Investigating the consumer decision-making process and determinants of choice for prepaid services from mobile network service providers
- Authors: Ajayi, Ella
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Mobile communication systems , Consumer behavior
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53688 , vital:45713
- Description: The mobile telecommunications industry has been a fundamental and an important enabler in the advancement of the South African economy, with mobile network providers investing billions of rands in mobile infrastructure and facilitating a functional and progressive global marketplace (ICASA Annual Performance Plan, 2020/21). South Africa’s telecommunications system is one of the most sophisticated in the emerging markets, and according to Gillwald, Mothobi, and Rademan (2018, p.6), various indices including the ICT Development Index corroborate this view. The deployment of wireless communications networks in the country has had immeasurable social benefits for many consumers. The most rural areas of the country are now able to experience the convenience and ubiquity that comes with having access to mobile network technology. Though mobile network provision is making progress in terms of bridging the digital divide, inhibitors exist within the mobile competitive landscape that prevent consumers from exploring the full benefits of the advanced technologies at their disposal. According to Chinembiri (2020, p.6), mobile data costs remain high and out of reach for the average South African consumer, despite the recent requisite data price reduction by the dominant mobile network service providers. The prepaid segment is dominated by customers who either carry multiple SIM cards or switch between mobile network operators. The adoption by ICASA of the Mobile Number Portability (MNP), the process through which customers switch between mobile operators and keep their mobile number (Yadav, Dabhade, & Dabhade, 2013, p.1), resulted in significant reduction in switching costs thus perpetuating the migration of subscribers between mobile network providers. According to Olufemi and Strydom (2018, p. 52), the fiercest competition experienced by South African mobile providers is in the prepaid market. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Ajayi, Ella
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Mobile communication systems , Consumer behavior
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53688 , vital:45713
- Description: The mobile telecommunications industry has been a fundamental and an important enabler in the advancement of the South African economy, with mobile network providers investing billions of rands in mobile infrastructure and facilitating a functional and progressive global marketplace (ICASA Annual Performance Plan, 2020/21). South Africa’s telecommunications system is one of the most sophisticated in the emerging markets, and according to Gillwald, Mothobi, and Rademan (2018, p.6), various indices including the ICT Development Index corroborate this view. The deployment of wireless communications networks in the country has had immeasurable social benefits for many consumers. The most rural areas of the country are now able to experience the convenience and ubiquity that comes with having access to mobile network technology. Though mobile network provision is making progress in terms of bridging the digital divide, inhibitors exist within the mobile competitive landscape that prevent consumers from exploring the full benefits of the advanced technologies at their disposal. According to Chinembiri (2020, p.6), mobile data costs remain high and out of reach for the average South African consumer, despite the recent requisite data price reduction by the dominant mobile network service providers. The prepaid segment is dominated by customers who either carry multiple SIM cards or switch between mobile network operators. The adoption by ICASA of the Mobile Number Portability (MNP), the process through which customers switch between mobile operators and keep their mobile number (Yadav, Dabhade, & Dabhade, 2013, p.1), resulted in significant reduction in switching costs thus perpetuating the migration of subscribers between mobile network providers. According to Olufemi and Strydom (2018, p. 52), the fiercest competition experienced by South African mobile providers is in the prepaid market. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Soil and vegetation recovery following Acacia dealbata clearing in the Tsitsa catchment, Eastern Cape Province of South Africa: implications for ecological restoration
- Authors: Balintulo, Putuma
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Acacia South Africa Eastern Cape , Invasive plants South Africa Eastern Cape , Working for Water Programme , Soil restoration South Africa Eastern Cape , Plant nutrients South Africa Eastern Cape , Restoration ecology South Africa Eastern Cape , Clearing of land South Africa Eastern Cape , Legacy effect
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/290778 , vital:56783
- Description: Invasion by alien plant species in South Africa continues to compromise the stability of ecosystems by causing declines in biodiversity, altering soil nutrients and processes, and subsequently transforming ecosystem functionality. Control of invasive alien plant species has been widely implemented in South Africa to minimize their negative impacts; however, the legacy effects can persist long after the plant has been removed. The impacts of Acacia dealbata clearing on soil properties and native vegetation recovery remains understudied despite their significance in ecological restoration and monitoring. This comparative study determined the impacts of A. dealbata clearing on both soil physicochemical properties and vegetation in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Soils were collected from three different clearing treatments, namely, cleared, invaded, and uninvaded, on 5 m x 5 m plots over three summer months. The plots were replicated four times for each clearing treatment, making a total of 72 sampling plots. Soils were assessed for soil pH, resistivity, P, C, N, and exchangeable cations as well as soil moisture content, penetration resistance, infiltration rate, hydraulic conductivity, and water repellency. Clearing of A. dealbata did not have any significant effects on most soil nutrients, however, there were variations in soil pH, resistance, and Na. Soil pH was significantly higher in the uninvaded treatments than in the cleared and invaded treatments. Soil moisture content was significantly higher in the cleared treatments than the adjacent invaded and uninvaded treatments, but this was observed in the month of December only. Soil penetration resistance and infiltration rates were significantly higher in the month of December in the cleared treatments. For all clearing treatments, no significant differences were recorded for soil hydraulic conductivity. These results on changes in soil properties following A. dealbata clearing are varied, with some soil properties showing decreases, an indication that removal of A. dealbata has the potential to shift soil properties towards a positive recovery trajectory. This study further assessed whether the clearing of A. dealbata facilitates the recovery of native plant species. Vegetation surveys were conducted in the three above-mentioned treatments and plots. Results showed little recruitment of native grasses and forbs, but the persistence of A. dealbata seedlings in the cleared treatments. Species richness and Shannon-Wiener diversity index were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the cleared and invaded treatments than the uninvaded treatments, and this was more visible for trees and shrubs. Cover for all species was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the uninvaded than the cleared and invaded treatments. This study observed the recruitment of some native species in the cleared treatments that were not present in the invaded treatments. Therefore, the recruitment and establishment of some native species, mostly grasses, in the cleared treatments gives assurance that passive restoration is on a positive vegetation recovery trajectory that can lead to recovery of native vegetation after A. dealbata clearing. Therefore, the study concludes that investing in ecological restoration after alien plant clearing is a necessity for complete ecosystem recovery to be achieved. Overall, the study concludes that the removal of A. dealbata triggers changes to some soil properties. Similarly, the study observed recruitment of some native grasses in cleared areas, an indication that alien plant clearing facilitates changes in both soil properties and vegetation. However, soil and vegetation recovery are being hampered by the regrowth of A. dealbata and secondary invaders that were observed in the cleared treatments. Two key recommendations of this study are (i) clearing follow-up to remove recruiting seedlings of invasive plant species and secondary invaders should be timeous and well-funded, and (ii) active restoration should be considered to speed-up soil and vegetation recovery processes. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Environmental Science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
- Authors: Balintulo, Putuma
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Acacia South Africa Eastern Cape , Invasive plants South Africa Eastern Cape , Working for Water Programme , Soil restoration South Africa Eastern Cape , Plant nutrients South Africa Eastern Cape , Restoration ecology South Africa Eastern Cape , Clearing of land South Africa Eastern Cape , Legacy effect
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/290778 , vital:56783
- Description: Invasion by alien plant species in South Africa continues to compromise the stability of ecosystems by causing declines in biodiversity, altering soil nutrients and processes, and subsequently transforming ecosystem functionality. Control of invasive alien plant species has been widely implemented in South Africa to minimize their negative impacts; however, the legacy effects can persist long after the plant has been removed. The impacts of Acacia dealbata clearing on soil properties and native vegetation recovery remains understudied despite their significance in ecological restoration and monitoring. This comparative study determined the impacts of A. dealbata clearing on both soil physicochemical properties and vegetation in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Soils were collected from three different clearing treatments, namely, cleared, invaded, and uninvaded, on 5 m x 5 m plots over three summer months. The plots were replicated four times for each clearing treatment, making a total of 72 sampling plots. Soils were assessed for soil pH, resistivity, P, C, N, and exchangeable cations as well as soil moisture content, penetration resistance, infiltration rate, hydraulic conductivity, and water repellency. Clearing of A. dealbata did not have any significant effects on most soil nutrients, however, there were variations in soil pH, resistance, and Na. Soil pH was significantly higher in the uninvaded treatments than in the cleared and invaded treatments. Soil moisture content was significantly higher in the cleared treatments than the adjacent invaded and uninvaded treatments, but this was observed in the month of December only. Soil penetration resistance and infiltration rates were significantly higher in the month of December in the cleared treatments. For all clearing treatments, no significant differences were recorded for soil hydraulic conductivity. These results on changes in soil properties following A. dealbata clearing are varied, with some soil properties showing decreases, an indication that removal of A. dealbata has the potential to shift soil properties towards a positive recovery trajectory. This study further assessed whether the clearing of A. dealbata facilitates the recovery of native plant species. Vegetation surveys were conducted in the three above-mentioned treatments and plots. Results showed little recruitment of native grasses and forbs, but the persistence of A. dealbata seedlings in the cleared treatments. Species richness and Shannon-Wiener diversity index were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the cleared and invaded treatments than the uninvaded treatments, and this was more visible for trees and shrubs. Cover for all species was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the uninvaded than the cleared and invaded treatments. This study observed the recruitment of some native species in the cleared treatments that were not present in the invaded treatments. Therefore, the recruitment and establishment of some native species, mostly grasses, in the cleared treatments gives assurance that passive restoration is on a positive vegetation recovery trajectory that can lead to recovery of native vegetation after A. dealbata clearing. Therefore, the study concludes that investing in ecological restoration after alien plant clearing is a necessity for complete ecosystem recovery to be achieved. Overall, the study concludes that the removal of A. dealbata triggers changes to some soil properties. Similarly, the study observed recruitment of some native grasses in cleared areas, an indication that alien plant clearing facilitates changes in both soil properties and vegetation. However, soil and vegetation recovery are being hampered by the regrowth of A. dealbata and secondary invaders that were observed in the cleared treatments. Two key recommendations of this study are (i) clearing follow-up to remove recruiting seedlings of invasive plant species and secondary invaders should be timeous and well-funded, and (ii) active restoration should be considered to speed-up soil and vegetation recovery processes. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Environmental Science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
Inflation, credit markets and economic growth: the case of BRICS Countries
- Authors: Barayi, Bavuyile
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Economic development -- BRIC countries , Inflation (Finance) -- BRIC countries
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53700 , vital:45714
