Lived experiences of people living with HIV and hypertension with regard to disease management in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Tokwe, Lwandile
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: HIV-positive persons -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Hypertension -- South Africa -- Treatment Chronic diseases -- Treatment Patient compliance Public health
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43765 , vital:37045
- Description: Globally, approximately 36.9 million people in 2017 were reported to be living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) across the world. In South Africa, 7.52 million people in 2018 were reported to be living with HIV. In light of the increased life expectancy among people living with HIV (PLWH), which is attributed by availability and enrolment to Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART), chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) compound the management of HIV in PLWH. South Africa is encountering a burden of communicable diseases and NCDs, in particular, the co-morbidity of HIV and hypertension (HTN). The aim of the study was to explore and describe the lived experiences of people living with HIV and HTN with regard to disease management in the Eastern Cape. Qualitative research design was used and amongst its methods, Husserl’s descriptive phenomenological method was utilized to explore the lived experiences of the participants. The Health Belief model was the theoretical framework that underpinned the study. The study was conducted at Sakhisizwe sub-district located in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The target population were adults living with HIV and HTN who were accessing care from Primary Health Care (PHC) clinics and who met the researcher’s inclusion criteria. A purposive sampling method was used and nine participants were interviewed using semi-structured interviews. The data was analysed using Giorgi’s (1985) phenomenological method of data analysis which facilitated the emergence of the themes from the data. Four themes and 14 subthemes emerged. The participants reported that they experienced illness-related stigma, support of different influential people, self-love in the form of taking ownership of the diseases, experience of creating self-care practices and transforming lifestyle modification behaviours. Recommendations for clinical practice were made to support the professional nurses in the management of the HIV and HTN in the PHC setting. The study findings reflected the lived experiences of the patients of the selected setting and was conducted only in one province rather than in the entire South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Tokwe, Lwandile
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: HIV-positive persons -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Hypertension -- South Africa -- Treatment Chronic diseases -- Treatment Patient compliance Public health
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43765 , vital:37045
- Description: Globally, approximately 36.9 million people in 2017 were reported to be living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) across the world. In South Africa, 7.52 million people in 2018 were reported to be living with HIV. In light of the increased life expectancy among people living with HIV (PLWH), which is attributed by availability and enrolment to Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART), chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) compound the management of HIV in PLWH. South Africa is encountering a burden of communicable diseases and NCDs, in particular, the co-morbidity of HIV and hypertension (HTN). The aim of the study was to explore and describe the lived experiences of people living with HIV and HTN with regard to disease management in the Eastern Cape. Qualitative research design was used and amongst its methods, Husserl’s descriptive phenomenological method was utilized to explore the lived experiences of the participants. The Health Belief model was the theoretical framework that underpinned the study. The study was conducted at Sakhisizwe sub-district located in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The target population were adults living with HIV and HTN who were accessing care from Primary Health Care (PHC) clinics and who met the researcher’s inclusion criteria. A purposive sampling method was used and nine participants were interviewed using semi-structured interviews. The data was analysed using Giorgi’s (1985) phenomenological method of data analysis which facilitated the emergence of the themes from the data. Four themes and 14 subthemes emerged. The participants reported that they experienced illness-related stigma, support of different influential people, self-love in the form of taking ownership of the diseases, experience of creating self-care practices and transforming lifestyle modification behaviours. Recommendations for clinical practice were made to support the professional nurses in the management of the HIV and HTN in the PHC setting. The study findings reflected the lived experiences of the patients of the selected setting and was conducted only in one province rather than in the entire South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Livelihood benefits and costs from an invasive alien tree (Acacia dealbata) to rural communities in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Ngorima, A, Shackleton, Charlie M
- Authors: Ngorima, A , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/179755 , vital:43168 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.05.077"
- Description: The negative effects of invasive alien species (IAS) are increasingly invoked to justify widespread and usually top-down approaches for their management or eradication. However, very little of the research or discourse is based on investigating local perceptions, uses and struggles with IAS, and how their presence influences and changes local livelihoods. The objective of this study was to assess the perceptions and livelihood uses of Acacia dealbata by local communities at three localities in the montane grasslands of the Eastern Cape, South Africa, using a combination of random household interviews, focus group discussions and participatory tools. We calculated direct-use values for each product and household (based on quantity used and local prices) and disaggregated these by gender of the household head and wealth quartiles. The results revealed the dualistic role of A. dealbata in local livelihoods. On the one hand, A. dealbata was widely used for firewood (100% of households), tools (77%) and construction timber (73%), with limited use for traditional medicines and forage. The cumulative value of approximately ZAR 2870 (±US$224) per household per year (across all households) represents considerable cash saving to households, most of whom are quite poor by national and international measures. On the other hand, the increasing extent of A. dealbata (93% said it was increasing) exacerbates local household vulnerability though reported reductions in cultivated areas, crop yields and forage production, and allegedly higher risks of crime. This quandary is well encapsulated by the considerable majority of respondents (84%) not wanting higher extents and densities of A. dealbata, but an equally high majority not wanting its total removal from local landscapes. Most respondents disliked A. dealbata in fields, close to homesteads or along primary access routes, and were more tolerant of it away from such sites. Institutional and use dynamics have varied over several decades in response to the changing extent and densities of A. dealbata and the broader political and socio-economic contexts. These results indicate that greater efforts are required to understand perceptions and uses of IAS by the people who live with them, and to direct such understanding into more spatially and temporally contextualised response strategies where required.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Ngorima, A , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/179755 , vital:43168 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.05.077"
- Description: The negative effects of invasive alien species (IAS) are increasingly invoked to justify widespread and usually top-down approaches for their management or eradication. However, very little of the research or discourse is based on investigating local perceptions, uses and struggles with IAS, and how their presence influences and changes local livelihoods. The objective of this study was to assess the perceptions and livelihood uses of Acacia dealbata by local communities at three localities in the montane grasslands of the Eastern Cape, South Africa, using a combination of random household interviews, focus group discussions and participatory tools. We calculated direct-use values for each product and household (based on quantity used and local prices) and disaggregated these by gender of the household head and wealth quartiles. The results revealed the dualistic role of A. dealbata in local livelihoods. On the one hand, A. dealbata was widely used for firewood (100% of households), tools (77%) and construction timber (73%), with limited use for traditional medicines and forage. The cumulative value of approximately ZAR 2870 (±US$224) per household per year (across all households) represents considerable cash saving to households, most of whom are quite poor by national and international measures. On the other hand, the increasing extent of A. dealbata (93% said it was increasing) exacerbates local household vulnerability though reported reductions in cultivated areas, crop yields and forage production, and allegedly higher risks of crime. This quandary is well encapsulated by the considerable majority of respondents (84%) not wanting higher extents and densities of A. dealbata, but an equally high majority not wanting its total removal from local landscapes. Most respondents disliked A. dealbata in fields, close to homesteads or along primary access routes, and were more tolerant of it away from such sites. Institutional and use dynamics have varied over several decades in response to the changing extent and densities of A. dealbata and the broader political and socio-economic contexts. These results indicate that greater efforts are required to understand perceptions and uses of IAS by the people who live with them, and to direct such understanding into more spatially and temporally contextualised response strategies where required.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Livestock water productivity: towards improving rural livelihoods from livestock in semi-arid rangelands
- Authors: Gusha, Bukho
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Livestock -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Livestock -- Effect of drought on -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Animals -- Food -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Livestock -- Effect of water quality on -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Livestock -- Water requirements -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Livestock productivity -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Stochastic analysis , Communal rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land degradation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Animal owners -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Livestock improvement -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/115171 , vital:34084
- Description: Communal rangelands in South Africa mainly occur in the former homelands. The former homelands constitute 13% of the land surface area and support a quarter of the country's human population with a wide range of goods and services, among them, grazing for livestock, mostly reared on communal rangelands. These rangelands are degraded and cannot sustain maximum livestock production because of poor species composition and low standing biomass, however research has been conducted on livestock production at household level (where all livestock goods and services are valued). This provides an opportunity to conduct a study describing livestock water productivity in the north of the Eastern Cape, where livestock production is a primary source of livelihood for rural communities from which many households generate cash but where different practices and factors undermine high livestock production. Many studies have focused on understanding the water productivity of a natural rangeland system for commercially oriented crop-livestock systems, but the aim of this study is to contribute towards improving rural livelihoods from livestock in the sub-humid rangelands of the north Eastern Cape. Here, unimproved native grasslands are the major source of feed for livestock and people do not have herders to take livestock to the most productive parts of the rangelands. Households were surveyed using a questionnaire on livestock household contribution, socioeconomic characteristics of the household, livestock holdings and livestock production strategies. Rangeland productivity was measured in the field. Experimental animals for livestock grazing distribution were identified and fitted with Global Positioning Systems (GPS) collars to identify the seasonal grazing areas. These activities shed light on the biophysical attributes of the ecosystem and livestock production in a communal rangeland system. Because continuous grazing in the rangelands of the north Eastern Cape reduces the standing biomass, there is no obvious aboveground biomass to provide a visual perspective of production nor is it possible to determine production without excluding the livestock. Thus, four parallel lines of evidence were employed to measure rangeland productivity: line intercept, grazing exclosures, net photosynthesis from earth observation and disc pasture meter. Earth observation products were used to derive the amount of water used by the landscape to produce this forage (i.e. evapotranspiration or ET) and these measurements of net primary production and landscape water use were used in preparing a value of livestock water productivity (LWP) for this farming system. There has been the perception that residents of the study area lack knowledge of technical efficiencies in the large stock sector at household level. The study used stochastic frontier analysis to assess livestock production and followed with a household survey to collect information on socio-economic characteristics and information on livestock practices. The data from the household survey were used to estimate the technical efficiency of households using a stochastic frontier analysis. Productivity and inefficiency variables that increase livestock production or increase technical difficulties were identified. The focus on livestock has mostly been on the direct value of livestock to owners with a poor understanding of their value to non-livestock owners, where cultural activities, such as livestock slaughtering, were documented as the only source of protein for non-livestock owners. However, the value that is available to non-livestock owners has not been quantified. This study assessed livestockbased livelihoods of communal people to improve their livelihoods through a household survey looking at the contribution of livestock to both livestock and non-livestock owners. Earlier work on LWP has focused on systems where animals were on ‘fed, cut and carry’ and irrigated systems. However, there is a need to describe LWP in a natural grazing system and this study set out to achieve this for these communal rangelands through a household survey that determined the value of livestock goods and services given the amount of water used (ET). Lastly, livestock grazing distribution across the landscape was assessed, using GPS collars that recorded livestock behaviour every five minutes during the daylight. This approach was necessary because livestock grazing patterns in these communal rangelands is poorly controlled by people, and animals are largely free-ranging, grazing selectively, based on their own preferences, which leads to localised overgrazing. This part of the study was achieved through experimental livestock collaring and weighing (both sheep and goats) for the wet and dry seasons. The collared livestock were weighed on the day of putting on collars and the day of removing the collars. The results on livestock grazing distribution were analysed using the R package, T-LoCoH. The major finding of this study was that communal rangelands of the north Eastern Cape can improve rural livelihoods from livestock if proper interventions for both livestock and rangeland production and productivity can be implemented. One of these interventions is fencing as it was found that exclosures that were fenced during the study yielded high aboveground productivity comparable to that achieved in commercial rangelands, yielding 220 g DM m-2 yr-1. Surveys using the calibrated disc pasture meter showed the need for proper rotation and resting of the rangeland. Net photosynthesis of 880.7 g C m-2 yr-1 for unimproved grassland in good condition was comparable to commercial rangelands in the