An analysis of womxn’s understanding of South African public health awareness campaigns’ messages on HIV/AIDS using cognitive interviewing
- Authors: Simpo, Hazel
- Date: 2023-03-30
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/408738 , vital:70521
- Description: Besides having the most extensive antiretroviral therapy (ART) treatment programme, South Africa faces the highest epidemic rate, with womxn and children most affected. Several prevention strategies have been implemented to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS in South Africa, including free access to print form awareness campaigns that come through pamphlets, posters and billboards. However, most public health sector awareness and educational programmes carry uniform messages that are then carried out in heterogeneous contexts leading to the miscomprehension of the intended messages. This study aimed to explore womxn’s understanding of public health awareness content on the prevention of HIV/AIDS. The focus was on examining their interpretation of universal HIV/AIDS awareness messages in their heterogeneous contexts, which might provide obstacles to womxn’s reproductive health and well-being using a reproductive justice framework. This study employed a cognitive interviewing methodology to collect data from the participants to obtain information about how participants understand and perceive knowledge and how they arrive at specific answers or judgements. Twenty-eight (28) womxn aged between 18 and 30 years were purposively sampled for this study from four (4) local healthcare facilities in Makhanda: the Grahamstown Municipality (Anglo-African) Clinic, the Joza Clinic, the Settlers Day Hospital and the Raglan Road Clinic. Thematic network analysis (Attride-Stirling, 2001) was used to analyse the data collected from the study. One global theme emerged from the dataset: Barriers to HIV prevention, care and treatment. The barriers were identified mainly due to social constructions of hegemonic masculinity, individual versus cultural expectations, and outdated awareness content. The findings from the study suggest that almost all the challenges that womxn faced in terms of understanding and interpreting the awareness materials stemmed from structural factors in the South African context. The findings also suggest that cognitive interviewing methodology can be reconceptualised as an endeavour that cuts across a wide range of fields. , Thesis (MSocSci) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-03-30
- Authors: Simpo, Hazel
- Date: 2023-03-30
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/408738 , vital:70521
- Description: Besides having the most extensive antiretroviral therapy (ART) treatment programme, South Africa faces the highest epidemic rate, with womxn and children most affected. Several prevention strategies have been implemented to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS in South Africa, including free access to print form awareness campaigns that come through pamphlets, posters and billboards. However, most public health sector awareness and educational programmes carry uniform messages that are then carried out in heterogeneous contexts leading to the miscomprehension of the intended messages. This study aimed to explore womxn’s understanding of public health awareness content on the prevention of HIV/AIDS. The focus was on examining their interpretation of universal HIV/AIDS awareness messages in their heterogeneous contexts, which might provide obstacles to womxn’s reproductive health and well-being using a reproductive justice framework. This study employed a cognitive interviewing methodology to collect data from the participants to obtain information about how participants understand and perceive knowledge and how they arrive at specific answers or judgements. Twenty-eight (28) womxn aged between 18 and 30 years were purposively sampled for this study from four (4) local healthcare facilities in Makhanda: the Grahamstown Municipality (Anglo-African) Clinic, the Joza Clinic, the Settlers Day Hospital and the Raglan Road Clinic. Thematic network analysis (Attride-Stirling, 2001) was used to analyse the data collected from the study. One global theme emerged from the dataset: Barriers to HIV prevention, care and treatment. The barriers were identified mainly due to social constructions of hegemonic masculinity, individual versus cultural expectations, and outdated awareness content. The findings from the study suggest that almost all the challenges that womxn faced in terms of understanding and interpreting the awareness materials stemmed from structural factors in the South African context. The findings also suggest that cognitive interviewing methodology can be reconceptualised as an endeavour that cuts across a wide range of fields. , Thesis (MSocSci) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-03-30
An appraisal analysis of a selection of Zapiro’s political cartoons
- Authors: Hussey, Thomas Davey
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/406725 , vital:70302
- Description: Thesis embargoed. To be released in 2025. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Linguistics and Applied Language Studies, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Hussey, Thomas Davey
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/406725 , vital:70302
- Description: Thesis embargoed. To be released in 2025. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Linguistics and Applied Language Studies, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
An empirical analysis of the interplay among bank competition, bank stability and regulation: a case study of banks in Zimbabwe
- Nyamuronda, Gracious Varayidzo
- Authors: Nyamuronda, Gracious Varayidzo
- Date: 2023-03-31
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419473 , vital:71647
- Description: This study empirically examined the interconnection among bank competition, regulation and stability of eighteen Zimbabwean banks during the period 2011-2017. Zscore, Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAD), and Loans market share and Deposits market share which are proxies for stability, regulation and competition respectively were examined firstly using the Panel Vector Autoregressive (PVAR) model. Model 1 used loans market share as a proxy for competition and model 2 used deposits market share instead. The stability test using Eigenvalue Stability Condition showed that the PVAR model is unstable. Secondly, the above variables and five bank specific variables (i.e., credit risk, management efficiency, liquidity, return on assets and bank size) were estimated using the Feasible Generalised Least Squares (FGLS) model. The study documents that competition positively contributed to stability and regulation negatively influenced the stability of the Zimbabwean banks. Meanwhile, bank size and credit risk have a negative relationship with stability; management efficiency and liquidity have a positive relationship. Return On Assets has a negative and positive relationship with stability in model 1 and model 2, respectively. The findings implied that to enhance stability, banks must experience a competitive environment, reasonably low minimum capital requirements and cautiously designed regulatory frameworks. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-03-31
- Authors: Nyamuronda, Gracious Varayidzo
- Date: 2023-03-31
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419473 , vital:71647
- Description: This study empirically examined the interconnection among bank competition, regulation and stability of eighteen Zimbabwean banks during the period 2011-2017. Zscore, Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAD), and Loans market share and Deposits market share which are proxies for stability, regulation and competition respectively were examined firstly using the Panel Vector Autoregressive (PVAR) model. Model 1 used loans market share as a proxy for competition and model 2 used deposits market share instead. The stability test using Eigenvalue Stability Condition showed that the PVAR model is unstable. Secondly, the above variables and five bank specific variables (i.e., credit risk, management efficiency, liquidity, return on assets and bank size) were estimated using the Feasible Generalised Least Squares (FGLS) model. The study documents that competition positively contributed to stability and regulation negatively influenced the stability of the Zimbabwean banks. Meanwhile, bank size and credit risk have a negative relationship with stability; management efficiency and liquidity have a positive relationship. Return On Assets has a negative and positive relationship with stability in model 1 and model 2, respectively. The findings implied that to enhance stability, banks must experience a competitive environment, reasonably low minimum capital requirements and cautiously designed regulatory frameworks. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-03-31
An ethnomedical study of the role and impact of cannabidiol (CBD) treatment of women living with endometriosis and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
- Authors: Norman, Paige Sarah
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Polycystic ovary syndrome Alternative treatment , Endometriosis Alternative treatment , Cannabidiol , Cannabis , Pain management , Traditional medicine , Feminist anthropology , Women's health services
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/408652 , vital:70513
- Description: Over the last few years, there has been a notable increase in popularity in the use of cannabidiol (CBD) as a form of alternative medicinal treatment for various illnesses. CBD, a by-product of the cannabis plant, is an isolate and does not contain the psychoactive agent, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Endometriosis and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) are chronic reproductive health sicknesses that are increasingly experienced by women. In the absence of cures, biomedical treatment for these diseases aim to manage symptoms, for example; heavy bleeding, heightened levels of pain, and insomnia. CBD offers an alternative to women who feel that biomedical interventions are no longer able to maintain their health and well-being. CBD positions itself as a natural remedy claiming to be safe and effective. This research study, mainly through qualitative data collection, focused on experiences of Zimbabwean and South African women living with endometriosis and/ or PCOS, who have turned to CBD to manage their symptoms. The importance of this study was to position itself within patients’ lived experiences. The research study found that CBD indeed has numerous benefits, including pain management, alleviating stress, and anxiety. Through the emergent themes from the data, it became clear that women are marginalised and treated unequally in the biomedical healthcare sphere. Feminist Anthropology and Structural Violence was applied to analyse the data collected to explore the patriarchal nature of the biomedical healthcare system and the experiences that women have, which has led them to turn to alternative treatments. , Thesis (MSocSci) -- Faculty of Humanities, Anthropology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Norman, Paige Sarah
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Polycystic ovary syndrome Alternative treatment , Endometriosis Alternative treatment , Cannabidiol , Cannabis , Pain management , Traditional medicine , Feminist anthropology , Women's health services
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/408652 , vital:70513
- Description: Over the last few years, there has been a notable increase in popularity in the use of cannabidiol (CBD) as a form of alternative medicinal treatment for various illnesses. CBD, a by-product of the cannabis plant, is an isolate and does not contain the psychoactive agent, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Endometriosis and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) are chronic reproductive health sicknesses that are increasingly experienced by women. In the absence of cures, biomedical treatment for these diseases aim to manage symptoms, for example; heavy bleeding, heightened levels of pain, and insomnia. CBD offers an alternative to women who feel that biomedical interventions are no longer able to maintain their health and well-being. CBD positions itself as a natural remedy claiming to be safe and effective. This research study, mainly through qualitative data collection, focused on experiences of Zimbabwean and South African women living with endometriosis and/ or PCOS, who have turned to CBD to manage their symptoms. The importance of this study was to position itself within patients’ lived experiences. The research study found that CBD indeed has numerous benefits, including pain management, alleviating stress, and anxiety. Through the emergent themes from the data, it became clear that women are marginalised and treated unequally in the biomedical healthcare sphere. Feminist Anthropology and Structural Violence was applied to analyse the data collected to explore the patriarchal nature of the biomedical healthcare system and the experiences that women have, which has led them to turn to alternative treatments. , Thesis (MSocSci) -- Faculty of Humanities, Anthropology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
An examination of activism and ‘political listening’ during the year of student protest at the University of Cape Town from 9 March 2015 to 9 March 2016
- Mufamadi, Azwihangwisi Eugene
- Authors: Mufamadi, Azwihangwisi Eugene
- Date: 2022-10-04
- Subjects: Student movements South Africa Cape Town , Democracy South Africa , Listening Political aspects , Journalistic ethics , Journalism Political aspects , Communication in social action South Africa Cape Town , University of Cape Town , Cape Times Ltd.
