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An evaluation of the implementation of phase 1 of the National Health Insurance Policy in South Africa

  • Authors: Ntlangula, Margaret Nokuzola
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: National health insurance -- South Africa Medical policy -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Development Studies
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8714 , vital:33439
  • Description: The purpose of this study was to evaluate how Phase 1 of the National Health Insurance Policy in South Africa was implemented. This evaluation focused on evaluation of reengineering of the primary health care system which is listed as one of the areas that was highlighted by the Department as needing attention during the implementation of Phase 1 of NHI. Reengineering of Primary Health Care was pronounced as the heart-beat of NHI. This is the approach that South Africa chose to implement to strengthen the current health care system. Specific measures that were selected to strengthen the current health system would be prioritized in Phase 1. Re-engineering of Primary Health Care is trusted with making a contribution to creation of a unified health care system. These areas would assist to close gaps which are a result of the current fragmented health care system. Inherited from the apartheid government of South Africa the current health care system has two fragments. One fragment is a highly resourced private health sector which provides quality health care for only 16 percent of the population while leaving 84percent of South Africans to access health care from the under-resourced public health sector. Fragmentation has contributed to inefficiencies in provision of health care. Post 1994 the Constitution outlawed discrimination based on economic and socioeconomic status which paved a way for progressive provision of universal coverage. To operationalize provisions of the Constitution of South Africa, the democratic government is implementing NHI which is a United Nations programme. To achieve a sustainable NHI, Phase 1 implementation also focused on strengthening the current health system. Through phased NHI implementation health financing reforms will become a reality. South Africa is implementing National Health Insurance policy to strategically redress health care financing which has resulted into an unequally fragmented health system. The end of a fragmented health system will give way to the birth of an ideal unified health system and universal coverage. The aim of this study was to evaluate how Phase 1 of National Health Insurance was implemented. Document method was used to collect documents, select and analyze data. This evaluation complements other studies which have contributed to the body of knowledge about implementation of programmes which will bring about realization of universal coverage.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

An evaluation of the implementation of the South African Police Service Sector policing in the Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Lamana, Andile Robert
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: South African Police Service Police -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5271 , vital:29180
  • Description: This study focussed on the evaluation of the implementation of the South African Police Service sector policing in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. A mixed methods approach was used to gather, collect and analyse data for this study. The data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews, focus groups discussions and a survey. The quantitative approach dominated in data collection, whilst the qualitative approach was used to corroborate the quantitative findings. For the quantitative approach, 265 questionnaires were administered to 121 volunteer participants targeting the station commanders, cluster commanders and sector commanders. A hundred and forty questionnaires were also administered to the Sector Crime Forum chairpersons who were selected using simple random sampling from 32 police stations. The sector commanders were used for in depth interviews. The rationale behind was that the sector commanders are playing a key role in the implementation of sector policing. Simple random sampling was used to select the participants. The study area was in the Eastern Cape, where the research sample and participants were drawn. The findings of the study indicated that although sector policing minimum standards have been achieved by many stations, the study found out that there are some stations that have not yet attained the policy goals in terms of optimal implementation of sector policing in the Eastern Cape Province. The study established that the farm and rural and remote police stations were not complying with the minimum standards laid down in the National Instruction 3/2009. The problem of non-compliance emanates from the shortages of resources. Further findings on this study were based on the experiences and challenges of the implementers of sector policing. The study found that there were challenges confronted by them in the implementation process. Although some of the participants were indicating their enjoying working closely with their communities, there were some major challenges that they experienced in the process of executing their duties. The results of the study indicate that resources were not adequate to ensure that this new policing strategy is properly executed. Another important finding which was identified by the study was the fact that sector policing, as a new policing strategy, was not adequately communicated and marketed for it to be accepted and to for it to achieve the necessary buy in from stakeholders. The study further established that training, development and capacity building were lacking to capacitate the implementers of the new policing strategy. Further, sector to sector collaboration was identified as another challenge by the study. Team work was very much limited. The study further revealed that command and control was not enhanced by the sector commanders in their sectors. The sector patrol reports were not available in the files and AVL reports were also not retrieved and monitored. The factors highlighted above have a negative bearing on the reduction of crime. Poor police visibility and stakeholder participation in crime prevention programmes are not reducing crime.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

An evaluation of the problems of equivalence and non-equivalence in the Intermediate Phase (IP) IsiXhosa home language workbooks of the Department of Basic Education

  • Authors: Styoshwana, Ntombenani
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Xhosa language -- Study and teaching Xhosa language -- Readers , Xhosa language -- Education (Primary) -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14356 , vital:27574
  • Description: Language plays an important part in our lives and the effects of language are remarkable and include much of what people believe. This study is about language and seeks to evaluate the extent of the problems of equivalence and non-equivalence in the texts translated from English into IsiXhosa by identifying those problems in the translated text. Translators strive to carry the meaning across from one language to another, as much as they can. Sometimes a translation shows non-equivalence and therefore the meaning gets lost. There are a number of reasons why this occurs. This study will examine some of them and propose solutions to address them.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