region. Using the line intercept, vegetation cover was found to be a good predictor of aboveground standing biomass; thus a positive relationship was revealed. Lastly, annual ET of 270 mm yr-1 was calculated using the Penman Monteith Palmer (PMP) equation, while 379 mm yr-1 was extracted from the MOD16 product, suggesting that PMP ET may not be accurate in these grassland systems due to the slow response of MODIS Leaf Area Index (LAI). The average household technical efficiency (TE) score was found to be 0.79 on the study sites, indicating the potential for households to improve outputs from livestock. A range of household categories were identified, based on gender and an index of wealth, and households with lower and higher TE were identified. This analysis revealed that productivity variables such as holding higher livestock numbers and providing additional feed achieved high livestock outputs, suggesting high livestock productivity. However, in terms of inefficiency variables, gender (female-headed households), dwelling type (an index of homestead wealth), kraaling livestock at night and herding livestock during the day were found to improve technical efficiency. It was revealed in this study that households keep livestock to derive different goods and services including offtake, manure, milk, wool and services such as traction. The non-livestock owning households were reported to also benefit from the abovementioned goods and services in the study site and that the value of their contribution could be quantified, thus contributing significantly to rural livelihoods. The study showed that LWP was comparable with other studies such as those conducted in Ethiopia. This study compared its results with the studies conducted outside South Africa as there were limited comparable South African studies available; however, this does not necessarily mean we can use the same model as the value of livestock outputs varies based on the preferred outputs. This study developed an LWP model for the natural rangeland system. The LWP values were measured in ZAR and later converted in USD and were divided into three different categories based on the wealth index, such as better-off, middle wealth and poor households. Lastly, this study showed that livestock (both cattle and sheep) spend a high proportion of their grazing day, during both the wet and dry seasons, in a small physical area, immediately around the homesteads. These are areas where the active green growth occurs throughout the year, suggesting the need for livestock herders to move livestock around the landscape for more effective landscape use. Herding has the potential to improve landscape use and conserve grazing resource and the ability of a household to attain best outputs from livestock. Positive daily weight gains were reported in collared livestock during the wet season. However, both sheep and cattle lost weight during the dry season. This study recommends interventions such as labour for herding, and other animal husbandry-related activities including milking, handling, and vaccinating animals. Market opportunities for communal rangeland livestock should be facilitated by informing livestock owners about livestock market specifications to improve their livelihoods. Lastly, proper grazing management planning, such as fencing, which enables rotational grazing, and herding which moves animals to the most productive parts of the rangeland, should be implemented so that rangelands can be rested for plant growth, vigour, and improved aboveground net primary productivity. Based on the recommendations made in this study, a research development approach is necessary which prioritises female empowerment in agriculture and poor farmers as female-headed households were reported by this study to be more technically efficient.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Gusha, Bukho
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Livestock -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Livestock -- Effect of drought on -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Animals -- Food -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Livestock -- Effect of water quality on -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Livestock -- Water requirements -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Livestock productivity -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Stochastic analysis , Communal rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land degradation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Animal owners -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Livestock improvement -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/115171 , vital:34084
- Description: Communal rangelands in South Africa mainly occur in the former homelands. The former homelands constitute 13% of the land surface area and support a quarter of the country's human population with a wide range of goods and services, among them, grazing for livestock, mostly reared on communal rangelands. These rangelands are degraded and cannot sustain maximum livestock production because of poor species composition and low standing biomass, however research has been conducted on livestock production at household level (where all livestock goods and services are valued). This provides an opportunity to conduct a study describing livestock water productivity in the north of the Eastern Cape, where livestock production is a primary source of livelihood for rural communities from which many households generate cash but where different practices and factors undermine high livestock production. Many studies have focused on understanding the water productivity of a natural rangeland system for commercially oriented crop-livestock systems, but the aim of this study is to contribute towards improving rural livelihoods from livestock in the sub-humid rangelands of the north Eastern Cape. Here, unimproved native grasslands are the major source of feed for livestock and people do not have herders to take livestock to the most productive parts of the rangelands. Households were surveyed using a questionnaire on livestock household contribution, socioeconomic characteristics of the household, livestock holdings and livestock production strategies. Rangeland productivity was measured in the field. Experimental animals for livestock grazing distribution were identified and fitted with Global Positioning Systems (GPS) collars to identify the seasonal grazing areas. These activities shed light on the biophysical attributes of the ecosystem and livestock production in a communal rangeland system. Because continuous grazing in the rangelands of the north Eastern Cape reduces the standing biomass, there is no obvious aboveground biomass to provide a visual perspective of production nor is it possible to determine production without excluding the livestock. Thus, four parallel lines of evidence were employed to measure rangeland productivity: line intercept, grazing exclosures, net photosynthesis from earth observation and disc pasture meter. Earth observation products were used to derive the amount of water used by the landscape to produce this forage (i.e. evapotranspiration or ET) and these measurements of net primary production and landscape water use were used in preparing a value of livestock water productivity (LWP) for this farming system. There has been the perception that residents of the study area lack knowledge of technical efficiencies in the large stock sector at household level. The study used stochastic frontier analysis to assess livestock production and followed with a household survey to collect information on socio-economic characteristics and information on livestock practices. The data from the household survey were used to estimate the technical efficiency of households using a stochastic frontier analysis. Productivity and inefficiency variables that increase livestock production or increase technical difficulties were identified. The focus on livestock has mostly been on the direct value of livestock to owners with a poor understanding of their value to non-livestock owners, where cultural activities, such as livestock slaughtering, were documented as the only source of protein for non-livestock owners. However, the value that is available to non-livestock owners has not been quantified. This study assessed livestockbased livelihoods of communal people to improve their livelihoods through a household survey looking at the contribution of livestock to both livestock and non-livestock owners. Earlier work on LWP has focused on systems where animals were on ‘fed, cut and carry’ and irrigated systems. However, there is a need to describe LWP in a natural grazing system and this study set out to achieve this for these communal rangelands through a household survey that determined the value of livestock goods and services given the amount of water used (ET). Lastly, livestock grazing distribution across the landscape was assessed, using GPS collars that recorded livestock behaviour every five minutes during the daylight. This approach was necessary because livestock grazing patterns in these communal rangelands is poorly controlled by people, and animals are largely free-ranging, grazing selectively, based on their own preferences, which leads to localised overgrazing. This part of the study was achieved through experimental livestock collaring and weighing (both sheep and goats) for the wet and dry seasons. The collared livestock were weighed on the day of putting on collars and the day of removing the collars. The results on livestock grazing distribution were analysed using the R package, T-LoCoH. The major finding of this study was that communal rangelands of the north Eastern Cape can improve rural livelihoods from livestock if proper interventions for both livestock and rangeland production and productivity can be implemented. One of these interventions is fencing as it was found that exclosures that were fenced during the study yielded high aboveground productivity comparable to that achieved in commercial rangelands, yielding 220 g DM m-2 yr-1. Surveys using the calibrated disc pasture meter showed the need for proper rotation and resting of the rangeland. Net photosynthesis of 880.7 g C m-2 yr-1 for unimproved grassland in good condition was comparable to commercial rangelands in the region. Using the line intercept, vegetation cover was found to be a good predictor of aboveground standing biomass; thus a positive relationship was revealed. Lastly, annual ET of 270 mm yr-1 was calculated using the Penman Monteith Palmer (PMP) equation, while 379 mm yr-1 was extracted from the MOD16 product, suggesting that PMP ET may not be accurate in these grassland systems due to the slow response of MODIS Leaf Area Index (LAI). The average household technical efficiency (TE) score was found to be 0.79 on the study sites, indicating the potential for households to improve outputs from livestock. A range of household categories were identified, based on gender and an index of wealth, and households with lower and higher TE were identified. This analysis revealed that productivity variables such as holding higher livestock numbers and providing additional feed achieved high livestock outputs, suggesting high livestock productivity. However, in terms of inefficiency variables, gender (female-headed households), dwelling type (an index of homestead wealth), kraaling livestock at night and herding livestock during the day were found to improve technical efficiency. It was revealed in this study that households keep livestock to derive different goods and services including offtake, manure, milk, wool and services such as traction. The non-livestock owning households were reported to also benefit from the abovementioned goods and services in the study site and that the value of their contribution could be quantified, thus contributing significantly to rural livelihoods. The study showed that LWP was comparable with other studies such as those conducted in Ethiopia. This study compared its results with the studies conducted outside South Africa as there were limited comparable South African studies available; however, this does not necessarily mean we can use the same model as the value of livestock outputs varies based on the preferred outputs. This study developed an LWP model for the natural rangeland system. The LWP values were measured in ZAR and later converted in USD and were divided into three different categories based on the wealth index, such as better-off, middle wealth and poor households. Lastly, this study showed that livestock (both cattle and sheep) spend a high proportion of their grazing day, during both the wet and dry seasons, in a small physical area, immediately around the homesteads. These are areas where the active green growth occurs throughout the year, suggesting the need for livestock herders to move livestock around the landscape for more effective landscape use. Herding has the potential to improve landscape use and conserve grazing resource and the ability of a household to attain best outputs from livestock. Positive daily weight gains were reported in collared livestock during the wet season. However, both sheep and cattle lost weight during the dry season. This study recommends interventions such as labour for herding, and other animal husbandry-related activities including milking, handling, and vaccinating animals. Market opportunities for communal rangeland livestock should be facilitated by informing livestock owners about livestock market specifications to improve their livelihoods. Lastly, proper grazing management planning, such as fencing, which enables rotational grazing, and herding which moves animals to the most productive parts of the rangeland, should be implemented so that rangelands can be rested for plant growth, vigour, and improved aboveground net primary productivity. Based on the recommendations made in this study, a research development approach is necessary which prioritises female empowerment in agriculture and poor farmers as female-headed households were reported by this study to be more technically efficient.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Local economic development in Bhofolo location in Raymond Mhlaba Municipality
- Authors: Manqunyana, Siyabulela
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40922 , vital:36270
- Description: This study explored Local Economic Development (LED) in Bhofolo Location at Raymond Mhlaba Municipality. The purpose of local economic development is to build up the capacity of a local area in order to improve its community future and the better quality of life for all. It is a process by which communities, private sector and non-government sector partners work collectively to create better conducive environment for economic growth and employment generation. The successes of the community today depends upon its ability to adopt to the dynamic local, regional, provincial, national and international market economy. The ability of communities to improve quality of life, create new economic opportunities and fight poverty that depend upon them being able to understand the LED processes. Local Government in South Africa faces several cogent development challenges. A number of interventions, such as legislations, strategies and policies have been introduced by national, provincial and local spheres of government to confront challenges of unemployment, food security and skills shortage, with partial success. The literature review included an analysis of legislative frameworks for LED, definitions and theories of LED and a case study of Raymond Mhlaba Municipality. In this regard, an explanation of the concept of LED was provided so as to contextualise the study. Apart from the lack of funding, LED appears to suffer from the lack of stakeholder participation as well as monitoring and evaluation. To further contextualise this study, the debate on LED challenges in South Africa’s local government sphere was presented to highlight the current challenges. Drawing from the presented context and discussions, a conceptual framework was articulated and recommendations presented, which were intended to assist municipalities to ensure that viable LED strategies are developed and implemented.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Manqunyana, Siyabulela
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40922 , vital:36270
