Factors contributing to employee engagement in an aquaculture organisation in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Clark, Gesina Maria
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Management -- Employee participation , Employee motivation , Personnel management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51084 , vital:43207
- Description: The concept of work engagement has become increasingly important in modern day organisations due to the impact of engagement on productivity, absenteeism, retention and general employee well-being. Organisations with the ability to nurture and improve the engagement levels of their employees are able to prosper as sustainable, competitive and adaptive organisations. The aim of this research is to determine which factors influence engagement of employees in South Africa and specifically in the aquaculture arena, which predominantly employs unskilled and semi-skilled people. A quantitative research design was applied to determine the work engagement levels of employees in an aquaculture organisation in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Participants were requested to complete the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale as well as a biographic questionnaire. Engagement levels of different biographic groups were compared. Results indicate that there is a statistical and practical significant difference in the engagement levels of employees from different biographic groups. Older employees and employees with tertiary qualifications reported higher engagement levels. Female employees also indicated significantly higher engagement levels than their male colleagues. There are significant differences in the engagement levels of employees from different work sections and different lengths of service. Many of the differences in engagement levels can be explained in terms of the Job Demands-Resources Model. The difference in engagement level between respondents from different work sections may be due to differences in leadership style of the section supervisors. The scope of this study is not sufficient to explain the reasons for differences and more research in this area is recommended. The diverse employment landscape in South Africa requires more than a “one-size fits all” approach to managing employee engagement. This research adds to the body of existing literature on engagement in the South African labour landscape and provides valuable information to organisational leaders and Human Resource Managers when planning employee engagement initiatives. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business Administration, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Clark, Gesina Maria
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Management -- Employee participation , Employee motivation , Personnel management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51084 , vital:43207
- Description: The concept of work engagement has become increasingly important in modern day organisations due to the impact of engagement on productivity, absenteeism, retention and general employee well-being. Organisations with the ability to nurture and improve the engagement levels of their employees are able to prosper as sustainable, competitive and adaptive organisations. The aim of this research is to determine which factors influence engagement of employees in South Africa and specifically in the aquaculture arena, which predominantly employs unskilled and semi-skilled people. A quantitative research design was applied to determine the work engagement levels of employees in an aquaculture organisation in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Participants were requested to complete the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale as well as a biographic questionnaire. Engagement levels of different biographic groups were compared. Results indicate that there is a statistical and practical significant difference in the engagement levels of employees from different biographic groups. Older employees and employees with tertiary qualifications reported higher engagement levels. Female employees also indicated significantly higher engagement levels than their male colleagues. There are significant differences in the engagement levels of employees from different work sections and different lengths of service. Many of the differences in engagement levels can be explained in terms of the Job Demands-Resources Model. The difference in engagement level between respondents from different work sections may be due to differences in leadership style of the section supervisors. The scope of this study is not sufficient to explain the reasons for differences and more research in this area is recommended. The diverse employment landscape in South Africa requires more than a “one-size fits all” approach to managing employee engagement. This research adds to the body of existing literature on engagement in the South African labour landscape and provides valuable information to organisational leaders and Human Resource Managers when planning employee engagement initiatives. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business Administration, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Investigating grade 6 teachers’ views and practices regarding creating an intellectually safe classroom environment
- Authors: Damana, Yanga
- Date: 2019-05
- Subjects: Classroom environment , Classroom management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19947 , vital:44808
- Description: An intellectually safe classroom (ISC) is essential for teaching and learning to occur. The aim of this study was to investigate Grade 6 teachers’ views and practices regarding the creation of intellectually safe classroom environments. The paradigm that was used in the study was the interpretive paradigm and the research approach was qualitative. A case study design was used. Three Mdantsane primary schools was purposively selected and two Grade 6 teachers from each school were the participants. Semi structured interviews and observations were used to collect data. The research found that participants are cognizant of the need to develop ISC. They define ISC as a classroom that is both emotionally and physically safe for learning to occur. The participants are very conversant with the benefits of ISC. Most of the teachers purposefully tried to implement ISC. This included the establishment of classroom rules, and they acknowledged the role that the teacher plays in setting up an ISC and the manner in which they establish trust and co-operation within their classrooms. However, they are often constrained in their implementation of ISC by their own teaching styles and by factors outside of their control. This emphasised the pivotal role that teachers have in the establishment of an ISC. It is recommended that ISC be implemented in all classrooms with the entire school community working together to do so. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, 2019
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019-05
- Authors: Damana, Yanga
- Date: 2019-05
- Subjects: Classroom environment , Classroom management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19947 , vital:44808
- Description: An intellectually safe classroom (ISC) is essential for teaching and learning to occur. The aim of this study was to investigate Grade 6 teachers’ views and practices regarding the creation of intellectually safe classroom environments. The paradigm that was used in the study was the interpretive paradigm and the research approach was qualitative. A case study design was used. Three Mdantsane primary schools was purposively selected and two Grade 6 teachers from each school were the participants. Semi structured interviews and observations were used to collect data. The research found that participants are cognizant of the need to develop ISC. They define ISC as a classroom that is both emotionally and physically safe for learning to occur. The participants are very conversant with the benefits of ISC. Most of the teachers purposefully tried to implement ISC. This included the establishment of classroom rules, and they acknowledged the role that the teacher plays in setting up an ISC and the manner in which they establish trust and co-operation within their classrooms. However, they are often constrained in their implementation of ISC by their own teaching styles and by factors outside of their control. This emphasised the pivotal role that teachers have in the establishment of an ISC. It is recommended that ISC be implemented in all classrooms with the entire school community working together to do so. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, 2019
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019-05
The obligation of unmarried biological parents to provide financial support for their children: a contemporary assessment from a children’s rights perspective
- Authors: Obi, Lauretta
- Date: 2021-07
- Subjects: Children's rights , Support (Domestic relations)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22445 , vital:52322
- Description: In South Africa, the compelling task of unmarried biological parents to provide financial support (in the form of paying monthly maintenance) to their children, as a matter of children’s rights, is intended to ensure the children’s economic and psychological well-being both in the present and future. This study seeks, within the private judicial system and socio-economic context, to explore the nature of children’s rights as they pertain to parental financial support and, the responsibilities of unmarried parents to provide financial support for their biological children until they become self-supporting. This is significant as many unmarried parents usually downplay their responsibilities towards ensuring the well-being of their minor children. Section 28 of the South African Constitution of 1996 enshrines it as a duty of parents to fulfil this aspect of their children’s fundamental rights and our courts apply these rules to the letter. The task of providing support to children basically rests with their birth parents as the primary care givers, and in the absence of these parents or, due to their inability, this legal obligation falls on the state. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-07
- Authors: Obi, Lauretta
- Date: 2021-07
- Subjects: Children's rights , Support (Domestic relations)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22445 , vital:52322
- Description: In South Africa, the compelling task of unmarried biological parents to provide financial support (in the form of paying monthly maintenance) to their children, as a matter of children’s rights, is intended to ensure the children’s economic and psychological well-being both in the present and future. This study seeks, within the private judicial system and socio-economic context, to explore the nature of children’s rights as they pertain to parental financial support and, the responsibilities of unmarried parents to provide financial support for their biological children until they become self-supporting. This is significant as many unmarried parents usually downplay their responsibilities towards ensuring the well-being of their minor children. Section 28 of the South African Constitution of 1996 enshrines it as a duty of parents to fulfil this aspect of their children’s fundamental rights and our courts apply these rules to the letter. The task of providing support to children basically rests with their birth parents as the primary care givers, and in the absence of these parents or, due to their inability, this legal obligation falls on the state. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-07
The effectiveness of the Land Redistribution programme on women’s quality of life: A case of Buffalo City Municipality, Eastern Cape: a case of buffalo City Municipality, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Qayiso, Okuhle
