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The effects of polygamous marriages on the wellbeing of African women in Baziya area, Mthatha, Eastern Cape.

  • Authors: Maroloma, Athini
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Polygamy
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSW
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17606 , vital:41105
  • Description: The study aimed on exploring the effects of polygamous marriages on the wellbeing of African women. The study was conducted in Baziya Administrative Area in Mthatha which in Eastern Cape. The researcher seeks to examine the reasons for African women to be engaged in polygamous marriages, to investigate challenges if any faced by African women in polygamous marriage and to examine professional support services available from the department of social development, the department of justice and the department of traditional affairs in advocating for women in polygamous marriages. Feminist theory was utilized in the study which focuses on the socially constructed gender differences that are created through the process of socialization which include gender inequality. The study was qualitative in nature. Interviews were conducted with polygamous married women and group discussions were conducted with stakeholders working with polygamous married women. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis. The study recommended therapeutic treatment of emotional stress for polygamous women or treatment of related bodily ills such as gender based violence or any other type of abuse should be provided by social workers. There is a need of implementation of empowerment programs, polygamous women should be encouraged to manage their careers proactively and to make informed choices
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  • Date Issued: 2019

An analysis on the use of web-based ontology to support ubiquitous learning in South African secondary schools

  • Authors: Bamigboye, Oluwatosin Omotoyosi
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Internet in education World Wide Web Ontology
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12859 , vital:39385
  • Description: There is certainly a need to upgrade our educational system and this can be done through technology-enhanced learning. Technology-enhanced learning can be achieved by developing a web-based ontology e-learning platform, which allows learning to take place ubiquitously. In achieving this task, this research is focusing on analyzing the use of web-based ontology to support the design and implementation of a ubiquitous learning system in South Africa. The implemented web-based ontology e-learning system was deployed and tested. The system testing was done on two variables (Information retrieval and Scalability) of localhost and client system, with the following testing metrics: time is taken for information retrieval, request time to process the request, transfer rate, time localhost receives request, time to respond, roundtrip time for request and network usage. The metrics testing was achieved using apache benchmarking console and gnuplot application to generate the data captured and performance graph, while Wireshark was also used to test/analyze round trip time and network usage through the deployed system. The results of the findings in this study show that the relationship between student and learning content becomes explicit when using ontology technology in searching, organizing, gathering and development content. Results obtained from information retrieval show that the transfer rate of information on localhost for 100 request @ current level of 5 is 37169.89kb/s, while on the client’s system, the transfer rate was 48494.36kb/s which was due to multiple request on the client’s side. Results obtained on scalability shows the round trip time which was (time to respond-time to request). The longest roundtrip was 8 seconds as a result of network being congested with multiple packets request from various sources trying to access the localhost at the same time while the fastest was 1 seconds. The implications of this results show that web-based ontology e-learning system has a positive input to teaching and learning processes in schools for content retrieval and network usage. The system furthermore shows the relationship adopted by learners and teachers, and also the match needs that arise in between. The contribution of this study adds to the existing discoveries on the use of web-based and knowledge-based ontology.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

Perceptions and experiences of ward based outreach teams in implementation of primary health care reengineering at Mhlontlo and Nyandeni Sub District in OR Tambo Health District in the Eastern Cape Province- South Africa

