The development of a framework to assess the effectiveness of the existing viability based lending format of development funding institutions to facilitate increased financial inclusion; recent evidence from the SME sector in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa
- Authors: Mkhize, Bukhosi Walter
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52999 , vital:44867
- Description: Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) internationally have a significant involvement in global economies, as they often are key drivers of economic growth through job creation, increasing production volumes, increased exports and imports. SMEs’ access to development finance and other financing products in the market remains one of the most significant constraints to the establishment, survival, growth, and productivity of SMEs. The South African Government has enacted policies to support SME development and enhance financial inclusion; however, the financing gap has proven to be persistent. Most SMEs cannot access various development and commercial credit funding due to a number of reasons, such as: the detailed complex financial documentation, own contribution and collateral required by finance institutions to grant loan finance; high cost involved in raising loan funding and high punitive interest rates due to the perceived high risk nature of the SMEs; and long time frames for the economic viability and business sustainability assessment processes for credit approval. In this study, a broad analysis of a viability based lending format of a development funding institution was conducted with the intention to develop a framework to assess its effectiveness to facilitate increased financial inclusion in the SMEs sector in KwaZulu-Natal. The study used the literature review to identify key factors that have an impact on economic viability and business sustainability/feasibility in terms of how these factors influence perceived financial inclusion of SMEs. The empirical section of the study tested SMEs’ perceptions and understanding of the concepts that influence the economic viability and business sustainability/feasibility of the SME sector. Strong evidence emerged from the empirical study that SMEs lack crucial resources such as own contribution to achieve an optimal equity structure in the business, lack of grant funding information available to support SMEs, lack of collateral required for funding security, lack of business support available to SMEs to compile comprehensive business plans and lack of own resources to manage various aspects of the business. Without appropriate coordination of the SMEs’ ecosystem, financial inclusion for SMEs will remain a challenge. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
The readiness of embracing the fourth industrial revolution disruptive innovations: a case for an automotive assembler in the Nelson Mandela Metropole
- Authors: Mbolekwa, Luvuyo
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52988 , vital:44866
- Description: Organisations and people find themselves in the era of what is known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). Unlike the preceding revolutions, this revolution is characterised by technological advancements that lead to disruptive phenomena. These advancements are growing at an exponential rate. They have brought disruptive innovations that have either reshaped many industries, causing them to lose market share or exit altogether. Some organisations are keen to embrace disruptive innovation to ensure that they are sustainable into the future, while others are only inclined to use known technologies to leverage economies of scale. The 4IR has already been around for a while and is moving at a fast pace. The level of readiness for the automotive assembler, Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSAf), to take advantage of such technological changes brought by the 4IR, has not yet been measured. The primary objective of this study is to investigate IMSAf’s perceptions and readiness to embrace technological changes brought by the 4IR. The perceptions and readiness are assessed based on the technology embracing organisational framework of efficiencies, innovation, skills and re-training. This study is grounded in the philosophy of positivism and the related method used is a quantitative study to test the research questions in an objective manner. A questionnaire was the sole method of collecting first-hand data from the selected sample. The population size consisted of 139 respondents working in various business units within IMSAf. These individuals are occupying various roles and they have in depth, tacit, and multi-disciplinary knowledge of processes and would be the first to experience technological changes brought by the 4IR. A quantitative analysis technique is applied, such as descriptive and inferential statistics, to analyse data. A literature review on the topic was conducted as well as an empirical study. The results from both the literature review and the empirical study found that with the implementation of 4IR emerging technologies within an organisation, there is a significant improvement on efficiencies, innovation and skills and re-training. Furthermore, the level of awareness and understanding about the benefits of embracing 4IR emerging technologies within IMSAf is significant. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
The relationship between psychological capital and employee wellness in the retail sector in South Africa
- Authors: Mphinyana, Masindi
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53018 , vital:44870
- Description: Psychological Capital (PsyCap) and employee wellness. Moreover, the study investigated demographic differences in relation to the variables. The study employed a cross-sectional, correlational design to achieve the objectives. Additionally, a non-probability convenience sampling method was used. Data was collected from retail employees in Gauteng, Pretoria through a composite self-administered paper-and-pencil questionnaire which incorporated a biographical questionnaire, the PCQ-24 and the PWS. To determine whether a relationship exists between the constructs, Pearson’s product-moment correlations were used. To further determine demographical differences, the analysis of variance (ANOVA) was utilised, and post-hoc Tukey HSD tests were used to determine where the differences lie. Results indicated that PsyCap was positively correlated with wellness; and significant differences in the means for both PsyCap and wellness were observed for demographic variables. The study further revealed that PsyCap is predictive of employee wellness. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Industrial Psychology and Human Resources, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
