Investment-grade or “junk” status: do sovereign credit ratings really matter?
- Authors: Slabbert, Adriaan
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Credit ratings , Rating agencies (Finance) , Developing countries -- Economic conditions , Developing countries -- Foreign economic relations
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/97067 , vital:31393
- Description: Credit ratings play a well-established part in modern financial markets, reducing asymmetric information between investors and borrowers. In particular, sovereign credit ratings allow the world’s lesser-known economies to access a wider pool of international capital, while simultaneously allowing international investors to access a more diverse set of investment opportunities. The importance of sovereign credit ratings in terms of the cost of government debt in developing nations was observed. The relationship between sovereign credit ratings and average bond spreads over the time period spanning 2006 – 2017 was examined in 25 emerging economies. Regression analysis in the form of fixed-effects and random-effects models was used to determine the impact of changes in sovereign credit ratings on the cost of sovereign debt, controlling for certain macroeconomic factors. It was concluded that sovereign credit ratings are relevant in helping to determine the cost of sovereign debt for developing economies, but that they are not the only factor considered by global markets. The thesis therefore recommended further research into the factors affecting the cost of sovereign debt as well as further refinements to the methodologies that ratings agencies use to assign ratings.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Slabbert, Adriaan
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Credit ratings , Rating agencies (Finance) , Developing countries -- Economic conditions , Developing countries -- Foreign economic relations
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/97067 , vital:31393
- Description: Credit ratings play a well-established part in modern financial markets, reducing asymmetric information between investors and borrowers. In particular, sovereign credit ratings allow the world’s lesser-known economies to access a wider pool of international capital, while simultaneously allowing international investors to access a more diverse set of investment opportunities. The importance of sovereign credit ratings in terms of the cost of government debt in developing nations was observed. The relationship between sovereign credit ratings and average bond spreads over the time period spanning 2006 – 2017 was examined in 25 emerging economies. Regression analysis in the form of fixed-effects and random-effects models was used to determine the impact of changes in sovereign credit ratings on the cost of sovereign debt, controlling for certain macroeconomic factors. It was concluded that sovereign credit ratings are relevant in helping to determine the cost of sovereign debt for developing economies, but that they are not the only factor considered by global markets. The thesis therefore recommended further research into the factors affecting the cost of sovereign debt as well as further refinements to the methodologies that ratings agencies use to assign ratings.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Involving fishermen in seabirds’ conservation: bridging the gap between socio-economic needs of industry and the needs of seabirds
- Authors: Ginsburg, Tayla
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Sea birds -- Ecology , Island ecology Island animals -- Conservation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42184 , vital:36633
- Description: Marine ecosystems and species face multiple threats, particularly intensive industrial-scale fishing activities. As the human population continues to increase exponentially and drive a greater demand for food, commercial fishing effort will likely intensify. While terrestrial protected areas are well developed, marine protected areas (MPAs) are less so, both in the area covered and management practices. There is currently a drive to increase the extent of MPAs, both globally and in South Africa, particularly for those ecosystems and marine species that can benefit from area-based management. The size, shape, location zonation of MPAs generally remain static through time. However, the ocean is a dynamic environment and static MPAs are not always able to achieve conservation objectives for their component ecosystems and species. Dynamic Ocean Management (DOM) is an approach that integrates near real-time data on biological, oceanographic, social and/or economic variables to adjust an MPAs boundary and zonation in both space and time. The aim of this thesis was to assess the viability of applying DOM to a fishing exclusion zone within a zoned MPA in Algoa Bay, South Africa, to support conservation objectives for the Endangered African penguin Spheniscus demersus. Algoa Bay supports half of the world’s remaining population of this species. First, the degree of spatial overlap between foraging penguins and purse-seine fishers in Algoa Bay was determined over five years. In all years, purse-seiner fishing vessels were located around or near to St Croix Island and a large proportion of the total pelagic fish catch from the Bay was removed from this area. Breeding penguins travelled significantly further while foraging when the overlap (and subsequent competition for pelagic fish) was higher, suggesting that African penguins would benefit from a fishing exclusion zone around St Croix Island owing to reduced competition. However, an exclusion zone can have socio-economic impacts on fisheries as a result of the lost fishing area. A common concern raised by fishers is the direct loss of income, either as a result of increased fuel costs to reach alternate fishing grounds or decreased catch. An analysis of catch and travel time (as a proxy for fuel costs) when a 20 km exclusion zone was present or absent around St Croix Island revealed that the exclusion zone scenarios had no significant impact on either variable. Interviews with individuals in the local purse-seine fishery (both fishers and factory managers) showed a consensus that the marine environment needs protection and that MPAs have various environmental benefits. Despite this, individuals were concerned about how they would be impacted by the exclusion zone in the MPA. The interviews highlighted the willingness of individuals in the purse-seine fishery to talk to and work with scientists.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Ginsburg, Tayla
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Sea birds -- Ecology , Island ecology Island animals -- Conservation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42184 , vital:36633
- Description: Marine ecosystems and species face multiple threats, particularly intensive industrial-scale fishing activities. As the human population continues to increase exponentially and drive a greater demand for food, commercial fishing effort will likely intensify. While terrestrial protected areas are well developed, marine protected areas (MPAs) are less so, both in the area covered and management practices. There is currently a drive to increase the extent of MPAs, both globally and in South Africa, particularly for those ecosystems and marine species that can benefit from area-based management. The size, shape, location zonation of MPAs generally remain static through time. However, the ocean is a dynamic environment and static MPAs are not always able to achieve conservation objectives for their component ecosystems and species. Dynamic Ocean Management (DOM) is an approach that integrates near real-time data on biological, oceanographic, social and/or economic variables to adjust an MPAs boundary and zonation in both space and time. The aim of this thesis was to assess the viability of applying DOM to a fishing exclusion zone within a zoned MPA in Algoa Bay, South Africa, to support conservation objectives for the Endangered African penguin Spheniscus demersus. Algoa Bay supports half of the world’s remaining population of this species. First, the degree of spatial overlap between foraging penguins and purse-seine fishers in Algoa Bay was determined over five years. In all years, purse-seiner fishing vessels were located around or near to St Croix Island and a large proportion of the total pelagic fish catch from the Bay was removed from this area. Breeding penguins travelled significantly further while foraging when the overlap (and subsequent competition for pelagic fish) was higher, suggesting that African penguins would benefit from a fishing exclusion zone around St Croix Island owing to reduced competition. However, an exclusion zone can have socio-economic impacts on fisheries as a result of the lost fishing area. A common concern raised by fishers is the direct loss of income, either as a result of increased fuel costs to reach alternate fishing grounds or decreased catch. An analysis of catch and travel time (as a proxy for fuel costs) when a 20 km exclusion zone was present or absent around St Croix Island revealed that the exclusion zone scenarios had no significant impact on either variable. Interviews with individuals in the local purse-seine fishery (both fishers and factory managers) showed a consensus that the marine environment needs protection and that MPAs have various environmental benefits. Despite this, individuals were concerned about how they would be impacted by the exclusion zone in the MPA. The interviews highlighted the willingness of individuals in the purse-seine fishery to talk to and work with scientists.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Is contemporary art postdevelopmental?: a study of ‘art as NGO’
- Authors: Tello, Verónica
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , book
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/146365 , vital:38519 , ISBN 9780429959981
- Description: Book abstract. Postdevelopment in Practice critically engages with recent trends in postdevelopment and critical development studies that have destabilised the concept of development, challenging its assumptions and exposing areas where it has failed in its objectives, whilst also pushing beyond theory to uncover alternatives in practice.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Tello, Verónica
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , book
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/146365 , vital:38519 , ISBN 9780429959981
- Description: Book abstract. Postdevelopment in Practice critically engages with recent trends in postdevelopment and critical development studies that have destabilised the concept of development, challenging its assumptions and exposing areas where it has failed in its objectives, whilst also pushing beyond theory to uncover alternatives in practice.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Isixhosa speaking biological fathers’ perceptions and experiences of parental alienation
- Mokolobate, Motshabi Catherine
- Authors: Mokolobate, Motshabi Catherine
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Parental alienation syndrome , Fatherhood -- Psychological aspects Father and Child -- Psychological aspects Parenting -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45053 , vital:38229
- Description: There has been a positive shift in South African laws advocating for children and father’s rights to parent-child relationships. Children often get caught in the middle of their parents’ enduring battles and acrimonious separations or divorces frequently resulting in loss of contact with one parent. The term parental alienation is used to describe this phenomenon. Parental alienation can take many forms with the common thread being the negative impact that it has on the parent-child relationship and an increase in father absenteeism. The psychological effects of absent fathers on children and single parenthood are significant and contribute to social ailments such as substance abuse, violence and abuse. Extensive research has been conducted on the effects of parental alienation on children; however, there is limited research on how fathers experience parental alienation and how it shapes their perception of fatherhood. This study aimed to explore and describe the perceptions and experiences of fathers who have experienced parental alienation. A purposive sampling method was utilized using 6 participants who were sourced from a male-focused NGO in Zwide Township in the Port Elizabeth Metropolitan area. Data was collected through in-depth semi-structured audio taped interviews. Transcribed data was analysed by means of thematic analysis following Guba’s Model of Trustworthiness as a guide for data verification. All necessary ethical considerations were adhered to. Four themes emerged from the study. Participants understood and experienced parental alienation as unjust and painful; parental alienation was perceived as complex and challenging; upbringing influenced their paternal involvement and finally parental alienation affected their perception of fatherhood and their construction of paternal identity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mokolobate, Motshabi Catherine