An evaluation of the recruitment and selection of educators: the case of Zambezi Region Education Directorate, Namibia

  • Authors: Khama, Bollen Simataa
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Administrative agencies -- Namibia -- Personnel management , Civil service -- Personnel management , Teachers -- Recruiting -- Namibia , Employees -- Recruiting -- Namibia
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/17967 , vital:28549
  • Description: This study evaluated the recruitment and selection of educators in the Zambezi Education Directorate of Namibia. Its objectives were: (1) to investigate ways and means of facilitating the implementation of the Public Service Act (Act no. 13 of 1995) with regard to the recruitment and selection of educators in the Zambezi Education District of Namibia; (2) to assess the role played by environmental and contextual factors in the performance of officials responsible for recruitment and selection of educators in the Zambezi Education District of Namibia; and (3) to find out if there was a relationship between the high turnover of educators and the processes of recruitment and selection of educators during the period of the investigation. A qualitative research methodology was used to conduct the study. A sample of 21 participants was selected for the study. It was comprised of six officials from the division human resources management - responsible for receiving information about teachers needed in schools from the circuit offices and advertising vacant posts; six officials from division of professional services - responsible for ensuring that educators who are recruited possess the prescribed teaching qualifications and competences; two officials in management cadre - responsible for administrative and financial decisions on recruitment and selection of educators and ensuring that posts have been budgeted for before they are filled. Seven participants who were former employees of the Zambezi Education Directorate also formed part of the sample. The researcher used interviews to gather data from participants. He also consulted relevant official documents such as the Public Servant Staff Rules (PSSR), circulars and policies issued by the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) the Public Service Act, (Act No. 13 of 1995) and the Education Act, (Act No. 11of 2000). The study found, among others, that some participants who were involved in the recruitment and selection processes were not aware of the relevant Recruitment and Selection Policy. The environment and the context in which the recruitment and selection policy was implemented created loopholes for inefficiency and ineffectiveness. Furthermore, the study found that there was a relationship between the turnover of educators and the processes of recruitment and selection of educators. Hence the study recommends various ways and means of improving the recruitment and selection process in the Zambezi Education Directorate.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

An Expanded Methodological View on Learning Pathways as Educational and Occupational Progression: A ‘Laminated Systems’ Perspective

  • Authors: Ramsarup, Presha , Lotz-Sisitka, Heila
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: To be catalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , bulletin
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/436344 , vital:73262 , ISBN bulletin , https://www.saqa.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/SAQA-Bulletin-2017-1.pdf#page=37
  • Description: As shown across the collection of papers in this Bulletin, the central ques-tion that the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA)-Rhodes Uni-versity research programme tried to explore was to understand the na-ture of environmental learning pathways and the systemic and agentive factors that shape their emergence. This was based on an emerging un-derstanding of the demand for environment and sustainable development occupations and greening of existing occupations (see Introduction, and Papers 1 and 7 in this Bulletin; Department of Environmental Affairs [DEA], 2010; International Labour Organisation [ILO], 2010; Rosenberg et al 2016).
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  • Date Issued: 2017

An experimental study of self-regulated learning with mathematically gifted pupils in Nigerian primary schools

  • Authors: Zaram, Gyang Nyam
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- Nigeria , Numeracy -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- Nigeria Gifted children -- Education -- Curricula Gifted children -- Nigeria
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13381 , vital:27180
  • Description: The purpose of this study was to determine whether gifted pupils can master an enriched advanced level curriculum in mathematics using self-regulated learning strategies. A mathematics curriculum for class five primary school learners in Nigeria was developed for this study. An empirical study was conducted on primary five pupils who were seen to be significantly gifted in mathematics. The study employed the quantitative method of research, that is, the true experimental research. The pre-test, post-test control group design was used. Sixty gifted pupils who participated in a mathematics enrichment programme (MEP) were assigned into two groups of the control group and experimental group with thirty pupils forming each group. The control group was exposed to direct teaching (DT) while the experimental group used self-regulated learning (SRL) strategies. Four teachers served as facilitators in the MEP. The teaching and learning activities were carried out at a higher cognitive level as opposed to the regular curriculum, ensuring that the contents of the MEP were enriched and accelerated. Pupils in both the experimental group and the control group were administered a pre-test, problem-solving exercises, and post-test. These pupils also completed an attitudinal questionnaire to provide feedback about the MEP. The empirical results show that gifted pupils in primary five are capable of self-regulating their own learning through self-monitoring, self-evaluation, and self-reinforcement. The empirical results also show that there is a significant relationship between self-regulated learning, gifted learners, and an enriched advanced level differentiated curriculum as a realistic alternative to the present regular curriculum for gifted pupils in the mainstream of education. The findings further show that the lack of differentiation of instruction, lack of facilities such as libraries, media centres, and support materials contributes to low achievement of gifted pupils. Furthermore, the findings show that pupils were challenged and motivated with the MEP to the extent that they were engaged to think divergently and applied their metacognitive skills in finding solutions to mathematical problems. Therefore, the findings of this study could have significant implications for the future direction of gifted primary school education as well as teacher education. This study has made a significant contribution to the existing body of knowledge for implementing an enriched advanced level curriculum using SRL strategies for mathematically gifted pupils in the mainstream of primary school education.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

