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Adol-Safety: A Framework for Empowering Parents to be Aware of Social Network Threats Affecting Adolescents

  • Authors: Mjoli, Phumelela , Shibeshi, Z
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Social networks Social media|
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science )
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12016 , vital:39127
  • Description: The use of social networks has grown so much that adolescents have become active members of various social networks such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, etc. The gradual change in how people choose to communicate, socialize and share ideas today has influenced adolescents to an extent that they find themselves wanting to engage more on social networks than they really should due to peer pressure. Whenever a person joins social networks or browses the Internet, they by default are exposed and become vulnerable to many cyber threats. Cyber threats are driven by users that have negative intentions on the Internet or social networks. Adolescents are no exception to these cyber threats. The findings of this research reveal that threats such as cyberbullying, harassment, and online predators to name a few are often designed to abuse and affect adolescents). Therefore, this research aims to prevent such threats from prevailing by empowering parents to be aware of the threats that affect their adolescents in an online environment, which typically includes social networks. To achieve this, this research starts by investigating the cyber threats that affect adolescents and then explores ways that can be used to empower parents. A framework is developed to handle this. The framework includes strategies that parents can adopt and ways in which safety on social networks can be increased, as well as guidelines that can be followed in order to prevent cyber threats. The framework also aims to enhance a parent-child relationship that can help in preventing social network threats. Lastly, the framework is implemented as a knowledgesharing website that can be used by parents to receive and give an insight into social network threats that influence adolescents on social networks.
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  • Date Issued: 2020

The effect of social capital on the performance of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMES) in Makana Municipality

  • Authors: Klaas, Anesipho
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Small business Entrepreneurship
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Business Management)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12373 , vital:39258
  • Description: The small, medium and micro-enterprises (SMMEs) are essential drivers to the social and economic growth. These enterprises have an essential role in employment creation and eradication of poverty in South Africa. SMMEs in South Africa are comprised of heterogeneous groups of businesses in various sectors including services, manufacturing and agriculture. This study investigated the effect of social capital on the performance of SMMEs. Thus, the primary objective of the study was is to investigate the impact of social capital on the performance of SMMEs in Makana Municipality, and the secondary objectives were to determine the effect of bonding social capital on the performance of SMMEs and determine the effect of bridging social capital on the performance of SMMEs. This study discovered that all three forms of social capital, namely: bonding, bridging and linking social capital have a positive effect on the performance of SMMEs. In order to collect data, the researcher distributed questionnaires to the sampled SMMEs in the towns within the Makana Municipality. All the questionnaires were completed by the respondents. The researcher did not interfere in this process but helped where necessary. Prior to the distribution of questionnaires, validity and reliability were ensured in order to eliminate problems in the questionnaires. A total of 126 questionnaires were distributed. To scale the responses in the questionnaires, Likert scale was used in this study. The sections in questionnaires were measuring the extent to which social capital contributes to the performance of SMMEs. Of the 126 questionnaires that were distributed, only 98 questionnaires were returned and used in this study. Thus, the response rate was 71% which is high. Because social capital affects the performance of SMMEs, this proves further the need for government to support these businesses. This study made a theoretical contribution to the literature on social capital and its important on the performance of SMMEs. The researcher recommends that all SMMEs across the world consider the effect of social capital on their performance. Given the importance of successful SMMEs in the growth of the country’s economy and, also the role they play in addressing the unemployment problem, it is recommended that all SMMEs consider the positive impact of social capital in their growth.
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  • Date Issued: 2020

An investigation into the translation of Isixhosa kinship lexical items into English

  • Authors: Majikija, Sandisiwe
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Sociolinguistics , Communication -- Language Xhosa (African people) -- Kinship -- Language Lexicology -- Kinship
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22607 , vital:30024
  • Description: This study investigates the problem of non- equivalence in the translation of IsiXhosa kinship lexical items or concepts into English. Venuti (2012:5) says translation can be seen as ‘a set of changing relationships between the relative autonomy of the translated text…and…equivalence and function.’ Equivalence, of which non- equivalence is the antithesis, includes “accuracy,’ adequacy,’ ‘correctness,’ ‘correspondence,’ or ‘identity’. A variable notion, it indicates how translation is connected to the source text. A break in that connection results in non-equivalence. Therein lies the problem. The current study examines these notions, among other things, as they apply to the translation of isiXhosa kinship lexical items into English. As Venuti (2010) points out translation rests on particular assumptions about language use. These assumptions draw on two particular, emerging theories or approaches namely, the ‘instrumental and the hermeneutic’ as will be discussed. Isicatshulwa Olu phando lumalunga nengxaki yokungafani kwentsingiselo yamagama okanye ingqikelelo xa kuguqulelwa esiNgesini amagama okuzalana esiXhoseni. UVenuti (2012:5) uthi inguqulo ingajongwa njengokujika konxulumano oluguqukayo phakathi kokungaxhomekeki kwesiqendwana esiguqulwayo nonxulumano. Unxulumano oluphikisana nokunganxulumani, lubandakanya ‘ukuchaneka,’ ‘ukufanela,’ ‘ukulunga,’ ukungqinelana,’ okanye ‘ukufana twatse.’ Le ngcingane iguquguqukayo ibonisa indlela inguqulo ihambelana ngayo nesiqendwana esiguqulwayo. Xa oko kuhambelana kuthe kwangabikho, loo nto izala ukunganxulumani. Ilapho ke ingxaki. Olu phando luphonononga ezi ngcingane, phakathi kwezinye zezinto, njengoko zisebenza kwinguqulelo esiNgesini kwamagama okuzalana esiXhoseni. Njengoko uVenuti (2010) abonisayo, inguqulo ingqiyame ngeengcinga ezithile ezimbini malunga nokusetyenziswa kolwimi. Ezi ngcinga ziphenjelelwa ziinkcazo eziziingcingane ezithile zamva nje. Zibizwa ‘i-instrumental,’ ‘ne- hermeneutic,’ njengoko uphando olu luza kuxoxa ngazo.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