- Description: The empirical study investigates the relationship between inflation, credit markets and economic growth in the context of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) countries. The BRICS group consists of five emerging market economies and was first coined by Jim O’Neil of Goldman Sachs in 2001 whereby initially the bloc consisted of only Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa joined the BRICS group in 2010. The BRICS bloc was deemed to be the top fast-growing economies that showed great potential for growth. Consequent to the 2008 global financial crisis, there has been a large change in economic thinking as policy-makers have struggled to overcome the economic misfortunes caused by the crisis. Amongst the emerging countries, the BRICS countries have in effect, established a New Development Bank to play the role of the credit facilitator the BRICS countries and other emerging countries as well. This BRICS New Development Bank was established in 2014 and already has identified and funded some projects within the BRICS countries. Moreover, the main objective of this bank is to provide credit to be utilised for infrastructure, climate change measures, as well as to ensure sustainable development. Against this backdrop, the current study investigates the role played by credit and the extent of development in credit markets on enhancing growth in the BRICS countries, particularly looking at the levels of inflation that are conducive to credit market development. The study notes that in order for credit expansion to be successful, the credit received by a country must reflect positively on a country’s economic growth. In other words, with more credit coming into a country, the expected result is that there will also be a rise in economic growth. Furthermore, seeing that inflation erodes the value of money, this credit or these funds that a country receives may not have the expected influence on growth. Therefore, the study finds it imperative to investigate the levels at which inflation allows for credit expansion to promote growth in a country. Furthermore, central banks play an important role in credit markets via the interest rate channel and the study examines the role of monetary policy in credit markets of each of the BRICS countries by looking at the inflation targeting regime as well as the absence thereof within these countries. Moreover, BRICS central banks share more or less the same goal of maintaining price stability and low inflation through various monetary policy tools. Therefore, achieving this objective will allow a central bank to gain both investor and consumer confidence which plays a role in a country’s investment rates. Moreover, inflation that is not controlled results in uncertainty which makes investors hesitant and unwilling to embark on investments. Ha, Ivanova, Ohnsorge and Unsal (2019) associate a developed financial sector with low inflation, stating that stable inflation rates eliminate uncertainty and avoids the erosion of the value of money. The current study used an Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model to examine the linear co-integration and Non-linear Autoregressive Distributed Lag (NARDL) for the non-linear empirical analysis of the relationship between inflation, credit markets and economic growth in BRICS countries. The non-linearity of this relationship is important to study as there has been many debates on the nature of the inflation-growth relationships with some studies implying that it is positive, some say it is a negative relationship and some say it is non-linear. The annual data time series is extracted from the World Bank Indicators and the Penn State database covering the period 1960-2019. The main variables used in the study are Inflation (CPI), Credit (Domestic Credit to Private Sector) and Economic growth (GDP). The study conducted various regressions including the total of five linear regressions which were run individually for each country, the non-linear regressions consisted of three regressions for each country which were on 1) Only Inflation partitioned, (2) Only Credit partitioned and (3) both Inflation and Credit were partitioned. The partitioning of the variables is made possible by the NARDL model which allows variables to be partially decomposed into negative and positive sums to identify thresholds of variables which have various effects on other variables. The overall findings of the study suggest that although inflation exerts various effects on growth, according to this study’s results, it does not have a significant impact on credit for all the countries except for China whereby credit in general is conducive to economic growth and Brazil where growth is enhanced when credit is declining. The study revealed that generally, inflation exerts a negative impact on growth, therefore, authorities must focus on keeping inflation rates low particularly for Russia, India and South Africa as Brazil’s results suggest that rising inflation is conducive to its economic growth in the long run. According to the findings of this study, credit does not have the significant impact on growth even under different inflation thresholds. Furthermore, this does not imply that the credit channel is a futile tool for authorities, the relationship between inflation, credit and growth particularly with the hypothesis that inflation enhances credit market development and therefore growth, is not significant. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development & Tourism, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Barayi, Bavuyile
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Economic development -- BRIC countries , Inflation (Finance) -- BRIC countries
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53700 , vital:45714
- Description: The empirical study investigates the relationship between inflation, credit markets and economic growth in the context of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) countries. The BRICS group consists of five emerging market economies and was first coined by Jim O’Neil of Goldman Sachs in 2001 whereby initially the bloc consisted of only Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa joined the BRICS group in 2010. The BRICS bloc was deemed to be the top fast-growing economies that showed great potential for growth. Consequent to the 2008 global financial crisis, there has been a large change in economic thinking as policy-makers have struggled to overcome the economic misfortunes caused by the crisis. Amongst the emerging countries, the BRICS countries have in effect, established a New Development Bank to play the role of the credit facilitator the BRICS countries and other emerging countries as well. This BRICS New Development Bank was established in 2014 and already has identified and funded some projects within the BRICS countries. Moreover, the main objective of this bank is to provide credit to be utilised for infrastructure, climate change measures, as well as to ensure sustainable development. Against this backdrop, the current study investigates the role played by credit and the extent of development in credit markets on enhancing growth in the BRICS countries, particularly looking at the levels of inflation that are conducive to credit market development. The study notes that in order for credit expansion to be successful, the credit received by a country must reflect positively on a country’s economic growth. In other words, with more credit coming into a country, the expected result is that there will also be a rise in economic growth. Furthermore, seeing that inflation erodes the value of money, this credit or these funds that a country receives may not have the expected influence on growth. Therefore, the study finds it imperative to investigate the levels at which inflation allows for credit expansion to promote growth in a country. Furthermore, central banks play an important role in credit markets via the interest rate channel and the study examines the role of monetary policy in credit markets of each of the BRICS countries by looking at the inflation targeting regime as well as the absence thereof within these countries. Moreover, BRICS central banks share more or less the same goal of maintaining price stability and low inflation through various monetary policy tools. Therefore, achieving this objective will allow a central bank to gain both investor and consumer confidence which plays a role in a country’s investment rates. Moreover, inflation that is not controlled results in uncertainty which makes investors hesitant and unwilling to embark on investments. Ha, Ivanova, Ohnsorge and Unsal (2019) associate a developed financial sector with low inflation, stating that stable inflation rates eliminate uncertainty and avoids the erosion of the value of money. The current study used an Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model to examine the linear co-integration and Non-linear Autoregressive Distributed Lag (NARDL) for the non-linear empirical analysis of the relationship between inflation, credit markets and economic growth in BRICS countries. The non-linearity of this relationship is important to study as there has been many debates on the nature of the inflation-growth relationships with some studies implying that it is positive, some say it is a negative relationship and some say it is non-linear. The annual data time series is extracted from the World Bank Indicators and the Penn State database covering the period 1960-2019. The main variables used in the study are Inflation (CPI), Credit (Domestic Credit to Private Sector) and Economic growth (GDP). The study conducted various regressions including the total of five linear regressions which were run individually for each country, the non-linear regressions consisted of three regressions for each country which were on 1) Only Inflation partitioned, (2) Only Credit partitioned and (3) both Inflation and Credit were partitioned. The partitioning of the variables is made possible by the NARDL model which allows variables to be partially decomposed into negative and positive sums to identify thresholds of variables which have various effects on other variables. The overall findings of the study suggest that although inflation exerts various effects on growth, according to this study’s results, it does not have a significant impact on credit for all the countries except for China whereby credit in general is conducive to economic growth and Brazil where growth is enhanced when credit is declining. The study revealed that generally, inflation exerts a negative impact on growth, therefore, authorities must focus on keeping inflation rates low particularly for Russia, India and South Africa as Brazil’s results suggest that rising inflation is conducive to its economic growth in the long run. According to the findings of this study, credit does not have the significant impact on growth even under different inflation thresholds. Furthermore, this does not imply that the credit channel is a futile tool for authorities, the relationship between inflation, credit and growth particularly with the hypothesis that inflation enhances credit market development and therefore growth, is not significant. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development & Tourism, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
The technical efficiency of SACU Ports: a data envelopment analysis approach
- Authors: Bekebu, Siyanda
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Free ports and zones -- Africa, Southern , Harbors -- Africa, Southern
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53813 , vital:45982
- Description: There ever growing international trade and increasing congestion of ports led to an increased focus attention on technical efficiency. Seaports are a central and necessary component in facilitating international trade. Yet, there is only limited comprehensive information available on the technical efficiency of African ports. The study investigated the technical efficiency of the SACU ports during the period 2014-2019 using DEA model. The DEA model is effective in resolving the measurement of port efficiency since the calculations are nonparametric and do not need definition or knowledge of a priori weights for the inputs or outputs, as is necessary for estimate of efficiency using production functions. To identify the roots of the technical inefficiency of the SACU ports, the study subdivided technical efficiency into pure technical and scale efficiency. The model used cargo handled, container throughput, ship calls as output variables. Whilst, quay cranes, number of tugboats, draft, quay length and number of quays were used as input variables. The study used the scores of DEA-BCC model as explanatory variables in Tobit model. The results showed that quay cranes and quay length are the cause of technical inefficiencies in the ports. , Thesis (MCom (Economics)) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Bekebu, Siyanda
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Free ports and zones -- Africa, Southern , Harbors -- Africa, Southern
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53813 , vital:45982
- Description: There ever growing international trade and increasing congestion of ports led to an increased focus attention on technical efficiency. Seaports are a central and necessary component in facilitating international trade. Yet, there is only limited comprehensive information available on the technical efficiency of African ports. The study investigated the technical efficiency of the SACU ports during the period 2014-2019 using DEA model. The DEA model is effective in resolving the measurement of port efficiency since the calculations are nonparametric and do not need definition or knowledge of a priori weights for the inputs or outputs, as is necessary for estimate of efficiency using production functions. To identify the roots of the technical inefficiency of the SACU ports, the study subdivided technical efficiency into pure technical and scale efficiency. The model used cargo handled, container throughput, ship calls as output variables. Whilst, quay cranes, number of tugboats, draft, quay length and number of quays were used as input variables. The study used the scores of DEA-BCC model as explanatory variables in Tobit model. The results showed that quay cranes and quay length are the cause of technical inefficiencies in the ports. , Thesis (MCom (Economics)) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
The contribution of urban agriculture to food sovereignty and household food security in Lingelihle
- Authors: Buso, Lelethu
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food sovereignty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Urban agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53834 , vital:46005
