Quantifying variability of emissions of greenhouse gas (CO2& CH4) across selected soils and agricultural practices
- Authors: Sebake, Tebogo Matsimela
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54107 , vital:46302
- Description: Increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHG’s)in the atmosphere are warming the planet, and agriculture is responsible for about 30% of these emissions. Soils act as a host for greenhouse gases, since both their storage and emission capacities are large, accounting for two-times the amount of carbon in the atmosphere and in plant and animal life. It sequesters large amounts of carbon, and because agricultural practices depend on soil for production, the practices influence the soil’s ability to store the carbon effectively. Production soils emit greenhouse gas, predominantly carbon dioxide and methane, which are assessed for emissions in this study. Climate change creates unpredictability in precipitation and temperature; farmers need to be flexible and adapt production methods to such environmental changes in order to continue producing sustainably. Global food production needs to grow drastically to meet the projected demands for rising population and diet shifts; studies have shown that feeding a more populated and a more affluent, equal, world will require roughly a doubling of agricultural production by 2050, which means more GHG emissions from the soil. To enable better control on these emissions, their links to agricultural practices need to be better quantified. The study was done in two areas: (1) long-term comparative farming systems research trial with controlled vegetable plots, in the agricultural school of Nelson Mandela University, in George, Western Cape province and (2) long-term wheat research trial of the Free State University, in Bethlehem, Free State province. The objective in study area one is to assess and compare GHG emissions from conventional and organic systems. Temperature and soil moisture were measured during gas samples to establish the influence they have on gas emissions. The objective in study area two is to assess and compare GHG emissions from no-till, plough, and stubble mulch. Stubble mulch refers to crop residue left in place on the land as a surface cover during fallow periods. Two polypropylene canisters are placed in a sampled plot to trap gas emitted from the soil. Analyses of the trapped gases in the headspace gives concentrations of CO2and CH4that was emitted during the duration the canister was closed. The gas is analysed by a G2201-i Picarro gas analyser, presently the only such instrument in South Africa. The analyser’s near-infrared Cavity Ring Down Spectroscopy technology is capable of simultaneous measurements of CO2and CH4down to parts per million. In study area one, conventional plots (R2T6 & R1T6) emitted 65.089ppm CO2and 61.159ppm CO2, and 0.0010ppm CH4and 0.0004ppm CH4, respectively. Organic plots (R1T3 & R2T3) emitted 53.264ppm CO2and 47.885ppm CO2, and 0.0023ppm CH4and 0.0019ppm CH4respectively. Thus, conventional plots emitted 19.98% & 30.98% more CO2than organic plots; but organic plots emitted 81.97% & 155.5% more CH4thanconventional plots. In study area two, ploughed soils emitted 38.727ppm CO2and 0.015ppm CH4, no-tilled soils emitted 31.798ppm CO2 and 0.011ppm CH4andstubble mulched soils emitted 28.373ppm CO2 and 0.009ppm CH4. Thus, ploughed soils emitted 19.65%more CO2than no-tilled soils, no-tilled soils emitted 11.38% more CO2 than stubble mulched soils and ploughed soils emitted 30.36% more CO2 than stubble mulched soils. Ploughed soils emitted 30.77% more CH4 than no-tilled soils, no-tilled soils emitted 20% more CH4 than stubble mulched soils and ploughed soils emitted 50% more CH4than stubble mulched soils. Moist soils result in decreased CO2emissions in conventional plots and increased CH4emissions in organic plots. Increasing temperature patterns are followed by a trend of increasing gas emissions. Reducing GHG emissions from agriculture and developing sustainable tillage practices can help mitigate climate change and increases the chances of stabilizing GHG concentrations and temperature control within a required range. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Sebake, Tebogo Matsimela
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54107 , vital:46302
- Description: Increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHG’s)in the atmosphere are warming the planet, and agriculture is responsible for about 30% of these emissions. Soils act as a host for greenhouse gases, since both their storage and emission capacities are large, accounting for two-times the amount of carbon in the atmosphere and in plant and animal life. It sequesters large amounts of carbon, and because agricultural practices depend on soil for production, the practices influence the soil’s ability to store the carbon effectively. Production soils emit greenhouse gas, predominantly carbon dioxide and methane, which are assessed for emissions in this study. Climate change creates unpredictability in precipitation and temperature; farmers need to be flexible and adapt production methods to such environmental changes in order to continue producing sustainably. Global food production needs to grow drastically to meet the projected demands for rising population and diet shifts; studies have shown that feeding a more populated and a more affluent, equal, world will require roughly a doubling of agricultural production by 2050, which means more GHG emissions from the soil. To enable better control on these emissions, their links to agricultural practices need to be better quantified. The study was done in two areas: (1) long-term comparative farming systems research trial with controlled vegetable plots, in the agricultural school of Nelson Mandela University, in George, Western Cape province and (2) long-term wheat research trial of the Free State University, in Bethlehem, Free State province. The objective in study area one is to assess and compare GHG emissions from conventional and organic systems. Temperature and soil moisture were measured during gas samples to establish the influence they have on gas emissions. The objective in study area two is to assess and compare GHG emissions from no-till, plough, and stubble mulch. Stubble mulch refers to crop residue left in place on the land as a surface cover during fallow periods. Two polypropylene canisters are placed in a sampled plot to trap gas emitted from the soil. Analyses of the trapped gases in the headspace gives concentrations of CO2and CH4that was emitted during the duration the canister was closed. The gas is analysed by a G2201-i Picarro gas analyser, presently the only such instrument in South Africa. The analyser’s near-infrared Cavity Ring Down Spectroscopy technology is capable of simultaneous measurements of CO2and CH4down to parts per million. In study area one, conventional plots (R2T6 & R1T6) emitted 65.089ppm CO2and 61.159ppm CO2, and 0.0010ppm CH4and 0.0004ppm CH4, respectively. Organic plots (R1T3 & R2T3) emitted 53.264ppm CO2and 47.885ppm CO2, and 0.0023ppm CH4and 0.0019ppm CH4respectively. Thus, conventional plots emitted 19.98% & 30.98% more CO2than organic plots; but organic plots emitted 81.97% & 155.5% more CH4thanconventional plots. In study area two, ploughed soils emitted 38.727ppm CO2and 0.015ppm CH4, no-tilled soils emitted 31.798ppm CO2 and 0.011ppm CH4andstubble mulched soils emitted 28.373ppm CO2 and 0.009ppm CH4. Thus, ploughed soils emitted 19.65%more CO2than no-tilled soils, no-tilled soils emitted 11.38% more CO2 than stubble mulched soils and ploughed soils emitted 30.36% more CO2 than stubble mulched soils. Ploughed soils emitted 30.77% more CH4 than no-tilled soils, no-tilled soils emitted 20% more CH4 than stubble mulched soils and ploughed soils emitted 50% more CH4than stubble mulched soils. Moist soils result in decreased CO2emissions in conventional plots and increased CH4emissions in organic plots. Increasing temperature patterns are followed by a trend of increasing gas emissions. Reducing GHG emissions from agriculture and developing sustainable tillage practices can help mitigate climate change and increases the chances of stabilizing GHG concentrations and temperature control within a required range. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Contribution of the Community Works Programme (CWP) on poverty alleviation in the Western Cape Province
- Authors: Tshomela, Buyiswa Ellen
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Community development -- South Africa -- Western Cape , Poverty -- Prevention -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Western Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54652 , vital:46880
- Description: To address the persistent challenge of the high level of unemployment, poverty, and inequalities, in 2006, the South African government initiated the Community Works Programme that provides an employment safety net for people living in marginalized areas where access to employment opportunities is very limited. The study aims to investigate the contribution of the CWP on poverty alleviation in the Western Cape Province. A qualitative research approach and a qualitative survey questionnaire were used to conduct the study in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. The WC Province has a total target of 17 700 participants in the 27 sites established across seven districts with an average site size of 656 participants. A purposive stratified sampling technique was used to sample 90 participants. Semi-structured interviews, with open-ended questions, were conducted with all the 90 respondents. A thematic content data analysis process was used to analyse data. Findings such as positive contribution or benefits of the programme, economic benefits, personal development, and capacity building, and enhanced economic inclusion and opportunities will be discussed in this study. Recommendations will be made based on the findings of the study. The research findings have shown that the dominant perception expressed by the participants of the CWP was that the program has made a significant contribution to their livelihood. The primary research data also showed that most of the participants utilized the wages received from the programme to buy food, pay for municipal services, pay family educational needs, pay for personal educational needs, demonstrating that the CWP has made a significant contribution to the livelihood of the participants. The literature review reflected that with the high level of unemployment in South Africa, the conditions that necessitated the implementation of this kind of community public works programme remain intact and the intended beneficiaries remain vulnerable and marginalised. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Tshomela, Buyiswa Ellen
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Community development -- South Africa -- Western Cape , Poverty -- Prevention -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Western Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54652 , vital:46880
- Description: To address the persistent challenge of the high level of unemployment, poverty, and inequalities, in 2006, the South African government initiated the Community Works Programme that provides an employment safety net for people living in marginalized areas where access to employment opportunities is very limited. The study aims to investigate the contribution of the CWP on poverty alleviation in the Western Cape Province. A qualitative research approach and a qualitative survey questionnaire were used to conduct the study in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. The WC Province has a total target of 17 700 participants in the 27 sites established across seven districts with an average site size of 656 participants. A purposive stratified sampling technique was used to sample 90 participants. Semi-structured interviews, with open-ended questions, were conducted with all the 90 respondents. A thematic content data analysis process was used to analyse data. Findings such as positive contribution or benefits of the programme, economic benefits, personal development, and capacity building, and enhanced economic inclusion and opportunities will be discussed in this study. Recommendations will be made based on the findings of the study. The research findings have shown that the dominant perception expressed by the participants of the CWP was that the program has made a significant contribution to their livelihood. The primary research data also showed that most of the participants utilized the wages received from the programme to buy food, pay for municipal services, pay family educational needs, pay for personal educational needs, demonstrating that the CWP has made a significant contribution to the livelihood of the participants. The literature review reflected that with the high level of unemployment in South Africa, the conditions that necessitated the implementation of this kind of community public works programme remain intact and the intended beneficiaries remain vulnerable and marginalised. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Soil and vegetation recovery following Acacia dealbata clearing in the Tsitsa catchment, Eastern Cape Province of South Africa: implications for ecological restoration
- Authors: Balintulo, Putuma
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Acacia South Africa Eastern Cape , Invasive plants South Africa Eastern Cape , Working for Water Programme , Soil restoration South Africa Eastern Cape , Plant nutrients South Africa Eastern Cape , Restoration ecology South Africa Eastern Cape , Clearing of land South Africa Eastern Cape , Legacy effect
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/290778 , vital:56783