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/327144 , vital:61085 , DOI 10.21504/10962/327144
- Description: This study sets out to examine democratic participation in South Africa and the role that ‘political listening’ could play in making participation more equitable. It considers protest action on a South African university campus, which at times not only resulted in significant and swift concessions from the university leadership but also sparked national political action which got an equally swift response from the South African government. It considers the social movement, the RhodesMustFall movement (RMF), as one way in which students can organise themselves to get a better hearing from the University of Cape Town (UCT) management in their attempt to make a meaningful contribution to the university’s micro democracy. This study examines whether the interaction between the UCT management and RMF could be considered ‘political listening’, and the possible role of the Cape Times newspaper within this context of participation. Using data gathered through interviews, written communications, observation and newspaper articles, the study shows that in all of the interactions between RMF and the UCT management, both groups were seldom willing to forego their power to engage in genuine listening. Instead, the two parties guessed at what power the other party might have and acted to reduce that power. It is in this context of guessing at and figuring what power the other party has that listening occurs. Furthermore, the study shows that during the RMF protest, the UCT management viewed their responsibility for the institution mainly through the lens of Private Property Law which framed protest as something to be dealt with by restoring law and order. The study also details the role of the Cape Times newspaper in the interactions between RMF and the UCT management and considers if this role could be political listening. The study is exploratory and demonstrates how political listening could work more optimally in real-life instances. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Journalism and Media Studies, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-04
- Authors: Mufamadi, Azwihangwisi Eugene
- Date: 2022-10-04
- Subjects: Student movements South Africa Cape Town , Democracy South Africa , Listening Political aspects , Journalistic ethics , Journalism Political aspects , Communication in social action South Africa Cape Town , University of Cape Town , Cape Times Ltd.
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/327144 , vital:61085 , DOI 10.21504/10962/327144
- Description: This study sets out to examine democratic participation in South Africa and the role that ‘political listening’ could play in making participation more equitable. It considers protest action on a South African university campus, which at times not only resulted in significant and swift concessions from the university leadership but also sparked national political action which got an equally swift response from the South African government. It considers the social movement, the RhodesMustFall movement (RMF), as one way in which students can organise themselves to get a better hearing from the University of Cape Town (UCT) management in their attempt to make a meaningful contribution to the university’s micro democracy. This study examines whether the interaction between the UCT management and RMF could be considered ‘political listening’, and the possible role of the Cape Times newspaper within this context of participation. Using data gathered through interviews, written communications, observation and newspaper articles, the study shows that in all of the interactions between RMF and the UCT management, both groups were seldom willing to forego their power to engage in genuine listening. Instead, the two parties guessed at what power the other party might have and acted to reduce that power. It is in this context of guessing at and figuring what power the other party has that listening occurs. Furthermore, the study shows that during the RMF protest, the UCT management viewed their responsibility for the institution mainly through the lens of Private Property Law which framed protest as something to be dealt with by restoring law and order. The study also details the role of the Cape Times newspaper in the interactions between RMF and the UCT management and considers if this role could be political listening. The study is exploratory and demonstrates how political listening could work more optimally in real-life instances. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Journalism and Media Studies, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-04
An exploration into how Grade 3 Foundation Phase teachers implement differentiated instructional practices in their mathematics classrooms
- Authors: Jack, Nomzamo Bridget
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424057 , vital:72120
- Description: Today’s teaching space is more diverse than before. As a result, differentiated instruction is considered helpful in supporting learner diversity. This teaching approach considers socio-cultural, multiple intelligences, and learning styles also termed learning preferences of learners. It is against this view that I wanted to investigate the implementation of differentiated instruction teaching practices in the Foundation Phase. This study explored differentiated teaching strategies and procedures in mathematics teaching, and I observed four Grade 3 teachers. The theoretical framework underlying this study was the theory of practice architectures. This study is located within an interpretivist paradigm within which I employed a case study research design. The collection of the data sets was through observations and semi-structured interviews. For an analysis of observations, I used a deductive approach. On the other hand, for the semi-structured interviews, I use an inductive approach to discover patterns and themes that I applied during the data analysis process. The validation process was done by giving interview transcripts and a summary of discussions to respondents to verify their responses and check for any misinterpretations. Rich data sets were analysed concerning the research questions, which were as follows: What are the current differentiated instruction teaching practices used by Grade 3 Mathematics teachers? How can the teachers’ differentiated instruction teaching practices be understood in terms of doings, sayings and relatings? How are differentiated instruction teaching practices made visible through the lens of the Theory of Practice Architecture? The findings from the study revealed that the use of learners’ everyday language influences their understanding of mathematics terminology. The study discovered that learners were more comfortable using English to make sense of mathematics terms instead of using isiXhosa, the Language of Learning and Teaching in the Foundation Phase. Additionally, linking learning to learners’ everyday English language enabled them to learn mathematics terms in a relaxed and non-threatening situation, while isiXhosa seemed to constrain learning. Further, the findings revealed that teachers were unclear about differentiated instruction. That was evident when they did not know the elements of differentiated instruction. Thus, the study recommends that teachers need to be supported through workshops to enable them to enact differentiated instruction in their teaching. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Secondary and Post-School Education, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
- Authors: Jack, Nomzamo Bridget
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424057 , vital:72120
- Description: Today’s teaching space is more diverse than before. As a result, differentiated instruction is considered helpful in supporting learner diversity. This teaching approach considers socio-cultural, multiple intelligences, and learning styles also termed learning preferences of learners. It is against this view that I wanted to investigate the implementation of differentiated instruction teaching practices in the Foundation Phase. This study explored differentiated teaching strategies and procedures in mathematics teaching, and I observed four Grade 3 teachers. The theoretical framework underlying this study was the theory of practice architectures. This study is located within an interpretivist paradigm within which I employed a case study research design. The collection of the data sets was through observations and semi-structured interviews. For an analysis of observations, I used a deductive approach. On the other hand, for the semi-structured interviews, I use an inductive approach to discover patterns and themes that I applied during the data analysis process. The validation process was done by giving interview transcripts and a summary of discussions to respondents to verify their responses and check for any misinterpretations. Rich data sets were analysed concerning the research questions, which were as follows: What are the current differentiated instruction teaching practices used by Grade 3 Mathematics teachers? How can the teachers’ differentiated instruction teaching practices be understood in terms of doings, sayings and relatings? How are differentiated instruction teaching practices made visible through the lens of the Theory of Practice Architecture? The findings from the study revealed that the use of learners’ everyday language influences their understanding of mathematics terminology. The study discovered that learners were more comfortable using English to make sense of mathematics terms instead of using isiXhosa, the Language of Learning and Teaching in the Foundation Phase. Additionally, linking learning to learners’ everyday English language enabled them to learn mathematics terms in a relaxed and non-threatening situation, while isiXhosa seemed to constrain learning. Further, the findings revealed that teachers were unclear about differentiated instruction. That was evident when they did not know the elements of differentiated instruction. Thus, the study recommends that teachers need to be supported through workshops to enable them to enact differentiated instruction in their teaching. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Secondary and Post-School Education, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
An exploration of Black women’s motivations for pursuing sociology at Rhodes University
- Authors: Vezi, Indiphile Siyanda
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425220 , vital:72220
- Description: Enbargoed. Expected release date 2025. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
- Authors: Vezi, Indiphile Siyanda
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425220 , vital:72220
- Description: Enbargoed. Expected release date 2025. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
An exploratory study of King IV™: The effect of Principle Four and its practices in achieving good performance by selected JSE-listed companies
- Authors: Rohlandt, John
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Corporate governance South Africa , Organizational performance , value creation , Business planning , Social responsibility of business South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/403047 , vital:69917
