Hold the prawns
- Authors: Pithouse, Richard, 1970-
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6206 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008576
- Description: [From introduction]: In the cities of the global South elites are often desperate to repress the reality of the shack settlement. Maps are printed in which shack settlements appear as blank spaces, laws are passed that assume that everyone can afford to live formally and, in the name of order and development, the poor are beaten out of the cities. The great elite fantasy is the creation of 'world class cities' – shiny, securitised nowherevilles in which the poor understand that their place is to live in some peripheral ghetto and only come into the city as menial workers. But from City of God to Slum Dog Millionaire and now District 9 cinema has put the shack settlement in the mall and at the heart of how Rio, Bombay and Johannesburg feature in the global imagination.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Pithouse, Richard, 1970-
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6206 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008576
- Description: [From introduction]: In the cities of the global South elites are often desperate to repress the reality of the shack settlement. Maps are printed in which shack settlements appear as blank spaces, laws are passed that assume that everyone can afford to live formally and, in the name of order and development, the poor are beaten out of the cities. The great elite fantasy is the creation of 'world class cities' – shiny, securitised nowherevilles in which the poor understand that their place is to live in some peripheral ghetto and only come into the city as menial workers. But from City of God to Slum Dog Millionaire and now District 9 cinema has put the shack settlement in the mall and at the heart of how Rio, Bombay and Johannesburg feature in the global imagination.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Secondary school learners' perceptions of the value of integrating ICT into the curriculum: an exploratory study in the Grahamstown circuit
- Authors: Mbane, Nombeko Precious
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Educational technology -- South Africa Information technology -- South Africa Education, Secondary -- Curricula -- South Africa Computer-assisted instruction -- South Africa Educational innovations Information technology -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1762 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003647
- Description: According to the Draft White Paper on e-Education (DoE, 2003), the objective of ICTs in education is to build digital and information literacy so that all learners become confident and competent in using technology to contribute to an innovative and developing South African society. International researchers have acknowledged that little is known about learners’ perceptions of their own learning, but that learners are aware of how technology can be used and have the potential to contribute ideas about ICTs can be used to support their learning. To add to this growing body of research, this study sought to establish secondary school learners’ experiences and perceptions of the value of integrating ICT into the curriculum and the extent to which they believe that ICT is meaningfully integrated into the curriculum. Although some of the schools do not have the necessary ICT infrastructure, this did not preclude the learners from having opinions about the potential benefits and drawbacks of ICT. The findings display the learners’ perceptions on ICT use within the curriculum and how this relates to the available infrastructure in schools.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Mbane, Nombeko Precious
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Educational technology -- South Africa Information technology -- South Africa Education, Secondary -- Curricula -- South Africa Computer-assisted instruction -- South Africa Educational innovations Information technology -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1762 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003647
- Description: According to the Draft White Paper on e-Education (DoE, 2003), the objective of ICTs in education is to build digital and information literacy so that all learners become confident and competent in using technology to contribute to an innovative and developing South African society. International researchers have acknowledged that little is known about learners’ perceptions of their own learning, but that learners are aware of how technology can be used and have the potential to contribute ideas about ICTs can be used to support their learning. To add to this growing body of research, this study sought to establish secondary school learners’ experiences and perceptions of the value of integrating ICT into the curriculum and the extent to which they believe that ICT is meaningfully integrated into the curriculum. Although some of the schools do not have the necessary ICT infrastructure, this did not preclude the learners from having opinions about the potential benefits and drawbacks of ICT. The findings display the learners’ perceptions on ICT use within the curriculum and how this relates to the available infrastructure in schools.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The management of physical resources by principals in the rural secondary schools of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Gumbi, Daphne
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: School facilities -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School buildings -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural schools -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DEd
- Identifier: vital:9447 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/911 , School facilities -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School buildings -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural schools -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This research study examined whether the physical resources in rural secondary schools are adequate and are managed properly by the school principals, for quality education to be achieved in the Eastern Cape Province. The dramatic changes in South Africa recognized that the future depends on an education system which develops the full potential of all learners. Although the Constitution of South Africa is advocating for equal education for all, there are disparities which are evident in the quality of the infrastructure, especially in remote rural areas where the fundamental requirements for effective education are lacking such as, water, electricity, sanitation and basic educational equipment. This shows that, although policy and legislative frameworks for transforming the education system have been put in place, managing the change is still a key challenge especially that of physical resources. Management of physical resources illustrates the problems facing principals by pointing to the lack of basic facilities in many rural secondary schools. In terms of the provision and management, many challenges remain, like most schools do not have adequate physical facilities. School buildings such as classrooms are inadequate or unsafe with no toilets, libraries, laboratories and many learners and teachers do not have learner teaching support materials (LTSMs). On the other hand, in terms of the Constitution, the Department of Education is responsible for bringing redress, equality and to upholding the Constitutional values such as shared decision-making, transparency, shared accountability and empowerment for equal partnership with other stakeholders. The physical resource management is one of the major responsibilities of principals. Their leadership is largely about ensuring that a clear and shared sense of direction is developed for both leadership and management. The school viii system meant that schools have moved nearer to the communities they serve and this has led to schools being more accountable to their communities. This study further investigated whether there is a significant correlation between the management of physical resources and quality education as well as the eradication of poverty in the rural secondary schools of the ECP. The proper execution of the management tasks of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling (POLC) by the principals have contributed extensively to the success of the schools. Therefore, this will mean that the act of managing physical resources through POLC and the process of working with or through SGBs, teachers, parents, learners, EDOs and the community at large to achieve set goals of education of relevance, excellence and quality education by effectively and efficiently using the physical resources in a school climate and environment that is collegial. The study showed that there is a link between management tasks (POLC) and collegial style of leadership in the school. The literature reviewed supported the view that the invitational style of leadership and collegiality increase the potential of a school to manage its physical resources economically, efficiently and effectively, particularly in a climate where the resource handlers take ownership of the school especially in remote rural settings. The 255 out of 300 subjects (85%) chosen to participate in this study were selected on the basis of their accessibility. Convenience sampling was used to conduct the study as this ensured that the population represented stakeholders that manage physical resources at schools, such as deputy principals, head of departments and teachers. Questionnaires were distributed, completed and collected personally. The questionnaires were analyzed and gaps such as the effects of lack of physical resources and how the learners’ profile were affected were reinforced by individual and group interviews that were semi-structured as ix well as participant observations from principals at O.R Tambo, Chris Hani and Amathole District Municipalities were conducted. It was deduced from the statistical data presented that there is a significant correlation between the principals’ management tasks and the quality of education. This shows that the more the principals blend properly planning, organizing, leading and control management tasks the more the physical resources will be managed better, that is, effectively, efficiently, economically and transparently and the less the bringing together of management tasks the less the meaningful management of physical resources will be. The study supported the hypothesis that a combination of management tasks performed by the principals positively influences the proper management of physical resources in rural secondary schools of ECP. The study rejects both null hypotheses that there is no significant correlation between planning, organising, leading and controlling as leadership functions of PRs and the quality of education in rural secondary schools of ECP as well as, that principals of rural secondary schools are not expected to possess adequate leadership knowledge and skills to effectively manage available PRs in their rural secondary schools. This study affirms the view that adequate physical resources are crucial as well as the appropriate management skills of principals for high quality education to be achieved in rural secondary schools. Without adequate physical resources, proper handling of the limited physical resources and the possession of management skills by principals, rural schools are less likely to succeed in their efforts to improve education.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Gumbi, Daphne
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: School facilities -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School buildings -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural schools -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DEd
