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Food insecurity, food choice priorities and health outcomes nexus in the Eastern Cape Province: choice experiment approach

  • Authors: Mnyaka, Onke Ronaldy
  • Date: 2025-04
  • Subjects: Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food supply -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food industry and trade -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/73048 , vital:79327
  • Description: Introduction: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of food insecurity; assess the nexus of food insecurity and health outcomes; and assess the influence of price, taste, healthiness, preparation time and travel time on food choice priorities using a discrete choice experiment approach among households of the Qweqwe community in Mthatha, Eastern Cape Province. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study design was used to collect primary data among households of the Qweqwe community. Data were collected using a questionnaire. Data were analysed using SPSS and Stata software. Food insecurity prevalence was determined using descriptive statistics, while the nexus of food insecurity and health outcomes was assessed using Pearson’s chi-squared test. The main effects conditional logit model was fitted to assess the influence of the selected meal attributes. The level of significance was set at 5%. Results: food insecurity was highly prevalent (38.13%) among households in the community of Qweqwe. The relationship between food insecurity and health outcomes was not statistically significant (χ²= 3.6985, p>0.05). Price, preparation time, and healthiness are all significant predictors of meal choice at the 1% level, while taste is significant at the 5% level. The results showed that healthiness (odds ratio (OR)=1.9988, p<0.001) is the most influential meal attribute, followed by taste (OR=1.1898, p<0.05), preparation time (OR=0.9660, p<0.001) and price (OR=0.89803, p<0.001). Price and preparation time were inversely related to meal choice, while taste and healthiness were positively associated with meal selection. Conclusion: Based on these results, the researcher argues that food insecurity is a product of multiple factors that different sectors can best address. To address high food insecurity, there needs to be collaboration between different sectors, such as health, agriculture, education, and social services. This study contributes to understanding the influence of selected meal attributes on food choices. These findings can be used to justify the need for employment-creation initiatives, such as skills development, job creation schemes, and economic empowerment programs targeting food-insecure populations. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School ofEconomics, Development and Tourism, 2025
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  • Date Issued: 2025-04

Identity expression in language use by amaXhosa on YouTube

  • Authors: Ngcungca, Nkazimlo
  • Date: 2025-04
  • Subjects: Sociolinguistics -- South Africa , Language and languages -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Language and culture
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72454 , vital:79226
  • Description: The study investigates how amaXhosa individuals express their cultural and social identity in English-dominated online spaces, particularly focusing on their language use. Typically, cultural identity is not only expressed through visible markers, such as clothing and rituals but also significantly through language. This tendency is even prevalent in online spaces, dominated by English, like YouTube and other social platforms. Unlike in-person interactions, where cultural ties can be conveyed through attire and spoken dialogue, online communication relies heavily on written text. In these digital spaces, English often emerges as the prevailing lingua franca, posing unique challenges for individuals striving to assert their cultural identity. This research assumes that amaXhosa individuals continue to find alternative ways to express their identities through language, which can be identified through studying their language practices on online platforms, such as YouTube comments. Thus, this study sets out to investigate how amaXhosa use language as a tool to express their cultural identity on English-dominated platforms, such as YouTube. A pilot study evaluated the usability of the South African Language Identification tool where comments from ten YouTube videos were used. Although initial tests revealed limitations in using this identifier on YouTube texts, it ultimately proved effective for categorising comments into English and isiXhosa, including instances of code-switching that reflect everyday communication among individuals. Consequently, 80 videos were mined from YouTube, using Python 3 and a YouTube Application Programming Interface (API). The videos were selected based on certain criteria, including the minimum number of 50 comments and multiple languages in the comments. The mined comments were then converted into a text file and pre-processed through tokenisation using Ucto, a language-independent command-line tool for text tokenisation. Although initial tests revealed limitations in using this identifier on YouTube, it ultimately proved effective for categorising comments into English and isiXhosa, including instances of code-switching that reflect everyday communication among individuals. Overall, I categorise the results on language strategies that indicate isiXhosa cultural and social identities into two broad categories: explicit and implicit categories. On the one hand, explicit strategy only includes self-categorisation as an identity marker. On the other hand, implicit categories include pronouns as identity markers, expressions of ownership and solidarity, self-identification by group affiliation, distinctions between in-group and out-group members, social comparison language reflecting pride, geographical references, such as the Eastern Cape, and culturally specific linguistic strategies. The findings in this study demonstrate a clear relationship between the isiXhosa language and possible social and cultural isiXhosa identity, highlighting how language fosters solidarity and unity among amaXhosa. In other words, commenters employ various expressive strategies to index and position themselves linguistically. Thus, this research not only reinforces existing studies on identities but also contributes significantly to language and identity studies in South Africa. As far as it could be ascertained for this study, the dissertation, which investigates language and identity on YouTube, using comments from content consumers, pioneers corpus-based studies of amaXhosa identities. It lays a methodological groundwork for future research while providing practical insights regarding current tools and platform policies. Furthermore, this study advances the understanding of language and identity by exploring digital methods for extracting and analysing YouTube comments. It supports ongoing investigations into the relationship between language and identity among amaXhosa individuals while identifying new methods to address challenges, associated with studying multilingual and multicultural interactions on digital platforms. The methodology also included creating reusable scripts for mining YouTube comments, contributing to open science through accessible code that could assist other researchers, interested in using YouTube comment data for studying language and identity or the identities of speakers from various linguistic backgrounds on the platform. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Language, Media and Communication, 2025
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  • Date Issued: 2025-04