- Description: Invasion by alien plant species in South Africa continues to compromise the stability of ecosystems by causing declines in biodiversity, altering soil nutrients and processes, and subsequently transforming ecosystem functionality. Control of invasive alien plant species has been widely implemented in South Africa to minimize their negative impacts; however, the legacy effects can persist long after the plant has been removed. The impacts of Acacia dealbata clearing on soil properties and native vegetation recovery remains understudied despite their significance in ecological restoration and monitoring. This comparative study determined the impacts of A. dealbata clearing on both soil physicochemical properties and vegetation in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Soils were collected from three different clearing treatments, namely, cleared, invaded, and uninvaded, on 5 m x 5 m plots over three summer months. The plots were replicated four times for each clearing treatment, making a total of 72 sampling plots. Soils were assessed for soil pH, resistivity, P, C, N, and exchangeable cations as well as soil moisture content, penetration resistance, infiltration rate, hydraulic conductivity, and water repellency. Clearing of A. dealbata did not have any significant effects on most soil nutrients, however, there were variations in soil pH, resistance, and Na. Soil pH was significantly higher in the uninvaded treatments than in the cleared and invaded treatments. Soil moisture content was significantly higher in the cleared treatments than the adjacent invaded and uninvaded treatments, but this was observed in the month of December only. Soil penetration resistance and infiltration rates were significantly higher in the month of December in the cleared treatments. For all clearing treatments, no significant differences were recorded for soil hydraulic conductivity. These results on changes in soil properties following A. dealbata clearing are varied, with some soil properties showing decreases, an indication that removal of A. dealbata has the potential to shift soil properties towards a positive recovery trajectory. This study further assessed whether the clearing of A. dealbata facilitates the recovery of native plant species. Vegetation surveys were conducted in the three above-mentioned treatments and plots. Results showed little recruitment of native grasses and forbs, but the persistence of A. dealbata seedlings in the cleared treatments. Species richness and Shannon-Wiener diversity index were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the cleared and invaded treatments than the uninvaded treatments, and this was more visible for trees and shrubs. Cover for all species was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the uninvaded than the cleared and invaded treatments. This study observed the recruitment of some native species in the cleared treatments that were not present in the invaded treatments. Therefore, the recruitment and establishment of some native species, mostly grasses, in the cleared treatments gives assurance that passive restoration is on a positive vegetation recovery trajectory that can lead to recovery of native vegetation after A. dealbata clearing. Therefore, the study concludes that investing in ecological restoration after alien plant clearing is a necessity for complete ecosystem recovery to be achieved. Overall, the study concludes that the removal of A. dealbata triggers changes to some soil properties. Similarly, the study observed recruitment of some native grasses in cleared areas, an indication that alien plant clearing facilitates changes in both soil properties and vegetation. However, soil and vegetation recovery are being hampered by the regrowth of A. dealbata and secondary invaders that were observed in the cleared treatments. Two key recommendations of this study are (i) clearing follow-up to remove recruiting seedlings of invasive plant species and secondary invaders should be timeous and well-funded, and (ii) active restoration should be considered to speed-up soil and vegetation recovery processes. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Environmental Science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
- Authors: Balintulo, Putuma
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Acacia South Africa Eastern Cape , Invasive plants South Africa Eastern Cape , Working for Water Programme , Soil restoration South Africa Eastern Cape , Plant nutrients South Africa Eastern Cape , Restoration ecology South Africa Eastern Cape , Clearing of land South Africa Eastern Cape , Legacy effect
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/290778 , vital:56783
- Description: Invasion by alien plant species in South Africa continues to compromise the stability of ecosystems by causing declines in biodiversity, altering soil nutrients and processes, and subsequently transforming ecosystem functionality. Control of invasive alien plant species has been widely implemented in South Africa to minimize their negative impacts; however, the legacy effects can persist long after the plant has been removed. The impacts of Acacia dealbata clearing on soil properties and native vegetation recovery remains understudied despite their significance in ecological restoration and monitoring. This comparative study determined the impacts of A. dealbata clearing on both soil physicochemical properties and vegetation in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Soils were collected from three different clearing treatments, namely, cleared, invaded, and uninvaded, on 5 m x 5 m plots over three summer months. The plots were replicated four times for each clearing treatment, making a total of 72 sampling plots. Soils were assessed for soil pH, resistivity, P, C, N, and exchangeable cations as well as soil moisture content, penetration resistance, infiltration rate, hydraulic conductivity, and water repellency. Clearing of A. dealbata did not have any significant effects on most soil nutrients, however, there were variations in soil pH, resistance, and Na. Soil pH was significantly higher in the uninvaded treatments than in the cleared and invaded treatments. Soil moisture content was significantly higher in the cleared treatments than the adjacent invaded and uninvaded treatments, but this was observed in the month of December only. Soil penetration resistance and infiltration rates were significantly higher in the month of December in the cleared treatments. For all clearing treatments, no significant differences were recorded for soil hydraulic conductivity. These results on changes in soil properties following A. dealbata clearing are varied, with some soil properties showing decreases, an indication that removal of A. dealbata has the potential to shift soil properties towards a positive recovery trajectory. This study further assessed whether the clearing of A. dealbata facilitates the recovery of native plant species. Vegetation surveys were conducted in the three above-mentioned treatments and plots. Results showed little recruitment of native grasses and forbs, but the persistence of A. dealbata seedlings in the cleared treatments. Species richness and Shannon-Wiener diversity index were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the cleared and invaded treatments than the uninvaded treatments, and this was more visible for trees and shrubs. Cover for all species was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the uninvaded than the cleared and invaded treatments. This study observed the recruitment of some native species in the cleared treatments that were not present in the invaded treatments. Therefore, the recruitment and establishment of some native species, mostly grasses, in the cleared treatments gives assurance that passive restoration is on a positive vegetation recovery trajectory that can lead to recovery of native vegetation after A. dealbata clearing. Therefore, the study concludes that investing in ecological restoration after alien plant clearing is a necessity for complete ecosystem recovery to be achieved. Overall, the study concludes that the removal of A. dealbata triggers changes to some soil properties. Similarly, the study observed recruitment of some native grasses in cleared areas, an indication that alien plant clearing facilitates changes in both soil properties and vegetation. However, soil and vegetation recovery are being hampered by the regrowth of A. dealbata and secondary invaders that were observed in the cleared treatments. Two key recommendations of this study are (i) clearing follow-up to remove recruiting seedlings of invasive plant species and secondary invaders should be timeous and well-funded, and (ii) active restoration should be considered to speed-up soil and vegetation recovery processes. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Environmental Science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
The use of lesson study to assist junior primary ‘in-service training teachers’ to develop learners’ number sense using number talks
- Authors: Ortman-Gaweseb, Dominika
- Date: 2023-03-30
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/408750 , vital:70522
- Description: Thesis embargoed. To be released in 2025. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-03-30
- Authors: Ortman-Gaweseb, Dominika
- Date: 2023-03-30
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/408750 , vital:70522
- Description: Thesis embargoed. To be released in 2025. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-03-30
A value alignment smart city stakeholder model
- Van der Hoogen, Anthea Vivian
- Authors: Van der Hoogen, Anthea Vivian
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54129 , vital:46309
- Description: The concept of a Smart City has evolved over the last three decades and has attracted the increasing interest of the scientific research community. Unfortunately, many Smart City projects and initiatives do not provide the value expected by all the stakeholders. Many of the reasons for this relate to a lack of data management, data integration, data access and stakeholder participation. People are an integral part of any city’s ecosystem, and the Smart City concept was introduced to address the challenges of an ever-growing global population leading to the risk of depletion of economic, environmental and social resources. The problem addressed in this study is based on the challenges preventing the creation of the value of smart cities or stakeholders. Limited research has been published on the status of Smart City initiatives or on the impact of various success factors on the potential value creation for stakeholders including citizens. Studies on initiatives in developing countries, such as South Africa are even less. Whilst some challenges and constraints related to smart cities in Africa have been reported, there are no studies reporting on initiatives across the data value chain that consider all types of stakeholders, nor the impact of these initiatives. This study addressed this gap in research and designed a theoretical Value Alignment Smart City Stakeholder (VASCS) Model based on a Systematic Literature Review and a review of related theories. The model has important components that should form part of any Smart City project or Smart City initiative. These five main components are: 1) nine Smart City dimensions with related success factors; 2) four stakeholder roles (enablers, providers, utilisers and users); 3) the data value chain; and 4) the five phases of stakeholder benefits/value realisation that can be linked to; 5) stakeholder value alignment. This study applied the VASCS Model to Smart City initiatives in two case studies in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, which were the Nelson Mandela Bay and Buffalo City to investigate and understand the status of such initiatives and the alignment of value thereof. The stakeholder interviews were conducted in two rounds with various stakeholders of Smart City initiatives, referred to as cases in the two case studies. An expert review of the VASCS Model was conducted with eight experts in the field of Information Systems and Smart Cities. The findings of this review served to confirm the components of the model, with only minor improvements recommended. It was confirmed that all of the components need to be considered in planning Smart City projects. The first round consisted of six interviews with enablers and providers and the second round consisted of 22 interviews with users, utilisers and citizens. The interviews investigated the value and impact experienced by stakeholders of these initiatives, with a particular focus on the users, utilisers and citizens of the cases. The interview data was transcribed and qualitatively analysed by using Atlas.tiand Excel. The data was analysed according to the Technological, Organisational and Environmental theory constructs and other identified themes. The interview analysis findings revealed several drivers for these initiatives, which were primarily cost reduction, integration and quality assurance. The results also highlighted access to resources, such as technical skills as a challenge. Another challenge identified was connectivity related to access to data and the digital and physical divide that can impact decision making. The main benefits of Smart City initiatives highlighted were the provision of infrastructure, education and training and digitalisation. The theoretical contribution of this study is the VASCS Model, which can assist other researchers and practitioners with knowledge of the factors, drivers, challenges and value obtained in Smart City initiatives. The model has two supplementary components: A Stakeholder Classification Model and a Smart City Success Factor Evaluation Template. The practical contribution of this study is the potential use of the VASCS Model by practitioners, city management, researchers and other stakeholders, who can use the model, with the related model and template for planning and evaluating Smart City initiatives. The model can be used to classify the digital activities according to a Smart City’s success factors while evaluating the value created by these activities. The impact of these initiatives can then be assessed through value realisation and alignment for stakeholders. The scientific contribution is the adoption of the model to the cases in the Eastern Cape. To reveal in depth, rich, interview findings that provide important lessons learnt relating to the value created for the stakeholders and the addition of these findings to the body of knowledge. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Van der Hoogen, Anthea Vivian