Effect of femininity on sexual health decision making of young females

  • Authors: De Wet, Elna
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Female students -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23705 , vital:30603
  • Description: South Africa is characterised by high levels of HIV infections and unwanted pregnancies, despite the vast amount of interventions aimed at combatting this issue. It becomes important to explore why these interventions are not actively achieving what they aim to. A major cause for concern is the increase in risky sexual behaviour in the adolescence and young adult (15-24 year) age group. In various cultures, women’s socialization has a direct impact on their ability to prioritize their sexual health. Steeped in patriarchal ideology, many South African cultures prioritise the power of masculinity over and above the femxle experience. Improved partner communication leads to decreased risky sexual behaviour, but it becomes tricky when the relationship is characterized by a gender power imbalance. This study is aimed at understanding South African femxle sexual health by focussing on 1) the extent to which the overarching traditional beliefs about femininity is related to their sexual self-efficacy. Furthermore, it is aimed at 2) the extent to which they engage in sexual activity and behaviour that would protect them from STIs and unwanted pregnancies. Research design is quantitative and include an online survey for femxle students between the ages of 18 and 24, enrolled at the Nelson Mandela University, South Africa. The data was analysed statistically, where after the research findings will be interpreted from the perspective of Feminist Psychological Theory.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

Physiological traits, anthropometric characteristics and motor development of rural children in Nkonkobe Municipality, South Africa

  • Authors: Idamokoro, Mere
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Motor learning Children -- Physiology Children -- Anthropometry -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , Human Movement Science
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10061 , vital:35314
  • Description: Aim: The purpose of this study was to examine the physiological, anthropometric and motor development characteristics of rural children between the ages of 5 – 7 years old. Methods: The study involved 305 school children (159 boys and 146 girls) randomly selected from primary schools in Alice sub-district, Nkonkobe Municipality. Body weight, height, skinfold thickness and girth measurements were measured using standard procedures. Overweight and obesity were defined using body mass index (BMI) for age and gender. Derived variables were: fat mass, fat-free mass, fat mass index, fat-free mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, waist-to-height ratio and subscapular-to-triceps ratio. Motor development levels were measured and assessed using Test of Gross Motor Development –Second Edition (TGMD-2). Blood pressure was measured using aneroid sphygmomanometer. Results: Boys had higher mean values of blood pressure (69.19 ± 7.30 and 38.15 ± 5.91) compared to girls (68.39 ± 7.97 and 37.11 ± 7.53). The proportion of overweight among girls (15.75 percent) was higher compared to boys (10.69 percent). Likewise, the percentage of obesity among boys (16.35 percent) was higher compared to girls (10.27 percent). The motor development results showed that girls (40.9 ± 6.54) performed better than boys (39.7 ± 6.64) in locomotor skills test. Conversely, boys (39.8 ± 7.62) performed better than girls (38.6 ± 7.29) in object control. Conclusion: The prevalence of overweight and obesity among the children is alarmingly high and concerning for the health. At all ages, girls had higher body fat percentage and fat mass than the boys. However, FFMI and WHR were higher in boys compared to the girls. There is no gender difference in the waist-to-height ratio and STR of both boys and girls. The locomotor raw score is higher in girls than in boys; however, the object control raw score is higher in boys compared to girls. The non-correlation of BMI with TGMD-2 tests suggests an equal potential of motor development among the children, regardless of their body fatness. There is need for obesity prevention programme in schools, which should involve all the stakeholders (teachers, parents/guardians, government, NGOs). The programme should focus on creating awareness concerning child body weight, healthy dietary intake and regular BMI screening in schools.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