- Description: This study explored Local Economic Development (LED) in Bhofolo Location at Raymond Mhlaba Municipality. The purpose of local economic development is to build up the capacity of a local area in order to improve its community future and the better quality of life for all. It is a process by which communities, private sector and non-government sector partners work collectively to create better conducive environment for economic growth and employment generation. The successes of the community today depends upon its ability to adopt to the dynamic local, regional, provincial, national and international market economy. The ability of communities to improve quality of life, create new economic opportunities and fight poverty that depend upon them being able to understand the LED processes. Local Government in South Africa faces several cogent development challenges. A number of interventions, such as legislations, strategies and policies have been introduced by national, provincial and local spheres of government to confront challenges of unemployment, food security and skills shortage, with partial success. The literature review included an analysis of legislative frameworks for LED, definitions and theories of LED and a case study of Raymond Mhlaba Municipality. In this regard, an explanation of the concept of LED was provided so as to contextualise the study. Apart from the lack of funding, LED appears to suffer from the lack of stakeholder participation as well as monitoring and evaluation. To further contextualise this study, the debate on LED challenges in South Africa’s local government sphere was presented to highlight the current challenges. Drawing from the presented context and discussions, a conceptual framework was articulated and recommendations presented, which were intended to assist municipalities to ensure that viable LED strategies are developed and implemented.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Local economic development through small businesses in Dimbaza
- Authors: Gantsho, Sixolile
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Economics -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape South Africa -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42174 , vital:36632
- Description: This study was conducted in Dimbaza, a small town outside of King Williams Town. Dimbaza was created as a resettlement township during Apartheid in 1967. The study investigated local economic development through small businesses. The study described the state of the small business sector, it presented the contribution this sector has towards employment creation and income generation. Furthermore, it investigated the challenges that the small business sector in Dimbaza faces and the level of responsiveness from the local authorities in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality which Dimbaza falls under. The study was conducted using a survey questionnaire which was administered to small business entrepreneurs. Furthermore, a focus group with small business owners and semi-structured interviews were conducted with officials from the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in the Business Development and Local Economic Development Directorate. The findings of the study suggest that Dimbaza has a large informal economy which has of survivalist entrepreneurs with small and micro businesses. It is evident from the study that the small business sector in Dimbaza is facing the following challenges: No access to funding opportunities, a lack of infrastructure, lack of proper running water and electricity and lack of economic development programmes from the municipality. There is a dire need for the intervention of local authorities in the small business sector in Dimbaza. Buffalo City Municipality needs to ensure the creation and implementation of programmes through Local Economic Development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Gantsho, Sixolile
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Economics -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape South Africa -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42174 , vital:36632
- Description: This study was conducted in Dimbaza, a small town outside of King Williams Town. Dimbaza was created as a resettlement township during Apartheid in 1967. The study investigated local economic development through small businesses. The study described the state of the small business sector, it presented the contribution this sector has towards employment creation and income generation. Furthermore, it investigated the challenges that the small business sector in Dimbaza faces and the level of responsiveness from the local authorities in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality which Dimbaza falls under. The study was conducted using a survey questionnaire which was administered to small business entrepreneurs. Furthermore, a focus group with small business owners and semi-structured interviews were conducted with officials from the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in the Business Development and Local Economic Development Directorate. The findings of the study suggest that Dimbaza has a large informal economy which has of survivalist entrepreneurs with small and micro businesses. It is evident from the study that the small business sector in Dimbaza is facing the following challenges: No access to funding opportunities, a lack of infrastructure, lack of proper running water and electricity and lack of economic development programmes from the municipality. There is a dire need for the intervention of local authorities in the small business sector in Dimbaza. Buffalo City Municipality needs to ensure the creation and implementation of programmes through Local Economic Development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Local web news as tools for framing food security: the content analysis of four selected Eastern Cape web newspapers
- Metula , Nolukhanyo Theorida
- Authors: Metula , Nolukhanyo Theorida
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Food security World Wide Web
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17484 , vital:41080
- Description: This study evaluates how the Eastern Cape local web newspapers frame food security in the Eastern Cape Province. A qualitative content analysis by means of textual analysis was used to evaluate the selected local web newspaper’s content on food security related stories within the period of July-December 2017. The sample was drawn from four Eastern Cape local web newspapers- Daily Dispatch Live, Herald Live, Go and Express and The Talk of the Town. The analysis sought to determine how the selected local web newspapers frame food security concerning food availability, accessibility and affordability in the Eastern Cape Province. Additionally, the study aimed to ascertain the issues about food security that are raised by the Eastern Cape local web newspapers and, to establish the extent to which these Eastern Cape local web newspapers’ framing is helpful in ensuring participation, empowerment and community mobilization for food securing purposes. The results of this study indicate that the local web newspapers frame Eastern Cape Province as untapped food basket. The framing suggests that the Province can leverage its agricultural resources for job creation which will ensure economic growth and food security. The local web newspapers framing suggests that there are numerous channels such as natural food production, livestock production, smallholder farming that can enhance availability and access to affordable food to people in the Eastern Cape Province. The findings revealed that local web newspapers frame increased agricultural production as an important issue that demand serious and urgent attention of the Provincial government as it has the potential of not only ensuring food security but also impacting positively on the income of local farmers. The local web newspapers frame farm attacks, land redistribution and reinstatement as important factors that hinder food production and, ultimately, food security in the Eastern Cape v Province. Furthermore, this study discovered that the frame of references used by the local web newspapers, especially the emphasis on local farming, land redistribution and private sector help to empower and mobilize individuals and communities to participate in food security initiatives. This study concludes that Eastern Cape Local Web Newspapers can be veritable tools to enhance food security channels in the Eastern Cape Province
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Metula , Nolukhanyo Theorida
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Food security World Wide Web
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17484 , vital:41080
- Description: This study evaluates how the Eastern Cape local web newspapers frame food security in the Eastern Cape Province. A qualitative content analysis by means of textual analysis was used to evaluate the selected local web newspaper’s content on food security related stories within the period of July-December 2017. The sample was drawn from four Eastern Cape local web newspapers- Daily Dispatch Live, Herald Live, Go and Express and The Talk of the Town. The analysis sought to determine how the selected local web newspapers frame food security concerning food availability, accessibility and affordability in the Eastern Cape Province. Additionally, the study aimed to ascertain the issues about food security that are raised by the Eastern Cape local web newspapers and, to establish the extent to which these Eastern Cape local web newspapers’ framing is helpful in ensuring participation, empowerment and community mobilization for food securing purposes. The results of this study indicate that the local web newspapers frame Eastern Cape Province as untapped food basket. The framing suggests that the Province can leverage its agricultural resources for job creation which will ensure economic growth and food security. The local web newspapers framing suggests that there are numerous channels such as natural food production, livestock production, smallholder farming that can enhance availability and access to affordable food to people in the Eastern Cape Province. The findings revealed that local web newspapers frame increased agricultural production as an important issue that demand serious and urgent attention of the Provincial government as it has the potential of not only ensuring food security but also impacting positively on the income of local farmers. The local web newspapers frame farm attacks, land redistribution and reinstatement as important factors that hinder food production and, ultimately, food security in the Eastern Cape v Province. Furthermore, this study discovered that the frame of references used by the local web newspapers, especially the emphasis on local farming, land redistribution and private sector help to empower and mobilize individuals and communities to participate in food security initiatives. This study concludes that Eastern Cape Local Web Newspapers can be veritable tools to enhance food security channels in the Eastern Cape Province
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Long-term impacts of re-establishment practices on pine pulpwood production, South Africa
- Authors: Ndlovu, Noxolo Nokwethemba
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Pulpwood -- South Africa , Forest management -- Environmental aspects Forest management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41785 , vital:36582
- Description: Within South Africa, Pinus species (pines) occupy 50.8% of the total commercial plantation forestry area, of which 29.4% is planted for pulpwood production. Intensive re-establishment is practiced to promote pine productivity (tree survival, growth and uniformity). Extensive international and local (South African) research has been conducted to determine the short-term (up to ca. nine years of age) impacts of individual and integrated re-establishment practices on pine productivity. However, there is limited rotation-length data available for pine pulpwood (grown within South Africa) with which to provide an understanding of the full implications of individual and integrated impacts of re-establishment practices on longer-term tree survival, growth and uniformity. Data from these trials could then be used to justify silvicultural inputs (if any) and potentially refine management decision-making for subsequent rotations. Three pine trials were established in 1997/8 on three contrasting sites to test the influence of a range of re-establishment practices, and included site preparation (slash management and preparation of a planting position), fertilisation and vegetation management, and/or any interaction, on short- and long- term pine pulpwood productivity within South Africa. Pinus patula was planted at Blyde and Pinus elliottii at Bergvliet (both situated in Mpumalanga), and Pinus greggii planted at Hlabeni in KwaZulu-Natal. Final measurements were taken at 17 years at Blyde and Bergvliet, with the Hlabeni trial only assessed to age 11.6 years due to premature felling. Measurements of vegetation cover and biomass, soil and foliar nutrients, tree survival, growth and uniformity were used to provide an insight into treatment responses, both within and between sites. At Blyde (Chapter 2), the individual and integrated impact of different practices of slash management (Burn versus No Burn), preparation of a planting position (Pit, Rip, Chopper roll and Pit and Chopper roll and Rip) and vegetation management (Weedfree versus Weedy) were investigated. The vegetation on the site (initially a mixture of grasses, herbaceous broadleaves and woody plants) competed with the seedlings from 0.3 years, with the woody component (mainly Solanum mauritianum and Buddleija salviifolia) remaining competitive through to rotation-end. From 2.5 years there was an interaction between the preparation of a planting position and vegetation management with the lowest vegetation biomass recorded in the Rip + Weedy treatments. Overall soil and foliar magnesium and potassium levels were considered sub-optimal, however this did not translate to rotation-end tree productivity differences. Tree survival was not impacted negatively by any of the main effects, or their interactions. At rotation-end (17 years) slash management (as a main factor) was not significant in terms of tree growth, whereas preparation of a planting position was significant for BA and Vol (Rip > Pitting ~ Chopper roll), and vegetation management (Weedfree > Weedy) for Dbh, BA and Vol. In addition, there was a significant interaction between the preparation of a planting position and vegetation management for BA and Vol, with the need to manage vegetation more critical when pitting, compared to when ripping and/or chopper rolling. At Bergvliet (Chapter 3), the individual and integrated impact of slash management (Clear, Single and Double), fertilisation (Fertilisation versus No Fertilisation) and vegetation management (Weedfree versus Weedy) were investigated. The vegetation on the site (initially a mixture of grasses, herbaceous broadleaves and woody plants) competed with the seedlings from 0.4 years, with the woody component (mainly pine regeneration, Solanum mauritianum and Lantana camara) remaining competitive until rotation-end. Neither slash management nor fertilisation had a notable influence on vegetation cover. At 1.3 years, biomass sampled indicated a relationship between slash management and fertilisation where biomass was highest within the Clear + Fert (4 398 kg ha-1) and Double + No Fert slash treatments (4 698 kg ha-1). Soil and tree foliar nutrients were considered acceptable. At 17 years, vegetation management (Weedfree > Weedy) and the interaction between slash management and fertilisation significantly influenced rotation-end tree survival (Double + No Fert ~ Single + No Fert ~ Clear + Fert ~ Clear + No Fert > Double + Fert ~ Single + Fert). Neither slash management nor fertilisation (as main factors) had a significant influence on rotation-end growth. Vegetation management significantly improved Ht, Dbh, BA and Vol at rotation-end (Weedfree > Weedy). The management of vegetation resulted in 67.5 m3 ha-1 more volume at rotation-end than in the Weedy plots. At Hlabeni (Chapter 4), the individual and integrated impacts of different forms of fertiliser (No Fertilisation, Maxiphos, Agriphos and NPK) and ring weeding distances (0, 1, 2 and 3 m) were tested. Competition occurred from 0.6 years, and was from mainly grasses (and sedges) and herbaceous vegetation with limited woody plants. Fertilisation did not have a notable influence on vegetation cover, nor did it have a significant influence P. greggii survival and growth. However, fertilisation increased the vegetation biomass (NPK > No Fert ~ Agri > Maxi) which indirectly influenced P. greggii uniformity at 11.6 years. During initial stand development P. greggii responded positively (linear) to an increase in the area ring kept free of competitive vegetation (3_m > 2_m > 1_m > 0_m). Positive growth responses to vegetation management were, however, no longer significant at 11.6 years (except for height growth) possibly due to the absence of more suppressive woody plants. The results from these trials indicate that vegetation management was the most important silvicultural practice at re-establishment especially where woody vegetation persists. Results from this trial series confirm current vegetation management practices within South Africa are adequate, where the immediate area around the seedling or tree is kept free of vegetation with control of any woody vegetation that occurs outside of this area. The results also suggest that slash retention is acceptable if pitting and planting are properly undertaken, while fertiliser application did not have any notable benefit. In addition, these trials have indicated the value (to forest managers) of understanding the integrated impacts of silvicultural practices on long-term tree productivity..