- Identifier: vital:9447 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/911 , School facilities -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School buildings -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural schools -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This research study examined whether the physical resources in rural secondary schools are adequate and are managed properly by the school principals, for quality education to be achieved in the Eastern Cape Province. The dramatic changes in South Africa recognized that the future depends on an education system which develops the full potential of all learners. Although the Constitution of South Africa is advocating for equal education for all, there are disparities which are evident in the quality of the infrastructure, especially in remote rural areas where the fundamental requirements for effective education are lacking such as, water, electricity, sanitation and basic educational equipment. This shows that, although policy and legislative frameworks for transforming the education system have been put in place, managing the change is still a key challenge especially that of physical resources. Management of physical resources illustrates the problems facing principals by pointing to the lack of basic facilities in many rural secondary schools. In terms of the provision and management, many challenges remain, like most schools do not have adequate physical facilities. School buildings such as classrooms are inadequate or unsafe with no toilets, libraries, laboratories and many learners and teachers do not have learner teaching support materials (LTSMs). On the other hand, in terms of the Constitution, the Department of Education is responsible for bringing redress, equality and to upholding the Constitutional values such as shared decision-making, transparency, shared accountability and empowerment for equal partnership with other stakeholders. The physical resource management is one of the major responsibilities of principals. Their leadership is largely about ensuring that a clear and shared sense of direction is developed for both leadership and management. The school viii system meant that schools have moved nearer to the communities they serve and this has led to schools being more accountable to their communities. This study further investigated whether there is a significant correlation between the management of physical resources and quality education as well as the eradication of poverty in the rural secondary schools of the ECP. The proper execution of the management tasks of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling (POLC) by the principals have contributed extensively to the success of the schools. Therefore, this will mean that the act of managing physical resources through POLC and the process of working with or through SGBs, teachers, parents, learners, EDOs and the community at large to achieve set goals of education of relevance, excellence and quality education by effectively and efficiently using the physical resources in a school climate and environment that is collegial. The study showed that there is a link between management tasks (POLC) and collegial style of leadership in the school. The literature reviewed supported the view that the invitational style of leadership and collegiality increase the potential of a school to manage its physical resources economically, efficiently and effectively, particularly in a climate where the resource handlers take ownership of the school especially in remote rural settings. The 255 out of 300 subjects (85%) chosen to participate in this study were selected on the basis of their accessibility. Convenience sampling was used to conduct the study as this ensured that the population represented stakeholders that manage physical resources at schools, such as deputy principals, head of departments and teachers. Questionnaires were distributed, completed and collected personally. The questionnaires were analyzed and gaps such as the effects of lack of physical resources and how the learners’ profile were affected were reinforced by individual and group interviews that were semi-structured as ix well as participant observations from principals at O.R Tambo, Chris Hani and Amathole District Municipalities were conducted. It was deduced from the statistical data presented that there is a significant correlation between the principals’ management tasks and the quality of education. This shows that the more the principals blend properly planning, organizing, leading and control management tasks the more the physical resources will be managed better, that is, effectively, efficiently, economically and transparently and the less the bringing together of management tasks the less the meaningful management of physical resources will be. The study supported the hypothesis that a combination of management tasks performed by the principals positively influences the proper management of physical resources in rural secondary schools of ECP. The study rejects both null hypotheses that there is no significant correlation between planning, organising, leading and controlling as leadership functions of PRs and the quality of education in rural secondary schools of ECP as well as, that principals of rural secondary schools are not expected to possess adequate leadership knowledge and skills to effectively manage available PRs in their rural secondary schools. This study affirms the view that adequate physical resources are crucial as well as the appropriate management skills of principals for high quality education to be achieved in rural secondary schools. Without adequate physical resources, proper handling of the limited physical resources and the possession of management skills by principals, rural schools are less likely to succeed in their efforts to improve education.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The impact of angling on smallmouth and largemouth yellowfish, labeobarbus aeneus and labeobarbus kimberleyensis, in Lake Gariep, South Africa
- Authors: Ellender, Bruce Robert
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Barbus aeneus , Largemouth bass , Labeobarbus , Fishing -- South Africa -- Gariep Dam
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5289 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005133 , Barbus aeneus , Largemouth bass , Labeobarbus , Fishing -- South Africa -- Gariep Dam
- Description: A large sportfishery that targets both smallmouth (Labeobarbus aeneus) and largemouth (Labeobarbus kimberleyensis) yellowfish exists in South Africa. Both species have high conservation priority, and no assessments documenting the effect of angling on L. aeneus and L. kimberleyensis have been undertaken. The overall aim of this study was to provide an assessment of the impact of angling on L. aeneus and L. kimberleyensis. The specific objectives of this study were to characterise the sectors utilising Lake Gariep, document catch, effort and total catch for the fishery as well as the locality specific biology of L. aeneus and L. kimberleyensis. The study was undertaken on Lake Gariep, South Africa's largest impoundment, situated on the Orange River system in central South Africa. Subsistence fishers were the dominant user group, constituting 60 % of the fishery, the remainder constituted recreational anglers. Angler catches were dominated by carp (Cyprinus carpio; 74 %), followed by mudfish (Labeo capensis; 13 %) and smallmouth yellowfish (8 %). Catches of largemouth yellowfish contributed < 0.5 % to the total catch. The relative abundance of species by weight differed by area (χ² test of independence: χ² = 182, df = 4, p ≤ 0.05). On any sampling day time fished was the best predictor for differences in probability of capture (PC) (Wald X²(1) = 7.169, p = 0.007). The probability of capturing L. aeneus differed significantly between month (Wald X²(5) = 20.690, p = 0.000) and region (Wald X²(3) = 46.755, p = 0.000). The single best predictor of differences in log abundance and non-zero CPUE was region (Factorial ANOVA p ≤ 0.05). Mean CPUE ranged from 0.21 ± 0.06 kg. man⁻¹.hr⁻¹ to 0.82 ± 0.11 kg. man⁻¹.hr⁻¹ in the OV region and 0.42 ± 0.10 kg. man⁻¹.hr⁻¹ to 1.17 ± 0.24 kg. man⁻¹.hr⁻¹ in the GD region. Angler effort was higher in OV than in GD and ranged from 17 ± 3 anglers/day to 45 ± 9 anglers/day and 6 ± 1 anglers/day to 41 ± 8 anglers/day, respectively. Total catch was higher in the GD 46.0 [95 % CI = 15:102.6] t. period⁻¹ than the OV region 40.0 [95 % CI = 13.9:89.6] t. period⁻¹. The total catch from the Lake Gariep fishery between March and December 2007 was estimated to be 86.0 [95 % CI = 40.4:154.8] t. period⁻¹. Age and growth was determined using whole otoliths. The growth of L. aeneus was best described by the von Bertalanffy growth model as Lt = 481.80 (1- e⁻°·²²⁽t⁺°·⁶¹⁾). Gonadal development for L. aeneus was seasonal, with the gonadosomatic index peaking in January, revealing a distinct spawning season. The length at 50 % maturity for female L. aeneus was attained at a fork length of 354.7 mm. Natural mortality (M) was estimated at 0.55 year⁻¹. The growth of L. kimberleyensis was described by the von Bertalanffy growth model as Lt = 763.22 (1- e⁻°·¹¹⁽t⁺°·⁶³⁾). Only 6 mature female and 15 mature male L. kimberleyensis were recorded during the study period. The smallest mature female was a 390 mm FL stage four female and the earliest recorded mature male was a 337 mm FL, ripe running male. Natural mortality (M) was estimated at 0.08 year⁻¹ for L. kimberleyensis. Per recruit analysis indicated that current fishing mortality reduces the L. aeneus spawner biomass by 7 %, which is considered negligible. Labeobarbus kimberleyensis forms an insignificant proportion of anglers catches and stock status is currently considered pristine.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Ellender, Bruce Robert
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Barbus aeneus , Largemouth bass , Labeobarbus , Fishing -- South Africa -- Gariep Dam
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5289 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005133 , Barbus aeneus , Largemouth bass , Labeobarbus , Fishing -- South Africa -- Gariep Dam
- Description: A large sportfishery that targets both smallmouth (Labeobarbus aeneus) and largemouth (Labeobarbus kimberleyensis) yellowfish exists in South Africa. Both species have high conservation priority, and no assessments documenting the effect of angling on L. aeneus and L. kimberleyensis have been undertaken. The overall aim of this study was to provide an assessment of the impact of angling on L. aeneus and L. kimberleyensis. The specific objectives of this study were to characterise the sectors utilising Lake Gariep, document catch, effort and total catch for the fishery as well as the locality specific biology of L. aeneus and L. kimberleyensis. The study was undertaken on Lake Gariep, South Africa's largest impoundment, situated on the Orange River system in central South Africa. Subsistence fishers were the dominant user group, constituting 60 % of the fishery, the remainder constituted recreational anglers. Angler catches were dominated by carp (Cyprinus carpio; 74 %), followed by mudfish (Labeo capensis; 13 %) and smallmouth yellowfish (8 %). Catches of largemouth yellowfish contributed < 0.5 % to the total catch. The relative abundance of species by weight differed by area (χ² test of independence: χ² = 182, df = 4, p ≤ 0.05). On any sampling day time fished was the best predictor for differences in probability of capture (PC) (Wald X²(1) = 7.169, p = 0.007). The probability of capturing L. aeneus differed significantly between month (Wald X²(5) = 20.690, p = 0.000) and region (Wald X²(3) = 46.755, p = 0.000). The single best predictor of differences in log abundance and non-zero CPUE was region (Factorial ANOVA p ≤ 0.05). Mean CPUE ranged from 0.21 ± 0.06 kg. man⁻¹.hr⁻¹ to 0.82 ± 0.11 kg. man⁻¹.hr⁻¹ in the OV region and 0.42 ± 0.10 kg. man⁻¹.hr⁻¹ to 1.17 ± 0.24 kg. man⁻¹.hr⁻¹ in the GD region. Angler effort was higher in OV than in GD and ranged from 17 ± 3 anglers/day to 45 ± 9 anglers/day and 6 ± 1 anglers/day to 41 ± 8 anglers/day, respectively. Total catch was higher in the GD 46.0 [95 % CI = 15:102.6] t. period⁻¹ than the OV region 40.0 [95 % CI = 13.9:89.6] t. period⁻¹. The total catch from the Lake Gariep fishery between March and December 2007 was estimated to be 86.0 [95 % CI = 40.4:154.8] t. period⁻¹. Age and growth was determined using whole otoliths. The growth of L. aeneus was best described by the von Bertalanffy growth model as Lt = 481.80 (1- e⁻°·²²⁽t⁺°·⁶¹⁾). Gonadal development for L. aeneus was seasonal, with the gonadosomatic index peaking in January, revealing a distinct spawning season. The length at 50 % maturity for female L. aeneus was attained at a fork length of 354.7 mm. Natural mortality (M) was estimated at 0.55 year⁻¹. The growth of L. kimberleyensis was described by the von Bertalanffy growth model as Lt = 763.22 (1- e⁻°·¹¹⁽t⁺°·⁶³⁾). Only 6 mature female and 15 mature male L. kimberleyensis were recorded during the study period. The smallest mature female was a 390 mm FL stage four female and the earliest recorded mature male was a 337 mm FL, ripe running male. Natural mortality (M) was estimated at 0.08 year⁻¹ for L. kimberleyensis. Per recruit analysis indicated that current fishing mortality reduces the L. aeneus spawner biomass by 7 %, which is considered negligible. Labeobarbus kimberleyensis forms an insignificant proportion of anglers catches and stock status is currently considered pristine.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Decision making improvement by effectively utilising activity-based costing and activity-based management tools
- Authors: Palmer, Vivian Julian
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Decision making , Thought and thinking
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8677 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1152 , Decision making , Thought and thinking
- Description: The aim of this study was to suggest ways to effectively utilise Activity-Based Costing and Activity-Based Managment within Eskom Transmission Southern Grid to improve decision making towards improved business and financial performance. The ultimate purpose was to assist managers and staff to implement ABC and ABM effectively for improved business and financial performance. The focus was on the following objective: To suggest ways to effectively utilise ABC & ABM within Eskom Transmission Southern Grid as to improve decision making and business financial performance. Given the selection of management tools available, instruments such as ABC and ABM are usually not implemented alone, but may be supported by one or more approaches. For this reason ABC and ABM are contrasted with several other popular instruments mentioned in the literature. The instruments are: • The value chain; • Continuous improvement; • The theory of constraints; and • Total quality management. Insight will be given to provide managers with more accurate information regarding maintenance for the Grid and tools in identifying critical bottlenecks. By applying the TOC, TQM and continuous improvement strategies, managers will be able to make improved decisions, leading to improved financial performance in the Eskom Transmission Southern Grid. iii The literature study revealed that ABC and ABM prove to be the cornerstone for informed decision making. Since organisations are highly dependent on quality information to make these informed decisions, ABC and ABM reorientate the organisation towards understanding and managing work processes thus impacting financial performance positively. ABC and ABM trace the cost of activities such as engineering and procurement to how maintenance benefits from these activities. The empirical study consisted of a structured questionnaire distributed to a sample population of engineers and managers in Eskom Transmission Southern Grid in Port Elizabeth. It was aimed at gathering information about the use of ABC and ABM within the Grid. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted with financial staff in the Grid and a focus group interview with engineering staff was done. The main findings of the empirical investigation revealed that management and staff lack insight into the use of ABC and ABM and how it can be integrated with existing improvement systems within the organisation. This study is concluded with a number of recommendations. These recommendations address the shortcomings and improvements that can be made to improve the utilisation of ABC and ABM within the organisation. The recommendations address the following: • Ensuring full commitment towards organisational goals and broadening the endorsement of ABC within the organisation; • Highlighting the importance of financial performance throughout the Grid; • Training of Managers, finance staff and engineers is required for proper execution of the ABC system; • Implementers need skills and know-how of the ABC and ABM system ensuring full utilisation; • The main cost drivers are identified, prioritised and efforts channelled into these activities; • Tools such as the Theory Of Constraints and Total Quality Management from the proposed model would assist the Grid in identifying the bottlenecks of a system correctly, thus know explicitly the amount of slack capacity of each activity available during a specific time period.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Palmer, Vivian Julian