  • Authors: Jack, Nomfanelo Mirriam
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Primary health care Nurses--South Africa--Eastern Cape Primary health care--South Africa--Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , Public Health
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11085 , vital:37127
  • Description: This study focused on perceptions and experiences of Ward-Based Outreach Teams in implementing Primary Health Care Re-engineering at Nyandeni and Mhlontlo Sub-Districts in OR Tambo District. Primary Health Care (PHC) is defined as essential health care, devised to be universally accessible to the community through means acceptable to them, with their full involvement and at costs that the community can afford. The National Department of Health (NDoH) introduced the new strategy of Ward-Based Outreach Teams (WBOTs) that are regarded as the key stakeholders in this effort, as they render health services at households. WBOTs are allocated in different municipal wards and are supposed to visit the population, irrespective of race, socio-economic status and geographical setting. The aim of the study was to explore and describe the perceptions and experiences of Ward-Based Outreach Teams in implementing the RPHC at Mhlontlo and Nyandeni sub-districts. The qualitative research design was employed to reach the objectives of the study. The sample used was all WBOTs who had been working for more than one year and had undergone WBOTs training for ten days. Self- structured questionnaires, one-on-one interviews and a focus group were used to collect data from different categories of WBOTs. The researcher adhered to the ethical standards of nursing research as explained by the Democratic Nursing Organization of South Africa, such as anonymity, confidentiality, privacy and quality research. Participant’s names were not written on the questionnaires. The data was analyzed using themes, categories and sub categories, the statistical package for social sciences. Bar graphs and tables were used to communicate data. The results of the study showed that WBOTs are essential to needy households and individuals. The study revealed that the job of Community Health Workers (CHWs) involved community mapping, giving health education talks, household registration, tracing of defaulters, referring needy clients to health facilities depending on severity of illnesses and building relations with other government organizations, namely the Department of Home Affairs, to help clients obtain birth certificates and identity documents, the Department of Social Development, for social problems within households, and the Department of Education, acting as partner for the overall welfare of students. The results of the study revealed that shortage of outreach teams, limited resources, inconsistence in recruitment of Health Promoters and Community Health Workers causes psychological distress, frustration, absenteeism, less concentration when serving communities and impacts on the service delivery system. Therefore,it is recommended that the Department of health should provide outreach teams with medical equipment, dedicated transport, trainings and improve recruitment and retention strategy. In conclusion, the findings of this study indicated that the department of Health has taken the right direction with this programme and that some cooperation does exist between health and other departments.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

Applicability of putative probiotic bacteria to replace antibiotics as growth promoters in commercial and indigenous piglets

  • Authors: Dlamini, Ziyanda Confidence
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Antibiotics , Dietary supplements , Piglets
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11428 , vital:39071
  • Description: Antibiotic use in pig production contributes to development of antimicrobial resistance in food animals and risk of antibiotic residues in animal food products. The use of probiotics appears to be the potential alternative to antibiotics. This work is designed to validate the applicability of administered direct-fed putative probiotic strains of Lactobacillus reuteri ZJ625, Lactobacillus reuteri VB4, Lactobacillus salivarius ZJ614 and Streptococcus salivarius NBCR 13956 on growth performance, hematological parameters, and antibody stimulation in weaned commercial and indigenous pigs. Forty-five weaned piglets were divided into five treatment experimental groups as follows: Diet with: antibiotic (PC), No antibiotic and no probiotic (NC), Probiotic (P1) (P2) combination of probiotics (P3). Piglets’ performance were monitored during the trial. Faecal and ileum samples were collected for microbial count analysis. Blood samples were collected from the sacrificed piglets at the end of the trial, for the hematological and biochemical analysis and probiotics ability to stimulate immunoglobulin G (IgG). Four probiotic strains were tested for cell surface hydrophobicity against xylene, chloroform and ethyl acetate. The strains were also tested for auto-aggregation and co-aggregation abilities. Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212 was used as a control pathogen in the co-aggregation ability test. The probiotic strains were also screened for presence of virulence and resistance genes. DNA was extracted from all the four probiotic strains using ZR Fungal/Bacterial DNA MiniPepTM (Zymo Research, USA) following manufacturer’s instructions. The DNA samples were later amplified in PCR reactions with specific primers to detect virulence genes of adhesion collagen protein (ace), aggregation substances (agg and asa); antibiotic resistance genes of: Vancomycin vanA, Vancomycin vanC1 and Vancomycin vanC2/3. The data was analyzed by one-way ANOVA using SAS statistics software (SAS 9.3) (2003). Results from the study revealed that supplementation of probiotics had no effect on feed intake (FI) in all of the experimental groups. However, supplementation of probiotics in P3 treatment resulted in greater average daily gain (ADG) and improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) of weaned piglets (p < 0.05). Microbial count of fecal samples from all the treatment groups did not differ while ileum samples had lower enteric bacteria in P3 group as compared to other treatments. Concentration of albumin, globulin, neutrophils and basophils were high in NC treatment compared to other treatments. (p < 0.05). IgG concentration was highest in P3 compared to other treatment (p < 0.05). All probiotics strains showed high hydrophobicity to all solvents used in the test. Cell Surface Hydrophobic was highest in xylene (78percent – 84percent), followed by chloroform (68percent – 75percent) and lowest in ethyl acetate (52percent - 60percent). All of the test strains showed high auto-aggregation ability after 4 hr of incubation. L .reuteri VB4 exhibited highest auto-aggregation ability of 70percent, while the least auto-aggregation ability of 60percent was observed for L. salivarius ZJ614. In the co-aggregation assays, all probiotic bacterial strains exhibited a strong co-aggregation of 45percent to 56percent after 4 hr of incubation at 37 °C. L. reuteri VB4 exhibited highest co-aggregation ability while L. salivarius ZJ614 exhibited the lowest co-aggregation ability. No presence of virulence genes ace and asa was detected in all of the putative probiotic strains, but agg virulence gene was detected in L. reuteri VB4 strains. L. reuteri VB4 and S. salivarius NBRC13956 had resistance genes vanC 2/3 and vanC1, respectively. Overall, the results from this study, suggest that the candidate probiotics strains have enhanced the growth and measured blood parameters of the weaned piglets used in these experiments, and also, the probiotic strains have the abilities to initiate the stimulation of IgG. Probiotics could be used as a novel alternative to antibiotics in the animal nutrition and production, with the abilities to confer health benefits and promote growth. The outcome of the research advocates that these probiotics will be beneficial to pig production, and might outcompete the current antibiotics in use as growth promoters. One of the major advantages of probiotics to pig industry is the production of antibiotic free and good quality pork meat to local and international consumers, thus, enhancing South African Pork industry.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

