Enactment of hands-on practical activities through using easily accessible resources in a Grade 10 Physical Science classroom
- Authors: Ndevahoma, Martha Kashike
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Physical science -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/110229 , vital:33251
- Description: The Namibian National Subject Policy Guide for Physical Science Grade 8-12 (MoE, 2010) indicates that science teachers should be creative and innovative in producing their own teaching and learning support materials that are linked to practice. Practical activities play a major role in the learning of science. Due to the lack of science laboratory equipment, however, minimal practical activities are done in some schools especially under-resourced disadvantaged schools. It is against this background that this case study investigated the possibilities and challenges associated with the use of easily accessible resources to carry out hands-on practical activities. Underpinned by an interpretive paradigm, this study used a mixed-method approach by generating both quantitative and qualitative data. It was carried out in the Otjozondjupa region in Namibia at Wato Secondary School (pseudonym). It was conducted with a Grade 10 Physical Science class consisting of 30 learners. To generate data, questionnaires, focus group interviews, lesson observations, stimulated recall interviews, as well as learners’ journal reflections were used. Conceptions, dispositions, interest and sense-making were used as conceptual lenses while Vygotsky’s social constructivism was the theoretical framework that informed this study. Quantitative data were analysed using the conceptual lenses and were subsequently presented in tables and graphs. That is, a deductive approach to analysis was used. On the other hand, a thematic approach was used to analyse the qualitative data. That is, qualitative data were inductively analysed to come up with sub-themes and themes. The findings from this study revealed significant shifts in learners’ conceptions, dispositions and interest towards science after the use of easily accessible resources to do hands-on practical activities. Similarly, learners’ sense-making of science concepts improved. This study thus recommends that science teachers should, where possible, make use of easily accessible resources to carry out hands-on practical activities during their science lessons. During such hands-on practicals, however, emphasis should be on the development of scientific concepts.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Ndevahoma, Martha Kashike
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Physical science -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/110229 , vital:33251
- Description: The Namibian National Subject Policy Guide for Physical Science Grade 8-12 (MoE, 2010) indicates that science teachers should be creative and innovative in producing their own teaching and learning support materials that are linked to practice. Practical activities play a major role in the learning of science. Due to the lack of science laboratory equipment, however, minimal practical activities are done in some schools especially under-resourced disadvantaged schools. It is against this background that this case study investigated the possibilities and challenges associated with the use of easily accessible resources to carry out hands-on practical activities. Underpinned by an interpretive paradigm, this study used a mixed-method approach by generating both quantitative and qualitative data. It was carried out in the Otjozondjupa region in Namibia at Wato Secondary School (pseudonym). It was conducted with a Grade 10 Physical Science class consisting of 30 learners. To generate data, questionnaires, focus group interviews, lesson observations, stimulated recall interviews, as well as learners’ journal reflections were used. Conceptions, dispositions, interest and sense-making were used as conceptual lenses while Vygotsky’s social constructivism was the theoretical framework that informed this study. Quantitative data were analysed using the conceptual lenses and were subsequently presented in tables and graphs. That is, a deductive approach to analysis was used. On the other hand, a thematic approach was used to analyse the qualitative data. That is, qualitative data were inductively analysed to come up with sub-themes and themes. The findings from this study revealed significant shifts in learners’ conceptions, dispositions and interest towards science after the use of easily accessible resources to do hands-on practical activities. Similarly, learners’ sense-making of science concepts improved. This study thus recommends that science teachers should, where possible, make use of easily accessible resources to carry out hands-on practical activities during their science lessons. During such hands-on practicals, however, emphasis should be on the development of scientific concepts.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Energy management as an element of a financial efficiency strategy : a case of the City Tshwane
- Authors: Maubane, Lekgatla Donald
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Industries -- Energy conservation -- South Africa -- City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSBE
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49507 , vital:41727
- Description: The costs of operating buildings and facilities which the City of Tshwane utilises for conducting business have substantially increased due to the cost of electricity more than quadrupling in the past decade in South Africa, worsening the already constrained budgets. Research has shown that implementation of successful and sustainable energy management of built environment assets is effective in reducing costs due to resulting reduction in energy consumption and is therefore fitting to include it as an element of a financial efficiency strategy in organisations. This study aims to investigate how the City of Tshwane utilises energy management of its built environment assets to support financial efficiency and to make recommendations where necessary. Building on existing literature on energy management, it asks: How does the City of Tshwane utilise energy management of its built environment assets to support financial efficiency? In this context, energy management is defined as the continuous process of managing behavioural, organisational and technical change to improve an organisation’s energy performance. An instrument suitable for collecting qualitative data was constructed based on theories found in the reviewed literature. Interview participants were purposively sampled from departments which have direct influence on the energy management chain in the city. Relevant documents provided by the city were also reviewed to support triangulation of data. An analysis of data demonstrated that the city utilises energy management of its built environment assets to support financial efficiency. The results also indicated that there are several deficiencies in the manner in which the city currently manages energy. On this basis, it is recommended that the city installs meters for all energy consuming built environment assets; abandons the practice of accounting for energy costs as part of overheads and adopt the practice of direct costs accounting; and implements measures to review relevant strategy documents at planned intervals in order to ensure their continuing suitability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Maubane, Lekgatla Donald
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Industries -- Energy conservation -- South Africa -- City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSBE
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49507 , vital:41727
- Description: The costs of operating buildings and facilities which the City of Tshwane utilises for conducting business have substantially increased due to the cost of electricity more than quadrupling in the past decade in South Africa, worsening the already constrained budgets. Research has shown that implementation of successful and sustainable energy management of built environment assets is effective in reducing costs due to resulting reduction in energy consumption and is therefore fitting to include it as an element of a financial efficiency strategy in organisations. This study aims to investigate how the City of Tshwane utilises energy management of its built environment assets to support financial efficiency and to make recommendations where necessary. Building on existing literature on energy management, it asks: How does the City of Tshwane utilise energy management of its built environment assets to support financial efficiency? In this context, energy management is defined as the continuous process of managing behavioural, organisational and technical change to improve an organisation’s energy performance. An instrument suitable for collecting qualitative data was constructed based on theories found in the reviewed literature. Interview participants were purposively sampled from departments which have direct influence on the energy management chain in the city. Relevant documents provided by the city were also reviewed to support triangulation of data. An analysis of data demonstrated that the city utilises energy management of its built environment assets to support financial efficiency. The results also indicated that there are several deficiencies in the manner in which the city currently manages energy. On this basis, it is recommended that the city installs meters for all energy consuming built environment assets; abandons the practice of accounting for energy costs as part of overheads and adopt the practice of direct costs accounting; and implements measures to review relevant strategy documents at planned intervals in order to ensure their continuing suitability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Enriching my teaching around the inverse order relationship in unit fractions at the Grade 5 level through the inclusion of musical activities: an action research case study
- Authors: Lovemore, Tarryn Shirley
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- South Africa -- Case studies , Interdisciplinary approach in education -- South Africa -- Case studies , Music -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- South Africa -- Case studies , Music -- Mathematics , Musical notation -- Study and teaching (Elementary)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/142431 , vital:38079
- Description: This research study explored how the use of musical activities, specifically based on note values, might enrich my teaching around the inverse order relation of unit fractions in my Grade 5 mathematics classroom. Much research has identified fractions as a problematic concept to teach in primary schools. Curriculum expectations of mathematics and music, as well as prior research, recognise a link between these two subject areas. Based on these connections between mathematics and music, I make the case for further research into practical ways in which music and mathematics can be integrated to support teaching and learning in the South African context. This study is located within a qualitative and interpretive framework. The concepts of integration, learning style theory, Gardner’s multiple intelligences and Bresler’s styles of arts integration guide the research. I made use of practical and theoretical activities relating to note values in music. I explored these strategies and the use of learning support materials through an action research case study, in which I engaged in cycles of trialing, reflecting, adjusting and re-trialing within the ‘case’ of my own mathematics class. Data sources comprised of my reflective journal, learner feedback, video- and audio-recorded lessons, examples of learners’ work and interviews with critical peers who observed critical moments from the video recordings. I was guided through the analysis phase by two analytical frameworks: Karsenty and Arcavi’s Six Lense Framework (SLF) and Adler and Ronda’s Mathematics Discourse in Instruction (MDI) framework which I adapted. Using three key lessons, I provide detailed descriptions of how the lessons progressed and then identify and discuss some of the key findings and recurring themes in relation to my study’s research question and goals. Through this process, I show that my integration of mathematics and musical activities helped promote active engagement amongst learners and provided them with co-equivalent opportunities to appreciate the importance of note values in music, and relate this back to understandings around the inverse order relation of unit fractions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Lovemore, Tarryn Shirley