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Decision making , Thought and thinking
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8677 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1152 , Decision making , Thought and thinking
- Description: The aim of this study was to suggest ways to effectively utilise Activity-Based Costing and Activity-Based Managment within Eskom Transmission Southern Grid to improve decision making towards improved business and financial performance. The ultimate purpose was to assist managers and staff to implement ABC and ABM effectively for improved business and financial performance. The focus was on the following objective: To suggest ways to effectively utilise ABC & ABM within Eskom Transmission Southern Grid as to improve decision making and business financial performance. Given the selection of management tools available, instruments such as ABC and ABM are usually not implemented alone, but may be supported by one or more approaches. For this reason ABC and ABM are contrasted with several other popular instruments mentioned in the literature. The instruments are: • The value chain; • Continuous improvement; • The theory of constraints; and • Total quality management. Insight will be given to provide managers with more accurate information regarding maintenance for the Grid and tools in identifying critical bottlenecks. By applying the TOC, TQM and continuous improvement strategies, managers will be able to make improved decisions, leading to improved financial performance in the Eskom Transmission Southern Grid. iii The literature study revealed that ABC and ABM prove to be the cornerstone for informed decision making. Since organisations are highly dependent on quality information to make these informed decisions, ABC and ABM reorientate the organisation towards understanding and managing work processes thus impacting financial performance positively. ABC and ABM trace the cost of activities such as engineering and procurement to how maintenance benefits from these activities. The empirical study consisted of a structured questionnaire distributed to a sample population of engineers and managers in Eskom Transmission Southern Grid in Port Elizabeth. It was aimed at gathering information about the use of ABC and ABM within the Grid. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted with financial staff in the Grid and a focus group interview with engineering staff was done. The main findings of the empirical investigation revealed that management and staff lack insight into the use of ABC and ABM and how it can be integrated with existing improvement systems within the organisation. This study is concluded with a number of recommendations. These recommendations address the shortcomings and improvements that can be made to improve the utilisation of ABC and ABM within the organisation. The recommendations address the following: • Ensuring full commitment towards organisational goals and broadening the endorsement of ABC within the organisation; • Highlighting the importance of financial performance throughout the Grid; • Training of Managers, finance staff and engineers is required for proper execution of the ABC system; • Implementers need skills and know-how of the ABC and ABM system ensuring full utilisation; • The main cost drivers are identified, prioritised and efforts channelled into these activities; • Tools such as the Theory Of Constraints and Total Quality Management from the proposed model would assist the Grid in identifying the bottlenecks of a system correctly, thus know explicitly the amount of slack capacity of each activity available during a specific time period.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Land occupation and the limits of party politics
- Authors: Pithouse, Richard, 1970-
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6200 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008565
- Description: In the recent election the DA, together with COPE, made much of their intention to defend the rule of the law. But while the dust thrown up in that election is still settling, the City of Cape Town is already engaged in violent and unlawful behaviour towards its most vulnerable citizens.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Pithouse, Richard, 1970-
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6200 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008565
- Description: In the recent election the DA, together with COPE, made much of their intention to defend the rule of the law. But while the dust thrown up in that election is still settling, the City of Cape Town is already engaged in violent and unlawful behaviour towards its most vulnerable citizens.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The extent of the right to strike in South African labour law
- Authors: Myeza, Sanele Phillip
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Strikes and lockouts -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Right to strike -- South Africa , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10225 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1037 , Strikes and lockouts -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Right to strike -- South Africa , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa
- Description: South Africa emerges from a history where, workers, and in particular African workers, were excluded from enjoying labour rights and particularly the right to strike, without consequences. Participation in industrial action was treated as a delict or even a criminal offence by employers and the state. A history where participation in a strike was treated as breach of contract and therefore the employer could dismiss striking employees at will. The first democratic elections in South Africa introduced a Constitutional democracy. The Constitution introduced the Bill of Rights in terms whereof the right of every employee to form and join trade unions and to participate in its activities and programmes and to strike was entrenched. Section 27 of the Constitution provides that national legislation shall be enacted to give effect to its purpose and to regulate labour matters, hence the Labour Relations Act of 1995. This study will show that the Labour Relations Act of 1995 marked a major change in South Africa’s statutory industrial relations system. Following the transition to the new political dispensation and a democratic system, the LRA encapsulated the new government’s aims to reconstruct and democratise the economy and society. It ushered in a new order where employers and workers had the opportunity to move away from the adversarialism that had characterised their relations in the past. It promoted more orderly collective bargaining and greater co-operation at workplace and industry levels, and provided an expeditious dispute resolution system. This study also takes a closer view of the provisions of international instruments and institutions such the International Labour Organisation and it, further, does a comparative analysis of the provisions of strike law in other jurisdictions like the United States of America, Canada and the United Kingdom. This study shows further that, while South Africa has democratised the workplace and done away with legislation, policies and practices that discriminated against the majority of the workers and deprived them of the rights that were otherwise enjoyed by their white counterparts to form and join unions and to participate in the activities of the unions, including participating in a strike and while it has made provisions for a protected strike under the LRA and while South Africa has tried to level the playing field and brought some equilibrium in the power between workers and employers, the very same right to participate in a strike and to compel employers to accede to their demands is taken away by the provision in the LRA that allows employers to lock them out and replace them with temporary workers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Myeza, Sanele Phillip
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Strikes and lockouts -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Right to strike -- South Africa , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10225 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1037 , Strikes and lockouts -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Right to strike -- South Africa , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa
- Description: South Africa emerges from a history where, workers, and in particular African workers, were excluded from enjoying labour rights and particularly the right to strike, without consequences. Participation in industrial action was treated as a delict or even a criminal offence by employers and the state. A history where participation in a strike was treated as breach of contract and therefore the employer could dismiss striking employees at will. The first democratic elections in South Africa introduced a Constitutional democracy. The Constitution introduced the Bill of Rights in terms whereof the right of every employee to form and join trade unions and to participate in its activities and programmes and to strike was entrenched. Section 27 of the Constitution provides that national legislation shall be enacted to give effect to its purpose and to regulate labour matters, hence the Labour Relations Act of 1995. This study will show that the Labour Relations Act of 1995 marked a major change in South Africa’s statutory industrial relations system. Following the transition to the new political dispensation and a democratic system, the LRA encapsulated the new government’s aims to reconstruct and democratise the economy and society. It ushered in a new order where employers and workers had the opportunity to move away from the adversarialism that had characterised their relations in the past. It promoted more orderly collective bargaining and greater co-operation at workplace and industry levels, and provided an expeditious dispute resolution system. This study also takes a closer view of the provisions of international instruments and institutions such the International Labour Organisation and it, further, does a comparative analysis of the provisions of strike law in other jurisdictions like the United States of America, Canada and the United Kingdom. This study shows further that, while South Africa has democratised the workplace and done away with legislation, policies and practices that discriminated against the majority of the workers and deprived them of the rights that were otherwise enjoyed by their white counterparts to form and join unions and to participate in the activities of the unions, including participating in a strike and while it has made provisions for a protected strike under the LRA and while South Africa has tried to level the playing field and brought some equilibrium in the power between workers and employers, the very same right to participate in a strike and to compel employers to accede to their demands is taken away by the provision in the LRA that allows employers to lock them out and replace them with temporary workers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Ethical decision-making in the therapeutic space : a psychoanalytic view
- Authors: Silove, Melanie
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Decision making -- Moral and ethical aspects , Psychotherapy -- Moral and ethical aspects , Psychotherapists -- Professional ethics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3273 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020873