Attitutes of professional nurses towards the dimensions of quality care in the community health centres of the King Sabatha Dalindyebo sub-district, Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Ntuku, Nonzukiso Sheila
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Community health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Nursing services -- South Africa-- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13989 , vital:39737
  • Description: The study focused on attitudes of professional nurses towards the dimensions of quality care. Quality care is the main focus of the Department of Health in the Republic of South Africa. The researcher believes that professional nurses form the backbone of the whole health care fraternity; hence they are central to the study of quality care dimensions. The aim of the study was to determine and describe the attitudes of professional nurses towards the dimensions of quality care in the community health centres of the KingSabatha Dalindyebo sub-district. A quantitative descriptive design was employed to meet the objectives of the study. The non-probability purposive sampling method was used to select participants to provide information on the attitudes of professional nurses towards the dimensions of quality care in the community health centres of the King Sabatha Dalindyebo sub-district, Eastern Cape. From the target of 84 professional nurses who were employed at the five community health centres of King Sabatha Dalindyebo sub-district of the O.R. Tambo District, Eastern Cape Province, 70 (83,3percent) professional nursesresponded to the questionnaires. A self-administered questionnaire written in simple English was used to collect data from the professional nurses regarding their attitudes towards dimensions of quality care. The researcher adhered to the ethical standards of nursing research as described by the Democratic Nursing Organisationof South Africa regarding anonymity, confidentiality, privacy and quality research, according to which the names of professional nurses were not recorded on the questionnaires. The data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) computer software. The distribution of the results has been presented in tables and a bar graph. The results of the study revealed that the professional nurses of these community health centres had positive attitudes towards the dimensions of quality care.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

Perceptions of adolescents and professional on the psycho-social challenges faced by adolescents in Bisho child and youth care facilities, Eastern Cape, South Africa

  • Authors: Magoqwana, Yandiswa
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Social problems -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Child care services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12970 , vital:39412
  • Description: This research explored the perceptions of adolescents and professionals on the psycho-social challenges faced by adolescents in Bisho Child and Youth Care Centre, in the Eastern Cape Province. The researcher cross examined the challenges faced by adolescent in Bisho Child and Youth Care Centre. The research study aimed to explore the perceptions of adolescents and professionals on the psycho-social challenges faced by adolescents in Bisho Child and Youth Care Centre. The study was premised by three objectives, firstly to examine the perceptions of adolescents and professionals on the psycho-social challenges faced by adolescents in the Bisho Child and Youth Care Centre. Secondly to investigate the behavioural problems experienced by adolescents in the Bisho Youth Care Centre. Thirdly to examine the kind of support provided by professionals like Social workers, Educators, Professional Nurse, Bricklaying Instructor , Child and Youth Care Worker Supervisor and Child and Youth Care Worker . The researcher used qualitative method because it provides a deep understanding of
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  • Date Issued: 2017

