The evolution of the Lepilemuridae-Cheirogaleidae clade
- Authors: Andrews, Curswan Allan
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Lemurs
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40216 , vital:35989
- Description: The Lepilemuridae and the Cheirogaleidae, according to recent molecular reconstructions, share a more recent common ancestor than previously thought. Further phylogenetic reconstructions have indicated that body size evolution in this clade was marked by repeated dwarfing events that coincided with changes in the environment. I aimed to investigate the morphological implications of changes in body size within the Lepilemur-cheirogaleid clade, testing four predictions. Together with Dr. Couette, I collected data on the overall palate shape and predicted that shape is likely to be influenced by several factors including phylogeny, body size and diet. Geometric morphometric analyses revealed that, although a strong phylogenetic signal was detected, diet had the major effect on palate shape. In a similar vein, when examining the arterial circulation patterns in these taxa, I predicted that changes in body size would result in changes and possible reductions in arterial size, particularly the internal carotid artery (ICA) and stapedial artery (SA). Analyses with micro-computed tomography (CT) and 3D imaging indicated that changes in body size led to reduction of a functional stapedial artery in Lepilemur, making it an intermediate stage between the daubentoniid, lemurid and indriid species with large stapedial arteries, and the smaller bodied cheirogaleids with an alternative blood supply in the form of an enlarged ascending pharyngeal artery. Lepilemur is the smallest living folivorous primate, and likely to be at the threshold body size to be able to subsist on such a poor diet. To investigate shifts in dietary patterns that accompanied changes in body size, I chose to explore the reported behaviour of caecotrophy as a possible means for the sportive lemurs to derive additional nutrient from their food sources. I predicted that, if caecotrophy is a way to assist folivory at small body size, the energy contained in “caecotrophic” and latrine faecal samples should be different. Analyses showed significant iv differences between the two types of faeces and, combined with an analysis of faecal bacterial diversity, support the occurrence of caecotrophy. Finally, I compared the digestive efficiency of two small, distantly related gummivorous primates that evolved their diets convergently. I studied the digestion of gum in Microcebus griseorufus and compared this with gum digestion in Galago moholi. I predicted that an evolutionary disposition to fermentation inherited from a folivorous ancestor would aid in the digestion of gum in mouse lemurs. Results indicated that retention time was prolonged by the presence of secondary compounds in Microcebus fed with Commiphora gum but relatively shorter (< 24 hrs) when fed Alantsilodenron gum, a preferred food. Despite the fact that G. moholi has an ansa coli, which is missing in M. griseorufus species, both are highly efficient at digesting gum. These data provide some of the first indicators of how dietary changes from a larger-bodied folivorous ancestor to partially gummivorous, small-bodied descendants may have occurred in evolutionary time.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Andrews, Curswan Allan
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Lemurs
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40216 , vital:35989
- Description: The Lepilemuridae and the Cheirogaleidae, according to recent molecular reconstructions, share a more recent common ancestor than previously thought. Further phylogenetic reconstructions have indicated that body size evolution in this clade was marked by repeated dwarfing events that coincided with changes in the environment. I aimed to investigate the morphological implications of changes in body size within the Lepilemur-cheirogaleid clade, testing four predictions. Together with Dr. Couette, I collected data on the overall palate shape and predicted that shape is likely to be influenced by several factors including phylogeny, body size and diet. Geometric morphometric analyses revealed that, although a strong phylogenetic signal was detected, diet had the major effect on palate shape. In a similar vein, when examining the arterial circulation patterns in these taxa, I predicted that changes in body size would result in changes and possible reductions in arterial size, particularly the internal carotid artery (ICA) and stapedial artery (SA). Analyses with micro-computed tomography (CT) and 3D imaging indicated that changes in body size led to reduction of a functional stapedial artery in Lepilemur, making it an intermediate stage between the daubentoniid, lemurid and indriid species with large stapedial arteries, and the smaller bodied cheirogaleids with an alternative blood supply in the form of an enlarged ascending pharyngeal artery. Lepilemur is the smallest living folivorous primate, and likely to be at the threshold body size to be able to subsist on such a poor diet. To investigate shifts in dietary patterns that accompanied changes in body size, I chose to explore the reported behaviour of caecotrophy as a possible means for the sportive lemurs to derive additional nutrient from their food sources. I predicted that, if caecotrophy is a way to assist folivory at small body size, the energy contained in “caecotrophic” and latrine faecal samples should be different. Analyses showed significant iv differences between the two types of faeces and, combined with an analysis of faecal bacterial diversity, support the occurrence of caecotrophy. Finally, I compared the digestive efficiency of two small, distantly related gummivorous primates that evolved their diets convergently. I studied the digestion of gum in Microcebus griseorufus and compared this with gum digestion in Galago moholi. I predicted that an evolutionary disposition to fermentation inherited from a folivorous ancestor would aid in the digestion of gum in mouse lemurs. Results indicated that retention time was prolonged by the presence of secondary compounds in Microcebus fed with Commiphora gum but relatively shorter (< 24 hrs) when fed Alantsilodenron gum, a preferred food. Despite the fact that G. moholi has an ansa coli, which is missing in M. griseorufus species, both are highly efficient at digesting gum. These data provide some of the first indicators of how dietary changes from a larger-bodied folivorous ancestor to partially gummivorous, small-bodied descendants may have occurred in evolutionary time.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The future of banking in South Africa towards 2055: disruptive innovation scenarios
- Authors: Koekemoer, Jonathan
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Finance -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa , Banks and banking -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40577 , vital:36184
- Description: The research effort developed four possible scenarios for the future of banking in South Africa towards 2055. The scenarios sought to stimulate thought on the possible, probable, plausible and preferred effects of disruptive innovation and regulation in the South African banking sector. The scenarios were developed in strict accordance with the 5 stages, and 9 steps, of the scenario-based planning process of futures studies. A conceptual futures studies model for banking in South Africa was developed to guide and clarify the way in which the research on South African banking can be integrated into the body of existing futures studies theory. The research study began with a comprehensive environmental scan, where various megatrends and driving forces are identified. A PESTEL analysis provided a deeper understanding of the driving forces. A Real-Time Delphi study was conducted in order to validate and prioritise the megatrends and driving forces that emerged. As a result, the research study was able to present four plausible scenarios that provide a better understanding of the future of banking in South Africa over the decades to come. The research presents banking as a complex, multi-faceted sector that is heavily influenced by advances in technology. The Real-Time Delphi research allowed the aggregation of expert knowledge. This is used as a guide to assist decision-makers and industry leaders in the adoption of appropriate business models and strategies towards a preferred future state. The research defined the Integrated Vision as the preferred future state for the South African banking sector towards 2055. The study closes a research gap where current strategies deviate from proposed strategies that drive the achievement of the Integrated Vision by 2055. Finally, contextually aligned practical recommendations are provided to assist decision-makers, industry leaders and change agents to work towards a preferable future state. The proposed recommendations are placed into broad categories of innovation, financial inclusion and collaborative regulatory relationships. The research makes a meaningful contribution to the South African banking sector by introducing a forward-looking, systems-thinking approach to disruptive innovation and regulation in the South African context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Koekemoer, Jonathan
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Finance -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa , Banks and banking -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40577 , vital:36184
- Description: The research effort developed four possible scenarios for the future of banking in South Africa towards 2055. The scenarios sought to stimulate thought on the possible, probable, plausible and preferred effects of disruptive innovation and regulation in the South African banking sector. The scenarios were developed in strict accordance with the 5 stages, and 9 steps, of the scenario-based planning process of futures studies. A conceptual futures studies model for banking in South Africa was developed to guide and clarify the way in which the research on South African banking can be integrated into the body of existing futures studies theory. The research study began with a comprehensive environmental scan, where various megatrends and driving forces are identified. A PESTEL analysis provided a deeper understanding of the driving forces. A Real-Time Delphi study was conducted in order to validate and prioritise the megatrends and driving forces that emerged. As a result, the research study was able to present four plausible scenarios that provide a better understanding of the future of banking in South Africa over the decades to come. The research presents banking as a complex, multi-faceted sector that is heavily influenced by advances in technology. The Real-Time Delphi research allowed the aggregation of expert knowledge. This is used as a guide to assist decision-makers and industry leaders in the adoption of appropriate business models and strategies towards a preferred future state. The research defined the Integrated Vision as the preferred future state for the South African banking sector towards 2055. The study closes a research gap where current strategies deviate from proposed strategies that drive the achievement of the Integrated Vision by 2055. Finally, contextually aligned practical recommendations are provided to assist decision-makers, industry leaders and change agents to work towards a preferable future state. The proposed recommendations are placed into broad categories of innovation, financial inclusion and collaborative regulatory relationships. The research makes a meaningful contribution to the South African banking sector by introducing a forward-looking, systems-thinking approach to disruptive innovation and regulation in the South African context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The gendered nature of intra-household decision making in the use of social grants and its impact on selected households in Zimbabwe and South Africa
- Authors: Makosa, Nigel
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Social security Grants-in-aid
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15781 , vital:40523
- Description: The study aimed at undertaking a comparative investigation of the gendered nature of intra-household decision making in the use of social grants and to ascertain its impact on selected households in Zimbabwe and South Africa as a comparative study. A methodological triangulated approach was used in the study where both quantitative and qualitative approaches were adopted. A total of 250 heads of households were selected as a sample from the study population. Herein, 200 respondents were given the survey questionnaire (100 respondents from Zimbabwe and another 100 from South Africa). A larger number of respondents were sampled for quantitative data in order to improve validity and generalisability of the results. Interview participants for this study were conveniently selected from communities benefiting from cash transfers and social grants. The researcher then interviewed a total of 50 participants (25 from Zimbabwe plus another 25 from South Africa). The samples for the study were arrived at using the multi stage sampling techniques. From these samples two data sets were obtained namely quantitative and qualitative. The study yielded that there are more social grants that are targeted at benefiting older people in Zimbabwe whereas there are a variety of social grants that are aimed at benefiting people from all age groups in South Africa. The study also established that the nature of intrahousehold decision making is determined by the variations of the recipients’ age variations. In Zimbabwe It was revealed that most of the recipients who were younger than 65 years bought basic needs, while in South Africa the recipients mostly used the money for entertainment, savings and clothes. The current economic situations in these two countries determine their spending patterns. Both in Zimbabwe vi and South Africa, recipients older than 65 years used their money to buy agricultural inputs. In both countries most of the beneficiaries were female because there are the primary caregivers and also because of the increased number of female headed households precipitated by high divorce rates. It also emerged in the study that there are many factors that influencethe gendered nature of intra household decision making dynamics such as cultural, available resources, number of dependents. These factors have the potential to either reinforce or offset the impact of social grants. Furthermore, the decision-making roles for men and women in both Zimbabwe and South Africa were determined by income and economic activities, food security and basic needs; marital status, family and social structures. But on the whole, it was revealed in the study that the responsibility of the head of household to provide leadership and make crucial decisions such as using social grants money. In both countries members from outside the nucleus family were also involved in making decisions on behalf of the beneficiaries. Elderly people retained the majority of the decision-making power in most of the households in both Zimbabwe and South Africa. It also emerged that in most households in both countries, decision making on the use of social grant money was arrived at after consultations particularly between spouses. In order to enhance productive decision making and optimise the social grants usefulness, the study recommends that there should be monitoring and evaluation on how the social grants are being used and who is behind the decision-making process. More so, a conceptual framework was also suggested to explain intrahousehold decision dynamics.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Makosa, Nigel
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Social security Grants-in-aid
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15781 , vital:40523
- Description: The study aimed at undertaking a comparative investigation of the gendered nature of intra-household decision making in the use of social grants and to ascertain its impact on selected households in Zimbabwe and South Africa as a comparative study. A methodological triangulated approach was used in the study where both quantitative and qualitative approaches were adopted. A total of 250 heads of households were selected as a sample from the study population. Herein, 200 respondents were given the survey questionnaire (100 respondents from Zimbabwe and another 100 from South Africa). A larger number of respondents were sampled for quantitative data in order to improve validity and generalisability of the results. Interview participants for this study were conveniently selected from communities benefiting from cash transfers and social grants. The researcher then interviewed a total of 50 participants (25 from Zimbabwe plus another 25 from South Africa). The samples for the study were arrived at using the multi stage sampling techniques. From these samples two data sets were obtained namely quantitative and qualitative. The study yielded that there are more social grants that are targeted at benefiting older people in Zimbabwe whereas there are a variety of social grants that are aimed at benefiting people from all age groups in South Africa. The study also established that the nature of intrahousehold decision making is determined by the variations of the recipients’ age variations. In Zimbabwe It was revealed that most of the recipients who were younger than 65 years bought basic needs, while in South Africa the recipients mostly used the money for entertainment, savings and clothes. The current economic situations in these two countries determine their spending patterns. Both in Zimbabwe vi and South Africa, recipients older than 65 years used their money to buy agricultural inputs. In both countries most of the beneficiaries were female because there are the primary caregivers and also because of the increased number of female headed households precipitated by high divorce rates. It also emerged in the study that there are many factors that influencethe gendered nature of intra household decision making dynamics such as cultural, available resources, number of dependents. These factors have the potential to either reinforce or offset the impact of social grants. Furthermore, the decision-making roles for men and women in both Zimbabwe and South Africa were determined by income and economic activities, food security and basic needs; marital status, family and social structures. But on the whole, it was revealed in the study that the responsibility of the head of household to provide leadership and make crucial decisions such as using social grants money. In both countries members from outside the nucleus family were also involved in making decisions on behalf of the beneficiaries. Elderly people retained the majority of the decision-making power in most of the households in both Zimbabwe and South Africa. It also emerged that in most households in both countries, decision making on the use of social grant money was arrived at after consultations particularly between spouses. In order to enhance productive decision making and optimise the social grants usefulness, the study recommends that there should be monitoring and evaluation on how the social grants are being used and who is behind the decision-making process. More so, a conceptual framework was also suggested to explain intrahousehold decision dynamics.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The impact of financial developments on economic growth in Ghana: evidence from the manufacturing industries