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54129 , vital:46309
- Description: The concept of a Smart City has evolved over the last three decades and has attracted the increasing interest of the scientific research community. Unfortunately, many Smart City projects and initiatives do not provide the value expected by all the stakeholders. Many of the reasons for this relate to a lack of data management, data integration, data access and stakeholder participation. People are an integral part of any city’s ecosystem, and the Smart City concept was introduced to address the challenges of an ever-growing global population leading to the risk of depletion of economic, environmental and social resources. The problem addressed in this study is based on the challenges preventing the creation of the value of smart cities or stakeholders. Limited research has been published on the status of Smart City initiatives or on the impact of various success factors on the potential value creation for stakeholders including citizens. Studies on initiatives in developing countries, such as South Africa are even less. Whilst some challenges and constraints related to smart cities in Africa have been reported, there are no studies reporting on initiatives across the data value chain that consider all types of stakeholders, nor the impact of these initiatives. This study addressed this gap in research and designed a theoretical Value Alignment Smart City Stakeholder (VASCS) Model based on a Systematic Literature Review and a review of related theories. The model has important components that should form part of any Smart City project or Smart City initiative. These five main components are: 1) nine Smart City dimensions with related success factors; 2) four stakeholder roles (enablers, providers, utilisers and users); 3) the data value chain; and 4) the five phases of stakeholder benefits/value realisation that can be linked to; 5) stakeholder value alignment. This study applied the VASCS Model to Smart City initiatives in two case studies in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, which were the Nelson Mandela Bay and Buffalo City to investigate and understand the status of such initiatives and the alignment of value thereof. The stakeholder interviews were conducted in two rounds with various stakeholders of Smart City initiatives, referred to as cases in the two case studies. An expert review of the VASCS Model was conducted with eight experts in the field of Information Systems and Smart Cities. The findings of this review served to confirm the components of the model, with only minor improvements recommended. It was confirmed that all of the components need to be considered in planning Smart City projects. The first round consisted of six interviews with enablers and providers and the second round consisted of 22 interviews with users, utilisers and citizens. The interviews investigated the value and impact experienced by stakeholders of these initiatives, with a particular focus on the users, utilisers and citizens of the cases. The interview data was transcribed and qualitatively analysed by using Atlas.tiand Excel. The data was analysed according to the Technological, Organisational and Environmental theory constructs and other identified themes. The interview analysis findings revealed several drivers for these initiatives, which were primarily cost reduction, integration and quality assurance. The results also highlighted access to resources, such as technical skills as a challenge. Another challenge identified was connectivity related to access to data and the digital and physical divide that can impact decision making. The main benefits of Smart City initiatives highlighted were the provision of infrastructure, education and training and digitalisation. The theoretical contribution of this study is the VASCS Model, which can assist other researchers and practitioners with knowledge of the factors, drivers, challenges and value obtained in Smart City initiatives. The model has two supplementary components: A Stakeholder Classification Model and a Smart City Success Factor Evaluation Template. The practical contribution of this study is the potential use of the VASCS Model by practitioners, city management, researchers and other stakeholders, who can use the model, with the related model and template for planning and evaluating Smart City initiatives. The model can be used to classify the digital activities according to a Smart City’s success factors while evaluating the value created by these activities. The impact of these initiatives can then be assessed through value realisation and alignment for stakeholders. The scientific contribution is the adoption of the model to the cases in the Eastern Cape. To reveal in depth, rich, interview findings that provide important lessons learnt relating to the value created for the stakeholders and the addition of these findings to the body of knowledge. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
The design of an infectious disease centre of excellence for the study of infectious diseases at Livingstone Hospital, Gqeberha
- L’ange, Christopher Jonathan
- Authors: L’ange, Christopher Jonathan
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Hospital buildings –South Africa – Port Elizabeth –design and plans , Hospitals buildings –Disinfection –Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58683 , vital:59985
- Description: The COVID-19 virus showed the world how under-prepared it was to cope with a pandemic. It also raised an awareness in the world that a highly communicable disease can begin anywhere, and without proper monitoring and reporting can spread to become a global pandemic. The South African Health Department has been under significant stress and on the brink of collapse during the successive waves of the pandemic due to the lack of healthcare workers, medical doctors, infectious disease specialists and epidemiologists as well inadequate medical and clinical infrastructure. The infectious disease specialty in South Africa is also in crisis, prompting the Infectious Disease Society of South Africa to plead with the Health Department and universities to fund projects that support learning and research into infectious diseases, virology, and epidemiology. This project proposes the design of an Infectious Disease Centre of Excellence for the Study of Infectious Diseases at Livingstone Hospital, Gqeberha which focuses on the research, teaching and learning, and healing of infectious diseases in a ho listic building design incorporating biosafety research laboratories, an infectious disease ward and a centre of excellence. The methodology used was to research existing precedent studies that are focused on the research, teaching and learning, and healing of infectious diseases as well as researching a theoretical framework based on holism and systemic architec ture. This theoretical framework, coupled with a careful analysis of the relation ship of each highly specialised space with the other space components leads to the design of an Infectious Disease Centre of Excellence for the Study of Infectious Diseases which responds to the urgent need expressed above as well as providing a design which promotes the well-being of all users. The facility also enhances the Livingstone Hospital precinct. Key Words: Infectious Diseases, Laboratory, Ward, Centre of Excellence, Bio-Safe ty, Holism, Systemic. , Thesis (MArch) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Architecture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: L’ange, Christopher Jonathan
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Hospital buildings –South Africa – Port Elizabeth –design and plans , Hospitals buildings –Disinfection –Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58683 , vital:59985
- Description: The COVID-19 virus showed the world how under-prepared it was to cope with a pandemic. It also raised an awareness in the world that a highly communicable disease can begin anywhere, and without proper monitoring and reporting can spread to become a global pandemic. The South African Health Department has been under significant stress and on the brink of collapse during the successive waves of the pandemic due to the lack of healthcare workers, medical doctors, infectious disease specialists and epidemiologists as well inadequate medical and clinical infrastructure. The infectious disease specialty in South Africa is also in crisis, prompting the Infectious Disease Society of South Africa to plead with the Health Department and universities to fund projects that support learning and research into infectious diseases, virology, and epidemiology. This project proposes the design of an Infectious Disease Centre of Excellence for the Study of Infectious Diseases at Livingstone Hospital, Gqeberha which focuses on the research, teaching and learning, and healing of infectious diseases in a ho listic building design incorporating biosafety research laboratories, an infectious disease ward and a centre of excellence. The methodology used was to research existing precedent studies that are focused on the research, teaching and learning, and healing of infectious diseases as well as researching a theoretical framework based on holism and systemic architec ture. This theoretical framework, coupled with a careful analysis of the relation ship of each highly specialised space with the other space components leads to the design of an Infectious Disease Centre of Excellence for the Study of Infectious Diseases which responds to the urgent need expressed above as well as providing a design which promotes the well-being of all users. The facility also enhances the Livingstone Hospital precinct. Key Words: Infectious Diseases, Laboratory, Ward, Centre of Excellence, Bio-Safe ty, Holism, Systemic. , Thesis (MArch) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Architecture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Engineering nanocatalysts using mixed metals for hydrodesulfurization of fuel oil
- Authors: Majodina, Siphumelele
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53861 , vital:46021
- Description: Crude oil is a complex blend containing thousands of hydrocarbons, non-hydrocarbon compounds and heavy metals. These hydrocarbons are mixed with variable quantities of sulfur-, nitrogen-, and oxygen-containing compounds. The combustion of fuel containing organosulfur compounds results in the emission of sulfur oxides (SOx) into the atmosphere. These toxic gases escape into the atmosphere resulting in air pollution, which is a large contributor to global warming. Air pollution also causes pulmonary diseases, allergies and may even lead to human death. It can also cause harm to other living organisms such as animals and food crops. Thus, mandating the reduction of sulfur in organosulfur compounds in fuel to <10 ppmS by the environmental protection agency. Several studies have been conducted to remove sulfur from fuels, most of which have focused on removing refractory sulfur compounds due to the difficulty in removing sulfur in these compounds. However, the currently employed hydrodesulfurization (HDS) catalysts suffer in producing fuels complying with the future standards of fuels quality. Generally, HDS catalysts are made up of metallic components, Co (Ni) and Mo (W), on porous supports, the catalytic activity of these catalysts strongly depends on the amount of NiWS (CoMoS) phases in it and to the extent in which these phases are exposed on the catalyst support surfaces and this is engineered using chelating agents and size of catalysts. To this end, nanosized materials (nanocatalysts) are considered most suitable, as reported active phases of HDS catalysts are exposed, hence improving the hydrodesulfurization of sulfur-containing compounds in fuels. Nanocatalysts results in nanoparticles and when impregnated on a support will results in high surface area, and enhances electronic property, which increases the activity of the catalyst allowing the most refractory sulfur to be removed. The addition of chelating agents such as EDTA, acetic acid, and citric acid further improves the activity of the catalysts by producing more active phases on the catalyst. In this research project, nanocatalysts will be synthesised using mixed metals with and without chelating agents and tested for HDS activity and selectivity towards sulfur using refractory organosulfur compounds in fuels under industrial HDS conditions. This work was divided into two sections, and this dissertation summarizes the research outcomes of each phase. The first section examines the effect of chelating ligands, namely, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), citric acid (CA), and acetic acid (AA), on CoMo HDS activity and the sulfidation mechanism. In this study, chelating ligands seem to have a beneficial effect on HDS activity. Detailed mechanistic aspects of interactions between chelating ligands and metallic species (Co-chelating ligands) were also studied. Characterization by SC-XRD revealed that the presence of the chelating ligand result in the formation of complex with cobalt, and the effect of this complex was shown by TG-DSC analysis. This showed that the presence of chelating ligand leads a to delay of cobalt sulfidation as the complex decomposes at higher temperatures, which was the main cause of improving HDS activity. It was also shown that chelating ligands play a role in dispersion of metal oxides and sulfided metal oxides (TEM and XPS). XPS results showed low MoS2 phase for CoMo/Al2O3 (45%), while CoMo-EDTA/Al2O3 (63%) catalyst resulted in high MoS2 phases. From all the catalysts, CoMo-CA/Al2O3 (98%) gave the highest catalytic activity, and the increase in activity could be attributed to the formation of octahedral molybdenum oxides as they are easily reducible during sulfidation and result in more dispersed active phases and weak metal-support interaction. The second section examines the effect of a promoter (Rh) and different chelating ligands (EDTA, AA, and CA) on the catalyst RhMo supported with alumina. In this phase, rhodium was used as promoter, the following trend for catalytic activity was observed: RhMo/Al2O3 (88%) > RhMo-AA/Al2O3 (73%) > RhMo-CA/Al2O3 (72%) > RhMo-EDTA/Al2O3 (68%). This could be that the addition of chelating ligand complexed both metallic species retarding sulfidation of both metals, hence lowering the HDS activity. Studies show that it is possible for the citric acid to complex with both promoter and an active metal (Mo), and this might result in the formation of molybdenum dimers, trimers and tetramers which are difficult to sulfide. XPS analysis showed that unchelated catalyst have more MoS2 phases of 63%, hence higher dispersion than the chelated catalyst, this could be the reason for high activity in RhMo/Al2O3 (88%) catalyst. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Majodina, Siphumelele
