The socio-economic contribution of non-timber forest product trade to households in four villages in Zomba and Machinga Districts, Malawi
- Authors: Mahonya, Sophie Manchichi
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/4787 , vital:20724
- Description: The principal aim of this study was to assess the socio-economic contribution of nontimber forest product (NTFP) trade to households in Zomba and Machinga, southern Malawi. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected through several methods, including a household survey using questionnaire interviews, focus group discussions, key informant interviews with individual traders, direct observations, and literature review. The quantitative data were analysed statistically using SPPS version 16.0 while the qualitative data were analysed thematically. NTFP trade was the third important source of cash income for 15% of the households, although the level of use, buying and selling of NTFPs varied across the four study villages. All households in all the study villages used firewood (100%), and most used thatch grass (94%), bamboo (96%), wood for building (92%), largely as construction materials. However, the percentage of households buying NTFPs was lower, with the maximum percentage of households being 50%. The percent of households engaged in selling at least one NTFP was lower still at 39%. Substantial cash incomes were generated from firewood and edible orchids sales which provided up to a maximum of Mk180,000, equivalent to US$456, per year. Households joined the trade mostly for an alternative source of cash income due to poverty and to meet basic needs when other options were not available or feasible. Cash income generated from NTFP trade acted as a safety net and a coping strategy when other avenues supporting livelihoods were not accessible. The socio-economic benefits derived from NTFP trade were associated with the quantities collected, sold, market forces influenced by the law of demand and supply. The small amounts of cash income generated by most households were important as they supplemented household cash needs. There was a strong association between NTFP trade as one of the important sources of cash income and the number of months a household had food from their own garden in a year. There was a significant relationship though weak between ranking of NTFP trade and livestock ownership by households. Value chain analysis was used as an analytical tool to understand the processes involved in NTFP trade. The value chains for the products under study were short, dominated by traders and some intermediaries. Most of the products were sold in local markets with little value addition. This study recommends that policy makers should integrate NTFPs into their development plans, emphasizing the establishment of management strategies that will enhance availability and sustainability of the resource. NTFPs contributed to the livelihoods of the households socially and economically through provision of food, cash income, energy for cooking, medicine and construction materials.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mahonya, Sophie Manchichi
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/4787 , vital:20724
- Description: The principal aim of this study was to assess the socio-economic contribution of nontimber forest product (NTFP) trade to households in Zomba and Machinga, southern Malawi. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected through several methods, including a household survey using questionnaire interviews, focus group discussions, key informant interviews with individual traders, direct observations, and literature review. The quantitative data were analysed statistically using SPPS version 16.0 while the qualitative data were analysed thematically. NTFP trade was the third important source of cash income for 15% of the households, although the level of use, buying and selling of NTFPs varied across the four study villages. All households in all the study villages used firewood (100%), and most used thatch grass (94%), bamboo (96%), wood for building (92%), largely as construction materials. However, the percentage of households buying NTFPs was lower, with the maximum percentage of households being 50%. The percent of households engaged in selling at least one NTFP was lower still at 39%. Substantial cash incomes were generated from firewood and edible orchids sales which provided up to a maximum of Mk180,000, equivalent to US$456, per year. Households joined the trade mostly for an alternative source of cash income due to poverty and to meet basic needs when other options were not available or feasible. Cash income generated from NTFP trade acted as a safety net and a coping strategy when other avenues supporting livelihoods were not accessible. The socio-economic benefits derived from NTFP trade were associated with the quantities collected, sold, market forces influenced by the law of demand and supply. The small amounts of cash income generated by most households were important as they supplemented household cash needs. There was a strong association between NTFP trade as one of the important sources of cash income and the number of months a household had food from their own garden in a year. There was a significant relationship though weak between ranking of NTFP trade and livestock ownership by households. Value chain analysis was used as an analytical tool to understand the processes involved in NTFP trade. The value chains for the products under study were short, dominated by traders and some intermediaries. Most of the products were sold in local markets with little value addition. This study recommends that policy makers should integrate NTFPs into their development plans, emphasizing the establishment of management strategies that will enhance availability and sustainability of the resource. NTFPs contributed to the livelihoods of the households socially and economically through provision of food, cash income, energy for cooking, medicine and construction materials.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The socio-economic impact of urban renewal projects in South Africa townships
- Authors: Kagande, Albert Tafadzwa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Urban renewal -- South Africa City planning -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa Land use -- South Africa South Africa -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/17756 , vital:28451
- Description: Urban areas have become strategic locations where many throng to for a better life. However, wealth and economic opportunities are not evenly distributed in these urban spaces. South Africa is a fairly young democracy whose urban landscape has been largely shaped by the colonial apartheid system. The apartheid system segregated and relegated the black majority to the fringes of the cities into crowded communities characterised by poor living conditions, exclusion from the mainstream economy and limited urban amenities. Townships epitomise the harsh reality of the urban poor and how underdevelopment has been perpetuated. South Africa came up with different policies to redress the historical imbalances and inform urban development strategies. Urban renewal has been implemented as a development strategy in various cities across the world in an attempt to revive and improve the social, economic and environmental state of derelict urban spaces. Townships in South Africa have been the target areas for urban renewal with 8 presidential nodes having been initially identified for such in 2001. Eventually, Helenvale was added to the mix as a prime node in 2006 and the Helenvale Urban Renewal Project (HURP) was birthed - Helenvale and HURP being the identified site and project for this research respectively. An evaluative approach was adopted in assessing the socio-economic impact of urban renewal in South Africa townships and more specifically the socio-economic impact of HURP. Helenvale, like most townships in South Africa, is characterised by a high density settlement pattern, poverty, high unemployment, high rate of violence and crime, drug trade and substance abuse as well as a high rate of school dropouts. The Helenvale Urban Renewal Project (HURP) was implemented by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) and eventually the Mandela Bay Development Agency (MBDA) with the intention to rejuvenate the community on the social, economic and environmental front. The study findings showed that Helenvale, like all urban renewal nodes in South Africa had a number of socio-economic issues which prompted HURP. These include high unemployment (was 53.5% in 2013); alarming levels of violence and crime; drug trade and substance abuse and high rate of school dropout. Between 2007 and 2014, different projects were implemented under HURP, focusing mainly on physical development and community building. Study respondents had mixed reactions and perceptions of the impact of HURP. On one hand, the project saw the community benefit from the constructed public facilities like recreational parks and resource centre as well as capacity development and created employment opportunities. On the other hand, unemployment has persisted with only a small proportion of the population benefiting from the created jobs; crime remains unabated; drug trade has persisted leaving parents fearing for their young and gang violence has rendered the provided safe public physical features ineffective and the housing challenge has also not been resolved. By and large urban renewal and in this particular study, HURP has made great strides in improving the social and economic standing of the township community despite the challenges that are still lurking. A number of recommendations were proposed for similar studies and for urban renewal initiatives in South Africa. For the latter the study recommended having a robust policy that speaks to urban renewal directly and informs such. Other propositions include allowing the community to own and be stewards of urban renewal initiatives; allocating enough resources, both human and financial; and tailoring the project to respond to the needs of a particular community and not a one size fits all approach. In terms of similar studies the study recommends using a mixed methods approach to evaluate the impact of such ventures as well as evaluating more than one urban renewal initiatives for comparison and to allow for the generalizability of the findings.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Kagande, Albert Tafadzwa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Urban renewal -- South Africa City planning -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa Land use -- South Africa South Africa -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/17756 , vital:28451
- Description: Urban areas have become strategic locations where many throng to for a better life. However, wealth and economic opportunities are not evenly distributed in these urban spaces. South Africa is a fairly young democracy whose urban landscape has been largely shaped by the colonial apartheid system. The apartheid system segregated and relegated the black majority to the fringes of the cities into crowded communities characterised by poor living conditions, exclusion from the mainstream economy and limited urban amenities. Townships epitomise the harsh reality of the urban poor and how underdevelopment has been perpetuated. South Africa came up with different policies to redress the historical imbalances and inform urban development strategies. Urban renewal has been implemented as a development strategy in various cities across the world in an attempt to revive and improve the social, economic and environmental state of derelict urban spaces. Townships in South Africa have been the target areas for urban renewal with 8 presidential nodes having been initially identified for such in 2001. Eventually, Helenvale was added to the mix as a prime node in 2006 and the Helenvale Urban Renewal Project (HURP) was birthed - Helenvale and HURP being the identified site and project for this research respectively. An evaluative approach was adopted in assessing the socio-economic impact of urban renewal in South Africa townships and more specifically the socio-economic impact of HURP. Helenvale, like most townships in South Africa, is characterised by a high density settlement pattern, poverty, high unemployment, high rate of violence and crime, drug trade and substance abuse as well as a high rate of school dropouts. The Helenvale Urban Renewal Project (HURP) was implemented by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) and eventually the Mandela Bay Development Agency (MBDA) with the intention to rejuvenate the community on the social, economic and environmental front. The study findings showed that Helenvale, like all urban renewal nodes in South Africa had a number of socio-economic issues which prompted HURP. These include high unemployment (was 53.5% in 2013); alarming levels of violence and crime; drug trade and substance abuse and high rate of school dropout. Between 2007 and 2014, different projects were implemented under HURP, focusing mainly on physical development and community building. Study respondents had mixed reactions and perceptions of the impact of HURP. On one hand, the project saw the community benefit from the constructed public facilities like recreational parks and resource centre as well as capacity development and created employment opportunities. On the other hand, unemployment has persisted with only a small proportion of the population benefiting from the created jobs; crime remains unabated; drug trade has persisted leaving parents fearing for their young and gang violence has rendered the provided safe public physical features ineffective and the housing challenge has also not been resolved. By and large urban renewal and in this particular study, HURP has made great strides in improving the social and economic standing of the township community despite the challenges that are still lurking. A number of recommendations were proposed for similar studies and for urban renewal initiatives in South Africa. For the latter the study recommended having a robust policy that speaks to urban renewal directly and informs such. Other propositions include allowing the community to own and be stewards of urban renewal initiatives; allocating enough resources, both human and financial; and tailoring the project to respond to the needs of a particular community and not a one size fits all approach. In terms of similar studies the study recommends using a mixed methods approach to evaluate the impact of such ventures as well as evaluating more than one urban renewal initiatives for comparison and to allow for the generalizability of the findings.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The South African tax implications of ceasing to be resident
