An investigation into the localization of peptide-gold nanoparticles in an in vitro and in vivo colorectal cancer model
- Authors: Cairncross, Lynn
- Subjects: Colon (Anatomy) -- Cancer -- Treatment , Cancer -- Early detection
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10351 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020921
- Description: Background: Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and cause of related deaths worldwide. Early colorectal cancer diagnosis is vital in reducing incidence and mortality. There is a need for the development of non-invasive screening tools for enhancing the detection of the disease. Cancer specific peptides are useful cancer targeting agents that can be used to specifically improve early detection strategies. Several cancer targeting peptides have been identified. Previous work investigated the specific binding of three of these peptides (p.C, p.L and p.14) conjugated to quantum dots and were found to bind to colorectal cancer cell lines (HT-29 and Caco-2). However, their uptake, localization and biodistribution in an in vitro and in vivo colorectal cancer model have not been determined. This is essential in gaining an understanding for future diagnostic or therapeutic based applications. Primary Aim: The aim of this study was investigate the localization of three selected peptides p.C, p.L and p.14 conjugated to gold nanoparticles in an in vitro and in vivo colorectal cancer model using HRTEM. Methodology: The AuNP/peptide conjugates were characterized by HRTEM and DLS. For in vitro studies; HT-29, Caco-2 and C3A cells were exposed to the AuNP-p.C, AuNP-p.L and AuNP-p.14, collected and processed for HRTEM to assess targeting and localization. For in vivo studies; the establishment of a colorectal cancer model using the AOM/DSS model 1 and 2 was conducted. Wistar rats were assigned to 6 groups, five experimental and 1 control group. Group 1 received AOM/DSS method 1 and was treated with AuNP-p.L. Group 2 and 3 received AOM/DSS method 2 and were treated with AuNP-p.C and AuNP-p.14. Group 4 and 5 remained healthy and treated with AuNP-p.C and AuNP-p.14. Group 6 remained healthy receiving no nanoparticle treatment. After treatment, rats were sacrificed and tissue was processed for HRTEM. Tissue chosen for HRTEM analysis included: Group 1 (inflamed colon, rectum, pancreatic and kidney), Group 4 (kidney) and Group 5 (liver). Results: results obtained from nanoparticle characterization suggested that nanoparticles were conjugated to their respective peptides and were stable in dispersion. For in vitro studies, results suggested no AuNP targeting and localization in HT-29 cell lines. For in vivo studies, no colorectal cancer tumours were induced. TEM micrographs did not indicate the presence of nanoparticles in colon, rectum, pancreatic, kidney and liver tissue. However, AuNPs were found in the kidney tissue (group 4). Conclusion: Although the overall objectives were not met, this study provided insight into TEM cell preparation and optimization for future nanoparticle cell interaction research. This study also demonstrated the absence of AuNPs in healthy tissue and the presence of AuNPs in healthy kidney tissue through renal clearance, a favourable quality for diagnostic or therapeutic applications.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Cairncross, Lynn
- Subjects: Colon (Anatomy) -- Cancer -- Treatment , Cancer -- Early detection
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10351 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020921
- Description: Background: Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and cause of related deaths worldwide. Early colorectal cancer diagnosis is vital in reducing incidence and mortality. There is a need for the development of non-invasive screening tools for enhancing the detection of the disease. Cancer specific peptides are useful cancer targeting agents that can be used to specifically improve early detection strategies. Several cancer targeting peptides have been identified. Previous work investigated the specific binding of three of these peptides (p.C, p.L and p.14) conjugated to quantum dots and were found to bind to colorectal cancer cell lines (HT-29 and Caco-2). However, their uptake, localization and biodistribution in an in vitro and in vivo colorectal cancer model have not been determined. This is essential in gaining an understanding for future diagnostic or therapeutic based applications. Primary Aim: The aim of this study was investigate the localization of three selected peptides p.C, p.L and p.14 conjugated to gold nanoparticles in an in vitro and in vivo colorectal cancer model using HRTEM. Methodology: The AuNP/peptide conjugates were characterized by HRTEM and DLS. For in vitro studies; HT-29, Caco-2 and C3A cells were exposed to the AuNP-p.C, AuNP-p.L and AuNP-p.14, collected and processed for HRTEM to assess targeting and localization. For in vivo studies; the establishment of a colorectal cancer model using the AOM/DSS model 1 and 2 was conducted. Wistar rats were assigned to 6 groups, five experimental and 1 control group. Group 1 received AOM/DSS method 1 and was treated with AuNP-p.L. Group 2 and 3 received AOM/DSS method 2 and were treated with AuNP-p.C and AuNP-p.14. Group 4 and 5 remained healthy and treated with AuNP-p.C and AuNP-p.14. Group 6 remained healthy receiving no nanoparticle treatment. After treatment, rats were sacrificed and tissue was processed for HRTEM. Tissue chosen for HRTEM analysis included: Group 1 (inflamed colon, rectum, pancreatic and kidney), Group 4 (kidney) and Group 5 (liver). Results: results obtained from nanoparticle characterization suggested that nanoparticles were conjugated to their respective peptides and were stable in dispersion. For in vitro studies, results suggested no AuNP targeting and localization in HT-29 cell lines. For in vivo studies, no colorectal cancer tumours were induced. TEM micrographs did not indicate the presence of nanoparticles in colon, rectum, pancreatic, kidney and liver tissue. However, AuNPs were found in the kidney tissue (group 4). Conclusion: Although the overall objectives were not met, this study provided insight into TEM cell preparation and optimization for future nanoparticle cell interaction research. This study also demonstrated the absence of AuNPs in healthy tissue and the presence of AuNPs in healthy kidney tissue through renal clearance, a favourable quality for diagnostic or therapeutic applications.
- Full Text:
An investigation into the success of the extended programmes at Walter Sisulu University, with particular reference to throughput rate
- Authors: Solilo, Nikiwe Primrose
- Subjects: Walter Sisulu University for Technology & Science , College dropouts -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , College attendance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Academic achievement -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Education, Higher -- South Africa , Universities and colleges -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8893 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020871
- Description: The purpose of the study was to investigate the success of the Extended Programme at Walter Sisulu University, with particular reference to throughput rates. Programmes offered by the institution to students are intervention measures to assist in improving student retention. This research investigated the role of the university with regards to retaining engineering students at Buffalo City. Also discussed will be the impact of financial support or lack thereof to paying for academic education. Lastly, the discussion will focus on Extended Programme courses offered to students and their impact on retention of students. Through Tinto’s model, Koen discussed that institutions have a responsibility for integrating academic and social activities to create holistic competent students (2007:65). It was also discovered that the institution through the Centre for Learning and Teaching Development (CLTD), offers services that benefit both students and lecturers. Merriam found out that the key to understanding qualitative research is the idea that meaning is socially constructed by individuals in their interaction with the world, (2002:3). This study called for qualitative research to get meaning from each participant. The research was conducted using questionnaires to both students and lecturers. The investigation discovered that an education institution is not only about academic studies. Data was collected and analysed using qualitative methods which included coding and colouring of responses. Research deduced that lecturers and students conclusively complained about the poor infrastructure of the university. It has been found that students think about their educational development, their personal growth and development, their employability and their prospects for career preparation or change (Moxley 2001:39). When students have this kind of attitude it means they have the courage to get through the choice no matter what challenges they face (2004: 212). According to Moxley, members of staff who expand their roles into tutorials, independent studies and small group projects, could be a pivotal strategy of the institutional retention mission, (2001:39). This is supported by Coetzee who state that lecturers should provide students with feedback quickly, promote independent thinking, guide and motivate students (2001:31).
- Full Text:
- Authors: Solilo, Nikiwe Primrose
- Subjects: Walter Sisulu University for Technology & Science , College dropouts -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , College attendance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Academic achievement -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Education, Higher -- South Africa , Universities and colleges -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8893 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020871
- Description: The purpose of the study was to investigate the success of the Extended Programme at Walter Sisulu University, with particular reference to throughput rates. Programmes offered by the institution to students are intervention measures to assist in improving student retention. This research investigated the role of the university with regards to retaining engineering students at Buffalo City. Also discussed will be the impact of financial support or lack thereof to paying for academic education. Lastly, the discussion will focus on Extended Programme courses offered to students and their impact on retention of students. Through Tinto’s model, Koen discussed that institutions have a responsibility for integrating academic and social activities to create holistic competent students (2007:65). It was also discovered that the institution through the Centre for Learning and Teaching Development (CLTD), offers services that benefit both students and lecturers. Merriam found out that the key to understanding qualitative research is the idea that meaning is socially constructed by individuals in their interaction with the world, (2002:3). This study called for qualitative research to get meaning from each participant. The research was conducted using questionnaires to both students and lecturers. The investigation discovered that an education institution is not only about academic studies. Data was collected and analysed using qualitative methods which included coding and colouring of responses. Research deduced that lecturers and students conclusively complained about the poor infrastructure of the university. It has been found that students think about their educational development, their personal growth and development, their employability and their prospects for career preparation or change (Moxley 2001:39). When students have this kind of attitude it means they have the courage to get through the choice no matter what challenges they face (2004: 212). According to Moxley, members of staff who expand their roles into tutorials, independent studies and small group projects, could be a pivotal strategy of the institutional retention mission, (2001:39). This is supported by Coetzee who state that lecturers should provide students with feedback quickly, promote independent thinking, guide and motivate students (2001:31).
