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Records management practices at the Victoria hospital, Raymond Mhlaba Municipality, Eastern Cape Province

  • Authors: Sosibo, Bongeka
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Records -- Management
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , M.LIS
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17706 , vital:41138
  • Description: Records management is vital in organizations as it enables efficiency and transparency of administrative functions in organizations. Victoria Hospital (VH), under the Raymond Mhlaba municipality, in Alice, in the Eastern Cape was chosen as the case study. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the extent of records management practices in this public hospital. The study’s objectives centred on examining the type of records generated at VH, determine some of the activities used in their management and assess the current processes and means that are used to make these records available. Both paper and electronic records were the focus of this study and as such the records lifecycle and the records continuum were thus integrated to inform the theoretical basis for this study. The researcher combined both quantitative and qualitative research methods in an attempt to increase the validity and reliability of the data gathered. This triangulation of methods facilitated thoroughness and eliminated biases and weaknesses in as far as methodology is concerned. The study used the survey research method to determine the status of records management at the Victoria Hospital. The findings showed that the type of records generated at the Victoria hospital include patient, personnel and administrative records. The results of the study revealed that policy issues, lack of infrastructure and irregularity of training, absence of a qualified records manager were identified by the respondents as some of the challenges faced by the VPH in order to effectively executive records management practices in their organization. A number of recommendations were put forward and a few will be highlighted here. Hospitals should consider providing relevant formal training or courses for at least more than 75% officials earmarked for or engaged in the implementation of e-health and erecords. Victoria hospital should consider hiring more qualified records managers and registry staff. Records management training should take place at least twice a year so that staff is kept motivated. Top management must ensure that they support records management in terms of finance including the ensuing challenges.
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  • Date Issued: 2019

Teacher practices and human capital acquisition: evidence from the international association for evaluation of educational achievement

  • Authors: Tsikai,Epiphania
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Human capital Academic achievement
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Economics)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17011 , vital:40811
  • Description: Human capital is considered as the measure of education, skills, capacity and attributes of labour which impact people’s productive capacity and earning potential. The study used mathematics student academic performance as a proxy to measure human capital across countries using the Trends in International Mathematics and Science study (TIMSS) dataset. African countries participating in TIMSS are performing poorly as they are always at the bottom. The budget allocation of African countries is more than that of Asian countries, but the student outcomes do not correlate with the input. This is so disappointing considering the amount of money the governments invest in the education sectors. The study investigated teacher practices and human capital acquisition in four African countries that participated in TIMSS from 2007 to 2015. The four countries were South Africa, Botswana, Egypt and Morocco. In addition, the study included the best performing countries from East Asia that also participated in TIMSS. These four countries were Singapore, South Korea, Japan and Hong Kong Sar. The best performing countries were included in the analysis in order to determine best practice from the best performing countries. Using Stata 14, pooled OLS cross sections methodology was used to generate results on whether teacher practices influence students’ mathematics achievement by using grade 8 test scores per country, student and teacher background. The study found that some teacher practices significantly explain academic performance in mathematics especially in African countries whilst socio economic status significantly affect performance across all the countries. Future research will investigate some other measures that can promote good performance of mathematics in African countries.
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  • Date Issued: 2019

Artisanal mining and its contribution to sustainable rural livelihoods : a case of Esigodini area, Umzingwane rural district, Matabeleland South Province of Zimbabwe

  • Authors: Nkala, Khayelihle
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Mineral industries Rural poor Sustainable development
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15551 , vital:40458
  • Description: This study examined the contribution of artisanal mining to the livelihoods of rural communities. Artisanal mining has over the past decade been taken up by rural communities as an alternative of sustaining their livelihoods due to the collapse of agriculture due to the successive droughts, economic meltdown and the general failure of the fast track land reform program. Hence this study sought to fill this knowledge gap using Esigodini as a case. The study made use of focus group discussions, interviews and documents review to gather information on how artisanal mining activities have contributed to the livelihoods of rural communities. Although artisanal mining has its negative impacts to the environment it does contribute to the livelihoods of communities, as the findings of the study reveal that the Esigodini community has benefited from improved socio-economic activities as a result of the practice.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

In silico analysis, isolation and kinetic characterisation of red algae (Rhodophyta) catalases