The relationship between real exchange rate misalignment and economic growth in Namibia
- Authors: Shaduka, Mathilde Hishikomesho
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Namibia , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53024 , vital:44892
- Description: It has been recognised in academic and policy debates that a poorly managed exchange rate can have a devastating effect on a country’s economic growth rate. The current literature on the effect of real exchange rate misalignment on economic growth shows mixed and inconclusive results. The floating rate regime by South Africa to which Namibia’s exchange rate is fixed, contributes to exchange fluctuations that Namibia experiences. As exchange rate is one of the fundamental factors that affect economic growth, this study aims to evaluate the effect of real exchange rate misalignment on the Namibian economic growth over the period from 1990 to 2018. The study employs Equilibrium Real Exchange Rate (ERER) Model and Auto-Regressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) models as quantitative research methods approach for estimating the equilibrium exchange rate and establishing the relationship between real exchange rate misalignment and Namibia’s economic growth. The ERER model reveals that the Namibian currency was overvalued over the period under review. Furthermore, the ARDL results confirm that a significant relationship exists between real exchange rate misalignment and Namibia’s economic growth. The study further shows that real exchange rate misalignment (overvaluation) negatively affects Namibia’s growth domestic product (GDP). Consequently, consistent with current literature, the study supports the view that keeping the real exchange rate at levels close to its equilibrium level or slightly below its equilibrium level can promote economic growth in developing economies such as Namibia. The study, therefore, strongly recommends that the Namibian government should consider a currency undervaluation policy in order to promote economic activities and enhance Namibia’s GDP. it is thus crucial for policymakers to effectively manage real exchange rate regularly and ensure that it does not widely deviate from its equilibrium value. The study also recommends that Namibia should diversify its products and ease the trade barriers so as to promote exports that would boost economic activities. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics Development and Tourism, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
The relationship between the performance management development system and compensation: the case of the City of Cape Town Municipality
- Authors: Ramaru, Murendeni Praise
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54836 , vital:47926
- Description: This research was directed towards the current state of the relationship between the Performance Management Development System and compensation in the City of Cape Town Municipality. The research approach adopted in this study was a qualitative method. Desktop analysis and case study design were used as secondary data collection tools. Since the democratization of South Africa in 1994, the focus has been directed towards the maximising of economic growth and development. The road to development has been challenging since the inception of democracy. Organisations are operating in a dynamic and highly competitive environment which requires adjustments and development of strategies to remain relevant. Compensation is one of the ways different organisations have adopted as a strategy for attracting and retaining suitable employees as well as maintaining performance management. The essence of a well-functioning performance management development system has played a critical role in providing an effective system in the public service. The main objective of compensation is to ensure an organisation has the right resources necessary to motivate employees’ performance needed to achieve the organisational strategy. The study found that a compensation strategy leads to increased employees’ performance. The findings indicated that there is a positive connection between the compensation strategy and the performance of the employees. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
The relationship between workplace well-being and authentic leadership
- Authors: Vezile, Sindile
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52971 , vital:44900
- Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between authentic leadership and employee well-being. Data was collected from an online questionnaire survey sent to 141 Special Economic Zone employees who worked as non-managerial employees. Ninety-four employees responded. The collected data was analysed using statistical tools from SPSS 20. Subsequently, descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations and correlations were used to summarise information for demographic variables, authentic leadership and well-being. In addition, ANOVA was used to determine sub-group differences. First, it has been shown that project managers were seen by their subordinates as trustworthy leaders. Second, there was a connection between authentic leadership and well-being in the workplace. Third, it was discovered that all aspects of ethical leadership, apart from Work Intrusion (IoW), had a relationship with organisational well-being. Fourth, it has shown that males and females experience different levels of job satisfaction and feel differently about respect for the organisation. Keywords: Well- , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Industrial Psychology and Human Resources, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
The role of strategic leadership in strategy implementation: a case of the Eastern Cape Department of Health
- Authors: Nkosi, Nonhlanhla
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53021 , vital:44882