- Authors: Brafi, Paul Osei
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Economic development -- Ghana , Finance -- Ghana Manufactures -- Finance -- Ghana
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/37184 , vital:34135
- Description: This study provides an analysis of financial and growth dynamics with a view to assess the impact of financial development on economic growth in Ghana. The study also examines the extent to which financial developments in Ghana are affecting capital accumulation and industrial sector growth. The analysis was performed by examining the financial development indicators and economic growth data for Ghana over the period from 1965 to 2016. The study was motivated by the theoretical indications that improvements in financial intermediation within the economy can induce growth of the real sector and thus lead to economic growth. There have been notable structural and financial sector reforms in Ghana since the early and late 1980s. The indications in the financial sector portray improvement in the measures of financial development in the post-reform era as compared to the years before. The findings of the study complement existing research findings and information on finance-growth association as well as the influence that finance has on the sources of growth. The study adopted real per capita gross domestic product (GDP) as a measure of economic growth. In addition, three real sector indicators serving as the sources of growth, included; capital accumulation, industrial value-added and manufacturing value added. The analysis also adopts four financial indicators, expressed as percentage shares of GDP, namely; domestic credit to private sector, total domestic credit provided by financial sector, broad money supply and financial sector deposits—as measures of financial development. The analysis of the impact of the financial development on capital accumulation, industrial output growth, manufacturing productivity and economic growth were estimated using the linear regression estimation techniques within the GMM estimation approach. The study, additionally, examined the short-run and long-run impacts of financial development on economic growth indicators by employing the Vector Autoregressive Regression (VAR) within the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) approach. The study further assesses the direction of causality between financial development and economic growth indicators using the cointegration and Engle-Granger causality testing approach within VAR models. The Bayesian Vector Auto Regression (BVAR) models were applied to examine the drivers of economic growth and to assess the sensitivity of economic growth to financial development and macro-economic shocks. This assessment was carried out to examine the maximising behaviour of financial development and to find out if there exists threshold point beyond which finance adversely affects economic growth in Ghana. The results showed that credit to private sector shows a strong positive persistence in promoting economic growth in Ghana. The results show that financial development dynamics in Ghana positively affect long run economic growth and further indicate that the rate of impact was relatively higher in the post reform period of 1984 to 2016. The study further found a bi-directional causal association between financial development and economic growth. Regarding the sources of growth, the study found that financial development strongly contributes positively to capital accumulation in the long-term, however, the findings further suggested that, to some extent, the growing size of finance dampens capital formation and economic growth. This suggested the existence of inefficiencies in the expanding size of total credit offered by the financial system in Ghana. The study further found a long-run positive association between financial development and industrial productivity (except for manufacturing) growth in Ghana, with industry growth substantially determined by private credit. The results of the assessment on the sensitivity of economic growth to shocks in financial development indicators show that Ghana ‘s economic growth is, to a larger extent, influenced by domestic credit provided to the private sector. Also, the results showed that economic growth has been highly responsive to macro-economic shocks such as government expenditure and industrial sector growth although industrial growth seems to show a strong negative persistence on Ghana ‘s economy. The results from the analysis of finance and economic growth shows that existence of different optimal growth maximising points domestic credit, broad money, financial sector deposits and the overall financial development ratios as depicted by the various inverted U-shaped relationship between the financial development indicators and economic growth. The optimal size or maximising positions or thresholds for private credit and total credit were found to be at approximately 20.0 per cent and 28.0 per cent of GDP, respectively. On the other hand, the optimal size or minimum positions or thresholds for broad money supply and total financial sector deposits were found to be at approximately 19.0 per cent and 10.0 per cent of GDP, respectively. With regards to broad money supply-to-GDP and financial sector deposit-to-GDP ratios, the respective averages of 23.19 per cent and 13.77 per cent for the period 1965-2015 are higher than the minimum required thresholds of 19.00 per cent and 10.00 per cent, respectively. The findings show that financial developments have a strong positive association with economic growth, but the results also give the indication that although financial development can enhance growth and inefficiencies in the financial system can equally dampen growth at some levels. overall, the study found that financial reforms have positively contributed to economic growth in Ghana and the impacts of financial development on economic growth in Ghana have been higher in the post-reform era. The effect of financial reforms on capital accumulation was not significant although the study established that the impact of structural reforms was strong and adversely affected capital accumulation in Ghana. With regards to the industrial productivity growth, the study found a positive association between financial development and industry growth in Ghana. It was, however, observed that financial reforms have fails to significantly affect growth of industrial productivity and the impact of financial development on industry sector growth in Ghana are low but the sector experienced relatively higher growth in the pre-reform era.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Brafi, Paul Osei
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Economic development -- Ghana , Finance -- Ghana Manufactures -- Finance -- Ghana
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/37184 , vital:34135
- Description: This study provides an analysis of financial and growth dynamics with a view to assess the impact of financial development on economic growth in Ghana. The study also examines the extent to which financial developments in Ghana are affecting capital accumulation and industrial sector growth. The analysis was performed by examining the financial development indicators and economic growth data for Ghana over the period from 1965 to 2016. The study was motivated by the theoretical indications that improvements in financial intermediation within the economy can induce growth of the real sector and thus lead to economic growth. There have been notable structural and financial sector reforms in Ghana since the early and late 1980s. The indications in the financial sector portray improvement in the measures of financial development in the post-reform era as compared to the years before. The findings of the study complement existing research findings and information on finance-growth association as well as the influence that finance has on the sources of growth. The study adopted real per capita gross domestic product (GDP) as a measure of economic growth. In addition, three real sector indicators serving as the sources of growth, included; capital accumulation, industrial value-added and manufacturing value added. The analysis also adopts four financial indicators, expressed as percentage shares of GDP, namely; domestic credit to private sector, total domestic credit provided by financial sector, broad money supply and financial sector deposits—as measures of financial development. The analysis of the impact of the financial development on capital accumulation, industrial output growth, manufacturing productivity and economic growth were estimated using the linear regression estimation techniques within the GMM estimation approach. The study, additionally, examined the short-run and long-run impacts of financial development on economic growth indicators by employing the Vector Autoregressive Regression (VAR) within the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) approach. The study further assesses the direction of causality between financial development and economic growth indicators using the cointegration and Engle-Granger causality testing approach within VAR models. The Bayesian Vector Auto Regression (BVAR) models were applied to examine the drivers of economic growth and to assess the sensitivity of economic growth to financial development and macro-economic shocks. This assessment was carried out to examine the maximising behaviour of financial development and to find out if there exists threshold point beyond which finance adversely affects economic growth in Ghana. The results showed that credit to private sector shows a strong positive persistence in promoting economic growth in Ghana. The results show that financial development dynamics in Ghana positively affect long run economic growth and further indicate that the rate of impact was relatively higher in the post reform period of 1984 to 2016. The study further found a bi-directional causal association between financial development and economic growth. Regarding the sources of growth, the study found that financial development strongly contributes positively to capital accumulation in the long-term, however, the findings further suggested that, to some extent, the growing size of finance dampens capital formation and economic growth. This suggested the existence of inefficiencies in the expanding size of total credit offered by the financial system in Ghana. The study further found a long-run positive association between financial development and industrial productivity (except for manufacturing) growth in Ghana, with industry growth substantially determined by private credit. The results of the assessment on the sensitivity of economic growth to shocks in financial development indicators show that Ghana ‘s economic growth is, to a larger extent, influenced by domestic credit provided to the private sector. Also, the results showed that economic growth has been highly responsive to macro-economic shocks such as government expenditure and industrial sector growth although industrial growth seems to show a strong negative persistence on Ghana ‘s economy. The results from the analysis of finance and economic growth shows that existence of different optimal growth maximising points domestic credit, broad money, financial sector deposits and the overall financial development ratios as depicted by the various inverted U-shaped relationship between the financial development indicators and economic growth. The optimal size or maximising positions or thresholds for private credit and total credit were found to be at approximately 20.0 per cent and 28.0 per cent of GDP, respectively. On the other hand, the optimal size or minimum positions or thresholds for broad money supply and total financial sector deposits were found to be at approximately 19.0 per cent and 10.0 per cent of GDP, respectively. With regards to broad money supply-to-GDP and financial sector deposit-to-GDP ratios, the respective averages of 23.19 per cent and 13.77 per cent for the period 1965-2015 are higher than the minimum required thresholds of 19.00 per cent and 10.00 per cent, respectively. The findings show that financial developments have a strong positive association with economic growth, but the results also give the indication that although financial development can enhance growth and inefficiencies in the financial system can equally dampen growth at some levels. overall, the study found that financial reforms have positively contributed to economic growth in Ghana and the impacts of financial development on economic growth in Ghana have been higher in the post-reform era. The effect of financial reforms on capital accumulation was not significant although the study established that the impact of structural reforms was strong and adversely affected capital accumulation in Ghana. With regards to the industrial productivity growth, the study found a positive association between financial development and industry growth in Ghana. It was, however, observed that financial reforms have fails to significantly affect growth of industrial productivity and the impact of financial development on industry sector growth in Ghana are low but the sector experienced relatively higher growth in the pre-reform era.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The impact of land restitution and resettlement in the Eastern Cape, South Africa: restoring dignity without strengthening livelihoods?
- Authors: Xaba, Mzingaye Brilliant
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Reparations for historic injustices -- South Africa , Land reform -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Land reform -- South Africa -- Social aspects , Agricultural development projects -- South Africa -- Social aspects , Land tenure -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/96336 , vital:31264
- Description: Land reform in South Africa, which is comprised of land redistribution, land tenure reform, and land restitution, continues to be an emotive subject and has largely racially polarised South Africa. The slow pace of land reform, expropriation, the amount of land to be returned to black people, debates around the role of the Constitution in land reform, the market-based approach and the perceived negative attitude of white farmers have dominated the debates on land reform. There is, therefore, a huge chorus on the struggles for land acquisition and less on what happens when people are given land. A few studies on post-settlement livelihoods experience have managed to close this gap slightly in the literature by showing that land reform has contributed little or no material and livelihood benefits to beneficiaries and that many farms are lying idle after land reform, especially land restitution, projects. These studies on post-settlement livelihoods experiences of land reform beneficiaries have not managed to capture fully the “voices” of beneficiaries on land and livelihoods. This dissertation seeks to provide a sociological documentation of the post-settlement livelihood experiences of land restitution beneficiaries. It does this by primarily tracing the ability and/or the inability of land restitution beneficiaries of Macleantown, about 40 kilometres northwest of East London, in the Eastern Cape to reconstruct livelihoods after resettlement, bearing in mind that these land restitution beneficiaries have been resettled twice, during forced removals in the 1970s and after land restitution, post-1994. Therefore, the study engages with questions of whether or in what ways land compensated restitution beneficiaries have managed to reconstruct livelihoods after land transfer. To capture the livelihood experiences of land restitution beneficiaries fully, I also studied the Salem restitution case, which is 20km away from Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape. Because land restitution involves resettlement, I decided to use two resettlement theories, namely Thayer Scudder’s four stages model and Michael Cernea’s Impoverishment Risks and Reconstruction (IRR), to understand risks associated with resettlement. Additionally, since this dissertation seeks to understand and document livelihood reconstruction and poverty reduction within the context of restitution resettlement, I also utilised the Sustainable Livelihoods approach and Amartya Sen’s capabilities approach. This thesis is based on multiple research methods that include documentary study, focus group discussions, conversations, archival research, in-depth interviews, transect walks, participant observation and life histories. My findings show that land transfer under the land restitution programme has largely not enabled land beneficiaries in Macleantown and Salem to reconstruct land-based livelihoods after settlement. I also established that land restitution beneficiaries face risks that are identified by resettlement theorists such as lack of proper planning, resettling trauma, struggles in community reconstruction and poverty. Beneficiaries have not managed to reap any meaningful benefits from the land, meaning that restitution has not led to self-sufficiency for these beneficiaries because all land beneficiaries are heavily dependent on social grants. However, one needs to emphasize that land restitution has restored the dignity of beneficiaries because beneficiaries have accessed their forefathers’ land that they fought for. This is because beneficiaries believed that it was their duty to fight for their land on behalf of their ancestors. I reach the conclusion that the whole idea that restitution claimants who are scattered all over can be grouped into a Community Property Association (CPA) and farm collectively as a ‘community’ to improve livelihoods is a misleading romanticisation of the envisaged outcomes of the land restitution project. Time has passed after land dispossession and land claimants are different human beings to what they were before land dispossession, i.e. far from the agrarian society they were before land dispossession. Group dynamics, lack of adequate post-settlement support (PSS), land reform designs, lack of commercial agricultural skills, as well as entitlement syndrome, old age of beneficiaries, infighting and marginality of agricultural business has made it nearly impossible for restitution beneficiaries to reconstruct land-based livelihoods. Additionally, the government appears to be more interested in ‘correcting apartheid’ rather than creating viable farms. It is important to state that this thesis does not advocate for the erasure of the restitution programme or to belittle land beneficiaries but argues for the rethinking of the restitution model in the context of massive failures, as well as coming up with a new and flexible model of land restitution that will meet the modern needs of beneficiaries. This thesis contributes to an understanding of the risks and the challenges of livelihoods reconstruction faced by resettling communities through an investigation into the post-settlement livelihoods experiences of land restitution beneficiaries through ‘thick descriptions’.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Xaba, Mzingaye Brilliant
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Reparations for historic injustices -- South Africa , Land reform -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Land reform -- South Africa -- Social aspects , Agricultural development projects -- South Africa -- Social aspects , Land tenure -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/96336 , vital:31264