  • Authors: Nodangala, Sinovuyo
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Red algae Marine algae
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/14626 , vital:40024
  • Description: Catalase (EC: 1.11.1.6) is produced by almost all aerobic organism ranging from bacteria to human and is an essential antioxidant enzyme that catalyses the conversion of hydrogen peroxide to water and molecular oxygen, therefore neutralising hydrogen peroxide toxicity. The present study aimed to purify and characterise catalase from Pachymenia orbitosa, a marine red algae found in the Algoa Bay region of South Africa. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to confirm the presence of a catalase gene in the red algae genome. In silico analysis of the Chondrus crispus genome was performed to predict the functional and structural characterisation of the protein encoded by the gene. The Pachymenia orbitosa catalase enzyme was purified to homogeneity using 60% ammonium sulphate precipitation and Sephacryl S-200 gel filtration chromatography. InterProScan confirmed that the Chondrus crispus genome encodes a catalase protein, which is from the mono-functional and heme-dependent catalase-like superfamily. The purified Pachymenia orbitosa catalase enzyme displayed a specific activity of 23 000 units per mg of protein with a 14.94% recovery and 222.91 fold purification. Sodium dodecyl sulphatepolyacrylamide gel electrophoresis indicated a single band, with a molecular weight of around 50kDa. The catalase enzyme exhibited a maximum activity at pH 7 and a temperature of 30℃. It was stable up to 40℃ and rapidly denatured at temperatures above this. The Km and Vmax values for the purified catalase, using hydrogen peroxide as a substrate, were determined from the Lineweaver-Burk plot to be 22.22mM and 1.11x10-4mM.min-1 , respectively, while from the Hanes-Woolf plot, to be 23.4mM and 1.17x10-4mM.min-1 , respectively. The Heme catalase inhibitor (ferricyanide) inhibited the enzyme activity markedly, while sodium chloride and citric acid had only a slight inhibitory effect. Copper sulphate showed a slight stimulatory effect. The physiochemical properties suggest a good application potential in both the pharmaceutical and food industries
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  • Date Issued: 2018

Psychosocial challenges faced by guardians whose children are involved with substance abuse : a case study of Cofimvaba

  • Authors: Mfengwana, Sibabalwe
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Children -- Substance use Social service
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10700 , vital:35701
  • Description: Parents/ guardians are facing major problems in South Africa as their children are involved in substance abuse. Both genders are involved in substance abuse meaning therefore that guardians are facing huge challenges especially now that the girls are also involved in substance abuse. This research explored the psycho social challenges faced by guardians whose children are involved with substance abuse at Cofimvaba, in the Eastern Cape Province. The study was premised by four objectives, firstly the study was aimed to examine the challenges that guardians face since their children are involved with substance abuse. Secondly the study was aimed to assess the emotional consequences of the guardians since their children are involved with substance abuse. Thirdly to establish the community perceptions with regard to the involvement of the children with substance abuse. Lastly, to establish the support services the guardians get from professionals. The researchers used qualitative method because it provides a deep understanding of what is under investigation. The design used in the study was exploratory, descriptive and contextual in nature. The study was conducted through qualitative research instruments of in-depth interviews and focus group in collecting the data. The study utilized social learning theory and the systems theory. The population in this study was made up of 20 participants, as well as 5 members forming up a focus group. All the participants were originally from Cofimvaba. The data was analyzed using content thematic analysis. The study revealed the following findings that there are support services given to the guardians at all. The support service is solely meant for the children when reported to be affected by substance abuse. There is high rate of labelling and discrimination to guardians from community members when the child is involved with substance abuse. There is an element of isolation with regard to the guardians whose children are involved with substance abuse. Guardians are sometimes isolating themselves and are scared about the comments that are impose to them because of their children who are involved in substance abuse. All the guardians are not happy and are feeling helpless now that their children are involved in substance abuse. The following are the challenges faced by guardians with regards to their children’s involvement with substance abuse; (i) overspending money because they have to repay all the damages done by their children. When the children are not well, the guardians have to take the children to the doctors. (ii) Behavioural challenges, the guardians are (iii) School performance dropping from the children is affecting the health and welfare of the guardians. Not a single guardian is not ambitious about the future and education of the children. Some of the guardians are not having any income and are really struggling to meet the ends means. The study made the following recommendations: The guardians as well as community members need to be equipped with information with regard to substance abuse. More strategies should be put in place with regard to support services by professionals to render to guardians. Guardians should be involved in the development of the children. Guardians should be involved in the schoolwork of the children to monitor and evaluate the performance. All the community members should be involved and should come up with strategies that could bring preventative services to the community members including children.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

An appraisal of the role of the universities in city development : a case study of the University of Fort Hare in East London, South Africa