- Description: The goal of this research was to evaluate the role of strategic leadership in improving strategy implementation in the Eastern Cape Department of Health (ECDOH). According to literature, the strategic leadership actions, namely: determining strategic direction; managing the organisation’s resource portfolio; sustaining an effective organisational culture; emphasising ethical practices; and establishing balanced organisational controls, positively contribute to successful implementation of strategy. The research methodology used in this study was a quantitative research approach. The study used an online survey questionnaire to gather information on the respondents’ perceptions on the role of the strategic leadership actions in strategy implementation in the ECDOH. The survey also gathered respondents’ perceptions on the role of environmental complexity factors in moderating the relationship between the strategic leadership actions and strategy implementation in the ECDOH. The study revealed that determining strategic direction and establishing balanced organisational controls were positively related to strategy implementation in the ECDOH. Managing the organisation’s resource portfolio, sustaining an effective organisational culture as well as emphasising ethical practices were not positively related to strategy implementation in the ECDOH. The study also found that four out of the five environmental complexity factors measured, moderate the relationship between strategic leadership actions and strategy implementation in the ECDOH. Based on the findings, the study recommends that the ECDOH management apply all the strategic leadership actions in improving strategy implementation in the ECDOH and provides detailed recommendations per strategic leadership action. The study also recommends that the ECDOH management take note of the environmental complexity factors that moderate the relationship between the role of strategic leadership actions in the implementation of strategy in the ECDOH and develop plans to mitigate against the risk of these environmental complexity factors. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Science, NMU Business School, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
The role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in economic development in the O.R. Tambo Distric Municipality
- Authors: Dandala, Malibongwe
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Technical education -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development -- Education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52413 , vital:43639
- Description: The study aims to understand the practical effects that technical and vocational education and training (TVET) can have on the economic development of OR Tambo District Municipality. The district is situated in an area endowed with numerous natural resources, including fertile land for agricultural augmentation, dairy farming and beef production. This district municipality has a history as the starting point for the liberation of South Africa, where heroes such as the late OR Tambo, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, (the first democratic president of South Africa), Walter Sisulu and numerous others were born. The district is situated in the OR Tambo region of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. More than five TVET campuses offering training in a variety of skills, such as Engineering and Design, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Public Management, Human Recourses Management, Office Practice, Hospitality and Educare are spread across the OR Tambo District. This district also has a burden of high unemployment among the youth, resulting in a high crime rate. A mixed research method was adopted while conducting this study. The study findings found that TVET colleges have a significant role towards economic development of O.R Tambo. TVET colleges are able to supply suitably qualified employable students who have practical knowledge compared to other students from other academic institutions. The students are skilled and semi-skilled can contribute towards socio-economic activities thus contribute towards economic development in O.R Tambo Municipality. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Humanities, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
The value of incubation to SMME in the financial services industry : the case of the infinitum initiative
- Authors: Mboniswa, Unathi Sindisiwe
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53027 , vital:44862
- Description: Small, micro and medium businesses are regarded as the engine for achieving economic growth and reducing unemployment through unlocking the potential of young entrepreneurs. However, 80% of such young entrepreneurs operating SMMEs fail in their first years of existence. To respond to this challenge, Business Incubators (BI’s) have been established to nurture SMMEs to succeed. Numerous BI’s, such as Godisa, have been established in South Africa with many supported by the Department of Trade and Industry. However, there are still many potential entrepreneurs in need of such help. In this regard, Old Mutual initiated a programme similar to Godisa, called the Infinitum Incubation Programme (IIP). The IIP seeks to groom young, willing and educated entrepreneurs from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, with business skills to help them establish sustainable businesses. Their focus is on Financial Advisors and the programme has been running for two years offering all the support needed by young businesses. Against this background, this study endeavoured to assess whether the initiative has had the intended impact on the Incubatees. Using a qualitative and Interpretivism research approach and a sample of six incubatees, this study addressed its objectives. Questionnaires were sent out to all incubators and incubatees involved in the IIP and a response rate 60% was achieved. These responses were analysed through descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The results show that the IIP has been successful in identifying suitable incubatees and stakeholders. It also found that the IIP has been successful in equipping incubatees with theoretical business management skills. However, in terms of skills transfer, the programme was not successful. Both incubatees and stakeholders rated the programme poorly. Further, both stakeholders and incubatees perceive the programme to be a very good idea and see potential for success; however, they feel that would be achieved only after significant improvement. The study recommends that the programme improve on the following: gender balance, management and coordination of the programme, improved skills transfer, balance between practice, theory, and providing post-programme mentorship. The study ends by describing limitations and areas for further research. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Science, NMU Business School, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