Impact of piracy on cruise tourism in East and West Africa

  • Authors: Jonas, Lynn
  • Date: 2025-04
  • Subjects: Ocean travel , Cruise lines , Tourism
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72768 , vital:79259
  • Description: Maritime transport has become essential to international trade as approximately 90% of world commodities are carried by sea. Maritime security has thus become a critical issue to consider, and security efforts have intensified considering the rise of modern piracy. The global impact of piracy is far reaching as it includes inflated labour and fuel costs because of diversions and the use of alternative routes to avoid pirates. Piracy along East Africa was rampant between 2008 and 2012, but then moved predominantly to West Africa. The threat of piracy to passenger vessels is of great concern as the global cruise tourism industry has grown tremendously over the past few decades. The reaction of the shipping industry to piracy is avoidance of the affected routes, and this study considered the prevalence of piracy and how it affects the cruise tourism industry on the African continent. The four research objectives were to determine the extent of cruise tourism in Africa, to evaluate the prevalence of piracy on East and West Africa, and to ascertain the maritime safety and security measures put in place to combat piracy. The study utilised an interpretivist paradigm, following a qualitative research approach with document analysis as the data collection method. Forty-one publicly available documents were selected through purposive and subsequent snowball sampling from the International Maritime Bureau, International Maritime Organisation, and Cruise Line International Association. Documents were analysed with the aid of Atlas.ti through a thematic analysis process. The findings of the study indicate that there is a lack of available information about cruise tourism in Africa and the continent receives approximately 1% of the world cruises. East Africa has seen growth in cruise tourism, but West Africa is still struggling with security concerns, hampering cruise tourism. Moreover, piracy in East Africa had been reduced to no reports of attacks, while West African piracy has continued to flourish with highly dangerous and violent, organised gangs operating in the region. All vessels are fair game during attacks and pirates are well armed with sophisticated weapons and mundane weapons such as knives. Theft, hijacking, and kidnapping are most common, with West Africa accounting for nearly all instances of pirate kidnappings worldwide. In combating piracy, regional and international collaboration has contributed significantly to the reduction of piracy in East Africa. Reporting agencies continue to issue warnings and recommendations to shipping companies and ship masters to be on high alert as pirates continue to have the ability and willingness to attack. The study findings assert that piracy has a negative impact on cruise tourism and further studies may consider additional reasons for the slow growth of cruise tourism in Africa. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2025
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  • Date Issued: 2025-04

Improving the implementation of performance management development systems (PMDS) in the selected hospitals of the Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Health

  • Authors: Malashe, Nolukhanyo
  • Date: 2025-04
  • Subjects: Performance -- Management , Systems of development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Organizational effectiveness -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72938 , vital:79287
  • Description: The study intends to improve the implementation of Performance Management Development Systems (PMDS) in the selected hospitals of the Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Health. PMDS is a standardised framework implemented across all government departments to ensure consistency in evaluating and developing employee performance. PMDS seeks to improve the performance of government departments by coordinating the goals of each employee with the overall goals of the company. It enables regular performance reviews to encourage responsibility and ongoing progress, while also clearly defining performance expectations and connecting roles and responsibilities to strategic objectives. PMDS also supports professional growth by identifying training and development needs. Although the Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Health is implementing PMDS, implementation of the PMDS is under question because of the overall performance. Hence the study investigated the factors that can be implemented by the Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Health to ensure that the PMDS is effective and efficient. The study was qualitative in nature, out of the target and accessible population of 252, the participation rate was 12 after which the point of saturation was reached. The study found that, while the PMDS has the potential to be an effective tool for enhancing employee performance and organisational alignment, its success largely depends on thorough and consistent implementation. Key challenges identified included a lack of understanding of the system, role ambiguity, limited commitment from employees, and insufficient opportunities for personal development. The research recommended some key actions for addressing the challenges identified in the study. Firstly, regular training on PMDS should be provided to ensure employees have a clear understanding of the system and its processes. Second, establishing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) specific to the Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Health would create consistency and clarity in applying PMDS across the department. Additionally, continuous monitoring and evaluation should be conducted to assess PMDS effectiveness and identify areas for improvement. Finally, fostering employee development through targeted programs would enhance skills and motivation, supporting both individual growth and the Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Health's overall performance. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2025
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  • Date Issued: 2025-04

Intermediate phase teachers’ perceptions on the causes of disruptive behaviour in the classroom: a study involving two schools in the Johannesburg region