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- South Africa -- Case studies , Interdisciplinary approach in education -- South Africa -- Case studies , Music -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- South Africa -- Case studies , Music -- Mathematics , Musical notation -- Study and teaching (Elementary)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/142431 , vital:38079
- Description: This research study explored how the use of musical activities, specifically based on note values, might enrich my teaching around the inverse order relation of unit fractions in my Grade 5 mathematics classroom. Much research has identified fractions as a problematic concept to teach in primary schools. Curriculum expectations of mathematics and music, as well as prior research, recognise a link between these two subject areas. Based on these connections between mathematics and music, I make the case for further research into practical ways in which music and mathematics can be integrated to support teaching and learning in the South African context. This study is located within a qualitative and interpretive framework. The concepts of integration, learning style theory, Gardner’s multiple intelligences and Bresler’s styles of arts integration guide the research. I made use of practical and theoretical activities relating to note values in music. I explored these strategies and the use of learning support materials through an action research case study, in which I engaged in cycles of trialing, reflecting, adjusting and re-trialing within the ‘case’ of my own mathematics class. Data sources comprised of my reflective journal, learner feedback, video- and audio-recorded lessons, examples of learners’ work and interviews with critical peers who observed critical moments from the video recordings. I was guided through the analysis phase by two analytical frameworks: Karsenty and Arcavi’s Six Lense Framework (SLF) and Adler and Ronda’s Mathematics Discourse in Instruction (MDI) framework which I adapted. Using three key lessons, I provide detailed descriptions of how the lessons progressed and then identify and discuss some of the key findings and recurring themes in relation to my study’s research question and goals. Through this process, I show that my integration of mathematics and musical activities helped promote active engagement amongst learners and provided them with co-equivalent opportunities to appreciate the importance of note values in music, and relate this back to understandings around the inverse order relation of unit fractions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Entrepreneurship education in the agro-biodiversity sector: a case study of G-Tech PLA roll planter value creation for a youth community of practice in Gauteng
- Authors: Thupana, Mabora
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: G-Tech PLA roll planter , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa -- Case studies , Entrepreneurship -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa , Agriculture -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/167620 , vital:41497
- Description: Entrepreneurship is widely recognised as a basic skill that can be learned through practice. The main focus of this study was to investigate entrepreneurship education and the type of biodiversity entrepreneurial practices and opportunities that could create value for youth via the use of green technology: the PLA Roll Planter in the biodiversity and agriculture sector. The study was inspired by the need to identify and analyse knowledge, skills and entrepreneurial aspects associated with the use of green technology to strengthen entrepreneurial learning for youth participation in the green economy and green work. The study employed the use of Communities of Practice (COP) and Value Creation adopted from Wenger as theories and a focal lens to portray the contribution of technological practices to youth sustainable livelihoods and green work in the biodiversity sector. Research on the GTECH technology that was in focus in this study, the PLA Roll Planter, shows that newly introduced green innovations can increase agricultural outputs without depleting presently available resources. The study applied qualitative research approaches in a case study of the G-Tech PLA Roll Planter training and participation of a youth Community of Practice (COP) in Gauteng. It started by examining the knowledge capital as potential value embedded in the training and knowledge, skills and entrepreneurial aspects of the G-Tech PLA Roll Planter practices. The study then constructed four value creation stories of youth in the COP to understand other forms of value that were created for youth. The findings of the study depicted that the adoption of improved agricultural technology (PLA Roll Planter) has positive impacts and knowledge capital that can translate into other forms of value to support the emergence of viable economic activity in the agricultural sector. This can help increase food security and the ability to withstand risk of damaging the environment. The study shows that different forms of value were created for youth, and offers insight into how learning in communities of practice can help to advance entrepreneursip education in the biodiversity and especially the agro-ecological production sector.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Thupana, Mabora
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: G-Tech PLA roll planter , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa -- Case studies , Entrepreneurship -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa , Agriculture -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/167620 , vital:41497
- Description: Entrepreneurship is widely recognised as a basic skill that can be learned through practice. The main focus of this study was to investigate entrepreneurship education and the type of biodiversity entrepreneurial practices and opportunities that could create value for youth via the use of green technology: the PLA Roll Planter in the biodiversity and agriculture sector. The study was inspired by the need to identify and analyse knowledge, skills and entrepreneurial aspects associated with the use of green technology to strengthen entrepreneurial learning for youth participation in the green economy and green work. The study employed the use of Communities of Practice (COP) and Value Creation adopted from Wenger as theories and a focal lens to portray the contribution of technological practices to youth sustainable livelihoods and green work in the biodiversity sector. Research on the GTECH technology that was in focus in this study, the PLA Roll Planter, shows that newly introduced green innovations can increase agricultural outputs without depleting presently available resources. The study applied qualitative research approaches in a case study of the G-Tech PLA Roll Planter training and participation of a youth Community of Practice (COP) in Gauteng. It started by examining the knowledge capital as potential value embedded in the training and knowledge, skills and entrepreneurial aspects of the G-Tech PLA Roll Planter practices. The study then constructed four value creation stories of youth in the COP to understand other forms of value that were created for youth. The findings of the study depicted that the adoption of improved agricultural technology (PLA Roll Planter) has positive impacts and knowledge capital that can translate into other forms of value to support the emergence of viable economic activity in the agricultural sector. This can help increase food security and the ability to withstand risk of damaging the environment. The study shows that different forms of value were created for youth, and offers insight into how learning in communities of practice can help to advance entrepreneursip education in the biodiversity and especially the agro-ecological production sector.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Essential services in light of the 2014 Labour Law amendments
- Authors: Seshoka, Lesiba Job
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47427 , vital:39990
- Description: The topic of the treatise is “Essential Services in light of the 2014 Labour Law amendments”. It aims to investigate the state of essential services in the wake of the 2014 changes to the Labour Relations Act. As Pillay1 puts it, Furthermore, 15 years under our new essential services regime, it is time for reflection to preserve and improve what works and to fix what does not. The treatment of essential services is not playing as planned. In the meantime, notwithstanding the prohibition of strikes in essential services, they occur with disconcerting frequency, duration and intensity”. From these, one can deduce that prior to the changes effected in 2014, there have been serious challenges facing essential service personnel and employers which necessitated a change in legislation. The question, which this treatise tries to answer, is whether such change in legislation would in all likelihood addresses the challenges, which faced essential service employers and employees before it was enacted.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Seshoka, Lesiba Job
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47427 , vital:39990
- Description: The topic of the treatise is “Essential Services in light of the 2014 Labour Law amendments”. It aims to investigate the state of essential services in the wake of the 2014 changes to the Labour Relations Act. As Pillay1 puts it, Furthermore, 15 years under our new essential services regime, it is time for reflection to preserve and improve what works and to fix what does not. The treatment of essential services is not playing as planned. In the meantime, notwithstanding the prohibition of strikes in essential services, they occur with disconcerting frequency, duration and intensity”. From these, one can deduce that prior to the changes effected in 2014, there have been serious challenges facing essential service personnel and employers which necessitated a change in legislation. The question, which this treatise tries to answer, is whether such change in legislation would in all likelihood addresses the challenges, which faced essential service employers and employees before it was enacted.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Establishment of an information technology risk management framework within food manufacturing enterprises in South Africa
- Authors: Sandi, Siyabulela
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Business enterprises -- Computer networks -- Security measures , Information technology -- Security measures Computer security Risk management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47128 , vital:39812
- Description: Enterprises of all kinds, regardless of the sector, are directly or indirectly dependent on Information Technology (IT) to carry out their daily activities. With this in mind, and correlated with the problem statement that it is “the lack of IT governance principles that lead to exposing enterprises to IT-related threats, vulnerabilities, and risks”, the objective of this study was to establish an Information Technology Risk Management Framework for enterprises within the Food manufacturing industry in South Africa that will ensure that IT-related threats, vulnerabilities, and risks are properly managed. In order to accomplish this, the research followed a process called design science research. The design science research paradigm was used to create a design artificial artefact in the form of a framework. The Nelson Mandela University – Design Science Framework Methodology (NMU-DSFM) was adopted since the objective of the study was to develop a framework. The study has revealed that enterprises within the sector are indeed lagging behind in terms of IT governance principles, hence an artefact called the IT Risk Management Framework for Enterprises within Food Manufacturing Industries in South Africa was developed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Sandi, Siyabulela
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Business enterprises -- Computer networks -- Security measures , Information technology -- Security measures Computer security Risk management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47128 , vital:39812
- Description: Enterprises of all kinds, regardless of the sector, are directly or indirectly dependent on Information Technology (IT) to carry out their daily activities. With this in mind, and correlated with the problem statement that it is “the lack of IT governance principles that lead to exposing enterprises to IT-related threats, vulnerabilities, and risks”, the objective of this study was to establish an Information Technology Risk Management Framework for enterprises within the Food manufacturing industry in South Africa that will ensure that IT-related threats, vulnerabilities, and risks are properly managed. In order to accomplish this, the research followed a process called design science research. The design science research paradigm was used to create a design artificial artefact in the form of a framework. The Nelson Mandela University – Design Science Framework Methodology (NMU-DSFM) was adopted since the objective of the study was to develop a framework. The study has revealed that enterprises within the sector are indeed lagging behind in terms of IT governance principles, hence an artefact called the IT Risk Management Framework for Enterprises within Food Manufacturing Industries in South Africa was developed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Ethics amongst public sector built environment professionals: Gauteng Provincial Government
