The impact of Labour-business relations in South Africa: factors that affect Labour business relations in the manufacturing industry
- Authors: Madlingozi, Azola
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Industrial relations -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54014 , vital:46178
- Description: Industries play a significant role in a country’s economic growth stability and development. In analysing an industry, one could liken it to a big oil machine that requires all its parts to work in unison to achieve a single goal. In most cases, the biggest issue that causes conflicts or for the industry not to run smoothly is the relationship between labour and business. Some of these conflicts could be caused by the historic background of a country, lack of trust between both parties, the income difference between management and labour, and last, the lack of proper communication between both parties. This study aims to assess the role of the Labour Relation Act (LRA) of the South African manufacturing industry to educate and improve the future business sphere on how to engage labour in decision-making strategies and investigate relevant management strategies that could be employed to affect the labour-business relation positively in South Africa (SA). The importance of this study is crucial to the SA economy since SA is still a developing country. Good labour-business relations imply good industry productions, which, therefore, will promote investor confidence in SA for sustainable growth in the SA economy. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Madlingozi, Azola
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Industrial relations -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54014 , vital:46178
- Description: Industries play a significant role in a country’s economic growth stability and development. In analysing an industry, one could liken it to a big oil machine that requires all its parts to work in unison to achieve a single goal. In most cases, the biggest issue that causes conflicts or for the industry not to run smoothly is the relationship between labour and business. Some of these conflicts could be caused by the historic background of a country, lack of trust between both parties, the income difference between management and labour, and last, the lack of proper communication between both parties. This study aims to assess the role of the Labour Relation Act (LRA) of the South African manufacturing industry to educate and improve the future business sphere on how to engage labour in decision-making strategies and investigate relevant management strategies that could be employed to affect the labour-business relation positively in South Africa (SA). The importance of this study is crucial to the SA economy since SA is still a developing country. Good labour-business relations imply good industry productions, which, therefore, will promote investor confidence in SA for sustainable growth in the SA economy. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
The impact of transformed landscapes on the resource selection and occupancy of specialized browsing species in a lowland fynbos and renosterveld ecosystem
- Swanepoel, Hermanus Izak Johannes
- Authors: Swanepoel, Hermanus Izak Johannes
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54132 , vital:46308
- Description: Human activities have dramatically transformed the natural environment over the last century. In most cases these activities have resulted in the destruction and fragmentation of habitats. However, in some areas the transformation of landscapes through agriculture have created novel habitats which could benefit some species. The effect of these transformed landscapes on the resource selection and occupancy of antelope species in different vegetation types such as fynbos and renosterveld are still understudied. In order to investigate this,we conducted a study in the Overberg region of the Western Cape, South Africa. We studied theoccupancy and habitat useof five specialist browsing species (Tragelaphus scriptus sylvaticus(bushbuck), Rhaphicerus melanotis(cape grysbok), Sylvicapra grimmia(common duiker), Palea Capreolus(grey rhebok) and Rhaphicerus campestris(steenbok)) within a transformed landscape. We collected speciesdetection/ non-detectionand presence/ absence data using camera traps and road strip counts.Usinga single season, single species occupancy framework as a surrogate for habitat usewedeterminedhow transformed landscapes affected their occupancy. Using aniche factor analysis and resource selection functions wedetermine how transformed landscapes affected the resource selectionof these species. Our results from the resource selection analysis indicated that steenbok, grey rhebok, andcommon duiker included crops such as wheat and planted pastures in their resource selection while also including natural vegetation. Cape grysbok and bushbuck selected predominantly for natural vegetation areas such as critical biodiversity areas and ecological support areas while also including some crops in their resource selection. Our results from the occupancy analysis indicatedthat steenbok, grey rhebok and common duiker had a higher occupancy in the transformed landscape than in the natural landscape. Bushbuck and Cape grysbok showed little to no difference in their occupancy between land use types. The insight provided by our results will allow practitioners to maximise the potentialof these mosaic landscape in the Overberg for mammal conservation.The study also provides a baseline from which further research and monitoring programs can be developed to further understand the dynamics of this landscape. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Swanepoel, Hermanus Izak Johannes
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54132 , vital:46308
- Description: Human activities have dramatically transformed the natural environment over the last century. In most cases these activities have resulted in the destruction and fragmentation of habitats. However, in some areas the transformation of landscapes through agriculture have created novel habitats which could benefit some species. The effect of these transformed landscapes on the resource selection and occupancy of antelope species in different vegetation types such as fynbos and renosterveld are still understudied. In order to investigate this,we conducted a study in the Overberg region of the Western Cape, South Africa. We studied theoccupancy and habitat useof five specialist browsing species (Tragelaphus scriptus sylvaticus(bushbuck), Rhaphicerus melanotis(cape grysbok), Sylvicapra grimmia(common duiker), Palea Capreolus(grey rhebok) and Rhaphicerus campestris(steenbok)) within a transformed landscape. We collected speciesdetection/ non-detectionand presence/ absence data using camera traps and road strip counts.Usinga single season, single species occupancy framework as a surrogate for habitat usewedeterminedhow transformed landscapes affected their occupancy. Using aniche factor analysis and resource selection functions wedetermine how transformed landscapes affected the resource selectionof these species. Our results from the resource selection analysis indicated that steenbok, grey rhebok, andcommon duiker included crops such as wheat and planted pastures in their resource selection while also including natural vegetation. Cape grysbok and bushbuck selected predominantly for natural vegetation areas such as critical biodiversity areas and ecological support areas while also including some crops in their resource selection. Our results from the occupancy analysis indicatedthat steenbok, grey rhebok and common duiker had a higher occupancy in the transformed landscape than in the natural landscape. Bushbuck and Cape grysbok showed little to no difference in their occupancy between land use types. The insight provided by our results will allow practitioners to maximise the potentialof these mosaic landscape in the Overberg for mammal conservation.The study also provides a baseline from which further research and monitoring programs can be developed to further understand the dynamics of this landscape. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
The importance of public officials’ knowledge and understanding of the constitutional principles of public administration
- Authors: Zameko, Zamuxolo
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54596 , vital:46732
- Description: Public officials in South Africa have been accused of lacking accountability, transparency, corruption, inefficiencies, unethical practices and a general unmotivated approach to service delivery. Section 195 of the 1996 constitution emphasises the need for public officials to be efficient, effective and not to be partial in their execution of duty. On that basis the research sought to investigate whether the public officials can improve on their performance if they are exposed to and are knowledgeable of the constitution. The study utilized a qualitative research method and a document analysis in which documents which served as sources of information were selected based on their relevance to the subject area of Public Administration. The documents selected were legal instruments used to enforce the operations of public officials including the Constitution of South Africa (1996), Batho Pele, White Paper on the Transformation of the Public Service, 1995; Promotion of Access to Information (Act no 2 of 2000 and Promotion of Equality & Prevention of Unfair Discrimination (Ac no 4 of 2000) Findings of the research indicate that key skills of the public officials like effective communication, change management, conflict resolution, decision-making, negotiation and accountability can be enhanced if they are knowledgeable of their constitutional mandate. The Public Service board should among others emphasize on constitutional principles training of all its employees upon recruitment such that they are aware of the public expectations. Continuous on the job training should also be offered to public officials so that their operations are always adjusted to the prevailing environmental and technological conditions. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Zameko, Zamuxolo
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54596 , vital:46732