- Description: Most urban households in South Africa are food insecure even though poor households spend 60–80% of their income on food. Most of these households are low-income households who depend on social grants and whose main source of food are markets. This research assessed the contribution of urban agriculture to food sovereignty and household food security in Lingelihle Township, Cradock, in the Chris Hani district, South Africa. The research data were collected both from households that practise farming in Lingelihle Township and those that do not. The study used Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) methods such as observation, transect walks, resource mapping, food consumption diaries, focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews to collect data. The research findings revealed that urban agriculture has the potential to contribute to achieving food sovereignty and household food security. The comparison between households that farm and households that do not farm proved that households that farm are more food secure and have more disposable income than households that do not farm. The study offers recommendations on how urban agriculture can be supported to contribute to household food security and food sovereignty. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Buso, Lelethu
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food sovereignty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Urban agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53834 , vital:46005
- Description: Most urban households in South Africa are food insecure even though poor households spend 60–80% of their income on food. Most of these households are low-income households who depend on social grants and whose main source of food are markets. This research assessed the contribution of urban agriculture to food sovereignty and household food security in Lingelihle Township, Cradock, in the Chris Hani district, South Africa. The research data were collected both from households that practise farming in Lingelihle Township and those that do not. The study used Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) methods such as observation, transect walks, resource mapping, food consumption diaries, focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews to collect data. The research findings revealed that urban agriculture has the potential to contribute to achieving food sovereignty and household food security. The comparison between households that farm and households that do not farm proved that households that farm are more food secure and have more disposable income than households that do not farm. The study offers recommendations on how urban agriculture can be supported to contribute to household food security and food sovereignty. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Exploration of remote work and wellbeing of academics in a South African tertiary institution
- Authors: Chikutu, Michelle
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/405963 , vital:70223
- Description: Thesis embargoed. To be released in 2024. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Chikutu, Michelle
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/405963 , vital:70223
- Description: Thesis embargoed. To be released in 2024. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
Factors influencing the performance of staff members in a tertiary hospital
- Combrink, Cornelius Johannes
- Authors: Combrink, Cornelius Johannes
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Community health services
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21642 , vital:51737
- Description: Healthcare services within a hospital setting are the basic aspects for the success of service delivery and staff performance in this regard. The paramount component of human resources makes a positive contribution to a healthcare system. Recently, it has been recognised that the performance of healthcare personnel ought to be a key factor for a sustainable performance system. Nevertheless, it is generally known that healthcare workers fail to accomplish the anticipated outcomes of health interventions. This concept leads to the research question: Why is the public sector known for poor service delivery and poor performance? This study aims to determine the factors that impact on the health worker’s performance in a tertiary hospital in South-Africa. A framework will be carefully constructed and cautiously implemented to improve and develop the performance of healthcare workers in this hospital. The vast scope and population involved in this study make a quantitative research approach most suitable, along with a non-probability purposive sampling method. A survey method using an electronic questionnaire that was circulated via a web survey, and a paper-based questionnaire that was distributed within the hospital were used to obtain a diverse perception of the healthcare workers. Data analysis included determining factors, group differences and correlations using the SPSS-27 program. The target population included all healthcare workers in the tertiary hospital – from junior employees to senior management level staff. Statistical data analysis collected for this study revealed four major factors (politics-related resources, resource, training and socioeconomic) that play a major role in the trends of performance culture at the selected tertiary hospital. These results lead to the understanding that the hospital is currently experiencing inadequate human resources management components such as recognition of employees who perform above expectations; execution of a performance appraisal system; lack in implementing the annual salary increase; unfavourable working conditions (lack of resources); troublesome management skills, and insufficient feedback on performance outcomes. These features are directly associated with the quality and degree of the performance of healthcare personnel. Based on the results, a management framework was proposed. The framework consists of activities that will improve the healthcare profession; strengthen expertise and knowledge; develop management skills; enhance knowledge through research and, ultimately, upgrade the performance of healthcare personnel. , Thesis (MPH) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, Public Health, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Combrink, Cornelius Johannes
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Community health services
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21642 , vital:51737
- Description: Healthcare services within a hospital setting are the basic aspects for the success of service delivery and staff performance in this regard. The paramount component of human resources makes a positive contribution to a healthcare system. Recently, it has been recognised that the performance of healthcare personnel ought to be a key factor for a sustainable performance system. Nevertheless, it is generally known that healthcare workers fail to accomplish the anticipated outcomes of health interventions. This concept leads to the research question: Why is the public sector known for poor service delivery and poor performance? This study aims to determine the factors that impact on the health worker’s performance in a tertiary hospital in South-Africa. A framework will be carefully constructed and cautiously implemented to improve and develop the performance of healthcare workers in this hospital. The vast scope and population involved in this study make a quantitative research approach most suitable, along with a non-probability purposive sampling method. A survey method using an electronic questionnaire that was circulated via a web survey, and a paper-based questionnaire that was distributed within the hospital were used to obtain a diverse perception of the healthcare workers. Data analysis included determining factors, group differences and correlations using the SPSS-27 program. The target population included all healthcare workers in the tertiary hospital – from junior employees to senior management level staff. Statistical data analysis collected for this study revealed four major factors (politics-related resources, resource, training and socioeconomic) that play a major role in the trends of performance culture at the selected tertiary hospital. These results lead to the understanding that the hospital is currently experiencing inadequate human resources management components such as recognition of employees who perform above expectations; execution of a performance appraisal system; lack in implementing the annual salary increase; unfavourable working conditions (lack of resources); troublesome management skills, and insufficient feedback on performance outcomes. These features are directly associated with the quality and degree of the performance of healthcare personnel. Based on the results, a management framework was proposed. The framework consists of activities that will improve the healthcare profession; strengthen expertise and knowledge; develop management skills; enhance knowledge through research and, ultimately, upgrade the performance of healthcare personnel. , Thesis (MPH) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, Public Health, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Orthographic knowledge in isiXhosa and its relation to phonological processing, letter-sound knowledge, reading and spelling
- Authors: Daries, Mikaela Ann
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Xhosa language Orthography and spelling , Phonological awareness , Psycholinguistics , Oral reading Usage , Literacy South Africa , Reading Phonetic method
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/406703 , vital:70300
- Description: Despite international research confirming its importance, writing and related metalinguistic skills have often been neglected in comparison to reading in literacy research (Cunningham et al., 2001; Castles & Coltheart, 2004; Nag, 2007; Roman et al., 2009; Zhao et al., 2017). On a national level there are very few studies that have explored the writing aspect of literacy in South Africa, and none that has investigated orthographic knowledge in a Southern Bantu language, such as isiXhosa. In an attempt to address this gap, this thesis explores orthographic knowledge and its components in isiXhosa. In particular, it seeks to investigate the unique predictors of word specific and general orthographic knowledge as well as their role for reading and spelling in isiXhosa while controlling for phonological awareness (PA), rapid automatized naming (RAN), and letter-sound knowledge. Furthermore, the thesis attempts to situate its findings within the main premises of the self-teaching hypothesis and dual route approach to orthographic processing in order to contribute to linguistic theories of reading with cross-linguistic evidence (Jorm & Share, 1983; Share & Jorm, 1987; Share, 1995; Grainger & Ziegler, 2011). A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted with 140 isiXhosa home language third grade learners in which word specific and general orthographic knowledge tasks were specifically designed. These tasks were administered along with oral reading fluency (ORF), spelling, PA, RAN, and letter-sound knowledge. The findings revealed that letter-sound knowledge and PA contributed the largest variance towards both word specific and general orthographic knowledge. Further, word specific orthographic knowledge and letter-sound knowledge were the only significant predictors of spelling. Similarly, both word specific and letter-sound knowledge were significant predictors of reading, along with RAN and general orthographic knowledge. Quantile linear regression analyses revealed that word specific orthographic knowledge was a robust predictor of spelling and letter-sound knowledge was a robust predictor of reading across ability levels confirming the importance for word specific orthographic knowledge for spelling and letter-sound knowledge for reading in isiXhosa. In relation to the two reading theories considered in this thesis, the findings reflect similarities between the assertions of the self-teaching hypothesis and current thesis with suggestions made for further inquiry. The dual route approach to orthographic processing provides insights into the potential processing of orthographic information while reading in isiXhosa. The findings of this study confirm the importance of orthographic knowledge for reading and spelling for languages with transparent orthographies such as isiXhosa. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Linguistics and Applied Language Studies, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Daries, Mikaela Ann
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Xhosa language Orthography and spelling , Phonological awareness , Psycholinguistics , Oral reading Usage , Literacy South Africa , Reading Phonetic method
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/406703 , vital:70300
- Description: Despite international research confirming its importance, writing and related metalinguistic skills have often been neglected in comparison to reading in literacy research (Cunningham et al., 2001; Castles & Coltheart, 2004; Nag, 2007; Roman et al., 2009; Zhao et al., 2017). On a national level there are very few studies that have explored the writing aspect of literacy in South Africa, and none that has investigated orthographic knowledge in a Southern Bantu language, such as isiXhosa. In an attempt to address this gap, this thesis explores orthographic knowledge and its components in isiXhosa. In particular, it seeks to investigate the unique predictors of word specific and general orthographic knowledge as well as their role for reading and spelling in isiXhosa while controlling for phonological awareness (PA), rapid automatized naming (RAN), and letter-sound knowledge. Furthermore, the thesis attempts to situate its findings within the main premises of the self-teaching hypothesis and dual route approach to orthographic processing in order to contribute to linguistic theories of reading with cross-linguistic evidence (Jorm & Share, 1983; Share & Jorm, 1987; Share, 1995; Grainger & Ziegler, 2011). A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted with 140 isiXhosa home language third grade learners in which word specific and general orthographic knowledge tasks were specifically designed. These tasks were administered along with oral reading fluency (ORF), spelling, PA, RAN, and letter-sound knowledge. The findings revealed that letter-sound knowledge and PA contributed the largest variance towards both word specific and general orthographic knowledge. Further, word specific orthographic knowledge and letter-sound knowledge were the only significant predictors of spelling. Similarly, both word specific and letter-sound knowledge were significant predictors of reading, along with RAN and general orthographic knowledge. Quantile linear regression analyses revealed that word specific orthographic knowledge was a robust predictor of spelling and letter-sound knowledge was a robust predictor of reading across ability levels confirming the importance for word specific orthographic knowledge for spelling and letter-sound knowledge for reading in isiXhosa. In relation to the two reading theories considered in this thesis, the findings reflect similarities between the assertions of the self-teaching hypothesis and current thesis with suggestions made for further inquiry. The dual route approach to orthographic processing provides insights into the potential processing of orthographic information while reading in isiXhosa. The findings of this study confirm the importance of orthographic knowledge for reading and spelling for languages with transparent orthographies such as isiXhosa. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Linguistics and Applied Language Studies, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
