Termination of the employment contract due to ill-health in the public education sector
- Authors: Hlekani, Mphakamisi Witness
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Employees -- Dismissal of , Collective labor agreements -- Education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10256 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020969
- Description: The subject of the present treatise concerns termination of employment contracts that are effected as a result of an employee’s incapacity on the grounds of ill-health or injury. Every employee has the right not to be dismissed unfairly. The Labour Relations Act, 1995 recognises three grounds on which termination of employment might be legitimate. These include the conduct of the employee, the capacity of the employee and the operational requirements of the employer’s business. However, fundamental to any contract of employment is the obligation that rests on an employee not to be absent from work without justification. The Incapacity Code and Procedure in respect of Ill-health or Injury applicable to Educators is contained in Schedule 1 to the Employment of Educators Act, 1998. In addition there are collective agreements which are the products of collective bargaining that are also applicable to all categories of employees employed in the public education sector. Notably, PSCBC Resolution 7 of 2000 forms part of the subject of our discussion. The Department of Education determined the use of independent Health-risk Managers to provide advice on the management of incapacity leave and ill-health retirement, thereby ensuring objective and impartial evaluation which are largely acceptable to employees and their labour representatives. This is the Policy and Procedure on Incapacity Leave and Ill-Health Retirement in the Public Service. The appointed Health-risk Managers make recommendations to the Head of Department who thereafter implement the recommendations and deal with issues of a case to absolute finality. More importantly, the Policy and Procedure for incapacity leave and ill-health retirement in the Public Service is issued in terms of legislation, that is, section 3(3) of the Public Service Act, 1994 and therefore is not a collective agreement. Under the circumstances, it is not always easy to determine a real dispute and an issue in dispute. Because of this uncertainty arbitrators often found that bargaining councils have no jurisdiction to entertain these disputes, while on the other hand some arbitrators opined that bargaining councils do have jurisdiction In this treatise the general principles of the employment contract, the legislative framework applicable in the public education sector in determining an application for temporary incapacity leave and ill-health retirement and procedural and substantive issues in the termination of employment contract due to ill-health are considered and explained. The legal questions around the issue of discretion exercised by the Head of Department in granting or declining applications for ill-health are also examined. The primary aim of the treatise is to provide a clear exposition of the rather complicated law relating to incapacity due to ill-health and injury in public education.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Hlekani, Mphakamisi Witness
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Employees -- Dismissal of , Collective labor agreements -- Education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10256 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020969
- Description: The subject of the present treatise concerns termination of employment contracts that are effected as a result of an employee’s incapacity on the grounds of ill-health or injury. Every employee has the right not to be dismissed unfairly. The Labour Relations Act, 1995 recognises three grounds on which termination of employment might be legitimate. These include the conduct of the employee, the capacity of the employee and the operational requirements of the employer’s business. However, fundamental to any contract of employment is the obligation that rests on an employee not to be absent from work without justification. The Incapacity Code and Procedure in respect of Ill-health or Injury applicable to Educators is contained in Schedule 1 to the Employment of Educators Act, 1998. In addition there are collective agreements which are the products of collective bargaining that are also applicable to all categories of employees employed in the public education sector. Notably, PSCBC Resolution 7 of 2000 forms part of the subject of our discussion. The Department of Education determined the use of independent Health-risk Managers to provide advice on the management of incapacity leave and ill-health retirement, thereby ensuring objective and impartial evaluation which are largely acceptable to employees and their labour representatives. This is the Policy and Procedure on Incapacity Leave and Ill-Health Retirement in the Public Service. The appointed Health-risk Managers make recommendations to the Head of Department who thereafter implement the recommendations and deal with issues of a case to absolute finality. More importantly, the Policy and Procedure for incapacity leave and ill-health retirement in the Public Service is issued in terms of legislation, that is, section 3(3) of the Public Service Act, 1994 and therefore is not a collective agreement. Under the circumstances, it is not always easy to determine a real dispute and an issue in dispute. Because of this uncertainty arbitrators often found that bargaining councils have no jurisdiction to entertain these disputes, while on the other hand some arbitrators opined that bargaining councils do have jurisdiction In this treatise the general principles of the employment contract, the legislative framework applicable in the public education sector in determining an application for temporary incapacity leave and ill-health retirement and procedural and substantive issues in the termination of employment contract due to ill-health are considered and explained. The legal questions around the issue of discretion exercised by the Head of Department in granting or declining applications for ill-health are also examined. The primary aim of the treatise is to provide a clear exposition of the rather complicated law relating to incapacity due to ill-health and injury in public education.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Testing antivirus engines to determine their effectiveness as a security layer
- Haffejee, Jameel, Irwin, Barry V W
- Authors: Haffejee, Jameel , Irwin, Barry V W
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/429673 , vital:72631 , 10.1109/ISSA.2014.6950496
- Description: This research has been undertaken to empirically test the assumption that it is trivial to bypass an antivirus application and to gauge the effectiveness of antivirus engines when faced with a number of known evasion techniques. A known malicious binary was combined with evasion techniques and deployed against several antivirus engines to test their detection ability. The research also documents the process of setting up an environment for testing antivirus engines as well as building the evasion techniques used in the tests. This environment facilitated the empirical testing that was needed to determine if the assumption that antivirus security controls could easily be bypassed. The results of the empirical tests are also presented in this research and demonstrate that it is indeed within reason that an attacker can evade multiple antivirus engines without much effort. As such while an antivirus application is useful for protecting against known threats, it does not work as effectively against unknown threats.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Haffejee, Jameel , Irwin, Barry V W
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/429673 , vital:72631 , 10.1109/ISSA.2014.6950496
- Description: This research has been undertaken to empirically test the assumption that it is trivial to bypass an antivirus application and to gauge the effectiveness of antivirus engines when faced with a number of known evasion techniques. A known malicious binary was combined with evasion techniques and deployed against several antivirus engines to test their detection ability. The research also documents the process of setting up an environment for testing antivirus engines as well as building the evasion techniques used in the tests. This environment facilitated the empirical testing that was needed to determine if the assumption that antivirus security controls could easily be bypassed. The results of the empirical tests are also presented in this research and demonstrate that it is indeed within reason that an attacker can evade multiple antivirus engines without much effort. As such while an antivirus application is useful for protecting against known threats, it does not work as effectively against unknown threats.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Thaumatotibia leucotreta and the Navel orange: ovipositional preferences and host susceptibility
- Love, C N, Hill, Martin P, Moore, Sean D
- Authors: Love, C N , Hill, Martin P , Moore, Sean D
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/423811 , vital:72095 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1111/jen.12126"
- Description: False codling moth, Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), presents a significant threat to the South African citrus industry. To limit income loss due to direct larval damage or from fruit rejection due to the phytosanitary status of this pest, additional pre-harvest control techniques are required for Navel oranges, which are known to be susceptible to T.leucotreta damage. A number of Navel orange cultivars have been developed, and differences in female T. leucotretaovi positional preference and susceptibility of cultivars to larval penetration are known to exist. Navel orange cultivars were grouped according to time of maturity (early, mid- and late season). Female T.leucotreta were subjected to choice and no-choice tests with these cultivars, measured by oviposition. Host susceptibility was tested by allowing neonate T. leucotreta larvae to penetrate the different Navel cultivars. In the early maturing group, Fischer Navels were least preferred for oviposition and the least susceptible to larval penetration. The mid- and late season maturing groupings showed limited differences in oviposition preference, although host susceptibility did appear to be an important factor in assessing the vulnerability of fruit to T. leucotreta. Despite being widely planted in South Africa, the mid-season Palmer Navels were highly susceptible to larval penetration, while for the late season cultivars, Cambria and Glen Ora Late were the least susceptible to T. leucotreta. As a result of these laboratory trials, it is recommended that farmers increase cultivation of Fischer Navels as the principal early season cultivar, avoid Palmer Navels in favour of other mid-season maturing cultivars and give preference to the late maturing Cambria and Glen Ora Late cultivars, to limit T. Leucotreta damage.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Love, C N , Hill, Martin P , Moore, Sean D
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/423811 , vital:72095 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1111/jen.12126"