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53861 , vital:46021
- Description: Crude oil is a complex blend containing thousands of hydrocarbons, non-hydrocarbon compounds and heavy metals. These hydrocarbons are mixed with variable quantities of sulfur-, nitrogen-, and oxygen-containing compounds. The combustion of fuel containing organosulfur compounds results in the emission of sulfur oxides (SOx) into the atmosphere. These toxic gases escape into the atmosphere resulting in air pollution, which is a large contributor to global warming. Air pollution also causes pulmonary diseases, allergies and may even lead to human death. It can also cause harm to other living organisms such as animals and food crops. Thus, mandating the reduction of sulfur in organosulfur compounds in fuel to <10 ppmS by the environmental protection agency. Several studies have been conducted to remove sulfur from fuels, most of which have focused on removing refractory sulfur compounds due to the difficulty in removing sulfur in these compounds. However, the currently employed hydrodesulfurization (HDS) catalysts suffer in producing fuels complying with the future standards of fuels quality. Generally, HDS catalysts are made up of metallic components, Co (Ni) and Mo (W), on porous supports, the catalytic activity of these catalysts strongly depends on the amount of NiWS (CoMoS) phases in it and to the extent in which these phases are exposed on the catalyst support surfaces and this is engineered using chelating agents and size of catalysts. To this end, nanosized materials (nanocatalysts) are considered most suitable, as reported active phases of HDS catalysts are exposed, hence improving the hydrodesulfurization of sulfur-containing compounds in fuels. Nanocatalysts results in nanoparticles and when impregnated on a support will results in high surface area, and enhances electronic property, which increases the activity of the catalyst allowing the most refractory sulfur to be removed. The addition of chelating agents such as EDTA, acetic acid, and citric acid further improves the activity of the catalysts by producing more active phases on the catalyst. In this research project, nanocatalysts will be synthesised using mixed metals with and without chelating agents and tested for HDS activity and selectivity towards sulfur using refractory organosulfur compounds in fuels under industrial HDS conditions. This work was divided into two sections, and this dissertation summarizes the research outcomes of each phase. The first section examines the effect of chelating ligands, namely, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), citric acid (CA), and acetic acid (AA), on CoMo HDS activity and the sulfidation mechanism. In this study, chelating ligands seem to have a beneficial effect on HDS activity. Detailed mechanistic aspects of interactions between chelating ligands and metallic species (Co-chelating ligands) were also studied. Characterization by SC-XRD revealed that the presence of the chelating ligand result in the formation of complex with cobalt, and the effect of this complex was shown by TG-DSC analysis. This showed that the presence of chelating ligand leads a to delay of cobalt sulfidation as the complex decomposes at higher temperatures, which was the main cause of improving HDS activity. It was also shown that chelating ligands play a role in dispersion of metal oxides and sulfided metal oxides (TEM and XPS). XPS results showed low MoS2 phase for CoMo/Al2O3 (45%), while CoMo-EDTA/Al2O3 (63%) catalyst resulted in high MoS2 phases. From all the catalysts, CoMo-CA/Al2O3 (98%) gave the highest catalytic activity, and the increase in activity could be attributed to the formation of octahedral molybdenum oxides as they are easily reducible during sulfidation and result in more dispersed active phases and weak metal-support interaction. The second section examines the effect of a promoter (Rh) and different chelating ligands (EDTA, AA, and CA) on the catalyst RhMo supported with alumina. In this phase, rhodium was used as promoter, the following trend for catalytic activity was observed: RhMo/Al2O3 (88%) > RhMo-AA/Al2O3 (73%) > RhMo-CA/Al2O3 (72%) > RhMo-EDTA/Al2O3 (68%). This could be that the addition of chelating ligand complexed both metallic species retarding sulfidation of both metals, hence lowering the HDS activity. Studies show that it is possible for the citric acid to complex with both promoter and an active metal (Mo), and this might result in the formation of molybdenum dimers, trimers and tetramers which are difficult to sulfide. XPS analysis showed that unchelated catalyst have more MoS2 phases of 63%, hence higher dispersion than the chelated catalyst, this could be the reason for high activity in RhMo/Al2O3 (88%) catalyst. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Statistical and Mathematical Learning: an application to fraud detection and prevention
- Authors: Hamlomo, Sisipho
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Credit card fraud , Bootstrap (Statistics) , Support vector machines , Neural networks (Computer science) , Decision trees , Machine learning , Cross-validation , Imbalanced data
- Language: English
- Type: Master's thesis , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/233795 , vital:50128
- Description: Credit card fraud is an ever-growing problem. There has been a rapid increase in the rate of fraudulent activities in recent years resulting in a considerable loss to several organizations, companies, and government agencies. Many researchers have focused on detecting fraudulent behaviours early using advanced machine learning techniques. However, credit card fraud detection is not a straightforward task since fraudulent behaviours usually differ for each attempt and the dataset is highly imbalanced, that is, the frequency of non-fraudulent cases outnumbers the frequency of fraudulent cases. In the case of the European credit card dataset, we have a ratio of approximately one fraudulent case to five hundred and seventy-eight non-fraudulent cases. Different methods were implemented to overcome this problem, namely random undersampling, one-sided sampling, SMOTE combined with Tomek links and parameter tuning. Predictive classifiers, namely logistic regression, decision trees, k-nearest neighbour, support vector machine and multilayer perceptrons, are applied to predict if a transaction is fraudulent or non-fraudulent. The model's performance is evaluated based on recall, precision, F1-score, the area under receiver operating characteristics curve, geometric mean and Matthew correlation coefficient. The results showed that the logistic regression classifier performed better than other classifiers except when the dataset was oversampled. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Statistics, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
- Authors: Hamlomo, Sisipho
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Credit card fraud , Bootstrap (Statistics) , Support vector machines , Neural networks (Computer science) , Decision trees , Machine learning , Cross-validation , Imbalanced data
- Language: English
- Type: Master's thesis , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/233795 , vital:50128
- Description: Credit card fraud is an ever-growing problem. There has been a rapid increase in the rate of fraudulent activities in recent years resulting in a considerable loss to several organizations, companies, and government agencies. Many researchers have focused on detecting fraudulent behaviours early using advanced machine learning techniques. However, credit card fraud detection is not a straightforward task since fraudulent behaviours usually differ for each attempt and the dataset is highly imbalanced, that is, the frequency of non-fraudulent cases outnumbers the frequency of fraudulent cases. In the case of the European credit card dataset, we have a ratio of approximately one fraudulent case to five hundred and seventy-eight non-fraudulent cases. Different methods were implemented to overcome this problem, namely random undersampling, one-sided sampling, SMOTE combined with Tomek links and parameter tuning. Predictive classifiers, namely logistic regression, decision trees, k-nearest neighbour, support vector machine and multilayer perceptrons, are applied to predict if a transaction is fraudulent or non-fraudulent. The model's performance is evaluated based on recall, precision, F1-score, the area under receiver operating characteristics curve, geometric mean and Matthew correlation coefficient. The results showed that the logistic regression classifier performed better than other classifiers except when the dataset was oversampled. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Statistics, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
The design of a furniture Factory in Airport Valley, Gqeberha
- Authors: Hetherington, Ian Craig
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Stores, Retail – South Africa – Walmer--Designs and plans , Furniture --Reproduction , Interior architecture – Walmer – Designs and plans
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58738 , vital:60080
- Description: We are slowly destroying our planet. By now, it is understood that humanity cannot continue with a system of production that continuously converts our finite supply of usable materials into unusable waste. In South Africa, the majority of our waste disappears into landfills but a certain percentage of this waste finds new life. e in the informal and economically repressed communities that have been driven to using this waste out of economic necessity. This treatise aims to explore the potential to provide a dignified built environment through a regenerative architecture that employs tectonic thinking to build with waste in an informal communityThe proposed building for this treatise is a furniture factory, based in Airport Valley, Gqeberha, that is both built from and builds with waste. A series of investigations will be conducted around the theoretical discourse of waste and tectonics in architecture, the nature of productive buildings, the coontext within which the factory will be placed, and the specific processes the factory will engage in. Culminating in the final design of a building that ccan play a socially, economically, and environmentally positive role in one of the many communities that have been left behind by the liberation movement.. , Thesis (MArch) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Architecture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Hetherington, Ian Craig
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Stores, Retail – South Africa – Walmer--Designs and plans , Furniture --Reproduction , Interior architecture – Walmer – Designs and plans
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58738 , vital:60080
- Description: We are slowly destroying our planet. By now, it is understood that humanity cannot continue with a system of production that continuously converts our finite supply of usable materials into unusable waste. In South Africa, the majority of our waste disappears into landfills but a certain percentage of this waste finds new life. e in the informal and economically repressed communities that have been driven to using this waste out of economic necessity. This treatise aims to explore the potential to provide a dignified built environment through a regenerative architecture that employs tectonic thinking to build with waste in an informal communityThe proposed building for this treatise is a furniture factory, based in Airport Valley, Gqeberha, that is both built from and builds with waste. A series of investigations will be conducted around the theoretical discourse of waste and tectonics in architecture, the nature of productive buildings, the coontext within which the factory will be placed, and the specific processes the factory will engage in. Culminating in the final design of a building that ccan play a socially, economically, and environmentally positive role in one of the many communities that have been left behind by the liberation movement.. , Thesis (MArch) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Architecture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
The design of a community sports centre in Alexandra township, Johannesburg
- Authors: Makhele, Busang
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Sports facilities --South Africa – Alexandra -- Designs and plans , Recreation centers -- South Africa –Johannesburg
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58666 , vital:59978