- Authors: Walker, Anthony Howard
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/5555 , vital:20941
- Description: In the context of rapid globalisation, skilled South African employees and professionals are often attracted overseas to take up new work opportunities in foreign countries. This may cause these individuals no longer to be “ordinarily resident” in South Africa. At the same time, changes in modes of travel, information and communication channels could result in companies and trusts no longer being considered to be tax resident in South Africa, if the place of effective management for these entities is moved to a foreign country and a double taxation agreement between South Africa and that foreign country deems these entities to be exclusively resident in the foreign country. The objective of this thesis was to analyse the tax implications that could arise when a resident natural person, trust or company ceases to be a resident or when a Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) ceases to be a CFC. A detailed analysis of the “exit charge” in section 9H of the Income Tax Act was undertaken to understand its normal tax implications when a natural person, trust or company ceases to be a resident or a CFC ceases to be a CFC. This included an analysis of how a natural person, trust or company ceases to be resident or how a CFC ceases to be a CFC. It was found that certain normal tax principles consistently apply to when a natural person, trust or company ceases to be resident or a CFC ceases to be a CFC. At the same time, certain unique normal tax implications arise for trusts and CFCs since they are impacted by the special tax rules that apply to these entities. Furthermore in the case of a trust, a judicial precedent has established that the “exit charge” remains and is taxable in the trust. For CFCs, there is uncertainty as to whether the “exit charge” could arise when a shareholder ceases to be resident, which results in residents no longer holding more than 50% of the total participation or voting rights in that foreign company.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Walker, Anthony Howard
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/5555 , vital:20941
- Description: In the context of rapid globalisation, skilled South African employees and professionals are often attracted overseas to take up new work opportunities in foreign countries. This may cause these individuals no longer to be “ordinarily resident” in South Africa. At the same time, changes in modes of travel, information and communication channels could result in companies and trusts no longer being considered to be tax resident in South Africa, if the place of effective management for these entities is moved to a foreign country and a double taxation agreement between South Africa and that foreign country deems these entities to be exclusively resident in the foreign country. The objective of this thesis was to analyse the tax implications that could arise when a resident natural person, trust or company ceases to be a resident or when a Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) ceases to be a CFC. A detailed analysis of the “exit charge” in section 9H of the Income Tax Act was undertaken to understand its normal tax implications when a natural person, trust or company ceases to be a resident or a CFC ceases to be a CFC. This included an analysis of how a natural person, trust or company ceases to be resident or how a CFC ceases to be a CFC. It was found that certain normal tax principles consistently apply to when a natural person, trust or company ceases to be resident or a CFC ceases to be a CFC. At the same time, certain unique normal tax implications arise for trusts and CFCs since they are impacted by the special tax rules that apply to these entities. Furthermore in the case of a trust, a judicial precedent has established that the “exit charge” remains and is taxable in the trust. For CFCs, there is uncertainty as to whether the “exit charge” could arise when a shareholder ceases to be resident, which results in residents no longer holding more than 50% of the total participation or voting rights in that foreign company.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The stability of tolerance of Sorghum spp to Striga asiatica L. Kuntze under diverse conditions and existence of pre-attachment resistance
- Authors: Mandumbu, Ronald
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Sorghum Sorghum -- Drought tolerance Sorghum -- Effect of drought on
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2788 , vital:28088
- Description: Sorghum is the fifth most important cereal in the world and a staple food for humans. It is also a source of food and fodder for animals. In addition to the abiotic stresses such as drought, parasitic weeds of the genus Striga cause losses in sorghum production in sub Saharan Africa. Striga asiatica is a parasitic weed that attacks cereals in low input agricultural systems and is distributed throughout semi- arid regions of Africa. Most sorghum producing farmers rely on tolerance for their harvests in Striga infested fields yet the stability of tolerance in the face of a changing climate (recurrent droughts), new farming systems (mulch based agriculture) and existence of various Striga strains needs further investigation. Reduced strigolactones production was also studied as a resistance mechanism. The first study was focused on the determination of tolerance of Striga asiatica infested sorghum under drought in a pot study. Five sorghum lines were subjected to infestation with Striga and some were not infested while watering was done at 50 percent field capacity (FC) and 100 percent FC. The results showed that the five sorghum lines differed significantly in chlorophyll content and Normalised Differential Vegetation Index (NDVI). Infection did not lower chlorophyll content when it co-occurred with drought across all sorghum lines. Drought and infestation had mutually exclusive effects on chlorophyll content and NDVI. Under infestation, internode length was similar both at 100 percent FC and at 50 percent FC while under uninfested conditions, 100 percent FC gave the longer internode compared to 50 percent FC. Both infestation and irrigation regime reduced the sorghum head weight, illustrating that the two effects have synergistic effects on sorghum head weight. The second study sought to determine the effects of mulching and infestation on sorghum spp tolerance to Striga asiatica. The experiments were carried out in the seasons 2013/14 and 2014/15 summer seasons. The results indicated that mulching increased chlorophyll content in the 2014/15 season which was a drier season compared to 2013/14. In the 2014/15 season, mulching increased chlorophyll content in all varieties except Ruzangwaya, Mukadziusaende and SC Sila. When the same varieties were infested under mulch and infested without mulch, the results showed that mulching overcomes the effects of infestation in some varieties. Mulch also negates the effect of Striga parasitism and results in yield maintenance in sorghum varieties. The third study sought to determine the stability of sorghum lines when exposed to two Striga asiatica lines sourced from two places which are 500 km apart in Zimbabwe. The two strains were termed the Chiundura and Rushinga strains, based on where they were sourced. The experiments were conducted at Henderson Research Station (HRS) at Mazoe and at Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE). The results showed differential virulence for some traits while the two strains were equally virulent for some traits. The two strains were equally virulent on all sorghum lines with respect to chlorophyll content. The different sorghum lines responded differently to the effects of the two strains. The effects of the two strains were generally similar for head index, root index, and leaf index at all sites. Generally the Chiundura strain was more virulent to sorghum lines compared to Rushinga strain, confirming the existence of physiological strains of Striga in Zimbabwe. Therefore physiological speciation of Striga asiatica exists and this adds a further dimension to the complexity of Striga management in the smallholder sector. Quantification of strigolactone production by different sorghum genotypes was conducted in the laboratory using the agar gel assay. The genotype Mukadziusaende produced significantly the least (P<0.01) quantities of strigolactones, as inferred from the maximum germination distance (MGD) from the sorghum root. The MGD was negatively correlated to tiller numbers illustrating that the more the strigolactones the less the tillering capacity. Tiller numbers and MGD can therefore be used to select for reduced strigolactones production.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mandumbu, Ronald
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Sorghum Sorghum -- Drought tolerance Sorghum -- Effect of drought on
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2788 , vital:28088
- Description: Sorghum is the fifth most important cereal in the world and a staple food for humans. It is also a source of food and fodder for animals. In addition to the abiotic stresses such as drought, parasitic weeds of the genus Striga cause losses in sorghum production in sub Saharan Africa. Striga asiatica is a parasitic weed that attacks cereals in low input agricultural systems and is distributed throughout semi- arid regions of Africa. Most sorghum producing farmers rely on tolerance for their harvests in Striga infested fields yet the stability of tolerance in the face of a changing climate (recurrent droughts), new farming systems (mulch based agriculture) and existence of various Striga strains needs further investigation. Reduced strigolactones production was also studied as a resistance mechanism. The first study was focused on the determination of tolerance of Striga asiatica infested sorghum under drought in a pot study. Five sorghum lines were subjected to infestation with Striga and some were not infested while watering was done at 50 percent field capacity (FC) and 100 percent FC. The results showed that the five sorghum lines differed significantly in chlorophyll content and Normalised Differential Vegetation Index (NDVI). Infection did not lower chlorophyll content when it co-occurred with drought across all sorghum lines. Drought and infestation had mutually exclusive effects on chlorophyll content and NDVI. Under infestation, internode length was similar both at 100 percent FC and at 50 percent FC while under uninfested conditions, 100 percent FC gave the longer internode compared to 50 percent FC. Both infestation and irrigation regime reduced the sorghum head weight, illustrating that the two effects have synergistic effects on sorghum head weight. The second study sought to determine the effects of mulching and infestation on sorghum spp tolerance to Striga asiatica. The experiments were carried out in the seasons 2013/14 and 2014/15 summer seasons. The results indicated that mulching increased chlorophyll content in the 2014/15 season which was a drier season compared to 2013/14. In the 2014/15 season, mulching increased chlorophyll content in all varieties except Ruzangwaya, Mukadziusaende and SC Sila. When the same varieties were infested under mulch and infested without mulch, the results showed that mulching overcomes the effects of infestation in some varieties. Mulch also negates the effect of Striga parasitism and results in yield maintenance in sorghum varieties. The third study sought to determine the stability of sorghum lines when exposed to two Striga asiatica lines sourced from two places which are 500 km apart in Zimbabwe. The two strains were termed the Chiundura and Rushinga strains, based on where they were sourced. The experiments were conducted at Henderson Research Station (HRS) at Mazoe and at Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE). The results showed differential virulence for some traits while the two strains were equally virulent for some traits. The two strains were equally virulent on all sorghum lines with respect to chlorophyll content. The different sorghum lines responded differently to the effects of the two strains. The effects of the two strains were generally similar for head index, root index, and leaf index at all sites. Generally the Chiundura strain was more virulent to sorghum lines compared to Rushinga strain, confirming the existence of physiological strains of Striga in Zimbabwe. Therefore physiological speciation of Striga asiatica exists and this adds a further dimension to the complexity of Striga management in the smallholder sector. Quantification of strigolactone production by different sorghum genotypes was conducted in the laboratory using the agar gel assay. The genotype Mukadziusaende produced significantly the least (P<0.01) quantities of strigolactones, as inferred from the maximum germination distance (MGD) from the sorghum root. The MGD was negatively correlated to tiller numbers illustrating that the more the strigolactones the less the tillering capacity. Tiller numbers and MGD can therefore be used to select for reduced strigolactones production.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The status of employees employed by temporary employment services
