M3: Mining Mini-Halos with MeerKAT
- Authors: Trehaeven, Keegan Somerset
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424754 , vital:72181
- Description: This work aims to showcase the MeerKAT telescope’s capabilities and related calibration and imaging software in studying the emission of radio mini-halos. These diffuse radio synchrotron sources surround a Brightest Cluster Galaxy (BCG) in relatively relaxed clusters out to a few 100 kpc in size. They are difficult to image because of their relatively low surface brightness and small angular size. Hence, they could not be studied in great detail by previous generations of radio telescopes and much about their nature, particularly the exact production mechanism, is not yet fully understood. Thus, for the first time, MeerKAT observed a sample of five galaxy clusters to investigate the central radio mini-halo in each. Studying these sources requires the deepest images generated from the data and the effective subtraction of any projected sources obscuring or contaminating the underlying diffuse emission. Therefore, I describe the data reduction used to create third-generation calibrated, primary beam corrected, point source subtracted Stokes I L-band continuum images of these clusters. For first- and second-generation calibration, I use the CARACal pipeline, which implements software optimised explicitly for MeerKAT data. For third-generation calibration, I use the faceted approach of killMS and DDFacet, and then I perform visibility-plane point source subtraction to disentangle the compact and diffuse emissions. I then measured the size, flux density, in-band spectral properties, and radio power of the central mini-halos. I present the first new mini-halo detection by MeerKAT (MACS J2140.2-2339, Trehaeven et al. accepted), the first spectral index maps of these mini-halos, which show very interesting distributions, and a ∼100 kpc II southern extension to the ACO 3444 mini-halo previously unseen in archival VLA data. Thereafter, I present a multi-wavelength case study for two complementary mini-halos from our sample and show via a radio-to-X-ray spatial correlation test that they might be caused by different particle (re)-acceleration mechanisms. Through these initial science results, I have shown that future observations of radio mini-halos with MeerKAT are an exciting prospect that can lead to a better understanding of the fundamental physics behind these sources. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Physics and Electronics, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
- Authors: Trehaeven, Keegan Somerset
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424754 , vital:72181
- Description: This work aims to showcase the MeerKAT telescope’s capabilities and related calibration and imaging software in studying the emission of radio mini-halos. These diffuse radio synchrotron sources surround a Brightest Cluster Galaxy (BCG) in relatively relaxed clusters out to a few 100 kpc in size. They are difficult to image because of their relatively low surface brightness and small angular size. Hence, they could not be studied in great detail by previous generations of radio telescopes and much about their nature, particularly the exact production mechanism, is not yet fully understood. Thus, for the first time, MeerKAT observed a sample of five galaxy clusters to investigate the central radio mini-halo in each. Studying these sources requires the deepest images generated from the data and the effective subtraction of any projected sources obscuring or contaminating the underlying diffuse emission. Therefore, I describe the data reduction used to create third-generation calibrated, primary beam corrected, point source subtracted Stokes I L-band continuum images of these clusters. For first- and second-generation calibration, I use the CARACal pipeline, which implements software optimised explicitly for MeerKAT data. For third-generation calibration, I use the faceted approach of killMS and DDFacet, and then I perform visibility-plane point source subtraction to disentangle the compact and diffuse emissions. I then measured the size, flux density, in-band spectral properties, and radio power of the central mini-halos. I present the first new mini-halo detection by MeerKAT (MACS J2140.2-2339, Trehaeven et al. accepted), the first spectral index maps of these mini-halos, which show very interesting distributions, and a ∼100 kpc II southern extension to the ACO 3444 mini-halo previously unseen in archival VLA data. Thereafter, I present a multi-wavelength case study for two complementary mini-halos from our sample and show via a radio-to-X-ray spatial correlation test that they might be caused by different particle (re)-acceleration mechanisms. Through these initial science results, I have shown that future observations of radio mini-halos with MeerKAT are an exciting prospect that can lead to a better understanding of the fundamental physics behind these sources. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Physics and Electronics, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
The effects of short-duration overnight kraaling on herbaceous vegetation and soils in mesic grassland
- Authors: Mgwali, Nompendulo
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424721 , vital:72178
- Description: Land degradation is widespread in communal rangelands in the grassland biome of South Africa, and often attributed to overstocking and lack of coordinated management. Excessive pressure on the herbaceous component has contributed to the uncontrolled spread of opportunistic invasive alien woody species e.g. Acacia mearnsii in many degraded areas, resulting in significant loss of ecosystem service capacity, along with soil and land productivity. Short-duration overnight kraaling has been suggested as a tool for restoring degraded rangelands. Recent studies in semi-arid savannas and shrublands have reported increased grass cover, soil nutrients and palatability and concluded that short-duration kraaling is a low-cost and effective way of restoring degraded rangelands using livestock. However, the response of different plant functional types and communities to such intense livestock impact may vary depending on local context. This study used twelve paired kraal and control sites to investigate the effects of short-duration (7-24 days) overnight kraaling of livestock on herbaceous vegetation and soils in a mesic grassland. The study area is generally considered to be overgrazed but has considerable variation in grass composition and basal cover. Sites included relatively intact natural grassland and sites where wattle infestations had been cleared and where mostly bare ground remained. I tested the hypotheses that overnight kraaling would result in (1) increased basal cover due to introduction of grass seed and stimulation of germination through hoof action, (2) increased infiltration due to hoof action, and (3) increased soil nutrients and organic matter due to dung and urine deposition. I also hypothesized that factors such as a site’s initial grass cover, its slope, the occurrence and amount of rainfall before and during kraaling, and the kraaling intensity (number of livestock and duration of the kraaling event) would influence the magnitude and direction of the kraaling effect. The effect of kraaling on vegetation was strongly dependent on initial condition. Kraaling increased basal cover of grasses when sites had low initial basal cover, but decreased basal cover if initial values were over 50%. Infiltration increased if kraaling took place during or after rain but decreased if kraaling took place when soils were dry. Kraaling increased soil P and K. In mesic grasslands, short-duration overnight kraaling is promising as a tool for rehabilitating degraded sites but should be avoided where the grass sward is relatively intact. I recommend that the suitability of kraaling be further evaluated per vegetation type and local context. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Botany, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
- Authors: Mgwali, Nompendulo
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424721 , vital:72178
- Description: Land degradation is widespread in communal rangelands in the grassland biome of South Africa, and often attributed to overstocking and lack of coordinated management. Excessive pressure on the herbaceous component has contributed to the uncontrolled spread of opportunistic invasive alien woody species e.g. Acacia mearnsii in many degraded areas, resulting in significant loss of ecosystem service capacity, along with soil and land productivity. Short-duration overnight kraaling has been suggested as a tool for restoring degraded rangelands. Recent studies in semi-arid savannas and shrublands have reported increased grass cover, soil nutrients and palatability and concluded that short-duration kraaling is a low-cost and effective way of restoring degraded rangelands using livestock. However, the response of different plant functional types and communities to such intense livestock impact may vary depending on local context. This study used twelve paired kraal and control sites to investigate the effects of short-duration (7-24 days) overnight kraaling of livestock on herbaceous vegetation and soils in a mesic grassland. The study area is generally considered to be overgrazed but has considerable variation in grass composition and basal cover. Sites included relatively intact natural grassland and sites where wattle infestations had been cleared and where mostly bare ground remained. I tested the hypotheses that overnight kraaling would result in (1) increased basal cover due to introduction of grass seed and stimulation of germination through hoof action, (2) increased infiltration due to hoof action, and (3) increased soil nutrients and organic matter due to dung and urine deposition. I also hypothesized that factors such as a site’s initial grass cover, its slope, the occurrence and amount of rainfall before and during kraaling, and the kraaling intensity (number of livestock and duration of the kraaling event) would influence the magnitude and direction of the kraaling effect. The effect of kraaling on vegetation was strongly dependent on initial condition. Kraaling increased basal cover of grasses when sites had low initial basal cover, but decreased basal cover if initial values were over 50%. Infiltration increased if kraaling took place during or after rain but decreased if kraaling took place when soils were dry. Kraaling increased soil P and K. In mesic grasslands, short-duration overnight kraaling is promising as a tool for rehabilitating degraded sites but should be avoided where the grass sward is relatively intact. I recommend that the suitability of kraaling be further evaluated per vegetation type and local context. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Botany, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