Understanding the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on SMEs in South Africa
- Authors: Ogunniyi, Vuyokazi
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53039 , vital:44883
- Description: The current research dissertation is on the topic- Understanding the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on SMEs in South Africa. It aims to analyse the strategies of SMEs to make positive results from the Fourth Industrial Revolution in South Africa. The research mainly concentrates on the concepts and techniques of technology implementation, customer relationship and advanced technology in SME Enterprises of South Africa. These techniques are needed to validate the importance of the Fourth Industrial Revolution in the enhancement of SMEs in South Africa. In this entire process of research, the researcher evaluates current condition of SMEs in South Africa and the issues that are faced by these enterprises. The changes that are needed by these enterprises and their impact on organisational structure is also discussed. In addition to this, the researcher has also undertaken secondary research on the existing literature in this current topic and related topics. Therefore, the researcher was able to gain a clear insight into the study area. As SMEs are facing problems related to marketing and marking their position in the global market, useful recommendations are given to eliminate these problems. The researcher found out that SMEs need to improve policies to implement technological innovations to secure a market position for SMEs. In order to carry out the research, the researcher applied interpretivism and a deductive approach. Along with this, the qualitative research/methodology was chosen for carrying out the investigation. Qualitative data and non-probability sampling helped in collecting data. Analysis of this data was done by explaining transcripts of the interviews with the sample of entrepreneurs of South African SMEs. The researcher used a total of ten entrepreneurs from different industries in the country. Most of these entrepreneurs interviewed are from previously disadvantaged backgrounds with university degrees. The researcher made an effort to select candidates from different cities across South Africa. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
An enquiry on gender, religion and sport: the case of Muslim women residing in Malabar, Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Sait, Shaabiera
- Date: 2020-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55196 , vital:49588
- Description: Modern sports have made many claims, one of which is to give surety of equality within sporting codes. They also specifically focus on providing equal rights to allow individuals to compete in sports. The political history of South Africa is particularly important as it is essentially linked to the capacity to participate in sport in South Africa. Therefore, it is safe to say that politics and sports are intrinsically entwined in the country. Sport played a vibrant role in the struggle against the system of apartheid and has a vigorous role to play in the transformation and nation-building of South Africa. Islam has been open to growth and development, adaptation, and even change. Since its revelation, Islam has been filtered through a succession of cultural growth, reflecting the complex ways in which religious beliefs and social reality accommodate one another. Islam possesses a unifying framework which is provided by the Quran (Islam’s primary source regarded by Muslims as God’s revealed word) as the quintessential source along with the Hadith (the statements and deeds of Prophet Muhammad [Peace be unto him]) and language of the religion of Islam. This unity is accompanied by a multitude of diversities that must be considered in any discussion regarding Islam and its practice by Muslims. The Muslim women presented in this thesis were specifically from the Malabar area in Port Elizabeth, where different interpretations or perspectives of Islam exist. Malabar was created in 1961 under the Group Areas Act of 1950 in terms of which the Apartheid government forced people of different race categories to live separately. In a variety of societies and communities where legislation, customs, and traditions are affected or inspired by interpretations of the Quran and Sunnah, they combine to define the roles and status of men and women. Within a specific Muslim society, however, these may vary from one class or generation to another. Muslim women’s lives and the choices they face are influenced as much by patriarchal social arrangements as they are by religious ideology. The research is centred around the interpretations of Islam and what these interpretations mean for Muslim women and their participation in sports, while also considering the interconnectedness of personal choice and the rules and regulations of Islam. The objective of this study was to critically analyse the effect that the different interpretations of Islam have on Muslim women’s participation in sporting activities, as iii well as the barriers that Muslim women face during their involvement in sports. The research adopted a qualitative research method in which 20 Muslim women were interviewed, with the use of semi-structured interview schedules, as well as participant observation to collect the necessary data. A case study method was used to share the data collected from interviews. Furthermore, an auto-ethnographic method is also utilized for self-reflection and to explore personal experience relevant to this research. This thesis also draws on the Marxist feminist theoretical approach, focusing on investigating