Exploring teachers’ pedagogical approaches in teaching multilingual learners in the foundation phase in ex-model c schools in Gqeberha
- Authors: Elliott-Gentry, Jamie-Lee
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Multilingualism , Multilingual education , Multilingual persons -- Education
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/71656 , vital:79120
- Description: Multilingual education has always been a controversial issue in South Africa since most South Africans’ Home Languages are different from that of the language of learning and teaching (LOLT) in schools. The influx of diverse learners attending ex-Model C schools, whose Home Language is not the medium of instruction, raises the question of how these schools and teachers are supporting predominantly non-English mother tongue learners in the classroom. This study aimed to explore the pedagogical approaches that teachers use in multilingual classes with a view to understand how such learners are catered for when the LOLT is different from the learners’ Home Languages This study adopted an interpretivist paradigm, was qualitative in nature and used interviews and observation as data collection tools. The accumulated data were analysed thematically based on a study of the emerging patterns and themes. The findings, emerging from the study, indicate that although teachers embrace multilingual teaching and learning, they do not feel equipped to teach multilingual learners in their classes, and consequently use the medium of instruction, which is English, to teach these learners. This study recommends that the Department of Basic Education (DBE) should arrange more hands-on workshops for in-service teachers so that they could acquire more enhanced skills in teaching multilingual learners. Furthermore, teacher training programmes offered by universities should incorporate modules with a specific focus on how to teach multilingual learners. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, School of Secondary School Education, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Elliott-Gentry, Jamie-Lee
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Multilingualism , Multilingual education , Multilingual persons -- Education
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/71656 , vital:79120
- Description: Multilingual education has always been a controversial issue in South Africa since most South Africans’ Home Languages are different from that of the language of learning and teaching (LOLT) in schools. The influx of diverse learners attending ex-Model C schools, whose Home Language is not the medium of instruction, raises the question of how these schools and teachers are supporting predominantly non-English mother tongue learners in the classroom. This study aimed to explore the pedagogical approaches that teachers use in multilingual classes with a view to understand how such learners are catered for when the LOLT is different from the learners’ Home Languages This study adopted an interpretivist paradigm, was qualitative in nature and used interviews and observation as data collection tools. The accumulated data were analysed thematically based on a study of the emerging patterns and themes. The findings, emerging from the study, indicate that although teachers embrace multilingual teaching and learning, they do not feel equipped to teach multilingual learners in their classes, and consequently use the medium of instruction, which is English, to teach these learners. This study recommends that the Department of Basic Education (DBE) should arrange more hands-on workshops for in-service teachers so that they could acquire more enhanced skills in teaching multilingual learners. Furthermore, teacher training programmes offered by universities should incorporate modules with a specific focus on how to teach multilingual learners. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, School of Secondary School Education, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
factors influencing value creation through design thinking in the hospitality industry in Ghana
- Authors: Amedeker, Dominic Kwame
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Hospitality industry -- Management , Creative ability in business , Creative thinking
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/71948 , vital:79160
- Description: Globally, as the hospitality industry continues to change, there is a growing emphasis on the application of innovative management tools to stay competitive in the global market. Design Thinking and value creation have become the management intervention. Design thinking and value creation are receiving attention in the business sector as panaceas for developing human-centered services to satisfy customers and create value for organisations. Value creation is how business organisations create and offer products and services for customers that are willing to pay and how they attempt to capture a share of the total value that is created in the resultant economic exchange processes. This research study critically identified and examined factors influencing value creation through Design Thinking in the hospitality industry in Ghana. Specifically, it examined how two different concepts of Design Thinking influenced value creation in the hospitality industry in Ghana. The study adopted a quantitative approach to gather data. Based on Fowler’s table a disproportionate stratified sample was used to select a sample size of 315 with a confidence level of 95% at a 5% margin of error. Partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used for the analysis and evaluation of the hypothesised model. Findings showed that technology, employees’ knowledge and skills, external actors and financial strength through Design Thinking have a statistically significant relationship with value creation in the Ghana’s hospital industry evidenced in their respective p-values. Technology shows a moderate influence on value creation relative to external actors while the Employee knowledge and skills are crucial for service delivery in the hospitality industry. Mediation effects were asymmetrical in distribution across constructs including technology, external actors, and financial strength. While the Q² values indicate strong predictive relevance, the moderate R² values of constructs such as technology and employee knowledge and skills suggest that other unmeasured factors also have influence on value creation.The following recommendations were made based on the key results of the study, namely hospitality businesses in Ghana should invest in training employees and managers in the principles of Design Thinking. Workshops, collaborative brainstorming sessions and innovation labs will help to better embed Design Thinking into routine activities and nurture a culture of creativity and problem-solving. The industry should invest in state-of-the-art technologies such as CRM systems, mobile applications for bookings, and AI-driven data analytics to enhance customer experiences in streamlining operations and achieving cost efficiencies. The hospitality industry must implement training programmes that have a focus on both technical and soft skills, tailor-made for employee knowledge and skills to fully meet dynamic customer needs. The study also recommended the strengthening of relationships with external actors such as customers and other stakeholders, suppliers, travel agents in value creation strategies by requesting customer feedback through surveys and focus groups to adapt services to meet the diverse needs to foster loyalty. Other recommendations included leveraging financial resources strategically in areas that yield the highest returns, target emerging and luxury market segments, creating innovation by collaboration with industry players in policy formulation service models suitable for the Ghanaian market. The study further recommended the application of key performance metrics for the monitoring and evaluation of customer satisfaction, employee productivity, and financial performance to highlight areas for improvement to align with value creation goals. Finally, the government and industry associations should create a favourable regulatory environment, as well as incentives for innovation and investment to enhance the industry’s value creation capability. Further study should be conducted into the exploration of cultural influences on Design Thinking and value creation in the Ghanaian hospitality industry. Furthermore, a longitudinal study should be conducted on the long-term effects of the implementation of Design Thinking practices on value creation. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Management Sciences, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Amedeker, Dominic Kwame
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Hospitality industry -- Management , Creative ability in business , Creative thinking
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/71948 , vital:79160
- Description: Globally, as the hospitality industry continues to change, there is a growing emphasis on the application of innovative management tools to stay competitive in the global market. Design Thinking and value creation have become the management intervention. Design thinking and value creation are receiving attention in the business sector as panaceas for developing human-centered services to satisfy customers and create value for organisations. Value creation is how business organisations create and offer products and services for customers that are willing to pay and how they attempt to capture a share of the total value that is created in the resultant economic exchange processes. This research study critically identified and examined factors influencing value creation through Design Thinking in the hospitality industry in Ghana. Specifically, it examined how two different concepts of Design Thinking influenced value creation in the hospitality industry in Ghana. The study adopted a quantitative approach to gather data. Based on Fowler’s table a disproportionate stratified sample was used to select a sample size of 315 with a confidence level of 95% at a 5% margin of error. Partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used for the analysis and evaluation of the hypothesised model. Findings showed that technology, employees’ knowledge and skills, external actors and financial strength through Design Thinking have a statistically significant relationship with value creation in the Ghana’s hospital industry evidenced in their respective p-values. Technology shows a moderate influence on value creation relative to external actors while the Employee knowledge and skills are crucial for service delivery in the hospitality industry. Mediation effects were asymmetrical in distribution across constructs including technology, external actors, and financial strength. While the Q² values indicate strong predictive relevance, the moderate R² values of constructs such as technology and employee knowledge and skills suggest that other unmeasured factors also have influence on value creation.The following recommendations were made based on the key results of the study, namely hospitality businesses in Ghana should invest in training employees and managers in the principles of Design Thinking. Workshops, collaborative brainstorming sessions and innovation labs will help to better embed Design Thinking into routine activities and nurture a culture of creativity and problem-solving. The industry should invest in state-of-the-art technologies such as CRM systems, mobile applications for bookings, and AI-driven data analytics to enhance customer experiences in streamlining operations and achieving cost efficiencies. The hospitality industry must implement training programmes that have a focus on both technical and soft skills, tailor-made for employee knowledge and skills to fully meet dynamic customer needs. The study also recommended the strengthening of relationships with external actors such as customers and other stakeholders, suppliers, travel agents in value creation strategies by requesting customer feedback through surveys and focus groups to adapt services to meet the diverse needs to foster loyalty. Other recommendations included leveraging financial resources strategically in areas that yield the highest returns, target emerging and luxury market segments, creating innovation by collaboration with industry players in policy formulation service models suitable for the Ghanaian market. The study further recommended the application of key performance metrics for the monitoring and evaluation of customer satisfaction, employee productivity, and financial performance to highlight areas for improvement to align with value creation goals. Finally, the government and industry associations should create a favourable regulatory environment, as well as incentives for innovation and investment to enhance the industry’s value creation capability. Further study should be conducted into the exploration of cultural influences on Design Thinking and value creation in the Ghanaian hospitality industry. Furthermore, a longitudinal study should be conducted on the long-term effects of the implementation of Design Thinking practices on value creation. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Management Sciences, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