The aesthetics of hegemony: a speculative design proposal exploring the convergence of surveillance capitalism and brain-computer interface technologies in the future
- Authors: Davies, James Tibbott
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54417 , vital:46517
- Description: This study examines the power dynamics of surveillance capitalism, and its role in shaping cultural hegemony. The research was expressed using graphic design to illustrate a (potential) future where Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) and surveillance capitalism converge. The critique focused on Google and Facebook’s hegemony in the data-surveillance marketplace and what role this has in shaping global discourse. Both companies are funding the development of BCIs, with the aim of using brain signals as a means of interacting with the digital world, which would give the two biggest advertising companies in the world access to new sources of data. A speculative design framework was utilized to visually question the societal implications of this emerging technology and the funding behind its development. A theoretical investigation of the concepts underpinning critical theory and critical design was conducted to help clarify and critically inform this methodological approach, promoting the use of practice-based design as a critically reflective investigative tool. The resulting artefacts designed using this process were showcased in the form of a website and video that act as a visual embodiment the research, demonstrating the efficacy of this approach and the value of using communication design as a mechanism to question the status quo. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Visual and Performing Arts, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Davies, James Tibbott
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54417 , vital:46517
- Description: This study examines the power dynamics of surveillance capitalism, and its role in shaping cultural hegemony. The research was expressed using graphic design to illustrate a (potential) future where Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) and surveillance capitalism converge. The critique focused on Google and Facebook’s hegemony in the data-surveillance marketplace and what role this has in shaping global discourse. Both companies are funding the development of BCIs, with the aim of using brain signals as a means of interacting with the digital world, which would give the two biggest advertising companies in the world access to new sources of data. A speculative design framework was utilized to visually question the societal implications of this emerging technology and the funding behind its development. A theoretical investigation of the concepts underpinning critical theory and critical design was conducted to help clarify and critically inform this methodological approach, promoting the use of practice-based design as a critically reflective investigative tool. The resulting artefacts designed using this process were showcased in the form of a website and video that act as a visual embodiment the research, demonstrating the efficacy of this approach and the value of using communication design as a mechanism to question the status quo. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Visual and Performing Arts, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Corporate social responsibility from the community perspective
- Authors: De Kock, Breched Richard
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Social responsibility of business -- South Africa -- Northern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53846 , vital:46016
- Description: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a strategy that is used by organisations to take responsibility for the social and environmental responsibility of where they are operating. The organisation has to make sure that the community in which they are operating benefits from their operations through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The researcher conducted this study which focuses on the developmental side of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as an instrument for supplementing the role of governments in developing communities, particularly in the Northern Cape, South Africa, where poverty and underdevelopment have become prevalent. The study explores CSR investments from a community perspective, community participation, supporting enterprise and social trust development within the respective communities. While Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers (REIPP) made every effort to implement CSR as part of their contribution to developing the communities they operate in, CSR is used as a tick box exercise for many. While some of these companies do it for more than just bragging rights, these CSR strategies normally follow a top-down approach. Some of these implementation programmes are purely based on desktop research and are so far removed from the current realities and needs of the communities that the money and effort spend does not have the multiplier effect that everyone desires. The study aimed to analyse Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) from a community perspective, thus, the study explored the view of the community on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The study discovered that many of the respondents have a general understanding of CSR and how it should impact the community. This impact, however, is not being seen with the research indicating that most of the youth are uneducated and unemployed. The majority have also pointed towards dissatisfaction and the lack of trust in how the government and REIPP are applying the renewable energy sector CSR principles within these communities. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: De Kock, Breched Richard
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Social responsibility of business -- South Africa -- Northern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53846 , vital:46016
- Description: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a strategy that is used by organisations to take responsibility for the social and environmental responsibility of where they are operating. The organisation has to make sure that the community in which they are operating benefits from their operations through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The researcher conducted this study which focuses on the developmental side of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as an instrument for supplementing the role of governments in developing communities, particularly in the Northern Cape, South Africa, where poverty and underdevelopment have become prevalent. The study explores CSR investments from a community perspective, community participation, supporting enterprise and social trust development within the respective communities. While Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers (REIPP) made every effort to implement CSR as part of their contribution to developing the communities they operate in, CSR is used as a tick box exercise for many. While some of these companies do it for more than just bragging rights, these CSR strategies normally follow a top-down approach. Some of these implementation programmes are purely based on desktop research and are so far removed from the current realities and needs of the communities that the money and effort spend does not have the multiplier effect that everyone desires. The study aimed to analyse Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) from a community perspective, thus, the study explored the view of the community on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The study discovered that many of the respondents have a general understanding of CSR and how it should impact the community. This impact, however, is not being seen with the research indicating that most of the youth are uneducated and unemployed. The majority have also pointed towards dissatisfaction and the lack of trust in how the government and REIPP are applying the renewable energy sector CSR principles within these communities. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Perceptions of small-scale vegetable farmers on drought mitigation strategies in the Amathole District Municipality of the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Dingiswayo, Xolisile
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53676 , vital:45686
- Description: The present study aimed to investigate perceptions of small-scale vegetable farmers on drought mitigation strategies in the Amathole District Municipality of the Eastern Cape Province. The research objective was to investigate what small-scale vegetable farmers’ perceptions and readiness are in terms of strategies to cope with drought conditions. The study was conducted within the Mbashe, Mnquma, Amahlathi and Great Kei local municipalities of the Eastern Cape. Primary data collection was conducted among 44 small-scale vegetable farmers of the Amathole municipal district. These are farmers who receive social support from the government, are registered with the Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform and contribute to the fight against food insecurity in the Amathole district. The primary data was also collected from 13 agricultural extension officers with high experience in advising small-scale farmers residing in the Amathole district. Data collection took place in various local municipalities under Amathole District Municipality, namely: Mbashe, Mnquma, Amahlathi and Great Kei. A multi-method approach was adopted in this study as an appropriate technique to create an improved quality of research which eliminates the deep-rooted bias to either qualitative or quantitative methods alone. A self-administered questionnaires with both closed and open-ended questions – one for the small-scale farmer survey and the second for the extension officer survey – was employed as data collection instrument. The demographic characteristics of small-scale vegetable farmers in the survey area indicated that the present majority of farmers are married male Xhosa farmers between the ages of 56 and 65 years old, with a secondary level of education. The majority of the farmers are typically resource-poor − which implies that the added menace of drought poses the risk that small-scale vegetable farming could decline to mere subsistence level or worse. Drought was found to be a major problem in Mbashe, Mnquma, Amahlathi and Great Kei local municipalities within the Amathole municipal district, with an acute impact on farmers’ production and generation of income. From the data, it emerged that farmers are not sufficiently informed about and do not receive specific training in drought mitigation strategies. Farmers rely on drought alleviation methods but there is a lack of adaptive strategies and timely, long-term ii state intervention. Being resource-poor, these small-scale producers are reliant on natural resources – notably water for irrigating crops. The study established further that there is neither the resources nor sufficient training by and involvement of the extension service. Farmers therefore rely on the use of drought coping mechanisms and drought mitigation techniques and on adapting their production systems. The information-sharing sessions recommended can assist in improving rural livelihoods and the productivity of small-scale vegetable farmers. The absence of engagement of youth in farming means that modern conservation and innovative farming techniques and systems are not implemented towards reducing the impacts of climate change − as well as revitalizing rural areas such Amathole. Access to education about drought, improved drought coping mechanisms and adaptive strategies should be created to facilitate an exchange of traditional and modern agricultural information. The development of infrastructure in rural communities and farming areas is another factor crucial to improving farming systems and operations in the Amathole municipal district. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Dingiswayo, Xolisile
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53676 , vital:45686
- Description: The present study aimed to investigate perceptions of small-scale vegetable farmers on drought mitigation strategies in the Amathole District Municipality of the Eastern Cape Province. The research objective was to investigate what small-scale vegetable farmers’ perceptions and readiness are in terms of strategies to cope with drought conditions. The study was conducted within the Mbashe, Mnquma, Amahlathi and Great Kei local municipalities of the Eastern Cape. Primary data collection was conducted among 44 small-scale vegetable farmers of the Amathole municipal district. These are farmers who receive social support from the government, are registered with the Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform and contribute to the fight against food insecurity in the Amathole district. The primary data was also collected from 13 agricultural extension officers with high experience in advising small-scale farmers residing in the Amathole district. Data collection took place in various local municipalities under Amathole District Municipality, namely: Mbashe, Mnquma, Amahlathi and Great Kei. A multi-method approach was adopted in this study as an appropriate technique to create an improved quality of research which eliminates the deep-rooted bias to either qualitative or quantitative methods alone. A self-administered questionnaires with both closed and open-ended questions – one for the small-scale farmer survey and the second for the extension officer survey – was employed as data collection instrument. The demographic characteristics of small-scale vegetable farmers in the survey area indicated that the present majority of farmers are married male Xhosa farmers between the ages of 56 and 65 years old, with a secondary level of education. The majority of the farmers are typically resource-poor − which implies that the added menace of drought poses the risk that small-scale vegetable farming could decline to mere subsistence level or worse. Drought was found to be a major problem in Mbashe, Mnquma, Amahlathi and Great Kei local municipalities within the Amathole municipal district, with an acute impact on farmers’ production and generation of income. From the data, it emerged that farmers are not sufficiently informed about and do not receive specific training in drought mitigation strategies. Farmers rely on drought alleviation methods but there is a lack of adaptive strategies and timely, long-term ii state intervention. Being resource-poor, these small-scale producers are reliant on natural resources – notably water for irrigating crops. The study established further that there is neither the resources nor sufficient training by and involvement of the extension service. Farmers therefore rely on the use of drought coping mechanisms and drought mitigation techniques and on adapting their production systems. The information-sharing sessions recommended can assist in improving rural livelihoods and the productivity of small-scale vegetable farmers. The absence of engagement of youth in farming means that modern conservation and innovative farming techniques and systems are not implemented towards reducing the impacts of climate change − as well as revitalizing rural areas such Amathole. Access to education about drought, improved drought coping mechanisms and adaptive strategies should be created to facilitate an exchange of traditional and modern agricultural information. The development of infrastructure in rural communities and farming areas is another factor crucial to improving farming systems and operations in the Amathole municipal district. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Beneficiation of pyrolysis-derived waste tyre char by blending with torrefied wood and microalgae to produce solid fuel