- Authors: Magabuko, Thando Zuko
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Civil service ethics -- South Africa -- Gauteng Public administration -- Moral and ethical aspects -- South Africa -- Gauteng
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSBE
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49484 , vital:41725
- Description: This study sought to establish whether there are merits to the perceptions of lack of professional, personal and corporate ethics amongst Built Environment professionals in Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG), and to decipher the variance in the lack of ethics per built environment discipline. It also sought to propose ways to address the lack thereof, if it exists. The method that was utilised in this study is the quantitative research technique. Descriptive statistical techniques were used to analyse the data. The gathering of the primary data was done through the use of semi-structured questionnaires. The questionnaire was divided into three sections, with A being the demographical information, B the closed questions on the type of ethics (namely professional, personal and corporate) and C the open-ended questions on the type of ethics (namely professional, personal and corporate). This study has revealed that the lack of ethics amongst the professionals is marginal; but enforcement of the code of conduct and the willingness of senior management to address the ethical issues indeed varies per GPG department. The implications of the findings are that although unethical conduct is not rampant amongst built-environmental professionals in the Gauteng Provincial Government, it needs to be addressed and contained through mechanisms, such as training, the conducting of awareness campaigns and enforcement by senior management. If management can enforce the department’s code of conduct; and if professional bodies conduct awareness campaigns, the issue of unethical conduct could be reduced.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Magabuko, Thando Zuko
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Civil service ethics -- South Africa -- Gauteng Public administration -- Moral and ethical aspects -- South Africa -- Gauteng
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSBE
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49484 , vital:41725
- Description: This study sought to establish whether there are merits to the perceptions of lack of professional, personal and corporate ethics amongst Built Environment professionals in Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG), and to decipher the variance in the lack of ethics per built environment discipline. It also sought to propose ways to address the lack thereof, if it exists. The method that was utilised in this study is the quantitative research technique. Descriptive statistical techniques were used to analyse the data. The gathering of the primary data was done through the use of semi-structured questionnaires. The questionnaire was divided into three sections, with A being the demographical information, B the closed questions on the type of ethics (namely professional, personal and corporate) and C the open-ended questions on the type of ethics (namely professional, personal and corporate). This study has revealed that the lack of ethics amongst the professionals is marginal; but enforcement of the code of conduct and the willingness of senior management to address the ethical issues indeed varies per GPG department. The implications of the findings are that although unethical conduct is not rampant amongst built-environmental professionals in the Gauteng Provincial Government, it needs to be addressed and contained through mechanisms, such as training, the conducting of awareness campaigns and enforcement by senior management. If management can enforce the department’s code of conduct; and if professional bodies conduct awareness campaigns, the issue of unethical conduct could be reduced.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Evaluating the exclusion of certain categories of workers from the coverage of the unemployment insurance act 63 of 2001 and the consequences thereof
- Authors: Ncamane, Ntando
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Social security
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18347 , vital:42254
- Description: The South African Unemployment Insurance system esteems from Social Insurance as a stream of Social Security, which consist of various elements, such as private savings, social assistance and social relief as well as social insurance. The Unemployment Insurance Act 63 of 2001 together with its sister Act, which is the Unemployment Insurance Contribution Act 4 of 2002 regulate South Africa’s unemployment insurance system. The Unemployment Insurance Act made provision for the establishment of the Unemployment Insurance Fund, which will pay unemployment benefits to certain categories of employees for unemployment, illness, maternity, adoption and dependents benefits. The UIA further makes provision for the establishment of the Unemployment Insurance Board and the appointment of the Unemployment Insurance Commissioner. The UIA applies to all employers and employees including domestic workers and seasonal workers, except to employees who work for less than 24 hours a month, employees who are employed on a leanership registered under the Skills Development Act 97 of 1998 and employees employed by the national or provincial government. Although the new Unemployment Insurance Amendment Bill makes provision for workers who were previously excluded from the coverage to be covered under the Amendment Act, these workers includes, workers on learnership, government workers and migrant workers. However, there are still some workers who do not enjoy the scope and application of the UIA those workers are workers working in the informal sector and employees who work less than 24 hours a month and workers who voluntary resign. Apart from the challenge of coverage, the study also examines other challenges faced by the UIA such as non-compliance with international standards, failure to minimise unemployment, discrimination of women against unemployment benefits, the short financial intervention provided by the UIF and the lack of proper dispute resolution mechanism. It is therefore the aim of this study to evaluate the exclusionary practice of the UIA and its repercussions on these certain categories of workers mentioned above. To achieve this abovementioned aim, the study embarks on a journey in which the background is outlined; the historical background of both social security and unemployment insurance including both the constitutional and legislative background (vi) is examined. The study scrutinises the unemployment insurance legal framework this include the structure of the UIF, benefits paid by the UIF, requirements for qualifying for benefits stipulated by the UIA. It goes further in scrutinising these certain categories of workers and other notable challenges of the UIA and UIF. Lastly but not least, an International Perspective and Comparative study is engaged on, so to outline relevant international instrument to the study and to get a better understanding of other countries unemployment insurance system and to enable South Africa to learn from these countries to enhance its unemployment insurance. Finally, recommendations are made to provide solutions to the UIA shortcomings identified in this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Ncamane, Ntando
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Social security
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18347 , vital:42254
- Description: The South African Unemployment Insurance system esteems from Social Insurance as a stream of Social Security, which consist of various elements, such as private savings, social assistance and social relief as well as social insurance. The Unemployment Insurance Act 63 of 2001 together with its sister Act, which is the Unemployment Insurance Contribution Act 4 of 2002 regulate South Africa’s unemployment insurance system. The Unemployment Insurance Act made provision for the establishment of the Unemployment Insurance Fund, which will pay unemployment benefits to certain categories of employees for unemployment, illness, maternity, adoption and dependents benefits. The UIA further makes provision for the establishment of the Unemployment Insurance Board and the appointment of the Unemployment Insurance Commissioner. The UIA applies to all employers and employees including domestic workers and seasonal workers, except to employees who work for less than 24 hours a month, employees who are employed on a leanership registered under the Skills Development Act 97 of 1998 and employees employed by the national or provincial government. Although the new Unemployment Insurance Amendment Bill makes provision for workers who were previously excluded from the coverage to be covered under the Amendment Act, these workers includes, workers on learnership, government workers and migrant workers. However, there are still some workers who do not enjoy the scope and application of the UIA those workers are workers working in the informal sector and employees who work less than 24 hours a month and workers who voluntary resign. Apart from the challenge of coverage, the study also examines other challenges faced by the UIA such as non-compliance with international standards, failure to minimise unemployment, discrimination of women against unemployment benefits, the short financial intervention provided by the UIF and the lack of proper dispute resolution mechanism. It is therefore the aim of this study to evaluate the exclusionary practice of the UIA and its repercussions on these certain categories of workers mentioned above. To achieve this abovementioned aim, the study embarks on a journey in which the background is outlined; the historical background of both social security and unemployment insurance including both the constitutional and legislative background (vi) is examined. The study scrutinises the unemployment insurance legal framework this include the structure of the UIF, benefits paid by the UIF, requirements for qualifying for benefits stipulated by the UIA. It goes further in scrutinising these certain categories of workers and other notable challenges of the UIA and UIF. Lastly but not least, an International Perspective and Comparative study is engaged on, so to outline relevant international instrument to the study and to get a better understanding of other countries unemployment insurance system and to enable South Africa to learn from these countries to enhance its unemployment insurance. Finally, recommendations are made to provide solutions to the UIA shortcomings identified in this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Evaluation of an NADPH-dependent assay for inhibition screening of Salmonella enterica DOXP Reguctoisomerase for identification of novel drug hit compounds
- Authors: Ngcongco, Khanyisile
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: 1-Deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate , Antibiotics , Drug development , Salmonella , Enterobacteriaceae , Vaccines , Plasmodium falciparum , Mycobacterium tuberculosis
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/167132 , vital:41440