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Ndlovu, Noxolo Nokwethemba
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Pulpwood -- South Africa , Forest management -- Environmental aspects Forest management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41785 , vital:36582
- Description: Within South Africa, Pinus species (pines) occupy 50.8% of the total commercial plantation forestry area, of which 29.4% is planted for pulpwood production. Intensive re-establishment is practiced to promote pine productivity (tree survival, growth and uniformity). Extensive international and local (South African) research has been conducted to determine the short-term (up to ca. nine years of age) impacts of individual and integrated re-establishment practices on pine productivity. However, there is limited rotation-length data available for pine pulpwood (grown within South Africa) with which to provide an understanding of the full implications of individual and integrated impacts of re-establishment practices on longer-term tree survival, growth and uniformity. Data from these trials could then be used to justify silvicultural inputs (if any) and potentially refine management decision-making for subsequent rotations. Three pine trials were established in 1997/8 on three contrasting sites to test the influence of a range of re-establishment practices, and included site preparation (slash management and preparation of a planting position), fertilisation and vegetation management, and/or any interaction, on short- and long- term pine pulpwood productivity within South Africa. Pinus patula was planted at Blyde and Pinus elliottii at Bergvliet (both situated in Mpumalanga), and Pinus greggii planted at Hlabeni in KwaZulu-Natal. Final measurements were taken at 17 years at Blyde and Bergvliet, with the Hlabeni trial only assessed to age 11.6 years due to premature felling. Measurements of vegetation cover and biomass, soil and foliar nutrients, tree survival, growth and uniformity were used to provide an insight into treatment responses, both within and between sites. At Blyde (Chapter 2), the individual and integrated impact of different practices of slash management (Burn versus No Burn), preparation of a planting position (Pit, Rip, Chopper roll and Pit and Chopper roll and Rip) and vegetation management (Weedfree versus Weedy) were investigated. The vegetation on the site (initially a mixture of grasses, herbaceous broadleaves and woody plants) competed with the seedlings from 0.3 years, with the woody component (mainly Solanum mauritianum and Buddleija salviifolia) remaining competitive through to rotation-end. From 2.5 years there was an interaction between the preparation of a planting position and vegetation management with the lowest vegetation biomass recorded in the Rip + Weedy treatments. Overall soil and foliar magnesium and potassium levels were considered sub-optimal, however this did not translate to rotation-end tree productivity differences. Tree survival was not impacted negatively by any of the main effects, or their interactions. At rotation-end (17 years) slash management (as a main factor) was not significant in terms of tree growth, whereas preparation of a planting position was significant for BA and Vol (Rip > Pitting ~ Chopper roll), and vegetation management (Weedfree > Weedy) for Dbh, BA and Vol. In addition, there was a significant interaction between the preparation of a planting position and vegetation management for BA and Vol, with the need to manage vegetation more critical when pitting, compared to when ripping and/or chopper rolling. At Bergvliet (Chapter 3), the individual and integrated impact of slash management (Clear, Single and Double), fertilisation (Fertilisation versus No Fertilisation) and vegetation management (Weedfree versus Weedy) were investigated. The vegetation on the site (initially a mixture of grasses, herbaceous broadleaves and woody plants) competed with the seedlings from 0.4 years, with the woody component (mainly pine regeneration, Solanum mauritianum and Lantana camara) remaining competitive until rotation-end. Neither slash management nor fertilisation had a notable influence on vegetation cover. At 1.3 years, biomass sampled indicated a relationship between slash management and fertilisation where biomass was highest within the Clear + Fert (4 398 kg ha-1) and Double + No Fert slash treatments (4 698 kg ha-1). Soil and tree foliar nutrients were considered acceptable. At 17 years, vegetation management (Weedfree > Weedy) and the interaction between slash management and fertilisation significantly influenced rotation-end tree survival (Double + No Fert ~ Single + No Fert ~ Clear + Fert ~ Clear + No Fert > Double + Fert ~ Single + Fert). Neither slash management nor fertilisation (as main factors) had a significant influence on rotation-end growth. Vegetation management significantly improved Ht, Dbh, BA and Vol at rotation-end (Weedfree > Weedy). The management of vegetation resulted in 67.5 m3 ha-1 more volume at rotation-end than in the Weedy plots. At Hlabeni (Chapter 4), the individual and integrated impacts of different forms of fertiliser (No Fertilisation, Maxiphos, Agriphos and NPK) and ring weeding distances (0, 1, 2 and 3 m) were tested. Competition occurred from 0.6 years, and was from mainly grasses (and sedges) and herbaceous vegetation with limited woody plants. Fertilisation did not have a notable influence on vegetation cover, nor did it have a significant influence P. greggii survival and growth. However, fertilisation increased the vegetation biomass (NPK > No Fert ~ Agri > Maxi) which indirectly influenced P. greggii uniformity at 11.6 years. During initial stand development P. greggii responded positively (linear) to an increase in the area ring kept free of competitive vegetation (3_m > 2_m > 1_m > 0_m). Positive growth responses to vegetation management were, however, no longer significant at 11.6 years (except for height growth) possibly due to the absence of more suppressive woody plants. The results from these trials indicate that vegetation management was the most important silvicultural practice at re-establishment especially where woody vegetation persists. Results from this trial series confirm current vegetation management practices within South Africa are adequate, where the immediate area around the seedling or tree is kept free of vegetation with control of any woody vegetation that occurs outside of this area. The results also suggest that slash retention is acceptable if pitting and planting are properly undertaken, while fertiliser application did not have any notable benefit. In addition, these trials have indicated the value (to forest managers) of understanding the integrated impacts of silvicultural practices on long-term tree productivity..
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Loyalty programmes for low cost retailers
- Authors: Nkomo, Clement
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Customer loyalty programs -- South Africa , Customer clubs -- South Africa Retail trade -- South Africa Chain stores -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42869 , vital:36701
- Description: Loyalty programmes have become a popular marketing tool in the market place that is highly competitive and where differentiation is difficult. Although they are not new they continue to grow in popularity in South Africa. While there has been significant research on loyalty programmes in the last two decades little has been done on low cost retailers. An in depth literature review was conducted which examined the mediating Influence of socio-demographic characteristics, purchase behaviour, trust, communication personalisation, flexibility, rewards and method of participation in relation to loyalty programmes. The study further explored the attitudinal and behavioural factors as determinants of perceptions of loyalty programmes and membership. Behavioural loyalty explained customers’ actions, which included repeat purchases, their proneness to be attracted by competitors as well as their willingness to engage in word of mouth. Attitudinal loyalty, which relates to emotional engagement by customers, was explored. The study design was based on a quantitative approach. The methodology involved a self-administered questionnaire adapted from previous studies. Data were collected from 265 respondents at three different Ackermans stores and analysed through various descriptive and inferential statistical tests. The proposed model to measure loyalty programmes was constructed. The model related the independent variables to the dependant variables through the use of the additional factors (A) Attitude and (B) Behaviour, to highlight the influence the independent variables may have on the functionality, uptake and overall success of Loyalty Programmes. The findings indicated that the Attitudinal and Behavioural factors are strong determinants of loyal programmes and membership. The findings indicate that participating in the loyalty programme has a positive but minor overall influence on customer behaviour. Factors such purchase behaviour, trust, communication, personalisation, flexibility, rewards and method of participation were highlighted as key determinants of the loyalty programmes in this study. Loyalty programmes increase the spending and frequency of low and moderate buyers, this affirms that low cost retailers like Ackermans should launch and benefit from a loyalty programme. To be sustainable loyalty programmes must reinforce the attitudinal loyalty (attachment) of customers in addition to behavioural loyalty. The results from this study add to the body of research in the field, yielding both significant theoretical and practical contributions to the field of loyalty programmes, relationship quality and loyalty research, particularly in the low cost retailing. Limitations and future research are discussed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Nkomo, Clement
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Customer loyalty programs -- South Africa , Customer clubs -- South Africa Retail trade -- South Africa Chain stores -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42869 , vital:36701
- Description: Loyalty programmes have become a popular marketing tool in the market place that is highly competitive and where differentiation is difficult. Although they are not new they continue to grow in popularity in South Africa. While there has been significant research on loyalty programmes in the last two decades little has been done on low cost retailers. An in depth literature review was conducted which examined the mediating Influence of socio-demographic characteristics, purchase behaviour, trust, communication personalisation, flexibility, rewards and method of participation in relation to loyalty programmes. The study further explored the attitudinal and behavioural factors as determinants of perceptions of loyalty programmes and membership. Behavioural loyalty explained customers’ actions, which included repeat purchases, their proneness to be attracted by competitors as well as their willingness to engage in word of mouth. Attitudinal loyalty, which relates to emotional engagement by customers, was explored. The study design was based on a quantitative approach. The methodology involved a self-administered questionnaire adapted from previous studies. Data were collected from 265 respondents at three different Ackermans stores and analysed through various descriptive and inferential statistical tests. The proposed model to measure loyalty programmes was constructed. The model related the independent variables to the dependant variables through the use of the additional factors (A) Attitude and (B) Behaviour, to highlight the influence the independent variables may have on the functionality, uptake and overall success of Loyalty Programmes. The findings indicated that the Attitudinal and Behavioural factors are strong determinants of loyal programmes and membership. The findings indicate that participating in the loyalty programme has a positive but minor overall influence on customer behaviour. Factors such purchase behaviour, trust, communication, personalisation, flexibility, rewards and method of participation were highlighted as key determinants of the loyalty programmes in this study. Loyalty programmes increase the spending and frequency of low and moderate buyers, this affirms that low cost retailers like Ackermans should launch and benefit from a loyalty programme. To be sustainable loyalty programmes must reinforce the attitudinal loyalty (attachment) of customers in addition to behavioural loyalty. The results from this study add to the body of research in the field, yielding both significant theoretical and practical contributions to the field of loyalty programmes, relationship quality and loyalty research, particularly in the low cost retailing. Limitations and future research are discussed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Loyalty programmes in the medical aid and insurance sector in South Africa
- Authors: Mafa, Linda
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Customer loyalty programs -- South Africa , Insurance companies -- South Africa Health insurance -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40757 , vital:36233
- Description: This treatise covers customer loyalty from the perspective of medical aid and insurance loyalty programmes. Previous work indicates that the healthcare sector does not have a strong consumer focus. As such, loyalty in this sphere is not strong and has not been explored as a means to enhance customer loyalty. The problem statement for this study states that loyalty programmes in the medical aid and insurance sector in South Africa have not been adequately assessed. While customer loyalty has been viewed from a generic marketing perspective, previous work has failed to address the critical factors that influence customer loyalty in medical aid and insurance loyalty programmes. A review of literature focuses on the definitions of customer loyalty in general and as it pertains to loyalty programmes, with attitudes and behaviours identified and common customer loyalty dimensions. This study has approached the assessment of customer loyalty in the healthcare sector by exploring the factors that influence customer loyalty in medical aid and insurance loyalty programmes in South Africa. The study was conducted using exploratory factor analysis of loyalty programme measurement items that evaluated attitudes and behaviours related to customer loyalty. The factor analysis was undertaken using data gathered from a self-administered online questionnaire. This treatise is part of a bigger study of loyalty programmes and customer loyalty in different sectors. The sample for this study was randomly selected using probability and convenience sampling. A sample size of n = 386 is applicable to this study. As part of the data analysis, descriptive statistics were used to compress and organise the sample data. Inferential statistics were used to project the findings of the sample data into the full population. The key impact of the research was the presentation and statistical assessment of an exploratory factor analysis of medical aid and insurance loyalty programme factors. The study concluded that attitudes related to the general assessment, trust, communication, personalisation, flexibility and rewards are relevant factors to consider in medical aid and insurance loyalty programmes. The study also concluded that behaviours related to the general assessment, purchase behaviour, communication, personalisation, flexibility and rewards are relevant factors to consider in medical aid and insurance loyalty programmes. Demographics variables, which were an overarching variable to the factors, were found to not show significant differences in the attitudes and behaviours of loyalty programme participants towards the loyalty programme factors. Repeat purchase behaviour is not necessarily influenced by loyalty programme participation. Perceived value has been found to be a more important consideration in influencing purchase behaviours of loyalty programme participants. The level of trust participants place on loyalty programmes is not confirmed by programme membership. To maintain programme credibility, loyalty programmes must gain the trust of participants. The study also found that there is no strong indication that loyalty programme communication currently enhances repeat purchase behaviour implying that communication strategies of medical aid and insurance loyalty programmes are not effective. Personalisation approaches are more focused on product personalisation than on service personalisation. The availability of points/rewards on different platforms is an important feature to programme participants. Non-reward related value-added services like priority service and exclusive access to products are not a preferred form of reward in medical aid and insurance loyalty programmes. The study contributed to the body of knowledge on the statistical assessment of an exploratory factor analysis approach to evaluate customer loyalty in medical aid and insurance loyalty programmes in SA.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mafa, Linda