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Land reform -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Women's rights -- South Africa -- Buffalo City
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54277 , vital:46392
- Description: The land question is a highly contentious issue in post-apartheid South Africa. Land is considered as a valuable resource for sustaining the livelihoods of people yet it remains one of the most sought after and contested resource in Africa owing to her colonial past. Black South Africans were also immensely subjected to land dispossession during the colonization by the Dutch and later the British and forced land removals during the apartheid era. Although this historical context from a lens of “race" is important to note here given how it shaped the South African geography of land ownership, there is nonetheless another dimension; that of gender. The main assertion driving this study is that due to a number of contextual factors (such as women's cultural status, economic inequality and poverty), land ownership between women and men is highly unequal whereby the former owns less and is mostly marginalized from land rights. This study thus looks at the extent to which land redistribution improves the quality of life for women in Buffalo City. The land redistribution program is part of the land reform policy which is a post-apartheid design and implemented for the purpose of redressing historical land dispossession and create redistributive land equality and tenure. This study employed a qualitative approach to ‘explore’ the experiences of women who are the beneficiaries of the land redistribution program as well as the perspectives of key informants who are the officials of the Rural Development and Reform Department. The thesis used an exploratory research design which was suitable for the understanding and unpacking of women's experiences with the land redistribution program. A major finding of this study is that the women who benefited from the land redistribution program have successfully progressed from small scale subsistence farming to large scale commercial farming, significantly improving their livelihoods. Nonetheless, the lack of financial capital is a critical challenge as the land redistribution program gives access to farms that need maintenance and renewal with financial grants that are barely enough for starting up. This study therefore argues that access to land should be accompanied by access to financial resources and capacity building to empower beneficiaries to use the land and other resources effectively and efficiently. It is recommended herein that the department should give beneficiaries full ownership of the land allocated to them as opposed to the thirty- year leasehold. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Qayiso, Okuhle
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Land reform -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Women's rights -- South Africa -- Buffalo City
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54277 , vital:46392
- Description: The land question is a highly contentious issue in post-apartheid South Africa. Land is considered as a valuable resource for sustaining the livelihoods of people yet it remains one of the most sought after and contested resource in Africa owing to her colonial past. Black South Africans were also immensely subjected to land dispossession during the colonization by the Dutch and later the British and forced land removals during the apartheid era. Although this historical context from a lens of “race" is important to note here given how it shaped the South African geography of land ownership, there is nonetheless another dimension; that of gender. The main assertion driving this study is that due to a number of contextual factors (such as women's cultural status, economic inequality and poverty), land ownership between women and men is highly unequal whereby the former owns less and is mostly marginalized from land rights. This study thus looks at the extent to which land redistribution improves the quality of life for women in Buffalo City. The land redistribution program is part of the land reform policy which is a post-apartheid design and implemented for the purpose of redressing historical land dispossession and create redistributive land equality and tenure. This study employed a qualitative approach to ‘explore’ the experiences of women who are the beneficiaries of the land redistribution program as well as the perspectives of key informants who are the officials of the Rural Development and Reform Department. The thesis used an exploratory research design which was suitable for the understanding and unpacking of women's experiences with the land redistribution program. A major finding of this study is that the women who benefited from the land redistribution program have successfully progressed from small scale subsistence farming to large scale commercial farming, significantly improving their livelihoods. Nonetheless, the lack of financial capital is a critical challenge as the land redistribution program gives access to farms that need maintenance and renewal with financial grants that are barely enough for starting up. This study therefore argues that access to land should be accompanied by access to financial resources and capacity building to empower beneficiaries to use the land and other resources effectively and efficiently. It is recommended herein that the department should give beneficiaries full ownership of the land allocated to them as opposed to the thirty- year leasehold. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Ifuthe lenkolo yobuKristu kulwimi lwesiXhosa
- Authors: Mwanda, Siyasanga Pulani
- 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/10948/54511 , vital:46617
- Description: Le ngxongxo iza kuthi ithethe ngefuthe lenkolo yobuKristu kulwimi lwesiXhosa. Akuyomfihlo ukuba ulwimi luthi lukhule okanye ludodobale ngenxa yendlela abantu bolwimi abaphila ngayo notshintsho oluthi lubekho kwindlela abaphila ngayo. AmaXhosa ke athi nawo aziswa kwinkolo yobuKristu. Le ngxoxo iza kuthi icacise ngokuthe gca ithiyori yeSimiyotiki esisiseko sesi sifundo, idakance iizimvo zeengcali zeSimiyotiki, ize ke iveze amagama amatsha ayengekho esiXhoseni mhla mnene, intsusa yalamagama nentsingiselo yawo. Okwesibini izakuthi ivelele intsingiselo yemiqondiso neempawu zobuKristu negalelo lazo kulwimi lwesiXhosa. Okokugqibela iza kuthi iveze izaci namaqhalo esiXhosa angobuKristu. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Language, Media and Communication, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Mwanda, Siyasanga Pulani
- 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/10948/54511 , vital:46617
- Description: Le ngxongxo iza kuthi ithethe ngefuthe lenkolo yobuKristu kulwimi lwesiXhosa. Akuyomfihlo ukuba ulwimi luthi lukhule okanye ludodobale ngenxa yendlela abantu bolwimi abaphila ngayo notshintsho oluthi lubekho kwindlela abaphila ngayo. AmaXhosa ke athi nawo aziswa kwinkolo yobuKristu. Le ngxoxo iza kuthi icacise ngokuthe gca ithiyori yeSimiyotiki esisiseko sesi sifundo, idakance iizimvo zeengcali zeSimiyotiki, ize ke iveze amagama amatsha ayengekho esiXhoseni mhla mnene, intsusa yalamagama nentsingiselo yawo. Okwesibini izakuthi ivelele intsingiselo yemiqondiso neempawu zobuKristu negalelo lazo kulwimi lwesiXhosa. Okokugqibela iza kuthi iveze izaci namaqhalo esiXhosa angobuKristu. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Language, Media and Communication, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Sustainability challenges of community newspapers: The case study of iDike-Lethu Community Newspaper
- Authors: Ndarane, Luvuyo Gladstone
- Date: 2022-09
- Subjects: Community newspapers , Journalism, Regional
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23754 , vital:60485
- Description: Community newspapers are an important source of information and play a vital role in the development of communities. They are, therefore, an important stakeholder in community development. IDike-Lethu community newspaper`s presence in the community of Alice and in the areas where it is distributed is facilitating communication and development in these areas. Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality is benefiting in the presence of iDike-Lethu because this newspaper is the conduit through which communication to its citizens is submitted. This study assessed the challenges iDike- Lethu is having that impact on its maximum contribution in this society. Participants in this study are residents of Alice and are readers of iDike-Lethu Community Newspaper. This study adopted a mixed method design in which questionnaires and interviews were used to collect primary data. Data collected was analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Major findings that impede smooth operations in this newspaper were discovered. These include inadequate funding, lack of technical backing and lack of community support. The study findings show that with all the challenges iDike-Lethu is having it continues to play a meaningful role by disseminating information, promoting local culture, equipping communities with skills and providing a platform on which these communities including local businesses send information across. Recommendations include the need for this newspaper to find a commercial, profitable and sustainable financial model which will support and reinforce its operations. This study will contribute in further research of methods to link communities and community newspapers to work harmoniously. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-09
Sustainability challenges of community newspapers: The case study of iDike-Lethu Community Newspaper
- Authors: Ndarane, Luvuyo Gladstone
- Date: 2022-09
- Subjects: Community newspapers , Journalism, Regional
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23754 , vital:60485
- Description: Community newspapers are an important source of information and play a vital role in the development of communities. They are, therefore, an important stakeholder in community development. IDike-Lethu community newspaper`s presence in the community of Alice and in the areas where it is distributed is facilitating communication and development in these areas. Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality is benefiting in the presence of iDike-Lethu because this newspaper is the conduit through which communication to its citizens is submitted. This study assessed the challenges iDike- Lethu is having that impact on its maximum contribution in this society. Participants in this study are residents of Alice and are readers of iDike-Lethu Community Newspaper. This study adopted a mixed method design in which questionnaires and interviews were used to collect primary data. Data collected was analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Major findings that impede smooth operations in this newspaper were discovered. These include inadequate funding, lack of technical backing and lack of community support. The study findings show that with all the challenges iDike-Lethu is having it continues to play a meaningful role by disseminating information, promoting local culture, equipping communities with skills and providing a platform on which these communities including local businesses send information across. Recommendations include the need for this newspaper to find a commercial, profitable and sustainable financial model which will support and reinforce its operations. This study will contribute in further research of methods to link communities and community newspapers to work harmoniously. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-09
Water governance and social equity in South Africa: a case study of Amathole District Municipality.