Ruthenium (II) complexes of mixed bipyridyl and dithiolate/thiourea ligands :|bsynthesis, characterization, photophysical and electrochemical studies

  • Authors: Nkombi, Pelokazi
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Ruthenium Ruthenium compounds Ligands
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10134 , vital:35358
  • Description: Energy is one of the most important factor to influence human lives. The increased in energy demand as well as the detrimental effects posed by emission of greenhouse gases due to continue use of fossil fuels for electricity generation has led to a renewed focus on energy production using renewable energy sources which are relatively cheap, clean and environmentally sustainable. Among the various renewable energy sources used so far, the Dye Synthesized Solar Cells (DSSCs), a form of photovoltaic device is reported for their better efficiencies despite their low cost of production and ability to work relatively under low light conditions. A recent report on the solar-to-electricity conversion efficiency of a typical DSSC sensitizer made from zinc based porphyrin dye coupled with sintered titanium(IV) oxide as semiconductor was 13 percent. In this study, 2,2-bipyridyl-4,4-dicarboxylic acid (bpydc) was used as mixed ligand and four dithiolate ligands; L1 = dipotassium ethoxycarbonyl-1-cyanoethylene-2,2-dithiolate, L2 = dipotassium bis(ethoxycarbonyl)ethane-2,2-dithiolate, L3 = dipotassium cyanodithio imidocarbonate and L4 = dipotassium 2,2-dicyanoethylene-2,2-dithiolate were synthesized while four alkyl thiourea ligands, L5 = 1,3-dimethyl thiourea, L6 = 1,3-diethyl thiourea, L7 = 1,3-diisopropyl thiourea and L8 = 1-methyl thiourea were purchased and used as supplied without further purification. These ligands were used to prepare eight ruthenium(II) complexes of mixed bipyridyl/dithiolate/thiourea. The compounds were characterised by elemental analysis and spectroscopic techniques, namely: Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), ultraviolet-visible and photoluminescence (PL). Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and square wave voltammetry (SWV) were used for the electrochemical studies. Photoluminescence and UV-Vis spectroscopies were used for geometric and photophysical studies of the complexes respectively. FTIR spectra confirmed presence of functional groups in ligands and coordination of these ligands to ruthenium(II) ions to form complexes. The UV-Vis confirmed that the Ru(II) dithiolene complexes exhibited square planar geometries while the Ru(II) thiourea complexes gave octahedral geometries, this was deduced from the transitions assigned to the complexes. All the ruthenium(II) complexes synthesized showed photoluminescence properties that are suitable for light harvesting and application for dye-sensitized solar cells. Cyclic and square wave voltammetry show Ru(II) thiourea complexes have better redox properties when compared to Ru(II) dithiolate complexes which is ascribed to ligand strength field possibly due to contribution from the two bonded NCS groups.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

The effectiveness of juvenile delinquents rehabilitation programmes in Zimbabwe : a case study of Harare Central Prison

  • Authors: Nyakatawa, Rumbidzai
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Juvenile delinquency Juvenile delinquents Rehabilitation
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12436 , vital:39263
  • Description: The Zimbabwe Prison and Correctional Services records show that there are around 300 children incarcerated every year. Most of these children commit crimes such as rape, murder, theft, possession of drugs due to issues like poverty, substance abuse, peer pressure and neglect. A number of these children face many forms of abuse in their homes, including physical, emotional, mental abuse as well as rape. The major aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of juvenile delinquents’ rehabilitation programmes at Harare Central Prison. The qualitative methodology was appropriate for this study because it gives in depth information through conducting interviews and focus groups with participants. The sampling procedure involved deliberate choice of an informant due to the qualities the informant possessed. A sample size of thirty-seven participants comprising sixteen juvenile delinquents, four social workers, five prison guards, five probation officers and seven community members, were selected for this study. Their perceptions provided baseline data that helped in gaining a deeper understanding of the juvenile rehabilitation programmes. Despite the findings, gaps remain in the current system, for instance children continue to spend prolonged periods of time in adult prisons while they await repatriation to institutions due to resource constraints, and the rehabilitation programmes have proved to be partially effective, yet at the same time the post rehabilitation programmes are not being provided to juveniles after their release from prison. Key recommendations include expanding the Pre-trial Diversion Programme to all the provinces as it has yielded results that benefit the child as well introduction of alternatives of institutionalisation.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