- Description: Public officials in South Africa have been accused of lacking accountability, transparency, corruption, inefficiencies, unethical practices and a general unmotivated approach to service delivery. Section 195 of the 1996 constitution emphasises the need for public officials to be efficient, effective and not to be partial in their execution of duty. On that basis the research sought to investigate whether the public officials can improve on their performance if they are exposed to and are knowledgeable of the constitution. The study utilized a qualitative research method and a document analysis in which documents which served as sources of information were selected based on their relevance to the subject area of Public Administration. The documents selected were legal instruments used to enforce the operations of public officials including the Constitution of South Africa (1996), Batho Pele, White Paper on the Transformation of the Public Service, 1995; Promotion of Access to Information (Act no 2 of 2000 and Promotion of Equality & Prevention of Unfair Discrimination (Ac no 4 of 2000) Findings of the research indicate that key skills of the public officials like effective communication, change management, conflict resolution, decision-making, negotiation and accountability can be enhanced if they are knowledgeable of their constitutional mandate. The Public Service board should among others emphasize on constitutional principles training of all its employees upon recruitment such that they are aware of the public expectations. Continuous on the job training should also be offered to public officials so that their operations are always adjusted to the prevailing environmental and technological conditions. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
The influence of COVID-19 on online shopping behaviour in South Africa
- Authors: Shati, Joseph
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Teleshopping -- South Africa , Consumer behavior --South Africa , COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020- -- South Africa -- Influence
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54330 , vital:46429
- Description: The traditional brick-and-mortar stores have had to endure competition in the recent past from the arrival of various shopping channels, particularly the online shopping. Despite the competition enhanced by a proliferation of technology, brick-and-mortar is still the preferred shopping channel. This is largely due to the shopping behaviour, which is generally stable and slow to change unless it is distorted by a catastrophic event. The advent of the corona virus pandemic has seen nations imposing restrictions on gatherings and encouraging moving to online platforms for both social and business interactions as a way to curb transmission of the deadly virus. This major life event has the potential to distort traditional shopping behaviour. Therefore, this study seeks to investigate whether the pandemic has had an influence on online shopping in South Africa. The research aims to examine the different shopping channels and factors that lure customers to those channels paying particular attention to online shopping during the pandemic. Communication, technology, product variety, payment method, delivery, shopping behaviour, COVID-19 and demographics were identified during a literature review as independent factors that influence online shopping. A positivism paradigm, which informed the selection of a quantitative method, was adopted for this research in order to achieve the study’s research objectives. An online questionnaire was designed to collect data and was distributed by the university’s first-year MBA students. The collected data were analysed with the assistance of the university’s statistician. The ethics approval for the study was obtained from the Nelson Mandela University’s Ethics Committee, reference number H21-BES-BS-003. The study draws from the Technology Acceptance Model, Theory of Planned Behaviour and Diffusion of Innovation theories to gain a better understanding on the acceptance of technologies’ influence on online shopping. The study identified that the biographic variables, namely age, income, education, gender and employment status have an influence on online shopping. The relationship between the different independent factors and online shopping was tested using the Exploratory Factor Analysis, Pearson correlations and Chi2 Tests. The factors Payment method, Shopping behaviour, Current impact of COVID-19, Acceptance of technologies and Product variety were found to have a significant influence on online shopping.Based on the research findings, the study formulated recommendations for online businesses in South Africa. The research findings will allow businesses to promptly implement strategies that meet the consumers’ needs and gain competitive advantage. Based on the findings, businesses are urged to improve security on payment methods, leverage technology to offer improved customer experience and primarily market to the 18-39 years employed cohort. These recommendations will assist businesses to retain these online shopping customers post the pandemic. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Shati, Joseph
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Teleshopping -- South Africa , Consumer behavior --South Africa , COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020- -- South Africa -- Influence
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54330 , vital:46429
- Description: The traditional brick-and-mortar stores have had to endure competition in the recent past from the arrival of various shopping channels, particularly the online shopping. Despite the competition enhanced by a proliferation of technology, brick-and-mortar is still the preferred shopping channel. This is largely due to the shopping behaviour, which is generally stable and slow to change unless it is distorted by a catastrophic event. The advent of the corona virus pandemic has seen nations imposing restrictions on gatherings and encouraging moving to online platforms for both social and business interactions as a way to curb transmission of the deadly virus. This major life event has the potential to distort traditional shopping behaviour. Therefore, this study seeks to investigate whether the pandemic has had an influence on online shopping in South Africa. The research aims to examine the different shopping channels and factors that lure customers to those channels paying particular attention to online shopping during the pandemic. Communication, technology, product variety, payment method, delivery, shopping behaviour, COVID-19 and demographics were identified during a literature review as independent factors that influence online shopping. A positivism paradigm, which informed the selection of a quantitative method, was adopted for this research in order to achieve the study’s research objectives. An online questionnaire was designed to collect data and was distributed by the university’s first-year MBA students. The collected data were analysed with the assistance of the university’s statistician. The ethics approval for the study was obtained from the Nelson Mandela University’s Ethics Committee, reference number H21-BES-BS-003. The study draws from the Technology Acceptance Model, Theory of Planned Behaviour and Diffusion of Innovation theories to gain a better understanding on the acceptance of technologies’ influence on online shopping. The study identified that the biographic variables, namely age, income, education, gender and employment status have an influence on online shopping. The relationship between the different independent factors and online shopping was tested using the Exploratory Factor Analysis, Pearson correlations and Chi2 Tests. The factors Payment method, Shopping behaviour, Current impact of COVID-19, Acceptance of technologies and Product variety were found to have a significant influence on online shopping.Based on the research findings, the study formulated recommendations for online businesses in South Africa. The research findings will allow businesses to promptly implement strategies that meet the consumers’ needs and gain competitive advantage. Based on the findings, businesses are urged to improve security on payment methods, leverage technology to offer improved customer experience and primarily market to the 18-39 years employed cohort. These recommendations will assist businesses to retain these online shopping customers post the pandemic. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
The relationship between digitisation, customer service and customer loyalty in the South African banking industry
- Authors: Reddy, Denzil
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Banks and banking -- Information technology -- South Africa , Banks and banking -- Digitization -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54319 , vital:46426
- Description: Digitisation has forced modernisation across many industries over the last decade; it has created a world of trade without boundaries, seamless integration with technology, improving business and quality of life in general. The banking industry in South Africa has been impacted by the rapid emergence of financial technology (Fintech) companies who are challenging the status quo of traditional banking. Their fundamental difference from traditional banks is their ability to create a solution for problems in the market at rapid speed; they use digitisation as their core foundation when developing products to satisfy consumer needs. They are introducing banking capabilities faster and more efficiently than traditional banks, creating a new breed of client needs. Customers want a more robust, seamless, and quicker client experience from traditional banks, which are being offered via Fintechs. The objectives of this study were to identify what impact does digitisation have on customer service and customer loyalty in the South African banking environment, it aimed to establish what role digitisation embodies in a face to face customer service environment, whilst exploring if there is a need for physical banker engagement to reduce attrition and build loyalty. To achieve the objectives, data was collected via electronic surveys, which was distributed to 250 participants in which 103 completed surveys was received. Participants were South African adults who owned a bank account. Quantitative methodology was used given the population size of South African banked individuals. The overall conclusion is that digitisation directly affects customer service and customer loyalty, decisions are made factoring in digitisation when considering a bank as a service provider. Whilst it has a direct influence, and affects the overall decision-making process by consumers, good customer service, irrespective of the delivery channel, is still critical and fundamentally the key driver when opting to use a bank. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Reddy, Denzil