- Authors: Dube, Cleopatra Thulani
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Pyrolysis , Solid fuel reactors
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58439 , vital:59241
- Description: he thermal decomposition of waste tyres via pyrolysis is considered to be amongst the most promising methods of recycling tyres due to its minimal environmental impact (in terms of reduction in pollution). During pyrolysis, tyres are thermally degraded in an inert environment to produce gas, oil and char. The gas and oil have promising commercialization prospects while the char remains a pollutant despite the strides made in a lot of research to upgrade the char to carbon black, activated carbon and even for reuse as a filler in tyre manufacture. For pyrolysis to be profitable, or worthy of investments, all three of its products (oil, char and gas) need to be valorised. Pyrolysis-derived tyre chars (PT-char) have an energy value equivalent to high rank coals, however, the use of PT char as a solid fuel is uncommon due to the high contents of sulphur and mineral matter as well as low volatile matter content of the PT-char. As such, the combustion of PT-char is characterised by high ignition temperature, low thermal reactivity, and no flame formation due to the low amounts of volatile matter. On the other hand, biomass are clean, renewable feedstock, having low sulphur and mineral matter contents, as well as high thermal reactivity. The blending of PT-char with biomass could potentially improve the combustion properties of PT-char and minimise the release of toxic emissions from the char, and thus, could make PT-char suitable for use as a fuel source. In this study, PT-char was blended with torrefied wood and microalgae biomass to demonstrate the suitability of using PT-char-biomass-fuel blend as an energy feedstock. To this effect, a mixture design of experiments was used to formulate the PT-char biomass blends and regression analysis was employed to select an optimum blend formulation for the combustion and mechanical properties of the blends. Proximate analysis results showed a non-linear increase in the volatile matter and a non-linear decrease in the fixed carbon and ash yield as the biomass ratio increased. The calorific value also increased on an additive basis with increasing biomass proportion. The elemental analysis results showed a decrease in the calcium, zinc and bromine contents and an increase in the potassium and iron contents increased with increasing biomass proportion. Likewise, the sulphur content decreased while the oxygen, hydrogen and nitrogen contents increased with increasing biomass ratio. vi Thus, the fuel properties of the blends improved with increasing biomass ratio and without compromising the calorific value of the PT-char. Moreover, the TG-MS analysis showed that the PT-char and the respective blends did not show any release SO2 up to 650°C. Thus, making the fuel suitable for use in low temperature applications such as household and certain boilers. The results of the regression analysis showed that the blend formulation with the highest proportions of biomass, thus C55-T30-M15, is the optimum blend to produce a solid fuel with a low initial decomposition (214°C) and char ignition temperatures (532°C) as well as maximum burn-out temperature (640°C). In essence, the high thermal reactivity of PT-char is improved when both biomasses are loaded at maximum ratios as per the experimental design. The results of the MS showed a decrease in CO2 and NO2 emissions with increasing biomass proportion. The optimum blend (C55-T30-M15) was found to have a comparably higher gross calorific value (26 MJ/kg), lower sulphur content (1.1 wt.%), low ash yield (11wt.%) and lower concentration of minerals (i.e. zinc) than raw PT-char. In addition, the volatile matter content of the blend (20 wt.%) was found to be higher than that of PT-char and the ignition temperature of the optimum fuel blend was relatively lower and its burnout temperature higher than that of PT char. The MS results revealed that the CO2 and NO2 emissions were higher in the optimum blend than the PT-char. The mechanical properties of the pellets; impact resistance and compressive strength increased with increasing biomass blending ratio and even more so with increasing microalgae ratio. The C55-T30-M15 and C75-T10-M15 were selected as optimum blends using regression analysis and both blends exceeded the benchmark for mechanical properties except for water resistance. The blending did not improve the water resistance and all the blends did not meet the minimum threshold for water resistance. Overall, the blending of PT-char with torrefied wood and microalgae biomass has shown to improve the fuel properties PT-char, and therefore, making it a suitable potential fuel source. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Dube, Cleopatra Thulani
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Pyrolysis , Solid fuel reactors
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58439 , vital:59241
- Description: he thermal decomposition of waste tyres via pyrolysis is considered to be amongst the most promising methods of recycling tyres due to its minimal environmental impact (in terms of reduction in pollution). During pyrolysis, tyres are thermally degraded in an inert environment to produce gas, oil and char. The gas and oil have promising commercialization prospects while the char remains a pollutant despite the strides made in a lot of research to upgrade the char to carbon black, activated carbon and even for reuse as a filler in tyre manufacture. For pyrolysis to be profitable, or worthy of investments, all three of its products (oil, char and gas) need to be valorised. Pyrolysis-derived tyre chars (PT-char) have an energy value equivalent to high rank coals, however, the use of PT char as a solid fuel is uncommon due to the high contents of sulphur and mineral matter as well as low volatile matter content of the PT-char. As such, the combustion of PT-char is characterised by high ignition temperature, low thermal reactivity, and no flame formation due to the low amounts of volatile matter. On the other hand, biomass are clean, renewable feedstock, having low sulphur and mineral matter contents, as well as high thermal reactivity. The blending of PT-char with biomass could potentially improve the combustion properties of PT-char and minimise the release of toxic emissions from the char, and thus, could make PT-char suitable for use as a fuel source. In this study, PT-char was blended with torrefied wood and microalgae biomass to demonstrate the suitability of using PT-char-biomass-fuel blend as an energy feedstock. To this effect, a mixture design of experiments was used to formulate the PT-char biomass blends and regression analysis was employed to select an optimum blend formulation for the combustion and mechanical properties of the blends. Proximate analysis results showed a non-linear increase in the volatile matter and a non-linear decrease in the fixed carbon and ash yield as the biomass ratio increased. The calorific value also increased on an additive basis with increasing biomass proportion. The elemental analysis results showed a decrease in the calcium, zinc and bromine contents and an increase in the potassium and iron contents increased with increasing biomass proportion. Likewise, the sulphur content decreased while the oxygen, hydrogen and nitrogen contents increased with increasing biomass ratio. vi Thus, the fuel properties of the blends improved with increasing biomass ratio and without compromising the calorific value of the PT-char. Moreover, the TG-MS analysis showed that the PT-char and the respective blends did not show any release SO2 up to 650°C. Thus, making the fuel suitable for use in low temperature applications such as household and certain boilers. The results of the regression analysis showed that the blend formulation with the highest proportions of biomass, thus C55-T30-M15, is the optimum blend to produce a solid fuel with a low initial decomposition (214°C) and char ignition temperatures (532°C) as well as maximum burn-out temperature (640°C). In essence, the high thermal reactivity of PT-char is improved when both biomasses are loaded at maximum ratios as per the experimental design. The results of the MS showed a decrease in CO2 and NO2 emissions with increasing biomass proportion. The optimum blend (C55-T30-M15) was found to have a comparably higher gross calorific value (26 MJ/kg), lower sulphur content (1.1 wt.%), low ash yield (11wt.%) and lower concentration of minerals (i.e. zinc) than raw PT-char. In addition, the volatile matter content of the blend (20 wt.%) was found to be higher than that of PT-char and the ignition temperature of the optimum fuel blend was relatively lower and its burnout temperature higher than that of PT char. The MS results revealed that the CO2 and NO2 emissions were higher in the optimum blend than the PT-char. The mechanical properties of the pellets; impact resistance and compressive strength increased with increasing biomass blending ratio and even more so with increasing microalgae ratio. The C55-T30-M15 and C75-T10-M15 were selected as optimum blends using regression analysis and both blends exceeded the benchmark for mechanical properties except for water resistance. The blending did not improve the water resistance and all the blends did not meet the minimum threshold for water resistance. Overall, the blending of PT-char with torrefied wood and microalgae biomass has shown to improve the fuel properties PT-char, and therefore, making it a suitable potential fuel source. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
The design of an automotive academy for Mercedes Benz in Gately, East London
- Authors: Dustan,Cameron
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Automobile factories -- South Africa -- East London -- Designs and plans , Automobiles -- Design and construction
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58860 , vital:60221
- Description: The purpose of this project is to investigate the automotive industry in East London, specifically Mercedes-Benz, in order to propose extensions of the skills development academy and exhibition spaces as an integral part of a larger campus of education. The Mercedes-Benz factory precinct in East London is one of the four largest in the world and is the biggest in Africa, creating grounds for extension. In East London, there is plenty of unemployment and many are seeking jobs in the industrial areas which are mainly automotive. Due to most of the industry being owned by Mercedes-Benz, it is crucial to engage in high levels of education and to provide opportunities for growth within the industry and expansion of skills. Students at the academy will learn different skills in the automotive manufacturing trade and will be guaranteed jobs after their studies are completed. The skills academy will form part of an educational precinct which will establish a narrative for the timeline of Mercedes-Benz. The project will hopefully provide more job opportunities and skills training for the locals of East London as well as to contribute to the economy of the automotive industry. Much like cars, industry works as a machine; there are bits and pieces that need to puzzle together in order to create a working and living machine. The automotive skills academies are exactly that for the industry, a piece of the puzzle which ensures the working of the industry as a whole, now and in the future. Without these skills academies, the automotive industry would subsequently lose its fundamental skills and knowledge base. The core concern for this treatise is the expansion of the industry by creating extensions of the Mercedes-Benz skills academy and creating a space which is educational while being a user-friendly building focused on the wellness of workers and rates of productivity to ensure maximized output and the further growth of the industry. The project is based in East London and will hold a pivotal role in the automotive industry. The treatise looks to break away from the hard industrial aspects of the industry and pull away from the static architecture of Mercedes-Benz and the surrounding buildings, to create a vibrant and experiential building with the overarching emphasis on occupational wellness and innovation in the design. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Architecture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Dustan,Cameron
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Automobile factories -- South Africa -- East London -- Designs and plans , Automobiles -- Design and construction
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58860 , vital:60221