- Description: Invasive non-typhoidal Salmonella, caused by the intracellular pathogen Salmonella enterica, has emerged as a major cause of bloodstream infections. It remains a neglected infection responsible for many deaths in Africa, as it fails to receive the level of support that is given to most better known infections. There are currently no vaccines against invasive non-typhoidal Salmonella. First-line antibiotics have been used for treatment, however, the rise in the resistance of the bacteria against these antibiotics has made treatment of invasive salmonellosis into a clinical problem. Therefore, the discovery of new compounds for the development of antibiotic drugs is required. Central metabolic pathways can be a useful source for identifying drug targets and among these is the non-mevalonate pathway, one of the pathways used for the biosynthesis of isoprenoid precursors. The second step of the non-mevalonate pathway involves the NADPH-dependent reduction of 1-deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate (DOXP) into 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol 4-phosphate (MEP). 1-Deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate (DOXP) reductoisomerase plays a vital role in the catalysis of this reaction and requires NADPH and divalent metal cations as co-factors for its activity. In this investigation recombinant DOXP reductoisomerase from Salmonella enterica, Plasmodium falciparum and Mycobacterium tuberculosis were biochemically characterized as potential targets for developing drugs that could be used as treatment of the disease. The expression and nickel-chelate affinity purification of S. enterica DOXP reductoisomerase in a fully functional native state was successfully achieved. However, the expression and purification of P. falciparum DXR and M. tuberculosis DXR was unsuccessful due to the formation of insoluble inclusion bodies. Although alternative purification strategies were explored, including dialysis and slow dilution, these proteins remained insoluble, making their functional analysis not possible. An NADPH-dependent enzyme assay was used to determine the activity of S. enterica DXR. This assay monitors the reduction of DOXP to MEP by measuring the absorbance at 340 nm, which reflects the concentration of NADPH. An alternative assay, resazurin reduction, which monitors the NADPH-dependent reduction of resazurin to resorufin, was explored for detecting enzyme activity. The recombinant S. enterica DOXP reductoisomerase had a specific activity of 0.126 ± 0.0014 μmol/min/mg protein and a Km and Vmax of 881 μM and 0.249 μmol/min/mg respectively. FR900098, a derivative of fosmidomycin, is a well-known inhibitor of DXR, however, the sensitivity of S. enterica DXR towards FR900098 has not yet been reported. The NADPH dependent enzyme and resazurin reduction assays were used to determine whether FR900098 has enzyme inhibitory effects against S. enterica DXR. Upon confirming that FR900098 is able to inhibit S. enterica DXR, FR900098 was used as a control compound in the screening of novel compounds. The S. enterica DXR enzyme was screened for inhibition by the collection of compounds from the Pathogen Box. Compounds that exhibited the desired inhibitory activity, referred to as ‘hits’ were selected for further investigation. These hits were confirmed using the NADPH-dependent enzyme assay, resulting in the identification of two different DXR inhibitor compounds, MMV002816, also known as diethylcarbamazine, and MMV228911. The inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of FR900098, MMV002816 and MMV228911 against S. enterica DXR were 1.038 μM, 2.173 μM and 6.861 μM respectively. The binding mode of these compounds to S. enterica DXR could lead to the discovery of novel druggable sites on the enzyme and stimulate the development of new antibiotics that can be used for treating Salmonella infections.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Ngcongco, Khanyisile
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: 1-Deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate , Antibiotics , Drug development , Salmonella , Enterobacteriaceae , Vaccines , Plasmodium falciparum , Mycobacterium tuberculosis
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/167132 , vital:41440
- Description: Invasive non-typhoidal Salmonella, caused by the intracellular pathogen Salmonella enterica, has emerged as a major cause of bloodstream infections. It remains a neglected infection responsible for many deaths in Africa, as it fails to receive the level of support that is given to most better known infections. There are currently no vaccines against invasive non-typhoidal Salmonella. First-line antibiotics have been used for treatment, however, the rise in the resistance of the bacteria against these antibiotics has made treatment of invasive salmonellosis into a clinical problem. Therefore, the discovery of new compounds for the development of antibiotic drugs is required. Central metabolic pathways can be a useful source for identifying drug targets and among these is the non-mevalonate pathway, one of the pathways used for the biosynthesis of isoprenoid precursors. The second step of the non-mevalonate pathway involves the NADPH-dependent reduction of 1-deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate (DOXP) into 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol 4-phosphate (MEP). 1-Deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate (DOXP) reductoisomerase plays a vital role in the catalysis of this reaction and requires NADPH and divalent metal cations as co-factors for its activity. In this investigation recombinant DOXP reductoisomerase from Salmonella enterica, Plasmodium falciparum and Mycobacterium tuberculosis were biochemically characterized as potential targets for developing drugs that could be used as treatment of the disease. The expression and nickel-chelate affinity purification of S. enterica DOXP reductoisomerase in a fully functional native state was successfully achieved. However, the expression and purification of P. falciparum DXR and M. tuberculosis DXR was unsuccessful due to the formation of insoluble inclusion bodies. Although alternative purification strategies were explored, including dialysis and slow dilution, these proteins remained insoluble, making their functional analysis not possible. An NADPH-dependent enzyme assay was used to determine the activity of S. enterica DXR. This assay monitors the reduction of DOXP to MEP by measuring the absorbance at 340 nm, which reflects the concentration of NADPH. An alternative assay, resazurin reduction, which monitors the NADPH-dependent reduction of resazurin to resorufin, was explored for detecting enzyme activity. The recombinant S. enterica DOXP reductoisomerase had a specific activity of 0.126 ± 0.0014 μmol/min/mg protein and a Km and Vmax of 881 μM and 0.249 μmol/min/mg respectively. FR900098, a derivative of fosmidomycin, is a well-known inhibitor of DXR, however, the sensitivity of S. enterica DXR towards FR900098 has not yet been reported. The NADPH dependent enzyme and resazurin reduction assays were used to determine whether FR900098 has enzyme inhibitory effects against S. enterica DXR. Upon confirming that FR900098 is able to inhibit S. enterica DXR, FR900098 was used as a control compound in the screening of novel compounds. The S. enterica DXR enzyme was screened for inhibition by the collection of compounds from the Pathogen Box. Compounds that exhibited the desired inhibitory activity, referred to as ‘hits’ were selected for further investigation. These hits were confirmed using the NADPH-dependent enzyme assay, resulting in the identification of two different DXR inhibitor compounds, MMV002816, also known as diethylcarbamazine, and MMV228911. The inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of FR900098, MMV002816 and MMV228911 against S. enterica DXR were 1.038 μM, 2.173 μM and 6.861 μM respectively. The binding mode of these compounds to S. enterica DXR could lead to the discovery of novel druggable sites on the enzyme and stimulate the development of new antibiotics that can be used for treating Salmonella infections.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Evaluation of Baited Remote Underwater Video Systems (BRUVS) for monitoring fish communities in Lake Malawi/Niassa
- Authors: Van Wyk, Angus
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Underwater videography -- Malawi , Chambo -- Malawi -- Monitoring , Fishes -- Malawi -- Monitoring , Oreochromis lidole -- Malawi -- Monitoring
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/145546 , vital:38448
- Description: Baited Remote Underwater Video systems (BRUVS) have become a well-established in-situ monitoring technique in clearwater aquatic ecosystems. The relatively low cost, nondestructive and non-extractive nature of this technique permits BRUVS to be employed in a wide range of habitats. To date, the vast majority of studies using BRUVS technology have been conducted in marine habitats. Subsequently, BRUVS applications in freshwater habitats are scant, and techniques are not well developed. The primary objective of this thesis was to address this knowledge gap and develop standard operating procedures for BRUVS employment in Lake Malawi/Niassa and explore the potential of BRUVS as a monitoring tool for fish communities in the African Great Lakes. Eight easily identifiable species groups, representative of Lake Malawi/Niassa inshore fish communities, were used to develop the technique. The optimal BRUVS deployment time to obtain 95 % species accumulation was achieved in a 15-minute recording period. Power analysis, using a pre-determined 80 % power, a confidence interval of 95 % and a significance level of < 0.05 was used to determine annual sampling effort requirements for each species group. The power analysis was performed to detect a 10 % change in abundance over a hypothetical 10-year monitoring scenario. In areas where fish abundance was lower, the sampling effort required to monitor key fisheries species was significantly higher. For example, Chambo, the local Oreochromis (Nyasalapia) species flock, required an annual sampling effort of 120 deployments in Malawi compared to 56 in Mozambique ( < 0.05). Chambo had a higher detection probability in areas of lesser fishing pressure and were found in higher abundances in deeper, less accessible habitats. Deep-water (> 20 m) and rocky habitats were most important in explaining Chambo abundance and detection probability. The size-structure of Chambo in Lake Malawi/Niassa reflects size-specific depth and habitat migrations. Larger Chambo were observed aggregating in waters deeper than 20 m and a broader size range of individuals were observed utilising structured habitat. The effects of fishing are apparent in the size-structure of Chambo in the areas sampled. In study areas exposed to greater levels of fishing pressure – such as Malawi, the BRUVS detected significantly fewer individuals within sexually mature size classes, and the average size was smaller than in areas with less exploitation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Van Wyk, Angus
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Underwater videography -- Malawi , Chambo -- Malawi -- Monitoring , Fishes -- Malawi -- Monitoring , Oreochromis lidole -- Malawi -- Monitoring
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/145546 , vital:38448
- Description: Baited Remote Underwater Video systems (BRUVS) have become a well-established in-situ monitoring technique in clearwater aquatic ecosystems. The relatively low cost, nondestructive and non-extractive nature of this technique permits BRUVS to be employed in a wide range of habitats. To date, the vast majority of studies using BRUVS technology have been conducted in marine habitats. Subsequently, BRUVS applications in freshwater habitats are scant, and techniques are not well developed. The primary objective of this thesis was to address this knowledge gap and develop standard operating procedures for BRUVS employment in Lake Malawi/Niassa and explore the potential of BRUVS as a monitoring tool for fish communities in the African Great Lakes. Eight easily identifiable species groups, representative of Lake Malawi/Niassa inshore fish communities, were used to develop the technique. The optimal BRUVS deployment time to obtain 95 % species accumulation was achieved in a 15-minute recording period. Power analysis, using a pre-determined 80 % power, a confidence interval of 95 % and a significance level of < 0.05 was used to determine annual sampling effort requirements for each species group. The power analysis was performed to detect a 10 % change in abundance over a hypothetical 10-year monitoring scenario. In areas where fish abundance was lower, the sampling effort required to monitor key fisheries species was significantly higher. For example, Chambo, the local Oreochromis (Nyasalapia) species flock, required an annual sampling effort of 120 deployments in Malawi compared to 56 in Mozambique ( < 0.05). Chambo had a higher detection probability in areas of lesser fishing pressure and were found in higher abundances in deeper, less accessible habitats. Deep-water (> 20 m) and rocky habitats were most important in explaining Chambo abundance and detection probability. The size-structure of Chambo in Lake Malawi/Niassa reflects size-specific depth and habitat migrations. Larger Chambo were observed aggregating in waters deeper than 20 m and a broader size range of individuals were observed utilising structured habitat. The effects of fishing are apparent in the size-structure of Chambo in the areas sampled. In study areas exposed to greater levels of fishing pressure – such as Malawi, the BRUVS detected significantly fewer individuals within sexually mature size classes, and the average size was smaller than in areas with less exploitation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Evaluation of product x pre and post cpv implementation