  • Authors: Sibanda, Sipho
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Community and college -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Community development, Urban -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape City planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5499 , vital:29283
  • Description: The role of universities in contributing to the development of their host cities is a subject of ongoing scholarly debate. This is because the contemporary complex and competitive economic and technological global environment requires rapid adaptation to shifting opportunities and constraints in a global knowledge economy. Higher education has thus become an engine of development for cities and nations in the developing world. In line with this global trend, the South African government has thus mandated higher education institutions to play a more active role in addressing the development needs of the country. Within this context, this study therefore embarked on an appraisal of the University of Fort Hare’s (UFH) contribution to the development of its host city, East London in South Africa. The study employed a qualitative approach and used semi structured interviews as a primary data collection tool. The sampling technique was purposive sampling as the study targeted key respondents that had rich information about their departments and organisations. The study found that the university interacts with the city on a number of platforms and advisory boards established by some university departments. The main contribution was realised through relevant research carried out by academics in different departments within the city which informs developmental policy for the local government and contributes positively to the private sector. The University of Fort Hare also serves as a major labour supplier for both the public and private sector. The study however established that UFH is not producing technical graduates which are a critical skill in the private sector, specifically in the automotive industry which is the back bone of the city. This skills gap presents an opportunity for the university to expand its programmes so as to address the needs of private industry. In terms of policy, the study recommends the need for a convener or an intermediary to champion collaboration of the university with the city and the private sector.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

Cape gannets in contrasting environments: ehaviour, demographics and indicators of environmental change

  • Authors: Ryklief, Rabiah
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Endemic birds -- South Africa Marine pollution -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21167 , vital:29452
  • Description: Marine communities represent biological networks, where physical and chemical changes in the marine environment can influence the physiology and behaviour of marine organisms. Stochastic marine conditions can alter key biological interactions and thus, influence the mechanisms that underpin population demography and phenotypic plasticity. Marine top predators, such as seabirds, are often controlled by bottom-up processes and their ability to cope with variable ocean conditions lies in their physiological and behavioural response to such perturbations. Seabirds are central-place foragers during the breeding season making them particularly vulnerable to environmental fluctuations as they face constrains associated with reproductive effort in addition to self-maintenance. The Cape gannet Morus capensis is a medium-sized pelagic seabird that is endemic to southern Africa. The Cape gannet has experienced considerable change in population distribution and abundance over the past 50 years. These changes have been linked to a combination of fishing pressure and climate-mediated regime shifts of their preferred prey, i.e. sardine Sardinops sagax and anchovy ngraulis encrasicolus. Historically, Malgas Island was the largest Cape gannet colony in South Africa. However, it is now in a state of population decline, despite its occurrence within one of the most productive upwelling systems in the world, the Benguela Current. At present, Bird Island is the largest Cape gannet colony and has recently stabilised, despite regular immigration of gannets from the west coast. Furthermore, Bird Island lies within the Agulhas bioregion and is subject to low levels of productivity from the nutrient-poor Agulhas current. Malgas and Bird islands are the two most populous of the six extant Cape gannet colonies. Birds at these colonies provided a natural experiment due to the contrasting population trajectories and environmental conditions at their colonies. The foraging ecology and behaviour of Cape gannets were studied during the breeding season to assess the mechanistic links connecting climate and fisheries to population demography. Cape gannets displayed considerable inter-annual variation in foraging effort and distribution across a five-year period. This highlights the importance of long-term datasets to contextualise the degree of natural variation within a species, as well as considerations for conservation management. For the first time, oceanographic variables such as sea surface temperature and chlorophyll-a, indices that reflect marine productivity, were used to predict Cape gannet foraging distribution. Furthermore, Cape gannets at Bird Island had an energy budget deficit in a year when foraging effort was much higher in comparison to what was observed at Malgas Island. This in turn was linked to the first identification of nutritional stress in a Sulid species. Reasons for this include a combination of higher intra-specific competition in conjunction with a lower energetic content of referential prey species at Bird Island. Foraging effort showed more variability at Malgas Island in comparison to Bird Island, likely due to Malgas Island gannets often taking two short foraging trips a day, whereas Bird Island gannets often spent the night at sea. Some degree of phenotypic plasticity was evidenced by substantial variations across breeding seasons and ocean basins in foraging effort and behaviour.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

Determinants of rail passenger transport usage : a case of Buffalo City Municipality

