An assessment of the system of billing for basic services in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Authors: Ntenge, Nolukhanyo Dorothea
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Municipal finance -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality -- Accounting -- Data processing , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Local government -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22890 , vital:30122
- Description: The study focussed on the system of billing for basic services in the Nelson Mandela bay Municipality. The role of the municipality in the provision of basic services to the community and how communities are supposed to be billed for the basic services is explained. The research problem has also been identified and explained. The study reviewed the literature on the system of billing for basic services. In that processes, municipal by-laws, relevant books and internet sources were consulted. The researcher used qualitative research methodology: face to face and telephonic interviews were used during the research. 4 meter readers from the NMBM as well as 3 meter readers from each of the 3 contractors were interviewed. The researcher also interviewed 15 consumers whose accounts have been billed on estimations, 2 pre-billing and 2 post billing clerks as well as one administration worker from each of the three contractors. The Assistant Director of Meter Services and the Director of Revenue Management and Customer Care were also interviewed. Research findings revealed that meter readers were trained and only a few felt that they needed more training in meter reading. Various challenges were revealed by meter readers as the causes of the incorrect billing of consumers’ accounts. Incorrect meter linkage and inaccessibility of water and electricity meters to meter readers were also reasons for the unending queues on the enquiry counters in the Nelson Mandela Bay Customer Care Centres. It has been highly recommended that the NMBM review the meter reading function and ensure that every meter reader is highly trained and equipped with the equipment needed to perform the function. It has also been recommended that those electricity meters that are inside houses, be placed outside or in an accessible place. The keys can be given to meter readers with a spare key to be kept by the owner of the property. All water meters should be placed outside the yard so that they are easily accessible to the meter readers at any given time.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Ntenge, Nolukhanyo Dorothea
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Municipal finance -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality -- Accounting -- Data processing , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Local government -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22890 , vital:30122
- Description: The study focussed on the system of billing for basic services in the Nelson Mandela bay Municipality. The role of the municipality in the provision of basic services to the community and how communities are supposed to be billed for the basic services is explained. The research problem has also been identified and explained. The study reviewed the literature on the system of billing for basic services. In that processes, municipal by-laws, relevant books and internet sources were consulted. The researcher used qualitative research methodology: face to face and telephonic interviews were used during the research. 4 meter readers from the NMBM as well as 3 meter readers from each of the 3 contractors were interviewed. The researcher also interviewed 15 consumers whose accounts have been billed on estimations, 2 pre-billing and 2 post billing clerks as well as one administration worker from each of the three contractors. The Assistant Director of Meter Services and the Director of Revenue Management and Customer Care were also interviewed. Research findings revealed that meter readers were trained and only a few felt that they needed more training in meter reading. Various challenges were revealed by meter readers as the causes of the incorrect billing of consumers’ accounts. Incorrect meter linkage and inaccessibility of water and electricity meters to meter readers were also reasons for the unending queues on the enquiry counters in the Nelson Mandela Bay Customer Care Centres. It has been highly recommended that the NMBM review the meter reading function and ensure that every meter reader is highly trained and equipped with the equipment needed to perform the function. It has also been recommended that those electricity meters that are inside houses, be placed outside or in an accessible place. The keys can be given to meter readers with a spare key to be kept by the owner of the property. All water meters should be placed outside the yard so that they are easily accessible to the meter readers at any given time.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Service delivery protests in Hammanskraal, Pretoria
- Authors: Mnguni, Godfrey Sibusiso
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Protest movements -- South Africa -- Pretoria , Community development -- South Africa -- Pretoria Municipal services -- South Africa -- Pretoria Local government -- services -- South Africa -- Pretoria
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32226 , vital:31989
- Description: The purpose of the research was to investigate and explain the factors that contributed to service delivery protests in the Hammanskraal area, Pretoria, South Africa (SA). The focus was to identify the perceived critical and aggravating factors leading to protest actions by residents and the communities in the Hammanskraal area. The unprecedented service delivery protests and demonstrations across the majority of municipalities in SA are well documented. On-going and continuous protest actions since the commencement of democracy occurs despite limited successes in some areas in terms of the provision of electricity and access to clean portable water. The study followed a mixed method approach which included a qualitative and quantitative research approach. Quantitative data were collected and interpreted along with an in-depth literature review and analysis. The study identified the critical factors that contributed to continuous service delivery protests. The identified factors were not unique to the Hammanskraal area and included: poor public participation processes; mismanagement of funds; lack of capacity, and poor public participation processes that are cited as a common factor amongst the leading reasons for rampant service delivery protests across the country. The underlying and aggravating factors that fuelled the service delivery protest in the Hammanskraal area were identified as: the lack and poor delivery of basic services; perceived corruption, and political opportunism. The study concluded that communities engage in protest action and mass mobilisation as the last resort following failed engagements with political leaders and the SA Government. The failed engagements are primarily due to unfulfilled promises and failures of Government to deliver on the catalogue of basic services that communities are entitled to as enshrined in the Constitution.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mnguni, Godfrey Sibusiso