- Authors: Strydom, Masunet
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Employment agencies -- South Africa , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa Employees -- South Africa Personnel management -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13680 , vital:27295
- Description: The traditional employer-employee relationship came under an increased threat the past two decades with employers finding the option of utilising the services of Labour Brokers more attractive. Various reasons existed for this tendency amongst employers to opt for the use of Labour Brokers, some of these reasons being valid but mostly some reasons being born out of fear for the unknown labour law duties and obligations that were proposed to be placed on employers post 1994. In the absence of an action plan between the role players in the labour fraternity pathing the way traditional employer-employee relationships could be salvage, employers resorted to the appointment of Labour Brokers and Government on their part retaliated by considering either the total ban of Labour Brokers or the regulation of the profession to such an extent that same became largely unattractive and problematic. The non-addressing of problems and fears faced with by employers post 1994 resulted in an opportunity waisted to narrow the gap between employers and employees with the fight over work force power being the more important factor taken into consideration. This treatise will explore the options that faced the roll players post 1994 in the labour market, the reason for choices made and the effect same has had since on the labour market. The problematic amendments made to Section 198 of the Labour Relations Act in an attempt to iron out the wrinkles poor choices made by the stake holders over the regulations of Labour Brokers, will be discussed. The ripple effect the amendments to Section 198 of the Labour Relations Act had on other pieces of South African legislation will be considered and the uncertainty and confusion it has created discussed. Specific attention needs to be drawn to the intention of the legislature as to which party, the Labour Broker or employer, will be responsible for the ramifications of the wrong doings of an employee. Also, which party will be responsible to the employee to fulfil its labour rights as granted in the Constitution of South Africa. Unleashing reaction to the regulations of Temporary Employment Services does not seem to be a problem, the problem arises where the regulations proposed did not unleashed the desired reaction and roll players finding themselves frustrated and with having no alternative as to turn the Courts to solve the largely self-inflicted conundrum. The courts are left with the task of clarifying the legislature’s true intension in amending section 198 of the Labour Relations Act, which impact the writer with all due respect do not think the legislature even appreciated when the amendments were drafted. Currently, there is dividing views on the future of Labour Brokers per se in South Africa and the interpretation concerning Section 198 of the Labour Relations Act, as amended. The focus of this treatise is to highlight the different interpretations given to these amendments this far and highlight that if it is in fact the wish of stake holders in the Labour fraternity that Labour Brokers should continue to exist, clarification is needed by our Constitution Court on certain vital issues and as discussed in this treatise.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Strydom, Masunet
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Employment agencies -- South Africa , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa Employees -- South Africa Personnel management -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13680 , vital:27295
- Description: The traditional employer-employee relationship came under an increased threat the past two decades with employers finding the option of utilising the services of Labour Brokers more attractive. Various reasons existed for this tendency amongst employers to opt for the use of Labour Brokers, some of these reasons being valid but mostly some reasons being born out of fear for the unknown labour law duties and obligations that were proposed to be placed on employers post 1994. In the absence of an action plan between the role players in the labour fraternity pathing the way traditional employer-employee relationships could be salvage, employers resorted to the appointment of Labour Brokers and Government on their part retaliated by considering either the total ban of Labour Brokers or the regulation of the profession to such an extent that same became largely unattractive and problematic. The non-addressing of problems and fears faced with by employers post 1994 resulted in an opportunity waisted to narrow the gap between employers and employees with the fight over work force power being the more important factor taken into consideration. This treatise will explore the options that faced the roll players post 1994 in the labour market, the reason for choices made and the effect same has had since on the labour market. The problematic amendments made to Section 198 of the Labour Relations Act in an attempt to iron out the wrinkles poor choices made by the stake holders over the regulations of Labour Brokers, will be discussed. The ripple effect the amendments to Section 198 of the Labour Relations Act had on other pieces of South African legislation will be considered and the uncertainty and confusion it has created discussed. Specific attention needs to be drawn to the intention of the legislature as to which party, the Labour Broker or employer, will be responsible for the ramifications of the wrong doings of an employee. Also, which party will be responsible to the employee to fulfil its labour rights as granted in the Constitution of South Africa. Unleashing reaction to the regulations of Temporary Employment Services does not seem to be a problem, the problem arises where the regulations proposed did not unleashed the desired reaction and roll players finding themselves frustrated and with having no alternative as to turn the Courts to solve the largely self-inflicted conundrum. The courts are left with the task of clarifying the legislature’s true intension in amending section 198 of the Labour Relations Act, which impact the writer with all due respect do not think the legislature even appreciated when the amendments were drafted. Currently, there is dividing views on the future of Labour Brokers per se in South Africa and the interpretation concerning Section 198 of the Labour Relations Act, as amended. The focus of this treatise is to highlight the different interpretations given to these amendments this far and highlight that if it is in fact the wish of stake holders in the Labour fraternity that Labour Brokers should continue to exist, clarification is needed by our Constitution Court on certain vital issues and as discussed in this treatise.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The study of blockchain towards its application to South African Social Security Agency (SASSA)
- Authors: Mthethwa, Sthembile
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: South African Social Security Agency Electronic funds transfers -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12610 , vital:39292
- Description: In recent years, there has been a rapid improvement in the way currencies are perceived, which has led to a rise in digital currencies commonly known as cryptocurrencies (because they are secured by the use of cryptography). Bitcoin was the _rst successful cryptocurrency which allowed users to transact directly with each other without the involvement of the third party (the bank). Bitcoin introduced a new technology known as the blockchain which is considered to be the ext-generation technology". Blockchain is a chronological database used to store all the transactions that have occurred since the inception of Bitcoin. A study of the Blockchain involving its application to the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is presented. This study assesses how the Blockchain functions. The Blockchain has been viewed as the next-generation technology. This study also assesses the application of the Blockchain to other systems other than cryptocurrencies or digital currencies. Recent studies in the literature have proposed applications of the Blockchain to other system (e.g. electronic voting, smart contracts, and intellectual property rights). Although these proposals have been put forward, none has been made speci_cally for SASSA. This study also presents the problems that the Blockchain has (e.g. scalability, security).Recent literature has tried to solve the problem of scalability, by introducing new protocols like mini-blockchain. In addition, this study presents the challenges that SASSA is currently having and it provides details about the attacks that could succeed in the system. The study presents the analysis of the blockchain for its application to SASSA; the analysis includes scalability, performance and security. Based on the analysis, it is shown that the blockchain is not compatible to be applied to SASSA. However, this study proposes a solution to some of the challenges SASSA is currently facing.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mthethwa, Sthembile
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: South African Social Security Agency Electronic funds transfers -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12610 , vital:39292
- Description: In recent years, there has been a rapid improvement in the way currencies are perceived, which has led to a rise in digital currencies commonly known as cryptocurrencies (because they are secured by the use of cryptography). Bitcoin was the _rst successful cryptocurrency which allowed users to transact directly with each other without the involvement of the third party (the bank). Bitcoin introduced a new technology known as the blockchain which is considered to be the ext-generation technology". Blockchain is a chronological database used to store all the transactions that have occurred since the inception of Bitcoin. A study of the Blockchain involving its application to the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is presented. This study assesses how the Blockchain functions. The Blockchain has been viewed as the next-generation technology. This study also assesses the application of the Blockchain to other systems other than cryptocurrencies or digital currencies. Recent studies in the literature have proposed applications of the Blockchain to other system (e.g. electronic voting, smart contracts, and intellectual property rights). Although these proposals have been put forward, none has been made speci_cally for SASSA. This study also presents the problems that the Blockchain has (e.g. scalability, security).Recent literature has tried to solve the problem of scalability, by introducing new protocols like mini-blockchain. In addition, this study presents the challenges that SASSA is currently having and it provides details about the attacks that could succeed in the system. The study presents the analysis of the blockchain for its application to SASSA; the analysis includes scalability, performance and security. Based on the analysis, it is shown that the blockchain is not compatible to be applied to SASSA. However, this study proposes a solution to some of the challenges SASSA is currently facing.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The suitability of remote sensing for prioritising management of invasive plants in the Garden Route South Africa
- Gerolemou, Rosie Victoria, Roux, Dirk
- Authors: Gerolemou, Rosie Victoria , Roux, Dirk