The yield spread as a predictor for buy or sell signals for sectoral indices of the JSE
- Authors: Roeber, Christine
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Yield curve , Rate of return South Africa , Yield spread , Interest rate , Johannesburg Stock Exchange
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419687 , vital:71666
- Description: The predictive nature of the yield curve has been of interest to researchers for years. In this thesis, the evidence for the yield curve as a predictor is examine, specifically as a predictor for bear markets in the JSE stock market for 8 sub-sectoral indices. The study explores a dynamic market timing strategy for timing the South African stock market compared to a normal buy-and-hold strategy. First, probit models are estimated for each of the sectoral indices which did not prove to have tracked well all the bear market phases. Then a dynamic market timing portfolio is simulated against a buy-and-hold only strategy, the dynamic market timing portfolio proved to have outperformed a buy-and-hold strategy for almost all the indices. Thus, a Henriksson-Merton parametric model test which tests for market timing ability was done on these sub-indices. The research finds that the yield curve in South Africa is not a useful tool for a buy-sell strategy for most of the sub-sectoral indices of the JSE. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
- Authors: Roeber, Christine
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Yield curve , Rate of return South Africa , Yield spread , Interest rate , Johannesburg Stock Exchange
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419687 , vital:71666
- Description: The predictive nature of the yield curve has been of interest to researchers for years. In this thesis, the evidence for the yield curve as a predictor is examine, specifically as a predictor for bear markets in the JSE stock market for 8 sub-sectoral indices. The study explores a dynamic market timing strategy for timing the South African stock market compared to a normal buy-and-hold strategy. First, probit models are estimated for each of the sectoral indices which did not prove to have tracked well all the bear market phases. Then a dynamic market timing portfolio is simulated against a buy-and-hold only strategy, the dynamic market timing portfolio proved to have outperformed a buy-and-hold strategy for almost all the indices. Thus, a Henriksson-Merton parametric model test which tests for market timing ability was done on these sub-indices. The research finds that the yield curve in South Africa is not a useful tool for a buy-sell strategy for most of the sub-sectoral indices of the JSE. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
Quinolone-Pyrazinamide Derivatives: synthesis, characterisation, in silico ADME analysis and in vitro biological evaluation against Mycobacterium tuberculosis
- Authors: Rukweza, Kudakwashe Gerald
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Quinolone antibacterial agents , Mycobacterium tuberculosis , Antitubercular agents , Tuberculosis Chemotherapy , Drug resistance , Moxifloxacin , Isoniazid
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/390901 , vital:68596
- Description: Tuberculosis is one of the leading causes of death worldwide caused by an infectious species, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). Some of the factors that contribute to the prevalence of this disease include the complexity of diagnosis, prolonged period of therapy, side effects associated with current TB drugs, the prevalence of resistance against the current treatment options and a high incidence of co-infection with HIV/AIDS. Thus, there is a need for new alternative drugs to provide safer and shorter treatment therapy options that are not susceptible to the development of drug resistance. In this project, we focus our attention on the quinolone pharmacophore. Quinolones are currently used as alternative options in the treatment of resistant strains of Mtb. Previous work pertaining to quinolone-isoniazid hybrid compounds showed promising in vitro activity against the H37Rv strain of Mtb and served as the inspiration to pursue this project. The journey commenced with the synthesis of quinolone-pyrazinamide hybrid compounds (Figure 3.1). These compounds were synthesised, through the attachment of the quinolone and the pyrazinamide entity through a hydrazine linker. The synthesised compounds were purified, and their structural identity confirmed using common spectroscopic techniques including 1H and 13C NMR, infra-red (IR) and mass spectrometry. In vitro biological assays were performed by testing for the activity against the H37RvMA strain of Mtb. The bioassays were performed in triplicates to ensure the accuracy of the results. Moxifloxacin and isoniazid were tested as control compounds. Finally, the resultant compounds were profiled in silico for physicochemical and ADMET properties using open access software SwissADME. All the synthesised compounds 3.8a-f showed no activity against H37RvMA. In most cases, the resulting compounds showed minimal to no activity (MICs ≥ 57.3 μM) in all three media. During the in vitro studies, the compounds showed significant precipitation in the media over time suggesting poor aqueous solubility. The SwissADME analysis of these compounds indicated poor solubility in aqueous media, which is likely linked to their molecular size and complexity. Despite poor aqueous solubility, compounds 3.8a-f showed acceptable physicochemical properties and ADME parameters. No PAINs (Pan-assay interference compounds) were observed. Minimal to no interaction with CYP enzymes were predicted. Most of the compounds were compatible with the Lipinski’s rules of five. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Pharmacy, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
- Authors: Rukweza, Kudakwashe Gerald
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Quinolone antibacterial agents , Mycobacterium tuberculosis , Antitubercular agents , Tuberculosis Chemotherapy , Drug resistance , Moxifloxacin , Isoniazid
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/390901 , vital:68596
- Description: Tuberculosis is one of the leading causes of death worldwide caused by an infectious species, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). Some of the factors that contribute to the prevalence of this disease include the complexity of diagnosis, prolonged period of therapy, side effects associated with current TB drugs, the prevalence of resistance against the current treatment options and a high incidence of co-infection with HIV/AIDS. Thus, there is a need for new alternative drugs to provide safer and shorter treatment therapy options that are not susceptible to the development of drug resistance. In this project, we focus our attention on the quinolone pharmacophore. Quinolones are currently used as alternative options in the treatment of resistant strains of Mtb. Previous work pertaining to quinolone-isoniazid hybrid compounds showed promising in vitro activity against the H37Rv strain of Mtb and served as the inspiration to pursue this project. The journey commenced with the synthesis of quinolone-pyrazinamide hybrid compounds (Figure 3.1). These compounds were synthesised, through the attachment of the quinolone and the pyrazinamide entity through a hydrazine linker. The synthesised compounds were purified, and their structural identity confirmed using common spectroscopic techniques including 1H and 13C NMR, infra-red (IR) and mass spectrometry. In vitro biological assays were performed by testing for the activity against the H37RvMA strain of Mtb. The bioassays were performed in triplicates to ensure the accuracy of the results. Moxifloxacin and isoniazid were tested as control compounds. Finally, the resultant compounds were profiled in silico for physicochemical and ADMET properties using open access software SwissADME. All the synthesised compounds 3.8a-f showed no activity against H37RvMA. In most cases, the resulting compounds showed minimal to no activity (MICs ≥ 57.3 μM) in all three media. During the in vitro studies, the compounds showed significant precipitation in the media over time suggesting poor aqueous solubility. The SwissADME analysis of these compounds indicated poor solubility in aqueous media, which is likely linked to their molecular size and complexity. Despite poor aqueous solubility, compounds 3.8a-f showed acceptable physicochemical properties and ADME parameters. No PAINs (Pan-assay interference compounds) were observed. Minimal to no interaction with CYP enzymes were predicted. Most of the compounds were compatible with the Lipinski’s rules of five. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Pharmacy, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
Liquidity shocks and capital market efficiency in South Africa
- Matapuri, Dexter Tinotenda Kushinga
- Authors: Matapuri, Dexter Tinotenda Kushinga
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Liquidity (Economics) , Stock exchanges South Africa , Insolvency , Securities South Africa , Capital market South Africa , Investments, Foreign
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419610 , vital:71659
- Description: Financial markets are dynamic in nature. As such, one way to keep up with their plethora of variables is to conduct research and seek understanding on how they all work together. Understanding financial market mechanics is the key to achieving and maintaining efficient capital markets. The goal of many economies is to have efficient capital markets mainly because they entail economic growth. One of the common avenues here being foreign direct investments. Therefore, over the years, a lot of financial economics research has been conducted on how best to attain financial market development which ultimately yields capital market efficiency. The opposite is also true. This research therefore set out to study the impact of liquidity shocks on capital market efficiency, more specifically stock market efficiency. As such, the overarching research goal was to determine the link between liquidity shocks and stock market efficiency in South Africa. Furthermore, the research also tested whether there is a homogenous impact exerted by liquidity shocks on the JSE Financial 15, JSE Industrial 25 and JSE Resource 20 indices. The arguments and thus conclusions of the research were constructed based on existing theories such as the Efficient Market hypothesis, Behavioural Finance and the Adaptive Market Hypothesis. Literature and existing empirical evidence related to the topic were also analysed and used for the same purpose. Econometric methods used to achieve these research goals include the time series and panel ARDL, impulse response and variance decomposition tests and the Granger Causality tests. The research found that liquidity shocks do impact stock market efficiency in South Africa in both the short run and long run. The direction of the impact was noted to vary with time and dependent on the liquidity shock proxy. Key findings here were that liquidity shocks lower JSE All-Share index efficiency in the short run thus allowing market participants to beat the market in the initial phases of a liquidity shock. Adding on, it was also found that illiquidity shocks lower efficiency for the JSE Financial 15 and Industrial 25 indices in the short run. In the long run, stock market efficiency is enhanced no matter the source of the shock. As such, the research recommended that regulatory policies should focus on liquidity shocks in the short run for the JSE All-Share index and on illiquidity shocks in the short run for the Financial 15 and Industrial 25 indices. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