- Description: The research conducted for the dissertation entitled “An exploratory study of King IVTM: The effect of principle four and its practices in achieving good performance by selected JSE-listed companies”, aimed to determine whether principle four, namely the creation of value, and the application by an organisation of the recommended practices as set out in King IVTM, contribute to the achievement of good performance. The research outlined the background to the research by describing the history of the development of corporate governance internationally and in South Africa, dating back to 1932 and culminating with the King IV™ report. It described the problem statement, defined the aims and objectives of the study, and demonstrated that the significance of the study lies in its exploration of the relationship between the King IV™ practices and good performance. The research also provided a review of the related literature, describing the theoretical background for the research, which includes the conceptual framework and propositions of the research. The research was situated in the post-positivist paradigm, the methodology was qualitative, and the method adopted was a theory-based evaluation, based on a deductive thematic analysis with pattern matching. From a detailed reading of the integrated reports and the King IVTM compliance registers of the fifteen selected listed companies for the years 2017 to 2019, hits and misses in relation to the six capitals and the eight associated practices were recorded. From this, the resulting descriptive statistics were calculated and set out in the form of tables, and a regression analysis was used to support the findings. The research revealed, based on the descriptive statistics data that there is a moderate relationship between good performance and the application of the eight practices set out in King IVTM, that contribute to the achievement of good performance. It was, therefore, concluded that the adoption of corporate governance principles and practices has an effect on performance, although it may not be significant. It is also concluded that the application of the practices in terms of principle four as set out in King IVTM is achieving its intended outcome - the creation of value. The research also concluded that good performance constitutes more than just a company performing financially and that all companies need to comply with the requirements of King IVTM, as the Code is designed to guide organisations in achieving good corporate governance. Governance principles and practices should be adopted in a way that does not unduly constrain them and is appropriate to a company’s particular circumstances. Complying with corporate governance principles and implementing the recommended practices might not guarantee positive outcomes (good performance), but it will guide the board of directors in the pursuit of ethical and effective leadership, and that of sustainable development in order to meet the needs of all stakeholders. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Rohlandt, John
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Corporate governance South Africa , Organizational performance , value creation , Business planning , Social responsibility of business South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/403047 , vital:69917
- Description: The research conducted for the dissertation entitled “An exploratory study of King IVTM: The effect of principle four and its practices in achieving good performance by selected JSE-listed companies”, aimed to determine whether principle four, namely the creation of value, and the application by an organisation of the recommended practices as set out in King IVTM, contribute to the achievement of good performance. The research outlined the background to the research by describing the history of the development of corporate governance internationally and in South Africa, dating back to 1932 and culminating with the King IV™ report. It described the problem statement, defined the aims and objectives of the study, and demonstrated that the significance of the study lies in its exploration of the relationship between the King IV™ practices and good performance. The research also provided a review of the related literature, describing the theoretical background for the research, which includes the conceptual framework and propositions of the research. The research was situated in the post-positivist paradigm, the methodology was qualitative, and the method adopted was a theory-based evaluation, based on a deductive thematic analysis with pattern matching. From a detailed reading of the integrated reports and the King IVTM compliance registers of the fifteen selected listed companies for the years 2017 to 2019, hits and misses in relation to the six capitals and the eight associated practices were recorded. From this, the resulting descriptive statistics were calculated and set out in the form of tables, and a regression analysis was used to support the findings. The research revealed, based on the descriptive statistics data that there is a moderate relationship between good performance and the application of the eight practices set out in King IVTM, that contribute to the achievement of good performance. It was, therefore, concluded that the adoption of corporate governance principles and practices has an effect on performance, although it may not be significant. It is also concluded that the application of the practices in terms of principle four as set out in King IVTM is achieving its intended outcome - the creation of value. The research also concluded that good performance constitutes more than just a company performing financially and that all companies need to comply with the requirements of King IVTM, as the Code is designed to guide organisations in achieving good corporate governance. Governance principles and practices should be adopted in a way that does not unduly constrain them and is appropriate to a company’s particular circumstances. Complying with corporate governance principles and implementing the recommended practices might not guarantee positive outcomes (good performance), but it will guide the board of directors in the pursuit of ethical and effective leadership, and that of sustainable development in order to meet the needs of all stakeholders. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
An exploratory study on the impact of three critical incidents on SMEs within the Petroleum retail sector in South Africa
- Authors: Makhaya, Humbulani Portia
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Strikes and lockouts Petroleum industry South Africa , Motor fuels Taxation South Africa , Stockout South Africa , Small and medium enterprises South Africa , Service stations Location South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/403025 , vital:69915
- Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of three critical incidents with a direct effect on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) within the Petroleum retail sector in South Africa. This study assessed three specific areas: (1) the impact of fuel levy increase on Petroleum retailers, (2) explore how fuel stock-outs are experienced by the SMEs, and (3) the effects of fuel distributors' strike on SMEs in the petroleum sector in South Africa. To address the research objectives, the study employed a qualitative research approach, based on a narrative research design. Primary data was collected through semi-structured interviews conducted with six SMEs in the fuel retail business in Johannesburg. An interview guide was used. Findings highlighted that the location of fuel retail SMEs is an important determinant of how the fuel retailers are affected by these three critical incidents of fuel levy increases, stock-outs and strikes. The study found that while the fuel levy increases are felt through reduced sales volumes, the impact is not the same across fuel retailers. The study revealed that the elasticity of demand varies depending on the location for which it is elastics for those retailers in high Living Standards Measure (LSM) locations and inelastic for those located in lower LSM locations. It was found that the impact is much less for those fuel retailers located in affluent suburbs with a high LSM. In locations such as Beyers Naude and Radiokop in Northern Johannesburg with a high LSM, the demand for fuel remains constant irrespective of price increases. The locations are also less likely to be adversely affected by protest actions. Concerning SMEs’ experiences of fuel stock-outs, the study found that stock-outs impact fuel retail business operations through overhead costs that are incurred while the fuel stations are out of stock. The small margins make it impossible for fuel retailers to quickly recover, as their profitability is dependent on sales volumes, which are compromised when there are stock-outs. Fuel retailers also suffer from reduced future sales volumes due to waning customer loyalty. Finally, the study found that the occurrence of wage-related strikes is minimal due to the nature of collective agreements that are signed within the sector. However, protests actions were found to have deleterious effects on the fuel retailer situated in lower LSM locations. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Makhaya, Humbulani Portia
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Strikes and lockouts Petroleum industry South Africa , Motor fuels Taxation South Africa , Stockout South Africa , Small and medium enterprises South Africa , Service stations Location South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/403025 , vital:69915
- Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of three critical incidents with a direct effect on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) within the Petroleum retail sector in South Africa. This study assessed three specific areas: (1) the impact of fuel levy increase on Petroleum retailers, (2) explore how fuel stock-outs are experienced by the SMEs, and (3) the effects of fuel distributors' strike on SMEs in the petroleum sector in South Africa. To address the research objectives, the study employed a qualitative research approach, based on a narrative research design. Primary data was collected through semi-structured interviews conducted with six SMEs in the fuel retail business in Johannesburg. An interview guide was used. Findings highlighted that the location of fuel retail SMEs is an important determinant of how the fuel retailers are affected by these three critical incidents of fuel levy increases, stock-outs and strikes. The study found that while the fuel levy increases are felt through reduced sales volumes, the impact is not the same across fuel retailers. The study revealed that the elasticity of demand varies depending on the location for which it is elastics for those retailers in high Living Standards Measure (LSM) locations and inelastic for those located in lower LSM locations. It was found that the impact is much less for those fuel retailers located in affluent suburbs with a high LSM. In locations such as Beyers Naude and Radiokop in Northern Johannesburg with a high LSM, the demand for fuel remains constant irrespective of price increases. The locations are also less likely to be adversely affected by protest actions. Concerning SMEs’ experiences of fuel stock-outs, the study found that stock-outs impact fuel retail business operations through overhead costs that are incurred while the fuel stations are out of stock. The small margins make it impossible for fuel retailers to quickly recover, as their profitability is dependent on sales volumes, which are compromised when there are stock-outs. Fuel retailers also suffer from reduced future sales volumes due to waning customer loyalty. Finally, the study found that the occurrence of wage-related strikes is minimal due to the nature of collective agreements that are signed within the sector. However, protests actions were found to have deleterious effects on the fuel retailer situated in lower LSM locations. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
An in vitro investigation of novel quinolone derivatives on selected pharmacological targets for diabetes mellitus and associated complications
- Authors: Ayodele, Omobolanle Opeyemi
- Date: 2023-03-29
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/409813 , vital:70632
- Description: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a group of endocrine and metabolic disorders characterised and identified by the presence of hyperglycaemia over a long period and, to an extent, accompanied by hyperlipidaemia. CVD has been reported to be the leading cause of mortality in patients with DM. Several antidiabetic agents are available for managing DM, but these agents are not for curative therapy and present with undesirable side effects. In addition, these agents become less effective as the patient's condition progresses to complete beta-cell failure. Therefore, developing newer antidiabetic agents with minimal undesirable side effects, prolonged efficacy and protection against the development of DM complications are necessary. This study was conducted to identify potential novel antidiabetic agents with cardiovascular-protective activity. The compounds of interest for the study were quinolone derivatives since quinolones have been reported to have an antihyperglycaemic effect. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Pharmacy, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-03-29
- Authors: Ayodele, Omobolanle Opeyemi
- Date: 2023-03-29
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/409813 , vital:70632