- Description: The post-apartheid city is an unfinished product. It is simultaneously being made and unmade. South African urban environments reinforce and reflect urban segregation and inequality. They are characterised by the remanence of the apartheid city defined by sprawl, placelessness and monotony. Nowhere else has this reality been truer and more visible than in township settlements. Townships settlements are the polar opposite of suburbia. They are typically situated on the outskirts of urban environments with unpleasant living conditions characterised by the lack of public facilities and spaces, adequate resources and under-utilised left-over space. The poor urban conditions in township settlements is where this treatise has decided to position itself. The treatise will use both primary and secondary data resources collected from site visits, observations made, analytical maps and diagrams. The secondary data, includes books, precedent studies, articles and academic journals. The findings indicate that in order for the design intervention to be appropriate and successful, it is important that principles which improve urban qualities and a sense of place and belonging are engaged with and understood, in order to cater to the needs of the community. In conclusion, the intention of this treatise is to design a Community Sports Centre in Alexandra Township, Johannesburg as a means of improving the urban quality by restructuring and reframing public and community space in the township. , Thesis (MArch) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Architecture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Makhele, Busang
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Sports facilities --South Africa – Alexandra -- Designs and plans , Recreation centers -- South Africa –Johannesburg
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58666 , vital:59978
- Description: The post-apartheid city is an unfinished product. It is simultaneously being made and unmade. South African urban environments reinforce and reflect urban segregation and inequality. They are characterised by the remanence of the apartheid city defined by sprawl, placelessness and monotony. Nowhere else has this reality been truer and more visible than in township settlements. Townships settlements are the polar opposite of suburbia. They are typically situated on the outskirts of urban environments with unpleasant living conditions characterised by the lack of public facilities and spaces, adequate resources and under-utilised left-over space. The poor urban conditions in township settlements is where this treatise has decided to position itself. The treatise will use both primary and secondary data resources collected from site visits, observations made, analytical maps and diagrams. The secondary data, includes books, precedent studies, articles and academic journals. The findings indicate that in order for the design intervention to be appropriate and successful, it is important that principles which improve urban qualities and a sense of place and belonging are engaged with and understood, in order to cater to the needs of the community. In conclusion, the intention of this treatise is to design a Community Sports Centre in Alexandra Township, Johannesburg as a means of improving the urban quality by restructuring and reframing public and community space in the township. , Thesis (MArch) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Architecture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
The impact of transformed landscapes on the resource selection and occupancy of specialized browsing species in a lowland fynbos and renosterveld ecosystem
- Swanepoel, Hermanus Izak Johannes
- Authors: Swanepoel, Hermanus Izak Johannes
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54132 , vital:46308
- Description: Human activities have dramatically transformed the natural environment over the last century. In most cases these activities have resulted in the destruction and fragmentation of habitats. However, in some areas the transformation of landscapes through agriculture have created novel habitats which could benefit some species. The effect of these transformed landscapes on the resource selection and occupancy of antelope species in different vegetation types such as fynbos and renosterveld are still understudied. In order to investigate this,we conducted a study in the Overberg region of the Western Cape, South Africa. We studied theoccupancy and habitat useof five specialist browsing species (Tragelaphus scriptus sylvaticus(bushbuck), Rhaphicerus melanotis(cape grysbok), Sylvicapra grimmia(common duiker), Palea Capreolus(grey rhebok) and Rhaphicerus campestris(steenbok)) within a transformed landscape. We collected speciesdetection/ non-detectionand presence/ absence data using camera traps and road strip counts.Usinga single season, single species occupancy framework as a surrogate for habitat usewedeterminedhow transformed landscapes affected their occupancy. Using aniche factor analysis and resource selection functions wedetermine how transformed landscapes affected the resource selectionof these species. Our results from the resource selection analysis indicated that steenbok, grey rhebok, andcommon duiker included crops such as wheat and planted pastures in their resource selection while also including natural vegetation. Cape grysbok and bushbuck selected predominantly for natural vegetation areas such as critical biodiversity areas and ecological support areas while also including some crops in their resource selection. Our results from the occupancy analysis indicatedthat steenbok, grey rhebok and common duiker had a higher occupancy in the transformed landscape than in the natural landscape. Bushbuck and Cape grysbok showed little to no difference in their occupancy between land use types. The insight provided by our results will allow practitioners to maximise the potentialof these mosaic landscape in the Overberg for mammal conservation.The study also provides a baseline from which further research and monitoring programs can be developed to further understand the dynamics of this landscape. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Swanepoel, Hermanus Izak Johannes
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54132 , vital:46308
- Description: Human activities have dramatically transformed the natural environment over the last century. In most cases these activities have resulted in the destruction and fragmentation of habitats. However, in some areas the transformation of landscapes through agriculture have created novel habitats which could benefit some species. The effect of these transformed landscapes on the resource selection and occupancy of antelope species in different vegetation types such as fynbos and renosterveld are still understudied. In order to investigate this,we conducted a study in the Overberg region of the Western Cape, South Africa. We studied theoccupancy and habitat useof five specialist browsing species (Tragelaphus scriptus sylvaticus(bushbuck), Rhaphicerus melanotis(cape grysbok), Sylvicapra grimmia(common duiker), Palea Capreolus(grey rhebok) and Rhaphicerus campestris(steenbok)) within a transformed landscape. We collected speciesdetection/ non-detectionand presence/ absence data using camera traps and road strip counts.Usinga single season, single species occupancy framework as a surrogate for habitat usewedeterminedhow transformed landscapes affected their occupancy. Using aniche factor analysis and resource selection functions wedetermine how transformed landscapes affected the resource selectionof these species. Our results from the resource selection analysis indicated that steenbok, grey rhebok, andcommon duiker included crops such as wheat and planted pastures in their resource selection while also including natural vegetation. Cape grysbok and bushbuck selected predominantly for natural vegetation areas such as critical biodiversity areas and ecological support areas while also including some crops in their resource selection. Our results from the occupancy analysis indicatedthat steenbok, grey rhebok and common duiker had a higher occupancy in the transformed landscape than in the natural landscape. Bushbuck and Cape grysbok showed little to no difference in their occupancy between land use types. The insight provided by our results will allow practitioners to maximise the potentialof these mosaic landscape in the Overberg for mammal conservation.The study also provides a baseline from which further research and monitoring programs can be developed to further understand the dynamics of this landscape. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
A conceptual IT governance framework to guide the development of interoperable health information systems
- Authors: Matshaba, Lebogang
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Information technology Management , Information technology Management Standards , Information technology Security measures , Medical informatics South Africa , Medical records Data processing , Internetworking (Telecommunication) , National health insurance South Africa , Design Science Research (DSR)
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/284570 , vital:56075
- Description: In light of changing health needs, health information systems are presented with a plethora of challenges. For instance, the rise of COVID-19 in the past year has led to the discourse on the strength of current health systems to support health needs and the readiness for the National Health Insurance in South Africa. In addition to operating in resource-constrained environments, the lack of synchrony between health information systems across health facilities led to the fragmentation of health information and diminished access to quality healthcare. This research, following the Design Science Research Methodology (DSRM) process, developed an IT governance conceptual framework (HISIG-CF), to inform the interoperability of health information systems. The HISIG-CF is developed from literature and qualitative data collected using an expert reviews method from practitioners in the healthcare sector who evaluated the constructs of the HISIG-CF. Thematic analysis and hermeneutics were used to analyse and interpret the data. The results revealed a need for more guidance to inform interoperability interventions and strengthen current health information systems. The contribution of this study is the HISIG-CF which is deemed relevant and potentially fit-for-purpose to improve health information systems interoperability within the healthcare sector in South Africa. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Department of Information Systems, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
- Authors: Matshaba, Lebogang
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Information technology Management , Information technology Management Standards , Information technology Security measures , Medical informatics South Africa , Medical records Data processing , Internetworking (Telecommunication) , National health insurance South Africa , Design Science Research (DSR)
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/284570 , vital:56075
- Description: In light of changing health needs, health information systems are presented with a plethora of challenges. For instance, the rise of COVID-19 in the past year has led to the discourse on the strength of current health systems to support health needs and the readiness for the National Health Insurance in South Africa. In addition to operating in resource-constrained environments, the lack of synchrony between health information systems across health facilities led to the fragmentation of health information and diminished access to quality healthcare. This research, following the Design Science Research Methodology (DSRM) process, developed an IT governance conceptual framework (HISIG-CF), to inform the interoperability of health information systems. The HISIG-CF is developed from literature and qualitative data collected using an expert reviews method from practitioners in the healthcare sector who evaluated the constructs of the HISIG-CF. Thematic analysis and hermeneutics were used to analyse and interpret the data. The results revealed a need for more guidance to inform interoperability interventions and strengthen current health information systems. The contribution of this study is the HISIG-CF which is deemed relevant and potentially fit-for-purpose to improve health information systems interoperability within the healthcare sector in South Africa. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Department of Information Systems, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
Encouraging and discouraging factors to crime reporting in South Africa: a survey of residents’ crime reporting behaviour in Mthatha South Africa police service precinct
- Mbewu, Ithandile, Obioha, Emeka E, Mugari , Ishmael
- Authors: Mbewu, Ithandile , Obioha, Emeka E , Mugari , Ishmael
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Crime Citizen crime reporting Article
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/6967 , vital:52622 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/23311886.2021.2002542"
- Description: The aim of this study was to explore issues concerning dispositions of crime-reporting behaviour of both witnesses and victims and comes against a backdrop of a rise in crime levels in South Africa. The study specifically examined the discouraging and encouraging factors for crime reporting in Mthatha area in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. A quantitative methodology was adopted, wherein a closed-ended questionnaire was used to gather data from 120 respondents. The result of the analysis revealed police absence of loyalty to citizens, lack of support for victims and lack of follow-up on reported cases as the major factors which discourage citizens from reporting crimes to the police. Further regression analysis confirmed gender, race, location of respondents and socio-economic status as significant predictors that influence discouragement. As regards the encouraging factors, overall, the citizens’ collective responsibility for safe communities was viewed as the major drive for reporting crimes to the police. From the findings, it can be concluded that poor police-public relations is the main driver for non-reporting of crime. The study recommends strengthening of police-public relations in order to encourage citizens to report crime.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
- Authors: Mbewu, Ithandile , Obioha, Emeka E , Mugari , Ishmael
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Crime Citizen crime reporting Article
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/6967 , vital:52622 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/23311886.2021.2002542"