  • Authors: Paulsen, Leigh
  • Date: 2025-04
  • Subjects: Problem children -- Education -- South Africa -- Johannesburg , Classroom management , Effective teaching
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/71775 , vital:79130
  • Description: Learner disruptive behaviour is experienced by all teachers, whether it is major or minor. After the abolishment of corporal punishment in South Africa, teachers are still navigating through different ways to manage learner disruptive behaviour. This research study explores the perceptions of Intermediate Phase teachers on the causes of disruptive behaviour at their schools. The theoretical framework that guided this study was Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory. A qualitative approach was used for this study and data was collected through questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussions. Two schools were identified for this study: one being a public school and the other an independent school. Two sampling types were used, that being convenience sampling and purposive sampling. The findings show that there were both similarities and differences in these perceptions at both schools. Teachers experience different degrees of disruptive behaviour in their classes and identified society, parental influence and the school as factors that contribute the most to learner disruptive behaviour. Furthermore, the findings suggest that learner disruptive behaviour has a negative effect on teachers’ morale and motivation as well as learners’ academic performances. Besides providing some insights into learner disruptive behaviour, the study also attempts to provide some assistance to teachers in managing disruptive behaviour. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, School of Initial Teacher Education, 2025
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  • Date Issued: 2025-04

Interpreted justice: Exploring the use and experiences of court interpreters in Empangeni, KwaZulu Natal

  • Authors: Tom, Zizipho
  • Date: 2025-04
  • Subjects: Language and languages -- Law and legislation , Language services -- South Africa , Law -- South Africa -- Language
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72538 , vital:79235
  • Description: The language of record in the South African justice system has been English since 2017, after the decision of the Heads of Court. The majority of South Africans, however, do not speak English. Since South Africa is a multilingual and multicultural society with twelve official languages, interpreters mitigate communication issues during court proceedings. This study investigates the language and communication challenges interpreters encounter and how justice proceedings are affected by said challenges. This research was conducted at the Empangeni Magistrates’ Court in KwaZulu Natal. It was qualitative research that used exploratory-descriptive research methods to reach its objectives. Semi-structured interviews were used to gather data, which was then analysed through thematic and discourse analysis. This study took into account various ethical considerations by the university ethics committee. The dissertation used a social justice approach advanced by Fraser's integrated justice theory and outlined how she approached the question of participation. Using Fraser's understanding of participation and the complexity of monolingualism in South Africa’s judicial system will assist in mapping out clearly how the issue of language is central to understanding matters of justice in South Africa. Additionally, since South Africa is a former colonial state, the question of decoloniality is posed to properly speak to the question at hand in its full political context. This research found that, indeed, there are challenges that court interpreters face in court. These challenges were language, cultural, emotional and professional challenges. This study also revealed that court interpreters have mechanisms in place to mitigate the challenges they face to ensure a good service for their community. Additionally, this study showed that the training mechanism offered to court interpreters has slightly improved from the previous studies. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2025
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  • Date Issued: 2025-04

Investigating factors that affect service delivery of municipal roads in South Africa

  • Authors: Bouwer, Brendan
  • Date: 2025-04
  • Subjects: Service delivery -- South Africa , Infrastructure (Economics) -- South Africa , Roads -- South Africa -- Finance
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72000 , vital:79176
  • Description: Given its close proximity to communities, local government is considered the most important level of government. According to the supreme law of South Africa, the Constitution indicates that municipalities have a duty to provide basic municipal services to communities and residents which are essential for enhancing their quality of life. These services include the supply of potable water, electricity, roads and community healthcare. The aim of this study is to identify opportunities for the improvement of the provision of municipal road infrastructure services by investigating the effect that the identified independent variables which include Risk Management, Root-Cause Analysis, Empowering Leadership, and Performance Monitoring and Evaluation, have on the dependent variable, Service Delivery. An academic study, comprising a non-experimental mail system survey and closed-ended questionnaire collection method, was conducted. The survey was composed using Google forms, and questionnaires were forwarded to selected municipalities including the Johannesburg Roads Agency, City of Cape Town, Tshwane, Mangaung, Mbombela and Nelson Mandela Municipalities. The respective gatekeepers were informed of the objective of the study and were requested to promote the voluntary participation of suitable respondents. The key findings revealed that the independent variables Risk Management, Root-Cause Analysis and Empowering Leadership are essential in improving the provision of municipal road infrastructure services, and that the Performance Monitoring and Evaluation variable has no effect on it. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2025
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  • Date Issued: 2025-04

Investigating the relationship between matric mathematics performance and economic growth in South Africa