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Parental alienation syndrome , Fatherhood -- Psychological aspects Father and Child -- Psychological aspects Parenting -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45053 , vital:38229
- Description: There has been a positive shift in South African laws advocating for children and father’s rights to parent-child relationships. Children often get caught in the middle of their parents’ enduring battles and acrimonious separations or divorces frequently resulting in loss of contact with one parent. The term parental alienation is used to describe this phenomenon. Parental alienation can take many forms with the common thread being the negative impact that it has on the parent-child relationship and an increase in father absenteeism. The psychological effects of absent fathers on children and single parenthood are significant and contribute to social ailments such as substance abuse, violence and abuse. Extensive research has been conducted on the effects of parental alienation on children; however, there is limited research on how fathers experience parental alienation and how it shapes their perception of fatherhood. This study aimed to explore and describe the perceptions and experiences of fathers who have experienced parental alienation. A purposive sampling method was utilized using 6 participants who were sourced from a male-focused NGO in Zwide Township in the Port Elizabeth Metropolitan area. Data was collected through in-depth semi-structured audio taped interviews. Transcribed data was analysed by means of thematic analysis following Guba’s Model of Trustworthiness as a guide for data verification. All necessary ethical considerations were adhered to. Four themes emerged from the study. Participants understood and experienced parental alienation as unjust and painful; parental alienation was perceived as complex and challenging; upbringing influenced their paternal involvement and finally parental alienation affected their perception of fatherhood and their construction of paternal identity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
IsiXhosa speaking biological fathers’ perceptions and experiences of parental alienation
- Mokolobate, Motshabi Catherine
- Authors: Mokolobate, Motshabi Catherine
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Parental alienation -- Psychological effects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44587 , vital:38148
- Description: There has been a positive shift in South African laws advocating for children and father’s rights to parent-child relationships. Children often get caught in the middle of their parents’ enduring battles and acrimonious separations or divorces frequently resulting in loss of contact with one parent. The term parental alienation is used to describe this phenomenon. Parental alienation can take many forms with the common thread being the negative impact that it has on the parent-child relationship and an increase in father absenteeism. The psychological effects of absent fathers on children and single parenthood are significant and contribute to social ailments such as substance abuse, violence and abuse. Extensive research has been conducted on the effects of parental alienation on children; however, there is limited research on how fathers experience parental alienation and how it shapes their perception of fatherhood. This study aimed to explore and describe the perceptions and experiences of fathers who have experienced parental alienation. A purposive sampling method was utilized using 6 participants who were sourced from a male-focused NGO in Zwide Township in the Port Elizabeth Metropolitan area. Data was collected through in-depth semi-structured audio taped interviews. Transcribed data was analysed by means of thematic analysis following Guba’s Model of Trustworthiness as a guide for data verification. All necessary ethical considerations were adhered to. Four themes emerged from the study. Participants understood and experienced parental alienation as unjust and painful; parental alienation was perceived as complex and challenging; upbringing influenced their paternal involvement and finally parental alienation affected their perception of fatherhood and their construction of paternal identity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mokolobate, Motshabi Catherine
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Parental alienation -- Psychological effects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44587 , vital:38148
- Description: There has been a positive shift in South African laws advocating for children and father’s rights to parent-child relationships. Children often get caught in the middle of their parents’ enduring battles and acrimonious separations or divorces frequently resulting in loss of contact with one parent. The term parental alienation is used to describe this phenomenon. Parental alienation can take many forms with the common thread being the negative impact that it has on the parent-child relationship and an increase in father absenteeism. The psychological effects of absent fathers on children and single parenthood are significant and contribute to social ailments such as substance abuse, violence and abuse. Extensive research has been conducted on the effects of parental alienation on children; however, there is limited research on how fathers experience parental alienation and how it shapes their perception of fatherhood. This study aimed to explore and describe the perceptions and experiences of fathers who have experienced parental alienation. A purposive sampling method was utilized using 6 participants who were sourced from a male-focused NGO in Zwide Township in the Port Elizabeth Metropolitan area. Data was collected through in-depth semi-structured audio taped interviews. Transcribed data was analysed by means of thematic analysis following Guba’s Model of Trustworthiness as a guide for data verification. All necessary ethical considerations were adhered to. Four themes emerged from the study. Participants understood and experienced parental alienation as unjust and painful; parental alienation was perceived as complex and challenging; upbringing influenced their paternal involvement and finally parental alienation affected their perception of fatherhood and their construction of paternal identity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Isolation and characterisation of a channel inhibitor from Bunodosoma capense
- Authors: Van Losenoord, Wynand
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Bioactive compounds , Potassium channels Medical microbiology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44134 , vital:37114
- Description: Voltage gated ion channels have recently become a subject of investigation as possible pharmaceutical targets. Research has linked the activity of ion channels directly to antiinflammatory pathways, energy homeostasis, cancer proliferation and painful diabetic neuropathy. Sea anemones secrete a diverse array of bioactive compounds including potassium and sodium channel inhibitors. A novel sodium channel inhibitor (molecular mass of 4619.7 ± 0.6 Da) with a predicted sequence: CLCNSDGPSV RGNTLSGILW LAGCPSGWHN CKKHKPTIGW CCK was isolated from Bunodosoma capense using a modified stimulation technique to induce the secretion of the neurotoxin rich mucus confirmed by an Artemia nauplii swimming assay. The peptide purification combined size-exclusion and reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography. A thallium-based ion flux assay confirmed the presence of a sodium channel inhibitor and purity was determined using a modified tricine SDS-PAGE system. The peptide isolated indicated a tight conformation with the presence of multiple disulfide bonds in a cystine knot conformation. An IC50 value of 26 nM was determined for sodium channel inhibition on MCF-7 cells, indicating increased toxicity in comparison to sodium channel inhibitors previously isolated from Bunodosoma species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Van Losenoord, Wynand
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Bioactive compounds , Potassium channels Medical microbiology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44134 , vital:37114
- Description: Voltage gated ion channels have recently become a subject of investigation as possible pharmaceutical targets. Research has linked the activity of ion channels directly to antiinflammatory pathways, energy homeostasis, cancer proliferation and painful diabetic neuropathy. Sea anemones secrete a diverse array of bioactive compounds including potassium and sodium channel inhibitors. A novel sodium channel inhibitor (molecular mass of 4619.7 ± 0.6 Da) with a predicted sequence: CLCNSDGPSV RGNTLSGILW LAGCPSGWHN CKKHKPTIGW CCK was isolated from Bunodosoma capense using a modified stimulation technique to induce the secretion of the neurotoxin rich mucus confirmed by an Artemia nauplii swimming assay. The peptide purification combined size-exclusion and reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography. A thallium-based ion flux assay confirmed the presence of a sodium channel inhibitor and purity was determined using a modified tricine SDS-PAGE system. The peptide isolated indicated a tight conformation with the presence of multiple disulfide bonds in a cystine knot conformation. An IC50 value of 26 nM was determined for sodium channel inhibition on MCF-7 cells, indicating increased toxicity in comparison to sodium channel inhibitors previously isolated from Bunodosoma species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Isolation and characterization of extracts of Rosmarinus officinalis l. And comparative evaluation of its antimicrobial activity and selected types of antibiotics against some bacteria species
- Authors: Gbede,Remi
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Rosmarinus Essences and essential oils Lamiaceae Medicinal plants
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19142 , vital:39875
- Description: Rosmarinus officinalis L. is known extensively for its multifunctional purposes. The essential oil has been widely used in cosmeceuticals and several ethnopharmacological values. In vitro studies have demonstrated the antibacterial activity of essential oils (EOs) of Rosmarinus officinalis L. against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Vibrio cholerae DSM 19283, Escherichia coli ATCC 8739, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 and Bacillus cereus. These different bacteria were screened against antibiotics such as Tetracycline, Ampicillin Sodium salt, Erythromycin and Amoxicillin, and some standards namely rosmarinic acid, carnosic acid and carnosol, and also against the methanol, acetone, chloroform and dichloromethane extracts of rosemary. The essential oils of Rosmarinus officinalis L. showed significant inhibitory properties compared to antibiotics with various degrees of growth inhibition. The standards exhibited some activities against the organisms. The GC/MS analysis of the essential oil revealed 34 compounds present with most components acting in synergy to bring about antibacterial activities. The antiplasmodial and cytotoxic activities of two leaf extracts of Rosmarinus officinalis (with hexane and dichloromethane as solvents) using standard procedure were studied. The findings justify the claims on the efficacy of plants for therapeutic uses for antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Antiplasmodial activity of Rosmarinus officinalis recorded IC50 values of 9.99 µg/ml and 9.76 µg/ml in hexane and dichloromethane respectively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Gbede,Remi
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Rosmarinus Essences and essential oils Lamiaceae Medicinal plants
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19142 , vital:39875
