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An assessment of human carnivore conflict in the Kalahari region of Botswana

  • Authors: Klein, Rebecca Ann
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Carnivores -- Botswana , Carnivores -- Effect of human beings on -- Botswana , Human-animal relationships , Predatory animals -- Control -- Botswana , Wildlife depredation -- Botswana
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: vital:5876 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013132
  • Description: Human wildlife conflict is a considerable conservation challenge that threatens many carnivore species worldwide and is a result of complex socio-economic and ecological processes. An understanding of the drivers of conflict is essential for any efforts to achieve coexistence. This study investigated the levels of conflict, livestock management and tolerance amongst the farming communities of the Southern and Western Kalahari in Botswana. A questionnaire survey was completed with 310 farmers throughout the region. The majority of respondents regarded coexisting with carnivores as a challenge, with losses due to depredation perceived as the greatest problem facing farmers. Conflict was widespread throughout the study area, with some spatial variations for certain species. Cattle management levels were low and while smallstock management was better, the use of improved levels of management could reduce current levels of conflict. Tolerance levels were generally low with few respondents seeing the benefits of coexistence with carnivore species. The results indicated that farm type, gender, education level, source of income, livestock numbers, location and land use all have an effect on perceived conflict and tolerance levels and strongly interact with each other. In general cattleposts were characterised by higher proportions of females, lower education levels, more benefits derived from wildlife and veld products and fewer livestock than fenced ranches. They also experienced more conflict, carried out more management and had better tolerance levels. It could be that closer connections to the land and deriving benefits from natural resources resulted in more tolerance and this is certainly worth further investigation. An improvement in the use of effective methods of livestock management, targeted environmental education programs to develop a greater awareness for the conservation value of carnivores and a diversification of livelihoods to include benefits from natural resources have the potential to reduce conflict and improve tolerance in the Kalahari region.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

An assessment of local economic development as a mechanism for poverty alleviation: a case study of Blue Crane Route Municipality in Cacadu District Municipality in the Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Gqezengele, Ayanda
  • Date: 2014
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
  • Identifier: vital:11740 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1018517
  • Description: Prior to 1991, the development concept and strategy of Local Economic Development (LED) was not part of the development lexicon in South Africa. With the exception of some very limited local government advertising campaigns and the work of NGOs, the concept of locally –based and driven development interventions was an alien one in South African practice. The rigidities of the apartheid state, both in terms of its racial controls and its centralized management of all affairs precluded local development initiatives. What spatial economic development there was, focused on the flawed pre-1991 Regional Industrial Development Programme, which was tainted by failure to promote the former Homelands, corruption and faulty economic logic (Reflections on the Evolving Nature and Prospects of Local Economic Development in South Africa: 1990-2007). The post-apartheid government in its quest to alleviate poverty formulated a number of policies and legislation to guide developmental local government initiatives. Thus local government committed itself to, among others, building local economies and creating jobs for the people. By the end of Apartheid, South Africa’s economy was facing a variety of serious structural problems. The final two decades of the National Party’s regime had been particularly damaging to the economic climate, with stagnant economic growth (the average over the entire period was just 1.7%), declining per capita income (averaging -0.7% annually), increasing unemployment (using the broad definition, up from around 20% at the start of the 1970s to around 30% by 1994) and a spiraling debt problem (under the De Klerk government (1989-1994) alone, debt had increased from less than 3% of GDP to more than 9%, and total government debt more than doubled. Facing this “deep-seated structural crisis”, the government attempted to put together a policy framework that could begin to address the variety of problems being faced both economically and otherwise. The RDP White Paper, presented to Parliament in 1994, identified economic, social, legal, political, moral, cultural and environmental problems that the country faced.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

