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Determinants of performance in non-profit organisations in KwaZulu Natal: the role of sustainability orientation and dynamic capabilities

  • Authors: Mbhele, Thandekile
  • Date: 2023-04
  • Subjects: Hypothesis Model , non-profit organisations
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61670 , vital:71824
  • Description: Determinants of performance in KZN Nonprofit organisations operating in the health sector is explored by this research paper. The focus is on the role played by sustainability orientation and dynamic capabilities on the organisational perfomance. Sustainability orientation and dynamic capabilities have received little empirical attention within the NPO sector. Most, of the research done has focused on for-profit organisations. Local NPOs in the health sector are facing many challenges. These are fueled by the high demand for services and scarcity of resources to deliver on their social mission. This study aims to examine the stated constructs. Furthermore, the study aims to help NPOs build sustainable organisations and adopt strategies that will increase the efficiency and effectiveness in their operations. The study employed a quantitative methodology. An online survey and experiental analysis were conducted on a sample of 156 respondents. All of the participants belong to local NPOs in the health sector in KZN. The hypotheses were tested by applying multiple linear regression. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was used to assess the reliability of the established variables and constructs. The results of the analysis show a significant and positive relationship between sustainability orientation and organisational performance. The study also found that the ability to sense, seize, and reconfigure mediate the relationship and positively influence the performance. These results provide important insight for local NPOs, policy makers, and current practices concerned about developing sustainable organisations. This implies that there is a chance for local NPOs to grow, attract funders and remain sustainable. In addition the results could help to build a reputable brand in their respective fields. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-04

Diet and lifestyle changes during the Covid-19 pandemic among health care professionals in the Eastern Cape province

  • Authors: Baloyi, Thabile Valentia
  • Date: 2023-04
  • Subjects: Diet , Lifestyle , Health care Professionals
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/66356 , vital:74718
  • Description: Background: The unprecedented COVID-19 era is one that posed drastic changes and challenges to healthcare professionals and healthcare system at large. During disastrous events such as the pandemic, psychosocial stress is expected among health care professionals with the development of different copying mechanisms. It is therefore important to ensure preparedness among these individuals in the event of future pandemics. It is essentials for healthcare professionals to practice healthy dietary habits and regular physical activity which has a positive impact on the immune system by improving its response to viral and bacterial infections and supports mental health. Aim: The aim of the study was to determine dietary and lifestyle changes among healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology: A quantitative, descriptive, and explorative research approach was followed. Data was collected through an online survey and analysed using MS Excel® version 2209, SPSS version 27, cross tabulation and Pearson’s chi-square test (p-value<0.05) The questionnaire consisted of four sections that had demographics, lifestyle, dietary and COVID-19 related questions. The study sample were Eastern Cape healthcare professionals. Results: The findings indicated that health care professionals’ dietary habits and lifestyle were negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 37.5% (n=131) had indicated that their weight had increased, while 20.4% (n=71) indicated a decrease in weight during the pandemic. It is understandable that there was weight gain during the pandemic as these professionals consumed more alcohol and fast foods with less exercise. There was a high caffeine consumption and decreased sleep time, which can affect productivity, resilience and mental health. The negative impacts posed by the pandemic need to be mitigated as it has the potential to lead to non-communicable diseases and cause even more of a burden to the health system. Authorities need to work with different healthcare professionals to develop programmes relating to coping mechanisms during any state of disaster and support wellness initiatives. Dietitians should be involved in order to coordinate and promote healthy eating through regular training and education of other HCP. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Behavioural & Lifestyle Sciences, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-04

Distinguishing elephant induced thicket degradation and climate related factors in Addo Elephant National Park, Eastern Cape, South Africa

  • Authors: Mapheto, Tlhologelo James
  • Date: 2023-04
  • Subjects: Elephant – Behaviour -- South Africa -- Addo Elephant National Park , Wildlife conservation -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60753 , vital:66741
  • Description: The Addo Elephant National Park (AENP) is an ecologically sensitive environment where the increase in elephant population, especially in a changing climate is a recipe for landscape degradation and biodiversity loss. The Park is situated in the drought prone Eastern Cape Province, however, the effects of drought on thicket vegetation is less understood. This study aimed to distinguish elephant-induced thicket degradation from the effects of climatic factors, using remote sensing, GIS, and statistical techniques. To characterise and map vegetation conditions of the reserve temporal series Landsat imagery (n = 22) from 1998 to 2018 were analysed. Vegetation states were determined using Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) derived from the growing season of the study period. Using supervised per-pixel image classification technique, the NDVI values characterized into distinct land cover classes viz (1) Intact Thicket, (2) Transformed Thicket, (3) Degraded Thicket, (4) Bare Ground and (6) Water Bodies. Post-classification change detection and landscape fragmentation analysis was performed. Climatic data were obtained from existing weather stations and raster surface of accumulated rainfall and mean maximum temperature were developed using the Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW). Time series analysis was implemented on the NDVI and climatic condition data by plotting annual measures to indicate variable trends. Temporal trend analysis was performed on the NDVI data using the nonparametric Mann-Kendall trend analysis test to indicate thicket vegetation condition improvement and general degradation. The Residual Trend (RESTREND) approach was employed to remove the effect of rainfall on vegetation productivity. This involved using the Ordinary Least Square regression functionality in ArcMap to compute the relationship between ∑NDVI and accumulated rainfall for every pixel for the study period. The products of the regression were assessed using Pearson’s Correlation (r) at a significance level of 90% (p-value ≤ 0.1) to distinguish strong relationships. Overlay analysis was performed, using the NDVI trend slope and the correlation coefficient (r) raster surfaces, to model vegetation dynamics influenced by elephant activities. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-04