Intermediate phase teachers’ perceptions on the causes of disruptive behaviour in the classroom: a study involving two schools in the Johannesburg region
- Authors: Paulsen, Leigh
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Problem children -- Education -- South Africa -- Johannesburg , Classroom management , Effective teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/71775 , vital:79130
- Description: Learner disruptive behaviour is experienced by all teachers, whether it is major or minor. After the abolishment of corporal punishment in South Africa, teachers are still navigating through different ways to manage learner disruptive behaviour. This research study explores the perceptions of Intermediate Phase teachers on the causes of disruptive behaviour at their schools. The theoretical framework that guided this study was Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory. A qualitative approach was used for this study and data was collected through questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussions. Two schools were identified for this study: one being a public school and the other an independent school. Two sampling types were used, that being convenience sampling and purposive sampling. The findings show that there were both similarities and differences in these perceptions at both schools. Teachers experience different degrees of disruptive behaviour in their classes and identified society, parental influence and the school as factors that contribute the most to learner disruptive behaviour. Furthermore, the findings suggest that learner disruptive behaviour has a negative effect on teachers’ morale and motivation as well as learners’ academic performances. Besides providing some insights into learner disruptive behaviour, the study also attempts to provide some assistance to teachers in managing disruptive behaviour. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, School of Initial Teacher Education, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Paulsen, Leigh
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Problem children -- Education -- South Africa -- Johannesburg , Classroom management , Effective teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/71775 , vital:79130
- Description: Learner disruptive behaviour is experienced by all teachers, whether it is major or minor. After the abolishment of corporal punishment in South Africa, teachers are still navigating through different ways to manage learner disruptive behaviour. This research study explores the perceptions of Intermediate Phase teachers on the causes of disruptive behaviour at their schools. The theoretical framework that guided this study was Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory. A qualitative approach was used for this study and data was collected through questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussions. Two schools were identified for this study: one being a public school and the other an independent school. Two sampling types were used, that being convenience sampling and purposive sampling. The findings show that there were both similarities and differences in these perceptions at both schools. Teachers experience different degrees of disruptive behaviour in their classes and identified society, parental influence and the school as factors that contribute the most to learner disruptive behaviour. Furthermore, the findings suggest that learner disruptive behaviour has a negative effect on teachers’ morale and motivation as well as learners’ academic performances. Besides providing some insights into learner disruptive behaviour, the study also attempts to provide some assistance to teachers in managing disruptive behaviour. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, School of Initial Teacher Education, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
Investigating factors that affect service delivery of municipal roads in South Africa
- Authors: Bouwer, Brendan
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Service delivery -- South Africa , Infrastructure (Economics) -- South Africa , Roads -- South Africa -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72000 , vital:79176
- Description: Given its close proximity to communities, local government is considered the most important level of government. According to the supreme law of South Africa, the Constitution indicates that municipalities have a duty to provide basic municipal services to communities and residents which are essential for enhancing their quality of life. These services include the supply of potable water, electricity, roads and community healthcare. The aim of this study is to identify opportunities for the improvement of the provision of municipal road infrastructure services by investigating the effect that the identified independent variables which include Risk Management, Root-Cause Analysis, Empowering Leadership, and Performance Monitoring and Evaluation, have on the dependent variable, Service Delivery. An academic study, comprising a non-experimental mail system survey and closed-ended questionnaire collection method, was conducted. The survey was composed using Google forms, and questionnaires were forwarded to selected municipalities including the Johannesburg Roads Agency, City of Cape Town, Tshwane, Mangaung, Mbombela and Nelson Mandela Municipalities. The respective gatekeepers were informed of the objective of the study and were requested to promote the voluntary participation of suitable respondents. The key findings revealed that the independent variables Risk Management, Root-Cause Analysis and Empowering Leadership are essential in improving the provision of municipal road infrastructure services, and that the Performance Monitoring and Evaluation variable has no effect on it. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Bouwer, Brendan
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Service delivery -- South Africa , Infrastructure (Economics) -- South Africa , Roads -- South Africa -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72000 , vital:79176
- Description: Given its close proximity to communities, local government is considered the most important level of government. According to the supreme law of South Africa, the Constitution indicates that municipalities have a duty to provide basic municipal services to communities and residents which are essential for enhancing their quality of life. These services include the supply of potable water, electricity, roads and community healthcare. The aim of this study is to identify opportunities for the improvement of the provision of municipal road infrastructure services by investigating the effect that the identified independent variables which include Risk Management, Root-Cause Analysis, Empowering Leadership, and Performance Monitoring and Evaluation, have on the dependent variable, Service Delivery. An academic study, comprising a non-experimental mail system survey and closed-ended questionnaire collection method, was conducted. The survey was composed using Google forms, and questionnaires were forwarded to selected municipalities including the Johannesburg Roads Agency, City of Cape Town, Tshwane, Mangaung, Mbombela and Nelson Mandela Municipalities. The respective gatekeepers were informed of the objective of the study and were requested to promote the voluntary participation of suitable respondents. The key findings revealed that the independent variables Risk Management, Root-Cause Analysis and Empowering Leadership are essential in improving the provision of municipal road infrastructure services, and that the Performance Monitoring and Evaluation variable has no effect on it. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
Investigating the relationship between matric mathematics performance and economic growth in South Africa
- Authors: Chimhanda, Gracian Junior
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Evaluation , Economic development -- South Africa , Gross domestic product -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72011 , vital:79177
- Description: This study investigated the relationship between mathematics, government spending, and economic growth in South Africa. The study explored the relationship between mathematics performance and economic growth indicators, specifically GDP growth, and employment rates using regression analysis to ascertain the impact of each variable. The findings revealed that whereas mathematics has a positive impact on economic growth, the effect is not statistically significant. In contrast, government spending demonstrates a positive and statistically major influence on the country's economic growth. The results suggested that although mathematics may play a role in enhancing economic outcomes, its direct contribution remains uncertain within the scope of this study. However, the positive and notable correlation between government expenditure and economic growth, highlighted the importance of fiscal policy in driving economic performance in South Africa. These findings emphasised the potential of government spending as a key policy tool for stimulating growth, while also indicating the need for further research to better understand the nuanced role of mathematics in economic development. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Chimhanda, Gracian Junior
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Evaluation , Economic development -- South Africa , Gross domestic product -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72011 , vital:79177
- Description: This study investigated the relationship between mathematics, government spending, and economic growth in South Africa. The study explored the relationship between mathematics performance and economic growth indicators, specifically GDP growth, and employment rates using regression analysis to ascertain the impact of each variable. The findings revealed that whereas mathematics has a positive impact on economic growth, the effect is not statistically significant. In contrast, government spending demonstrates a positive and statistically major influence on the country's economic growth. The results suggested that although mathematics may play a role in enhancing economic outcomes, its direct contribution remains uncertain within the scope of this study. However, the positive and notable correlation between government expenditure and economic growth, highlighted the importance of fiscal policy in driving economic performance in South Africa. These findings emphasised the potential of government spending as a key policy tool for stimulating growth, while also indicating the need for further research to better understand the nuanced role of mathematics in economic development. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
Socio-economic Impacts of COVID-19 on household well-being: Evidence from South Africa
- Authors: Lomas, Djamella
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: COVID-19 (Disease) -- Economic aspects , Cost and standard of living -- South Africa , Income -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/71915 , vital:79151