- Description: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a group of endocrine and metabolic disorders characterised and identified by the presence of hyperglycaemia over a long period and, to an extent, accompanied by hyperlipidaemia. CVD has been reported to be the leading cause of mortality in patients with DM. Several antidiabetic agents are available for managing DM, but these agents are not for curative therapy and present with undesirable side effects. In addition, these agents become less effective as the patient's condition progresses to complete beta-cell failure. Therefore, developing newer antidiabetic agents with minimal undesirable side effects, prolonged efficacy and protection against the development of DM complications are necessary. This study was conducted to identify potential novel antidiabetic agents with cardiovascular-protective activity. The compounds of interest for the study were quinolone derivatives since quinolones have been reported to have an antihyperglycaemic effect. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Pharmacy, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-03-29
An in-depth investigation of an early literacy intervention in Grade R in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Hodgskiss, Jennifer Adelé
- Date: 2023-03-29
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/366222 , vital:65844
- Description: Thesis embargoed. Expected release date early 2025. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-03-29
- Authors: Hodgskiss, Jennifer Adelé
- Date: 2023-03-29
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/366222 , vital:65844
- Description: Thesis embargoed. Expected release date early 2025. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-03-29
An in-silico study of the type II NADH: Quinone Oxidoreductase (ndh2). A new anti-malaria drug target
- Authors: Baye, Bertha Cinthia
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Malaria , Plasmodium , Molecular dynamics , Computer simulation , Quinone , Antimalarials , Molecules Models , Docking , Drugs Computer-aided design
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/365633 , vital:65767 , DOI https://doi.org/10.21504/10962/365633
- Description: Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites, spread to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. This study focuses on all 5 (Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium knowlesi, Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium ovale and Plasmodium vivax) parasites that cause malaria in humans. Africa is a developing continent, and it is the most affected with an estimation of 90% of more than 400 000 malaria-related deaths reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) report in 2020, in which 61% of that number are children under the ages of five. Malaria resistance was initially observed in early 1986 and with the progression of time anti-malarial drug resistance has only increased. As a result, there is a need to study the malarial proteins mechanism of action and identify alternative treatment strategies for this disease. Type II NADH: quinone oxidoreductase (NDH2) is a monotopic protein that catalyses the electron transfer from NADH to quinone via FAD without a proton-pumping activity, and functions as an initial enzyme, either in addition to or as an alternative to proton-pumping NADH dehydrogenase (complex I) in the respiratory chain of bacteria, archaea, and fungal and plant mitochondrial. The structures for the Plasmodium knowlesi, Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium ovale and Plasmodium vivax were modelled from the crystal structure of Plasmodium falciparum (5JWA). Compounds from the South African natural compounds database (SANCDB) were docked against both the NDH2 crystal structure and modelled structures. By performing in silico screening the study aimed to find potential compounds that might interrupt the electron transfer to quinone therefore disturbing the enzyme‟s function and thereby possibly eliminating the plasmodium parasite. CHARMM-GUI was used to create the membrane (since this work is with membrane-bound proteins) and to orient the protein on the membrane using OPM server guidelines, the interface produced GROMACS topology files that were used in molecular dynamics simulations. Molecular dynamics simulations were performed in the Centre for high performance computing (CHPC) cluster under the CHEM0802 project and the trajectories produced were further analysed. In this work not only were hit compounds from SANCDB identified, but also differences in behaviour across species and in the presence or absence of the membrane were described. This highlights the need to include the correct protein environment when studying these systems. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Biochemistry and Microbiology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Baye, Bertha Cinthia
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Malaria , Plasmodium , Molecular dynamics , Computer simulation , Quinone , Antimalarials , Molecules Models , Docking , Drugs Computer-aided design
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/365633 , vital:65767 , DOI https://doi.org/10.21504/10962/365633
- Description: Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites, spread to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. This study focuses on all 5 (Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium knowlesi, Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium ovale and Plasmodium vivax) parasites that cause malaria in humans. Africa is a developing continent, and it is the most affected with an estimation of 90% of more than 400 000 malaria-related deaths reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) report in 2020, in which 61% of that number are children under the ages of five. Malaria resistance was initially observed in early 1986 and with the progression of time anti-malarial drug resistance has only increased. As a result, there is a need to study the malarial proteins mechanism of action and identify alternative treatment strategies for this disease. Type II NADH: quinone oxidoreductase (NDH2) is a monotopic protein that catalyses the electron transfer from NADH to quinone via FAD without a proton-pumping activity, and functions as an initial enzyme, either in addition to or as an alternative to proton-pumping NADH dehydrogenase (complex I) in the respiratory chain of bacteria, archaea, and fungal and plant mitochondrial. The structures for the Plasmodium knowlesi, Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium ovale and Plasmodium vivax were modelled from the crystal structure of Plasmodium falciparum (5JWA). Compounds from the South African natural compounds database (SANCDB) were docked against both the NDH2 crystal structure and modelled structures. By performing in silico screening the study aimed to find potential compounds that might interrupt the electron transfer to quinone therefore disturbing the enzyme‟s function and thereby possibly eliminating the plasmodium parasite. CHARMM-GUI was used to create the membrane (since this work is with membrane-bound proteins) and to orient the protein on the membrane using OPM server guidelines, the interface produced GROMACS topology files that were used in molecular dynamics simulations. Molecular dynamics simulations were performed in the Centre for high performance computing (CHPC) cluster under the CHEM0802 project and the trajectories produced were further analysed. In this work not only were hit compounds from SANCDB identified, but also differences in behaviour across species and in the presence or absence of the membrane were described. This highlights the need to include the correct protein environment when studying these systems. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Biochemistry and Microbiology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
An investigation into fatigue prevalence amongst citrus packhouse sorters in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa
- Authors: Robinson, Harry Jack
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424312 , vital:72142
- Description: Background: South Africa is the second most influential exporter of citrus fruits internationally and holds a pivotal role in economic revenue for the country. Rural areas, such as the Sundays River Valley in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, contribute to the country’s citrus production. Many women depend on citrus packhouses for employment as citrus sorters. As humans perceive certain defects in citrus fruits more accurately than machines, these sorters must identify and manually remove any fruit that does not conform with export requirements. Citrus sorters are exposed to numerous physical and cognitive stressors during the task while faced with organizational challenges, such as shift work and long working hours. Therefore, the potential for fatigue development is anticipated. Given the multifactorial nature of fatigue and the negative consequences it may have on workers, it also has the potential to impede the accuracy of the sorting performance. Stringent disciplinary action for the entire South African citrus industry may be of consequence if nonconforming or pest-infested fruit is missed by citrus sorters and exported to foreign countries. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of fatigue among citrus sorters in a citrus packhouse in the Sundays River Valley of the Eastern Cape throughout a citrus harvesting season and to identify factors that may contribute towards fatigue development. Methods: The research design utilized a crosssectional, two-part approach that applied mixed methods. Part one was administered once-off, incorporating demographic, work-, and non-work-related questions. Part two was a self-developed repeated measures assessment comprising close-ended contextual questions, the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale, and the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale. Environmental and work output data were also recorded. Results: Citrus sorters (n= 35) recorded a mean MFIS score of 39.35 throughout the harvest season, which was above the prescribed fatigue threshold (38). However, there was no significant difference in fatigue ratings over time (p= 0.122). Day shift workers exceeded the fatigue threshold for the entire season compared to night shift workers, who only exceeded it in the last two weeks. The physical, cognitive, and psychosocial subscales found no significant difference in fatigue scores, although physical fatigue recorded the highest scores across all weeks and displayed a significant difference over time. Overall, participants, on average, perceived to be “neither sleepy nor alert” over the season. However, eight participants (22%) recorded sleepiness scores ii exceeding the excessive sleepiness threshold of seven. Educational levels, health status, work-pace, and the number of family dependents significantly contributed to fatigue development, albeit a weak correlation. Discussion: Sorters were perceived to be fatigued from week three till the end of the study; however, there was no variation in fatigue scores over time. An accumulation of physical fatigue over time was revealed where prolonged standing, repetitive work, and irregular working postures may have contributed. Night shift workers did not receive the recommended hours of sleep (7-8 hours); hence, they registered greater sleepiness scores over the season than day shift workers. Environmental and work output recordings did not prove to have a significant influence on fatigue development, and neither did work experience or physical exercise. Conclusion: An amalgamation of numerous contributing factors within the work situation, private situation, and the individual influenced the development of fatigue, where there was no primary causal factor. Future studies should consider recording the accuracy of the sorting performance to acquire rich, objective data. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Human Kinetics and Ergonomics, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
- Authors: Robinson, Harry Jack
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424312 , vital:72142