- Full Text:
Assessing the implementation of the performance management system in the Malawian civil service : an application of the Burke and Liwin model
- Authors: Gunchi, Humphreys Kalele
- Subjects: Organizational change -- Malawi -- Evaluation , Performance -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9432 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020363
- Description: The research assessed the implementation of the Performance Management System (PMS) in the Malawian civil service using a change diagnostic model called ‘causal model of organisational performance change’ by Burke and Litwin (1992). The motivation for the research topic comes from a background of the Malawi Government’s goal of improving service delivery to the public. The government launched the performance management system as one of the change interventions that would assist in achieving its service provision goal. For the achievement of the service provision goals, the PMS had to be implemented effectively. Using an integrative approach, the research employed both qualitative and quantitative methods to obtain data that was structured around the organisational elements of the Burke-Litwin model. Using purposive sampling, 195 departments in the Malawian Civil Service formed the population from which the sample was drawn. Of the 195 departments, 69 departments, represented by an officer from each department, participated in the study. Three departments namely; The Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC), The Department of Human Resource Management and Development (DHRMD) and The Civil Service Commission (CSC) were included in the sample in addition to the 69 departments. These three departments were chosen due to their involvement in the formulation and implementation of the Performance Management System (PMS). Information from the three departments was obtained through interviews while questionnaires were administered to the remaining sample subjects. The research found that both the transformational and transactional factors were lacking in supporting the implementation of the PMS in Malawian civil service. Fundamental prerequisites like systems’ compatibility, assessment of enabling culture and amendments of relevant laws were not considered before the implementation of the system. Upon commencement of the implementation process the support from political leaders and donors declined and the evaluation process lacked inclusion of key stakeholders. The current research expands the application of the Burke-Litwin model in assessing the ‘post change intervention’ implementation processes. The findings could possibly provide valuable input in the form of the following recommendations: The government should consider working on the culture of the civil servants, the capacity of the implementing structure of PMS, the evaluation of the PMS and the prerequisites for the programme. The government should consider being inclusive when evaluating PMS and in assessing the performance of employees, and lastly, there is need to fully utilise technology and the functional position of stakeholders like the Civil Service Commission.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Gunchi, Humphreys Kalele
- Subjects: Organizational change -- Malawi -- Evaluation , Performance -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9432 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020363
- Description: The research assessed the implementation of the Performance Management System (PMS) in the Malawian civil service using a change diagnostic model called ‘causal model of organisational performance change’ by Burke and Litwin (1992). The motivation for the research topic comes from a background of the Malawi Government’s goal of improving service delivery to the public. The government launched the performance management system as one of the change interventions that would assist in achieving its service provision goal. For the achievement of the service provision goals, the PMS had to be implemented effectively. Using an integrative approach, the research employed both qualitative and quantitative methods to obtain data that was structured around the organisational elements of the Burke-Litwin model. Using purposive sampling, 195 departments in the Malawian Civil Service formed the population from which the sample was drawn. Of the 195 departments, 69 departments, represented by an officer from each department, participated in the study. Three departments namely; The Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC), The Department of Human Resource Management and Development (DHRMD) and The Civil Service Commission (CSC) were included in the sample in addition to the 69 departments. These three departments were chosen due to their involvement in the formulation and implementation of the Performance Management System (PMS). Information from the three departments was obtained through interviews while questionnaires were administered to the remaining sample subjects. The research found that both the transformational and transactional factors were lacking in supporting the implementation of the PMS in Malawian civil service. Fundamental prerequisites like systems’ compatibility, assessment of enabling culture and amendments of relevant laws were not considered before the implementation of the system. Upon commencement of the implementation process the support from political leaders and donors declined and the evaluation process lacked inclusion of key stakeholders. The current research expands the application of the Burke-Litwin model in assessing the ‘post change intervention’ implementation processes. The findings could possibly provide valuable input in the form of the following recommendations: The government should consider working on the culture of the civil servants, the capacity of the implementing structure of PMS, the evaluation of the PMS and the prerequisites for the programme. The government should consider being inclusive when evaluating PMS and in assessing the performance of employees, and lastly, there is need to fully utilise technology and the functional position of stakeholders like the Civil Service Commission.
- Full Text:
Causal layered analysis of South Africa's inclusion in BRICS
- Maliti, Viwe Anda Ntombikayise
- Authors: Maliti, Viwe Anda Ntombikayise
- Subjects: South Africa -- Foreign economic relations , BRIC countries -- Foreign economic relations , BRIC countries -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8922 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021123
- Description: This treatise is undertaken with the purpose of investigating, through the application of the critical futures technique, causal layered analysis (CLA), the case for South Africa’s inclusion in the BRICS alliance. CLA is explored as a technique that allows for the creation of transformative knowledge which contextualises our reality, enabling techniques for exploring different alternatives that lead to outcomes. In an attempt to understand the unique features that underscore these emerging economies and why they are considered the engines behind global economic growth, the member states’ economies are systematically deconstructed. By analysing key economic variables, strengths and weaknesses, CLA allows for the development of conclusive narratives regarding the legitimacy of all BRICS economies. This study discusses the motivation for the formation of this alliance and its role in the global economy. It demonstrates and sorts out the different views concerning its dreams and aspirations. The all-inclusive nature of CLA allows for the consideration of a wide range of perspectives that seek to clarify motives behind the convergence of the BRICS economies to form an alliance. South Africa’s membership is assessed, using both the economic and political schools of thought. On a balance of a number of dominant views, considered valid, that either support or reject the inclusion of South Africa, this study demonstrates that whether or not it belongs amongst the major emerging countries is an absurd question. It thus proposes that a pertinent question to ask is one that explores ways in which South Africa can effectively capitalise on its BRICS membership to drive its own economic growth.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Maliti, Viwe Anda Ntombikayise
- Subjects: South Africa -- Foreign economic relations , BRIC countries -- Foreign economic relations , BRIC countries -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8922 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021123
- Description: This treatise is undertaken with the purpose of investigating, through the application of the critical futures technique, causal layered analysis (CLA), the case for South Africa’s inclusion in the BRICS alliance. CLA is explored as a technique that allows for the creation of transformative knowledge which contextualises our reality, enabling techniques for exploring different alternatives that lead to outcomes. In an attempt to understand the unique features that underscore these emerging economies and why they are considered the engines behind global economic growth, the member states’ economies are systematically deconstructed. By analysing key economic variables, strengths and weaknesses, CLA allows for the development of conclusive narratives regarding the legitimacy of all BRICS economies. This study discusses the motivation for the formation of this alliance and its role in the global economy. It demonstrates and sorts out the different views concerning its dreams and aspirations. The all-inclusive nature of CLA allows for the consideration of a wide range of perspectives that seek to clarify motives behind the convergence of the BRICS economies to form an alliance. South Africa’s membership is assessed, using both the economic and political schools of thought. On a balance of a number of dominant views, considered valid, that either support or reject the inclusion of South Africa, this study demonstrates that whether or not it belongs amongst the major emerging countries is an absurd question. It thus proposes that a pertinent question to ask is one that explores ways in which South Africa can effectively capitalise on its BRICS membership to drive its own economic growth.
- Full Text:
Characterizing the influence of process variables in laser cladding Al-20WT%Si onto an Aluminium Substrate
- Authors: Von Wielligh, Louis George
- Subjects: Lasers -- Industrial applications , Metal cladding
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9625 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/721 , Lasers -- Industrial applications , Metal cladding
- Description: The research investigated the application of continuous coaxial laser cladding by powder injection as a surface treatment or coating process. The investigation aimed to establish the relationship between a change in the main laser cladding process variables and the geometry and characteristics of an Al-20wt-Si single pass clad layer formed on an Al 1370-F substrate using a Nd:YAG laser. The main process variables considered were: laser power, laser scanning velocity and the powder feed rate. The relationship between a change in the main laser cladding process variables and the geometry and characteristics of the clad layer was established by statistically analysing the variation in the process response with a change in the main laser cladding process variables. The process variables were varied based on a full-factorial, experimentally optimized test matrix. The clad geometry which is mainly defined by: the clad height, width, clad aspect ratio, depth of alloy penetration, and the clad root angle/wetting angle was investigated. In addition to the clad geometry several clad characteristics were investigated such as the dilution of the clad layer in the substrate material, the Vickers microhardness and microstructure of the clad crosssection, the powder efficiency of the process and the amount of visible defects. The study successfully established the relationship between the main laser cladding process variables and the clad geometry and characteristics. The secondary objective of establishing a suitable processing window by considering the relationship mentioned above was only partially met since it is believed that further refinement of the experimental cladding test setup and therefore also the experimental variable test levels is required.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Von Wielligh, Louis George
- Subjects: Lasers -- Industrial applications , Metal cladding
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9625 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/721 , Lasers -- Industrial applications , Metal cladding
- Description: The research investigated the application of continuous coaxial laser cladding by powder injection as a surface treatment or coating process. The investigation aimed to establish the relationship between a change in the main laser cladding process variables and the geometry and characteristics of an Al-20wt-Si single pass clad layer formed on an Al 1370-F substrate using a Nd:YAG laser. The main process variables considered were: laser power, laser scanning velocity and the powder feed rate. The relationship between a change in the main laser cladding process variables and the geometry and characteristics of the clad layer was established by statistically analysing the variation in the process response with a change in the main laser cladding process variables. The process variables were varied based on a full-factorial, experimentally optimized test matrix. The clad geometry which is mainly defined by: the clad height, width, clad aspect ratio, depth of alloy penetration, and the clad root angle/wetting angle was investigated. In addition to the clad geometry several clad characteristics were investigated such as the dilution of the clad layer in the substrate material, the Vickers microhardness and microstructure of the clad crosssection, the powder efficiency of the process and the amount of visible defects. The study successfully established the relationship between the main laser cladding process variables and the clad geometry and characteristics. The secondary objective of establishing a suitable processing window by considering the relationship mentioned above was only partially met since it is believed that further refinement of the experimental cladding test setup and therefore also the experimental variable test levels is required.