  • Authors: Chimhanda, Gracian Junior
  • Date: 2025-04
  • Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Evaluation , Economic development -- South Africa , Gross domestic product -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72011 , vital:79177
  • Description: This study investigated the relationship between mathematics, government spending, and economic growth in South Africa. The study explored the relationship between mathematics performance and economic growth indicators, specifically GDP growth, and employment rates using regression analysis to ascertain the impact of each variable. The findings revealed that whereas mathematics has a positive impact on economic growth, the effect is not statistically significant. In contrast, government spending demonstrates a positive and statistically major influence on the country's economic growth. The results suggested that although mathematics may play a role in enhancing economic outcomes, its direct contribution remains uncertain within the scope of this study. However, the positive and notable correlation between government expenditure and economic growth, highlighted the importance of fiscal policy in driving economic performance in South Africa. These findings emphasised the potential of government spending as a key policy tool for stimulating growth, while also indicating the need for further research to better understand the nuanced role of mathematics in economic development. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2025
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  • Date Issued: 2025-04

Investigating the use of risk management in minimising cybersecurity threats within a South African maritime border in Gqeberha

  • Authors: Deliwe, Mdumiseni
  • Date: 2025-04
  • Subjects: Cyber intelligence (Computer security) , Maritime terrorism , Piracy
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72656 , vital:79245
  • Description: The emergence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution has transformed information technology and manufacturing. It has affected many sectors, including the maritime industry systems. The maritime freight-forwarding sector provides 70% of trade value and transports around 80 to 90% of all commodities and products worldwide, making it the backbone of international trade. The advancement in technology comes with many benefits for the maritime industry, including the progression of the technical structure of ships through the implementation of integration, digitalisation and automation of systems. However, apart from the opportunities presented by technology developments within the maritime industry, technology has also provided opportunities for cyber-crimes, making the sector vulnerable to cyber attacks that are similar to other critical infrastructures which are connected. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the use of risk management in minimising cyber security threats in the South African Maritime Border in Gqeberha. The study follows a qualitative approach where participants within maritime cyber security were interviewed. The data collected was analysed using thematic analysis. Ten people participated. The results highlighted why cyber security is important, linking to the protection of confidential information, the protection of resources from cyber-attacks as well as the reduction of financial loss. Several recommendations were put forward, including - but not limited to - the need for all personnel working within maritime industry cyber security to undergo ongoing training because technology advances continuously. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2025
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  • Date Issued: 2025-04

Legal liability under the occupational health and safety act 85 of 1993

  • Authors: de Lange,Charl
  • Date: 2025-04
  • Subjects: South Africa. -- Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 , Industrial hygiene -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Industrial safety -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72082 , vital:79186
  • Description: South Africa’s legislation dealing with workplace safety is commonly known as the Occupational Health and Safety Act(OHSA).1 OHSA is a pivotal body of law with the aim of protecting workers by ensuring their health and safety.2 Despite the robust framework it provides, there exists a pressing need for further exploration into its provisions, particularly in complex area regarding criminal liability, vicarious liability, and the standards of care mandated for employers. This study seeks to address these areas, seeking to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the legislation and its implications for both employers and employees. The OHSA establishes a legal obligation for employers to ensure a safe working environment, with section 38 of the OHSA specifically detailing the criminal liabilities for actions or omissions that jeopardise workplace safety. Section 37 of the OHSA introduces the concept of vicarious liability, which holds employers accountable for the actions or omissions of their employees or independent contractors. Additionally, the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA)3 through section 35 provides a statutory measure for claiming no-fault compensation, thereby limiting an employee’s right to institute a civil claim against an employer. The legal concept of liability within workplace safety encompasses several dimensions, including criminal liability, vicarious liability, and strict liability. Criminal liability under OHSA4 implies direct accountability for safety breaches, while vicarious liability extends responsibility to employers for their employees’ actions. Strict liability, although not explicitly detailed in OHSA,5 implies holding parties accountable regardless of fault, particularly relevant in the context of ensuring safe working conditions. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, School of Mercantile Law, 2025
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  • Date Issued: 2025-04

Mandatory enforcement of the COVID -19 vaccination on employee socio-economic conditions and job security across business industries in Gqeberha

  • Authors: Hutton, Vanessa Karen
  • Date: 2025-04
  • Subjects: COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020- , Job security , South Africa -- Economic conditions
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72735 , vital:79252
  • Description: This research sought to examine the impact of mandatory COVID-19 vaccination enforcement on employees' socio-economic conditions and job security across various business industries in Gqeberha. Specifically, the study explored how employee job security was jeopardised when individuals refused to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Such refusals led to restricted workplace access under mandatory vaccination policies implemented across businesses. The research was motivated by a desire to understand the full extent of the socio-economic and job security implications of mandatory vaccination, with a particular focus on the gendered experiences of employees. A quantitative research methodology was adopted for this study. An online survey questionnaire was distributed via the Question Pro platform to employees working in organisations where COVID-19 vaccination was mandated. Participation in the study was voluntary, and respondents were sampled using a probability sampling design, specifically simple random sampling, to align with the study’s quantitative approach. The sample was restricted to employees in industries where mandatory vaccination policies were enforced. The research was structured around scientifically formulated hypotheses, aiming to uncover relationships between mandatory vaccination policies and their inherent impact on employees' socio-economic conditions and job security. The study findings revealed several critical insights. First, respondents did not universally agree that mandating the COVID-19 vaccine was a necessary measure to prevent the spread of the virus. Second, many respondents confirmed that mandatory vaccination policies threatened their job security. Notably, the findings highlighted that women were more vulnerable to job insecurity, with many experiencing heightened risk of losing their employment upon refusal to vaccinate. This vulnerability had significant socio-economic repercussions, particularly for affected households The research is significant as it underscores the pressures organisations face during a pandemic to implement policies that, while aimed at public health protection, may inadvertently harm employees. The study highlights the need for organisations to reconsider their approaches to policy implementation, ensuring that mandates do not infringe on employees' constitutional rights or disproportionately impact vulnerable groups. In addition, the research provides actionable recommendations for human resources departments in corporate organisations. These include adopting more inclusive strategies for policy development, fostering transparent and open communication with employees, and ensuring , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2025
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  • Date Issued: 2025-04