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Customer loyalty programs -- South Africa , Insurance companies -- South Africa Health insurance -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40757 , vital:36233
- Description: This treatise covers customer loyalty from the perspective of medical aid and insurance loyalty programmes. Previous work indicates that the healthcare sector does not have a strong consumer focus. As such, loyalty in this sphere is not strong and has not been explored as a means to enhance customer loyalty. The problem statement for this study states that loyalty programmes in the medical aid and insurance sector in South Africa have not been adequately assessed. While customer loyalty has been viewed from a generic marketing perspective, previous work has failed to address the critical factors that influence customer loyalty in medical aid and insurance loyalty programmes. A review of literature focuses on the definitions of customer loyalty in general and as it pertains to loyalty programmes, with attitudes and behaviours identified and common customer loyalty dimensions. This study has approached the assessment of customer loyalty in the healthcare sector by exploring the factors that influence customer loyalty in medical aid and insurance loyalty programmes in South Africa. The study was conducted using exploratory factor analysis of loyalty programme measurement items that evaluated attitudes and behaviours related to customer loyalty. The factor analysis was undertaken using data gathered from a self-administered online questionnaire. This treatise is part of a bigger study of loyalty programmes and customer loyalty in different sectors. The sample for this study was randomly selected using probability and convenience sampling. A sample size of n = 386 is applicable to this study. As part of the data analysis, descriptive statistics were used to compress and organise the sample data. Inferential statistics were used to project the findings of the sample data into the full population. The key impact of the research was the presentation and statistical assessment of an exploratory factor analysis of medical aid and insurance loyalty programme factors. The study concluded that attitudes related to the general assessment, trust, communication, personalisation, flexibility and rewards are relevant factors to consider in medical aid and insurance loyalty programmes. The study also concluded that behaviours related to the general assessment, purchase behaviour, communication, personalisation, flexibility and rewards are relevant factors to consider in medical aid and insurance loyalty programmes. Demographics variables, which were an overarching variable to the factors, were found to not show significant differences in the attitudes and behaviours of loyalty programme participants towards the loyalty programme factors. Repeat purchase behaviour is not necessarily influenced by loyalty programme participation. Perceived value has been found to be a more important consideration in influencing purchase behaviours of loyalty programme participants. The level of trust participants place on loyalty programmes is not confirmed by programme membership. To maintain programme credibility, loyalty programmes must gain the trust of participants. The study also found that there is no strong indication that loyalty programme communication currently enhances repeat purchase behaviour implying that communication strategies of medical aid and insurance loyalty programmes are not effective. Personalisation approaches are more focused on product personalisation than on service personalisation. The availability of points/rewards on different platforms is an important feature to programme participants. Non-reward related value-added services like priority service and exclusive access to products are not a preferred form of reward in medical aid and insurance loyalty programmes. The study contributed to the body of knowledge on the statistical assessment of an exploratory factor analysis approach to evaluate customer loyalty in medical aid and insurance loyalty programmes in SA.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Loyalty programmes in the South African airline industry
- Authors: Manunga, Ayanda
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Customer loyalty programs -- South Africa , Customer clubs -- South Africa Airlines -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40911 , vital:36267
- Description: While there has been substantial research on Loyalty Programmes in the last two decades, little has been done in the South African Airline Industry. This study uses the Social exchange theory, Relationship marketing theory and Commitment-trust theory to provide an understanding of the factors, which influence loyalty programmes in the South African Airline Industry. The methodology used involved a self-administrated on-line questionnaire from the sample, which comprised of 1090 respondents. From the total respondents, 172 belonged to one or more Airline Loyalty Programmes. This study focused on the latter. An email containing a Universal Resource Link (URL) to the survey was sent to the Nelson Mandela University Business School‟s Marketing Department to distribute to current first-year MBA students, who also had to circulate the survey to at least ten other people. A proposed conceptual model was compiled and tested using exploratory factor analysis. The result of the study confirmed that the measurement instrument is in order and that attitude and behaviour are strong determinants of the loyalty programme. Communication, flexibility, general assessment, rewards personal, rewards tangible, rewards monetary and trust are factors that influence the loyalty programme, which are driven by the attitude of the participant in the programme. On the other hand, communication, flexibility, general assessment, rewards personalisation, purchase behaviour and trust are factors that influence the loyalty programme, which are driven by the behaviour of the participant in the programme. This study concludes with managerial recommendations that will enable managers to identify factors which influence loyalty programmes in the South African Airline Industry. This will enable managers to make informed decisions when formulating and implementing successful programmes. Some of the recommendations call for a review and repositioning of the value proposition for the existing loyalty programmes. It is also recommended that loyalty programmes are value-based in order to convert loyalty programme customers to loyal customers. In addition, majority of the loyalty programme customers call for loyalty programmes that offer programmes that non-expiry points with personalised service offering. The organisations that offer loyalty programmes in the Airline Industry also need to design clear communication strategies that will provide a holistic and targeted approach to customer engagement.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Manunga, Ayanda
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Customer loyalty programs -- South Africa , Customer clubs -- South Africa Airlines -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40911 , vital:36267
- Description: While there has been substantial research on Loyalty Programmes in the last two decades, little has been done in the South African Airline Industry. This study uses the Social exchange theory, Relationship marketing theory and Commitment-trust theory to provide an understanding of the factors, which influence loyalty programmes in the South African Airline Industry. The methodology used involved a self-administrated on-line questionnaire from the sample, which comprised of 1090 respondents. From the total respondents, 172 belonged to one or more Airline Loyalty Programmes. This study focused on the latter. An email containing a Universal Resource Link (URL) to the survey was sent to the Nelson Mandela University Business School‟s Marketing Department to distribute to current first-year MBA students, who also had to circulate the survey to at least ten other people. A proposed conceptual model was compiled and tested using exploratory factor analysis. The result of the study confirmed that the measurement instrument is in order and that attitude and behaviour are strong determinants of the loyalty programme. Communication, flexibility, general assessment, rewards personal, rewards tangible, rewards monetary and trust are factors that influence the loyalty programme, which are driven by the attitude of the participant in the programme. On the other hand, communication, flexibility, general assessment, rewards personalisation, purchase behaviour and trust are factors that influence the loyalty programme, which are driven by the behaviour of the participant in the programme. This study concludes with managerial recommendations that will enable managers to identify factors which influence loyalty programmes in the South African Airline Industry. This will enable managers to make informed decisions when formulating and implementing successful programmes. Some of the recommendations call for a review and repositioning of the value proposition for the existing loyalty programmes. It is also recommended that loyalty programmes are value-based in order to convert loyalty programme customers to loyal customers. In addition, majority of the loyalty programme customers call for loyalty programmes that offer programmes that non-expiry points with personalised service offering. The organisations that offer loyalty programmes in the Airline Industry also need to design clear communication strategies that will provide a holistic and targeted approach to customer engagement.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Loyalty programmes in the South African health and beauty industry
- Authors: Snyman, Carl Petrus
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Customer loyalty programs -- South Africa , Customer clubs -- South Africa Beauty shops -- South Africa Cosmetics industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44056 , vital:37097
- Description: This treatise will investigate Loyalty Programmes within the South African Health and Beauty Industry. The most used Loyalty Programmes within South Africa fall into this industry, with Clicks being the most popular programme. The factors that influence success of these Loyalty Programmes is yet to be established. Previous work on customer loyalty has focused on generic factors influencing loyalty, but not on Loyalty Programmes in the Health and Beauty Industry. The review of the literature concentrates on defining customer loyalty and what factors contribute to the success of Loyalty Programmes. This study assessed the success of Loyalty Programmes within the South African Health and Beauty Industry. This study was done using exploratory factor analysis of Loyalty Programme measurement items that looked at attitudes and behaviours influencing customer loyalty. Factor analysis was done using data gathered from an online questionnaire. The sample of this study was selected at random using convenience and snowball sampling. A sample size of n = 603 is used in this study. Descriptive statistics were used to organise the data. Inferential statistics were used to project the findings onto the full population. The biggest contribution of this study was the presentation and statistical assessment of an exploratory factor analysis of factors influencing Loyalty Programmes in the Health and Beauty Industry. The study found that attitudes regarding general assessment, communication, personalisation, trust, flexibility and rewards are factors to consider in Health and Beauty Industry Loyalty Programmes. The study also found factors related to behaviours influencing general assessment, communication, purchase behaviour, flexibility, rewards and personalisation are factors to consider for Loyalty Programmes in the Health and Beauty Industry. The variables pertaining to demographics were found not to have a significant influence on the difference in the attitudes and behaviour of Loyalty Programme participants towards taking part in Loyalty Programmes. Loyalty Programme participation was not found to necessarily influence Loyalty Programmes. Apparent value was found to be an important factor in influencing purchase behaviour of Loyalty Programme participants. Trust towards Loyalty Programmes is not confirmed by Loyalty Programme participation. In order to maintain the credibility of the programme, Loyalty Programmes must gain participants’ trust. The study found no strong indication that Loyalty Programme communication at the moment increases repeat purchase behaviour indicating that communication strategies are not effective in the Health and Beauty Industry Loyalty Programmes. The personalisation approach is more focused on the personalisation of products than services. The ability of participants to use points/rewards on different platforms is important to Loyalty Programme participants. Non-reward value added services such as priority service and limited access to products are not a popular type of reward in the Health and Beauty Industry Loyalty Programmes. The study added to the body of knowledge on the statistical analysis approach to assess customer loyalty in the South African Health and Beauty Industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Snyman, Carl Petrus
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Customer loyalty programs -- South Africa , Customer clubs -- South Africa Beauty shops -- South Africa Cosmetics industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44056 , vital:37097