and explaining how women are oppressed through systems of capitalism and private property. Marxism and feminism are theories of power, which is distributed unequally in society. In researching gender, religion, and sport, I found that the relationship between Muslim women and sport is understood in different ways because of different interpretations of Islam and its teachings, often between one generation to the next and amongst various Muslim communities. Thus, individuals who are passionate about their sport will go the extra mile to ensure participation. In some cases, this would be regardless of the rules and regulations of Islam. Muslim women across the world have made many strides and overcome many barriers in sport. Over the years, although not favourably portrayed in the media, participation by women has increased drastically over time. This thesis explores gender, religion, and sport as well as the ‘lived body’ experiences of veiled Muslim women in sport and physical activity. I attempt to explain the relationship between religious requirements and participation in sport and physical activity. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2020
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- Date Issued: 2020-12
Colonial power and the transformation of feudal relations in Buganda 1900-1962
- Authors: Sekiswa, Peter
- Date: 2020-12
- Subjects: Uganda , Uganda (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55218 , vital:49670
- Description: This thesis has engaged in a debate that the establishment of colonial administration in Buganda in the 19th century more than anything else saw the transformation the Buganda state into an African feudal state. Basic explanation for this state of affairs was the need by the colonial authority to establish a dependent commodity producing economy in Buganda. The African feudal state contextually referred to is the transformation of power, labour and economic relations in this period to suit circumstances that favoured the process of commodity production in the Buganda state; a process that involved the strengthening of the political power base, by creating a landed oligarchy, thus destroying the traditional patron–client relations and creating out of such a relation a class of civil servants, yet also extracting land rent from siting tenant in an agrarian economic system. This period saw an interplay of numerous actors like the Christian missionaries and their Buganda collaborators, the Christian elite (Abasomi), the Learners. The second phase of this study examines the creation of a colonial economic system based on commodity production and the colonial authority creating a frame work of operation, as to how the economy-based commodity production was to operate as to either allow a settler plantation or a peasant mode of production. Coupled with the effects of the wars of nations the deteriorating economic conditions and the age of the rise of the spirit of nationalism in the 1950s, created a class of agitators against the colonial authority. Using the historical methodology, the study employed the use of oral interviews, archives, primary printed journals, and secondary sources, to trace the evolution of labour, political and economic relations in the Buganda state. This was in order to understand the process leading to the creation of the modern Buganda colonial state by 1962. The study puts it that the intercourse between the British colonial administrators and the Buganda state leaders was responsible for the resultant state of affairs. Intentionally or unintentionally, the British colonial authority created a new nation state dominated by a landed class elite. It is this elite class that led the independence struggle not for the whole nation but for one region of the country - their kingdom Buganda - the cause of conflict between the British colonial authority and the Buganda Kingdom, but also a source of economic and political competition between Buganda and other regions of Uganda. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2020
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- Date Issued: 2020-12
Cultural perspectives on health decision making of HIV positive Xhosa males
- Authors: Tebekana, Aviwe Zuziwe Nomalibongwe
- Date: 2020-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53769 , vital:45835
- Description: In 1998, following a recommendation made by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESO), the Joint United Nations programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) adopted a cultural approach to HIV and AIDS prevention and treatment for sustainable development. Cultural identity, values and norms are all influential factors in health decision making and may be especially important in the context of HIV infection. The research aim of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of HIV positive Xhosa males in relation to understanding how cultural identity, cultural values and norms influence the health decision making behaviour of Xhosa males. A qualitative study design was adopted. A descriptive and interpretative approach was applied. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 HIV positive Xhosa males aged 25 to 49 years in four primary healthcare clinics in the Nelson Mandela Bay. Thematic data analysis was utilised to analyse the data through the lens of literature and the bio-ecological model. The data was coded by the researcher and an independent coder. Three themes and six sub themes emerged from the study. Theme one is: significance of culture for HIV positive Xhosa males. Theme two is: perspectives on factors that have an influence on health decision making. Theme three is: perceived beliefs and perceptions about HIV and AIDS in the Xhosa ethnic group. The study indicated that cultural factors such as ancestral beliefs regarding illness, traditional circumcision, initiation school and masculine roles and expectations influenced health decision making of the Xhosa males. In addition, there are other factors that have an influence on health decision making such as psycho-social factors of peer pressure and biological factors which include physical developmental changes. In addition to factors that have an influence to health decision making, it became apparent in the study that there was perceived stigma attached to HIV and AIDS from family members and the Xhosa community. Participants also experienced internalised stigma and expressed a v fear of not having an heir; thus, influencing risk taking health decision in fear of being stigmatised. Perceptions of HIV positive Xhosa males on cultural factors that have an influence on health decision making such as risk behaviour and adherence to treatment are: ancestral belief of protection against illness, traditional circumcision, initiation school and masculine roles and expectations. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Behavioural Sciences, 2020