- Description: Land reform in South Africa, which is comprised of land redistribution, land tenure reform, and land restitution, continues to be an emotive subject and has largely racially polarised South Africa. The slow pace of land reform, expropriation, the amount of land to be returned to black people, debates around the role of the Constitution in land reform, the market-based approach and the perceived negative attitude of white farmers have dominated the debates on land reform. There is, therefore, a huge chorus on the struggles for land acquisition and less on what happens when people are given land. A few studies on post-settlement livelihoods experience have managed to close this gap slightly in the literature by showing that land reform has contributed little or no material and livelihood benefits to beneficiaries and that many farms are lying idle after land reform, especially land restitution, projects. These studies on post-settlement livelihoods experiences of land reform beneficiaries have not managed to capture fully the “voices” of beneficiaries on land and livelihoods. This dissertation seeks to provide a sociological documentation of the post-settlement livelihood experiences of land restitution beneficiaries. It does this by primarily tracing the ability and/or the inability of land restitution beneficiaries of Macleantown, about 40 kilometres northwest of East London, in the Eastern Cape to reconstruct livelihoods after resettlement, bearing in mind that these land restitution beneficiaries have been resettled twice, during forced removals in the 1970s and after land restitution, post-1994. Therefore, the study engages with questions of whether or in what ways land compensated restitution beneficiaries have managed to reconstruct livelihoods after land transfer. To capture the livelihood experiences of land restitution beneficiaries fully, I also studied the Salem restitution case, which is 20km away from Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape. Because land restitution involves resettlement, I decided to use two resettlement theories, namely Thayer Scudder’s four stages model and Michael Cernea’s Impoverishment Risks and Reconstruction (IRR), to understand risks associated with resettlement. Additionally, since this dissertation seeks to understand and document livelihood reconstruction and poverty reduction within the context of restitution resettlement, I also utilised the Sustainable Livelihoods approach and Amartya Sen’s capabilities approach. This thesis is based on multiple research methods that include documentary study, focus group discussions, conversations, archival research, in-depth interviews, transect walks, participant observation and life histories. My findings show that land transfer under the land restitution programme has largely not enabled land beneficiaries in Macleantown and Salem to reconstruct land-based livelihoods after settlement. I also established that land restitution beneficiaries face risks that are identified by resettlement theorists such as lack of proper planning, resettling trauma, struggles in community reconstruction and poverty. Beneficiaries have not managed to reap any meaningful benefits from the land, meaning that restitution has not led to self-sufficiency for these beneficiaries because all land beneficiaries are heavily dependent on social grants. However, one needs to emphasize that land restitution has restored the dignity of beneficiaries because beneficiaries have accessed their forefathers’ land that they fought for. This is because beneficiaries believed that it was their duty to fight for their land on behalf of their ancestors. I reach the conclusion that the whole idea that restitution claimants who are scattered all over can be grouped into a Community Property Association (CPA) and farm collectively as a ‘community’ to improve livelihoods is a misleading romanticisation of the envisaged outcomes of the land restitution project. Time has passed after land dispossession and land claimants are different human beings to what they were before land dispossession, i.e. far from the agrarian society they were before land dispossession. Group dynamics, lack of adequate post-settlement support (PSS), land reform designs, lack of commercial agricultural skills, as well as entitlement syndrome, old age of beneficiaries, infighting and marginality of agricultural business has made it nearly impossible for restitution beneficiaries to reconstruct land-based livelihoods. Additionally, the government appears to be more interested in ‘correcting apartheid’ rather than creating viable farms. It is important to state that this thesis does not advocate for the erasure of the restitution programme or to belittle land beneficiaries but argues for the rethinking of the restitution model in the context of massive failures, as well as coming up with a new and flexible model of land restitution that will meet the modern needs of beneficiaries. This thesis contributes to an understanding of the risks and the challenges of livelihoods reconstruction faced by resettling communities through an investigation into the post-settlement livelihoods experiences of land restitution beneficiaries through ‘thick descriptions’.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The impact of policies on development-induced resettlement processes and outcomes: a Lesotho-India comparative study
- Tsietsi, Teboho Priscilla Mosuoe
- Authors: Tsietsi, Teboho Priscilla Mosuoe
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Forced migration -- Lesotho , Forced migration -- India , Dams -- Social aspects -- Lesotho , Dams -- Social aspects -- India , Irrigation projects -- Economic aspects -- Lesotho , Irrigation projects -- Economic aspects -- India , Land settlement -- Government policy -- Lesotho , Land settlement -- Government policy -- India
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/72307 , vital:30032
- Description: The practice of Development-Induced Displacement and Resettlement (DIDR), historically, has often led to negative consequences for those affected by development projects, including but not limited to, the construction of large dams. Although DIDR arises from the need to provide goods and services that characterise development, it often leaves those who are forced to give up their assets, resources, and long standing social networks in dire socio-economic conditions as a result of resettlement. In many such cases, the provision for losses suffered by those primarily affected is often insufficient, leading to further losses experienced as a result of the complete life change experienced by those affected by resettlement. Research has shown that the insufficiency of such provisions for losses is attributable to not only the value of the provision itself, but also the manner in which resettlement processes are implemented. While early on, researchers believed that the development of policies would have a significant, positive impact on the practice of resettlement and its outcomes, evidence would later show that the development of policies alone is not a panacea for all challenges associated with forced resettlement. Further research revealed that resettlement is characterised by inherent and active complexities which are often at play, and may impede effective implementation. Hence, while the development of policies is essential, both the development and implementation of policies must be undertaken in a manner that seeks to actively address the inherent complexities of resettlement. This thesis aims to explore the implementation of resettlement policies in two case studies, where in one case, resettlement was informed by national policy, and in the other, by policies developed by a parastatal tasked with the responsibility of executing resettlement. The study makes a comparative analysis between the two cases, and explores the factors at play in the implementation of resettlement policies – whether such factors serve to facilitate or impede effective implementation – as well as the nature of the outcomes on the ground. As an overarching goal, the research aims to provide a basis upon which a framework for the development of a national level policy of resettlement may be developed. In this regard, the thesis undertakes a comparison of the Indian resettlement case with the Lesotho case. The former, in addition to having developed a resettlement policy at the national level, has a long history of experience in forced resettlement and displacement, from which invaluable lessons have been learned. The latter, on the other hand, has no resettlement policy at the national level, although the country has also experienced forced resettlement dating back to nearly three decades ago. Although India and Lesotho have distinct social, cultural, economic and demographic characteristics, research has shown that the complexities of forced resettlement, and their outcomes on affected people, are largely applicable across the different contexts. Hence, certain dimensions and lessons can be transferable from the Indian case to the Lesotho case, and vice versa. However, for the purpose of this thesis, the focus is on providing a basis for national policy development in Lesotho, in light of Indian policies and practice. The empirical basis of the thesis is an ethnographic study undertaken in relation to the Chandil Dam resettlement case in Jharkhand, India and the Mohale Dam resettlement case in Maseru, Lesotho. The thesis engaged both qualitative and quantitative research methods, as well as four, complementary theoretical tools that analyse the effects of forced resettlement on affected people. The thesis reveals that the negative consequences of forced resettlement resulting from its inherent complexities continue to manifest with concerning effects on the lives of those affected. It shows that the implementation of policies is a complex process that requires collaborative effort from a wide range of stakeholders in a given context. National policies of resettlement are, thus, instrumental in this regard, as they can create an enabling environment for the facilitation of collaborative efforts towards sustainable livelihood re-establishment for those who involuntarily suffer losses to resettlement.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Tsietsi, Teboho Priscilla Mosuoe
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Forced migration -- Lesotho , Forced migration -- India , Dams -- Social aspects -- Lesotho , Dams -- Social aspects -- India , Irrigation projects -- Economic aspects -- Lesotho , Irrigation projects -- Economic aspects -- India , Land settlement -- Government policy -- Lesotho , Land settlement -- Government policy -- India
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/72307 , vital:30032
- Description: The practice of Development-Induced Displacement and Resettlement (DIDR), historically, has often led to negative consequences for those affected by development projects, including but not limited to, the construction of large dams. Although DIDR arises from the need to provide goods and services that characterise development, it often leaves those who are forced to give up their assets, resources, and long standing social networks in dire socio-economic conditions as a result of resettlement. In many such cases, the provision for losses suffered by those primarily affected is often insufficient, leading to further losses experienced as a result of the complete life change experienced by those affected by resettlement. Research has shown that the insufficiency of such provisions for losses is attributable to not only the value of the provision itself, but also the manner in which resettlement processes are implemented. While early on, researchers believed that the development of policies would have a significant, positive impact on the practice of resettlement and its outcomes, evidence would later show that the development of policies alone is not a panacea for all challenges associated with forced resettlement. Further research revealed that resettlement is characterised by inherent and active complexities which are often at play, and may impede effective implementation. Hence, while the development of policies is essential, both the development and implementation of policies must be undertaken in a manner that seeks to actively address the inherent complexities of resettlement. This thesis aims to explore the implementation of resettlement policies in two case studies, where in one case, resettlement was informed by national policy, and in the other, by policies developed by a parastatal tasked with the responsibility of executing resettlement. The study makes a comparative analysis between the two cases, and explores the factors at play in the implementation of resettlement policies – whether such factors serve to facilitate or impede effective implementation – as well as the nature of the outcomes on the ground. As an overarching goal, the research aims to provide a basis upon which a framework for the development of a national level policy of resettlement may be developed. In this regard, the thesis undertakes a comparison of the Indian resettlement case with the Lesotho case. The former, in addition to having developed a resettlement policy at the national level, has a long history of experience in forced resettlement and displacement, from which invaluable lessons have been learned. The latter, on the other hand, has no resettlement policy at the national level, although the country has also experienced forced resettlement dating back to nearly three decades ago. Although India and Lesotho have distinct social, cultural, economic and demographic characteristics, research has shown that the complexities of forced resettlement, and their outcomes on affected people, are largely applicable across the different contexts. Hence, certain dimensions and lessons can be transferable from the Indian case to the Lesotho case, and vice versa. However, for the purpose of this thesis, the focus is on providing a basis for national policy development in Lesotho, in light of Indian policies and practice. The empirical basis of the thesis is an ethnographic study undertaken in relation to the Chandil Dam resettlement case in Jharkhand, India and the Mohale Dam resettlement case in Maseru, Lesotho. The thesis engaged both qualitative and quantitative research methods, as well as four, complementary theoretical tools that analyse the effects of forced resettlement on affected people. The thesis reveals that the negative consequences of forced resettlement resulting from its inherent complexities continue to manifest with concerning effects on the lives of those affected. It shows that the implementation of policies is a complex process that requires collaborative effort from a wide range of stakeholders in a given context. National policies of resettlement are, thus, instrumental in this regard, as they can create an enabling environment for the facilitation of collaborative efforts towards sustainable livelihood re-establishment for those who involuntarily suffer losses to resettlement.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The impact of public spending on economic growth, employment and poverty reduction in South Africa
- Authors: Kavese, Kambale
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Expenditures, Public -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa Labor economics -- South Africa Employment (Economic theory) Poor -- Employment -- South Africa South Africa -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39940 , vital:35570
- Description: This study seeks to assess the effect of public spending on economic growth, employment, and poverty reduction. The co-existence of a sound fiscal policy and a substantial government expenditure but insignificant returns in terms of social development suggests the potential of a dilemma that needs to be investigated, and to reflect on the dynamics of selected marginalised groups of people and marginalised areas. Hence, the “social inclusion” strategy of the RDP in 1994, and the “inclusive economy” strategy of the NDP in 2014 were implemented with one single objective in mind, that is to narrow the gaps associated with the legacy of apartheid. Despite the implantation of government plans like the RDP and recently the NDP, and regardless of the effective use of fiscal policy, low growth has continued during the post-recession era; unemployment and inequality have persistently remained at high levels. This paradox has led to controversies around fiscal policy’s dual role of stimulating economic growth and income redistribution. To achieve the research objective, the study employs four types of empirical techniques: the nonlinear autoregressive distributive lag (N-ARDL) cointegration model; the economy-wide Leontief approach calibrated on the supply and use tables (dynamic SUT model); a partial general equilibrium approach based on the Social Accounting Matrix (SAM model) used for micro-simulations; and lastly a contemporaneous dynamic computable general equilibrium (CGE) model to assess the effect of fiscal policy on macroeconomic and socioeconomic variables. The study found that during the post-recession era, expansionary fiscal policy had a positive but minute effect on growth, employment and poverty reduction. The effect of government spending has had a minimal effect on historically marginalised groups of people and marginalised areas. This is why a tortoise pace in reducing poverty and inequality has persisted. So, the study recommends that governments should follow a priorities-based government spending policy which fits well with the current situation of the country. Moreover, South Africa needs to adopt international standards and best practices of “science-based strategic” rather than that of “evidence-based strategy” and ensure that only programmes that have proved to be effective be financed in the fiscal budget.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Kavese, Kambale
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Expenditures, Public -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa Labor economics -- South Africa Employment (Economic theory) Poor -- Employment -- South Africa South Africa -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39940 , vital:35570
- Description: This study seeks to assess the effect of public spending on economic growth, employment, and poverty reduction. The co-existence of a sound fiscal policy and a substantial government expenditure but insignificant returns in terms of social development suggests the potential of a dilemma that needs to be investigated, and to reflect on the dynamics of selected marginalised groups of people and marginalised areas. Hence, the “social inclusion” strategy of the RDP in 1994, and the “inclusive economy” strategy of the NDP in 2014 were implemented with one single objective in mind, that is to narrow the gaps associated with the legacy of apartheid. Despite the implantation of government plans like the RDP and recently the NDP, and regardless of the effective use of fiscal policy, low growth has continued during the post-recession era; unemployment and inequality have persistently remained at high levels. This paradox has led to controversies around fiscal policy’s dual role of stimulating economic growth and income redistribution. To achieve the research objective, the study employs four types of empirical techniques: the nonlinear autoregressive distributive lag (N-ARDL) cointegration model; the economy-wide Leontief approach calibrated on the supply and use tables (dynamic SUT model); a partial general equilibrium approach based on the Social Accounting Matrix (SAM model) used for micro-simulations; and lastly a contemporaneous dynamic computable general equilibrium (CGE) model to assess the effect of fiscal policy on macroeconomic and socioeconomic variables. The study found that during the post-recession era, expansionary fiscal policy had a positive but minute effect on growth, employment and poverty reduction. The effect of government spending has had a minimal effect on historically marginalised groups of people and marginalised areas. This is why a tortoise pace in reducing poverty and inequality has persisted. So, the study recommends that governments should follow a priorities-based government spending policy which fits well with the current situation of the country. Moreover, South Africa needs to adopt international standards and best practices of “science-based strategic” rather than that of “evidence-based strategy” and ensure that only programmes that have proved to be effective be financed in the fiscal budget.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The implementation of National Health strategy (2009-2013) in Vungu District clinics, Midlands Province in Zimbabwe