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Invasive plants -- Remote sensing , Invasive plants -- South Africa Image processing -- Digital techniques Remote sensing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14300 , vital:27538
- Description: Invasive tree species pose a huge problem in the Garden Route and are particularly damaging to aquatic ecosystems, including wetlands, riparian zones, lakes and estuaries. Therefore, this study aimed to determine priority areas for invasive tree species management, with a focus on aquatic ecosystems. This was achieved by using existing literature to identify priority species, based on their impact on aquatic ecosystems and their associated ecosystem services, and then testing the suitability of SPOT-6 and WorldView-3 multispectral data at detecting these focal species. The priority species identified were: Acacia cyclops (rooikrans), Acacia longifolia (long-leaved wattle), Acacia mearnsii (black wattle), Acacia melanoxylon (blackwood), Acacia saligna (Port Jackson willow), Eucalyptus camaldulensis (red river gum), Pinus pinaster (cluster pine) and Pinus radiata (radiata pine). The Random Forest classifier on SPOT-6 data achieved an overall accuracy of 62.5% and this method was consequently deemed ineffective at separating invasive tree species from other tree species in the Garden Route. The overall accuracy of the WorldView-3 classifier was higher (78.9%) but the cost of the data limited the use of more images for the detection of the focal species throughout the Garden Route. Therefore, to identify priority areas for invasive tree management, criteria derived from existing literature were input into spatial conservation planning software. The analysis identified the: Saasveld section of the Garden Route National Park, the Wilderness Lakes, Knysna Forest, Knysna Estuary, Tsitsikamma Forest around Stormsriver and a disturbed area of fynbos southeast of Kareedouw as management priorities. Currently spatial conservation planning software proved to be cost-affordable and useful tool and is recommended for invasive tree management in the Garden Route.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Gerolemou, Rosie Victoria , Roux, Dirk
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Invasive plants -- Remote sensing , Invasive plants -- South Africa Image processing -- Digital techniques Remote sensing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14300 , vital:27538
- Description: Invasive tree species pose a huge problem in the Garden Route and are particularly damaging to aquatic ecosystems, including wetlands, riparian zones, lakes and estuaries. Therefore, this study aimed to determine priority areas for invasive tree species management, with a focus on aquatic ecosystems. This was achieved by using existing literature to identify priority species, based on their impact on aquatic ecosystems and their associated ecosystem services, and then testing the suitability of SPOT-6 and WorldView-3 multispectral data at detecting these focal species. The priority species identified were: Acacia cyclops (rooikrans), Acacia longifolia (long-leaved wattle), Acacia mearnsii (black wattle), Acacia melanoxylon (blackwood), Acacia saligna (Port Jackson willow), Eucalyptus camaldulensis (red river gum), Pinus pinaster (cluster pine) and Pinus radiata (radiata pine). The Random Forest classifier on SPOT-6 data achieved an overall accuracy of 62.5% and this method was consequently deemed ineffective at separating invasive tree species from other tree species in the Garden Route. The overall accuracy of the WorldView-3 classifier was higher (78.9%) but the cost of the data limited the use of more images for the detection of the focal species throughout the Garden Route. Therefore, to identify priority areas for invasive tree management, criteria derived from existing literature were input into spatial conservation planning software. The analysis identified the: Saasveld section of the Garden Route National Park, the Wilderness Lakes, Knysna Forest, Knysna Estuary, Tsitsikamma Forest around Stormsriver and a disturbed area of fynbos southeast of Kareedouw as management priorities. Currently spatial conservation planning software proved to be cost-affordable and useful tool and is recommended for invasive tree management in the Garden Route.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The sustainability of South African construction small, medium and micro enterprises
- Authors: Anugwo, Iruka Chijindu
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Construction industry -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15259 , vital:28194
- Description: The construction industry is one of the strategic sectors that drive the economic sustainability and competitiveness of any nation. However, the chronic business failure amongst the start-ups and Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in the construction industry globally is of great concern to economic prosperity for both developed and developing countries. This challenge is significantly high in the South African construction industry, where SMMEs account for 95% of the business entities, of which about 80% are most likely to exit from the market within their first five years of operation. Previous studies in this field centred on the factors that lead to construction-business failure. However, the actual operational elements of surviving SMMEs have rarely been addressed and are little understood. Thus, this research aimed to explore the strategic drivers that offer significant solutions to the challenges facing start-up contractors in the South African construction industry. The review of the related literature revealed the strategic drivers and business survival characteristics that foster SMME economic sustainability and competitiveness in the construction market. The qualitative research approach that is rooted in the phenomenological paradigm was adopted for this study. Port Elizabeth, located in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa was the selected geographical scope for this research. Thirty-four (34) construction organisations were purposively selected from the Port Elizabeth construction industry development board (cidb) register of contractors in grades 4-6. The purposive sampling technique was adopted in selecting respondents based on the snowball approach. The research data were collected through in-depth interviewing. It was found that the SMME contractors who succeeded in their first 5 years of operation possessed the following qualities: “fundamental educational qualifications”; “experience and knowledge of construction works”; “a clear understanding of competitive business strategies and characteristics”; “critical skills and multi-skills (functional project teams)”; and “rely on strategic resources, competencies and capabilities”. Also, the significant factors contributing to the SMME contractors’ competitiveness were: “entrepreneurship skills”; “innovation and technological skills”; “leadership skills”; “education, skills training, and investment in Research and Development (R&D)”; as well as “strategic-alliance advantage”. Moreover, globalisation and internationalisation, and government support have significant potential to impact on the success and sustainability of SMME contractors. Unfortunately, these factors are under-utilised or un-strategically adopted by most of the South African SMME contractors. The research has also developed a conceptual model for sustainable performance of SMMEs based on the results and informed by the theoretical framework. The research has also developed a business-survival strategy and model for SMME contractors in the South African construction industry. The study has achieved its aim of identifying the strategic business practices, models and concepts that the surviving and active SMME contractors employed to thrive within and beyond the first five years in the industry. Based on these findings, the study recommends that the start-ups and SMME contractors should gain an insightful and strategic business knowledge on how to develop and grow a competitive and economically sustainable organisation in the industry. This should form part of their competitive business strategic models, their business review plans; and set the benchmark for performance evaluation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Anugwo, Iruka Chijindu
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Construction industry -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15259 , vital:28194
- Description: The construction industry is one of the strategic sectors that drive the economic sustainability and competitiveness of any nation. However, the chronic business failure amongst the start-ups and Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in the construction industry globally is of great concern to economic prosperity for both developed and developing countries. This challenge is significantly high in the South African construction industry, where SMMEs account for 95% of the business entities, of which about 80% are most likely to exit from the market within their first five years of operation. Previous studies in this field centred on the factors that lead to construction-business failure. However, the actual operational elements of surviving SMMEs have rarely been addressed and are little understood. Thus, this research aimed to explore the strategic drivers that offer significant solutions to the challenges facing start-up contractors in the South African construction industry. The review of the related literature revealed the strategic drivers and business survival characteristics that foster SMME economic sustainability and competitiveness in the construction market. The qualitative research approach that is rooted in the phenomenological paradigm was adopted for this study. Port Elizabeth, located in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa was the selected geographical scope for this research. Thirty-four (34) construction organisations were purposively selected from the Port Elizabeth construction industry development board (cidb) register of contractors in grades 4-6. The purposive sampling technique was adopted in selecting respondents based on the snowball approach. The research data were collected through in-depth interviewing. It was found that the SMME contractors who succeeded in their first 5 years of operation possessed the following qualities: “fundamental educational qualifications”; “experience and knowledge of construction works”; “a clear understanding of competitive business strategies and characteristics”; “critical skills and multi-skills (functional project teams)”; and “rely on strategic resources, competencies and capabilities”. Also, the significant factors contributing to the SMME contractors’ competitiveness were: “entrepreneurship skills”; “innovation and technological skills”; “leadership skills”; “education, skills training, and investment in Research and Development (R&D)”; as well as “strategic-alliance advantage”. Moreover, globalisation and internationalisation, and government support have significant potential to impact on the success and sustainability of SMME contractors. Unfortunately, these factors are under-utilised or un-strategically adopted by most of the South African SMME contractors. The research has also developed a conceptual model for sustainable performance of SMMEs based on the results and informed by the theoretical framework. The research has also developed a business-survival strategy and model for SMME contractors in the South African construction industry. The study has achieved its aim of identifying the strategic business practices, models and concepts that the surviving and active SMME contractors employed to thrive within and beyond the first five years in the industry. Based on these findings, the study recommends that the start-ups and SMME contractors should gain an insightful and strategic business knowledge on how to develop and grow a competitive and economically sustainable organisation in the industry. This should form part of their competitive business strategic models, their business review plans; and set the benchmark for performance evaluation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The symbolic consumption and identity construction through luxury branded clothing among Rhodes University students
- Authors: Chinomona, Perpetua
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Group identity , Peer pressure , Brand choice -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Consumer behavior -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Consumer behavior -- Psychological aspects -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Luxuries -- Psychological aspects -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Rhodes University -- Students -- Attitudes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/6853 , vital:21193