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Protest movements -- South Africa -- Pretoria , Community development -- South Africa -- Pretoria Municipal services -- South Africa -- Pretoria Local government -- services -- South Africa -- Pretoria
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32226 , vital:31989
- Description: The purpose of the research was to investigate and explain the factors that contributed to service delivery protests in the Hammanskraal area, Pretoria, South Africa (SA). The focus was to identify the perceived critical and aggravating factors leading to protest actions by residents and the communities in the Hammanskraal area. The unprecedented service delivery protests and demonstrations across the majority of municipalities in SA are well documented. On-going and continuous protest actions since the commencement of democracy occurs despite limited successes in some areas in terms of the provision of electricity and access to clean portable water. The study followed a mixed method approach which included a qualitative and quantitative research approach. Quantitative data were collected and interpreted along with an in-depth literature review and analysis. The study identified the critical factors that contributed to continuous service delivery protests. The identified factors were not unique to the Hammanskraal area and included: poor public participation processes; mismanagement of funds; lack of capacity, and poor public participation processes that are cited as a common factor amongst the leading reasons for rampant service delivery protests across the country. The underlying and aggravating factors that fuelled the service delivery protest in the Hammanskraal area were identified as: the lack and poor delivery of basic services; perceived corruption, and political opportunism. The study concluded that communities engage in protest action and mass mobilisation as the last resort following failed engagements with political leaders and the SA Government. The failed engagements are primarily due to unfulfilled promises and failures of Government to deliver on the catalogue of basic services that communities are entitled to as enshrined in the Constitution.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Challenges encountered by schools in the implementation of inclusive education in the Eastern Cape: a survey study in the Ngcobo District
- Hlatini-Mphomane, Nyameka Winnifred
- Authors: Hlatini-Mphomane, Nyameka Winnifred
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Inclusive education -- Evaluation , Eastern Cape -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:18441 , http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1007258
- Description: This study investigated challenges encountered by schools in the implementation of inclusive education in the Eastern Cape. It was a Survey Study carried out in Ngcobo District. School principals of randomly-sampled mainstream schools and special schools participated in this research project. The key research question that the study sought to answer was: What are the challenges encountered by schools in the implementation of Inclusive Education in the Ngcobo District of the Eastern Cape Province? The following were the sub-research questions: (a). How does the lack of specialized or in-service, trained human resource personnel challenge or hinder the implementation of Inclusive Education? (b). How is the implementation of Inclusive Education affected by available infra-structure? (c). How do the attitudes of stake holders such as learners, educators (ILST) and parents (SGB) affect the implementation of inclusive education? The findings of the study revealed that: There is a gross shortage of educators qualified in inclusive education or related streams, and in some schools none at all. Institution Level Support Teams (ILSTs) in some schools have not been established and some of those that are established are not functional. Needed specialists such as psychologists and occupational therapists are not available in special schools. Workshops or in-service training for educators generally are held for to ILSTs only instead of all educators and SMTs. School buildings and toilets have not been adapted for when inclusion is to be implemented and there are no specific, funded departmental projects to rectify this. Assistive devices for learners experiencing barriers to teaching, learning and development are rarely found. There are no clear departmental budgets to ensure the policy is implemented in ordinary schools. Negative attitudes of some parents, teachers and learners toward inclusion still exist. The following recommendations were made for consideration in order to facilitate the smooth implementation of Inclusive Education in the schools. There should be adequate provision of human resource training and development Educators have to further their studies in Inclusive Education. There should be provision of a specific budget for buildings. Maintenance funds ought to be used to renovate school buildings so as to be Inclusive Education friendly. Advocacy and awareness programmes for different stakeholders should be conducted.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Hlatini-Mphomane, Nyameka Winnifred
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Inclusive education -- Evaluation , Eastern Cape -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:18441 , http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1007258
- Description: This study investigated challenges encountered by schools in the implementation of inclusive education in the Eastern Cape. It was a Survey Study carried out in Ngcobo District. School principals of randomly-sampled mainstream schools and special schools participated in this research project. The key research question that the study sought to answer was: What are the challenges encountered by schools in the implementation of Inclusive Education in the Ngcobo District of the Eastern Cape Province? The following were the sub-research questions: (a). How does the lack of specialized or in-service, trained human resource personnel challenge or hinder the implementation of Inclusive Education? (b). How is the implementation of Inclusive Education affected by available infra-structure? (c). How do the attitudes of stake holders such as learners, educators (ILST) and parents (SGB) affect the implementation of inclusive education? The findings of the study revealed that: There is a gross shortage of educators qualified in inclusive education or related streams, and in some schools none at all. Institution Level Support Teams (ILSTs) in some