  • Authors: Ntlatywa, Kholosa
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Railroads -- South Africa -- Statistical services Transportation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Railroads -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8780 , vital:33580
  • Description: The transport sector is an important contributor to South Africa’s economy. This sector have positive effects on South African citizens and the nation as a whole through mobility and accessibility. Rail transport is a suitable mode of transport for both long distance travel and short distances. This study investigated the determinants of rail passengers transport usage. The main objective of the study were to investigate the factors that influence the rail transport usage among passengers in Buffalo City Municipality. The second objective was to determine the incidence of rail transport usage among passengers in Buffalo City Municipality. Descriptive analysis in the form of Pearson-chi square and inferential analysis using Probit regression were used for data analysis in this study. The study used closed-ended questionnaires and the questionnaires were distributed to 100 people. The results of the study revealed that level of income, occupation, level of education, safety, and affordability are the common factors that influence the usage of trains for transport. The frequency of usage based on income was about 44 percent, with about 55 percent of people indicating they make use of trains because they find it a safe mode transport. The income level, safety, occupation and affordability were statistically insignificant. The level of education had a high frequency at 74 percent and it was statistically signifacant.004. The second part of the study assessed the incidence of train usage and results revealed that most of people (about 74 percent) travel by train daily.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

The South African tax implications of ceasing to be resident

  • Authors: Walker, Anthony Howard
  • Date: 2017
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/5555 , vital:20941
  • Description: In the context of rapid globalisation, skilled South African employees and professionals are often attracted overseas to take up new work opportunities in foreign countries. This may cause these individuals no longer to be “ordinarily resident” in South Africa. At the same time, changes in modes of travel, information and communication channels could result in companies and trusts no longer being considered to be tax resident in South Africa, if the place of effective management for these entities is moved to a foreign country and a double taxation agreement between South Africa and that foreign country deems these entities to be exclusively resident in the foreign country. The objective of this thesis was to analyse the tax implications that could arise when a resident natural person, trust or company ceases to be a resident or when a Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) ceases to be a CFC. A detailed analysis of the “exit charge” in section 9H of the Income Tax Act was undertaken to understand its normal tax implications when a natural person, trust or company ceases to be a resident or a CFC ceases to be a CFC. This included an analysis of how a natural person, trust or company ceases to be resident or how a CFC ceases to be a CFC. It was found that certain normal tax principles consistently apply to when a natural person, trust or company ceases to be resident or a CFC ceases to be a CFC. At the same time, certain unique normal tax implications arise for trusts and CFCs since they are impacted by the special tax rules that apply to these entities. Furthermore in the case of a trust, a judicial precedent has established that the “exit charge” remains and is taxable in the trust. For CFCs, there is uncertainty as to whether the “exit charge” could arise when a shareholder ceases to be resident, which results in residents no longer holding more than 50% of the total participation or voting rights in that foreign company.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

An assessment of the effect of HIV/AIDS policy in combating the spread of the disease within Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality

  • Authors: Mnguni, Grace
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: AIDS (Disease) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5185 , vital:29104
  • Description: Due to its rapid spreading, AIDS has been declared a global epidemic. Especially sub-Saharan Africa has been the most affected by the epidemic. South Africa is no exception to the devastating impact of the epidemic. Over the past few years, HIV-prevention initiatives have been underway on a full scale in an effort to combat the destructive powers of the epidemic in the country. These initiatives appear to have adopted a health-belief approach in their strategies to decrease HIV-infections. This approach to HIV-prevention assumes that the desired behavior change, namely increasing safe sexual practices and decreasing high-risk HIV/AIDS behavior, can be achieved through rational decision-making based on knowledge of the disease and its consequences. The findings of the studies on sexual behavior and HIV/AIDS such as KAPB (knowledge, attitudes, practice and beliefs) studies appear to reaffirm the fact that knowledge alone is neither sufficient nor effective in bringing about the appropriate behavior change to combat HIV/AIDS. These studies point towards a high level of knowledge about AIDS in the general population, yet the ever increasing infection rate remains undeterred. The ANC came to power in 1994 after 10 years of National Party inaction with regard to AIDS. The National AIDS plan, endorsed by incoming minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, was insufficiently informed by the institutional and social realities of South Africa. Like other policy blueprints of this period, it over-estimated the economic, and especially human, resources at the disposal of incoming government. Moreover, this avowedly multi-sect oral HIV/AIDS plan, designated a “presidential lead project”, was situated in a national department of health in the throes of transformation. Because health is in part a provincial prerogative, AIDS was vulnerable to further administrative obstruction in a second tier of bureaucracy from the previous regime. Competing claims on resources in the poorer provinces, the demands of administrative reconfiguration, and very uneven provincial capacity, further undermined implementations. The community of Duncan Village, in Buffalo City was selected because of the high HIV-prevalence in the District and because of the involvement of the Centers for Health Systems Research & Development in the proposed youth center in Duncan Village. Buffalo City is the third highest HIV-prevalence. The study intends to inform HIV-prevention initiatives about impediments to safe sex. Also, its aim is to decrease HIV-infections among the youth in the community. Towards informing the study the study aim and objectives, individual in-depth interviews were conducted with 30 confirmed HIV-positive males and females from various social strata in the community, and who assumedly HIV-negative. The focus group discussions were conducted with the aid of a semi-structured group -discussions schedule. The two forms of data collection served to complement each other and promoted the validity and quality of the data collected. The study design opted for was explorative in nature, as little is currently known about the community-specific obstacles to safe sex. All respondents were purposively sampled. The main findings of the study point towards the need for HIV/AIDS to be viewed in the light of the socio-cultural and socio-economic contexts of sexual behavior. Factors that were identified as influencing sexual behavior, and therefore HIV/AIDS, include the unbalanced power in gender-relations, socio-economic status and perceived self-efficacy, amongst others. Also, there is a need for detailed knowledge about the specific of HIV-prevention and transmission, as well as safe sexual practices. This will serve to address myths and misconceptions about three models of safe sex, namely condom use, sexual abstinence and mutual faithfulness. Overall, the research that HIV/AIDS is a socio-behavioral problem rooted in the sexual practices of individuals. Attempts to successfully change high-risk sexual behaviors should first identify factors that influence the progression of the disease in order to develop community-specific effective HIV-prevention initiatives. To a large extent, this study has identified those factors that influence and limit the options and opportunities that people in Buffalo City have when it comes to practice safe sex. In this community, there are factors that should be taken into account when HIV/AIDS -prevention initiatives are planned and implemented..
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  • Date Issued: 2016

An assessment of the effect of HIV/AIDS policy in combating the spread of the disease within Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality: Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Mnguni, Grace
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: AIDS (Disease) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , HIV infections -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2956 , vital:28202
  • Description: Due to its rapid spreading, AIDS has been declared a global epidemic. Especially sub-Saharan Africa has been the most affected by the epidemic. South Africa is no exception to the devastating impact of the epidemic. Over the past few years, HIV-prevention initiatives have been underway on a full scale in an effort to combat the destructive powers of the epidemic in the country. These initiatives appear to have adopted a health-belief approach in their strategies to decrease HIV-infections. This approach to HIV-prevention assumes that the desired behavior change, namely increasing safe sexual practices and decreasing high-risk HIV/AIDS behavior, can be achieved through rational decision-making based on knowledge of the disease and its consequences. The findings of the studies on sexual behavior and HIV/AIDS such as KAPB (knowledge, attitudes, practice and beliefs) studies appear to reaffirm the fact that knowledge alone is neither sufficient nor effective in bringing about the appropriate behavior change to combat HIV/AIDS. These studies point towards a high level of knowledge about AIDS in the general population, yet the ever increasing infection rate remains undeterred. The ANC came to power in 1994 after 10 years of National Party inaction with regard to AIDS. The National AIDS plan, endorsed by incoming minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, was insufficiently informed by the institutional and social realities of South Africa. Like other policy blueprints of this period, it over-estimated the economic, and especially human, resources at the disposal of incoming government. Moreover, this avowedly multi-sect oral HIV/AIDS plan, designated a “presidential lead project”, was situated in a national department of health in the throes of transformation. Because health is in part a provincial prerogative, AIDS was vulnerable to further administrative obstruction in a second tier of bureaucracy from the previous regime. Competing claims on resources in the poorer provinces, the demands of administrative reconfiguration, and very uneven provincial capacity, further undermined implementations.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

Assessing the impacts of social grants on beneficiaries in Buffalo City Municipality