An assessment of organisational change at S.P. Metal Forgings Uitenhage

  • Authors: Whittal, Daryl James
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Organizational change , Organizational effectiveness
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: vital:9388 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1017559
  • Description: The intention of this study was to investigate how organisational change was implemented at S.P. Metal Forgings Uitenhage, what the outcomes of the changes were and the effect on the organisational culture. In order to achieve this goal, the following actions were taken: · A literature study was conducted of various texts relating to organizational change and the associated topics with the intention to identify strategies and techniques to aid the successful implementation of organisational change. · An interview was held with the managing director of S.P. Metal Forgings to aid in understanding the need for organisational change at this particular facility and to have insight into how he implemented the changes. · A self administered questionnaire was distributed amongst a number of employees. The survey covered all levels of the organisation, from machine operators to departmental managers, to provide a comprehensive picture of how the employees viewed the changes and associated topics. The questionnaire requested responses from the respondents regarding their demographical details and their individual opinions regarding the organisational change, which covered the lead up to the changes and the manner in which the changes were made. The questionnaire also included sections covering change outcomes, which measured the success of the change efforts and lastly organisational culture on site at the time of the study. The results from the literature study showed that there are a number of accepted change models which can be adopted when implementing change. These models assist in driving the organisational change. The empirical study revealed that for the changes implemented at S.P. Metal Forgings Uitenhage, a change model was not adopted and that a number of vitally important areas associated with the change efforts were inadequately addressed. The organisational changes were introduced on this particular site with the intention of minimizing the loss situation and re-establishing the organisation as a profit generating entity. The empirical study showed a number of positive outcomes associated with the changes but also highlighted areas of concern and points which can be improved. The culture found within an organisation influences the organisation in many ways which include the ability of the organisation to accept change and the ease of implementing new procedures and equipment. The culture also influences the daily operations of a manufacturing facility such as this one. The study revealed that the respondents are not driven to perform at their best as a result of the lack of recognition which they receive and that the relationship between employees and management can improve. It was concluded that organisational change is not easy to introduce and that it needs to be well planned and executed. Change requires transformational leaders, a clear vision, an analysis and well-thought out and properly implemented actions.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

An assessment of the challenges faced by the risk management unit in the public sector: the case of the Eastern Cape department of basic education

  • Authors: Daniels, Mandisa Julia
  • Date: 2014
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1030 , vital:26520
  • Description: The main purpose of the study was to assess the challenges faced by the risk management of the Department of Basic Education in the Eastern Cape Province. The study revealed that the department is faced with challenges ranging from: Poor internal controls, lack of appropriate capacity, non-compliance with management policies, high rate of employment, ineffective performance from the managers and there were no punitive measures applied, no adequate systems in place to identify and disclose irregularities and highly distributed structure where the department failed to demarcate its districts as per local government demarcation. From the analysis of the study, the study reveals that the following legislative frameworks were used in order for risk management in the Department to be performed in an effectively and efficiently manner but the Department failed to receive a positive audit outcome. Just to mention the few are as follow: Public Finance Management Act (Act 1 of 1999), Treasury Regulations, The Constitution of the Country and Risk Management Framework. The Department must speed up the finalization of its organizational structure so as to hire required staff for all sections, speed up the cleaning of data in schools, learners and personnel. It must improve efficiency and effectiveness of systems, process and procedures to achieve a better audit outcome. Training and capacitation of staff must be number one in their agenda. Ensure that systems are in place and have punitive measures to employees who contravene Treasury Regulations. The Department’s plan to reduce the number of districts in the near future must be speed up so as to assist the Department in addressing effective controls, accountability and monitoring.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

An assessment of the challenges facing the Eastern cape Nkonkobe Municipality in the provision of Adequate housing for the poor (2010- 2012)

  • Authors: Mkiva, Nkosohlanga Matthew
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Municipal services , Housing policy -- South Africa , Housing -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25766 , vital:64477
  • Description: The purpose of this study was to asses the challenges facing the Eastern Cape Nkonkobe Municipality in the provision of adequate housing for the poor. The study also aimed at suggesting mechanisms or strategies that could be applied to remedy the situation. It became evident throughout the study that the government has tried its best to fight against homelessness, but there are still thousands of people who do not have houses. The study was conducted through the use of a combination of the qualitative and quantitative research methods. Multiple methods were used with a view to increasing the reliability of observations. Twenty questionnaires were distributed to people at grassroots and ten questionnaires were distributed to the municipal officials. It has been noted in the study that community participation at all government levels is not taken seriously thus the housing problem in Nkonkobe Municipality. It is evident in the study that all the peoples’ projects in this municipality should be people-driven. It has also been pointed out that the service providers take a big slice of the municipal budget. The National Department of Human Settlement must also increase the budget that is allocated to the local municipalities so as to be able to spearhead housing delivery. This study will make a great contribution to the society in that all stakeholders will devise mechanisms to fight against housing challenges in the Nkonkobe Municipality. The municipal officials will devise workable solutions to the housing problem in Nkonkobe. This will change peoples’ lives and human dignity will be restored. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2014
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  • Date Issued: 2014