- Authors: Mangwanya, M G
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Medical care -- Zimbabwe Public health administration -- Zimbabwe National Health Strategy (Zimbabwe)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18514 , vital:42579
- Description: The practice of strategy implementation is key to the public sector in Zimbabwe because it helps the government to be up to speed in providing services to the public. This research focused on the National Health Strategy 2009-2013 and its impact on health service delivery in Vungu Rural District Council Clinics. The research was based on qualitative desk study design which made use of existing data and semi structured interviews to understand the effect of the National Health Strategy on health service delivery in Vungu Rural Districts Council Clinics. From the literature reviewed and the data collected, it can be noted that lack of resources has had a huge effect on the execution of the strategy. The findings from the study show that the National Health Strategy was a good initiative. However, it lacked financial resources which posed challenges to the health workers in Vungu Rural District Council Clinics. The health workers were not very familiar with the National Health Strategy and this had a negative impact on its execution because they cannot execute a strategy that they are not familiar with. The study highlighted the importance of resources for the execution of the National Health Strategy. The study therefore sought to find ways the Zimbabwean Health System may formulate the health strategy with the limited resources in order to achieve desired goals. The Health Workers echoed the same sentiments that they needed resources for the implementation of the strategy. It is hoped that the findings would provide guidelines for the formulation and implementation of future health strategies. Recommendations given would ensure that there is utilisation of available resources, which would help in the execution of other health strategies to ensure efficient and effective health care service delivery. The recommendations are also intended to enhance the performance of health workers. Though the study was limited to Vungu Rural District Council Clinics the findings and recommendations would provide guidelines for other rural clinics as they use the National Health Strategy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mangwanya, M G
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Medical care -- Zimbabwe Public health administration -- Zimbabwe National Health Strategy (Zimbabwe)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18514 , vital:42579
- Description: The practice of strategy implementation is key to the public sector in Zimbabwe because it helps the government to be up to speed in providing services to the public. This research focused on the National Health Strategy 2009-2013 and its impact on health service delivery in Vungu Rural District Council Clinics. The research was based on qualitative desk study design which made use of existing data and semi structured interviews to understand the effect of the National Health Strategy on health service delivery in Vungu Rural Districts Council Clinics. From the literature reviewed and the data collected, it can be noted that lack of resources has had a huge effect on the execution of the strategy. The findings from the study show that the National Health Strategy was a good initiative. However, it lacked financial resources which posed challenges to the health workers in Vungu Rural District Council Clinics. The health workers were not very familiar with the National Health Strategy and this had a negative impact on its execution because they cannot execute a strategy that they are not familiar with. The study highlighted the importance of resources for the execution of the National Health Strategy. The study therefore sought to find ways the Zimbabwean Health System may formulate the health strategy with the limited resources in order to achieve desired goals. The Health Workers echoed the same sentiments that they needed resources for the implementation of the strategy. It is hoped that the findings would provide guidelines for the formulation and implementation of future health strategies. Recommendations given would ensure that there is utilisation of available resources, which would help in the execution of other health strategies to ensure efficient and effective health care service delivery. The recommendations are also intended to enhance the performance of health workers. Though the study was limited to Vungu Rural District Council Clinics the findings and recommendations would provide guidelines for other rural clinics as they use the National Health Strategy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The implications of teacher development in the improvement of learner achievement in the Kwamhlanga sub-district of Mpumalanga Province
- Authors: Mhaule, Makgabo Regina
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Career development Teacher educators -- Professional relationships
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , D.Admin
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13690 , vital:39691
- Description: This study sought to investigate the implication of teacher development in learner performance with reference to the Nkangala sub-district of the Mpumalanga Department of Education. My interest is this area of study was triggered in the debate around the mismatch between the resources which the Department of Education invests in the teacher development programmes vis-à-vis learner performance in schools, in particular, the Grade 12 class which is the exit point of the school system. The argument is that the department invests significant resources in developing teachers but that there appears to be very little return on the investment in the form of learner performance which has been the subject of debate and discussion for many years in the education circles. The study made use of the mixed method approach in terms of which both quantitative and qualitative methods were fully employed. Questionnaires and interviews were used as the data collection methods. In order to collect the requisite quantitative data four teachers and three school management teams were sampled using the simple random sampling method per school in the sub-district. The return rate of the instruments was more than 50%. For the qualitative data subject advisors were sampled using the purposive sampling method. Eight of the twelve advisors who were sampled participated in the face to face interviews. The collected data was then analysed using the Special Programme for Social Sciences (SPSS). The literature reviewed included Senge’s Learning Organisation theory and Wenger’s social learning theory which were explored extensively and which informed the study to a significant extent. The researcher also explored the legislative framework which informs the HRD in general and teacher development in particular. v The study revealed that there is, indeed, a significant relationship between teacher development programmes and learner performance. The study also revealed that teacher development programmes do, in fact, address the needs of both learners and teachers. An interesting finding, which is also a matter of concern, was the finding that teachers are almost, if not totally, excluded from participating in the teacher development programmes offered. The study also found that the content of teacher development programmes is devised by subject specialists who are not based in the classroom and who have little experience of the prevailing classroom situation. It appeared that this approach was creating a huge gap in the teacher development programmes. The researcher made several recommendations and also developed a proposed (rudimentary) teacher development model, as informed by the study and the gap which was identified from the literature review. The model is extremely basic and, therefore, requires further research on the part of education practitioners and/or anyone interested in the field of teacher development and education.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mhaule, Makgabo Regina
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Career development Teacher educators -- Professional relationships
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , D.Admin
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13690 , vital:39691
- Description: This study sought to investigate the implication of teacher development in learner performance with reference to the Nkangala sub-district of the Mpumalanga Department of Education. My interest is this area of study was triggered in the debate around the mismatch between the resources which the Department of Education invests in the teacher development programmes vis-à-vis learner performance in schools, in particular, the Grade 12 class which is the exit point of the school system. The argument is that the department invests significant resources in developing teachers but that there appears to be very little return on the investment in the form of learner performance which has been the subject of debate and discussion for many years in the education circles. The study made use of the mixed method approach in terms of which both quantitative and qualitative methods were fully employed. Questionnaires and interviews were used as the data collection methods. In order to collect the requisite quantitative data four teachers and three school management teams were sampled using the simple random sampling method per school in the sub-district. The return rate of the instruments was more than 50%. For the qualitative data subject advisors were sampled using the purposive sampling method. Eight of the twelve advisors who were sampled participated in the face to face interviews. The collected data was then analysed using the Special Programme for Social Sciences (SPSS). The literature reviewed included Senge’s Learning Organisation theory and Wenger’s social learning theory which were explored extensively and which informed the study to a significant extent. The researcher also explored the legislative framework which informs the HRD in general and teacher development in particular. v The study revealed that there is, indeed, a significant relationship between teacher development programmes and learner performance. The study also revealed that teacher development programmes do, in fact, address the needs of both learners and teachers. An interesting finding, which is also a matter of concern, was the finding that teachers are almost, if not totally, excluded from participating in the teacher development programmes offered. The study also found that the content of teacher development programmes is devised by subject specialists who are not based in the classroom and who have little experience of the prevailing classroom situation. It appeared that this approach was creating a huge gap in the teacher development programmes. The researcher made several recommendations and also developed a proposed (rudimentary) teacher development model, as informed by the study and the gap which was identified from the literature review. The model is extremely basic and, therefore, requires further research on the part of education practitioners and/or anyone interested in the field of teacher development and education.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The influence of customers’ culture on sales promotions and store equity for pick n pay stores South Africa and Zimbabwe
- Authors: Musekiwa, Albert
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Consumer behaviour
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44565 , vital:38144
- Description: The store industry is globally the main distribution channel for grocery items to reach final consumers. Specifically for South Africa and Zimbabwe the store industry greatly contributes to the countrys economic growth. However, increasing competition in developed countries has forced store chains with a competitive edge in terms of promoting their brands and building market share such as Walmart and Spar to expand into the growing African market. Concomitantly, growing African store chains such as Choppies of Botswana are moving into new African markets such as South Africa and Zimbabwe. Following this increasing competition, Pick n Pay a leading store chain in South Africa has responded by opening stores in African townships and other African countries such as Zimbabwe. This has resulted in Pick n Pay customers’ cultural diversity, and how to build and maintain market share through effective promotional and brand building strategies being areas of concern. Therefore the primary objective of this study is to determine the influence of Pick n Pay customers’ cultural orientations on their buying behaviour towards monetary- and non-monetary sales promotions and store equity in South Africa and Zimbabwe. From a comprehensive literature review, a hypothesised model was developed to determine the customers’ cultural orientations that might influence the buying behaviour towards monetary- and non-monetary sales promotions and Pick n Pays store equity in South Africa and Zimbabwe. Four customers cultural orientations were investigated namely, ubuntu/unhu, power distance, uncertainty avoidance and status consumption. This quantitative research approach study sought the perceptions of Pick n Pays customers on their cultural orientations, buying behaviour towards monetary- and non-monetary sales promotions and on store equity in South Africa and Zimbabwe. A survey was conducted with the aid of a structured hardcopy questionnaire, distributed via fieldworkers in both countries using a combination of convenience- and snowball sampling. A final usable sample of 500 respondents was obtained. The items in the questionnaire were validated by conducting exploratory factor analysis, where after the Cronbachs alpha values were calculated for each of the valid constructs to confirm inter-item reliability. Descriptive statistics in the form of frequency distributions was used to summarise the demographic profiles of the respondents and to describe the means and standard deviations of the valid constructs. The Pearsons product moment correlations revealed moderate correlations between monetary- and non-monetary sales promotions as well as non-monetary sales promotions and store equity in the full sample, and for the South African and Zimbabwean samples. Moderate correlation was also found in South African sample between Ubuntu ubuntu/unhu cultural orientation and non-monetary sales promotions. Multi-collinearity diagnostics testing was conducted prior to multiple regression analysis to confirm that there is no evidence of collinearity between the independent-, mediating- and dependent variables. The multiple regression analysis revealed eight statistical significant relationships between the independent-, mediating- and dependent variables for the full sample while for the South African and Zimbabwean samples four and nine were found respectively. Although the full sample and Zimbabwean sample had similar statistically significant relationships, the relationship between an uncertainty avoidance cultural orientation and store equity was unique to the Zimbabwean sample only. There was only a statistically significant relationship between a power distance cultural orientation and store equity for the South African sample. Structural equation modelling was used as the main statistical procedure to test for mediation in the study. Only two relationships found in the multiple regression analysis were not confirmed in the structural equation modelling results, namely the relationships between an confirmed in the structural equation modelling results, namely the relationships between an uncertainty avoidance cultural orientation and monetary sales promotions, as well as with non-monetary sales promotions. Six path relationships were confirmed in the structured equation modelling. These statistical significant path relationships were between an ubuntu/unhu- cultural orientation with monetary- and non-monetary sales promotions, as well as with store equity. A statistical significant path relationships were also found between a status consumption cultural orientation with non-monetary sales promotions and store equity. The sixth statistical significant path relationship was between non-monetary sales promotions and store equity. Furthermore, SEM confirmed full mediation of monetary sales promotions in the relationship between a status consumption cultural orientation and store equity. On the other hand, there were partial mediations of non-monetary sales promotions in the relationships between an ubuntu/unhu and status consumption cultural orientations with store equity. The SEM results also confirmed that the data fits the complete model. Multi-variant analysis of variance was carried out to determine if respondents’ demographic profiles influenced their cultural orientations and buying behaviour towards monetary-and non-monetary sales promotions. Post-hoc Scheffe tests identified sixteen statistically significant mean differences between the demographic data groups and the cultural orientation and sales promotions variables. Subsequently, the Cohens d analysis confirmed thirteen practical significant relationships, of which only three had large practical significance. Based on the MRA and SEM confirmed relationships, several suggestions are made. Ubuntu/Unhu and status consumption cultural orientations influenced buying behaviour towards non-monetary sales promotions. For ubuntu/unhu orientated customers, it is suggested that Pick n Pay keeps its non-monetary sales promotions open and accessible to most customers and sponsor more popular events such as competitions for baking, cooking and soccer. To target status consumption orientated customers, Pick n Pay should position its non-monetary sales promotions in line with their expectations such as promoting healthy living to appeal to its healthy conscious customers. Pick n Pay should also avoid making price the focal point when communicating to status consumption orientated consumers but rather focus on image building selling points such as store service. For ubuntu/unhu orientated customers, Pick n Pay should underscore the interdependence value in its communication of monetary sales promotions by offering monetary promotions with benefits for all family members. To entrench brand equity, Pick n Pay should engage ubuntu/unhu brand ambassadors from influential family members, friends and community groups such as church groups and provide after-sales service using 24hr customer service hotlines and social media to promote customer interaction any time of the day. Pick n Pay must consider entrenching the status consumption health conscious customers into interaction between themselves or the store through chatrooms or clubs to make sure they remain loyal to the store. It is recommended that Pick n Pay conduct non-monetary sales promotion by creating awareness campaigns for its organic and finest private brands in their Fresh Living Magazine so that customers have product knowledge and encourage them to become regular buyers. In-store distribution of product samples can also help build interest in the brands. Furthermore, employing data mining techniques on customer databases provided in Smartshopper and Rich Rewards loyalty programmes can help understanding specific target customer groups and developing target marketing campaigns. For status consumption orientated customers, Pick n Pay can incentivise the adoption of online shopping through sales promotions such as free delivery for first time shoppers. The store can also have personalised free rewards for its most loyal customers. For ubuntu/unhu orientated customers, it is recommended that Pick n Pay engage in corporate social responsibility that target the needy in the society such as donating to elderly and orphanages and request their customers to donate their loyalty points to charities of their own choices. It is suggested that Pick n Pay promote excellent service and a wide variety of quality products to ensure their status consumption orientated customers remain loyal to the store. They can also offer a suggestions box for these customers to make them feel heard. Their employees should be selected based on contemporary skills such as digital- and green marketing and healthy living product knowledge and they should train their current employees on these areas to enable addressing customers’ queries confidently. This study has added to scarce academic literature on customers’ cultural orientations, sales promotion buying behaviour and store equity in Africa in general. From the hypothesised model developed in this study, a significant contribution has been made in the body of knowledge on the influence of customers’ culture on buying behaviour towards sales promotions and store equity, especially in the retail field for stores such as Pick n Pay. This study was also the first to identify the major role demographics can play in customers’ cultural orientations and sales promotion buying behaviour. The recommendations can be useful to assist with developing marketing strategies suitable for any retail store such as Pick n Pay which wants to venture into African markets.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Musekiwa, Albert