Emathunjini omhlaba kuhlala abantu

  • Authors: Moya, Mlandeli Wellington
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Short stories, Xhosa
  • Language: Xhosa , English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/7235 , vital:21231
  • Description: My short stories are about the circumstances in which black gold miners in Welkom in the 1980s and 1990s found themselves. These mineworkers - I was one of them - made up a large, uneducated segment of personnel because our work required strength and good health only. We came from all over the African continent. The places we had to live in were like jails or military barracks, sometimes with twenty or more of us sharing a single room. Because of these conditions, we shared our pains, and the pains of wives, children and relatives of those who were killed or disabled by their work, the repatriation of those who lost their capacity to continue working because of accidents and work, and work-related illnesses. We did not share the same language, and so we had to learn Fanakalo, the language of South African mine workers. My stories show how pain and happiness rub shoulders with each other in the miners' life, because besides the dangerous work there was also cultural entertainment, religious practices, robbery by tsotsis, and many prostitutes. The book Buzani Kubawo by Witness K. Tamsanqa has been an important influence on my writing. Other influences have been L.L. Sebe's Ucamngco and P.T. Mtuze's Alitshoni Lingaphumi. , La mabali angeemeko zabembi-migodi baseWelkom phaya kwiminyaka ephakathi koo-1980 noo-1990. Aba basebenzi, endandingomnye wabo, babeliqela elivisayo elingafundanga — bezingca ngamandla. Sasiphuma mbombo zonke zeli lase-Afrika. Indawo esasihlala kuyo ibifana nqwa nezisele zentolongo okanye izindlu zasemkhosini. Amashumi amabini amadoda elala ndlwini - nye. Ngenxa yaloo meko sachubelana amabali ngeemeko zobomi bethu, ngabafazi nabantwana, nezizalwane, nangeengozi esasingena kuzo nokugoduswa kwabo bagulayo. Kwathi kuba sasithetha iilwimi ngeelwimi safundiswa isiFanakalo. Amabali am abonisa iintlungu ezayame kulonwabo kuloo meko yasemigodini kuba yayikho nemidlalo nemigcobo ezonwabisayo ngokweentlanga ngeentlanga. Sasikwajongene nootsotsi kunye neentwazana ezithengisa ngemizimba. Ababhali abathe banefuthe ekubhaleni kwam baquka aba: uW.K. Thamsanqa ngencwadi yakhe ethi "Buzani kubawo," uP.T. Mtuze ngeyakhe ethi "Alitshoni Lingaphumi," kunye no L.L. Sebe ngencwadi yakhe ethi "Ucamngco."
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  • Date Issued: 2017

Seasonal variations in tick loads, coat characteristics, temperature-humidity index and blood metabolite profiles of extensively raised Boran cows

  • Authors: Ntilini, Wonga John
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Boran cattle -- South Africa Ticks -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MAgric
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13471 , vital:39672
  • Description: This study sought to determine the seasonal variations in tick loads, coat characteristics, temperature-humidity index and blood metabolite profiles of Boran cows reared in arid rangelands of South Africa. A total of 20 Boran cows of different age groups were used in this study. Tick counts, hair length, coat score, average temperature and relative humidity readings were measured twice (beginning and end) in each season (post-rainy, cold-dry, hot-dry, hot-wet). Blood samples were taken seasonally (beginning and end of the season) for the analysis of creatine kinase (CK) activity and haematological parameters (HP). Ticks were observed and counted from different anatomical sites, namely anterior (neck, head, ears, and around eyes), ventral (belly, udder, and limbs) and posterior (back and under the tail). The tick species observed from the Boran cows were Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi (34.58percent), Amblyomma hebreaum (43.35percent), Rhipicephalus simus (4.48percent) and Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus (17.59percent). Significant differences were observed in tick burdens at various anatomical sites, with posterior position having the highest tick loads during the post-rainy, cold-dry and hot-dry season. While the ventral position recorded the highest tick loads during the hot-wet season. It was also observed that the cattle had significantly long hair lengths during the cold-dry season. Furthermore, coat score and hair length were observed to be negatively (P<0.05) correlated with tick counts, while coat scores were positively (P<0.05) correlated with hair length. Significant differences were observed in CK activity across season, with higher levels during the hot-dry and hot-wet seasons compared to the post-rainy and cold-dry seasons. Boran cows were exposed to a mild stress condition during the hot-dry and hot-wet season when the THI values were high (>70). Seasonal variations had an effect (P<0.05) on some HP (HB, HCT, MCV, MCH, EOS, and BAS). Neutrophils (-0.267) and basophils (0.268) were significantly correlated with THI. In conclusion, the Boran cows were more susceptible to tick loads during the hot seasons. Likewise, the levels of creatine kinase activity and temperature-humidity index were high during the hot-dry and hot-wet season. Therefore, seasonal variations had an effect on tick loads, coat characteristics, temperature-humidity index and blood metabolite profiles of extensively raised Boran cows.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

An anthropological perspective of destitute families in the Walmer Township, Port Elizabeth