- Description: The purpose of this project is to investigate the automotive industry in East London, specifically Mercedes-Benz, in order to propose extensions of the skills development academy and exhibition spaces as an integral part of a larger campus of education. The Mercedes-Benz factory precinct in East London is one of the four largest in the world and is the biggest in Africa, creating grounds for extension. In East London, there is plenty of unemployment and many are seeking jobs in the industrial areas which are mainly automotive. Due to most of the industry being owned by Mercedes-Benz, it is crucial to engage in high levels of education and to provide opportunities for growth within the industry and expansion of skills. Students at the academy will learn different skills in the automotive manufacturing trade and will be guaranteed jobs after their studies are completed. The skills academy will form part of an educational precinct which will establish a narrative for the timeline of Mercedes-Benz. The project will hopefully provide more job opportunities and skills training for the locals of East London as well as to contribute to the economy of the automotive industry. Much like cars, industry works as a machine; there are bits and pieces that need to puzzle together in order to create a working and living machine. The automotive skills academies are exactly that for the industry, a piece of the puzzle which ensures the working of the industry as a whole, now and in the future. Without these skills academies, the automotive industry would subsequently lose its fundamental skills and knowledge base. The core concern for this treatise is the expansion of the industry by creating extensions of the Mercedes-Benz skills academy and creating a space which is educational while being a user-friendly building focused on the wellness of workers and rates of productivity to ensure maximized output and the further growth of the industry. The project is based in East London and will hold a pivotal role in the automotive industry. The treatise looks to break away from the hard industrial aspects of the industry and pull away from the static architecture of Mercedes-Benz and the surrounding buildings, to create a vibrant and experiential building with the overarching emphasis on occupational wellness and innovation in the design. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Architecture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
The challenges and survival strategies for SMME’s in Nelson Mandela Metro during Covid19
- Authors: Faltein, Nelisa
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Business enterprises, Black -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020- -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53733 , vital:45721
- Description: Throughout history entrepreneurship has played an integral part in society. It improves standard of living, develops new markets, and puts ideas into effect while fostering economic growth and job creation. Over the recent years, the countries around the world have experienced unprecedented economic meltdowns. Economic events and prospects in industrialised countries like Europe, Asia, and America have a direct and immediate impact on developing countries, particularly Africa. Positive economic growth of Africa's key trading partners has a direct impact on the continent's economy. Africa's key trading partners' negative economic growth has unfavourable effects for the continent's economy. This was recently further exposed and exacerbated by the novel Corona virus pandemic. The worldwide economic crises have resulted in global financial melt downs, volatile exchange rates, fluctuating steel prices, soaring labour costs, and more importantly competitiveness in markets. In South Africa this has contributed to very high rates of youth unemployment, stagnant economic growth, volatile socio-economic environment, and high failure of small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) amongst other factors. South African SMMEs have been identified as key role players and drivers for job creation; the industry already absorbs most of the employed population. They are a potential mechanism for creation of new and sustainable employment opportunities. Furthermore, they contribute to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country yet experience a high failure rate. A successful enterprise has a massive social impact and economic contribution in a country. It is therefore indisputable that the field of entrepreneurship has received immense academic interest. The current Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous socio-economic environment necessitates strategies that are aimed at the growth, innovativeness, adaptability, and agility of entrepreneurs and SMMEs. This will enable them to reach their full potential and effectively deliver on job creation and economic growth. The purpose of this research treatise is to develop a development framework for SMMEs and entrepreneurs in the Nelson Mandela Metro. This was achieved by applying academic insights and an extensive literature review on personality traits of entrepreneurs, the internal and external environment, and their contribution to the success of entrepreneurial ventures, which has led to the development of research propositions. The study is quantitative research on 45 SMMEs from the Nelson Mandela Metro. It contributes positively to the academic field of entrepreneurship, SMMEs and to the existing academic body of knowledge with a positive contribution on entrepreneurial traits, business development, strategy formulation and strategy implementation. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Faltein, Nelisa
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Business enterprises, Black -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020- -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53733 , vital:45721
- Description: Throughout history entrepreneurship has played an integral part in society. It improves standard of living, develops new markets, and puts ideas into effect while fostering economic growth and job creation. Over the recent years, the countries around the world have experienced unprecedented economic meltdowns. Economic events and prospects in industrialised countries like Europe, Asia, and America have a direct and immediate impact on developing countries, particularly Africa. Positive economic growth of Africa's key trading partners has a direct impact on the continent's economy. Africa's key trading partners' negative economic growth has unfavourable effects for the continent's economy. This was recently further exposed and exacerbated by the novel Corona virus pandemic. The worldwide economic crises have resulted in global financial melt downs, volatile exchange rates, fluctuating steel prices, soaring labour costs, and more importantly competitiveness in markets. In South Africa this has contributed to very high rates of youth unemployment, stagnant economic growth, volatile socio-economic environment, and high failure of small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) amongst other factors. South African SMMEs have been identified as key role players and drivers for job creation; the industry already absorbs most of the employed population. They are a potential mechanism for creation of new and sustainable employment opportunities. Furthermore, they contribute to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country yet experience a high failure rate. A successful enterprise has a massive social impact and economic contribution in a country. It is therefore indisputable that the field of entrepreneurship has received immense academic interest. The current Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous socio-economic environment necessitates strategies that are aimed at the growth, innovativeness, adaptability, and agility of entrepreneurs and SMMEs. This will enable them to reach their full potential and effectively deliver on job creation and economic growth. The purpose of this research treatise is to develop a development framework for SMMEs and entrepreneurs in the Nelson Mandela Metro. This was achieved by applying academic insights and an extensive literature review on personality traits of entrepreneurs, the internal and external environment, and their contribution to the success of entrepreneurial ventures, which has led to the development of research propositions. The study is quantitative research on 45 SMMEs from the Nelson Mandela Metro. It contributes positively to the academic field of entrepreneurship, SMMEs and to the existing academic body of knowledge with a positive contribution on entrepreneurial traits, business development, strategy formulation and strategy implementation. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
The design of a special needs school: for children affected by trauma associated with HIV and AIDS in Schauderville, Gqeberha
- Authors: Felton, Mae Sarah
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: School buildings -- Design and construction , AIDS (Disease) -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Children with disabilities -- Education -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58838 , vital:60171
- Description: HIV and AIDS has been a long-standing and growing pandemic worldwide, but particularly in the context of South Africa. As a result, a pattern of trauma noticeably follows individuals, families and communities, and especially impacts on learners and their experience within the education system. Conventional school environments and buildings often become unaccommodating, harsh and overly-stimulating for learners with traumatic backgrounds and stress. Special needs schools address different disorders and conditions separately, and accommodate a variety of unique demands through teaching interventions and, more importantly, through architecture. This treatise aimed to break away from institutional and conventional architecture by applying theories on child development and architecture, the psychology of space, sensory architecture and trauma-informed design. This treatise positioned itself in empathy and wellness, with concern for the psychological experience of environments for learners, demonstrated through special needs schools, which addressed trauma associated with HIV and AIDS. Hence, this building type was explored to deinstitutionalise educational environments, to identify and address these learners’s specific needs. In realising an architectural intervention with reactive and therapeutic intent, the type of trauma and the relative experiences which triggered it needed to be understood and used to inform and shape comprehensive buildings and environments. This treatise, and the conclusions drawn from it, intended to guide and inform a principle typology and model for future projects of the same nature. As the first of its type, the special needs school location was in Gqeberha and in close proximity to Livingstone Hospital, where the HIV and AIDS cases were the highest. It was situated within the residential zone and schooling district of Schauderville, on the existing site of Adolph Schauder Primary School. The opportunities and challenges in and around this site, along with design principles based on the adopted theories informed an architectural intervention which challenged conventional schooling and design applications in favour of a more empathetic and considerate relationship between learners and architecture. , Thesis (MArch) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Architecture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Felton, Mae Sarah
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: School buildings -- Design and construction , AIDS (Disease) -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Children with disabilities -- Education -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58838 , vital:60171
- Description: HIV and AIDS has been a long-standing and growing pandemic worldwide, but particularly in the context of South Africa. As a result, a pattern of trauma noticeably follows individuals, families and communities, and especially impacts on learners and their experience within the education system. Conventional school environments and buildings often become unaccommodating, harsh and overly-stimulating for learners with traumatic backgrounds and stress. Special needs schools address different disorders and conditions separately, and accommodate a variety of unique demands through teaching interventions and, more importantly, through architecture. This treatise aimed to break away from institutional and conventional architecture by applying theories on child development and architecture, the psychology of space, sensory architecture and trauma-informed design. This treatise positioned itself in empathy and wellness, with concern for the psychological experience of environments for learners, demonstrated through special needs schools, which addressed trauma associated with HIV and AIDS. Hence, this building type was explored to deinstitutionalise educational environments, to identify and address these learners’s specific needs. In realising an architectural intervention with reactive and therapeutic intent, the type of trauma and the relative experiences which triggered it needed to be understood and used to inform and shape comprehensive buildings and environments. This treatise, and the conclusions drawn from it, intended to guide and inform a principle typology and model for future projects of the same nature. As the first of its type, the special needs school location was in Gqeberha and in close proximity to Livingstone Hospital, where the HIV and AIDS cases were the highest. It was situated within the residential zone and schooling district of Schauderville, on the existing site of Adolph Schauder Primary School. The opportunities and challenges in and around this site, along with design principles based on the adopted theories informed an architectural intervention which challenged conventional schooling and design applications in favour of a more empathetic and considerate relationship between learners and architecture. , Thesis (MArch) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Architecture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
The impact of COVID-19 on depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress levels in doctors and nurses at a South African health facility
- Authors: Finger-Motsepe, Kelebogile
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: COVID-19 (Disease) , Mental health
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27920 , vital:70880