- Description: Following the outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in Wuhan, China in 2019, several studies around the world have been published on the economic impact of the novel Coronavirus - COVID-19 – on individuals, financial markets, governmental responses to the pandemic and related rates of mortality and morbidity. Literature suggests that the outbreak of COVID-19 has delivered a devastating impact on businesses and economies in many developed and developing countries around the world. However, there is a paucity of empirical studies on the virus’s socio-economic impacts on the well-being of households, particularly those in the Global South. Thus, using descriptive statistics, logistics and multiple regression techniques, this study examines the socio-economic impacts of COVID-19 on household wellbeing in South Africa using National Income Dynamics Study (NIDS) wave 5 and National Income Dynamics Study – Coronavirus Rapid Mobile Survey (NIDS-CRAM) wave 2 data. In addressing the above objective, the following research questions were addressed: (1) What are the impacts of COVID-19 on household wellbeing such as household income, food security and subjective wellbeing? (2) Which households (based on household characteristics) are more vulnerable to the impacts of COVID-19? The study finds that COVID-19 has had a significant impact on household wellbeing, reducing household income, increasing food insecurity (increased hunger) and worsening household subjective wellbeing. Furthermore, the findings show that rural households, households with unemployed heads, female-headed, African, Coloured, and Asian households, and households in Kwazulu-Natal (KZN) province are associated with lower household income during the pandemic while those with tertiary educated heads and those in the North -West and Free State provinces are associated with higher household income. In terms of food security, unemployed households, African households, and households in the Western Cape, KZN, Limpopo and Gauteng are associated with food shortages (hunger) while those with tertiary, diploma-educated heads, are less likely to experience food shortages. While rural households are associated with better household subjective wellbeing, a lower level of wellbeing is associated with households in the provinces of KZN and the North-west, as well as households with educated heads.Based on the findings, it is recommended that addressing low household income and hunger through social welfare transfers such as the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) and Stress Relief Distress Grant (SRDG) and other measures to combat food insecurity, needs to be prioritised. Furthermore, regarding subjective wellbeing issues, because poor mental health is associated with a variety of negative outcomes, including early mortality, disrupting the pathways from hunger to depressive symptoms needs to be a cornerstone of South Africa’s social development and mental health policy. Special policy intervention such as widening the inclusion criteria for the SRDG to include recipients of the child support grant and old-age pension in order to support low-income households is recommended as these categories of households are more vulnerable to the impacts of COVID-19 relative to affluent households. Apart from the potential empirical contribution to literature, the results of this study also provide essential ingredients that can shape social transfer policy direction to improve the overall well-being of households. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Lomas, Djamella
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: COVID-19 (Disease) -- Economic aspects , Cost and standard of living -- South Africa , Income -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/71915 , vital:79151
- Description: Following the outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in Wuhan, China in 2019, several studies around the world have been published on the economic impact of the novel Coronavirus - COVID-19 – on individuals, financial markets, governmental responses to the pandemic and related rates of mortality and morbidity. Literature suggests that the outbreak of COVID-19 has delivered a devastating impact on businesses and economies in many developed and developing countries around the world. However, there is a paucity of empirical studies on the virus’s socio-economic impacts on the well-being of households, particularly those in the Global South. Thus, using descriptive statistics, logistics and multiple regression techniques, this study examines the socio-economic impacts of COVID-19 on household wellbeing in South Africa using National Income Dynamics Study (NIDS) wave 5 and National Income Dynamics Study – Coronavirus Rapid Mobile Survey (NIDS-CRAM) wave 2 data. In addressing the above objective, the following research questions were addressed: (1) What are the impacts of COVID-19 on household wellbeing such as household income, food security and subjective wellbeing? (2) Which households (based on household characteristics) are more vulnerable to the impacts of COVID-19? The study finds that COVID-19 has had a significant impact on household wellbeing, reducing household income, increasing food insecurity (increased hunger) and worsening household subjective wellbeing. Furthermore, the findings show that rural households, households with unemployed heads, female-headed, African, Coloured, and Asian households, and households in Kwazulu-Natal (KZN) province are associated with lower household income during the pandemic while those with tertiary educated heads and those in the North -West and Free State provinces are associated with higher household income. In terms of food security, unemployed households, African households, and households in the Western Cape, KZN, Limpopo and Gauteng are associated with food shortages (hunger) while those with tertiary, diploma-educated heads, are less likely to experience food shortages. While rural households are associated with better household subjective wellbeing, a lower level of wellbeing is associated with households in the provinces of KZN and the North-west, as well as households with educated heads.Based on the findings, it is recommended that addressing low household income and hunger through social welfare transfers such as the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) and Stress Relief Distress Grant (SRDG) and other measures to combat food insecurity, needs to be prioritised. Furthermore, regarding subjective wellbeing issues, because poor mental health is associated with a variety of negative outcomes, including early mortality, disrupting the pathways from hunger to depressive symptoms needs to be a cornerstone of South Africa’s social development and mental health policy. Special policy intervention such as widening the inclusion criteria for the SRDG to include recipients of the child support grant and old-age pension in order to support low-income households is recommended as these categories of households are more vulnerable to the impacts of COVID-19 relative to affluent households. Apart from the potential empirical contribution to literature, the results of this study also provide essential ingredients that can shape social transfer policy direction to improve the overall well-being of households. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
Teachers’ understandings and experiences of policies on learner pregnancy in their schools in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Tshozi, Nomawethu Caroline
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Sex instruction , Family life education , Education, Secondary -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/71893 , vital:79149
- Description: Learner pregnancy has increased over the past few years, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa and particularly in the province of the Eastern Cape where this research study is conducted. There have been policies formulated and promulgated in the past to prevent and manage learner pregnancies, however, they have not been successful in lowering numbers of learners getting pregnant. Government has responded to this by revising these policies and introducing comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) in the curriculum from primary school. This has been met with resistance from school governing bodies and religious groups in the country, thereby delaying implementation. Teachers are having to deal at the coalface with this problem of learners getting pregnant at an early age in their schools. This research study explores teachers’ understandings and experiences of policies on learner pregnancy in their schools in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. It takes on qualitative research and an interpretive paradigm following a participatory visual methodology using photovoice and document analysis as data generation methods which culminated in policy briefs. Three township secondary schools from quintile 3 were purposively selected for this study from which eight were Life Orientation teachers and one a learner support agent (LSA) participated. The findings revealed that teachers feel incapacitated in handling sexuality matters and are not adequately enabled to effectively implement the formulated learner pregnancy policies in their schools. In addition, monitoring of the implementation of the learner pregnancy policies and support from the DBE were lacking. Moreover, collaboration with key stakeholders, such as parents, healthcare professionals (including nurses and social workers), and the community, was missing. This study recommends that the Department of Basic Education, through schools, should strengthen prevention strategies and rigorously push for the integration of CSE into the curriculum emphasising responsible decision-making, pregnancy prevention and reproductive health. Additionally, the DBE should provide ongoing training for teachers through in-service development workshops to enhance their understanding of learner pregnancy policies while also monitoring their effective implementation. This has implications for policymakers and curriculum developers to advocate for and design appropriate strategies and resources. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, School of Education, Research and Engagement, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Tshozi, Nomawethu Caroline
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Sex instruction , Family life education , Education, Secondary -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/71893 , vital:79149
- Description: Learner pregnancy has increased over the past few years, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa and particularly in the province of the Eastern Cape where this research study is conducted. There have been policies formulated and promulgated in the past to prevent and manage learner pregnancies, however, they have not been successful in lowering numbers of learners getting pregnant. Government has responded to this by revising these policies and introducing comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) in the curriculum from primary school. This has been met with resistance from school governing bodies and religious groups in the country, thereby delaying implementation. Teachers are having to deal at the coalface with this problem of learners getting pregnant at an early age in their schools. This research study explores teachers’ understandings and experiences of policies on learner pregnancy in their schools in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. It takes on qualitative research and an interpretive paradigm following a participatory visual methodology using photovoice and document analysis as data generation methods which culminated in policy briefs. Three township secondary schools from quintile 3 were purposively selected for this study from which eight were Life Orientation teachers and one a learner support agent (LSA) participated. The findings revealed that teachers feel incapacitated in handling sexuality matters and are not adequately enabled to effectively implement the formulated learner pregnancy policies in their schools. In addition, monitoring of the implementation of the learner pregnancy policies and support from the DBE were lacking. Moreover, collaboration with key stakeholders, such as parents, healthcare professionals (including nurses and social workers), and the community, was missing. This study recommends that the Department of Basic Education, through schools, should strengthen prevention strategies and rigorously push for the integration of CSE into the curriculum emphasising responsible decision-making, pregnancy prevention and reproductive health. Additionally, the DBE should provide ongoing training for teachers through in-service development workshops to enhance their understanding of learner pregnancy policies while also monitoring their effective implementation. This has implications for policymakers and curriculum developers to advocate for and design appropriate strategies and resources. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, School of Education, Research and Engagement, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
The 4IR influence on business performance and customer satisfaction in the South African retail industry
- Badaru, Sefeoluwa Oluwarotimi
- Authors: Badaru, Sefeoluwa Oluwarotimi
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Performance , Business -- Evaluation , Industrial revolution
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/71970 , vital:79162