  • Authors: Thornton, Jessica Leigh
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Poverty -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Families, Black -- South Africa -- Social conditions , Economic assistance, Domestic -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45690 , vital:38927
  • Description: It is noticeable that poverty and deprivation exists in all forms in most, if not all, societies. Poverty and destitution have led to the formation and development of rural settlements within an urban context, which is known as informal housing. An example of this is Port Elizabeth’s Walmer Township. Walmer Township is seen to be one of the poorest informal settlements within the Eastern Cape, and has common problems of unemployment, violence, substance abuse, HIV/Aids and illiteracy. These problems adversely affect the community’s living conditions and plummets the society further into a state of destitution. In a last attempt to alleviate poverty among communities, such as the Walmer Township, organizations and external agencies have stepped in to reduce the harmful effects caused by poverty. These include shelters, feeding schemes and job empowerment. However, questions as to whether these organizations actually assist those living in poverty, and how can the organizations or current policy be improved, still exist and are raised regularly today. Thus, the research attempts to investigate the social effects of poverty and how it compromises family units, in order to understand what external organizations are in place to assist these families in destitution, and to come up with recommendations with the view of improving the existing policy
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  • Date Issued: 2016

An assessment of the invasion state and fisheries suitability in four dams and a natural lake in the Western Cape, South Africa

  • Authors: Dredge, Brendon Neville
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Introduced organisms Fishery management -- South Africa -- Western Cape Fishes -- Conservation -- South Africa -- Western Cape Introduced fishes -- South Africa -- Western Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/69114 , vital:29391
  • Description: Despite more than a century of introductions, fish invasions are poorly understood in South Africa. This thesis aims to: (1) provide baseline information on the fish fauna in five inland water bodies (four dams: Theewaterskloof, Clanwilliam, Quaggaskloof, and Voelvlei and a natural lake, Groenvlei) in the Western Cape; (2) determine which species were established and provide a baseline of abundance and size structure for monitoring and, (3) make preliminary recommendations for a fishery. First, criteria for determining establishment were developed by undertaking a full biological assessment of bluegill Lepomis macrochirus, a data-poor species in South Africa. This included the assessment of growth rate using validated estimates of age derived from otoliths in two dams (Clanwilliam Dam: Lt=335.9(1−eo.113(t+1.06)); Groenvlei: Lt=287.2(1-e−0.171(t+0.54)). Length at 50% maturity was similar for males (146 mmFL) and females (147 mmFL). Length frequency analysis combined with data on the age and growth and reproduction demonstrated that established populations of bluegill contained several age cohorts as well as mature and juvenile fishes. A meta-analysis was conducted to: (1) compile a list of initial stocking dates for all alien fishes in each waterbody and (2) use angler tournament data to assess for additional species and persistence over time. Data from the meta-analysis was combined with ichthyological survey data to determine establishment success. These data demonstrated that nine non-native species had established in the five water bodies. Clanwilliam Dam had the largest number (7) of non-native species established, Groenvlei (5) and Theewaterskloof, Brandvlei and Voelvlei the lowest with four species. The state of invasion of each species in the province showed that all nine species are categorised as invasive. This information on establishment was then integrated into a framework for rapidly determining what type of fishery would be most suitable for the 5 waterbodies. Potential yield was estimated using morphoedaphic models, were 260 t/yr for Theewaterskloof Dam, 93 t/yr for Voelvlei, 81 t/yr for Brandvlei, 59 t/yr for Groenvlei and 55 t/yr for Groenvlei. The CPUE for Groenvlei was the highest in gill nets with 1.32 ± 1.94 kg/h, then Voelvlei 1.05 ± 1.34 kg/h followed by Brandvlei (0.84 ± 1.48 kg/h), Clanwilliam (0.71 ± 1.55 kg/h) and lastly Theewaterskloof (0.36 ± 0.41 kg/h). Only Theewaterskloof could produce in excess of 100 t/yr but less than 400 t/yr of fish making it suitable for a small scale fishery. The CPUE values of Theewaterskloof were the lowest and a gill net fishery on this water body may not produce sufficient fish for the fishery. All water bodies had a high recreational angling usage, the opening of a small scale fishery could be detrimental to this industry. Subsistence and recreational anglers should be promoted with the possibility of a long line industry targeting Clarias gariepinus.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

Evaluating late payment-induced waste in South Africa through lean construction principles