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Consumer behaviour
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44565 , vital:38144
- Description: The store industry is globally the main distribution channel for grocery items to reach final consumers. Specifically for South Africa and Zimbabwe the store industry greatly contributes to the countrys economic growth. However, increasing competition in developed countries has forced store chains with a competitive edge in terms of promoting their brands and building market share such as Walmart and Spar to expand into the growing African market. Concomitantly, growing African store chains such as Choppies of Botswana are moving into new African markets such as South Africa and Zimbabwe. Following this increasing competition, Pick n Pay a leading store chain in South Africa has responded by opening stores in African townships and other African countries such as Zimbabwe. This has resulted in Pick n Pay customers’ cultural diversity, and how to build and maintain market share through effective promotional and brand building strategies being areas of concern. Therefore the primary objective of this study is to determine the influence of Pick n Pay customers’ cultural orientations on their buying behaviour towards monetary- and non-monetary sales promotions and store equity in South Africa and Zimbabwe. From a comprehensive literature review, a hypothesised model was developed to determine the customers’ cultural orientations that might influence the buying behaviour towards monetary- and non-monetary sales promotions and Pick n Pays store equity in South Africa and Zimbabwe. Four customers cultural orientations were investigated namely, ubuntu/unhu, power distance, uncertainty avoidance and status consumption. This quantitative research approach study sought the perceptions of Pick n Pays customers on their cultural orientations, buying behaviour towards monetary- and non-monetary sales promotions and on store equity in South Africa and Zimbabwe. A survey was conducted with the aid of a structured hardcopy questionnaire, distributed via fieldworkers in both countries using a combination of convenience- and snowball sampling. A final usable sample of 500 respondents was obtained. The items in the questionnaire were validated by conducting exploratory factor analysis, where after the Cronbachs alpha values were calculated for each of the valid constructs to confirm inter-item reliability. Descriptive statistics in the form of frequency distributions was used to summarise the demographic profiles of the respondents and to describe the means and standard deviations of the valid constructs. The Pearsons product moment correlations revealed moderate correlations between monetary- and non-monetary sales promotions as well as non-monetary sales promotions and store equity in the full sample, and for the South African and Zimbabwean samples. Moderate correlation was also found in South African sample between Ubuntu ubuntu/unhu cultural orientation and non-monetary sales promotions. Multi-collinearity diagnostics testing was conducted prior to multiple regression analysis to confirm that there is no evidence of collinearity between the independent-, mediating- and dependent variables. The multiple regression analysis revealed eight statistical significant relationships between the independent-, mediating- and dependent variables for the full sample while for the South African and Zimbabwean samples four and nine were found respectively. Although the full sample and Zimbabwean sample had similar statistically significant relationships, the relationship between an uncertainty avoidance cultural orientation and store equity was unique to the Zimbabwean sample only. There was only a statistically significant relationship between a power distance cultural orientation and store equity for the South African sample. Structural equation modelling was used as the main statistical procedure to test for mediation in the study. Only two relationships found in the multiple regression analysis were not confirmed in the structural equation modelling results, namely the relationships between an confirmed in the structural equation modelling results, namely the relationships between an uncertainty avoidance cultural orientation and monetary sales promotions, as well as with non-monetary sales promotions. Six path relationships were confirmed in the structured equation modelling. These statistical significant path relationships were between an ubuntu/unhu- cultural orientation with monetary- and non-monetary sales promotions, as well as with store equity. A statistical significant path relationships were also found between a status consumption cultural orientation with non-monetary sales promotions and store equity. The sixth statistical significant path relationship was between non-monetary sales promotions and store equity. Furthermore, SEM confirmed full mediation of monetary sales promotions in the relationship between a status consumption cultural orientation and store equity. On the other hand, there were partial mediations of non-monetary sales promotions in the relationships between an ubuntu/unhu and status consumption cultural orientations with store equity. The SEM results also confirmed that the data fits the complete model. Multi-variant analysis of variance was carried out to determine if respondents’ demographic profiles influenced their cultural orientations and buying behaviour towards monetary-and non-monetary sales promotions. Post-hoc Scheffe tests identified sixteen statistically significant mean differences between the demographic data groups and the cultural orientation and sales promotions variables. Subsequently, the Cohens d analysis confirmed thirteen practical significant relationships, of which only three had large practical significance. Based on the MRA and SEM confirmed relationships, several suggestions are made. Ubuntu/Unhu and status consumption cultural orientations influenced buying behaviour towards non-monetary sales promotions. For ubuntu/unhu orientated customers, it is suggested that Pick n Pay keeps its non-monetary sales promotions open and accessible to most customers and sponsor more popular events such as competitions for baking, cooking and soccer. To target status consumption orientated customers, Pick n Pay should position its non-monetary sales promotions in line with their expectations such as promoting healthy living to appeal to its healthy conscious customers. Pick n Pay should also avoid making price the focal point when communicating to status consumption orientated consumers but rather focus on image building selling points such as store service. For ubuntu/unhu orientated customers, Pick n Pay should underscore the interdependence value in its communication of monetary sales promotions by offering monetary promotions with benefits for all family members. To entrench brand equity, Pick n Pay should engage ubuntu/unhu brand ambassadors from influential family members, friends and community groups such as church groups and provide after-sales service using 24hr customer service hotlines and social media to promote customer interaction any time of the day. Pick n Pay must consider entrenching the status consumption health conscious customers into interaction between themselves or the store through chatrooms or clubs to make sure they remain loyal to the store. It is recommended that Pick n Pay conduct non-monetary sales promotion by creating awareness campaigns for its organic and finest private brands in their Fresh Living Magazine so that customers have product knowledge and encourage them to become regular buyers. In-store distribution of product samples can also help build interest in the brands. Furthermore, employing data mining techniques on customer databases provided in Smartshopper and Rich Rewards loyalty programmes can help understanding specific target customer groups and developing target marketing campaigns. For status consumption orientated customers, Pick n Pay can incentivise the adoption of online shopping through sales promotions such as free delivery for first time shoppers. The store can also have personalised free rewards for its most loyal customers. For ubuntu/unhu orientated customers, it is recommended that Pick n Pay engage in corporate social responsibility that target the needy in the society such as donating to elderly and orphanages and request their customers to donate their loyalty points to charities of their own choices. It is suggested that Pick n Pay promote excellent service and a wide variety of quality products to ensure their status consumption orientated customers remain loyal to the store. They can also offer a suggestions box for these customers to make them feel heard. Their employees should be selected based on contemporary skills such as digital- and green marketing and healthy living product knowledge and they should train their current employees on these areas to enable addressing customers’ queries confidently. This study has added to scarce academic literature on customers’ cultural orientations, sales promotion buying behaviour and store equity in Africa in general. From the hypothesised model developed in this study, a significant contribution has been made in the body of knowledge on the influence of customers’ culture on buying behaviour towards sales promotions and store equity, especially in the retail field for stores such as Pick n Pay. This study was also the first to identify the major role demographics can play in customers’ cultural orientations and sales promotion buying behaviour. The recommendations can be useful to assist with developing marketing strategies suitable for any retail store such as Pick n Pay which wants to venture into African markets.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The influence of grade 3 teachers’ self-efficacy on the teaching of isixhosa home language reading-comprehension: recommendations for an indigenous mother-tongue based teaching framework
- Authors: Makeleni, Sive
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Reading comprehension Xhosa language -- Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Education)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16632 , vital:40738
- Description: This thesis aimed to examine the extent to which Grade 3 teachers’ self-efficacy influence the teaching of IsiXhosa Home Language reading comprehension. The study was conducted in the Buffalo City Metro Education District, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Social Cognitive theory was adopted as a theoretical framework for this study. The study employed a mixed methods approach, wherein qualitative and quantitative data were collected. Concurrent triangulation was adopted as a research design. In the quantitative phase one hundred and twelve (112) Grade 3 teachers participated through filling in questionnaires. Whilst, in the qualitative phase six (6) teachers were interviewed. Quantitative data was analysed through using descriptive/inferential statistics for the appropriate variables of data, and QUAL analysis of data, using thematic analysis related to the relevant narrative data. The findings both quantitative and qualitative reveal that the teachers spend most of their time in teaching phonics, phonemic awareness and vocabulary and less time on teaching reading comprehension. The teachers feel that the prescribed Curriculum and Policy Statement that does not accommodate indigeneity and languageness of IsiXhosa Language suppresses their innovativeness and creativeness in teaching IsiXhosa Home Language reading comprehension. The teachers highlighted the orthographic uniqueness of IsiXhosa language as one of the gaps in the curriculum. The majority of the teachers believe that Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement IsiXhosa Home Language Foundation Phase (CAPS), is back-translated from another language. Hence, the teachers feel unease to implement the curriculum as it is. Such conceptual gaps identified, negatively affected the teachers’ self-efficacy in teaching IsiXhosa Home Language reading comprehension. Also revealing in the findings are the teachers’ use of assessment as a mere compliance strategy. The findings also reveal that the teachers’ self-efficacy is affected by contextual factors. The study therefore recommends a decolonised IsiXhosa-sensitive Curriculum and Policy Statement that reflects the indigeneity and the languageness of IsiXhosa. The study further recommends an indigenous mother -tongue based framework of teaching IsiXhosa Home Language in the Foundation Phase
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Makeleni, Sive
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Reading comprehension Xhosa language -- Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Education)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16632 , vital:40738
- Description: This thesis aimed to examine the extent to which Grade 3 teachers’ self-efficacy influence the teaching of IsiXhosa Home Language reading comprehension. The study was conducted in the Buffalo City Metro Education District, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Social Cognitive theory was adopted as a theoretical framework for this study. The study employed a mixed methods approach, wherein qualitative and quantitative data were collected. Concurrent triangulation was adopted as a research design. In the quantitative phase one hundred and twelve (112) Grade 3 teachers participated through filling in questionnaires. Whilst, in the qualitative phase six (6) teachers were interviewed. Quantitative data was analysed through using descriptive/inferential statistics for the appropriate variables of data, and QUAL analysis of data, using thematic analysis related to the relevant narrative data. The findings both quantitative and qualitative reveal that the teachers spend most of their time in teaching phonics, phonemic awareness and vocabulary and less time on teaching reading comprehension. The teachers feel that the prescribed Curriculum and Policy Statement that does not accommodate indigeneity and languageness of IsiXhosa Language suppresses their innovativeness and creativeness in teaching IsiXhosa Home Language reading comprehension. The teachers highlighted the orthographic uniqueness of IsiXhosa language as one of the gaps in the curriculum. The majority of the teachers believe that Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement IsiXhosa Home Language Foundation Phase (CAPS), is back-translated from another language. Hence, the teachers feel unease to implement the curriculum as it is. Such conceptual gaps identified, negatively affected the teachers’ self-efficacy in teaching IsiXhosa Home Language reading comprehension. Also revealing in the findings are the teachers’ use of assessment as a mere compliance strategy. The findings also reveal that the teachers’ self-efficacy is affected by contextual factors. The study therefore recommends a decolonised IsiXhosa-sensitive Curriculum and Policy Statement that reflects the indigeneity and the languageness of IsiXhosa. The study further recommends an indigenous mother -tongue based framework of teaching IsiXhosa Home Language in the Foundation Phase
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The influence of multinational corporations in promoting foreign direct investment in the South African business environment
- Van der Berg, Jan Gabriel Mara
- Authors: Van der Berg, Jan Gabriel Mara
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Investments, Foreign -- South Africa , Business enterprises Business Organisations Industrial promotion
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44213 , vital:37131