- Description: Rosmarinus officinalis L. is known extensively for its multifunctional purposes. The essential oil has been widely used in cosmeceuticals and several ethnopharmacological values. In vitro studies have demonstrated the antibacterial activity of essential oils (EOs) of Rosmarinus officinalis L. against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Vibrio cholerae DSM 19283, Escherichia coli ATCC 8739, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 and Bacillus cereus. These different bacteria were screened against antibiotics such as Tetracycline, Ampicillin Sodium salt, Erythromycin and Amoxicillin, and some standards namely rosmarinic acid, carnosic acid and carnosol, and also against the methanol, acetone, chloroform and dichloromethane extracts of rosemary. The essential oils of Rosmarinus officinalis L. showed significant inhibitory properties compared to antibiotics with various degrees of growth inhibition. The standards exhibited some activities against the organisms. The GC/MS analysis of the essential oil revealed 34 compounds present with most components acting in synergy to bring about antibacterial activities. The antiplasmodial and cytotoxic activities of two leaf extracts of Rosmarinus officinalis (with hexane and dichloromethane as solvents) using standard procedure were studied. The findings justify the claims on the efficacy of plants for therapeutic uses for antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Antiplasmodial activity of Rosmarinus officinalis recorded IC50 values of 9.99 µg/ml and 9.76 µg/ml in hexane and dichloromethane respectively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Job creation and income generation in the cultural and creative industries: a case study of the shweshwe sewing industry
- Authors: Mapuma, Aviwe Simbonge
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Textile industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Clothing trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sewing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Job creation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Textile manufacturers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Textile fabrics , Income -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/122948 , vital:35378
- Description: Worldwide, there has been a growing realisation of the importance of Cultural and Creative Industries as a driving force for employment creation, income generation and economic growth. Therefore, there is a need in South Africa to study and understand these industries setting, and business environment. Shweshwe is a unique local fabric produced by Da Gama Textiles in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. This fabric is used by many micro-enterprises as an input to make clothes and other items for traditional cultural celebrations and ceremonies. This study is about the micro-enterprises who use South Africa made textiles (i.e. shweshwe textile) as business input. More specifically, it looks at employment creation and income generation opportunities of the micro-enterprises that use shweshwe textile as an input. These micro-enterprises and shweshwe production are being threatened by the rising influx of cheaper ready-made imported clothes that mimic the shweshwe designs and colours, in some cases, the logo as well. This study also plans to estimate the size and discover the attributes of the micro-enterprises that use shweshwe as an input in their businesses in South Africa, in order to estimate the impact of the counterfeit shweshwe imports on those micro-enterprises. This study adopted a mixed-methods approach-using a combination of both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. Face-to-face interviews with questionnaires, were done with a total sample of 62 owners of the micro-enterprises that use shweshwe as input, in the Western Cape (Cape Town) and Eastern Cape (i.e. Makhanda and East London), South Africa. Self-administered questionnaires were emailed to 20 Jackson’s Stores managers across the country. Lastly, face-to-face interviews were done with the key stakeholder-the representative of Cowie trading (the main shweshwe distributor) and Da Gama Textiles (the factory of shweshwe), during a field visit. The Qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis, whereas the quantitative data was analysed using inferential and descriptive statistics. The results show, that the micro-enterprises that use shweshwe as input are a significant contributor in terms of employment creation and income generation in South Africa. They also reveal that there is a big number of micro-enterprises that use shweshwe as an input in SA. The findings showed an estimate of between 5077 and 6000 small businesses that are using shweshwe an input, which are associated with 10 900 to 12 900 jobs. It was also found out that there is a transformation in this industry, and that this sector is B-BEE compliant. There are also high levels of human capital in this industry. This is an important finding revealing that there is potential for future growth in this sector. Results also found that the majority micro-enterprise owners (80%) have no other source of income, meaning that they are highly reliant on their shweshwe sewing business income. Additionally, 85% of those business, shweshwe garments makes up half or more of their sewing business proceeds. This reveals that a decline in income caused by the import of ready-made clothes in “fake” shweshwe will have a negative impact on the micro-enterprises’ ability to contribute to economic growth and job creation in this industry. To show the impact of the import of ready-made clothes in “fake” shweshwe on the micro-enterprises’ ability to contribute to economic growth and job creation in this industry. In the questionnaires that were used to conduct face-to-face interviews with the micro-enterprises, respondents were asked to indicate whether they had other sources of income other than the income they generate from the shweshwe sewing business. They were further asked as follow up question to choose from a given list of possible options containing a range of percentages of their business income that comes from the work sewn with shweshwe. This question was asked in order to be able to see, if there were to be a decline in income caused by the import of ready-made clothes in “fake” shweshwe what impact it would have on the micro-enterprises that use shweshwe as an input. The theory of industrial organisation has adopted the view of that businesses operating in the formal sector are more efficient and productive than those in the informal sector (Lobato, 2010). The study found that the micro-enterprises that operate in the formal sector generate more turnover than the ones that operate in the informal sector. However, the theory was further tested by running OLS regression, the results showed that operating in the informal sector does not affect turnover when other variables are controlled for, however, that it does affect job creation. In closing, this thesis provides suggestions on how to support, and protect the micro-enterprises that use shweshwe as an input, in order to enhance this industry’s potential also to ensure its continuous contribution in terms of employment creation and income generation in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mapuma, Aviwe Simbonge
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Textile industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Clothing trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sewing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Job creation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Textile manufacturers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Textile fabrics , Income -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/122948 , vital:35378
- Description: Worldwide, there has been a growing realisation of the importance of Cultural and Creative Industries as a driving force for employment creation, income generation and economic growth. Therefore, there is a need in South Africa to study and understand these industries setting, and business environment. Shweshwe is a unique local fabric produced by Da Gama Textiles in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. This fabric is used by many micro-enterprises as an input to make clothes and other items for traditional cultural celebrations and ceremonies. This study is about the micro-enterprises who use South Africa made textiles (i.e. shweshwe textile) as business input. More specifically, it looks at employment creation and income generation opportunities of the micro-enterprises that use shweshwe textile as an input. These micro-enterprises and shweshwe production are being threatened by the rising influx of cheaper ready-made imported clothes that mimic the shweshwe designs and colours, in some cases, the logo as well. This study also plans to estimate the size and discover the attributes of the micro-enterprises that use shweshwe as an input in their businesses in South Africa, in order to estimate the impact of the counterfeit shweshwe imports on those micro-enterprises. This study adopted a mixed-methods approach-using a combination of both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. Face-to-face interviews with questionnaires, were done with a total sample of 62 owners of the micro-enterprises that use shweshwe as input, in the Western Cape (Cape Town) and Eastern Cape (i.e. Makhanda and East London), South Africa. Self-administered questionnaires were emailed to 20 Jackson’s Stores managers across the country. Lastly, face-to-face interviews were done with the key stakeholder-the representative of Cowie trading (the main shweshwe distributor) and Da Gama Textiles (the factory of shweshwe), during a field visit. The Qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis, whereas the quantitative data was analysed using inferential and descriptive statistics. The results show, that the micro-enterprises that use shweshwe as input are a significant contributor in terms of employment creation and income generation in South Africa. They also reveal that there is a big number of micro-enterprises that use shweshwe as an input in SA. The findings showed an estimate of between 5077 and 6000 small businesses that are using shweshwe an input, which are associated with 10 900 to 12 900 jobs. It was also found out that there is a transformation in this industry, and that this sector is B-BEE compliant. There are also high levels of human capital in this industry. This is an important finding revealing that there is potential for future growth in this sector. Results also found that the majority micro-enterprise owners (80%) have no other source of income, meaning that they are highly reliant on their shweshwe sewing business income. Additionally, 85% of those business, shweshwe garments makes up half or more of their sewing business proceeds. This reveals that a decline in income caused by the import of ready-made clothes in “fake” shweshwe will have a negative impact on the micro-enterprises’ ability to contribute to economic growth and job creation in this industry. To show the impact of the import of ready-made clothes in “fake” shweshwe on the micro-enterprises’ ability to contribute to economic growth and job creation in this industry. In the questionnaires that were used to conduct face-to-face interviews with the micro-enterprises, respondents were asked to indicate whether they had other sources of income other than the income they generate from the shweshwe sewing business. They were further asked as follow up question to choose from a given list of possible options containing a range of percentages of their business income that comes from the work sewn with shweshwe. This question was asked in order to be able to see, if there were to be a decline in income caused by the import of ready-made clothes in “fake” shweshwe what impact it would have on the micro-enterprises that use shweshwe as an input. The theory of industrial organisation has adopted the view of that businesses operating in the formal sector are more efficient and productive than those in the informal sector (Lobato, 2010). The study found that the micro-enterprises that operate in the formal sector generate more turnover than the ones that operate in the informal sector. However, the theory was further tested by running OLS regression, the results showed that operating in the informal sector does not affect turnover when other variables are controlled for, however, that it does affect job creation. In closing, this thesis provides suggestions on how to support, and protect the micro-enterprises that use shweshwe as an input, in order to enhance this industry’s potential also to ensure its continuous contribution in terms of employment creation and income generation in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Job embeddedness and employee retention in higher education