  • Authors: Akuffo-Ntow, Eric Ayesu
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Construction industry -- South Africa -- Finance , Lean manufacturing -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8867 , vital:26437
  • Description: Central to the sustainable and competitive growth of the South African construction industry is a predictable cash flow through on time payment by clients to contractors. However, chronic late payments, a recurring problem in the industry, especially in the public sector, is bringing untold hardship to contractors by derailing their competitiveness and also eroding the trust among the supply chain partners to the extent that some firms end up closing business in the industry. The situation is viewed from the lean construction perspective as an obstacle that is preventing the accrual of the required value to project parties in the construction industry. This research addresses the causes of late payments to contractors and the role of the quantity surveyor (QS) in terms of influencing early payment from a lean construction perspective. A mixed method approach was used for compiling the primary data for the study. Sequentially, one hundred and two (102) quantitative and twelve (12) interview questionnaires were administered to selected contractors and construction professionals working predominantly on public sector projects. The findings revealed that the approval process for evaluation and certification by the client- appointed agent and intermediary institutions is taking longer than contractually allowed, with parties independently undertaking their evaluation prior to the certification date. This is found to be adverse to achieving consensus on the values of the works for authorisation. Other significant barriers are the lack of funds to authorise payment, random auditor general’s documentation changes, lack of administrators’ system integration and capacity to handle cyclical payment processing. Also, contractors have been found to be in default of timeously submitting complete claim documents. It is therefore recommended that the client agents should partner with the contractor in regular design and documentation reviews, arranging the payment process and should also meet jointly to prepare monthly evaluations. In addition, contractors should be mentored from the onset of the project regarding all the necessary documentation and supporting documents that will be required by the client to ensure that payment approvals are not delayed. The payment authori-sation agent’s capacity should be enhanced through training and improved powers as a singular point of control to perform efficiently and their systems and processes should be integrated to ensure that all parties are implementing the same protocols.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

In vitro evaluation of antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of olea europaea subsp. africana and euryops brevipapposus used by Cala community folkloric medicine for the management of infections associated with chronic non-communicable diseases

  • Authors: Adegborioye, Abiodun
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Antioxidants , Medicinal plants , Traditional medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4869 , vital:28624
  • Description: Chronic non-communicable diseses are a global public health challenge that continuously threatens the development and health of humans. Risk factors such as unbalanced diet-the high consumption of processed food or food from animal origin are responsible for NCDs. NCDs result in weakened immune system, making the host susceptible to opportunistic infections. Thus, the NCDs burden is most times chronic and multiple with the illness and suffering of the affected person numerous. The lack of cure for NCDs, the high cost of drugs, their high side-effects, and the emergence of multiple drug resistance has given rise to the investigation of other sources for therapeutic cure such as medicinal plants. The ethanol, n-hexane and ethyl acetate extracts of Olea europaea were analysed for their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The essential oil was also analysed for their chemical constituents. The n-hexane extracts of O. europaea exhibited no inhibition against all of the microorganisms tested, while the ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts exhibited inhibition, with minimum inhibitory concentration values between 0.625 mg/ml to 1.25 mg/ml. The ethanol leaf and ethyl acetate stem extracts exhibited significant activity in the inhibition of 2, 2-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazolin - 6-sulfonic acid diammonium salt (ABTS) free radical, the n-hexane leaf extract had the overall significant lipid peroxidation inhibition activity, while in the inhibition of 2, 2- diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH), the ethanol and ethyl acetate leaf extracts had strong activity. Nonanal, phytol, α-Pinene, α-Phellandrene, spatulenol and farnesol were some of chemical components identified after the GC-MS analysis of O. europaea oil. In the final part of the dissertation, Euryops brevipapposus essential oil was assessed for the antioxidant activities using free radical scavenging assays. In addition to this, the antimicrobial activities were assessed and the chemical composition was analysed using GC-MS. The essential oil demonstrated significant antioxidant activity against 2, 2-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl free radical (DPPH), 2, 2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and lipid peroxides with IC50 value of 0.0000000671 mg/ml, 1.05 mg/ml, and 1.170 mg/ml respectively. The essential oil also showed significant activity against all microorganisms tested with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values between 0.055 mg/ml to 0.5 mg/ml. α-pinene, α- Phellandrene, germacrene D, β-pinene, trans- β.-Ocimene, bicyclogermacrene and β -Phellandrene were some of the chemical compounds identified in E. brevipapposus oil. The study has shown that E. brevipapposus and O. europaea are abundant in phytochemical compounds which were thought to be the root cause for the activities demonstrated. Therefore, these therapeutic properties observed validate and elucidate the traditional usage of the both plants in the treatment /management of diseases.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

The experience of recovering from a substance use disorder

  • Authors: van der Schyff, Brett Carl
  • Date: 2016
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/4016 , vital:20585
  • Description: Substance use disorder is an intricate societal phenomenon resulting from psychological and physiological dependence. The aim of this study was to gain an in-depth understanding of the lived experiences of individuals recovering from a substance use disorder. An interpretive phenomenological method was used to elicit the fundamentals of recovery as experienced by the participants. Random purposeful sampling was used and guaranteed that appropriate participants were selected. Data was collected through the use of semi-structured, in-depth, face-to-face interviews with four individuals. The collected data was then processed according to the three interpretive phenomenological principles namely, phenomenology, hermeneutics and idiography. Analysis was thereafter conducted using five steps, which led to two main themes emerged. The two thematic categories that emerged were (1) the ex-users’ experiences of using substances and (2) experiences of recovering from a substance use disorder. Within the first thematic category two sub-themes developed which included: reasons for using substances, and when substance use became a dependency. The sub-themes that emerged in the second thematic category included: initiating recovery, recovery and treatment models, post-treatment, risk factors in recovery and supportive and protective factors in recovery.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