- Description: This treatise will investigate Loyalty Programmes within the South African Health and Beauty Industry. The most used Loyalty Programmes within South Africa fall into this industry, with Clicks being the most popular programme. The factors that influence success of these Loyalty Programmes is yet to be established. Previous work on customer loyalty has focused on generic factors influencing loyalty, but not on Loyalty Programmes in the Health and Beauty Industry. The review of the literature concentrates on defining customer loyalty and what factors contribute to the success of Loyalty Programmes. This study assessed the success of Loyalty Programmes within the South African Health and Beauty Industry. This study was done using exploratory factor analysis of Loyalty Programme measurement items that looked at attitudes and behaviours influencing customer loyalty. Factor analysis was done using data gathered from an online questionnaire. The sample of this study was selected at random using convenience and snowball sampling. A sample size of n = 603 is used in this study. Descriptive statistics were used to organise the data. Inferential statistics were used to project the findings onto the full population. The biggest contribution of this study was the presentation and statistical assessment of an exploratory factor analysis of factors influencing Loyalty Programmes in the Health and Beauty Industry. The study found that attitudes regarding general assessment, communication, personalisation, trust, flexibility and rewards are factors to consider in Health and Beauty Industry Loyalty Programmes. The study also found factors related to behaviours influencing general assessment, communication, purchase behaviour, flexibility, rewards and personalisation are factors to consider for Loyalty Programmes in the Health and Beauty Industry. The variables pertaining to demographics were found not to have a significant influence on the difference in the attitudes and behaviour of Loyalty Programme participants towards taking part in Loyalty Programmes. Loyalty Programme participation was not found to necessarily influence Loyalty Programmes. Apparent value was found to be an important factor in influencing purchase behaviour of Loyalty Programme participants. Trust towards Loyalty Programmes is not confirmed by Loyalty Programme participation. In order to maintain the credibility of the programme, Loyalty Programmes must gain participants’ trust. The study found no strong indication that Loyalty Programme communication at the moment increases repeat purchase behaviour indicating that communication strategies are not effective in the Health and Beauty Industry Loyalty Programmes. The personalisation approach is more focused on the personalisation of products than services. The ability of participants to use points/rewards on different platforms is important to Loyalty Programme participants. Non-reward value added services such as priority service and limited access to products are not a popular type of reward in the Health and Beauty Industry Loyalty Programmes. The study added to the body of knowledge on the statistical analysis approach to assess customer loyalty in the South African Health and Beauty Industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Loyalty programmes in the South African restaurant industry
- Authors: Raepsaet, Vincent
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Customer loyalty programs
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43019 , vital:36733
- Description: Loyalty Programme is the term used most commonly used when referring to a structured and long-term marketing effort, designed to motivate the customers in a business's target market, to make frequent purchases and shun competitors. This behaviour is achieved by providing repeat customers with certain incentives as a reward for loyal buying behaviour. In today’s ultra-competitive global marketplace, competition is rife and customers are faced with a plethora of choices, offerings and more specifically, Loyalty Programmes. Businesses, in a bid to retain and even increase their customer base, spend millions on their Loyalty Programmes, seeking to encourage customer loyalty, but with varying and often disappointing results. This treatise endeavours to embrace and delve into customer loyalty and the design of these Loyalty Programmes, by looking at Loyalty Programmes in general and then, more specifically, at those within the Restaurant Industry, with the purpose of exploring the factors that Loyalty Programmes in the South African Restaurant Industry should include in order to improve their design and increase their effectiveness. Loyalty Programmes in this industry have not been adequately addressed, this despite the fierce competition which exists amongst restaurants and the relatively low barriers to entry for new competitors. An in-depth literature review was conducted. Attitudes and behaviours were identified as the two dimensions common to customer loyalty, with both, therefore, being examined. Pertinent theories, such as Social Exchange Theory, Equity Theory, Relationship Marketing Theory and Commitment-Trust Theory were explored. Additionally, the factors that influence customer loyalty in the Restaurant Industry in South Africa were explored, with the literature laying the foundation for the conceptual model that included proposed communication, flexibility, personalisation, purchase behaviour, method of participation, rewards and trust as being the factors which influence Loyalty Programmes. This treatise was part of a bigger study of Loyalty Programmes, undertaken using a survey (questionnaire) distributed via email, which received 1090 respondents. The sample size applicable to this treatise is n = 399. Data analysis included the use of descriptive and inferential statistics, as well as Exploratory Factor Analysis. The results of the analysis identified relevant factors in regard to the effectiveness of Loyalty Programmes to be those with attitudes related to communication, flexibility, general assessment, rewards and trust, as well as those with behaviours related to communication, flexibility, general assessment, personalisation, purchase behaviour, and rewards. The Pearson Product Model Correlations identified the strongest factor relationships to be Attitude – General and Behaviour – General (.739), as well as Attitude – Communication and Behaviour – Communication (.711). In light of these results, as part of the managerial recommendations made to help improve the design of Loyalty Programmes, the need to embrace and employ new and varied communication channels and strategies must be considered, as well as the responsiveness of said communication to customers. Further important results of the study encourage Loyalty Programmes (LPs) to be more personalised by taking customer demographics into consideration. LPs need to incorporate more transparency into how the personal information of customers will be used, flexibility in terms of the reward type, accrual and redemption needs to be embraced through the use of more modern, relevant and popular platforms such as those offered via technological means. In summary, a regular review of LPs is recommended to keep them current and applicable, with an emphasis being placed on personalisation, the expectations of customers and the method of participation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Raepsaet, Vincent
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Customer loyalty programs
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43019 , vital:36733
- Description: Loyalty Programme is the term used most commonly used when referring to a structured and long-term marketing effort, designed to motivate the customers in a business's target market, to make frequent purchases and shun competitors. This behaviour is achieved by providing repeat customers with certain incentives as a reward for loyal buying behaviour. In today’s ultra-competitive global marketplace, competition is rife and customers are faced with a plethora of choices, offerings and more specifically, Loyalty Programmes. Businesses, in a bid to retain and even increase their customer base, spend millions on their Loyalty Programmes, seeking to encourage customer loyalty, but with varying and often disappointing results. This treatise endeavours to embrace and delve into customer loyalty and the design of these Loyalty Programmes, by looking at Loyalty Programmes in general and then, more specifically, at those within the Restaurant Industry, with the purpose of exploring the factors that Loyalty Programmes in the South African Restaurant Industry should include in order to improve their design and increase their effectiveness. Loyalty Programmes in this industry have not been adequately addressed, this despite the fierce competition which exists amongst restaurants and the relatively low barriers to entry for new competitors. An in-depth literature review was conducted. Attitudes and behaviours were identified as the two dimensions common to customer loyalty, with both, therefore, being examined. Pertinent theories, such as Social Exchange Theory, Equity Theory, Relationship Marketing Theory and Commitment-Trust Theory were explored. Additionally, the factors that influence customer loyalty in the Restaurant Industry in South Africa were explored, with the literature laying the foundation for the conceptual model that included proposed communication, flexibility, personalisation, purchase behaviour, method of participation, rewards and trust as being the factors which influence Loyalty Programmes. This treatise was part of a bigger study of Loyalty Programmes, undertaken using a survey (questionnaire) distributed via email, which received 1090 respondents. The sample size applicable to this treatise is n = 399. Data analysis included the use of descriptive and inferential statistics, as well as Exploratory Factor Analysis. The results of the analysis identified relevant factors in regard to the effectiveness of Loyalty Programmes to be those with attitudes related to communication, flexibility, general assessment, rewards and trust, as well as those with behaviours related to communication, flexibility, general assessment, personalisation, purchase behaviour, and rewards. The Pearson Product Model Correlations identified the strongest factor relationships to be Attitude – General and Behaviour – General (.739), as well as Attitude – Communication and Behaviour – Communication (.711). In light of these results, as part of the managerial recommendations made to help improve the design of Loyalty Programmes, the need to embrace and employ new and varied communication channels and strategies must be considered, as well as the responsiveness of said communication to customers. Further important results of the study encourage Loyalty Programmes (LPs) to be more personalised by taking customer demographics into consideration. LPs need to incorporate more transparency into how the personal information of customers will be used, flexibility in terms of the reward type, accrual and redemption needs to be embraced through the use of more modern, relevant and popular platforms such as those offered via technological means. In summary, a regular review of LPs is recommended to keep them current and applicable, with an emphasis being placed on personalisation, the expectations of customers and the method of participation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
L’entre-deux identitaire dans quelques oeuvres d’écrivains francophones “immigrantsˮ, “cas de Dany Laferrière, d’Alain Mabanckou, de Calixthe Beyala et de Lottin Wekapeˮ
- Kayumba, Viviane Ngoie Banza
- Authors: Kayumba, Viviane Ngoie Banza
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: African literature (French) -- History and criticism , Immigrants in literature , Mabanckou, Alain, 1966-. Black bazaar , Laferrière, Dany. Je suis un écrivain japonais , Beyala, Calixthe. Le Petit prince de Belleville , Wekape, Lottin, 1968-. J’appartiens au monde
- Language: French
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/150929 , vital:39018
- Description: This dissertation examines the theme of hybrid identities in Mabanckou, Laferrière, Beyala and Wekape’s novels : Black Bazar, Le Petit prince de Belleville, Je suis un écrivain japonais and J’appartiens au monde. Hybrid identity raises the issue of identity diversity and contemporary francophone literature is characterised by the emergence of fictional narratives increasingly numerous. This research undertaken is driven by the desire to extend the field of investigation in francophone literature by taking into account a varied corpus of Haitian, Congolese, and Cameroonian literatures. I have opted for writers who settled in a foreign country and have adopted a foreign language that they considered to be part of a foreign literary world; writers who are between two or more cultures which they depict in French. The few existing studies on hybrid identities on these four novels focused more on formal and linguistic analysis and omitted meaningful sociocritic analysis. It is clear that a full study on sociocritic approach on hybrid identity on these four authors remains to be done. The research is demonstrating how different characters created by these four postmodern immigrant French-speaking writers occasionally function similarly in their texts. This gives a clear understanding of the specific behaviour of immigrants characters, vis-à-vis their various situations in the novels, and how these immigrants seek to address the problems they encounter. As this research offers reflections related to the identities and nationalities of immigrants, Laferrière, Mabanckou, Beyala and Wekape’s texts are based on the search for social belonging and a literary membership in this modern world. Therefore, they are analysing their position in a literary field as well as in a social field. In their texts they highlight the Space real or imaginary. In which way and how this Space contribute to the evolution of francophone literature? To what extent does francophone literature takes into account this representation of the Space? These questions lead to a reflection on the position occupied by these authors in the francophone field and the source of their literary inspirations. My interest in these authors is motivated by the fact that, by living and writing in a country which is not their place of birth, they each reveal different aspects of hybrid identity. Each of them, has his or her personal and original way of tackling the problem of mixed identity. They present their characters in different situations and different contexts, showing that each has been in contact with several cultures which they have assimilated and each lived in his or her own way a particular story. My study’s focus is to understand the problems of contact of cultures and their consequences, and to explore how through the characters of the novel, immigrant French speaking writers understood their acculturation as themselves have experienced an identity crisis, resulting from the confrontation of the culture of their new homeland and the culture of their country of origin. For this reason, Bourdieu’s approach “la sociocritique” will help me to found out the origin of the author’s obsession with the question of hybrid identity. I have chosen these four immigrant speaking writers to explore the strategies implemented by the novels’ narrators to construct their identities and to find out how the narrators express the intentions of the authors. In their texts, Mabanckou, Beyala, Laferrière and Wekape have used various strategies to express the quest for identity which gives clear indications of the authors’ creativity such as humour, parody, or solemnity and gravity - and the narrative voices reveal distinctive attitudes in relation to hybrid identity. At this level, other approaches will also be called for, such as the work of Westphal, Doubrovsky, Genette, Colona, etc. Through my investigation, these works present similarities and dissimilarities. Each author tackled the questions of hybrid identities according to his own experience. From there, a different commitment emerges, depending on the degree of inquiry into questions about immigration. These authors all evoke the social precariousness of their characters or the immigrant and privilege an urban framework. The examination of these works allowed me to identify their place in Francophonie literature and to discover the importance of their texts. The four novels relate to the search for identity, an aesthetic way and a search for freedom. They possess aesthetic qualities, they have a high degree of coherence. Their romantic choice shows their creativity and their strategies engender a hybrid writing that stems from their position between several languages and place these novels within the world literature.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Kayumba, Viviane Ngoie Banza