- Authors: Hutete, Clarity
- Date: 2022-03
- Subjects: Municipal water supply
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21931 , vital:51844
- Description: South Africa has reformed its water governance to remedy the prominent disparities in water service provision that resulted from the legacy of apartheid. However, despite the new policy reforms and strategies adopted, inequities in water governance remain prevalent. Those residing in marginalised and poor rural areas are the most vulnerable and highly affected by this phenomenon. While this has been attributed to several factors, such as fragmentation of the water sector and lack of capacity, among other reasons, an analysis of the literature revealed that the absence of a water governance framework for social equity is highly prevalent in the context of Amathole District Municipality (ADM) where the research was conducted. Hence, the study's main objective was to develop a water governance framework for social equity that can be utilised to advise councils and policymakers on the attainment of social equity by water service providers at the local level. The study utilised the constructivist research philosophy by adopting a qualitative case study research design and an inductive research approach to address the research questions. Focus group discussions, semi-structured interviews, participant observations and document analysis were used to collect data. A total sample of thirty-four (n=34) participants was purposefully selected; twenty participants (n=20) participated in semi-structured interviews, while fourteen (n=14) participants were engaged through focus group discussions. Findings obtained from the thematic data analysis utilised revealed that while human rights principles and social equity values underpin South Africa’s water reforms, Amathole District Municipality is yet to fully absorb these foundational concepts into its water governance. The study revealed that this is largely attributed to a lack of meaningful participation, limited transparency and accountability in the processes and procedures of the municipality. Results also revealed that persistent inequities still exist in Amathole District Municipality as reflected by the unequal distribution of water services, inconsistency in services provision, lack of transparency and established procedures to guarantee procedural fairness and limited impact on interventions specifically in rural areas. Furthermore, the study revealed that the municipality’s efforts to address water inequities are highly undermined by various economic, environmental, socio- economic, and institutional governance factors. Therefore, the study recommended a Water Governance Framework for Social Equity (WGFSE) and proffered recommendations to enhance social equity for Amathole District Municipality and other municipalities with similar contexts. , Thesis (MPA) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-03
- Authors: Hutete, Clarity
- Date: 2022-03
- Subjects: Municipal water supply
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21931 , vital:51844
- Description: South Africa has reformed its water governance to remedy the prominent disparities in water service provision that resulted from the legacy of apartheid. However, despite the new policy reforms and strategies adopted, inequities in water governance remain prevalent. Those residing in marginalised and poor rural areas are the most vulnerable and highly affected by this phenomenon. While this has been attributed to several factors, such as fragmentation of the water sector and lack of capacity, among other reasons, an analysis of the literature revealed that the absence of a water governance framework for social equity is highly prevalent in the context of Amathole District Municipality (ADM) where the research was conducted. Hence, the study's main objective was to develop a water governance framework for social equity that can be utilised to advise councils and policymakers on the attainment of social equity by water service providers at the local level. The study utilised the constructivist research philosophy by adopting a qualitative case study research design and an inductive research approach to address the research questions. Focus group discussions, semi-structured interviews, participant observations and document analysis were used to collect data. A total sample of thirty-four (n=34) participants was purposefully selected; twenty participants (n=20) participated in semi-structured interviews, while fourteen (n=14) participants were engaged through focus group discussions. Findings obtained from the thematic data analysis utilised revealed that while human rights principles and social equity values underpin South Africa’s water reforms, Amathole District Municipality is yet to fully absorb these foundational concepts into its water governance. The study revealed that this is largely attributed to a lack of meaningful participation, limited transparency and accountability in the processes and procedures of the municipality. Results also revealed that persistent inequities still exist in Amathole District Municipality as reflected by the unequal distribution of water services, inconsistency in services provision, lack of transparency and established procedures to guarantee procedural fairness and limited impact on interventions specifically in rural areas. Furthermore, the study revealed that the municipality’s efforts to address water inequities are highly undermined by various economic, environmental, socio- economic, and institutional governance factors. Therefore, the study recommended a Water Governance Framework for Social Equity (WGFSE) and proffered recommendations to enhance social equity for Amathole District Municipality and other municipalities with similar contexts. , Thesis (MPA) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-03
Big T’s and small T’s: an explorative study on trauma narratives in South Africa
- Authors: Naidoo, Rinisa
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Psychic trauma , Anthropology , Mental health South Africa , Apartheid South Africa Personal narratives , Culture Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/408641 , vital:70512
- Description: The 21st century has seen a dramatic increase in chronic non-infectious diseases, especially in the area of mental health. Medical anthropologists have seen a rise in the development of mental illnesses in both developed and developing nations. There is, however, little research conducted on trauma narratives that do not stem from political violence from an anthropological lens. South Africa has various understandings of trauma depending on the cultural context and it is crucial to examine these narratives as this provides vital information of the daily lived experiences of trauma survivors. Key themes draw on issues of trauma denialism, communicating distress, traumatic symptoms and the development of mental illnesses as a result of traumatic exposure. The data was analysed through Goffman’s (1959) Presentation of Self in Everyday Life illustrating various ways how survivors present themselves depending on the particular audience. This research employed both qualitative and quantitative research methods to gather a holistic understanding of trauma survivors. With the use of semi-structured interviews of Stressful Life Events Questionnaire coupled with observations of online support groups for trauma survivors, this research has provided rich ethnographic evidence of the impact that culture has on trauma narratives illustrating a clear normalcy of trauma present in South Africa. , Thesis (MSocSci) -- Faculty of Humanities, Anthropology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Naidoo, Rinisa
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Psychic trauma , Anthropology , Mental health South Africa , Apartheid South Africa Personal narratives , Culture Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/408641 , vital:70512
- Description: The 21st century has seen a dramatic increase in chronic non-infectious diseases, especially in the area of mental health. Medical anthropologists have seen a rise in the development of mental illnesses in both developed and developing nations. There is, however, little research conducted on trauma narratives that do not stem from political violence from an anthropological lens. South Africa has various understandings of trauma depending on the cultural context and it is crucial to examine these narratives as this provides vital information of the daily lived experiences of trauma survivors. Key themes draw on issues of trauma denialism, communicating distress, traumatic symptoms and the development of mental illnesses as a result of traumatic exposure. The data was analysed through Goffman’s (1959) Presentation of Self in Everyday Life illustrating various ways how survivors present themselves depending on the particular audience. This research employed both qualitative and quantitative research methods to gather a holistic understanding of trauma survivors. With the use of semi-structured interviews of Stressful Life Events Questionnaire coupled with observations of online support groups for trauma survivors, this research has provided rich ethnographic evidence of the impact that culture has on trauma narratives illustrating a clear normalcy of trauma present in South Africa. , Thesis (MSocSci) -- Faculty of Humanities, Anthropology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
A framework for the successful management of the service suppliers in the public sector in South Africa
- Authors: Fudu, Anele George
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Management , Business logistics , Government business enterprises -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51411 , vital:43272