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- Date Issued: 2020-12
Evaluating the influence of electoral violence on democratic consolidaton in Sub-Saharan Africa: the case of the democratic republic of congo from 2006-2018
- Authors: Poggi, Giovanni
- Date: 2020-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55073 , vital:49035
- Description: The democratic legitimacy of African executives has been called into question substantially over the last decade. Using the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as a case study, this evaluative research seeks to analyse how African executives and political elites continue to play a crucial role in inducing civil unrest and electoral violence. For African democracy to develop, there must be enforced resolutions to eradicate issues facing both procedural and substantive democracy on the continent. This research examined electoral violence and unconstitutional acts that aggravate electoral system abuse and diminish the consolidation of democracy in sub-Saharan African states, in particular the DRC. A specific focus on the leadership of Joseph Kabila in the DRC forms the case study component of this research. In 2016, elections were postponed in the DRC and the DRC’s constitutional court interpreted Article 70 and Article 73 of the constitution in a manner that allowed President Kabila to remain in office until a newly elected president was installed. The court’s ruling and interpretation of Article 70 and Article 73 was an attempt to avoid a power vacuum. The study evaluated the components that trigger the escalation of electoral violence in Sub-Saharan African states. The study reports on different contributory factors, including but not limited to, the impact of predatory and rent-seeking leadership towards electoral manipulation; and the effect of patron-client relations on democratic institutions. Even though elections are not the only indicator of democracy stability in a state, this study demonstrated how electoral violence threatens the consolidation of democracy in sub-Saharan African states, in particular the DRC. In examining electoral violence, a desktop analysis method, which was used in the study, involved the collection of data from existing resources in order to provide a more critical lens to understanding electoral violence in the DRC. The theoretical analysis used in the study is the Höglund (2009) framework on electoral institutions which outlined how political violence remains a pervasive feature in Sub-Saharan countries by linking the framework to patron-clientelism. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2020
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- Date Issued: 2020-12
Investigating effectiveness of the internship programme with reference to the Department of Health, Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Mjindi, Mpilo
- Date: 2020-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54881 , vital:48352
- Description: The study investigated the effectiveness of internship programme in the Department of Health in Port Elizabeth. The study utilized the human capital capita theory and scientific management approach to analyse the role of internship programme in the Livingstone Hospital in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The research draws from interpretive paradigm that made use of qualitative research methods to collect data. Therefore, documents were used for collecting data. These include government documents on an internship, peer-reviewed journal articles and relevant literature that inform internship programmes in a government department in South Africa. The study utilised a qualitative thematic analysis technique to analyse the data collected from documents. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2020
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- Date Issued: 2020-12
The representation of female consumerism in three African novels
- Authors: Njokweni, Manzendonga
- Date: 2020-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55096 , vital:49114
- Description: The portrayal of women and consumer culture is a pertinent issue in African literature. This dissertation examines female characters in three South African novels namely Hunger Eats a Man (2015) by Nkosinathi Sithole, Men of the South (2010) by Zukiswa Wanner and Black Diamond (2009) by Zakes Mda and exposes the effects of feminized consumerism. The theoretical framework for the study is taken from Carolyn Elizabeth Miller’s (2006) theory of consumerism and sexist oppression and is used to expose the oppressive effects of consumerism that nevertheless construct feminine identity in a capitalist world. To augment Miller’s theory, the work of other theorists are consulted to establish a theoretical framework for analysing feminized consumerism. The first chapter shows the effects of feminized consumerism as oppressive to wealthy women and poor women alike. The second chapter shows that female characters are domesticated by consumerism; domestication referring to the phenomenon of prohibiting women from male spaces or subordinating women within those spaces. The third chapter shows that some of the female characters are engaged in commodity fetishism and that they are affected in adverse ways because of this. The fourth chapter explains how female characters are portrayed as inferior to their male counterparts as a result of femininized consumerism in storytelling. In addition to concluding the oppressive effects of feminized consumerism, the fourth chapter analyses comments about capitalism that the authors make; authors like Wanner and Sithole seem to severely critique capitalism and its effects while Mda seems to verily defend capitalism. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Language, Media and Communication, 2020