- Authors: Matapuri, Dexter Tinotenda Kushinga
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Liquidity (Economics) , Stock exchanges South Africa , Insolvency , Securities South Africa , Capital market South Africa , Investments, Foreign
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419610 , vital:71659
- Description: Financial markets are dynamic in nature. As such, one way to keep up with their plethora of variables is to conduct research and seek understanding on how they all work together. Understanding financial market mechanics is the key to achieving and maintaining efficient capital markets. The goal of many economies is to have efficient capital markets mainly because they entail economic growth. One of the common avenues here being foreign direct investments. Therefore, over the years, a lot of financial economics research has been conducted on how best to attain financial market development which ultimately yields capital market efficiency. The opposite is also true. This research therefore set out to study the impact of liquidity shocks on capital market efficiency, more specifically stock market efficiency. As such, the overarching research goal was to determine the link between liquidity shocks and stock market efficiency in South Africa. Furthermore, the research also tested whether there is a homogenous impact exerted by liquidity shocks on the JSE Financial 15, JSE Industrial 25 and JSE Resource 20 indices. The arguments and thus conclusions of the research were constructed based on existing theories such as the Efficient Market hypothesis, Behavioural Finance and the Adaptive Market Hypothesis. Literature and existing empirical evidence related to the topic were also analysed and used for the same purpose. Econometric methods used to achieve these research goals include the time series and panel ARDL, impulse response and variance decomposition tests and the Granger Causality tests. The research found that liquidity shocks do impact stock market efficiency in South Africa in both the short run and long run. The direction of the impact was noted to vary with time and dependent on the liquidity shock proxy. Key findings here were that liquidity shocks lower JSE All-Share index efficiency in the short run thus allowing market participants to beat the market in the initial phases of a liquidity shock. Adding on, it was also found that illiquidity shocks lower efficiency for the JSE Financial 15 and Industrial 25 indices in the short run. In the long run, stock market efficiency is enhanced no matter the source of the shock. As such, the research recommended that regulatory policies should focus on liquidity shocks in the short run for the JSE All-Share index and on illiquidity shocks in the short run for the Financial 15 and Industrial 25 indices. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
The impact of COVID-19 on inequality in South Africa
- Authors: Nyumbaiza, Peace Falina
- Date: 2023-03-31
- Subjects: COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020- Influence , Inequality , Labor market South Africa , Economic development South Africa , University of Cape Town. National Income Dynamics Study , Income distribution South Africa , Educational equalization South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419514 , vital:71650
- Description: The COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns regarding its possible adverse income distributive consequences, and its different impact according to socioeconomic subgroups (Furceri et al. 2020). This research measures the impact of COVID-19 on inequality in South Africa. To do this the study uses the National Income Dynamic Study (NIDS) wave 5 (2018) and the National Income Dynamic Study Coronavirus Rapid Mobile (NIDS-CRAM) survey waves 1 – 5 (2020 - 2021) datasets to study income inequality in South Africa prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic until mid-2021. The factor method developed by Lerman and Yitzhaki’s (1985) is used to identify the overall contribution of the different factor sources to income inequality. Labour income is identified as the largest contributing factor and so labour income inequality is decomposed by income determinants using the regression-based decomposition method proposed by Fields (2003). The analysis reveals that labour income worsened during the periods of strictest COVID lockdown, before returning to pre-pandemic levels of inequality as lockdown was eased. Education is the most important determinant of labour income inequality across all time periods, particularly for White, urban and female participants. Although education remains a driving factor of labour income inequality during the national disaster, its contribution lessens as the economy starts recovering by March 2021. Consequently, the contributions of gender, race, age and region increase during the same period. Identifying whom the inequal impact of pandemic has affected worse offers insight that emphasizes the importance social grant systems to aid bridge the inequality gap associated with COVID-19. , Thesis (MEcon) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economics History, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-03-31
- Authors: Nyumbaiza, Peace Falina
- Date: 2023-03-31
- Subjects: COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020- Influence , Inequality , Labor market South Africa , Economic development South Africa , University of Cape Town. National Income Dynamics Study , Income distribution South Africa , Educational equalization South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419514 , vital:71650
- Description: The COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns regarding its possible adverse income distributive consequences, and its different impact according to socioeconomic subgroups (Furceri et al. 2020). This research measures the impact of COVID-19 on inequality in South Africa. To do this the study uses the National Income Dynamic Study (NIDS) wave 5 (2018) and the National Income Dynamic Study Coronavirus Rapid Mobile (NIDS-CRAM) survey waves 1 – 5 (2020 - 2021) datasets to study income inequality in South Africa prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic until mid-2021. The factor method developed by Lerman and Yitzhaki’s (1985) is used to identify the overall contribution of the different factor sources to income inequality. Labour income is identified as the largest contributing factor and so labour income inequality is decomposed by income determinants using the regression-based decomposition method proposed by Fields (2003). The analysis reveals that labour income worsened during the periods of strictest COVID lockdown, before returning to pre-pandemic levels of inequality as lockdown was eased. Education is the most important determinant of labour income inequality across all time periods, particularly for White, urban and female participants. Although education remains a driving factor of labour income inequality during the national disaster, its contribution lessens as the economy starts recovering by March 2021. Consequently, the contributions of gender, race, age and region increase during the same period. Identifying whom the inequal impact of pandemic has affected worse offers insight that emphasizes the importance social grant systems to aid bridge the inequality gap associated with COVID-19. , Thesis (MEcon) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economics History, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-03-31
The role of local level agency in a just green transition: the case of Rhodes University
- Authors: Nel, Vanray
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Green economy , Just Transition , Clean energy South Africa Makhanda , Rhodes University , Triple bottom line , Sustainable development South Africa Makhanda
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419643 , vital:71662
- Description: The research uses a richly contextualised case study of Rhodes University to explore the role of local level agency in a just green transition. The central concept of the thesis is mainstreaming sustainability. Sustainability has become a core objective both at the macro and micro levels. The just green transition and triple bottom line are shorthand for these macro and micro concepts. At the macro level, there is increasing evidence suggesting that transitioning to a sustainable economy can be a key driver of economic development. At the micro level, the elements of the triple bottom line increasingly overlap, with sustainability no longer a separate goal, or a ‘nice to have’, but integral to organisational success. However, this potential is clearly not being realised, and sustainability often remains ‘niche’. Lack of progress at the macro-level reinforces the importance of bottom-up, local level agency. In keeping with the broader micro-level literature, the case study strongly suggests that mainstreaming sustainability would have multiple benefits. These include reducing dependence on unreliable state-provided services and enhancing Rhodes University’s standing as a genuinely transformative institution. The evidence suggests that there is a pure financial case for green investments, such as the construction of a solar farm at Rhodes University, even before accounting for the social and environmental benefits of such an initiative. This shifts the focus to why institutions like Rhodes University have not been proactive in mainstreaming sustainability. The document analysis and the interviews showed that there is an awareness of the importance and potential of mainstreaming sustainability. However, the funding squeeze is often misperceived as a binding constraint, and there is an absence of innovative thinking about how to finance projects with high returns, such as a solar farm. A theme amongst several of the interviewees was that the university should embrace a policy of enhancing small changes as a way of mainstreaming sustainability gradually. Even here, there are doubts about whether the organisational structure of the university will allow this. On the other hand, there are positive signs that the increasing sense of crisis means management and other key stakeholders are gradually shifting towards seeing the crucial importance of the university embracing a more proactive stance. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