- Description: One of the major driving forces behind international trade over the past thirty years has been Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Due to the importance of FDI, a vast amount of research has been conducted on the various elements that make up FDI. There has also been widespread research done to measure the impact of FDI on host countries, and attempts have been made to determine the long-term benefits thereof. Despite the existent research on FDI, there is a dearth of literature on the unique situation in South Africa (due to the country’s fragmented past) and the impact of FDI on the South African economy. This study attempts to address this research gap and to add to the existent body of knowledge on FDI market entry. Thus, the primary objective of this study was to examine the impact of multinational corporations (MNCs) in promoting the entry of FDIs in South Africa, and the effectiveness of these investments in the South African business environment. The comprehensive literature review in this study included a discussion of the background to the pre- and post-apartheid South African economy, and the various efforts made by the South African government to facilitate sustainable economic growth through various economic policies. FDI was identified as one of the four major indicators of economic growth and was therefore investigated as a concept, strategy and driver of change. The South African marketing environment was analysed in order to assist in the identification of variables that are conducive to FDI. The final section of the literature review utilised three cases to better illustrate and understand the different challenges, market entry strategies and long-term implications of FDI. In this study, the independent variables (international marketing environment, stakeholder intervention, government considerations, resources and FDI incentives) were identified as influencing the mediating variable (FDI market entry strategy) and the dependent variables (competitiveness, sustainability, trade agreements and commitment of traders). These independent variables were selected to construct a hypothesised model and the research hypotheses. To this end, an empirical investigation was conducted, the measuring instrument used in this investigation was a questionnaire, which was assembled with the help of insights gained from secondary sources. The study respondents were selected through convenience sampling. A total of 210 respondents participated in the study, and 165 useable questionnaires were subjected to statistical analysis. The data collected for this study was subjected to five phases of analysis: exploratory factor analysis to assess validity; Cronbach’s alpha was used to test for internal consistency reliability; descriptive statistics to describe the fundamental features of the data by providing a statistical summary and analysis; and the nine hypotheses pertaining to the relationships between different variables were assessed using inferential statistical procedures, Pearson’s product correlation and regression analysis. This led to the adaptation of the hypothesised model and the hypotheses so as to indicate the changes resulting from the EFA. The findings of this study reveals that external stakeholder intervention as well as FDI incentives and resources effectively influence FDI market entry strategy in the South African business environment. The study results further reveal that the promotion of FDI market entry strategy positively influences competitiveness, sustainability, trade agreements and commitment of traders in the South African business environment. For MNCs to be successful in the expansion of FDI market entry strategy in the South African business environment, the study recommends that it is important to consider the availability of potential local partners, proximity to trading routes, reduction of the costs involved in supplying the market, the effect of tariff barriers and a competitive domestic economy. It is further recommended that MNCs need to focus on the utilisation of reliable and effective equipment in order to enable the productive management of operations in the South African business environment. The study also recommends the South African business environment as a strategic investment destination for the promotion of FDI market entry strategy as it offers low production costs in particular trading locations. This study has contributed to the field of FDI and the FDI market entry strategies employed by MNCs in South Africa. The research findings identified the international marketing (SLEPTS) factors through an assessment of the South African marketing environment, as these factors are deemed important for FDI to occur. The study also highlights the critical international marketing factors that could be used to improve local conditions through a mixture of incentives and policy re-alignment, so as to be more conducive to attracting large scale FDI. The hypothesised model developed for this study contributed to identifying the influence of external stakeholders on the successful market entry of FDI into South Africa, a critical element that MNCs usually only identify after market entry is complete. Evidence from the study shows that the South African government should direct FDI incentives towards those sectors in the economy that stand to benefit the most from the spill-over effects of FDI, in order to maximise the impact of FDI on the local economy. The research also indicates that elements such as restrictive legislation and government corruption may, to a certain degree, hinder FDI; therefore, these issues need to be addressed through legislation. It is recommended that all local efforts to attract FDI are industry or sector focussed, and that they are guided by government policies towards the greater benefit of the South African economy. Furthermore, the study found that the relationship between the host country and the MNC is critical to achieving sustainability in the long-term; therefore, it is suggested that the South African government improves its relationship with local businesses and MNCs that are looking to invest in South Africa. To conclude, it was found that South Africa has a very important role to play in attracting global FDI to Africa, as it has an accessible market based on geographic location, trade channels and traditional linkages with African and European networks.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Van der Berg, Jan Gabriel Mara
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Investments, Foreign -- South Africa , Business enterprises Business Organisations Industrial promotion
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44213 , vital:37131
- Description: One of the major driving forces behind international trade over the past thirty years has been Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Due to the importance of FDI, a vast amount of research has been conducted on the various elements that make up FDI. There has also been widespread research done to measure the impact of FDI on host countries, and attempts have been made to determine the long-term benefits thereof. Despite the existent research on FDI, there is a dearth of literature on the unique situation in South Africa (due to the country’s fragmented past) and the impact of FDI on the South African economy. This study attempts to address this research gap and to add to the existent body of knowledge on FDI market entry. Thus, the primary objective of this study was to examine the impact of multinational corporations (MNCs) in promoting the entry of FDIs in South Africa, and the effectiveness of these investments in the South African business environment. The comprehensive literature review in this study included a discussion of the background to the pre- and post-apartheid South African economy, and the various efforts made by the South African government to facilitate sustainable economic growth through various economic policies. FDI was identified as one of the four major indicators of economic growth and was therefore investigated as a concept, strategy and driver of change. The South African marketing environment was analysed in order to assist in the identification of variables that are conducive to FDI. The final section of the literature review utilised three cases to better illustrate and understand the different challenges, market entry strategies and long-term implications of FDI. In this study, the independent variables (international marketing environment, stakeholder intervention, government considerations, resources and FDI incentives) were identified as influencing the mediating variable (FDI market entry strategy) and the dependent variables (competitiveness, sustainability, trade agreements and commitment of traders). These independent variables were selected to construct a hypothesised model and the research hypotheses. To this end, an empirical investigation was conducted, the measuring instrument used in this investigation was a questionnaire, which was assembled with the help of insights gained from secondary sources. The study respondents were selected through convenience sampling. A total of 210 respondents participated in the study, and 165 useable questionnaires were subjected to statistical analysis. The data collected for this study was subjected to five phases of analysis: exploratory factor analysis to assess validity; Cronbach’s alpha was used to test for internal consistency reliability; descriptive statistics to describe the fundamental features of the data by providing a statistical summary and analysis; and the nine hypotheses pertaining to the relationships between different variables were assessed using inferential statistical procedures, Pearson’s product correlation and regression analysis. This led to the adaptation of the hypothesised model and the hypotheses so as to indicate the changes resulting from the EFA. The findings of this study reveals that external stakeholder intervention as well as FDI incentives and resources effectively influence FDI market entry strategy in the South African business environment. The study results further reveal that the promotion of FDI market entry strategy positively influences competitiveness, sustainability, trade agreements and commitment of traders in the South African business environment. For MNCs to be successful in the expansion of FDI market entry strategy in the South African business environment, the study recommends that it is important to consider the availability of potential local partners, proximity to trading routes, reduction of the costs involved in supplying the market, the effect of tariff barriers and a competitive domestic economy. It is further recommended that MNCs need to focus on the utilisation of reliable and effective equipment in order to enable the productive management of operations in the South African business environment. The study also recommends the South African business environment as a strategic investment destination for the promotion of FDI market entry strategy as it offers low production costs in particular trading locations. This study has contributed to the field of FDI and the FDI market entry strategies employed by MNCs in South Africa. The research findings identified the international marketing (SLEPTS) factors through an assessment of the South African marketing environment, as these factors are deemed important for FDI to occur. The study also highlights the critical international marketing factors that could be used to improve local conditions through a mixture of incentives and policy re-alignment, so as to be more conducive to attracting large scale FDI. The hypothesised model developed for this study contributed to identifying the influence of external stakeholders on the successful market entry of FDI into South Africa, a critical element that MNCs usually only identify after market entry is complete. Evidence from the study shows that the South African government should direct FDI incentives towards those sectors in the economy that stand to benefit the most from the spill-over effects of FDI, in order to maximise the impact of FDI on the local economy. The research also indicates that elements such as restrictive legislation and government corruption may, to a certain degree, hinder FDI; therefore, these issues need to be addressed through legislation. It is recommended that all local efforts to attract FDI are industry or sector focussed, and that they are guided by government policies towards the greater benefit of the South African economy. Furthermore, the study found that the relationship between the host country and the MNC is critical to achieving sustainability in the long-term; therefore, it is suggested that the South African government improves its relationship with local businesses and MNCs that are looking to invest in South Africa. To conclude, it was found that South Africa has a very important role to play in attracting global FDI to Africa, as it has an accessible market based on geographic location, trade channels and traditional linkages with African and European networks.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The integration of graduate attributes into the curriculum at undergraduate level: a case of Central University of Technology, Free State
- Authors: Sibuqashe, Mziwakhe Ramos
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Universities and colleges -- Curricula -- South Africa -- Free State , Education, Higher -- Curricula -- South Africa -- Free State Education, Higher -- South Africa -- Aims and objectives College teaching -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43490 , vital:36897
- Description: Universities across the world have always endeavoured to develop quality graduates who are competitive throughout the world. In attempt to develop these students, universities have introduced generic skills or graduate attributes that should be taught along with disciplinary skills. Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) is one of the universities that has developed the generic skills for their students. This study is aimed at determining the extent to which these graduate attributes are integrated into the undergraduate curriculum. For the higher education system to provide quality graduates, curriculum development teaching and assessment practices should be of high quality as well. Teaching and assessment practices should be such that students are encouraged to produce their own knowledge. This can be achieved if teaching and assessment activities are constructively aligned to each other. By aligning assessment and teaching activities constructively students are encouraged to engage in deep learning and thus the quality of students improves. Qualitative research was conducted using CUT as the case. Interviews were conducted with Heads of Department, lecturers and students across eight departments in four faculties. Previous examination papers, the student assessment manuals and study guides were analysed to determine the extent to which graduate attributes were integrated into curriculum The findings of this study indicated that academics treat graduate attributes as outcomes that are disengaged from the course specific outcomes. It was also discovered that academics perceived the integration of graduate attributes as just another added responsibility on top of their overloaded job. This thesis concludes by making recommendations regarding methods of addressing the concerns of academics and students to enhance seamless integration of graduate attributes into the curriculum.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Sibuqashe, Mziwakhe Ramos
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Universities and colleges -- Curricula -- South Africa -- Free State , Education, Higher -- Curricula -- South Africa -- Free State Education, Higher -- South Africa -- Aims and objectives College teaching -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43490 , vital:36897
- Description: Universities across the world have always endeavoured to develop quality graduates who are competitive throughout the world. In attempt to develop these students, universities have introduced generic skills or graduate attributes that should be taught along with disciplinary skills. Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) is one of the universities that has developed the generic skills for their students. This study is aimed at determining the extent to which these graduate attributes are integrated into the undergraduate curriculum. For the higher education system to provide quality graduates, curriculum development teaching and assessment practices should be of high quality as well. Teaching and assessment practices should be such that students are encouraged to produce their own knowledge. This can be achieved if teaching and assessment activities are constructively aligned to each other. By aligning assessment and teaching activities constructively students are encouraged to engage in deep learning and thus the quality of students improves. Qualitative research was conducted using CUT as the case. Interviews were conducted with Heads of Department, lecturers and students across eight departments in four faculties. Previous examination papers, the student assessment manuals and study guides were analysed to determine the extent to which graduate attributes were integrated into curriculum The findings of this study indicated that academics treat graduate attributes as outcomes that are disengaged from the course specific outcomes. It was also discovered that academics perceived the integration of graduate attributes as just another added responsibility on top of their overloaded job. This thesis concludes by making recommendations regarding methods of addressing the concerns of academics and students to enhance seamless integration of graduate attributes into the curriculum.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The Moderating Influence of Psychological Empowerment in the relationship between Job Insecurity and Organizational Citizenship Behaviour among the Eastern Cape Department of Health Employees
- Authors: Nwokolo, Echezona E
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Job security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Organizational commitment Employee assistance programs
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , D.Com (Industrial Psychology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13881 , vital:39722
- Description: The unabated focus of many organizations on competition and profitability has amplified the threats of real or anticipated job loss resulting in the feelings of insecurity for employees about their job and future work life. The research investigated the role of psychological empowerment as moderator of the relationship between job insecurity and organizational citizenship behavior among the Eastern Cape Department of Health employees, in Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study adopted an exploratory and correlational research design to understand the relationships that exist between the study variables. Respondents were selected using convenience sampling technique, where a sample size of 357 respondents was selected from sample frame of 4847 employees. Seven-point and Five-point likert scale were used to measure the responses. The data analysis methods used include descriptive statistics, regression analysis, ANOVA and Structural Equation Modeling. The reliability, factor analysis and research hypotheses of the research instruments were tested using the aforementioned statistical techniques. The findings reveal a significant negative correlation between job insecurity and Organizational Citizenship Behaviour, a significant positive correlation between psychological empowerment and OCB. It also revealed that job insecurity and psychological empowerment combined account for a significant higher proportion of variance in OCB than any of the two separately, and that significantly and positively moderates the relationship between job insecurity and OCB. Recommendations to promote psychological empowerment in the organization in order to increase organizational citizenship behavior and decrease job insecurity among employees were suggested to leadership of the government departments, organizations and practicing managers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Nwokolo, Echezona E
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Job security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Organizational commitment Employee assistance programs
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , D.Com (Industrial Psychology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13881 , vital:39722