- Description: This study examined the ethical decision-making process as it transpired in the everyday context of the therapeutic space. In-depth interviews explored the subjective experiences of six South African psychologists, practicing as psychoanalytic psychotherapists, and their efforts to resolve real-life ethical dilemmas. The theoretical framework used to interpret the data subsumed professional literature in psychology on principle-based ethical decision-making as well as contemporary psychoanalytic debates on the phenomenon of countertransference enactments. A review of ethics codes, survey research and seminal decision-making frameworks suggests that ethical dilemmas have traditionally been resolved by recourse to an objective and impartial “principle ethics” perspective. Empirical evidence shows, however, that logical thinking and the rational application of codes, principles and standards are often insufficient to secure ethical action. The establishment of reflective space and the core theoretical notion of “ethical decision-making enactments” were proposed in order to address the subjective, irrational and unconscious dimension of professional decision-making. This study used a broadly hermeneutic research method which transformed participants‟ descriptions of engagement with real-life dilemmas into a psychoanalytically informed interpretive account of ethical decision-making. Twelve aspirational ethical principles were found to guide participants‟ daily analytic work. Beneficence was the principle most strongly identified with and nonmaleficence was the most neglected ethical principle. Unprocessed countertransference responses were shown to drive earlier prereflective phases of the ethical decision-making process. Mature ethical judgment was predicated upon the retrospective analysis of enactment phenomena. Dissatisfaction was expressed by all participants with regard to the role of professional resources in aiding the resolution of stressful ethical dilemmas. Risk factors for compromised professional decision-making included the paucity and perceived irrelevance of postgraduate ethics training, supervisory failure to confront the ethical and countertransference dimensions of common dilemmas and professional isolation. Rather than eliciting the hope of emotional support and greater insight, professional resources on the contrary mostly appeared to induce anxiety, mistrust and fearfulness. Based on the data and the literature, a pragmatic psychoanalytically informed ethical decision-making model was finally generated. The model, which considers both principle ethics as well as countertransference phenomena, offers a preliminary contribution to professional dialogue on the development and evaluation of empirically based decision-making frameworks. Practical recommendations are made for both the revision of the current South African ethics code and for improving the postqualifying ethics education of psychoanalytic practitioners and supervisors. The limitations of the data are discussed and directions for future research initiatives are proposed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Silove, Melanie
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Decision making -- Moral and ethical aspects , Psychotherapy -- Moral and ethical aspects , Psychotherapists -- Professional ethics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3273 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020873
- Description: This study examined the ethical decision-making process as it transpired in the everyday context of the therapeutic space. In-depth interviews explored the subjective experiences of six South African psychologists, practicing as psychoanalytic psychotherapists, and their efforts to resolve real-life ethical dilemmas. The theoretical framework used to interpret the data subsumed professional literature in psychology on principle-based ethical decision-making as well as contemporary psychoanalytic debates on the phenomenon of countertransference enactments. A review of ethics codes, survey research and seminal decision-making frameworks suggests that ethical dilemmas have traditionally been resolved by recourse to an objective and impartial “principle ethics” perspective. Empirical evidence shows, however, that logical thinking and the rational application of codes, principles and standards are often insufficient to secure ethical action. The establishment of reflective space and the core theoretical notion of “ethical decision-making enactments” were proposed in order to address the subjective, irrational and unconscious dimension of professional decision-making. This study used a broadly hermeneutic research method which transformed participants‟ descriptions of engagement with real-life dilemmas into a psychoanalytically informed interpretive account of ethical decision-making. Twelve aspirational ethical principles were found to guide participants‟ daily analytic work. Beneficence was the principle most strongly identified with and nonmaleficence was the most neglected ethical principle. Unprocessed countertransference responses were shown to drive earlier prereflective phases of the ethical decision-making process. Mature ethical judgment was predicated upon the retrospective analysis of enactment phenomena. Dissatisfaction was expressed by all participants with regard to the role of professional resources in aiding the resolution of stressful ethical dilemmas. Risk factors for compromised professional decision-making included the paucity and perceived irrelevance of postgraduate ethics training, supervisory failure to confront the ethical and countertransference dimensions of common dilemmas and professional isolation. Rather than eliciting the hope of emotional support and greater insight, professional resources on the contrary mostly appeared to induce anxiety, mistrust and fearfulness. Based on the data and the literature, a pragmatic psychoanalytically informed ethical decision-making model was finally generated. The model, which considers both principle ethics as well as countertransference phenomena, offers a preliminary contribution to professional dialogue on the development and evaluation of empirically based decision-making frameworks. Practical recommendations are made for both the revision of the current South African ethics code and for improving the postqualifying ethics education of psychoanalytic practitioners and supervisors. The limitations of the data are discussed and directions for future research initiatives are proposed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The effectiveness of succession planning in SARS enforcement Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Erasmus, Lynne
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Executive succession , Manpower planning , Strategic planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8669 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1208 , Executive succession , Manpower planning , Strategic planning
- Description: This research study addressed the importance of succession planning for the organisations’ survival, which depends on the continuous supply of competent, experienced and well trained managers. It addresses the problem of determining the strategies that can be used by SARS Enforcement Port Elizabeth to manage succession planning effectively. To achieve this objective a comprehensive literature study was performed to determine the views on various succession planning models. The literature review serves as a model in the development of a guideline for SARS Enforcement Port Elizabeth management to manage succession planning. An interview was conducted with the Human Resource Manager and Middle management from the various departments who were requested to complete a questionnaire in order to determine the current practices of succession planning. The questionnaire was developed in accordance with the findings from the research. A pilot study was conducted to evaluate the relevance of the study to the problem questions and to evaluate whether the questionnaire will be easily understood. The answers of the respondents were analysed and compared to the findings of the literature study. The information obtained from the literature study and from the respondents resulted in various recommendations and conclusions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Erasmus, Lynne
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Executive succession , Manpower planning , Strategic planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8669 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1208 , Executive succession , Manpower planning , Strategic planning
- Description: This research study addressed the importance of succession planning for the organisations’ survival, which depends on the continuous supply of competent, experienced and well trained managers. It addresses the problem of determining the strategies that can be used by SARS Enforcement Port Elizabeth to manage succession planning effectively. To achieve this objective a comprehensive literature study was performed to determine the views on various succession planning models. The literature review serves as a model in the development of a guideline for SARS Enforcement Port Elizabeth management to manage succession planning. An interview was conducted with the Human Resource Manager and Middle management from the various departments who were requested to complete a questionnaire in order to determine the current practices of succession planning. The questionnaire was developed in accordance with the findings from the research. A pilot study was conducted to evaluate the relevance of the study to the problem questions and to evaluate whether the questionnaire will be easily understood. The answers of the respondents were analysed and compared to the findings of the literature study. The information obtained from the literature study and from the respondents resulted in various recommendations and conclusions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Hydrology, sediment transport dynamics and geomorphology of a variable flow river : the Mfolozi River, South Africa
- Grenfell, Suzanne E, Ellery, William F N
- Authors: Grenfell, Suzanne E , Ellery, William F N
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6632 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006826
- Description: The co-efficient of variation for inter-annual streamflow of the Mfolozi River is extremely high at 79%. An analysis of flow frequency indicated that streamflow is skewed towards low-flow values, with a number of extremely large flood events occurring as outliers on the histogram. Streamflow variability in the Mfolozi River may be linked to multiple factors including a large catchment size, a seasonal climate of a dry winter and wet summer, evergreen vegetation in the catchment, variable precipitation and the occurrence of regionally pervasive climatic oscillations. This research aimed to address how streamflow variability impacted upon sediment transport and thus, geomorphology. It was found that sediment transport variability occurred at the intra-and inter-annual scale. Analysis of mean monthly sediment concentration and discharge showed a hysteresis effect, such that sediment concentration peaked prior to discharge in the early wet season. During the late wet season, peak discharges often had unexpectedly low sediment concentrations. Furthermore, data suggested the existence of long-term hysteresis that may be related to decadal-scale climatic oscillations that alter sediment availability and stream capacity, resulting in discharge peaking in 2000 and sediment concentration in 2005. However, more data are required to confirm this relationship. Variability in streamflow appears to share a causal relationship with sediment transport variability, as both are linked to variation in precipitation and the resultant impacts on vegetation growth and evapotranspiration rates. The variability of streamflow and sediment transport has implications for stream and floodplain geomorphology, and the hydrology of variable rivers should be considered when interpreting their geomorphology.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Grenfell, Suzanne E , Ellery, William F N
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6632 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006826
- Description: The co-efficient of variation for inter-annual streamflow of the Mfolozi River is extremely high at 79%. An analysis of flow frequency indicated that streamflow is skewed towards low-flow values, with a number of extremely large flood events occurring as outliers on the histogram. Streamflow variability in the Mfolozi River may be linked to multiple factors including a large catchment size, a seasonal climate of a dry winter and wet summer, evergreen vegetation in the catchment, variable precipitation and the occurrence of regionally pervasive climatic oscillations. This research aimed to address how streamflow variability impacted upon sediment transport and thus, geomorphology. It was found that sediment transport variability occurred at the intra-and inter-annual scale. Analysis of mean monthly sediment concentration and discharge showed a hysteresis effect, such that sediment concentration peaked prior to discharge in the early wet season. During the late wet season, peak discharges often had unexpectedly low sediment concentrations. Furthermore, data suggested the existence of long-term hysteresis that may be related to decadal-scale climatic oscillations that alter sediment availability and stream capacity, resulting in discharge peaking in 2000 and sediment concentration in 2005. However, more data are required to confirm this relationship. Variability in streamflow appears to share a causal relationship with sediment transport variability, as both are linked to variation in precipitation and the resultant impacts on vegetation growth and evapotranspiration rates. The variability of streamflow and sediment transport has implications for stream and floodplain geomorphology, and the hydrology of variable rivers should be considered when interpreting their geomorphology.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
An assessment of the environmental compliance monitoring capacity of the Department of Minerals and Energy, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Watkins, Deidre Ann
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: South Africa. Dept. of Mineral and Energy Affairs Mines and mineral resources -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Mineral industries -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Mineral industries -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Mineral industries -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Mines and mineral resources -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Mines and mineral resources -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Environmental auditing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:728 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003848