- Description: The purpose of this study is to explore how Rhodes University (RU) students construct identity through the symbolic consumption of luxury branded clothing and the role played by reference groups in the consumption behaviour. The study employed the Social Identity Theory (SIT) as a theoretical framework which explains the underpinnings of the cognitions and behaviour with the use of group processes (Trepte, 2006). The central principle of SIT lies in individuals classifying themselves and others into in-group (reference groups) and out-group social categories respectively. There has been a gap in the literature pertaining to a full understanding of the identity construction process through symbolic consumption of luxury brands in South Africa (Reed, 2002). The significance of the study is to provide a foundation for an enhanced theory of consumer behaviour in this context. This study employed a qualitative research approach. A non-probability convenience sampling technique was used, and a total of 12 undergraduate and postgraduate students were interviewed. The chosen data collection method was semi-structured in-depth interviews and data were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings of the study revealed that participants consume luxury branded clothing for both functional and symbolic purposes. Various factors emerged that influence the choice of the symbolic consumption behaviour such as income, buying frequency, spending patterns, perceptions and habits around retail shopping and the shopping experience. In addition, results indicated that reference groups (celebrities, family and peers) play a significant role in the symbolic consumption and construction of identity among the participants. In addition, the results also indicated that the RU participants engaged in a ‘save to spend’ technique whereby they save their pocket money so that they spend it on their favourite luxury branded clothing when they leave for the holidays. There was a common reference group that emerged from the study, namely the peer in-group. The influence of reference groups on youth consumers in South Africa may assist with marketing strategies that can be employed when targeting the Generation Y. Additionally, results indicate that luxury branded clothing have an impact on identity construction within the South African context. The respondents tie their identity to their luxury branded clothing as an indication of ‘who they are’ and as an extension of the ‘self’.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Chinomona, Perpetua
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Group identity , Peer pressure , Brand choice -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Consumer behavior -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Consumer behavior -- Psychological aspects -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Luxuries -- Psychological aspects -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Rhodes University -- Students -- Attitudes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/6853 , vital:21193
- Description: The purpose of this study is to explore how Rhodes University (RU) students construct identity through the symbolic consumption of luxury branded clothing and the role played by reference groups in the consumption behaviour. The study employed the Social Identity Theory (SIT) as a theoretical framework which explains the underpinnings of the cognitions and behaviour with the use of group processes (Trepte, 2006). The central principle of SIT lies in individuals classifying themselves and others into in-group (reference groups) and out-group social categories respectively. There has been a gap in the literature pertaining to a full understanding of the identity construction process through symbolic consumption of luxury brands in South Africa (Reed, 2002). The significance of the study is to provide a foundation for an enhanced theory of consumer behaviour in this context. This study employed a qualitative research approach. A non-probability convenience sampling technique was used, and a total of 12 undergraduate and postgraduate students were interviewed. The chosen data collection method was semi-structured in-depth interviews and data were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings of the study revealed that participants consume luxury branded clothing for both functional and symbolic purposes. Various factors emerged that influence the choice of the symbolic consumption behaviour such as income, buying frequency, spending patterns, perceptions and habits around retail shopping and the shopping experience. In addition, results indicated that reference groups (celebrities, family and peers) play a significant role in the symbolic consumption and construction of identity among the participants. In addition, the results also indicated that the RU participants engaged in a ‘save to spend’ technique whereby they save their pocket money so that they spend it on their favourite luxury branded clothing when they leave for the holidays. There was a common reference group that emerged from the study, namely the peer in-group. The influence of reference groups on youth consumers in South Africa may assist with marketing strategies that can be employed when targeting the Generation Y. Additionally, results indicate that luxury branded clothing have an impact on identity construction within the South African context. The respondents tie their identity to their luxury branded clothing as an indication of ‘who they are’ and as an extension of the ‘self’.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The tablet teacher: learning literacy through technology in Northern Sotho
- Authors: Shiohira, Kelly
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/7034 , vital:21211
- Description: This study evaluates the efficacy of the Bridges to the Future Initiative - South Africa 2 (BFI) tablet program on early literacy skills, as well as the ways in which learner-operated technology interacts with a traditional South African education system. The BFI is a curriculum-aligned early literacy development intervention implemented through technology in grades 2 and 3 in Northern Sotho1 first-language schools. A mixed-methods research design was utilized, involving three components: a literacy skills test administered through a time sequence trial design; a curriculum-aligned uptake and retention test using a pre-post design; and a qualitative research component including classroom observation, participant interviews and prompted drawings by learners. Paired sample t-tests show significantly higher gains during the treatment period in fluency and comprehension, and significantly higher gains in the control period in decoding individual words. It is theorized that this is due to teacher emphasis on emergent literacy. When initial ability is taken into consideration, all ability levels gain more on average during the treatment period in at least one measured skill. Regression analysis determines that time spent on the BFI program is not the most significant determiner of gains in the intervention period. Qualitative analysis supports this finding and suggests that program use cannot replace quality classroom practice in advancing literacy skills. Learners performed better after a delayed retention period than in an initial uptake test, indicating high rates of retention of knowledge gained through program use and traditional instruction, but inconsistent access to literacy skills gained.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Shiohira, Kelly
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/7034 , vital:21211
- Description: This study evaluates the efficacy of the Bridges to the Future Initiative - South Africa 2 (BFI) tablet program on early literacy skills, as well as the ways in which learner-operated technology interacts with a traditional South African education system. The BFI is a curriculum-aligned early literacy development intervention implemented through technology in grades 2 and 3 in Northern Sotho1 first-language schools. A mixed-methods research design was utilized, involving three components: a literacy skills test administered through a time sequence trial design; a curriculum-aligned uptake and retention test using a pre-post design; and a qualitative research component including classroom observation, participant interviews and prompted drawings by learners. Paired sample t-tests show significantly higher gains during the treatment period in fluency and comprehension, and significantly higher gains in the control period in decoding individual words. It is theorized that this is due to teacher emphasis on emergent literacy. When initial ability is taken into consideration, all ability levels gain more on average during the treatment period in at least one measured skill. Regression analysis determines that time spent on the BFI program is not the most significant determiner of gains in the intervention period. Qualitative analysis supports this finding and suggests that program use cannot replace quality classroom practice in advancing literacy skills. Learners performed better after a delayed retention period than in an initial uptake test, indicating high rates of retention of knowledge gained through program use and traditional instruction, but inconsistent access to literacy skills gained.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The taxation of illegal income in South Africa: the basis on which proceeds from a unilateral taking should be taxed
- Authors: Nyakanyanga, Kudzai Talent
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/5960 , vital:21002
- Description: In South Africa, income tax is levied in terms of the Income Tax Act, 58 of 1962, and the calculation of a taxpayer’s taxable income and ultimately the tax liability commences with considering what constitutes the taxpayer’s gross income. In terms of the definition of “gross income” a person can be taxed either on receipts or accruals. The definition makes no reference, however, to the legality of receipts or accruals. The main issue addressed in this thesis is the interpretation of the term “receipt” in relation to the proceeds from a unilateral taking (theft) and whether the concept of a receipt in relation to theft should be interpreted using the subjective approach used in MP Finance Group CC (In Liquidation) v C:SARS, or the objective approach. An interpretative research approach was used to provide clarity on the matter. The documentary data used for the research consists of South African tax legislation, case law, textbooks and journal articles. The thesis also analysed SARS’ view in Interpretation Note 80 that MP Finance Group CC (In Liquidation) v C:SARS is authority for a unilateral taking being a receipt, and the correctness of this viewpoint. A brief comparative analysis was done of the basis on which illegal income flowing from a unilateral taking is taxed in Australia, New Zealand and America. These countries have legislative provisions that specifically deal with how the proceeds from theft in the hands of a thief should be treated for tax purposes. The thesis concludes that, although the court in MP Finance Group CC (In Liquidation) v C:SARS shed some light on the issue of the taxability of income from illegal activities, the basis on which proceeds from theft may be taxed, as opposed to the basis on which proceeds from other illegal activities like fraud are taxed, remains a grey area in our law. The thesis recommends the introduction of a legislative provision in order to provide a more unified, consistent and effective approach when taxing all illegal income.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Nyakanyanga, Kudzai Talent
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/5960 , vital:21002
- Description: In South Africa, income tax is levied in terms of the Income Tax Act, 58 of 1962, and the calculation of a taxpayer’s taxable income and ultimately the tax liability commences with considering what constitutes the taxpayer’s gross income. In terms of the definition of “gross income” a person can be taxed either on receipts or accruals. The definition makes no reference, however, to the legality of receipts or accruals. The main issue addressed in this thesis is the interpretation of the term “receipt” in relation to the proceeds from a unilateral taking (theft) and whether the concept of a receipt in relation to theft should be interpreted using the subjective approach used in MP Finance Group CC (In Liquidation) v C:SARS, or the objective approach. An interpretative research approach was used to provide clarity on the matter. The documentary data used for the research consists of South African tax legislation, case law, textbooks and journal articles. The thesis also analysed SARS’ view in Interpretation Note 80 that MP Finance Group CC (In Liquidation) v C:SARS is authority for a unilateral taking being a receipt, and the correctness of this viewpoint. A brief comparative analysis was done of the basis on which illegal income flowing from a unilateral taking is taxed in Australia, New Zealand and America. These countries have legislative provisions that specifically deal with how the proceeds from theft in the hands of a thief should be treated for tax purposes. The thesis concludes that, although the court in MP Finance Group CC (In Liquidation) v C:SARS shed some light on the issue of the taxability of income from illegal activities, the basis on which proceeds from theft may be taxed, as opposed to the basis on which proceeds from other illegal activities like fraud are taxed, remains a grey area in our law. The thesis recommends the introduction of a legislative provision in order to provide a more unified, consistent and effective approach when taxing all illegal income.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The teaching of english first additional language reading comprehension in selected rural secondary schools in the Ngcobo Education District