- Authors: Nel, Vanray
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Green economy , Just Transition , Clean energy South Africa Makhanda , Rhodes University , Triple bottom line , Sustainable development South Africa Makhanda
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419643 , vital:71662
- Description: The research uses a richly contextualised case study of Rhodes University to explore the role of local level agency in a just green transition. The central concept of the thesis is mainstreaming sustainability. Sustainability has become a core objective both at the macro and micro levels. The just green transition and triple bottom line are shorthand for these macro and micro concepts. At the macro level, there is increasing evidence suggesting that transitioning to a sustainable economy can be a key driver of economic development. At the micro level, the elements of the triple bottom line increasingly overlap, with sustainability no longer a separate goal, or a ‘nice to have’, but integral to organisational success. However, this potential is clearly not being realised, and sustainability often remains ‘niche’. Lack of progress at the macro-level reinforces the importance of bottom-up, local level agency. In keeping with the broader micro-level literature, the case study strongly suggests that mainstreaming sustainability would have multiple benefits. These include reducing dependence on unreliable state-provided services and enhancing Rhodes University’s standing as a genuinely transformative institution. The evidence suggests that there is a pure financial case for green investments, such as the construction of a solar farm at Rhodes University, even before accounting for the social and environmental benefits of such an initiative. This shifts the focus to why institutions like Rhodes University have not been proactive in mainstreaming sustainability. The document analysis and the interviews showed that there is an awareness of the importance and potential of mainstreaming sustainability. However, the funding squeeze is often misperceived as a binding constraint, and there is an absence of innovative thinking about how to finance projects with high returns, such as a solar farm. A theme amongst several of the interviewees was that the university should embrace a policy of enhancing small changes as a way of mainstreaming sustainability gradually. Even here, there are doubts about whether the organisational structure of the university will allow this. On the other hand, there are positive signs that the increasing sense of crisis means management and other key stakeholders are gradually shifting towards seeing the crucial importance of the university embracing a more proactive stance. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
Benchmarking tax practitioner regulation in Zimbabwe and South Africa against German best practice
- Authors: Munkuli, Charles
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Tax consultants South Africa , Taxpayer compliance South Africa , Revenue authority , Taxation Law and legislation South Africa , Taxation Law and legislation Zimbabwe , Taxation Law and legislation Germany
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419621 , vital:71660
- Description: The regulation of professionals who offer any type of service to the public is a critical intervention towards protecting the public from unscrupulous behaviour. The regulation of tax practitioners is no exception as it is a critical element in protecting the taxpaying public and the fiscus against improper conduct by tax practitioners, as well as preventing revenue leakages due to inaccurate or incorrect declarations made by taxpayers. A major contributor of regulation would be strengthening or improving compliance. This study analyses the frameworks that regulate tax practitioners in Zimbabwe and South Africa and evaluates them against best practice as is found in Germany. Germany has been regulating tax practitioners for 50 years and can rightly be recognised as best practice. This is achieved by reviewing and evaluating institutional and legislative mechanisms in the regulatory frameworks adopted in the three countries in order to identify possible areas of improvement in Zimbabwe and South Africa. The research is situated in the interpretative paradigm and the research methodology is qualitative in nature, involving the critical review of documentary data. The study concludes that both South Africa and Zimbabwe have room to improve in certain areas and makes recommendations aimed at strengthening their respective regulatory frameworks. Both South Africa and Zimbabwe could promulgate a law that deals exclusively with the regulation of tax practitioners, and institute an independent body that deals exclusively with tax practitioner related issues. In Zimbabwe, the Public Accountants and Auditors’ Board should be replaced with a body dedicated to serving tax practitioners. Informing the taxpaying public is important and, particularly in Zimbabwe, measures should be adopted to inform taxpayers about their rights and obligations, the role of tax practitioners, and the interface with the tax administration. The Zimbabwean regulatory model should also recognise other non-accounting and auditing-oriented professions, such as the law profession, as tax practitioners. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Accounting, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
- Authors: Munkuli, Charles
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Tax consultants South Africa , Taxpayer compliance South Africa , Revenue authority , Taxation Law and legislation South Africa , Taxation Law and legislation Zimbabwe , Taxation Law and legislation Germany
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419621 , vital:71660
- Description: The regulation of professionals who offer any type of service to the public is a critical intervention towards protecting the public from unscrupulous behaviour. The regulation of tax practitioners is no exception as it is a critical element in protecting the taxpaying public and the fiscus against improper conduct by tax practitioners, as well as preventing revenue leakages due to inaccurate or incorrect declarations made by taxpayers. A major contributor of regulation would be strengthening or improving compliance. This study analyses the frameworks that regulate tax practitioners in Zimbabwe and South Africa and evaluates them against best practice as is found in Germany. Germany has been regulating tax practitioners for 50 years and can rightly be recognised as best practice. This is achieved by reviewing and evaluating institutional and legislative mechanisms in the regulatory frameworks adopted in the three countries in order to identify possible areas of improvement in Zimbabwe and South Africa. The research is situated in the interpretative paradigm and the research methodology is qualitative in nature, involving the critical review of documentary data. The study concludes that both South Africa and Zimbabwe have room to improve in certain areas and makes recommendations aimed at strengthening their respective regulatory frameworks. Both South Africa and Zimbabwe could promulgate a law that deals exclusively with the regulation of tax practitioners, and institute an independent body that deals exclusively with tax practitioner related issues. In Zimbabwe, the Public Accountants and Auditors’ Board should be replaced with a body dedicated to serving tax practitioners. Informing the taxpaying public is important and, particularly in Zimbabwe, measures should be adopted to inform taxpayers about their rights and obligations, the role of tax practitioners, and the interface with the tax administration. The Zimbabwean regulatory model should also recognise other non-accounting and auditing-oriented professions, such as the law profession, as tax practitioners. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Accounting, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
The complexities of transfer pricing methods and the role of advance pricing agreements and tax audits in addressing disputes
- Authors: Ndou, Wavhudi
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Transfer pricing Taxation Law and legislation South Africa , Advance pricing agreement , Double taxation , Arms-length transactions , Tax auditing , Advance tax ruling , Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development , United Nations , World Bank
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419631 , vital:71661
- Description: Base erosion and profit shifting is defined as the use of tax planning strategies by multinational enterprises, often through exploiting gaps and mismatches between the countries in which they operate (OECD, 2021: p. 1). Multinational enterprises exploit these gaps through the use of transfer pricing. Goods and services are exchanged between connected persons or associated enterprises at prices that do not reflect their arm’s length price, in order to shift profits from high tax to low tax jurisdictions. In terms of section 31 of the Income Tax Act, transactions between connected persons or associated enterprises must be reflected at their arm’s length price. Transfer pricing has become an issue due to the difficulties in determining an appropriate arm’s length price. Disputes arise between a taxpayer and a tax administration on the methods to use to determine an appropriate transfer price. The use of Advance Pricing Agreements prevents these disputes from arising and provides tax certainty on the treatment of transactions for both the taxpayer and the tax administration. While the OECD recommends the use of Advance Pricing Agreements as a method to prevent disputes from arising, the OECD also argued that if a country has the resources to conduct an audit, an Advance Pricing Agreement will not lead to increased revenue collection. The research therefore analyses the problems faced in determining an appropriate arm's length price and compares the role that Advance Pricing Agreements and audits play in addressing transfer pricing issues. The possible role of Advance Tax Rulings is also explored, but they are found not to be suitable, except for the most simple transactions. The research applies a legal interpretative, doctrinal research methodology and a qualitative research method. The data comprised of relevant South African tax legislation, OECD Guidelines, the World Bank Handbook, and the UN Manual, together with the writings of acknowledged experts in the field. The study establishes that a proper functioning audit system is crucial to increasing revenue collection once a country implements an Advance Pricing Agreement. The research therefore recommends the adoption of Advance Pricing Agreements in South Africa as a dispute prevention measure. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Accounting, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