- Description: One of the greatest challenges facing the world today is integrating industrial activities such as mining with environmental integrity and social concerns. Monitoring is fundamental to environmental management, both to assess the adherence to standards and to allow environmental managers to learn from practical experiences. However, a problem arises when the regulatory authorities cannot keep up with their mandate of enforcement and compliance monitoring. This research examined how the Department of Minerals and Energy (DME) implements the concept of sustainable development in the mining sector of the Eastern Cape (EC) and, more specifically, the extent to which the Mine Environmental Management (MEM) section is able to effectively monitor compliance of mining operations with environmental legislation. This was the first systematic compilation of statistical data for the DME, and presents the first study in the EC regional office in terms of environmental sustainability. Results indicate that there has been a sustained increase in mining activity over the past three years, possibly as a result of the boom in the construction industry and the accelerated road maintenance and improvement programmes in the Eastern Cape. Mining applications received by the DME have increased by 47% from 2006 to 2007 (January-May) and by a further 100% from 2007 to 2008. In addition to the increasing number of mining concerns being established, 98 mining concerns will need to apply for the conversion of their old order rights to new order rights by the 1st May 2009. Mining in the province is predominantly small scale with mining permits (mined areas less than 1.5Ha) making up 52.3% of all applications, with larger mining concerns contributing 29.3% and prospecting contributing the remaining 18.4%. In terms of compliance inspections, the EC regional office is required to conduct 120 environmental compliance inspections annually in terms of contributing to sustainable development. The MEM section exceeded this target since 2003. However, when the number of operational mines is considered, 120 inspections per year equates to one mine being visited, on average once every four years (based on 2008 data). Based on projected figures (number of compliance audits and number of operational mines) for 2009, the DME’s target of 150 inspections for 2009/10 combined with the limited staff D. Watkins – MBA Dissertation 2008 capacity will, at best, mean that mines would be inspected once in seven years. However, the target of 150 inspections will not actually even cover the expected number of EMP evaluation inspections. This has serious implications in terms of regulating the compliance of the mining concerns with their EMPR’s. The low level of compliance monitoring can be directly related to staff capacity and logistics problems at the regional office as well as provincial targets being based on staff capacity rather than the number of operational mines. Thus, considering potential environmental damage associated with mining operations and the capacity constraints of the MEM to conduct frequent compliance audits, it is likely that mining operations will have negative implications for sustainable development in the region. Currently there are many challenges facing the DME in terms of contributing positively to sustainability in the mining sector and there is a need to base future actions on the idea of continuous improvement and ultimately progress.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Watkins, Deidre Ann
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: South Africa. Dept. of Mineral and Energy Affairs Mines and mineral resources -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Mineral industries -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Mineral industries -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Mineral industries -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Mines and mineral resources -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Mines and mineral resources -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Environmental auditing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:728 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003848
- Description: One of the greatest challenges facing the world today is integrating industrial activities such as mining with environmental integrity and social concerns. Monitoring is fundamental to environmental management, both to assess the adherence to standards and to allow environmental managers to learn from practical experiences. However, a problem arises when the regulatory authorities cannot keep up with their mandate of enforcement and compliance monitoring. This research examined how the Department of Minerals and Energy (DME) implements the concept of sustainable development in the mining sector of the Eastern Cape (EC) and, more specifically, the extent to which the Mine Environmental Management (MEM) section is able to effectively monitor compliance of mining operations with environmental legislation. This was the first systematic compilation of statistical data for the DME, and presents the first study in the EC regional office in terms of environmental sustainability. Results indicate that there has been a sustained increase in mining activity over the past three years, possibly as a result of the boom in the construction industry and the accelerated road maintenance and improvement programmes in the Eastern Cape. Mining applications received by the DME have increased by 47% from 2006 to 2007 (January-May) and by a further 100% from 2007 to 2008. In addition to the increasing number of mining concerns being established, 98 mining concerns will need to apply for the conversion of their old order rights to new order rights by the 1st May 2009. Mining in the province is predominantly small scale with mining permits (mined areas less than 1.5Ha) making up 52.3% of all applications, with larger mining concerns contributing 29.3% and prospecting contributing the remaining 18.4%. In terms of compliance inspections, the EC regional office is required to conduct 120 environmental compliance inspections annually in terms of contributing to sustainable development. The MEM section exceeded this target since 2003. However, when the number of operational mines is considered, 120 inspections per year equates to one mine being visited, on average once every four years (based on 2008 data). Based on projected figures (number of compliance audits and number of operational mines) for 2009, the DME’s target of 150 inspections for 2009/10 combined with the limited staff D. Watkins – MBA Dissertation 2008 capacity will, at best, mean that mines would be inspected once in seven years. However, the target of 150 inspections will not actually even cover the expected number of EMP evaluation inspections. This has serious implications in terms of regulating the compliance of the mining concerns with their EMPR’s. The low level of compliance monitoring can be directly related to staff capacity and logistics problems at the regional office as well as provincial targets being based on staff capacity rather than the number of operational mines. Thus, considering potential environmental damage associated with mining operations and the capacity constraints of the MEM to conduct frequent compliance audits, it is likely that mining operations will have negative implications for sustainable development in the region. Currently there are many challenges facing the DME in terms of contributing positively to sustainability in the mining sector and there is a need to base future actions on the idea of continuous improvement and ultimately progress.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Social security and the national orphan care policy in Zimbabwe: challenges from the child headed household
- Authors: Muronda, Yeukai
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Orphanages -- Zimbabwe , Social security -- Zimbabwe , Child welfare -- Zimbabwe , Households -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Dev)
- Identifier: vital:11417 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/564 , Orphanages -- Zimbabwe , Social security -- Zimbabwe , Child welfare -- Zimbabwe , Households -- Zimbabwe
- Description: This study focused on the policy responses formulated by the government of Zimbabwe and their implementation to meet the social needs of the people with special emphasis on the Zimbabwe National Orphan Care Policy (ZNOCP) of 1999. The challenges this policy is facing from the newly evolving structure of the child headed households was the centre of this study. At independence, the government adopted the incremental approach to policy making and extended formal social policy to the previously marginalized black majority. The ZNOCP was introduced in 1999 during the second phase of ESAP. The same period saw the spread of the HIV and AIDS pandemic. HIV and AIDS led to an increase in the number of orphans some of whom ended up in CHH without adult supervision. The day to day challenges of this group of orphans was investigated in Masvingo rural district. For this study both the qualitative and quantitative methodology paradigms were used. Secondary sources such as journal articles, published books and computer databases helped in complementing the field work. Four sets of questionnaires were administered to four groups of people which were the heads of CHH, extended families, community leadership and government officials. The analysis of this study led to the following conclusions about social policy and the plight of children in CHH. Firstly, that social policy has failed in Zimbabwe due to the incremental approach to policy making which was taken by the government because of its nature of being reformist as opposed to being transformative. Secondly, that the xiii ZNOCP is not being properly implemented therefore it does not have any impact on the lives of children in CHH. These children are struggling for basic social services like food and nutrition, clothing, education health, shelter and birth registration. Thirdly, the extended families and the community have been weakened by HIV and AIDS and impoverished by ESAP such that they cannot take care of their own families, let alone their deceased relatives‟ orphaned children as stipulated by the ZNOCP. Finally, the passive role being taken by the government in the care and protection of the children in CHH is detrimental to their welfare. The comparative case study of the Slangspruit informal settlement in South Africa shows that challenges faced by orphans are common. This study therefore recommends that there is need for the review of the ZNOCP. The new policy should come up with child care strategies which take into cognizance the evolutionary nature of the community. A human rights based approach ought to be the basis of child protection interventions in Zimbabwe. The study recommends that all stakeholders from the government down to the community need to fully participate in their various capacities in child care and protection. Resources in terms of finance and human resources should be made available and channeled to the intended beneficiaries. There is also need for capacity building in the communities and to intensify HIV and AIDS prevention, mitigation, care and treatment interventions to reduce the prevalence of orphans.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Muronda, Yeukai
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Orphanages -- Zimbabwe , Social security -- Zimbabwe , Child welfare -- Zimbabwe , Households -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Dev)
- Identifier: vital:11417 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/564 , Orphanages -- Zimbabwe , Social security -- Zimbabwe , Child welfare -- Zimbabwe , Households -- Zimbabwe
- Description: This study focused on the policy responses formulated by the government of Zimbabwe and their implementation to meet the social needs of the people with special emphasis on the Zimbabwe National Orphan Care Policy (ZNOCP) of 1999. The challenges this policy is facing from the newly evolving structure of the child headed households was the centre of this study. At independence, the government adopted the incremental approach to policy making and extended formal social policy to the previously marginalized black majority. The ZNOCP was introduced in 1999 during the second phase of ESAP. The same period saw the spread of the HIV and AIDS pandemic. HIV and AIDS led to an increase in the number of orphans some of whom ended up in CHH without adult supervision. The day to day challenges of this group of orphans was investigated in Masvingo rural district. For this study both the qualitative and quantitative methodology paradigms were used. Secondary sources such as journal articles, published books and computer databases helped in complementing the field work. Four sets of questionnaires were administered to four groups of people which were the heads of CHH, extended families, community leadership and government officials. The analysis of this study led to the following conclusions about social policy and the plight of children in CHH. Firstly, that social policy has failed in Zimbabwe due to the incremental approach to policy making which was taken by the government because of its nature of being reformist as opposed to being transformative. Secondly, that the xiii ZNOCP is not being properly implemented therefore it does not have any impact on the lives of children in CHH. These children are struggling for basic social services like food and nutrition, clothing, education health, shelter and birth registration. Thirdly, the extended families and the community have been weakened by HIV and AIDS and impoverished by ESAP such that they cannot take care of their own families, let alone their deceased relatives‟ orphaned children as stipulated by the ZNOCP. Finally, the passive role being taken by the government in the care and protection of the children in CHH is detrimental to their welfare. The comparative case study of the Slangspruit informal settlement in South Africa shows that challenges faced by orphans are common. This study therefore recommends that there is need for the review of the ZNOCP. The new policy should come up with child care strategies which take into cognizance the evolutionary nature of the community. A human rights based approach ought to be the basis of child protection interventions in Zimbabwe. The study recommends that all stakeholders from the government down to the community need to fully participate in their various capacities in child care and protection. Resources in terms of finance and human resources should be made available and channeled to the intended beneficiaries. There is also need for capacity building in the communities and to intensify HIV and AIDS prevention, mitigation, care and treatment interventions to reduce the prevalence of orphans.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Intercultural communication in three Eastern Cape HIV/AIDS clinics