- Authors: Killian, Christopher Grant
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Pharmaceutical industry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPharm
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46447 , vital:39577
- Description: Purpose: Stage 3 of the pharmaceutical process validation lifecycle, is called continued process verification (CPV). CPV is the final stage of lifecycle management and is intended to provide ongoing assurance that during routine production that a process remains in a state of control. Since CPV is a relatively new focus area for regulators, many legacy products will not have undergone Stage 3 process validation. Therefore, an opportunity existed to review the impact and challenges of implementing CPV on a legacy product. Methodology: This study employed quantitative analysis to evaluate the impact of CPV on process stability and end product quality for Product X, a legacy product manufactured at a generics manufacturing facility. Initial Stage 3a CPV was used to review historical process data and identify special cause variation. Corrective and preventative actions were taken to address these statistical outliers and the impact of these process changes were evaluated in Stage 3b. Results: CPV implementation appeared to have an effect on process control, stability and capability for Product X. In Stage 3b, an increase in statistical outliers along with significant changes to process mean and standard deviation were seen for the critical process parameters, average mass and hardness. An improvement in process capability for the critical quality attributes, assay and dissolution, was also seen. Conclusion: The largest benefit of CPV implementation, especially for a legacy product, is the process knowledge gained. This provided opportunities for process improvement and ultimately benefited patient safety.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Killian, Christopher Grant
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Pharmaceutical industry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPharm
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46447 , vital:39577
- Description: Purpose: Stage 3 of the pharmaceutical process validation lifecycle, is called continued process verification (CPV). CPV is the final stage of lifecycle management and is intended to provide ongoing assurance that during routine production that a process remains in a state of control. Since CPV is a relatively new focus area for regulators, many legacy products will not have undergone Stage 3 process validation. Therefore, an opportunity existed to review the impact and challenges of implementing CPV on a legacy product. Methodology: This study employed quantitative analysis to evaluate the impact of CPV on process stability and end product quality for Product X, a legacy product manufactured at a generics manufacturing facility. Initial Stage 3a CPV was used to review historical process data and identify special cause variation. Corrective and preventative actions were taken to address these statistical outliers and the impact of these process changes were evaluated in Stage 3b. Results: CPV implementation appeared to have an effect on process control, stability and capability for Product X. In Stage 3b, an increase in statistical outliers along with significant changes to process mean and standard deviation were seen for the critical process parameters, average mass and hardness. An improvement in process capability for the critical quality attributes, assay and dissolution, was also seen. Conclusion: The largest benefit of CPV implementation, especially for a legacy product, is the process knowledge gained. This provided opportunities for process improvement and ultimately benefited patient safety.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Evaluation of the role of ethical leadership development on organisational performance: the case of Econet Wireless Zimbabwe
- Authors: Chakonza, Hawkins
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Econet Wireless Zimbabwe , Leadership , Leadership -- Case studies , Business ethics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/146723 , vital:38551
- Description: The study evaluated the role of ethical leadership development on the performance of the organisation. Econet Wireless Zimbabwe was employed as a case study. The objectives of the study were to: understand the role of ethical leadership development at Econet Wireless Zimbabwe on the day to day running of the business, understand the nature of the ethical leadership development at Econet Wireless, examine the factors influencing ethical leadership development at Econet Wireless, ascertain the role of ethical leadership development in enhancing organisational perfomance and efficiency and to investigate leaders’ perceptions on ethical leadership development on the organisation’s effectiveness. Social learning and social exchange theory informed the study. The research employed a qualitatve approache to improve the validity,reliability and credibility of the research findings. key informnat intervews and focus group of discussion and in-depth interviews were used as data collection instruments. The study found that ethical leadership development programmes improve the perfomance of orgnisations. That is, ethical leadeship development enbaled Econet Wireless Zimbabwe to achive disticinive competence, increase profit, have a large number of subscribers and also expanded among others. Furthermore, the study shows that an ethical leadership development approach brings significant value to the organisation and, suggests that ethical leaders are more influential in organizations than currently understood. The study found that leaders could influence ethics related outcomes in the organisation by engaging in behaviours that makes them perceived as credible, attractive and legitimate by their followers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Chakonza, Hawkins
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Econet Wireless Zimbabwe , Leadership , Leadership -- Case studies , Business ethics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/146723 , vital:38551
- Description: The study evaluated the role of ethical leadership development on the performance of the organisation. Econet Wireless Zimbabwe was employed as a case study. The objectives of the study were to: understand the role of ethical leadership development at Econet Wireless Zimbabwe on the day to day running of the business, understand the nature of the ethical leadership development at Econet Wireless, examine the factors influencing ethical leadership development at Econet Wireless, ascertain the role of ethical leadership development in enhancing organisational perfomance and efficiency and to investigate leaders’ perceptions on ethical leadership development on the organisation’s effectiveness. Social learning and social exchange theory informed the study. The research employed a qualitatve approache to improve the validity,reliability and credibility of the research findings. key informnat intervews and focus group of discussion and in-depth interviews were used as data collection instruments. The study found that ethical leadership development programmes improve the perfomance of orgnisations. That is, ethical leadeship development enbaled Econet Wireless Zimbabwe to achive disticinive competence, increase profit, have a large number of subscribers and also expanded among others. Furthermore, the study shows that an ethical leadership development approach brings significant value to the organisation and, suggests that ethical leaders are more influential in organizations than currently understood. The study found that leaders could influence ethics related outcomes in the organisation by engaging in behaviours that makes them perceived as credible, attractive and legitimate by their followers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Examining the effect of Diversity, Inclusion and Equity on Work Engagement and Innovation on South African Organisations
- Authors: Efalao, D M
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Organizational effectiveness -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48202 , vital:40520
- Description: The biggest strengths of organisational success lie in its employees; therefore, employee engagement is a fundamental force that is linked to organisational effectiveness and success. The level of employee engagement in South Africa according to the polls remains very low. On the other front, innovative ideas prove to be a vital element of organisational innovativeness and progress. Today’s business environment is unstable and to remain relevant in the marketplace, it is imperative for organisations to embrace innovation and become responsive to changing customer needs. South Africa’s population is very diverse coming second in diversity after the United States. The diversity of South Africa as a national endowment could be investigated to see if it could be leveraged to improve organisational innovation and effectiveness through work engagement. Being mindful of the fact that being diverse is not equal to being inclusive, inclusion is also investigated to see its effect on work engagement and organisational innovation. The principle of fairness (equity) was also investigated with relation to engagement and innovation. The purpose of the study is to assist organisations to improve employee engagement and organisational innovation by taking advantage of the national factor endowment of diversity and inclusion. Equity is investigated as an important principle that could possibly have an effect on employee engagement or organisational innovation. The findings were that diversity and inclusion have a significant relationship with employee engagement and organisational innovativeness while equity has a significant relationship with organisational innovativeness. Recommendations were therefore made to leaders of the organisations to embrace workforce diversity, inclusion and fairness in organisational structures and practices in order to realise improved employee engagement and organisational innovativeness.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Efalao, D M
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Organizational effectiveness -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48202 , vital:40520
- Description: The biggest strengths of organisational success lie in its employees; therefore, employee engagement is a fundamental force that is linked to organisational effectiveness and success. The level of employee engagement in South Africa according to the polls remains very low. On the other front, innovative ideas prove to be a vital element of organisational innovativeness and progress. Today’s business environment is unstable and to remain relevant in the marketplace, it is imperative for organisations to embrace innovation and become responsive to changing customer needs. South Africa’s population is very diverse coming second in diversity after the United States. The diversity of South Africa as a national endowment could be investigated to see if it could be leveraged to improve organisational innovation and effectiveness through work engagement. Being mindful of the fact that being diverse is not equal to being inclusive, inclusion is also investigated to see its effect on work engagement and organisational innovation. The principle of fairness (equity) was also investigated with relation to engagement and innovation. The purpose of the study is to assist organisations to improve employee engagement and organisational innovation by taking advantage of the national factor endowment of diversity and inclusion. Equity is investigated as an important principle that could possibly have an effect on employee engagement or organisational innovation. The findings were that diversity and inclusion have a significant relationship with employee engagement and organisational innovativeness while equity has a significant relationship with organisational innovativeness. Recommendations were therefore made to leaders of the organisations to embrace workforce diversity, inclusion and fairness in organisational structures and practices in order to realise improved employee engagement and organisational innovativeness.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Experiences and coping strategies of probation officers in fulfilling their role within the multi-stakeholder child justice system
- Authors: Ndwammbi, Thomani Freddy
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Probation officers
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSW
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46437 , vital:39591