An assessment of the challenges to housing delievery in the Engcobo Municipality - Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Jiyose, L
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Housing policy -- South Africa , Public housing , Low-income housing
  • Language: English
  • Type: text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25613 , vital:64342
  • Description: The intention of this study was to examine the challenges facing housing service delivery and its impact in Ngcobo Municipality. The study was also focusing on the factors that prevent/hinder the delivery of houses in Ngcobo. In this process the role of the different stakeholders has been identified and it became apparent that the spheres of government do not always complement each other or plan together. There was not a single window of co-ordination and this has resulted in a lack of support by National and Provincial government to the local sphere. The role of politicians and government officials and their lack of understanding of government policies has led to poor housing service delivery. In some instances their inability to work as a collective created tension and a lack of trust on the part of the community. This study has adopted both qualitative and quantitative research methods which are regarded as complementary. The findings that emerged from the study was that this housing service delivery project lacked integrated planning by the stakeholders. It is crucial and would make a significant difference if the Ngcobo Municipality were to review the results of the study and consider implementing its recommendations. The recommendations by the researcher relate to the areas of integrated planning, budgeting, execution, monitoring and evaluation. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2014
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  • Date Issued: 2014

An assessment of the impact of animal traction on rural household food security: a case of Damane rural community of Cofimvaba in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa

  • Authors: Manzana, Sihle
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Animal traction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
  • Identifier: vital:11208 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016162 , Animal traction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Description: This dissertation assesses the impact of animal traction on rural household food security. Since rural communities do not have sufficient agricultural capital to purchase improved agricultural technologies for better crop production, and often lack knowledge and skills to apply improved technologies low-cost alternatives must be sought. For these reasons, animal traction has been seen by researchers as an affordable, easy-to-use, sustainable and appropriate operation for crops production in rural areas. Animal traction has been long used and it continues to be used in rural areas to improve food insecurities. But the system confronts a number of constraints that impede the development of its full potential and these should be addressed in order to reap the full benefits of agricultural restructuring in the rural areas. A study was carried out in Damane rural village under Ntsika Yethu Municipality in the Eastern Cape where animal traction is very popular. A total of 80 small-scale farmers were interviewed by means of structured questionnaires to collect data from adopters and non-adopters of animal traction. A wide range of analytical techniques were employed to assess the impact of animal traction on household food production. Descriptive statistics was employed for analyses of demographic, agricultural production process of the surveyed households and challenges encountered by households. Multiple Linear Regression was applied to determine the factors affecting animal traction use and the extent to which they contribute to gross farm production. The results of the multiple linear regressions showed that animal traction played a significant role in the total output of all the crops produced last season. The results of the t- tests showed that animal traction was the most effective technology compared to the simple hand-tools such as fork, fork spade and hoes. The binary logistic regression was employed to test the probability that resource poor households would adopt animal traction technology. It is therefore recommended that government should support animal traction users by providing all the necessary resources for development of animal in rural South Africa.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

An assessment of the implementation of local economic development: a case study of Nkonkobe Local municipality in the Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Linake, Nthekeleng
  • Date: 2014
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1151 , vital:26530
  • Description: In efforts to alleviate poverty in South Africa, the democratic Government has since 1994 implemented various programs and policies that aim to alleviate income poverty through stimulating employment, developing skills and improving service delivery. One of these policies is Local Economic Development (LED). LED has been adopted by the South African government as a shift from the purely service oriented to developmental local government. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 commits local government to the promotion of social and economic development. Section 152 (1) (b) of the Constitution 1996 further states that local government should ensure that services are delivered in a sustainable manner. The Local Economic Development as a strategy that is aimed at stimulating economic activities at the local sphere has been hailed for its participative nature with communities. Local communities cease to be mere recipients of services; rather they become actively involved in their own economic development. The main objectives of the study were to investigate the effectiveness of the implementation of LED strategies in Nkonkobe Municipality, to find out how Nkonkobe Municipality communities perceive municipal LED efforts and initiatives for poverty alleviation, to determine the challenges which are faced by Nkonkobe Municipality in terms of implementing its LED strategies and to make recommendations on how LED can be strengthened, supported and or improved in Nkonkobe Municipality. Qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis were used in this study. The study findings suggest that there is still a lot to be done in order to implement LED in Nkonkobe Municipality. There are a number of recommendations made by the researcher to assist the municipality.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