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Banks and banking -- Information technology -- South Africa , Banks and banking -- Digitization -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54319 , vital:46426
- Description: Digitisation has forced modernisation across many industries over the last decade; it has created a world of trade without boundaries, seamless integration with technology, improving business and quality of life in general. The banking industry in South Africa has been impacted by the rapid emergence of financial technology (Fintech) companies who are challenging the status quo of traditional banking. Their fundamental difference from traditional banks is their ability to create a solution for problems in the market at rapid speed; they use digitisation as their core foundation when developing products to satisfy consumer needs. They are introducing banking capabilities faster and more efficiently than traditional banks, creating a new breed of client needs. Customers want a more robust, seamless, and quicker client experience from traditional banks, which are being offered via Fintechs. The objectives of this study were to identify what impact does digitisation have on customer service and customer loyalty in the South African banking environment, it aimed to establish what role digitisation embodies in a face to face customer service environment, whilst exploring if there is a need for physical banker engagement to reduce attrition and build loyalty. To achieve the objectives, data was collected via electronic surveys, which was distributed to 250 participants in which 103 completed surveys was received. Participants were South African adults who owned a bank account. Quantitative methodology was used given the population size of South African banked individuals. The overall conclusion is that digitisation directly affects customer service and customer loyalty, decisions are made factoring in digitisation when considering a bank as a service provider. Whilst it has a direct influence, and affects the overall decision-making process by consumers, good customer service, irrespective of the delivery channel, is still critical and fundamentally the key driver when opting to use a bank. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
The role of community led support groups in facilitating relapse prevention to young adults with a substance use disorder
- Authors: Teko,Luvuyo
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Substance abuse--Relapse--Prevention , Substance abuse--Treatment--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55766 , vital:53457
- Description: Substance use disorder (SUD) is a cause of great concern globally and in South Africa. Epidemiological studies in South Africa indicate that the age of onset of substance use is rapidly decreasing with time from the age of 17 to as young as 10 years of age. Research confirms that early identification and treatment of harmful substance use reduce the chances of developing a substance use disorder. This study focused on young adults whose harmful use of substances escalated into a substance use disorder. Aftercare is an integral component in addressing risk factors to facilitate ongoing recovery. This study focused on community-led support groups as an aftercare strategy for SUD recovery. The aim of this qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, and contextual study was to develop an in-depth understanding of how community-led support groups can facilitate relapse prevention in the aftercare of young adults with substance use disorders. Non-probability purposive and snowball sampling were employed to recruit members from community-led support groups between 18 and 35 years of age who had been in recovery for a substance use disorder for six months and longer. A total of nine participants were sampled from three different community led support groups in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro. Data was collected through individual, online, semi-structured interviews. The data was analysed by means of thematic analysis. The findings showed that community led support groups are viable vehicles for recovery in the aftercare. What was unique was the employment of strategies of needs identification and active responses that improved the recovery potential of young adults. What was further noted was how Community-led support groups can tailor their assistance to the unique needs of their members who take ownership of the group instead of relying on professional interventions. In conclusion, the community-led support groups in this study served as a viable strategy for the ongoing recovery in the aftercare of the participants in this study. Data verification strategies were employed to ensure the trustworthiness and rigour of the study. There was strict adherence to all ethical considerations. , Thesis (MA)Social Work -- Faculty of Health Sciences, Social Development Professionals, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Teko,Luvuyo
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Substance abuse--Relapse--Prevention , Substance abuse--Treatment--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55766 , vital:53457
- Description: Substance use disorder (SUD) is a cause of great concern globally and in South Africa. Epidemiological studies in South Africa indicate that the age of onset of substance use is rapidly decreasing with time from the age of 17 to as young as 10 years of age. Research confirms that early identification and treatment of harmful substance use reduce the chances of developing a substance use disorder. This study focused on young adults whose harmful use of substances escalated into a substance use disorder. Aftercare is an integral component in addressing risk factors to facilitate ongoing recovery. This study focused on community-led support groups as an aftercare strategy for SUD recovery. The aim of this qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, and contextual study was to develop an in-depth understanding of how community-led support groups can facilitate relapse prevention in the aftercare of young adults with substance use disorders. Non-probability purposive and snowball sampling were employed to recruit members from community-led support groups between 18 and 35 years of age who had been in recovery for a substance use disorder for six months and longer. A total of nine participants were sampled from three different community led support groups in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro. Data was collected through individual, online, semi-structured interviews. The data was analysed by means of thematic analysis. The findings showed that community led support groups are viable vehicles for recovery in the aftercare. What was unique was the employment of strategies of needs identification and active responses that improved the recovery potential of young adults. What was further noted was how Community-led support groups can tailor their assistance to the unique needs of their members who take ownership of the group instead of relying on professional interventions. In conclusion, the community-led support groups in this study served as a viable strategy for the ongoing recovery in the aftercare of the participants in this study. Data verification strategies were employed to ensure the trustworthiness and rigour of the study. There was strict adherence to all ethical considerations. , Thesis (MA)Social Work -- Faculty of Health Sciences, Social Development Professionals, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
The social capital of informal economy operators in the Walmer township
- Authors: Frimpong, Kusi Amoah
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Infrastructure (Economics) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53910 , vital:46033
- Description: In recent years, South Africa has witnessed a significant increase in the unemployment rate. As a result, many people found themselves in the informal sector, which has become their livelihood option. Townships, which have been historically disconnected from the socio-economic grid, have high unemployment, and the informal sector is barely recognized and supported by the government. Despite this, the informal sector thrives and continues to support many households and communities. It also contributes to the country’s GDP. Thus, this study set out to develop a better understanding on the issues around social capital and informal operators, using Walmer Township as a case study. Literature related to the study on informal sector and social capital was reviewed to gain insight into the views of other writers on the topic under study. A Qualitative research design was adopted in this study. The study used both primary and secondary methods for data collection, - that is interviews and documents analysis respectively. Data was analysed through inductive thematic analysis. The findings of the study showed that social capital is a contributing factor to the growth of an informal economy. The findings revealed that bonding and bridging social capital has a significant effect on the growth of informal businesses. The study equally found out that the informal sector faces other challenges, outside social capital, such as crime and security issues, and inadequate trading spaces. The study recommends that, -the government should consider improving the security needs of the Township to boost the informal sector. The local government needs to organize programs to educate informal business owners on the importance of social capital. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Frimpong, Kusi Amoah
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Infrastructure (Economics) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53910 , vital:46033