Effect of a school-based health intervention on the non-communicable disease risk status of schoolchildren from disadvantaged communities

  • Authors: Dolley, Danielle
  • Date: 2023-04
  • Subjects: school-based health intervention , Non-communicable diseases , Cardiovascular diseases
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/66388 , vital:75063
  • Description: Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and dyslipidaemia are a global public health concern, but more so in low- income countries where the underprivileged are exposed to unhealthy lifestyle practices with limited access to primary health care. Poor dietary habits and physical inactivity have also led to the unprecedented rise of NCD risk factors among school- aged children, which places them at greater risk of disease later in life. These NCDs are largely driven by obesity which has continued to rise in sub-Saharan Africa. However, high levels of undernutrition (such as stunting, underweight and wasting) among children are also present, thereby translating to a dual burden of malnutrition. Promoting regular physical activity (PA) among children is crucial for the health of future generations as it assists in weight reduction, improves insulin sensitivity, reduces blood pressure and is associated with good health and wellbeing. However, physical education (PE), the most obvious vehicle to develop the motor abilities of children, creating opportunities for their sports skills development and educating learners about the importance of PA as a lifestyle, has long been overlooked since the transformation of the South African school curriculum. Furthermore, many in-service PE teachers were not trained to teach the new multi-disciplinary Life Skills and Life Orientation subjects, of which PE forms a small part. Evidence shows that many PE teachers lack the content knowledge and practical skills to implement the subject, which raises the question of how many children, especially those in low-income communities, are participating in quality PE needed to foster healthy lifestyles and prevent the risk of NCDs. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of a 20- week school-based health intervention on NCD risk factors of primary schoolchildren from low-income schools in Gqeberha, South Africa. Methods: A cluster randomised control trial was used to test a 20-week intervention, which included three components, namely [1] the KaziKidz toolkit (comprised of pre- prepared PE, health, hygiene and nutrition lessons, equipment for PE, and painted games) [2] a PE coach (human movement science graduate to assist teachers) and [3]two 90-min training workshops. Eight schools were randomly selected to participatein the study: four intervention schools received the KaziKidz toolkit, while the externalsupport components were staggered across three intervention schools, and the Chapter 1: Introduction 2 remaining four schools served as the control group. Altogether 961 children (491 boys and 511 girls) from grades 4 to 6 (8 - 13 years old, M=10.88±1.19 yrs) participated In the study. Demographic information and socio-economic status were captured with a questionnaire. Further measures included height, weight, waist circumference, blood pressure, glycated haemoglobin, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, accelerometer-based PA and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). Results: Cross-sectional baseline data showed that 43.1% of the sample presented with at least one NCD risk factor, and 17% presented with an elevated clustered risk score (CRS). In addition, higher CRF and moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) were associated with a lowered CRS whereby an elevated CRS was halved for every 49 min increase in MVPA (95% CI 27 - 224) or every 2.17 ml/kg/min increase in CRF, as determined via estimated VO2max (95% CI 1.66 - 3.12). Overall, 13% of the cohort were underweight, 12% overweight, 7% obese, and 64% engaged in an average of 60 min MVPA per day. The results also identified an inverse association between body mass index categories and the total duration of MVPA achieved per day as children categorised as underweight to normal‐weight (boys: OR = 3.89, 95% CI: 2.18 - 6.93; girls: OR =1.78, 95% CI: 1.13 - 2.80) were more likely to engage in 60 min per day of MVPA than overweight to obese children. Finally, the school-based health intervention results revealed improvements in children's NCD risk factors and increased MVPA levels when the intervention conditions included the workshops and, in some cases, the PE coach. The KaziKidz toolkit (on its own) showed little to no improvements in NCD risk factors and MVPA levels. Conclusion: School-based health interventions have the potential to improve the NCD risk factors of children attending low-income schools in South Africa. These findings also add to our understanding of implementing interventions in settings where teachers are not sufficiently trained to teach PE. Therefore, school-based health interventions, including a toolkit, should be accompanied by workshops to equip educators with the necessary tools to confidently facilitate PE lessons and integrate a range of PE activities into their classrooms. Future research is recommended to determine the long-term sustainability of school-based health interventions and the long-term post-intervention impact on NCD risk factors. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Health Science, Department of Human Movement Science, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-04

Effect of livestock management and services to ecosystems on rangeland health and resilience in the NamaKaroo