- Description: The Public sector outsources the service to the private service suppliers through tendering and the awarding of contracts to the successful service providers. There is a lot of money budgeted and spent on service providers; therefore, there is a great need to manage the service providers successfully, in order to deliver a reliable service to the community; and to reduce the cost thereof. The study focused on the successful management of the service suppliers, in order to deliver contract deliverables. Poor performance of the service providers might well lead to schedule overruns, contract over-expenditure and contract cancellations. Inadequate performance management causes service suppliers not to perform at their optimum level. The study aimed to contribute to the development of the framework for performance management of the service suppliers in the public sector in South Africa. The primary objectives of the study were to investigate and develop a framework for managing and enhancing the performance of the service suppliers in the public sector. More specifically, the study investigated the influence of scope of work, a contract strategy, performance management, risk management and change management. The study sought to formulate a structured and practical approach on how to manage service suppliers to the public sector. The study will seek to understand what influences the success for the win-win approach in the Public Sector and Services Suppliers – so that both parties can see themselves as partners in the delivery of the services. The sample consists of 70 employees across all the public sector in South Africa, which consists of national government, provincial municipalities, district municipalities, local government and State-owned companies. The study targeted those respondents involved in the management of the service suppliers to the public study. The empirical results show that the management of the service providers’ performance in the public sector is critical to the service delivery and the management of the final cost. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business Administration, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Fudu, Anele George
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Management , Business logistics , Government business enterprises -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51411 , vital:43272
- Description: The Public sector outsources the service to the private service suppliers through tendering and the awarding of contracts to the successful service providers. There is a lot of money budgeted and spent on service providers; therefore, there is a great need to manage the service providers successfully, in order to deliver a reliable service to the community; and to reduce the cost thereof. The study focused on the successful management of the service suppliers, in order to deliver contract deliverables. Poor performance of the service providers might well lead to schedule overruns, contract over-expenditure and contract cancellations. Inadequate performance management causes service suppliers not to perform at their optimum level. The study aimed to contribute to the development of the framework for performance management of the service suppliers in the public sector in South Africa. The primary objectives of the study were to investigate and develop a framework for managing and enhancing the performance of the service suppliers in the public sector. More specifically, the study investigated the influence of scope of work, a contract strategy, performance management, risk management and change management. The study sought to formulate a structured and practical approach on how to manage service suppliers to the public sector. The study will seek to understand what influences the success for the win-win approach in the Public Sector and Services Suppliers – so that both parties can see themselves as partners in the delivery of the services. The sample consists of 70 employees across all the public sector in South Africa, which consists of national government, provincial municipalities, district municipalities, local government and State-owned companies. The study targeted those respondents involved in the management of the service suppliers to the public study. The empirical results show that the management of the service providers’ performance in the public sector is critical to the service delivery and the management of the final cost. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business Administration, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Spatial modelling of accessibility to tuberculosis treatment: the case of Ngaka Modiri Molema District
- Authors: Ramotsongwa, Karabo Naome
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55435 , vital:52000
- Description: Accessibility to healthcare refers to the availability, or the provision of healthcare-byhealthcare professionals and stakeholders and individuals' ability to obtain care and treatment. It affects overall physical, social, and mental health; disease and disability prevention; detection and treatment of health conditions; standard of living; preventable death; and life expectancy, and it is crucial to the performance of health care systems around the world. If healthcare services are available and are in sufficient supply, people will be able to seek health care, and a population will have access to services. The leading cause of death globally is Tuberculosis (TB) and South Africa is amongst the top 5 countries most affected by TB. This is aggravated by high HIV/AIDS statistics. Children belowthe age of 4, between the ages of 4- 15, and women and men of working ages are highly affected by TB and it is the primary cause of death in these groups in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District. This study used study tools like Spatial Modelling, Geographic Information Systems and software like ArcGIS 10.5, TerrSet IDRISI 18.30, and secondary data from the North West Departmentof Health (Tier.net &DHIS) and also TB patients’ home addresses to investigate the accessibility of TB treatment in Ngaka Modiri Molema, in order to spatially visualize the distribution of a communicable disease like TB and public healthcare facilities in the Ngaka Modiri Molema (NMM) District and suggest optimum sites for hospital facilities. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Ramotsongwa, Karabo Naome
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55435 , vital:52000
- Description: Accessibility to healthcare refers to the availability, or the provision of healthcare-byhealthcare professionals and stakeholders and individuals' ability to obtain care and treatment. It affects overall physical, social, and mental health; disease and disability prevention; detection and treatment of health conditions; standard of living; preventable death; and life expectancy, and it is crucial to the performance of health care systems around the world. If healthcare services are available and are in sufficient supply, people will be able to seek health care, and a population will have access to services. The leading cause of death globally is Tuberculosis (TB) and South Africa is amongst the top 5 countries most affected by TB. This is aggravated by high HIV/AIDS statistics. Children belowthe age of 4, between the ages of 4- 15, and women and men of working ages are highly affected by TB and it is the primary cause of death in these groups in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District. This study used study tools like Spatial Modelling, Geographic Information Systems and software like ArcGIS 10.5, TerrSet IDRISI 18.30, and secondary data from the North West Departmentof Health (Tier.net &DHIS) and also TB patients’ home addresses to investigate the accessibility of TB treatment in Ngaka Modiri Molema, in order to spatially visualize the distribution of a communicable disease like TB and public healthcare facilities in the Ngaka Modiri Molema (NMM) District and suggest optimum sites for hospital facilities. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
The relationship between green behaviours and their effect on the performance of small businesses in South Africa
- Authors: Banana, Zingisa
- Date: 2021-01
- Subjects: Small business--Management , Environmental economics
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21377 , vital:48514
- Description: Purpose: Academics and the government are placing more emphasis and importance on the role that enterprises can play in response to challenges of the environment. This study aimed to establish the relationship between green behaviours and the performance of small businesses in South Africa. Green behaviours are measured as consisting of green entrepreneurial orientation, green technology dynamism and green innovation behaviour. Conversely, performance is defined as consisting of environmental performance, objective performance and subjective performance. Design/methodology/approach: To achieve the purpose of this study, the study adopted a positivist paradigm which is motivated by the quantitative approach using a descriptive research design. Self-administered questionnaires were employed with a sample of 180 participants that were randomly selected across small businesses in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Findings/results: The major findings of the study, using simple linear regression analysis, revealed that a significant positive relationship between green entrepreneurial orientation and environmental, objective and subjective performance does exist. However, the hierarchical regression analysis results revealed that green technology dynamism and green innovation behaviour do not moderate the relationship between green entrepreneurial orientation and performance as measured by environmental, objective and subjective performance dimensions. Practical implications: Based on the findings of the study, small businesses need to develop policy related to promoting green behaviours, given that green entrepreneurial orientation has been found to be related to performance. Originality/value: The results of this study could guide small business owners and managers in the implementation of environmentally-friendly practices in an effort to reduce green economy issues and environmental problems facing the present generation. , Thesis (MCom) (Business Management) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-01
- Authors: Banana, Zingisa
- Date: 2021-01
- Subjects: Small business--Management , Environmental economics
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21377 , vital:48514