- Description: In recent years, South Africa has witnessed a significant increase in the unemployment rate. As a result, many people found themselves in the informal sector, which has become their livelihood option. Townships, which have been historically disconnected from the socio-economic grid, have high unemployment, and the informal sector is barely recognized and supported by the government. Despite this, the informal sector thrives and continues to support many households and communities. It also contributes to the country’s GDP. Thus, this study set out to develop a better understanding on the issues around social capital and informal operators, using Walmer Township as a case study. Literature related to the study on informal sector and social capital was reviewed to gain insight into the views of other writers on the topic under study. A Qualitative research design was adopted in this study. The study used both primary and secondary methods for data collection, - that is interviews and documents analysis respectively. Data was analysed through inductive thematic analysis. The findings of the study showed that social capital is a contributing factor to the growth of an informal economy. The findings revealed that bonding and bridging social capital has a significant effect on the growth of informal businesses. The study equally found out that the informal sector faces other challenges, outside social capital, such as crime and security issues, and inadequate trading spaces. The study recommends that, -the government should consider improving the security needs of the Township to boost the informal sector. The local government needs to organize programs to educate informal business owners on the importance of social capital. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
The synthesis of anastrazole intermediates using continuous flow systems
- Authors: Tanyi, Sam Tambi
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54116 , vital:46304
- Description: In this study, the continuous flow synthesis of anastrozole intermediates were investigated using mesitylene as starting material. Anastrozole is an important drug used for the treatment of breast cancer. In the first step, mesitylene was brominated using N-bromosuccinimide to obtain 3,5-bis(bromomethyl)toluene. Selectivity became an issue due to the formation of two by-products; namely 1,3,5-tris(bromomethyl) benzene (the tribrominated by-product) and 1-(bromomethyl)-3,5-dimethylbenzene (the monobrominated by-product). Since the reaction parameters can be more precisely controlled in flow chemistry systems, we were able to optimize the formation the desired product 3,5-bis(bromomethyl)toluene. The reaction was initially optimized ina 15μLChemtrix glass micro reactor resulting in 100%conversion with 95%selectivity towards the desired product 3,5-bis(bromomethyl)toluenein 15 seconds, with a throughput of 0.006 g/h. The reaction was then scaled up in a 1.7 mLLTF reactor, equally yielding 100%conversion with 95%selectivityin 4minutes, with a throughput of2.01g/h. The bromination of mesitylene was also attempted in a homemade photochemical reactor consisting of a 3.02 polytetrafluoroethylene coil reactor and BLE-6T365 UV lamp. In this photochemical reactor, although 100%conversionwas again obtained only75%selectivity was achieved in 20minutes, with a throughput of 0.025g/h. This drop in selectivity was attributed to poorer mixing in the larger polytetrafluoroethylene coil reactor and possibly insufficient light penetration. The next step, involving the cyanation of 3,5-bis(bromomethyl)toluene to obtain 2,2'-(5-methyl-1,3-phenylene) diacetonitrilegave 100%conversion in 1 minute at 190 °C in a 1.7 mLLTFreactor, with a throughput of 5.2g/h. The subsequent methylation of 3,5-bis(cyanomethyl)toluene to obtain3,5-bis(1-cyano-1-methylethyl) toluene was investigated using a1mLpolytetrafluoroethylenecoil reactor, ultimatelyachieving99%conversionat40 °Cin 8minutes, with a throughput of 0.045g/h. Next, the bromination of3,5-bis(1-cyano-1-methylethyl)toluene using N-bromosuccinimideto yield 2,2'-(5-bromomethyl-1,3-phenylene)di(2-methyl propionitrile) gave 100%conversion at 120 °C in 4 minutes, with a throughput of 0.35g/h. Lastly, the multistep synthesis of 3,5-bis(cyanomethyl)toluene was done in two integrated 1.7 mLLTF reactors, using the predetermined optimum conditions to achieve 94%conversion towards 3,5-bis(cyanomethyl)toluene with a total r , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Tanyi, Sam Tambi
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54116 , vital:46304
- Description: In this study, the continuous flow synthesis of anastrozole intermediates were investigated using mesitylene as starting material. Anastrozole is an important drug used for the treatment of breast cancer. In the first step, mesitylene was brominated using N-bromosuccinimide to obtain 3,5-bis(bromomethyl)toluene. Selectivity became an issue due to the formation of two by-products; namely 1,3,5-tris(bromomethyl) benzene (the tribrominated by-product) and 1-(bromomethyl)-3,5-dimethylbenzene (the monobrominated by-product). Since the reaction parameters can be more precisely controlled in flow chemistry systems, we were able to optimize the formation the desired product 3,5-bis(bromomethyl)toluene. The reaction was initially optimized ina 15μLChemtrix glass micro reactor resulting in 100%conversion with 95%selectivity towards the desired product 3,5-bis(bromomethyl)toluenein 15 seconds, with a throughput of 0.006 g/h. The reaction was then scaled up in a 1.7 mLLTF reactor, equally yielding 100%conversion with 95%selectivityin 4minutes, with a throughput of2.01g/h. The bromination of mesitylene was also attempted in a homemade photochemical reactor consisting of a 3.02 polytetrafluoroethylene coil reactor and BLE-6T365 UV lamp. In this photochemical reactor, although 100%conversionwas again obtained only75%selectivity was achieved in 20minutes, with a throughput of 0.025g/h. This drop in selectivity was attributed to poorer mixing in the larger polytetrafluoroethylene coil reactor and possibly insufficient light penetration. The next step, involving the cyanation of 3,5-bis(bromomethyl)toluene to obtain 2,2'-(5-methyl-1,3-phenylene) diacetonitrilegave 100%conversion in 1 minute at 190 °C in a 1.7 mLLTFreactor, with a throughput of 5.2g/h. The subsequent methylation of 3,5-bis(cyanomethyl)toluene to obtain3,5-bis(1-cyano-1-methylethyl) toluene was investigated using a1mLpolytetrafluoroethylenecoil reactor, ultimatelyachieving99%conversionat40 °Cin 8minutes, with a throughput of 0.045g/h. Next, the bromination of3,5-bis(1-cyano-1-methylethyl)toluene using N-bromosuccinimideto yield 2,2'-(5-bromomethyl-1,3-phenylene)di(2-methyl propionitrile) gave 100%conversion at 120 °C in 4 minutes, with a throughput of 0.35g/h. Lastly, the multistep synthesis of 3,5-bis(cyanomethyl)toluene was done in two integrated 1.7 mLLTF reactors, using the predetermined optimum conditions to achieve 94%conversion towards 3,5-bis(cyanomethyl)toluene with a total r , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
The technical efficiency of SACU Ports: a data envelopment analysis approach
- Authors: Bekebu, Siyanda
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Free ports and zones -- Africa, Southern , Harbors -- Africa, Southern
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53813 , vital:45982
- Description: There ever growing international trade and increasing congestion of ports led to an increased focus attention on technical efficiency. Seaports are a central and necessary component in facilitating international trade. Yet, there is only limited comprehensive information available on the technical efficiency of African ports. The study investigated the technical efficiency of the SACU ports during the period 2014-2019 using DEA model. The DEA model is effective in resolving the measurement of port efficiency since the calculations are nonparametric and do not need definition or knowledge of a priori weights for the inputs or outputs, as is necessary for estimate of efficiency using production functions. To identify the roots of the technical inefficiency of the SACU ports, the study subdivided technical efficiency into pure technical and scale efficiency. The model used cargo handled, container throughput, ship calls as output variables. Whilst, quay cranes, number of tugboats, draft, quay length and number of quays were used as input variables. The study used the scores of DEA-BCC model as explanatory variables in Tobit model. The results showed that quay cranes and quay length are the cause of technical inefficiencies in the ports. , Thesis (MCom (Economics)) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Bekebu, Siyanda
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Free ports and zones -- Africa, Southern , Harbors -- Africa, Southern
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53813 , vital:45982
- Description: There ever growing international trade and increasing congestion of ports led to an increased focus attention on technical efficiency. Seaports are a central and necessary component in facilitating international trade. Yet, there is only limited comprehensive information available on the technical efficiency of African ports. The study investigated the technical efficiency of the SACU ports during the period 2014-2019 using DEA model. The DEA model is effective in resolving the measurement of port efficiency since the calculations are nonparametric and do not need definition or knowledge of a priori weights for the inputs or outputs, as is necessary for estimate of efficiency using production functions. To identify the roots of the technical inefficiency of the SACU ports, the study subdivided technical efficiency into pure technical and scale efficiency. The model used cargo handled, container throughput, ship calls as output variables. Whilst, quay cranes, number of tugboats, draft, quay length and number of quays were used as input variables. The study used the scores of DEA-BCC model as explanatory variables in Tobit model. The results showed that quay cranes and quay length are the cause of technical inefficiencies in the ports. , Thesis (MCom (Economics)) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
The use of ambient seismic noise to investigate internal changes in a tailings storage facility and to image the subsurface geology in the Cradock area of the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Kunjwa, Thulisile
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53642 , vital:45690