An assessment of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality's local government turnaround strategy : a governance perspective

  • Authors: Jakoet-Salie, Amina
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Public administration -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Business planning -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (South Africa) -- Politics and government
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
  • Identifier: vital:8320 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020143
  • Description: This study assessed the Local Government Turnaround Strategy (LGTAS), from a governance perspective, in addressing service delivery challenges in local government, with specific reference to the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM). The research study comprises six chapters. The research is based on the assumption that one of the biggest challenges facing most municipalities in South Africa is lack of universal access to water and electricity, sanitation, refuse removal systems and local economic development. As a result of these challenges, the NMBM has implemented the NMBM Turnaround Strategy so that it can fulfill its constitutional developmental mandate conferred on it by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa of 1996. The research study provided a brief historical background on the development and transformation of local government in South Africa. This research adopted both the quantitative and qualitative approaches. The purpose of the research study was to describe and explore the 2009 Local Government Turnaround Strategy (LGTAS) with specific reference to the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM). The evaluation of the LGTAS of the NMBM will therefore be fundamentally descriptive, but highly exploratory in nature. The empirical survey was employed for purposes of the study and the interpretation of the research findings were analysed and described. As a metropolitan municipality, the NMBM has been entrenched with a responsibility to promote developmental progression within its locality (Integrated Development Plan: 2007). This research also identified the strengths and the weaknesses of the LGTAS as it is regarded as critical in successful service delivery. It is envisaged that this research will assist the NMBM, and other municipalities’ country-wide, to identify challenges that they are faced with and deal with it accordingly in terms of the objectives identified in the LGTAS. Furthermore, this research study envisages promoting sustainable development within the NMBM as well as improving the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery that will ensure communities of their well-being and dignity. Various recommendations are presented, based on the findings primarily from the literature review and empirical survey, on how the existing status quo of the NMBM can be changed to enhance service delivery and be aligned to the Batho Pele principles. If these recommendations are adopted, the NMBM will be able to deal more effectively and efficiently with the developmental obstacles it currently faces.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

An assessment of the role of agricultural projetcs in poverty alleviation at Ngqushwa Local Municipality

  • Authors: Guzana, Andile
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural development projects
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
  • Identifier: vital:8328 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020351
  • Description: This study assessed the role of agricultural projects in poverty alleviation at Ngqushwa local municipality. These projects are very important for poverty alleviation and to fight the growing levels of unemployment in the Eastern Cape. Despite the advantages of these projects, there are challenges that impact negatively on the implementation of these projects such as conflict, lack of resources, market failure and these projects are too disconnected. Consequently, the projects do not achieve their intended objectives and there are high levels of dissatisfaction among project members. The study was conducted in two wards of Ngqushwa local municipality, and two projects were selected from each ward and ten members were selected from each project and the total number of a sample for the study was forty project members. The research utilized both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data was collected through questionnaires, document analysis and observations. The sampling method that was used to select respondents or participants was purposive. The findings of the study indicated that agricultural projects in this area did not bring about any significant reduction in poverty, and they did not bring about any significant economic development. The study also revealed that there was lack of community participation in matters pertaining to community development and lack of support by all relevant stakeholders which resulted in failure at the implementation phase. The researcher also discovered that the poverty alleviation approach was mainly focused on one type of project, other than looking at other avenues to ensure that those who do not have interest in food gardens are given alternative opportunities like cattle farming. In view of these findings, the study recognises a need for empowerment in terms of knowledge and skills, understanding and resource management of agricultural projects. The study thus recommended that community members should be actively involved in community development projects. Additionally, the study recommended for the establishment or formulation of new policies or amendments of the existing policies in order to boost agriculture in rural areas so as to be able to alleviate poverty effectively.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

An assessment of the role of Councillors in their oversight mandate: a case of the Chris Hani district municipality: 2011-2013