- Description: False codling moth, Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), presents a significant threat to the South African citrus industry. To limit income loss due to direct larval damage or from fruit rejection due to the phytosanitary status of this pest, additional pre-harvest control techniques are required for Navel oranges, which are known to be susceptible to T.leucotreta damage. A number of Navel orange cultivars have been developed, and differences in female T. leucotretaovi positional preference and susceptibility of cultivars to larval penetration are known to exist. Navel orange cultivars were grouped according to time of maturity (early, mid- and late season). Female T.leucotreta were subjected to choice and no-choice tests with these cultivars, measured by oviposition. Host susceptibility was tested by allowing neonate T. leucotreta larvae to penetrate the different Navel cultivars. In the early maturing group, Fischer Navels were least preferred for oviposition and the least susceptible to larval penetration. The mid- and late season maturing groupings showed limited differences in oviposition preference, although host susceptibility did appear to be an important factor in assessing the vulnerability of fruit to T. leucotreta. Despite being widely planted in South Africa, the mid-season Palmer Navels were highly susceptible to larval penetration, while for the late season cultivars, Cambria and Glen Ora Late were the least susceptible to T. leucotreta. As a result of these laboratory trials, it is recommended that farmers increase cultivation of Fischer Navels as the principal early season cultivar, avoid Palmer Navels in favour of other mid-season maturing cultivars and give preference to the late maturing Cambria and Glen Ora Late cultivars, to limit T. Leucotreta damage.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
The "old-new" challenges of water, sanitation and bioremediation in developing countries
- Authors: Tandlich, Roman
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/75982 , vital:30489 , DOI: 10.4172/2155-6199.1000e152
- Description: Developing countries face challenges in the development of infrastructure and population growth. These lead to “side-effects" such as uncontrolled urbanization and the fact that basic services such as water and sanitation are lagging behind the actual needs on the ground. Historical challenges, lack of skilled staff and often lack of sustained funding are some of the reasons for the status quo. Extent of water and sanitation coverage often forces national and local governments to install the minimum-standard solutions, e.g. the ventilated improved pit latrines. This improves the public health status in the short-term, but causes problem in the long run due to the lack of regular maintenance such as through lack emptying of pits. Sometimes, construction of these facilities is of inferior standard. Pits are often built without lining or zero consideration is given to the local conditions in terms of soil properties, water table and the number of toilet users.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Tandlich, Roman
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/75982 , vital:30489 , DOI: 10.4172/2155-6199.1000e152
- Description: Developing countries face challenges in the development of infrastructure and population growth. These lead to “side-effects" such as uncontrolled urbanization and the fact that basic services such as water and sanitation are lagging behind the actual needs on the ground. Historical challenges, lack of skilled staff and often lack of sustained funding are some of the reasons for the status quo. Extent of water and sanitation coverage often forces national and local governments to install the minimum-standard solutions, e.g. the ventilated improved pit latrines. This improves the public health status in the short-term, but causes problem in the long run due to the lack of regular maintenance such as through lack emptying of pits. Sometimes, construction of these facilities is of inferior standard. Pits are often built without lining or zero consideration is given to the local conditions in terms of soil properties, water table and the number of toilet users.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
The (in)significance of the common law? Constitutional interpretation and the Mansingh judgments
- Authors: Krüger, Rósaan
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/68900 , vital:29337 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC155168
- Description: Publisher version , The law reports abound with case law on the interpretation of the provisions in the Bill of Rights. Cases on the interpretation of constitutional provisions that fall outside of the Bill of Rights are, by contrast, few and far between. (A few prominent examples are S v Mhlungu 1995 (3) SA 867 (CC); President of the Republic of South Africa v South African Rugby Football Union 2000 (1) SA 1 (CC) ('SARFU'); Matatiele Municipality v President of the Republic of South Africa 2006 (5) SA 47 (CC); Doctors for Life International v Speaker of the National Assembly 2006 (6) SA 416 (CC); Merafong Demarcation Forum v President of the Republic of South Africa 2008 (5) SA171 (CC); Chonco v President of the Republic of South Africa 2010 (6) BCLR 511 (CC); Albutt v Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation 2010 (3) SA 293 (CC).) Mansingh's April 2011 application to the North Gauteng High Court was one of these unusual cases.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Krüger, Rósaan
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/68900 , vital:29337 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC155168
- Description: Publisher version , The law reports abound with case law on the interpretation of the provisions in the Bill of Rights. Cases on the interpretation of constitutional provisions that fall outside of the Bill of Rights are, by contrast, few and far between. (A few prominent examples are S v Mhlungu 1995 (3) SA 867 (CC); President of the Republic of South Africa v South African Rugby Football Union 2000 (1) SA 1 (CC) ('SARFU'); Matatiele Municipality v President of the Republic of South Africa 2006 (5) SA 47 (CC); Doctors for Life International v Speaker of the National Assembly 2006 (6) SA 416 (CC); Merafong Demarcation Forum v President of the Republic of South Africa 2008 (5) SA171 (CC); Chonco v President of the Republic of South Africa 2010 (6) BCLR 511 (CC); Albutt v Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation 2010 (3) SA 293 (CC).) Mansingh's April 2011 application to the North Gauteng High Court was one of these unusual cases.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2014
The accumulation of heavy metals in soil and vegetables irrigated with wastewater effluent in the Bauffalo City Region
- Authors: Nzube, Silumko
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Heavy metals -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Sewage irrigation -- South Africa -- Buffalo City
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10436 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d10207673
- Description: The present study was conducted to assess selected heavy metal levels (Cu, Fe, Zn, Ni and Pb) in soil and plants that are irrigated by mixed industrial and domestic wastewater in the Buffalo City region. Three types of samples were studied: soil, water and vegetables (spinach and beetroot). Soil analysis showed that most of the heavy metals were found to be acceptable within the SEPA limits. Most of the heavy metal concentrations found in the wastewater indicate that the water is not suitable for irrigation or for livestock use, according to guidelines from the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry of South Africa. The level of copper in the wastewater effluent exceeded the level specified by SEPA limits. In the wastewater the lead concentration averaged 3.24 and 1.98 ppm in Tshatshu (TS) and Mlakalaka (ML) respectively, which shows that both sites are not suitable for both irrigation and livestock usage. The heavy metal levels (Ni, Pb, and Cu) in both spinach and beetroot samples exceed the criteria specified by the WHO and SEPA standards. The study recommends terminating the usage of effluent for irrigation and further investigation or monitoring in these water sources.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Nzube, Silumko
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Heavy metals -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Sewage irrigation -- South Africa -- Buffalo City
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10436 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d10207673
- Description: The present study was conducted to assess selected heavy metal levels (Cu, Fe, Zn, Ni and Pb) in soil and plants that are irrigated by mixed industrial and domestic wastewater in the Buffalo City region. Three types of samples were studied: soil, water and vegetables (spinach and beetroot). Soil analysis showed that most of the heavy metals were found to be acceptable within the SEPA limits. Most of the heavy metal concentrations found in the wastewater indicate that the water is not suitable for irrigation or for livestock use, according to guidelines from the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry of South Africa. The level of copper in the wastewater effluent exceeded the level specified by SEPA limits. In the wastewater the lead concentration averaged 3.24 and 1.98 ppm in Tshatshu (TS) and Mlakalaka (ML) respectively, which shows that both sites are not suitable for both irrigation and livestock usage. The heavy metal levels (Ni, Pb, and Cu) in both spinach and beetroot samples exceed the criteria specified by the WHO and SEPA standards. The study recommends terminating the usage of effluent for irrigation and further investigation or monitoring in these water sources.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
The agency of juvenile delinquents in Kenya compared to other African countries
- Authors: Saebjornsen, Bjornar
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Juvenile justice, Administration of -- Kenya , Juvenile delinquents -- Kenya
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9256 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021211
- Description: This research tested the findings of a study by James Muola, Mary Ndung’u, and Frederick Ngesa (2009) on juvenile delinquents in Nakuru in Kenya, and tests their hypotheses against other available data in Africa. Their study recommended strengthening ties with the NGO sector together with counselling on parenting in rehabilitation efforts. As a result, this research study tested their data and hypotheses by conducting a meta-analysis study using similar research in Sub-Saharan Africa. The goal was to put a broader perspective into efficient counselling and project management with juvenile delinquents, caregivers, and their opportunity structure.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Saebjornsen, Bjornar
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Juvenile justice, Administration of -- Kenya , Juvenile delinquents -- Kenya
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9256 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021211
- Description: This research tested the findings of a study by James Muola, Mary Ndung’u, and Frederick Ngesa (2009) on juvenile delinquents in Nakuru in Kenya, and tests their hypotheses against other available data in Africa. Their study recommended strengthening ties with the NGO sector together with counselling on parenting in rehabilitation efforts. As a result, this research study tested their data and hypotheses by conducting a meta-analysis study using similar research in Sub-Saharan Africa. The goal was to put a broader perspective into efficient counselling and project management with juvenile delinquents, caregivers, and their opportunity structure.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
The agriculture mentorship programme of the department of Agrarian reform and rural development
- Authors: Dyasopu, Thembani
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Land reform -- South Africa , Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Agriculture and state -- South Africa , South Africa -- Rural conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9252 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021191