- Authors: Esterhuizen, Christa
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Employee retention -- South Africa , Organizational behavior -- South Africa Work -- Psychological aspects Employee morale -- South Africa Universities and colleges -- Employees
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39852 , vital:35483
- Description: The only sustainable competitive advantage for organisations worldwide, including higher education institutions, is their human resources. Therefore, to acquire and maintain a sustainable competitive advantage, the ability to effectively retain knowledge employees has become high-priority. The job embeddedness model presents an alternative approach to the traditional constructs of job satisfaction, organisational commitment and job involvement, for understanding the retention concept. The aim of the research was to determine the interaction effect of job embeddedness on retention, which could be used to intensify the attachment of academic staff in a higher education institution and to dissuade turnover cognitions. An empirical study consisting of a web-based questionnaire was conducted amongst 100 academic staff members across all campuses of Nelson Mandela University. The purpose of the survey was to measure job embeddedness, retention, and the relationship between job embeddedness and retention. The results indicated that organisational embeddedness, rather than community embeddedness, influenced the intention to leave. Employees that had a positive experience with the organisation in terms of fit, links and sacrifice, were less likely to leave the organisation. It is recommended that job embeddedness should form the basis for the development of an effective integrated human resource management retention strategy to attract, retain, motivate and develop employees, to improve organisational performance and achieve organisational goals and objectives. The implication is that recruitment and selection should be done carefully to create a fit between the employee and the organisation. Talent should be fully used in an environment that fosters autonomy and teamwork should be crafted and encouraged.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Esterhuizen, Christa
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Employee retention -- South Africa , Organizational behavior -- South Africa Work -- Psychological aspects Employee morale -- South Africa Universities and colleges -- Employees
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39852 , vital:35483
- Description: The only sustainable competitive advantage for organisations worldwide, including higher education institutions, is their human resources. Therefore, to acquire and maintain a sustainable competitive advantage, the ability to effectively retain knowledge employees has become high-priority. The job embeddedness model presents an alternative approach to the traditional constructs of job satisfaction, organisational commitment and job involvement, for understanding the retention concept. The aim of the research was to determine the interaction effect of job embeddedness on retention, which could be used to intensify the attachment of academic staff in a higher education institution and to dissuade turnover cognitions. An empirical study consisting of a web-based questionnaire was conducted amongst 100 academic staff members across all campuses of Nelson Mandela University. The purpose of the survey was to measure job embeddedness, retention, and the relationship between job embeddedness and retention. The results indicated that organisational embeddedness, rather than community embeddedness, influenced the intention to leave. Employees that had a positive experience with the organisation in terms of fit, links and sacrifice, were less likely to leave the organisation. It is recommended that job embeddedness should form the basis for the development of an effective integrated human resource management retention strategy to attract, retain, motivate and develop employees, to improve organisational performance and achieve organisational goals and objectives. The implication is that recruitment and selection should be done carefully to create a fit between the employee and the organisation. Talent should be fully used in an environment that fosters autonomy and teamwork should be crafted and encouraged.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Job engagement, Self-efficacy and Organisational citizenship behaviour among employees in selected insurance companies in the eastern cape province
- Authors: Ntshentshe, Sinazo
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Organizational behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Management -- Employee participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Industrial Psychology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12502 , vital:39269
- Description: The present study investigated “Job engagement, self-efficacy and organisational citizenship behaviour among employees in an insurance company in the Eastern Cape province”. A research issue is emphasized and debated in details methodically. Social exchange theory (SET) and social cognitive theory (SCT were used in the study with the support of variable. Previous studies discovered and established the relationship between job engagement (JE) and organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB); as well as self-efficacy (SE) and organisational citizenship behavior; and all variables combined together. Hypothesis is formulated that used to achieve objectives. The study used quantitative research design. The sample (N=100) of the study consist of the employees in the selected insurance companies in Eastern Cape, province. The data was collected with the use of questionnaire method and analyses was done using Statistical Package for the social science.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Ntshentshe, Sinazo
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Organizational behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Management -- Employee participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Industrial Psychology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12502 , vital:39269
- Description: The present study investigated “Job engagement, self-efficacy and organisational citizenship behaviour among employees in an insurance company in the Eastern Cape province”. A research issue is emphasized and debated in details methodically. Social exchange theory (SET) and social cognitive theory (SCT were used in the study with the support of variable. Previous studies discovered and established the relationship between job engagement (JE) and organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB); as well as self-efficacy (SE) and organisational citizenship behavior; and all variables combined together. Hypothesis is formulated that used to achieve objectives. The study used quantitative research design. The sample (N=100) of the study consist of the employees in the selected insurance companies in Eastern Cape, province. The data was collected with the use of questionnaire method and analyses was done using Statistical Package for the social science.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Job performance and the relationship between employee engagement, goal setting, training, job fit and trust
- Authors: Brood, Ayoob
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Performance -- Management , Job satisfaction -- South Africa Employee motivation -- South Africa Labor productivity -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/37846 , vital:34253
- Description: Every business has a goal of being profitable which relies on employee job performance. To determine the relationship employee engagement, trust, goal setting, job fit and training had on job performance surveys was sent to 8 MTN Branded retail stores within the Eastern Cape to gather data. Each survey once completed would then be dropped off and the MTN head office in Cape Road. Previous work has looked at these independent variables and how they affect job performance separately and not as a whole. Contrary to the literature, goal settings were the only variable that had a significant influence according to the findings of this study. The statistical results of this study revealed that goal settings influenced job performance with a p-value of 0.010 (p<0.05) and had a positive relationship, indicating that the respondent’s goal settings had an influence on their job performance. The mean values indicated that the respondents agreed that the independent variables would affect the performance. Thus, it is highly recommended that management investigates the requirements of implementing strategies of these variables to improve job performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Brood, Ayoob
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Performance -- Management , Job satisfaction -- South Africa Employee motivation -- South Africa Labor productivity -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/37846 , vital:34253
- Description: Every business has a goal of being profitable which relies on employee job performance. To determine the relationship employee engagement, trust, goal setting, job fit and training had on job performance surveys was sent to 8 MTN Branded retail stores within the Eastern Cape to gather data. Each survey once completed would then be dropped off and the MTN head office in Cape Road. Previous work has looked at these independent variables and how they affect job performance separately and not as a whole. Contrary to the literature, goal settings were the only variable that had a significant influence according to the findings of this study. The statistical results of this study revealed that goal settings influenced job performance with a p-value of 0.010 (p<0.05) and had a positive relationship, indicating that the respondent’s goal settings had an influence on their job performance. The mean values indicated that the respondents agreed that the independent variables would affect the performance. Thus, it is highly recommended that management investigates the requirements of implementing strategies of these variables to improve job performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Job satisfaction and workplace stress of public service staff in the Eastern and Western Cape of South Africa
- De Koning, Divan, Van Niekerk, Roelf
- Authors: De Koning, Divan , Van Niekerk, Roelf
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Job stress , Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Western Cape. Public service employment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Public service employment -- South Africa -- Western Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39414 , vital:35244
- Description: The aim of the study was to measure and explore the job satisfaction and workplace stress levels of public service staff within the Eastern and Western Cape of South Africa, as well as to establish the extent of the relationship between the areas of job satisfaction and workplace stress. The measure was predominantly administered to staff that the researcher came into contact with as a result of psychometric assessments that their employer required them to complete. The researcher facilitated the role of a service provider to the public service entities and utilised this opportunity to encourage staff to complete the measure. The measure covered five job satisfaction and seven workplace stress variables. 230 staff members completed the measure of which 170 was deemed to be useable. A quantitative study thereby enabling the investigation into the potential sources of job dissatisfaction and workplace stress was conducted. Eight hypotheses had been formulated in order to facilitate the comparisons and had been informed by prior research. The quantitative analysis established that both of the sections in the measure (job satisfaction and workplace stress) averaged Cronbach’s alphas in excess of .60 for the 12 variables measured, this, therefore, exceeded the minimum benchmark that had been set for the study. As such, the measures were considered to be appropriate measures of their respective constructs. Staff were most satisfied with the hours that they worked and least satisfied with their opportunities for promotion. Staff experienced the least amount of stress related to bullying at work and experienced the most stress related to the intensity with which they were expected to work. A moderate relationship between workplace stress and job satisfaction was identified along with strong relationships between the factors of, managerial support and work relationships; managerial support and work activities; and between role and work activities. Moderate support was found for hypothesis six which referred to the relationships between job satisfaction and age. The study aided in enhancing insight into the causes of workplace stress and job dissatisfaction within public service in South Africa and can serve as a basis for future studies into the public service industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: De Koning, Divan , Van Niekerk, Roelf