Market integration as a key enabling factor for increased levels of agriculture commercialisation

  • Authors: Kant, Leigh-Ann
  • Date: 2025-04
  • Subjects: Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Agricultural industries -- South Africa , South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72836 , vital:79269
  • Description: This study investigated market integration as a key enabling factor for increasing agricultural commercialisation among small-scale vegetable farmers in South Africa. Limited access to profitable markets has hindered these farmers’ ability to realise the full value of their produce, restricting their transition to higher levels of commercial farming. Using a quantitative research approach, this study examined the roles of vertical coordination, contract farming and other critical factors in facilitating market integration. Data were collected via electronic surveys targeting managers of agribusinesses engaged with small-scale farmers and analysed through descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Key findings revealed that vertical coordination significantly enhances commercialisation outcomes; while contract farming, though moderately effective, is constrained by challenges such as inconsistent quality and deficits in trust. Other variables, including joint initiatives and training, positively affected market integration efforts. Conversely, limited access to information and the high costs of traceability systems emerged as significant barriers. The study proposes a refined conceptual framework to address these challenges, emphasising the need for enhanced collaborative efforts, capacity building and policy support to create inclusive and sustainable agricultural value chains. The findings contribute to the broader discourse on agricultural development and offer actionable insights for agribusinesses, policymakers and stakeholders aiming to empower smallscale farmers and improve food security in South Africa. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2025
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  • Date Issued: 2025-04

Organisational culture impacts on the performance of a commodity trading company X in South Africa

  • Authors: Majoka, Abigail
  • Date: 2025-04
  • Subjects: Corporate culture , Organisational behaviour , Organization -- Research
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72927 , vital:79280
  • Description: This research explores the links between organisational culture and company performance in Commodity Trading Company X, a multinational operating in South Africa’s dynamic and supercompetitive downstream oil and gas industry. The research acknowledges that the sector faces volatile commodity markets, regulatory complexities, and socio-economic diversity. It examines how organisational culture factors impact the company’s performance, adaptability to emerging changes, and innovation-competitiveness in the marketplace. In a quantitative methodology, 122 employees returned survey responses showing significant associations between organisational culture dimensions and performance metrics. The findings show that leadership styles, strategies for employee engagement, and the ability to adapt are related to engendering a resilient culture that promotes performance sustainability. Main insights include clear and open communication of values and organisational changes, incorporating inclusive leadership, and promoting employee work-life balance, teamwork, and cooperation between departments. These findings support that organisational culture is an enabler and a result of operational success, influencing employee morale, decision-making, and the company’s responsiveness to changes in the external markets. Recommendations are summarised under three key themes: enhancing the cultural fit to better align it with strategic objectives, hybrid organisational models, and linking culture development to performance results. These findings have relevance not only for Commodity Trading Company X but are also of contribution value for a better understanding of the role of culture as a driver of company performance in the global commodity trading sector. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2025
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  • Date Issued: 2025-04

People and the sea in Mpondoland: an analysis of culture, provisioning, and accessibility to ocean and coastal services