- Description: New policy initiatives that followed the 1994 democratic elections aim strongly on construction and development, especially in the agrarian sector. Land reform is one of the initiatives that the democratic government has implemented post 1994 to enable the previously marginalised and disposed individuals and families to own land. The aim of the land reform was not only to provide settlement beneficiaries, but to provide post settlement support to them and enable them to live a better life. However, most of the beneficiaries who acquired farms through the land reform programs lack practical experience in commercial agricultural production. In light of the above, the agricultural mentorship programme was implemented to offer a ray of sunshine to smallholder and emerging farmers. However, it is quite evident that although the agricultural mentorship program was implemented, the Kat river valley emerging citrus farmers are still facing challenges such as limited production capacity; limited access to financial capital; limited access to production equipment; and limited post-harvest support. This study aims to review the agriculture mentorship programme of the Department of Agrarian Reform and Rural Development (DRDAR), with a specific focus on citrus at Kat River Valley. Using data drawn from a sample of nine (9) mentees, two (2) mentors and one official from DARDAR who were personally visited and interviewed, the thesis presents the results of an assessment of the program’s outcomes for participant’s experiences and perceptions in order to strengthen the programme. A review of related literature on land and agriculture reform, agricultural policies, emerging farmers and mentorship has been presented. The study employed a qualitative approach for in-depth understanding and verification. Source documents, open-ended questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from participants. The study revealed that the mentorship programme has made an impact since its implementation as can be noted by the increase in production and income levels; sustainability of skills and knowledge attained from during mentorship and also job opportunities from the projects.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Dyasopu, Thembani
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Land reform -- South Africa , Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Agriculture and state -- South Africa , South Africa -- Rural conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9252 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021191
- Description: New policy initiatives that followed the 1994 democratic elections aim strongly on construction and development, especially in the agrarian sector. Land reform is one of the initiatives that the democratic government has implemented post 1994 to enable the previously marginalised and disposed individuals and families to own land. The aim of the land reform was not only to provide settlement beneficiaries, but to provide post settlement support to them and enable them to live a better life. However, most of the beneficiaries who acquired farms through the land reform programs lack practical experience in commercial agricultural production. In light of the above, the agricultural mentorship programme was implemented to offer a ray of sunshine to smallholder and emerging farmers. However, it is quite evident that although the agricultural mentorship program was implemented, the Kat river valley emerging citrus farmers are still facing challenges such as limited production capacity; limited access to financial capital; limited access to production equipment; and limited post-harvest support. This study aims to review the agriculture mentorship programme of the Department of Agrarian Reform and Rural Development (DRDAR), with a specific focus on citrus at Kat River Valley. Using data drawn from a sample of nine (9) mentees, two (2) mentors and one official from DARDAR who were personally visited and interviewed, the thesis presents the results of an assessment of the program’s outcomes for participant’s experiences and perceptions in order to strengthen the programme. A review of related literature on land and agriculture reform, agricultural policies, emerging farmers and mentorship has been presented. The study employed a qualitative approach for in-depth understanding and verification. Source documents, open-ended questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from participants. The study revealed that the mentorship programme has made an impact since its implementation as can be noted by the increase in production and income levels; sustainability of skills and knowledge attained from during mentorship and also job opportunities from the projects.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
The analysis of the economic impact of climate change on maize production under different farming systems: the case of smallholder Farmers in Jozini Municipality, KwaZulu Natal Province, South Africa
- Authors: Nxumalo, Bongiwe Goodness
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Climate change mitigation -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Irrigation farming -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Dry farming -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Food supply -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Corn -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11229 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1021277 , Climate change mitigation -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Irrigation farming -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Dry farming -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Food supply -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Corn -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal
- Description: Maize is the most grown crop by the farmers in Jozini. Therefore, the main objective of the study was to assess the economic impact of climate change on maize production under different farming systems in Jozini Municipality in KwaZulu Natal (KZN). The study was looking at the smallholder farmers producing maize under dryland and irrigation system. A total of 100 farmers were selected for the study (40 from dry-land and 60 from irrigating farmers). Cluster and random sampling procedures were used to select the sample. Questionnaires were used for the collection of primary data, from the respondents (maize farmers). Data was analysed using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentages), gross margin, regression analysis and the Ricardian model. Data for computing gross margins and net revenue was taken from the on-farm trials. Gross margin was used on regression analysis and the net revenue was used on the Ricardian modelThe results of the regression analysis indicated that land size, farmer’s experience to farming, level of education, use of fertiliser, use of irrigation and the yield obtained were significant and have a positive relationship with farmers gross margin. The results of the Ricardian model indicated that climate change affects both farming systems, but farmers that are producing under dryland are the most affected farmers because they rely more on climate variables especially rainfall for their production. So a change in climate variables affects maize farmers’ productivity and thus affecting farmers’ gross margin and net revenue. The study recommends that the farmers must use irrigation in order to support maize production even in the absence of rainfall. Farmers must also adapt to the short growing season so that they will be able to produce even in the presence of climate change.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Nxumalo, Bongiwe Goodness
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Climate change mitigation -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Irrigation farming -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Dry farming -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Food supply -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Corn -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11229 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1021277 , Climate change mitigation -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Irrigation farming -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Dry farming -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Food supply -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Corn -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal
- Description: Maize is the most grown crop by the farmers in Jozini. Therefore, the main objective of the study was to assess the economic impact of climate change on maize production under different farming systems in Jozini Municipality in KwaZulu Natal (KZN). The study was looking at the smallholder farmers producing maize under dryland and irrigation system. A total of 100 farmers were selected for the study (40 from dry-land and 60 from irrigating farmers). Cluster and random sampling procedures were used to select the sample. Questionnaires were used for the collection of primary data, from the respondents (maize farmers). Data was analysed using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentages), gross margin, regression analysis and the Ricardian model. Data for computing gross margins and net revenue was taken from the on-farm trials. Gross margin was used on regression analysis and the net revenue was used on the Ricardian modelThe results of the regression analysis indicated that land size, farmer’s experience to farming, level of education, use of fertiliser, use of irrigation and the yield obtained were significant and have a positive relationship with farmers gross margin. The results of the Ricardian model indicated that climate change affects both farming systems, but farmers that are producing under dryland are the most affected farmers because they rely more on climate variables especially rainfall for their production. So a change in climate variables affects maize farmers’ productivity and thus affecting farmers’ gross margin and net revenue. The study recommends that the farmers must use irrigation in order to support maize production even in the absence of rainfall. Farmers must also adapt to the short growing season so that they will be able to produce even in the presence of climate change.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
The best a man can get? : an analysis of the representation of men within group situations in the advertising copy of Men’s Health and FHM from December 2006 through May 2007
- Authors: Scott, Robert James
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Men's health (Magazine) , For Him Magazine (South Africa) , Men in advertising , Sex role in advertising , Discrimination in the advertising industry , Men in mass media , Mass media criticism , Men in popular culture , Sex role in mass media , Discourse analysis -- Social aspects , Masculinity -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3535 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013576