- Full Text:
Clinical psychologists' perceived barriers to the provision of psychological services for people with first-episode schizophrenia in urban public health care settings
- Barnwell, Garret Christopher
- Authors: Barnwell, Garret Christopher
- Subjects: Clinical psychologists -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Schizophrenia -- Treatment -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Urban health -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Health facilities -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality -- Administration
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10083 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020304
- Description: This study explored and described the perception of clinical psychologists regarding thebarriers to the provision of psychological services in urban public health settings for people with first-episode schizophrenia. The qualitative research study utilised an explorative, descriptive interpretive research design. Purposive sampling was utilised to gain access to clinical psychologists, who had at least two years of public health experience working with people recently diagnosed with schizophrenia. Data was gathered from 11 participants from the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District of the Eastern Cape by means of in-depth interviews that were conducted in English by the researcher until data saturation had occurred. A computer-assisted qualitative thematic analysis of the collected data was conducted using NVIVO software. The findings have been categorised according to three broad domains: 1)contextual barriers 2)health care system-related barriers and 3)first-episode schizophrenia syndrome-related barriers. Several specific sub-themes were identified for each of these main domains allowing for recommendations and suggestions to be provided for attending to and overcoming these perceived barriers.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Barnwell, Garret Christopher
- Subjects: Clinical psychologists -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Schizophrenia -- Treatment -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Urban health -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Health facilities -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality -- Administration
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10083 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020304
- Description: This study explored and described the perception of clinical psychologists regarding thebarriers to the provision of psychological services in urban public health settings for people with first-episode schizophrenia. The qualitative research study utilised an explorative, descriptive interpretive research design. Purposive sampling was utilised to gain access to clinical psychologists, who had at least two years of public health experience working with people recently diagnosed with schizophrenia. Data was gathered from 11 participants from the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District of the Eastern Cape by means of in-depth interviews that were conducted in English by the researcher until data saturation had occurred. A computer-assisted qualitative thematic analysis of the collected data was conducted using NVIVO software. The findings have been categorised according to three broad domains: 1)contextual barriers 2)health care system-related barriers and 3)first-episode schizophrenia syndrome-related barriers. Several specific sub-themes were identified for each of these main domains allowing for recommendations and suggestions to be provided for attending to and overcoming these perceived barriers.
- Full Text:
Develoment of a navigation system for an autonomous guided vehicle using android technology
- Authors: Snyman, Christo Johannes
- Subjects: Automated guided vehicle systems , Global Positioning System
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEngineering (Mechatronics)
- Identifier: vital:9660 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020917
- Description: Modern cell phone hardware, due to its integrated peripherals, provides a low cost intelligent controller for use in the navigation of an Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV). Most commercial AGV’s use proprietary hardware which is expensive to replace and also difficult to maintain. Using industrial hardware components combined with Android mobile platforms could provide a low-cost alternative. This would be easier to maintain, using existing in-house factory maintenance knowledge. A prototype AGV was designed and developed based on an integrated system between an industrial Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) and an Android operating system mobile platform. This system utilises the mobile platforms integrated Global Position System (GPS) or video camera as tools for navigation. Experimental tests were performed to determine whether the prototype can navigate a predefined course by making use of GPS and camera line following algorithms. The accuracy of the line following algorithm was influenced by the speed at which the research AGV moved. Mounting the Android camera higher above the ground improved the vision and therefore accuracy of the algorithm. The GPS algorithm successfully navigated to various waypoints. The accuracy of the implemented GPS unit on the Android device is its limitation. The research unit was only capable of reaching a waypoint consistently within a three-metre radius.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Snyman, Christo Johannes
- Subjects: Automated guided vehicle systems , Global Positioning System
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEngineering (Mechatronics)
- Identifier: vital:9660 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020917
- Description: Modern cell phone hardware, due to its integrated peripherals, provides a low cost intelligent controller for use in the navigation of an Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV). Most commercial AGV’s use proprietary hardware which is expensive to replace and also difficult to maintain. Using industrial hardware components combined with Android mobile platforms could provide a low-cost alternative. This would be easier to maintain, using existing in-house factory maintenance knowledge. A prototype AGV was designed and developed based on an integrated system between an industrial Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) and an Android operating system mobile platform. This system utilises the mobile platforms integrated Global Position System (GPS) or video camera as tools for navigation. Experimental tests were performed to determine whether the prototype can navigate a predefined course by making use of GPS and camera line following algorithms. The accuracy of the line following algorithm was influenced by the speed at which the research AGV moved. Mounting the Android camera higher above the ground improved the vision and therefore accuracy of the algorithm. The GPS algorithm successfully navigated to various waypoints. The accuracy of the implemented GPS unit on the Android device is its limitation. The research unit was only capable of reaching a waypoint consistently within a three-metre radius.
- Full Text:
Employee attitudes in a South African metropole post-implementation of the 2010 wage curve collective agreement
- Authors: Somgede-Tshikila, Pateka
- Subjects: Job satisfaction -- South Africa , Organizational commitment -- South Africa , Collective labor agreements -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9436 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020901
- Description: The study will investigate how the workers of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality in the Department of Roads and Stormwater (Eastern region) feel about their jobs in terms of job satisfaction. Furthermore, the study will investigate how they feel about commitment to the union, commitment to the organisation, and management satisfaction during and after the implementation of job task levels, which was the result of the wage curve agreement that was signed in 2010 and implemented in 2011.The first objective of the study is to describe the collective agreements that were signed in 2010 as a result of a need to categorise municipalities and evaluate jobs, and the consequences of the collective agreements on employees through the study of documents supplemented by interviews and questionnaires. The second objective is to investigate if there has been a change in attitudes of the employees in the Roads and Stormwater Department of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality after the implementation of the wage curve agreement. There are six research questions; two relate to the first objective, and these are (a) what was the nature of the wage curve and job evaluation collective agreement? and(b) what were the consequences of the implementation of the wage curve and job evaluation collective agreement of the employees of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality? The other four questions related to the second objective, which led to the following research questions related to the attitudes of the employees and the change in these attitudes after the implementation of the collective agreement. These four questions were (a) what was the change in employee attitudes post the introduction of the wage curve? in particular, the attitudes of organisational commitment, job satisfaction, management satisfaction and union commitment, (b) what is the relationship between the sub-groups and employee attitudes pre the wage curve agreement implementation?(c) what is the relationship between sub-groups and employee attitudes post the wage curve agreement implementation? (d) what is the relationship between the sub-groups and the change in employee attitudes pre and post the wage curve agreement implementation? Quantitative and qualitative research methods were used in the study to analyse the strike process and to understand and describe the attitudes of all the participants in relation to the four constructs provided by Chaulk and Brown (2008). Self-administered questionnaires will be given to participants, and there will be face-to-face interviews with the union officials and management. The findings relating to the first objective indicate that the employees were unhappy with the implementation of the wage curve collective agreement. The second objective showed that the changes in the attitudes of employees after the implementation of the job evaluation and wage curve collective agreement were negative and that there was a significant decrease in the level of organisational commitment, job satisfaction, union commitment and management satisfaction after the implementation.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Somgede-Tshikila, Pateka
- Subjects: Job satisfaction -- South Africa , Organizational commitment -- South Africa , Collective labor agreements -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9436 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020901
- Description: The study will investigate how the workers of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality in the Department of Roads and Stormwater (Eastern region) feel about their jobs in terms of job satisfaction. Furthermore, the study will investigate how they feel about commitment to the union, commitment to the organisation, and management satisfaction during and after the implementation of job task levels, which was the result of the wage curve agreement that was signed in 2010 and implemented in 2011.The first objective of the study is to describe the collective agreements that were signed in 2010 as a result of a need to categorise municipalities and evaluate jobs, and the consequences of the collective agreements on employees through the study of documents supplemented by interviews and questionnaires. The second objective is to investigate if there has been a change in attitudes of the employees in the Roads and Stormwater Department of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality after the implementation of the wage curve agreement. There are six research questions; two relate to the first objective, and these are (a) what was the nature of the wage curve and job evaluation collective agreement? and(b) what were the consequences of the implementation of the wage curve and job evaluation collective agreement of the employees of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality? The other four questions related to the second objective, which led to the following research questions related to the attitudes of the employees and the change in these attitudes after the implementation of the collective agreement. These four questions were (a) what was the change in employee attitudes post the introduction of the wage curve? in particular, the attitudes of organisational commitment, job satisfaction, management satisfaction and union commitment, (b) what is the relationship between the sub-groups and employee attitudes pre the wage curve agreement implementation?(c) what is the relationship between sub-groups and employee attitudes post the wage curve agreement implementation? (d) what is the relationship between the sub-groups and the change in employee attitudes pre and post the wage curve agreement implementation? Quantitative and qualitative research methods were used in the study to analyse the strike process and to understand and describe the attitudes of all the participants in relation to the four constructs provided by Chaulk and Brown (2008). Self-administered questionnaires will be given to participants, and there will be face-to-face interviews with the union officials and management. The findings relating to the first objective indicate that the employees were unhappy with the implementation of the wage curve collective agreement. The second objective showed that the changes in the attitudes of employees after the implementation of the job evaluation and wage curve collective agreement were negative and that there was a significant decrease in the level of organisational commitment, job satisfaction, union commitment and management satisfaction after the implementation.