- Authors: Mshumi, Lizwi Chysostom
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Reading (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Language and languages -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape English language
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9286 , vital:34318
- Description: Literacy in South Africa is in a state of crisis according to the studies conducted by Progress in International Literacy Study (PIRLS) of 2006 and SACMEC III, 2011. Yearly there is a public outcry over the low matric pass rate and furthermore the Eastern Cape is below the national benchmark of 60 percent. In the district in which this research was based, the matric pass rate was, in 2016, amongst the lowest five districts nationally. This study used the interactive theory of reading as the theoretical framework and is located in the interpretive paradigm. Qualitative approach was employed in the study with the intentions of finding out as much as possible on teachers‟ experiences with the teaching of reading comprehension in rural secondary schools. The study also applied a case study design. For this study two schools were purposively selected from the Ngcobo District. The data in this study were derived from transcribed interviews, lesson observations and field notes. The main findings of this study reflected the following challenges faced by rural secondary schools based on teaching reading comprehension: the absence of a culture of reading, lack of resources and poor socio-economic background of learners, lack of exposure to reading material, limited availability of time both at school and home, and large classes. It is recommended that the Department of Basic Education (DBE) intensifies teachers with ongoing teacher development in order that they acquire additional skills on how to teach reading. The building of classrooms is required as well as addressing the issue of provision of various resources such as infrastructure library facilities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mshumi, Lizwi Chysostom
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Reading (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Language and languages -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape English language
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9286 , vital:34318
- Description: Literacy in South Africa is in a state of crisis according to the studies conducted by Progress in International Literacy Study (PIRLS) of 2006 and SACMEC III, 2011. Yearly there is a public outcry over the low matric pass rate and furthermore the Eastern Cape is below the national benchmark of 60 percent. In the district in which this research was based, the matric pass rate was, in 2016, amongst the lowest five districts nationally. This study used the interactive theory of reading as the theoretical framework and is located in the interpretive paradigm. Qualitative approach was employed in the study with the intentions of finding out as much as possible on teachers‟ experiences with the teaching of reading comprehension in rural secondary schools. The study also applied a case study design. For this study two schools were purposively selected from the Ngcobo District. The data in this study were derived from transcribed interviews, lesson observations and field notes. The main findings of this study reflected the following challenges faced by rural secondary schools based on teaching reading comprehension: the absence of a culture of reading, lack of resources and poor socio-economic background of learners, lack of exposure to reading material, limited availability of time both at school and home, and large classes. It is recommended that the Department of Basic Education (DBE) intensifies teachers with ongoing teacher development in order that they acquire additional skills on how to teach reading. The building of classrooms is required as well as addressing the issue of provision of various resources such as infrastructure library facilities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The tectonic evolution of the Cape Fold Belt: constraints from fluid inclusion characteristics in syntectonic quartz veins
- Authors: Proctor, Briony
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/8019 , vital:21335
- Description: Syn-tectonic quartz veins formed along faults, folds and tension gashes in rocks of the Cape Supergroup (CSG) of the central Cape Fold Belt (CFB) comprise mainly hydrous saline fluids. These veins may also contain CO₂ Syn-tectonic quartz veins formed along faults, folds and tension gashes in rocks of the Cape Supergroup CO₂ , or CH4 and CO₂, or neither CO₂ nor CH4. The majority of inclusions are two-phase and fluid rich, and the most common fluid composition is H2O-NaCl. The final melting temperature, and therefore salinity, differs very little across different structures (fluids in all structures show maximum salinities between 2.5 and 6 wt% NaCl equivalent). Thrusts, reverse faults, strike- and oblique-slip faults, and folds all have similar homogenization temperatures (Th). Primary H2O-NaCl inclusions show Th between ~130 and 200 °C, and H2O-NaCl-CO₂ inclusions have slightly higher Th, between ~140 and 240 °C. Secondary inclusions in all structures have a similar Th range to primary inclusions, but have a lower maximum Th (~130-180 °C). Inclusions containing CH4 have the highest Th (~210 - 300 °C). Microthermobarometry indicates that fluids associated with contractional structures, such as thrust faults or folds, from the Ordovician lower Table Mountain Group (TMG) show lower greenschist facies trapping conditions (~170-175 MPa and ~240-300 °C). These veins also show a plastic deformation overprint (recrystallization of quartz and foam textures), at temperatures higher than the trapping conditions (~ ≥300 °C), indicating that temperatures increased subsequent to hydraulic fracturing, quartz precipitation and thrust slip. These structures formed on a prograde path, at approximately 335 Ma, at a time when the overlying CSG rock column was approximately 6800 m thick. This event pre-dated the thermal peak of the Cape Orogeny at ~276-261 Ma by ~60 million years. Further up in the stratigraphy of the CFB, in the Devonian upper Bokkeveld Group, fluid inclusions in quartz veins associated with a thrust fault show similar trapping pressure (~200 MPa) to the structures in the lower CFB. At 335 Ma, the stratigraphic overburden on this sample locality would not have been sufficiently thick to exert the calculated pressure. This fault may have formed at a later time. The observed pressure of ~200 MPa may have been created either by the higher Bokkeveld Group, the entire Witteberg Group, and further CSG rocks that were eroded prior to the deposition of the Permo-Triassic Karoo Supergroup, or by tectonic thickening of the CSG by prograde thrusting. Still further up in the CSG, fluids from a fold sample from the Witteberg Group record quartz precipitation at lower greenschist facies conditions and subsequent plastic deformation during folding. The formation of this fold postdates the thrusting in the lower TMG, and may correlate in time with deformation during the thermal peak in Middle Permian time (~276-261 Ma).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Proctor, Briony
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/8019 , vital:21335
- Description: Syn-tectonic quartz veins formed along faults, folds and tension gashes in rocks of the Cape Supergroup (CSG) of the central Cape Fold Belt (CFB) comprise mainly hydrous saline fluids. These veins may also contain CO₂ Syn-tectonic quartz veins formed along faults, folds and tension gashes in rocks of the Cape Supergroup CO₂ , or CH4 and CO₂, or neither CO₂ nor CH4. The majority of inclusions are two-phase and fluid rich, and the most common fluid composition is H2O-NaCl. The final melting temperature, and therefore salinity, differs very little across different structures (fluids in all structures show maximum salinities between 2.5 and 6 wt% NaCl equivalent). Thrusts, reverse faults, strike- and oblique-slip faults, and folds all have similar homogenization temperatures (Th). Primary H2O-NaCl inclusions show Th between ~130 and 200 °C, and H2O-NaCl-CO₂ inclusions have slightly higher Th, between ~140 and 240 °C. Secondary inclusions in all structures have a similar Th range to primary inclusions, but have a lower maximum Th (~130-180 °C). Inclusions containing CH4 have the highest Th (~210 - 300 °C). Microthermobarometry indicates that fluids associated with contractional structures, such as thrust faults or folds, from the Ordovician lower Table Mountain Group (TMG) show lower greenschist facies trapping conditions (~170-175 MPa and ~240-300 °C). These veins also show a plastic deformation overprint (recrystallization of quartz and foam textures), at temperatures higher than the trapping conditions (~ ≥300 °C), indicating that temperatures increased subsequent to hydraulic fracturing, quartz precipitation and thrust slip. These structures formed on a prograde path, at approximately 335 Ma, at a time when the overlying CSG rock column was approximately 6800 m thick. This event pre-dated the thermal peak of the Cape Orogeny at ~276-261 Ma by ~60 million years. Further up in the stratigraphy of the CFB, in the Devonian upper Bokkeveld Group, fluid inclusions in quartz veins associated with a thrust fault show similar trapping pressure (~200 MPa) to the structures in the lower CFB. At 335 Ma, the stratigraphic overburden on this sample locality would not have been sufficiently thick to exert the calculated pressure. This fault may have formed at a later time. The observed pressure of ~200 MPa may have been created either by the higher Bokkeveld Group, the entire Witteberg Group, and further CSG rocks that were eroded prior to the deposition of the Permo-Triassic Karoo Supergroup, or by tectonic thickening of the CSG by prograde thrusting. Still further up in the CSG, fluids from a fold sample from the Witteberg Group record quartz precipitation at lower greenschist facies conditions and subsequent plastic deformation during folding. The formation of this fold postdates the thrusting in the lower TMG, and may correlate in time with deformation during the thermal peak in Middle Permian time (~276-261 Ma).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The temporal occurrence of flesh flies (Diptera, Sarcophagidae) at carrion-baited traps in Grahamstown, South Africa
- Villet, Martin H, Clitheroe, Crystal-Leigh, Williams, Kirstin A
- Authors: Villet, Martin H , Clitheroe, Crystal-Leigh , Williams, Kirstin A
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: article , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/59692 , vital:27639 , https://doi.org/10.3897/AfrInvertebr.58.9537
- Description: Eleven species of flesh fly were identified in a sample of 737 specimens captured during fortnightly trapping at three sites in Grahamstown, South Africa, over a year. Sarcophaga africa Wiedemann, 1824, S. inaequalis Austen, 1909, S. exuberans Pandelle, 1896 and S. tibialis Macquart, 1851 showed well-defined peaks between early October 2001 and late April 2002, and only S. africa was trapped at other times of year. These peaks occurred when average minimum and maximum ambient air temperatures were above 12°C and 22°C, respectively, and showed no obvious relationship to rainfall. There were indications of population cycles in all of these species. Sarcophaga hera Zumpt, 1972, S. arno Curran, 1934, S. inzi Curran, 1934, S. langi Curran, 1934, S. freyi Zumpt, 1953, S. nodosa Engel, 1925 and S. samia Curran, 1934 were too scarce to assess their patterns of occurrence rigorously. Insects attending a corpse are reputed to assist forensic entomologists in estimating the time of year when the body died. Some flesh flies provide more precise estimates than others, so several species should be used for cross-validation. Insect activity at a corpse depends on the weather, so that presence of a species indicates particular environmental conditions and not simply calendar dates (particularly if climate changes). Absence of a species is not necessarily evidence of specific conditions because species may not be present at all sites simultaneously, populations cycle even when their members are active, and low population densities may hamper detection of a species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Villet, Martin H , Clitheroe, Crystal-Leigh , Williams, Kirstin A
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: article , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/59692 , vital:27639 , https://doi.org/10.3897/AfrInvertebr.58.9537