- Description: This study examines the production of masculinity in the advertisements of South Africa’s two most popular men’s lifestyle magazines, FHM and Men’s Health. I specifically focus on advertisements, as I argue that they play a crucial role in the re‐production of prominent discursive formations. Informed by a poststructuralist framework this study adopts Foucault’s notions of discourse, power and the constitution of the subject. Gender is conceived of within power relations, with a hierarchical relationship between masculinities and femininities. The gendered subject is also viewed as being constantly in process and being constructed performatively through material forms of practice. Focusing on group representations to establish gender hierarchies, I argue that these representations of people are performative acts, hailing the subjects who view them and producing reality through discourse. Hegemonic masculinity, which is argued to be prominent in advertising, is located at the highest point in the gender hierarchy. However, there is not one universal hegemonic masculinity, for it can vary across three discrete political contexts: the local, which is constructed in the immediate face‐to‐face interactions of families, organisations and social structures; the regional, which is constructed at the level of culture or the nation state; and the global, which is constructed in supra‐national locations. In the advertisements of FHM and Men’s Health there is interplay between the latter two as global and regional brands both advertise in these magazines. To investigate the portrayal of masculinities in these publications, this study first undertakes a content analysis to survey the “general landscape” of representation in the advertisements and then performs a critical discourse analysis to uncover “thick description” of the production of masculinity. The content analysis, finds that the advertisements in the sample validate both white and heterosexual forms of masculinity. The sample is comprised mostly of white males, white females and black males, generally proposing forms of hegemonic masculinity, emphasised femininity and complicit masculinity respectively. The representation of white males and black males is different both in terms of the frequency of representations and in the types of representations. I argued that a certain tension inhabits the resulting representations, which try to be inclusive of a multi‐racial South Africa, yet do so within a clearly hierarchical structure. An in‐depth analysis of eight texts, informed by Fairclough’s model of critical discourse analysis and Kress & van Leeuwen’s framework for visual analysis, finds similar results to the content analysis while providing insight into how various discourses produced the representations, particularly within non‐narrative advertisements.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Scott, Robert James
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Men's health (Magazine) , For Him Magazine (South Africa) , Men in advertising , Sex role in advertising , Discrimination in the advertising industry , Men in mass media , Mass media criticism , Men in popular culture , Sex role in mass media , Discourse analysis -- Social aspects , Masculinity -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3535 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013576
- Description: This study examines the production of masculinity in the advertisements of South Africa’s two most popular men’s lifestyle magazines, FHM and Men’s Health. I specifically focus on advertisements, as I argue that they play a crucial role in the re‐production of prominent discursive formations. Informed by a poststructuralist framework this study adopts Foucault’s notions of discourse, power and the constitution of the subject. Gender is conceived of within power relations, with a hierarchical relationship between masculinities and femininities. The gendered subject is also viewed as being constantly in process and being constructed performatively through material forms of practice. Focusing on group representations to establish gender hierarchies, I argue that these representations of people are performative acts, hailing the subjects who view them and producing reality through discourse. Hegemonic masculinity, which is argued to be prominent in advertising, is located at the highest point in the gender hierarchy. However, there is not one universal hegemonic masculinity, for it can vary across three discrete political contexts: the local, which is constructed in the immediate face‐to‐face interactions of families, organisations and social structures; the regional, which is constructed at the level of culture or the nation state; and the global, which is constructed in supra‐national locations. In the advertisements of FHM and Men’s Health there is interplay between the latter two as global and regional brands both advertise in these magazines. To investigate the portrayal of masculinities in these publications, this study first undertakes a content analysis to survey the “general landscape” of representation in the advertisements and then performs a critical discourse analysis to uncover “thick description” of the production of masculinity. The content analysis, finds that the advertisements in the sample validate both white and heterosexual forms of masculinity. The sample is comprised mostly of white males, white females and black males, generally proposing forms of hegemonic masculinity, emphasised femininity and complicit masculinity respectively. The representation of white males and black males is different both in terms of the frequency of representations and in the types of representations. I argued that a certain tension inhabits the resulting representations, which try to be inclusive of a multi‐racial South Africa, yet do so within a clearly hierarchical structure. An in‐depth analysis of eight texts, informed by Fairclough’s model of critical discourse analysis and Kress & van Leeuwen’s framework for visual analysis, finds similar results to the content analysis while providing insight into how various discourses produced the representations, particularly within non‐narrative advertisements.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
The best interests of the child witness in disciplinary cases of educators
- Authors: Seshibe, Maropene Viniel
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Child witnesses -- South Africa , Child sexual abuse -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10257 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021058
- Description: The South African Constitution provides that a child’s best interests are of paramount importance in every matter concerning the child. This principle emanates from the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC). Accordingly the State and its various departments have adopted and are enforcing legislation and policies in defence of the child’s best interest. The principle of the best interest of the child is seldom observed in most of our schools. Incidents of child abuse are on the increase, especially by educators. This unfortunate situation prevails against the backdrop of legislation which condemns these atrocities. Section 17 of the Employment of Educators Act1 provides that educators must be discharged if they are found guilty of, inter alia, sexual abuse, intimate relationship with a learner and assault with grievous bodily harm. These measures have been taken to combat the vicious cycle of child abuse in schools and to advance children’s-rights agenda and the universal principle of the child’s best interests. For the department to successfully prosecute educator cases against child abuse, the testimony of a child witness is crucial. However, it is shocking to discover that the interests of the child witness are not always served in these disciplinary hearings. Officials are prone to be biased towards their fellow professionals at the expense of the interest of the child witness. This situation normally arises probably as a result of a lack of professional capacity because most of these officials tasked with disciplining educators have a teaching, human-resource or legal qualification. Others may have been recruited from the ranks of the trade-union movement without any formal qualification. Secondly, they may be specialists in the field of labour law which is essentially concerned with the regulating the employer and employee relationship. Thirdly, the disciplinary code and procedures that are used during educator-disciplinary processes are premised on the principles and values of the Labour 1 Act 76 of 1998. Relations Act Code of Good Practice: Dismissal2 and Schedule 2 of the Employment of Educators Act3 which addresses the interest of the child witness to a very limited extend. Finally, the policies regulating workplace discipline are generally biased towards employee rights as espoused in the Labour Relations Act4 and CCMA guidelines on misconduct arbitrations. This study has identified a number of challenges confronting the child witness and also areas of capacity improvement on the side of officials officiating over the disciplinary cases of educators. These challenges form the basis for a comprehensive and consolidated list of aspects in which officials need to be trained to effectively promote and defend the interest of the child witness in a professional manner. The role of the departmental representative in becoming the champions of the democratic Constitution and the vanguard of the child’s best interest cannot be over-emphasised. The question of how best to serve the best interest of the child witness has been addressed. The child witness can be a credible witness provided officials win over his or her confidence to speak out against abuse. The 16 days of activism against women and children abuse has to resonate consciously with departmental officials.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Seshibe, Maropene Viniel
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Child witnesses -- South Africa , Child sexual abuse -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10257 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021058
- Description: The South African Constitution provides that a child’s best interests are of paramount importance in every matter concerning the child. This principle emanates from the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC). Accordingly the State and its various departments have adopted and are enforcing legislation and policies in defence of the child’s best interest. The principle of the best interest of the child is seldom observed in most of our schools. Incidents of child abuse are on the increase, especially by educators. This unfortunate situation prevails against the backdrop of legislation which condemns these atrocities. Section 17 of the Employment of Educators Act1 provides that educators must be discharged if they are found guilty of, inter alia, sexual abuse, intimate relationship with a learner and assault with grievous bodily harm. These measures have been taken to combat the vicious cycle of child abuse in schools and to advance children’s-rights agenda and the universal principle of the child’s best interests. For the department to successfully prosecute educator cases against child abuse, the testimony of a child witness is crucial. However, it is shocking to discover that the interests of the child witness are not always served in these disciplinary hearings. Officials are prone to be biased towards their fellow professionals at the expense of the interest of the child witness. This situation normally arises probably as a result of a lack of professional capacity because most of these officials tasked with disciplining educators have a teaching, human-resource or legal qualification. Others may have been recruited from the ranks of the trade-union movement without any formal qualification. Secondly, they may be specialists in the field of labour law which is essentially concerned with the regulating the employer and employee relationship. Thirdly, the disciplinary code and procedures that are used during educator-disciplinary processes are premised on the principles and values of the Labour 1 Act 76 of 1998. Relations Act Code of Good Practice: Dismissal2 and Schedule 2 of the Employment of Educators Act3 which addresses the interest of the child witness to a very limited extend. Finally, the policies regulating workplace discipline are generally biased towards employee rights as espoused in the Labour Relations Act4 and CCMA guidelines on misconduct arbitrations. This study has identified a number of challenges confronting the child witness and also areas of capacity improvement on the side of officials officiating over the disciplinary cases of educators. These challenges form the basis for a comprehensive and consolidated list of aspects in which officials need to be trained to effectively promote and defend the interest of the child witness in a professional manner. The role of the departmental representative in becoming the champions of the democratic Constitution and the vanguard of the child’s best interest cannot be over-emphasised. The question of how best to serve the best interest of the child witness has been addressed. The child witness can be a credible witness provided officials win over his or her confidence to speak out against abuse. The 16 days of activism against women and children abuse has to resonate consciously with departmental officials.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