The impact of the farmer field school approach on small-scale vegetable farmers' knowledge, agency and production in Alice, Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Apleni, Asanda
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Agricultural extension work -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8187 , vital:31873
  • Description: This study investigates the impact of the Farmer Field School approach on the knowledge, agency and production of small-scale farmers. Farmer Field Schools were devised in the 1980s by the Food and Agriculture Organization as a form of adult education in agriculture. It is a group-based approach in which a facilitator meets with farmers on a regular basis and sets in motion a process by which farmers ‘learn how to learn’, both from themselves and from one another. However, it remains an open question whether the Farmer Field School approach could be a solution to South Africa’s abiding problem of weak agricultural extension. Early in 2015, the University of Fort Hare and the Nkonkobe Farmers’ Association initiated a number of study groups in the Alice area, based largely on Farmer Field School principles. The main objective of the study was to assess the impact of the Farmer Field School approach on small-scale farmers’ knowledge, agency and production, focusing on home gardeners. The study was conducted in the Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality in Alice of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The research consisted of a survey of all the study group participants involved with home gardens, including some who joined the groups in 2015 but left in 2016. Both cross-sectional and longitudinal designs were used. Findings from this study have shown how participation in the study groups modelled on the FFS approach can improve the knowledge and skills of home gardeners, while also enabling them to produce significantly larger quantities of vegetables, and even a marketable surplus, albeit from a small base. In order to make more people to join, more incentives should be made available. Such incentives should be made available only to “kick start” the FFS study groups and take heed in prevention of dependence.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

An investigation into the types of classroom tasks senior secondary school (grade 11 and 12) mathematics teachers give to their learners : a case study

  • Authors: Shapange, Ismael
  • Date: 2015
  • Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia -- Omusati , Task analysis in education -- Namibia -- Omusati , Student-centered learning -- Namibia -- Omusati , High school teaching -- Namibia -- Omusati
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
  • Identifier: vital:2045 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017356
  • Description: This interpretive case study was undertaken to investigate the nature of classroom tasks that teachers give to their learners and to gain insights into how they choose these tasks. It was carried out at two secondary schools in the Okahao circuit of the Omusati region in Namibia. The schools range from Grade 8 to Grade 12. This study focused mainly on teachers who teach Mathematics at senior secondary phase (Grade 11 and 12). The research participants were of four mathematics teachers – two from each school. The study was designed around two phases. Phase one consisted of video-recording of lessons, and phase two consisted of interviewing the teachers. The main purpose of the study was to ascertain the types and nature of tasks that teachers give to their learners and to gain insights into how they chose these tasks. The research adopted a combination of both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The study revealed that the participating teachers provided a near equal amount of lower level cognitive tasks and higher level cognitive tasks. It further revealed several factors that influence teachers when selecting the types of tasks they give to their learners. These factors include curriculum requirements, types of learners and their experiences, and learners’ contexts.
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  • Date Issued: 2015

Development of high performance computing cluster for evaluation of sequence alignment algorithms

  • Authors: Ngxande, Mkhuseli
  • Date: 2015
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science)
  • Identifier: vital:11399 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1020163
  • Description: As the biological databases are increasing rapidly, there is a challenge for both Biologists and Computer Scientists to develop algorithms and databases to manage the increasing data. There are many algorithms developed to align the sequences stored in biological databases - some take time to process the data while others are inefficient to produce reasonable results. As more data is generated, and time consuming algorithms are developed to handle them, there is a need for specialized computers to handle the computations. Researchers are typically limited by the computational power of their computers. High Performance Computing (HPC) field addresses this challenge and can be used in a cost-effective manner where there is no need for expensive equipment, instead old computers can be used together to form a powerful system. This is the premise of this research, wherein the setup of a low-cost Beowulf cluster is explored, with the subsequent evaluation of its performance for processing sequent alignment algorithms. A mixed method methodology is used in this dissertation, which consists of literature study, theoretical and practise based system. This mixed method methodology also have a proof and concept where the Beowulf cluster is designed and implemented to perform the sequence alignment algorithms and also the performance test. This dissertation firstly gives an overview of sequence alignment algorithms that are already developed and also highlights their timeline. A presentation of the design and implementation of the Beowulf Cluster is highlighted and this is followed by the experiments on the baseline performance of the cluster. A detailed timeline of the sequence alignment algorithms is given and also the comparison between ClustalW-MPI and T-Coffee (Tree-based Consistency Objective Function For alignment Evaluation) algorithm is presented as part of the findings in the research study. The efficiency of the cluster was observed to be 19.8%, this percentage is unexpected because the predicted efficiency is 83.3%, which is found in the theoretical cluster calculator. The theoretical performance of the cluster showed a high performance as compared with the experimental performance, this is attributable to the slow network, which was 100Mbps, low processor speed of 2.50 GHz, and low memory of 2 Gigabytes.
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  • Date Issued: 2015