  • Authors: Dodo, Emmanuel Oluwafemi
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Social security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Grants-in-aid -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Poor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2967 , vital:28206
  • Description: The study was intended to assess the impact of social grants on beneficiaries with specific focus on Buffalo Municipality. The challenge of social injustice and inequality in the management and distribution of resources is challenge of any responsive government globally in providing social securities in different forms to secure the vulnerable and under privileged within the society. The South African government has introduced a comprehensive liberally inclusive social welfare scheme to address social injustice and economic inequality of excluded in the former apartheid government, which characterises the historic past of racial exclusive government of the majority black and the coloured. In other to assess the impact of grants in addressing inequality and social exclusiveness, the research was conducted using Desk Top Analytical approach and also explored ANOVA Two-ways and One-way, to test the degree of association and standard deviation to establish the contrast of effects based on spatial difference and social development of the urban, semi-urban and rural settlements which beneficiaries are living. Also, to establish whether or not the policy is achieving social cohesion, human development and transformation, which should be taken, place within the concept of social welfare. The theoretical frame work adopted is a multi-theoretical approach in dealing with the complexity around social welfare. The research is specifically looking for a theory of change in social grants administration in other to understand the impact and extent of the intervention in bringing about desired and motivated change as the scheme main priority of developmental social welfare in South Africa. Pearson correlation, Chi-square correlation and Tukey”s Post hoc Test are some of the instrument used in assessing the impact of grants on beneficiaries. The outcome of the study showed a highly significance p-value =.019, p<0.05 in spatial variance between Urban and Rural and the in between variance of .025, p<0.05 for Rural –Urban- Semi-urban (Fig.23 and Tab 8a). The study also, revealed an association between Child dependency and Sexual crime to be .009, p<0.01 (Fig 24 and Tab 6), Public violence in Rural area shows Post Hoc Test result of Mean= 2.6, SD= 2.07 for rural, Mean=1.40 SD= 1.52, for urban and a Mean=0.3, SD=0.54 for semi-urban in a descending order as it relate to social crime statistics (Fig.20). This implies that there are more frequent public violence in rural areas than that of the urban and semi-urban. The overall result shows a very strong correlation among all the variables of grants beneficiaries to be statistically relevant. This implies that the social grants intervention.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

A memory work project for Marikana

  • Authors: Snyman, Emile Alexander
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Monuments -- South Africa -- Rustenburg Memorials -- South Africa -- Rustenburg
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MArch
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/38885 , vital:35010
  • Description: This treatise suggests one possible strategy for engaging the memory of the Marikana Massacre through different representational modes. Part 1 of this treatise takes the form of the research conducted, which was explorative in nature and focused on coming to an understanding of collective memory, the role of monuments and memorials within this process, the contemporary South African memorial landscape and the events that transpired at Marikana between 9 and 16 August 2012 and what their historical significance may be. As it was found that strikes featuring on the platinum belt were not only related to wage issues, Marikana as a settlement within the context of South Africa’s platinum belt was further investigated in order to highlight what the multiple challenges and issues are with which communities are faced on a daily basis. Part 2 sets out the strategy of a memory work project for Marikana which involves three components, namely a web- and phone-based application called ‘Remembering Marikana’ which provides a discursive arena for the politics of memory, a memorial for the victims of the Marikana Massacre at Thaba (Marikana Mountain) which facilitates annual commemoration of the massacre, and the design of a Mgcineni Noki Memorial Sports Centre, a community institution which embodies the values of the strike leaders and makes a positive contribution to the impoverished urban economy of the Wonderkop neighbourhood in Marikana.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

Stripe & dusk: a weekend odyssey

  • Authors: Whitehorn, Daniel J
  • Date: 2016
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:6018 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1021242
  • Description: I love to take in and create playful fantasy, tales set in wild and fantastic worlds peopled by wild and fantastic characters - dragons and dinosaurs, knights and robots, stars and penguins. My novella is the story of a quest set in a colourful and wondrous fantasy universe. Along the journey's tumultuous trajectory fantasy tropes and protocols are encountered, subverted, teased at, appropriated, and renovated, in order to create something both original and familiar all at once. I am happy to acknowledge and salute the influences of Terry Pratchett, Douglas Adams, Walter Moers and Manuela Draeger.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

The challenges of German-English literary translation: an exploration of Franz Kafka's Das Urteil (The Judgment) and Die Verwandlung (The Metamorphosis)

  • Authors: Thabane, Mathaabe
  • Date: 2016
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:3659 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1021181
  • Description: This thesis conducts a study of literary translation using selected texts by Franz Kafka as translated from German into English in the mid-twentieth century and in the early twenty-first century. This study entails a three-fold orientation, namely: to show the extent of the impact of socio-historical, political and cultural factors on both the translation process and translation product; secondly, it demonstrates the fact that a merging of theoretical principles and practical methods is necessary and possible for the study of literary translations; thirdly, it answers the questions of why the same literary works continue to be retranslated and why every generation of Kafka scholars and readers will need their own translations of his works. This research, furthermore, proposes that the position of literary translation should be elevated since this kind of translation can reveal more about the cultural and linguistic intricacies of the translation process. Seeking to contribute to the broader framework of the translation studies discipline, this thesis also makes a case for translators to reveal their translation process, in the form of notes or prefaces, in order to allow for informed studies of translations. Finally, the research at hand proposes some considerations for further study into literary translations and shows new trends in the sub-field of literary translation which will undoubtedly shift its current nature and call for theoretical and practical applications for more classes of languages.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