The Big Four: shaping the South African media landscape, and beyond: 20 years of democracy
- Authors: Rumney, Reg
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/454243 , vital:75330 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC159513
- Description: The nationalism surrounding the repurchase of one of South Africa's biggest media groups is all the more surprising for the fact of the foreign ownership of the Independent Newspaper Group surfaced for two decades.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Rumney, Reg
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/454243 , vital:75330 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC159513
- Description: The nationalism surrounding the repurchase of one of South Africa's biggest media groups is all the more surprising for the fact of the foreign ownership of the Independent Newspaper Group surfaced for two decades.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
The challenges and coping strategies of care-givers working in home and community based care centres for people infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS
- Authors: Saki, Linda
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: HIV-positive persons -- Home care -- South Africa AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Home care -- South Africa , Home-based family services -- South Africa Home care services -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48003 , vital:40462
- Description: Home- and community-based care is deeply rooted worldwide and is an integral part of the continuum of health care. This form of care ranges from highly technical and professional services to simple forms of non-professional and voluntary support in homes. Currently a large number of people with HIV related illnesses are being cared for at home by their next of kin and community members as volunteer caregivers. With the continued high number of HIV infections, there is a need to initiate more home- and community-based care centres in South Africa. The study in question explored the challenges and coping strategies of care-givers working in home-based care for people infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS. A qualitative research approach has been employed using an explorative, descriptive and contextual design. The sample was drawn from three home- and communitybased care centres in Cofimvaba, in the Eastern Cape. Semi-structured interviews were used for data collection. Data was analyzed according to the Tesch’s model (1990). The strategy of Lincoln and Guba was used to verify data. Findings indicated that caregivers working in home-based care for people infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS, experienced challenges such as: lack of resources for proper caring; lack of cooperation from the beneficiaries of the caregivers who are getting social grants; influence of community perception on HIV infection on home- and community-based care; and emotional strain on caregivers. Relevant recommendations related to the findings are presented.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Saki, Linda
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: HIV-positive persons -- Home care -- South Africa AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Home care -- South Africa , Home-based family services -- South Africa Home care services -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48003 , vital:40462
- Description: Home- and community-based care is deeply rooted worldwide and is an integral part of the continuum of health care. This form of care ranges from highly technical and professional services to simple forms of non-professional and voluntary support in homes. Currently a large number of people with HIV related illnesses are being cared for at home by their next of kin and community members as volunteer caregivers. With the continued high number of HIV infections, there is a need to initiate more home- and community-based care centres in South Africa. The study in question explored the challenges and coping strategies of care-givers working in home-based care for people infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS. A qualitative research approach has been employed using an explorative, descriptive and contextual design. The sample was drawn from three home- and communitybased care centres in Cofimvaba, in the Eastern Cape. Semi-structured interviews were used for data collection. Data was analyzed according to the Tesch’s model (1990). The strategy of Lincoln and Guba was used to verify data. Findings indicated that caregivers working in home-based care for people infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS, experienced challenges such as: lack of resources for proper caring; lack of cooperation from the beneficiaries of the caregivers who are getting social grants; influence of community perception on HIV infection on home- and community-based care; and emotional strain on caregivers. Relevant recommendations related to the findings are presented.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
The challenges facing the National Rural Youth Service Corps' (NARYSEC) skills development programme implementation in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa : a case study of O.R. Tambo district municipality
- Authors: Magwentshu, Kanyisa
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Youth -- Employment Vocational guidance Youth development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12803 , vital:39363
- Description: The purpose of the study was to investigate the challenges facing the National Youth Service Corps’ (NARYSEC) skills development programme implementation in the OR Tambo District in the Eastern Cape Province. A secondary aim was to determine whether the actual NARYSEC implementation matches the desirable needs of the poverty-stricken unemployed NARYSEC beneficiary participants and their communities. The study, which was framed within Amartya Sen’s Capability and Entitlement Approaches (1985), used multiple data collection instruments – (1) semi-structured survey questionnaire, (2) face-to-face semi-structured interviews, (3) semi-structured telephonic interviews and (4) key expert informant in-depth face-to-face interviews – to collect data from 73 NARYSEC participants and three expert informants (N=76). The study used purposive and snowball sampling strategies in selecting the participants. Data was analysed using thematic data analysis technique and the results suggested that the NARYSEC skills development programme offered to unemployed youth in the resource depleted former homeland districts of the former Transkei of the Eastern Cape Province, did not achieve the NARYSEC objectives and the desirable needs of the NARYSEC beneficiaries and their communities. The evidence suggested that failure of the NARYSEC programme could be attributed to the implementation methods as well repeated cycles of mismatch between the official NARYSEC objectives of recruiting and developing rural youth to perform community service in their own communities and the actual NARYSEC implementation results. The study showed that one of the challenges NARYSEC programme faced was from the poorly structured implementation mechanisms, which were manned by untrained civil servants and not by skills development experts who were capable of implementing the programme successfully. The research findings also seemed to suggest that two of the major factors responsible for the NARYSEC programme failure in the Eastern Cape were the chronic implementation weaknesses stemming from the historical and contextual constraints dating back to the apartheid era. To enhance the NARYSEC objectives and the desirable needs of the unemployed rural youth and their communities, the study suggests the following: Firstly, it was recommended that policy planners and implementers should incorporate the desirable needs and aspirations of the youth and their communities into the NARYSEC programme design and implementation process. This recommendation is informed by the divergence that characterized the NARYSEC programme implementation. Secondly, it is suggested that the NARYSEC Monitoring &Evaluation process must be revamped in order to reverse the general trend of the poor monitoring and evaluation performance that characterised the NARYSEC programme implementation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Magwentshu, Kanyisa
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Youth -- Employment Vocational guidance Youth development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12803 , vital:39363
- Description: The purpose of the study was to investigate the challenges facing the National Youth Service Corps’ (NARYSEC) skills development programme implementation in the OR Tambo District in the Eastern Cape Province. A secondary aim was to determine whether the actual NARYSEC implementation matches the desirable needs of the poverty-stricken unemployed NARYSEC beneficiary participants and their communities. The study, which was framed within Amartya Sen’s Capability and Entitlement Approaches (1985), used multiple data collection instruments – (1) semi-structured survey questionnaire, (2) face-to-face semi-structured interviews, (3) semi-structured telephonic interviews and (4) key expert informant in-depth face-to-face interviews – to collect data from 73 NARYSEC participants and three expert informants (N=76). The study used purposive and snowball sampling strategies in selecting the participants. Data was analysed using thematic data analysis technique and the results suggested that the NARYSEC skills development programme offered to unemployed youth in the resource depleted former homeland districts of the former Transkei of the Eastern Cape Province, did not achieve the NARYSEC objectives and the desirable needs of the NARYSEC beneficiaries and their communities. The evidence suggested that failure of the NARYSEC programme could be attributed to the implementation methods as well repeated cycles of mismatch between the official NARYSEC objectives of recruiting and developing rural youth to perform community service in their own communities and the actual NARYSEC implementation results. The study showed that one of the challenges NARYSEC programme faced was from the poorly structured implementation mechanisms, which were manned by untrained civil servants and not by skills development experts who were capable of implementing the programme successfully. The research findings also seemed to suggest that two of the major factors responsible for the NARYSEC programme failure in the Eastern Cape were the chronic implementation weaknesses stemming from the historical and contextual constraints dating back to the apartheid era. To enhance the NARYSEC objectives and the desirable needs of the unemployed rural youth and their communities, the study suggests the following: Firstly, it was recommended that policy planners and implementers should incorporate the desirable needs and aspirations of the youth and their communities into the NARYSEC programme design and implementation process. This recommendation is informed by the divergence that characterized the NARYSEC programme implementation. Secondly, it is suggested that the NARYSEC Monitoring &Evaluation process must be revamped in order to reverse the general trend of the poor monitoring and evaluation performance that characterised the NARYSEC programme implementation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
