Employee pension and provident fund rights
- Authors: Richard, Makhado Fhatuwani
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Pension funds -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Pension trusts -- South Africa Pensions -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/35156 , vital:33642
- Description: Ideally, every employee is required to retire at some stage in life. Some retire at a relatively early age, whilst others work for as long as is possible. The generally accepted retirement ages are 55, 60 or 65, but vary from company to company as stipulated in the specific company's provident or pension fund rules or policy. Once retired, an individual would rely on social insurance as a source of income in the form of pension or a provident fund. Social insurance, in this regard, refers to the earned benefits of employees and is often linked to formal employment. South Africa, as a middle-income developing country, has incorporated such elements into its social security system. The main aim of a pension or provident fund is to provide benefits for its members when they retire from employment, retrenched, unable to work due to illness and for family in the case a member dies while still working. These forms of social security are key to people’s survival and are referred to as safety nets. benefits. Participation on a voluntary basis by the self-employed is allowed but the take-up has been low Employees’ pension and provident rights under a pension or provident scheme do not arise only under the trusts of the scheme but also as contractual terms of the employment relationship between the employer and its employees. This often takes effect on the date of taking up employment, or on entering into an agreement with the employer. Employment law covers all rights and obligations within the employee employer relationship and covers a range of legal issues such as discrimination, wrongful termination, wages and taxation. Many of these issues are governed by the applicable law. Although the South African retirement fund system is in many respects financially sound and well regulated, several individuals still reach their retirement age with inadequate savings. This occurs for several reasons. For many people, during their working life, the build-up of savings is disrupted, or the costs associated with retirement fund provisioning are relatively high. This problem is not only grave for some workers in the formal sector, but largely for those in the rapidly increasing informal sector. Majority of people still lack effective access to an affordable retirement funding vehicle, for the most part, are completely excluded from social protection schemes, social insurance schemes. The South African retirement fund industry has been heavily influenced by a racially divided past and the parallel existence of developed and emerging components of the economy. In the past, racially discriminatory exclusion from the pension fund or provident fund membership was prevalent. In many cases it was indirect discrimination based on job categorisation, such as the distinction between weekly paid and monthly paid staff. Where the staff complement was racially stratified, people were excluded from membership on the grounds of race. Discrimination in the workplace can deny individuals opportunities and thereby deprive society of what those individuals can and could contribute. This has unfortunately been the case in South Africa’s history, the administration of pension and provident funds being one of many examples.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Richard, Makhado Fhatuwani
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Pension funds -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Pension trusts -- South Africa Pensions -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/35156 , vital:33642
- Description: Ideally, every employee is required to retire at some stage in life. Some retire at a relatively early age, whilst others work for as long as is possible. The generally accepted retirement ages are 55, 60 or 65, but vary from company to company as stipulated in the specific company's provident or pension fund rules or policy. Once retired, an individual would rely on social insurance as a source of income in the form of pension or a provident fund. Social insurance, in this regard, refers to the earned benefits of employees and is often linked to formal employment. South Africa, as a middle-income developing country, has incorporated such elements into its social security system. The main aim of a pension or provident fund is to provide benefits for its members when they retire from employment, retrenched, unable to work due to illness and for family in the case a member dies while still working. These forms of social security are key to people’s survival and are referred to as safety nets. benefits. Participation on a voluntary basis by the self-employed is allowed but the take-up has been low Employees’ pension and provident rights under a pension or provident scheme do not arise only under the trusts of the scheme but also as contractual terms of the employment relationship between the employer and its employees. This often takes effect on the date of taking up employment, or on entering into an agreement with the employer. Employment law covers all rights and obligations within the employee employer relationship and covers a range of legal issues such as discrimination, wrongful termination, wages and taxation. Many of these issues are governed by the applicable law. Although the South African retirement fund system is in many respects financially sound and well regulated, several individuals still reach their retirement age with inadequate savings. This occurs for several reasons. For many people, during their working life, the build-up of savings is disrupted, or the costs associated with retirement fund provisioning are relatively high. This problem is not only grave for some workers in the formal sector, but largely for those in the rapidly increasing informal sector. Majority of people still lack effective access to an affordable retirement funding vehicle, for the most part, are completely excluded from social protection schemes, social insurance schemes. The South African retirement fund industry has been heavily influenced by a racially divided past and the parallel existence of developed and emerging components of the economy. In the past, racially discriminatory exclusion from the pension fund or provident fund membership was prevalent. In many cases it was indirect discrimination based on job categorisation, such as the distinction between weekly paid and monthly paid staff. Where the staff complement was racially stratified, people were excluded from membership on the grounds of race. Discrimination in the workplace can deny individuals opportunities and thereby deprive society of what those individuals can and could contribute. This has unfortunately been the case in South Africa’s history, the administration of pension and provident funds being one of many examples.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The acceptability of mulching on zero tillage as a water and soil conservation strategy by small scale farmers of Matatiele, Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
- Authors: Ngciva, Jabulani Emmanuel
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Tillage -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape No-tillage -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Agricultural Extension
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10564 , vital:35610
- Description: The acceptability of zero tillage amongst small-scale farmers is a challenge in the Eastern Cape Province as farmers have different strategies on how to manage residue. This situation is due to the limited information available on the benefits of implementing zero tillage, such as improving soil health. The Department of Agriculture and Agrarian Reform have been assisting small-scale farmers by subsidising them with the latest innovations, such as zero tillage. The main essence of these initiatives was to compensate farmers that are previously disadvantaged as a result of the apartheid system prior to 1994. Zero tillage has recently gained more attention as one of the most important farm practices due to its benefits for soil conservation and the elimination of greenhouse gases. The study was conducted at Magadla and Nkawu villages in Matatiele, Eastern Cape. The objective of the survey was to examine the influence of current residue management practices amongst Matatiele farmers in the light of the adoption of zero tillage practices. The data was collected using questionnaires and group discussions. The statistical package SPSS and Microsoft Excel were used to analyse data. The findings showed that the adoption percentages of zero tillage by small-scale farmers was 34 percent and 65 percent in Magadla and Nkawu villages respectively. Amongst the challenges that non-adopters faced were shortage of inputs, weak communication channels between farmers and coordinators, residue benefits to livestock and lack of proper monitoring and evaluation. Binary logistic model was adopted and used to analyse 13 independent variables that influence the adoption of mulching in the study area.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Ngciva, Jabulani Emmanuel
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Tillage -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape No-tillage -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Agricultural Extension
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10564 , vital:35610
- Description: The acceptability of zero tillage amongst small-scale farmers is a challenge in the Eastern Cape Province as farmers have different strategies on how to manage residue. This situation is due to the limited information available on the benefits of implementing zero tillage, such as improving soil health. The Department of Agriculture and Agrarian Reform have been assisting small-scale farmers by subsidising them with the latest innovations, such as zero tillage. The main essence of these initiatives was to compensate farmers that are previously disadvantaged as a result of the apartheid system prior to 1994. Zero tillage has recently gained more attention as one of the most important farm practices due to its benefits for soil conservation and the elimination of greenhouse gases. The study was conducted at Magadla and Nkawu villages in Matatiele, Eastern Cape. The objective of the survey was to examine the influence of current residue management practices amongst Matatiele farmers in the light of the adoption of zero tillage practices. The data was collected using questionnaires and group discussions. The statistical package SPSS and Microsoft Excel were used to analyse data. The findings showed that the adoption percentages of zero tillage by small-scale farmers was 34 percent and 65 percent in Magadla and Nkawu villages respectively. Amongst the challenges that non-adopters faced were shortage of inputs, weak communication channels between farmers and coordinators, residue benefits to livestock and lack of proper monitoring and evaluation. Binary logistic model was adopted and used to analyse 13 independent variables that influence the adoption of mulching in the study area.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Towards the development of a conceptual framework for hospital performance assessment of a South African public hospital in the Eastern Cape province
- Authors: Wagner, Rolene Margaret
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Public hospitals Hospital care Hospitals -- Administration
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPH
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12249 , vital:39223