- Description: Probation officers, as social workers, play a central role in the child justice system. They are expected to collaborate with various stakeholders within the multi-stakeholder child justice system. They have to meet the various expectations of these stakeholdersthatincludepolice, prosecutors, lawyers and magistrates while ensuring the best interest of the children involved in the child justice system. Despite the important rolethat isplayed by probation officers in the system, there is a gap in literature on the experiences and coping strategies of probation officers in fulfilling their roles within a multi-stakeholder context. This was a qualitative study that was exploratory-descriptive and contextual in design. A non-probability purposive sampling technique was employed to identify probation officers who are working in Vhembe district, Limpopo and who have a minimum of two years working experience as probation officers. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with the selected probation officers, and the data collected was analysed using thematic data analysis. The trustworthiness of the research process and the findings was enhanced by employing a variety of data verification strategies. This research contributes to a greater understanding of probation officers’ experiences and coping strategies in fulfilling their role within the multi-stakeholder child justice system. Thestudy revealed that most probation officers experienced difficulties in fulfilling their role within the multi-stakeholder child justice system. They needed resources, supervisors who understand probation services and full support from the department and other child justice stakeholders. The study revealed various coping strategies that probation officers employed in order to cope with fulfilling their role. Probation Officers use personal resources as a coping strategy, draw support from their colleagues andregard job satisfaction as a coping strategy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Ndwammbi, Thomani Freddy
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Probation officers
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSW
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46437 , vital:39591
- Description: Probation officers, as social workers, play a central role in the child justice system. They are expected to collaborate with various stakeholders within the multi-stakeholder child justice system. They have to meet the various expectations of these stakeholdersthatincludepolice, prosecutors, lawyers and magistrates while ensuring the best interest of the children involved in the child justice system. Despite the important rolethat isplayed by probation officers in the system, there is a gap in literature on the experiences and coping strategies of probation officers in fulfilling their roles within a multi-stakeholder context. This was a qualitative study that was exploratory-descriptive and contextual in design. A non-probability purposive sampling technique was employed to identify probation officers who are working in Vhembe district, Limpopo and who have a minimum of two years working experience as probation officers. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with the selected probation officers, and the data collected was analysed using thematic data analysis. The trustworthiness of the research process and the findings was enhanced by employing a variety of data verification strategies. This research contributes to a greater understanding of probation officers’ experiences and coping strategies in fulfilling their role within the multi-stakeholder child justice system. Thestudy revealed that most probation officers experienced difficulties in fulfilling their role within the multi-stakeholder child justice system. They needed resources, supervisors who understand probation services and full support from the department and other child justice stakeholders. The study revealed various coping strategies that probation officers employed in order to cope with fulfilling their role. Probation Officers use personal resources as a coping strategy, draw support from their colleagues andregard job satisfaction as a coping strategy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Experiences of community service nurses regarding supervision and support from professional nurses in primary health care clinics in Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Zambodla, Ayanda
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Primary health care -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46456 , vital:39604
- Description: Community servicenursesinSouthAfricaarenewly qualified nurses who have to undertake a one-year community service rotation in public healthcare facility. Recently qualified, they are not yet competent to work alone and require supervision Theobjectiveofthisstudywastoexploreanddescribetheexperiencesofcommunity service nurses with regards to the supervision and support they received from professional nurses at primary healthcare clinics inNelsonMandelaBay.The researcher utilised a qualitative research approach, with an explorative, descriptive and contextual research design inorder to achieve the objectives of this study. The research population comprised community service nurses who had completed their one-year community serviceduringthe2016-2017cycleinaprimary healthcarefacilityinNelsonMandelaBay.Purposivesamplingwasusedtoselectthe research sample. Data collection was done by conducting 10semi-structured interviews. Descriptive field notes supplemented the data. Tesch’smethod of qualitative data analysis was employed to analyse the data. Ethical considerations were applied throughout the study. Trustworthiness of the study was maintained by applyingGuba’s criteria of credibility, transferability, dependability and confirmability. Two main themes emerged from the study. Theme1 focused on the participant's experiences regarding the diverse needs related to the community service placement at primary healthcare clinics. Theme2 related to the participants expressed experiences with regard to social interaction during community service at primary healthcare clinics. The findings of the study enabled recommendations to be made for nursing practice, education and research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Zambodla, Ayanda
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Primary health care -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46456 , vital:39604
- Description: Community servicenursesinSouthAfricaarenewly qualified nurses who have to undertake a one-year community service rotation in public healthcare facility. Recently qualified, they are not yet competent to work alone and require supervision Theobjectiveofthisstudywastoexploreanddescribetheexperiencesofcommunity service nurses with regards to the supervision and support they received from professional nurses at primary healthcare clinics inNelsonMandelaBay.The researcher utilised a qualitative research approach, with an explorative, descriptive and contextual research design inorder to achieve the objectives of this study. The research population comprised community service nurses who had completed their one-year community serviceduringthe2016-2017cycleinaprimary healthcarefacilityinNelsonMandelaBay.Purposivesamplingwasusedtoselectthe research sample. Data collection was done by conducting 10semi-structured interviews. Descriptive field notes supplemented the data. Tesch’smethod of qualitative data analysis was employed to analyse the data. Ethical considerations were applied throughout the study. Trustworthiness of the study was maintained by applyingGuba’s criteria of credibility, transferability, dependability and confirmability. Two main themes emerged from the study. Theme1 focused on the participant's experiences regarding the diverse needs related to the community service placement at primary healthcare clinics. Theme2 related to the participants expressed experiences with regard to social interaction during community service at primary healthcare clinics. The findings of the study enabled recommendations to be made for nursing practice, education and research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Explored Vygotsky’s concept of mediation in a biliteracy project in the foundation phase of a township school
- Authors: Frans, Nompumelelo Grace
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Literacy -- South Africa -- Case studies , Education, Elementary -- South Africa -- Case studies , Education, Bilingual -- South Africa -- Case studies , Vygotskiĭ, L S (Lev Semenovich), 1896-1934 , Biliteracy Project (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/147204 , vital:38602
- Description: The research reported on in this thesis explored teacher mediation when a biliteracy approach through task-based teaching and learning is used in a Foundation Phase classroom in a township school in the Eastern Cape. It is an action research aimed at understanding and systematically investigating how and what it means to work with bilingual mediation to ensure cognition, with emphasis on task design, facilitation for cognition, mediation forms and language use. This thesis was motivated by three issues that are still not being adequately addressed: the low level of cognitive work in South African schools, the failure to use the home languages of children throughout schooling as a medium of instruction and assessment (while providing excellent access to English as subject), and a top-down approach to both policy development and teacher professionalisation. These three issues drove me to explore theories that can help address them, and that is how I came to rely mostly on mediation, biliteracy and a task-based approach to teaching. For this research, on data handling I prepared and taught six lessons, but only three of the six lessons were recorded, transcribed and analysed for empirical data. I chose data handling, as in my previous experience I found it to include all the mathematical problem-solving skills which involve addition subtraction, analysing and comparing information. It also offered opportunities for language use, and meaningful interactive co-construction and acquiring of knowledge in the process of teaching and learning. This turned into a form of theory-driven action research, which was also developmental. I was critically reflective on my practices, and my facilitation for cognition and how I use language to make cognition possible. I also looked at the types of activities that I gave learners to help reach maximum development. The data collected from the classroom interactions, shows how I, in some instances, would take decisions, implement them and then find them not to be effective. It also shows some of the challenges I came across, from myself and the learners. Learners challenges were, unfamiliarity with the systematic build-up of data handling, filling in tables, transferring information from one form into a different form, and constructing and analysing bar graphs. This was part of pedagogynot the policy, which indicated inadequate teacher development. This could be because data handling is allocated minimal weighting from the CAPS document, and teachers do not go as in depth as they need to in dealing with data handling. My challenge was to prepare the grade 3 class for more data handling encounters in the higher grades. I had to ensure they grasped data handling concepts in their mother tongue before the switch to English as LoLT, as prescribed by policy. Learners proved to have little or no knowledge with regards to data handling concepts, which meant I had to start from the basics, as I had nothing to build on, and then progress to grade 3 level in one year. This study suggests that for any concept that has to be taught, cognition must be a priority, and strategies on how to facilitate that needs to be well thought out. Teachers need to be aware of theories that can positively impact on their practices. Teacher development is key to improvement of education, especially in the Eastern Cape. That cannot be done in isolation, but in partnership with relevant stakeholders.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Frans, Nompumelelo Grace
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Literacy -- South Africa -- Case studies , Education, Elementary -- South Africa -- Case studies , Education, Bilingual -- South Africa -- Case studies , Vygotskiĭ, L S (Lev Semenovich), 1896-1934 , Biliteracy Project (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/147204 , vital:38602