- Description: Eleven species of flesh fly were identified in a sample of 737 specimens captured during fortnightly trapping at three sites in Grahamstown, South Africa, over a year. Sarcophaga africa Wiedemann, 1824, S. inaequalis Austen, 1909, S. exuberans Pandelle, 1896 and S. tibialis Macquart, 1851 showed well-defined peaks between early October 2001 and late April 2002, and only S. africa was trapped at other times of year. These peaks occurred when average minimum and maximum ambient air temperatures were above 12°C and 22°C, respectively, and showed no obvious relationship to rainfall. There were indications of population cycles in all of these species. Sarcophaga hera Zumpt, 1972, S. arno Curran, 1934, S. inzi Curran, 1934, S. langi Curran, 1934, S. freyi Zumpt, 1953, S. nodosa Engel, 1925 and S. samia Curran, 1934 were too scarce to assess their patterns of occurrence rigorously. Insects attending a corpse are reputed to assist forensic entomologists in estimating the time of year when the body died. Some flesh flies provide more precise estimates than others, so several species should be used for cross-validation. Insect activity at a corpse depends on the weather, so that presence of a species indicates particular environmental conditions and not simply calendar dates (particularly if climate changes). Absence of a species is not necessarily evidence of specific conditions because species may not be present at all sites simultaneously, populations cycle even when their members are active, and low population densities may hamper detection of a species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The thin edge of the wedge: ukuthwala, alienation and consent
- Mwambene, Lea, Kruuse, Helen
- Authors: Mwambene, Lea , Kruuse, Helen
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/129165 , vital:36226 , https://doi.org/10.1080/02587203.2017.1303902
- Description: Ukuthwala, a mock abduction of a girl for the purpose of a customary marriage, has been subject to debate at both local and national level. This debate culminated into a South African Law Reform Commission Report on the practice of ukuthwala. However, the case of Jezile v S brings theory into reality, putting in stark relief the issues that surround this custom in a constitutional democracy. The Jezile case highlights the disjuncture between communities’ lived realities and the constitutional imperatives of the right to practice one’s culture, as well as the rights to equality and dignity, specifically for women and the girl child in the context of ukuthwala. Based on field research conducted in September 2015 and April 2016 in Engcobo (where the ukuthwala was alleged to take place in Jezile), this article sets out the community’s views in the aftermath of the case. Highlighting the alienation of the community from the law, and the complexities in understanding consent, the article posits that much more needs to be done from the ‘bottom up’ to ensure gender equality and protection of the girl child from harm.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mwambene, Lea , Kruuse, Helen
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/129165 , vital:36226 , https://doi.org/10.1080/02587203.2017.1303902
- Description: Ukuthwala, a mock abduction of a girl for the purpose of a customary marriage, has been subject to debate at both local and national level. This debate culminated into a South African Law Reform Commission Report on the practice of ukuthwala. However, the case of Jezile v S brings theory into reality, putting in stark relief the issues that surround this custom in a constitutional democracy. The Jezile case highlights the disjuncture between communities’ lived realities and the constitutional imperatives of the right to practice one’s culture, as well as the rights to equality and dignity, specifically for women and the girl child in the context of ukuthwala. Based on field research conducted in September 2015 and April 2016 in Engcobo (where the ukuthwala was alleged to take place in Jezile), this article sets out the community’s views in the aftermath of the case. Highlighting the alienation of the community from the law, and the complexities in understanding consent, the article posits that much more needs to be done from the ‘bottom up’ to ensure gender equality and protection of the girl child from harm.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The Uptake of Education for Sustainable Development in Geography Curricula in South African Secondary Schools
- Authors: Dube, Carolina
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/436319 , vital:73257 , ISBN 978-3-319-45989-9 , https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-45989-9_7
- Description: Curriculum innovation that took place in the post-apartheid era in South Africa provided opportunities for integrating environ-mental concerns and sustainability issues in subjects such as geography and science at further education and training level (FET). However, evidence from my PhD study in geography education at FET level shows that there are major challenges in the implementation of education for sustainable develop-ment (ESD) in the school context. These relate, firstly, to teachers’ lack of content knowledge (CK) and pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) and, secondly, to contextual issues and structural constraints within schools. In order to overcome some of the challenges, a standards-based teacher training model is recommended to ensure the mastery of appropriate competencies for the implementation of environmental educa-tion (EE) and ESD.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Dube, Carolina
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/436319 , vital:73257 , ISBN 978-3-319-45989-9 , https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-45989-9_7
- Description: Curriculum innovation that took place in the post-apartheid era in South Africa provided opportunities for integrating environ-mental concerns and sustainability issues in subjects such as geography and science at further education and training level (FET). However, evidence from my PhD study in geography education at FET level shows that there are major challenges in the implementation of education for sustainable develop-ment (ESD) in the school context. These relate, firstly, to teachers’ lack of content knowledge (CK) and pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) and, secondly, to contextual issues and structural constraints within schools. In order to overcome some of the challenges, a standards-based teacher training model is recommended to ensure the mastery of appropriate competencies for the implementation of environmental educa-tion (EE) and ESD.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The use of an analogy in conjunction with a conventional practical activity to mediate Grade 11 learners’ sense making of Ohm’s law
- Authors: Ramasike, Lineo Florence
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Physical sciences -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa Ohm's law Academic achievement
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/4558 , vital:20689
- Description: In most South African schools Grade 12 Physical Sciences learners are generally not performing well. As Examiners’ Reports reveal, they are particularly weak on the topic of electrical circuits. Because of this, the Examiners recommended that conventional practical activities and revision should be implemented to improve learners’ performance whilst they are in Grade 11. These factors contributed to the rationale of this study in using the ‘straw electricity’ analogy in conjunction with a conventional practical activity to mediate learners’ sense making of Ohm’s law. The study falls within the interpretive paradigm, whose focus is on the understanding of human world-views. Within the interpretive paradigm a qualitative case study approach was employed. It is a case study because it aimed to investigate a group of learners in a given context. This qualitative case study used purposive sampling to select participants. Various data gathering techniques were employed, namely, documents, observations and stimulated recall interviews. The gathered data was analysed so as to determine the indicators of how learners made sense of Ohm’s law. The findings of this study are that learners were able to construct new knowledge within a social context where the ‘straw electricity’ analogy, using easily accessible resources, was incorporated in tandem with a conventional practical classroom task. Moreover, the ‘straw electricity’ analogy enabled a better understanding of science concepts as it tested and supported different learning skills.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Ramasike, Lineo Florence
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Physical sciences -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa Ohm's law Academic achievement
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/4558 , vital:20689
- Description: In most South African schools Grade 12 Physical Sciences learners are generally not performing well. As Examiners’ Reports reveal, they are particularly weak on the topic of electrical circuits. Because of this, the Examiners recommended that conventional practical activities and revision should be implemented to improve learners’ performance whilst they are in Grade 11. These factors contributed to the rationale of this study in using the ‘straw electricity’ analogy in conjunction with a conventional practical activity to mediate learners’ sense making of Ohm’s law. The study falls within the interpretive paradigm, whose focus is on the understanding of human world-views. Within the interpretive paradigm a qualitative case study approach was employed. It is a case study because it aimed to investigate a group of learners in a given context. This qualitative case study used purposive sampling to select participants. Various data gathering techniques were employed, namely, documents, observations and stimulated recall interviews. The gathered data was analysed so as to determine the indicators of how learners made sense of Ohm’s law. The findings of this study are that learners were able to construct new knowledge within a social context where the ‘straw electricity’ analogy, using easily accessible resources, was incorporated in tandem with a conventional practical classroom task. Moreover, the ‘straw electricity’ analogy enabled a better understanding of science concepts as it tested and supported different learning skills.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The use of behaviour, saliva cortisol and faecal glucocorticoid levels as stress indicators in beef cows
- Authors: Dzviti, Melody
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Veterinary physiology Beef cattle -- Behavior Glucocorticoids
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8165 , vital:31634
- Description: The study evaluated the use of saliva as a minimally invasive technique for cortisol level determination. This was done by assessing the relationship between serum and saliva cortisol based on short sampling intervals. In addition, the study also determined the effect of successive handling on faecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGM), rectal temperature (RT), avoidance distance (AD), chute and crush scores as well as urination, defaecation and vocalization in multiparous cows. For trial one six non-pregnant, clinically healthy Nguni cows were used. They were administered with standardised doses of adrenocorticotropic hormone on treatment days and saline was used as a placebo on alternative days. Simultaneously, blood and saliva samples were collected to quantify cortisol levels. No relationship (r = 0.0131, P>0.05) was observed between serum and saliva cortisol. However, results showed that there was adrenal stimulation in saliva coupled by significant (P<0.05) effects of sampling intervals. For the second study 21 non-pregnant and clinically healthy Nguni cows of one herd were used for the trial. They were divided into parity groups and their weights were used as a covariate in data analysis. For five consecutive weeks, fresh faecal samples were extracted and rectal temperatures measured. In addition, fear of approaching humans was assessed by AD scores and behaviour scores in the crush chute, as well as vocalisation, urination and defaecation were observed. The effect of successive handling significantly (P<0.05) affected the physiological parameters, namely FGM and RT. Contrariwise, Chi-square tests revealed that parities had a significant (χ2 < 0.05) influence on AD and crush scores as well as on the occurrence of excretory behaviour. It was concluded that saliva cortisol can be used as a stress indicator in beef cows. However, plasma cortisol can be significantly volatile thereby becoming less sensitive to changes across time. This can cause a lack of relationship between plasma and saliva cortisol. On the other hand, repetitive handling of beef cows has an influence on faecal stress levels. In addition, beef cows of differing parities behave differently to handling stress.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Dzviti, Melody
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Veterinary physiology Beef cattle -- Behavior Glucocorticoids
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8165 , vital:31634