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- Date Issued: 2020-12
The state and civil society in building a capable developmental state : a case of the National Department of Social Development and the Non Profit Organisations sector in South Africa
- Authors: Morkel, Candice
- Date: 2020-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55031 , vital:48824
- Description: The challenges in the relationship between the Department of Social Development (DSD) and Non Profit Organisations (NPOs) in South Africa pose a risk to their ability to partner successfully in order to deliver government’s Constitutional obligations in meeting citizens’ developmental social welfare needs. Some contemporary theories of the state (such as pluralism and corporatism) as well as approaches to Public Administration and Management (such as co-production) support a collaborative approach between governments and civil society in order to address development challenges. Peter Evans’ (cf. 1995, 1997, 1998, 2008; 2014) expansive scholarship on embedded autonomy and building capable developmental states, suggests that a state that is sufficiently embedded in an intimate partnership with nonstate actors is more likely to achieve its development goals. However, these relations must also be autonomous and unfettered by private or sectional interests to circumvent the risk of neopatrimonialism and state capture. In view of growing critiques of economic growth as the primary marker of a developmental state, which prioritises the state’s relationship with private capital, Evans (ibid.) also argued for a more expanded definition of embedded autonomy. Building on Evan’s perspective, this study examines the relationship between the DSD and the NPO sector in South Africa to address the gap in the literature on how other forms of embedded autonomy (beyond the state-private sector nexus) may function in a developmental state. Its purpose is to make an original contribution to knowledge by examining how the achievement of South Africa’s Developmental Social Welfare (DSW) outcomes and the building of a capable developmental state may be affected by weaknesses in embeddedness, autonomy and state capacity. It argues that a relationship of trust and solidarity between the state and civil society that prioritises the well-being of people as the primary indicator of development, is a necessary feature of the capable developmental state. The study therefore provides insights into the interventions required to ensure collaborative and integrated service delivery between the state and civil society in South Africa. This is forged from an examination of the deeply held conflicting beliefs and expectations around the execution of the DSW mandate, the current tensions in the relationship, its intersections with the history of the non-profit sector in the apartheid welfare state and the challenges of transformation since 1994. In this respect, it fills a further gap in the literature by focusing on expanded, non-traditional state-society ties imagined by Evans’ conceptual framework of embedded autonomy and the developmental state. Furthermore, the study makes an elemental contribution to knowledge around co-production, which remains poorly formulated despite increasing interest and research in this area of Public Administration and Management (Gawlowski, 2018:72; Osborne, Radnor & Strokosch, 2016:644). This study used a qualitative design to derive meaning from indepth interviews with twentythree (23) knowledgeable experts representing the DSD (current and ex-staff members), NPOs, members of the Ministerial Committee for the 2013-2016 Review of the White Paper for Social Welfare (1997), NPO umbrella bodies and social justice activists. These were supplemented by a Focus Group Discussion comprising of nine (9) activists based at a grassroots NPO. Employing both an interpretive and constructivist approach, the design facilitated an in-depth examination of participants’ perceptions of the state’s constitutional obligation towards social justice through delivering DSW services in collaboration with the NPO Sector. The researcher used thematic content analysis to explore how weaknesses in the inter-play between embeddedness and autonomy in the DSW sector may explain the tensions between the DSD and NPOs. An analysis of the literature also helped in drawing linkages between weaknesses in embedded autonomy, building a capable developmental state and achieving the country’s DSW outcomes. The study found that the adversarial relationship between the DSD and NPOs has a negative effect on the rendering of DSW services to citizens, which places South Africa’s pursuit of a capable developmental state at risk. Applying a strategic-relational conceptualisation of the state, it argued how South Africa’s commitment to a participatory and people-centred approach to public policy and the protection of the socio-economic rights of citizens requires a fully engaged civil society, balanced by autonomy. Invoking a Gramscian lens, the study also provided an analysis of the potential for civil society to act as a counter-hegemonic force against the domination of global capital and the marketization of the state in order to protect the rights of the subaltern. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2020
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- Date Issued: 2020-12
Towards a thriving youth culture: a framework for the development and empowerment of rural unemployed youth in Mhlontlo Municipality, South Africa
- Authors: Mugabe, Tanaka Candida
- Date: 2020-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55053 , vital:49026