schools have not been established and some of those that are established are not functional. Needed specialists such as psychologists and occupational therapists are not available in special schools. Workshops or in-service training for educators generally are held for to ILSTs only instead of all educators and SMTs. School buildings and toilets have not been adapted for when inclusion is to be implemented and there are no specific, funded departmental projects to rectify this. Assistive devices for learners experiencing barriers to teaching, learning and development are rarely found. There are no clear departmental budgets to ensure the policy is implemented in ordinary schools. Negative attitudes of some parents, teachers and learners toward inclusion still exist. The following recommendations were made for consideration in order to facilitate the smooth implementation of Inclusive Education in the schools. There should be adequate provision of human resource training and development Educators have to further their studies in Inclusive Education. There should be provision of a specific budget for buildings. Maintenance funds ought to be used to renovate school buildings so as to be Inclusive Education friendly. Advocacy and awareness programmes for different stakeholders should be conducted.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The effect of tulbaghia violacea plant extract on the growth of aspergillus species
- Authors: Belewa, Xoliswa Vuyokazi
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Plant products , Plant extracts , Traditional medicine
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10315 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008186 , Plant products , Plant extracts , Traditional medicine
- Description: Traditional medicine has become an important part of healthcare worldwide. It is estimated that about 25 percent of prescribed medicines contain plant products or active compounds derived from plants. In South Africa, traditional medicine forms part of the culture and tradition of most communities. Garlic compounds have been shown to have a variety of antimicrobial properties. Amongst these are antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral and anti protozoal activities. Allicin and its breakdown products have been shown to be the main active compounds which possess these properties. Tulbaghia violacea has been used for the treatment of a variety of illnesses including asthma, fever, oesophageal cancer, constipation and hypertension. This study investigated the antifungal nature of T.violacea on the morphology, spore germination and lipid synthesis of Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. The results of this study showed that the plant extract inhibited A. flavus growth at a minimal inhibitory concentration of 15mg/ml and was fungicidal at 20mg/ml and above. A. parasiticus was not inhibited at 25mg/ml indicating resistance to the inhibitory component of the plant extract. A measure of metabolic activity using the XTT assay showed reduced metabolic activity in the presence of increasing concentrations of the plant extract. Higher extract concentrations resulted in higher percentage inhibition of fungal growth for both fungal species with up to 98 percent inhibition being observed for the highest extract concentrations for both fungi. Germination was also delayed in the presence of 15mg/ml plant extract concentration by up to 60hr for A. flavus and 48hr for A. parasititcus. The TEM results showed increased thickening of the cell wall with higher extract concentrations. The thickening was greater for A. flavus than for A. parasiticus. Cell wall thickening may be the reason for the delay in germination in both species. Lipid production was reduced in the presence of plant extracts when compared to the control. The plant extracts inhibited triglyceride production at 15mg/ml for both A. flavus and A. parasiticus. The results therefore indicate that T. violacea extracts are antifungal and probably affect germination through interactions with the cell wall. It is possible that the extract affects lipid production in Aspergillus species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Belewa, Xoliswa Vuyokazi
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Plant products , Plant extracts , Traditional medicine
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10315 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008186 , Plant products , Plant extracts , Traditional medicine
- Description: Traditional medicine has become an important part of healthcare worldwide. It is estimated that about 25 percent of prescribed medicines contain plant products or active compounds derived from plants. In South Africa, traditional medicine forms part of the culture and tradition of most communities. Garlic compounds have been shown to have a variety of antimicrobial properties. Amongst these are antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral and anti protozoal activities. Allicin and its breakdown products have been shown to be the main active compounds which possess these properties. Tulbaghia violacea has been used for the treatment of a variety of illnesses including asthma, fever, oesophageal cancer, constipation and hypertension. This study investigated the antifungal nature of T.violacea on the morphology, spore germination and lipid synthesis of Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. The results of this study showed that the plant extract inhibited A. flavus growth at a minimal inhibitory concentration of 15mg/ml and was fungicidal at 20mg/ml and above. A. parasiticus was not inhibited at 25mg/ml indicating resistance to the inhibitory component of the plant extract. A measure of metabolic activity using the XTT assay showed reduced metabolic activity in the presence of increasing concentrations of the plant extract. Higher extract concentrations resulted in higher percentage inhibition of fungal growth for both fungal species with up to 98 percent inhibition being observed for the highest extract concentrations for both fungi. Germination was also delayed in the presence of 15mg/ml plant extract concentration by up to 60hr for A. flavus and 48hr for A. parasititcus. The TEM results showed increased thickening of the cell wall with higher extract concentrations. The thickening was greater for A. flavus than for A. parasiticus. Cell wall thickening may be the reason for the delay in germination in both species. Lipid production was reduced in the presence of plant extracts when compared to the control. The plant extracts inhibited triglyceride production at 15mg/ml for both A. flavus and A. parasiticus. The results therefore indicate that T. violacea extracts are antifungal and probably affect germination through interactions with the cell wall. It is possible that the extract affects lipid production in Aspergillus species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
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