- Description: An integrated conceptual framework for measuring and comparing the performance of a South African teaching hospital in the Eastern Cape Province with other hospitals, is not available. The aim of this study was therefore to contribute to the development of a conceptual framework for assessing the performance of a SA public hospital in the Eastern Cape Province. The systematic literature review included all black and grey literature that relate to one of the two main themes- the purpose of measuring hospital performance and the methodology of assessing hospital performance. Relevant studies were identified through a Google search using the following descriptors: “Hospital Performance”, and “Hospital Performance Assessment”. There were 369 scholarly articles with the exact descriptors anywhere in the article with 59 articles released during the period 2012 to 2016. Ultimately, 7 articles met all the inclusionary criteria and described enterprise wide assessments of hospital performance. Other relevant articles, inclusive of grey literature, are included. Two of the studies in Morocco and Costa Rica were systematic reviews of hospital performance and covered the period 2000-2011. The Botswana case study assessed the use of the WHO PATH tool to measure the performance of its public hospitals. The Iranian, United States and Malaysian studies reflected on single aspect measures of hospital performance such as efficiency; the effect of weighting hospital performance indicators for patient harm on hospital profiles and payment; and Bed Occupancy rates, respectively. The review of the challenges associated with developing a hospital performance assessment framework was not found to be as useful as the other articles. The WHO PATH tool provides a high level integrated conceptual framework for measuring and comparing the performance of a South African teaching hospital in the Eastern Cape Province with other hospitals. This, however, needs to be adapted to the South African context with specific indicators being selected by local stakeholders that will promote best possible patient outcomes and a positive experience of patient-centred care at effective and efficient public health facilities. Lessons can be drawn from other countries’ experiences that have implemented hospital performance assessments and tested specific performance indicators.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Wagner, Rolene Margaret
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Public hospitals Hospital care Hospitals -- Administration
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPH
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12249 , vital:39223
- Description: An integrated conceptual framework for measuring and comparing the performance of a South African teaching hospital in the Eastern Cape Province with other hospitals, is not available. The aim of this study was therefore to contribute to the development of a conceptual framework for assessing the performance of a SA public hospital in the Eastern Cape Province. The systematic literature review included all black and grey literature that relate to one of the two main themes- the purpose of measuring hospital performance and the methodology of assessing hospital performance. Relevant studies were identified through a Google search using the following descriptors: “Hospital Performance”, and “Hospital Performance Assessment”. There were 369 scholarly articles with the exact descriptors anywhere in the article with 59 articles released during the period 2012 to 2016. Ultimately, 7 articles met all the inclusionary criteria and described enterprise wide assessments of hospital performance. Other relevant articles, inclusive of grey literature, are included. Two of the studies in Morocco and Costa Rica were systematic reviews of hospital performance and covered the period 2000-2011. The Botswana case study assessed the use of the WHO PATH tool to measure the performance of its public hospitals. The Iranian, United States and Malaysian studies reflected on single aspect measures of hospital performance such as efficiency; the effect of weighting hospital performance indicators for patient harm on hospital profiles and payment; and Bed Occupancy rates, respectively. The review of the challenges associated with developing a hospital performance assessment framework was not found to be as useful as the other articles. The WHO PATH tool provides a high level integrated conceptual framework for measuring and comparing the performance of a South African teaching hospital in the Eastern Cape Province with other hospitals. This, however, needs to be adapted to the South African context with specific indicators being selected by local stakeholders that will promote best possible patient outcomes and a positive experience of patient-centred care at effective and efficient public health facilities. Lessons can be drawn from other countries’ experiences that have implemented hospital performance assessments and tested specific performance indicators.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Appropriate integration of workers with physical limitations into a manual workplace – development of an assessment tool
- Authors: Pearson, Jessie T
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/8209 , vital:21368
- Description: Background: People with physical limitations can contribute significantly to society and the economy, however, barriers to full and effective participation in the labour market often hinder decent employment. In light of this, placement decisions of impaired workers should be based on detailed information of the nature of the jobs available, as well as individual capabilities of the worker. An ergonomics approach to design attempts to achieve an appropriate balance between the capabilities of the worker and the requirements of the task and uses this balance to improve productivity and encourage physical and mental well-being, job satisfaction and safety. A specific analysis tool which can be applied to various workplaces and jobs, and provide information for decisions regarding placement of physically limited workers, will help to increase the percentage of correct placement in an appropriate workplace, resulting in optimum productivity and worker safety. Methods: An assessment tool which allows matching of job requirements and worker capabilities was developed based on a theoretical framework from Mattison and Goebel (2007), as well as principles defined by Almgren and Schaurig (2012) and Demura and Nakada (2010). The tool assesses range of motion, force and time components of the physical requirements of different tasks involved in the job, as well as movement capabilities and limitations of the worker. The tool was pilot tested in a case study with an above the knee amputee working at a research facility. Results: The tool successfully provided information regarding the matching of the work to the identified job. The output of the tool highlighted two tasks which would place the worker at risk due to physical requirements of the tasks being greater than movement capabilities of the worker. These tasks need to be further investigated to determine if accommodations can be made to assist the worker in safely performing the task, or if the job is not suitable for the worker. Conclusions: The tool developed was useful in providing information to inform appropriate placement of the physically limited worker. Further research needs to be done to validate and determine reliability of the tool.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Pearson, Jessie T
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/8209 , vital:21368
- Description: Background: People with physical limitations can contribute significantly to society and the economy, however, barriers to full and effective participation in the labour market often hinder decent employment. In light of this, placement decisions of impaired workers should be based on detailed information of the nature of the jobs available, as well as individual capabilities of the worker. An ergonomics approach to design attempts to achieve an appropriate balance between the capabilities of the worker and the requirements of the task and uses this balance to improve productivity and encourage physical and mental well-being, job satisfaction and safety. A specific analysis tool which can be applied to various workplaces and jobs, and provide information for decisions regarding placement of physically limited workers, will help to increase the percentage of correct placement in an appropriate workplace, resulting in optimum productivity and worker safety. Methods: An assessment tool which allows matching of job requirements and worker capabilities was developed based on a theoretical framework from Mattison and Goebel (2007), as well as principles defined by Almgren and Schaurig (2012) and Demura and Nakada (2010). The tool assesses range of motion, force and time components of the physical requirements of different tasks involved in the job, as well as movement capabilities and limitations of the worker. The tool was pilot tested in a case study with an above the knee amputee working at a research facility. Results: The tool successfully provided information regarding the matching of the work to the identified job. The output of the tool highlighted two tasks which would place the worker at risk due to physical requirements of the tasks being greater than movement capabilities of the worker. These tasks need to be further investigated to determine if accommodations can be made to assist the worker in safely performing the task, or if the job is not suitable for the worker. Conclusions: The tool developed was useful in providing information to inform appropriate placement of the physically limited worker. Further research needs to be done to validate and determine reliability of the tool.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Socio-economic benefits of agricultural projects to surrounding communities: the case of Qamata Irrigation Scheme in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Masela, Zandile
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Agricultural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Irrigation farming -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4716 , vital:28501
- Description: The Qamata Irrigation Scheme (QIS) is one of the largest irrigation schemes in South Africa. Despite substantial state investment, community members have only derived limited benefits from the scheme, leading the government efforts to revitalize the scheme. Many studies have been conducted about QIS but none of them have analyzed the effects of the QIS on the surrounding communities. This study investigated the socio-economic benefits of QIS to surrounding communities. For the purposes of this study, the units of analysis were the surrounding household members, questionnaires were used to collect data. Probabilistic sampling of random sampling method was used to select the villages; respondents’ were availability selected with sample size of 197 households. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from the participants. To analyse data, descriptive statistics and multinomial logit regression model were used. The study found out that female-headed households constitute 63.45 percent compared to male-headed households at 36.55 percent. The average age of the households in the villages that are within the radius of 10km is 58 years, while it is 59 years in villages that are beyond the 10km radius. In villages within the radius of 10km, 86.08 percent of respondents are unemployed, 5.70 percent are employed at the scheme and 8.23 percent are self-employed. In villages beyond 10km, 84.62 percent of respondents are unemployed, 5.13 percent are employed at the scheme and 10.26 percent are self-employed. In both villages, 71 percent of respondents reported that that they do not get feed supply from the scheme while 29 percent of respondents reported that they get feed supply from the scheme. From the overall distribution of villages within and beyond the radius of 10km, 80 percent of respondents reported that they do not get job opportunities from the QIS while 20 percent of respondents reported that they get job opportunities from the QIS. The study shows that 53 percent of respondents from villages within the radius of 10km are low-benefitting, 33 percent of respondents are intermediate-benefitting and 14 percent of respondents are high-benefitting from the scheme, while in villages beyond the radius of 10km, 97 percent of respondents are low-benefitting, 3 percent of respondents are intermediate-benefitting and none of the respondents is high-benefitting from the scheme. Furthermore, the study, through the multinomial logit regression model, shows that gender for intermediate benefitting has a negative coefficient (-1.70) and shows a significance of 10 percent On the other hand, gender for high benefitting has a positive coefficient (2.57) and shows a significance of 1 percent. Distance from the scheme has a negative coefficient (-3.08) and shows a significance of 1 percent. Access to farmland has a positive coefficient (2.33) and shows a significance of 10 percent. The study recommends that surrounding communities should own home gardens so that they can grow fresh produce and create job opportunities. The surrounding communities are also encouraged to own more farmlands or produce their own crops so they can also learn from the skills of the scheme.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Masela, Zandile
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Agricultural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Irrigation farming -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4716 , vital:28501