Evaluating coverage of the environment: a comparative study of the observations of academics and journalists

  • Authors: Koro, Emmanuel
  • Date: 2015
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/64888 , vital:28628
  • Description: This study is a comparative analysis of the way that academics and journalists evaluate media coverage of news about the environment. The purpose is to gain insight into the kind of contributions that each of these groups can make to debates about the role that such coverage should play within processes of public deliberations about the environment. The dissertation begins by establishing theoretical terms of reference for assessing discussions of the journalistic coverage of the environment. It proposes that it is of value to consider the conceptualisation, within such discussions, of credible knowledge about the environment and, more particularly, to establish whether such conceptualisation is based within a positivist, interpretive, or critical realist paradigm. It is demonstrated that each of these epistemological traditions brings valuable perspectives to the discussion of journalism about the environment within such literature. It is, however, the positivist perspective that remains dominant, and this limits the extent to which the potential of the other two epistemological positions are fully realized. It is also demonstrated that there is a tendency, within this literature, to focus on the performance of individual journalists with minimal attention to the particularities of institutional and social context. It is proposed that this tendency results from the adherence to a positivist approach to the evaluation of journalism. The dissertation then describes the design and implementation of the empirical component of the study - dealing with decisions made about the overall methodological framing, the choice of method, the fieldwork plan and the approach to analysis. It is explained that the aim of the empirical component was to examine South African print journalists’ discussions of coverage of the environment in their own publications, and to compare such discussion to that which is represented in the academic literature. The dissertation then presents a summary of the themes that emerged from the analysis of the interview material that formed part of this empirical work. It is demonstrated that the evaluation of coverage of the environment, as articulated by the research participants, is informed by many of the assumptions and values that can be identified within academic literature. Such evaluation is, furthermore, similarly informed by a positivist, interpretive and critical treatment of knowledge - with, again, a tendency for the positivist position to dominate. One important difference is that the research participants include more references to institutional context. It is proposed, however, that the tendency to prioritise a positivist epistemological framing continues to place limitations on the extent to which the participants are able to fully articulate their knowledge about such context.
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  • Date Issued: 2015

The exchange rate volatility and inflation rate in South Africa

  • Authors: Milisi, Busisiwe
  • Date: 2015
  • Subjects: Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa , Monetary policy -- South Africa , Inflation (Finance) -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/9151 , vital:26469
  • Description: The study examines exchange rate volatility and inflation in South Africa over the period of 1987- 2012 using annual data. With the use of VAR, ADF unit root testing and Johansen for cointegration the study examines the relationship between exchange rate volatility and inflation in South Africa. The study also examines other variables, which are Money Supply, Trade Openness, Real Interest Rate and Real Gross Domestic Product (RGDP), if they had an impact on inflation and had contributed significantly to inflation during the period under review. All macroeconomic variables were identified to have an impact on inflation in the long-run. Exchange rate volatility was identified as the main variable that had substantial impact on inflation rate. The study recommended the current system used by the authorities was working well, as they can pursue a countercyclical macro policy, but also continue to manage the float by intervening to stabilize the exchange rate. The reason for this recommendation was that because one of the advantages of floating exchange rate is freeing internal policy, with a floating exchange rate, balance of payments disequilibrium would be rectified by a change in the external price of the currency. However, with a fixed rate, curing a deficit could involve a general deflationary policy resulting in unpleasant consequences for the whole economy such as unemployment.
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  • Date Issued: 2015

"Totally unacceptable" : representations of homosexuality in South African public discourse