- Authors: Ndou, Wavhudi
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Transfer pricing Taxation Law and legislation South Africa , Advance pricing agreement , Double taxation , Arms-length transactions , Tax auditing , Advance tax ruling , Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development , United Nations , World Bank
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419631 , vital:71661
- Description: Base erosion and profit shifting is defined as the use of tax planning strategies by multinational enterprises, often through exploiting gaps and mismatches between the countries in which they operate (OECD, 2021: p. 1). Multinational enterprises exploit these gaps through the use of transfer pricing. Goods and services are exchanged between connected persons or associated enterprises at prices that do not reflect their arm’s length price, in order to shift profits from high tax to low tax jurisdictions. In terms of section 31 of the Income Tax Act, transactions between connected persons or associated enterprises must be reflected at their arm’s length price. Transfer pricing has become an issue due to the difficulties in determining an appropriate arm’s length price. Disputes arise between a taxpayer and a tax administration on the methods to use to determine an appropriate transfer price. The use of Advance Pricing Agreements prevents these disputes from arising and provides tax certainty on the treatment of transactions for both the taxpayer and the tax administration. While the OECD recommends the use of Advance Pricing Agreements as a method to prevent disputes from arising, the OECD also argued that if a country has the resources to conduct an audit, an Advance Pricing Agreement will not lead to increased revenue collection. The research therefore analyses the problems faced in determining an appropriate arm's length price and compares the role that Advance Pricing Agreements and audits play in addressing transfer pricing issues. The possible role of Advance Tax Rulings is also explored, but they are found not to be suitable, except for the most simple transactions. The research applies a legal interpretative, doctrinal research methodology and a qualitative research method. The data comprised of relevant South African tax legislation, OECD Guidelines, the World Bank Handbook, and the UN Manual, together with the writings of acknowledged experts in the field. The study establishes that a proper functioning audit system is crucial to increasing revenue collection once a country implements an Advance Pricing Agreement. The research therefore recommends the adoption of Advance Pricing Agreements in South Africa as a dispute prevention measure. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Accounting, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
Wille Dagga
- Authors: Kruger, Liesel Hilge
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Creative writing (Higher education) South Africa , Diaries -- Authorship , South African poetry 21st century , Graphic novels 21st century , Fiction History and criticism , Kaaps poetry 21st century
- Language: Afrikaans
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192230 , vital:45208
- Description: My thesis isse graphic novel/fumetto (photos)/ poetry hybrid. It speel af innie Kylemore, ’n klein ghetto net byte Stellenbosch. Vi ways wat mens genre en visual borders kan veskyf kyk ek ve’al na ‘Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth’ geskryf dee Grant Morrison en illustrated dee Dave McKean. Met ‘Arkham Asylum’ combine McKean painting, photos, collage en illustration. ‘Bitterkomix’ dee Anton Kannemeyer en Conrad Botes is nogge inspirasie in terme vanne meer fluid approach tot style waa die storie die art-style dictate. Ek kyk oek ve’al na ‘Fun Home’ dee Alison Bechdel, vi haa incredible ability om inne tragic, maa somehow humorous way, oo sexual repression te skryf. Oek kyk ek na ‘Dykes to Watch Out For’, dee Bechdel en ‘Wimmen’s Comix’ (Michele Brand, Diane Noomin, et al.) vi die unapologetic manier waa’op díe vrouens oorie vroue liggaam geskryf et. Die struktuur is largely influenced dee Joe Sacco se ‘Palestine’, waa’in hy die broader storie van Palestine vetel innie form van episodic short stories. Vi die sensitiewe handling van LGBTQ themes kyk ek na ‘Death: The Time of Your Life’ dee Neil Gaiman en ‘Blue is the Warmest Colour’ dee Julie Maroh. Ek draw ook oppie wêk van Nathan Trantraal en Gert Vlok Nel se poetry, virrie way hoe hulle oo arme mense skryf, Trantraal oo Bishop Lavis, Vlok Nel oo Beaufort Wes. En oek vi hoe beide skryf innie stem wat hulle praat. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Languages and Literatures, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Kruger, Liesel Hilge
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Creative writing (Higher education) South Africa , Diaries -- Authorship , South African poetry 21st century , Graphic novels 21st century , Fiction History and criticism , Kaaps poetry 21st century
- Language: Afrikaans
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192230 , vital:45208
- Description: My thesis isse graphic novel/fumetto (photos)/ poetry hybrid. It speel af innie Kylemore, ’n klein ghetto net byte Stellenbosch. Vi ways wat mens genre en visual borders kan veskyf kyk ek ve’al na ‘Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth’ geskryf dee Grant Morrison en illustrated dee Dave McKean. Met ‘Arkham Asylum’ combine McKean painting, photos, collage en illustration. ‘Bitterkomix’ dee Anton Kannemeyer en Conrad Botes is nogge inspirasie in terme vanne meer fluid approach tot style waa die storie die art-style dictate. Ek kyk oek ve’al na ‘Fun Home’ dee Alison Bechdel, vi haa incredible ability om inne tragic, maa somehow humorous way, oo sexual repression te skryf. Oek kyk ek na ‘Dykes to Watch Out For’, dee Bechdel en ‘Wimmen’s Comix’ (Michele Brand, Diane Noomin, et al.) vi die unapologetic manier waa’op díe vrouens oorie vroue liggaam geskryf et. Die struktuur is largely influenced dee Joe Sacco se ‘Palestine’, waa’in hy die broader storie van Palestine vetel innie form van episodic short stories. Vi die sensitiewe handling van LGBTQ themes kyk ek na ‘Death: The Time of Your Life’ dee Neil Gaiman en ‘Blue is the Warmest Colour’ dee Julie Maroh. Ek draw ook oppie wêk van Nathan Trantraal en Gert Vlok Nel se poetry, virrie way hoe hulle oo arme mense skryf, Trantraal oo Bishop Lavis, Vlok Nel oo Beaufort Wes. En oek vi hoe beide skryf innie stem wat hulle praat. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Languages and Literatures, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Medication adherence: a review of policy and education in South Africa
- Authors: Nyoni, Cynthia Nomagugu
- Date: 2023-10-31
- Subjects: Patient compliance South Africa , Drugs Administration Study and teaching (Higher) , Pharmacist and patient South Africa , Pharmaceutical policy South Africa , Patient education South Africa , Medication adherence
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419548 , vital:71653
- Description: Medication adherence is a patient's active and voluntary participation in following all the recommendations and instructions agreed upon with a health care provider such as a pharmacist. Adherence is a multidimensional phenomenon determined by the interplay of five factors: patient-related factors, socioeconomic factors, condition-related factors, health system-related factors, and therapy-related factors. Medication non-adherence is a problem in many countries, especially low to middle-income countries, including South Africa (SA). In low to middle-income countries, non-adherence is often worse due to insufficient health resources and inequities in access to health care. Medication adherence is a global problem and has raised the need for research and review. Many healthcare professionals, especially pharmacists, have an essential role in promoting medication adherence. This study described, explained and evaluated the policies in SA relating to the pharmacist's role in promoting medication adherence. Furthermore, it described medication adherence-related education at four universities in South Africa. The study was qualitative, and a two-phased approach was employed. In the first phase, a document analysis of the pharmacist’s role in supporting medication adherence was conducted as described in national policies and guidelines in SA. A total of 38 documents were analysed, including critical documents such as the South African Pharmacy Council Good Pharmacy Practice Manual and Associated SAPC rules (GPP) manual, National Drug Policy (NDP), Standard treatment guidelines (STGS) and Integrated Adherence Guidelines. The READ approach was used in conducting the document analysis and involved (1) preparing materials, (2) extracting data, (3) analysing data, and (4) distilling findings. The critical roles of pharmacists in medication adherence that were identified were in drug use, supply and management, dispensing, therapeutic drug monitoring, pharmacovigilance, pharmaceutical care, and special programmes like antimicrobial stewardship (AMS), multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) care and antiretroviral treatment (ARV) and chronic conditions. In the second phase, in-depth interviews were conducted with lecturers to investigate and report on the inclusion of medication adherence and the teaching thereof in the curriculum of the Bachelor of Pharmacy Degree (BPharm) in pharmacy institutions in SA. Purposive sampling was used, and seven lecturers from four different institutions participated in the interviews. The interviews were conducted via Zoom® and were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. The teaching of medication adherence in the BPharm curriculum of the respective interviewed pharmacy institutions was explored. It was found that the topic of medication adherence was integrated into all subjects throughout the curriculum and not taught as a formal course. Although medication adherence is taught in many disciplines, it is predominantly in pharmacy practice in all institutions. The teaching methods identified included lectures, case studies, workshops, tutorials, practicals, readings, tasks, assignments and videos. The perceived effectiveness of the teaching methods was explored; also the time spent teaching medication adherence and the time efficiency. Student understanding, interest and engagement with the topic were explored and determined through their assessment performance and class attendance. In conclusion, from policies, the pharmacist's role concerning adherence is indirectly integrated into many other roles. It is often not distinguishable from that of other healthcare professionals and is often implied as part of a more generic role. Pharmacy students are educated on medication adherence and the skills and knowledge required to identify, monitor and support patient adherence to therapy. However, there is scope to increase the course content on medication adherence. There is a need to identify effective strategies for preparing pharmacists to assist patients in medication adherence. , Thesis (MPharm) -- Faculty of Pharmacy, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-31