- Description: Passive seismic interferometry is a process by which ambient noise data recorded at different seismic stations can be cross-correlated to estimate Green's functions. In the past, both surface waves and body waves have successfully been extracted by cross-correlation of ambient noise data on both regional and global scales. Recent advancements in ambient seismic noise techniques have the potential to provide new methods for subsurface imaging and monitoring. The ambient noise data processing procedure divides into four principal phases: (1) single station data preparation, (2) cross-correlation and temporal stacking, (3) measurement of dispersion curves and (4) inversion of dispersion curves to obtain 1-D shear wave profiles and computation of 2-D shear wave velocity cross-section. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether ambient seismic noise can be used to image and detect internal changes within a mine tailings dam wall and to image the subsurface geology of part of the Eastern Cape Karoo near Cradock. In the first experiment, the investigation consisted of continuous ambient noise data recordings over a period of 3 days with 20 three-component short period geophones. The geophones were deployed over a survey wall of roughly 100 m in length at the Harmony Gold mine tailings dam in Welkom. In the second experiment, the investigation consisted of data recordings over a period of 35 days. The geophones were deployed in Cradock. The first phase of the data processing procedure included de-trending, de-meaning and band-pass filtering the data. This was done to ensure that any long period trends associated with instrument glitches are removed from the data. A spectrogram was then computed to view the spectrum of frequencies in the signal and to check if the filter that was designed was able to cut off the unwanted frequencies. The horizontal and vertical components of the ambient noise data were cross-correlated and picked between sensor pairs to create surface wave dispersion curves. Subsequently, the dispersion curves were inverted to estimate the shear wave velocity of the dam wall and subsurface as a function of depth. The computed cross sections of shear wave velocity indicated a low-velocity zone between 2 and 10 m below the surface on the dam wall, this suggested that the phreatic surface is much closer to surface in this area. In the second experiment, the interpolated shear wave velocity profiles indicated that there is a layer of low velocity zone between depths 250 to 300 m below the surface. The cross-correlations were also used to compute group velocity maps from periods 1.5 seconds to 30 seconds. The group velocity maps showed various high and low velocity anomalies. The high velocity zones observed on the eastern section of the map were interpreted as evidence of dolerite intrusions. The low velocity zones observed in the western and southern sections of the map interpreted as Karoo sediments that belong to the Adelaide Subgroup which is dominated by mudstones. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Department of Geosciences (Geology and Geography), 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Kunjwa, Thulisile
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53642 , vital:45690
- Description: Passive seismic interferometry is a process by which ambient noise data recorded at different seismic stations can be cross-correlated to estimate Green's functions. In the past, both surface waves and body waves have successfully been extracted by cross-correlation of ambient noise data on both regional and global scales. Recent advancements in ambient seismic noise techniques have the potential to provide new methods for subsurface imaging and monitoring. The ambient noise data processing procedure divides into four principal phases: (1) single station data preparation, (2) cross-correlation and temporal stacking, (3) measurement of dispersion curves and (4) inversion of dispersion curves to obtain 1-D shear wave profiles and computation of 2-D shear wave velocity cross-section. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether ambient seismic noise can be used to image and detect internal changes within a mine tailings dam wall and to image the subsurface geology of part of the Eastern Cape Karoo near Cradock. In the first experiment, the investigation consisted of continuous ambient noise data recordings over a period of 3 days with 20 three-component short period geophones. The geophones were deployed over a survey wall of roughly 100 m in length at the Harmony Gold mine tailings dam in Welkom. In the second experiment, the investigation consisted of data recordings over a period of 35 days. The geophones were deployed in Cradock. The first phase of the data processing procedure included de-trending, de-meaning and band-pass filtering the data. This was done to ensure that any long period trends associated with instrument glitches are removed from the data. A spectrogram was then computed to view the spectrum of frequencies in the signal and to check if the filter that was designed was able to cut off the unwanted frequencies. The horizontal and vertical components of the ambient noise data were cross-correlated and picked between sensor pairs to create surface wave dispersion curves. Subsequently, the dispersion curves were inverted to estimate the shear wave velocity of the dam wall and subsurface as a function of depth. The computed cross sections of shear wave velocity indicated a low-velocity zone between 2 and 10 m below the surface on the dam wall, this suggested that the phreatic surface is much closer to surface in this area. In the second experiment, the interpolated shear wave velocity profiles indicated that there is a layer of low velocity zone between depths 250 to 300 m below the surface. The cross-correlations were also used to compute group velocity maps from periods 1.5 seconds to 30 seconds. The group velocity maps showed various high and low velocity anomalies. The high velocity zones observed on the eastern section of the map were interpreted as evidence of dolerite intrusions. The low velocity zones observed in the western and southern sections of the map interpreted as Karoo sediments that belong to the Adelaide Subgroup which is dominated by mudstones. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Department of Geosciences (Geology and Geography), 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
The use of photography to visualise abstracted narratives of emotions associated with trauma
- Authors: Warner, Lauren
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54585 , vital:46726
- Description: The purpose of this qualitative research study is to comment on the use of photography to visualise abstracted narratives of the emotions associated with trauma. This is a practicebased study developed on the interweaving of theoretical and practical output. The practical output produced a photographic body of work which argues in favour of an abstracted narrative for the visualisation of trauma by engaging with visualised emotions associated with trauma. The theoretical output of the study relates to three visual themes: firstly, the direct or actual moment of trauma; secondly, the triggering of the traumatic experience and lastly, the abstracted narrative of emotions associated with trauma. Photographing a traumatic event freezes a moment in which the subjects are continually engaging in the traumatic experience. Sontag (2003: 93) asserts that this type of direct photographic representation should be discouraged for fear of aestheticising pain and desensitising the viewer to horror. The study aims not to visualise actual traumatic events, but rather to engage with abstracted narratives of emotions associated with trauma experienced or felt, both directly and indirectly. This is achieved by firstly, providing a context on how the role of photography dealing with trauma has evolved to move beyond the depiction of an actual traumatic experience. Secondly, Gillian Rose’s (2016) Visual Methodologies Framework is introduced and photographers Roger Ballen’s Cut Loose (2015) and Jo Ractliffe’s 1999 work entitled Vlakplaas: 2 June 1999 (Drive-by Shooting) analysed as visual expressions of trauma. Similarly, photographers Robert Frank’s 1978 work entitled Sick of goodby’s and Manuela Thames’s 2019 work entitled Trauma are analysed to reflect on the use of abstracted narratives as they comment on personal traumatic experiences. Lastly, the body of work produced in the practice-based output of the study, Public Places: Private Spaces, are analysed as a vehicle through which emotions are associated with trauma. These traumatic experiences are visually expressed using abstracted images in triptych narratives. This study contributes to the current body of knowledge by critically addressing ways of thinking about the visualisation of trauma. This provides insight into the topic of trauma and the various ways in which it could be visualised without depicting the actual trauma (with the potential of continuously wounding or replaying trauma) and instead engaging with the visualised traumatic experience as an abstracted narrative within a South African context. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Visual and Performing Arts, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Warner, Lauren
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54585 , vital:46726
- Description: The purpose of this qualitative research study is to comment on the use of photography to visualise abstracted narratives of the emotions associated with trauma. This is a practicebased study developed on the interweaving of theoretical and practical output. The practical output produced a photographic body of work which argues in favour of an abstracted narrative for the visualisation of trauma by engaging with visualised emotions associated with trauma. The theoretical output of the study relates to three visual themes: firstly, the direct or actual moment of trauma; secondly, the triggering of the traumatic experience and lastly, the abstracted narrative of emotions associated with trauma. Photographing a traumatic event freezes a moment in which the subjects are continually engaging in the traumatic experience. Sontag (2003: 93) asserts that this type of direct photographic representation should be discouraged for fear of aestheticising pain and desensitising the viewer to horror. The study aims not to visualise actual traumatic events, but rather to engage with abstracted narratives of emotions associated with trauma experienced or felt, both directly and indirectly. This is achieved by firstly, providing a context on how the role of photography dealing with trauma has evolved to move beyond the depiction of an actual traumatic experience. Secondly, Gillian Rose’s (2016) Visual Methodologies Framework is introduced and photographers Roger Ballen’s Cut Loose (2015) and Jo Ractliffe’s 1999 work entitled Vlakplaas: 2 June 1999 (Drive-by Shooting) analysed as visual expressions of trauma. Similarly, photographers Robert Frank’s 1978 work entitled Sick of goodby’s and Manuela Thames’s 2019 work entitled Trauma are analysed to reflect on the use of abstracted narratives as they comment on personal traumatic experiences. Lastly, the body of work produced in the practice-based output of the study, Public Places: Private Spaces, are analysed as a vehicle through which emotions are associated with trauma. These traumatic experiences are visually expressed using abstracted images in triptych narratives. This study contributes to the current body of knowledge by critically addressing ways of thinking about the visualisation of trauma. This provides insight into the topic of trauma and the various ways in which it could be visualised without depicting the actual trauma (with the potential of continuously wounding or replaying trauma) and instead engaging with the visualised traumatic experience as an abstracted narrative within a South African context. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Visual and Performing Arts, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Translation strategies and procedures Used in the translation of culture-specific lexical Items from English to Sepedi