- Authors: Mandla, Veliswa Maureen
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Intercultural communication -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape HIV-positive persons -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape HIV-positive persons -- Medical care -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Xhosa language -- Study and teaching -- English speakers Physician and patient -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Communication in medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3585 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002160
- Description: There are many inequities that exist in health-care that stem from culture related communication misunderstandings. In most cases where doctors and patients from different cultural and linguistic background interact, doctors use medical language which is different from everyday language used by patients. Patients enter this communication context with anxiety because they depend on the physicians to give them accurate information concerning their health, but they do not always understand all the terms used by physicians to inform them about their conditions. In some cases interpreters are used but their expertise is often inadequate and the interpreting of the patient’s statements to the health staff is also prone to distortion by interpreter / doctor because of the lack of proper understanding of the messages / languages. This may result in a deterioration of the patient’s health condition and unavoidable complications.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Mandla, Veliswa Maureen
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Intercultural communication -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape HIV-positive persons -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape HIV-positive persons -- Medical care -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Xhosa language -- Study and teaching -- English speakers Physician and patient -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Communication in medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3585 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002160
- Description: There are many inequities that exist in health-care that stem from culture related communication misunderstandings. In most cases where doctors and patients from different cultural and linguistic background interact, doctors use medical language which is different from everyday language used by patients. Patients enter this communication context with anxiety because they depend on the physicians to give them accurate information concerning their health, but they do not always understand all the terms used by physicians to inform them about their conditions. In some cases interpreters are used but their expertise is often inadequate and the interpreting of the patient’s statements to the health staff is also prone to distortion by interpreter / doctor because of the lack of proper understanding of the messages / languages. This may result in a deterioration of the patient’s health condition and unavoidable complications.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Key factors required to be classified as a world-class supplier from a South African automotive industry perspective
- Authors: Cook, Gavin Trevor
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9335 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/935 , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa
- Description: Over and above the fact that South African automotive business firms do not have the advantages of a major domestic market and are far removed from the major world markets, they face the challenges of operating in a tough and ever-changing environment. This environment is characterised by a global recession, aggressive global competition, high inflation and more demanding customers. To overcome these obstacles and to ensure their continuous success and existence, these domestic firms need to create a competitive advantage. The establishment of such a competitive advantage is dependent on a number of factors which mainly include sourcing from a world-class supplier base in terms of price, quality and service delivery. The main objective and central theme of this study is to determine the factors that are required by a supplier in the South African automotive industry to be classified as a world-class supplier. In support of the main objective, it was necessary to source the reasons why a firm would find it important to trade with a world-class supplier base, and to determine whether the current levels of supplier performance as experienced by buying firms in the Eastern Cape automotive industry, could be regarded as world-class. Furthermore, the study set out to determine the consequences to customer firms of inferior supplier performance, as well as the actions currently taken and support programmes in place to bring suppliers in line with world-class standards. As a starting point to the study, a literature review was undertaken which revealed the definite interdependence between a business firm and the environment in which it operates. The review underlined the need for environmental scanning as a means to proactively manage the impact of environmental changes on a firm. Porter’s value chain and business process re-engineering, as discussed in the study, are also perceived as means to manage environmental changes. The literature study further revealed some of the latest business trends followed by automotive business firms, as well as the expected supplier buy-in to ensure success. A statistical analysis on the quantitative data gathered, grouped specific items (questions) that relate to the study’s main objective with three respective individual supplier performance areas. A confirmatory factor analysis which focused on the three factors, namely quality, pricing and service delivery was carried out to assess the validity of the questions used for gathering the research data. The Cronbach Alphas determined for the three factors portrayed the reliability of the research instrument as acceptable. The empirical study revealed a few main factors that automotive business firms strongly perceive as being key to the establishment of a world-class supplier base. These factors are: a culture of continuous improvement; consistently meeting delivery deadlines by being able to respond to customer schedule changes; quoting fair prices and having respect for business ethics; as well as the consistent application of a quality policy which leads to conformance to specifications and subsequent high levels of product reliability. The empirical study also identified the following benefits enjoyed by customer business firms when trading with a world-class supplier base: Firms are able to be more flexible to customer schedule changes; they receive products that meet specifications; and they are able to operate at lower costs. The empirical findings with regard to the current level of supplier performance in the Eastern Cape Province automotive industry highlighted mainly three problem areas. These are late deliveries; the inability of suppliers to respond to customer schedule changes; as well as a lack of continuous improvement. Late deliveries which lead to production stoppages, with its resultant high costs, as well as the receipt of below-par quality products, were revealed as the main consequences when dealing with suppliers whose performance are not world-class. The main actions taken and programmes or incentives offered by automotive business firms to bring inferior suppliers more in line with world-class performance, include the rewarding of good suppliers by granting them more business; applying formal supplier performance evaluations; and having regular supplier audits.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Cook, Gavin Trevor
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9335 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/935 , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa
- Description: Over and above the fact that South African automotive business firms do not have the advantages of a major domestic market and are far removed from the major world markets, they face the challenges of operating in a tough and ever-changing environment. This environment is characterised by a global recession, aggressive global competition, high inflation and more demanding customers. To overcome these obstacles and to ensure their continuous success and existence, these domestic firms need to create a competitive advantage. The establishment of such a competitive advantage is dependent on a number of factors which mainly include sourcing from a world-class supplier base in terms of price, quality and service delivery. The main objective and central theme of this study is to determine the factors that are required by a supplier in the South African automotive industry to be classified as a world-class supplier. In support of the main objective, it was necessary to source the reasons why a firm would find it important to trade with a world-class supplier base, and to determine whether the current levels of supplier performance as experienced by buying firms in the Eastern Cape automotive industry, could be regarded as world-class. Furthermore, the study set out to determine the consequences to customer firms of inferior supplier performance, as well as the actions currently taken and support programmes in place to bring suppliers in line with world-class standards. As a starting point to the study, a literature review was undertaken which revealed the definite interdependence between a business firm and the environment in which it operates. The review underlined the need for environmental scanning as a means to proactively manage the impact of environmental changes on a firm. Porter’s value chain and business process re-engineering, as discussed in the study, are also perceived as means to manage environmental changes. The literature study further revealed some of the latest business trends followed by automotive business firms, as well as the expected supplier buy-in to ensure success. A statistical analysis on the quantitative data gathered, grouped specific items (questions) that relate to the study’s main objective with three respective individual supplier performance areas. A confirmatory factor analysis which focused on the three factors, namely quality, pricing and service delivery was carried out to assess the validity of the questions used for gathering the research data. The Cronbach Alphas determined for the three factors portrayed the reliability of the research instrument as acceptable. The empirical study revealed a few main factors that automotive business firms strongly perceive as being key to the establishment of a world-class supplier base. These factors are: a culture of continuous improvement; consistently meeting delivery deadlines by being able to respond to customer schedule changes; quoting fair prices and having respect for business ethics; as well as the consistent application of a quality policy which leads to conformance to specifications and subsequent high levels of product reliability. The empirical study also identified the following benefits enjoyed by customer business firms when trading with a world-class supplier base: Firms are able to be more flexible to customer schedule changes; they receive products that meet specifications; and they are able to operate at lower costs. The empirical findings with regard to the current level of supplier performance in the Eastern Cape Province automotive industry highlighted mainly three problem areas. These are late deliveries; the inability of suppliers to respond to customer schedule changes; as well as a lack of continuous improvement. Late deliveries which lead to production stoppages, with its resultant high costs, as well as the receipt of below-par quality products, were revealed as the main consequences when dealing with suppliers whose performance are not world-class. The main actions taken and programmes or incentives offered by automotive business firms to bring inferior suppliers more in line with world-class performance, include the rewarding of good suppliers by granting them more business; applying formal supplier performance evaluations; and having regular supplier audits.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The evolving image of the German Democratic republic as reflected in the works of Jurek Becker and Christa Wolf
- Authors: Williams, Alison Elizabeth