- Description: Background: South Africa is the second most influential exporter of citrus fruits internationally and holds a pivotal role in economic revenue for the country. Rural areas, such as the Sundays River Valley in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, contribute to the country’s citrus production. Many women depend on citrus packhouses for employment as citrus sorters. As humans perceive certain defects in citrus fruits more accurately than machines, these sorters must identify and manually remove any fruit that does not conform with export requirements. Citrus sorters are exposed to numerous physical and cognitive stressors during the task while faced with organizational challenges, such as shift work and long working hours. Therefore, the potential for fatigue development is anticipated. Given the multifactorial nature of fatigue and the negative consequences it may have on workers, it also has the potential to impede the accuracy of the sorting performance. Stringent disciplinary action for the entire South African citrus industry may be of consequence if nonconforming or pest-infested fruit is missed by citrus sorters and exported to foreign countries. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of fatigue among citrus sorters in a citrus packhouse in the Sundays River Valley of the Eastern Cape throughout a citrus harvesting season and to identify factors that may contribute towards fatigue development. Methods: The research design utilized a crosssectional, two-part approach that applied mixed methods. Part one was administered once-off, incorporating demographic, work-, and non-work-related questions. Part two was a self-developed repeated measures assessment comprising close-ended contextual questions, the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale, and the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale. Environmental and work output data were also recorded. Results: Citrus sorters (n= 35) recorded a mean MFIS score of 39.35 throughout the harvest season, which was above the prescribed fatigue threshold (38). However, there was no significant difference in fatigue ratings over time (p= 0.122). Day shift workers exceeded the fatigue threshold for the entire season compared to night shift workers, who only exceeded it in the last two weeks. The physical, cognitive, and psychosocial subscales found no significant difference in fatigue scores, although physical fatigue recorded the highest scores across all weeks and displayed a significant difference over time. Overall, participants, on average, perceived to be “neither sleepy nor alert” over the season. However, eight participants (22%) recorded sleepiness scores ii exceeding the excessive sleepiness threshold of seven. Educational levels, health status, work-pace, and the number of family dependents significantly contributed to fatigue development, albeit a weak correlation. Discussion: Sorters were perceived to be fatigued from week three till the end of the study; however, there was no variation in fatigue scores over time. An accumulation of physical fatigue over time was revealed where prolonged standing, repetitive work, and irregular working postures may have contributed. Night shift workers did not receive the recommended hours of sleep (7-8 hours); hence, they registered greater sleepiness scores over the season than day shift workers. Environmental and work output recordings did not prove to have a significant influence on fatigue development, and neither did work experience or physical exercise. Conclusion: An amalgamation of numerous contributing factors within the work situation, private situation, and the individual influenced the development of fatigue, where there was no primary causal factor. Future studies should consider recording the accuracy of the sorting performance to acquire rich, objective data. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Human Kinetics and Ergonomics, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
An Investigation into Speaker and Headphone-Based Immersive Audio for VR and Digital Gaming Applications
- Authors: Marais, Kyle Donald
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/365246 , vital:65720
- Description: Thesis embargoed. Possible release date set for early 2024. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Computer Science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Marais, Kyle Donald
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/365246 , vital:65720
- Description: Thesis embargoed. Possible release date set for early 2024. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Computer Science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
An investigation into stakeholder inclusivity and the board’s ability to create competitive advantage at South Africa’s “big five” retail banks
- Authors: Wolhuter, Darren Wilfred
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Stakeholder management South Africa , Strategic planning South Africa , Banks and banking South Africa , Corporate governance South Africa , Competition , Resource-based theory
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/284548 , vital:56073
- Description: Stakeholder theory has long put forth the concept that managerial attention must be given to all stakeholders towards the realisation of value creation opportunities. Through the process of stakeholder engagement, and through the adoption of stakeholder inclusivity principles, an organisation can position itself to reap the benefits of understanding the legitimate needs and interests of all its stakeholders by seeking to satisfy all its stakeholders in turn. This study analysed the integrated reports of five retail banks, whose main base of operations were in South Africa, to assess the board’s ability to create value for its stakeholders through adopting a stakeholder inclusive approach to corporate governance as advocated for by the King Code on Corporate Governance in South Africa – King IV™. This assessment was done through an examination of a selection of outcomes relevant to the banking industry and related to each of the six capitals that form part of the value creation process as indicated for in the Integrated Reporting Framework (IIRC, 2013): 1) Financial Capital, 2) Manufactured Capital; 3) Intellectual Capital; 4) Human Capital; 5) Social and Relationship Capital, and; 6) Natural Capital. The results obtained, over a three-year period – 2018 to 2020, revealed that while the directors had a firm understanding of who their material stakeholders were, they struggled to create value that catered to all their stakeholders collectively. In addition, the directors were also unable to create sustainable value over the assessment period. As a result of this, most banks, with the exception of one, were unable to realise the value creation opportunities that could have led to a potential source of competitive advantage. The study concludes that while no observable sustainable competitive advantage was evident over the period of assessment, the concept of stakeholder inclusivity is an important corporate governance principle that drives value creation and, as such, warrants more attention from the director’s point of view. This research is intended to contribute to the growing knowledge on the importance of stakeholder inclusivity in corporate governance execution. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
- Authors: Wolhuter, Darren Wilfred
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Stakeholder management South Africa , Strategic planning South Africa , Banks and banking South Africa , Corporate governance South Africa , Competition , Resource-based theory
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/284548 , vital:56073
- Description: Stakeholder theory has long put forth the concept that managerial attention must be given to all stakeholders towards the realisation of value creation opportunities. Through the process of stakeholder engagement, and through the adoption of stakeholder inclusivity principles, an organisation can position itself to reap the benefits of understanding the legitimate needs and interests of all its stakeholders by seeking to satisfy all its stakeholders in turn. This study analysed the integrated reports of five retail banks, whose main base of operations were in South Africa, to assess the board’s ability to create value for its stakeholders through adopting a stakeholder inclusive approach to corporate governance as advocated for by the King Code on Corporate Governance in South Africa – King IV™. This assessment was done through an examination of a selection of outcomes relevant to the banking industry and related to each of the six capitals that form part of the value creation process as indicated for in the Integrated Reporting Framework (IIRC, 2013): 1) Financial Capital, 2) Manufactured Capital; 3) Intellectual Capital; 4) Human Capital; 5) Social and Relationship Capital, and; 6) Natural Capital. The results obtained, over a three-year period – 2018 to 2020, revealed that while the directors had a firm understanding of who their material stakeholders were, they struggled to create value that catered to all their stakeholders collectively. In addition, the directors were also unable to create sustainable value over the assessment period. As a result of this, most banks, with the exception of one, were unable to realise the value creation opportunities that could have led to a potential source of competitive advantage. The study concludes that while no observable sustainable competitive advantage was evident over the period of assessment, the concept of stakeholder inclusivity is an important corporate governance principle that drives value creation and, as such, warrants more attention from the director’s point of view. This research is intended to contribute to the growing knowledge on the importance of stakeholder inclusivity in corporate governance execution. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
An investigation into the force-EMG relationship for static and dynamic exertions
- Koekemoer, Wesley Agosthinho
- Authors: Koekemoer, Wesley Agosthinho
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Electromyography , Force and energy , Muscles Physiology , Biomechanics , Muscle contraction , Isometric exercise , Isotonic exercise , Static and dynamic exertions
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/291076 , vital:56816
- Description: The force-EMG relationship has multiple applications in varying fields of study and practice. One such application is the development of safety guidelines and regulations. Current guidelines are based on static muscle actions even though the majority of tasks encountered in industry are dynamic in nature. This may have negative implications for the health, safety, and productivity of workers as regulations based on static muscle actions may place higher force demands on manual labourers compared to what would be expected if regulations were based on dynamic muscle actions. Regulations based on dynamic muscle actions may be more effective in worker safety as the nature of the regulation matches that of the demand. Few studies have investigated the force-EMG relationship during dynamic muscle actions and the few that do exist have reported contradictory / mixed results. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to: 1) gain an understanding of EMG responses at different load levels, and 2) show how the relationship differs between static and dynamic muscle actions. A two-factorial repeated-measures experiment was developed for this study. Eighteen experimental conditions, utilizing six load levels (0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% of maximum voluntary force) for each of the three muscle actions (isometric, concentric and eccentric). Surface EMG responses were obtained under these conditions by repeatedly dorsiflexing and plantarflexing the foot, thus activating the soleus muscle. A maximum voluntary exertion on an isokinetic dynamometer determined the maximum force level, based on which the sub-maximal loads were calculated and added to a pulley system. 31 student participants were recruited for this experiment which was conducted over two sessions – one information and habituation session, and one experimental session. The EMG data recorded were processed and checked for normality and outliers. The data was then analysed via a General Linear Model analysis to determine the effect of exertion type and of load level on the muscle activity. Significant differences were identified at p<0.05 and followed by a Tukey post-hoc test. Correlation analyses were also conducted to determine the relationship between the force and EMG at all three exertion types. All dependent measures showed that as the load level increased so did the sEMG amplitude for all muscle actions. Muscle actions differed significantly between majority of six force levels. Correlations between the load levels and sEMG amplitude for each muscle action indicated a significant correlation with a moderate strength. The conclusion draws from this study that there is a positive correlation between force and sEMG amplitude, at all load levels, with a moderate strength. However, the muscle actions differed significantly from each other. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Human Kinetics and Ergonomics, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