- Description: Purpose: Academics and the government are placing more emphasis and importance on the role that enterprises can play in response to challenges of the environment. This study aimed to establish the relationship between green behaviours and the performance of small businesses in South Africa. Green behaviours are measured as consisting of green entrepreneurial orientation, green technology dynamism and green innovation behaviour. Conversely, performance is defined as consisting of environmental performance, objective performance and subjective performance. Design/methodology/approach: To achieve the purpose of this study, the study adopted a positivist paradigm which is motivated by the quantitative approach using a descriptive research design. Self-administered questionnaires were employed with a sample of 180 participants that were randomly selected across small businesses in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Findings/results: The major findings of the study, using simple linear regression analysis, revealed that a significant positive relationship between green entrepreneurial orientation and environmental, objective and subjective performance does exist. However, the hierarchical regression analysis results revealed that green technology dynamism and green innovation behaviour do not moderate the relationship between green entrepreneurial orientation and performance as measured by environmental, objective and subjective performance dimensions. Practical implications: Based on the findings of the study, small businesses need to develop policy related to promoting green behaviours, given that green entrepreneurial orientation has been found to be related to performance. Originality/value: The results of this study could guide small business owners and managers in the implementation of environmentally-friendly practices in an effort to reduce green economy issues and environmental problems facing the present generation. , Thesis (MCom) (Business Management) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-01
Applying insights from machine learning towards guidelines for the detection of text-based fake news
- Authors: Ngada, Okuhle
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Machine learning , Fake News
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60243 , vital:64141
- Description: Web-based technologies have fostered an online environment where information can be disseminated in a fast and cost-effective manner whilst targeting large and diverse audiences. Unfortunately, the rise and evolution of web-based technologies have also created an environment where false information, commonly referred to as “fake news”, spreads rapidly. The effects of this spread can be catastrophic. Finding solutions to the problem of fake news is complicated for a myriad of reasons, such as: what is defined as fake news, the lack of quality datasets available to researchers, the topics covered in such data, and the fact that datasets exist in a variety of languages. The effects of false information dissemination can result in reputational damage, financial damage to affected brands, and ultimately, misinformed online news readers who can make misinformed decisions. The objective of the study is to propose a set of guidelines that can be used by other system developers to implement misinformation detection tools and systems. The guidelines are constructed using findings from the experimentation phase of the project and information uncovered in the literature review conducted as part of the study. A selection of machine and deep learning approaches are examined to test the applicability of cues that could separate fake online articles from real online news articles. Key performance metrics such as precision, recall, accuracy, F1-score, and ROC are used to measure the performance of the selected machine learning and deep learning models. To demonstrate the practicality of the guidelines and allow for reproducibility of the research, each guideline provides background information relating to the identified problem, a solution to the problem through pseudocode, code excerpts using the Python programming language, and points of consideration that may assist with the implementation. , Thesis (MA) --Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Applying insights from machine learning towards guidelines for the detection of text-based fake news
- Authors: Ngada, Okuhle
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Machine learning , Fake News
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60243 , vital:64141
- Description: Web-based technologies have fostered an online environment where information can be disseminated in a fast and cost-effective manner whilst targeting large and diverse audiences. Unfortunately, the rise and evolution of web-based technologies have also created an environment where false information, commonly referred to as “fake news”, spreads rapidly. The effects of this spread can be catastrophic. Finding solutions to the problem of fake news is complicated for a myriad of reasons, such as: what is defined as fake news, the lack of quality datasets available to researchers, the topics covered in such data, and the fact that datasets exist in a variety of languages. The effects of false information dissemination can result in reputational damage, financial damage to affected brands, and ultimately, misinformed online news readers who can make misinformed decisions. The objective of the study is to propose a set of guidelines that can be used by other system developers to implement misinformation detection tools and systems. The guidelines are constructed using findings from the experimentation phase of the project and information uncovered in the literature review conducted as part of the study. A selection of machine and deep learning approaches are examined to test the applicability of cues that could separate fake online articles from real online news articles. Key performance metrics such as precision, recall, accuracy, F1-score, and ROC are used to measure the performance of the selected machine learning and deep learning models. To demonstrate the practicality of the guidelines and allow for reproducibility of the research, each guideline provides background information relating to the identified problem, a solution to the problem through pseudocode, code excerpts using the Python programming language, and points of consideration that may assist with the implementation. , Thesis (MA) --Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Assessing service delivery protests in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality: the case of Walmer Township
- Authors: Mdanyana, Esethu
- 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/10948/54492 , vital:46609
- Description: In many South Africa’s areas, citizen’s frustration with poor or slow service delivery has resulted in a surge of service delivery protests. Some of these service delivery protests are violent in nature, resulting in the damage of public and private property. Therefore, it is imperative to scrutinize service delivery protests. The South African constitution states that municipalities have the responsibility to make sure that all citizens are provided with services to satisfy their basic needs. These services include water supply, sewage collection and disposal electricity, gas supply health services, roads, storm water drainage, street lighting, municipal parks and recreation. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Mdanyana, Esethu
- 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/10948/54492 , vital:46609
- Description: In many South Africa’s areas, citizen’s frustration with poor or slow service delivery has resulted in a surge of service delivery protests. Some of these service delivery protests are violent in nature, resulting in the damage of public and private property. Therefore, it is imperative to scrutinize service delivery protests. The South African constitution states that municipalities have the responsibility to make sure that all citizens are provided with services to satisfy their basic needs. These services include water supply, sewage collection and disposal electricity, gas supply health services, roads, storm water drainage, street lighting, municipal parks and recreation. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Profiling Rhodes University students’ substance use during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown: comparing the AUDIT and CCAPS-62 substance abuse sub-scale
- Authors: Goosen, Jeslyn Chrismaré
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: College students Substance use South Africa Makhanda , College students Alcohol use South Africa Makhanda , College students Mental health South Africa Makhanda , College students Attitudes , College students Economic conditions , COVID-19 (Disease) , Rhodes University
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/405974 , vital:70224
- Description: Students are vulnerable to academic distress and mental health concerns. Many struggle to effectively cope with the many demands placed on them from various factions; included but not limited to institutional demands, financial concerns, and parental expectations. With the most recent outbreak of the SARS-Co V-2 (better known as the COVID-19 pandemic) many students have struggled to effectively cope with the changes relating to the nationwide lockdown. Universities had to change the way in which they provide students with the necessary academic material, and many had to return to their familial homes. This had a deleterious effect on the way students performed their daily activities and coping. A rise in impaired mental health was noted. Many students used alcohol as a means of coping during this tumultuous and unprecedented time. Undergraduate students at Rhodes University were asked to complete a survey questionnaire via SurveyMonkey, an online survey service. Data was collected over a ten-day period during July 2020. The AUDIT and the CCAPS-62 Substance Use subscale were used to measure their alcohol intake during lockdown and results was compared. Results indicated a significant positive correlation between the CCAPS-62 substance use subscale and the AUDIT (r = 0.80, n = 930, p < 0.01). Outcomes identified that men tend to drink more than females, and white students tend to drink more than black students. Findings suggests that the CCAPS-62 a multidimensional instrument measuring general distress among students could positively contribute to the reliability and validity of the measure used in a multicultural and multilingual society such as South Africa. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Goosen, Jeslyn Chrismaré