The challenges of re-skilling former prison inmates in the 21st century: a case study of Nkonkobe municipality, Eastern Cape - South Africa
- Authors: Ralasi, Nolusindiso
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Criminals -- Rehabilitation , Prisoners -- Education , Alternatives to imprisonment
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25687 , vital:64432
- Description: The main aim of this study is to investigate challenges of re-skilling former inmates in South Africa in the 21st century. This is a case study of the Nkonkobe Municipality, Eastern Cape - South Africa. The objectives of this research are: to identify the current skills and education programmes offered by the DCS, to establish perceptions of inmates regarding the role of the DCS in skills training and education, to find out whether the current former inmates feel the support of society, to ascertain the offenders’ education levels, professional skills and job experience before and after prison, to identify the status of the offenders’ rights and rehabilitation programmes, to provide recommendations on ways to cement policy loopholes that have a deleterious effect on the government’s drive to create a whole new world for the ex-inmates and their holding communities. A qualitative research design was used to collect data from the participants in order to obtain in-depth information concerning the perceived impact of the life skills programmes on the behaviour and conduct of former inmates who participated in the programme. The findings reveal that the life skills programmes had an impact on the behaviour of former inmates because the life skills that they had gained from the programme mostly helped them desist from committing the offences that they used to commit. The life skills also curbed their anti-social behaviour tendencies. The factors that contributed to the success of the project included the approaches that the facilitators used to run the project, such as, motivating the inmates in everything that they did and the cooperation between the facilitators, the prison and the community. The findings also reveal that the good team work that occurred between the former inmates, support from the community, as well as the support from the Department of Correctional Services contributed to the success of the project. It was also suggested that the project should include all youths in the community; imprisonment should not be a passport to empowerment. The final suggestion was that the project should include all stakeholders in the community. The life skills projects should target unemployed youths in the communities so that they can gain skills that can help them become self-employed. The study also recommends that the life skills programmes should be implemented in all prisons in South Africa to provide inmates with life skills that can help them face day-to-day life challenges. This study culminates in the realisation that no life skills programmes can be successful in any society if they exclude the core social members who are law-abiding citizens. This is key to ensure that these programmes do not polarise the society due to empowerment being erroneously viewed as a preserve of those who did not abide by societal laws. This would set a wrong precedence that this study seeks to forestall. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2014
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Ralasi, Nolusindiso
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Criminals -- Rehabilitation , Prisoners -- Education , Alternatives to imprisonment
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25687 , vital:64432
- Description: The main aim of this study is to investigate challenges of re-skilling former inmates in South Africa in the 21st century. This is a case study of the Nkonkobe Municipality, Eastern Cape - South Africa. The objectives of this research are: to identify the current skills and education programmes offered by the DCS, to establish perceptions of inmates regarding the role of the DCS in skills training and education, to find out whether the current former inmates feel the support of society, to ascertain the offenders’ education levels, professional skills and job experience before and after prison, to identify the status of the offenders’ rights and rehabilitation programmes, to provide recommendations on ways to cement policy loopholes that have a deleterious effect on the government’s drive to create a whole new world for the ex-inmates and their holding communities. A qualitative research design was used to collect data from the participants in order to obtain in-depth information concerning the perceived impact of the life skills programmes on the behaviour and conduct of former inmates who participated in the programme. The findings reveal that the life skills programmes had an impact on the behaviour of former inmates because the life skills that they had gained from the programme mostly helped them desist from committing the offences that they used to commit. The life skills also curbed their anti-social behaviour tendencies. The factors that contributed to the success of the project included the approaches that the facilitators used to run the project, such as, motivating the inmates in everything that they did and the cooperation between the facilitators, the prison and the community. The findings also reveal that the good team work that occurred between the former inmates, support from the community, as well as the support from the Department of Correctional Services contributed to the success of the project. It was also suggested that the project should include all youths in the community; imprisonment should not be a passport to empowerment. The final suggestion was that the project should include all stakeholders in the community. The life skills projects should target unemployed youths in the communities so that they can gain skills that can help them become self-employed. The study also recommends that the life skills programmes should be implemented in all prisons in South Africa to provide inmates with life skills that can help them face day-to-day life challenges. This study culminates in the realisation that no life skills programmes can be successful in any society if they exclude the core social members who are law-abiding citizens. This is key to ensure that these programmes do not polarise the society due to empowerment being erroneously viewed as a preserve of those who did not abide by societal laws. This would set a wrong precedence that this study seeks to forestall. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2014
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
The changing image of women in Francis Imbuga's Oeuvre
- Oketch, Selline Atieno, West, Mary Eileen
- Authors: Oketch, Selline Atieno , West, Mary Eileen
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Women in literature , Feminist criticism -- Kenya
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DLitt
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/2949 , vital:20373
- Description: The aim of this study was to examine the changing image of women in the oeuvre of Francis Imbuga. Focusing on seven stage plays and two novels published between 1976 and 2011, the study examines the depiction of female characters within the social, cultural and political contexts of post-independence African societies. The depiction of female characters in literature has attracted the attention of numerous scholars globally, particularly with regards to negative female stereotypes in male authored works. This study explores Imbuga’s attitude towards female stereotypes and gender inequalities in literary texts. Using an eclectic framework that includes feminist criticism, feminist stylistics, gender theory and the formal strategies of literature, the study examined gender relations in these texts through the analysis of language and discourse of characters. Further, the study uses the interpretive methods of textual analysis to categorize these works into three phases based on their portrayal of female characters. This method reveals a systematic transformation in the characterization of women from disadvantaged positions in the patriarchal society to more prominent positions in the contemporary society. The study demonstrates that Imbuga makes a positive response to feminism and devices a unique perspective on feminism that celebrates both the domestic and public roles of female characters. In this sense, the female characters contribute to the moral content and aesthetic values of Imbuga’s works. The study concludes that Imbuga views the transformation of female characters in literary texts as part of the broader social change that is desirable in the society. Ultimately, this vision involves shifting focus from the preoccupation with gender inequalities to concern for the welfare and dignity of the human person. Based on the conclusions, recommendations for further study include investigation into the educative and social role of the performing arts as a means of raising consciousness on issues such as HIV/Aids, use of indigenous knowledge in solving contemporary issues, incorporation of African morality and traditions in contemporary literature and a comparative study of Imbuga’s feministic vision with that of other writers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Oketch, Selline Atieno , West, Mary Eileen
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Women in literature , Feminist criticism -- Kenya
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DLitt
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/2949 , vital:20373
- Description: The aim of this study was to examine the changing image of women in the oeuvre of Francis Imbuga. Focusing on seven stage plays and two novels published between 1976 and 2011, the study examines the depiction of female characters within the social, cultural and political contexts of post-independence African societies. The depiction of female characters in literature has attracted the attention of numerous scholars globally, particularly with regards to negative female stereotypes in male authored works. This study explores Imbuga’s attitude towards female stereotypes and gender inequalities in literary texts. Using an eclectic framework that includes feminist criticism, feminist stylistics, gender theory and the formal strategies of literature, the study examined gender relations in these texts through the analysis of language and discourse of characters. Further, the study uses the interpretive methods of textual analysis to categorize these works into three phases based on their portrayal of female characters. This method reveals a systematic transformation in the characterization of women from disadvantaged positions in the patriarchal society to more prominent positions in the contemporary society. The study demonstrates that Imbuga makes a positive response to feminism and devices a unique perspective on feminism that celebrates both the domestic and public roles of female characters. In this sense, the female characters contribute to the moral content and aesthetic values of Imbuga’s works. The study concludes that Imbuga views the transformation of female characters in literary texts as part of the broader social change that is desirable in the society. Ultimately, this vision involves shifting focus from the preoccupation with gender inequalities to concern for the welfare and dignity of the human person. Based on the conclusions, recommendations for further study include investigation into the educative and social role of the performing arts as a means of raising consciousness on issues such as HIV/Aids, use of indigenous knowledge in solving contemporary issues, incorporation of African morality and traditions in contemporary literature and a comparative study of Imbuga’s feministic vision with that of other writers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
The characterisation of an openwork block deposit, northern buttress, Vesleskarvet, Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica.