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: African literature (French) -- History and criticism , Immigrants in literature , Mabanckou, Alain, 1966-. Black bazaar , Laferrière, Dany. Je suis un écrivain japonais , Beyala, Calixthe. Le Petit prince de Belleville , Wekape, Lottin, 1968-. J’appartiens au monde
- Language: French
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/150929 , vital:39018
- Description: This dissertation examines the theme of hybrid identities in Mabanckou, Laferrière, Beyala and Wekape’s novels : Black Bazar, Le Petit prince de Belleville, Je suis un écrivain japonais and J’appartiens au monde. Hybrid identity raises the issue of identity diversity and contemporary francophone literature is characterised by the emergence of fictional narratives increasingly numerous. This research undertaken is driven by the desire to extend the field of investigation in francophone literature by taking into account a varied corpus of Haitian, Congolese, and Cameroonian literatures. I have opted for writers who settled in a foreign country and have adopted a foreign language that they considered to be part of a foreign literary world; writers who are between two or more cultures which they depict in French. The few existing studies on hybrid identities on these four novels focused more on formal and linguistic analysis and omitted meaningful sociocritic analysis. It is clear that a full study on sociocritic approach on hybrid identity on these four authors remains to be done. The research is demonstrating how different characters created by these four postmodern immigrant French-speaking writers occasionally function similarly in their texts. This gives a clear understanding of the specific behaviour of immigrants characters, vis-à-vis their various situations in the novels, and how these immigrants seek to address the problems they encounter. As this research offers reflections related to the identities and nationalities of immigrants, Laferrière, Mabanckou, Beyala and Wekape’s texts are based on the search for social belonging and a literary membership in this modern world. Therefore, they are analysing their position in a literary field as well as in a social field. In their texts they highlight the Space real or imaginary. In which way and how this Space contribute to the evolution of francophone literature? To what extent does francophone literature takes into account this representation of the Space? These questions lead to a reflection on the position occupied by these authors in the francophone field and the source of their literary inspirations. My interest in these authors is motivated by the fact that, by living and writing in a country which is not their place of birth, they each reveal different aspects of hybrid identity. Each of them, has his or her personal and original way of tackling the problem of mixed identity. They present their characters in different situations and different contexts, showing that each has been in contact with several cultures which they have assimilated and each lived in his or her own way a particular story. My study’s focus is to understand the problems of contact of cultures and their consequences, and to explore how through the characters of the novel, immigrant French speaking writers understood their acculturation as themselves have experienced an identity crisis, resulting from the confrontation of the culture of their new homeland and the culture of their country of origin. For this reason, Bourdieu’s approach “la sociocritique” will help me to found out the origin of the author’s obsession with the question of hybrid identity. I have chosen these four immigrant speaking writers to explore the strategies implemented by the novels’ narrators to construct their identities and to find out how the narrators express the intentions of the authors. In their texts, Mabanckou, Beyala, Laferrière and Wekape have used various strategies to express the quest for identity which gives clear indications of the authors’ creativity such as humour, parody, or solemnity and gravity - and the narrative voices reveal distinctive attitudes in relation to hybrid identity. At this level, other approaches will also be called for, such as the work of Westphal, Doubrovsky, Genette, Colona, etc. Through my investigation, these works present similarities and dissimilarities. Each author tackled the questions of hybrid identities according to his own experience. From there, a different commitment emerges, depending on the degree of inquiry into questions about immigration. These authors all evoke the social precariousness of their characters or the immigrant and privilege an urban framework. The examination of these works allowed me to identify their place in Francophonie literature and to discover the importance of their texts. The four novels relate to the search for identity, an aesthetic way and a search for freedom. They possess aesthetic qualities, they have a high degree of coherence. Their romantic choice shows their creativity and their strategies engender a hybrid writing that stems from their position between several languages and place these novels within the world literature.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Machine learning methods for calibrating radio interferometric data
- Authors: Zitha, Simphiwe Nhlanhla
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Calibration , Radio astronomy -- Data processing , Radio astronomy -- South Africa , Karoo Array Telescope (South Africa) , Radio telescopes -- South Africa , Common Astronomy Software Application (Computer software)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/97096 , vital:31398
- Description: The applications of machine learning have created an opportunity to deal with complex problems currently encountered in radio astronomy data processing. Calibration is one of the most important data processing steps required to produce high dynamic range images. This process involves the determination of calibration parameters, both instrumental and astronomical, to correct the collected data. Typically, astronomers use a package such as Common Astronomy Software Applications (CASA) to compute the gain solutions based on regular observations of a known calibrator source. In this work we present applications of machine learning to first generation calibration (1GC), using the KAT-7 telescope environmental and pointing sensor data recorded during observations. Applying machine learning to 1GC, as opposed to calculating the gain solutions in CASA, has shown evidence of reducing computation, as well as accurately predict the 1GC gain solutions representing the behaviour of the antenna during an observation. These methods are computationally less expensive, however they have not fully learned to generalise in predicting accurate 1GC solutions by looking at environmental and pointing sensors. We call this multi-output regression model ZCal, which is based on random forest, decision trees, extremely randomized trees and K-nearest neighbor algorithms. The prediction error obtained during the testing of our model on testing data is ≈ 0.01 < rmse < 0.09 for gain amplitude per antenna, and 0.2 rad < rmse <0.5 rad for gain phase. This shows that the instrumental parameters used to train our model more strongly correlate with gain amplitude effects than phase.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Zitha, Simphiwe Nhlanhla
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Calibration , Radio astronomy -- Data processing , Radio astronomy -- South Africa , Karoo Array Telescope (South Africa) , Radio telescopes -- South Africa , Common Astronomy Software Application (Computer software)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/97096 , vital:31398
- Description: The applications of machine learning have created an opportunity to deal with complex problems currently encountered in radio astronomy data processing. Calibration is one of the most important data processing steps required to produce high dynamic range images. This process involves the determination of calibration parameters, both instrumental and astronomical, to correct the collected data. Typically, astronomers use a package such as Common Astronomy Software Applications (CASA) to compute the gain solutions based on regular observations of a known calibrator source. In this work we present applications of machine learning to first generation calibration (1GC), using the KAT-7 telescope environmental and pointing sensor data recorded during observations. Applying machine learning to 1GC, as opposed to calculating the gain solutions in CASA, has shown evidence of reducing computation, as well as accurately predict the 1GC gain solutions representing the behaviour of the antenna during an observation. These methods are computationally less expensive, however they have not fully learned to generalise in predicting accurate 1GC solutions by looking at environmental and pointing sensors. We call this multi-output regression model ZCal, which is based on random forest, decision trees, extremely randomized trees and K-nearest neighbor algorithms. The prediction error obtained during the testing of our model on testing data is ≈ 0.01 < rmse < 0.09 for gain amplitude per antenna, and 0.2 rad < rmse <0.5 rad for gain phase. This shows that the instrumental parameters used to train our model more strongly correlate with gain amplitude effects than phase.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Macroinvertebrate functional feeding group alterations in response to habitat degradation of headwater Austral streams
- Mangadze, Tinotenda, Wasserman, Ryan J, Froneman, P William, Dalu, Tatenda
- Authors: Mangadze, Tinotenda , Wasserman, Ryan J , Froneman, P William , Dalu, Tatenda
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/467211 , vital:76840 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.133910
- Description: Protecting the structural and functional integrity of lotic ecosystems is becoming increasingly important as many ecological systems face escalating pressures from human population growth and environmental impacts. Knowledge on the functional composition of macroinvertebrates in austral temperate streams is generally lacking hindering the design and implementation of water management and restoration goals. Therefore, this study examined the effects of urban land–use activities on the benthic macroinvertebrate functional feeding guild structure among different stream orders in an austral river system (Bloukrans River) in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Water quality and macroinvertebrate community data were collected across two seasons from 18 sites in two different stream order categories (i.e. 1, 2 + 3), following standard methods. We separated macroinvertebrates into functional feeding groups (FFGs), which we then used to assess the effects of riparian condition on FFG organization. Linear mixed effects model (LMM) results demonstrated that total dissolved solids (TDS), canopy cover, phosphate and channel width were the key variables that described the major sources of variation in macroinvertebrate FFGs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mangadze, Tinotenda , Wasserman, Ryan J , Froneman, P William , Dalu, Tatenda
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/467211 , vital:76840 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.133910
- Description: Protecting the structural and functional integrity of lotic ecosystems is becoming increasingly important as many ecological systems face escalating pressures from human population growth and environmental impacts. Knowledge on the functional composition of macroinvertebrates in austral temperate streams is generally lacking hindering the design and implementation of water management and restoration goals. Therefore, this study examined the effects of urban land–use activities on the benthic macroinvertebrate functional feeding guild structure among different stream orders in an austral river system (Bloukrans River) in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Water quality and macroinvertebrate community data were collected across two seasons from 18 sites in two different stream order categories (i.e. 1, 2 + 3), following standard methods. We separated macroinvertebrates into functional feeding groups (FFGs), which we then used to assess the effects of riparian condition on FFG organization. Linear mixed effects model (LMM) results demonstrated that total dissolved solids (TDS), canopy cover, phosphate and channel width were the key variables that described the major sources of variation in macroinvertebrate FFGs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Magnetic nanoparticle-indium phthalocyanine conjugate embedded in electrospun fiber for photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy and photodegradation of methyl red
- Sindelo, Azole, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Sindelo, Azole , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/186857 , vital:44540 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e02352"
- Description: ClIn(III) octacarboxy phthalocyanine (ClInOCPc) when alone or conjugated to magnetic nanoparticles (MNPClInOCPc) was employed for both photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy of an unknown water sample and Staphylococcus aureus, and for photo-degradation of methyl red (MR). The singlet oxygen quantum yields (ΦΔ) in water using ClInOCPc and MNP-ClInOCPc embedded in polyacrylonitrile (PAN) electrospun fibers were 0.36 and 0.22, respectively. When in solution, MNP-ClInOCPc gave 90.6% photoinactivation of microbes in a water sample from the stream and of ClInOCPc resulted in 84.8 % photoinactivation. When embedded to the polymer, there was 48.0% clearance for ClInOCPc and 63.7% clearance for MNP-ClInOCPc for the microbes in the water sample from the stream. For the photo-degradation of MR, the rate of degradation increased with decrease of the MR concentration with the MNP-ClInOCPc having the fastest rate.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Sindelo, Azole , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/186857 , vital:44540 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e02352"