- Description: The aim of this study was to explore issues concerning dispositions of crime-reporting behaviour of both witnesses and victims and comes against a backdrop of a rise in crime levels in South Africa. The study specifically examined the discouraging and encouraging factors for crime reporting in Mthatha area in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. A quantitative methodology was adopted, wherein a closed-ended questionnaire was used to gather data from 120 respondents. The result of the analysis revealed police absence of loyalty to citizens, lack of support for victims and lack of follow-up on reported cases as the major factors which discourage citizens from reporting crimes to the police. Further regression analysis confirmed gender, race, location of respondents and socio-economic status as significant predictors that influence discouragement. As regards the encouraging factors, overall, the citizens’ collective responsibility for safe communities was viewed as the major drive for reporting crimes to the police. From the findings, it can be concluded that poor police-public relations is the main driver for non-reporting of crime. The study recommends strengthening of police-public relations in order to encourage citizens to report crime.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
An analysis of inland fisheries resource use in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Matam, Ncumisa Yanga
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Fisheries South Africa Eastern Cape , Fishery law and legislation South Africa Eastern Cape , Small-scale fisheries South Africa Eastern Cape , Small-scale fisheries Social aspects South Africa Eastern Cape , Small-scale fisheries Economic aspects South Africa Eastern Cape , SADC Inland Fisheries Sector , Subsistence fishing South Africa Eastern Cape , Draft Inland Fisheries Policy (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's thesis , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/232215 , vital:49972
- Description: South Africa’s Draft Inland Fisheries Policy identifies inland fisheries as an opportunity for socio-economic benefits such as jobs, food security and economic development, based on small-scale fishing and recreational value chains. Using roving creel surveys, this study examined various fishing groups in publicly accessible dams in both an urban and a rural settlement in the Makana Municipal area, Eastern Cape, South Africa. While inland fisheries are particularly relevant for rural communities, there is very little information on the current use of these resources, irrespective of inland fisheries’ importance. This thesis presents a conceptual framework for a study that: (1) reviews available information of inland fisheries and development attempts in South Africa; (2) provides an assessment of the use of inland fisheries on publicly accessible dams in the Makana Municipal area and (3) evaluates case studies of current and past utilization of selected inland fisheries initiatives in the Eastern Cape. The results of this project provide insights into the current conditions and development potentials of inland fisheries in the Eastern Cape. There was a difference in species composition between the dams, but no difference in the CPUE between dams. For example, in Grey dam many species were present, but as the dam size is only one hectare, this would result in an estimated yield harvest of only 207 kg/ha/year. Anglers were encountered at all dams, although fish were only retrieved by anglers in the rural dams of Committees Drift. Dam usage in the rural area was mostly subsistence angling, and this was significantly greater than in the urban area. Subsistence fishers utilised the fish to sustain themselves and their families and for better livelihoods. Anglers from outside the area tended to utilise the dam for recreational angling. Dams found in the urban area were also mostly used by subsistence anglers, though there were a few uses for aesthetic purposes. The urban dams were also utilised recreationally (picnics, year-end functions, swimming), as opposed to the rural dams which were only used for angling. A total of 10 interviews were administered to key respondents in the form of a questionnaires to determine the importance of the fisheries to them. Catch documented from the questionnaires, interviews and logbooks constituted 1238 species and 978 020 kg. Of all the anglers encountered from the interviews, the gill net catch species varied by dam. The fate of fish caught by anglers was dependent on employment status, with most unemployed anglers selling their fish for income and most employed anglers consuming their catch. The findings show that dams were used mostly by small-scale fishers and recreational anglers. Ichthyological surveys revealed that popular fish harvested were moggel, common carp, largemouth bass and Mozambique tilapia. The results are discussed in the context of appropriate development of fisheries in small dams in the province, with recommendations to continue monitored surveys to better inform the inland fisheries policy. The findings from this thesis show that having small scale fisheries in place and providing good access to the dams is essential for rural populations, in turn, providing better livelihoods through hunger alleviation and generating household income. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Environmental Science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Matam, Ncumisa Yanga
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Fisheries South Africa Eastern Cape , Fishery law and legislation South Africa Eastern Cape , Small-scale fisheries South Africa Eastern Cape , Small-scale fisheries Social aspects South Africa Eastern Cape , Small-scale fisheries Economic aspects South Africa Eastern Cape , SADC Inland Fisheries Sector , Subsistence fishing South Africa Eastern Cape , Draft Inland Fisheries Policy (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's thesis , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/232215 , vital:49972
- Description: South Africa’s Draft Inland Fisheries Policy identifies inland fisheries as an opportunity for socio-economic benefits such as jobs, food security and economic development, based on small-scale fishing and recreational value chains. Using roving creel surveys, this study examined various fishing groups in publicly accessible dams in both an urban and a rural settlement in the Makana Municipal area, Eastern Cape, South Africa. While inland fisheries are particularly relevant for rural communities, there is very little information on the current use of these resources, irrespective of inland fisheries’ importance. This thesis presents a conceptual framework for a study that: (1) reviews available information of inland fisheries and development attempts in South Africa; (2) provides an assessment of the use of inland fisheries on publicly accessible dams in the Makana Municipal area and (3) evaluates case studies of current and past utilization of selected inland fisheries initiatives in the Eastern Cape. The results of this project provide insights into the current conditions and development potentials of inland fisheries in the Eastern Cape. There was a difference in species composition between the dams, but no difference in the CPUE between dams. For example, in Grey dam many species were present, but as the dam size is only one hectare, this would result in an estimated yield harvest of only 207 kg/ha/year. Anglers were encountered at all dams, although fish were only retrieved by anglers in the rural dams of Committees Drift. Dam usage in the rural area was mostly subsistence angling, and this was significantly greater than in the urban area. Subsistence fishers utilised the fish to sustain themselves and their families and for better livelihoods. Anglers from outside the area tended to utilise the dam for recreational angling. Dams found in the urban area were also mostly used by subsistence anglers, though there were a few uses for aesthetic purposes. The urban dams were also utilised recreationally (picnics, year-end functions, swimming), as opposed to the rural dams which were only used for angling. A total of 10 interviews were administered to key respondents in the form of a questionnaires to determine the importance of the fisheries to them. Catch documented from the questionnaires, interviews and logbooks constituted 1238 species and 978 020 kg. Of all the anglers encountered from the interviews, the gill net catch species varied by dam. The fate of fish caught by anglers was dependent on employment status, with most unemployed anglers selling their fish for income and most employed anglers consuming their catch. The findings show that dams were used mostly by small-scale fishers and recreational anglers. Ichthyological surveys revealed that popular fish harvested were moggel, common carp, largemouth bass and Mozambique tilapia. The results are discussed in the context of appropriate development of fisheries in small dams in the province, with recommendations to continue monitored surveys to better inform the inland fisheries policy. The findings from this thesis show that having small scale fisheries in place and providing good access to the dams is essential for rural populations, in turn, providing better livelihoods through hunger alleviation and generating household income. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Environmental Science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
Diski 9 Nine and Other Stories (and Things)
- Authors: Mahlabe, Stoffel Seshia
- Date: 2022-04-07
- Subjects: Creative writing (Higher education) South Africa , Diaries -- Authorship , South African essays (English) 21st century , Short stories, South African (English) 21st century , Portuguese fiction History and criticism , African literature (English) History and criticism , Ghanaian fiction (English) History and criticism , South African fiction (English) History and criticism
- Language: English
- Type: Master's thesis , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/232283 , vital:49978
- Description: My thesis is a collection of short stories that reflects the everyday lives of ordinary people. They touch on issues of morality within the current context, in such a way as to both entertain and educate. As a child I learned to imitate the wildly comical, sometimes dark dinoonwane and dithamalakwane stories I heard from elders. In my thesis, I draw on Amos Tutuola’s exuberant style of retelling Yoruba folktales and balance this with the languid candour of Jose Saramago’s Blindness. Stories such as Bessora’s The Milka Cow, and Micah Dean Hicks’s Crawfish Noon have impressed me deeply for their incredible, wild narrative strategies that still, however, emulate realism. Dambudzo Marechera and Can Themba are also present influences. Both have sprinklings of erudition in their writing, but in an earthy kind of way. Their writing contains transliterations that have a ring of the vernacular languages, an idiom that Africanises the English language. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Languages, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-07
- Authors: Mahlabe, Stoffel Seshia
- Date: 2022-04-07
- Subjects: Creative writing (Higher education) South Africa , Diaries -- Authorship , South African essays (English) 21st century , Short stories, South African (English) 21st century , Portuguese fiction History and criticism , African literature (English) History and criticism , Ghanaian fiction (English) History and criticism , South African fiction (English) History and criticism
- Language: English
- Type: Master's thesis , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/232283 , vital:49978
- Description: My thesis is a collection of short stories that reflects the everyday lives of ordinary people. They touch on issues of morality within the current context, in such a way as to both entertain and educate. As a child I learned to imitate the wildly comical, sometimes dark dinoonwane and dithamalakwane stories I heard from elders. In my thesis, I draw on Amos Tutuola’s exuberant style of retelling Yoruba folktales and balance this with the languid candour of Jose Saramago’s Blindness. Stories such as Bessora’s The Milka Cow, and Micah Dean Hicks’s Crawfish Noon have impressed me deeply for their incredible, wild narrative strategies that still, however, emulate realism. Dambudzo Marechera and Can Themba are also present influences. Both have sprinklings of erudition in their writing, but in an earthy kind of way. Their writing contains transliterations that have a ring of the vernacular languages, an idiom that Africanises the English language. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Languages, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-07
Climate change and food security in South Africa
- Authors: Xola, Dungelo
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Food security -- Climatic factors -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/${Handle} , vital:45720
- Description: Climate change continues to pose a threat to mankind. Its impacts are evident in both developed and developing countries. South Africa is a no exception to the climate change problems. Climate change in South Africa has affected water availability which subsequently affects food security of the country. This research study investigated the impacts of climate change on food security in South Africa. South Africa’s food security is severely affected by climate change and as a result, the South African government through the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has devised strategies to respond to climate change and ensure food security in the country. The study analysed government documents and articles about climate change from 2008 to 2018. The study employed content analysis as a data analysis method and the study developed eighteen codes and from those codes, four themes emerged. The research findings highlight that South Africa is a food secure nation only at a national level. In addition, the findings highlighted that climate change poses a significant threat on the agricultural sector which ultimately affects food security in South Africa. The climate change impacts in South Africa include an increase in temperatures, rise in sea water levels, and floods. Climate change in South Africa continues to pose a significant threat in the GDP as it affects crop production and livestock farming, which ultimately affects the exports of the country. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Economics, Development & Tourism, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Xola, Dungelo