- Description: The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is reshaping global business landscapes by introducing advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and data analytics. In the context of the South African retail industry, understanding how 4IR influences business performance and customer satisfaction (CS) is essential for maintaining competitiveness and promoting sustainable growth. This study investigates the impact of 4IR on business performance, and customer satisfaction, using digital marketing strategies (DMS), and customer experience (CX) as intervening variables. A mixed-method approach was employed to capture both quantitative and qualitative insights. Quantitative data were collected through surveys administered to customers, enabling the measurement of relationships among 4IR, DMS, and CX. Qualitative data, derived from semi-structured interviews with industry experts, provided a deeper contextual understanding of how 4IR and DMS influence business performance and CS in real-world retail environments. The findings reveal that 4IR technologies significantly contribute to operational efficiency, supply chain management, and the generation of data-driven insights, thereby enhancing both business performance and customer satisfaction. A strong positive relationship emerged between 4IR and DMS, indicating that the integration of advanced tools, such as AI-driven personalisation, substantially improves DMS efficiency. However, 4IR’s direct influence on CX was not found to be significant, suggesting that while technologies like tap-to-pay and IoT improve convenience, they do not alone elevate the overall CX. Furthermore, DMS demonstrated no significant direct effect on CX, implying that its benefits must be combined with service quality for meaningful improvements. In contrast, DMS had a pronounced positive impact on business performance by boosting customer acquisition, retention, and revenue. Finally, the study showed that enhanced CX, marked by seamless navigation and personalisation, significantly drives CS and brand loyalty. Building on these insights, the study developed a strategic framework for retail digital transformation, providing a structured approach for retailers to integrate 4IR technologies effectively. This framework emphasises the need for a balanced combination of technology adoption and integration, human capital development, process optimisation, ethical and strategic governance, evaluation and continous improvement and collaborative ecosystem development to maximise business performance and long-term customer engagement. This research highlights the crucial role of 4IR in shaping modern retail practices in South Africa as the adoption of advanced 4IR technologies and effective DMS can substantially improve operational processes and financial outcomes. However, to translate these advancements into memorable CXs, retailers must align technological innovations with high service quality and personalisation efforts. These findings bear significant implications for retail managers, policymakers, and marketers, as they highlight the necessity of strategic investments in both technology and customer-centric practices. Future studies could explore cross-cultural contexts and longitudinal assessments to further validate the influence of 4IR-driven retail strategies on business performance and customer satisfaction. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Management Sciences, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Badaru, Sefeoluwa Oluwarotimi
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Performance , Business -- Evaluation , Industrial revolution
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/71970 , vital:79162
- Description: The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is reshaping global business landscapes by introducing advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and data analytics. In the context of the South African retail industry, understanding how 4IR influences business performance and customer satisfaction (CS) is essential for maintaining competitiveness and promoting sustainable growth. This study investigates the impact of 4IR on business performance, and customer satisfaction, using digital marketing strategies (DMS), and customer experience (CX) as intervening variables. A mixed-method approach was employed to capture both quantitative and qualitative insights. Quantitative data were collected through surveys administered to customers, enabling the measurement of relationships among 4IR, DMS, and CX. Qualitative data, derived from semi-structured interviews with industry experts, provided a deeper contextual understanding of how 4IR and DMS influence business performance and CS in real-world retail environments. The findings reveal that 4IR technologies significantly contribute to operational efficiency, supply chain management, and the generation of data-driven insights, thereby enhancing both business performance and customer satisfaction. A strong positive relationship emerged between 4IR and DMS, indicating that the integration of advanced tools, such as AI-driven personalisation, substantially improves DMS efficiency. However, 4IR’s direct influence on CX was not found to be significant, suggesting that while technologies like tap-to-pay and IoT improve convenience, they do not alone elevate the overall CX. Furthermore, DMS demonstrated no significant direct effect on CX, implying that its benefits must be combined with service quality for meaningful improvements. In contrast, DMS had a pronounced positive impact on business performance by boosting customer acquisition, retention, and revenue. Finally, the study showed that enhanced CX, marked by seamless navigation and personalisation, significantly drives CS and brand loyalty. Building on these insights, the study developed a strategic framework for retail digital transformation, providing a structured approach for retailers to integrate 4IR technologies effectively. This framework emphasises the need for a balanced combination of technology adoption and integration, human capital development, process optimisation, ethical and strategic governance, evaluation and continous improvement and collaborative ecosystem development to maximise business performance and long-term customer engagement. This research highlights the crucial role of 4IR in shaping modern retail practices in South Africa as the adoption of advanced 4IR technologies and effective DMS can substantially improve operational processes and financial outcomes. However, to translate these advancements into memorable CXs, retailers must align technological innovations with high service quality and personalisation efforts. These findings bear significant implications for retail managers, policymakers, and marketers, as they highlight the necessity of strategic investments in both technology and customer-centric practices. Future studies could explore cross-cultural contexts and longitudinal assessments to further validate the influence of 4IR-driven retail strategies on business performance and customer satisfaction. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Management Sciences, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
The implications of electric vehicle implementation for employment levels in the Eastern Cape’s automotive sector
- Authors: Coetzee, Marius George
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Unemployment -- South Africa , Electric vehicles -- South Africa , Automotive Industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72022 , vital:79178
- Description: The global transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is steadily gaining momentum, with over one million EV sales recorded in 2022, which accounts for 1.3% of total vehicle sales. This shift, largely driven by climate change initiatives and the need to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, has led many countries to announce plans to phase out internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. South Africa, particularly the Eastern Cape province which is a hub for the country’s automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), is significantly impacted by these technological advancements. The automotive industry in the province, which contributes 13% to the provincial GDP and employs approximately 55,000 people, is vital to the Eastern Cape’s economy. However, the transition from ICE vehicles to EVs may bring about socio-economic challenges, particularly in terms of employment within this critical sector. This study investigated the potential impact of EV adoption on employment in the Eastern Cape's automotive industry, with a focus on three core areas: EV charging infrastructure, battery manufacturing, and skills development. The shift towards EVs is expected to disrupt ICE vehicle production, which raises concerns regarding job losses due to the reduced complexity of EVs, which contain significantly fewer moving parts than do ICE vehicles (that is, 20 versus 2,000, respectively). This could lead to a decline in demand for automotive components, which would likely result in factory closures and job reductions across the province. The study sought to answer the central question: "What effect does EV implementation have on employment levels in the Eastern Cape’s automotive sector?" To explore this, the study examined the roles of charging infrastructure, battery manufacturing, and skills development, with the aim of providing insights into the broader socio-economic consequences of South Africa’s transition to EVs. An online survey was conducted to collect data for this study; this survey targeted 60 respondents, with 35% of these respondents having completed the questionnaire, thus resulting in a research sample of 21 participants. The hypotheses testing, which was , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Coetzee, Marius George
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Unemployment -- South Africa , Electric vehicles -- South Africa , Automotive Industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72022 , vital:79178
- Description: The global transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is steadily gaining momentum, with over one million EV sales recorded in 2022, which accounts for 1.3% of total vehicle sales. This shift, largely driven by climate change initiatives and the need to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, has led many countries to announce plans to phase out internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. South Africa, particularly the Eastern Cape province which is a hub for the country’s automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), is significantly impacted by these technological advancements. The automotive industry in the province, which contributes 13% to the provincial GDP and employs approximately 55,000 people, is vital to the Eastern Cape’s economy. However, the transition from ICE vehicles to EVs may bring about socio-economic challenges, particularly in terms of employment within this critical sector. This study investigated the potential impact of EV adoption on employment in the Eastern Cape's automotive industry, with a focus on three core areas: EV charging infrastructure, battery manufacturing, and skills development. The shift towards EVs is expected to disrupt ICE vehicle production, which raises concerns regarding job losses due to the reduced complexity of EVs, which contain significantly fewer moving parts than do ICE vehicles (that is, 20 versus 2,000, respectively). This could lead to a decline in demand for automotive components, which would likely result in factory closures and job reductions across the province. The study sought to answer the central question: "What effect does EV implementation have on employment levels in the Eastern Cape’s automotive sector?" To explore this, the study examined the roles of charging infrastructure, battery manufacturing, and skills development, with the aim of providing insights into the broader socio-economic consequences of South Africa’s transition to EVs. An online survey was conducted to collect data for this study; this survey targeted 60 respondents, with 35% of these respondents having completed the questionnaire, thus resulting in a research sample of 21 participants. The hypotheses testing, which was , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
The post-covid-19 socio-economic effects on small businesses in the city of Tshwane, Gauteng
- Authors: Ajayi,Johnson Olumayowa
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: COVID-19 (Disease) -- Economic aspects , Small business -- Management , Small business -- South Africa -- Gauteng
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/71937 , vital:79159