An exploration of conflict related to land holding entities in the South African land reform process

  • Authors: Georghiades, George
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Land reform -- South Africa Land tenure -- South Africa , Conflict management -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15600 , vital:28275
  • Description: This evaluative study aims to identify and analyse conflicts within the South African land reform process that have manifested within Communal Property Institutions, and so doing, devising and providing a mechanism that will assist conflict practitioners to approach these conflicts in an informed manner. It further intends to provide for an approach in order to restore social justice to the land reform process, and so doing, suggesting resolution mechanisms to assist in the process for the reasons that this restoration of land rights was originally intended. This study further seeks to investigate the causes, actions and consequences of protagonistic land claimants and beneficiaries within the land reform process, who have created conflict within their communal property institutions, at the expense of those beneficiaries who are subsequently deprived of their land rights. According to Coate and Rosati (1988), human needs are a powerful source of explanation of human behaviour and social interaction. All individuals have needs that they strive to satisfy, either by using a system of “acting on the fringes” or acting as a reformist or revolutionary. Given this condition, social systems must be responsive to individual needs, or be subject to instability and forced change, possibly through violence or conflict). Humans need a number of essentials to survive. According to the renowned psychologist Abraham Maslow and the conflict scholar John Burton, these essentials go beyond just food, water, and shelter. They include both physical and non-physical elements needed for human growth and development, as well as all those things humans are innately driven to attain. For Maslow, needs are hierarchical in nature. That is, each need has a specific ranking or order of obtainment. Maslow's needs pyramid starts with the basic items of food, water, and shelter. These are followed by the need for safety and security, then belonging or love, self-esteem, and finally, personal fulfilment (Rothman J, 1997). Burton and other needs theorists who have adopted Maslow's ideas to conflict theory, however, perceive human needs in a different way, being rather as an emergent collection of human development essentials (Burton J, 1990). Furthermore, they contend needs do not have a hierarchical order. Rather, needs are sought simultaneously in an intense and relentless manner (Rothman J, 1997). Needs theorists' list of human essentials include safety, a sense of belonging (love), self esteem, personal fulfilment,identity, cultural security, freedom, distributive justice, and participation. The South African land restoration process relies largely on the Constitution of South Africa (1996), with the preamble thereof as its tenets. The three land reform programmes that emanate from the Constitution are the Land Redistribution Programme, the Land Tenure Reform programme, and the Land Restitution programme, which have been used in this study as the point of departure from which deviations are measured and analysed. A number of Communal property Institutions have been considered, the findings of which have been evaluated, investigated and analysed, in order to achieve the aims of this study.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

An exploration of curriculum reforms in public schools in the Eastern Cape Province : a case study of Umtata District (1994-2014)

  • Authors: Daniel, Nokonwaba
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Curriculum change -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Education -- Curricula -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Public schools -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , Public Administration
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9132 , vital:34271
  • Description: This research explores the effectiveness of curriculum reforms in Public schools in the Eastern Cape Province with specific reference to a case study of Umtata District (1994- 2014). The study was accomplished using the qualitative research method in which the views of 20 participants comprising of principals and teachers were explored about: How effective are the curriculum changes brought about by the democratic system of government in the South African education system? Which factors are limiting the effectiveness of the implementation of curriculum reforms in the public schools in the Eastern Cape Province? What are the effects of curriculum reforms on the performance of the public schools in the Eastern Cape Province? Which strategies can the Eastern Cape Department of Education adopt to improve the effectiveness of the curriculum reforms in the public schools in the Eastern Cape Province? Findings that some of the curriculum changes brought about by the Democratic System of Government in the South African Education System were associated with review and change of the language used in education and learning, technology, computer education and data handling. From this analysis of the interview findings, it is evident that curriculum reviews and change not only influenced the change of language policy in the South African education system to support diversity and multiculturalism, but also new technologies and science in teaching and learning. Even though it was evident from the responses of most of the teachers that enormous successes have been achieved, it also emerged from the findings that there have also been challenges and impediments. It emerged from the analysis of the interview findings that some of the factors limiting the effectiveness of curriculum effectiveness in the public schools in the Eastern Cape Province are associated with lack of resources, lack of skills, lack of text books, poor review and modifications of the syllabus, and poor consultation and involvement of relevant stakeholders. However, findings still revealed that as much as there are some limitations, the curriculum reviews and change undertaken since the 1994 democratic dispensation significantly influenced the improvement of the performance of the contemporary South African public education system. The analysis of the interview findings revealed the effects of curriculum reforms on the performance of the public schools in the Eastern Cape Province to be associated with improved pass rates, improved performance in science and data handling, and improved responsiveness to changing needs and demands of the contemporary world. Considering the findings of this study, it is argued that the directors in the Eastern Cape Department of Education must evaluate the decision to apply the following strategies to influence improvement of the successful implementation of the curriculum. Such strategies would involve situational analysis, curriculum and syllabus development, investment in relevant key success factors (skills, technology & infrastructure), teaching and learning methods, and measuring and improving. Future studies can still explore and develop a framework for measuring and improving the implementation of curriculum reform.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