  • Authors: Mutambanengwe, Simbarashe Abel
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Independent Online , Homosexuality -- South Africa , Sexual minorities in mass media -- South Africa , Mass media and gays -- South Africa , Homophobia -- Press coverage -- South Africa , Electronic newspapers -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:2882 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013259
  • Description: The 1996 Constitution of South Africa is ranked as one of the most liberal and democratic constitutions in the world. The right to freedom of sexual orientation, equality and the freedom of association amongst other rights is in its Bill of Rights and are thus inherently assured and protected in post- apartheid, democratic South Africa. However, the Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community continue to face discrimination and prejudice despite this newly established constitutional order. The present study is interested in how, in the light of the equality clause in the South African constitution, homosexuality is represented and constructed in the South African media. The thesis examines representations of homosexuality between the years 1999-2013 in articles collected from the Independent Online media site which incorporates 30 newspapers. The approach focuses on the topics, overall news report schemata, local meanings, style and rhetoric of the news reports. The results of the study show that negative attitudes towards homosexuality are framed in three main ways: homosexuality is represented as "unAfrican"; "ungodly" and "unnatural". I argue that rather than extreme forms of violence (such as "corrective rape" and murder) directed against LGBT citizens being interpreted as the aberrant behaviour of a few, these need to be understood in the context of the circulation of the above justificatory narratives.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

A phenomenological study of the experiences of adolescents following maternal HIV-disclosure

  • Authors: Sibanyoni, Sibongile Success
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: HIV infections -- Transmission -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , HIV-positive youth -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Teenagers -- Diseases -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , HIV infections -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:3231 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013125
  • Description: Maternal HIV-disclosure to an adolescent is a controversial issue especially when considering the suitable time and context in which disclosure should take place. Furthermore there have been other considerations such as the adolescent’s emotional maturity as well as gender issues which have played a role in regards to determining whether the adolescent would be able to understand and cope effectively post-disclosure. These considerations formed the basis of this study’s aim and objectives which primarily focused on taking into account the developmental aspects apparent in the adolescent phase. These include adolescent’s relations with their mother, their peers and the meaning attached to having an education and career in their lives. For purposes of this study it was deemed important to actually explore with the adolescent’s the meaning they uphold pertaining to maternal HIVdisclosure. This differs from previous research which has focused predominantly on accessing adolescent’s experiences via their parents and in particular, their mothers. Data of only three participants was included following in-depth interviews being conducted. Data was analysed via Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) which enabled an enhanced understanding and meaningful interpretation of the adolescent’s experiences following maternal HIV-disclosure. From the findings it became apparent that most concerns had already been addressed and were similar when compared to previous research that had been conducted. However one notable different finding was that instead of adolescent’s acting in ways that would lead to them self-sabotaging their lives they instead portrayed themselves to be living in a responsible manner. It became apparent rather that it was the adolescent’s mother rather that became more inclined to engage in self-sabotaging behaviours.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

Barriers to public participation in developmental projects : a Nigerian community perspective (case study of the Gbaran-Ubie oil and gas project)

  • Authors: Akoh, Emmanuel Inalegwu
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Gbaran-Ubie oil and gas project -- Public opinion Community development -- Nigeria Economic development -- Nigeria -- Environmental aspects
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: vital:715 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001869
  • Description: This research paper is broken up into three sections, namely an evaluation report, a literature review and research methodology. The evaluation report section is the assessment of the current state of change readiness within the Eskom Contact Centre’s based upon what the literature on change readiness prescribes. The timing of the change readiness assessment is just prior to significant organisational change. The organisational change that was about to be initiated by the organisation was initiated from the boardroom of the most senior echelons of the organisation, and was directed in a top down approach, being a strategic organisational change. The change is deemed to be critical to the organisation being able to meet its long term strategic and sustainability objectives. A critical examination of the literature explored the meaning of change readiness, the importance of it and explained the consequences for organisations that commit to transformational agendas without being ready. Key concepts such as such resistance to change and organisational inertia are described and differentiated from change readiness. The ADKAR change model and its change readiness assessment instrument were used due to the organisations preference for the model. The ADKAR model formed the framework for the analyses of the data, the discussion of the results and the recommendations to the organisation. The research conducted was quantitative in nature; a questionnaire was distributed to the employees of the seven Eskom Contact centre sites around the country through an email. A slightly modified version of the ADKAR change readiness questionnaire was sent via email with an on-line questionnaire link on it; and questions on individual readiness for change were used to assess the level of readiness of the employees. Most of the descriptive and inferential statistics were analysed with the use of Excel (version, 2010), with Factor Analysis being done in Statistica. The results of the research showed that: [iii] - The factors as proposed by the ADKAR change readiness assessment questionnaire (i.e. Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability and Reinforcement) are not different enough to be considered as independent factors for this data set. Based on factor analysis, the factors were subsequently amended from five to three, namely Readiness, Opportunity Realisation and Uncertainty. - The Contact Centre employees were somewhat ready for change. - The Contact Centres needed to focus on all amended ADKAR factors in order to improve the readiness of the department. - The readiness levels in response to the roll out were more or less uniform. The study shows that given Eskom’s preference for the ADKAR model, future research within Eskom should therefore be conducted more circumspectly with respect to ascertaining the validity of the ADKAR factors. The study also makes mention that future work and/or research will need to be conducted, specifically on the readiness of the organisation itself, in order to improve the probability of transformational success. The ADKAR assessment is a people focused assessment and therefore focuses only on the readiness of the individual. Factors such as the adequacy of the current state of resources within the organisation, which incorporate aspects such as infrastructure, technology and staffing, will also need to be assessed to make a more holistic statement of change readiness. A concise review of the literature is incorporated into the Evaluation Report of Section 1 to underpin the study. In Section 2 a more extensive review of the literature is presented. Similarly, the design of the research is discussed in more detail in Section 3 to both describe and justify the appropriateness of the research methodology, and to give a detailed account of the way in which the research was carried out.
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  • Date Issued: 2013