- Description: The study is a descriptive, narrative-exploratory research study investigating the post- COVID-19 effects on small businesses in the City of Tshwane. The COVID-19 pandemic was an abrupt disruption to global order. This study used both the exploratory and narrative approach of the qualitative methodology to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on the trade and manufacturing sectors in the post-COVID-19 era. The open-ended interview guide was used to collect primary data; the study used a hybrid method of qualitative data analysis, i.e., both content and thematic methods for the qualitative data analysis. To achieve trustworthiness, the following were considered: data credibility, dependability, confirmability, validity and reliability. The empirical data analysis was completed deductively, deriving themes after coding captured data. Descriptive statistics were also evaluated to provide demographic information about the participants. The results from both data analysis methods were compared and verified to establish the data's trustworthiness. The findings show the impact of COVID-19 on small business activities, which have been devastating and caused a significant disruption in global economic activity; many small businesses closed down, sources of income were impoverished, and many jobs were lost. There were also adverse effects on the government revenue generation capacity and capability to respond to pandemics. In conclusion, it is recommended that governments proactively respond to future outbreaks by providing tactful COVID-19 awareness training and intervention skills through public engagement. it's imperative to provide adequate support to all small businesses. It recommended that the government and stakeholders articulate further investigations into the COVID-19 pandemic disruption, providing overarching insight into the phenomenon experienced. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Ajayi,Johnson Olumayowa
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: COVID-19 (Disease) -- Economic aspects , Small business -- Management , Small business -- South Africa -- Gauteng
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/71937 , vital:79159
- Description: The study is a descriptive, narrative-exploratory research study investigating the post- COVID-19 effects on small businesses in the City of Tshwane. The COVID-19 pandemic was an abrupt disruption to global order. This study used both the exploratory and narrative approach of the qualitative methodology to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on the trade and manufacturing sectors in the post-COVID-19 era. The open-ended interview guide was used to collect primary data; the study used a hybrid method of qualitative data analysis, i.e., both content and thematic methods for the qualitative data analysis. To achieve trustworthiness, the following were considered: data credibility, dependability, confirmability, validity and reliability. The empirical data analysis was completed deductively, deriving themes after coding captured data. Descriptive statistics were also evaluated to provide demographic information about the participants. The results from both data analysis methods were compared and verified to establish the data's trustworthiness. The findings show the impact of COVID-19 on small business activities, which have been devastating and caused a significant disruption in global economic activity; many small businesses closed down, sources of income were impoverished, and many jobs were lost. There were also adverse effects on the government revenue generation capacity and capability to respond to pandemics. In conclusion, it is recommended that governments proactively respond to future outbreaks by providing tactful COVID-19 awareness training and intervention skills through public engagement. it's imperative to provide adequate support to all small businesses. It recommended that the government and stakeholders articulate further investigations into the COVID-19 pandemic disruption, providing overarching insight into the phenomenon experienced. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
The setting of South Africa’s national minimum wage: an investigation into representative and participatory social dialogue
- Authors: Andrews, Adriaan
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Minimum wage -- South Africa , Wages -- South Africa , Labour relations -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/71959 , vital:79161
- Description: In 1994, South Africa entered a new democratic era, culminating in the adoption of a new constitution in 1996. This constitution promotes representative and participatory democracy for all citizens. Through representative democracy, the electorate chooses political representatives to serve at local, provincial, and national levels. Participatory democracy, on the other hand, aims to involve citizens directly in decision-making processes that affect their lives, particularly in socio-economic matters (Finnemore & Koekemoer, 2018; Republic of South Africa, Public Participation Framework for the South African Legislative Sector, 2013). This research investigated representative and participatory democracy, social dialogue, and their application in developing the National Minimum Wage. The study explored the four institutions involved in the National Minimum Wage’s progression: the initiation at the National Economic Development and Labour Council where the actors went into negotiation; bargaining councils information sharing via roadshows conducted by the Department of Employment and Labour, discussions in both houses of Parliament, and the National Minimum Wage Commission, which oversees the maintenance and annual review of the wage rate. The primary objective of the study was to assess the extent to which the social dialogue principle of representation for all interested parties was upheld across these institutions. To achieve this, the research employed a qualitative approach, with exploratory and descriptive methods. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with ten respondents, eight of whom were interviewed, while two provided written responses, and through secondary data, namely the parliamentary committee minutes from the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces. The findings revealed significant shortcomings in representation at National Economic Development and Labour Council. Labour representation was dominated by three federations, Congress of South African Tade Unions, Federation of Unions of South Africa, and National Council of Trade Unions, leaving out trade unions unaffiliated with these federations and unorganised workers, including those in informal employment. Similarly, business representation was confined to a single confederation, Business Unity of South Africa, representing primarily large, organised businesses, with little to no input from small and medium-sized enterprises or informal employers. Government representation was limited to the national level, excluding local and provincial representatives and affected departments such as Tourism, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Small Business Development, and Women, Youth, and People with Disabilities. Community representation, which should have represented the voices of the unrepresented, only reflected a small fraction of the population. According to Treasury (2016) the negotiation process at National Economic Development and Labour Council was central to developing the Bill but excluded many affected and interested groups. During a deadlock in negotiations, then-Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa introduced an advisory panel of external experts to facilitate progress. Meanwhile, the Department of Employment and Labour conducted roadshows, ostensibly to share information with bargaining councils. However, limited data makes it unclear whether these roadshows effectively reached unrepresented groups. In Parliament, the Bill underwent deliberation in both houses, where political representatives engaged in committee discussions. Public participation was facilitated through written and verbal submissions, with a total of 92 submissions received. However, these submissions predominantly came from well-resourced organisations, and organisations already represented at National Economic Development and Labour Council. Vulnerable, unorganised, and underrepresented groups remained largely excluded from the public participation process, which some political representatives noted as disproportionately favouring the elite. The Bill was finally debated in the National Assembly by political representatives and became an Act on the 29th of May 2018 (Parliamentary Monitoring Group, 2017). The National Minimum Wage Commission comprises members from labour, business, and the community, reflecting the representation structure of National Economic Development and Labour Council as outlined in its founding Act. However, the one key representation present at National Economic Development and Labour Council but absent from the Commission is government representation. Additionally, the Commission includes external experts appointed at the discretion of the Minister of Employment and Labour (Department of Employment and Labour, 2021; National Minimum Wage Act, 2023).Given the majority of the Commission's composition mirrors National Economic Development and Labour Council, it implies that the representation challenges identified at National Economic Development and Labour Council have also been carried over to the Commission. Furthermore, the Minister of Employment and Labour holds significant authority, as the Commission’s role is limited to providing recommendations, with the final decision-making power resting with the Minister. What remains unclear is whether the Minister consults with other ministers from affected departments before making decisions based on the Commission’s recommendations regarding the minimum wage (National Minimum Wage Act, 2023). Furthermore, the research also explored satisfaction levels among National Economic Development and Labour Council respondents regarding the Bill that proceeded to Parliament. While respondents expressed general satisfaction, it is notable that labour representatives at National Economic Development and Labour Council made additional submissions in Parliament, suggesting that they were not entirely satisfied with the Bill in its original form that left National Economic Development and Labour Council. Given the representation and participation challenges identified throughout the process, the findings of this study reveal significant gaps in opportunities for all parties affected by the introduction of a national minimum wage to contribute meaningfully to the negotiation processes at National Economic Development and Labour Council, consultations within parliamentary portfolio committees, roadshows by the Department of Employment and Labour, and the annual review conducted by the National Minimum Wage Commission. To address these gaps, the researcher recommends that the National Economic Development and Labour Council implement a standardized scoping mechanism to ensure the inclusion of all affected stakeholders before new legislation is discussed. Additionally, Parliament should consider adopting an integrated, cross-portfolio approach to legislative development, while the National Minimum Wage Commission should expand the scope of its annual research on minimum wages. For the National Economic Development and Labour Council, the effective implementation of a more inclusive approach requires a robust and standardised mechanism for identifying and engaging all relevant stakeholders. In Parliament,portfolio committees could enhance accessibility by establishing more inclusive platforms for public participation. To strengthen the National Minimum Wage Commission’s annual review process, researchers could employ diverse methodologies to ensure a broader and more comprehensive assessment. Furthermore, all institutions involved should explore the role of digital and hybrid engagement platforms in enhancing participatory democracy. For future research, the study recommends establishing focus groups comprising individuals directly affected by the National Minimum Wage Bill. Additionally, further research should include case studies on the passage of other pieces of South African legislation to assess the extent and effectiveness of participatory democracy in legislative processes. Finally, the development of a more inclusive model for the National Economic Development and Labour Council, tailored to South Africa’s unique socio-economic structure, should be explored. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Industrial Psychology and Human Resources, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Andrews, Adriaan
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Minimum wage -- South Africa , Wages -- South Africa , Labour relations -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/71959 , vital:79161