  • Authors: Shweni, Zenzile Raymond
  • Date: 2014
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1023 , vital:26519
  • Description: According to the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Act 108 of 1996, Local Government is the closest sphere of government to the people and thus regarded as the service delivery mechanism of government. In the same context municipal councils are accorded a legal status and authority of a deliberative legislative body. This is considered critical for the municipal council to establish appropriate structures, processes and systems for effective oversight, particularly, oversight of budget execution and administrative processes. However, indications are that, the current legal and institutional measures need to be strengthened to enable municipal council to exercise oversight of the budget execution. In this study, the researcher conducted extensive literature on the roles and responsibilities of Councillors as prescribed in the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act and Municipal Structures Act respectively. An extensive review of the relevant local government legal provisions highlighted the authority of the municipal council, internal rules, reporting processes, council committees and the research capacity, as key aspects of the institutional measures required for oversight of budget execution. Equally, the review accentuated the ability and willingness of non-executive Councillors to exercise oversight in the affairs of the Municipality. A total of 20 research sample was selected for this research. Research participants were given research questionnaires for them to complete. This was completed and returned to the researcher for analysis. Key findings of the research was that, the municipal council must use its legal authority to reinforce mechanisms for effective oversight of budget execution. In addition, the municipal council needs to provide an enabling leadership and governance environment that encourages and support non-executive Councillors to actively engage in oversight processes and activities of the municipality. Further to the findings of this research, it was strongly recommended the further research in order to unearth the mechanisms that can further enable the Councillors to ensure optimum utilisation of resources.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

An assessment of the role of officials in housings service delivery in the Nelson Mandela bay Municipality

  • Authors: Tutu, Jimmy Vuyisile
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Housing -- Protests -- Officials -- Service Delivery , Beneficiary -- Beneficiary Management -- Corruption
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
  • Identifier: vital:11722 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1017867 , Housing -- Protests -- Officials -- Service Delivery , Beneficiary -- Beneficiary Management -- Corruption
  • Description: The purpose of this study was to assess the role of the officials on housing service delivery in the Nelson Mandela by Municipality (NMBM). The role of the officials currently occupies the centre stage in the Public Service and they should be proud to be the servants of the people. Furthermore, they relish the challenge of providing improved services to all by applying the principles of Batho Pele. In order to meet the goals of the study, it was necessary to study the literature on the housing sector, in particular the role of Officials in the Nelson Mandela Municipality and the reasons why people marched and accused Officials of perceived Corruption in Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. In order to address the research problem and to fulfill the research objectives, an in depth literature study was done. Empirical studies were done by means of face-to-face interviews and Questionnaires with the Sample population from the Community and the Department of Housing officials in NMBM. The findings of the study suggested that there is ineffective client interface, housing waiting lists are not properly managed, there is a lack of transparency in housing allocations, as well as favoritism by Officials, Councilors and Community leaders on the allocation of houses and there is also a problem of the illegal occupation of houses .The study further suggests that the role of Officials and Councilors needs to be improved if it is to serve as a catalyst for effective housing service delivery to the citizens of NMBM. Recommendations were put forward to assist the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality in improving effective and efficiency Housing Service Delivery.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

An assessment of the role South African Social Security Agency on poverty alleviation and reduction: a case study of the Eastern Cape province

  • Authors: Manzi, Siphokazi
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Public welfare -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Social security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Social service -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Poor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , M Admin
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1579 , vital:27480
  • Description: Poverty, unemployment and inequality constitute the three main challenges to the attainment of universal socio-economic development within the Republic of South Africa. The government is the Republic of South Africa is grappling to alleviate and eradicate poverty since the dawn of freedom in April 1994. Further, poverty and inequality is historically racially biased due to the segregation which non-whites suffered during the pre-freedom era. The Eastern Cape Province has been regard as the poorest of all the nine provinces in South Africa. The war on poverty in the province has been intensified through the utilisation of social grants as social safety nets under an inclusive social security system. Despite of this poverty alleviation intervention, the prevalence rates of poverty the province remains alarmingly high.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

An assessment of the roles of co-operatives as agents of development in rural areas: a case study of Inkwanca Local Municipality