An exploration of employee readiness for change at Walter Sisulu University

  • Authors: Mpepo, Bulelwa N
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Walter Sisulu University for Technology & Science -- Employees -- Attitudes , Education, Higher -- South Africa -- Case studies , Educational change -- South Africa -- Case studies , Organizational change -- South Africa -- Case studies , Programme and qualification mix
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/4455 , vital:20673
  • Description: Higher education institutions are faced with pressure to change to meet academic as well as socio-economic needs. These changes are often aimed at achieving financial viability, increased institutional efficiency, and solving problems of fragmentation in the university. Universities can change in their structure, operations, systems, or and in the use or adoption of technology. The effective implementation and management of these requisite changes is the key challenge to organisations facing change. Walter Sisulu University, a comprehensive university in the Eastern Cape, has formulated a strategy to turn the university around. Included in the strategy is a project on the academic enterprise. The level of readiness for change is viewed to be a determining factor in making any change successful. Since readiness is not automatic, there is a need to prepare individuals to have a positive attitude towards the change and to embrace the proposed change initiative. This study is informed by the quest to know what will encourage and prepare employees for the implementation of the new Programme and Qualification Mix (PQM) at the University. The study therefore sought as its main purpose to explore factors influencing individual readiness for change in the PQM at Walter Sisulu University. A qualitative approach was adopted in the study. Models of change readiness were reviewed to identify themes that would be used to explore the levels of readiness amongst university academic employees who were to implement the new Programme and Qualification Mix. Documents were analysed to understand the change in PQM and face-to-face, semi-structured interviews held to solicit the views of academic employees regarding enablers or inhibiters of their readiness. Results highlighted the poor preparation of academic employees at Walter Sisulu University to support and implement the change. Key concerns of employees included dissatisfaction with the inadequate and inappropriate communication strategies, uncertainty about the suitability of the changed PQM, doubt regarding leadership support for change, as well as the perceived risk of the change. However, the main enablers were the comprehension by WSU employees of the need for a new PQM to address the poor alignment with university vision and HEQSF requirements, an appreciation of the lack of social relevance of the programmes, and confidence that they have the requisite skills and qualifications. The perceived benefits for the institution provided the needed spur for embracing the new PQM.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

An exploration of leadership attributes for good governance in selected public community learning centres in the Eastern Cape province

  • Authors: Madikiza-Sambane, Ndiliwe Christabell
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Human services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Political leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13403 , vital:39658
  • Description: The success of any government depends on its leadership’s efficiency and effectiveness in ensuring that government’s vision is realized. It therefore becomes important that all public administration activities are in line with the elements of good governance as reflected on the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996. These elements include, among others, responsiveness to the needs of the public, accountability, public participation, equity, effectiveness and efficiency. Leadership attributes play a pivotal role in this regard, as all leaders are expected to be able to give guidance and direction towards the vision of government, good communicators, have humble confidence and display exemplary behavior to be successful in their leadership responsibilities. This includes leaders who are assigned responsibilities at all levels and sectors, both in public and private institutions. The purpose of this study therefore, was to explore leadership attributes for good governance in selected Public Community Learning Centres (PCLCs) in the Eastern Cape Province and its focus was in Libode District. It sought to answer a number of questions relating to community participation, policy formulation and implementation, problem solving and the envisaged solutions to address the problems that enhance good governance in the PCLCs. The study is viewed as significant in assisting the process of putting new systems in place for the implementation of new approaches in adult education. The extensive literature review that was conducted before the study resumed contributed tremendously in the success of the study as it provided more insight to the study. The qualitative approach was mainly used and the data was collected through self- administered questionnaires, interviews and observation. The findings of the study revealed challenges that exist with regards to leadership attributes and the enhancement of good governance in Public Community Learning Centres. All participating Ward Councillors (the community leaders) expressed their ignorance about what is happening in the PCLCs. However, they expressed their willingness to work together with the centres for the benefit of all community members within their wards. The recommendations of the study are based on the problems revealed in the findings and provide solutions and answers to the research questions.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