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

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

The effectiveness of selected Quaker Peace Centre training workshops in the Western Cape

  • Authors: Dywili, Mlungiseleli Vincent
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Peace , Conflict management -- South Africa -- Western Cape , Reconciliation
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
  • Identifier: vital:8264 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1013254
  • Description: Several Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) training workshops have been established to help transform correctional institutions worldwide. There is no evidence of any research on AVP conducted in the context of South African Schools to date. This research therefore aims to evaluate AVP training by the Quaker Peace Centre at five high schools on the Cape Flats. Taking a qualitative approach, the study provides a literary contextualization of the problem of violence in South African schools as well as the history of AVP programmes in South Africa and abroad. In respect of his data collection, the researcher used both evaluation forms submitted at the completion of training events, as well as a purpose-designed questionnaire, mailed to a convenience sample of 635 past participants in the training. The results of the study indicate that the AVP workshops have had an impact on the lives of the participants, and there is an acknowledgement of feelings of empowerment experienced by recipients, which enables sound recommendations to be made.
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  • Date Issued: 2012

The short-term effect on shareholder wealth of banking mergers and acquisitions during periods of real economic expansion and contraction

  • Authors: Kerr, Gordon Roy
  • Date: 2011
  • Subjects: Bank mergers , Consolidation and merger of corporations , Business cycles , Corporations -- Investor relations , Stockholder wealth , Rate of return
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
  • Identifier: vital:1108 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013442
  • Description: Controversy currently exists over whether abnormal returns (ARs) are earned by shareholders of bidder and target banks through a Merger and Acquisition (M&A). The state of the economy in which the firms operate is often mentioned as a reason for firms engaging in M&As, however, the extent to which economies influence the ARs of shareholders is unknown. Following MacKinlay (1997), the aim of this study is to determine the average ARs earned or lost by shareholders of several banks around the world during an M&A. The results obtained may indicate that shareholders of bidding firms consider an M&A to be a wealth-destroying event irrespective of the state of the economy. It would seem that target firms’ shareholders consider M&As to be wealth-creating events when they occur during a period of real economic expansion. However, during periods of real economic contraction, target firms’ shareholders consider M&As to be wealth-destroying events. Thus, the state of an economy during an M&A can affect average ARs considerably.
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  • Date Issued: 2011

Mores, fault and fides: are these acceptable criteria when income tax deductions are claimed