- Authors: Koekemoer, Wesley Agosthinho
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Electromyography , Force and energy , Muscles Physiology , Biomechanics , Muscle contraction , Isometric exercise , Isotonic exercise , Static and dynamic exertions
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/291076 , vital:56816
- Description: The force-EMG relationship has multiple applications in varying fields of study and practice. One such application is the development of safety guidelines and regulations. Current guidelines are based on static muscle actions even though the majority of tasks encountered in industry are dynamic in nature. This may have negative implications for the health, safety, and productivity of workers as regulations based on static muscle actions may place higher force demands on manual labourers compared to what would be expected if regulations were based on dynamic muscle actions. Regulations based on dynamic muscle actions may be more effective in worker safety as the nature of the regulation matches that of the demand. Few studies have investigated the force-EMG relationship during dynamic muscle actions and the few that do exist have reported contradictory / mixed results. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to: 1) gain an understanding of EMG responses at different load levels, and 2) show how the relationship differs between static and dynamic muscle actions. A two-factorial repeated-measures experiment was developed for this study. Eighteen experimental conditions, utilizing six load levels (0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% of maximum voluntary force) for each of the three muscle actions (isometric, concentric and eccentric). Surface EMG responses were obtained under these conditions by repeatedly dorsiflexing and plantarflexing the foot, thus activating the soleus muscle. A maximum voluntary exertion on an isokinetic dynamometer determined the maximum force level, based on which the sub-maximal loads were calculated and added to a pulley system. 31 student participants were recruited for this experiment which was conducted over two sessions – one information and habituation session, and one experimental session. The EMG data recorded were processed and checked for normality and outliers. The data was then analysed via a General Linear Model analysis to determine the effect of exertion type and of load level on the muscle activity. Significant differences were identified at p<0.05 and followed by a Tukey post-hoc test. Correlation analyses were also conducted to determine the relationship between the force and EMG at all three exertion types. All dependent measures showed that as the load level increased so did the sEMG amplitude for all muscle actions. Muscle actions differed significantly between majority of six force levels. Correlations between the load levels and sEMG amplitude for each muscle action indicated a significant correlation with a moderate strength. The conclusion draws from this study that there is a positive correlation between force and sEMG amplitude, at all load levels, with a moderate strength. However, the muscle actions differed significantly from each other. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Human Kinetics and Ergonomics, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
An investigation into water and sanitation in the Eastern Cape Province and potential for implementation of biotechnology platforms
- Authors: Gumunyu, Wilbert
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Sewage South Africa Eastern Cape , Sanitation South Africa Eastern Cape , Algae Biotechnology , Biotechnology , Sewage Purification Biological treatment , Algal biofuels
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/362830 , vital:65366
- Description: In contemporary South Africa, a country in transition, destruction rather than reconstruction seems commonplace. Electricity supply is at an all-time low and ‘load shedding’ is an almost daily occurrence. Similarly, more fragility of water delivery and sanitation service is being reported with the likelihood of ‘water shedding’ a soon-to-be reality. In view of the ever-increasing reported mismanagement of South Africa’s water and sanitation infrastructure, which is likely nearing the point of collapse if not already collapsed, this thesis set out to interrogate at a provincial and municipal level the status of water and sanitation in Chris Hani District Municipality (CHDM), Eastern Cape Province. One major driver behind this study was to evaluate provincial and municipal water/wastewater infrastructure as a platform to support implementation of locally developed bioprocess technologies. First, publicly available historical data was used to derive a baseline or benchmark from which to determine gains/losses in compliance, water quality and efficiency. The period 2009-2013/4 during which Blue and Green Drop reporting was routine, was used as an appropriate start point. Data thus derived indicated that, at provincial and district municipality (DM) level, potable water supply was by bulk water schemes and, sanitation was typically by waste stabilization pond (WSP) treatment of municipal sewage. The derived benchmark for the period 2009-2013/14 indicated that most plants were not compliant (~75% of the Eastern Cape Province water treatment plants (WTP) operating between average performance to critical state), operated either at- or above design capacity (Eastern Cape Province, 16%; CHDM, 19%). A large number of plants for the province (62.4%) and district (81.25%) had hydraulic design capacity or average daily flows that were unknown (information not provided in available literature or plant reports) and final effluent did not always meet the general standard (70.3% of the CHDM wastewater treatment works (WWTW)). To determine the contemporary state (2020 - 2022) of water and sanitation within CHDM, a scoping exercise of WTP and WWTW in selected local municipalities was carried out. This was done along a west-east transect by appraising WTP and WWTW in the towns of Cradock, Tarkastad, Komani, Tsomo, Cacadu, and Ngcobo. Furthermore, targeted assessment of the Queenstown WTP and the Cradock WWTW was used to derive real-time data on the status of water and sanitation infrastructure. Results showed that water and sanitation services within CHDM had, in the years between 2009-2013/14 to date, deteriorated. Freshwater demand significantly exceeded capability of water supply schemes, where demand was as much as three times greater than reported available supply. For most WWTW, operation was in excess of capacity and between 1.52 and 12 times installed hydraulic loading. The targeted scoping exercise revealed that Queenstown WTP is a moderate risk plant (Cumulative risk rating, CRR = 11 and maximum risk rating, MRR = 47.8%), whereas Cradock WWTW was in working condition but with challenges and some infrastructural dysfunction. Assessment of water/effluent quality revealed that turbidity and TOC were above SANS 241 general limit. Non-compliance in terms of nitrate/nitrite-N, ammonium-N, phosphate-P, TSS, total coliforms, E. Coli, and free chlorine was evident at Cradock WWTW. Unstructured interviews with plant operators corroborated these findings. The overwhelming support for bulk schemes for potable water provision and WSP for sanitation indicated a partially water secure municipal district but derelict in terms of its sanitation services. The later, it was concluded, in particular provides an ideal opportunity for implementation of platform technologies to support bioprocesses for entrepreneurship, employment, economic benefit and to secure a closed circular economy for regional water and sanitation through valorisation of co-product streams. Among the co-product streams considered in this thesis are biomass, biogas, biofertilizers, biofuels and several high value chemical products. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Institute for Environmental Biotechnology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Gumunyu, Wilbert
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Sewage South Africa Eastern Cape , Sanitation South Africa Eastern Cape , Algae Biotechnology , Biotechnology , Sewage Purification Biological treatment , Algal biofuels
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/362830 , vital:65366
- Description: In contemporary South Africa, a country in transition, destruction rather than reconstruction seems commonplace. Electricity supply is at an all-time low and ‘load shedding’ is an almost daily occurrence. Similarly, more fragility of water delivery and sanitation service is being reported with the likelihood of ‘water shedding’ a soon-to-be reality. In view of the ever-increasing reported mismanagement of South Africa’s water and sanitation infrastructure, which is likely nearing the point of collapse if not already collapsed, this thesis set out to interrogate at a provincial and municipal level the status of water and sanitation in Chris Hani District Municipality (CHDM), Eastern Cape Province. One major driver behind this study was to evaluate provincial and municipal water/wastewater infrastructure as a platform to support implementation of locally developed bioprocess technologies. First, publicly available historical data was used to derive a baseline or benchmark from which to determine gains/losses in compliance, water quality and efficiency. The period 2009-2013/4 during which Blue and Green Drop reporting was routine, was used as an appropriate start point. Data thus derived indicated that, at provincial and district municipality (DM) level, potable water supply was by bulk water schemes and, sanitation was typically by waste stabilization pond (WSP) treatment of municipal sewage. The derived benchmark for the period 2009-2013/14 indicated that most plants were not compliant (~75% of the Eastern Cape Province water treatment plants (WTP) operating between average performance to critical state), operated either at- or above design capacity (Eastern Cape Province, 16%; CHDM, 19%). A large number of plants for the province (62.4%) and district (81.25%) had hydraulic design capacity or average daily flows that were unknown (information not provided in available literature or plant reports) and final effluent did not always meet the general standard (70.3% of the CHDM wastewater treatment works (WWTW)). To determine the contemporary state (2020 - 2022) of water and sanitation within CHDM, a scoping exercise of WTP and WWTW in selected local municipalities was carried out. This was done along a west-east transect by appraising WTP and WWTW in the towns of Cradock, Tarkastad, Komani, Tsomo, Cacadu, and Ngcobo. Furthermore, targeted assessment of the Queenstown WTP and the Cradock WWTW was used to derive real-time data on the status of water and sanitation infrastructure. Results showed that water and sanitation services within CHDM had, in the years between 2009-2013/14 to date, deteriorated. Freshwater demand significantly exceeded capability of water supply schemes, where demand was as much as three times greater than reported available supply. For most WWTW, operation was in excess of capacity and between 1.52 and 12 times installed hydraulic loading. The targeted scoping exercise revealed that Queenstown WTP is a moderate risk plant (Cumulative risk rating, CRR = 11 and maximum risk rating, MRR = 47.8%), whereas Cradock WWTW was in working condition but with challenges and some infrastructural dysfunction. Assessment of water/effluent quality revealed that turbidity and TOC were above SANS 241 general limit. Non-compliance in terms of nitrate/nitrite-N, ammonium-N, phosphate-P, TSS, total coliforms, E. Coli, and free chlorine was evident at Cradock WWTW. Unstructured interviews with plant operators corroborated these findings. The overwhelming support for bulk schemes for potable water provision and WSP for sanitation indicated a partially water secure municipal district but derelict in terms of its sanitation services. The later, it was concluded, in particular provides an ideal opportunity for implementation of platform technologies to support bioprocesses for entrepreneurship, employment, economic benefit and to secure a closed circular economy for regional water and sanitation through valorisation of co-product streams. Among the co-product streams considered in this thesis are biomass, biogas, biofertilizers, biofuels and several high value chemical products. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Institute for Environmental Biotechnology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