An exploration of the effectiveness of social work interventions in assisting children living with HIV/AIDS : the case of Nobuhle Unit 8 Community Clinic, Mdantsane, Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Mdlankomo, Andiswa Pamella
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Social case work -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Social work with children -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape HIV infections
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8574 , vital:33137
  • Description: Social work practice in South African societies is of paramount importance because of high levels of poverty and various vulnerabilities. Despite the fact that there is much research on social work and children living with HIV/AIDS in South Africa, the link between social work approaches and vulnerable children has remained silent. Therefore, it was necessary to explore the quality of service delivery and understand how effective are social work interventions towards specific vulnerable children with the aim of enhancing their wellbeing. Thus, the study explored social work interventions towards assisting children living with HIV/AIDS. The study adopted qualitative research approach method for the purposes of collecting data. In-depth interviews were used as methods of data collection to find out the effectiveness and relevancy of social work interventions towards assisting children living with HIV/AIDS. The data was thematically analysed. The main findings indicated a lack of commitment in social work practice and that mirrors a lack of adequate Continuous Professional Development Training (CPDT); Social work practice in Mdantsane is overwhelmed by statutory work; and social work practice as associated with monotonous duties or an inescapable boring work routine. Moreover, the study unearthed that social workers‟ interventions towards assisting children living with HIV/AIDS are ineffective in Mdantsane Nobuhle Unit 8 community due to service delivery constraints faced by social workers, such as lack of specific HIV/AIDS proper care work training of social workers, lack of resources, high caseloads, misconceptions, and poor implementation of governmental policies. Hence, the study recommends the need for more social workers to fill up this shortage. Thus, the study recommended that there should be an indigenous social welfare and social work practice of assisting children infected and affected by HIV/AIDs. Furthermore, the study recommended that social workers should be equipped with local based skills and knowledge so as to be able to practice professionally. The study concluded that, there should be practical interventions looking into the socio-economic and political contexts and challenging the theorization of the practice, but adopting a more pragmatic approach through influencing and lobbying the government to respondent to the children needs.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

An exploration of the prior conceptual understanding of measurement of first year national certificate (vocational) Engineering students

  • Authors: Vale, Pamela
  • Date: 2017
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/8033 , vital:21337
  • Description: Measurement is acknowledged to be a critical component in mathematics education and is particularly important for vocational Engineering students, for whom this is a key skill required in the workplace. The goal of this research was to explore the existing measurement conceptualisations of vocational Engineering students at the outset of their course, as evident in their engagement with mediated measurement tasks. The focus on students’ prior knowledge in measurement, was for the value that this awareness holds in understanding the learning needs of the students. Students participated in five measurement tasks. Four took the form of dynamically assessed task-based interviews, and the fifth was a written test assessing what they had learned during their Mathematics classes. Domains of measurement that were assessed in these tasks included length, area, surface area, volume and flow rate. The interviewer took the role of mediator and students were assessed according to the number of moments of mediation and the degree of mediation required to successfully complete the task. Students’ responsiveness to this mediation provided insight as to their conceptualisations of the measurements relevant to the task. This research was exploratory in nature and adopted an open and flexible approach to the data analysis. Critical incidents were identified and coded according to the mediation offered and the actions of the students during the measuring activity. This allowed patterns to emerge that revealed stable and emerging conceptualisations that related to embodied and symbolic aspects of measurement. Evidence was found that for many of these students the link between the embodied and symbolic aspects of the concept was broken. This insight allowed suggestions to be formulated about how better to facilitate these students’ learning of measurement.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

An exploration of the processes that encourage HIV and AIDS affected Basotho female adolescent resilience in Sedibeng West in the Vaal Triangle area of the Gauteng Province