Ulwaluko kwa Xhosa: young Xhosa men's lived experiences in the context of traditional male initiation

  • Authors: Siswana, Anele
  • Date: 2016
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:3271 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020840
  • Description: This thesis explores the lived experiences of young amaXhosa men in relation to U!walukokwa Xhosa (traditional male initiation [TMI]) and its impact on their sense of masculinity. The conceptual framework of this study is located within African epistemology focusing on indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) in South Africa. The study aimed at enabling young amaXhosa men who had undergone TMI to reflect on their first-hand, personal accounts of Ulwa/ukokwa Xhosa and manhood. Six semistructured interviews and a follow up focus group discussion were held with 23-27 years old amaXhosa men residing in Joza Township in Grahamstown, Eastern Cape. Participants were identified through purposive sampling. The thesis reports on the following findings: (a) the significance of the place/location of initiation, and the guise of modernity; (b) feelings of anticipation experienced by the young men; (c) the theme on ubudoda(manhood) affirmation Ndiyindoda!; (d) the theme on the concealment of pain (perseverance); (e) the theme on respect for self and others and ubuntu;(f) Uzimelegeqe (independence and autonomy) and (g) social role and responsibility. The paper argues for the relevance of TMI as a significantrite of passage from boyhood to manhood among amaXhosa men.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

A flight of fancy in the Chorister Robin-Chat (Cossypha dichroa) : an isotopic standpoint

  • Authors: Wolmarans, Milena Helena Louise
  • Date: 2015
  • Subjects: Muscicapidae -- South Africa , Muscicapidae -- Food , Muscicapidae -- Habitat , Muscicapidae -- Habitat -- Conservation , Forest birds -- South Africa , Isotopes , Stable isotope tracers
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: vital:5920 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017207
  • Description: Forested areas have been cited for their highly diverse floral and faunal assemblages, which are currently under threat from anthropogenic activities that restrict their range and deplete the resources produced within these naturally fragmented patches. Historically, up to 67 percent of avifaunal species associated with well-treed areas have undergone localised extinctions, consequentially affecting biodiversity as a measure of species richness and ecosystem functionality. To date, more than 900 of the bird species affiliated with forests are under threat and despite the theory surrounding functional redundancy, the mass extinction that is currently underway poses considerable limitations on the ecological integrity of these biomes. In South Africa, indigenous forest (one of the rarest biomes), occurs predominantly in small isolated patches along the eastern escarpment. With mountainous terrain emphasised as ‘prominent hotspots of extinction’, the limited dispersal and habitat sensitivity of montane forest fauna renders these species more prone to localised extinctions. BirdLife International, the IUCN and SABAP2 all indicate reductions in the range and abundance of the Chorister Robin-Chat (Cossypha dichroa) - an endemic forest specialist that is reported to move seasonally between high-altitude forest patches where they breed in summer, and lowland coastal forests where they overwinter. Beyond diet, body morphology and vocalisations, much of the information available on the altitudinal movements of C. dichroa is based on secondary sources and the assumptions therein. This study aimed to investigate the potential utilisation of δ13C and δ15N stable isotopes in determining the dietary niche width and altitudinal movements of C. dichroa. Feathers obtained in forested patches of the Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape provinces exhibited a wide trophic niche width and generalised diet. Strong regional separation is apparent in the isotopic signatures suggesting little movement between provinces. A comparison of 13C-isotopes showed minimal variation that point to a uniformity in the carbon-base utilised by C. dichroa across their range. The 15N-signatures obtained in Limpopo, however, revealed a distinct trophic segregation between the northern-most Chorister populations and their southern counterparts. No altitudinal movements were detected in the isotopic signatures of recaptured Choristers, but more research is needed to investigate the long-term accuracy of these results and the breeding potential of resident Choristers in lowland coastal forests; especially when considering the reduced range and abundance reported for this endemic species.
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  • Date Issued: 2015

Amber : a aero-interaction honeypot with distributed intelligence

  • Authors: Schoeman, Adam
  • Date: 2015
  • Subjects: Security systems -- Security measures , Computer viruses , Intrusion detection systems (Computer security) , Computer security
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: vital:4716 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017938
  • Description: For the greater part, security controls are based on the principle of Decision through Detection (DtD). The exception to this is a honeypot, which analyses interactions between a third party and itself, while occupying a piece of unused information space. As honeypots are not located on productive information resources, any interaction with it can be assumed to be non-productive. This allows the honeypot to make decisions based simply on the presence of data, rather than on the behaviour of the data. But due to limited resources in human capital, honeypots’ uptake in the South African market has been underwhelming. Amber attempts to change this by offering a zero-interaction security system, which will use the honeypot approach of decision through Presence (DtP) to generate a blacklist of third parties, which can be passed on to a network enforcer. Empirical testing has proved the usefulness of this alternative and low cost approach in defending networks. The functionality of the system was also extended by installing nodes in different geographical locations, and streaming their detections into the central Amber hive.
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  • Date Issued: 2015