  • Authors: Laqwela, Bayanda
  • Date: 2025-04
  • Subjects: Pondo (African people) -- Research , Culture -- Research -- South Africa , Sociology
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72278 , vital:79205
  • Description: South Africa can be characterised as a marine country due to its location at the interface of three oceans: The Atlantic Ocean, Southern Ocean and the Indian Ocean. Additionally, the country boasts the third-longest coastline in Africa, approximately 3,000 km long. This coastline stretches from the borders of Namibia, across four provinces, to the border with Mozambique. The ocean surrounding South Africa is not only home to extensive marine biodiversity, but also supports a range of diverse coastal cultures, with people interacting with the ocean and its coasts in various ways. Some individuals enjoy engaging in water sports along the Eastern Cape shorelines, while others view the ocean as a space to practice indigenous customs and as a residence for communities whose primary source of sustenance is fishing and other marine resources. The study sought to understand human-ocean interactions, the benefits the people of Mpondoland derive from these interactions, and the dynamics involved in accessing those benefits. To achieve its goal and objectives, the study employed a multi-sited ethnographic approach, with fieldwork conducted in three communities—two in Port St. Johns and one in Lusikisiki. Observations, focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews were conducted with a total of 41 participants. The key findings of the study are; i)There are cultural, religious, and spiritual convictions that play a significant role in how the people of Mpondoland interact with the ocean; ii) The study further found that the ocean plays an important economic provisioning role for the people of Mpondoland, providing food, spaces to hustle, and marine species used as indigenous medicine to treat animals, people, and the land/soil; iii) Finally, the study revealed that current government legislation limits access to sea resources and the coast, which is perceived as oppressive. The study further found that structural and relational factors, such as a lack of capital and technology to optimize access to marine resources, also contribute to the inaccessibility of sea/coastal services. The scholarly issues addressed by this research were informed by ongoing conversations within and outside of academic spaces, both globally and nationally. These discussions emphasise the need for scientific research on various cultural and indigenous peoples to document and understand their knowledge and behaviours in relation to the ocean. Such knowledge has the potential to contribute to sustainable solutions for the environmental problems faced by contemporary society. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2025
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  • Date Issued: 2025-04

Political leadership and economic growth: investigating African presidents, their educational attainment and influence on economic growth

  • Authors: Julius, Claire
  • Date: 2025-04
  • Subjects: Leadership -- Africa , Economic development -- Econometric models , Africa -- Economic conditions
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72798 , vital:79263
  • Description: This study examines the role of African presidents’ educational backgrounds in influencing economic growth on the continent. It seeks to answer two key questions: which types of education are most effective in driving economic growth in Africa, and which levels of education are most critical for fostering such growth. The research employs the Cross-Sectionally Dependent Autoregressive Distributed Lag (CS-ARDL) and Panel Quantile Autoregressive Distributed Lag (PQ-ARDL) models to analyse a reduced-form growth equation using time-series data from 1975 to 2021. These models are particularly suited for evaluating both short- and long-term effects of education, while capturing its impact across different growth phases of the economy. The findings indicate that both the type and level of education significantly influence economic growth, with their impacts varying depending on the economic growth phase. Specific fields of study, including economics, civil service, and engineering, are more strongly associated with positive economic outcomes when held by African presidents. Furthermore, the level of education enhances these effects, but only when paired with these high-impact fields. The results also highlight that the influence of education is context-dependent, varying with economic conditions; certain qualifications yield greater effectiveness during periods of economic expansion, while others prove more impactful during economic contractions. This study provides important implications for policymakers by offering evidence-based recommendations on prioritising specific educational qualifications for political leaders to promote economic growth. It highlights the strategic importance of education in fostering effective political leadership and driving developmental outcomes. The originality of this research lies in its integration of CS-ARDL and PQ-ARDL models to explore the distributional effects of presidential education on economic growth—a perspective previously unexplored in the African context. This contribution enhances the discourse on the role of leadership in economic development and provides a valuable foundation for informed policymaking in Africa. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2025
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  • Date Issued: 2025-04

Port of Ngqura container key performance indicators that impact terminal operations in relation to port authority oversight

  • Authors: Mdunge, Percy
  • Date: 2025-04
  • Subjects: Coega Development Corporation , Performance -- Management , Labor productivity -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/73026 , vital:79325
  • Description: After being pioneered by American businessman Malcolm McLean in 1956, containerised shipping has grown to be an essential component of global commerce infrastructure (Notteboom & Rodrigue, 2019). Because of the significant capital expenditure needed, shipping corporations, port operators, and freight forwarders initially opposed the changeover (Harrison, 2017). However, by the 1980s, the benefits of using containers as versatile cargo units became evident, and their use in inland and maritime freight networks grew rapidly (Broeze, 2019; Rodrigue, 2020). The world's distribution networks, and economic landscape were revolutionised, supply chains were restructured, and the globalization of production and consumption was accelerated by this expanding worldwide network of container shipping (Olivier & Hache, 2018; Levinson, 2016). From 36 million TEU in 1980 to 849 million TEU in 2021, the worldwide container port throughput has increased dramatically, placing pressure on the construction of ancillary infrastructure, including container fleets, larger vessels, expanded services, and terminals in critical locations (UNCTAD, 2021; Rodrigue & Notteboom, 2017). These terminals' footprints have expanded significantly, with some of them now capable of handling more than 5 million TEU annually (Caruzzo, 2020; Bichou, 2016). The rapid growth in container throughput has also led to increasing demands for technological advancements in port operations and logistics management, to accommodate the size and scale of these growing terminals (Ng & Lam, 2017). Moreover, the expansion of port infrastructure has been essential for maintaining the flow of global trade, particularly as containerized shipping continues to dominate international transportation networks (Panayides & Wiedmer, 2020). The container terminals act as a catalyst in global trade flows through facilitating cargo movements through different trade routes. For improving a country's competitiveness, there is a dire need for handling the productivity and operational efficiency of container terminals accordingly. Improvement strategies should be pursued for the container terminal value chain. Improvement strategies for container terminals may have positive ramifications in for port stakeholders and the shipping industry (Li et al. 2022). , Thesis (MMM) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2025
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  • Date Issued: 2025-04