- Description: The Qamata Irrigation Scheme (QIS) is one of the largest irrigation schemes in South Africa. Despite substantial state investment, community members have only derived limited benefits from the scheme, leading the government efforts to revitalize the scheme. Many studies have been conducted about QIS but none of them have analyzed the effects of the QIS on the surrounding communities. This study investigated the socio-economic benefits of QIS to surrounding communities. For the purposes of this study, the units of analysis were the surrounding household members, questionnaires were used to collect data. Probabilistic sampling of random sampling method was used to select the villages; respondents’ were availability selected with sample size of 197 households. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from the participants. To analyse data, descriptive statistics and multinomial logit regression model were used. The study found out that female-headed households constitute 63.45 percent compared to male-headed households at 36.55 percent. The average age of the households in the villages that are within the radius of 10km is 58 years, while it is 59 years in villages that are beyond the 10km radius. In villages within the radius of 10km, 86.08 percent of respondents are unemployed, 5.70 percent are employed at the scheme and 8.23 percent are self-employed. In villages beyond 10km, 84.62 percent of respondents are unemployed, 5.13 percent are employed at the scheme and 10.26 percent are self-employed. In both villages, 71 percent of respondents reported that that they do not get feed supply from the scheme while 29 percent of respondents reported that they get feed supply from the scheme. From the overall distribution of villages within and beyond the radius of 10km, 80 percent of respondents reported that they do not get job opportunities from the QIS while 20 percent of respondents reported that they get job opportunities from the QIS. The study shows that 53 percent of respondents from villages within the radius of 10km are low-benefitting, 33 percent of respondents are intermediate-benefitting and 14 percent of respondents are high-benefitting from the scheme, while in villages beyond the radius of 10km, 97 percent of respondents are low-benefitting, 3 percent of respondents are intermediate-benefitting and none of the respondents is high-benefitting from the scheme. Furthermore, the study, through the multinomial logit regression model, shows that gender for intermediate benefitting has a negative coefficient (-1.70) and shows a significance of 10 percent On the other hand, gender for high benefitting has a positive coefficient (2.57) and shows a significance of 1 percent. Distance from the scheme has a negative coefficient (-3.08) and shows a significance of 1 percent. Access to farmland has a positive coefficient (2.33) and shows a significance of 10 percent. The study recommends that surrounding communities should own home gardens so that they can grow fresh produce and create job opportunities. The surrounding communities are also encouraged to own more farmlands or produce their own crops so they can also learn from the skills of the scheme.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Storytelling and social commentary in a comparison of Zakes Mda's Ways of Dying (1995) and Black Diamond (2009)
- Authors: Thackwray, Sarah
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: South African literature (English) -- Black authors -- History and criticism , Politics in literature , Storytelling -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7149 , vital:21265
- Description: In a comparison of two novels, Ways of Dying (1995) and Black Diamond (2009), this dissertation examines Zakes Mda's ongoing use of fiction in presenting incisive social commentary in the post-apartheid literary context. Mda's debut novel is a complex magic realist tale of Toloki, the professional mourner, who journeys from the village to the urban township. It is markedly different from his post-millennial satire, which invokes the social realist form, constructing a rapidly unfolding plot of urban gangsters, crime and sex, in which the characters are more representational than well-developed. While Ways of Dying has been praised as Mda's thought-provoking novel of the transition, Black Diamond has sometimes been criticised as being less able to comment significantly on the state of post-millennial South Africa. Subsequently, this dissertation evaluates the potential of Mda's most recent fictional portrayal of post-apartheid society to provide a meaningful interpretation of and commentary on post-apartheid South Africa, alongside his earlier novel.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Thackwray, Sarah
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: South African literature (English) -- Black authors -- History and criticism , Politics in literature , Storytelling -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7149 , vital:21265
- Description: In a comparison of two novels, Ways of Dying (1995) and Black Diamond (2009), this dissertation examines Zakes Mda's ongoing use of fiction in presenting incisive social commentary in the post-apartheid literary context. Mda's debut novel is a complex magic realist tale of Toloki, the professional mourner, who journeys from the village to the urban township. It is markedly different from his post-millennial satire, which invokes the social realist form, constructing a rapidly unfolding plot of urban gangsters, crime and sex, in which the characters are more representational than well-developed. While Ways of Dying has been praised as Mda's thought-provoking novel of the transition, Black Diamond has sometimes been criticised as being less able to comment significantly on the state of post-millennial South Africa. Subsequently, this dissertation evaluates the potential of Mda's most recent fictional portrayal of post-apartheid society to provide a meaningful interpretation of and commentary on post-apartheid South Africa, alongside his earlier novel.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
A study of factors enhancing truck driver retention at Tanker Services, Imperial Logistics, South Africa
- Authors: Goss, Cayley Amy
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:868 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1021250
- Description: The aim of this qualitative study was to gain an understanding of the factors that enhance truck driver retention at Tanker Services, Imperial Logistics, South Africa. The specific objectives of the study were to (1) explore factors which influence the retention of truck drivers from the perspectives of immediate supervisors of these drivers at Tanker Services Branches in Durban, Johannesburg, and Cape Town; (2) to identify the means Tanker Services adopts in meeting factors influential to truck driver retention; and (3) to provide recommendations on how to successfully retain truck drivers in this logistics organisation in South Africa. The research methodology of this study involved interviewing ten immediate managers of truck drivers at Tanker Services, Imperial Logistics. Specifically, data was collected through the use of individual, in-depth and semi-structured interviews to investigate the most influential factors affecting truck driver retention. The results of this research outline factors important to the truck drivers at Tanker Services from the perspectives of their immediate supervisors - most of whom were previously truck drivers themselves. The findings of this research identified the general factors that affect Tanker Services Truck drivers as follows: formal and informal rewards, competitive compensation, a work environment of quality equipment, high safety standards and recreational facilities. Furthermore, interpersonal relations and company reputation were found most influential to truck drivers in this South African logistics context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Goss, Cayley Amy
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:868 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1021250
- Description: The aim of this qualitative study was to gain an understanding of the factors that enhance truck driver retention at Tanker Services, Imperial Logistics, South Africa. The specific objectives of the study were to (1) explore factors which influence the retention of truck drivers from the perspectives of immediate supervisors of these drivers at Tanker Services Branches in Durban, Johannesburg, and Cape Town; (2) to identify the means Tanker Services adopts in meeting factors influential to truck driver retention; and (3) to provide recommendations on how to successfully retain truck drivers in this logistics organisation in South Africa. The research methodology of this study involved interviewing ten immediate managers of truck drivers at Tanker Services, Imperial Logistics. Specifically, data was collected through the use of individual, in-depth and semi-structured interviews to investigate the most influential factors affecting truck driver retention. The results of this research outline factors important to the truck drivers at Tanker Services from the perspectives of their immediate supervisors - most of whom were previously truck drivers themselves. The findings of this research identified the general factors that affect Tanker Services Truck drivers as follows: formal and informal rewards, competitive compensation, a work environment of quality equipment, high safety standards and recreational facilities. Furthermore, interpersonal relations and company reputation were found most influential to truck drivers in this South African logistics context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
An investigation into the prevalence and growth of phishing attacks against South African financial targets
- Authors: Lala, Darshan Magan
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/3157 , vital:20379
- Description: Phishing in the electronic communications medium is the act of sending unsolicited email messages with the intention of masquerading as a reputed business. The objective is to deceive the recipient into divulging personal and sensitive information such as bank account details, credit card numbers and passwords. Attacks against financial services are the most common types of targets for scammers. Phishing attacks in South Africa have cost businesses and consumers substantial amounts of financial loss. This research investigated existing literature to understand the basic concepts of email, phishing, spam and how these fit together. The research also looks into the increasing growth of phishing worldwide and in particular against South African targets. A quantitative study is performed and reported on; this involves the study and analysis of phishing statistics in a data set provided by the South African Anti-Phishing Working Group. The data set contains phishing URL information, country code where the site has been hosted, targeted company name, IP address information and timestamp of the phishing site. The data set contains 161 different phishing targets. The research primarily focuses on the trend in phishing attacks against six South African based financial institutions, but also correlates this with the overall global trend using statistical analysis. The results from the study of the data set are compared to existing statistics and literature regarding the prevalence and growth of phishing in South Africa. The question that this research answers is whether or not the prevalence and growth of phishing in South Africa correlates with the global trend in phishing attacks. The findings indicate that certain correlations exist between some of the South African phishing targets and global phishing trends.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Lala, Darshan Magan
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/3157 , vital:20379