- Description: The research reported on in this thesis explored teacher mediation when a biliteracy approach through task-based teaching and learning is used in a Foundation Phase classroom in a township school in the Eastern Cape. It is an action research aimed at understanding and systematically investigating how and what it means to work with bilingual mediation to ensure cognition, with emphasis on task design, facilitation for cognition, mediation forms and language use. This thesis was motivated by three issues that are still not being adequately addressed: the low level of cognitive work in South African schools, the failure to use the home languages of children throughout schooling as a medium of instruction and assessment (while providing excellent access to English as subject), and a top-down approach to both policy development and teacher professionalisation. These three issues drove me to explore theories that can help address them, and that is how I came to rely mostly on mediation, biliteracy and a task-based approach to teaching. For this research, on data handling I prepared and taught six lessons, but only three of the six lessons were recorded, transcribed and analysed for empirical data. I chose data handling, as in my previous experience I found it to include all the mathematical problem-solving skills which involve addition subtraction, analysing and comparing information. It also offered opportunities for language use, and meaningful interactive co-construction and acquiring of knowledge in the process of teaching and learning. This turned into a form of theory-driven action research, which was also developmental. I was critically reflective on my practices, and my facilitation for cognition and how I use language to make cognition possible. I also looked at the types of activities that I gave learners to help reach maximum development. The data collected from the classroom interactions, shows how I, in some instances, would take decisions, implement them and then find them not to be effective. It also shows some of the challenges I came across, from myself and the learners. Learners challenges were, unfamiliarity with the systematic build-up of data handling, filling in tables, transferring information from one form into a different form, and constructing and analysing bar graphs. This was part of pedagogynot the policy, which indicated inadequate teacher development. This could be because data handling is allocated minimal weighting from the CAPS document, and teachers do not go as in depth as they need to in dealing with data handling. My challenge was to prepare the grade 3 class for more data handling encounters in the higher grades. I had to ensure they grasped data handling concepts in their mother tongue before the switch to English as LoLT, as prescribed by policy. Learners proved to have little or no knowledge with regards to data handling concepts, which meant I had to start from the basics, as I had nothing to build on, and then progress to grade 3 level in one year. This study suggests that for any concept that has to be taught, cognition must be a priority, and strategies on how to facilitate that needs to be well thought out. Teachers need to be aware of theories that can positively impact on their practices. Teacher development is key to improvement of education, especially in the Eastern Cape. That cannot be done in isolation, but in partnership with relevant stakeholders.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Exploring affordances and hindrances when indigenous knowledge is integrated in the topic on waves and sound in a Grade 10 Physical Sciences township class
- Authors: Manyana, Xolani Justice
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Physical sciences -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa , Physical sciences -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Case studies , Ethnoscience -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Schools -- South Africa -- Curricula , Social change
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/142889 , vital:38173
- Description: The lack of interest and hence the decline in the number of learners doing Science in schools, is attributed in part to the decontextualised ways in which Science is taught. As an attempt to address this challenge, the new South African National Curriculum Policy Statement (CAPS) encourages Science teachers to use culturally responsive pedagogies through integrating local or indigenous knowledge (IK) in Science lessons to make it accessible and relevant to learners. But, it does not explicitly state how Science teachers should go about enacting this. It is against this caveat that this study aimed at finding out indigenous practices and knowledge in the community and from two community members that could be integrated into the topic on waves and sound in Grade 10 Physical Sciences lessons with the view to establishing its influence (or not) on learners’ conceptions and dispositions towards Science. The study was conducted at Buyelembo Combined School (pseudonym), a township school in the Sarah Baartman District, in the Eastern Cape in South Africa. The research participants were 18 Grade 10 Physical Sciences learners, two Physical Sciences teachers and two community members. Data were generated using the learners’ group activity, discussions and presentations, observations (participatory observations and lesson observations), stimulated recall interviews and reflections. A thematic and inductive-deductive approach to data analysis was employed to come up with sub-themes and themes. Underpinned by an interpretivist perspective and informed by Vygotsky’s socio-cultural theory, a qualitative case study approach was adopted. Additionally, Ogunniyi’s Contiguity Argumentative Theory (CAT) was used as an analytical framework. The five cognitive states of CAT were employed to analyse data during the social interactions to surface any contradictions. The findings from this study revealed that there are indigenous practices and knowledge in relation to the sea that can be integrated into the topic on waves and sound in Grade 10 Physical Sciences lessons. However, regarding relevance of those indigenous practices and knowledge to science, the study revealed that the learners found no relevance at all but discussions and argumentation were enhanced. In addition, findings from this study revealed that the learners’ conceptions, dispositions, and sense-making in science were influenced positively through using hands-on practical activities when teaching Science concepts. Lastly, the study revealed that the use of mother tongue by the community members, learners and the teachers together with the language of learning and teaching promoted learner talk. Based on the findings of this study, I recommend that there is a need to support teachers on how to integrate indigenous practices and knowledge in their teaching, particularly when teaching Physical Sciences.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Manyana, Xolani Justice
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Physical sciences -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa , Physical sciences -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Case studies , Ethnoscience -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Schools -- South Africa -- Curricula , Social change
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/142889 , vital:38173
- Description: The lack of interest and hence the decline in the number of learners doing Science in schools, is attributed in part to the decontextualised ways in which Science is taught. As an attempt to address this challenge, the new South African National Curriculum Policy Statement (CAPS) encourages Science teachers to use culturally responsive pedagogies through integrating local or indigenous knowledge (IK) in Science lessons to make it accessible and relevant to learners. But, it does not explicitly state how Science teachers should go about enacting this. It is against this caveat that this study aimed at finding out indigenous practices and knowledge in the community and from two community members that could be integrated into the topic on waves and sound in Grade 10 Physical Sciences lessons with the view to establishing its influence (or not) on learners’ conceptions and dispositions towards Science. The study was conducted at Buyelembo Combined School (pseudonym), a township school in the Sarah Baartman District, in the Eastern Cape in South Africa. The research participants were 18 Grade 10 Physical Sciences learners, two Physical Sciences teachers and two community members. Data were generated using the learners’ group activity, discussions and presentations, observations (participatory observations and lesson observations), stimulated recall interviews and reflections. A thematic and inductive-deductive approach to data analysis was employed to come up with sub-themes and themes. Underpinned by an interpretivist perspective and informed by Vygotsky’s socio-cultural theory, a qualitative case study approach was adopted. Additionally, Ogunniyi’s Contiguity Argumentative Theory (CAT) was used as an analytical framework. The five cognitive states of CAT were employed to analyse data during the social interactions to surface any contradictions. The findings from this study revealed that there are indigenous practices and knowledge in relation to the sea that can be integrated into the topic on waves and sound in Grade 10 Physical Sciences lessons. However, regarding relevance of those indigenous practices and knowledge to science, the study revealed that the learners found no relevance at all but discussions and argumentation were enhanced. In addition, findings from this study revealed that the learners’ conceptions, dispositions, and sense-making in science were influenced positively through using hands-on practical activities when teaching Science concepts. Lastly, the study revealed that the use of mother tongue by the community members, learners and the teachers together with the language of learning and teaching promoted learner talk. Based on the findings of this study, I recommend that there is a need to support teachers on how to integrate indigenous practices and knowledge in their teaching, particularly when teaching Physical Sciences.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Exploring an intervention on how to integrate local or indigenous knowledge on the features of the moon in Grade 4 classes
- Authors: Magwentshu, Thando
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Moon -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- South Africa , Science -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- South Africa , Education, Elementary -- South Africa , Ethnoscience -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/166387 , vital:41358
- Description: The National Curriculum Statement (R-12) calls on all Natural Sciences teachers to integrate local or indigenous knowledge (IK) into their lessons. However, this seems to be easier said than done. For instance, in my experience as a Natural Sciences teacher I have observed that the Department of Education does not adequately equip and support teachers with the necessary pedagogical skills to integrate IK in science lessons. It is against this background that this study sought to explore an intervention on the development and implementation of model lessons on features of the moon that integrate local or IK in Grade 4 classes. The study adopted a qualitative case study approach underpinned by an interpretivist perspective. Within the interpretive paradigm, a qualitative case study approach was employed. The participants were four Grade 4 Natural Sciences and Technology teachers from selected schools in the Chris Hani West District. Data were gathered and triangulated using questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, document analysis, a presentation by an expert community member, workshop discussions and journal reflections. Vygotsky’s socio-cultural theory and Shulman’s pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) were used as a theoretical framework and analytical framework respectively. From the socio-cultural theory, three concepts were used: social interactions, mediation of learning and the zone of proximal development (ZPD). Additionally, within PCK, Mavhunga and Rollnick’s (2013) five Topic Specific Pedagogical Content Knowledge components: learners’ prior knowledge, what is difficult to understand, curricular saliency, representations and conceptual teaching strategies were used as analytical tools. A thematic approach to qualitative data analysis was adopted, to come up with sub-themes in relation to my research questions. The findings from this study revealed that before the intervention, some teachers had a narrow understanding of local or IK and how it could be integrated in their lessons. As a result, some teachers had never implemented integration of local or IK as required by the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) and the principles of the National Curriculum Statement. The findings of this study thus showed that after the intervention, teachers felt equipped with understanding of local or IK. Additionally, they were able to develop their own model lessons that integrated it. The study thus recommends that teachers should be supported as far as possible in order to be able to integrate local or IK in their science lessons.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Magwentshu, Thando