- Authors: Maboke, Emmanuel
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Translating and interpreting , Pedi (African people)--Social life and customs , Technology--Translating History
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54191 , vital:46317
- Description: This study investigates effective translation strategies and procedures used in the translation of culture-specific lexical items from English to Sepedi. The premise is that current translations from English to Sepedi are inadequate because they are not culture-specifically grounded. The purpose of this study is to overcome this shortcoming. Culture-specific lexical items such as idioms, proverbs, quotes and other fixed expressions are notorious for their untranslatability and non-equivalence, both of which are cumbersome to the transference of stylistic features and meaning between English and Sepedi as a language pair. The researcher employs a qualitative approach and the interpretivist paradigm, which originates from hermeneutics to investigate the research question. This study adopts a multi-theoretical approach. However, hermeneutics and mainly seven translation procedures proposed by Vinay and Darbelnet (1958/1995: 31-32) are used for analysing and interpreting data. The sample units are drawn using a purposive sampling method. The data collected, reviewed and analysed comprise source and target texts (ST-TT) pairs from various genres. Translation with commentary is also used as a complementary research method to examine the effective application of the investigated translation strategies and procedures to address non-equivalence and pre-empt ambiguity. The results of this study reveal that translation strategies and procedures coincide with the theories from which they originate. Secondly, it was found that the efficacy of translation strategies and procedures employed to translate culture-specific lexical items from English to Sepedi is influenced by the translator’s lexical choice. Thirdly, this study highlights the importance of linguistic and cultural competence in the translation of culture-specific lexical items from English to Sepedi. Lastly, this study discovered that the effective application of translation strategies and procedures to translate culture-specific lexical items from English to Sepedi depends on the translator’s adherence to principles of translation. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Applied Language Studies, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Maboke, Emmanuel
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Translating and interpreting , Pedi (African people)--Social life and customs , Technology--Translating History
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54191 , vital:46317
- Description: This study investigates effective translation strategies and procedures used in the translation of culture-specific lexical items from English to Sepedi. The premise is that current translations from English to Sepedi are inadequate because they are not culture-specifically grounded. The purpose of this study is to overcome this shortcoming. Culture-specific lexical items such as idioms, proverbs, quotes and other fixed expressions are notorious for their untranslatability and non-equivalence, both of which are cumbersome to the transference of stylistic features and meaning between English and Sepedi as a language pair. The researcher employs a qualitative approach and the interpretivist paradigm, which originates from hermeneutics to investigate the research question. This study adopts a multi-theoretical approach. However, hermeneutics and mainly seven translation procedures proposed by Vinay and Darbelnet (1958/1995: 31-32) are used for analysing and interpreting data. The sample units are drawn using a purposive sampling method. The data collected, reviewed and analysed comprise source and target texts (ST-TT) pairs from various genres. Translation with commentary is also used as a complementary research method to examine the effective application of the investigated translation strategies and procedures to address non-equivalence and pre-empt ambiguity. The results of this study reveal that translation strategies and procedures coincide with the theories from which they originate. Secondly, it was found that the efficacy of translation strategies and procedures employed to translate culture-specific lexical items from English to Sepedi is influenced by the translator’s lexical choice. Thirdly, this study highlights the importance of linguistic and cultural competence in the translation of culture-specific lexical items from English to Sepedi. Lastly, this study discovered that the effective application of translation strategies and procedures to translate culture-specific lexical items from English to Sepedi depends on the translator’s adherence to principles of translation. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Applied Language Studies, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Ureaplasma species in the placenta and histopathology associated with preterm birth
- Authors: Sprong, Kaitlin Elizabeth
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54128 , vital:46310
- Description: The Eastern Cape province is known for its high perinatal morbidity and mortality rate. Studies from other countries indicate that Ureaplasma spp. have been associated with clinical chorioamnionitis, spontaneous preterm labor and preterm premature rupture of the fetal membranes. The prevalence of Ureaplasma urealyticum, Ureaplasma parvumand Mycoplasma hominisin the placenta and its role in preterm birth is unknown in South Africa. Objectives The objectives of this study were to: (i) analyze placental histology, maternal and neonatal outcomes and clinical presentation of preterm birth, (ii) detect Ureaplasma spp. and M. hominisin the placenta from cases of preterm birth, (iii) determine antibiotic susceptibility profiles of Ureaplasma spp. isolates and investigate mechanisms of antibiotic resistance, (iv) characterize the microbial diversity in the placenta using 16S rRNA next generation sequencing and(v) review pathologies to ascertain whether there is any association between Ureaplasma spp. in the placenta and adverse maternal, obstetric and neonatal outcomes. iiiABSTRACTBackground The Eastern Cape province is known for its high perinatal morbidity and mortality rate. Studies from other countries indicate that Ureaplasmaspp. have been associated with clinical chorioamnionitis, spontaneous preterm labor and preterm premature rupture of the fetal membranes. The prevalenceof Ureaplasmaurealyticum,UreaplasmaparvumandMycoplasmahominisin the placenta andits role in preterm birth is unknown in South Africa. Objectives The objectives of this study were to: (i) analyze placental histology, maternal and neonatal outcomes and clinical presentation of preterm birth, (ii) detect Ureaplasmaspp. and M. hominisin the placenta from cases of preterm birth, (iii) determine antibiotic susceptibility profiles of Ureaplasmaspp. isolates and investigate mechanisms of antibiotic resistance, (iv) characterize the microbial diversity in the placenta using 16S rRNA next generation sequencing and(v) review pathologies to ascertain whether there is any association between Ureaplasmaspp. inthe placenta and adverse maternal, obstetric and neonatal outcomes. MethodsPlacentas were collected from patients presenting with preterm birth (n=100; 28-34 weeks gestational age) and term birth (n=20; >38 weeks) regardless of the APGAR score. Placentas were submitted for histopathology and used for detection of Ureaplasmaspp. by culture (U9 broth, MycoDuo kits;BioRad) and PCR (DNA was extracted from culture and homogenized placental tissue). Antibiotic susceptibility profiles of Ureaplasmaspp isolates were determined by the SIR Antibiogram kit (BioRad) and microbroth dilution method. Molecular mechanisms of resistance were ascertained by PCR amplification of target genes. Placentas were sent to National Health Laboratory Servicesfor routine histopathology. Next generation sequencing was performed on 16S rRNA amplicons from placental DNA for analysis of microbial diversity. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Journalsim and Media Studies, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Sprong, Kaitlin Elizabeth
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54128 , vital:46310