- Authors: Nyoni, Cynthia Nomagugu
- Date: 2023-10-31
- Subjects: Patient compliance South Africa , Drugs Administration Study and teaching (Higher) , Pharmacist and patient South Africa , Pharmaceutical policy South Africa , Patient education South Africa , Medication adherence
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419548 , vital:71653
- Description: Medication adherence is a patient's active and voluntary participation in following all the recommendations and instructions agreed upon with a health care provider such as a pharmacist. Adherence is a multidimensional phenomenon determined by the interplay of five factors: patient-related factors, socioeconomic factors, condition-related factors, health system-related factors, and therapy-related factors. Medication non-adherence is a problem in many countries, especially low to middle-income countries, including South Africa (SA). In low to middle-income countries, non-adherence is often worse due to insufficient health resources and inequities in access to health care. Medication adherence is a global problem and has raised the need for research and review. Many healthcare professionals, especially pharmacists, have an essential role in promoting medication adherence. This study described, explained and evaluated the policies in SA relating to the pharmacist's role in promoting medication adherence. Furthermore, it described medication adherence-related education at four universities in South Africa. The study was qualitative, and a two-phased approach was employed. In the first phase, a document analysis of the pharmacist’s role in supporting medication adherence was conducted as described in national policies and guidelines in SA. A total of 38 documents were analysed, including critical documents such as the South African Pharmacy Council Good Pharmacy Practice Manual and Associated SAPC rules (GPP) manual, National Drug Policy (NDP), Standard treatment guidelines (STGS) and Integrated Adherence Guidelines. The READ approach was used in conducting the document analysis and involved (1) preparing materials, (2) extracting data, (3) analysing data, and (4) distilling findings. The critical roles of pharmacists in medication adherence that were identified were in drug use, supply and management, dispensing, therapeutic drug monitoring, pharmacovigilance, pharmaceutical care, and special programmes like antimicrobial stewardship (AMS), multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) care and antiretroviral treatment (ARV) and chronic conditions. In the second phase, in-depth interviews were conducted with lecturers to investigate and report on the inclusion of medication adherence and the teaching thereof in the curriculum of the Bachelor of Pharmacy Degree (BPharm) in pharmacy institutions in SA. Purposive sampling was used, and seven lecturers from four different institutions participated in the interviews. The interviews were conducted via Zoom® and were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. The teaching of medication adherence in the BPharm curriculum of the respective interviewed pharmacy institutions was explored. It was found that the topic of medication adherence was integrated into all subjects throughout the curriculum and not taught as a formal course. Although medication adherence is taught in many disciplines, it is predominantly in pharmacy practice in all institutions. The teaching methods identified included lectures, case studies, workshops, tutorials, practicals, readings, tasks, assignments and videos. The perceived effectiveness of the teaching methods was explored; also the time spent teaching medication adherence and the time efficiency. Student understanding, interest and engagement with the topic were explored and determined through their assessment performance and class attendance. In conclusion, from policies, the pharmacist's role concerning adherence is indirectly integrated into many other roles. It is often not distinguishable from that of other healthcare professionals and is often implied as part of a more generic role. Pharmacy students are educated on medication adherence and the skills and knowledge required to identify, monitor and support patient adherence to therapy. However, there is scope to increase the course content on medication adherence. There is a need to identify effective strategies for preparing pharmacists to assist patients in medication adherence. , Thesis (MPharm) -- Faculty of Pharmacy, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-31
Instrument building as a tool for the revitalisation and revaluing of traditional music transmission: An investigation in Tshandama and Mbahe in Venda, South Africa
- Authors: Makhanza, Joseph
- Date: 2023-03-31
- Subjects: Instrument making , Ecomusicology South Africa Venda , Venda (African people) Music , Group identity South Africa Venda , Musical instruments South Africa Venda , Environmental awareness
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419525 , vital:71651
- Description: This study stems from my experiences as a child who grew up playing herd boys’ musical instruments from Venda, such as the tshipotoliyo (ocarina), and tshitiringo (flute). Importantly it also builds on my time working at the International Library of African Music (ILAM,) where the aforementioned instruments, as well as the dende (musical bow) and tshizambi (Vhavenda and Vatsonga mouth bow), are displayed in transparent glass cubicles with a note, “Do not touch, they are fragile”. This phrase is painfully apt because, as a musician, I have observed a decline in the availability and performance of these musical instruments. The truth is that, other than at ILAM, these instruments are hardly in circulation, let alone being performed. This fact ignited my interest in relearning some of the musical instruments I used to play and make while herding cows in Giyani. In the context of trends such as modernisation, rural–urban migration, and globalisation, I document my experiences as a musical-instrument maker, teacher, and performer in revitalising dende, tshipotoliyo, tshitiringo, and tshizambi through classroom practice, using Rhodes music students, instrument-making workshops, performances, and community collaborations as inspiration. I propose the development of crafting skills as a medium for revitalising and sustaining these musical instruments which serve as important identity markers of the Vhavenda people. , Thesis (MMus) -- Faculty of Humanities, Music and Musicology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-03-31
- Authors: Makhanza, Joseph
- Date: 2023-03-31
- Subjects: Instrument making , Ecomusicology South Africa Venda , Venda (African people) Music , Group identity South Africa Venda , Musical instruments South Africa Venda , Environmental awareness
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419525 , vital:71651
- Description: This study stems from my experiences as a child who grew up playing herd boys’ musical instruments from Venda, such as the tshipotoliyo (ocarina), and tshitiringo (flute). Importantly it also builds on my time working at the International Library of African Music (ILAM,) where the aforementioned instruments, as well as the dende (musical bow) and tshizambi (Vhavenda and Vatsonga mouth bow), are displayed in transparent glass cubicles with a note, “Do not touch, they are fragile”. This phrase is painfully apt because, as a musician, I have observed a decline in the availability and performance of these musical instruments. The truth is that, other than at ILAM, these instruments are hardly in circulation, let alone being performed. This fact ignited my interest in relearning some of the musical instruments I used to play and make while herding cows in Giyani. In the context of trends such as modernisation, rural–urban migration, and globalisation, I document my experiences as a musical-instrument maker, teacher, and performer in revitalising dende, tshipotoliyo, tshitiringo, and tshizambi through classroom practice, using Rhodes music students, instrument-making workshops, performances, and community collaborations as inspiration. I propose the development of crafting skills as a medium for revitalising and sustaining these musical instruments which serve as important identity markers of the Vhavenda people. , Thesis (MMus) -- Faculty of Humanities, Music and Musicology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-03-31
Internal barriers facing small business owners adopting financial management practices in Makana Municipality, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Tendayi, Elizabeth
- Date: 2023-03-31
- Subjects: Small business South Africa Eastern Cape , Business enterprises Finance South Africa Eastern Cape , Financial management , Contingency theory (Management) , Municipal government South Africa Eastern Cape , Business failures , Success in business
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419484 , vital:71648