- Description: Phishing in the electronic communications medium is the act of sending unsolicited email messages with the intention of masquerading as a reputed business. The objective is to deceive the recipient into divulging personal and sensitive information such as bank account details, credit card numbers and passwords. Attacks against financial services are the most common types of targets for scammers. Phishing attacks in South Africa have cost businesses and consumers substantial amounts of financial loss. This research investigated existing literature to understand the basic concepts of email, phishing, spam and how these fit together. The research also looks into the increasing growth of phishing worldwide and in particular against South African targets. A quantitative study is performed and reported on; this involves the study and analysis of phishing statistics in a data set provided by the South African Anti-Phishing Working Group. The data set contains phishing URL information, country code where the site has been hosted, targeted company name, IP address information and timestamp of the phishing site. The data set contains 161 different phishing targets. The research primarily focuses on the trend in phishing attacks against six South African based financial institutions, but also correlates this with the overall global trend using statistical analysis. The results from the study of the data set are compared to existing statistics and literature regarding the prevalence and growth of phishing in South Africa. The question that this research answers is whether or not the prevalence and growth of phishing in South Africa correlates with the global trend in phishing attacks. The findings indicate that certain correlations exist between some of the South African phishing targets and global phishing trends.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Bayesian accelerated life tests: exponential and Weibull models
- Authors: Izally, Sharkay Ruwade
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/3003 , vital:20351
- Description: Reliability life testing is used for life data analysis in which samples are tested under normal conditions to obtain failure time data for reliability assessment. It can be costly and time consuming to obtain failure time data under normal operating conditions if the mean time to failure of a product is long. An alternative is to use failure time data from an accelerated life test (ALT) to extrapolate the reliability under normal conditions. In accelerated life testing, the units are placed under a higher than normal stress condition such as voltage, current, pressure, temperature, to make the items fail in a shorter period of time. The failure information is then transformed through an accelerated model commonly known as the time transformation function, to predict the reliability under normal operating conditions. The power law will be used as the time transformation function in this thesis. We will first consider a Bayesian inference model under the assumption that the underlying life distribution in the accelerated life test is exponentially distributed. The maximal data information (MDI) prior, the Ghosh Mergel and Liu (GML) prior and the Jeffreys prior will be derived for the exponential distribution. The propriety of the posterior distributions will be investigated. Results will be compared when using these non-informative priors in a simulation study by looking at the posterior variances. The Weibull distribution as the underlying life distribution in the accelerated life test will also be investigated. The maximal data information prior will be derived for the Weibull distribution using the power law. The uniform prior and a mixture of Gamma and uniform priors will be considered. The propriety of these posteriors will also be investigated. The predictive reliability at the use-stress will be computed for these models. The deviance information criterion will be used to compare these priors. As a result of using a time transformation function, Bayesian inference becomes analytically intractable and Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods will be used to alleviate this problem. The Metropolis-Hastings algorithm will be used to sample from the posteriors for the exponential model in the accelerated life test. The adaptive rejection sampling method will be used to sample from the posterior distributions when the Weibull model is considered.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Izally, Sharkay Ruwade
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/3003 , vital:20351
- Description: Reliability life testing is used for life data analysis in which samples are tested under normal conditions to obtain failure time data for reliability assessment. It can be costly and time consuming to obtain failure time data under normal operating conditions if the mean time to failure of a product is long. An alternative is to use failure time data from an accelerated life test (ALT) to extrapolate the reliability under normal conditions. In accelerated life testing, the units are placed under a higher than normal stress condition such as voltage, current, pressure, temperature, to make the items fail in a shorter period of time. The failure information is then transformed through an accelerated model commonly known as the time transformation function, to predict the reliability under normal operating conditions. The power law will be used as the time transformation function in this thesis. We will first consider a Bayesian inference model under the assumption that the underlying life distribution in the accelerated life test is exponentially distributed. The maximal data information (MDI) prior, the Ghosh Mergel and Liu (GML) prior and the Jeffreys prior will be derived for the exponential distribution. The propriety of the posterior distributions will be investigated. Results will be compared when using these non-informative priors in a simulation study by looking at the posterior variances. The Weibull distribution as the underlying life distribution in the accelerated life test will also be investigated. The maximal data information prior will be derived for the Weibull distribution using the power law. The uniform prior and a mixture of Gamma and uniform priors will be considered. The propriety of these posteriors will also be investigated. The predictive reliability at the use-stress will be computed for these models. The deviance information criterion will be used to compare these priors. As a result of using a time transformation function, Bayesian inference becomes analytically intractable and Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods will be used to alleviate this problem. The Metropolis-Hastings algorithm will be used to sample from the posteriors for the exponential model in the accelerated life test. The adaptive rejection sampling method will be used to sample from the posterior distributions when the Weibull model is considered.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Geochemical exploration for copper - cobalt in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Copperbelt: a case study on PR851
- Authors: Katombe-Kisumbule, Paul
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/3035 , vital:20354
- Description: The PR851 licence area is located at about 80 km west from the town of Likasi in the district of Haut-Katanga and 175 km north-west of Lubumbashi, the capital city of Katanga Province in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The exploration licence was granted by the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo to First Quantum Minerals Ltd through its Congolese subsidiary Compagnie Minière de Sakania Sprl (CoMiSa Sprl) under certificate N˚ CAMI/CR/70/2003 on the 10th of October 2003 for a period of 5 years with a possibility of renewal for 3 years in respect to the new Congolese mining code. The PR851 area lies on fragments of Mines Subgroup rocks of the Roan Group in the Congolese Copperbelt where most of the Cu-Co and stratiform-stratabound deposits such as Kipushi, Ruashi-Etoile, Kinsevere, Kipoi, Luishya, Luswishi, Shituru, Kamoya, Kambove, Tenke- Fungurume, Shinkolobwe, Swambo, Mindingi and Kamoto among others are found. During the 20th century, the Union Minière du Haut Katanga (U.M.H.K.) undertook mineral exploration in the Congolese Copperbelt and numerous copper- and cobalt-occurrences were identified (for instance Kibamba copper occurrence in PR851 area). From 2003, the Compagnie Minière de Sakania Sprl initiated a grassroots exploration program in PR851 area and geochemical exploration survey as one of the mineral exploration tools was implemented to aim at detecting copper and cobalt concentration in soil. The B horizon of the thick tropical soil in the area was sampled and soil samples were sent to Genalysis laboratories in Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa for main chemical analysis of Cu and Co only, whereas 10% of analyzed samples were dispatched to Perth, Western Australia for quality control analysis. Thresholds for anomalies of copper and cobalt were defined by literature comparison, standard deviations and spatial analysis. The anomalies were tested at a later stage by reverse circulation / diamond drilling during the year of 2005 to 2008 and the Cu-Co resources were estimated by Digital Mining Services of Harare, Zimbabwe in the year of 2008. Geological logging of chips from reverse circulation and diamond drill cores revealed that copper mineralization is represented by malachite, chrysocolla, chalcopyrite and bornite whereas cobalt mineralization appeared in form of heterogenite. The source of supergene mineralization remains unknown. Recommendations have been made to undertake more geological exploration work in order to fully investigate the geological setting and structural architecture of the region, which may result in a better understanding of the Cu-Co mineralization system and ore genesis. The latter has been no consensus up-to-date and different theories have been proposed to discuss the ore genesis, including syn- and dia- genetic, synorogenic and sulphide remobilization to late-to-post- orogenic Cu-Zn-Pb Kipushi-type deposit. However, geological observations favored that the diagenetic and syngenetic models are applicable to numerous deposits in the Central African Copperbelt.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Katombe-Kisumbule, Paul
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/3035 , vital:20354
- Description: The PR851 licence area is located at about 80 km west from the town of Likasi in the district of Haut-Katanga and 175 km north-west of Lubumbashi, the capital city of Katanga Province in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The exploration licence was granted by the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo to First Quantum Minerals Ltd through its Congolese subsidiary Compagnie Minière de Sakania Sprl (CoMiSa Sprl) under certificate N˚ CAMI/CR/70/2003 on the 10th of October 2003 for a period of 5 years with a possibility of renewal for 3 years in respect to the new Congolese mining code. The PR851 area lies on fragments of Mines Subgroup rocks of the Roan Group in the Congolese Copperbelt where most of the Cu-Co and stratiform-stratabound deposits such as Kipushi, Ruashi-Etoile, Kinsevere, Kipoi, Luishya, Luswishi, Shituru, Kamoya, Kambove, Tenke- Fungurume, Shinkolobwe, Swambo, Mindingi and Kamoto among others are found. During the 20th century, the Union Minière du Haut Katanga (U.M.H.K.) undertook mineral exploration in the Congolese Copperbelt and numerous copper- and cobalt-occurrences were identified (for instance Kibamba copper occurrence in PR851 area). From 2003, the Compagnie Minière de Sakania Sprl initiated a grassroots exploration program in PR851 area and geochemical exploration survey as one of the mineral exploration tools was implemented to aim at detecting copper and cobalt concentration in soil. The B horizon of the thick tropical soil in the area was sampled and soil samples were sent to Genalysis laboratories in Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa for main chemical analysis of Cu and Co only, whereas 10% of analyzed samples were dispatched to Perth, Western Australia for quality control analysis. Thresholds for anomalies of copper and cobalt were defined by literature comparison, standard deviations and spatial analysis. The anomalies were tested at a later stage by reverse circulation / diamond drilling during the year of 2005 to 2008 and the Cu-Co resources were estimated by Digital Mining Services of Harare, Zimbabwe in the year of 2008. Geological logging of chips from reverse circulation and diamond drill cores revealed that copper mineralization is represented by malachite, chrysocolla, chalcopyrite and bornite whereas cobalt mineralization appeared in form of heterogenite. The source of supergene mineralization remains unknown. Recommendations have been made to undertake more geological exploration work in order to fully investigate the geological setting and structural architecture of the region, which may result in a better understanding of the Cu-Co mineralization system and ore genesis. The latter has been no consensus up-to-date and different theories have been proposed to discuss the ore genesis, including syn- and dia- genetic, synorogenic and sulphide remobilization to late-to-post- orogenic Cu-Zn-Pb Kipushi-type deposit. However, geological observations favored that the diagenetic and syngenetic models are applicable to numerous deposits in the Central African Copperbelt.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Grace “The story of a wise cat and a cruel man.”