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Moon -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- South Africa , Science -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- South Africa , Education, Elementary -- South Africa , Ethnoscience -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/166387 , vital:41358
- Description: The National Curriculum Statement (R-12) calls on all Natural Sciences teachers to integrate local or indigenous knowledge (IK) into their lessons. However, this seems to be easier said than done. For instance, in my experience as a Natural Sciences teacher I have observed that the Department of Education does not adequately equip and support teachers with the necessary pedagogical skills to integrate IK in science lessons. It is against this background that this study sought to explore an intervention on the development and implementation of model lessons on features of the moon that integrate local or IK in Grade 4 classes. The study adopted a qualitative case study approach underpinned by an interpretivist perspective. Within the interpretive paradigm, a qualitative case study approach was employed. The participants were four Grade 4 Natural Sciences and Technology teachers from selected schools in the Chris Hani West District. Data were gathered and triangulated using questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, document analysis, a presentation by an expert community member, workshop discussions and journal reflections. Vygotsky’s socio-cultural theory and Shulman’s pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) were used as a theoretical framework and analytical framework respectively. From the socio-cultural theory, three concepts were used: social interactions, mediation of learning and the zone of proximal development (ZPD). Additionally, within PCK, Mavhunga and Rollnick’s (2013) five Topic Specific Pedagogical Content Knowledge components: learners’ prior knowledge, what is difficult to understand, curricular saliency, representations and conceptual teaching strategies were used as analytical tools. A thematic approach to qualitative data analysis was adopted, to come up with sub-themes in relation to my research questions. The findings from this study revealed that before the intervention, some teachers had a narrow understanding of local or IK and how it could be integrated in their lessons. As a result, some teachers had never implemented integration of local or IK as required by the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) and the principles of the National Curriculum Statement. The findings of this study thus showed that after the intervention, teachers felt equipped with understanding of local or IK. Additionally, they were able to develop their own model lessons that integrated it. The study thus recommends that teachers should be supported as far as possible in order to be able to integrate local or IK in their science lessons.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Exploring career information through developmental contextual focus groups with youth from disadvantaged backgrounds
- Authors: Phala, Phorogohlo Modipadi
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Vocational guidance , Educational counseling , Focus groups , Action research , Youth -- South Africa -- Social conditions -- 1994- , Parental influences – South Africa , Vocational guidance -- Parent participation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/130594 , vital:36442
- Description: This study investigates the importance of initiating career exploration discussions with young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, using the developmental-contextual framework of career development by Vondracek, Lerner & Schulenburg (1986). This model stresses the dynamic relationship between an individual, the ever-changing environment and how each influences the other. Based upon an earlier study by Spencer (1999), this study aims to explore the developmental-contextual model as the basis of successive group discussions at a pivotal moment in the lives of the youth from disadvantaged backgrounds. In addition, it aims to understand individuals’ perceptions of career education and the influences on career decision-making and aspiration. Data were collected through setting up and running a focus group session once a week over a period of five weeks, in which different career-related topics were discussed. The sample consisted of nine unemployed students who were currently not in a tertiary institution between the ages of 18-25 years. The findings indicated a noteworthy need for more relevant career interventions to be investigated and implemented for the diverse South African population. The study’s findings demonstrated that individuals might be more open to exploring career development through group rather than individual counselling. It was found that parents are the main career influencers in their children’s lives. Mothers were experienced as role models, supporters and encouragers while fathers were experienced as absent and unsupportive, playing little or no role in their children’s lives. The participants found this form of career exploration appealing as it allowed for peer consultation and the freedom to discuss career issues in a non-judgemental setting.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Phala, Phorogohlo Modipadi
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Vocational guidance , Educational counseling , Focus groups , Action research , Youth -- South Africa -- Social conditions -- 1994- , Parental influences – South Africa , Vocational guidance -- Parent participation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/130594 , vital:36442
- Description: This study investigates the importance of initiating career exploration discussions with young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, using the developmental-contextual framework of career development by Vondracek, Lerner & Schulenburg (1986). This model stresses the dynamic relationship between an individual, the ever-changing environment and how each influences the other. Based upon an earlier study by Spencer (1999), this study aims to explore the developmental-contextual model as the basis of successive group discussions at a pivotal moment in the lives of the youth from disadvantaged backgrounds. In addition, it aims to understand individuals’ perceptions of career education and the influences on career decision-making and aspiration. Data were collected through setting up and running a focus group session once a week over a period of five weeks, in which different career-related topics were discussed. The sample consisted of nine unemployed students who were currently not in a tertiary institution between the ages of 18-25 years. The findings indicated a noteworthy need for more relevant career interventions to be investigated and implemented for the diverse South African population. The study’s findings demonstrated that individuals might be more open to exploring career development through group rather than individual counselling. It was found that parents are the main career influencers in their children’s lives. Mothers were experienced as role models, supporters and encouragers while fathers were experienced as absent and unsupportive, playing little or no role in their children’s lives. The participants found this form of career exploration appealing as it allowed for peer consultation and the freedom to discuss career issues in a non-judgemental setting.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Exploring challenges in implementing a health referral system in the Buffalo city metropolitan municipality in the Eastern Cape Province”
- Authors: Matolengwe, Aseza
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Primary health care
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPH
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18441 , vital:42266
- Description: The purpose of the study is to explore and describe challenges experienced by health professionals regarding implementation of the referral system used in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) in the Eastern Cape Province. A referral system in health care can be defined as a method whereby a health worker with insufficient skills and less resources in the primary health care setting, who has fewer remedies or options to manage medical conditions, seeks assistance from a more senior practitioner in a tertiary setting with better resources to provide guidance in managing the patient or to take over the management of the patient (Eastern Cape Department of Health, 2007:7). A qualitative descriptive explorative contextual design was used to explore and describe the challenges pertaining to the implementation of a referral system in the public health sector in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) in the Eastern Cape. A purposive sampling technique was employed with an inclusion criteria of health care professionals who are doctors, professional nurses, pharmacists and specialists. After obtaining ethical clearance from the respective departments, steps for data collection were implemented. Individual interviews were conducted using an interview guide that was prepared by the researcher. Findings in the study indicate that there are challenges in implementing a referral system in relation to infrastructure, workforce capacity, equipment, transport and drug availability. The participants provided suggestions according to their experiences on what they felt the Department of Health in BCMM could do to strengthen the referral system in place. The researcher then provided recommendations to the Department of Health of BCMM. The health referral system in BCMM needs to be strengthened through provision of adequate infrastructure, improving workforce capacity, and availability of medicines and equipment. A monitoring and evaluation plan must be affected by the Eastern Cape Department of Health. Education and training are needed for the health care workers and the community through their involvement in stakeholder meetings
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Matolengwe, Aseza
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Primary health care
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPH
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18441 , vital:42266
- Description: The purpose of the study is to explore and describe challenges experienced by health professionals regarding implementation of the referral system used in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) in the Eastern Cape Province. A referral system in health care can be defined as a method whereby a health worker with insufficient skills and less resources in the primary health care setting, who has fewer remedies or options to manage medical conditions, seeks assistance from a more senior practitioner in a tertiary setting with better resources to provide guidance in managing the patient or to take over the management of the patient (Eastern Cape Department of Health, 2007:7). A qualitative descriptive explorative contextual design was used to explore and describe the challenges pertaining to the implementation of a referral system in the public health sector in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) in the Eastern Cape. A purposive sampling technique was employed with an inclusion criteria of health care professionals who are doctors, professional nurses, pharmacists and specialists. After obtaining ethical clearance from the respective departments, steps for data collection were implemented. Individual interviews were conducted using an interview guide that was prepared by the researcher. Findings in the study indicate that there are challenges in implementing a referral system in relation to infrastructure, workforce capacity, equipment, transport and drug availability. The participants provided suggestions according to their experiences on what they felt the Department of Health in BCMM could do to strengthen the referral system in place. The researcher then provided recommendations to the Department of Health of BCMM. The health referral system in BCMM needs to be strengthened through provision of adequate infrastructure, improving workforce capacity, and availability of medicines and equipment. A monitoring and evaluation plan must be affected by the Eastern Cape Department of Health. Education and training are needed for the health care workers and the community through their involvement in stakeholder meetings
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020