- Description: In 1994, South Africa entered a new democratic era, culminating in the adoption of a new constitution in 1996. This constitution promotes representative and participatory democracy for all citizens. Through representative democracy, the electorate chooses political representatives to serve at local, provincial, and national levels. Participatory democracy, on the other hand, aims to involve citizens directly in decision-making processes that affect their lives, particularly in socio-economic matters (Finnemore & Koekemoer, 2018; Republic of South Africa, Public Participation Framework for the South African Legislative Sector, 2013). This research investigated representative and participatory democracy, social dialogue, and their application in developing the National Minimum Wage. The study explored the four institutions involved in the National Minimum Wage’s progression: the initiation at the National Economic Development and Labour Council where the actors went into negotiation; bargaining councils information sharing via roadshows conducted by the Department of Employment and Labour, discussions in both houses of Parliament, and the National Minimum Wage Commission, which oversees the maintenance and annual review of the wage rate. The primary objective of the study was to assess the extent to which the social dialogue principle of representation for all interested parties was upheld across these institutions. To achieve this, the research employed a qualitative approach, with exploratory and descriptive methods. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with ten respondents, eight of whom were interviewed, while two provided written responses, and through secondary data, namely the parliamentary committee minutes from the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces. The findings revealed significant shortcomings in representation at National Economic Development and Labour Council. Labour representation was dominated by three federations, Congress of South African Tade Unions, Federation of Unions of South Africa, and National Council of Trade Unions, leaving out trade unions unaffiliated with these federations and unorganised workers, including those in informal employment. Similarly, business representation was confined to a single confederation, Business Unity of South Africa, representing primarily large, organised businesses, with little to no input from small and medium-sized enterprises or informal employers. Government representation was limited to the national level, excluding local and provincial representatives and affected departments such as Tourism, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Small Business Development, and Women, Youth, and People with Disabilities. Community representation, which should have represented the voices of the unrepresented, only reflected a small fraction of the population. According to Treasury (2016) the negotiation process at National Economic Development and Labour Council was central to developing the Bill but excluded many affected and interested groups. During a deadlock in negotiations, then-Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa introduced an advisory panel of external experts to facilitate progress. Meanwhile, the Department of Employment and Labour conducted roadshows, ostensibly to share information with bargaining councils. However, limited data makes it unclear whether these roadshows effectively reached unrepresented groups. In Parliament, the Bill underwent deliberation in both houses, where political representatives engaged in committee discussions. Public participation was facilitated through written and verbal submissions, with a total of 92 submissions received. However, these submissions predominantly came from well-resourced organisations, and organisations already represented at National Economic Development and Labour Council. Vulnerable, unorganised, and underrepresented groups remained largely excluded from the public participation process, which some political representatives noted as disproportionately favouring the elite. The Bill was finally debated in the National Assembly by political representatives and became an Act on the 29th of May 2018 (Parliamentary Monitoring Group, 2017). The National Minimum Wage Commission comprises members from labour, business, and the community, reflecting the representation structure of National Economic Development and Labour Council as outlined in its founding Act. However, the one key representation present at National Economic Development and Labour Council but absent from the Commission is government representation. Additionally, the Commission includes external experts appointed at the discretion of the Minister of Employment and Labour (Department of Employment and Labour, 2021; National Minimum Wage Act, 2023).Given the majority of the Commission's composition mirrors National Economic Development and Labour Council, it implies that the representation challenges identified at National Economic Development and Labour Council have also been carried over to the Commission. Furthermore, the Minister of Employment and Labour holds significant authority, as the Commission’s role is limited to providing recommendations, with the final decision-making power resting with the Minister. What remains unclear is whether the Minister consults with other ministers from affected departments before making decisions based on the Commission’s recommendations regarding the minimum wage (National Minimum Wage Act, 2023). Furthermore, the research also explored satisfaction levels among National Economic Development and Labour Council respondents regarding the Bill that proceeded to Parliament. While respondents expressed general satisfaction, it is notable that labour representatives at National Economic Development and Labour Council made additional submissions in Parliament, suggesting that they were not entirely satisfied with the Bill in its original form that left National Economic Development and Labour Council. Given the representation and participation challenges identified throughout the process, the findings of this study reveal significant gaps in opportunities for all parties affected by the introduction of a national minimum wage to contribute meaningfully to the negotiation processes at National Economic Development and Labour Council, consultations within parliamentary portfolio committees, roadshows by the Department of Employment and Labour, and the annual review conducted by the National Minimum Wage Commission. To address these gaps, the researcher recommends that the National Economic Development and Labour Council implement a standardized scoping mechanism to ensure the inclusion of all affected stakeholders before new legislation is discussed. Additionally, Parliament should consider adopting an integrated, cross-portfolio approach to legislative development, while the National Minimum Wage Commission should expand the scope of its annual research on minimum wages. For the National Economic Development and Labour Council, the effective implementation of a more inclusive approach requires a robust and standardised mechanism for identifying and engaging all relevant stakeholders. In Parliament,portfolio committees could enhance accessibility by establishing more inclusive platforms for public participation. To strengthen the National Minimum Wage Commission’s annual review process, researchers could employ diverse methodologies to ensure a broader and more comprehensive assessment. Furthermore, all institutions involved should explore the role of digital and hybrid engagement platforms in enhancing participatory democracy. For future research, the study recommends establishing focus groups comprising individuals directly affected by the National Minimum Wage Bill. Additionally, further research should include case studies on the passage of other pieces of South African legislation to assess the extent and effectiveness of participatory democracy in legislative processes. Finally, the development of a more inclusive model for the National Economic Development and Labour Council, tailored to South Africa’s unique socio-economic structure, should be explored. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Industrial Psychology and Human Resources, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
Assessing the Relative Participation of Different Stakeholders in Curriculum Development in Secondary Schools of OR Tambo Inland Education District B
- Authors: Machaea, Joseph Modumedi
- Date: 2025
- Subjects: Teacher , Participation , Curriculum development , Curriculum implementation , O.R Tambo
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/13875 , vital:79042
- Description: Democracy in South Africa necessitated transformation of segregated education systems that existed and adopted in schools prior 1994, to have a single curriculum irrespective of colour, race, and religion. Transformation of education in particular was crucial to redress the imbalances of the past. It was believed that consultation was done through Batho Pele principles, though there has been no empirical evidence to prove teacher participation in curriculum development as major implementers. This study, sought to establish the relative contribution of stakeholders like teachers, communities, teacher unions in curriculum development in schools of OR Tambo inland education district. Resistance shown by teachers regarding curriculum implementation triggered the researcher. A case study research design was adopted hence, it is the analyses of OR Tambo teachers and principals’ responses. In collecting and analysing the collected data, a qualitative method approach was used. A sample of 10 purposeful selected secondary schools from different circuits was used for data collection and each secondary school was represented by one teacher and one principal as participants for this study. Semi- structured interviews were conducted face-to-face with 10 teachers and 10 principals of the sampled purposefully selected secondary schools. The qualitative data was adopted in this study. A thematic approach was used to analyse the collected data through interviews. It emerged the stakeholders like teachers, principals, teacher unions, communities, were marginalised by Department of Basic Education (DBE) curriculum planners. The study recommended that DBE should have effective programs on teacher training for curriculum implementation, availability of human and material resources, involve stakeholders like teachers, principals, teacher unions, researchers, parents and interested parties in curriculum developments... , Degree: D. Education (Education Management and Development)
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025
- Authors: Machaea, Joseph Modumedi
- Date: 2025
- Subjects: Teacher , Participation , Curriculum development , Curriculum implementation , O.R Tambo
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/13875 , vital:79042
- Description: Democracy in South Africa necessitated transformation of segregated education systems that existed and adopted in schools prior 1994, to have a single curriculum irrespective of colour, race, and religion. Transformation of education in particular was crucial to redress the imbalances of the past. It was believed that consultation was done through Batho Pele principles, though there has been no empirical evidence to prove teacher participation in curriculum development as major implementers. This study, sought to establish the relative contribution of stakeholders like teachers, communities, teacher unions in curriculum development in schools of OR Tambo inland education district. Resistance shown by teachers regarding curriculum implementation triggered the researcher. A case study research design was adopted hence, it is the analyses of OR Tambo teachers and principals’ responses. In collecting and analysing the collected data, a qualitative method approach was used. A sample of 10 purposeful selected secondary schools from different circuits was used for data collection and each secondary school was represented by one teacher and one principal as participants for this study. Semi- structured interviews were conducted face-to-face with 10 teachers and 10 principals of the sampled purposefully selected secondary schools. The qualitative data was adopted in this study. A thematic approach was used to analyse the collected data through interviews. It emerged the stakeholders like teachers, principals, teacher unions, communities, were marginalised by Department of Basic Education (DBE) curriculum planners. The study recommended that DBE should have effective programs on teacher training for curriculum implementation, availability of human and material resources, involve stakeholders like teachers, principals, teacher unions, researchers, parents and interested parties in curriculum developments... , Degree: D. Education (Education Management and Development)
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025
Assessing the Role of Digital Competence in the Performance of Administrative Officers in Public Services: A Case of OR Tambo Municipality in Mthatha