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Job stress , Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Western Cape. Public service employment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Public service employment -- South Africa -- Western Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39414 , vital:35244
- Description: The aim of the study was to measure and explore the job satisfaction and workplace stress levels of public service staff within the Eastern and Western Cape of South Africa, as well as to establish the extent of the relationship between the areas of job satisfaction and workplace stress. The measure was predominantly administered to staff that the researcher came into contact with as a result of psychometric assessments that their employer required them to complete. The researcher facilitated the role of a service provider to the public service entities and utilised this opportunity to encourage staff to complete the measure. The measure covered five job satisfaction and seven workplace stress variables. 230 staff members completed the measure of which 170 was deemed to be useable. A quantitative study thereby enabling the investigation into the potential sources of job dissatisfaction and workplace stress was conducted. Eight hypotheses had been formulated in order to facilitate the comparisons and had been informed by prior research. The quantitative analysis established that both of the sections in the measure (job satisfaction and workplace stress) averaged Cronbach’s alphas in excess of .60 for the 12 variables measured, this, therefore, exceeded the minimum benchmark that had been set for the study. As such, the measures were considered to be appropriate measures of their respective constructs. Staff were most satisfied with the hours that they worked and least satisfied with their opportunities for promotion. Staff experienced the least amount of stress related to bullying at work and experienced the most stress related to the intensity with which they were expected to work. A moderate relationship between workplace stress and job satisfaction was identified along with strong relationships between the factors of, managerial support and work relationships; managerial support and work activities; and between role and work activities. Moderate support was found for hypothesis six which referred to the relationships between job satisfaction and age. The study aided in enhancing insight into the causes of workplace stress and job dissatisfaction within public service in South Africa and can serve as a basis for future studies into the public service industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Job satisfaction of lecturers at TVET colleges in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipal region in the context of organisational culture
- Authors: Jegels, Unity Christine
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Job satisfaction , Corporate culture Organizational change Vocational education -- Employees Technical education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40039 , vital:35739
- Description: One of the most widely researched job attitudes and extensively investigated topics in the history of industrial and organisational psychology is job satisfaction. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the attributes of organisational culture that impact the levels of employee job satisfaction. This study explored the experience of job satisfaction in the context of the organisational culture at TVET colleges. The current research investigated the correlation between organisational culture and the prevalence of job satisfaction. A descriptive-analytical study was conducted on sixty-one (61) lecturers selected using convenience sampling. A valid and reliable questionnaire, based on a five-point Likert scale, was used as a measuring instrument. The questionnaire surveyed the sample demographics and statements on organisational culture as designated by organisational leadership style and supervision, working conditions, promotion and job security, organisational communication, remuneration and employee benefits. SPSS software, Version 25, was used to analyse the data sets that were collected. Research findings indicated a significant relationship between job satisfaction and the organisational culture elements of remuneration and employee benefits and organisational communication.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Jegels, Unity Christine
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Job satisfaction , Corporate culture Organizational change Vocational education -- Employees Technical education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40039 , vital:35739
- Description: One of the most widely researched job attitudes and extensively investigated topics in the history of industrial and organisational psychology is job satisfaction. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the attributes of organisational culture that impact the levels of employee job satisfaction. This study explored the experience of job satisfaction in the context of the organisational culture at TVET colleges. The current research investigated the correlation between organisational culture and the prevalence of job satisfaction. A descriptive-analytical study was conducted on sixty-one (61) lecturers selected using convenience sampling. A valid and reliable questionnaire, based on a five-point Likert scale, was used as a measuring instrument. The questionnaire surveyed the sample demographics and statements on organisational culture as designated by organisational leadership style and supervision, working conditions, promotion and job security, organisational communication, remuneration and employee benefits. SPSS software, Version 25, was used to analyse the data sets that were collected. Research findings indicated a significant relationship between job satisfaction and the organisational culture elements of remuneration and employee benefits and organisational communication.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Justifications and limitations of affirmative action
- Authors: Weinand, Lorentia Leana
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Affirmative action programs -- South Africa , Discrimination in employment -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Affirmative action programs -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44077 , vital:37105
- Description: The main aim of this thesis is to establish whether affirmative action is justified and to consider the limitations imposed thereon. Regard had to be made to the past position, as affirmative action emanated from the apartheid era. This paper provides for an extensive discussion of what affirmative action entails and compares the past position of unfair discrimination towards the current position of affirmative action. It is important to have regard to the Constitution, legislation and case law relating to the application of affirmative action. Within this paper reference to the Constitution, LRA, EEA, case law, academic writings and journal articles is made in order to evaluate on what basis affirmative action is founded, justified and limited. The approach used in terms of substantive equality based on the Van Heerden1 and Harksen v Lane2 judgments. Provision is made as to whom affirmative action applies to. The process of implementation of affirmative action is visited with a view to give guidance on how affirmative action should be implemented, what the short comings are in the public sector with the implementation process and to provide guidelines to achieve a positive and effective affirmative action in South Africa Because certain people regard affirmative action as reverse discrimination, the contrary had to be analysed by way of legislation and authority from case law in order to provide for the correct position. It would become apparent from this paper that affirmative action does not only apply to designated employees, after the Van Heerden Judgment the courts have developed their approach in a number of authorities for example in Alexandre v Provincial administration of the Western Cape Department of Health3. India makes use of affirmative action that is in some instances similar to the South African approach. For a distinct reason I have chosen a comparison between India and South Africa. The reason is that, each individual’s personal circumstances that are to benefit from affirmative action have to be assessed before affirmative action applies to them. Further that I do not agree with the fact that a group as a whole should benefit, therefore recommendations have been made.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Weinand, Lorentia Leana
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Affirmative action programs -- South Africa , Discrimination in employment -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Affirmative action programs -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44077 , vital:37105
- Description: The main aim of this thesis is to establish whether affirmative action is justified and to consider the limitations imposed thereon. Regard had to be made to the past position, as affirmative action emanated from the apartheid era. This paper provides for an extensive discussion of what affirmative action entails and compares the past position of unfair discrimination towards the current position of affirmative action. It is important to have regard to the Constitution, legislation and case law relating to the application of affirmative action. Within this paper reference to the Constitution, LRA, EEA, case law, academic writings and journal articles is made in order to evaluate on what basis affirmative action is founded, justified and limited. The approach used in terms of substantive equality based on the Van Heerden1 and Harksen v Lane2 judgments. Provision is made as to whom affirmative action applies to. The process of implementation of affirmative action is visited with a view to give guidance on how affirmative action should be implemented, what the short comings are in the public sector with the implementation process and to provide guidelines to achieve a positive and effective affirmative action in South Africa Because certain people regard affirmative action as reverse discrimination, the contrary had to be analysed by way of legislation and authority from case law in order to provide for the correct position. It would become apparent from this paper that affirmative action does not only apply to designated employees, after the Van Heerden Judgment the courts have developed their approach in a number of authorities for example in Alexandre v Provincial administration of the Western Cape Department of Health3. India makes use of affirmative action that is in some instances similar to the South African approach. For a distinct reason I have chosen a comparison between India and South Africa. The reason is that, each individual’s personal circumstances that are to benefit from affirmative action have to be assessed before affirmative action applies to them. Further that I do not agree with the fact that a group as a whole should benefit, therefore recommendations have been made.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Knowledge and attitudes of women towards companionship during labour and childbirth at midwife obstetric units
- Authors: Sogcwayi, Lulama Princess
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Childbirth -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Childbirth -- Psychological aspects , Neonatal nursing , Midwifery , Obstetrics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44023 , vital:37093