  • Authors: Mtshwelo, Linda Hombisa
  • Date: 2014
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
  • Identifier: vital:11680 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1013542
  • Description: The study assesses the role of co-operative societies in economic development. The study was undertaken to investigate the extent to which co-operatives can act as agents towards sustainable community development. Expectations were that cooperative members can perform better than individuals in terms of working together as a group, sharing responsibilities, contributing larger capital, bringing their skills together, incur lower expenses, generate higher income and therefore earn higher profits to be shared amongst themselves. This would enable members to be able to pay for their families’ basic needs and therefore enhance the standard of living of all members. The overall purpose of the study therefore is to investigate whether cooperatives are the best tools for rural development and poverty alleviation in Inkwanca Local Municipality. The research involves the collection of data from co-operative members in Molteno and Sterkstrooom. The data was analysed in order to establish the performance of cooperatives in terms of their leadership and management structures. The research further looks into the challenges and gaps in the co-operative sector in terms of performance by the members and support by the government and government agencies. The research also investigated the best model that can be used to improve co-operatives so that they can enhance the lives of community members in rural areas. In order to gather information, three different approaches were used in the action research which involved different instruments, such as questionnaires, interviews and observations. In spite of all the challenges facing co-operatives, they have been playing an increasingly important role in facilitating job creation, economic growth and social development. The study concludes by emphasising that for co-operatives to be continuously effective and successful, they must improve their ability to service their members. The study commends government for financial and non-financial support programmes although there is still a room for improvement. In addition, further research is needed o the role played by co-operatives as agents of development in rural areas.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

An assessment of the training of invigilators at Walter Sisulu University

  • Authors: Cekiso, Nontuthuzelo
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Students -- Examinations , Educational tests and measurements -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Academic achievement -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Evaluation , Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Case studies
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46273 , vital:39542
  • Description: The study assessed the training of invigilators at Walter Sisulu University. It covered the period from 2010 to 2011. The purpose of the study was to assess the awareness of invigilators regarding rules and regulations pertaining to their duties; whether there are pertinent differences between invigilators who have been trained and those that have not been trained and investigate the challenges that invigilators face during examinations. Following the literature study on training, a qualitative research methodology was employed in undertaking the empirical study. Through purposive sampling, trained and untrained invigilators as well as some examination section managers were selected for participating in the study. Structured and semi-structured interviews were used for collecting data. The study found that a limited number of trained and untrained invigilators were not aware of the rules and regulations regarding invigilation and this had a negative impact on their work performance. Although the study also found that invigilators were experiencing some challenges during the examination periods, it could not find crucial differences between the trained and untrained invigilators in this regard. The study recommends that the quality of training of invigilators should be improved in order to address the challenges experienced by invigilators and it should include all invigilators.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

An assessment of training needs for school governing bodies in selected Eastern Cape schools

  • Authors: Kauleza, Bongeka Nosisi
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape School boards -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Educational leadership
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47765 , vital:40370
  • Description: This research set out to assess the training needs for school governing bodies selected from Eastern Cape Schools. The study focuses in three schools in the Mthatha District. The research methodology, which was employed, can be described as qualitative, exploratory and descriptive in nature. Data was collected by means of interviews, which involved chairpersons, secretaries, learners, educators, non- teaching staff, treasurers and principals as ex-officio members. Analysis of data has revealed that the effort made by Department of Education to provide training of SGBs is inadequate to address the complex problems experienced by the SGBs. There are a number of factors such as illiteracy, low level of education, the language used during interviewing processes and term of office of governing body members that contribute to inadequacy of training of school governing bodies. It is therefore recommended that the intensified SGB development training for SGBs should be provided and further research be undertaken regarding the training needs of SGBs.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

An Associative Shared Memory Approach to Audio Connection Management

  • Authors: Eales, Andrew , Foss, Richard
  • Date: 2014
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/426841 , vital:72395 , https://www.aes.org/e-lib/browse.cfm?elib=17539
  • Description: A distributed, associative memory that advertises audio streams and represents audio connections between networked audio devices is described. Characteristic features of a shared, associative memory are discussed, and three parameter-based models that represent audio signals and audio connections are introduced. Connection management is then discussed with reference to a distributed, associative memory environment. This environment allows changes made to audio connections to be automatically propagated to all networked devices, while also eliminating potential race conditions between connection requests. Additionally, connection management applications can be shared between different networked devices and controllers.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

An electrospun nanofiber colorimetric probe for detection of Alkaline Phosphatase for diagnosis of liver toxicity