- Description: Introduction: The emergence of the coronavirus disease of 2019 (Covid-19) has wrought profound and enduring transformations in global health, economic dynamics, and social interactions. However, the comprehensive quantification of the psychological repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic remains elusive and is poised to compound the preexisting burden of mental health disorders within the general populace. Elevated transmission rates, rapid disease progression within vulnerable demographics, and the absence of definitive curative or preventive measures have collectively contributed to a heightened worldwide state of stress and anxiety. Extensive research has demonstrated that the apprehension and stress associated with Covid-19 are markedly pronounced among healthcare professionals, commonly referred to as front-line workers, in comparison to the general population. The Covid-19-related psychological distress is anticipated to act as a catalyst, exacerbating mental health conditions within high-risk groups. Aims and Objectives: This study endeavours to ascertain the prevalence and severity of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among medical doctors and nurses employed at a regional hospital in South Africa. Methodology: A cross-sectional investigation was conducted to evaluate the presence of anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms among medical doctors and nurses working at a Regional Hospital situated in the Free State Province of South Africa. A purposive sample of 200 participants, comprising all willing doctors and nurses employed at the study site, was enrolled in the study. Findings: The participants exhibited an average age of 42 years and an average tenure of approximately 72 months at the hospital. The majority of participants were of African descent, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:2.3. Female healthcare workers reported significantly higher instances of PTSD than their male counterparts. In the aggregate, 71.4percent of doctors reported symptoms indicative of depression, 73.2percent reported anxiety-related symptoms, and 19.6percent reported PTSD-related symptoms. Among nurses, 72percent displayed clinically significant symptoms of depression, 81percent exhibited anxiety-related symptoms, and 27.7percent manifested symptoms suggestive of PTSD. A moderately robust positive correlation was discerned between PTSD and Anxiety (p = .000; r = .466) as well as PTSD and Depression (p = .000; r = .315). Additionally, a strong positive correlation was identified between Anxiety and Depression (p = .000; r = .631). A statistically significant disparity (p = .030) in anxiety levels was observed among workers in different risk-prone areas. Nurses reported substantially higher levels of anxiety (p = .039; M = 10.63, sd = 4.03) compared to doctors (M = 9.01, sd = 3.80) and administrators (M = 10.50, sd = 4.32). Moreover, both nurses (M = 27.06, sd = 13.61) and administrators (M = 33.33, sd = 14.44) exhibited significantly higher instances of PTSD (p = .003) than doctors (M = 19.96, sd = 15.03). Conclusions: The healthcare workers under scrutiny reported elevated levels of anxiety and depression attributable to the Covid-19 pandemic, although the prevalence of posttraumatic stress symptoms was comparatively lower within the hospital setting. Furthermore, this study illuminates that depressive, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress symptoms were more prevalent among nurses than doctors. Additionally, healthcare professionals operating in high-risk Covid-19 environments, such as the Covid-19 ward, demonstrated heightened levels of anxiety when juxtaposed with their counterparts stationed in low-risk Covid-19 areas within the healthcare facility. , Thesis (MPH) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Finger-Motsepe, Kelebogile
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: COVID-19 (Disease) , Mental health
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27920 , vital:70880
- Description: Introduction: The emergence of the coronavirus disease of 2019 (Covid-19) has wrought profound and enduring transformations in global health, economic dynamics, and social interactions. However, the comprehensive quantification of the psychological repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic remains elusive and is poised to compound the preexisting burden of mental health disorders within the general populace. Elevated transmission rates, rapid disease progression within vulnerable demographics, and the absence of definitive curative or preventive measures have collectively contributed to a heightened worldwide state of stress and anxiety. Extensive research has demonstrated that the apprehension and stress associated with Covid-19 are markedly pronounced among healthcare professionals, commonly referred to as front-line workers, in comparison to the general population. The Covid-19-related psychological distress is anticipated to act as a catalyst, exacerbating mental health conditions within high-risk groups. Aims and Objectives: This study endeavours to ascertain the prevalence and severity of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among medical doctors and nurses employed at a regional hospital in South Africa. Methodology: A cross-sectional investigation was conducted to evaluate the presence of anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms among medical doctors and nurses working at a Regional Hospital situated in the Free State Province of South Africa. A purposive sample of 200 participants, comprising all willing doctors and nurses employed at the study site, was enrolled in the study. Findings: The participants exhibited an average age of 42 years and an average tenure of approximately 72 months at the hospital. The majority of participants were of African descent, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:2.3. Female healthcare workers reported significantly higher instances of PTSD than their male counterparts. In the aggregate, 71.4percent of doctors reported symptoms indicative of depression, 73.2percent reported anxiety-related symptoms, and 19.6percent reported PTSD-related symptoms. Among nurses, 72percent displayed clinically significant symptoms of depression, 81percent exhibited anxiety-related symptoms, and 27.7percent manifested symptoms suggestive of PTSD. A moderately robust positive correlation was discerned between PTSD and Anxiety (p = .000; r = .466) as well as PTSD and Depression (p = .000; r = .315). Additionally, a strong positive correlation was identified between Anxiety and Depression (p = .000; r = .631). A statistically significant disparity (p = .030) in anxiety levels was observed among workers in different risk-prone areas. Nurses reported substantially higher levels of anxiety (p = .039; M = 10.63, sd = 4.03) compared to doctors (M = 9.01, sd = 3.80) and administrators (M = 10.50, sd = 4.32). Moreover, both nurses (M = 27.06, sd = 13.61) and administrators (M = 33.33, sd = 14.44) exhibited significantly higher instances of PTSD (p = .003) than doctors (M = 19.96, sd = 15.03). Conclusions: The healthcare workers under scrutiny reported elevated levels of anxiety and depression attributable to the Covid-19 pandemic, although the prevalence of posttraumatic stress symptoms was comparatively lower within the hospital setting. Furthermore, this study illuminates that depressive, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress symptoms were more prevalent among nurses than doctors. Additionally, healthcare professionals operating in high-risk Covid-19 environments, such as the Covid-19 ward, demonstrated heightened levels of anxiety when juxtaposed with their counterparts stationed in low-risk Covid-19 areas within the healthcare facility. , Thesis (MPH) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
The design of a performance space for the Zip Zap Circus in the Johannesburg City Centre
- Authors: Fouche’, Daniel
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Theaters -- Designs and plans , City planning -- South Africa --Johannesburg
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58794 , vital:60122
- Description: Historically, news of a travelling circus coming to town created an atmosphere of anticipation andexcitement amongst all ages within a community. Normally the daily lives of the towns people were a monotonous routine, making the novelty and flamboyancy of the circus’s arrival an occasion to remember; the biggest day of the year showcased the greatest show on earth. Carnival processions would parade around the main streets and animate the whole town in order to gather people and subsequently lead the way to the big top tent. This spectacle brought entertainment to communities who would not normally be exposed, or have access, to environments made up of this wonder and excitement. In turn, to run away and join the circus was an attractive thought to the youth living in these mundane circumstances. Having been given a glimpse into what a theatrical life portrayed; especially self-expression and a strong community essence, the circus instilled something enchanting within the youth from otherwise difficult, diverse and indifferent backgrounds. Similarly, the UK collective Archigram, responded to the grey modernist environment with an architecture that appealed to the people through hyper-sensual events. The group imagined worlds that were both physically, or digitally, mobile; providing a moment in time in which a small village could experience events reminiscent of a city metropolis. Consequently, this treatise unpacks the popular works and research of Archigram to understand the relevance of an eccentric postmodern approach to modern-day placemaking within the Johannesburg city centre. A daily life of struggle and survival became common within the city centre as it started to see its decline in the early 80s. What was once the home of jazz, art, politics and insurgent popular aspirations now represents inner-city decay, dereliction and urban sprawl. The removal of major investments from what was the central business district has left city dwellers and their environment as victims of crime, violence and abandonment. The design of a performance space therefore aims to bring upliftment and celebration to the city through the circus ideal. The outcome is a world-class act that promotes social cohesion, creates opportunities, unlocks potential and transfers skills to the South African youth. Through proving a unique moment in time, people are given the opportunity to escape their reality and momentarily believe in a little bit of magic. , Thesis (MArch) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Architecture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Fouche’, Daniel
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Theaters -- Designs and plans , City planning -- South Africa --Johannesburg
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58794 , vital:60122
- Description: Historically, news of a travelling circus coming to town created an atmosphere of anticipation andexcitement amongst all ages within a community. Normally the daily lives of the towns people were a monotonous routine, making the novelty and flamboyancy of the circus’s arrival an occasion to remember; the biggest day of the year showcased the greatest show on earth. Carnival processions would parade around the main streets and animate the whole town in order to gather people and subsequently lead the way to the big top tent. This spectacle brought entertainment to communities who would not normally be exposed, or have access, to environments made up of this wonder and excitement. In turn, to run away and join the circus was an attractive thought to the youth living in these mundane circumstances. Having been given a glimpse into what a theatrical life portrayed; especially self-expression and a strong community essence, the circus instilled something enchanting within the youth from otherwise difficult, diverse and indifferent backgrounds. Similarly, the UK collective Archigram, responded to the grey modernist environment with an architecture that appealed to the people through hyper-sensual events. The group imagined worlds that were both physically, or digitally, mobile; providing a moment in time in which a small village could experience events reminiscent of a city metropolis. Consequently, this treatise unpacks the popular works and research of Archigram to understand the relevance of an eccentric postmodern approach to modern-day placemaking within the Johannesburg city centre. A daily life of struggle and survival became common within the city centre as it started to see its decline in the early 80s. What was once the home of jazz, art, politics and insurgent popular aspirations now represents inner-city decay, dereliction and urban sprawl. The removal of major investments from what was the central business district has left city dwellers and their environment as victims of crime, violence and abandonment. The design of a performance space therefore aims to bring upliftment and celebration to the city through the circus ideal. The outcome is a world-class act that promotes social cohesion, creates opportunities, unlocks potential and transfers skills to the South African youth. Through proving a unique moment in time, people are given the opportunity to escape their reality and momentarily believe in a little bit of magic. , Thesis (MArch) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Architecture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
The social capital of informal economy operators in the Walmer township
- Authors: Frimpong, Kusi Amoah
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Infrastructure (Economics) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53910 , vital:46033
- Description: In recent years, South Africa has witnessed a significant increase in the unemployment rate. As a result, many people found themselves in the informal sector, which has become their livelihood option. Townships, which have been historically disconnected from the socio-economic grid, have high unemployment, and the informal sector is barely recognized and supported by the government. Despite this, the informal sector thrives and continues to support many households and communities. It also contributes to the country’s GDP. Thus, this study set out to develop a better understanding on the issues around social capital and informal operators, using Walmer Township as a case study. Literature related to the study on informal sector and social capital was reviewed to gain insight into the views of other writers on the topic under study. A Qualitative research design was adopted in this study. The study used both primary and secondary methods for data collection, - that is interviews and documents analysis respectively. Data was analysed through inductive thematic analysis. The findings of the study showed that social capital is a contributing factor to the growth of an informal economy. The findings revealed that bonding and bridging social capital has a significant effect on the growth of informal businesses. The study equally found out that the informal sector faces other challenges, outside social capital, such as crime and security issues, and inadequate trading spaces. The study recommends that, -the government should consider improving the security needs of the Township to boost the informal sector. The local government needs to organize programs to educate informal business owners on the importance of social capital. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Frimpong, Kusi Amoah