- Full Text:
Enhanced social protection for orphans and vulnerable children
- Authors: Obayi, Bennycharles A
- Subjects: Child care services -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9064 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1352 , Child care services -- South Africa
- Description: This study is intended to contribute to the existing body of knowledge relative to social protection of Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC). It proffers recommendations on sustainable assistance mechanisms which will ensure effective support systems for improved quality of life for OVCs. The impacts of orphanhood and other vulnerability issues on children directly challenge social protection systems and how they support the wellbeing of the children. This presents grave threat to social and economic development as well as the wellbeing of children. Child Support Grant (CSG) is one of South Africa’s largest social protection programmes targeting vulnerable children. The effectiveness of the grants in addressing the concerns of the children is greatly dependent on how it is utilised. The aim of this study is for a review of the support systems for OVCs in South Africa, within the context of social grants to determine its viability to address the challenges of vulnerability. The study is informed by empowerment framework as theoretical paradigm; which postulates that people need to be empowered through sustainable programmes that enhance their capacities to realize their full potentials and become self-sufficient. The study reviewed and appraised relevant approaches that aid empowering OVCs in order to ensure that they are supported to move from state of helplessness to an empowered state. A quantitative research method was used for the survey, data analysis and review. A case study approach was adopted for the study. The population of this study consisted of selected families of OVCs and community volunteers in Port St. Johns and Ndlambe local municipalities of the Eastern Cape Province. The study findings show that the CSG is relevant in the context of providing the needed support for the OVCs, which will enhance their wellbeing and development. It identified CSG as a mechanism which supports the concept of ensuring that OVCs have an adult caregiver who supports them. It shows that the CSG is able to reduce the number of OVCs without an adult caregiver. xii The study identified that many of the caregivers of the OVCs do not have other source of income and this affects their utilisation of the grant to attend to the needs of the children such as caregivers who do not support the wellbeing of the children though they receive CSG. The findings did not identify many challenges with the functioning and management of the CSG scheme. The concerns identified by the study are related to challenges of accessing the grant. The findings show that the caregivers do not encounter obstacles while applying for CSG for reasons related to the fact that some of them are being assisted. It shows that most children that are eligible but are not receiving CSG were for reasons such as caregiver not applying on time for the child or lack of documents required for the application. The study further noted that it was mostly caregivers that were not assisted during the applications process that experienced difficulties. The study observed that supporting the needed infrastructure in resource constrained environment is necessary to assist the children. Building facilities for banking, health care, and recreation as well as educational facilities such as libraries and computer centres were identified as relevant in schemes that aim to improve the quality of lives of children. The study findings revealed that hunger and deprivation could be a defining factor, which influences a child’s interest in education. It concludes that the provision of CSG to families could have strong influence in determining children’s interest in education. The study identified other support systems in the community that complement the CSG mechanism. The supports includes the assistance to process the application for CSG as well as guidance in the utilisation of the grant; after school care programme which provides opportunity for children to receive additional educational support; and material assistance for OVC families. The supports were mostly through community volunteers of organisations in the communities. These supports were found to be useful in supporting the caregivers of the OVCs to support the children.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Obayi, Bennycharles A
- Subjects: Child care services -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9064 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1352 , Child care services -- South Africa
- Description: This study is intended to contribute to the existing body of knowledge relative to social protection of Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC). It proffers recommendations on sustainable assistance mechanisms which will ensure effective support systems for improved quality of life for OVCs. The impacts of orphanhood and other vulnerability issues on children directly challenge social protection systems and how they support the wellbeing of the children. This presents grave threat to social and economic development as well as the wellbeing of children. Child Support Grant (CSG) is one of South Africa’s largest social protection programmes targeting vulnerable children. The effectiveness of the grants in addressing the concerns of the children is greatly dependent on how it is utilised. The aim of this study is for a review of the support systems for OVCs in South Africa, within the context of social grants to determine its viability to address the challenges of vulnerability. The study is informed by empowerment framework as theoretical paradigm; which postulates that people need to be empowered through sustainable programmes that enhance their capacities to realize their full potentials and become self-sufficient. The study reviewed and appraised relevant approaches that aid empowering OVCs in order to ensure that they are supported to move from state of helplessness to an empowered state. A quantitative research method was used for the survey, data analysis and review. A case study approach was adopted for the study. The population of this study consisted of selected families of OVCs and community volunteers in Port St. Johns and Ndlambe local municipalities of the Eastern Cape Province. The study findings show that the CSG is relevant in the context of providing the needed support for the OVCs, which will enhance their wellbeing and development. It identified CSG as a mechanism which supports the concept of ensuring that OVCs have an adult caregiver who supports them. It shows that the CSG is able to reduce the number of OVCs without an adult caregiver. xii The study identified that many of the caregivers of the OVCs do not have other source of income and this affects their utilisation of the grant to attend to the needs of the children such as caregivers who do not support the wellbeing of the children though they receive CSG. The findings did not identify many challenges with the functioning and management of the CSG scheme. The concerns identified by the study are related to challenges of accessing the grant. The findings show that the caregivers do not encounter obstacles while applying for CSG for reasons related to the fact that some of them are being assisted. It shows that most children that are eligible but are not receiving CSG were for reasons such as caregiver not applying on time for the child or lack of documents required for the application. The study further noted that it was mostly caregivers that were not assisted during the applications process that experienced difficulties. The study observed that supporting the needed infrastructure in resource constrained environment is necessary to assist the children. Building facilities for banking, health care, and recreation as well as educational facilities such as libraries and computer centres were identified as relevant in schemes that aim to improve the quality of lives of children. The study findings revealed that hunger and deprivation could be a defining factor, which influences a child’s interest in education. It concludes that the provision of CSG to families could have strong influence in determining children’s interest in education. The study identified other support systems in the community that complement the CSG mechanism. The supports includes the assistance to process the application for CSG as well as guidance in the utilisation of the grant; after school care programme which provides opportunity for children to receive additional educational support; and material assistance for OVC families. The supports were mostly through community volunteers of organisations in the communities. These supports were found to be useful in supporting the caregivers of the OVCs to support the children.
- Full Text:
Factors contributing to occupational stress in student support staff in a Further Education and Training (FET) College in the Southern Cape
- Authors: De Klerk, Ulricha
- Subjects: Work -- Psychological aspects , Job stress -- South Africa -- Western Cape , College students -- South Africa -- Western Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10085 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020806
- Description: The main purpose of this study is to explore the factors that contribute to occupational stress as experienced by the Student Support staff in a Further Education and Training (FET) College in the Southern Cape. The Student Support staff has displayed many symptoms of stress over the past few years. This in turn has led to absenteeism, change in staff temperament, their feelings towards the College, motivation levels and a significant change in the staff’s day to day operations. Although the Head of Department for Student Support Services has engaged with the staff on numerous occasions to discuss the reasons for their experience of stress, no substantial reasons could be established in order to make the necessary changes in the department. No interventions that have been implemented to date have relieved the staff’s experience of stress. The researcher chose to use a qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design to gain insight into the situation or phenomenon in order to identify the factors contributing to occupational stress and to identify measures that can be implemented to reduce occupational stress in the Student Support staff. The participants in this research included at least 10 Student Support staff within the Student Support Services Department at a Further Education and Training College in the Southern Cape. Purposive sampling was used in this research study. Interviews will continue until data saturation is achieved. The staff members must have been employed for at least one year in the Student Support Services Department. The researcher will make use of semi-structured interviews, observations and field notes. The data will be systematically collected and meanings, themes and general descriptions of the experience analysed within the specific context (de Vos, Strydom, Fouche & Delport, 2005). The researcher will make use of Tesch’s method of analysis, and use Guba’s strategies for ensuring Trustworthiness. The researcher will apply the ethical considerations of confidentiality, informed consent, ethical approval from relevant institutions, avoidance of harm to participants, truthfulness and the debriefing of participants when conducting this study. The findings were reported as three major themes and subthemes. The three major themes were; Student support staff identified several factors that contributed to occupational stress, Student support staff identified the effect that occupational stress has on them, Student support staff offered suggestions that the college could implement to reduce occupational stress. These themes were discussed and analysed in-depth.
- Full Text:
- Authors: De Klerk, Ulricha
- Subjects: Work -- Psychological aspects , Job stress -- South Africa -- Western Cape , College students -- South Africa -- Western Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10085 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020806
- Description: The main purpose of this study is to explore the factors that contribute to occupational stress as experienced by the Student Support staff in a Further Education and Training (FET) College in the Southern Cape. The Student Support staff has displayed many symptoms of stress over the past few years. This in turn has led to absenteeism, change in staff temperament, their feelings towards the College, motivation levels and a significant change in the staff’s day to day operations. Although the Head of Department for Student Support Services has engaged with the staff on numerous occasions to discuss the reasons for their experience of stress, no substantial reasons could be established in order to make the necessary changes in the department. No interventions that have been implemented to date have relieved the staff’s experience of stress. The researcher chose to use a qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design to gain insight into the situation or phenomenon in order to identify the factors contributing to occupational stress and to identify measures that can be implemented to reduce occupational stress in the Student Support staff. The participants in this research included at least 10 Student Support staff within the Student Support Services Department at a Further Education and Training College in the Southern Cape. Purposive sampling was used in this research study. Interviews will continue until data saturation is achieved. The staff members must have been employed for at least one year in the Student Support Services Department. The researcher will make use of semi-structured interviews, observations and field notes. The data will be systematically collected and meanings, themes and general descriptions of the experience analysed within the specific context (de Vos, Strydom, Fouche & Delport, 2005). The researcher will make use of Tesch’s method of analysis, and use Guba’s strategies for ensuring Trustworthiness. The researcher will apply the ethical considerations of confidentiality, informed consent, ethical approval from relevant institutions, avoidance of harm to participants, truthfulness and the debriefing of participants when conducting this study. The findings were reported as three major themes and subthemes. The three major themes were; Student support staff identified several factors that contributed to occupational stress, Student support staff identified the effect that occupational stress has on them, Student support staff offered suggestions that the college could implement to reduce occupational stress. These themes were discussed and analysed in-depth.