Socio-economic Impacts of COVID-19 on household well-being: Evidence from South Africa

  • Authors: Lomas, Djamella
  • Date: 2025-04
  • Subjects: COVID-19 (Disease) -- Economic aspects , Cost and standard of living -- South Africa , Income -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/71915 , vital:79151
  • Description: Following the outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in Wuhan, China in 2019, several studies around the world have been published on the economic impact of the novel Coronavirus - COVID-19 – on individuals, financial markets, governmental responses to the pandemic and related rates of mortality and morbidity. Literature suggests that the outbreak of COVID-19 has delivered a devastating impact on businesses and economies in many developed and developing countries around the world. However, there is a paucity of empirical studies on the virus’s socio-economic impacts on the well-being of households, particularly those in the Global South. Thus, using descriptive statistics, logistics and multiple regression techniques, this study examines the socio-economic impacts of COVID-19 on household wellbeing in South Africa using National Income Dynamics Study (NIDS) wave 5 and National Income Dynamics Study – Coronavirus Rapid Mobile Survey (NIDS-CRAM) wave 2 data. In addressing the above objective, the following research questions were addressed: (1) What are the impacts of COVID-19 on household wellbeing such as household income, food security and subjective wellbeing? (2) Which households (based on household characteristics) are more vulnerable to the impacts of COVID-19? The study finds that COVID-19 has had a significant impact on household wellbeing, reducing household income, increasing food insecurity (increased hunger) and worsening household subjective wellbeing. Furthermore, the findings show that rural households, households with unemployed heads, female-headed, African, Coloured, and Asian households, and households in Kwazulu-Natal (KZN) province are associated with lower household income during the pandemic while those with tertiary educated heads and those in the North -West and Free State provinces are associated with higher household income. In terms of food security, unemployed households, African households, and households in the Western Cape, KZN, Limpopo and Gauteng are associated with food shortages (hunger) while those with tertiary, diploma-educated heads, are less likely to experience food shortages. While rural households are associated with better household subjective wellbeing, a lower level of wellbeing is associated with households in the provinces of KZN and the North-west, as well as households with educated heads.Based on the findings, it is recommended that addressing low household income and hunger through social welfare transfers such as the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) and Stress Relief Distress Grant (SRDG) and other measures to combat food insecurity, needs to be prioritised. Furthermore, regarding subjective wellbeing issues, because poor mental health is associated with a variety of negative outcomes, including early mortality, disrupting the pathways from hunger to depressive symptoms needs to be a cornerstone of South Africa’s social development and mental health policy. Special policy intervention such as widening the inclusion criteria for the SRDG to include recipients of the child support grant and old-age pension in order to support low-income households is recommended as these categories of households are more vulnerable to the impacts of COVID-19 relative to affluent households. Apart from the potential empirical contribution to literature, the results of this study also provide essential ingredients that can shape social transfer policy direction to improve the overall well-being of households. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2025
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  • Date Issued: 2025-04

Stakeholder engagement and sustainable tourism development in the greater Taung Local Municipal area, North-West Province

  • Authors: Mosenogi, Joel Marumo
  • Date: 2025-04
  • Subjects: Sustainable tourism -- South Africa , Tourism -- Management , Tourism -- South Africa -- North West Province
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/73059 , vital:79328
  • Description: The global importance of sustainable tourism development as a foundation for economic growth, poverty reduction and employment cannot be over-emphasised, and this is not an exception for the North-West Province of South Africa. Sustainable tourism development is a multi-dimensional phenomenon which needs the involvement of all stakeholders to be a success. This study aims to explore and understand the role of stakeholder engagement on sustainable tourism development in the Greater Taung Local Municipality area. Applying a qualitative research approach under constructivism philosophy and exploratory design, data was collected using open-ended interview schedule. To effectively analyse data, the study adopted thematic approach which was achieved through qualitative techniques which included word cloud, tree maps, cluster analysis, hierarchy charts and word trees. The findings of the study showed that stakeholder engagement is largely dependent on the ability to effectively coordinate relevant stakeholders which is the main responsibility of government. Further findings of the study indicate that given the nature of development and diversity of the tourism industry, stakeholder identification cannot be a once off exercise performed by government alone. While government holds the responsibility of coordination, it is important to ensure that the process of stakeholder identification is as inclusive as possible and most importantly be guided by a set of stakeholder’s identification criteria. There is a need to also ensure that stakeholders are contently engaging. Findings also emphasise the importance of ensuring effective functionality of all formal structures within the tourism sector, the umbrella body and all other forums and stakeholders. These must be well organised, which requires active involvement and participation amongst all stakeholders. To successfully achieve this, various sustainability enablers such as technology, communication, information sharing, responsiveness, marketing, financing and education are important. Most importantly, there is a need for institutionalisation of innovation, research, monitoring and evaluation as the basis for the achievement of stakeholder engagement and sustainable tourism development. The study finally developed a stakeholder engagement and sustainable tourism development framework as a major contribution in the field of tourism. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2025
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  • Date Issued: 2025-04