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Infrastructure (Economics) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53910 , vital:46033
- Description: In recent years, South Africa has witnessed a significant increase in the unemployment rate. As a result, many people found themselves in the informal sector, which has become their livelihood option. Townships, which have been historically disconnected from the socio-economic grid, have high unemployment, and the informal sector is barely recognized and supported by the government. Despite this, the informal sector thrives and continues to support many households and communities. It also contributes to the country’s GDP. Thus, this study set out to develop a better understanding on the issues around social capital and informal operators, using Walmer Township as a case study. Literature related to the study on informal sector and social capital was reviewed to gain insight into the views of other writers on the topic under study. A Qualitative research design was adopted in this study. The study used both primary and secondary methods for data collection, - that is interviews and documents analysis respectively. Data was analysed through inductive thematic analysis. The findings of the study showed that social capital is a contributing factor to the growth of an informal economy. The findings revealed that bonding and bridging social capital has a significant effect on the growth of informal businesses. The study equally found out that the informal sector faces other challenges, outside social capital, such as crime and security issues, and inadequate trading spaces. The study recommends that, -the government should consider improving the security needs of the Township to boost the informal sector. The local government needs to organize programs to educate informal business owners on the importance of social capital. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Chinese character learning with the aid of an ICT website among Mandarin Second Additional Language learners in South Africa: a case study
- Authors: Fu, Shuying
- Date: 2022-04-08
- Subjects: Mandarin dialects Study and teaching (Secondary) South Africa , Mandarin dialects Computer-assisted instruction for English speakers , Second language acquisition , Chinese characters , Information technology South Africa , Educational technology South Africa , Arch Chinese
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/263590 , vital:53641
- Description: The teaching of Mandarin as a Second Additional Language (SAL) in South African schools was only introduced in 2016. The year 2018 saw the first Mandarin as SAL National Senior Certificate examination. Little research has been done on the teaching and learning of Mandarin as a SAL subject at the high school level in South Africa. Character learning and teaching are some of the most challenging aspects of this language teaching and learning. This research sought to investigate how beginner Mandarin SAL learners can be supported by a particular Information Communication Technology (ICT) website, www.archchinese.com (Arch Chinese), in their character learning. Learners’ ability to memorise Chinese characters is of utmost importance for their success in this language learning, especially for matriculants. To support the main research goal, this study set out to investigate the requirements for Chinese character learning, the role the website Arch Chinese plays in learners’ character learning and Mandarin SAL learners’ experience of using Arch Chinese as a learning tool. This research was conducted in the form of a case study within the interpretative paradigm. It adopted a questionnaire and document analysis for data collection to gain insight into the research topic. To get answers to the research questions posed above, the study analysed the Curriculum Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) Mandarin SAL documents from Grade 4–12, the Independent Examination Board (IEB) Mandarin Subject Assessment Guidelines (SAGs), and a textbook for beginners, Learn Chinese with me: Student’s book 1 in relation to character learning. The features and functions of the website, Arch Chinese, were also evaluated and Mandarin SAL learners’ answers to a questionnaire on their use of the website Arch Chinese were analysed. The study found that character teaching and learning has not been given enough attention in the curriculum. It was only covered in the Intermediate Phase but was seldom mentioned in the Senior and Further Education and Training Phases in the curriculum. The CAPS Mandarin SAL documents do not consider the special characteristics of the Mandarin language, as this curriculum was based on the CAPS English Generic SAL document. As a result, the assessment requirements on writing (character count requirement in particular) were not realistic. The teaching approaches promoted in the curriculum and the teaching time do not correspond well with the teaching and learning of this language. Moreover, this study found that there was no vocabulary list prescribed in the curriculum and therefore a gap exists between the curriculum on paper and the curriculum in practice. The analysis of the IEB SAGs found that the assessments were suitable for the level of Mandarin SAL learners. This is because the IEB considered the characteristics of the Mandarin language, which is non-cognate, to the alphabet-based languages that respondents in this research spoke or were familiar with. At the same time, the analysis of the website and the learners’ questionnaire found that learners held a positive attitude towards their use of the website and that it proved to help facilitate Mandarin SAL learners in their character learning. This study ends with recommendations for teachers, policy makers, the IEB, and character-learning websites. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2022
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2022-04-08
- Authors: Fu, Shuying
- Date: 2022-04-08
- Subjects: Mandarin dialects Study and teaching (Secondary) South Africa , Mandarin dialects Computer-assisted instruction for English speakers , Second language acquisition , Chinese characters , Information technology South Africa , Educational technology South Africa , Arch Chinese
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/263590 , vital:53641
- Description: The teaching of Mandarin as a Second Additional Language (SAL) in South African schools was only introduced in 2016. The year 2018 saw the first Mandarin as SAL National Senior Certificate examination. Little research has been done on the teaching and learning of Mandarin as a SAL subject at the high school level in South Africa. Character learning and teaching are some of the most challenging aspects of this language teaching and learning. This research sought to investigate how beginner Mandarin SAL learners can be supported by a particular Information Communication Technology (ICT) website, www.archchinese.com (Arch Chinese), in their character learning. Learners’ ability to memorise Chinese characters is of utmost importance for their success in this language learning, especially for matriculants. To support the main research goal, this study set out to investigate the requirements for Chinese character learning, the role the website Arch Chinese plays in learners’ character learning and Mandarin SAL learners’ experience of using Arch Chinese as a learning tool. This research was conducted in the form of a case study within the interpretative paradigm. It adopted a questionnaire and document analysis for data collection to gain insight into the research topic. To get answers to the research questions posed above, the study analysed the Curriculum Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) Mandarin SAL documents from Grade 4–12, the Independent Examination Board (IEB) Mandarin Subject Assessment Guidelines (SAGs), and a textbook for beginners, Learn Chinese with me: Student’s book 1 in relation to character learning. The features and functions of the website, Arch Chinese, were also evaluated and Mandarin SAL learners’ answers to a questionnaire on their use of the website Arch Chinese were analysed. The study found that character teaching and learning has not been given enough attention in the curriculum. It was only covered in the Intermediate Phase but was seldom mentioned in the Senior and Further Education and Training Phases in the curriculum. The CAPS Mandarin SAL documents do not consider the special characteristics of the Mandarin language, as this curriculum was based on the CAPS English Generic SAL document. As a result, the assessment requirements on writing (character count requirement in particular) were not realistic. The teaching approaches promoted in the curriculum and the teaching time do not correspond well with the teaching and learning of this language. Moreover, this study found that there was no vocabulary list prescribed in the curriculum and therefore a gap exists between the curriculum on paper and the curriculum in practice. The analysis of the IEB SAGs found that the assessments were suitable for the level of Mandarin SAL learners. This is because the IEB considered the characteristics of the Mandarin language, which is non-cognate, to the alphabet-based languages that respondents in this research spoke or were familiar with. At the same time, the analysis of the website and the learners’ questionnaire found that learners held a positive attitude towards their use of the website and that it proved to help facilitate Mandarin SAL learners in their character learning. This study ends with recommendations for teachers, policy makers, the IEB, and character-learning websites. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2022
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2022-04-08
Environmental legislation compliance: a strategy to implement a governance framework in Algoa Bay
- Authors: Govender, Andrea Lorrain
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Environmental law -- South Africa -- Algoa Bay , Corporate governance -- South Africa -- Algoa Bay
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53744 , vital:45722
- Description: Over the past decades there has been a drastic decline in our ocean’s health that has resulted in fish depletion as well as marine life endangerment. This is largely due to human and economic activities such as commercial fishing, ship to ship bunkering and dumping of waste material at sea. The lack of governance and law enforcement has been a catalyst to the ocean’s fast approaching death. Although many laws and legislation exist to direct and encourage appropriate behaviour to preserve the ocean and marine life as well as ensure equality and equal access, the follow through and adherence have been lacking. This study was guided by the aim to develop a strategy for the implementation of a corporate governance framework to enhance compliance to environmental legislation in Algoa Bay to better protect the ocean, marine life and the rich biodiversity in the region which in extension will be beneficial to society and the oceans economy, as a thriving ocean is good for fishing, investments, imports, exports and tourism which is crucial for a booming oceans economy. The methodology applied in this research is a qualitative approach that used semi- structured interviews targeted at owners and managers of organisations to extract data regarding the level of compliance by those operating in the Algoa Bay region to marine and environmental legislation to decipher where decision making leaned and if it was slanted more towards non-compliance. The findings of the study demonstrate that organisations are not fully compliant to marine and environmental legislation despite being environmentally aware and portraying themselves as such to the public. This has been largely due to poor law enforcement practices and organisations valuing profit over compliance. As a result, African Penguins and many other fish species have become endangered. A corporate governance framework to enhance compliance will benefit society and promote job creation by employing more law enforcement agents to ensure the laws are being adhered to which will improve the socio-economic state for Algoa Bay and preserve the biodiversity and marine resources. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Govender, Andrea Lorrain
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Environmental law -- South Africa -- Algoa Bay , Corporate governance -- South Africa -- Algoa Bay
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53744 , vital:45722
- Description: Over the past decades there has been a drastic decline in our ocean’s health that has resulted in fish depletion as well as marine life endangerment. This is largely due to human and economic activities such as commercial fishing, ship to ship bunkering and dumping of waste material at sea. The lack of governance and law enforcement has been a catalyst to the ocean’s fast approaching death. Although many laws and legislation exist to direct and encourage appropriate behaviour to preserve the ocean and marine life as well as ensure equality and equal access, the follow through and adherence have been lacking. This study was guided by the aim to develop a strategy for the implementation of a corporate governance framework to enhance compliance to environmental legislation in Algoa Bay to better protect the ocean, marine life and the rich biodiversity in the region which in extension will be beneficial to society and the oceans economy, as a thriving ocean is good for fishing, investments, imports, exports and tourism which is crucial for a booming oceans economy. The methodology applied in this research is a qualitative approach that used semi- structured interviews targeted at owners and managers of organisations to extract data regarding the level of compliance by those operating in the Algoa Bay region to marine and environmental legislation to decipher where decision making leaned and if it was slanted more towards non-compliance. The findings of the study demonstrate that organisations are not fully compliant to marine and environmental legislation despite being environmentally aware and portraying themselves as such to the public. This has been largely due to poor law enforcement practices and organisations valuing profit over compliance. As a result, African Penguins and many other fish species have become endangered. A corporate governance framework to enhance compliance will benefit society and promote job creation by employing more law enforcement agents to ensure the laws are being adhered to which will improve the socio-economic state for Algoa Bay and preserve the biodiversity and marine resources. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12