- Authors: Mafanya, Alicia Ayathola
- Date: 2025
- Subjects: Digital literacy , Digital competence , Public services , Efficiency
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/13979 , vital:79075
- Description: This study investigated the role of digital competence in the performance of administrative officers in OR Tambo Municipality in Mthatha, South Africa. With the growing reliance on digital technologies, the study explored the current state of ICT usage, assessed the digital literacy of administrative personnel, and proposed strategies to enhance digital competencies. Employing a quantitative approach, data was collected through a questionnaire and analysed to evaluate proficiency across key dimensions, including basic computer operations, office software usage, and communication tools. The findings reveal notable disparities in digital skills based on gender and educational attainment, with females and participants with foundational education levels showing higher proficiency in certain areas. Significant gaps in advanced digital tasks, such as report compilation and email security, were also identified. The study recommends targeted training programs, gender-specific interventions, and a blended theoretical and practical learning approach to bridge these gaps. Enhancing digital literacy among administrative officers is imperative to modernising public service delivery and fostering operational efficiency in the municipality. , Degree: M. Public Administration
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025
- Authors: Mafanya, Alicia Ayathola
- Date: 2025
- Subjects: Digital literacy , Digital competence , Public services , Efficiency
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/13979 , vital:79075
- Description: This study investigated the role of digital competence in the performance of administrative officers in OR Tambo Municipality in Mthatha, South Africa. With the growing reliance on digital technologies, the study explored the current state of ICT usage, assessed the digital literacy of administrative personnel, and proposed strategies to enhance digital competencies. Employing a quantitative approach, data was collected through a questionnaire and analysed to evaluate proficiency across key dimensions, including basic computer operations, office software usage, and communication tools. The findings reveal notable disparities in digital skills based on gender and educational attainment, with females and participants with foundational education levels showing higher proficiency in certain areas. Significant gaps in advanced digital tasks, such as report compilation and email security, were also identified. The study recommends targeted training programs, gender-specific interventions, and a blended theoretical and practical learning approach to bridge these gaps. Enhancing digital literacy among administrative officers is imperative to modernising public service delivery and fostering operational efficiency in the municipality. , Degree: M. Public Administration
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025
Beyond prose: Review of 'Poetic Inquiry for the Humanities and Social Sciences: Voices from the South and the North'
- Authors: McKenna, Sioux
- Date: 2025
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/480817 , vital:78479 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/ejc-sajsci-v121-n3-a11
- Description: The 54 authors of this book reflect on the use of poetic inquiry at a time when feminist, decolonial, and post-humanist researchers are raising concerns about the ways in which qualitative data collection and dissemination can silence some and reduce the experiences of others by adhering to the often-arbitrary restrictions of academic texts. Poetic inquiry, the authors of this book argue, should be welcoming, invite new perspectives, and make possible alternative interpretations of the social world. Sadly, as Pithouse-Morgan indicates, poetry is often associated with negative rather than positive educational experiences (p.201). For many of us, poetry is about mysterious meanings that our schoolteachers berated us for being too dense to access. While my own interest in poetic inquiry is in how we can use it to create and disseminate research, many authors in this book, such as Hough, Peté and Ndlovu, suggest that poetry can also be used “to teach complex topics from different points of view, make people more self-aware, encourage dialogue and empathy, grow social awareness, and raise ethical questions” (p.169). Badenhorst and McLeod point out that this can be challenging when working in neoliberal universities that turn us into human capital in service of competition and efficiency over social justice and equity. They suggest that poetry can help us to shift to a world “of senses and feeling [that] can provide a way to resist the tendrils of neoliberalism” (p.126).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025
- Authors: McKenna, Sioux
- Date: 2025
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/480817 , vital:78479 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/ejc-sajsci-v121-n3-a11
- Description: The 54 authors of this book reflect on the use of poetic inquiry at a time when feminist, decolonial, and post-humanist researchers are raising concerns about the ways in which qualitative data collection and dissemination can silence some and reduce the experiences of others by adhering to the often-arbitrary restrictions of academic texts. Poetic inquiry, the authors of this book argue, should be welcoming, invite new perspectives, and make possible alternative interpretations of the social world. Sadly, as Pithouse-Morgan indicates, poetry is often associated with negative rather than positive educational experiences (p.201). For many of us, poetry is about mysterious meanings that our schoolteachers berated us for being too dense to access. While my own interest in poetic inquiry is in how we can use it to create and disseminate research, many authors in this book, such as Hough, Peté and Ndlovu, suggest that poetry can also be used “to teach complex topics from different points of view, make people more self-aware, encourage dialogue and empathy, grow social awareness, and raise ethical questions” (p.169). Badenhorst and McLeod point out that this can be challenging when working in neoliberal universities that turn us into human capital in service of competition and efficiency over social justice and equity. They suggest that poetry can help us to shift to a world “of senses and feeling [that] can provide a way to resist the tendrils of neoliberalism” (p.126).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025
Determination of Carbapenemases and Colistin Resistance in the Clinical Isolates from Healthcare Facilities in Mthatha and Surrounding Areas
- Authors: Ndlela, Silindokuhle
- Date: 2025
- Subjects: Antimicrobial resistance , Healthcare facilities , Clinical Isolates , Mthatha
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/13473 , vital:78935
- Description: Antimicrobial resistance is associated with the emergence of 3 carbapenemase enzymes that hydrolyze carbapenem antibiotics. These enzymes 4 are carried by certain carbapenemase-producing genes. The emergence of 5 carbapenem resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) has become a serious public health 6 threat in South Africa and globally, and has led to the use of colistin for treating 7 severe infections. The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence of 8 carbapenemase-producing genes, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for 9 the antibiotic colistin, and the prevalence of the mobile colistin resistant gene mcr 10 1 in clinical isolates drawn from healthcare facilities in Mthatha and surrounding 11 areas… , Degree: M. Science (Medical Microbiology)
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025
- Authors: Ndlela, Silindokuhle
- Date: 2025
- Subjects: Antimicrobial resistance , Healthcare facilities , Clinical Isolates , Mthatha
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/13473 , vital:78935
- Description: Antimicrobial resistance is associated with the emergence of 3 carbapenemase enzymes that hydrolyze carbapenem antibiotics. These enzymes 4 are carried by certain carbapenemase-producing genes. The emergence of 5 carbapenem resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) has become a serious public health 6 threat in South Africa and globally, and has led to the use of colistin for treating 7 severe infections. The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence of 8 carbapenemase-producing genes, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for 9 the antibiotic colistin, and the prevalence of the mobile colistin resistant gene mcr 10 1 in clinical isolates drawn from healthcare facilities in Mthatha and surrounding 11 areas… , Degree: M. Science (Medical Microbiology)
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025
Investigating the Transparency of Language for Place Value Understanding Comparing Indigenous Southern African Languages and European-based Languages
- Larkin, Kevin, Vale, Pamela, Ladel, Silke, Westaway, Lise, Graven, Mellony, Kortenkamp, Ulrich
- Authors: Larkin, Kevin , Vale, Pamela , Ladel, Silke , Westaway, Lise , Graven, Mellony , Kortenkamp, Ulrich
- Date: 2025
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/482410 , vital:78648 , https://doi.org/10.1080/18117295.2024.2438452
- Description: In this article we investigate the transparency of language in learning place value in either a Southern African indigenous language (isiXhosa, Setswana, Oshiwambo or Emakhuwa) or a European-based language (Afrikaans, English, German or Portuguese). Since language is a key mediator in developing place value understanding, it is important to investigate the ways in which the transparency of various languages may impact place value learning. A review of pertinent literature and an analysis of literal translations of number words (to thousands) of our eight languages lead us to the conclusion that Southern African indigenous languages are more accessible in their meaning, in relation to place value, than the four European-based languages spoken in Southern Africa, which we analysed. We identified two key advantages in the indigenous languages: (i) there was transparency of the ‘places’ in how numbers are named; and (ii) there was logical alignment between the spoken and symbolic representation of numbers. Despite this, many Southern African learners learn mathematics in English, Afrikaans or Portuguese even though this is not their home language (L1). This means that many learners are denied access to the transparency of the place value concepts that exist in their L1 and must manage learning place value, not only in a yet to be learned ‘foreign’ language, but also in one where they must learn to decode the idiosyncratic ‘irregularities’ of the way those languages name numbers. We conclude this article by discussing the implications of these findings for the teaching of place value in Southern African classrooms, in which indigenous learners are often learning in a European-based language that is not their L1.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025
- Authors: Larkin, Kevin , Vale, Pamela , Ladel, Silke , Westaway, Lise , Graven, Mellony , Kortenkamp, Ulrich
- Date: 2025
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/482410 , vital:78648 , https://doi.org/10.1080/18117295.2024.2438452
- Description: In this article we investigate the transparency of language in learning place value in either a Southern African indigenous language (isiXhosa, Setswana, Oshiwambo or Emakhuwa) or a European-based language (Afrikaans, English, German or Portuguese). Since language is a key mediator in developing place value understanding, it is important to investigate the ways in which the transparency of various languages may impact place value learning. A review of pertinent literature and an analysis of literal translations of number words (to thousands) of our eight languages lead us to the conclusion that Southern African indigenous languages are more accessible in their meaning, in relation to place value, than the four European-based languages spoken in Southern Africa, which we analysed. We identified two key advantages in the indigenous languages: (i) there was transparency of the ‘places’ in how numbers are named; and (ii) there was logical alignment between the spoken and symbolic representation of numbers. Despite this, many Southern African learners learn mathematics in English, Afrikaans or Portuguese even though this is not their home language (L1). This means that many learners are denied access to the transparency of the place value concepts that exist in their L1 and must manage learning place value, not only in a yet to be learned ‘foreign’ language, but also in one where they must learn to decode the idiosyncratic ‘irregularities’ of the way those languages name numbers. We conclude this article by discussing the implications of these findings for the teaching of place value in Southern African classrooms, in which indigenous learners are often learning in a European-based language that is not their L1.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025