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: College students Substance use South Africa Makhanda , College students Alcohol use South Africa Makhanda , College students Mental health South Africa Makhanda , College students Attitudes , College students Economic conditions , COVID-19 (Disease) , Rhodes University
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/405974 , vital:70224
- Description: Students are vulnerable to academic distress and mental health concerns. Many struggle to effectively cope with the many demands placed on them from various factions; included but not limited to institutional demands, financial concerns, and parental expectations. With the most recent outbreak of the SARS-Co V-2 (better known as the COVID-19 pandemic) many students have struggled to effectively cope with the changes relating to the nationwide lockdown. Universities had to change the way in which they provide students with the necessary academic material, and many had to return to their familial homes. This had a deleterious effect on the way students performed their daily activities and coping. A rise in impaired mental health was noted. Many students used alcohol as a means of coping during this tumultuous and unprecedented time. Undergraduate students at Rhodes University were asked to complete a survey questionnaire via SurveyMonkey, an online survey service. Data was collected over a ten-day period during July 2020. The AUDIT and the CCAPS-62 Substance Use subscale were used to measure their alcohol intake during lockdown and results was compared. Results indicated a significant positive correlation between the CCAPS-62 substance use subscale and the AUDIT (r = 0.80, n = 930, p < 0.01). Outcomes identified that men tend to drink more than females, and white students tend to drink more than black students. Findings suggests that the CCAPS-62 a multidimensional instrument measuring general distress among students could positively contribute to the reliability and validity of the measure used in a multicultural and multilingual society such as South Africa. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
Assessment of the implementation of performance management system at Mnquma Local municipality of the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Mbiko, Khanyiso Livingstone
- Date: 2008-12
- Subjects: Performance -- Management , Personnel management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24165 , vital:62439
- Description: The intention of this study was to assess the implementation of performance management system at the Mnquma local municipality. The municipality of Mnquma has in the past been plagued by service delivery challenges and thus the study sought to ascertain whether the challenges could be attributed to the failures of the performance management system within the municipality. It became apparent from the literature review that for any local municipality to play a meaningful role in ensuring that South Africa achieves the goal of becoming a developmental state, capable of confronting service delivery challenges, there needs to be a proper implementation of the performance management system. The study was also aimed at identifying the factors that support or hinder the implementation of the performance management system within the Mnquma local municipality. In order to achieve this objective, scheduled interviews were conducted with various respondents in the municipality. The respondents included the councilors from the four political parties comprising the municipality council, municipal manager and the rest of the Section 57 managers. The key findings that emerged from the data collected, was that the implementation of the performance management system has not been successful. It is also became apparent that there are brewing political tensions that are likely to affect the political stability of the municipality. In addition, it was also evident that there was a minimal or lack of involvement of the local communities in the municipal affairs such as the development of the Municipal Key Performance Indicators. It would therefore be critical important for the management of the Mnquma local municipality to take into account the results of this study and its recommendations so as to ensure that there is a proper implementation of the performance management system within the municipality. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2008
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008-12
- Authors: Mbiko, Khanyiso Livingstone
- Date: 2008-12
- Subjects: Performance -- Management , Personnel management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24165 , vital:62439
- Description: The intention of this study was to assess the implementation of performance management system at the Mnquma local municipality. The municipality of Mnquma has in the past been plagued by service delivery challenges and thus the study sought to ascertain whether the challenges could be attributed to the failures of the performance management system within the municipality. It became apparent from the literature review that for any local municipality to play a meaningful role in ensuring that South Africa achieves the goal of becoming a developmental state, capable of confronting service delivery challenges, there needs to be a proper implementation of the performance management system. The study was also aimed at identifying the factors that support or hinder the implementation of the performance management system within the Mnquma local municipality. In order to achieve this objective, scheduled interviews were conducted with various respondents in the municipality. The respondents included the councilors from the four political parties comprising the municipality council, municipal manager and the rest of the Section 57 managers. The key findings that emerged from the data collected, was that the implementation of the performance management system has not been successful. It is also became apparent that there are brewing political tensions that are likely to affect the political stability of the municipality. In addition, it was also evident that there was a minimal or lack of involvement of the local communities in the municipal affairs such as the development of the Municipal Key Performance Indicators. It would therefore be critical important for the management of the Mnquma local municipality to take into account the results of this study and its recommendations so as to ensure that there is a proper implementation of the performance management system within the municipality. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2008
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008-12
Re-imagining Afrikaner masculinity through conceptual fashion design
- Authors: Smit, Dalton
- 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/10948/54563 , vital:46708
- Description: Traditional Afrikaner culture has often been associated with conservative beliefs, giving patriarchal figures such as the husband and father superior status. Although South Africa has undergone social progression, large numbers in Afrikaner communities still live according to old, patriarchal norms. My perceptions of Afrikaner masculinity, informed by my cultural background, enforce patriarchy's functioning in some Afrikaner homes, allowing the development of rigid expectations of a male's self-expression. These mind-sets of what masculinity is do not align with my values, beliefs, and the visual presentation of my identity. With the application of autoethnographic inquiry in this practice-based study, I was able to analyse and interpret the nuanced discrimination against the performance of my male identity in an Afrikaner cultural context. I implemented autoethnographic and practice-based methods to respond to and challenge outdated and conservative views regarding the prevalence of Afrikaner masculine ideals and their negative implications. The contribution of the research practice is FYN BOI, a fictive persona constructed and performed by me. He represents a liberated facet of my identity whose reaction is rejection against the Afrikaner cultural opinions of me, and in turn, is fuelled by the criticism to provoke further and challenge these views. The conceptual garments created are considered his wardrobe, which he uses in his self-expression online. With this unconventional approach to a fashion study, disseminating the research practice online instead of a physical exhibition allows for the study to be accessed to audiences beyond academia's domain. This undertaking intends to contribute to the existing discourse of masculinity and prejudice against individuals' self-expression of their identity. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Visual and Performing Arts, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Smit, Dalton
- 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/10948/54563 , vital:46708