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Becker, Jurek, 1937-1997 Wolf, Christa German fiction -- Germany (East) -- 20th Century Germany (East) -- History -- 20th Century Germany (East) In literature
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3584 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002159
- Description: The primary objective of this thesis is to demonstrate the direct relationship between history and literature, with particular reference to literature published in the German Democratic Republic. It explores the period of history from 1945 to 1990 describing the collapse of National Socialist Germany after World War Two; the formation of the Federal Republic of Germany in the West and the German Democratic Republic in the East in 1949; the historical, political and cultural evolution of East Germany until the fall of the Berlin Wall in November 1989, and finally the absorption of the German Democratic Republic into the Federal Republic of Germany in 1990.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Williams, Alison Elizabeth
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Becker, Jurek, 1937-1997 Wolf, Christa German fiction -- Germany (East) -- 20th Century Germany (East) -- History -- 20th Century Germany (East) In literature
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3584 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002159
- Description: The primary objective of this thesis is to demonstrate the direct relationship between history and literature, with particular reference to literature published in the German Democratic Republic. It explores the period of history from 1945 to 1990 describing the collapse of National Socialist Germany after World War Two; the formation of the Federal Republic of Germany in the West and the German Democratic Republic in the East in 1949; the historical, political and cultural evolution of East Germany until the fall of the Berlin Wall in November 1989, and finally the absorption of the German Democratic Republic into the Federal Republic of Germany in 1990.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Putting the ‘T’ into South African human rights: transsexuality in the post-apartheid order
- Vincent, Louise, Camminga, Bianca
- Authors: Vincent, Louise , Camminga, Bianca
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/141606 , vital:37989 , DOI: 10.1177/1363460709346108
- Description: Informed by narratives provided by self-identified South African transsexuals, whose lives span different periods of South Africa’s political and social history, this article seeks to explore how South Africa’s medical, legal and military establishments have exerted power over the transsexual body. A variety of studies outline the extent to which the apartheid state was a highly gendered state characterized by inflexible patriarchal norms and the dominance of violent and authoritarian forms of masculine expression. Hyper masculinization and militarization were explicit goals of the apartheid state. Deviance from the state’s prescribed gender norms was not simply socially unacceptable, it was, in many cases, punishable. South Africa’s post-1994 democratic Constitution, in contrast, explicitly outlaws discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. But the democratic legal framework, which provides significant protections for freedom of sexual expression and freedom from discrimination for homosexuals has arguably had less of an impact on the lives of South Africa’s transsexual community. The state, even the post-apartheid state, has been loathe to move beyond the idea of a necessary correlation between the physical make-up of the body and the gender identity of a person in the way in which it has treated the idea of transsexualism.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Vincent, Louise , Camminga, Bianca
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/141606 , vital:37989 , DOI: 10.1177/1363460709346108
- Description: Informed by narratives provided by self-identified South African transsexuals, whose lives span different periods of South Africa’s political and social history, this article seeks to explore how South Africa’s medical, legal and military establishments have exerted power over the transsexual body. A variety of studies outline the extent to which the apartheid state was a highly gendered state characterized by inflexible patriarchal norms and the dominance of violent and authoritarian forms of masculine expression. Hyper masculinization and militarization were explicit goals of the apartheid state. Deviance from the state’s prescribed gender norms was not simply socially unacceptable, it was, in many cases, punishable. South Africa’s post-1994 democratic Constitution, in contrast, explicitly outlaws discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. But the democratic legal framework, which provides significant protections for freedom of sexual expression and freedom from discrimination for homosexuals has arguably had less of an impact on the lives of South Africa’s transsexual community. The state, even the post-apartheid state, has been loathe to move beyond the idea of a necessary correlation between the physical make-up of the body and the gender identity of a person in the way in which it has treated the idea of transsexualism.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Bioconditioning and nitrogen fertility effects of selected cyanobacteria strains on two degraded soils in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Maqubela, Mfundo Phakama
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Nostoc , Cyanobacteria , Soil fertility -- Testing , Soils -- Nitrogen content , Cyanobacteria -- Biotechnology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Soil Science)
- Identifier: vital:11959 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/558 , Nostoc , Cyanobacteria , Soil fertility -- Testing , Soils -- Nitrogen content , Cyanobacteria -- Biotechnology
- Description: Some cyanobacteria strains have biofertilization and bioconditioning effects in soils. The objective of this study was to identify cyanobacteria with potential to improve the N fertility and structural stability of degraded soils and evaluate their effectiveness in soils of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Isolation and characterization of the indigenous cyanobacteria strains with desirable properties was first to be undertaken because their effects are known to differ from strain to strain. Cyanobacteria strains 3g, 3v, and 7e were identified from 97 strains isolated from selected soils. Nostoc strains 3g and 3v had greater ability to produce exocellular polysaccharides (EPS) but low potential to fix atmospheric N2 (4.7 and 1.3 nmol C2H4 μg chl-1 h-1, respectively). On the other hand, strain 7e had the highest capability to fix atmospheric N2 (16.1 nmol C2H4 μg chl-1 h-1) but had the least ability to produce EPS. Evaluation of the strains was done in glasshouse studies starting with Nostoc strain 9v isolated from a Tanzanian soil, followed by the indigenous strains isolated from soils in Hertzog and Qunu, South Africa. Inoculation was done by uniformly applying cyanobacteria on the surface of potted soils at a rate of 6 g m-2. First harvest and soil sampling took place after six weeks, and the top 25 mm of the soil was mixed, replanted, and sampled again after a further six weeks (second harvest). Inoculation with Nostoc strain 9v increased soil N by 40 percent and 17 percent in Guquka and Hertzog soils, respectively, and consequently increased maize dry matter yields by 40 and 49 percent. Soil C increased by 27 percent and 8 percent in Guquka and Hertzog soils, respectively, and this increase was significantly associated with that of soil N (R2 = 0.838). Higher contents of soil C, soil N and mineral N, however, were found in non-cropped soils. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed coatings of EPS on soil particles and fragments of non-cropped inoculated soils, with iii other particles enmeshed in networks of filaments, in contrast to cropped and/or non-inoculated soils. The proportion of very stable aggregates was increased by inoculation but cropping with maize reduced the aggregate stability. Inoculating Hertzog soil with indigenous strains 3g and 7e increased the nitrate N in the first cropping by 49 percent and 69 percent respectively, in cropped soils. In the second cropping increases in mineral N were 41 percent and 43 percent in 3g and 7e inoculated soils, respectively. Maize dry matter yields were higher on inoculated soils both in the first and second harvest in response to the improved N status of the soil. Increases in aggregate MWD in cropped soil as determined by fast wetting, mechanical breakdown and slow wetting were 85 percent, 33 percent, 33 percent, respectively, for 3g inoculation, 64 percent, 41 percent, and 41 percent, respectively, for 7e inoculation and 60 percent, 24 percent, 50 percent for inoculation with 9v. In non-cropped soil, increases in MWD as determined by fast wetting, mechanical breakdown and slow wetting were 11 percent, 0 percent, 7 percent, respectively for 3g inoculation, 21 percent, 11 percent, and 7 percent, respectively for 7e inoculation, and 25 percent, 36 percent, and 19 percent for strain 9v inoculation. Scanning electron microscopy observations, which were confirmed by chemical results, revealed that inoculated soils had high EPS and filaments that encouraged soil aggregation and improved aggregate stability. Results of this study show that cyanobacteria strains isolated and selected for their ability to fix atmospheric N2 and produce EPS improved the fertility status and aggregate stability of degraded soils from South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Maqubela, Mfundo Phakama
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Nostoc , Cyanobacteria , Soil fertility -- Testing , Soils -- Nitrogen content , Cyanobacteria -- Biotechnology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Soil Science)
- Identifier: vital:11959 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/558 , Nostoc , Cyanobacteria , Soil fertility -- Testing , Soils -- Nitrogen content , Cyanobacteria -- Biotechnology
- Description: Some cyanobacteria strains have biofertilization and bioconditioning effects in soils. The objective of this study was to identify cyanobacteria with potential to improve the N fertility and structural stability of degraded soils and evaluate their effectiveness in soils of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Isolation and characterization of the indigenous cyanobacteria strains with desirable properties was first to be undertaken because their effects are known to differ from strain to strain. Cyanobacteria strains 3g, 3v, and 7e were identified from 97 strains isolated from selected soils. Nostoc strains 3g and 3v had greater ability to produce exocellular polysaccharides (EPS) but low potential to fix atmospheric N2 (4.7 and 1.3 nmol C2H4 μg chl-1 h-1, respectively). On the other hand, strain 7e had the highest capability to fix atmospheric N2 (16.1 nmol C2H4 μg chl-1 h-1) but had the least ability to produce EPS. Evaluation of the strains was done in glasshouse studies starting with Nostoc strain 9v isolated from a Tanzanian soil, followed by the indigenous strains isolated from soils in Hertzog and Qunu, South Africa. Inoculation was done by uniformly applying cyanobacteria on the surface of potted soils at a rate of 6 g m-2. First harvest and soil sampling took place after six weeks, and the top 25 mm of the soil was mixed, replanted, and sampled again after a further six weeks (second harvest). Inoculation with Nostoc strain 9v increased soil N by 40 percent and 17 percent in Guquka and Hertzog soils, respectively, and consequently increased maize dry matter yields by 40 and 49 percent. Soil C increased by 27 percent and 8 percent in Guquka and Hertzog soils, respectively, and this increase was significantly associated with that of soil N (R2 = 0.838). Higher contents of soil C, soil N and mineral N, however, were found in non-cropped soils. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed coatings of EPS on soil particles and fragments of non-cropped inoculated soils, with iii other particles enmeshed in networks of filaments, in contrast to cropped and/or non-inoculated soils. The proportion of very stable aggregates was increased by inoculation but cropping with maize reduced the aggregate stability. Inoculating Hertzog soil with indigenous strains 3g and 7e increased the nitrate N in the first cropping by 49 percent and 69 percent respectively, in cropped soils. In the second cropping increases in mineral N were 41 percent and 43 percent in 3g and 7e inoculated soils, respectively. Maize dry matter yields were higher on inoculated soils both in the first and second harvest in response to the improved N status of the soil. Increases in aggregate MWD in cropped soil as determined by fast wetting, mechanical breakdown and slow wetting were 85 percent, 33 percent, 33 percent, respectively, for 3g inoculation, 64 percent, 41 percent, and 41 percent, respectively, for 7e inoculation and 60 percent, 24 percent, 50 percent for inoculation with 9v. In non-cropped soil, increases in MWD as determined by fast wetting, mechanical breakdown and slow wetting were 11 percent, 0 percent, 7 percent, respectively for 3g inoculation, 21 percent, 11 percent, and 7 percent, respectively for 7e inoculation, and 25 percent, 36 percent, and 19 percent for strain 9v inoculation. Scanning electron microscopy observations, which were confirmed by chemical results, revealed that inoculated soils had high EPS and filaments that encouraged soil aggregation and improved aggregate stability. Results of this study show that cyanobacteria strains isolated and selected for their ability to fix atmospheric N2 and produce EPS improved the fertility status and aggregate stability of degraded soils from South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Should passive euthanasia be made legal in South Africa?