Macroinvertebrate colonisation of macroplastic litter in minimally disturbed river sites, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Ali, Andrew A, Akamagwuna, Frank C, Nnadozie, Chika F, Odume, Oghenekaro N
- Authors: Ali, Andrew A , Akamagwuna, Frank C , Nnadozie, Chika F , Odume, Oghenekaro N
- Date: 2025
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/484474 , vital:78916 , https://doi.org/10.1007/s10452-024-10159-6
- Description: Macroplastic pollution remains a growing global environmental concern, and our understanding of its interaction with aquatic organisms is underdeveloped. It is also less clear how hydraulic biotopes influence macroinvertebrates colonisation of macroplastic relative to natural substrates. We investigated temporal and spatial patterns of macroinvertebrate colonisation on macroplastic litters in contrasting stream hydraulic biotopes (riffle, pool, and run) in minimally impacted headwater streams of Eastern Cape, South Africa. Plastic substrates of different proportions of natural and plastic litter were deployed across four sites. The Substrate group included 100% natural substrates (NS), 50% natural material and 50% plastic litters (NP), and 100% plastic (PD) litters. Each substrate group was deployed in riffle, pool, and run habitats for six months at each site.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025
- Authors: Ali, Andrew A , Akamagwuna, Frank C , Nnadozie, Chika F , Odume, Oghenekaro N
- Date: 2025
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/484474 , vital:78916 , https://doi.org/10.1007/s10452-024-10159-6
- Description: Macroplastic pollution remains a growing global environmental concern, and our understanding of its interaction with aquatic organisms is underdeveloped. It is also less clear how hydraulic biotopes influence macroinvertebrates colonisation of macroplastic relative to natural substrates. We investigated temporal and spatial patterns of macroinvertebrate colonisation on macroplastic litters in contrasting stream hydraulic biotopes (riffle, pool, and run) in minimally impacted headwater streams of Eastern Cape, South Africa. Plastic substrates of different proportions of natural and plastic litter were deployed across four sites. The Substrate group included 100% natural substrates (NS), 50% natural material and 50% plastic litters (NP), and 100% plastic (PD) litters. Each substrate group was deployed in riffle, pool, and run habitats for six months at each site.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025
Neoliberalism constrains academic freedom
- Authors: McKenna, Sioux
- Date: 2025
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/480540 , vital:78453 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/ejc-sajsci-v121-n3-a18
- Description: Positioning the university as a public good that serves people and the planet was a central concern for those responsible for shaping post-apartheid education. Unfortunately, the current neoliberal environment has led to institutional risk aversion. This means that universities are loathe to speak out on issues of social injustice and environmental degradation. And academics often forfeit their freedoms by assuming that top management can speak on behalf of the university. In the Commentary 'Should our universities respond to geopolitical conflicts around the world?'1, Chetty questions when and why a university should speak out on global issues. In particular, Chetty refers to the Israeli-Palestinian war. I leave it to other respondents to tackle the substantive issue of South African higher education's silence on this issue. Instead, I home in on what I see as a common problem in the post-apartheid university. Chetty explains that: He thus understands the university as a complex organisation, as indeed it is. But he repeatedly reveals an understanding of the university as one which is controlled by management. For me, one of the most troubling sentences in the article is this: Universities thrive on a diversity of viewpoints, and so imposing a hegemonic view from the top management often leads to problems in a university setting.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025
- Authors: McKenna, Sioux
- Date: 2025
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/480540 , vital:78453 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/ejc-sajsci-v121-n3-a18
- Description: Positioning the university as a public good that serves people and the planet was a central concern for those responsible for shaping post-apartheid education. Unfortunately, the current neoliberal environment has led to institutional risk aversion. This means that universities are loathe to speak out on issues of social injustice and environmental degradation. And academics often forfeit their freedoms by assuming that top management can speak on behalf of the university. In the Commentary 'Should our universities respond to geopolitical conflicts around the world?'1, Chetty questions when and why a university should speak out on global issues. In particular, Chetty refers to the Israeli-Palestinian war. I leave it to other respondents to tackle the substantive issue of South African higher education's silence on this issue. Instead, I home in on what I see as a common problem in the post-apartheid university. Chetty explains that: He thus understands the university as a complex organisation, as indeed it is. But he repeatedly reveals an understanding of the university as one which is controlled by management. For me, one of the most troubling sentences in the article is this: Universities thrive on a diversity of viewpoints, and so imposing a hegemonic view from the top management often leads to problems in a university setting.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025
Our Ocean Is Sacred, You Can't Mine Heaven
- McGarry, Dylan K, McConnachie, Boudina E
- Authors: McGarry, Dylan K , McConnachie, Boudina E
- Date: 2025
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/480205 , vital:78406 , ISBN 9781003381846 , https://doi.org/10.4324/978100338184
- Description: ‘Our Ocean Is Sacred, You Can’t Mine Heaven’ was a ground-breaking South African public storytelling initiative that not only emphasised the intrinsic and cultural value of the ocean but also served as a living-customary lore/law classroom. This exhibition challenged conventional archiving, promoting diversity, sovereignty and evolving ‘meaning-making,’ fostering inclusivity and justice-oriented documentation in ocean knowledge. The authors worked alongside Indigenous coastal communities and Small-Scale Fishers (SSF), who were aligned with movements defending the ocean against unchecked Blue Economy expansion in South Africa. The chapter delves into how artist-led practices, strategically embedded with legal research, played a pivotal role in a recent court ruling favouring Indigenous and SSF applicants. This victory renewed attention on ocean heritages in legal processes, highlighting the potential for expanding evidence ‘an-archives.’ The collaboration with coastal communities and SSF against unbridled ocean development used art to secure a court win, reshaping South African law and challenging norms in ocean development. This chapter explores art’s role in legal innovation, contributing to the ongoing struggle for justice and the decolonisation of blue economy narratives and processes in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025
- Authors: McGarry, Dylan K , McConnachie, Boudina E
- Date: 2025
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/480205 , vital:78406 , ISBN 9781003381846 , https://doi.org/10.4324/978100338184
- Description: ‘Our Ocean Is Sacred, You Can’t Mine Heaven’ was a ground-breaking South African public storytelling initiative that not only emphasised the intrinsic and cultural value of the ocean but also served as a living-customary lore/law classroom. This exhibition challenged conventional archiving, promoting diversity, sovereignty and evolving ‘meaning-making,’ fostering inclusivity and justice-oriented documentation in ocean knowledge. The authors worked alongside Indigenous coastal communities and Small-Scale Fishers (SSF), who were aligned with movements defending the ocean against unchecked Blue Economy expansion in South Africa. The chapter delves into how artist-led practices, strategically embedded with legal research, played a pivotal role in a recent court ruling favouring Indigenous and SSF applicants. This victory renewed attention on ocean heritages in legal processes, highlighting the potential for expanding evidence ‘an-archives.’ The collaboration with coastal communities and SSF against unbridled ocean development used art to secure a court win, reshaping South African law and challenging norms in ocean development. This chapter explores art’s role in legal innovation, contributing to the ongoing struggle for justice and the decolonisation of blue economy narratives and processes in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025
Reimagining library services: Transforming libraries into dynamic learning spaces in South African universities
- Authors: Nongalo, Noloyiso
- Date: 2025
- Subjects: Dynamic learning spaces , Collaborative enviroments , Inclusive education , Digital Literacy , Lifelong learning
- Language: English
- Type: article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/13140 , vital:77950 , DOI: https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.2025641
- Description: This conceptual paper aimed to explore the transformation of university libraries in South Africa into dynamic learning spaces that cater to evolving academic and social needs of students. In the context of South Africa's rapidly changing higher education landscape, where inclusivity and technological advancements are paramount, the role of university libraries is shifting from traditional information repositories to hubs of collaborative learning and student engagement. The paper employed a qualitative review of literature and an analysis of the existing infrastructures in libraries of Historically Disadvantaged Institutions (HDIs) to identify strategies for this transformation. The findings highlighted the pivotal role libraries play in promoting lifelong learning, enhancing digital literacy, and supporting academic success. Key recommendations include the integration of advanced technology, the creation of flexible, student-centred spaces, and the incorporation of inclusive practices to accommodate diverse student populations. This paper contributes to ongoing research by offering a model for reimagining library spaces in line with global trends, providing insights for other educational institutions seeking to foster dynamic, student-focused learning environments.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025
- Authors: Nongalo, Noloyiso
- Date: 2025
- Subjects: Dynamic learning spaces , Collaborative enviroments , Inclusive education , Digital Literacy , Lifelong learning
- Language: English
- Type: article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/13140 , vital:77950 , DOI: https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.2025641
- Description: This conceptual paper aimed to explore the transformation of university libraries in South Africa into dynamic learning spaces that cater to evolving academic and social needs of students. In the context of South Africa's rapidly changing higher education landscape, where inclusivity and technological advancements are paramount, the role of university libraries is shifting from traditional information repositories to hubs of collaborative learning and student engagement. The paper employed a qualitative review of literature and an analysis of the existing infrastructures in libraries of Historically Disadvantaged Institutions (HDIs) to identify strategies for this transformation. The findings highlighted the pivotal role libraries play in promoting lifelong learning, enhancing digital literacy, and supporting academic success. Key recommendations include the integration of advanced technology, the creation of flexible, student-centred spaces, and the incorporation of inclusive practices to accommodate diverse student populations. This paper contributes to ongoing research by offering a model for reimagining library spaces in line with global trends, providing insights for other educational institutions seeking to foster dynamic, student-focused learning environments.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025