A comparative economic analysis of small scale tobacco production under contract and non-contract farming : the case of Marondera rural district, Mashonaland East province, Zimbabwe

  • Authors: Ruzhani, Freddy
  • Date: 2015
  • Subjects: Farms, Small -- Zimbabwe Tobacco industry -- Zimbabwe Farmers -- Zimbabwe
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12653 , vital:39296
  • Description: Constitutionalism and separation of powers is the most dynamic topic worldwide. Montesquieu, the French philosopher is credited with the doctrine of separation of powers. Various countries adopted the doctrine and modified it, in order to fit their systems of governments. The reason behind is that there is no universally recognized model of separation of powers or one size fit all. Countries apply this doctrine differently in a fashion that fits their domestic laws and constitutional requirements. Montesquieu gave a classic exposition and the rationale for separation of powers in one of his well-celebrated work “The Spirit of Laws”. The concept of separation of powers emerged premised on the theory that the arms of state namely, the judiciary, the legislature and the executive, should operate within their providence without one interfering with the other. From the South African perspective, the Constitution of South Africa of 1996 requires separation of powers even though it is not explicitly so stated in the text. This research examines the unique South African model of separation of powers and how the courts have navigated through it from the time the Constitution was promulgated. It seeks to establish whether or not a South African model of separation of powers has come to the fore. The research further examines the problem of interference amongst the arms of state and mechanism of checks and balances which can be applied to prevent or minimise such interference. In doing so, the study pursued a desktop survey of primary and secondary materials, including scientific literature, legislation, courts’ jurisprudence, and official documents. A comparative perspective was also made in order to learn from the experiences of other jurisdictions where the doctrine is applied. The findings reveal that South Africa has a unique model of separation of powers. The model was learned and enriched from various foreign jurisdictions. The courts have contributed enormously to this model, which contrive to be fluid and living.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2015

Dear space dad and other stories

Foundation Phase teachers’ responses to curriculum change in South Africa over the past two decades: a case study of two schools

  • Authors: Nakaonga, Ruth
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Curriculum change -- South Africa , Educational change -- South Africa , Education, Primary -- South Africa , Teachers -- South Africa -- Attitudes
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
  • Identifier: vital:2002 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015648
  • Description: South Africa has experienced three significant curriculum reforms since 1994. The first of these replaced the ‘apartheid’ curriculum with C2005 based largely on Outcomes Based Education. In the second stage C2005 gave way to the National Curriculum Statements, a simplified version of C2005. Finally, the NCS was replaced with CAPS. This research study investigates the perceptions, attitudes and experiences of teachers implementing these curriculum changes. It focuses in particular on Foundation Phase in 2012, the year in which CAPS was implemented in that phase. It took the form of an interpretive case study, using qualitative data generating and analysis techniques. Principals and selected teachers of two primary schools in Grahamstown – an ex-Model C school and a performing ‘township’ school - were the respondents of the study. Data were generated chiefly through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, supplemented by document analysis and observation. The findings revealed that the teachers in this study are frustrated and angry about the frequency of curriculum change in South Africa. Respondents are particularly critical of OBE and the NCS. While they welcome the need for a departure from ‘apartheid’ curricula, they feel the pedagogical underpinning of the NCS – with its emphasis on learner-centredness – disempowered them as teachers. Hence, they welcomed CAPS which seems to return to content – rather than skills and attitudes – and re-instates the teacher as the chief giver of knowledge and manager of learning.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2014

The framing of China in Nigeria : an analysis of the coverage of China's involvement in Nigeria by Thisday newspaper