- Chidoori, Rumbidzai Elizabeth Portia
- Authors: Chidoori, Rumbidzai Elizabeth Portia
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Euthanasia -- South Africa , Euthanasia -- Law and legislation , Terminally ill -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA (Human Rights)
- Identifier: vital:11098 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/253 , Euthanasia -- South Africa , Euthanasia -- Law and legislation , Terminally ill -- South Africa
- Description: In In 1999 the South African Law Reform Commission proposed a draft bill on End of Life Decisions and tabled the Bill before Parliament. To date the Bill is still yet to be put up for discussion perhaps due to the sensitive nature of the subject. This mini-dissertation will examine South African people’s perception and awareness of passive euthanasia and whether the procedure should be regulated. The research will look at the current position in South Africa, arguments for and against passive euthanasia, and the factors influencing society’s reactions to this growing phenomenon.1999 the South African Law Reform Commission proposed a draft bill on End of Life Decisions and tabled the Bill before Parliament. To date the Bill is still yet to be put up for discussion perhaps due to the sensitive nature of the subject. This mini-dissertation will examine South African people’s perception and awareness of passive euthanasia and whether the procedure should be regulated. The research will look at the current position in South Africa, arguments for and against passive euthanasia, and the factors influencing society’s reactions to this growing phenomenon.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Chidoori, Rumbidzai Elizabeth Portia
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Euthanasia -- South Africa , Euthanasia -- Law and legislation , Terminally ill -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA (Human Rights)
- Identifier: vital:11098 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/253 , Euthanasia -- South Africa , Euthanasia -- Law and legislation , Terminally ill -- South Africa
- Description: In In 1999 the South African Law Reform Commission proposed a draft bill on End of Life Decisions and tabled the Bill before Parliament. To date the Bill is still yet to be put up for discussion perhaps due to the sensitive nature of the subject. This mini-dissertation will examine South African people’s perception and awareness of passive euthanasia and whether the procedure should be regulated. The research will look at the current position in South Africa, arguments for and against passive euthanasia, and the factors influencing society’s reactions to this growing phenomenon.1999 the South African Law Reform Commission proposed a draft bill on End of Life Decisions and tabled the Bill before Parliament. To date the Bill is still yet to be put up for discussion perhaps due to the sensitive nature of the subject. This mini-dissertation will examine South African people’s perception and awareness of passive euthanasia and whether the procedure should be regulated. The research will look at the current position in South Africa, arguments for and against passive euthanasia, and the factors influencing society’s reactions to this growing phenomenon.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
An exploratory study of the role of synergy between the state and civil society in popular participation with reference to the province of Kwazulu-Natal
- Mtaka, Nhlanhla Dalibhurhwana
- Authors: Mtaka, Nhlanhla Dalibhurhwana
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Economic development -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- KwaZulu Natal , Civil society , Responsibility , Political ethics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: vital:8210 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1135 , Economic development -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- KwaZulu Natal , Civil society , Responsibility , Political ethics
- Description: A healthy democracy is generally seen as one in which citizens participate regularly in formal political activities. Citizens’ participation in governance has come to be accepted as an expression of their rights and the manifestation of citizen agency. Access to information remains a crucial component of the right to participate. Transparency, as a normative and constitutional value, represents a means, not an end. The means is the mechanism of access to information. Within the South African context, there is evidence of an increase in participation of a variety of interest groups by means of different processes, as well as through the establishment of numerous consultative bodies and mechanisms for popular participation at all levels of the political structure (Houston, 2001:1). However, accountability to citizens can best be gauged by assessing citizens’ opportunities to influence legislation between elections. Ultimately, the effectiveness and sustainability of mechanisms aim at improving citizens’ participation in policy formulation in order to become effective when they are “institutionalized” and when the state’s own “internal” mechanisms are rendered more transparent and open to civic engagement. Furthermore, the success depends on some form of effective interaction between the state and civic society. In the case of South Africa, whilst the political context and culture for participation exist in the form of the constitutional provisions and several pieces of legislation, a discrepancy exist whereby many South Africans are excluded or devalued by the vast differences in wealth. Citizen’s votes may count equally, but they are still not able to participate on an equal basis between elections. Participatory mechanisms established to ensure citizen’s participation, access to information and monitoring inside and outside the legislature, remain ineffective. These unequal opportunities mean that the poorer and less organised segments of society are prejudiced in terms of influencing legislation and policy. Their lack of full and meaningful participation means legislative outcomes are less representative of, and responsive to, the interests of the poorer segments of society (Habib, Shultz – Herzenberg, 2005: 144). The focus of this study is limited to the province of KwaZulu-Natal. The aim is to, firstly, assess the extent to which citizens can control those who make collective decisions about public affairs. Secondly, it assess the extent to which citizens participate in the existing participatory mechanisms, and thirdly, the study explores the possibilities of the synergy between the state and civil society in promoting effective participation by its citizens. The study, therefore : 1. Assess the theoretical and policy framework for citizen’s participation in South Africa; and 2. Evaluate the level of participation and effectiveness of participatory mechanisms inside and outside the KwaZulu - Natal Legislature. The study introduces the theoretical and conceptual framework of citizen participation through a literature review; followed by an empirical study of citizen participation in the legislative process in the kwaZulu Natal legislature. The study makes the following findings: 1. The literature review concurs that South Africa has one of the most progressive and liberal constitutions in the world. This is coupled with a sound policy framework demonstrating genuine political will for citizens’ participation in policy formulation. 2. Within the political context and culture for citizen participation, the main question of how much control citizens have over the actions of their government remains. Another issue is whether existing mechanisms in the legislature are effective in engendering citizen’s participation and quality input in public policy – making processes. 3. The study showed that ultimately the effectiveness and sustainability of citizen participation mechanisms is improved when they are “institutionalised” and when the state’s own internal mechanisms of accountability are rendered more transparent and open to civic engagement. The study also highlighted the need for synergy between the state and civil society. This includes, among other things, participatory budgeting, public expenditure tracking, monitoring of public service delivery, investigative journalism and citizens’ advisory boards. The study, therefore, makes two recommendations: 1. A comparative Citizens Education and Outreach Programme be developed and spearheaded by both the legislature and civil society in kwaZulu-Natal; and 2. A further study needs to be undertaken to investigate the possible structural nature of the synergy (relationship) between the state and civil society in the province.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Mtaka, Nhlanhla Dalibhurhwana
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Economic development -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- KwaZulu Natal , Civil society , Responsibility , Political ethics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: vital:8210 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1135 , Economic development -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- KwaZulu Natal , Civil society , Responsibility , Political ethics
- Description: A healthy democracy is generally seen as one in which citizens participate regularly in formal political activities. Citizens’ participation in governance has come to be accepted as an expression of their rights and the manifestation of citizen agency. Access to information remains a crucial component of the right to participate. Transparency, as a normative and constitutional value, represents a means, not an end. The means is the mechanism of access to information. Within the South African context, there is evidence of an increase in participation of a variety of interest groups by means of different processes, as well as through the establishment of numerous consultative bodies and mechanisms for popular participation at all levels of the political structure (Houston, 2001:1). However, accountability to citizens can best be gauged by assessing citizens’ opportunities to influence legislation between elections. Ultimately, the effectiveness and sustainability of mechanisms aim at improving citizens’ participation in policy formulation in order to become effective when they are “institutionalized” and when the state’s own “internal” mechanisms are rendered more transparent and open to civic engagement. Furthermore, the success depends on some form of effective interaction between the state and civic society. In the case of South Africa, whilst the political context and culture for participation exist in the form of the constitutional provisions and several pieces of legislation, a discrepancy exist whereby many South Africans are excluded or devalued by the vast differences in wealth. Citizen’s votes may count equally, but they are still not able to participate on an equal basis between elections. Participatory mechanisms established to ensure citizen’s participation, access to information and monitoring inside and outside the legislature, remain ineffective. These unequal opportunities mean that the poorer and less organised segments of society are prejudiced in terms of influencing legislation and policy. Their lack of full and meaningful participation means legislative outcomes are less representative of, and responsive to, the interests of the poorer segments of society (Habib, Shultz – Herzenberg, 2005: 144). The focus of this study is limited to the province of KwaZulu-Natal. The aim is to, firstly, assess the extent to which citizens can control those who make collective decisions about public affairs. Secondly, it assess the extent to which citizens participate in the existing participatory mechanisms, and thirdly, the study explores the possibilities of the synergy between the state and civil society in promoting effective participation by its citizens. The study, therefore : 1. Assess the theoretical and policy framework for citizen’s participation in South Africa; and 2. Evaluate the level of participation and effectiveness of participatory mechanisms inside and outside the KwaZulu - Natal Legislature. The study introduces the theoretical and conceptual framework of citizen participation through a literature review; followed by an empirical study of citizen participation in the legislative process in the kwaZulu Natal legislature. The study makes the following findings: 1. The literature review concurs that South Africa has one of the most progressive and liberal constitutions in the world. This is coupled with a sound policy framework demonstrating genuine political will for citizens’ participation in policy formulation. 2. Within the political context and culture for citizen participation, the main question of how much control citizens have over the actions of their government remains. Another issue is whether existing mechanisms in the legislature are effective in engendering citizen’s participation and quality input in public policy – making processes. 3. The study showed that ultimately the effectiveness and sustainability of citizen participation mechanisms is improved when they are “institutionalised” and when the state’s own internal mechanisms of accountability are rendered more transparent and open to civic engagement. The study also highlighted the need for synergy between the state and civil society. This includes, among other things, participatory budgeting, public expenditure tracking, monitoring of public service delivery, investigative journalism and citizens’ advisory boards. The study, therefore, makes two recommendations: 1. A comparative Citizens Education and Outreach Programme be developed and spearheaded by both the legislature and civil society in kwaZulu-Natal; and 2. A further study needs to be undertaken to investigate the possible structural nature of the synergy (relationship) between the state and civil society in the province.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Taking education and training to higher levels
- Authors: Phiri, Aretha
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:7203 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006400
- Description: Professor Tebello Nyokong of the Chemistry Department has won yet another prestigious award. She was voted "the most influential women in business and government" in the category of education and training, in an event sponsored by CEO Magazine.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Phiri, Aretha
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:7203 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006400
- Description: Professor Tebello Nyokong of the Chemistry Department has won yet another prestigious award. She was voted "the most influential women in business and government" in the category of education and training, in an event sponsored by CEO Magazine.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009