- Description: Companions provide support to women during the antenatal, labour, delivery and post-natal period. During labour and delivery women experience much pain as well as fear, tension and anxiety. Companionship during labour and childbirth can take the form of physical, emotional and psychological support provided by a loved one. Literature suggests that companionship during labour and delivery has a positive influence on women’s birth experiences and improves neonatal outcomes and breastfeeding. Despite the benefits of companionship, however, it is still found to be an uncommon practice in the midwife obstetric units (MOUs) in South Africa and elsewhere. The objectives of the study were to determine: the knowledge of women regarding companionship during labour and childbirth at MOU facilities in the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District (NMBHD) and the attitudes of women towards companionship during labour and childbirth at MOU facilities in the NMBHD.bmake recommendations to the NMBHD and MOU managers in order to enhance the practice of companionship during labour and childbirth. Ethical approval and permission were obtained from the relevant authorities prior to commencement of data collection of the study. Convenience sampling was used to select women from the target population. The research design was quantitative and descriptive. Questionnaires were used to collect data from delivered women at the five MOUs in the NMBHD. Data was collected from 130 delivered women at the five MOUs in the NMBHD between 4th December and 31st December 2018. Descriptive statistical analyses were utilised to analyse the collected data. Most delivered women 65.4% at MOUs in the NMBHD indicated they had knowledge about companionship during labour and childbirth. Majority of women 77.6% perceived companionship during labour and childbirth to be of importance. Some women were not aware of the purpose of companions as most women 39.2% disagreed that companions shorten length of labour, 45.8% agreed that companions monitor the progress of labour, 32.3% agreed that companions conduct deliveries. Most women 77.7% disagreed that companions as unhelpful, 65.4% are disruptive and 81.6% are affected by culture. However, 46.2% of the women in the study had no companion present during labour and childbirth, 56.2% preferred the presence of a female companion. Conclusions were made based on the research findings, that there is a need to educate and increase awareness to women regarding companionship during labour and childbirth so that they are more knowledgeable, and in order to strengthen the practice of companionship. Recommendations were made for more educational programmes to be available in antenatal services to increase awareness and enhance knowledge of women about companionship during labour and childbirth. Health educators need to conduct seminars, regular in-service training and include the concept of companions in the curriculum for midwifery students. Policies should be made available in the MOUs regarding companions, brochures or leaflets should also be available and accessible in all languages for the community to enhance awareness on the benefits of having a companion. Maternity registers should include information about companions in order to monitor the practice of companionship at the MOUs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Sogcwayi, Lulama Princess
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Childbirth -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Childbirth -- Psychological aspects , Neonatal nursing , Midwifery , Obstetrics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44023 , vital:37093
- Description: Companions provide support to women during the antenatal, labour, delivery and post-natal period. During labour and delivery women experience much pain as well as fear, tension and anxiety. Companionship during labour and childbirth can take the form of physical, emotional and psychological support provided by a loved one. Literature suggests that companionship during labour and delivery has a positive influence on women’s birth experiences and improves neonatal outcomes and breastfeeding. Despite the benefits of companionship, however, it is still found to be an uncommon practice in the midwife obstetric units (MOUs) in South Africa and elsewhere. The objectives of the study were to determine: the knowledge of women regarding companionship during labour and childbirth at MOU facilities in the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District (NMBHD) and the attitudes of women towards companionship during labour and childbirth at MOU facilities in the NMBHD.bmake recommendations to the NMBHD and MOU managers in order to enhance the practice of companionship during labour and childbirth. Ethical approval and permission were obtained from the relevant authorities prior to commencement of data collection of the study. Convenience sampling was used to select women from the target population. The research design was quantitative and descriptive. Questionnaires were used to collect data from delivered women at the five MOUs in the NMBHD. Data was collected from 130 delivered women at the five MOUs in the NMBHD between 4th December and 31st December 2018. Descriptive statistical analyses were utilised to analyse the collected data. Most delivered women 65.4% at MOUs in the NMBHD indicated they had knowledge about companionship during labour and childbirth. Majority of women 77.6% perceived companionship during labour and childbirth to be of importance. Some women were not aware of the purpose of companions as most women 39.2% disagreed that companions shorten length of labour, 45.8% agreed that companions monitor the progress of labour, 32.3% agreed that companions conduct deliveries. Most women 77.7% disagreed that companions as unhelpful, 65.4% are disruptive and 81.6% are affected by culture. However, 46.2% of the women in the study had no companion present during labour and childbirth, 56.2% preferred the presence of a female companion. Conclusions were made based on the research findings, that there is a need to educate and increase awareness to women regarding companionship during labour and childbirth so that they are more knowledgeable, and in order to strengthen the practice of companionship. Recommendations were made for more educational programmes to be available in antenatal services to increase awareness and enhance knowledge of women about companionship during labour and childbirth. Health educators need to conduct seminars, regular in-service training and include the concept of companions in the curriculum for midwifery students. Policies should be made available in the MOUs regarding companions, brochures or leaflets should also be available and accessible in all languages for the community to enhance awareness on the benefits of having a companion. Maternity registers should include information about companions in order to monitor the practice of companionship at the MOUs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Knowledge and knowledge sources on the importance of fruits for nutritional security are unaffected by deforestation status in Cameroon
- Ijang, T N P, Shackleton, Charlie M, Degrande, A
- Authors: Ijang, T N P , Shackleton, Charlie M , Degrande, A
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/177454 , vital:42823 , DOI: 10.17660/th2019/74.6.2
- Description: The Congo basin forest is experiencing increasing rate of deforestation, and is prone to inconsistent food supply and sporadic food shortages with corresponding high levels of malnutrition. Maintenance or planting of fruit trees can help mitigate deforestation while supplying fruits for home consumption. However, data on rates of fruit consumption are lacking for many developing countries, including Cameroon.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Ijang, T N P , Shackleton, Charlie M , Degrande, A
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/177454 , vital:42823 , DOI: 10.17660/th2019/74.6.2
- Description: The Congo basin forest is experiencing increasing rate of deforestation, and is prone to inconsistent food supply and sporadic food shortages with corresponding high levels of malnutrition. Maintenance or planting of fruit trees can help mitigate deforestation while supplying fruits for home consumption. However, data on rates of fruit consumption are lacking for many developing countries, including Cameroon.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Knowledge management practices in a regional economic bloc secretariat: a case of Southern African development community
- Authors: Sikazwe, Dennis
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Knowledge management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Library and Information Science)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11451 , vital:39073
- Description: The effective application of appropriate Knowledge Management Practices (KMPs) is one of the innovative and creative ways for improving organisational work processes. Having been undertaken in a Regional Economic Bloc (REB) at the SADC Secretariat in Gaborone, Botswana, and at the SPGRC in Lusaka, Zambia, the study assesses KMPs among employees in these worksites. However, not all KMPs adopted can be appropriate. For example, studies show that the western epistemological perspective of knowledge that gives preference to leveraging explicit knowledge at the expense of tacit knowledge seems to be dominant in most organisations, just as evidenced in this study. This study was aimed at achieving to a limited extent exploratory and descriptive goal. The study was solidly grounded on the practice-based approach of knowing and learning in organisations, the OKC-SECI, and the dialogic Communication theories. It was aimed at assessing what, how and to what extent have KMPs utilized among REBs in the course of their day to day operations (SADC secretariat in particular). Using these theories, the study clearly shows how appropriate KMPs help improve secretariat’ work processes in any given REB secretariat’ everchanging work environment, and how it’s tested knowledge is stored, shared and applied as best practices. The study further assessed the conduciveness of the secretariat’s workplace environment in which such practices are carried out, and how appropriate the KM related ICTs available in that environment were. The theoretical underpinnings of the study were used to inform the selection of variables for the study. The approach of the study was firstly to understand what and how knowledge (both explicit and tacit) is generated, stored, shared and applied among the secretariat employees, and the focus was on the above theories. The study made use of the triangulated research approach to adequately capture and analyse both qualitative and quantitative data. By so doing, reliability and validity were enhanced. The copies of the questionnaire were administered to 138 employees of the catchment areas, and only 117 copies of the questionnaire were completed and returned for processing. From the returned copies of the questionnaire, 15 respondents whose responses vi appeared to have addressed the research questions were followed up for in-depth interviews. For qualitative data, the in-depth interviews were used together with the observation of the respondents’ behaviour, workplace environment and the appropriateness of the KM related ICTs available. Data obtained from the study were processed and analysed using SPSS for the quantitative data, while responses from the interviews and observations were sorted and coded. The process of comparing the processed quantitative and qualitative data resulted in the drawing of inferences that resolve the research problem. The study findings clearly show that the SADC secretariat was relatively good in the utilisation of appropriate KLPs; however, this was on average at a very low rate (32, 27.44%; Good), and mostly limited to the management of Information Resource Centres (47, 40.47%; Fair). This was followed by Explicit Knowledge Leveraging Practices (KLPs) (36, 30.75%; Good), while Tacit KLPs were rated the least with a (29, 25.20%; Bad) rating. The study findings further indicated that the conduciveness of the SADC secretariat workplace environment was on average fairly rated (61, 52.55%; Fair), with minimal opportunities for socialisation and collaborative work. The appropriateness of KM-related ICTs available at the secretariat was on average rated moderately at (41, 35.00%) Very good, though they were described as blind to the human, social and cultural aspects of KMPs. Finally, the study findings also revealed that the SADC secretariat was particularly rated bad (54, 45.87%) in finding possible KMP solutions, and was rated very good (51, 43.60%) in identifying the actual major challenges for managing KMPs. The use of a practice-based approach, OKC-SECI and Dialogic Communication theories to underpin the study were found suitable for investigating KMPs from a REB secretariat’s work processes context. The practice-based approach and the Dialogic Communication theory were particularly useful in addressing the issue of interaction, dialogue and sense-making in the workplace while the OKC-SECI theory helped understand knowledge conversion processes at the SADC secretariat. The findings of this study seem to propose that KMPs and KM, in general, can best be studied using a combination of methodologies because of the multi-disciplinary nature of the subject. The study, thus, proposes the “practice – theory – practice “knowledge creation and sharing workplace framework.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Sikazwe, Dennis