An investigation of how a visual teaching approach can possibly address issues of mathematics anxiety at a selected school in the Oshikoto region of Namibia
- Ngonga, Daniel Nghifikepunye
- Authors: Ngonga, Daniel Nghifikepunye
- Date: 2022-04-08
- Subjects: Visual learning Namibia , Math anxiety Namibia , Mathematics Study and teaching Namibia , After-school programs Namibia , Mathematics Study and teaching Activity programs
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/290637 , vital:56770
- Description: This Namibian case study aimed to explore a visual teaching approach (VTA) used by three selected teachers to address issues of mathematics anxiety (MA). The three teachers took part in an intervention program that was looking at how a VTA could be grown in the context of an after-school club (ASC) at my school. The selected teachers were the senior primary teachers at my school. The focus of the research was on how they taught mathematics using visuals after participating in an intervention programme. Their VTA made use of manipulatives, visuals, and concrete materials. The learners of the participating teachers completed a big MA pre-test, small MA tests, and a big MA post-test to determine their levels of MA as the teaching programme unfolded. The study hoped to create awareness amongst teachers and education researchers about the significant use of a VTA in the teaching and learning of mathematics to address issues of MA among the learners. It aimed to answer three research questions. One was on teachers’ use of a VTA in the context of an ASC; the second one was on comparisons of learners’ MA big pre and post-tests to detect any change of MA, and the last was on the enabling and constraining factors encountered when using a VTA. The main argument was that a VTA can encourage learners to be more confident and less anxious about doing mathematics. This study was framed by a constructivist perspective and its design and methodology were underpinned by an interpretive paradigm. This mixed-method research study employed video-recorded observations and stimulated recall interviews, learners’ MA test results, and the teachers’ focus group interviews as the means of collecting data. To generate rich data and support validity, four lessons per selected teacher were observed and video recorded; 54 learners completed the MA tests of 16 questions, and three teachers answered seven questions each in the focus group interview (FGI) after the stimulus recall interviews (SRI) which were done immediately after the lesson presentations. The study found that the participating teachers incorporated a variety of visuals into their lessons to make the mathematics fun, inspiring, visible, hands-on, and activity-oriented. They engaged the learners and also found that the use of visuals motivated learners and reduced their MA. , Thesis (MED) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-08
- Authors: Ngonga, Daniel Nghifikepunye
- Date: 2022-04-08
- Subjects: Visual learning Namibia , Math anxiety Namibia , Mathematics Study and teaching Namibia , After-school programs Namibia , Mathematics Study and teaching Activity programs
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/290637 , vital:56770
- Description: This Namibian case study aimed to explore a visual teaching approach (VTA) used by three selected teachers to address issues of mathematics anxiety (MA). The three teachers took part in an intervention program that was looking at how a VTA could be grown in the context of an after-school club (ASC) at my school. The selected teachers were the senior primary teachers at my school. The focus of the research was on how they taught mathematics using visuals after participating in an intervention programme. Their VTA made use of manipulatives, visuals, and concrete materials. The learners of the participating teachers completed a big MA pre-test, small MA tests, and a big MA post-test to determine their levels of MA as the teaching programme unfolded. The study hoped to create awareness amongst teachers and education researchers about the significant use of a VTA in the teaching and learning of mathematics to address issues of MA among the learners. It aimed to answer three research questions. One was on teachers’ use of a VTA in the context of an ASC; the second one was on comparisons of learners’ MA big pre and post-tests to detect any change of MA, and the last was on the enabling and constraining factors encountered when using a VTA. The main argument was that a VTA can encourage learners to be more confident and less anxious about doing mathematics. This study was framed by a constructivist perspective and its design and methodology were underpinned by an interpretive paradigm. This mixed-method research study employed video-recorded observations and stimulated recall interviews, learners’ MA test results, and the teachers’ focus group interviews as the means of collecting data. To generate rich data and support validity, four lessons per selected teacher were observed and video recorded; 54 learners completed the MA tests of 16 questions, and three teachers answered seven questions each in the focus group interview (FGI) after the stimulus recall interviews (SRI) which were done immediately after the lesson presentations. The study found that the participating teachers incorporated a variety of visuals into their lessons to make the mathematics fun, inspiring, visible, hands-on, and activity-oriented. They engaged the learners and also found that the use of visuals motivated learners and reduced their MA. , Thesis (MED) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-08
An investigation of how newly appointed team leaders in an automotive manufacturing organisation experience the role transition from specialists to team leaders
- Authors: Mzelemu, Patrick Sbusiso
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Leadership , Automobile industry executives , Role expectation , Identity (Psychology) , Personnel management , Organizational behavior
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/403036 , vital:69916
- Description: The purpose of this study is to investigate and understand how specialists who are newly appointed team leaders in an automotive manufacturing organisation experience the transition from specialists to team leaders. The role of leading others in an organisation is linked to human resource leadership. The human resource is highlighted as a valuable resource as it is the only thinking resource in an organisation. It also influences cost and quality and it is central to the organisation's competitive advantage. Consequently, any interruptions or lack of effective management of the human resource will result in a loss of value that the human resource brings into the organisation since they maximise the use of all other resources. The role transitioning process takes place in three phases. These are the separation, transitioning and incorporation phases. In the separation phase, the transitioning individuals have difficulty detaching from their previous role; the individuals still having the urge to do the work for their subordinates instead of delegating illustrate this. In the transition phase, the individuals in the study experienced the anxiety of wanting to make the new role a success whilst experiencing a sense of lack of belonging due to not being in the familiar old role and not entrenched in the new role. In the incorporation phase, the transitioning individuals experience a sense of stability where they are comfortable acting in the new role. Problem: This study aims to answer the question of how newly appointed team leaders in an automotive manufacturing organisation experience role transition from specialists to team leaders Method: The study will be employing the qualitative thematic deductive method. The target population consists of team leaders who have transitioned into the team leader position in the past two years in different departments. The data was collected by way of face-to-face semistructured interviews with a sample size of seven participants. Data analysis was conducted with a method that is consistent with thematic analysis. 3 Key Findings: Individuals transitioning have urgencies to perform their previous roles in the early phase; during the transition phase, they have anxiety because they are not yet successful in the new role, and in the final phase, they have become comfortable with their new roles and their new identities. Implications: The study's outcome is to identify insights and resultant recommendations for non-leading specialists transitioning into roles where they have to lead others. The study will add to the research in the field of leadership behaviour and organisational behaviour. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Mzelemu, Patrick Sbusiso
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Leadership , Automobile industry executives , Role expectation , Identity (Psychology) , Personnel management , Organizational behavior
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/403036 , vital:69916
- Description: The purpose of this study is to investigate and understand how specialists who are newly appointed team leaders in an automotive manufacturing organisation experience the transition from specialists to team leaders. The role of leading others in an organisation is linked to human resource leadership. The human resource is highlighted as a valuable resource as it is the only thinking resource in an organisation. It also influences cost and quality and it is central to the organisation's competitive advantage. Consequently, any interruptions or lack of effective management of the human resource will result in a loss of value that the human resource brings into the organisation since they maximise the use of all other resources. The role transitioning process takes place in three phases. These are the separation, transitioning and incorporation phases. In the separation phase, the transitioning individuals have difficulty detaching from their previous role; the individuals still having the urge to do the work for their subordinates instead of delegating illustrate this. In the transition phase, the individuals in the study experienced the anxiety of wanting to make the new role a success whilst experiencing a sense of lack of belonging due to not being in the familiar old role and not entrenched in the new role. In the incorporation phase, the transitioning individuals experience a sense of stability where they are comfortable acting in the new role. Problem: This study aims to answer the question of how newly appointed team leaders in an automotive manufacturing organisation experience role transition from specialists to team leaders Method: The study will be employing the qualitative thematic deductive method. The target population consists of team leaders who have transitioned into the team leader position in the past two years in different departments. The data was collected by way of face-to-face semistructured interviews with a sample size of seven participants. Data analysis was conducted with a method that is consistent with thematic analysis. 3 Key Findings: Individuals transitioning have urgencies to perform their previous roles in the early phase; during the transition phase, they have anxiety because they are not yet successful in the new role, and in the final phase, they have become comfortable with their new roles and their new identities. Implications: The study's outcome is to identify insights and resultant recommendations for non-leading specialists transitioning into roles where they have to lead others. The study will add to the research in the field of leadership behaviour and organisational behaviour. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
An investigation of language choice on Twitter: the case of isiXhosa-speaking users and the o jewa ke eng? Trend
- Authors: Nkunzi, Zindzi
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Twitter , Social media South Africa , Social media and society South Africa , Xhosa language Usage , Mass media and language South Africa , Language choice , Language shift , Language attitude
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/406331 , vital:70259