- Authors: Phepheng, Maruping
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:6005 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1021213
- Description: Morgan, a widower and police detective, is quickly promoted from constable to captain after a series of successful criminal investigations, creating enemies in the process. One of the convicted and incarcerated is Paper, a gang leader with a violent upbringing. After a lucky release from prison, Paper, now Morgan’s fierce foe, plots to hurt him in the worst way possible – by killing his only son. The story is narrated by a cat named Grace, whose presence and companionship comes from another dimension and helps Morgan to keep sane.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Phepheng, Maruping
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:6005 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1021213
- Description: Morgan, a widower and police detective, is quickly promoted from constable to captain after a series of successful criminal investigations, creating enemies in the process. One of the convicted and incarcerated is Paper, a gang leader with a violent upbringing. After a lucky release from prison, Paper, now Morgan’s fierce foe, plots to hurt him in the worst way possible – by killing his only son. The story is narrated by a cat named Grace, whose presence and companionship comes from another dimension and helps Morgan to keep sane.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Using experience from previous failed implementations to improve future lean implementation strategy
- Authors: Hiles, Charmelle Amanda
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Lean manufacturing -- Management Production planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11047 , vital:26880
- Description: The main objective of the study was to ascertain the presence of the identified critical success factors for lean sustainability in a chemical manufacturing company in Port Elizabeth. The critical success factors that formed part of the research included leadership involvement and commitment, management involvement and commitment, employee engagement and organisational culture. The methodology used was one of a positivistic approach. A questionnaire was utilized and the responses were analyzed using various statistical methods. Based on the results from the analysis, recommendations and conclusions could be drawn. The inferential results of the study indicated that all the critical success factors identified for this study were present within the organisation. However, there were still a large percentage of respondents that remained neutral across all the questions which could indicate reasons why previous attempts in lean implementation failed. The recommendations provided were based on the findings of the study. An implementation strategy was identified and outlined. This strategy and recommendations will assist in providing a sound platform for a sustainable lean initiative within the organisation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Using experience from previous failed implementations to improve future lean implementation strategy
- Authors: Hiles, Charmelle Amanda
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Lean manufacturing -- Management Production planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11047 , vital:26880
- Description: The main objective of the study was to ascertain the presence of the identified critical success factors for lean sustainability in a chemical manufacturing company in Port Elizabeth. The critical success factors that formed part of the research included leadership involvement and commitment, management involvement and commitment, employee engagement and organisational culture. The methodology used was one of a positivistic approach. A questionnaire was utilized and the responses were analyzed using various statistical methods. Based on the results from the analysis, recommendations and conclusions could be drawn. The inferential results of the study indicated that all the critical success factors identified for this study were present within the organisation. However, there were still a large percentage of respondents that remained neutral across all the questions which could indicate reasons why previous attempts in lean implementation failed. The recommendations provided were based on the findings of the study. An implementation strategy was identified and outlined. This strategy and recommendations will assist in providing a sound platform for a sustainable lean initiative within the organisation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Assessing the efficacy of integrating human resource development with organization strategy as a precursor to strategic management in the Eastern Cape Legislature (2006-2012)
- Authors: Matomane, Nyanisile Frisco
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Personnel management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Legislators -- Services for Public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4560 , vital:28418
- Description: This research article studies the factors that are likely to affect the visible part of human resource development (HRD)– the use of HRD activities in the Legislature Sector. It is argued that the active use of HRD activities as such does not indicate the role HRD plays in a Legislature’s business: rather, one has to pay attention to HRD orientation that captures the paradigm of an organization as regards the development of people. In this empirical study of Legislature Sector, several factors related to the organization, strategy, HRD function, and HRD person are identified as meaningful predictors of HRD orientation. Results imply that the outcomes of HRD are also dependent on factors outside the traditional authority of HRD function. The model that is formed based on the results helps those involved in HRD to understand the inherent linkages and holistic nature of people development in organizations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Matomane, Nyanisile Frisco
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Personnel management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Legislators -- Services for Public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4560 , vital:28418
- Description: This research article studies the factors that are likely to affect the visible part of human resource development (HRD)– the use of HRD activities in the Legislature Sector. It is argued that the active use of HRD activities as such does not indicate the role HRD plays in a Legislature’s business: rather, one has to pay attention to HRD orientation that captures the paradigm of an organization as regards the development of people. In this empirical study of Legislature Sector, several factors related to the organization, strategy, HRD function, and HRD person are identified as meaningful predictors of HRD orientation. Results imply that the outcomes of HRD are also dependent on factors outside the traditional authority of HRD function. The model that is formed based on the results helps those involved in HRD to understand the inherent linkages and holistic nature of people development in organizations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Considerations for implementating market based mechanisms in combating climate change in South Africa
- Authors: Marais, Frans
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Climatic changes -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1093 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012952
- Description: Since the first period of the Kyoto Protocol, there has been a growing concern that the burden of reducing greenhouse gas emissions should not only be borne by developed countries, but developing countries as well. South Africa, as the 18th highest emitter of greenhouse gases in the world and highest in Africa, has a significant responsibility to reduce its emissions levels. The South African government is currently in the process of implementing a carbon tax for its short term response to climate change and considering the implementation of a carbon market as a medium to long term response to climate change. Both of these market based mechanisms are widely deemed effective in the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions by economists, however are also known to have negative social and economic implications upon an economy. This study identifies these implications and attempts to provide considerations on how to alleviate the implications through the most appropriate process of revenue recycling. The negative effects of Implementing a carbon tax or carbon market could be severe as and not limited to: a significant decline in GDP, a reduction in the standard of living for certain households, a fall in a country's exports and even an increase in poverty. South Africa's environmental and development policies place a strict precedence on the protection of the poor and the prevention of economic hardship induced by such policies. This places significant importance on the prevention of these externalities from occurring. A primary means of doing so is through the process of revenue recycling, however, certain channels of revenue recycling are by no means helpful, hence the most appropriate channel needs to be identified. The study carried out a multiple case study analysis on Ireland, Mexico, New Zealand and Norway, to determine what effects a carbon tax had on their economies and how these effects were mitigated through carbon tax revenue recycling. An additional analysis of the EU ETS was carried out to determine how the EU ETS was implemented and the controversies and concerns that arose during its implementation. The findings of this analysis were then compared to a number of South African economist’s case studies, and the most appropriate method of revenue recycling identified and possible solutions to the EU ETS controversies found. The study concludes that a food subsidy has the potential to provide positive effects on welfare employment and GDP; therefore could be considered to be the most appropriate method of revenue recycling. However, these effects are limited to be experienced only at low levels of a carbon tax, hence, short term in nature. The study therefore provides a further consideration that the use of multiple channels for revenue recycling needs to be explored that could provide stable longer term effects. In addition, in the implementation of a carbon market, the study concludes that government should consider using an auction approach in the initial allocation phase of an ETS and the use of a centralized registry for monitoring and controlling of information and transactions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Marais, Frans
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Climatic changes -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1093 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012952