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Knowledge management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Library and Information Science)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11451 , vital:39073
- Description: The effective application of appropriate Knowledge Management Practices (KMPs) is one of the innovative and creative ways for improving organisational work processes. Having been undertaken in a Regional Economic Bloc (REB) at the SADC Secretariat in Gaborone, Botswana, and at the SPGRC in Lusaka, Zambia, the study assesses KMPs among employees in these worksites. However, not all KMPs adopted can be appropriate. For example, studies show that the western epistemological perspective of knowledge that gives preference to leveraging explicit knowledge at the expense of tacit knowledge seems to be dominant in most organisations, just as evidenced in this study. This study was aimed at achieving to a limited extent exploratory and descriptive goal. The study was solidly grounded on the practice-based approach of knowing and learning in organisations, the OKC-SECI, and the dialogic Communication theories. It was aimed at assessing what, how and to what extent have KMPs utilized among REBs in the course of their day to day operations (SADC secretariat in particular). Using these theories, the study clearly shows how appropriate KMPs help improve secretariat’ work processes in any given REB secretariat’ everchanging work environment, and how it’s tested knowledge is stored, shared and applied as best practices. The study further assessed the conduciveness of the secretariat’s workplace environment in which such practices are carried out, and how appropriate the KM related ICTs available in that environment were. The theoretical underpinnings of the study were used to inform the selection of variables for the study. The approach of the study was firstly to understand what and how knowledge (both explicit and tacit) is generated, stored, shared and applied among the secretariat employees, and the focus was on the above theories. The study made use of the triangulated research approach to adequately capture and analyse both qualitative and quantitative data. By so doing, reliability and validity were enhanced. The copies of the questionnaire were administered to 138 employees of the catchment areas, and only 117 copies of the questionnaire were completed and returned for processing. From the returned copies of the questionnaire, 15 respondents whose responses vi appeared to have addressed the research questions were followed up for in-depth interviews. For qualitative data, the in-depth interviews were used together with the observation of the respondents’ behaviour, workplace environment and the appropriateness of the KM related ICTs available. Data obtained from the study were processed and analysed using SPSS for the quantitative data, while responses from the interviews and observations were sorted and coded. The process of comparing the processed quantitative and qualitative data resulted in the drawing of inferences that resolve the research problem. The study findings clearly show that the SADC secretariat was relatively good in the utilisation of appropriate KLPs; however, this was on average at a very low rate (32, 27.44%; Good), and mostly limited to the management of Information Resource Centres (47, 40.47%; Fair). This was followed by Explicit Knowledge Leveraging Practices (KLPs) (36, 30.75%; Good), while Tacit KLPs were rated the least with a (29, 25.20%; Bad) rating. The study findings further indicated that the conduciveness of the SADC secretariat workplace environment was on average fairly rated (61, 52.55%; Fair), with minimal opportunities for socialisation and collaborative work. The appropriateness of KM-related ICTs available at the secretariat was on average rated moderately at (41, 35.00%) Very good, though they were described as blind to the human, social and cultural aspects of KMPs. Finally, the study findings also revealed that the SADC secretariat was particularly rated bad (54, 45.87%) in finding possible KMP solutions, and was rated very good (51, 43.60%) in identifying the actual major challenges for managing KMPs. The use of a practice-based approach, OKC-SECI and Dialogic Communication theories to underpin the study were found suitable for investigating KMPs from a REB secretariat’s work processes context. The practice-based approach and the Dialogic Communication theory were particularly useful in addressing the issue of interaction, dialogue and sense-making in the workplace while the OKC-SECI theory helped understand knowledge conversion processes at the SADC secretariat. The findings of this study seem to propose that KMPs and KM, in general, can best be studied using a combination of methodologies because of the multi-disciplinary nature of the subject. The study, thus, proposes the “practice – theory – practice “knowledge creation and sharing workplace framework.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Knowledge retention practices among healthcare workers at Cecilia Makiwane Hospital, Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
- Authors: Jonga, Nqabakazi
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Knowledge management Organizational learning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M LIS
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11461 , vital:39074
- Description: Knowledge has transformed to become an economic resource in a knowledge-based society, which determines the proficiency, progress and efficiency of any performed task. However, efficiency can be compromised when the health sector fails to retain the wealth of knowledge from experienced, senior and subject experts who have, or are about to leave or retire from the institution. Knowledge management provides for knowledge acquisition, sharing, transfer and further motivates the creation of influential atmospheres for knowledge sharing in the Public health sector. Healthcare is a knowledge driven process and thus knowledge management and the tools to manage knowledge in the healthcare sector are receiving attention. This study investigated knowledge retention practices in the Public health sector, Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study was informed by the Socialisation, Externalization, Combination, Internalization SECI model of knowledge creation and conversion by Nonaka & Takeuchi (1995) and the Knowledge based theory of the firm by Grant (1996). Both theories interpret knowledge sharing and preservation as vital for institutional growth and effective service delivery. The theories advised on the establishment of platforms designated for acquisition of new knowledge, knowledge sharing and retention to assist in future decision making to obtain a competitive edge. The study employed a mixed method approach that is largely quantitative in nature. Self-administered questionnaires were adopted for quantitative data collection and three interviews were conducted with middle management to supplement the quantitative data. The reliability and validity of the research instruments was achieved through adapting, and modifying questions from previously used research instruments from the works of Dewah, (2012); Teffo, (2014) and Tatani, (2015). New questions were further developed and evaluated through expert analysis. The study took place at Cecilia Makiwane Hospital in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape. The population of the study comprised of qualified healthcare workers in the health sector mainly “nurses”. The sample size was 198 and three interviews were conducted with the middle management to obtain qualitative data. xix The findings of the study revealed that the concept of knowledge retention was not dominant in public hospitals such as Cecilia Makiwane; however, certain practices are adopted to stimulate knowledge sharing thus contributing to knowledge retention. Several factors such as budget, ICT use, time allocation, fear of losing the competitive value through knowledge sharing and absence of supporting structures or services have been identified as root causes for reduced knowledge sharing practices among healthcare workers. The study, therefore, recommends the appointment of knowledge officers who would oversee the effective implementation of knowledge management policies and adopt strategies that will assist with knowledge retention. Further recommendations are, effective integration of knowledge management practices into the system, development of an internet based system for effective communication and institutional repositories for knowledge preservation. The study concludes that the development of training programs would assist healthcare workers to be familiar with any new or old invented mechanism.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Jonga, Nqabakazi
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Knowledge management Organizational learning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M LIS
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11461 , vital:39074
- Description: Knowledge has transformed to become an economic resource in a knowledge-based society, which determines the proficiency, progress and efficiency of any performed task. However, efficiency can be compromised when the health sector fails to retain the wealth of knowledge from experienced, senior and subject experts who have, or are about to leave or retire from the institution. Knowledge management provides for knowledge acquisition, sharing, transfer and further motivates the creation of influential atmospheres for knowledge sharing in the Public health sector. Healthcare is a knowledge driven process and thus knowledge management and the tools to manage knowledge in the healthcare sector are receiving attention. This study investigated knowledge retention practices in the Public health sector, Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study was informed by the Socialisation, Externalization, Combination, Internalization SECI model of knowledge creation and conversion by Nonaka & Takeuchi (1995) and the Knowledge based theory of the firm by Grant (1996). Both theories interpret knowledge sharing and preservation as vital for institutional growth and effective service delivery. The theories advised on the establishment of platforms designated for acquisition of new knowledge, knowledge sharing and retention to assist in future decision making to obtain a competitive edge. The study employed a mixed method approach that is largely quantitative in nature. Self-administered questionnaires were adopted for quantitative data collection and three interviews were conducted with middle management to supplement the quantitative data. The reliability and validity of the research instruments was achieved through adapting, and modifying questions from previously used research instruments from the works of Dewah, (2012); Teffo, (2014) and Tatani, (2015). New questions were further developed and evaluated through expert analysis. The study took place at Cecilia Makiwane Hospital in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape. The population of the study comprised of qualified healthcare workers in the health sector mainly “nurses”. The sample size was 198 and three interviews were conducted with the middle management to obtain qualitative data. xix The findings of the study revealed that the concept of knowledge retention was not dominant in public hospitals such as Cecilia Makiwane; however, certain practices are adopted to stimulate knowledge sharing thus contributing to knowledge retention. Several factors such as budget, ICT use, time allocation, fear of losing the competitive value through knowledge sharing and absence of supporting structures or services have been identified as root causes for reduced knowledge sharing practices among healthcare workers. The study, therefore, recommends the appointment of knowledge officers who would oversee the effective implementation of knowledge management policies and adopt strategies that will assist with knowledge retention. Further recommendations are, effective integration of knowledge management practices into the system, development of an internet based system for effective communication and institutional repositories for knowledge preservation. The study concludes that the development of training programs would assist healthcare workers to be familiar with any new or old invented mechanism.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