- Full Text:
Factors impacting the introduction of information technology usage in netball coaching
- Authors: Daniell, Janine
- Subjects: Information technology , Netball -- Coaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9828 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020878
- Description: With the growth in the use of technology in sports, there has been an improvement in sporting performances. Some may argue that the two go hand in hand, while others will write it off as coincidence. Nevertheless the use of technology in sport is seen on a daily basis. Cricket uses Hotspot, tennis uses Hawk-Eye and rugby uses slow motion video replays. In these sports codes, technology is already an aid to umpires. Little is known, however, about the technologies used to assist coaches in sports codes such as netball. This study investigated the factors impacting the introduction of information technology in the coaching of netball. The study commenced with using the term technology in the broader sense of the word to gain an understanding from netball coaches as to how technology could be incorporated into the sport. It was later narrowed down more specifically to computer technologies. The investigation was done at the Spar National Netball Championships in 2012, where coaches were surveyed about the preparation for the tournament of the provincial teams. The surveys included questions to coaches regarding the technologies used in preparation for a national tournament. The results obtained from the coaches were used to identify the current technologies used. Interviews were conducted after the analysis of the initial results to probe into the potential use of social media as a tool to assist coaches. Based on the results of the study, a number of factors that impact on the introduction of technology in the coaching of netball were identified. The factors and basic guidelines were validated through expert focus groups. Based on the findings from the experts, the factors and guidelines were refined. It is envisaged that the findings from this research can be used to assist netball coaches in deciding how to introduce the use of information technology into the sport.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Daniell, Janine
- Subjects: Information technology , Netball -- Coaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9828 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020878
- Description: With the growth in the use of technology in sports, there has been an improvement in sporting performances. Some may argue that the two go hand in hand, while others will write it off as coincidence. Nevertheless the use of technology in sport is seen on a daily basis. Cricket uses Hotspot, tennis uses Hawk-Eye and rugby uses slow motion video replays. In these sports codes, technology is already an aid to umpires. Little is known, however, about the technologies used to assist coaches in sports codes such as netball. This study investigated the factors impacting the introduction of information technology in the coaching of netball. The study commenced with using the term technology in the broader sense of the word to gain an understanding from netball coaches as to how technology could be incorporated into the sport. It was later narrowed down more specifically to computer technologies. The investigation was done at the Spar National Netball Championships in 2012, where coaches were surveyed about the preparation for the tournament of the provincial teams. The surveys included questions to coaches regarding the technologies used in preparation for a national tournament. The results obtained from the coaches were used to identify the current technologies used. Interviews were conducted after the analysis of the initial results to probe into the potential use of social media as a tool to assist coaches. Based on the results of the study, a number of factors that impact on the introduction of technology in the coaching of netball were identified. The factors and basic guidelines were validated through expert focus groups. Based on the findings from the experts, the factors and guidelines were refined. It is envisaged that the findings from this research can be used to assist netball coaches in deciding how to introduce the use of information technology into the sport.
- Full Text:
Job satisfaction amongst middle managers of Department of Health
- Authors: Mawonga, Mzukisi Edward
- Subjects: Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Job stress -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape. , Middle managers -- Job satisfaction , Public health administration -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10082 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020197
- Description: Job satisfaction studies are an essential element for ensuring improvement in service delivery. The researcher was committed to assist top management with important information that can make them aware of the causes and consequences of job satisfaction (Nel, Van Dyk, Haasbroek, Schultz, Sono and Werner, 2006:52). Job satisfaction is not only concerned with feeling good at work, it also encompasses job content, the work environment and interaction with all people. The study was conducted at the Department of Health in the Province of the Eastern Cape. This study aimed to describe the level of job satisfaction amongst middle managers of the Department of Health (DoH) at the Head Office, in terms of remuneration, interpersonal relationships, development, support, recognition, extent of supervision, their attitude to the work itself and working conditions.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mawonga, Mzukisi Edward
- Subjects: Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Job stress -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape. , Middle managers -- Job satisfaction , Public health administration -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10082 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020197
- Description: Job satisfaction studies are an essential element for ensuring improvement in service delivery. The researcher was committed to assist top management with important information that can make them aware of the causes and consequences of job satisfaction (Nel, Van Dyk, Haasbroek, Schultz, Sono and Werner, 2006:52). Job satisfaction is not only concerned with feeling good at work, it also encompasses job content, the work environment and interaction with all people. The study was conducted at the Department of Health in the Province of the Eastern Cape. This study aimed to describe the level of job satisfaction amongst middle managers of the Department of Health (DoH) at the Head Office, in terms of remuneration, interpersonal relationships, development, support, recognition, extent of supervision, their attitude to the work itself and working conditions.
- Full Text:
Measuring employee participation initiatives within RoyalServe Cleaning (Pty) Ltd
- Authors: Ntini, Vusani
- Subjects: Management -- Employee participation , Strategic planning -- Employee participation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9430 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018677
- Description: Employee participation is a common and popular aspect of most labour relations systems in many countries, including South Africa (the RSA). For years now, there have been debates around the actual benefits of employee participation initiatives to both the business and its employees. Various factors influence the development of participation initiatives within businesses. Some of these factors include legislation, management perceptions and attitudes, socio-economic factors, political and business complexities. These factors vary from one economy to another, from industry to industry, from company to company and may be classified into internal or external factors. It is even suggested that participation initiatives and levels of implementation may be different within the same organization, from department to department, and from one geographic set-up to another within the same organisation. It is for this reason that this research was undertaken. RoyalServe(RS) has an average of 12 000 employees and about 800 sites or branches or units within the RSA. A number of employee participation models and initiatives exist within RS, and it has been argued by many (inter alia trade unions, employees, managers) that the implementation of these models varies from one site to the next - with one of the major influencing factors being the size of a branch or site. Employee participation initiatives and models are established either voluntarily or in response to compliance with legislation. Some scholars and practitioners have suggested that employee participation models that yield positive results for both parties are the ones that are voluntary and have not been undertaken for legal compliance purposes. Others argue that even in cases where it is legislated and practiced for compliance, the end result remains the same. From a comparative point of view, the Japanese and German models of employee participation have been, for some time now, crowned as classic examples of employee participation. Interestingly, the two models (Japanese and German) were implemented for contrasting reasons. The Japanese model is voluntary whereas the German model is legislated. Both models remain leading examples of how successful participation can be, regardless of the reasons for its implementation. Royal Serve Cleaning operates in three Sub Saharan countries: South Africa, Lesotho and Namibia (making it a transnational organisation). The Head Office is situated in Midrand, Johannesburg, RSA. The following regional offices exist to provide immediate and more flexible support to both employees and clients at regional level: Cape Town: Western Cape; Midrand: Gauteng Province, Limpopo, North West and Mpumalanga; Bloemfontein: Free State, Lesotho and Northern Cape; Durban: KZN; Port Elizabeth: Eastern Cape; Namibia.The primary goal of this research was to investigate how the size of a site influences the implementation of employee participation within RoyalServe Cleaning (Pty) Ltd. Put differently, the question to be answered by the research is: are employee participation initiatives applied similarly across all sites within RoyalServe regardless of size? Another question that has been answered in this research report, albeit indirectly, is: do RoyalServe employees understand the various participation initiatives in place at all levels of the organisation? Accusations have been leveled by some employees that employee participation initiatives at RS are benefiting only those employees based at the big sites at the expense of the smaller ones. The research methodology followed in this paper includes: A review of the available literature about RoyalServe employee participation strategies, initiatives, minutes, reports and practices; The development of a questionnaire which was then distributed to selected employees at all levels within the organisation. The analysis of information gathered in the above activities and recommendations formulated was based on gathered data.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ntini, Vusani
- Subjects: Management -- Employee participation , Strategic planning -- Employee participation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9430 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018677
- Description: Employee participation is a common and popular aspect of most labour relations systems in many countries, including South Africa (the RSA). For years now, there have been debates around the actual benefits of employee participation initiatives to both the business and its employees. Various factors influence the development of participation initiatives within businesses. Some of these factors include legislation, management perceptions and attitudes, socio-economic factors, political and business complexities. These factors vary from one economy to another, from industry to industry, from company to company and may be classified into internal or external factors. It is even suggested that participation initiatives and levels of implementation may be different within the same organization, from department to department, and from one geographic set-up to another within the same organisation. It is for this reason that this research was undertaken. RoyalServe(RS) has an average of 12 000 employees and about 800 sites or branches or units within the RSA. A number of employee participation models and initiatives exist within RS, and it has been argued by many (inter alia trade unions, employees, managers) that the implementation of these models varies from one site to the next - with one of the major influencing factors being the size of a branch or site. Employee participation initiatives and models are established either voluntarily or in response to compliance with legislation. Some scholars and practitioners have suggested that employee participation models that yield positive results for both parties are the ones that are voluntary and have not been undertaken for legal compliance purposes. Others argue that even in cases where it is legislated and practiced for compliance, the end result remains the same. From a comparative point of view, the Japanese and German models of employee participation have been, for some time now, crowned as classic examples of employee participation. Interestingly, the two models (Japanese and German) were implemented for contrasting reasons. The Japanese model is voluntary whereas the German model is legislated. Both models remain leading examples of how successful participation can be, regardless of the reasons for its implementation. Royal Serve Cleaning operates in three Sub Saharan countries: South Africa, Lesotho and Namibia (making it a transnational organisation). The Head Office is situated in Midrand, Johannesburg, RSA. The following regional offices exist to provide immediate and more flexible support to both employees and clients at regional level: Cape Town: Western Cape; Midrand: Gauteng Province, Limpopo, North West and Mpumalanga; Bloemfontein: Free State, Lesotho and Northern Cape; Durban: KZN; Port Elizabeth: Eastern Cape; Namibia.The primary goal of this research was to investigate how the size of a site influences the implementation of employee participation within RoyalServe Cleaning (Pty) Ltd. Put differently, the question to be answered by the research is: are employee participation initiatives applied similarly across all sites within RoyalServe regardless of size? Another question that has been answered in this research report, albeit indirectly, is: do RoyalServe employees understand the various participation initiatives in place at all levels of the organisation? Accusations have been leveled by some employees that employee participation initiatives at RS are benefiting only those employees based at the big sites at the expense of the smaller ones. The research methodology followed in this paper includes: A review of the available literature about RoyalServe employee participation strategies, initiatives, minutes, reports and practices; The development of a questionnaire which was then distributed to selected employees at all levels within the organisation. The analysis of information gathered in the above activities and recommendations formulated was based on gathered data.