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Food security -- Climatic factors -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/${Handle} , vital:45720
- Description: Climate change continues to pose a threat to mankind. Its impacts are evident in both developed and developing countries. South Africa is a no exception to the climate change problems. Climate change in South Africa has affected water availability which subsequently affects food security of the country. This research study investigated the impacts of climate change on food security in South Africa. South Africa’s food security is severely affected by climate change and as a result, the South African government through the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has devised strategies to respond to climate change and ensure food security in the country. The study analysed government documents and articles about climate change from 2008 to 2018. The study employed content analysis as a data analysis method and the study developed eighteen codes and from those codes, four themes emerged. The research findings highlight that South Africa is a food secure nation only at a national level. In addition, the findings highlighted that climate change poses a significant threat on the agricultural sector which ultimately affects food security in South Africa. The climate change impacts in South Africa include an increase in temperatures, rise in sea water levels, and floods. Climate change in South Africa continues to pose a significant threat in the GDP as it affects crop production and livestock farming, which ultimately affects the exports of the country. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Economics, Development & Tourism, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Barriers of entry for black people from owning game reserves in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Mazaleni, Zintle
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Game reserves -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management , Game reserves -- Black people -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54903 , vital:48469
- Description: The conservation industry was closed in the previous apartheid time from the black native people and only opened for the white people alone (Spierenburg & Brooks, 2014). According to Mokotjomela, Nombewu, and Peinke, 2015, the game transformation industry is in need of being transformed to more young black people; they noted the challenges that are faced by the young black people in being able to own nature reserves. These include the fact that they are landless. Secondly, the land transformation that is done through the Department of Rural Development, Land and Agrarian Reform (DRDLAR) is not given back to the rightful owners with the title deeds which is also a challenge as one cannot develop land when there is no certainty that it is theirs (Turner, 2004). Tourism destinations which include the game reserves attract tourists because of the positive economic impacts such as labour-intensive jobs, foreign exchange, and foreign direct investments that come with tourists and boost small businesses. According to Sifilo and Henama (2017), tourism has been an economic messiah of South Africa and the decline of mining jobs has been mitigated by the growth of jobs in the tourism industry. The Eastern Cape's economy is still characterised by disparities in employment rates, income, service levels, and productivity. Economic growth rates have been modest, in line with the rest of the country. Low growth and high unemployment have created considerable issues for the province, with a notably increased demand for social services. According to the most recent economic data, the province's economy is declining (or at the very least is stagnant): The average yearly change in gross domestic product (GDP) per region (Eastern Cape) was 1% in the preceding five years, but only 0.6 percent in the last year The selection of the qualitative research approach and in particular the use of open-ended questionnaires is because it is the only platform that will allow participants to voice their opinions fully without limits and allow the study not to be limited with the information given by the participants. The first section of the questionnaire aimed at obtaining profile data on the respondents. These include age, gender, ethnicity, home language, educational level and time working in conservation and the tourism sector. Questions 8 – 17 focused on respondents stating no, yes, or maybe to the posed questions and elaborating on their experience and knowledge of the wildlife industry, while questions 18 – 24 mainly focused on gaining and listing opinions of respondents on solution to allow entry for black people into the wildlife industry, as well as giving advice on how government and the private sector can assist in reaching the desired goal. Strongly indicated by the empirical results is the gap between the previously disadvantaged group and the white minority group in the province of the Eastern Cape in the wildlife conservation industry. Shown by the results is the position of the black people in the industry as just servants or employees and not owners or equal shareholders and the lack of women leadership in the industry, as well as young people involvement in the decisions and operations of the industry. The list of barriers had one common barrier identified by almost all respondents as noted by the researcher: the issue of land unavailability for the black people in the province. Communal land does not have title deeds as the land is in the hands of governmental departments and traditional authorities. Conditions stipulated on the game transformation policy of the Eastern Cape state that an individual must be in possession of a title deed to the land. This is but a dream to the black people of the Eastern Cape, especially a title deed to a land big enough to be converted into a game reserve. The empirical results strongly indicate the land ownership as the number one barrier for black people from owning game reserves. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Mazaleni, Zintle
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Game reserves -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management , Game reserves -- Black people -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54903 , vital:48469
- Description: The conservation industry was closed in the previous apartheid time from the black native people and only opened for the white people alone (Spierenburg & Brooks, 2014). According to Mokotjomela, Nombewu, and Peinke, 2015, the game transformation industry is in need of being transformed to more young black people; they noted the challenges that are faced by the young black people in being able to own nature reserves. These include the fact that they are landless. Secondly, the land transformation that is done through the Department of Rural Development, Land and Agrarian Reform (DRDLAR) is not given back to the rightful owners with the title deeds which is also a challenge as one cannot develop land when there is no certainty that it is theirs (Turner, 2004). Tourism destinations which include the game reserves attract tourists because of the positive economic impacts such as labour-intensive jobs, foreign exchange, and foreign direct investments that come with tourists and boost small businesses. According to Sifilo and Henama (2017), tourism has been an economic messiah of South Africa and the decline of mining jobs has been mitigated by the growth of jobs in the tourism industry. The Eastern Cape's economy is still characterised by disparities in employment rates, income, service levels, and productivity. Economic growth rates have been modest, in line with the rest of the country. Low growth and high unemployment have created considerable issues for the province, with a notably increased demand for social services. According to the most recent economic data, the province's economy is declining (or at the very least is stagnant): The average yearly change in gross domestic product (GDP) per region (Eastern Cape) was 1% in the preceding five years, but only 0.6 percent in the last year The selection of the qualitative research approach and in particular the use of open-ended questionnaires is because it is the only platform that will allow participants to voice their opinions fully without limits and allow the study not to be limited with the information given by the participants. The first section of the questionnaire aimed at obtaining profile data on the respondents. These include age, gender, ethnicity, home language, educational level and time working in conservation and the tourism sector. Questions 8 – 17 focused on respondents stating no, yes, or maybe to the posed questions and elaborating on their experience and knowledge of the wildlife industry, while questions 18 – 24 mainly focused on gaining and listing opinions of respondents on solution to allow entry for black people into the wildlife industry, as well as giving advice on how government and the private sector can assist in reaching the desired goal. Strongly indicated by the empirical results is the gap between the previously disadvantaged group and the white minority group in the province of the Eastern Cape in the wildlife conservation industry. Shown by the results is the position of the black people in the industry as just servants or employees and not owners or equal shareholders and the lack of women leadership in the industry, as well as young people involvement in the decisions and operations of the industry. The list of barriers had one common barrier identified by almost all respondents as noted by the researcher: the issue of land unavailability for the black people in the province. Communal land does not have title deeds as the land is in the hands of governmental departments and traditional authorities. Conditions stipulated on the game transformation policy of the Eastern Cape state that an individual must be in possession of a title deed to the land. This is but a dream to the black people of the Eastern Cape, especially a title deed to a land big enough to be converted into a game reserve. The empirical results strongly indicate the land ownership as the number one barrier for black people from owning game reserves. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Factors influencing first-year students’ career decisions to pursue an IT career
- Authors: Twani, Malibongwe
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54135 , vital:46306
- Description: The process of deciding on a career is a dauntingand life-changing decision,which all scholarshave had to make. Various factors influence a first-year student’s career choice decision and selected field of study. Career decision-making,as a field of study, has been extensivelyresearched,globally. The research studies focusingon IT career choicesof studentshave indicated that scholars choosing careers in Information Technology (IT) are influenced by factors such as salaries, knowledge of career opportunities, the reputation of IT-related fields in society and by parents, teachers and role models. Recent research indicates that exposure to new technologies and programming concepts at the school level can influence a scholar’s IT career choice. Theories relating to career choice have focused on the characteristics of individuals and their environment. Career choice models have identified factors that influenced a student’s career choice.In South Africahowever,there have been limited studies investigating the factors influencing students’ career decisions in choosing careers in Computer Science (CS), Information Systems (IS) and Information Technology (IT)using mixed-methods.This study aims to investigate the factors that influence first-year students’ decisionsin choosing an IT career at the Nelson Mandela University.The research study pursueda pragmatisticapproach,using a mixed-methods approach. In investigating theories andfactors that influence students’ decisionsin choosing IT careers,the study used systematic literature reviews. The decision-making theories and factorsin theliterature review facilitated the creation of the conceptual framework for IT career decision making. A questionnaire was developed and distributed amongst ITand Non-ITfirst-year studentsin 2021. Fourhundredand eightparticipants completed the survey. The data obtained from the survey were statistically analysed, includingdescriptive analysis andExploratory Factor Analysis(EFA). Additionally, inferential statistics were used namely; Correlations, t-test, Confirmatory Factor Analysis(CFA)and Structural Equation Modelling(SEM). The study results wereinterpreted andcompared with iiiotherrelevantstudies. Recommendations were madeto address the factorsthat influencefirst-year students’ IT career decisions.The study highlighted that high academic confidence and personal attributes amongststudents,whowereinvolved at an early age in programming and using computers,chose IT as a career. The study showed significant statistical differences betweenIT and Non-IT groups in perceptions about the IT industry and identifying job title descriptions.Additionally, a significant statistical difference between languages and genders was identified in understanding careers. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Twani, Malibongwe
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54135 , vital:46306