- Description: Traditional Afrikaner culture has often been associated with conservative beliefs, giving patriarchal figures such as the husband and father superior status. Although South Africa has undergone social progression, large numbers in Afrikaner communities still live according to old, patriarchal norms. My perceptions of Afrikaner masculinity, informed by my cultural background, enforce patriarchy's functioning in some Afrikaner homes, allowing the development of rigid expectations of a male's self-expression. These mind-sets of what masculinity is do not align with my values, beliefs, and the visual presentation of my identity. With the application of autoethnographic inquiry in this practice-based study, I was able to analyse and interpret the nuanced discrimination against the performance of my male identity in an Afrikaner cultural context. I implemented autoethnographic and practice-based methods to respond to and challenge outdated and conservative views regarding the prevalence of Afrikaner masculine ideals and their negative implications. The contribution of the research practice is FYN BOI, a fictive persona constructed and performed by me. He represents a liberated facet of my identity whose reaction is rejection against the Afrikaner cultural opinions of me, and in turn, is fuelled by the criticism to provoke further and challenge these views. The conceptual garments created are considered his wardrobe, which he uses in his self-expression online. With this unconventional approach to a fashion study, disseminating the research practice online instead of a physical exhibition allows for the study to be accessed to audiences beyond academia's domain. This undertaking intends to contribute to the existing discourse of masculinity and prejudice against individuals' self-expression of their identity. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Visual and Performing Arts, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Perceptions of parents on their involvement in the implementation of the prevention and management of learner pregnancy : a case study of three secondary schools in Amathole West District
- Authors: Mxothwa, Smileth Ncumisa
- Date: 2020-06
- Subjects: Pregnant teenagers , Sex instruction for teenagers
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19991 , vital:44923
- Description: There is quite a number of researches dealing with perceptions of parents on the prevention and management of learner pregnancy. However, less has been said about how these perceptions of parents on the prevention and management are being implemented to fulfil their purpose. Discovering how these perceptions are being implemented is necessary, bearing in mind that a large number of Schools are having high learner pregnancy and are lacking parental involvement in South Africa, particularly in terms of prevention and management. This is a qualitative study that seeks to explore the perceptions of parents on their implementation of the prevention and management of the learner pregnancy policy in the three secondary school in the Amathole West Education District. The interpretivism paradigm was used by the researcher for this study. A case study design was further used to detect the participants’ lived experiences, thoughts and outlooks about the implementation of the prevention and management of learner pregnancy policy in the secondary school. The data was collected through the use of interviews and focus group. The participants were purposefully selected in the sampling of this study. The participants included School Governing Body Chairpersons. In total, the study consisted of 18 participants. The data were analysed by reducing data into themes through the process of coding. It was further shortened and organised based on evolving themes, overall ideas, and related features. The study discovered that parents are not made aware of their importance by being involved at school level and also are not involved in the implementation of the prevention and management of learner pregnancy policy in the secondary schools in the Amathole West Education District. This research revealed that there need for parental involvement be practised by all schools in the implementation of the prevention and management of learner pregnancy policy as this would help in reducing learner pregnancy in secondary schools of Amathole West Education District. Findings also showed that though parents used different strategies to prevent learner pregnancy, these were not in line with pregnancy policy. The study also discovered that there is a lack of support and monitoring from the district officials to schools. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-06
- Authors: Mxothwa, Smileth Ncumisa
- Date: 2020-06
- Subjects: Pregnant teenagers , Sex instruction for teenagers
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19991 , vital:44923
- Description: There is quite a number of researches dealing with perceptions of parents on the prevention and management of learner pregnancy. However, less has been said about how these perceptions of parents on the prevention and management are being implemented to fulfil their purpose. Discovering how these perceptions are being implemented is necessary, bearing in mind that a large number of Schools are having high learner pregnancy and are lacking parental involvement in South Africa, particularly in terms of prevention and management. This is a qualitative study that seeks to explore the perceptions of parents on their implementation of the prevention and management of the learner pregnancy policy in the three secondary school in the Amathole West Education District. The interpretivism paradigm was used by the researcher for this study. A case study design was further used to detect the participants’ lived experiences, thoughts and outlooks about the implementation of the prevention and management of learner pregnancy policy in the secondary school. The data was collected through the use of interviews and focus group. The participants were purposefully selected in the sampling of this study. The participants included School Governing Body Chairpersons. In total, the study consisted of 18 participants. The data were analysed by reducing data into themes through the process of coding. It was further shortened and organised based on evolving themes, overall ideas, and related features. The study discovered that parents are not made aware of their importance by being involved at school level and also are not involved in the implementation of the prevention and management of learner pregnancy policy in the secondary schools in the Amathole West Education District. This research revealed that there need for parental involvement be practised by all schools in the implementation of the prevention and management of learner pregnancy policy as this would help in reducing learner pregnancy in secondary schools of Amathole West Education District. Findings also showed that though parents used different strategies to prevent learner pregnancy, these were not in line with pregnancy policy. The study also discovered that there is a lack of support and monitoring from the district officials to schools. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-06
The implementation of a mobile application to decrease occupational sitting through goal setting and social comparison
- Authors: Tsaoane, Moipone Lipalesa
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/365544 , vital:65758
- Description: Background: Feedback proves to be a valuable tool in behaviour change as it is said to increase compliance and improve the effectiveness of interventions. Interventions that focus on decreasing sedentary behaviour as an independent factor from physical activity are necessary, especially for office workers who spend most of their day seated. There is insufficient knowledge regarding the effectiveness of feedback as a tool to decrease sedentary behaviour. This project implemented a tool that can be used to determine this. To take advantage of the cost-effectiveness and scalability of digital technologies, a mobile application was selected as the mode of delivery. Method: The application was designed as an intervention, using the Theoretical Domains Framework. It was then implemented into a fully functioning application through an agile development process, using Xam- arin.Forms framework. Due to challenges with this framework, a second application was developed using the React Native framework. Pilot studies were used for testing, with the final one consisting of Rhodes University employees. Results: The Xamarin.Forms application proved to be unfeasible; some users experienced fatal errors and crashes. The React Native application worked as desired and produced accurate and consistent step count readings, proving feasible from a functionality standpoint. The agile methodology enabled the developer to focus on implementing and testing one component at a time, which made the development process more manageable. Conclusion: Future work must conduct empirical studies to determine if feedback is an effective tool compared to a control group and which type of feedback (between goal-setting and social comparison) is most effective. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Computer Science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Tsaoane, Moipone Lipalesa
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/365544 , vital:65758
- Description: Background: Feedback proves to be a valuable tool in behaviour change as it is said to increase compliance and improve the effectiveness of interventions. Interventions that focus on decreasing sedentary behaviour as an independent factor from physical activity are necessary, especially for office workers who spend most of their day seated. There is insufficient knowledge regarding the effectiveness of feedback as a tool to decrease sedentary behaviour. This project implemented a tool that can be used to determine this. To take advantage of the cost-effectiveness and scalability of digital technologies, a mobile application was selected as the mode of delivery. Method: The application was designed as an intervention, using the Theoretical Domains Framework. It was then implemented into a fully functioning application through an agile development process, using Xam- arin.Forms framework. Due to challenges with this framework, a second application was developed using the React Native framework. Pilot studies were used for testing, with the final one consisting of Rhodes University employees. Results: The Xamarin.Forms application proved to be unfeasible; some users experienced fatal errors and crashes. The React Native application worked as desired and produced accurate and consistent step count readings, proving feasible from a functionality standpoint. The agile methodology enabled the developer to focus on implementing and testing one component at a time, which made the development process more manageable. Conclusion: Future work must conduct empirical studies to determine if feedback is an effective tool compared to a control group and which type of feedback (between goal-setting and social comparison) is most effective. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Computer Science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