- Description: The unabated focus of many organizations on competition and profitability has amplified the threats of real or anticipated job loss resulting in the feelings of insecurity for employees about their job and future work life. The research investigated the role of psychological empowerment as moderator of the relationship between job insecurity and organizational citizenship behavior among the Eastern Cape Department of Health employees, in Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study adopted an exploratory and correlational research design to understand the relationships that exist between the study variables. Respondents were selected using convenience sampling technique, where a sample size of 357 respondents was selected from sample frame of 4847 employees. Seven-point and Five-point likert scale were used to measure the responses. The data analysis methods used include descriptive statistics, regression analysis, ANOVA and Structural Equation Modeling. The reliability, factor analysis and research hypotheses of the research instruments were tested using the aforementioned statistical techniques. The findings reveal a significant negative correlation between job insecurity and Organizational Citizenship Behaviour, a significant positive correlation between psychological empowerment and OCB. It also revealed that job insecurity and psychological empowerment combined account for a significant higher proportion of variance in OCB than any of the two separately, and that significantly and positively moderates the relationship between job insecurity and OCB. Recommendations to promote psychological empowerment in the organization in order to increase organizational citizenship behavior and decrease job insecurity among employees were suggested to leadership of the government departments, organizations and practicing managers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The morphological complexity of L1 Arabic-speaking children
- Authors: Issa, Iyad
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Cognition in children , Reading , Arabic language -- Orthography and spelling , Arabic language -- Orthography and spelling -- Study and teaching , Arabic language -- Study and teaching , Arabic language -- Phonetics
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/92831 , vital:30754
- Description: Spelling poses a challenge to Arabic-speaking learners due to the complexity of the morphological and orthographic system in Arabic. Arabic morphology has been argued to play a critical role in spelling since its morphological operations are built on a system consisting of a root that is interlocking into different patterns of vowels to form different categories of words. In addition, Arabic orthography is considered to be loyal to the morphographic principle (Ravid, 2012), where morphemes correspond to graphic representation regardless of the pronunciation, especially in the non-vowelized texts. This study made a detailed classification of spelling errors in a word dictation task, based on morphological structures, undertaken by 107 Typically-developing learners (TD) and learners with learning disabiities (LD) attending the same schools. All participants ranged in age from 7 years, 3 months to 15 years, 2 months (grades 2 to 8). The spelling task was made up of 400 common words representing all morphological forms in different conjugations and grammatical classes. The results indicated that learners made three types of errors: errors with respect to the root, errors with respect to the word pattern, and errors with respect to both the root and the word pattern. The results also showed that TD and LD learners follow a similar pattern of complexity even though the LD group produced more errors than the TD group. The results revealed that MA and PA exhibited significant positive regression (b= 9.398, 16.106 respectively) with spelling, indicating that learners with higher scores in PA and MA have higher scores in spelling. The results argued for the crucial contribution that morphological awareness makes towards the general spelling abilities among learners and provide additional evidence for the nonlinear growth of morphological knowedge in spelling. In addition, spelling errors suggested that the spelling process goes in a hierarchical way where words can be accessed and processed either according to the root or according to the stem. Intact verbs are processed according to their root and word pattern. Some weak verb forms, whose radicals undergo modifications, are processed according to their stem, while those whose radicals are fully represented in the spoken word, are processed according to their root and word patterns. Therefore, roots or stems are firstly accessed and attached to basic word patterns (the grapheme without diacritics and affixes). Thereafter, prefixes and, then, suffixes are attached to the word pattern and, finally, diacritics are accessed and attached to the word pattern.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Issa, Iyad
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Cognition in children , Reading , Arabic language -- Orthography and spelling , Arabic language -- Orthography and spelling -- Study and teaching , Arabic language -- Study and teaching , Arabic language -- Phonetics
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/92831 , vital:30754
- Description: Spelling poses a challenge to Arabic-speaking learners due to the complexity of the morphological and orthographic system in Arabic. Arabic morphology has been argued to play a critical role in spelling since its morphological operations are built on a system consisting of a root that is interlocking into different patterns of vowels to form different categories of words. In addition, Arabic orthography is considered to be loyal to the morphographic principle (Ravid, 2012), where morphemes correspond to graphic representation regardless of the pronunciation, especially in the non-vowelized texts. This study made a detailed classification of spelling errors in a word dictation task, based on morphological structures, undertaken by 107 Typically-developing learners (TD) and learners with learning disabiities (LD) attending the same schools. All participants ranged in age from 7 years, 3 months to 15 years, 2 months (grades 2 to 8). The spelling task was made up of 400 common words representing all morphological forms in different conjugations and grammatical classes. The results indicated that learners made three types of errors: errors with respect to the root, errors with respect to the word pattern, and errors with respect to both the root and the word pattern. The results also showed that TD and LD learners follow a similar pattern of complexity even though the LD group produced more errors than the TD group. The results revealed that MA and PA exhibited significant positive regression (b= 9.398, 16.106 respectively) with spelling, indicating that learners with higher scores in PA and MA have higher scores in spelling. The results argued for the crucial contribution that morphological awareness makes towards the general spelling abilities among learners and provide additional evidence for the nonlinear growth of morphological knowedge in spelling. In addition, spelling errors suggested that the spelling process goes in a hierarchical way where words can be accessed and processed either according to the root or according to the stem. Intact verbs are processed according to their root and word pattern. Some weak verb forms, whose radicals undergo modifications, are processed according to their stem, while those whose radicals are fully represented in the spoken word, are processed according to their root and word patterns. Therefore, roots or stems are firstly accessed and attached to basic word patterns (the grapheme without diacritics and affixes). Thereafter, prefixes and, then, suffixes are attached to the word pattern and, finally, diacritics are accessed and attached to the word pattern.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The performance and preference of a specialist herbivore, Catorhintha schaffneri (Coreidae), on its polytypic host plant, Pereskia aculeata (Cactaceae)
- Authors: Egbon, Ikponmwosa Nathaniel
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Insects and biological pest control agents -- South Africa , Pereskia -- Biological control -- South Africa , Cactus -- Biological control -- South Africa , Coreida-- South Africa , Invasive plants -- Biological control -- South Africa , Catorhintha schaffneri
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/68250 , vital:29223
- Description: Plant species moved beyond their natural ranges may be liberated into enemy-free spaces, where they increase resource allocation to fitness, rather than defence against natural enemies, and become invasive as suggested by the Evolution of Increased Competitive Ability (EICA) Hypothesis. Several cacti are notable invaders and are targeted for biological control. The leafy cactus, Pereskia aculeata Miller, introduced into South Africa from South America, has become a target for biological control after becoming invasive. The absence of natural enemies of P. aculeata in the introduced range may be the reason for its invasiveness. This thesis seeks to investigate the role of the evolution of increased competitive ability (enemy release) as the probable driver of P. aculeata’s success, and ascertain how the plant’s intraspecific variation influences the impact, fitness of, and preference by its biological control agent, Catorhintha schaffneri Brailovsky and Garcia (Coreidae), in South Africa. Enemy release and evolution of traits in P. aculeata were examined by quantifying plant growth parameters of fifteen genotypes of P. aculeata from both the native and invaded distribution of the plant. Ten genotypes of P. aculeata were used in testing the effect of agent herbivory (impact and damage) under similar conditions. These studies indicated that most invaded-range genotypes were more vigorous than the native genotypes. Rapid growth may account for the quick access of invasive genotypes of P. aculeata to tree canopies. Catorhintha schaffneri damage varied between genotypes but differences in the damage and impact from the agent could not be explained by whether the plant originated in the introduced or native distribution. In sum, while the growth of the invasive genotypes largely conforms to the EICA hypothesis, the impact of C. schaffneri did not support the hypothesis. The influence of host variation in P. aculeata on the fitness of C. schaffneri within the context of local adaptation to plant genotypes from different localities was tested using agent survival, stage-specific and total developmental time, and the extent of damage to ten host genotypes. Maw’s Host Suitability Index (HIS) and Dobie’s Susceptibility Index (DSI) showed the preference by and performance of C. schaffneri on the different genotypes of the plant. Catorhintha schaffneri survived to the adult stage on 70% of genotypes tested. Evidence consistent with the assumption that C. schaffneri would be fitter on the native genotypes than the invasive genotypes due to local adaptation was not found. In addition, there was no evidence in support of fitter agents on the invasive genotypes than on the native genotypes as proposed by EICA hypothesis. Catorhintha schaffneri developed equally well on the invasive genotypes of P. aculeata as on the native genotypes. To establish whether host variation would affect diet selection by C. schaffneri, both nymphs and adults were examined in paired-choice and multiple-choice trials. The nymphs and adults chose their hosts regardless of host genotype differences. The agent may be good at selecting good succulent shoots from bad shoots, but is incapable of distinguishing a good host genotype from a poorer one. This thesis shows, therefore, that P. aculeata and its array of genotypes in South Africa could be effectively controlled by C. schaffneri, as it has the potential to suitably utilise and impact the different genotypes of the weed in South Africa with neither any demonstrable preference nor local adaptation for the native genotypes. Consequently, the use of C. schaffneri, as a biological control agent in the weed biological control programme of P. aculeata remains promising, as the agent is insensitive to the intraspecific variation of the invasive host plants.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Egbon, Ikponmwosa Nathaniel
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Insects and biological pest control agents -- South Africa , Pereskia -- Biological control -- South Africa , Cactus -- Biological control -- South Africa , Coreida-- South Africa , Invasive plants -- Biological control -- South Africa , Catorhintha schaffneri
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/68250 , vital:29223
- Description: Plant species moved beyond their natural ranges may be liberated into enemy-free spaces, where they increase resource allocation to fitness, rather than defence against natural enemies, and become invasive as suggested by the Evolution of Increased Competitive Ability (EICA) Hypothesis. Several cacti are notable invaders and are targeted for biological control. The leafy cactus, Pereskia aculeata Miller, introduced into South Africa from South America, has become a target for biological control after becoming invasive. The absence of natural enemies of P. aculeata in the introduced range may be the reason for its invasiveness. This thesis seeks to investigate the role of the evolution of increased competitive ability (enemy release) as the probable driver of P. aculeata’s success, and ascertain how the plant’s intraspecific variation influences the impact, fitness of, and preference by its biological control agent, Catorhintha schaffneri Brailovsky and Garcia (Coreidae), in South Africa. Enemy release and evolution of traits in P. aculeata were examined by quantifying plant growth parameters of fifteen genotypes of P. aculeata from both the native and invaded distribution of the plant. Ten genotypes of P. aculeata were used in testing the effect of agent herbivory (impact and damage) under similar conditions. These studies indicated that most invaded-range genotypes were more vigorous than the native genotypes. Rapid growth may account for the quick access of invasive genotypes of P. aculeata to tree canopies. Catorhintha schaffneri damage varied between genotypes but differences in the damage and impact from the agent could not be explained by whether the plant originated in the introduced or native distribution. In sum, while the growth of the invasive genotypes largely conforms to the EICA hypothesis, the impact of C. schaffneri did not support the hypothesis. The influence of host variation in P. aculeata on the fitness of C. schaffneri within the context of local adaptation to plant genotypes from different localities was tested using agent survival, stage-specific and total developmental time, and the extent of damage to ten host genotypes. Maw’s Host Suitability Index (HIS) and Dobie’s Susceptibility Index (DSI) showed the preference by and performance of C. schaffneri on the different genotypes of the plant. Catorhintha schaffneri survived to the adult stage on 70% of genotypes tested. Evidence consistent with the assumption that C. schaffneri would be fitter on the native genotypes than the invasive genotypes due to local adaptation was not found. In addition, there was no evidence in support of fitter agents on the invasive genotypes than on the native genotypes as proposed by EICA hypothesis. Catorhintha schaffneri developed equally well on the invasive genotypes of P. aculeata as on the native genotypes. To establish whether host variation would affect diet selection by C. schaffneri, both nymphs and adults were examined in paired-choice and multiple-choice trials. The nymphs and adults chose their hosts regardless of host genotype differences. The agent may be good at selecting good succulent shoots from bad shoots, but is incapable of distinguishing a good host genotype from a poorer one. This thesis shows, therefore, that P. aculeata and its array of genotypes in South Africa could be effectively controlled by C. schaffneri, as it has the potential to suitably utilise and impact the different genotypes of the weed in South Africa with neither any demonstrable preference nor local adaptation for the native genotypes. Consequently, the use of C. schaffneri, as a biological control agent in the weed biological control programme of P. aculeata remains promising, as the agent is insensitive to the intraspecific variation of the invasive host plants.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The rise of populism in africa: the role of nativism in maintaining political power in South Africa and Zimbabwe
- Authors: Chindoga , Melody
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Nativism
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15760 , vital:40521
- Description: ZANU-PF and ANC have been in power in their respective countries since the advent of democracy. However, the popularity of both the ANC and ZANU-PF has shifted from urban areas to rural areas, where their support bases are now concentrated (Clapham, 2012). Rural areas have benefitted the least from access to public resources and resource distribution yet despite this, they have provided the much needed support to both the ANC and ZANU-PF respectively. The politics of nativism has been used by the Zuma-led faction in the ANC and ZANUPF in maintaining political power in their respective domains in South Africa and Zimbabwe. Nativism has been identified as a form of populism that is used as a political strategy to gain and maintain political power. It arises from opposition to the mind-set of colonialism in the form of a ‘reverse discourse’ that seeks to undermine colonial ideas through the mobilisation of African culture and is reliant on cultivating opposition to a defined enemy. Therefore, the study seeks to investigate how the politics of nativism have been used by the Zuma-led faction in the ANC and by ZANUPF respectively to maintain power, by focusing particularly on their rural support bases. This study aligns itself with the broadly critical African perspective that is constituted by post-colonial theory and the accompanying oppositional canon of literature that is directly linked to the struggles against colonialism and oppression in former colonies, whilst also contesting contemporary representations of post-colonial societies emanating from those sources within which power resides. The study took the form of qualitative research, within which an interpretive approach was utilised to explore and to analyse the responses by inhabitants of two rural areas in South Africa and Zimbabwe to the nativist strategies and discourse constructed by the Zuma-led faction of the ANC and ZANU-PF respectively, contributing to the ongoing electoral support for these parties in rural areas. The research findings revealed that to maintain their popularity in rural areas, the nativist discourse of the Zuma-led faction of the ANC and ZANU-PF has exploited historical factors related to oppression and inhumane treatment by Whites. The research also established that nativist discourse was utilised in rural areas of South ii Africa and Zimbabwe with varying success. It resonated with the experiences of the older generation of White domination, whereas most of the younger generation could not relate to its heavy reliance on anti-White sentiment. Those under the age of 35, typically considered as the youth, did not identify with much of the discourse and were sceptical of its racist foundation, preferring instead change in political leadership in order for change to occur
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Chindoga , Melody