- Description: The basis for youth employment and development in rural areas encapsulates transformation which brings about freedom in terms of economic growth as well as social stability. nevertheless, research provides evidence that one of the complex dilemmas in South Africa and across the globe is youth unemployment. Statistics South Africa in 2019 estimated that 70,9% of the total number of unemployed citizens are youths, with consequences that have a far-reaching impact on their quality of life and future prospects; thus, a social problem that requires urgent redress. In addition, there is evidence that youth unemployment is more prominent in rural than urban areas. It is for this reason that this study focused on the lived experiences of unemployed youth in Mhlontlo Municipality, a rural locality in South Africa to better understand the complexity and multifaceted unemployment phenomenon. Youth unemployment requires an understanding of its nature; especially, when considering and/or implementing interventions. Although the youth may share common denominators such as their culture, being unemployed and have a need for development and empowerment, youths experience their world as individuals and differently. Ensuring positive development and thriving requires insightful understanding about lived experiences of unemployed youths, as well as the immediate effect and long-standing impact caused by the nature of interaction between youths and their broader ecological environment. The research findings in this thesis highlight that whether as a source (self) or re-source (cocreator) of human capital, unemployed youth have the capacity to thrive and/or to enable thriving. Thus, an intervention initiative should create a culture of thriving; the latter, both a means and end, irrespective of the adversity in which unemployed youths find themselves. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2020
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- Date Issued: 2020-12
Exploring preparedness of social workers to address the environmental justice issue in communities: the case of selected dumping sites in King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD) municipality, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Njama, Thembani https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8306-6501
- Date: 2020-06
- Subjects: Grahamstown (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22423 , vital:52064
- Description: Social workers are mandated to address environmental justice issues as part of working towards promoting community and environmental sustainability within and between communities. This thesis reports from a research study that was aimed at exploring the preparedness of social workers to address pollution in King Sabata Dalindyebo communities with the objective to: understand the social work intervention strategies social workers use to address pollution in KSD communities; identify the challenges if any social workers face when addressing pollution in KSD communities; and explore the confidence of social workers when addressing pollution in KSD communities. To achieve its aim and objectives, this study was exclusively informed by a qualitative research approach and thus utilised an explorative case study design to obtain in-depth qualitative data. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve social workers using a semi-structured interview guide. The interviewed social workers were sampled utilizing convenience and snowball sampling techniques. Mass collected data was analysed thematically and thus presented according to themes and subthemes. Findings indicated that social workers are not sufficiently prepared to address pollution in KSD communities because of lack of environmental education and training, coupled with lack of enabling resources. Therefore, this study recommended environmental social work education and training through organisational workshops as well as improved support and resourcing. This study also recommended a future study that will explore the progress of social work towards promoting environmental sustainability in communities. , Thesis (MSW) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2020-06
A study on staff provisioning using the Peter Morkel Model with reference to a selected school in the Amathole East District
- Authors: Qaba, Loyiso Siyabulela
- Date: 2020-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55161 , vital:49171
- Description: The Post-Provisioning Model (PPM) is a Resource Allocation Model (RAM) used by the Department of Education to optimize the distribution of available educator resources to public schools. The Department of Education adopted the PPM to distribute the total available posts to all public schools in an “equitable, transparent and resource-efficient manner. The PPM is a formula-driven model that primarily allocates educators, as human capital, to public schools based on learner enrolment numbers. In addition to allocating teaching staff, the PPM allocates the School Management Team (SMT) to each school. The outcome of the PPM formula is called the Post-Provisioning Norm (PPN). The implementation of the PPM has presented various challenges in the management of public schools. The primary aims of this study were to investigate any possible weaknesses of the PPM and to critically evaluate and explore school managers’ views of the PPM in the management of public schools. For the purposes of this study a probability sampling procedure was used. The participants were chosen from the principals within the Department of Education in Amathole East District. The literature review undertaken and the field research findings in the fourth chapter revealed that there is a gap between the ideals of the PPM and its implementation. It was found that there was a poor understanding of the technical aspects of the PPM formula among senior managers of public schools. There is evidence of equitable quantitative distribution of posts through the PPM. However, it was discovered that the PPM does not take into account the distribution of qualified educators. Hence, some of the allocated posts in public schools were often filled by under-qualified or non-qualified staff. The appointment of qualified educators was skewed. Further findings of this study revealed, amongst others, the inability of the PPM to provide for and promote the needs of a diverse curriculum in rural areas, and the inability to factor in and balance the variable that some public schools raise more money in school fees, which enables the advantaged schools to employ additional educators. The primary recommendations of this study are that principals be trained, on an annual basis, on the workings of the PPM and that the South African Schools Act No.84 of 1996 should be amended to grant authority to the Head of Department of the province to appoint and deploy qualified educators to public schools. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2020
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- Date Issued: 2020-04