Strategies to improve coastal and marine tourism sustainability in the Nelson Mandela Bay coastal region

  • Authors: Mbangeni, Mihlali
  • Date: 2025-04
  • Subjects: Tourism -- Environmental aspects -- Port Elizabeth , Tourism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainability -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/73003 , vital:79323
  • Description: Coastal and marine tourism (CMT) is a rapidly growing subsector of tourism. CMT is a form of tourism that occurs in coastal areas and marine environments. This form of tourism has benefited the coastal and marine environments contributing economically to coastal regions globally. However, in developing regions such as the Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa, pollution, particularly plastics and waste from ships, is an environmental challenge. Thus, the need for managing and planning sustainability in coastal and marine tourism. The study evaluated the effectiveness of the current sustainability strategies used by Nelson Mandela Bay coastal region stakeholders. The interpretivist paradigm enabled a qualitative research approach. Thus, 8 semi-structured interviews were conducted through purposive sampling. Participants were from the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Tourism directorate, top managers of coastal and marine tourism businesses, and ocean economy-related non-profit organisation operators. Thematic analysis was employed using Atlas.ti software and narratives presented the results of the study. The study found current strategies used to ensure sustainability and how the municipality promotes sustainability. CMT businesses practise sustainability and NPO have practical initiatives in place. The challenges identified by the participants were stakeholders not having the same intentions towards sustainability, lack of local community literacy, lack of stakeholder inclusion leading to a lack of collaboration as well as lack of sustainability visible initiatives and regulation. Measures used to mitigate these challenges were, empowering decision makers and local communities by conducting workshops, creatively communicating the importance of sustainability while encouraging more collaboration among stakeholders. Introducing sustainability to children and encourage recycling and separation of waste. Recommendations made were to raise educational awareness, encourage participation through incentives for coastal clean-up and NMB to have a tourism and sustainability office. Provide fresh and updated information on websites as well as local communities should be empowered with knowledge and the skills. Future research should use a comparative analysis with a similar study in a coastal region. It could also look at incorporating a longitudinal study design that could assist and assess the long-term impact of the recommended strategies on sustainability in the area. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2025
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  • Date Issued: 2025-04

Substantive equality and the individual right to affirmative action

  • Authors: Bothma, Deon
  • Date: 2025-04
  • Subjects: Affirmative action programs -- South Africa , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa , Equality -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72063 , vital:79182
  • Description: The value of- and right to equality is important in all democracies. Equality discourse is particularly important in South Africa considering its unequal colonial and apartheid past. For centuries, certain categories of people have been excluded from fully participating in the economy and in social life while others benefitted substantially. The advent of democracy has called for a new constitutional order and the rule of law with a human rights focus underpinned by the values of non-racialism, freedom, and equality. Dismantling the architecture of oppression would not be possible without placing positive duties on the state and private individuals to redistribute economic and other opportunities from which those previously disadvantaged by unfair discrimination had been excluded. The right to equality is a contested concept, and the holistic understanding and application of formal and substantive notions of equality are often misunderstood and misapplied in the courts, business, political debates, and academia. This treatise focuses on the constitutional right to equality, with a specific focus on affirmative action measures and their application in the labour market and employment relations. The conventional notion of equality in the form of formal equality, that is not to be discriminated against, seems to be a stumbling block to the achievement of equality, since it often neglects the duty to provide in the form of substantive equality and positive measures. The Employment Equity Act, which has been enacted to give effect to the constitutional right to equality, distinctly provides provisions regulating the prohibition against unfair discrimination and the promotion of positive measures through affirmative action provisions. Affirmative action provisions in the Employment Equity Act have been a contentious matter among all races, men and women, and people with disabilities who contend for work opportunities in a labour market plagued by high levels of unemployment. Equality jurisprudence has been developing since the advent of democracy under a constitutional order and the subsequent promulgation of the Labour Relations Act and the Employment Equity Act. However, the body of case law has not been consistently developed and has resulted in more divergence in debates around equality provisions in various pieces of legislation. The divergent approaches to equality adjudication have necessitated a critical review of the equality provisions in the Bill of Rights and national employment legislation, and furthermore, an evaluation and critique of the application of relevant legislative provisions. Finally, to contribute to the existing body of literature, recommendations will be advanced for consideration by courts and other bodies empowered to decide disputes involving unfair discrimination and affirmative action. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, School of Mercantile Law, 2025
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  • Date Issued: 2025-04
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