- Description: The process of deciding on a career is a dauntingand life-changing decision,which all scholarshave had to make. Various factors influence a first-year student’s career choice decision and selected field of study. Career decision-making,as a field of study, has been extensivelyresearched,globally. The research studies focusingon IT career choicesof studentshave indicated that scholars choosing careers in Information Technology (IT) are influenced by factors such as salaries, knowledge of career opportunities, the reputation of IT-related fields in society and by parents, teachers and role models. Recent research indicates that exposure to new technologies and programming concepts at the school level can influence a scholar’s IT career choice. Theories relating to career choice have focused on the characteristics of individuals and their environment. Career choice models have identified factors that influenced a student’s career choice.In South Africahowever,there have been limited studies investigating the factors influencing students’ career decisions in choosing careers in Computer Science (CS), Information Systems (IS) and Information Technology (IT)using mixed-methods.This study aims to investigate the factors that influence first-year students’ decisionsin choosing an IT career at the Nelson Mandela University.The research study pursueda pragmatisticapproach,using a mixed-methods approach. In investigating theories andfactors that influence students’ decisionsin choosing IT careers,the study used systematic literature reviews. The decision-making theories and factorsin theliterature review facilitated the creation of the conceptual framework for IT career decision making. A questionnaire was developed and distributed amongst ITand Non-ITfirst-year studentsin 2021. Fourhundredand eightparticipants completed the survey. The data obtained from the survey were statistically analysed, includingdescriptive analysis andExploratory Factor Analysis(EFA). Additionally, inferential statistics were used namely; Correlations, t-test, Confirmatory Factor Analysis(CFA)and Structural Equation Modelling(SEM). The study results wereinterpreted andcompared with iiiotherrelevantstudies. Recommendations were madeto address the factorsthat influencefirst-year students’ IT career decisions.The study highlighted that high academic confidence and personal attributes amongststudents,whowereinvolved at an early age in programming and using computers,chose IT as a career. The study showed significant statistical differences betweenIT and Non-IT groups in perceptions about the IT industry and identifying job title descriptions.Additionally, a significant statistical difference between languages and genders was identified in understanding careers. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Evaluation of the expanded public works programme as poverty reduction strategy in Buffalo City Municipality
- Authors: Ngumbela, Xolisile Gideon
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Public works -- South Africa , Poverty -- Government policy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54242 , vital:46379
- Description: One socio-economic problem that South Africa is currently facing is the youth and women unemployment rate, which is among the highest in the world. The Government of South Africa has been involved in a number of initiatives, along with the advancement of a labour-intensive Expanded Public Works Program (EPWP) to reduce unemployment and poverty. The EPWP was initiated in 2004 with the aim of putting the unemployed into productive work in the social services of the public sector where relevant training and transfer of appropriate skills are provided to EPWP beneficiaries. However, the EPWP provides only temporary job opportunities that have little impact on the beneficiaries' lives. The main objective of the study was to analyse the Expanded Public Works Programme as a strategy for poverty reduction in order to assess its effectiveness on poverty reduction in Buffalo City Municipality, and to learn best practices that can be emulated by other municipalities or other programmes of Buffalo City Municipality. The secondary aim of the study was to suggest possible solutions and ways to overcome the problems and challenges faced by the metropolitan municipality of Buffalo City in tackling poverty reduction. Another goal was to explore whether the job prospects in Public Works would improve participants' future employability after they leave EPWP. Lastly, the study forwards suggestions on how best to use the EPWP as a tool to provide disadvantaged youth and women with sustainable job opportunities. The sample comprised of ten (10) individuals, and it was arrived at using purposive sampling. The self-administered questionnaire was sent to two (2) councilors and eight (8) EPWP managers involved in the EPWP management in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. The data was collected through the self-administered questionnaire, followed by telephone follow-ups for points of clarity, because the study took place at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, which took everyone by surprise and left the whole world astonished as it seemed no one was fully prepared for the disaster. The study found that, overall, the design elements and implementation aspects of EPWP are not ideal for helping the unemployed to become more employable on a large scale. Other issues include the absence of advanced skills training for EPWP participants; the unsustainable essence of the administration of the EPWP, and the non-approval of the draft EPWP policy. This study suggests measures with regard to EPWP coordination, enhanced project monitoring, preparation, indigent requirements and acceptance of the EPWP regulation under the BCMM. The study also recommends, in addition to the above, properly consulted management framework according to international best practices of programme management and evaluation to allow the EPWP to achieve its goals more effectively. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Ngumbela, Xolisile Gideon
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Public works -- South Africa , Poverty -- Government policy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54242 , vital:46379
- Description: One socio-economic problem that South Africa is currently facing is the youth and women unemployment rate, which is among the highest in the world. The Government of South Africa has been involved in a number of initiatives, along with the advancement of a labour-intensive Expanded Public Works Program (EPWP) to reduce unemployment and poverty. The EPWP was initiated in 2004 with the aim of putting the unemployed into productive work in the social services of the public sector where relevant training and transfer of appropriate skills are provided to EPWP beneficiaries. However, the EPWP provides only temporary job opportunities that have little impact on the beneficiaries' lives. The main objective of the study was to analyse the Expanded Public Works Programme as a strategy for poverty reduction in order to assess its effectiveness on poverty reduction in Buffalo City Municipality, and to learn best practices that can be emulated by other municipalities or other programmes of Buffalo City Municipality. The secondary aim of the study was to suggest possible solutions and ways to overcome the problems and challenges faced by the metropolitan municipality of Buffalo City in tackling poverty reduction. Another goal was to explore whether the job prospects in Public Works would improve participants' future employability after they leave EPWP. Lastly, the study forwards suggestions on how best to use the EPWP as a tool to provide disadvantaged youth and women with sustainable job opportunities. The sample comprised of ten (10) individuals, and it was arrived at using purposive sampling. The self-administered questionnaire was sent to two (2) councilors and eight (8) EPWP managers involved in the EPWP management in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. The data was collected through the self-administered questionnaire, followed by telephone follow-ups for points of clarity, because the study took place at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, which took everyone by surprise and left the whole world astonished as it seemed no one was fully prepared for the disaster. The study found that, overall, the design elements and implementation aspects of EPWP are not ideal for helping the unemployed to become more employable on a large scale. Other issues include the absence of advanced skills training for EPWP participants; the unsustainable essence of the administration of the EPWP, and the non-approval of the draft EPWP policy. This study suggests measures with regard to EPWP coordination, enhanced project monitoring, preparation, indigent requirements and acceptance of the EPWP regulation under the BCMM. The study also recommends, in addition to the above, properly consulted management framework according to international best practices of programme management and evaluation to allow the EPWP to achieve its goals more effectively. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Health promotional levy: a commercial perspective
- Authors: Ncapayi, Sakhumzi
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Public health -- Taxation -- South Africa , Sugar -- Taxation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54213 , vital:46362
- Description: The gazetting of the Health Promotion Levy (HPL) and its subsequent implementation had diverse effects and reactions from different stakeholders in South Africa. This study sought to understand the implications of the HPL for the industry by exploring the perceptions of SSB consumers. As such, the purpose of the study was to investigate the impact of the HPL on changing consumer preferences. The study also sought to explore the impact of the HPL on the way that companies have aligned their marketing strategies in line with the HPL to accommodate the response of the market in terms of taste and price sensitivity. An overview of the previous published work globally is analysed critically with the different sugar taxes imposed in other countries with regard to their impact on the various economies . Global discussions on the topic of the sugar tax are shared and conceptualising the sugar tax and sugar as a product. A quantitative research paradigm, also known as a positivistic research paradigm, was considered appropriate for the study that aimed to effectively test and evaluate the conceptual hypotheses and constructs that relate to the HPL. The objective was achieved by conducting an online cross-sectional survey. The survey instrument was a questionnaire that was randomly distributed to 385 SSB consumers in all nine provinces of South Africa using convenience random sampling. The data collected were analysed using the software IBM SPSS Statistics 25. The data reduction technique Exploratory Factor analysis (EFA) was then used to find the factor loadings that best produced correlations between the observed variables. The variables comprised of 5 – point Likert scale that ranged from strongly disagree (1), disagree (2), neutral (3), agree (4) to strongly agree (5). A scree plot was used for factor extraction and confirmed with parallel analysis, and four factors emerged. The factors were extracted using the oblique rotation principal – Promax with 100 iterations for convergence. Consumer perceptions in South Africa are critical to improving the implementation of the HPL and creating a healthier society. Government and management need to lead by example in promoting a healthy lifestyle through marketing activities (product promotions) and in the pricing of products, as obesity is a reality for everyone in the country and needs to be managed. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Ncapayi, Sakhumzi
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Public health -- Taxation -- South Africa , Sugar -- Taxation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54213 , vital:46362
- Description: The gazetting of the Health Promotion Levy (HPL) and its subsequent implementation had diverse effects and reactions from different stakeholders in South Africa. This study sought to understand the implications of the HPL for the industry by exploring the perceptions of SSB consumers. As such, the purpose of the study was to investigate the impact of the HPL on changing consumer preferences. The study also sought to explore the impact of the HPL on the way that companies have aligned their marketing strategies in line with the HPL to accommodate the response of the market in terms of taste and price sensitivity. An overview of the previous published work globally is analysed critically with the different sugar taxes imposed in other countries with regard to their impact on the various economies . Global discussions on the topic of the sugar tax are shared and conceptualising the sugar tax and sugar as a product. A quantitative research paradigm, also known as a positivistic research paradigm, was considered appropriate for the study that aimed to effectively test and evaluate the conceptual hypotheses and constructs that relate to the HPL. The objective was achieved by conducting an online cross-sectional survey. The survey instrument was a questionnaire that was randomly distributed to 385 SSB consumers in all nine provinces of South Africa using convenience random sampling. The data collected were analysed using the software IBM SPSS Statistics 25. The data reduction technique Exploratory Factor analysis (EFA) was then used to find the factor loadings that best produced correlations between the observed variables. The variables comprised of 5 – point Likert scale that ranged from strongly disagree (1), disagree (2), neutral (3), agree (4) to strongly agree (5). A scree plot was used for factor extraction and confirmed with parallel analysis, and four factors emerged. The factors were extracted using the oblique rotation principal – Promax with 100 iterations for convergence. Consumer perceptions in South Africa are critical to improving the implementation of the HPL and creating a healthier society. Government and management need to lead by example in promoting a healthy lifestyle through marketing activities (product promotions) and in the pricing of products, as obesity is a reality for everyone in the country and needs to be managed. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12