  • Authors: De Lange, Une
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Resilience (Personality trait) in adolescence -- South Africa -- Gauteng Teenage girls -- South Africa -- Gauteng
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22220 , vital:29875
  • Description: This study aimed to explore processes encouraging resilience in HIV and AIDS affected Basotho female adolescents in Sedibeng West in the Vaal Triangle area of the Gauteng province; and to identify guidelines to help these individuals to get through their adversities in constructive ways. By using purposive sampling (a non-probability sampling method), 61 high risk, high resilient HIV and AIDS affected Basotho female adolescents in Sedibeng West were identified to participate in the research An extensive literature review revealed the following gaps with regard to the topic of this study: • Shortage of literature regarding the effects that HIV and AIDS have on Basotho female adolescents and how these adolescents cope with these challenges; • Lack of focus on resilience of specific cultural adolescent groups; • Lack of focus on processes that encourage resilience in adolescents; • Need for qualitative studies of resilience and visual qualitative studies in particular. Consequently, a qualitative, visual phenomenological study was done where data was collected by a multi-dimensional data gathering method consisting of open-ended questionnaires, drawings and semi-structured interviews. The findings revealed that HIV and AIDS affected all participants in a substantial way. The following three main processes encourage resilience in Basotho female adolescents: Benefitting from constructive bonds; Making meaning; and Acting constructively. Furthermore, Spiritual beings and Mothers were primarily identified as figures of strength and support during adolescents’ adversity. Based on the findings, the researcher recommends that: • The Department of Education include all aspects concerning HIV and AIDS, as well as aspects concerning Religion and Spirituality in the Life Skills curriculum without making any preference of religion; • a mother figure should be established in every child’s life at a very young age, preferably as early as birth; • young people be taught skills and strategies to build interpersonal relationships and attachment bonds to significant others; • families and schools empower individuals with skills to find meaning in adversity • parents and family members model constructive regulation of behaviour to adolescents.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

An exploration study on the effectiveness of internal offender communication at Mdantsane correctional centre

  • Authors: Matanga, Sivuyisiwe
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: South Africa. -- Department of Correctional Services -- Communication Communication in organizations -- South Africa -- East London , Prisoners -- South Africa -- East London -- Communication
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20209 , vital:29158
  • Description: Contributing to a just, peaceful and safer South Africa through effective and humane incarceration of inmates, rehabilitation and social reintegration of offenders is the Department’s mission statement. Correctional Service’s chapter 3 of the white paper on corrections, promotes the spirit and practise of goodwill and sincere interaction between offenders and their communities and families. Furthermore, rehabilitation is the responsibility of all social institutions and individuals, (starting within the family, educational, religious, sporting and cultural institutions), and a range of government departments. The main aim of this research was to explore the effectiveness of internal offender communication at Mdantsane Correctional Centre. The following research objectives were followed: (a). to examine the effectiveness of internal offenders’ communication at the Mdantsane Correctional Centre, (b)to assess challenges in the accessibility and flow of information between the department and offenders in the Mdantsane Correctional Centre and (c)to determine offenders’ preferred mode of communication in the Mdantsane Correctional Centre. A qualitative research design using in-depth interviews with Mdantsane Correctional Centre staff was utilised. A type of non-probability sampling known as purposeful sampling, was used. A total of twenty-five (25) participants were interviewed, using thematic content analysis for the findings and recommendations revealed in chapter 5.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

An explorative study of the current practises of greenwashing in social media

  • Authors: Struwig, Zaskia
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Social media -- Marketing , Green marketing Social networks -- Computer network resources Consumer behavior -- environmental aspects
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13658 , vital:27262
  • Description: The first section of this paper looks specifically at the concept of greenwashing from a theoretical perspective. It aims to establish exactly what greenwashing is, what it involves and how it has been used. The second section incorporates both the first section of this paper, and delves deeper into how greenwashing has been present in social media. The third section of this paper is a case study. This section has been broken down into three categories of industries in consideration of greenwashing practises. The first is ‘The Obvious’ - this looks at the obvious examples of industries that use greenwashing practises. ‘The Overlooked’ looks at the industries which are often disregarded in terms of greenwashing practises. The last is ‘The Unexpected’ which looks into the industries that focus on supporting the environment and would not commonly be associated with any form of greenwashing practises at all. This case study aims to identify how the selected companies chosen for the study have been associated with greenwashing in the past, and how their current social presence may still be contributing to greenwashed advertising. As the concept of greenwashing is based on a theory developed around two decades ago and mostly consisted of very direct claims and statements using traditional advertising mediums such as billboards and magazine adverts, and considering the amount of well-known corporations who were proven guilty of such greenwashing practises, it would be ignorant to consider that such practises have simply subsided and ceased to occur. Corporations are aware of being called-out with negative press, especially with regards to issues such as false environmental practises, therefore as the advertising industry has changed with time, wouldn’t such greenwashing practises have adapted as well? Corporations in the past have learnt that direct greenwash statements have backfired negatively, therefore in collaboration with the use of social media, the prospect of using subtle, or even subconscious greenwash strategies seem to create an issue which requires investigation.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

An exploratory study of female South African university students’ knowledge and perceptions of subdermal contraceptive implants