- Description: The Eastern Cape province is known for its high perinatal morbidity and mortality rate. Studies from other countries indicate that Ureaplasma spp. have been associated with clinical chorioamnionitis, spontaneous preterm labor and preterm premature rupture of the fetal membranes. The prevalence of Ureaplasma urealyticum, Ureaplasma parvumand Mycoplasma hominisin the placenta and its role in preterm birth is unknown in South Africa. Objectives The objectives of this study were to: (i) analyze placental histology, maternal and neonatal outcomes and clinical presentation of preterm birth, (ii) detect Ureaplasma spp. and M. hominisin the placenta from cases of preterm birth, (iii) determine antibiotic susceptibility profiles of Ureaplasma spp. isolates and investigate mechanisms of antibiotic resistance, (iv) characterize the microbial diversity in the placenta using 16S rRNA next generation sequencing and(v) review pathologies to ascertain whether there is any association between Ureaplasma spp. in the placenta and adverse maternal, obstetric and neonatal outcomes. iiiABSTRACTBackground The Eastern Cape province is known for its high perinatal morbidity and mortality rate. Studies from other countries indicate that Ureaplasmaspp. have been associated with clinical chorioamnionitis, spontaneous preterm labor and preterm premature rupture of the fetal membranes. The prevalenceof Ureaplasmaurealyticum,UreaplasmaparvumandMycoplasmahominisin the placenta andits role in preterm birth is unknown in South Africa. Objectives The objectives of this study were to: (i) analyze placental histology, maternal and neonatal outcomes and clinical presentation of preterm birth, (ii) detect Ureaplasmaspp. and M. hominisin the placenta from cases of preterm birth, (iii) determine antibiotic susceptibility profiles of Ureaplasmaspp. isolates and investigate mechanisms of antibiotic resistance, (iv) characterize the microbial diversity in the placenta using 16S rRNA next generation sequencing and(v) review pathologies to ascertain whether there is any association between Ureaplasmaspp. inthe placenta and adverse maternal, obstetric and neonatal outcomes. MethodsPlacentas were collected from patients presenting with preterm birth (n=100; 28-34 weeks gestational age) and term birth (n=20; >38 weeks) regardless of the APGAR score. Placentas were submitted for histopathology and used for detection of Ureaplasmaspp. by culture (U9 broth, MycoDuo kits;BioRad) and PCR (DNA was extracted from culture and homogenized placental tissue). Antibiotic susceptibility profiles of Ureaplasmaspp isolates were determined by the SIR Antibiogram kit (BioRad) and microbroth dilution method. Molecular mechanisms of resistance were ascertained by PCR amplification of target genes. Placentas were sent to National Health Laboratory Servicesfor routine histopathology. Next generation sequencing was performed on 16S rRNA amplicons from placental DNA for analysis of microbial diversity. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Journalsim and Media Studies, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Using PESTEL analysis as a framework for analysing the VUCA environment in the Pretoria automotive industry
- Authors: Quanson, Matthew
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Pretoria
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54308 , vital:46424
- Description: The term VUCA, is an acronym for volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity. VUCA has become one of the “buzz words” in the business sector in the last few years. VUCA however is more than just an acronym, it is a concept that describes an environment in which business operates. It is an environment that is plagued with more volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity than ever before. There are numerous factors which have contributed and continue to have an influence on the VUCA environment. PESTEL, another acronym, describes the macro-environment and its components namely: Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental and Legal. The PESTEL analysis has become a tool used in business to effectively analyse the macro-environment in detail by grouping these factors into the six components. The Pretoria automotive industry has faced significant challenges in the last few years, and these challenges have been heightened in complexity. These challenges include volatility with customer demand, adapting to new technological advancements in automation and digital trends, political and labour uncertainty as well as supply chain constraints as a result of global geo-political pressure. The main objective of this paper is to use the PESTEL analysis as a framework for analysing the VUCA environment in the Pretoria automotive industry. The Pretoria automotive industry is the most important region for the automotive industry in South Africa and adds significant economic stimulation to the South African Gros Domestic Product (GDP) and economy according to Automotive Export Council, (2020). , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Quanson, Matthew
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Pretoria
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54308 , vital:46424
- Description: The term VUCA, is an acronym for volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity. VUCA has become one of the “buzz words” in the business sector in the last few years. VUCA however is more than just an acronym, it is a concept that describes an environment in which business operates. It is an environment that is plagued with more volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity than ever before. There are numerous factors which have contributed and continue to have an influence on the VUCA environment. PESTEL, another acronym, describes the macro-environment and its components namely: Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental and Legal. The PESTEL analysis has become a tool used in business to effectively analyse the macro-environment in detail by grouping these factors into the six components. The Pretoria automotive industry has faced significant challenges in the last few years, and these challenges have been heightened in complexity. These challenges include volatility with customer demand, adapting to new technological advancements in automation and digital trends, political and labour uncertainty as well as supply chain constraints as a result of global geo-political pressure. The main objective of this paper is to use the PESTEL analysis as a framework for analysing the VUCA environment in the Pretoria automotive industry. The Pretoria automotive industry is the most important region for the automotive industry in South Africa and adds significant economic stimulation to the South African Gros Domestic Product (GDP) and economy according to Automotive Export Council, (2020). , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Virtual currency readiness in South Africa
- Authors: Tiervlei, Renee
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Digital currency -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54717 , vital:47530
- Description: The rapid growth of technology in the twenty first century has seen the increased use of the internet and its resources and with this a change in the way people see money. Buying goods and services online and paying with credit cards is a transformational advantage to the way transactions are done. Ten years ago, this was not possible and paper money was predominantly used to pay for goods, or the buyer had to go into a bank to deposit the payment into the seller’s bank account. Virtual currency is a topic that needs attention due to its increased popularity and from the South African perspective, more so. Virtual currencies, like cryptocurrencies and its blockchain technology, has a wide range of uses that could benefit the world as well as South Africa but there is also a downside or risks associated with the use of these currencies and many other virtual currencies. Risks include and are not limited to the regulation, or a lack of regulation of cryptocurrencies, the laundering of money and illegal activities. One advantage though is that the blockchain technology ensures that all transactions are recorded in the ledger and can never be deleted or erased. The study analyses virtual currency readiness in South Africa by looking at the factors influencing this by studying cryptocurrencies and the South African people’s reaction to the use of this currency and how it is perceived. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Tiervlei, Renee
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Digital currency -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54717 , vital:47530
- Description: The rapid growth of technology in the twenty first century has seen the increased use of the internet and its resources and with this a change in the way people see money. Buying goods and services online and paying with credit cards is a transformational advantage to the way transactions are done. Ten years ago, this was not possible and paper money was predominantly used to pay for goods, or the buyer had to go into a bank to deposit the payment into the seller’s bank account. Virtual currency is a topic that needs attention due to its increased popularity and from the South African perspective, more so. Virtual currencies, like cryptocurrencies and its blockchain technology, has a wide range of uses that could benefit the world as well as South Africa but there is also a downside or risks associated with the use of these currencies and many other virtual currencies. Risks include and are not limited to the regulation, or a lack of regulation of cryptocurrencies, the laundering of money and illegal activities. One advantage though is that the blockchain technology ensures that all transactions are recorded in the ledger and can never be deleted or erased. The study analyses virtual currency readiness in South Africa by looking at the factors influencing this by studying cryptocurrencies and the South African people’s reaction to the use of this currency and how it is perceived. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-12
Youth development: a case study of vision4 mentorship programme for teenage girls in Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Gqabe, Ongeziwe Sharon
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54343 , vital:46477
- Description: Investment in youth development for a country like South Africa, where social issues such as unemployment, lack of quality education, high levels of school dropouts, difficulty in accessing post-secondary education and training are of high prevalence is crucial. There are different strategies that key players in youth development such as the government, private sector and NGOs can implement in advancing the youth. This study sought to examine one of these strategies which is mentorship. Consequently, the purpose of this study was to scrutinize the essential role that a mentorship program can play in progressing youth development. The objectives of this study are as follows: to investigate the key challenges facing the teenage girls that participated on the Vision4 Mentorship Program; to investigate the effectiveness of the strategy of using mentorship programs as a tool in achieving youth development in Motherwell, Port Elizabeth and to come up with the recommendations with the view of addressing some of the problems faced by the youth in Motherwell, Port Elizabeth. The research methodology used in this study include among others, individual interviews of participants that has been previously gone through the Vision4 Mentorship Program. Furthermore, relevant scholarly published work has been consulted to supplement the interviews. Mentorship has been used as a conceptual framework to understand the impact of mentoring to the young girls at Vision4 Mentorship Program. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Gqabe, Ongeziwe Sharon