- Description: ClIn(III) octacarboxy phthalocyanine (ClInOCPc) when alone or conjugated to magnetic nanoparticles (MNPClInOCPc) was employed for both photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy of an unknown water sample and Staphylococcus aureus, and for photo-degradation of methyl red (MR). The singlet oxygen quantum yields (ΦΔ) in water using ClInOCPc and MNP-ClInOCPc embedded in polyacrylonitrile (PAN) electrospun fibers were 0.36 and 0.22, respectively. When in solution, MNP-ClInOCPc gave 90.6% photoinactivation of microbes in a water sample from the stream and of ClInOCPc resulted in 84.8 % photoinactivation. When embedded to the polymer, there was 48.0% clearance for ClInOCPc and 63.7% clearance for MNP-ClInOCPc for the microbes in the water sample from the stream. For the photo-degradation of MR, the rate of degradation increased with decrease of the MR concentration with the MNP-ClInOCPc having the fastest rate.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Mainstreaming education for sustainable development: Elaborating the role of position-practice systems using seven laminations of scale
- Agbedahin, Adesuwa V, Lotz-Sisitka, Heila
- Authors: Agbedahin, Adesuwa V , Lotz-Sisitka, Heila
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/182428 , vital:43829 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/14767430.2019.1602975"
- Description: The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4.7 proposes that Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) should be included at all levels of education, known as ‘mainstreaming’. However, there is little guidance as to how to achieve this. ESD mainstreaming demands more than simply a technical policy transfer; it also requires attention to the position-practice systems of involved agents. This article critically assesses the mainstreaming of ESD in the case of university educators in Africa who have participated in the International Training Programme on ESD in higher education. It clarifies their position-practice systems in terms of Bhaskar’s seven laminations of scale. This article therefore provides a detailed description of the ways in which agents' position-practice systems enable and constrain ESD mainstreaming. It also demonstrates that a critical realist perspective can contribute towards the understanding and achievement of transformation towards sustainability and can help to ensure the flourishing of both current and future generations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Agbedahin, Adesuwa V , Lotz-Sisitka, Heila
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/182428 , vital:43829 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/14767430.2019.1602975"
- Description: The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4.7 proposes that Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) should be included at all levels of education, known as ‘mainstreaming’. However, there is little guidance as to how to achieve this. ESD mainstreaming demands more than simply a technical policy transfer; it also requires attention to the position-practice systems of involved agents. This article critically assesses the mainstreaming of ESD in the case of university educators in Africa who have participated in the International Training Programme on ESD in higher education. It clarifies their position-practice systems in terms of Bhaskar’s seven laminations of scale. This article therefore provides a detailed description of the ways in which agents' position-practice systems enable and constrain ESD mainstreaming. It also demonstrates that a critical realist perspective can contribute towards the understanding and achievement of transformation towards sustainability and can help to ensure the flourishing of both current and future generations.
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- Date Issued: 2019
Maintaining a sustainable workforce in a South African information technology institution
- Authors: Pieterse, Darren
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Labor supply -- South Africa -- Evaluation , Sustainability -- South Africa Organizational change -- South Africa Diversity in the workplace -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43210 , vital:36760
- Description: Sustainability is a popular topic in most businesses today. Researchers show that, despite sustainability being a relevant business practice, there is no known research on the sustainability of workforces in the information technology (IT) industry in South Africa. This treatise is, therefore, the first known study investigating the importance of a sustainable workforce, and the implications of a workforce not being sustainable, in a South African IT institution. Secondary data was gathered and presented in the form of a literature review. Additionally, the ‘triple bottom line’ framework was discussed, together with the Stakeholder Theory, as they both relate to sustainability. The literature further discusses the seven determinants of sustainable workforces, namely; organisational culture, innovation, retention of skills, income and rewards, generational influences, sustainable workforces, and leadership. A qualitative study was conducted, by interviewing 11 participants. The research philosophy followed was interpretive and, considering the time constraints and limited resources, a cross-sectional time horizon was used. The participants of the study were employees from an IT institution in South Africa. The primary data gather was presented in the form of tables in order to present the distribution of answers, whilst a word cloud was used to highlight the common threads in answers from respondents. The treatise was concluded with managerial recommendations for IT institutions in SA to increase and manage the sustainability of their workforce. Some of the recommendations made included employers getting closer to their employees by being more engaging to determine their levels of happiness. Another recommendation made was that leaders in the organisation should be innovative, and create an innovative culture, understand why employees come to work, and practice sustainable leadership.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Pieterse, Darren
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Labor supply -- South Africa -- Evaluation , Sustainability -- South Africa Organizational change -- South Africa Diversity in the workplace -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43210 , vital:36760
- Description: Sustainability is a popular topic in most businesses today. Researchers show that, despite sustainability being a relevant business practice, there is no known research on the sustainability of workforces in the information technology (IT) industry in South Africa. This treatise is, therefore, the first known study investigating the importance of a sustainable workforce, and the implications of a workforce not being sustainable, in a South African IT institution. Secondary data was gathered and presented in the form of a literature review. Additionally, the ‘triple bottom line’ framework was discussed, together with the Stakeholder Theory, as they both relate to sustainability. The literature further discusses the seven determinants of sustainable workforces, namely; organisational culture, innovation, retention of skills, income and rewards, generational influences, sustainable workforces, and leadership. A qualitative study was conducted, by interviewing 11 participants. The research philosophy followed was interpretive and, considering the time constraints and limited resources, a cross-sectional time horizon was used. The participants of the study were employees from an IT institution in South Africa. The primary data gather was presented in the form of tables in order to present the distribution of answers, whilst a word cloud was used to highlight the common threads in answers from respondents. The treatise was concluded with managerial recommendations for IT institutions in SA to increase and manage the sustainability of their workforce. Some of the recommendations made included employers getting closer to their employees by being more engaging to determine their levels of happiness. Another recommendation made was that leaders in the organisation should be innovative, and create an innovative culture, understand why employees come to work, and practice sustainable leadership.
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- Date Issued: 2019
Making (non) sense of urban water flows: Qualities and processes for transformative and transgressive learning moments
- Authors: James, Anna
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/390665 , vital:68572 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.3390/su11236817"
- Description: Urban sustainability and justice depend upon the flow of water across complex urban space. Yet, the characteristics of urban space produce a fragmented sense of our water resources. Cape Town, South Africa, the context of this research, is one such city whose water challenges have been exacerbated by climate change-induced drought, to the extent that the city nearly shut off the water running to residents’ taps. This context presents a particular challenge for the focus of this special issue, transformative and transgressive learning, an emerging arena of thought and practice concerned with learning processes that might foster more sustainable socio-ecological relations. The empirical material for this research draws from 12 arts-based inquiry workshops run with youth in an environmental organisation over four months, exploring a local water crisis. The data were generated through an engaged arts-based research process. The paper traces how transformative and transgressive learning in the context of urban water crisis might be characterised as making (non)sense by bringing the empirical material into dialogue with five entry points of transformative and transgressive learning literature rooted in Freirean educational praxis. This paper crafts and engages the concept of making (non)sense, a way of thinking about qualities and processes of learning praxis that responds to the wicked sustainability challenges we face today, particularly in terms of a Global South perspective. I argue such a praxis needs qualities and processes that disrupt and trouble the norm in the context of the socio-ecological challenge of urban water.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: James, Anna
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/390665 , vital:68572 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.3390/su11236817"
- Description: Urban sustainability and justice depend upon the flow of water across complex urban space. Yet, the characteristics of urban space produce a fragmented sense of our water resources. Cape Town, South Africa, the context of this research, is one such city whose water challenges have been exacerbated by climate change-induced drought, to the extent that the city nearly shut off the water running to residents’ taps. This context presents a particular challenge for the focus of this special issue, transformative and transgressive learning, an emerging arena of thought and practice concerned with learning processes that might foster more sustainable socio-ecological relations. The empirical material for this research draws from 12 arts-based inquiry workshops run with youth in an environmental organisation over four months, exploring a local water crisis. The data were generated through an engaged arts-based research process. The paper traces how transformative and transgressive learning in the context of urban water crisis might be characterised as making (non)sense by bringing the empirical material into dialogue with five entry points of transformative and transgressive learning literature rooted in Freirean educational praxis. This paper crafts and engages the concept of making (non)sense, a way of thinking about qualities and processes of learning praxis that responds to the wicked sustainability challenges we face today, particularly in terms of a Global South perspective. I argue such a praxis needs qualities and processes that disrupt and trouble the norm in the context of the socio-ecological challenge of urban water.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Making meaning of reality television celebrities: the reception of South African Idol by young adults in Joza, Grahamstown
- Authors: Magade, Mncedi Eddie
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Talent shows (Television programs) -- South Africa , Television viewers -- South Africa , Television programs -- South Africa , Mass media -- South Africa , South African Idol (Television program) , Reality television shows
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/94217 , vital:31018
- Description: Reality television or “factual entertainment” is a hybrid of old television formats and factual programming in order to create a “new” entertaining show designed to draw the attention of audiences and increase viewership ratings. South African Idol is one popular local example. Adapted from the British programme Pop Idol, the show promises upward mobility for the young star who wins the competition. This show has become a subject of conversation amongst young people in South Africa who aspire to the “success” and “celebrity” status that is produced by participating on the show. This paper uses a Cultural Studies framework in order to examine the relationship between texts and audiences as an aspect of the “circuit of culture,” with its interrelated moments of production, texts, consumption and lived experience. My research focuses on the text and audience “moments” of this circuit. Audience studies research suggests that we should situate television viewing and the meanings made of TV programs in the natural setting of the home, and that this setting should be taken seriously as a unit of analysis. This study therefore, seeks to understand the ways in which audiences make meaning of this television programme within the domestic context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Magade, Mncedi Eddie
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Talent shows (Television programs) -- South Africa , Television viewers -- South Africa , Television programs -- South Africa , Mass media -- South Africa , South African Idol (Television program) , Reality television shows
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/94217 , vital:31018
- Description: Reality television or “factual entertainment” is a hybrid of old television formats and factual programming in order to create a “new” entertaining show designed to draw the attention of audiences and increase viewership ratings. South African Idol is one popular local example. Adapted from the British programme Pop Idol, the show promises upward mobility for the young star who wins the competition. This show has become a subject of conversation amongst young people in South Africa who aspire to the “success” and “celebrity” status that is produced by participating on the show. This paper uses a Cultural Studies framework in order to examine the relationship between texts and audiences as an aspect of the “circuit of culture,” with its interrelated moments of production, texts, consumption and lived experience. My research focuses on the text and audience “moments” of this circuit. Audience studies research suggests that we should situate television viewing and the meanings made of TV programs in the natural setting of the home, and that this setting should be taken seriously as a unit of analysis. This study therefore, seeks to understand the ways in which audiences make meaning of this television programme within the domestic context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019