- Authors: Hansen, Christel Dorothee
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Formations (Geology) -- Antarctica -- Queen Maud Land , Geology, Structural -- Antarctica -- Queen Maud Land , Weathering -- Antarctica -- Queen Maud Land , Climatic changes -- Antarctica -- Queen Maud Land , Physical geography -- Antarctica -- Queen Maud Land , Paleoclimatology -- Antarctica
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4878 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013138
- Description: Investigating openwork block accumulation has the potential to further our understanding of rock weathering, the control of geological structure on landforms, the production of substrates for biological colonisation and the impacts of climate change on landform development and dynamics. Various models for the development of these landforms have been proposed. This includes in situ weathering, frost heave and wedging. Furthermore, it has been suggested that cold-based ice has the potential to preserve these features rather than to obliterate them. Blocky deposits are also frequently used as proxy evidence for interpreting palaeoclimates. The morphology and processes acting on a blockfield located on the Northern Buttress of the Vesleskarvet Nunataks, Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica (2°W, 71°S) were investigated and characterised. Given block dimensions and orientations that closely resembled the parent material and only small differences in aspect related characteristics observed, the blockfield was found to be autochthonous with in situ block production and of a young (Holocene) age. Small differences in rock hardness measurements suggest some form of aspect control on rock weathering. South-facing sides of clasts were found to be the least weathered. In comparison, consistently low rock hardness rebound values for the north-facing aspects suggest that these are the most weathered sides. Additional indicators of weathering, such as flaking and pitting, support analyses conducted for rock hardness rebound values. Solar radiation received, slope gradients and snow cover were found to influence weathering of clasts across the study site. Furthermore, ambient temperatures and wind speed significantly influenced near-surface ground temperatures dynamics. However, the lack of a matrix and paucity of fine material in textural analyses suggest a limited weathering environment. It is suggested that the retreat of the Antarctic ice sheet during the last LGM led to unloading of the surface, causing dilatation and subsequent fracturing of the bedrock along pre-existing joints, leading to in situ clast supply. Subsequent weathering and erosion along other points or lines of weakness then yielded fines and slight edge rounding of clasts.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Hansen, Christel Dorothee
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Formations (Geology) -- Antarctica -- Queen Maud Land , Geology, Structural -- Antarctica -- Queen Maud Land , Weathering -- Antarctica -- Queen Maud Land , Climatic changes -- Antarctica -- Queen Maud Land , Physical geography -- Antarctica -- Queen Maud Land , Paleoclimatology -- Antarctica
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4878 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013138
- Description: Investigating openwork block accumulation has the potential to further our understanding of rock weathering, the control of geological structure on landforms, the production of substrates for biological colonisation and the impacts of climate change on landform development and dynamics. Various models for the development of these landforms have been proposed. This includes in situ weathering, frost heave and wedging. Furthermore, it has been suggested that cold-based ice has the potential to preserve these features rather than to obliterate them. Blocky deposits are also frequently used as proxy evidence for interpreting palaeoclimates. The morphology and processes acting on a blockfield located on the Northern Buttress of the Vesleskarvet Nunataks, Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica (2°W, 71°S) were investigated and characterised. Given block dimensions and orientations that closely resembled the parent material and only small differences in aspect related characteristics observed, the blockfield was found to be autochthonous with in situ block production and of a young (Holocene) age. Small differences in rock hardness measurements suggest some form of aspect control on rock weathering. South-facing sides of clasts were found to be the least weathered. In comparison, consistently low rock hardness rebound values for the north-facing aspects suggest that these are the most weathered sides. Additional indicators of weathering, such as flaking and pitting, support analyses conducted for rock hardness rebound values. Solar radiation received, slope gradients and snow cover were found to influence weathering of clasts across the study site. Furthermore, ambient temperatures and wind speed significantly influenced near-surface ground temperatures dynamics. However, the lack of a matrix and paucity of fine material in textural analyses suggest a limited weathering environment. It is suggested that the retreat of the Antarctic ice sheet during the last LGM led to unloading of the surface, causing dilatation and subsequent fracturing of the bedrock along pre-existing joints, leading to in situ clast supply. Subsequent weathering and erosion along other points or lines of weakness then yielded fines and slight edge rounding of clasts.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
The characterization of DNAJC3: elucidating the function of the TPR domains
- Mutsvunguma, Lorraine Zvichapera
- Authors: Mutsvunguma, Lorraine Zvichapera
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/55874 , vital:26751
- Description: DNAJC3 is a novel member of the DNAJ family with two domains linked to co-chaperone functions, namely the tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) and J domain. Out of the two domains, the TPR domains are the least characterized. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize and elucidate additional functions of DNAJC3 TPR domains through in silico, in vitro and ex vivo approaches. Through multiple sequence and structural alignment as well as electrostatic potential analysis, DNAJC3 TPR domain were found to be most similar to TPR-containing proteins with Hsp90 or Hsp70 independent functions. In vitro pull down assays illustrated that DNAJC3 TPR domains did not interact with either cytosolic Hsp90 and Hsp70 or Grp78 and Grp94 directly, however a potential indirect interaction with Grp94 and Hsp90 was observed in mammalian lysates, via pull down assays; suggesting the formation of a complex between the proteins mediated by a specific substrate. DNAJC3 TPR domains were found to bind indiscriminately to both native and heat denatured substrates in a dose dependent manner. DNAJC3 TPR domains bound to β-galactosidase with greater affinity than malate dehydrogenase (MDH), suggesting that DNAJC3 TPR domains might exhibit substrate specificity that has not been reported before. Preliminary ex vivo analysis of DNAJC3 in mammalian cells showed that induced stress conditions did not alter the cytosolic or endoplasmic reticulum (ER) localization, or levels of DNAJC3 protein, suggesting that the protein is not stress inducible. However, protein levels of DNAJC3 were dramatically reduced by Hsp90 inhibitor novobiocin at 500 μM. Transient knockdown DNAJC3 did not change the protein levels of either Grp78 or Grp94, but decreased the protein levels of Hsp70/Hsp90 organizing protein HOP. On the other hand, protein levels of DNAJC3 were increased in HOP depleted cells. In conclusion, this study was the first to experimentally demonstrate that DNAJC3 TPR domains do not interact directly with Hsp90, Hsp70, Grp78 or Grp94, and therefore DNAJC3 is unlikely to participate in traditional co-chaperone interactions with those proteins via its TPR domain. However, the J domain is known to interact with Grp78. The discovery that DNAJC3 TPR domains resemble that of TPR-containing proteins with functions independent of Hsp90 or Hsp70 suggests that DNAJC3 might link the Hsp70/Grp78 chaperone machinery to non co-chaperone related functions, which requires further analysis.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Mutsvunguma, Lorraine Zvichapera
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/55874 , vital:26751
- Description: DNAJC3 is a novel member of the DNAJ family with two domains linked to co-chaperone functions, namely the tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) and J domain. Out of the two domains, the TPR domains are the least characterized. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize and elucidate additional functions of DNAJC3 TPR domains through in silico, in vitro and ex vivo approaches. Through multiple sequence and structural alignment as well as electrostatic potential analysis, DNAJC3 TPR domain were found to be most similar to TPR-containing proteins with Hsp90 or Hsp70 independent functions. In vitro pull down assays illustrated that DNAJC3 TPR domains did not interact with either cytosolic Hsp90 and Hsp70 or Grp78 and Grp94 directly, however a potential indirect interaction with Grp94 and Hsp90 was observed in mammalian lysates, via pull down assays; suggesting the formation of a complex between the proteins mediated by a specific substrate. DNAJC3 TPR domains were found to bind indiscriminately to both native and heat denatured substrates in a dose dependent manner. DNAJC3 TPR domains bound to β-galactosidase with greater affinity than malate dehydrogenase (MDH), suggesting that DNAJC3 TPR domains might exhibit substrate specificity that has not been reported before. Preliminary ex vivo analysis of DNAJC3 in mammalian cells showed that induced stress conditions did not alter the cytosolic or endoplasmic reticulum (ER) localization, or levels of DNAJC3 protein, suggesting that the protein is not stress inducible. However, protein levels of DNAJC3 were dramatically reduced by Hsp90 inhibitor novobiocin at 500 μM. Transient knockdown DNAJC3 did not change the protein levels of either Grp78 or Grp94, but decreased the protein levels of Hsp70/Hsp90 organizing protein HOP. On the other hand, protein levels of DNAJC3 were increased in HOP depleted cells. In conclusion, this study was the first to experimentally demonstrate that DNAJC3 TPR domains do not interact directly with Hsp90, Hsp70, Grp78 or Grp94, and therefore DNAJC3 is unlikely to participate in traditional co-chaperone interactions with those proteins via its TPR domain. However, the J domain is known to interact with Grp78. The discovery that DNAJC3 TPR domains resemble that of TPR-containing proteins with functions independent of Hsp90 or Hsp70 suggests that DNAJC3 might link the Hsp70/Grp78 chaperone machinery to non co-chaperone related functions, which requires further analysis.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