- Description: The study critically examines and discusses language choice on twitter, a social media platform that has a vast number of people from different language groups. This diverse platform allows people to tweet, communicate, and share information online. There are tweets that trend and attract more engagement across different language groups. O jewa ke eng? which translates to ‘what’s bothering you?’ is one of those tweets, and it is communicated in Sesotho. (More discussion about the tweet in the introduction section that follows). According to Eisenstein, O’ Connor, Smith & Xing (2010) & Eisenstein (2016), “the popularity and ubiquity of social media allows access to a wide variety of spontaneous language enabling researchers to study language variation across space and time at large scale”, (Preotiuc-Pietro & Ungar, 2018: 1534). The introduction to the internet and socially mediated platforms such as Twitter and others has changed how information is produced and consumed. Social media allow people to communicate and engage in languages they are comfortable and familiar with. The study discusses language choice at three levels: language choice between isiXhosa verses English; isiXhosa verses other African languages and isiXhosa verses other varieties. The study is pursued with the overarching aim to investigate the possibility of African languages such as isiXhosa being used as dominant languages on social media. Thus, the study explores language use by isiXhosa speaking users on twitter that engaged with the tweet. Moreover, the study investigated why they choose to use one language over the other or multiple languages. To give a broader perspective on the study, language choice, language shift and language attitude are discussed and critically evaluated. Theoretically, the concept of code-switching and code-mixing is used when looking at bilingualism and multilingualism. It is imperative to look at multilingualism because the prevalent use of English is no longer a barrier to communication, social media platforms have created a space where African language users are able to engage in their native languages. Moreover, the study explores the use of standard and non-standard isiXhosa languages. There are varieties of languages such as tsotsitaal, slang and others, and these language varieties are not recognised as standard, used in educational settings and so on. In doing so, language attitude is used as the concept to investigate what propels isiXhosa users to or not to use these language varieties in the online communities. The study is explored with the aim to investigate whether social media either grows and preserves African languages online or these platforms are detrimental to these languages, as the language utilised on them is casual and vague, in terms of both spoken and written speech. , Olu phando luvavanya kwaye luxoxa nzulu ngokhetho lolwimi kuTwitter, ikhasi lonxibelelwano elinenani elikhulu labantu abavela kumaqela eelwimi ezahlukeneyo. Eli khasi labantu abohlukeneyo libavumela ukuba babhale, banxibelelane, kwaye babelane ngolwazi kwi-intanethi. Kukho ii-tweets (imibhalwana emifutshane) ezihamba phambili kwaye zitsala uthethathethwano phakathi kumaqela eelwimi ezahlukeneyo. O jewa ke eng? ethetha ukuthi, ‘ukhathazwa yintoni?’ yenye yezo tweets (yalo mibhalwana mifutshane), kwaye idluliselwe ngesiSuthu. (Ingxoxo engakumbi malunga ne-tweet (nombhalwana omfutshane) ifumaneka kwicandelo lentshayelelo elilandelayo). Ngokutsho kukaEisenstein, O’ Connor, Smith & Xing (2010) kunye noEisenstein (2016), “ukuduma kunye nobuninzi beendaba zoluntu kubangela ezo ndaba ukuba zinwenwele kwiindidi ezininzi zeelwimi nezivumela abaphandi ukuba bafunde ngokwahlukana kolwimi kwindawo kunye nexesha…”, (Preotiuc-Pietro & Ungar, 2008: 1534). Ulwaziso kwi-intanethi kunye namakhasi onxibelelwano oluntu afana ne-Twitter kunye namanye, luyitshintshile indlela ulwazi oluveliswa ngayo kunye nendlela olusetyenziswa ngayo. Amakhasi onxibelelwano oluntu avumela abantu ukuba banxibelelane kwaye bazibandakanye ngeelwimi abakhululekileyo ukuzisebenzisa nabaqhelene nazo Olu phando luxoxa ngokukhethwa kolwimi kumanqanaba amathathu: ukukhethwa kolwimi phakathi kwesiXhosa kunye nesiNgesi, isiXhosa kunye nezinye iilwimi ziseNtu, kwakunye nesiXhosa kunye nezinye iindidi zolwimi. Olu phando luqhutywa ngeyona njongo iphambili yokuphanda ukuba ngaba iilwimi zesiNtu ezifana nesiXhosa zingasetyenziswa njengeelwimi eziphambili kamakhasi onxibelelwano na. Kungoko, uphando luphonononga ukusetyenziswa kolwimi ngabo bantetho isisiXhosa kuTwitter abanxibelelana ne-tweet (nombhalo omfutshane). Olu phando, lukwaphanda ukuba kutheni bekhetha ukusebenzisa ulwimi oluthile kunolunye okanye iilwimi ezininzi. Ukunika umbono ngokuthe gabalala ngolu phando, ukukhethwa kolwimi, utshintsho lolwimi, kunye nesimo sengqondo solwimi ziyaxoxwa kwaye zihlolwa ngokunzulu. Ngokwethiyori, ingqikelelo yokutshintshatshintsha iilwimi kunye nokuxuba iilwimi (ukusebenzisa iilwimi ezahlukeneyo kumgca okanye umbhalo omnye) ziyasetyenziswa xa kujongwa ukusetyenziswa kweelwimi ezimbini kunye neelwimi ezininzi. Kunyanzelekile ukuba kujongwe ukusetyenziswa kweelwimi ezininzi kuba ukuxhaphaka kokusetyenziswa kwesiNgesi akusengomqobo kunxibelelwano, amakhasi onxibelelwano (amaqonga osasazo) oluntu avule indawo apho abasebenzisi beelwimi zesiNtu bakwaziyo ukuthetha ngeelwimi zabo zomthonyama. Ngaphezu koko, olu phando luphonononga ukusetyenziswa kweelwimi zesiXhosa ezisemgangathweni nezingekho mgangathweni. Kukho iintlobo ngeentlobo zeelwimi ezifana neTsotsitaal, ulwimi lwe-slang nezinye, kwaye ezi ntlobo zeelwimi aziqatshelwa njengeelwimi ezisemgangathweni, ezisetyenziswa kumajelo emfundo njalo njalo. Ngokwenza oko, isimo sengqondo solwimi sisetyenziswa njengengcamango yokuphanda ukuba yintoni eyenza abasebenzisi besiXhosa basebenzise okanye bangasebenzisi ezi ntlobo zeelwimi kwi-intanethi. Olu phononongo luphononongwa ngeenjongo zokuphanda apho amaqonga onxibelelwano akhula kwaye agcine khona iilwimi zesiNtu kwi-intanethi okanye lamaqonga onxibelelwano abubungozi kwezilwimi, njengoko ulwimi olusetyenziswa kula maqonga luqhelekile kwaye alucacanga, ngokwentetho ethethwayo nebhaliweyo. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Languages and Literatures, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Nkunzi, Zindzi
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Twitter , Social media South Africa , Social media and society South Africa , Xhosa language Usage , Mass media and language South Africa , Language choice , Language shift , Language attitude
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/406331 , vital:70259
- Description: The study critically examines and discusses language choice on twitter, a social media platform that has a vast number of people from different language groups. This diverse platform allows people to tweet, communicate, and share information online. There are tweets that trend and attract more engagement across different language groups. O jewa ke eng? which translates to ‘what’s bothering you?’ is one of those tweets, and it is communicated in Sesotho. (More discussion about the tweet in the introduction section that follows). According to Eisenstein, O’ Connor, Smith & Xing (2010) & Eisenstein (2016), “the popularity and ubiquity of social media allows access to a wide variety of spontaneous language enabling researchers to study language variation across space and time at large scale”, (Preotiuc-Pietro & Ungar, 2018: 1534). The introduction to the internet and socially mediated platforms such as Twitter and others has changed how information is produced and consumed. Social media allow people to communicate and engage in languages they are comfortable and familiar with. The study discusses language choice at three levels: language choice between isiXhosa verses English; isiXhosa verses other African languages and isiXhosa verses other varieties. The study is pursued with the overarching aim to investigate the possibility of African languages such as isiXhosa being used as dominant languages on social media. Thus, the study explores language use by isiXhosa speaking users on twitter that engaged with the tweet. Moreover, the study investigated why they choose to use one language over the other or multiple languages. To give a broader perspective on the study, language choice, language shift and language attitude are discussed and critically evaluated. Theoretically, the concept of code-switching and code-mixing is used when looking at bilingualism and multilingualism. It is imperative to look at multilingualism because the prevalent use of English is no longer a barrier to communication, social media platforms have created a space where African language users are able to engage in their native languages. Moreover, the study explores the use of standard and non-standard isiXhosa languages. There are varieties of languages such as tsotsitaal, slang and others, and these language varieties are not recognised as standard, used in educational settings and so on. In doing so, language attitude is used as the concept to investigate what propels isiXhosa users to or not to use these language varieties in the online communities. The study is explored with the aim to investigate whether social media either grows and preserves African languages online or these platforms are detrimental to these languages, as the language utilised on them is casual and vague, in terms of both spoken and written speech. , Olu phando luvavanya kwaye luxoxa nzulu ngokhetho lolwimi kuTwitter, ikhasi lonxibelelwano elinenani elikhulu labantu abavela kumaqela eelwimi ezahlukeneyo. Eli khasi labantu abohlukeneyo libavumela ukuba babhale, banxibelelane, kwaye babelane ngolwazi kwi-intanethi. Kukho ii-tweets (imibhalwana emifutshane) ezihamba phambili kwaye zitsala uthethathethwano phakathi kumaqela eelwimi ezahlukeneyo. O jewa ke eng? ethetha ukuthi, ‘ukhathazwa yintoni?’ yenye yezo tweets (yalo mibhalwana mifutshane), kwaye idluliselwe ngesiSuthu. (Ingxoxo engakumbi malunga ne-tweet (nombhalwana omfutshane) ifumaneka kwicandelo lentshayelelo elilandelayo). Ngokutsho kukaEisenstein, O’ Connor, Smith & Xing (2010) kunye noEisenstein (2016), “ukuduma kunye nobuninzi beendaba zoluntu kubangela ezo ndaba ukuba zinwenwele kwiindidi ezininzi zeelwimi nezivumela abaphandi ukuba bafunde ngokwahlukana kolwimi kwindawo kunye nexesha…”, (Preotiuc-Pietro & Ungar, 2008: 1534). Ulwaziso kwi-intanethi kunye namakhasi onxibelelwano oluntu afana ne-Twitter kunye namanye, luyitshintshile indlela ulwazi oluveliswa ngayo kunye nendlela olusetyenziswa ngayo. Amakhasi onxibelelwano oluntu avumela abantu ukuba banxibelelane kwaye bazibandakanye ngeelwimi abakhululekileyo ukuzisebenzisa nabaqhelene nazo Olu phando luxoxa ngokukhethwa kolwimi kumanqanaba amathathu: ukukhethwa kolwimi phakathi kwesiXhosa kunye nesiNgesi, isiXhosa kunye nezinye iilwimi ziseNtu, kwakunye nesiXhosa kunye nezinye iindidi zolwimi. Olu phando luqhutywa ngeyona njongo iphambili yokuphanda ukuba ngaba iilwimi zesiNtu ezifana nesiXhosa zingasetyenziswa njengeelwimi eziphambili kamakhasi onxibelelwano na. Kungoko, uphando luphonononga ukusetyenziswa kolwimi ngabo bantetho isisiXhosa kuTwitter abanxibelelana ne-tweet (nombhalo omfutshane). Olu phando, lukwaphanda ukuba kutheni bekhetha ukusebenzisa ulwimi oluthile kunolunye okanye iilwimi ezininzi. Ukunika umbono ngokuthe gabalala ngolu phando, ukukhethwa kolwimi, utshintsho lolwimi, kunye nesimo sengqondo solwimi ziyaxoxwa kwaye zihlolwa ngokunzulu. Ngokwethiyori, ingqikelelo yokutshintshatshintsha iilwimi kunye nokuxuba iilwimi (ukusebenzisa iilwimi ezahlukeneyo kumgca okanye umbhalo omnye) ziyasetyenziswa xa kujongwa ukusetyenziswa kweelwimi ezimbini kunye neelwimi ezininzi. Kunyanzelekile ukuba kujongwe ukusetyenziswa kweelwimi ezininzi kuba ukuxhaphaka kokusetyenziswa kwesiNgesi akusengomqobo kunxibelelwano, amakhasi onxibelelwano (amaqonga osasazo) oluntu avule indawo apho abasebenzisi beelwimi zesiNtu bakwaziyo ukuthetha ngeelwimi zabo zomthonyama. Ngaphezu koko, olu phando luphonononga ukusetyenziswa kweelwimi zesiXhosa ezisemgangathweni nezingekho mgangathweni. Kukho iintlobo ngeentlobo zeelwimi ezifana neTsotsitaal, ulwimi lwe-slang nezinye, kwaye ezi ntlobo zeelwimi aziqatshelwa njengeelwimi ezisemgangathweni, ezisetyenziswa kumajelo emfundo njalo njalo. Ngokwenza oko, isimo sengqondo solwimi sisetyenziswa njengengcamango yokuphanda ukuba yintoni eyenza abasebenzisi besiXhosa basebenzise okanye bangasebenzisi ezi ntlobo zeelwimi kwi-intanethi. Olu phononongo luphononongwa ngeenjongo zokuphanda apho amaqonga onxibelelwano akhula kwaye agcine khona iilwimi zesiNtu kwi-intanethi okanye lamaqonga onxibelelwano abubungozi kwezilwimi, njengoko ulwimi olusetyenziswa kula maqonga luqhelekile kwaye alucacanga, ngokwentetho ethethwayo nebhaliweyo. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Languages and Literatures, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-10-14