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54343 , vital:46477
- Description: Investment in youth development for a country like South Africa, where social issues such as unemployment, lack of quality education, high levels of school dropouts, difficulty in accessing post-secondary education and training are of high prevalence is crucial. There are different strategies that key players in youth development such as the government, private sector and NGOs can implement in advancing the youth. This study sought to examine one of these strategies which is mentorship. Consequently, the purpose of this study was to scrutinize the essential role that a mentorship program can play in progressing youth development. The objectives of this study are as follows: to investigate the key challenges facing the teenage girls that participated on the Vision4 Mentorship Program; to investigate the effectiveness of the strategy of using mentorship programs as a tool in achieving youth development in Motherwell, Port Elizabeth and to come up with the recommendations with the view of addressing some of the problems faced by the youth in Motherwell, Port Elizabeth. The research methodology used in this study include among others, individual interviews of participants that has been previously gone through the Vision4 Mentorship Program. Furthermore, relevant scholarly published work has been consulted to supplement the interviews. Mentorship has been used as a conceptual framework to understand the impact of mentoring to the young girls at Vision4 Mentorship Program. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-12
Youth sub-cultures: the case of izikhothane amongst youth in Port Elizabeth townships
- Authors: Laqwela, Bayanda B
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54694 , vital:47442
- Description: The studies on youth subcultures have always attracted scholars and media, both locally and internationally. Specifically, in South Africa, we have witnessed subcultural youth formations, such as amapantsula1 , umswenko2 , the smarteez, zef, emmos and so forth. In the past few years, we saw the rise of a certain subcultural youth formation, popularly known as izikhothane3 , in South African townships. Owing to an escalation in izikhothane, this study was undertaken among the youth in Port Elizabeth townships. The study sought to explore and describe the significance of izikhothane membership and the rituals that are performed during their meetings. The qualitative approach was used for the study and semi-structured interviews, focus groups and observations were employed as data collection tools. The study used the explorative, descriptive and contextual design. The population for the study was the youth who are involved in the youth subculture of izikhothane in Port Elizabeth townships. The themes, which answered the questions, were identified as follows: the definition of isikhothane according to izikhothane, pulling or attraction factors, izikhothane rituals, the significance of isikhothane membership, the stopping age and the perceptions of community members about izikhothane. One of the main findings of this study is the age at which the youth join izikhothane. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Laqwela, Bayanda B
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54694 , vital:47442
- Description: The studies on youth subcultures have always attracted scholars and media, both locally and internationally. Specifically, in South Africa, we have witnessed subcultural youth formations, such as amapantsula1 , umswenko2 , the smarteez, zef, emmos and so forth. In the past few years, we saw the rise of a certain subcultural youth formation, popularly known as izikhothane3 , in South African townships. Owing to an escalation in izikhothane, this study was undertaken among the youth in Port Elizabeth townships. The study sought to explore and describe the significance of izikhothane membership and the rituals that are performed during their meetings. The qualitative approach was used for the study and semi-structured interviews, focus groups and observations were employed as data collection tools. The study used the explorative, descriptive and contextual design. The population for the study was the youth who are involved in the youth subculture of izikhothane in Port Elizabeth townships. The themes, which answered the questions, were identified as follows: the definition of isikhothane according to izikhothane, pulling or attraction factors, izikhothane rituals, the significance of isikhothane membership, the stopping age and the perceptions of community members about izikhothane. One of the main findings of this study is the age at which the youth join izikhothane. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-12
Recruitment disruptors: an exploratory study on the perception of artificial intelligence amongst selected Eastern Cape Province recruiters
- Authors: Sobekwa, Sinazo
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/232238 , vital:49974
- Description: Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Sobekwa, Sinazo
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/232238 , vital:49974
- Description: Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
A conceptual IT governance framework to guide the development of interoperable health information systems
- Authors: Matshaba, Lebogang
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Information technology Management , Information technology Management Standards , Information technology Security measures , Medical informatics South Africa , Medical records Data processing , Internetworking (Telecommunication) , National health insurance South Africa , Design Science Research (DSR)
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/284570 , vital:56075
- Description: In light of changing health needs, health information systems are presented with a plethora of challenges. For instance, the rise of COVID-19 in the past year has led to the discourse on the strength of current health systems to support health needs and the readiness for the National Health Insurance in South Africa. In addition to operating in resource-constrained environments, the lack of synchrony between health information systems across health facilities led to the fragmentation of health information and diminished access to quality healthcare. This research, following the Design Science Research Methodology (DSRM) process, developed an IT governance conceptual framework (HISIG-CF), to inform the interoperability of health information systems. The HISIG-CF is developed from literature and qualitative data collected using an expert reviews method from practitioners in the healthcare sector who evaluated the constructs of the HISIG-CF. Thematic analysis and hermeneutics were used to analyse and interpret the data. The results revealed a need for more guidance to inform interoperability interventions and strengthen current health information systems. The contribution of this study is the HISIG-CF which is deemed relevant and potentially fit-for-purpose to improve health information systems interoperability within the healthcare sector in South Africa. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Department of Information Systems, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
- Authors: Matshaba, Lebogang
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Information technology Management , Information technology Management Standards , Information technology Security measures , Medical informatics South Africa , Medical records Data processing , Internetworking (Telecommunication) , National health insurance South Africa , Design Science Research (DSR)
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/284570 , vital:56075
- Description: In light of changing health needs, health information systems are presented with a plethora of challenges. For instance, the rise of COVID-19 in the past year has led to the discourse on the strength of current health systems to support health needs and the readiness for the National Health Insurance in South Africa. In addition to operating in resource-constrained environments, the lack of synchrony between health information systems across health facilities led to the fragmentation of health information and diminished access to quality healthcare. This research, following the Design Science Research Methodology (DSRM) process, developed an IT governance conceptual framework (HISIG-CF), to inform the interoperability of health information systems. The HISIG-CF is developed from literature and qualitative data collected using an expert reviews method from practitioners in the healthcare sector who evaluated the constructs of the HISIG-CF. Thematic analysis and hermeneutics were used to analyse and interpret the data. The results revealed a need for more guidance to inform interoperability interventions and strengthen current health information systems. The contribution of this study is the HISIG-CF which is deemed relevant and potentially fit-for-purpose to improve health information systems interoperability within the healthcare sector in South Africa. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Department of Information Systems, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
Bioethical analysis of COVID19, WASH/waste and related disaster management implications
- Authors: Iheanetu, Chidinma Uchenna
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/232250 , vital:49975
- Description: Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Biotechnology Innovation Centre, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
- Authors: Iheanetu, Chidinma Uchenna
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/232250 , vital:49975
- Description: Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Biotechnology Innovation Centre, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04-06