  • Authors: Kalla, Sikander Abdul Razaak
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Contraceptives -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects , Birth control -- South Africa -- Students Contraception -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/17691 , vital:28437
  • Description: South Africa‟s recent efforts to improve contraceptive uptake include the public launch of the subdermal contraceptive implant (branded Implanon NXT®). The launch of this modern contraceptive was welcomed as an initiative that holds promise in addressing elevated unintended pregnancy rates in the country. However, a paucity of research regarding the uptake of this contraceptive exists. This study sought to narrow this research gap by exploring the knowledge and perceptions that young female South African university students have of contraceptive implants, as well as investigate how these views may shape the willingness for these females to incorporate contraceptive implants into their birth control regimen. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with young female students enrolled at Nelson Mandela University and data from these interviews was analysed using thematic analysis. Findings were examined through a lens of social constructionism and critical psychology. Analysis revealed the following key findings: the function, suitability, and negative perceptions, of a particular contraceptive are notable considerations taken into account by young female university students when investigating contraceptives; psychosocial challenges are prominent in the arena of contraception; contraceptive implants possess the potential to reduce stigmatisation and empower women; however, participants asserted that there are significant psychosocial and structural barriers to the uptake of this contraceptive. These findings highlighted that contraceptive knowledge and perceptions are influenced by an interplay of psychosocial and structural factors. These factors were ultimately noted to influence young female South African university students‟ willingness to incorporate contraceptive implants into their birth control regimen.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

An Exploratory Study of the Relationship between Learners’ Attitudes Towards Learning Science and Characteristics of an Afterschool Science Club

  • Authors: Agunbiade, Esther , Ngcoza, Kenneth M , Jawahar, Kavish , Sewry, Joyce
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: To be catalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/483279 , vital:78739 , https://doi.org/10.1080/18117295.2017.1369274
  • Description: The Khanya Maths and Science Club (KMSC) is an afterschool science/maths enrichment programme for learners in Grades 7–12 supported by postgraduate students and academic staff volunteers. This research seeks to explore the relationship between participating learners’ attitude toward learning science and the characteristics of this afterschool science club. The study draws from Wenger’s community of practice model to explore the features. Six learners participating in the KMSC were interviewed and their journal entries were analysed inductively, resulting in three themes. The study revealed that learners’ attitudes towards learning science were associated with the club’s instructional characteristics, facilitators/environmental characteristics and the level to which science was connected with everyday life. These characteristics are also related to the community of practice elements. It was concluded that incorporating the community of practice model in structuring afterschool science activities could have a positive influence on learners’ attitude towards learning science.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

An historical perspective on the evolution of the United States internal revenue code from 1981-2001

  • Authors: Johnson, Ryan A
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: United States -- Economic conditions -- 1981-2001 , Income tax -- Law and legislation -- United States , Internal revenue law -- United States , Taxtion -- Law and legislation -- United States , United States. Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981 , United States. Tax Reform Act of 1986 , United States. Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 , United States. Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/7384 , vital:21251
  • Description: The purpose of this study was to identify and analyse in an historical context the major changes to the United States’ Internal Revenue Code during the period 1981-2001. This qualitative study relied on historical and legal interpretative approaches to better understand the political forces, personalities, and interactions that helped shape the legislative changes during this time period. The study focused on deep analysis of primary sources that best illuminated the latent narrative of four major tax actions: The Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981, the Tax Reform Act of 1986, The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993, and The Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001. Archives, periodicals, and political rhetoric were examined in order to help shape the historical narrative. In addition, this study sought to identify major trends and paradigm shifts in the way United States tax policy was formed during the time period examined. The study identified several key trends that emerged in United States’ tax policy during this period: the use of budget deficits as political tools; factors associated with accomplishing tax reform; gaps between political rhetoric of individual politicians and their political action; and the virtual disappearance of a political middle ground in United States budget politics. The study concluded by noting the economic and political significance of budget deficits and stressing the need for fundamental changes in voter responsibility in helping achieve lasting, broad-based tax reform and budgetary responsibility in the United States.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

An HRM model for enhancing psychological capital in South African organisations during a psychological recession

  • Authors: Theron, Anthonie Van Straaten
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Industrial psychology Personnel management
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20823 , vital:29404
  • Description: The rationale behind this study was to identify various positive Human Resource Management (HRM) practices that contribute to the development and enhancement of psychological capital (PsyCap) during a psychological recession. A psychological recession, which is defined as a negative cognitive and emotional condition perpetuated by prolonged socio-economic hardships and amplified by the media, (Bardwick, 2008) could negatively affect employees’ PsyCap. While there has been no systematic study of the impact of various HRM practices on PsyCap (Gupta, 2013), a need existed to investigate and formulate best HRM practices for the development of employees’ PsyCap during a psychological recession. Furthermore, this study also aimed to investigate the potential buffering effect of HRM practices on the negative experiences and perceptions associated with a psychological recession. This research study took the form of a quantitative, cross-sectional design, using a composite questionnaire to measure personal vulnerability and exposure to the negative experiences associated with a psychological recession, the organisation’s application of various positive HRM practices, and employees’ levels of PsyCap. The target population consisted of all permanent and contract clinical and support staff employed at 43 fixed Primary Health Care (PHC) clinics situated in the West Rand District Municipality (WRDM) (n = 318). Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was employed to determine the factor loadings on the overall scales and based on these factor loadings, main factors were extracted. Reliability analysis indicated that the newly structured measurement instruments would produce consistent results with continued application. The hypotheses were tested through the application of Pearson’s product moment correlation analysis, structural equation modelling (SEM), multiple regression analysis and a one-sample t-test. The empirical results indicated that all respondents included in the study experienced some degree of a psychological recession. Although significant correlations were uncovered between psychological recession and PsyCap, personal exposure and vulnerability with regards to organisational change and psychological uncertainty was identified as a major factor that negatively affected employees’ PsyCap. The inferential results identified competence development practices as a crucial intervention for the enhancement of PsyCap during a psychological recession. Lastly, the inferential results revealed that employee recognition and empowerment are fundamental practices in order to negate the negative impact of a psychological recession. Based on the results of this study, organisations have to proactively respond to a psychological recession by re-evaluating the effectiveness of their HRM actions and practices, in order to effectively enhance and maintain the PsyCap of their employees during a psychological recession.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