  • Authors: Swanepoel, Marius G
  • Date: 2007
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
  • Identifier: vital:889 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001643
  • Description: The two “pillars” on which taxable income is based are the definition of “gross income” in section 1 of the Income Tax Act, 58 of 1962, and the “general deduction formula” comprising the preamble to section 11, section 11(a) and section 23(g) of the Act. Many of the terms used in these sections are not defined in the Income Tax Act. Case law in relation to these sections reveals that morality issues, the negligence of taxpayers and the good faith of taxpayers have from time to time been treated as relevant considerations by the courts, both abroad and in South Africa, in allowing or disallowing deductions from the gross income of taxpayers. In some instances this occurred apparently unwittingly. In other instances, earlier decisions were followed without a thorough consideration of the correctness of the underlying reasoning or of the criteria which were applied in the earlier decisions. In relation to the definition of “gross income”, however, fides, mores and fault have not been a consideration. In CIR v Delagoa Bay Cigarette Co Ltd 1918 TPD 391 Bristowe, J stated: “I do not think it is material for the purpose of this case whether the business carried on by the company is legal or illegal.” There were a number of cases heard in relation to income from illegal activities (for example, COT v G, 1981 (4) SA 167 (ZA), 43 SATC 159, and ITC 291, 7 SATC 335, which related to the misappropriation of funds, ITC 1545, 54 SATC 464, which dealt with the proceeds of the sale of stolen diamonds and ITC 1624, 59 SATC 373, which dealt with overcharging customers). In these cases, the question turned on whether or not the amounts were received by the taxpayers for their own benefit and therefore to be included in gross income, or whether the taxpayers incurred a concomitant liability to repay the amounts, and did not involve the question of fides, mores or fault. The research concludes that, providing an even-handed approach is applied to both income and expense considerations, fides and mores may continue to play a role as a useful yardstick in this context. However, that fault, particularly the causal negligence of taxpayers in the process of sustaining a loss or incurring expenditure whilst conducting their income generating operations, has effectively been jettisoned as an irrelevant consideration, is a salutary development which has contributed to legal certainty.
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  • Date Issued: 2007

A case study investigation of the neuropsychological profile of a rugby player with a history of multiple concussions

  • Authors: Case, Stephanie
  • Date: 2006
  • Subjects: Rugby football injuries , Brain -- Concussion -- Complications , Neuropsychological tests , Head -- Wounds and injuries -- Complications , Sports injuries -- Psychological aspects
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:3165 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007727 , Rugby football injuries , Brain -- Concussion -- Complications , Neuropsychological tests , Head -- Wounds and injuries -- Complications , Sports injuries -- Psychological aspects
  • Description: sustained multiple concussions may be at risk of cumulative impairment. The role of neuropsychological testing in the management of sports-related concussion is a contentious and challenging issue which has gained credibility given the lack of clear and well-established guidelines pertaining to the diagnosis, assessment and return-to-play decisions following concussion. Despite various traditional paper and pencil tests being shown to be effective indicators of postconcussive neuropsychological dysfunction, testing has not been widely implemented, due to time- and labour-demands. ImPACT, a computer-based neuropsychological assessment instrument, has been recognised as a valid and reliable tool in the monitoring of athletes' symptoms and neurocognitive functioning preseason and postconcussion. As a part of larger-scale concussion research conducted on top-team university rugby players, this is an in-depth case study conducted on a 20-year old participant with a history of multiple concussions, who was referred following a concussion sustained during the season. The objectives of the study were: (i) to determine the sensitivity of ImPACT versus WAIS-III Digit Span and Trail Making Test during the acute postconcussive phase; and (ii) to examine the sensitivity of ImPACT versus a comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests to possible residual deficits as a result of the multiple concussions. ImPACT was determined to be more sensitive to acute postconcussive impairment following concussion than Digit Span and Trail Making Test. Furthermore, the ImPACT preseason baseline scores appear to be sensitive to neurocognitive dysfunction, possibly due to cumulative concussive injuries.
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  • Date Issued: 2006

Discursive space in the discourse of a woman school leader

  • Authors: Thawley, Sarah
  • Date: 2006
  • Subjects: Educational leadership -- Namibia Women school administrators -- Namibia School management and organization -- Namibia Discourse analysis
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
  • Identifier: vital:1498 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003380
  • Description: Women in leadership has become an increasingly popular area of research within the field of Educational Leadership and Management. As women hold more leadership roles and responsibilities in education it is increasingly important this subject is researched to enrich our understanding and knowledge of an area in which there have been silences. This research is a case study of a woman school leader in Namibia. The purpose was to explore the language she used and the impact of the discourses emerging from the text. The discourses are explained, described and interpreted through a critical discourse analysis to examine the discursive space and its relationship to the organisation. A feminist post-structural framework provided the basis for the critical orientation of this research. The findings of this study indicate that the leader occupied a discursive space of multiple positions that perpetuated and reproduced the school’s organizational structure and culture. The significance of this study lies in the possibilities for future research. The use of a poststructural framework to critically analyze discourses, combined with the use of leadership and management theory provided a means by which to explore and understand the multiple positions a woman leader takes up. By analyzing the discursive space in a discourse researchers are able to explore new ways of examining women and leadership in education.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2006
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