- Description: The study evaluated the use of saliva as a minimally invasive technique for cortisol level determination. This was done by assessing the relationship between serum and saliva cortisol based on short sampling intervals. In addition, the study also determined the effect of successive handling on faecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGM), rectal temperature (RT), avoidance distance (AD), chute and crush scores as well as urination, defaecation and vocalization in multiparous cows. For trial one six non-pregnant, clinically healthy Nguni cows were used. They were administered with standardised doses of adrenocorticotropic hormone on treatment days and saline was used as a placebo on alternative days. Simultaneously, blood and saliva samples were collected to quantify cortisol levels. No relationship (r = 0.0131, P>0.05) was observed between serum and saliva cortisol. However, results showed that there was adrenal stimulation in saliva coupled by significant (P<0.05) effects of sampling intervals. For the second study 21 non-pregnant and clinically healthy Nguni cows of one herd were used for the trial. They were divided into parity groups and their weights were used as a covariate in data analysis. For five consecutive weeks, fresh faecal samples were extracted and rectal temperatures measured. In addition, fear of approaching humans was assessed by AD scores and behaviour scores in the crush chute, as well as vocalisation, urination and defaecation were observed. The effect of successive handling significantly (P<0.05) affected the physiological parameters, namely FGM and RT. Contrariwise, Chi-square tests revealed that parities had a significant (χ2 < 0.05) influence on AD and crush scores as well as on the occurrence of excretory behaviour. It was concluded that saliva cortisol can be used as a stress indicator in beef cows. However, plasma cortisol can be significantly volatile thereby becoming less sensitive to changes across time. This can cause a lack of relationship between plasma and saliva cortisol. On the other hand, repetitive handling of beef cows has an influence on faecal stress levels. In addition, beef cows of differing parities behave differently to handling stress.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The use of competitive intelligence in the sustainability of SMMEs in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM)
- Authors: Fakir, Kiran
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Business intelligence -- South Africa -- East London Business enterprises -- South Africa -- East London , Small business -- South Africa -- East London
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15182 , vital:28176
- Description: The Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM), situated in the second largest province in South Africa, the Eastern Cape, is an unfortunate victim of low economic development and high unemployment. The South African Government, through the Department of Trade and Industry, identified the need for SMMEs to address these issues with the inception of the White Paper on National Strategy for the Development and Promotion of Small Business in South Africa over 20 years ago. SMMEs in South Africa are noted to have a failure rate of around 70% which does not bode well for the efforts to improve economic development and reduce unemployment through SMMEs. This research sets out to determine the significance of variables such as human resources, financial resources, information systems, government assistance and competitive intelligence on the sustainability of SMMEs. The researcher examined the literature relating to the challenges and issues faced by SMMEs with particular emphasis on the use of competitive intelligence as a tool to assist in sustainability. The literature review was followed by an analysis and interpretation of a qualitative study of SMMEs within the BCMM. Through an analysis of the results it was possible to determine the nature of the relationships between the independent variables and sustainability. Finally, the researcher was able to make recommendations based on the research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Fakir, Kiran
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Business intelligence -- South Africa -- East London Business enterprises -- South Africa -- East London , Small business -- South Africa -- East London
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15182 , vital:28176
- Description: The Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM), situated in the second largest province in South Africa, the Eastern Cape, is an unfortunate victim of low economic development and high unemployment. The South African Government, through the Department of Trade and Industry, identified the need for SMMEs to address these issues with the inception of the White Paper on National Strategy for the Development and Promotion of Small Business in South Africa over 20 years ago. SMMEs in South Africa are noted to have a failure rate of around 70% which does not bode well for the efforts to improve economic development and reduce unemployment through SMMEs. This research sets out to determine the significance of variables such as human resources, financial resources, information systems, government assistance and competitive intelligence on the sustainability of SMMEs. The researcher examined the literature relating to the challenges and issues faced by SMMEs with particular emphasis on the use of competitive intelligence as a tool to assist in sustainability. The literature review was followed by an analysis and interpretation of a qualitative study of SMMEs within the BCMM. Through an analysis of the results it was possible to determine the nature of the relationships between the independent variables and sustainability. Finally, the researcher was able to make recommendations based on the research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The use of enterprise resource planning systems in three leading bakeries in South Africa
- Authors: Mokuena, Mpolokeng
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Enterprise resource planning -- South Africa Business planning -- South Africa , Management information systems -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19157 , vital:28778
- Description: There is a continued effort for organisations to invest in resources that enable them to reduce costs while increasing productivity to meet the needs of the customers in order to maximise profits. Such investments also empower them to gain competitive advantage in the market. In an endeavour to achieve this, organisations invest in implementing Information Technology (IT) software to assist in increasing efficiency. There are varieties of available software solutions that are used at various stages of the value-chain. One of these is the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. Bakeries are no exception in exploring ways in which operations can be run more efficiently to reduce costs in the various levels of the supply chain through use of ERP systems. Although bakeries have invested many funds in implementing this system, they fail to enjoy the full returns on their investment of this system. The study compares the use of ERP systems between three leading bakers in Port Elizabeth, as part of convenience sampling, to identify any possible ineffective business practice applications and recommend some applicable solutions. In pursuing this study, a qualitative research was conducted. A critical literature review drawing on academic sources was conducted on the Supply Chain Management SCM. It provides an overview of SCM, and the effectiveness of ERP is SCM. Additionally, it provides benefits of using ERP in SCM. Furthermore, various tools that are used in measuring effectiveness of ERP systems were discussed. These tools included, Perceived Ease of Use and Perceived Usefulness, part of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the balanced scored card. This was followed by a content analysis of web-based content of the three bakeries. Interview schedules were conducted using close-ended and open-ended questionnaires with the procurement, production, and distribution officers in the three bakeries to get a deeper understanding of the experience of the respondents. The questionnaires were distributed to twenty-seven (27) potential participants but interviews were conducted with only five (5) respondents. This constitutes a (5/27) 18.5% response rate. The questions on the questionnaires required a deeper understanding of the experiences of the respondents on their use of ERP. The questions were adopted from a balanced score card questionnaire that was previously used in measuring the performance of ERP systems.The study used Perceived Usefulness and Perceived Ease of Use within the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to measure the effectiveness of ERP systems that are used in bakeries The analysis revealed that some production departments did not use the ERP system altogether while others used it as an archive and stuck to manual tasks resulting in duplication of tasks, which increase the workload of the departments. It also discourages interdepartmental information integration because other departments do not have easy and quick access to information from their production department. This department must share information to other departments through email. It was discovered that some end-users do not undergo formal training that affect their use of the system making it ineffective. Some found that their system was not user-friendly and increased their workload. Recommendations are made to the management of the bakeries on how to make the use of ERP effective for those planning to upgrade their current baking management systems.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mokuena, Mpolokeng
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Enterprise resource planning -- South Africa Business planning -- South Africa , Management information systems -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19157 , vital:28778
- Description: There is a continued effort for organisations to invest in resources that enable them to reduce costs while increasing productivity to meet the needs of the customers in order to maximise profits. Such investments also empower them to gain competitive advantage in the market. In an endeavour to achieve this, organisations invest in implementing Information Technology (IT) software to assist in increasing efficiency. There are varieties of available software solutions that are used at various stages of the value-chain. One of these is the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. Bakeries are no exception in exploring ways in which operations can be run more efficiently to reduce costs in the various levels of the supply chain through use of ERP systems. Although bakeries have invested many funds in implementing this system, they fail to enjoy the full returns on their investment of this system. The study compares the use of ERP systems between three leading bakers in Port Elizabeth, as part of convenience sampling, to identify any possible ineffective business practice applications and recommend some applicable solutions. In pursuing this study, a qualitative research was conducted. A critical literature review drawing on academic sources was conducted on the Supply Chain Management SCM. It provides an overview of SCM, and the effectiveness of ERP is SCM. Additionally, it provides benefits of using ERP in SCM. Furthermore, various tools that are used in measuring effectiveness of ERP systems were discussed. These tools included, Perceived Ease of Use and Perceived Usefulness, part of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the balanced scored card. This was followed by a content analysis of web-based content of the three bakeries. Interview schedules were conducted using close-ended and open-ended questionnaires with the procurement, production, and distribution officers in the three bakeries to get a deeper understanding of the experience of the respondents. The questionnaires were distributed to twenty-seven (27) potential participants but interviews were conducted with only five (5) respondents. This constitutes a (5/27) 18.5% response rate. The questions on the questionnaires required a deeper understanding of the experiences of the respondents on their use of ERP. The questions were adopted from a balanced score card questionnaire that was previously used in measuring the performance of ERP systems.The study used Perceived Usefulness and Perceived Ease of Use within the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to measure the effectiveness of ERP systems that are used in bakeries The analysis revealed that some production departments did not use the ERP system altogether while others used it as an archive and stuck to manual tasks resulting in duplication of tasks, which increase the workload of the departments. It also discourages interdepartmental information integration because other departments do not have easy and quick access to information from their production department. This department must share information to other departments through email. It was discovered that some end-users do not undergo formal training that affect their use of the system making it ineffective. Some found that their system was not user-friendly and increased their workload. Recommendations are made to the management of the bakeries on how to make the use of ERP effective for those planning to upgrade their current baking management systems.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017