La masculinité dans quelques oeuvres des romanciers Francophones Africains
- Joseph, Joy Ifeanyichukwu Osarumwense
- Authors: Joseph, Joy Ifeanyichukwu Osarumwense
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Masculinity in literature , Men in literature , African fiction (French) -- History and criticism , Bâ, Mariama. Chant écarlate , Fassinou, Adélaïde, 1955-.Modukpè le rêve brisé , Sanusi, Ramonu Abiodun, 1961-.Le bistouri des larmes , Sanusi, Ramonu Abiodun, 1961-.Un nègre a violé une blonde à Dallas , Baboni, Azaratou.Vie de femme, vie de sang
- Language: French
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/97512 , vital:31446 , DOI 10.21504/10962/97512
- Description: This thesis is a sociocritic and comparative study in Francophone African Literature which examines how male and female authors depict masculinity amongst African men in selected works of Francophone authors and how it affects the emancipation of women in the society. These include Mariama Bâ’s Un chant écarlate (1981) from Senegal, Adelaïde Fassinou’s Modukpè le rêve brisé (2000) from Benin, Ramonu Sanusi’s Le bistouri des larmes (2005, 2010) from Nigeria, Azaratou Baboni’s Vie de femme, vie de sang, (2011) from Benin, Ramonu Sanusi’s Un nègre a violé une blonde à Dallas, (2016) from Nigeria. The study analyses the various forms of masculinity in the selected works of Francophone authors. The study also examines the notable similarities and differences in the portrayal of male characters in the novel and how prevailing environmental factors determine the themes in the novel. This study has demonstrated that hegemonic and marginalized forms of masculinity are the dominant forms of masculinity in West Africa. These forms of masculinity have negative effects not only on the woman but affects the society in general. Furthermore, the study pleads for a social change with respect to Molara Leslie-Oguundipe’s theory on stiwanism (Ogundipe 1994: 229-230) The thesis is made of six chapters. In the first chapter, we outlined the study’s subject matter, its aims and objectives, its significance, its assumptions and methodology. In the second chapter, we examined Raewyn Connell’s theory of Masculinity and Molara Leslie-Ogundipe’s theory of Stiwanism with respect to the selected novels. Raewyn Connell’s theory on masculinity a sociological theory was employed in analyzing the social patterns of societal relationships, social interaction and culture, while Molara Leslie-Ogundipe’s theory on stiwanism a literary theory mirrored the West African Society. Such analyses helped us in identifying how socio-cultural and religious contexts influence the attitude of men towards women. In the third chapter, we applied sociocritic and comparative analyses between Mariama’s Bâ’s Un Chant Écarlate and Adelaïde’s Fassinou’s Modukpè le rêve brisé. The study focuses on how hegemonic and marginalized forms of masculinity influences racial discrimination in mixed marriages, polygamy, unwanted pregnancy, secondary sterility and single motherhood. These masculinities had negative effects on women and the society. The study also analyzed how both male and female characters employed stiwanist strategy in enhancing peace and harmony in the society. In the fourth chapter, the study examined how hegemonic and marginalized forms of masculinity influenced domestic violence, primary sterility, female genital mutilation and its negative and permanent damage to the health of women, the loss of lives of women and children in Ramonu Sanusi’s Le bistouri des larmes and Baboni Azaratou’s Vie de femme, vie de sang. The study also examined how women can rise above traditional norms with respect to stiwanist activites. The fifth chapter analyzed the influence of socio-cultural and political challenges in a contemporary society with respect to marginalized form of masculinity. In the sixth chapter, the study concluded that hegemonic and marginalized forms of masculinity are the dominant forms of masculinity. These forms of masculinites have negative effects on both sexes (male and female) as well as the society.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Joseph, Joy Ifeanyichukwu Osarumwense
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Masculinity in literature , Men in literature , African fiction (French) -- History and criticism , Bâ, Mariama. Chant écarlate , Fassinou, Adélaïde, 1955-.Modukpè le rêve brisé , Sanusi, Ramonu Abiodun, 1961-.Le bistouri des larmes , Sanusi, Ramonu Abiodun, 1961-.Un nègre a violé une blonde à Dallas , Baboni, Azaratou.Vie de femme, vie de sang
- Language: French
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/97512 , vital:31446 , DOI 10.21504/10962/97512
- Description: This thesis is a sociocritic and comparative study in Francophone African Literature which examines how male and female authors depict masculinity amongst African men in selected works of Francophone authors and how it affects the emancipation of women in the society. These include Mariama Bâ’s Un chant écarlate (1981) from Senegal, Adelaïde Fassinou’s Modukpè le rêve brisé (2000) from Benin, Ramonu Sanusi’s Le bistouri des larmes (2005, 2010) from Nigeria, Azaratou Baboni’s Vie de femme, vie de sang, (2011) from Benin, Ramonu Sanusi’s Un nègre a violé une blonde à Dallas, (2016) from Nigeria. The study analyses the various forms of masculinity in the selected works of Francophone authors. The study also examines the notable similarities and differences in the portrayal of male characters in the novel and how prevailing environmental factors determine the themes in the novel. This study has demonstrated that hegemonic and marginalized forms of masculinity are the dominant forms of masculinity in West Africa. These forms of masculinity have negative effects not only on the woman but affects the society in general. Furthermore, the study pleads for a social change with respect to Molara Leslie-Oguundipe’s theory on stiwanism (Ogundipe 1994: 229-230) The thesis is made of six chapters. In the first chapter, we outlined the study’s subject matter, its aims and objectives, its significance, its assumptions and methodology. In the second chapter, we examined Raewyn Connell’s theory of Masculinity and Molara Leslie-Ogundipe’s theory of Stiwanism with respect to the selected novels. Raewyn Connell’s theory on masculinity a sociological theory was employed in analyzing the social patterns of societal relationships, social interaction and culture, while Molara Leslie-Ogundipe’s theory on stiwanism a literary theory mirrored the West African Society. Such analyses helped us in identifying how socio-cultural and religious contexts influence the attitude of men towards women. In the third chapter, we applied sociocritic and comparative analyses between Mariama’s Bâ’s Un Chant Écarlate and Adelaïde’s Fassinou’s Modukpè le rêve brisé. The study focuses on how hegemonic and marginalized forms of masculinity influences racial discrimination in mixed marriages, polygamy, unwanted pregnancy, secondary sterility and single motherhood. These masculinities had negative effects on women and the society. The study also analyzed how both male and female characters employed stiwanist strategy in enhancing peace and harmony in the society. In the fourth chapter, the study examined how hegemonic and marginalized forms of masculinity influenced domestic violence, primary sterility, female genital mutilation and its negative and permanent damage to the health of women, the loss of lives of women and children in Ramonu Sanusi’s Le bistouri des larmes and Baboni Azaratou’s Vie de femme, vie de sang. The study also examined how women can rise above traditional norms with respect to stiwanist activites. The fifth chapter analyzed the influence of socio-cultural and political challenges in a contemporary society with respect to marginalized form of masculinity. In the sixth chapter, the study concluded that hegemonic and marginalized forms of masculinity are the dominant forms of masculinity. These forms of masculinites have negative effects on both sexes (male and female) as well as the society.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Labour immigration, per capita income growth and unemployment in post-apartheid South Africa
- Authors: Nyagweta, David Tinashe
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Unemployment rate
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44531 , vital:38136
- Description: Since the end of apartheid in 1994, South Africa has experienced considerable increase in immigration. The country’s immigrant population share relative to the total population stood at 2.4% in 1995 which soared to 7.6% in 2017. This increase has mostly been enticed by the highly competitive economic and political outlook of the rainbow nation in relation to other global developing nations. Unfortunately, reality of increased immigration particularly, labour-based immigration has spurred fierce debates which in many instances manifested into xenophobic violence. Pessimism amongst public, academic and political spheres continues to grow with detrimental economic strains of slow per capita income growth and high unemployment cited as immigration outcomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether labour-based immigration contributed to changes in per capita income growth and unemployment levels in South Africa. Using unemployment rate, labour immigration entrances and per capita income growth rate data from 1994-2017, the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds test was used to test for long run relationship together with the short run dynamic model. Evidence from the underlying results show that labour immigration has an insignificant causal effect on both per capita income growth and unemployment. Thus, contrary to pessimistic public and political sentiment, constrained income growth and increased unemployment are not attributed to high rates of labour immigration. Based on these findings policy makers should improve alignment of policies with regional and multinational blocs, constitutional obligations and economic goals to ensure sound immigration policies. Furthermore, communities should enable programs which aim to reduce tensions between immigrants and citizens whilst building towards inclusive development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Nyagweta, David Tinashe
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Unemployment rate
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44531 , vital:38136
- Description: Since the end of apartheid in 1994, South Africa has experienced considerable increase in immigration. The country’s immigrant population share relative to the total population stood at 2.4% in 1995 which soared to 7.6% in 2017. This increase has mostly been enticed by the highly competitive economic and political outlook of the rainbow nation in relation to other global developing nations. Unfortunately, reality of increased immigration particularly, labour-based immigration has spurred fierce debates which in many instances manifested into xenophobic violence. Pessimism amongst public, academic and political spheres continues to grow with detrimental economic strains of slow per capita income growth and high unemployment cited as immigration outcomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether labour-based immigration contributed to changes in per capita income growth and unemployment levels in South Africa. Using unemployment rate, labour immigration entrances and per capita income growth rate data from 1994-2017, the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds test was used to test for long run relationship together with the short run dynamic model. Evidence from the underlying results show that labour immigration has an insignificant causal effect on both per capita income growth and unemployment. Thus, contrary to pessimistic public and political sentiment, constrained income growth and increased unemployment are not attributed to high rates of labour immigration. Based on these findings policy makers should improve alignment of policies with regional and multinational blocs, constitutional obligations and economic goals to ensure sound immigration policies. Furthermore, communities should enable programs which aim to reduce tensions between immigrants and citizens whilst building towards inclusive development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019