  • Authors: Umejei, Emeka Lucky
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Thisday (Nigeria) , Nigeria -- Foreign economic relations -- China , China -- Foreign economic relations -- Nigeria , Journalism -- Nigeria , Journalism -- Political aspects -- Nigeria , Nigerian newspapers -- Objectivity , Social responsibility of business -- Nigeria
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:3525 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012974
  • Description: This study identified the media frames that dominate Thisday newspaper's coverage of China's engagement with Nigeria and relate these frames to frame sponsors, who articulate and contest these framings. Frame analysis is applied to a sample of 40 news, feature and opinion articles between the sample period of 1 November 2011 and 31 December 2012. The study analysed media content from Thisday newspapers, drawing on the four dimensions of frames identified by Entman: define problems, diagnose causes, evaluate causal agents and their effects, and recommend treatment (Entman 1993). Using an inductive approach to frame analysis, the study identified two overarching mega frames, contested among the ruling elites who sponsor their views on China in the media, which define China's engagement with Nigeria; partner/role model and predator. The two mega frames mirror the broad characterisation prevalent in the academic literature on China in Africa. The primary partner/role model mega frame constructs China's engagement with Nigeria as a mutually beneficial economic partnership while on the other hand the predator mega frame constructs it as unequal and exploitative. The study identified the activities of frame sponsors who are articulating and promoting their views on China's engagement with Nigeria in the media as primarily responsible for these framings. The study also identified the activities of frame sponsors (ruling and economic elites) was key to the exclusion of ordinary peoples' voices, civic organisations, trade unions and human rights organisation in the text. However, the study also attributes the exclusion of ordinary voices, human rights, democracy and civic engagements in the text to the weakness of Thisday journalism in mediating the framings of China being promoted and articulated by elite frame sponsors. This is, however, symptomatic of the fault lines of journalism practice in Nigeria.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

Effects of BT Maize (MON810) crop and its residues on selected soil biological properties and N and P release in a sandy loam soil from Alice, Eastern Cape, South Africa

  • Authors: Landzela, Besule
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Bacillus (Bacteria) , Bacillus thuringiensis , Corn -- Planting , Biomass , Plant proteins , Enzymes , Soil fertility , Crop residue management
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Crop Science)
  • Identifier: vital:11870 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007542 , Bacillus (Bacteria) , Bacillus thuringiensis , Corn -- Planting , Biomass , Plant proteins , Enzymes , Soil fertility , Crop residue management
  • Description: There are apprehensions that genetic modification of maize with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) may have negative effects on soil biodiversity, ecosystem processes and functions. This study aimed at determining the effect of Bt maize crop, Bt maize residues and its genetic modification on microbial biomass carbon (MBC), selected enzyme activities, vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi and N and P release patterns. The study was conducted under field, glasshouse and laboratory conditions. In 2010/2011 season, four maize cultivars; DKC 61-25B (Bt), DKC 61-24 (non-Bt), PAN 6Q-321B (Bt) and PAN6777 (non-Bt) were planted. Determination of MBC, enzyme activities and fungal spore count was done at 42, 70, and 105 days after planting (DAP). A loam soil amended with Bt or non-Bt maize leaf residues from a study of 2009/2010 season was incubated to investigate effects of Bt maize residues on MBC and soil enzyme activities. Leaf residues of Bt and non-Bt maize cultivars (DKC 61-25B, DKC 61-24, PAN 6Q-321B and PAN6777) were used and soil without residues was used as a control. Samples were collected at 7, 28 and 56 days of incubation (DOI). An incubation study was also carried out in the laboratory to determine the effect of Bt maize residues (i.e. leaf, stem and root) and its genetic modification on N and P release patterns. Residues of DKC 61-25B, DKC 61-24, PAN 6Q-321B and PAN6777and soil without residues as a control were incubated in the laboratory. After destructive sampling at 0, 7, 14, 28, and 56 DOI, N in the form of NH4-N and NO3-N and P mineralisation were determined. Amendment of soil with residues enhanced MBC (p < 0.05) at all the sampling dates. For example MBC increased from 95 in the control to 146.3 mg/kg in the DKC 61-25B treatment at the end of the glasshouse trial. In the field DKC 61-25B had 9.1 mg/kg greater MBC than DKC 61-24, while PAN 6Q-321B had 23.9 mg/kg more MBC than PAN6777 at the end of the trial. However, no differences (p < 0.05) were observed in enzyme activities under field and glasshouse conditions except for dehydrogenase that had greater activity where DKC 61-25B and PAN 6777 were grown. There were no differences between the type of residues (Bt and non-Bt) on enzyme activities tested. However, differences were observed among the sampling dates. No effects of Bt maize crop on fungal spore count were observed. Similarly no differences were observed in leaf, stem and root tissues composition between Bt and non-Bt maize cultivars. Net N and P mineralisation from Bt maize cultivars did not differ from that of non-Bt maize cultivars. However, differences were observed among the cultivars. The results of this study suggested that Bt maize with Bt MON810 event can be grown in the central region of the Eastern Cape (EC), South Africa without affecting MBC, soil enzyme activities, VAM, and release of N and P nutrients from its residues.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2013
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