Exploring the effect of the indigenous technology of oil extraction on Grade 10 Biology learners’ perspectives and sense making of enzymes
- Authors: Nyamakuti, Martha Ndeyatila
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Biology Study and teaching (Secondary) , Enzymes , Traditional ecological knowledge Namibia , Culturally relevant pedagogy Namibia , Reasoning , Contiguity Argumentation Theory (CAT) , Namibian National Curriculum for Basic Education(NCBE) , Socio-cultural theory
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192019 , vital:45188
- Description: The current status quo is that African learners’ local indigenous knowledge (IK) and experiences from home (cultural heritage) are not considered in science classrooms. In the context of Namibia, it seems that the Namibian curriculum policies do little or nothing to decolonise and address the issues of equity and social injustice in Namibian schools. For instance, although the Namibian National Curriculum for Basic Education (NCBE) claims that it “embraces traditional knowledge”, it does not specify how this should be done in schools. As a result, little or no integration of IK is enacted in many of our schools in Namibia. Resultantly, learners seem to find science inaccessible and irrelevant to their everyday lives. It is against this background that in this study I sought to explore how the mobilisation of the indigenous technology of oil extraction (okuyenga) from marula nuts and melon seeds influences (or not) Grade 10 Biology learners’ conceptions, dispositions and sense making of the topic of enzymes. The study was located within the interpretive and indigenous research paradigms. Central to the interpretive paradigm is the development of a greater understanding of how people make sense of the contexts in which they live and work. On the other hand, central to indigenous research paradigms are belief systems based on the lived experiences, values, and histories of the participants. The Ubuntu perspective or approach in which respect and humble togetherness is emphasised is critical in indigenous research paradigms especially when researchers are working with and in communities as I did in this study. The study was conducted in an under resourced school in Walvis Bay, Namibia. A qualitative case study approach was used and data were derived from a focus group interview, participatory classroom observations, learners’ reflections, and a stimulated recall interview. Vygotsky’s socio-cultural theory was employed as a theoretical framework. Within the socio-cultural theory, mediation of learning, social interactions, and the zone of proximal development (ZPD) were used as analytical lenses. The conceptual framework comprised of perspectives (conceptions, dispositions) and sense making of enzymes by the learners. Criteria were also adapted from Atallah, Bryant, and Dada to analyse learners’ perspectives. A thematic approach to analysis was employed to come up with categories and sub-themes and thereafter, common sub-themes were combined to form themes. The findings of the study revealed that the presentations on the indigenous technology of oil extraction by the expert community members influenced learners’ conceptions, dispositions, and sense making of enzymes and other associated science concepts. This was noticed when learners extracted emerging science concepts from the indigenous technology of oil extraction. The implication of this study is that there is a need for science teachers to consider learners’ cultural heritage and integrate local IK in their Biology classrooms in order to make science accessible and relevant to learners. Moreover, the integration of local IK is critical for learners to embrace and respect their cultural heritage. This study thus recommends that teachers should make efforts to collaborate with expert community members who are the custodians of local IK and tap into their cultural heritage and wisdom to enrich teaching in their science classrooms. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Nyamakuti, Martha Ndeyatila
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Biology Study and teaching (Secondary) , Enzymes , Traditional ecological knowledge Namibia , Culturally relevant pedagogy Namibia , Reasoning , Contiguity Argumentation Theory (CAT) , Namibian National Curriculum for Basic Education(NCBE) , Socio-cultural theory
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192019 , vital:45188
- Description: The current status quo is that African learners’ local indigenous knowledge (IK) and experiences from home (cultural heritage) are not considered in science classrooms. In the context of Namibia, it seems that the Namibian curriculum policies do little or nothing to decolonise and address the issues of equity and social injustice in Namibian schools. For instance, although the Namibian National Curriculum for Basic Education (NCBE) claims that it “embraces traditional knowledge”, it does not specify how this should be done in schools. As a result, little or no integration of IK is enacted in many of our schools in Namibia. Resultantly, learners seem to find science inaccessible and irrelevant to their everyday lives. It is against this background that in this study I sought to explore how the mobilisation of the indigenous technology of oil extraction (okuyenga) from marula nuts and melon seeds influences (or not) Grade 10 Biology learners’ conceptions, dispositions and sense making of the topic of enzymes. The study was located within the interpretive and indigenous research paradigms. Central to the interpretive paradigm is the development of a greater understanding of how people make sense of the contexts in which they live and work. On the other hand, central to indigenous research paradigms are belief systems based on the lived experiences, values, and histories of the participants. The Ubuntu perspective or approach in which respect and humble togetherness is emphasised is critical in indigenous research paradigms especially when researchers are working with and in communities as I did in this study. The study was conducted in an under resourced school in Walvis Bay, Namibia. A qualitative case study approach was used and data were derived from a focus group interview, participatory classroom observations, learners’ reflections, and a stimulated recall interview. Vygotsky’s socio-cultural theory was employed as a theoretical framework. Within the socio-cultural theory, mediation of learning, social interactions, and the zone of proximal development (ZPD) were used as analytical lenses. The conceptual framework comprised of perspectives (conceptions, dispositions) and sense making of enzymes by the learners. Criteria were also adapted from Atallah, Bryant, and Dada to analyse learners’ perspectives. A thematic approach to analysis was employed to come up with categories and sub-themes and thereafter, common sub-themes were combined to form themes. The findings of the study revealed that the presentations on the indigenous technology of oil extraction by the expert community members influenced learners’ conceptions, dispositions, and sense making of enzymes and other associated science concepts. This was noticed when learners extracted emerging science concepts from the indigenous technology of oil extraction. The implication of this study is that there is a need for science teachers to consider learners’ cultural heritage and integrate local IK in their Biology classrooms in order to make science accessible and relevant to learners. Moreover, the integration of local IK is critical for learners to embrace and respect their cultural heritage. This study thus recommends that teachers should make efforts to collaborate with expert community members who are the custodians of local IK and tap into their cultural heritage and wisdom to enrich teaching in their science classrooms. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Representation of the twentieth century socio-economic and political history of Red Location New Brighton (Port Elizabeth) 1903-1963
- Authors: Maliza, Nokuzola Thozama
- Date: 2012-01
- Subjects: History -- Economic conditions , World politics -- South Africa , Squatter settlements -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26415 , vital:65306
- Description: This study sets out to recapture the rich history and diverse culture of Red Location, New Brighton. Port Elizabeth. It explains the reasons for the establishment of Red Location in 1903, and goes on to look at the Economic and Social life of the Community. Two chapters are then devoted to political struggles in Red Location and New Brighton, long regarded as one of the most militant African townships in the apartheid era. Finally, we look at the way in which Red Location has been represented in the substantial Red Location Museum project, and the extent to which the Museum reflects the historical reality. , Thesis (MHIS) -- Faculty of Humanities, 2012
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012-01
- Authors: Maliza, Nokuzola Thozama
- Date: 2012-01
- Subjects: History -- Economic conditions , World politics -- South Africa , Squatter settlements -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26415 , vital:65306
- Description: This study sets out to recapture the rich history and diverse culture of Red Location, New Brighton. Port Elizabeth. It explains the reasons for the establishment of Red Location in 1903, and goes on to look at the Economic and Social life of the Community. Two chapters are then devoted to political struggles in Red Location and New Brighton, long regarded as one of the most militant African townships in the apartheid era. Finally, we look at the way in which Red Location has been represented in the substantial Red Location Museum project, and the extent to which the Museum reflects the historical reality. , Thesis (MHIS) -- Faculty of Humanities, 2012
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012-01