- Description: Although small businesses are important in South Africa, they have a high failure rate. About 63 percent of small businesses in South Africa fail in the first 18 months of their inception (Van Staden, 2022; Zhou, 2021; Bruwer, 2020: 148). One of the reasons for the failure of small businesses is the improper and ineffective adoption of proper financial management practices (Zada, Yukun and Zada, 2021: 1074). However, the success of small businesses is highly dependent on the adoption of proper financial management practices (Kapitsinis, 2019; Jindrichovska, 2013; Abuzayed, 2012; Kaya and Alpkan, 2012; Banos-Caballero, Garcia-Teruel and Martinez-Solano, 2010). In the Eastern Cape, most small businesses do not adopt proper financial management practices (Raj, 2012; Van Eeden, Viviers and Venter, 2003:1). Therefore, the study aimed to analyse internal barriers facing small business owners adopting proper financial management practices in Makana Municipality in the Eastern Cape. Eastern Cape. Proper financial management practices are evident where there is transparency, efficiency and accuracy in the achievement of the financial objectives of a business (Cheluget and Morogo, 2017: 215). Financial management practices include cash management practices, accounts receivables management practices, accounts payables management practices, inventory management practices, working capital management practices, investment management or capital budgeting practices, financing or capital structure practices, accounting information systems, financial reporting and analysis practices. The study adopted a qualitative research design and a case study methodology. A non-probability judgment sampling method was used to select a sample of twelve small business owners in Makanda, Makana Municipality. Makanda was a relevant study area because it has a high unemployment rate and poverty, and small businesses may be used as one of the driving forces in the reduction of poverty and unemployment in Makana Municipality (Eastern Cape Socio Economic Consultative Council, 2017: 1; Zemenu and Mohammed, 2014: 2; Alebiosu, 2005: 5). Primary data was collected through semi-structured interviews. Content analysis was used to describe and interpret qualitative data using coding and themes. The findings of the study showed that most small business owners or managers in Makana Municipality adopted cash management practices, working capital management practices, inventory management practices, capital structure (equity capital) practices and financial reporting and analysis. However, it was also found that small business owners or managers in Makana Municipality did not adopt accounts receivables management practices, accounts payables management practices, capital structure (debt capital) practices, accounting information systems and capital budgeting (investment) management practices. These barriers included difficulty in debt collection, cost of debt collection, nature of product or industry, challenges with suppliers or creditors, Covid-19, debt avoidance, improvement of cash flow, negative attitude towards computer systems, waste of resources and difficulty use of computer systems. It is recommended that small businesses may overcome these barriers by implementing proper debt collection procedures, honouring credit payments terms with suppliers or creditors, consulting external accountants on how to balance the use of both debt and equity capital, hiring qualified personnel to acquire training and bring awareness to the use of computer systems. In addition, the government should provide financial education programmes that specifically deal with long-term investments, and small businesses are encouraged to apply for Covid-19 rescue packages or grants through role plates such as Debt Relief Finance Scheme and the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA). It was concluded that each small business adopts financial management practices differently due to the nature of the business or industry. Also, the adoption of financial management practices is dependent on the exposure of the different barriers within each business. Hence, this study confirms that the contingency theory may be used to explain that the adoption of financial management practices is dependent upon the nature of the business or industry and the different barriers that small businesses face. Theoretically, this study contributed to the existing literature by analysing the barriers faced by small business owners adopting financial management practices in the Eastern Cape. Practically, this study highlighted the internal barriers that small business owners need to overcome to the adoption of financial management practices. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Management, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-03-31
- Authors: Tendayi, Elizabeth
- Date: 2023-03-31
- Subjects: Small business South Africa Eastern Cape , Business enterprises Finance South Africa Eastern Cape , Financial management , Contingency theory (Management) , Municipal government South Africa Eastern Cape , Business failures , Success in business
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419484 , vital:71648
- Description: Although small businesses are important in South Africa, they have a high failure rate. About 63 percent of small businesses in South Africa fail in the first 18 months of their inception (Van Staden, 2022; Zhou, 2021; Bruwer, 2020: 148). One of the reasons for the failure of small businesses is the improper and ineffective adoption of proper financial management practices (Zada, Yukun and Zada, 2021: 1074). However, the success of small businesses is highly dependent on the adoption of proper financial management practices (Kapitsinis, 2019; Jindrichovska, 2013; Abuzayed, 2012; Kaya and Alpkan, 2012; Banos-Caballero, Garcia-Teruel and Martinez-Solano, 2010). In the Eastern Cape, most small businesses do not adopt proper financial management practices (Raj, 2012; Van Eeden, Viviers and Venter, 2003:1). Therefore, the study aimed to analyse internal barriers facing small business owners adopting proper financial management practices in Makana Municipality in the Eastern Cape. Eastern Cape. Proper financial management practices are evident where there is transparency, efficiency and accuracy in the achievement of the financial objectives of a business (Cheluget and Morogo, 2017: 215). Financial management practices include cash management practices, accounts receivables management practices, accounts payables management practices, inventory management practices, working capital management practices, investment management or capital budgeting practices, financing or capital structure practices, accounting information systems, financial reporting and analysis practices. The study adopted a qualitative research design and a case study methodology. A non-probability judgment sampling method was used to select a sample of twelve small business owners in Makanda, Makana Municipality. Makanda was a relevant study area because it has a high unemployment rate and poverty, and small businesses may be used as one of the driving forces in the reduction of poverty and unemployment in Makana Municipality (Eastern Cape Socio Economic Consultative Council, 2017: 1; Zemenu and Mohammed, 2014: 2; Alebiosu, 2005: 5). Primary data was collected through semi-structured interviews. Content analysis was used to describe and interpret qualitative data using coding and themes. The findings of the study showed that most small business owners or managers in Makana Municipality adopted cash management practices, working capital management practices, inventory management practices, capital structure (equity capital) practices and financial reporting and analysis. However, it was also found that small business owners or managers in Makana Municipality did not adopt accounts receivables management practices, accounts payables management practices, capital structure (debt capital) practices, accounting information systems and capital budgeting (investment) management practices. These barriers included difficulty in debt collection, cost of debt collection, nature of product or industry, challenges with suppliers or creditors, Covid-19, debt avoidance, improvement of cash flow, negative attitude towards computer systems, waste of resources and difficulty use of computer systems. It is recommended that small businesses may overcome these barriers by implementing proper debt collection procedures, honouring credit payments terms with suppliers or creditors, consulting external accountants on how to balance the use of both debt and equity capital, hiring qualified personnel to acquire training and bring awareness to the use of computer systems. In addition, the government should provide financial education programmes that specifically deal with long-term investments, and small businesses are encouraged to apply for Covid-19 rescue packages or grants through role plates such as Debt Relief Finance Scheme and the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA). It was concluded that each small business adopts financial management practices differently due to the nature of the business or industry. Also, the adoption of financial management practices is dependent on the exposure of the different barriers within each business. Hence, this study confirms that the contingency theory may be used to explain that the adoption of financial management practices is dependent upon the nature of the business or industry and the different barriers that small businesses face. Theoretically, this study contributed to the existing literature by analysing the barriers faced by small business owners adopting financial management practices in the Eastern Cape. Practically, this study highlighted the internal barriers that small business owners need to overcome to the adoption of financial management practices. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Management, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-03-31
Drive for show: putt for dough?: The value of performance measures for professional golfers on the Sunshine Tour and the relationship with earnings
- Authors: Heathfield, Cameron Spencer
- Date: 2023-03-31
- Subjects: Sports Economic aspects South Africa , Golfers South Africa , PGA Sunshine Tour (Association) , Production functions (Economic theory) , Marginal productivity , Performance measurement
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419499 , vital:71649