- Full Text:
Nurse managers' perceptions of the Eastern Cape department of health employee assistance programme
- Authors: Stenge, Nyameka
- Subjects: Employee assistance programs -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nurse administrators -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10088 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021203
- Description: Organizations assist employees to deal effectively with demanding work and the work environment, including their personal problems, through an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). The essence of the EAP is the application of knowledge about behaviour and behavioural health to make accurate assessments, followed by appropriate action to improve the productivity and healthy functioning of the employees. According to the report from the Employee Wellness Directorate of the Eastern Cape, the Employee Assistance Programme Practitioners saw 576 employees in 2010. These statistics only represent a few districts in the Eastern Cape as some districts do not have Employee Assistance Practitioners offering employee assistance, hence this number could be higher. In some instances employees do self-referral, which may increase the number without the managers knowing who is utilizing the EAP. This makes it difficult for the managers to monitor such employees and the effectiveness of the intervention rendered. Managers refer employees but do not have control over whether employees made use of the EAP and on the progress in sessions as they do not always receive the feedback. The Employee Assistance counsellor may receive a written referral from the nursing manager and then consults the referred employee in private. The employee gives consent and then the EAP counsellor addresses the problem at hand. If it is a complex case needing expert intervention arrangements are made. If the intervention requires follow up sessions, the EAP counsellor makes the necessary arrangements through the referring manager until the problem is resolved. The EAP counsellor monitors the employee and asks the manager to support the employee without divulging details of the problem that was being addressed. However, the Nursing Managers do not know how effective the programme is and whether the employees benefit from the use. The above-mentioned problem led the researcher to ask the following questions: • What are the perceptions that Nurse Managers in the Department of Health in the Eastern Cape Province have of the effectiveness of the Employee Assistance Programme? • How can Nurse Managers optimize employees’ use of the EAP? The goal of this study was to identify the perceptions of Nurse Managers of the Employee Assistance Programme in order to determine how the programme’s use can be optimized. The researcher used a qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual design. The research population was selected purposively and included the Nursing Managers in the Department of Health in the Chris Hani District, Eastern Cape, who have referred employees to the Employee Assistance Programme. Semi-structured interviews were used during the data gathering process. Interviews were conducted at a venue convenient to the participants. Open-ended questions were asked to enable participants to express their perceptions on the topic. The researcher also used observation and field-notes to ensure that the data gathering provided rich information. The data was analysed using Tesch’s method of data analysis. Trustworthiness was ensured by using Guba’s model of trustworthiness. The ethical strategies of informed consent, confidentiality and anonymity, avoidance of harm and voluntary participation were ensured. Two themes emerged from the data analysis. Theme one showed that the participants had contrasting perceptions regarding the effectiveness of the current Employee Assistance Programme. Some felt that they have benefitted from the programme while others felt differently. Theme two described the participants’ views elated to improving the utilization of the EAP. Positive and negative factors that impacted on the implementation of EAP have been identified. Results show that both the employer and the employees could benefit if EAP is well implemented. Decentralization of EAP could be very cost effective and could save the employer thousands of rands because resources would be utilized better.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Stenge, Nyameka
- Subjects: Employee assistance programs -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nurse administrators -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10088 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021203
- Description: Organizations assist employees to deal effectively with demanding work and the work environment, including their personal problems, through an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). The essence of the EAP is the application of knowledge about behaviour and behavioural health to make accurate assessments, followed by appropriate action to improve the productivity and healthy functioning of the employees. According to the report from the Employee Wellness Directorate of the Eastern Cape, the Employee Assistance Programme Practitioners saw 576 employees in 2010. These statistics only represent a few districts in the Eastern Cape as some districts do not have Employee Assistance Practitioners offering employee assistance, hence this number could be higher. In some instances employees do self-referral, which may increase the number without the managers knowing who is utilizing the EAP. This makes it difficult for the managers to monitor such employees and the effectiveness of the intervention rendered. Managers refer employees but do not have control over whether employees made use of the EAP and on the progress in sessions as they do not always receive the feedback. The Employee Assistance counsellor may receive a written referral from the nursing manager and then consults the referred employee in private. The employee gives consent and then the EAP counsellor addresses the problem at hand. If it is a complex case needing expert intervention arrangements are made. If the intervention requires follow up sessions, the EAP counsellor makes the necessary arrangements through the referring manager until the problem is resolved. The EAP counsellor monitors the employee and asks the manager to support the employee without divulging details of the problem that was being addressed. However, the Nursing Managers do not know how effective the programme is and whether the employees benefit from the use. The above-mentioned problem led the researcher to ask the following questions: • What are the perceptions that Nurse Managers in the Department of Health in the Eastern Cape Province have of the effectiveness of the Employee Assistance Programme? • How can Nurse Managers optimize employees’ use of the EAP? The goal of this study was to identify the perceptions of Nurse Managers of the Employee Assistance Programme in order to determine how the programme’s use can be optimized. The researcher used a qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual design. The research population was selected purposively and included the Nursing Managers in the Department of Health in the Chris Hani District, Eastern Cape, who have referred employees to the Employee Assistance Programme. Semi-structured interviews were used during the data gathering process. Interviews were conducted at a venue convenient to the participants. Open-ended questions were asked to enable participants to express their perceptions on the topic. The researcher also used observation and field-notes to ensure that the data gathering provided rich information. The data was analysed using Tesch’s method of data analysis. Trustworthiness was ensured by using Guba’s model of trustworthiness. The ethical strategies of informed consent, confidentiality and anonymity, avoidance of harm and voluntary participation were ensured. Two themes emerged from the data analysis. Theme one showed that the participants had contrasting perceptions regarding the effectiveness of the current Employee Assistance Programme. Some felt that they have benefitted from the programme while others felt differently. Theme two described the participants’ views elated to improving the utilization of the EAP. Positive and negative factors that impacted on the implementation of EAP have been identified. Results show that both the employer and the employees could benefit if EAP is well implemented. Decentralization of EAP could be very cost effective and could save the employer thousands of rands because resources would be utilized better.
- Full Text:
Optimisation of cold rolling process parameters to improve surface quality of the AA 3003-H22 treadbright coils
- Authors: Makhanya, Lehlohonolo
- Subjects: Aluminum alloys
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9611 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/554 , Aluminum alloys
- Description: The main objective of this dissertation was to investigate how cold rolling process parameters could be optimised to improve surface quality of the AA 3003 H22 treadbright coils. This treadbright product is one of Hulett Aluminium’s main products and is exported mainly to the North American market. One of its critical requirements is a defect-free bright surface. The literature review was conducted with particular focus on the effects of selected parameters or settings with respect to surface quality and a chapter outlining these aspects has been included. It was clear from the literature review that selected parameters do affect the surface quality and if adjusted accordingly can improve surface quality on treadbright coils. Subsequent chapters after the literature review outline how the tests were conducted, procedures followed and equipments used from the cold rolling machine to laboratories. Surface appearance results after each parameter was adjusted, showed that the surface quality did improve and even got better when other parameters like the colouring roll angle and percentage reduction were adjusted. Correct working limits within which each parameter would yield acceptable surface quality were also established. All experiments conducted had no influence on the microstructure of the metal as it remained the same throughout each experiment. The same has been found with the mechanical properties as percentage reductions experiments led to no change in tensile strength, proof strength and percentage elongation. In conclusion, this research has proved that cold rolling process parameters selected did affect the product surface quality. If controlled they can be used to optimise the surface quality on the treadbright product as required by Hulett Aluminium and its customers.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Makhanya, Lehlohonolo
- Subjects: Aluminum alloys
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9611 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/554 , Aluminum alloys
- Description: The main objective of this dissertation was to investigate how cold rolling process parameters could be optimised to improve surface quality of the AA 3003 H22 treadbright coils. This treadbright product is one of Hulett Aluminium’s main products and is exported mainly to the North American market. One of its critical requirements is a defect-free bright surface. The literature review was conducted with particular focus on the effects of selected parameters or settings with respect to surface quality and a chapter outlining these aspects has been included. It was clear from the literature review that selected parameters do affect the surface quality and if adjusted accordingly can improve surface quality on treadbright coils. Subsequent chapters after the literature review outline how the tests were conducted, procedures followed and equipments used from the cold rolling machine to laboratories. Surface appearance results after each parameter was adjusted, showed that the surface quality did improve and even got better when other parameters like the colouring roll angle and percentage reduction were adjusted. Correct working limits within which each parameter would yield acceptable surface quality were also established. All experiments conducted had no influence on the microstructure of the metal as it remained the same throughout each experiment. The same has been found with the mechanical properties as percentage reductions experiments led to no change in tensile strength, proof strength and percentage elongation. In conclusion, this research has proved that cold rolling process parameters selected did affect the product surface quality. If controlled they can be used to optimise the surface quality on the treadbright product as required by Hulett Aluminium and its customers.