An ICT strategy for sustainable tourism in Zimbabwe

  • Authors: Tsokota, Theo
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Information technology -- Zimbabwe , Technological innovations -- Zimbabwe Tourism -- Zimbabwe -- Computer network resources Tourism -- Zimbabwe -- Data processing Tourism -- Environmental aspects -- Zimbabwe Sustainable tourism -- Zimbabwe
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21340 , vital:29479
  • Description: This research sought to develop an ICT strategy for sustainable tourism in Zimbabwe. The Government of Zimbabwe has identified ICT and tourism both as strategic industries and pillars for economic revival. The tourism sector was identified as an essential source of foreign exchange earnings and as a means to drive the economy to greater heights and reduce poverty through direct employment in down-stream and up-stream industries. Despite being endowed with rich natural resources that include five World Natural Heritage sites, exquisite flora and fauna. Zimbabwe is not performing well in the world tourism sector. The Southern African country continues to be ranked low on World Economic Forum Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index. Despite the country‘s strengths, in terms of endowments, the low Tourism and Travel Competitiveness Index suggests weaknesses in related areas. There is currently no clear strategy for the sustainable use of ICT in the tourism sector in Zimbabwe. Despite huge investments and advances in ICT, services in the tourism sector in Zimbabwe continue to be delivered manually and in traditional ways. Therefore, this research sought to propose a strategy for the sustainable use of ICT in the tourism sector in Zimbabwe. However, this strategy had to be informed and supported by an empirical study of the shortcomings in the existing situation in the tourism sector. In order to achieve this objective, this research, which is a comprehensive case study on the tourism sector in Zimbabwe, deployed semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, observations and netnography to collect data. The case study was carried out in accordance with the steps for conducting a case as outlined by Yin guided by an interpretive paradigm. The entities and organisations that formed part of the case study were purposefully chosen to provide a representative sample of the tourism role-players in Zimbabwe. The samples were based on sample variation and feasibility (taking into consideration factors such as geographical location, organisational thrust and size). Data collection involved semi-structured interviews with various role-players in the tourism sector. The role-players interviewed included officials from the government, the regulator and from the service providers. The interviews were held in Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru, Chinhoyi, Matopos, Hwange and Victoria Falls. A Zimbabwe annual premier tourism expo, Sanganai/Hlanganani World Travel and Tourism Africa Fair, was also attended in order to interact with various players and to conduct formal and informal interviews. The questionnaires, which were completed by tourists, were administered in Harare, Hwange, Victoria Falls, Matopos, and the Beitbridge and Kazungula border posts. An online version of the questionnaire was also administered. The questionnaire link was e-mailed to tourists, as some of them did not have enough time to complete them during their stay in Zimbabwe and agreed to do so via email. The data was analysed in two phases - structured coding and thematic analysis. . Key factors were identified through structural coding and thematic analysis. Country-specific, sector-specific and organisationalspecific factors were identified for tourists, the government, the regulator and service providers. After a further analysis of the results, those that pointed to the same factors were grouped together and a deduction was made as a diagnosis of the problem was identified. The identified problems were synthesised into seven diagnostics: (i) lack of infrastructure and enabling services; (ii) e-customer relationship management; (iii) lack of collaboration and poor systems integration, (iv) policy and regulation; (v) lack of financial resources; (vi) poor ICT governance and (vii) poor human resource development. A guiding policy was then identified for each of the diagnostics, leading to a set of coherent actions. The research also showed the implementation of this set of actions that consisting of three layers, namely, government, regulator and service providers. This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing a clear strategy formulation model and showing how the implementation will be rolled out. The ICT-related challenges were diagnosed, guiding policies formulated to address the situation and required coherent actions suggested. This research is deemed to be significant for understanding the future of ICT use in developing countries like Zimbabwe.
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  • Date Issued: 2017
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