The comparative growth rates of indigenous street and garden trees in Grahamstown, South Africa
- De Lacy, Peter J G, Shackleton, Charlie M
- Authors: De Lacy, Peter J G , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/180943 , vital:43672 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2014.02.007"
- Description: Urban forestry is advocated worldwide as a means of enhancing the liveability of towns and cities, and mitigating some of the anticipated impacts of climate change. Optimisation of the benefits of trees in urban areas is dependent upon knowledge of tree form, growth, and the products and benefits that trees provide. Growth rates are a vital variable for modelling benefits, yet there is a significant gap in knowledge pertaining to growth rates of trees in urban areas, especially indigenous species in developing world countries. Here we report on growth rates of indigenous street and garden trees in Grahamstown, South Africa, using two approaches; tree ring counts on increment cores and mean rates from trees of known planting age. Growth equations for both street and garden trees were derived. There was no significant difference in mean growth rates determined via the two methods. For both methods street trees grew approximately 30% slower than trees in gardens.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: De Lacy, Peter J G , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/180943 , vital:43672 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2014.02.007"
- Description: Urban forestry is advocated worldwide as a means of enhancing the liveability of towns and cities, and mitigating some of the anticipated impacts of climate change. Optimisation of the benefits of trees in urban areas is dependent upon knowledge of tree form, growth, and the products and benefits that trees provide. Growth rates are a vital variable for modelling benefits, yet there is a significant gap in knowledge pertaining to growth rates of trees in urban areas, especially indigenous species in developing world countries. Here we report on growth rates of indigenous street and garden trees in Grahamstown, South Africa, using two approaches; tree ring counts on increment cores and mean rates from trees of known planting age. Growth equations for both street and garden trees were derived. There was no significant difference in mean growth rates determined via the two methods. For both methods street trees grew approximately 30% slower than trees in gardens.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
The consolidation of forecests with regression models
- Venter, Daniel Jacobus Lodewyk
- Authors: Venter, Daniel Jacobus Lodewyk
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Regression analysis -- Mathematical models , Forecasting -- Mathematical models
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:10582 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020964
- Description: The primary objective of this study was to develop a dashboard for the consolidation of multiple forecasts utilising a range of multiple linear regression models. The term dashboard is used to describe with a single word the characteristics of the forecasts consolidation application that was developed to provide the required functionalities via a graphical user interface structured as a series of interlinked screens. Microsoft Excel© was used as the platform to develop the dashboard named ConFoRM (acronym for Consolidate Forecasts with Regression Models). The major steps of the consolidation process incorporated in ConFoRM are: 1. Input historical data. Select appropriate analysis and holdout samples. 3. Specify regression models to be considered as candidates for the final model to be used for the consolidation of forecasts. 4. Perform regression analysis and holdout analysis for each of the models specified in step 3. 5. Perform post-holdout testing to assess the performance of the model with best holdout validation results on out-of-sample data. 6. Consolidate forecasts. Two data transformations are available: the removal of growth and time-periods effect from the time series; a translation of the time series by subtracting ̅i, the mean of all the forecasts for data record i, from the variable being predicted and its related forecasts for each data record I. The pre-defined regression models available for ordinary least square linear regression models (LRM) are: a. A set of k simple LRM’s, one for each of the k forecasts; b. A multiple LRM that includes all the forecasts: c. A multiple LRM that includes all the forecasts and as many of the first-order interactions between the input forecasts as allowed by the sample size and the maximum number of predictors provided by the dashboard with the interactions included in the model to be those with the highest individual correlation with the variable being predicted; d. A multiple LRM that includes as many of the forecasts and first-order interactions between the input forecasts as allowed by the sample size and the maximum number of predictors provided by the dashboard: with the forecasts and interactions included in the model to be those with the highest individual correlation with the variable being predicted; e. A simple LRM with the predictor variable being the mean of the forecasts: f. A set of simple LRM’s with the predictor variable in each case being the weighted mean of the forecasts with different formulas for the weights Also available is an ad hoc user specified model in terms of the forecasts and the predictor variables generated by the dashboard for the pre-defined models. Provision is made in the regression analysis for both of forward entry and backward removal regression. Weighted least squares (WLS) regression can be performed optionally based on the age of forecasts with smaller weight for older forecasts.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Venter, Daniel Jacobus Lodewyk
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Regression analysis -- Mathematical models , Forecasting -- Mathematical models
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:10582 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020964
- Description: The primary objective of this study was to develop a dashboard for the consolidation of multiple forecasts utilising a range of multiple linear regression models. The term dashboard is used to describe with a single word the characteristics of the forecasts consolidation application that was developed to provide the required functionalities via a graphical user interface structured as a series of interlinked screens. Microsoft Excel© was used as the platform to develop the dashboard named ConFoRM (acronym for Consolidate Forecasts with Regression Models). The major steps of the consolidation process incorporated in ConFoRM are: 1. Input historical data. Select appropriate analysis and holdout samples. 3. Specify regression models to be considered as candidates for the final model to be used for the consolidation of forecasts. 4. Perform regression analysis and holdout analysis for each of the models specified in step 3. 5. Perform post-holdout testing to assess the performance of the model with best holdout validation results on out-of-sample data. 6. Consolidate forecasts. Two data transformations are available: the removal of growth and time-periods effect from the time series; a translation of the time series by subtracting ̅i, the mean of all the forecasts for data record i, from the variable being predicted and its related forecasts for each data record I. The pre-defined regression models available for ordinary least square linear regression models (LRM) are: a. A set of k simple LRM’s, one for each of the k forecasts; b. A multiple LRM that includes all the forecasts: c. A multiple LRM that includes all the forecasts and as many of the first-order interactions between the input forecasts as allowed by the sample size and the maximum number of predictors provided by the dashboard with the interactions included in the model to be those with the highest individual correlation with the variable being predicted; d. A multiple LRM that includes as many of the forecasts and first-order interactions between the input forecasts as allowed by the sample size and the maximum number of predictors provided by the dashboard: with the forecasts and interactions included in the model to be those with the highest individual correlation with the variable being predicted; e. A simple LRM with the predictor variable being the mean of the forecasts: f. A set of simple LRM’s with the predictor variable in each case being the weighted mean of the forecasts with different formulas for the weights Also available is an ad hoc user specified model in terms of the forecasts and the predictor variables generated by the dashboard for the pre-defined models. Provision is made in the regression analysis for both of forward entry and backward removal regression. Weighted least squares (WLS) regression can be performed optionally based on the age of forecasts with smaller weight for older forecasts.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014