  • Authors: Boshoff, Mishak
  • Date: 2023-04
  • Subjects: Livestock – Management --South Africa—Karoo , Range ecology
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60611 , vital:66017
  • Description: Rangelands offer great opportunities for mutualisms between nature conservation and economic productivity if positive feedback loops can be identified and described. The effects of different livestock management practices are controversial. This research examined the effect of different grazing intensities on soil health using springtails (Collembola) and ants (Formicidae) as bioindicators, combined with soil and vegetation variables. The relationship between rangeland managers and rangeland ecosystems, particularly with regard to feedback loops between land care and economic production, was also investigated. Bioindicator samples were collected at different treatments of livestock grazing intensity and a questionnaire was submitted to 65 rangeland managers in the semi-arid Nama-Karoo biome of South Africa. In most cases we found no significant relationship between grazing intensity and Collembola and ant community composition, vegetation variables, and soil variables. The few significant relationships we found were contradictory in their implications for the effect of high intensity grazing on soil health. The results suggested that differences in livestock management are relatively unimportant for soil health, at least in semi-arid systems under conditions immediately following a drought. The questionnaire yielded results on outline of management practices, basis of management decisions, consequences of monitoring veld to inform management decisions, and indicators of successful management. Respondents characterized by higher ecological fluency focused on livestock production when making management decisions, stocked at higher densities, and monitored the rangeland ecosystem to inform their decisions. For monitoring the ecosystem, they used bioindicators such as diversity of biota, successional stage, and ecologically important functional groups. We concluded that the development of ecological knowledge in rangeland managers enables the establishment of feedback loops between ecosystem services and services to ecosystems, which are desirable for economic productivity and nature conservation. Development of relevant ecological knowledge and management techniques should be based on forums and dialogue among rangeland managers, developing distributed cognition and resilience in the community of rangeland managers. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School Natural Resource Science and Management, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-04

Efficacy of recapitalisation and development programme: A comparative study of the citrus farms in Amathole district

  • Authors: Ndema, Thenjiwe
  • Date: 2023-04
  • Subjects: Land reform , Development policy
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62227 , vital:72019
  • Description: The majority of the land reform beneficiaries have remained poor, with some being worse off than before. Despite the various government initiatives to address issues of food insecurity and poverty alleviation, there has been slow progress in terms of producing enough food to ensure local and national food security. In South Africa, the Recapitalisation and Development Programme (RECAP) was initiated to alleviate the challenges faced by land redistribution and restitution recipient farmers such as inadequate post-settlement support to increase farms production output in order for them to become successful commercial farms. Several farmers have benefitted from this programme and the have been able to increase production output while others are still struggling, or worse showing zero output. These mixed outcomes call into question the efficacy of RECAP and the need to understand why some farmers are successful while others are not. This study adopted a qualitative comparative case study approach of six RECAP beneficiary citrus farms located in the Amathole District of the Eastern Cape as well as their respective strategic partner and mentors. The findings of the study were analysed with the employ of reflexive thematic analysis. The study found that RECAP recipient citrus producers in Amathole have experienced varying degrees of success with access to finance being the key obstacle to success. Significantly, the study found that the challenges around finance do not relate primarily to the purchase of inputs to production, as was the previous understanding, but rather relate to the securing of title deeds and having a history of receiving finance which combined allow farmers to access additional finance when needed. The findings of this study have practical implications for policymakers as land reform and food security remain key Development challenges in South Africa that have been exacerbated by climate change. , Thesis (Ma) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-04

End-user requirements of an assistive technology for profoundly deaf parents with infants

  • Authors: Mxhego, Zukile Bright
  • Date: 2023-04
  • Subjects: End-user computing , Assistive computer technology , Deaf parents
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , Thesis
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60707 , vital:66373
  • Description: As the number of deaf people in the world increases, the amount of parents who are deaf, is also growing. The world is increasingly relying on technology from which deaf parents can, and do, benefit significantly. Deaf parents are able to rely on available technology such as assistive technologies to overcome functional limitations. However, assistive technologies are often abandoned within a short period of time of being acquired. The abandonment of assistive technologies is believed to be due to a lack of proper elicitation of requirements. Therefore, the problem identified in this research is a lack of understanding of end-user requirements of an assistive technology for profoundly deaf parents with infants. A literature review together with logical argumentation was conducted and applied to identify and recommend a method suitable for eliciting end-user requirements for assistive technologies. Thereafter, an integrative literature review and thematic analysis was done to extract needs and challenges of profoundly deaf parents with infants, and group them according to themes that emerged. Finally, making use of the recommended method and the extracted needs and challenges of profoundly deaf parents with infants, twenty-eight end-user requirements of an assistive technology for profoundly deaf parents with infants were elicited. The twenty-eight elicited end-user requirements consist of eighteen end-user requirements that express functions of an assistive technology for profoundly deaf parents with infants, and ten end-user requirements that express an overall goal/objective to be attained by profoundly deaf parents with infants when the assistive technology is designed and developed. To evaluate the elicited end-user requirements, only the eighteen end-user requirements that express functions of an assistive technology for profoundly deaf parents with infants were considered. The evaluation was done by assessing both existing and emerging assistive technologies to understand the comprehensiveness of the eighteen elicited end-user requirements that express functions of an assistive technology for profoundly deaf parents with infants. , Thesis (MIT) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Information and Communication Technology, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-04

End-user requirements of an assistive technology for profoundly Deaf parents with infants