- Description: “Drive for show, putt for dough”. This controversial adage has been a prominent sentiment in the game of golf for decades. Empirical evidence investigating its robustness through determinant of earnings inquiries have identified that the most valuable measure of performance in golf is in fact putting. However, with the ever-perpetuating state of golf equipment and the technologies thereof, the distance debate in golf has thus gained traction. Recent investigations and evidence into the adage had identified a trend-shift with regards to the value associated with distance achievable and putting ability in golf. Therefore questioning the relevance of the adage in the modern form of the game. In conducting a determinant of earnings inquiry through the engagement of engineering “pure” performance measures as empirically identified, this investigation is aimed at recognising a similar trend in a South African perspective, on the Sunshine Tour. Utilising a generalised least square regression methodology, the analysis identifies how the value of the marginal product as-sociated with both player and non-player explanatory measures influence real earnings on the Sun-shine Tour. This determination is observed through the means of a comprehensive scenario analysis, demonstrating the effect of marginal performance differences to the degree of 1% and 5% increase in performance. A trend was therefore identified in which the value of the marginal product, and growth in real earnings associated to driving distance at the 5% level were in fact greater than the that of putting ability. The results further denote the robustness of the adage and the inherent value associated to putting vs. driving distance at the 1% level. The conclusion to this investigation demonstrates the importance of opportunistic positions player’s put themselves in within tournaments to encourage earnings accumulation. Identified through balanced return on investments for all performance measures to “drive for dough to putt for dough”. , Thesis (MEcon) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economics History, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-03-31
- Authors: Heathfield, Cameron Spencer
- Date: 2023-03-31
- Subjects: Sports Economic aspects South Africa , Golfers South Africa , PGA Sunshine Tour (Association) , Production functions (Economic theory) , Marginal productivity , Performance measurement
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419499 , vital:71649
- Description: “Drive for show, putt for dough”. This controversial adage has been a prominent sentiment in the game of golf for decades. Empirical evidence investigating its robustness through determinant of earnings inquiries have identified that the most valuable measure of performance in golf is in fact putting. However, with the ever-perpetuating state of golf equipment and the technologies thereof, the distance debate in golf has thus gained traction. Recent investigations and evidence into the adage had identified a trend-shift with regards to the value associated with distance achievable and putting ability in golf. Therefore questioning the relevance of the adage in the modern form of the game. In conducting a determinant of earnings inquiry through the engagement of engineering “pure” performance measures as empirically identified, this investigation is aimed at recognising a similar trend in a South African perspective, on the Sunshine Tour. Utilising a generalised least square regression methodology, the analysis identifies how the value of the marginal product as-sociated with both player and non-player explanatory measures influence real earnings on the Sun-shine Tour. This determination is observed through the means of a comprehensive scenario analysis, demonstrating the effect of marginal performance differences to the degree of 1% and 5% increase in performance. A trend was therefore identified in which the value of the marginal product, and growth in real earnings associated to driving distance at the 5% level were in fact greater than the that of putting ability. The results further denote the robustness of the adage and the inherent value associated to putting vs. driving distance at the 1% level. The conclusion to this investigation demonstrates the importance of opportunistic positions player’s put themselves in within tournaments to encourage earnings accumulation. Identified through balanced return on investments for all performance measures to “drive for dough to putt for dough”. , Thesis (MEcon) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economics History, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-03-31
Investigating the use of nudging to dissuade online banking fraud
- Mutyavariri, Takudzwa Stanley
- Authors: Mutyavariri, Takudzwa Stanley
- Date: 2023-03-31
- Subjects: Electronic commerce Security measures , Bank fraud , Computer security , Behavioral cybersecurity , Decision making Data processing
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419462 , vital:71646
- Description: Online banking is a service offered by most modern banks to provide their clients with a convenient means to access their bank accounts remotely. However, such convenience comes at a cost and has the potential to expose clients to online banking fraud. To mitigate such forms of fraud, banks make extensive use of traditional cybersecurity measures such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, as well as personal identification numbers (PINs) and passwords. However, despite the use of such traditional cybersecurity measures, online banking fraud still occurs. In particular, traditional cybersecurity measures have difficulties detecting the unauthorised use of a customer’s online banking credentials. For this reason, this study’s main objective was to investigate the effectiveness of nudges when used to dissuade the unauthorised use of clients’ online banking credentials. The study also had two secondary objectives: firstly, to identify where the deployment of nudges would be most effective; and secondly, to identify the rationalisations an individual may use to justify committing online banking fraud. Although previous research has sought to understand the use of nudges in various online contexts, none have done so within the context of online banking. Using a recontextualised version of the COM-B (capability, opportunity, motivation – behaviour) model of behaviour change, nudges were deployed in three versions of a fictitious online banking website. Following this, 15 semi-structured interviews were conducted with online banking users from the United States of America to understand how a third party may behave and rationalise their choices when they have unauthorised access to a customer’s online banking credentials. The transcripts of these interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed that the most dissuasive nudges focused on encouraging individuals to empathise with the account holder. Nudges that increased the perception of an online banking website’s security were also particularly dissuasive. The findings also indicated that the most effective place to deploy these nudges was after a user had logged in. Several rationalisations that enabled individuals to commit online baking fraud were found. The three most common were crime of opportunity, down on their luck, and sunk cost fallacy and curiosity. Together, the findings provide evidence to suggest that, if used effectively, nudges could prove useful as a means of dissuading online banking fraud, and even more so when combined with traditional cybersecurity measures. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Information Systems, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-03-31
- Authors: Mutyavariri, Takudzwa Stanley
- Date: 2023-03-31
- Subjects: Electronic commerce Security measures , Bank fraud , Computer security , Behavioral cybersecurity , Decision making Data processing
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419462 , vital:71646
- Description: Online banking is a service offered by most modern banks to provide their clients with a convenient means to access their bank accounts remotely. However, such convenience comes at a cost and has the potential to expose clients to online banking fraud. To mitigate such forms of fraud, banks make extensive use of traditional cybersecurity measures such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, as well as personal identification numbers (PINs) and passwords. However, despite the use of such traditional cybersecurity measures, online banking fraud still occurs. In particular, traditional cybersecurity measures have difficulties detecting the unauthorised use of a customer’s online banking credentials. For this reason, this study’s main objective was to investigate the effectiveness of nudges when used to dissuade the unauthorised use of clients’ online banking credentials. The study also had two secondary objectives: firstly, to identify where the deployment of nudges would be most effective; and secondly, to identify the rationalisations an individual may use to justify committing online banking fraud. Although previous research has sought to understand the use of nudges in various online contexts, none have done so within the context of online banking. Using a recontextualised version of the COM-B (capability, opportunity, motivation – behaviour) model of behaviour change, nudges were deployed in three versions of a fictitious online banking website. Following this, 15 semi-structured interviews were conducted with online banking users from the United States of America to understand how a third party may behave and rationalise their choices when they have unauthorised access to a customer’s online banking credentials. The transcripts of these interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed that the most dissuasive nudges focused on encouraging individuals to empathise with the account holder. Nudges that increased the perception of an online banking website’s security were also particularly dissuasive. The findings also indicated that the most effective place to deploy these nudges was after a user had logged in. Several rationalisations that enabled individuals to commit online baking fraud were found. The three most common were crime of opportunity, down on their luck, and sunk cost fallacy and curiosity. Together, the findings provide evidence to suggest that, if used effectively, nudges could prove useful as a means of dissuading online banking fraud, and even more so when combined with traditional cybersecurity measures. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Information Systems, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-03-31
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: Capital adequacy ratio , Autoregression (Statistics) , Panel analysis , Competition Zimbabwe , Banks and banking Zimbabwe , Bank regulation , Economic stabilization Zimbabwe
- 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: Capital adequacy ratio , Autoregression (Statistics) , Panel analysis , Competition Zimbabwe , Banks and banking Zimbabwe , Bank regulation , Economic stabilization Zimbabwe
- 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