- Description: Since the first period of the Kyoto Protocol, there has been a growing concern that the burden of reducing greenhouse gas emissions should not only be borne by developed countries, but developing countries as well. South Africa, as the 18th highest emitter of greenhouse gases in the world and highest in Africa, has a significant responsibility to reduce its emissions levels. The South African government is currently in the process of implementing a carbon tax for its short term response to climate change and considering the implementation of a carbon market as a medium to long term response to climate change. Both of these market based mechanisms are widely deemed effective in the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions by economists, however are also known to have negative social and economic implications upon an economy. This study identifies these implications and attempts to provide considerations on how to alleviate the implications through the most appropriate process of revenue recycling. The negative effects of Implementing a carbon tax or carbon market could be severe as and not limited to: a significant decline in GDP, a reduction in the standard of living for certain households, a fall in a country's exports and even an increase in poverty. South Africa's environmental and development policies place a strict precedence on the protection of the poor and the prevention of economic hardship induced by such policies. This places significant importance on the prevention of these externalities from occurring. A primary means of doing so is through the process of revenue recycling, however, certain channels of revenue recycling are by no means helpful, hence the most appropriate channel needs to be identified. The study carried out a multiple case study analysis on Ireland, Mexico, New Zealand and Norway, to determine what effects a carbon tax had on their economies and how these effects were mitigated through carbon tax revenue recycling. An additional analysis of the EU ETS was carried out to determine how the EU ETS was implemented and the controversies and concerns that arose during its implementation. The findings of this analysis were then compared to a number of South African economist’s case studies, and the most appropriate method of revenue recycling identified and possible solutions to the EU ETS controversies found. The study concludes that a food subsidy has the potential to provide positive effects on welfare employment and GDP; therefore could be considered to be the most appropriate method of revenue recycling. However, these effects are limited to be experienced only at low levels of a carbon tax, hence, short term in nature. The study therefore provides a further consideration that the use of multiple channels for revenue recycling needs to be explored that could provide stable longer term effects. In addition, in the implementation of a carbon market, the study concludes that government should consider using an auction approach in the initial allocation phase of an ETS and the use of a centralized registry for monitoring and controlling of information and transactions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
An enquiry into the formative and summative assessment procedures, and perceptions thereof, of grade 10 mathematics teachers : a Namibian case study
- Authors: Marongwe, Anesu Desmond
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1385 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001513
- Description: The purpose of this study was to gain insight into observed discrepancies between continuous assessment and final examination average marks in Grade 10 Mathematics in the Oshikoto region of Namibia. The study is framed as a case study and is grounded within the interpretive paradigm. A mixed methods approach was applied, eliciting both quantitative as well as qualitative data. The study took place in two phases. In Phase 1, continuous assessment and Grade 10 final examination average marks for 62 Junior Secondary Schools for the period 2008-2010 were gathered and analyzed. Schools were characterized in terms of the relationship between their continuous assessment and final examination average marks for each of the three years. Phase 2, which was informed by Phase 1, took the form of structured interviews with a sample of three Mathematics teachers and three principals along with a focus-group interview of twelve teachers in order to investigate more deeply the perceptions of teachers and principals toward assessment policy and practice. The study shows that Grade 10 assessment practice in Namibian schools is far from ideal. Many teachers are not fully conversant with the various continuous assessment components as outlined by policy, and teachers are not confident about setting appropriate continuous assessment tasks. There is a strong perception that continuous assessment marks can easily be inflated and those teachers who gave high continuous assessment marks to their learners were generally perceived as being either incompetent or dishonest. While continuous assessment was seen as an important component of teaching and learning, it is evident that teachers and principals would welcome greater clarity, along with standardization and moderation, with respect to continuous assessment practice.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Marongwe, Anesu Desmond
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1385 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001513
- Description: The purpose of this study was to gain insight into observed discrepancies between continuous assessment and final examination average marks in Grade 10 Mathematics in the Oshikoto region of Namibia. The study is framed as a case study and is grounded within the interpretive paradigm. A mixed methods approach was applied, eliciting both quantitative as well as qualitative data. The study took place in two phases. In Phase 1, continuous assessment and Grade 10 final examination average marks for 62 Junior Secondary Schools for the period 2008-2010 were gathered and analyzed. Schools were characterized in terms of the relationship between their continuous assessment and final examination average marks for each of the three years. Phase 2, which was informed by Phase 1, took the form of structured interviews with a sample of three Mathematics teachers and three principals along with a focus-group interview of twelve teachers in order to investigate more deeply the perceptions of teachers and principals toward assessment policy and practice. The study shows that Grade 10 assessment practice in Namibian schools is far from ideal. Many teachers are not fully conversant with the various continuous assessment components as outlined by policy, and teachers are not confident about setting appropriate continuous assessment tasks. There is a strong perception that continuous assessment marks can easily be inflated and those teachers who gave high continuous assessment marks to their learners were generally perceived as being either incompetent or dishonest. While continuous assessment was seen as an important component of teaching and learning, it is evident that teachers and principals would welcome greater clarity, along with standardization and moderation, with respect to continuous assessment practice.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Characterisation of a plasmodium falciparum type II Hsp40 chaperone exported to the cytosol of infected erythrocytes
- Maphumulo, Philile Nompumelelo
- Authors: Maphumulo, Philile Nompumelelo
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Erythrocytes , Heat shock proteins , Plasmodium falciparum , Molecular chaperones , Malaria -- Prevention -- Research , Protein folding , Proteins -- Analysis , Malaria -- Immunological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4128 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015681
- Description: Heat Shock 40 kDa proteins (Hsp40s) partner with heat shock 70 kDa proteins (Hsp70s) in facilitating, among other chaperone activities; correct protein transport, productive protein folding and assembly within the cells; under both normal and stressful conditions. Hsp40 proteins regulate the ATPase activity of Hsp70 through interaction with the J-domain. Plasmodium falciparum Hsp70s (PfHsp70s) do not contain a Plasmodium export element (PEXEL) sequence although PfHsp70-1 and PfHsp70-3 have been located outside of the parasitophorous vacuole. Studies reveal that a type I P. falciparum (PfHsp40) chaperone (PF14_0359) stimulates the rate of ATP hydrolysis of the cytosolic PfHsp70 (PfHsp70-1) and that of human Hsp70A1A. PFE0055c is a PEXEL-bearing type II Hsp40 that is exported into the cytosol of P. falciparum-infected erythrocytes; where it potentially interacts with human Hsp70. Studies reveal that PFE0055c associates with structures found in the erythrocyte cytosol termed “J-dots” which are believed to be involved in trafficking parasite-encoded proteins through the erythrocyte cytosol. If P. falciparum exports PFE0055c into the host cytosol, it may be proposed that it interacts with human Hsp70, making it a possible drug target. The effect of PFE0055c on the ATPase activity of human Hsp70A1A has not been previously characterised. Central to this study was bioinformatic analysis and biochemical characterisation PFE0055c using an in vitro (ATPase assay) approach. Structural domains that classify PFE0055c as a type II Hsp40 were identified with similarity to two other exported type II PfHsp40s. Plasmids encoding the hexahistidine-tagged versions of PFE0055c and human Hsp70A1A were used for the expression and purification of these proteins from Escherichia coli. Purification was achieved using nickel affinity chromatography. The urea-denaturing method was used to obtain the purified PFE0055c whilst human Hsp70A1A was purified using the native method. PFE0055c could stimulate the ATPase activity of alfalfa Hsp70, although such was not the case for human Hsp70A1A in vitro.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Maphumulo, Philile Nompumelelo
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Erythrocytes , Heat shock proteins , Plasmodium falciparum , Molecular chaperones , Malaria -- Prevention -- Research , Protein folding , Proteins -- Analysis , Malaria -- Immunological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4128 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015681
- Description: Heat Shock 40 kDa proteins (Hsp40s) partner with heat shock 70 kDa proteins (Hsp70s) in facilitating, among other chaperone activities; correct protein transport, productive protein folding and assembly within the cells; under both normal and stressful conditions. Hsp40 proteins regulate the ATPase activity of Hsp70 through interaction with the J-domain. Plasmodium falciparum Hsp70s (PfHsp70s) do not contain a Plasmodium export element (PEXEL) sequence although PfHsp70-1 and PfHsp70-3 have been located outside of the parasitophorous vacuole. Studies reveal that a type I P. falciparum (PfHsp40) chaperone (PF14_0359) stimulates the rate of ATP hydrolysis of the cytosolic PfHsp70 (PfHsp70-1) and that of human Hsp70A1A. PFE0055c is a PEXEL-bearing type II Hsp40 that is exported into the cytosol of P. falciparum-infected erythrocytes; where it potentially interacts with human Hsp70. Studies reveal that PFE0055c associates with structures found in the erythrocyte cytosol termed “J-dots” which are believed to be involved in trafficking parasite-encoded proteins through the erythrocyte cytosol. If P. falciparum exports PFE0055c into the host cytosol, it may be proposed that it interacts with human Hsp70, making it a possible drug target. The effect of PFE0055c on the ATPase activity of human Hsp70A1A has not been previously characterised. Central to this study was bioinformatic analysis and biochemical characterisation PFE0055c using an in vitro (ATPase assay) approach. Structural domains that classify PFE0055c as a type II Hsp40 were identified with similarity to two other exported type II PfHsp40s. Plasmids encoding the hexahistidine-tagged versions of PFE0055c and human Hsp70A1A were used for the expression and purification of these proteins from Escherichia coli. Purification was achieved using nickel affinity chromatography. The urea-denaturing method was used to obtain the purified PFE0055c whilst human Hsp70A1A was purified using the native method. PFE0055c could stimulate the ATPase activity of alfalfa Hsp70, although such was not the case for human Hsp70A1A in vitro.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Evolution of the UG2 unit, Bushveld Complex, South Africa : mineral composition and petrological evidence
- Authors: Everitt, Simon James
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Textures -- South Africa -- Bushveld Complex Petrology -- South Africa -- Bushveld Complex Chromite -- South Africa -- Bushveld Complex Mineralogy -- South Africa -- Bushveld Complex
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4913 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001573
- Description: Several disequilibrium textures are found to occur within the hanging wall and footwall of the UG2 chromitite layer of the Bushveld Complex, South Africa. These textures include plagioclase chadacrysts found included within orthopyroxene and clinopyroxene as well as the orthopyroxenes exhibiting round crystal boundaries that appear to be resorbed. Textures found within the UG2 stratigraphy such as linear boundaries and 120° triple junctions at interfaces of adjacent plagioclase or pyroxene grains also suggest that recrystallization has taken place. The presence of both disequilibrium textures and recrystallization textures would suggest that a complex emplacement history has occurred. Ideally, this would be expected to be manifested by minerals of the same type but which are texturally distinct showing different composition. However this has been found not to be the case; minerals that suggest disequilibrium textures show similar compositions to the minerals which appear to have formed in equilibrium. This is also the same for recrystallized crystals which show the same compositions as crystals that have not been recrystallized. For example tabular clinopyroxene, which has a compositional range of En 44.6 to En 50.5, is indistinguishable from clinopyroxene occuring as discontinuous rims, En 44.3-48.2, and as intergranular necking connecting primocrysts of orthopyroxene ( En 44.3-50.4). Similarly, plagioclase occurring as inclusions with An 66.3-76.0 is indistinguishable from plagioclase occurring as zoned or recrystallized interstitial grains ( An 69.0- An 77.4). Compositional variation has however, been found to be controlled to an extent by stratigraphy in that minerals show different compositions within one layer to the same minerals within another layer, consistent with an evolving magma composition. It is concluded therefore that while composition is not texturally controlled it is to an extent stratigraphy controlled and that the evidence collected within the study supports two models for the formation of chromite within the Bushveld complex. The evidence is consistent with a combination of the magma mixing model and magma injection model to account for the textures and compositional variations found within the study. The evidence may also show support for models involving late modification of minerals by magmatic fluids but not as prominently as for the models mentioned above , Microsoft� Word 2010 , Adobe Acrobat 9.53 Paper Capture Plug-in
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Everitt, Simon James
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Textures -- South Africa -- Bushveld Complex Petrology -- South Africa -- Bushveld Complex Chromite -- South Africa -- Bushveld Complex Mineralogy -- South Africa -- Bushveld Complex
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4913 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001573
- Description: Several disequilibrium textures are found to occur within the hanging wall and footwall of the UG2 chromitite layer of the Bushveld Complex, South Africa. These textures include plagioclase chadacrysts found included within orthopyroxene and clinopyroxene as well as the orthopyroxenes exhibiting round crystal boundaries that appear to be resorbed. Textures found within the UG2 stratigraphy such as linear boundaries and 120° triple junctions at interfaces of adjacent plagioclase or pyroxene grains also suggest that recrystallization has taken place. The presence of both disequilibrium textures and recrystallization textures would suggest that a complex emplacement history has occurred. Ideally, this would be expected to be manifested by minerals of the same type but which are texturally distinct showing different composition. However this has been found not to be the case; minerals that suggest disequilibrium textures show similar compositions to the minerals which appear to have formed in equilibrium. This is also the same for recrystallized crystals which show the same compositions as crystals that have not been recrystallized. For example tabular clinopyroxene, which has a compositional range of En 44.6 to En 50.5, is indistinguishable from clinopyroxene occuring as discontinuous rims, En 44.3-48.2, and as intergranular necking connecting primocrysts of orthopyroxene ( En 44.3-50.4). Similarly, plagioclase occurring as inclusions with An 66.3-76.0 is indistinguishable from plagioclase occurring as zoned or recrystallized interstitial grains ( An 69.0- An 77.4). Compositional variation has however, been found to be controlled to an extent by stratigraphy in that minerals show different compositions within one layer to the same minerals within another layer, consistent with an evolving magma composition. It is concluded therefore that while composition is not texturally controlled it is to an extent stratigraphy controlled and that the evidence collected within the study supports two models for the formation of chromite within the Bushveld complex. The evidence is consistent with a combination of the magma mixing model and magma injection model to account for the textures and compositional variations found within the study. The evidence may also show support for models involving late modification of minerals by magmatic fluids but not as prominently as for the models mentioned above , Microsoft� Word 2010 , Adobe Acrobat 9.53 Paper Capture Plug-in
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Lʹétude des thèmes du deuil et de la marginalité dans Le Royaume Aveugle et Reine Pokou, concerto pour un sacrifice de Véronique Tadjo
- Sachikonye, Tsitsi Shamiso Anne
- Authors: Sachikonye, Tsitsi Shamiso Anne
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Tadjo, Véronique -- Criticism and interpretation , West African literature (French) -- History and criticism , African fiction (French) -- 20th century
- Language: French
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3603 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002956 , Tadjo, Véronique -- Criticism and interpretation , West African literature (French) -- History and criticism , African fiction (French) -- 20th century
- Description: The field of our study is Francophone African Literature and this thesis explores the themes of marginality and grief both experienced by Princess Akissi in The Blind Kingdom and Princess Pokou in Queen Pokou (2004) during their rise to power in their respective kingdoms. The two novels written by Véronique Tadjo from Ivory Coast, are subjected to thematic analysis because they are both based on similar storylines - that of conflict and rivalry within kingdoms resulting in the exile of the two princesses. One of the novels is set in a pre-colonial period while the other is set in a postcolonial era. Queen Pokou, winner of the 2005 Grand Prix Littéraire d’Afrique Noire (which is the most distinguished prize in Francophone African literature), is a retelling of the founding myths of the Baoulé people of Ivory Coast. In her literary texts, Tadjo transgresses the original legend and her reconstruction of this legend is significant because it challenges the ritual sacrifice made by Princess Pokou in order to free her people and to become queen. In The Blind Kingdom (1990), Tadjo highlights the corruption and injustice of the ruling elite. Space is used to reinforce the King’s domination thus a revolution is necessary to overthrow the exploitative power structures in place. The revolution that takes place relies heavily on the participation of Karim and especially on Princess Akissi who chooses to rebel against her father, King Ato IV in order to stop injustice. This thematic analysis, supported by semiotic theory, aims to establish and demonstrate the relationship between marginality of the two princesses, in particular, and their subsequent grief. It sheds light on the reasons for their exclusion from power as well as the nature of the conflicts that occur as they rise to power. The study postulates that certain myths and images are evoked by the novelist to symbolise the exclusion of the two princesses from power.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Sachikonye, Tsitsi Shamiso Anne
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Tadjo, Véronique -- Criticism and interpretation , West African literature (French) -- History and criticism , African fiction (French) -- 20th century
- Language: French
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3603 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002956 , Tadjo, Véronique -- Criticism and interpretation , West African literature (French) -- History and criticism , African fiction (French) -- 20th century
- Description: The field of our study is Francophone African Literature and this thesis explores the themes of marginality and grief both experienced by Princess Akissi in The Blind Kingdom and Princess Pokou in Queen Pokou (2004) during their rise to power in their respective kingdoms. The two novels written by Véronique Tadjo from Ivory Coast, are subjected to thematic analysis because they are both based on similar storylines - that of conflict and rivalry within kingdoms resulting in the exile of the two princesses. One of the novels is set in a pre-colonial period while the other is set in a postcolonial era. Queen Pokou, winner of the 2005 Grand Prix Littéraire d’Afrique Noire (which is the most distinguished prize in Francophone African literature), is a retelling of the founding myths of the Baoulé people of Ivory Coast. In her literary texts, Tadjo transgresses the original legend and her reconstruction of this legend is significant because it challenges the ritual sacrifice made by Princess Pokou in order to free her people and to become queen. In The Blind Kingdom (1990), Tadjo highlights the corruption and injustice of the ruling elite. Space is used to reinforce the King’s domination thus a revolution is necessary to overthrow the exploitative power structures in place. The revolution that takes place relies heavily on the participation of Karim and especially on Princess Akissi who chooses to rebel against her father, King Ato IV in order to stop injustice. This thematic analysis, supported by semiotic theory, aims to establish and demonstrate the relationship between marginality of the two princesses, in particular, and their subsequent grief. It sheds light on the reasons for their exclusion from power as well as the nature of the conflicts that occur as they rise to power. The study postulates that certain myths and images are evoked by the novelist to symbolise the exclusion of the two princesses from power.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
An assessment of rural women's co-operatives in the Tsojana Village as regards meeting the objectives of sustainable livelihood and socio-economic development
- Authors: Ntsaluba, Joyce Thembela
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Women in cooperative societies -- South Africa -- Queenstown , Women in development -- South Africa -- Queenstown
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9141 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018758
- Description: This thesis is based on an in-depth assessment of the three rural women co-operatives in the Tsojana village, within the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality, which is the largest and most rural municipality within the Chris Hani District Municipality. 95 percent of households in this municipality live in rural areas or villages (Integrated Development Plan (IDP), 2010-2011). Rural areas are characterised by high levels of poverty, deprivation, poor infrastructure, and poor linkages to markets. Rural women are the ones experiencing poverty at first hand due to the fact that they are less mobile; when food crisis hits, men tend to leave to look for work or income in towns/cities, while women stay behind to look after their families (Moyo-Mhlanga, 2001). In 1975, the World Bank addressed the question of how women can become effective in economic development, hence the establishment of Women in Development Projects to encourage them to be more involved in income-generating activities like rural projects, co-operatives (co-ops) and self-help groups. A co-operative is an autonomous association of people who join voluntarily to meet their socio-economic and cultural needs through a jointly-owned and democratically-controlled enterprise (International Labour Organization (ILO), 2002). The United Nations (UN) recognized the contribution cooperatives can make to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) through productive employment, eradicating poverty, enhancing social integration and promoting the advancement of women. This research study was motivated by the fact that- there are various women development projects/co-operatives in Tsojana Administrative Area (A/A) which aim to improve the lives of the rural people for the better, but most of these co-ops are not sustainable and financially viable. Rural women have realized that in order to sustain development they have to integrate themselves into village development structures, as in various co-operatives, informal rural entrepreneurs and agricultural and non-farm income-generating activities. The study proposes to investigate the reasons for the failure of these co-ops to create sustainable rural livelihoods. The study further attempts to explore development strategies that will assist to transform and advance the co-ops towards sustainable development for all. It also aims to explore strategies that will alleviate poverty, create jobs, and address all factors of underdevelopment and deprivation. The overall methodological approach in this study is qualitative in nature, as it is based on the understanding of the situation from the participant‟s point of view, or perspective. It seeks to describe, investigate and explore aspects of development projects, and to also understand the aspects of socio-economic life of rural women. It combines three traditions of enquiry, i.e. case study, phenomenology, and ethnography. A non-probability type of sampling, in particular purposive sampling, was used for the study because the researcher‟s samples are based on her judgement. Interpretive research paradigm was used to allow the researcher to study meaningful social action, not just the external or observable behaviour of people, and various research tools were used to collect data. These co-operatives have been identified as struggling for survival, and lacking training, and material and financial resources. The co-operatives require support for expansion and modernizing their operations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Ntsaluba, Joyce Thembela
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Women in cooperative societies -- South Africa -- Queenstown , Women in development -- South Africa -- Queenstown
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9141 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018758
- Description: This thesis is based on an in-depth assessment of the three rural women co-operatives in the Tsojana village, within the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality, which is the largest and most rural municipality within the Chris Hani District Municipality. 95 percent of households in this municipality live in rural areas or villages (Integrated Development Plan (IDP), 2010-2011). Rural areas are characterised by high levels of poverty, deprivation, poor infrastructure, and poor linkages to markets. Rural women are the ones experiencing poverty at first hand due to the fact that they are less mobile; when food crisis hits, men tend to leave to look for work or income in towns/cities, while women stay behind to look after their families (Moyo-Mhlanga, 2001). In 1975, the World Bank addressed the question of how women can become effective in economic development, hence the establishment of Women in Development Projects to encourage them to be more involved in income-generating activities like rural projects, co-operatives (co-ops) and self-help groups. A co-operative is an autonomous association of people who join voluntarily to meet their socio-economic and cultural needs through a jointly-owned and democratically-controlled enterprise (International Labour Organization (ILO), 2002). The United Nations (UN) recognized the contribution cooperatives can make to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) through productive employment, eradicating poverty, enhancing social integration and promoting the advancement of women. This research study was motivated by the fact that- there are various women development projects/co-operatives in Tsojana Administrative Area (A/A) which aim to improve the lives of the rural people for the better, but most of these co-ops are not sustainable and financially viable. Rural women have realized that in order to sustain development they have to integrate themselves into village development structures, as in various co-operatives, informal rural entrepreneurs and agricultural and non-farm income-generating activities. The study proposes to investigate the reasons for the failure of these co-ops to create sustainable rural livelihoods. The study further attempts to explore development strategies that will assist to transform and advance the co-ops towards sustainable development for all. It also aims to explore strategies that will alleviate poverty, create jobs, and address all factors of underdevelopment and deprivation. The overall methodological approach in this study is qualitative in nature, as it is based on the understanding of the situation from the participant‟s point of view, or perspective. It seeks to describe, investigate and explore aspects of development projects, and to also understand the aspects of socio-economic life of rural women. It combines three traditions of enquiry, i.e. case study, phenomenology, and ethnography. A non-probability type of sampling, in particular purposive sampling, was used for the study because the researcher‟s samples are based on her judgement. Interpretive research paradigm was used to allow the researcher to study meaningful social action, not just the external or observable behaviour of people, and various research tools were used to collect data. These co-operatives have been identified as struggling for survival, and lacking training, and material and financial resources. The co-operatives require support for expansion and modernizing their operations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The evaluation of cultural diversity in the institutionalization of the African Union
- Authors: Nhlapo, Lebohang Lorraine Z
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: African Union , Multiculturalism , African cooperation , Globalization
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: vital:8337 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020624
- Description: This research was conducted to assess cultural diversity in the institutionalisation of the African Union (AU). Most researchers have found interest on the subject of cultural diversity that edifice the African Union because “Africa does not have a single culture not in religions, not in economic systems, and especially not in languages, the number of different languages spoken on the continent, numerous dialects not included, range as high as 2,000 or more languages. While some languages, such as Swahili, are spoken by millions, other languages may be spoken by only a handful” (Robert & Feldman, 2008: 267) The AU member states heads are quiet aware of the forces of cultural diversity in the Union, hence several workshops were carried out between member states heads to put together the cultural policy for the Union. There are also numerous policies on African cultural diversity that were approved previously by different organisations that intended to unify Africa before the African Union was formed. Those policies are aligned within the AU cultural policy - The Charter for African Renaissance that will be reviewed in length in Chapter 3 in the literature review. What comes as a mystery is that, even though the Charter for African Renaissance has unified and adopted various policies ethnic and religion segregations within states and between states is still visible in most African countries (ethnicity, language and religion will also be evaluated and a sample of various cultures found in African countries will also be discussed in Chapter 3 under literature review). The Charter for African Renaissance contains guiding principle and objectives of the AU pertaining cultural diversity and these objectives needs to be met. However the biggest well known challenge about policies is that in most cases they remain on paper and shelved, they never make that much difference to the society that they intend to change. As Cloete and Wissink (2000) will put it that “policies only exist because they need to bring about change, however, it is also possible to change policies on paper, whilst effecting no real social change" (2000: 239). African cultural diversity policies are as well littered with failed institutions and initiatives that have not been followed through to completion, or of promises that have been broken. The driving force for this research is that Africans has seen many false starts in the last few decades and they are desperate for change, they need to see democracy, development and institutional building in the African countries. African Union on the other hand has existed for a decade but it has not yet achieved its objectives. How do we know that this is not just another focus for a misplaced enthusiasm? Will the current initiatives of the AU fall by the wayside? Will the world continue to mock Africa as the land of broken promises, of criminalized and failed states that inevitably subvert the best intentions of their peoples and their development partners? Unfortunately these questions has influenced this investigation but cannot be answered by this paper. However this paper intends to find out if cultural diversity has an impact in the missed opportunities and broken promises of Africa and this will be examined in the structures of the African Union.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Nhlapo, Lebohang Lorraine Z
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: African Union , Multiculturalism , African cooperation , Globalization
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: vital:8337 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020624
- Description: This research was conducted to assess cultural diversity in the institutionalisation of the African Union (AU). Most researchers have found interest on the subject of cultural diversity that edifice the African Union because “Africa does not have a single culture not in religions, not in economic systems, and especially not in languages, the number of different languages spoken on the continent, numerous dialects not included, range as high as 2,000 or more languages. While some languages, such as Swahili, are spoken by millions, other languages may be spoken by only a handful” (Robert & Feldman, 2008: 267) The AU member states heads are quiet aware of the forces of cultural diversity in the Union, hence several workshops were carried out between member states heads to put together the cultural policy for the Union. There are also numerous policies on African cultural diversity that were approved previously by different organisations that intended to unify Africa before the African Union was formed. Those policies are aligned within the AU cultural policy - The Charter for African Renaissance that will be reviewed in length in Chapter 3 in the literature review. What comes as a mystery is that, even though the Charter for African Renaissance has unified and adopted various policies ethnic and religion segregations within states and between states is still visible in most African countries (ethnicity, language and religion will also be evaluated and a sample of various cultures found in African countries will also be discussed in Chapter 3 under literature review). The Charter for African Renaissance contains guiding principle and objectives of the AU pertaining cultural diversity and these objectives needs to be met. However the biggest well known challenge about policies is that in most cases they remain on paper and shelved, they never make that much difference to the society that they intend to change. As Cloete and Wissink (2000) will put it that “policies only exist because they need to bring about change, however, it is also possible to change policies on paper, whilst effecting no real social change" (2000: 239). African cultural diversity policies are as well littered with failed institutions and initiatives that have not been followed through to completion, or of promises that have been broken. The driving force for this research is that Africans has seen many false starts in the last few decades and they are desperate for change, they need to see democracy, development and institutional building in the African countries. African Union on the other hand has existed for a decade but it has not yet achieved its objectives. How do we know that this is not just another focus for a misplaced enthusiasm? Will the current initiatives of the AU fall by the wayside? Will the world continue to mock Africa as the land of broken promises, of criminalized and failed states that inevitably subvert the best intentions of their peoples and their development partners? Unfortunately these questions has influenced this investigation but cannot be answered by this paper. However this paper intends to find out if cultural diversity has an impact in the missed opportunities and broken promises of Africa and this will be examined in the structures of the African Union.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012