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Nativism
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15760 , vital:40521
- Description: ZANU-PF and ANC have been in power in their respective countries since the advent of democracy. However, the popularity of both the ANC and ZANU-PF has shifted from urban areas to rural areas, where their support bases are now concentrated (Clapham, 2012). Rural areas have benefitted the least from access to public resources and resource distribution yet despite this, they have provided the much needed support to both the ANC and ZANU-PF respectively. The politics of nativism has been used by the Zuma-led faction in the ANC and ZANUPF in maintaining political power in their respective domains in South Africa and Zimbabwe. Nativism has been identified as a form of populism that is used as a political strategy to gain and maintain political power. It arises from opposition to the mind-set of colonialism in the form of a ‘reverse discourse’ that seeks to undermine colonial ideas through the mobilisation of African culture and is reliant on cultivating opposition to a defined enemy. Therefore, the study seeks to investigate how the politics of nativism have been used by the Zuma-led faction in the ANC and by ZANUPF respectively to maintain power, by focusing particularly on their rural support bases. This study aligns itself with the broadly critical African perspective that is constituted by post-colonial theory and the accompanying oppositional canon of literature that is directly linked to the struggles against colonialism and oppression in former colonies, whilst also contesting contemporary representations of post-colonial societies emanating from those sources within which power resides. The study took the form of qualitative research, within which an interpretive approach was utilised to explore and to analyse the responses by inhabitants of two rural areas in South Africa and Zimbabwe to the nativist strategies and discourse constructed by the Zuma-led faction of the ANC and ZANU-PF respectively, contributing to the ongoing electoral support for these parties in rural areas. The research findings revealed that to maintain their popularity in rural areas, the nativist discourse of the Zuma-led faction of the ANC and ZANU-PF has exploited historical factors related to oppression and inhumane treatment by Whites. The research also established that nativist discourse was utilised in rural areas of South ii Africa and Zimbabwe with varying success. It resonated with the experiences of the older generation of White domination, whereas most of the younger generation could not relate to its heavy reliance on anti-White sentiment. Those under the age of 35, typically considered as the youth, did not identify with much of the discourse and were sceptical of its racist foundation, preferring instead change in political leadership in order for change to occur
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The social sustainability of low-cost housing: the role of social capital and sense of place
- Authors: Williams-Bruinders, Leizel
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Housing -- South Africa , City planning -- South Africa Cities and towns -- Research Urban geography
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44390 , vital:37161
- Description: In the past twenty years we have seen the South African government deliver the largest number of houses in the world (NDHS, 2011). However, this great effort does not appeal to the principles that policies have set out in terms of equality. Along with the delivery of this high level of state funded housing, many of the RDP dwellers feel as though they have been marginalised and forced out of the area of opportunity, namely, the CBD and the northern suburbs (Huchzermeyer, 2003). Many researchers believe that the South African housing delivery pattern resembles that of apartheid segregationist planning, which exacerbated the social inequalities in the country (Huchzermeyer, 2003; Donaldson, 2001; Harrison et al., 2003). To gain an in-depth understanding of the lived experiences of residents of a low-cost housing settlement, an interpretative phenomenological analysis was undertaken. The emergent themes emanating from the research study revealed that social problems were pertinent factors to the lack of formulation of community social cohesion. Without this aspect, community building will be hampered, and thus cohesive neighbourhoods will be lacking. To this end, social innovation is proposed as a solution to the Zanemvula development. The issue of social development needs to placed back on the housing agenda, as is stated in the latest Housing Act.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Williams-Bruinders, Leizel
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Housing -- South Africa , City planning -- South Africa Cities and towns -- Research Urban geography
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44390 , vital:37161
- Description: In the past twenty years we have seen the South African government deliver the largest number of houses in the world (NDHS, 2011). However, this great effort does not appeal to the principles that policies have set out in terms of equality. Along with the delivery of this high level of state funded housing, many of the RDP dwellers feel as though they have been marginalised and forced out of the area of opportunity, namely, the CBD and the northern suburbs (Huchzermeyer, 2003). Many researchers believe that the South African housing delivery pattern resembles that of apartheid segregationist planning, which exacerbated the social inequalities in the country (Huchzermeyer, 2003; Donaldson, 2001; Harrison et al., 2003). To gain an in-depth understanding of the lived experiences of residents of a low-cost housing settlement, an interpretative phenomenological analysis was undertaken. The emergent themes emanating from the research study revealed that social problems were pertinent factors to the lack of formulation of community social cohesion. Without this aspect, community building will be hampered, and thus cohesive neighbourhoods will be lacking. To this end, social innovation is proposed as a solution to the Zanemvula development. The issue of social development needs to placed back on the housing agenda, as is stated in the latest Housing Act.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The sociology of police criminality and ill-discipline in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, South Africa
- Authors: Long, Amy Megan
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Police -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17462 , vital:41078
- Description: Policing as a global concept, involves an exchange of trust between the public and a given police service, with the underlying basis of this exchange being an understanding that the police exist to protect citizens and their property, and to ensure that order is maintained in societies. The police services, by virtue of the nature of their role in society, can therefore be regarded as ‘protectors’. The South African Police Service are guided by the same philosophies as policing services globally. Recently in South Africa though, there has been an increase in reports accusing policemen of becoming involved in criminal activities themselves. With a focus on the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality policing district, this study presents and analyses incidences of undocumented police crimes; the causes thereof; and the role of disciplinary procedures (both internally and legally) in preventing such incidences of crime. This study utilised a qualitative methodology to gather and analyse data. A total of 60 serving police officers and 10 key informants were selected using purposive and snowball sampling. In-depth semi-structured interviews conducted with these police officers and key informants, reveal that police men and women are involved in violent and economic crimes in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality policing district. Most violent crimes include assault, and torture; whilst economic crimes include corruption and theft. Underlying reasons for such crimes include inadequate remuneration, frustration in respect of the efficacy of the criminal justice system, vigilantism within the policing services, and socially learned violence. Internal (within SAPS and IPID) and legal disciplinary measures (through the criminal and civil justice system) were established to be ineffective in managing and eradicating incidences of both violent and economic crimes. The consequences of incidences of police criminality are reduced legitimacy of the policing services to deliver on its mandate to protect and serve the people of the Republic of South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Long, Amy Megan
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Police -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17462 , vital:41078
- Description: Policing as a global concept, involves an exchange of trust between the public and a given police service, with the underlying basis of this exchange being an understanding that the police exist to protect citizens and their property, and to ensure that order is maintained in societies. The police services, by virtue of the nature of their role in society, can therefore be regarded as ‘protectors’. The South African Police Service are guided by the same philosophies as policing services globally. Recently in South Africa though, there has been an increase in reports accusing policemen of becoming involved in criminal activities themselves. With a focus on the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality policing district, this study presents and analyses incidences of undocumented police crimes; the causes thereof; and the role of disciplinary procedures (both internally and legally) in preventing such incidences of crime. This study utilised a qualitative methodology to gather and analyse data. A total of 60 serving police officers and 10 key informants were selected using purposive and snowball sampling. In-depth semi-structured interviews conducted with these police officers and key informants, reveal that police men and women are involved in violent and economic crimes in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality policing district. Most violent crimes include assault, and torture; whilst economic crimes include corruption and theft. Underlying reasons for such crimes include inadequate remuneration, frustration in respect of the efficacy of the criminal justice system, vigilantism within the policing services, and socially learned violence. Internal (within SAPS and IPID) and legal disciplinary measures (through the criminal and civil justice system) were established to be ineffective in managing and eradicating incidences of both violent and economic crimes. The consequences of incidences of police criminality are reduced legitimacy of the policing services to deliver on its mandate to protect and serve the people of the Republic of South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The synthesis and assessment of thioxanthone- and xanthone- derived compounds as hosts for application in host-guest chemistry
- Authors: Greyling, Lizé
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Chemistry, Organic , Biochemistry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42525 , vital:36665
- Description: In this work, the host capabilities of two structurally related compounds, N,N’-bis(9-phenyl-9- thioxanthenyl)ethylenediamine (H1) and N,N’-bis(9-phenyl-9-xanthenyl)ethylenediamine (H2) were compared in the presence of a wide variety of guest species. Additionally, the selectivity displayed by these host compounds were examined when exposed to mixtures of guests in order to ascertain whether it would be feasible to employ them in alternative separation strategies for the purification of industrially relevant chemicals. H1 and H2 were synthesized by reacting thioxanthone and xanthone with phenylmagnesium bromide. The resultant alcohol was then treated with perchloric acid and, finally, two of these molecules were effectively linked by utilizing ethylenediamine to afford the two host compounds. Initially, H1 and H2 were investigated for their inclusion abilities by recrystallizing each from a number of potential isomeric and non-isomeric guest compounds such as the xylenes and ethylbenzene, methylanisoles and anisole, methylpyridines and pyridine, methylcyclohexanones and cyclohexanone, heterocyclic five- and six- membered ring compounds, alkylsubstituted benzenes, anilines, and dihaloalkanes. H1 displayed excellent inclusion ability when presented with the above-mentioned compounds, and a 1:1 H:G ratio was consistently preferred in each case. H2 also proved to be successful in this regard but did not include the methylcyclohexanones and cyclohexanone nor the heterocyclic five-membered ring solvents. Furthermore, varying host:guest ratios were observed for the complexes formed with H2. Mixed competition experiments were carried out in the presence of either isomeric or related but non-isomeric guest species. When H1 and H2 were independently recrystallized from mixtures of the former, selectivity orders correlated for both hosts, but it was observed that H2 exhibited an enhanced selectivity for the preferred guests in each case, compared with H1. Interestingly, in mixtures of the latter, host behaviours were distinctly opposing (with the exception of the dihaloalkanes). H1, and even more so H2, demonstrated very high selectivities for p-xylene, aniline and N,Ndimethylaniline from the xylene and aniline guest series, respectively, where selectivities were found to be ~90% or higher for host recrystallization experiments from respective mixtures of these guests. Single crystal X-ray diffraction, Hirshfeld surface and thermal analyses were employed in order to elucidate the reasons for any selectivity observations. The inclusion of these guests was, in most cases, found to be as a result of interactions between host and guest species, which included π∙∙∙π stacking, C‒H∙∙∙π, hydrogen bonding and various other short contact types. Guest compounds were accommodated in either cavities or channels and this was dependent on the nature of the guest. The host molecule conformations showed H1 to adopt a bent tricyclic fused ring system with the N atoms of the linker in a synclinal arrangement, while in complexes with H2, the fused ring system was near-planar and the N atoms adopted an antiperiplanar geometry. These key differences resulted in a very ordered host‒host packing for H2 as a direct result of the more planar O-containing ring and linear linker; for H1, on the other hand, the buckled S-containing ring and gauche-orientated N atoms resulted in a less ordered packing, which ultimately related to the differences in the behaviour of the two host species. Hirshfeld surface analyses, in general, did not provide much information to explain the host selectivities, with the exception of complexes containing the five-membered ring guest heterocyclics. Thermal analyses were completed on all suitable host-guest complexes and, in most cases but not all, the onset and peak temperatures (terms Ton and Tp, respectively) were related to the thermal stability of the complexes, which were used to rationalize the selectivities of these host compounds.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Greyling, Lizé
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Chemistry, Organic , Biochemistry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42525 , vital:36665
- Description: In this work, the host capabilities of two structurally related compounds, N,N’-bis(9-phenyl-9- thioxanthenyl)ethylenediamine (H1) and N,N’-bis(9-phenyl-9-xanthenyl)ethylenediamine (H2) were compared in the presence of a wide variety of guest species. Additionally, the selectivity displayed by these host compounds were examined when exposed to mixtures of guests in order to ascertain whether it would be feasible to employ them in alternative separation strategies for the purification of industrially relevant chemicals. H1 and H2 were synthesized by reacting thioxanthone and xanthone with phenylmagnesium bromide. The resultant alcohol was then treated with perchloric acid and, finally, two of these molecules were effectively linked by utilizing ethylenediamine to afford the two host compounds. Initially, H1 and H2 were investigated for their inclusion abilities by recrystallizing each from a number of potential isomeric and non-isomeric guest compounds such as the xylenes and ethylbenzene, methylanisoles and anisole, methylpyridines and pyridine, methylcyclohexanones and cyclohexanone, heterocyclic five- and six- membered ring compounds, alkylsubstituted benzenes, anilines, and dihaloalkanes. H1 displayed excellent inclusion ability when presented with the above-mentioned compounds, and a 1:1 H:G ratio was consistently preferred in each case. H2 also proved to be successful in this regard but did not include the methylcyclohexanones and cyclohexanone nor the heterocyclic five-membered ring solvents. Furthermore, varying host:guest ratios were observed for the complexes formed with H2. Mixed competition experiments were carried out in the presence of either isomeric or related but non-isomeric guest species. When H1 and H2 were independently recrystallized from mixtures of the former, selectivity orders correlated for both hosts, but it was observed that H2 exhibited an enhanced selectivity for the preferred guests in each case, compared with H1. Interestingly, in mixtures of the latter, host behaviours were distinctly opposing (with the exception of the dihaloalkanes). H1, and even more so H2, demonstrated very high selectivities for p-xylene, aniline and N,Ndimethylaniline from the xylene and aniline guest series, respectively, where selectivities were found to be ~90% or higher for host recrystallization experiments from respective mixtures of these guests. Single crystal X-ray diffraction, Hirshfeld surface and thermal analyses were employed in order to elucidate the reasons for any selectivity observations. The inclusion of these guests was, in most cases, found to be as a result of interactions between host and guest species, which included π∙∙∙π stacking, C‒H∙∙∙π, hydrogen bonding and various other short contact types. Guest compounds were accommodated in either cavities or channels and this was dependent on the nature of the guest. The host molecule conformations showed H1 to adopt a bent tricyclic fused ring system with the N atoms of the linker in a synclinal arrangement, while in complexes with H2, the fused ring system was near-planar and the N atoms adopted an antiperiplanar geometry. These key differences resulted in a very ordered host‒host packing for H2 as a direct result of the more planar O-containing ring and linear linker; for H1, on the other hand, the buckled S-containing ring and gauche-orientated N atoms resulted in a less ordered packing, which ultimately related to the differences in the behaviour of the two host species. Hirshfeld surface analyses, in general, did not provide much information to explain the host selectivities, with the exception of complexes containing the five-membered ring guest heterocyclics. Thermal analyses were completed on all suitable host-guest complexes and, in most cases but not all, the onset and peak temperatures (terms Ton and Tp, respectively) were related to the thermal stability of the complexes, which were used to rationalize the selectivities of these host compounds.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019