- Full Text:
Perceptions of health care professionals regarding facilitation of resilience in the workplace
- Smith, G
- Authors: Smith, G
- Subjects: Nurses -- Job stress , Resilience (Personality trait) , Nursing -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10086 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020948
- Description: A person’s career takes up a large portion of his or her life for a minimum of 8 hours per day. A large portion of their time is spent performing their duties which are often accompanied by various demands or pressure that can result in an employee experiencing stress. Over time this build-up of stress due to job demands affects their ability to perform at work. This study aimed to identify, explore and describe the factors that facilitate the resilience of healthcare professionals working at a Campus Health Service at a Higher Education Institution. An exploratory descriptive study consisting of a qualitative nature was employed. Data was obtained from semi-structured interviews. The questions that were posed to participants read as follows: (1) “Tell me about the demands placed on you in your current work situation”, (2) “How do you cope with the demands placed on you?”, (3) “What can be done to assist you to cope better at work?”, and lastly (4) “Any additional questions/comments?”. The fourth question was added by the researcher in order for participants to have the opportunity to add to what they have said previously. Data was gathered until data saturation was reached. Tesch’s model of content analysis as well as Guba’s model of trustworthiness was employed, in order to analyse the data. An independent coder was subsequently employed to ensure the trustworthiness of the data. The findings revealed that all participants found workplace demands to be stressful, in terms of physical, emotional and time-related demands placed on them. Participants identified strategies that could help them cope with their demands such as open air activities, debriefing with colleagues or making use of a wellness line, maintaining a positive attitude, support from management and colleagues, the ability to practice initiative and autonomous decision-making, and lastly, religious practices. In addition, participants made recommendations on how employers can help relieve their stress. The recommendations included developing an in-house wellness programme, providing sufficient staff of the correct categories, providing adequate facilities and equipment to improve efficiency, providing developmental opportunities, scheduling training programmes for less busy times of the year, and lastly, introducing elements of structured flexi-time for employees.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Smith, G
- Subjects: Nurses -- Job stress , Resilience (Personality trait) , Nursing -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10086 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020948
- Description: A person’s career takes up a large portion of his or her life for a minimum of 8 hours per day. A large portion of their time is spent performing their duties which are often accompanied by various demands or pressure that can result in an employee experiencing stress. Over time this build-up of stress due to job demands affects their ability to perform at work. This study aimed to identify, explore and describe the factors that facilitate the resilience of healthcare professionals working at a Campus Health Service at a Higher Education Institution. An exploratory descriptive study consisting of a qualitative nature was employed. Data was obtained from semi-structured interviews. The questions that were posed to participants read as follows: (1) “Tell me about the demands placed on you in your current work situation”, (2) “How do you cope with the demands placed on you?”, (3) “What can be done to assist you to cope better at work?”, and lastly (4) “Any additional questions/comments?”. The fourth question was added by the researcher in order for participants to have the opportunity to add to what they have said previously. Data was gathered until data saturation was reached. Tesch’s model of content analysis as well as Guba’s model of trustworthiness was employed, in order to analyse the data. An independent coder was subsequently employed to ensure the trustworthiness of the data. The findings revealed that all participants found workplace demands to be stressful, in terms of physical, emotional and time-related demands placed on them. Participants identified strategies that could help them cope with their demands such as open air activities, debriefing with colleagues or making use of a wellness line, maintaining a positive attitude, support from management and colleagues, the ability to practice initiative and autonomous decision-making, and lastly, religious practices. In addition, participants made recommendations on how employers can help relieve their stress. The recommendations included developing an in-house wellness programme, providing sufficient staff of the correct categories, providing adequate facilities and equipment to improve efficiency, providing developmental opportunities, scheduling training programmes for less busy times of the year, and lastly, introducing elements of structured flexi-time for employees.
- Full Text:
Philosophies that inform discipline strategies among teachers
- Authors: Von Wildemann, Amy-Rose
- Subjects: School discipline -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9504 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1302 , School discipline -- South Africa
- Description: Numerous teachers in South Africa are experiencing ill‐discipline within the classroom environment. They are not receiving the necessary support and guidance from the relevant departments, and thus, rely on their own reactive measures to manage the disruptive behaviour present in the classroom. Previous studies have shown that the South African Education Department has not provided all teachers with the necessary training needed to implement the new discipline strategies proposed by the Department of Education. Therefore, teachers rely on what they perceive to be effective in maintaining discipline, which is an indication of their personal teaching philosophy, as they base their own knowledge on what they have experienced and learnt in the past. This study followed a qualitative enquiry, which is descriptive and explorative. The data generation tools that were utilised for the study were, ‘drawing’ and ‘photo album’, both of which represent visual methodology activities. Furthermore, the primary aim of the study is to determine the underlying teaching philosophies that inform selected township teachers’ approaches to discipline in their classrooms. However, the findings indicated that the use of corporal punishment is still visibly prevalent in this township school. Even though it was revealed that the prominent teaching philosophy was not that of fundamental pedagogics, but featured somewhere in between the humanising pedagogy and Noddings’ theory of caring, the effects of teaching during Apartheid under the principles of fundamental pedagogics is still existent in the township.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Von Wildemann, Amy-Rose
- Subjects: School discipline -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9504 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1302 , School discipline -- South Africa
- Description: Numerous teachers in South Africa are experiencing ill‐discipline within the classroom environment. They are not receiving the necessary support and guidance from the relevant departments, and thus, rely on their own reactive measures to manage the disruptive behaviour present in the classroom. Previous studies have shown that the South African Education Department has not provided all teachers with the necessary training needed to implement the new discipline strategies proposed by the Department of Education. Therefore, teachers rely on what they perceive to be effective in maintaining discipline, which is an indication of their personal teaching philosophy, as they base their own knowledge on what they have experienced and learnt in the past. This study followed a qualitative enquiry, which is descriptive and explorative. The data generation tools that were utilised for the study were, ‘drawing’ and ‘photo album’, both of which represent visual methodology activities. Furthermore, the primary aim of the study is to determine the underlying teaching philosophies that inform selected township teachers’ approaches to discipline in their classrooms. However, the findings indicated that the use of corporal punishment is still visibly prevalent in this township school. Even though it was revealed that the prominent teaching philosophy was not that of fundamental pedagogics, but featured somewhere in between the humanising pedagogy and Noddings’ theory of caring, the effects of teaching during Apartheid under the principles of fundamental pedagogics is still existent in the township.
- Full Text:
Rehabilitation of children with severe acute malnutrition with ready-to-use therapeutic food compared to F100 at Clairwood Hospital, KwaZulu-Natal
- Authors: Nomvete, Anele Yoliswa
- Subjects: Malnutrition in children -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Dietary supplements -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Rehabilitation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10087 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020982
- Description: Background: The World Health Organisation (WHO) initially recommended F100 formula in the treatment of severe malnutrition. F100 is made with full cream milk powder, sugar, oil and water with added minerals and vitamins. Ready to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) is a highly nutrient dense food enriched with minerals and vitamins, with a similar nutrient profile but greater energy and nutrient density than F100. RUTF has shown to be effective in the treatment of severe and moderate wasting and is associated with an increased recovery rate. In South Africa no studies are available on the recovery rate of children with severe acute malnutrition treated with RUTFs. Aim: To compare the recovery of clinically stable severe acute malnourished children, between the age of 12 and 60 months, treated with either F100 or RUTF as nutrition supplement. Methods: A randomised clinically controlled trial was performed. All children referred to Clairwood hospital with severe acute malnutrition (SAM), defined as a weight for height measurement of <70 percent of the median and/or < -3 SD below the mean WHO reference values or the presence of bilateral oedema were included in this study. Children were stratified according to age and gender and subsequently randomly assigned with randomisation tables to either the RUTF or F100 group. A total of 35 children were included in this study and data from 34 were analysed with 17 in each group. Results: Most children included in this study were between 12 and 18 months with boys in the majority. Both groups had a large percentage of HIV-infected children (70 percent in the RUTF group and 76 percent in the F100 group), with Tuberculosis (TB) co-infection in some of the children. One child died due to HIV related complications. The rate of weight gain was 7.77g/kg/day in the RUTF group and 6.11g/kg/day in the F100 group. There was no statistical significant difference established between groups (p = 0.46). The majority of children recovered within 21 days on the RUTF while the majority of children in the F100 group recovered after 6 weeks. There were no changes in height during the rehabilitation of these children. MUAC changes were observed with 92 percent having a mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) of > 11.5cm after a 6 week intervention with RUTF and F100. Conclusion: RUTF resulted in better rates of recovery and can be used efficiently in rehabilitating children with SAM in a supervised facility setting. These preliminary results also point towards significant potential savings regarding hospitalisation costs since faster recovery has been demonstrated by children in the RUTF group.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Nomvete, Anele Yoliswa
- Subjects: Malnutrition in children -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Dietary supplements -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Rehabilitation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10087 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020982
- Description: Background: The World Health Organisation (WHO) initially recommended F100 formula in the treatment of severe malnutrition. F100 is made with full cream milk powder, sugar, oil and water with added minerals and vitamins. Ready to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) is a highly nutrient dense food enriched with minerals and vitamins, with a similar nutrient profile but greater energy and nutrient density than F100. RUTF has shown to be effective in the treatment of severe and moderate wasting and is associated with an increased recovery rate. In South Africa no studies are available on the recovery rate of children with severe acute malnutrition treated with RUTFs. Aim: To compare the recovery of clinically stable severe acute malnourished children, between the age of 12 and 60 months, treated with either F100 or RUTF as nutrition supplement. Methods: A randomised clinically controlled trial was performed. All children referred to Clairwood hospital with severe acute malnutrition (SAM), defined as a weight for height measurement of <70 percent of the median and/or < -3 SD below the mean WHO reference values or the presence of bilateral oedema were included in this study. Children were stratified according to age and gender and subsequently randomly assigned with randomisation tables to either the RUTF or F100 group. A total of 35 children were included in this study and data from 34 were analysed with 17 in each group. Results: Most children included in this study were between 12 and 18 months with boys in the majority. Both groups had a large percentage of HIV-infected children (70 percent in the RUTF group and 76 percent in the F100 group), with Tuberculosis (TB) co-infection in some of the children. One child died due to HIV related complications. The rate of weight gain was 7.77g/kg/day in the RUTF group and 6.11g/kg/day in the F100 group. There was no statistical significant difference established between groups (p = 0.46). The majority of children recovered within 21 days on the RUTF while the majority of children in the F100 group recovered after 6 weeks. There were no changes in height during the rehabilitation of these children. MUAC changes were observed with 92 percent having a mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) of > 11.5cm after a 6 week intervention with RUTF and F100. Conclusion: RUTF resulted in better rates of recovery and can be used efficiently in rehabilitating children with SAM in a supervised facility setting. These preliminary results also point towards significant potential savings regarding hospitalisation costs since faster recovery has been demonstrated by children in the RUTF group.