  • Authors: Mohale, Mamello
  • Date: 2014
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/54532 , vital:26581
  • Description: A novel electrospun nanofiber colorimetric probe for the detection of Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) for diagnosis of liver toxicity was developed through electrospinning of a para nitrophenyl phosphate (pNPP) functionalised nylon polymer. The chemical stability of the enzyme substrate (pNPP) and its two products (para nitrophenol (pNP) and para nitrophenolate (pNPL)) was evaluated in biological (pH 7.4), acidic (pH 2) and alkaline (pH 9) pH, respectively. Enzyme kinetics models of Michaelis Menten (MM) and Lineweaver Burk (LB) were used to characterise free ALP. Solution and nanofiber assaying of free ALP and 10x diluted serum (spiked with ALP) was also carried out. The results demonstrated that pNPP and pNP were colourless while pNPL was yellow which indicated that all reagents were chemically stable. In addition, the chromophore of pNPL exhibited a strong molar extinction coefficient (ε) of 18,458 M-1 cm-1. LB plot being the most accurate compared to MM showed Vmax, Km and excess substrate concentration of 5.5 × 10-3 μmol/min-1, 0.025 mM and 0.25 mM respectively. Solution and nanofiber assaying of free ALP and serum confirmed a direct proportional correlation between the pNPL yellow colour intensity and enzyme activity up to 858 IU/L and 820 IU/L respectively. The dipping of the nanofiber layer into solution showed that the leaching rate of pNPP was extremely high at 1.37 × 10-3 A/min-1 as was observed after only the first 0.25 min interval. However, this was not of great concern since it was also observed that administration of the sample (20 μL) by a dropwise method minimised leaching compared to dipping. The preliminary findings on the effect of temperature on the chemical stability of pNPP indicated that it was stable below temperatures of 40°C while it hydrolysed at 80°C. Therefore a sensitive, rapid and simple colorimetric probe for the detection of ALP was developed. The probe exhibited characteristics that make it suitable to be incorporated into point of care colorimetric liver toxicity diagnostic devices for applications in resource poor settings and telemedicine.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

An Eriksonian psychobiography of Martin Luther King Junior

  • Authors: Pietersen, Sheri-Ann
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: African Americans -- Biography , Civil rights workers -- United States -- Biography
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:9972 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021037
  • Description: The aim of the current study was to conduct a psychobiography of the life of Martin Luther King Junior, who was born in 1929 and died in 1968. He was an American clergyman, husband, father, activist, and prominent leader in the African-American civil rights movement. King fought for civil rights for all people. His “I Have a Dream” speech raised public consciousness of the civil rights movement and established him as one of the greatest orators in the United States of America. His main legacy was to secure access to civil rights for all Americans, thereby empowering people of all racial and religious backgrounds, and promoting equality in the American nation. This is a psychobiographical research study which aimed to explore and describe the life of Martin Luther King junior’s psychological development according to Erik Erikson’s Psychosocial Developmental Theory. King was selected through purposive sampling on the basis of interest, value, and uniqueness to the researcher. Alexander’s model of identifying salient themes was used to analyse the data which were then compared to Erikson’s theory through a process of analytical generalisation. Limitations of the current study were identified and certain recommendations for future research in this field are offered.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

An ethnographic study of business documentation writing practices of selected human resource practitioners in the Nelson Mandela Metropole

  • Authors: Blignaut, David Llewellyn
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Business writing English language -- Written English -- South Africa , Written communication -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50077 , vital:42031
  • Description: The proposed study will focus on the dominant writing practices in the Human Resources (HR) workplace environment. Business writing is dominated by English and world Englishes as an international language, and users are increasingly second or foreign language speakers. As a result, business environments adopt English-only policies. As a result, the hegemony of English for business use has been entrenched. In addition, English has become a highly influential language in South Africa. As any document production is not simple and spontaneous where rules are visible and can be learned or known independently, this study specifically examines the business documentation writing practices of Human Resource (HR) practitioners in the workplace to evaluate the relevance of the BKH 1120 English in Communication A business writing curriculum. The integration of the workplace social context is essential as writing practices encompass not only the physical act of writing, but include abstract cognitive processes and the contexts of the reader, writer, text and social environment that pertain to text processing and production. Therefore, this study intends to inform current HE academic business writing requirements as well as documentation structures and layout practices for the curriculum development of the BKH1120 Communication in English A module. The study used a qualitative research tool based on an ethnographic design. Although an ethnographic study demands that the researcher spends extensive time in the field, an alternative strategy is to conduct the research based on interviews as a thick description of depth and detail that interviewers seek in interviews can be found in the interviewees’ first hand experiences”. Content analysis was also used to analyse the interview responses as well as the document samples collected from the participants. This research study concluded that HE often does not often adequately prepare students for the social, ideological and collaborative workplace writing expectations. Therefore, HE programmes should make careful decisions on which workplace discourse practices to include in their teaching practices and design meaningful and realistic ways to equip students in to prepare them well to deal with workplace writing challenges.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2014
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