  • Authors: Mxhego, Zukile Bright
  • Date: 2023-04
  • Subjects: End-user computing , Assistive Technology , Children of deaf parents
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , Thesis
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65809 , vital:74269
  • Description: As the number of deaf people in the world increases, the amount of parents who are deaf, is also growing. The world is increasingly relying on technology from which deaf parents can, and do, benefit significantly. Deaf parents are able to rely on available technology such as assistive technologies to overcome functional limitations. However, assistive technologies are often abandoned within a short period of time of being acquired. The abandonment of assistive technologies is believed to be due to a lack of proper elicitation of requirements. Therefore, the problem identified in this research is a lack of understanding of end-user requirements of an assistive technology for profoundly deaf parents with infants. A literature review together with logical argumentation was conducted and applied to identify and recommend a method suitable for eliciting end-user requirements for assistive technologies. Thereafter, an integrative literature review and thematic analysis was done to extract needs and challenges of profoundly deaf parents with infants, and group them according to themes that emerged. Finally, making use of the recommended method and the extracted needs and challenges of profoundly deaf parents with infants, twenty-eight end-user requirements of an assistive technology for profoundly deaf parents with infants were elicited. The twenty-eight elicited end-user requirements consist of eighteen end-user requirements that express functions of an assistive technology for profoundly deaf parents with infants, and ten end-user requirements that express an overall goal/objective to be attained by profoundly deaf parents with infants when the assistive technology is designed and developed. To evaluate the elicited end-user requirements, only the eighteen end-user requirements that express functions of an assistive technology for profoundly deaf parents with infants were considered. The evaluation was done by assessing both existing and emerging assistive technologies to understand the comprehensiveness of the eighteen elicited end-user requirements that express functions of an assistive technology for profoundly deaf parents with infants. , Thesis (MIT) -- Faculty of of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Information Technology, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-04

Enhanced peoples housing process and income generation: a case study of the Vulindlela self-help housing programme in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa

  • Authors: Mosiea, Tshepang Handsome
  • Date: 2023-04
  • Subjects: House of the People , Revenue-generating , Housing programme -- KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa)
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral's theses , Thesis
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/66206 , vital:74432
  • Description: The study presented in this thesis examines the effects of the Vulindlela self-help housing programme’s governmentality on income-generating opportunities by beneficiaries; the rationale and assumptions underpinning the self-help housing programme; and evaluates whether the programme was implemented according to policy. The study also investigates the relationship between the Vulindlela self-help housing programme’s beneficiary involvement, beneficiary satisfaction, and skills development provided by the programme on income opportunities for beneficiaries. Using the empirical case study of the Vulindlela self-help housing programme in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, this study verifies the EPHP’s view that self-help housing programmes provide fertile ground for livelihoods, income generation and asset ownership. The study is underpinned by the interpretivist paradigm, which relies on qualitative and quantitative data, comprising primary data (individual key-informant interviews and survey data); as well as secondary qualitative data from desktop research. It utilises a Foucauldian approach, in which the rationalities and practices of the self-help housing programme, and the effects of the technologies of self, power, self-esteem, self-responsibilisation and the market, are evaluated to see how these factors have influenced income generation by beneficiaries in one of the largest self-help housing policy programmes in SA. These technologies are examined in the context of the Vulindlela programme using Foucault’s theory of governmentality. The findings confirm that the Vulindlela programme was implemented according to its policy. However, not all aspects of the policy programme were understood or may have been implemented during the programme. As such, not all participants (i.e. housing beneficiaries, government officials and cooperative directors) understood the intended outcomes nor how these policy outcomes would be realised. Despite many challenges that confronted the implementation of the Vulindlela self-help housing programme, the study concludes that the governmentality of the Vulindlela self-help housing programme had a positive impact on income opportunities for beneficiaries. The programme is one that finds itself held between two contradicting rationalities: neoliberal aspirations (provision of market and income opportunities for cooperatives that vii act as contractors), and moral aspirations (initiating empowerment of disadvantaged beneficiaries/ community development). The rationale behind the Vulindlela self-help housing programme was about providing income opportunities for beneficiaries and was heavily influenced by the neoliberal ideas of the UN-Habitat and the World Bank. Key policy recommendations, informed by implementation challenges of the Vulindlela programme, are offered for policy adjustments, as well as a conceptual framework for the design and implementation of self-help housing programmes to realise intended policy outcomes, that is income generation by housing beneficiaries and enhancement of local economic opportunities through the programme. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Engineering Built Environment and Technology, School of Built Environment and Civil Engineering, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-04

Enhancing employee engagement and wellbeing whilst implementing remote working throughout the COVID-19 pandemic

  • Authors: Pienaar, Johan Edward
  • Date: 2023-04
  • Subjects: Remote working , Employees
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62344 , vital:72386
  • Description: The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the way in which companies conduct their operations. Companies that were characterised by centralised brick and mortar offices had to quickly adapt to a remote work setting to ensure the continuation of operations. This has created difficulties in ensuring that operations continue as per normal without impacting productivity and profitability. Employees are key to organisations in ensuring that a competitive advantage is maintained and achieved. Competitors will be able to copy products, service and processes but they will find it difficult in duplicating the manner in which their employees conduct their daily work activities. Employee engagement and well-being were key for successful organisations pre-COVID-19 in differentiating themselves from competitors. The aim of this study is to assist companies in identifying the drivers of employee engagement and their impact on well-being whilst implementing a remote work setting. The study will more specifically investigate a proposed theoretical model towards increasing employee engagement and well-being. The model proposed that employee engagement and well-being will be impacted by conciliation, cultivation, confidence, compensation and communication. The empirical component of the study was conducted by administering an electronic survey to 110 employees. The survey was administered to a private company that has a national footprint in South Africa. The main findings of this study confirmed that the factors proposed in the model will have a significant impact on employee engagement and that employee engagement will impact well-being. The study found additional variables such as communication personal, communication infrastructure, employer care and intrusion of work into private life that will impact employee engagement. Furthermore, it was found that all the drivers will influence employee well-being. The findings found that employee engagement and well-being will be interdependent on each other. The study concluded by proposing a new model towards increasing employee engagement and well-being in a remote work setting. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-04

Evaluating provisioning and cultural ecosystem services in two contracting estuaries in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Booi Siphesihle
  • Date: 2023-04
  • Subjects: estuaries -- Gqeberha , ecosystem services , Economic value added
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60982 , vital:69585
  • Description: Estuaries are notable for their biodiversity, productive and invertible fisheries, and significant capacities. This study assesses the economic value of the Swartkops and Sundays estuaries in Algoa Bay, Gqeberha, to estuary users and local communities1 . The data was collected from December 2021 to April 2022, during the summer and autumn seasons. The seasons are considered peak times; however, international travel was restricted during Covid-19 level one lockdown. The study employs both the Travel Cost method and the Choice experiment method. Based on the findings, anglers and bait collectors in Swartkops Estuary sell their catches for an average of R77.41. The majority of these anglers and bait collectors earn between R0 and R1 583 per month and rely on catch and bait for a living, with the majority of participants benefiting from provisioning ecosystem service. Sundays estuary users, on the other hand, primarily use the estuary for recreational purposes. Anglers visiting Swartkops and Sundays estuaries spend R4 709 128 and R2 203 158 annually on food and beverages, fuel/transport costs, bait. This contributes R7 534 572.67 and R3 525 052.18 to the local economy in Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality based on the multiplier. The study emphasizes the importance of estuary management and monitoring to preserve and protect them for future generations. The primary issue is to extract resources from the Swartkops and Sundays estuaries in a sustainable manner while also protecting them. Estuaries can help grow the economy if managed well and used in a sustainable way. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Science, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-04

Evaluation of the toxicity of secondary metabolites in Solanum incanum L. to advance community knowledge

  • Authors: Zivanayi, William
  • Date: 2023-04
  • Subjects: Solanum -- Zimbabwe , Pesticides -- Toxicology , Medicinal plants
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61018 , vital:69686
  • Description: The effects of pests and the need to produce adequate food have influenced small-scale farmers in disadvantaged communities to adopt and utilise natural plant pesticides to improve harvests in many Southern African Development Communities. However, the phytochemistry associated with these indigenous plants’ pesticide activity still needs to be explored. The lack of evidence of scientific knowledge of the plant species has caused a lot of health issues among the users of indigenous plant pesticides. Solanum incanum is among the plants utilised to control cabbage aphids in Mkoba village, Zimbabwe. Solanum species are known for their steroidal compounds which comprise glycoalkaloids and saponins. This study evaluated the knowledge, opinions, and attitudes of the vegetable peasant farming community in Gweru regarding their use of the indigenous plant (S. incanum) as a pesticide. The study also reported the phytochemical profiling, structural characterisation of the isolated compounds, and biological and pesticidal activity evaluation of phytochemicals isolated from S. incanum. A descriptive survey was carried out to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices of a conveniently sampled group of vegetable farmers in Mkoba village who use S. incanum as a pesticide. Forty-nine respondents comprised of 19 males and 30 females of ages ranging from 15 to above 60 years took part in the study by answering an open and closed-ended questionnaire. The survey revealed that parents and neighbours were instrumental in disseminating pesticidal information in the community. Brassica napus were the most grown.vegetable and vulnerable to cabbage aphids. Mixed opinions amongst the respondents varied regarding the health and environmental impact of S. incanum as a pesticide. Seventy-five percent (75%) of the respondents supported the use of S. incanum as a pesticide whilst 25% claimed that the use of S. incanum was the source of the health problems experienced in the community. The survey demonstrated that (45)91% of the farmers displayed poor practices regarding the disposal of empty pesticide containers and the use of personal protective clothing. The most prevalent symptoms in the community were skin rash, nausea, headache, and poor vision and these symptoms were common in the age group 30 to 60 years. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-04

Experiences of student radiographers regarding workplace learning in the Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Kettledas, Madelaine
  • Date: 2023-04
  • Subjects: Experiential learning , School-to-work transition , Radiography -- Study and teaching (Higher)
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/69704 , vital:78012
  • Description: Workplace learning (WPL) is one of the learning modes of work-integrated learning and takes place in accredited clinical training institutions, in real-life settings. In this research study WPL refers to, and describes, how student radiographers acquire the necessary skills, knowledge, attributes, values, and behaviours to obtain the requisite learning outcomes. Student radiographers must integrate the theory taught at the Higher Education Institution during WPL in the clinical practice setting. The aim of this research study was to explore and describe the experiences of undergraduate diagnostic student radiographers regarding WPL. A qualitative, explorative, descriptive, and contextual research design was employed to obtain extensive understanding of the experiences of undergraduate diagnostic student radiographers during WPL. Semi-structured focus group interviews were conducted to collect the data. Transcriptions of data were verbatim, and the eight steps of Tesch’s thematic analysis were utilised for coding. The two main themes that emerged from the analysis of the data were as follows; Theme 1: Student radiographers: surviving or thriving and Theme 2: Fundamental components motivating the character of the WPL programme. This research study is presided by methods that ensure trustworthiness and ethical research practices. As a result of the findings, six recommendations were proposed which involve the higher education institution, clinical tutors, and qualified radiographers to ensure that student radiographers become skilled, confident, and competent qualified radiographers. , Thesis (MTech) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Clinical Care & Medicinal Sciences, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-04

Experiences of youths participating in combination social protection and HIV prevention programme in resource constrained settings of Gauteng Province in South Africa: a collective case study design

  • Authors: Zibengwa, Enock
  • Date: 2023-04
  • Subjects: HIV infections -- Prevention , HIV (Viruses) , HIV infections -- Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27347 , vital:66944
  • Description: South Africa continues to experience unacceptably high Human Immunodeficiency Virus HIV incidence rates among youths aged 15 to 24 years. Remarkably, this is despite the numerous youth HIV prevention programmes that have been implemented in the country. Unfortunately, the programmes have not significantly curbed the spread of HIV due to the partial and fragmented nature of their implementation. The programmes are also observed to be weak in addressing complex economic factors recognised as important structural drivers for vulnerabilities that put youths at risk of HIV infection. To address this challenge, there is increased adoption and implementation of the Combination Social Protection introduced in this research as the CSP by Non-Governmental Organisations NGOs. The CSP is a youth empowerment programming strategy whose critical foundations are entrenched in combining economic strengthening interventions and HIV prevention education. CSP could provide youths with a set of indispensable life skills that enhance their competencies and agency to make informed and effective decisions regarding their health and economic lives. Despite its growing traction, little is known regarding links between the CSP and its abilities to improve HIV prevention outcomes for youths. Given the paucity of research, this study aimed to explore the experiences of youths participating in the CSP and HIV prevention programme, with a particular focus on the resource-constrained settings of Gauteng Province in South Africa. This study employed a collective case study design, within the qualitative approach, and was exploratory. In-depth individual interviews were conducted with 30 youths from six established NGOs in the City of Johannesburg (CoJ). Qualitative thematic analysis was employed as a data analysis strategy. Focus groups were separately with six practitioners from the same six NGOs, and five officials from the Department of Social Development (DSD). Both phases of data collection were guided by interview themes, which were aligned with the objectives of the study. The findings of the study point to the fact that the CSP’s innovative and holistic approach offered numerous transformative and empowering benefits to youths. It equipped them with basic informational resources, capabilities, and social assets to safeguard their health and aid their economic advancement. The programme’s mixedgender sessions provided space, freedom, and support for youths to engage on issues of gender, differential access to health and socio-economic opportunities. Another major finding of the study was that improvement of economic aptitude (brought about by financial literacy education), employability, and entrepreneurship training stirred a sense of agency and purposefulness among youths, which in turn, prompted them to be more focused on achieving long-term objectives instead of indulging in risky sexual practices. Conversely, findings revealed that the programme had limited opportunities and did not create an adequate supportive environment for youths to develop successful entrepreneurial or income-generating projects. There was also no structure to assist youths to access apprenticeship and employment markets. The study specifically recognised that the programme’s efforts to develop youths’ entrepreneurship and employability capabilities were curtailed by a lack of mentorshipnand access to financial capital for start-up costs. With these findings in mind, recommendations are made for the creation of an enabling environment by purposefully engaging youths, establishing collaborative relations with communities, and building networks with businesses and financial institutions that can help youths with capital, mentorship, and linkages to internship and wage employment. Such collaborations could be fundamental in unravelling the impact of the programme on building livelihoods and reducing HIV among youths. Hence, this study proposes a model with strategies to support the successful implementation of economic strengthening interventions for youths. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-04

Exploring African vs Western values: A Case Study of Managing Conflict of Interest in the Public Sector

  • Authors: Nkohla, Tumelo Luvuyo
  • Date: 2023-04
  • Subjects: Public works , Conflict of interest
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62275 , vital:72369
  • Description: This study explored African versus (vs) Western values on managing conflict of interest in the Eastern Cape Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (ECPDWI). This research was evoked by the ethical challenges of gift giving, procurement and recruitment processes, which give rise to conflicts of interest. These challenges are caused by difficulties in applying public sector policy instruments to manage such conflicts of interest. These policies were developed on foundations of Western values, whereas most public servants subscribe to an African value system, hence there is conflict. This study explored the implications of these values in the management of conflicts of interest. The study was conducted using qualitative research and purposive sampling was used. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data and a 60% participation rate was attained. This research enhances policy instruments to manage conflicts of interest within ECDPWI. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse, interpret and report on the data. Findings were reported under thematic headings of gift giving and receiving, conflicts of interest in procurement and recruitment, including relevance of the code of conduct and policies. The study found dichotomous views on gift giving from African and Western values perspectives. African perspectives believe that conflict of interest policies do not reflect the values of Ubuntu, which drives Africans’ human behaviour. The study observed that the mechanisms of managing conflicts of interest in procurement and recruitment are inadequate and ineffective from both an African and Western perspective. The study established that a code of conduct was irrelevant in managing conflicts of interest from African perspectives. Recommendations included amongst others, a review of the gift policy to consider observations identified on African gift giving, structured awareness programmes, strengthened accountability on managing conflicts of interest within procurement and recruitment respectively. Additionally, the development of a framework to manage conflict of interest within ECDPWI taking into consideration both African and Western values perspectives, was recommended. This study enhances scholarly debate on exploring African ethics within a business context, by suggesting a synthesis of African and Western values towards managing conflicts of interest in the South African public sector. , Thesis (Ma) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-04

Exploring strategies that enhance a safety culture in mitigating the number of safety incidents at Eskom.

  • Authors: Ngeva, Unathi Felix
  • Date: 2023-04
  • Subjects: safety culture , Electrical injuries , Safety incidents
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62260 , vital:72368
  • Description: Ever since its emergence during the 1980’s, safety culture has become a topical subject in high-risk industries such as electricity generation, construction, mining, and many others. Eskom in particular has paid a considerable amount of attention on the issue of safety in general. Although the company has made safety one of its focal points through its SHEQ Policy and various interventions in an endeavour to promote safety culture in the organisation, its safety statistics are showing that safety incidents are continuing to happen. To commence the inquiry, a literature review was conducted on secondary sources which highlighted various causes of employee injury-related incidents at Eskom which range from fall on same level, motor vehicle accidents, struck by, and others. In an endeavour to assist the company to enhance a safety culture so that it can achieve its value of ‘Zero Harm’, this study focuses on different modalities that can be developed to improve the status quo. It examines ways that can be followed towards improving the safety relationship between management and employees which in turn will result in an improved overall safety culture of the organisation. In so doing, managements’ perceptions regarding the safety culture that is currently in place as well as the employee’s attitudes towards safety standards were used to gain insights into the organisation’s safety climate on safety behaviour while examining the existing safety culture. To realise the empirical objectives of the study, a pragmatic research paradigm was adopted. This approach involved the use of both a qualitative research method, namely, a focus group, and a quantitative research method, namely, a questionnaire. Quantitative data was analysed using SPSS version 26. Meanwhile, data collected during interviews was analysed using a thematic analysis. Key findings from this study point mainly to the level of mistrust between employees and the safety leadership, which, if left unattended will have a knock-on-effect not only to the safety culture but to the entire organisational culture. Based on the meaningful results uncovered by this study, various recommendations that are aimed at enhancing a safety culture in the organisation were made. Among these recommendations, it was suggested that coaching and mentorship programmes be introduced and allow employees to champion some of the safety programmes to enhance morale and safety accountability. , Thesis (Ma) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-04

Factors affecting pinniped skull morphology

  • Authors: Penaluna, Julia Elizabeth
  • Date: 2023-04
  • Subjects: hybridisation -- South Africa , Sexual dimorphism (Animals) , Craniology
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61306 , vital:70077
  • Description: Morphologies have evolved due to trade-offs between competing selective pressures. This is especially true for the skull. Not only does it contain the brain and the organs that are responsible for sensory function, but it is also contains components that play important roles in feeding, breathing, balance, defence, aggression and communication. The pinnipeds, a group of species that has evolved from terrestrial origins and became adapted to the marine environment, are under numerous selective pressures within the marine environment. These species have had to evolve in order to capture and process food underwater, and to dive. In addition, they are also characterised by substantial sexual size dimorphism in some species. Pinnipeds also make use of numerous marine and haul-out habitats with varying characteristics and complexity. Hybridisation has been recorded among pinnipeds, resulting in the production of hybrid offspring with characteristics that are different to their parent species. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of these life history characteristics on skull and mandible morphology of pinniped species using three dimensional geometric morphometrics. To achieve this, 43 skull and 15 mandible 3D landmarks were collected using a Microscribe G2X digitizer with 0.2mm accuracy, on the skull and mandibles of 17 species of pinnipeds across three families, and one hybrid species. In total, 96 specimens across these species were examined. Data on the different life history characteristics of each species were collected from the literature. These data were plotted onto the PCA results in order to create and visually compare minimum convex polygons for each life history category. The results found that phylogeny, feeding strategy and sexual dimorphism were the most important factors in explaining differences in pinniped skull and mandible shape and size. may have resulted in these changes. Similarly, the inclusion of more species, covering a broader range of life histories may be beneficial. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-04

Factors influencing consumers’ adoption of chatbot assisted marketing activities in the South African banking industry

  • Authors: Rusike, Christabel
  • Date: 2023-04
  • Subjects: Banks and banking -- South Africa , Consumer movements
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62380 , vital:72643
  • Description: In a world where technology is evolving at an alarming rate there have been so many advancements and developments in the marketing field and how consumers engage in accessing products and services. In general, a great body of literature on information technology shows evidence that areas such as mobile banking and organisational technology adoption have been explored. However, limited attention has been dedicated to consumer adoption or acceptance stages of technology, particularly chatbots in the South African context. Apart from that, during the peak of the Covid 19 pandemic, consumers had to adjust to mainly doing transactions online as there was a restriction in accessing banking halls. Given this backdrop, the aim of this study is to address this particular research gap through investigating factors influencing consumers’ adoption of chatbot assisted marketing activities in the South African banking industry. The research was inspired and constructed upon three research theories, namely Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), The Diffusion of Innovation Theory (DoIT) and Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2). Based on these theories, a hypothesised model was formulated with eight independent variables, namely Perceived Usefulness, Perceived Ease of Use, Facilitating Conditions, Price Value, Hedonic Motivation, Social Influence, Perceived Compatibility and Relative Advantage. The dependent variable was put forward as Chatbot Adoption. Descriptive and explanatory research designs were selected for this study, utilising a quantitative research methodology. In addressing the objectives of the study, secondary data was collected through the internet, magazines, newspapers, articles, journals and books to aid in completing the literature chapters and construction of the measuring instrument. Primary data was also collected through a self-administered questionnaire which was created on QuestionPro and the link was distributed to the respondents. The population under study were consumers of the banking industry products and services in South Africa. The target respondents consisted of consumers who hold valid bank account and have used or experienced online activities within the banking sector. A non-probability vii sampling method through convenience and snowball sampling was adopted to recruit the respondents. Data were obtained from 151 usable survey questionnaires. The data collected from the respondents was coded and captured on a Microsoft excel spreadsheet which was then followed by analysing of data using IBM SPSS version 16. From the analysed results, all the suggested independent variables were retained as the respondents confirm in varying degrees the influence on behaviour that the factors have. The study found that the eight independent factors have practical and statistically significant correlation with consumer adoption of chatbot assisted marketing activities within the South African banking industry. In addition, the inferential ranking of the factors indicates that Relative Advantage, Perceived Usefulness and Price Value fall under one group of significant factors perceived by consumers in their decision to adopt chatbot assisted marketing activities. It can therefore be concluded that it is useful for the banking industry to implement the identified factors and recommendations offered to enhance the use of chatbots in consumers’ online banking activities as the responses obtained are in general favourable. The study thus contributes theoretically and practically to the body of knowledge particularly digital marketing through chatbots in the banking sector. Therefore, the findings can be useful for financial marketing, digital banking and the suggested model can help the marketing and artificial intelligence departments in the banking industry in the decision-making process. , Thesis (Ma) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-04

Factors that contribute to an optimal omnichannel retail experience: A South African perspective

  • Authors: Hopa, Tandazile
  • Date: 2023-04
  • Subjects: Business planning , Consumer satisfaction
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61339 , vital:70374
  • Description: The increase in the number of channels driven by technology trajectory over the years have led to a change in customer behaviour. Customers move around different retailer platforms during a single purchase; even so customers still expect a superior and seamless customer experience while navigating these channels. The present study built on studies conducted in countries such as China, Spain, India, United Kingdom amongst others to determine if the learnings from these countries can be applied in the South African context. This study used an interpretivist phenomenological approach and interviewed a qualitative sample of participants to gain insights on their experiences while shopping in these retailers. This study will assist Information Technology managers with prioritisation of their technology roadmaps. This study will also contribute to computer science studies because programmers will have a context of a customer’s perspective when developing omnichannel solutions. Lastly, the study can be used by governments and policy makers in developing national strategic plans relating to shared economy because the study highlights the need to omnichannel retailing in remote areas. The findings from the research were summarised into five themes customer experience, convenience, product, support, and security. The optimal South African omnichannel retail experience is one that allows the customer to seamlessly move across channels by integrating the retailing mix elements of product, place, promotion, price. To achieve this experience, retailers must integrate the customer’s profile information and ensure that the customer’s payment details are secure and are able to seamlessly login in all the retailer platforms. Contrary to the researcher’s expectations, South African customers do not expect an omnichannel support. They expect to keep online support separate from in-store support. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-04

Factors that influence the success of total quality management (TGM) practices in a South African (SA) automotive organisation

  • Authors: Makone, Tlangelani Sandra
  • Date: 2023-04
  • Subjects: Automotive Industry , Total Quality Management
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62113 , vital:71996
  • Description: The South African automotive industry is a key driver of the economy and industrialisation of the country. The Covid-19 pandemic has had adverse effects on many industries globally. In the automotive industry, Covid-19 affected the supply chain resulting in a shortage of semi-conductors, which are essential in the microchips used in the vehicle assembly process. The delays in supply resulted in decreased production volumes and thus a decline in sales which has had an adverse effect on the economic growth of the industry. Therefore, the automotive industry must be sustainable and agile to be competitive globally. This study aimed to focus on total quality management (TQM) practices as a tool for competitive advantage. TQM is significant for sustainability, business continuity and competitive advantage. The study highlights the relevance of TQM practices in the global automotive industry and in South Africa where the study was performed. The organisations at the base of the study are multinational original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) that manufacture passenger vehicles for both local and export markets. This quantitative study investigated the relationship between leadership support, quality culture, education and training, structure and resources, and strategic quality plan as the independent variables and TQM practices as the dependent variable. A closed-ended online survey with 70 respondents was employed to collect the data from the OEMs. The findings are that there is a positive and significant correlation between the variables. Leadership support, quality culture and strategic quality planning have more influence on the success of TQM practices. Education and training, and structure and resources have a moderate influence on TQM practices. Managers in quality assurance and production in automotive organisations need to prioritise leadership support, quality culture and strategic quality planning for TQM practices to succeed. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-04
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