- Full Text:
Self-regulation of the press in South Africa: analysis of selected cases
- Authors: Johaar, Odette
- Subjects: Press -- South Africa , Press and politics -- South Africa -- History -- 20th century , Freedom of the press -- South Africa , Newspapers , Journalism -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8423 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019752
- Description: The aim of this study is to present information to members of the South African press, academics in the field of journalism as well as individuals of the South African public who have a keen interest in printed communication in South Africa. The information presented discusses the practice of self-regulation in the South African press, through a study of the Press Council of South Africa (PCSA), the Press Ombudsman and the Press Appeals Panel that is a non-governmental organisation to regulate the press in South Africa. This study will include an analysis of the functions of the Press Ombudsman, the PCSA, the Press Appeals Panel, as well as the role of the constitution of the PSCA and the South African Press Code, which the PCSA uses as a guideline for publications that subscribe to it. Furthermore, a study into the complaints procedure and the determination of the outcome will be done in addition to the sanctions imposed on publications and journalists in breach of the Press Code as well as the acknowledgement given to individuals who have lodged a complaint to the Press Ombudsman, and the article or publication they have complained against had been in breach of the press code. In addition, this study will analyse the outcomes of selected complaints submitted to the PCSA as well as an analysis of submissions made to the PCSA task team and the Press Freedom Commission, an independent commission that was set up to research the regulations of the press. It was found that the PCSA strengthened the system of regulation with the help of the public. It is apparent that the organisation took into account many of the points raised in public submissions. Although the system is self-regulatory it is important to take note that it values and upholds the views of the public. Although though the sanctioning of wayward newspapers was not severe, it had become more defined in the amended code. A point of concern that did not improve over time is the time frame that the Press Ombudsman‟s Office took to resolve the disputes. The delays caused in some disputes were caused by loop holes in the press code and complaints procedure as well as defiant journalists. The PCSA is currently being restructured. As a society changes, the press industry needs to adapt to its needs. This means that the press code will have to constantly be developed to suit society‟s rapidly changing needs. The PCSA has attempted to meet those needs by constantly changing to ensure that the regulatory structure remains relevant.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Johaar, Odette
- Subjects: Press -- South Africa , Press and politics -- South Africa -- History -- 20th century , Freedom of the press -- South Africa , Newspapers , Journalism -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8423 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019752
- Description: The aim of this study is to present information to members of the South African press, academics in the field of journalism as well as individuals of the South African public who have a keen interest in printed communication in South Africa. The information presented discusses the practice of self-regulation in the South African press, through a study of the Press Council of South Africa (PCSA), the Press Ombudsman and the Press Appeals Panel that is a non-governmental organisation to regulate the press in South Africa. This study will include an analysis of the functions of the Press Ombudsman, the PCSA, the Press Appeals Panel, as well as the role of the constitution of the PSCA and the South African Press Code, which the PCSA uses as a guideline for publications that subscribe to it. Furthermore, a study into the complaints procedure and the determination of the outcome will be done in addition to the sanctions imposed on publications and journalists in breach of the Press Code as well as the acknowledgement given to individuals who have lodged a complaint to the Press Ombudsman, and the article or publication they have complained against had been in breach of the press code. In addition, this study will analyse the outcomes of selected complaints submitted to the PCSA as well as an analysis of submissions made to the PCSA task team and the Press Freedom Commission, an independent commission that was set up to research the regulations of the press. It was found that the PCSA strengthened the system of regulation with the help of the public. It is apparent that the organisation took into account many of the points raised in public submissions. Although the system is self-regulatory it is important to take note that it values and upholds the views of the public. Although though the sanctioning of wayward newspapers was not severe, it had become more defined in the amended code. A point of concern that did not improve over time is the time frame that the Press Ombudsman‟s Office took to resolve the disputes. The delays caused in some disputes were caused by loop holes in the press code and complaints procedure as well as defiant journalists. The PCSA is currently being restructured. As a society changes, the press industry needs to adapt to its needs. This means that the press code will have to constantly be developed to suit society‟s rapidly changing needs. The PCSA has attempted to meet those needs by constantly changing to ensure that the regulatory structure remains relevant.
- Full Text:
Speaking out : Africa orality and post-colonial preoccupations in selected examples of contemporary performance poetry
- Authors: Mnensa, Mabel Thandeka
- Subjects: Oral interpretation of poetry , Poetry slams , Oral tradition -- Africa , Folk literature -- Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8455 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1193 , Oral interpretation of poetry , Poetry slams , Oral tradition -- Africa , Folk literature -- Africa
- Description: Contemporary performance poetry is a democratic art form that elicits dialogue and is a catalyst for social change. Yet it is an art form that is still not well understood: it is accused of unconsciously mimicking hip-hop and being a watered-down, lesser version of "real" poetry. However once its power is harnessed it may be a powerful art form that can be used to address social ills and act as a medium for memory work. The themes that are prevalent in contemporary performance poetry illustrate society‘s preoccupations. Different South African and American poets from a wide range of socio-economic, national, generational and racial backgrounds are examined to explore the collective preoccupations that keep emerging in the poetry, issues pertaining to race and class, gender, and to the politics of the past and its effect on the present. There is a long debate around the influences of contemporary performance poetry, which is negotiated in Chapter One. Though Gil Scott-Heron‘s "The Revolution will not be Televised" is identified as being a major influence, Saul Williams‘s "Black Stacey" challenges some of the arguments made by Scott-Heron. Lesego Rampolokeng lays the foundation for South African performance poetry by criticising the new black elite in the country in "Riding the Victim Train". Chapter Two examines how the poets challenge the status quo in their work. Sarah Jones‘s "Blood" illustrates how the new black middle class in America is complicit in keeping poor people on the margins, while Kgafela oa Magogodi levels his criticism against state sanctioned poets in South Africa. Mxolisi Nyezwa‘s "The Man is Gone" illustrates that the new class based hierarchal system in South Africa is potentially harsher than the apartheid one that was based on race. Chapter Three focuses on gender issues that are prevalent in South Africa. Tumi Molekane‘s "Yvonne" illustrates the danger that is embedded in the hetero-normative narrative while oa Magogodi‘s "Samson and deli(e)lah" and Sam‘s "Eve" explore how this narrative is unjustly informed by misinterpretations of the Bible. History and the impact of the past on the present is the focus of Chapter Four. "76" by Molekane illustrates how the apartheid legacy still affects many in South Africa, while Andrea Gibson‘s "Eli" explores the devastating effects of America‘s war efforts in Iraq. Dennis Brutus highlights the cathartic attributes of poetry that is community-driven in "So Neat They Were" and "Mumia". The chapter ends with an exploration of how the form of izibongo is used by Chris Thurman in "Holy City (A Jozi Praise-Poem)". The last poem illustrates how the past informs the present and suggests that despite the bleakness of the past, there is hope for South Africa because of its rich cultural heritage.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mnensa, Mabel Thandeka
- Subjects: Oral interpretation of poetry , Poetry slams , Oral tradition -- Africa , Folk literature -- Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8455 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1193 , Oral interpretation of poetry , Poetry slams , Oral tradition -- Africa , Folk literature -- Africa
- Description: Contemporary performance poetry is a democratic art form that elicits dialogue and is a catalyst for social change. Yet it is an art form that is still not well understood: it is accused of unconsciously mimicking hip-hop and being a watered-down, lesser version of "real" poetry. However once its power is harnessed it may be a powerful art form that can be used to address social ills and act as a medium for memory work. The themes that are prevalent in contemporary performance poetry illustrate society‘s preoccupations. Different South African and American poets from a wide range of socio-economic, national, generational and racial backgrounds are examined to explore the collective preoccupations that keep emerging in the poetry, issues pertaining to race and class, gender, and to the politics of the past and its effect on the present. There is a long debate around the influences of contemporary performance poetry, which is negotiated in Chapter One. Though Gil Scott-Heron‘s "The Revolution will not be Televised" is identified as being a major influence, Saul Williams‘s "Black Stacey" challenges some of the arguments made by Scott-Heron. Lesego Rampolokeng lays the foundation for South African performance poetry by criticising the new black elite in the country in "Riding the Victim Train". Chapter Two examines how the poets challenge the status quo in their work. Sarah Jones‘s "Blood" illustrates how the new black middle class in America is complicit in keeping poor people on the margins, while Kgafela oa Magogodi levels his criticism against state sanctioned poets in South Africa. Mxolisi Nyezwa‘s "The Man is Gone" illustrates that the new class based hierarchal system in South Africa is potentially harsher than the apartheid one that was based on race. Chapter Three focuses on gender issues that are prevalent in South Africa. Tumi Molekane‘s "Yvonne" illustrates the danger that is embedded in the hetero-normative narrative while oa Magogodi‘s "Samson and deli(e)lah" and Sam‘s "Eve" explore how this narrative is unjustly informed by misinterpretations of the Bible. History and the impact of the past on the present is the focus of Chapter Four. "76" by Molekane illustrates how the apartheid legacy still affects many in South Africa, while Andrea Gibson‘s "Eli" explores the devastating effects of America‘s war efforts in Iraq. Dennis Brutus highlights the cathartic attributes of poetry that is community-driven in "So Neat They Were" and "Mumia". The chapter ends with an exploration of how the form of izibongo is used by Chris Thurman in "Holy City (A Jozi Praise-Poem)". The last poem illustrates how the past informs the present and suggests that despite the bleakness of the past, there is hope for South Africa because of its rich cultural heritage.
- Full Text: