthcare can boost productivity. However, contrary to the expected theory and prior assumptions, the long-run findings reveal a negative and significant relationship. This discrepancy highlights the complexity of the health-productivity relationship and necessitates further investigation to comprehend the underlying mechanisms and design effective policy interventions. Policymakers must carefully consider these mixed findings and tailor their strategies accordingly to promote both health and productivity in the long term. It is crucial to strike a balance between immediate gains and sustainable long-term outcomes. , Thesis (Masters) -- Faculty of Economics and Financial Sciences, 2023
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- Date Issued: 2023-00
Beauty from Ashes:short term postfire regeneration of dune fynbos -thicket vegetation in the South Eastern Cape floristic region
- Authors: Gcina, Sinenjongo
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Fynbos ecology – Nelson Mandela University Campus Nature Reserve , Forest fires -- Prevention and control
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59666 , vital:62319
- Description: Aim This study aims to provide an understanding and a description of the short-term postfire regeneration and ecology of the fynbos-thicket vegetation on a coastal dune system in the southeastern Cape Floristic Region. Another aim is to assess the recovery of the vegetation community by assessing the growth forms and the disturbance response across a range of species from thicket and fynbos communities and to provide a belowground bud bank classification for each of these species in the coastal dune systems. Location The study site was the Mandela University Reserve and the Noordhoek dune fields, situated in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, which is part of the south-eastern Cape Floristic Region. The study site hosts thicket-fynbos mosaic vegetation type that occurs in a Mediterranean-Climate Ecosystem (MCE). Methods Firstly, field observations and photographs of plant species were taken weekly to assess and identify the species that were emerging and persisting in the dune system in the first 12 months postfire. Phenological events of the species that emerged (e.g., flowering, fruiting, leaf growth, leaf yellowing, and leaf abscission) were also observed and reported on. Secondly, an excavation of 21 species (e.g., Jamesbrittenia microphylla, Euclea racemosa, Olea exasperata, Searsia laevigata) was conducted to classify the species into their belowground bud bank types. Results There was a rapid emergence of resprouters (facultative resprouters and obligate resprouters) in the first 12 months postfire. This was followed by their growth; primarily occurring after the rainfall events. The dominant resprouting species (facultative resprouters and obligate resprouters) entered the system two weeks after the fire. There was a significant difference in the time to the first emergence of the different regeneration groups postfire (P < 0.001): on average, obligate sprouters (OS) appeared 1 month after fire – two months earlier than facultative sprouters (FS) and four months earlier than non-sprouters (NS). There was no statistical evidence to suggest that the FS and non-sprouters NS emerged at different times postfire; however, most NS species were observed in the system 5 months after fire. 4 Exceptions were the NS species Pelargonium grossularoides and Mesembryanthemum aitonis, both annuals that emerged 1 month after fire. A wide range of OS species that appeared earlier in the system (e.g., Euclea racemosa, Olea exasperata, Searsia laevigata, and Lauridia tetragona) exhibit underground lateral growth with belowground bud banks (BBBs) from which they recover after disturbance. In total, six BBB types were recorded in this study, namely: bud-bearing root, rhizome, rhizophore, woody rhizome, stem tuber, and corms. The bud-bearing root from woody species was the dominant BBB in this system. Main conclusion The return of species that occurs in the first year after fire occurs rapidly in the first 2 months as resprouting species (primarily OS) appear in the system. Following this, the rate of return of species decreases as reseeding species (primarily NS) gradually reestablish and occupy the gaps in the dune fynbos-thicket vegetation. This study has shown that plant species in this ecosystem are adapted to fire disturbance as their populations are able to reestablish through various regeneration strategies, including resprouting from different types of BBB. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-12
Electrocatalytic activity of symmetric and asymmetric Co(II) and Mn(III) porphyrins in the presence of graphene quantum dots towards the oxidation of hydrazine
- Authors: Jokazi, Mbulelo
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Electrocatalysis , Hydrazine , Quantum dots , Graphene , Porphyrins
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/362894 , vital:65372
- Description: The influence of metal porphyrins in electro-oxidation of hydrazine is explored. A series of symmetric and asymmetric porphyrins alone and in the presence of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are employed in this work. Tetra 4-aminophenyl porphyrin, manganese tetra 4-aminophenyl porphyrin, manganese tetra 4-aminophenyl porphyrin--GQDs, and manganese tetra 4-aminophenyl porphyrin@GQDs are the symmetric porphyrins. The asymmetric porphyrin and composites are 5, 10, 15-tris(aminophenyl)-20-(4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrins, manganese 5, 10, 15-tris(aminophenyl)-20-(4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrins, cobalt 5, 10, 15-tris(aminophenyl)-20-(4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrins, manganese 5, 10, 15-tris(aminophenyl)-20-(4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrins--GQDs, and cobalt 5, 10, 15-tris(aminophenyl)-20-(4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrins--GQDs. These complexes were synthesized and characterized accordingly and applied for electrocatalysis. The electrocatalytic experiments were carried out using glassy carbon electrode and the modification was through drop-dry method. The porphyrin and GQDs synthesized were characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, Mass spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. The modified electrodes were characterized using cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical Impedance spectroscopy. The introduction of metal ion in the center of the porphyrin improved electrocatalysis. The presence of push-pull substituents in the porphyrin lowered the oxidation potential and improved the catalysis. The presence of GQDs improved catalysis in both symmetric and asymmetric porphyrin compared to individual components. Cobalt porphyrins showed better activity than manganese porphyrin. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Chemistry, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
A case study on the incidence and extent of medullated and coloured fibres in the commercially produced South African wool clip 2010 – 2017
- Authors: Zietsman, Jolandrie
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55445 , vital:52002
- Description: No formal study on the incidence and extent of medullated and coloured fibres has been performed in South Africa. The purpose of this research project was to investigate the validity of the claims that there has been an increase in the production of wool contaminated with medullated and coloured fibres. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to determine whether the incidence and extent of medullated and coloured fibres in the South African wool clip have changed over time. Secondly, the study aimed to determine whether the incidence and extent of medullated and coloured fibres have a distinct geographic distribution. This study explored eight years of wool production records (2010 to 2017) obtained from BKB, the largest wool broker in South Africa. For the purpose of this research, the wool-producing areas of South Africa were divided into 6 regions, according to average annual rainfall, vegetation type and major farming practices applied in the area. Statistical analysis of the data included descriptive statistics, analysis of variance and post-hoc tests, as well as regression analyses. This study succeeded in quantifying the extent and prevalence of contamination with medullated and coloured fibres in the South African wool clip. The overarching conclusions were: • Floating kemp is the most important contaminant of wool in South Africa, with the incidence of harsh kemp and coloured fibres being very low. • Generally, the most important areas that need attention in combatting contamination in the South African wool clip, are the Mixed Farming Summer Rainfall Region, the Semi-Arid Grassveld and the High Rainfall Grassland. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
The aesthetics of hegemony: a speculative design proposal exploring the convergence of surveillance capitalism and brain-computer interface technologies in the future
- Authors: Davies, James Tibbott
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54417 , vital:46517
- Description: This study examines the power dynamics of surveillance capitalism, and its role in shaping cultural hegemony. The research was expressed using graphic design to illustrate a (potential) future where Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) and surveillance capitalism converge. The critique focused on Google and Facebook’s hegemony in the data-surveillance marketplace and what role this has in shaping global discourse. Both companies are funding the development of BCIs, with the aim of using brain signals as a means of interacting with the digital world, which would give the two biggest advertising companies in the world access to new sources of data. A speculative design framework was utilized to visually question the societal implications of this emerging technology and the funding behind its development. A theoretical investigation of the concepts underpinning critical theory and critical design was conducted to help clarify and critically inform this methodological approach, promoting the use of practice-based design as a critically reflective investigative tool. The resulting artefacts designed using this process were showcased in the form of a website and video that act as a visual embodiment the research, demonstrating the efficacy of this approach and the value of using communication design as a mechanism to question the status quo. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Visual and Performing Arts, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-12
Self-inquiry: Comparing Plato and Patanjali
- Authors: Coughlan, Daniel Michael
- Date: 2021-10
- Subjects: Plato , Patañjali , Self , Identity (Philosophical concept) , Comparison (Philosophy) , Justification (Theory of knowledge)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/190066 , vital:44960
- Description: At its most effective my research hopes to re-affirm the central value and importance of self-inquiry. That is, I hope to echo the familiar call of the wise to know thyself. Of the many mouths and temple walls that have lent authority to this precept there is perhaps no mouth more important than one’s own. To know thyself is the task and responsibility of the individual. In order to arrive at the point where I can re-affirm its value I explore the nature of self-inquiry with the help of Plato, Patanjali and a comparison between them. I propose two general senses in which we might understand self-inquiry and seek to bring out the core problems faced by each. We find an account of these two senses and the relationship between them in both Plato and Patanjali, so too, though less obviously, in the comparison between them. The comparison provides the opportunity for reflecting on the ground that it moves from and depends on, the common ground we assume between the two compared philosophers/ies. I contend that this ground is ultimately the comparer, one’s self. The consequence is that the comparative project and the project of self-inquiry both meet and are mutually beneficial. The three together; Plato, Patanjali, and the comparison between them help us account for nature of self-inquiry in helping us to better understand the relationship between the two senses in which we can come to understand and think about it. In the first sense, self-inquiry is cast as the examination of one’s life. In the second sense, we are invited to consider the possibility of an unmediated knowing of the examiner, an unmediated self-knowing. With a better understanding of what self-inquiry is I stand to conclude by re-affirming its value. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Humanities, Philosophy, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-10
Samuel Palmer and Romanticism
- Authors: Chapman, Anton
- Date: 1985
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/193269 , vital:45316
- Description: This introduction and ensuing essay are something in the nature of a personal confession. Deemed as such what I have written concerning Samuel Palmer has not, in any way, been written as an exercise, but rather for the purpose of self-edification. This I will elaborate upon while disclosing my motive for writing on Palmer. Palmer's works - when I first saw them - were something of a revelation. They seemed the alpha and omega of my own artistic endeavour. Perhaps the term which best describes the euphoria I felt is 1deja vu1, because although it describes a connectedness of sorts, the words have in their sound an exotic ring. There is in it an implied equivocation - and equivocality best describes my understanding of Samuel Palmer at that juncture. This euphoria I felt dimmed with the realisation that by purportedly claiming, as I was, Samuel Palmer's visionary landscapes as my goal I was treading on sacred ground; I'd arrived, as it were, in another's Paradise. The effects of this upon my own creativity were completely negative. Worse still, I lacked the necessary means to extricate myself from Palmer's paradisiacal visions. His influence was incapacitating and convoluting my own growth. It was obvious then that I had to be rid of Samuel Palmer. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Fine Art, 1985
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- Date Issued: 1985