Impact of microfinance institutions on small business sustainability in Nelson Mandela Bay

  • Authors: Mgoduka, Bulelwa Keitumetse
  • Date: 2015
  • Subjects: Microfinance , Financial institutions -- South Africa , Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , MPhil
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8564 , vital:26407
  • Description: The rise of microfinance in South Africa as a development trajectory has dismissed ideas that small business enterprises have no significant contribution to the economic growth and development of the country. The primary objective of the study is to assess the impact of microfinance service providers on the success and sustainability of small business enterprises in the Nelson Mandela Bay. By applying descriptive statistics, 2 ordinary least square regression analyses as well as correlation matrix; the results reveal that microfinance has a positive and significant impact on the success and sustainability on small business enterprises in the Nelson Mandela Bay. The research findings hold a variety of implications for Government and policymakers. The study recommends that the microfinance sector must be under good governance through the microfinance regulatory and supervisory structures, since the sector contributes a great deal towards one of the most important objectives of the Post-Apartheid Government. Further, small business entrepreneurs must be well exposed to the requirements, standards and norms which govern the financial sector. This is particularly important in terms of the National Credit Act provisions.
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  • Date Issued: 2015

Sport consumption patterns in the Eastern Cape: cricket spectators as sporting univores or omnivores

  • Authors: Brock, Kelcey
  • Date: 2015
  • Subjects: Cricket -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Cricket -- Social aspects , Consumption (Economics) , Consumer behavior
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
  • Identifier: vital:1115 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017534
  • Description: Since its inception, consumption behaviour theory has developed to account for the important social aspect that underpins or at least to some extent can be used to explain consumption behaviour. Modern consumption behaviour theory is anthropocentric in nature, with people and societal influence at the forefront of the theory. To date, empirical studies on consumption behaviour of cultural activities (for example, music and arts), entertainment and sport have used Bourdieu’s (1984) omnivore/univore theory to suggest that consumption of leisure activities is bound up in social ties. To date, no such investigation has been conducted in the context of sport in South Africa. The aim of the study therefore is to investigate whether South African cricket spectators are sporting omnivores or univores, thus, essentially investigating whether sports consumption behaviour in South Africa is bound up in social ties. A number of positive economic and social ramifications could result from gaining a holistic understanding of sports consumption behaviour in South Africa. Given these ramifications, the secondary goal of the research is to identify motives for consumers making specific sport consumption decisions, and determining whether certain characteristics can be attributed to these consumption decisions. Recommendations based on the findings of the research could help various stakeholders understand sports consumption patterns in South Africa, which could in turn lead to the realization of positive economic and social benefits. The study made use of a questionnaire, administered at four different limited overs cricket matches in the 2012/13 cricket season, to obtain a range of responses reflecting specific types of consumption behaviour as well as motives for consumption decisions of cricket spectators in the Eastern Cape. Using individual binary probit models and post estimation F-tests, the results indicate that consumption behaviour of sport within South Africa predominantly differs on the grounds of education and race. This suggests that there are aspects of social connotations underpinning sports consumption behaviour within South Africa
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  • Date Issued: 2015

Redefining success : social justice and the ends of business

  • Authors: Zorn, Gwendolyn Philippa
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Success Social justice Success in business Social responsibility of business Business ethics Corporate profits
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:2745 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012061
  • Description: Success in business is for the most part defined in financial terms and, because of this, business operations are almost entirely, if not entirely, directed to this end. The principle behind this rationale has been informed by the thought that the best contribution businesses can make to social justice is to focus on the bottom line. By appealing to enlightened self-interest and the high premium people place on freedom, neoliberal economists like Milton Friedman and Friedrich Hayek argue that maximising profits is necessarily socially responsible. And, moreover, that not to pursue this end is socially irresponsible. Social responsibility is the ultimate justification that thinkers such as Friedman and Hayek appeal to when claiming that the business of business is to maximise profit. Yet this position is internally inconsistent. The position is ultimately justified by what is socially just but this means that in fact social justice, and not profit-making, ought to be the end of business. I shall argue that taking this commitment seriously involves rejecting the idea that the aim of business is to maximise profits. This is not to say that businesses should not make profits, rather it implies that this feature is not what ultimately makes them successful. The central contribution of this project is to resolve the contradictions embedded in the traditional approach to business by arguing that the primary aim of business is the promotion of social justice. To this end success in business needs to be redefined so that it reflects the achievement of its ultimate ends and not simply its instrumental means (profit) to the realisation of these aims. We ought then to revise our fundamental assumptions about the structures and policies that are necessary for business to achieve its real end of social justice.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2014
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