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The analysis of social networking sites usage by the public relations management students from Walter Sisulu University: Buffalo city campus (Chiselhurst site)

  • Authors: Kwinana, Zingisa. N
  • Date: 2023-04
  • Subjects: Grahamstown (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27589 , vital:69318
  • Description: This study analysed the use of social networking sites by undergraduate Public Relations Management students from Walter Sisulu University, Chiselhurst site. The reason for this study was to seek student’s opinions on what drove them to open SNs accounts, use social networking sites and examine these motivations in relationship to the building blocks of the uses and gratification theory, which are information search or education, selfactualization, socializing and entertainment. A qualitative online questionnaire was employed in this study. 218 questionnaires were sent through to the participants WhatsApp class groups, 168 questionnaires were answered and returned back to the researcher. The discovery of the study was that the participants are diverse in many different ways and made use of social networking sites for many various reasons. Furthermore, this study indicated that the participants were motivated to use social networking sites because they wanted to interact and stay connected with their family, peers and loved ones, and to meet people or create connections. The study argued that the participants’ reasons for use of social networking sites was not only for socialising but also for entertainment, self-actualization get academic and general information. This study concluded that SNs have a meaningful role in the life of a student’s life doing public relations management from Walter Sisulu University, Chiselhurst site. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-04

Examining the implementation of the Department of Social Development’s fatherhood strategy by FAMSA

  • Authors: Sishuba, Thozama Alicia
  • Date: 2023
  • Subjects: Grahamstown (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27618 , vital:69320
  • Description: This study aimed to exam the implementation of the Department of Social Development’s Fatherhood Strategy by Families South Africa (FAMSA) Eastern Cape. FAMSA is a non-profit organization providing vital services to people in families while providing them with psychosocial and emotional support. FAMSA has been in existence since 1954. To achieve this aim, the study’s objectives were underpinned by understanding the implementation of the Department of Social Development’s Fatherhood Strategy in Buffalo City Metro, establishing FAMSA’s response to the implementation of the Department of Social Development’s Fatherhood Strategy as well as exploring the challenges faced by FAMSA in implementing the Department of Social Development’s Fatherhood Strategy. A qualitative research methodology was implemented to gather information from FAMSA and DSD. Findings from literature revealed that the fatherhood strategy has been a concern worldwide evidenced by the high levels of father-child non-residency. Data from this study revealed that FAMSA had been implementing the programme effectively regardless of numerous challenges that include funding human resources. Conclusively, a lot must be done to advocate for fatherhood. Recommendations also point to the need for several interventions which need to be done in research, social work practice and also policy formulation and development. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023

A Psychobiography of the late Milase Jumartha Majola (néé Moyake)- 1932 - 2021

  • Authors: Mbambo-Tom, Thembeka Esther
  • Date: 2022-10
  • Subjects: Grahamstown (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27640 , vital:69379
  • Description: This study is a psychobiography of a Black South African Woman, Milase Jumartha Majola (néé Moyake), herein fondly referred to as ‘Mrs Majola’. Mrs Majola is not an icon in the general sense, but yet a definite unsung hero for many in her community. In her 89 years, she has touched many people’s lives and left a vast imprint in the community. Mrs Majola has been identified as a psychobiographical subject for this study based on her exemplary and extraordinary endeavours, which contributed significantly to the psycho-social well-being of the youth and the elderly within Port Elizabeth townships (now known as Gqeberha). The main objective of this study was to explore and describe Mrs Majola’s psychosocial development. Her psycho-social development was studied through the PERMA Theory of well-being lens and transformed into a narrative to understand better what made her a remarkable individual. Data was gathered from primary and secondary sources to enrich the psychobiography and qualitatively analysed. The findings show that Mrs Majola could balance her life in a way supported by the PERMA Theory of well-being. Results demonstrate her ability to understand and manage her Positive (negative) emotions, Engagements, Relationships, Meaningfulness, and Accomplishments as a mother, co-worker and community leader, which created numerous success stories during her tenure. Even though Mrs Majola experienced many hardships in life, such as losing her husband at the young age of 39, she always stayed positive and successfully used her inner strength to motivate her to keep living her purpose in life. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
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  • Date Issued: 2022-10

Aetiological factors that lead to suicide attempts among the youth of Lusikisiki area

  • Authors: Zweni, Mzamile Benute
  • Date: 2022-10
  • Subjects: Grahamstown (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27544 , vital:69314
  • Description: The general aim of this study was to investigate the aetiological factors that lead to suicidal attempts among the youth of Lusikisiki area in the Eastern Cape Province. A sample of hundred and fifty participants with an average age of 24 years old was selected using convenient sampling. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaires. After the data were collected, it was then analysed through descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings show that various factors lead to suicide ideation and suicide attempts among youth of Lusikisiki. Economic hardship, depression and substance abuse to name few, were found to be among factors that lead to suicide attempt. Based on the research findings, the researcher recommends that various stakeholders such as the Department of Social development should work in corroboration. Departments such as Department of Education and Sports, Recreation and Culture should make awareness campaigns that will psycho-educate youth in rural areas, possibly alleviating drug and substance abuse. Those awarenesses may also tap into strengthening psychosocial well-being of youth. Furthermore, Department of Social Development should come up with community outreach programs aimed at alleviating poverty as the contributory factor towards suicide attempt. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
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  • Date Issued: 2022-10

Recidivism in children after completion of rhythm of life diversion programme in Chris Hani Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Zimba, Thanduxolo
  • Date: 2022-09
  • Subjects: Grahamstown (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27651 , vital:69380
  • Description: One of the recommendations made by the South African Law Commission (SALC) (1997) when discussing the issue of child justice was that the justice system should aim to promote the well-being of the child and deal with the child in an individualised way. This dissertation discusses recidivism in children after completing the Rhythm of Life (ROL) diversion programme which aims at diverting children who conflict with the law away from criminal procedures to programmes that assist in behaviour modification. The study is inspired by the need to uncover the effectiveness of the programme and the challenges encountered when it is delivered. It is further motivated by the need to expose the reasons why children return to the criminal justice system after having attended the ROL diversion programme. Additionally, it seeks to gain perspectives of the probation officers’ and parents’ insights on the observed changes after the attendance of the programme. The study utilised a qualitative methodology with an interpretive and descriptive paradigm, which used in-depth interviews and focus groups as a method of data collection. The participants of the study were children who completed the ROL diversion programme, parents or guardians of children who completed the ROL diversion programme, and probation officers implementing the programme. The data was analysed and presented following the following four themes, i.e., factors contributing to recidivism by children after completion of the ROL diversion programme, diversion programme content, and completion of the diversion programme and the effectiveness of the ROL diversion programme. The literature consulted was broken up into; the historical development of diversion programmes and the inherent legislative framework, the magnitude and extent of recidivism of children after completion of the ROL diversion programme, and the factors which contribute to recidivism by children after completion of the ROL diversion programme. The reviewed literature further scrutinised the global, regional, and South African perspectives on managing young people, and lastly reviewed the benefits and challenges of diversion programmes in general. The study used the social learning theory as a theoretical framework to explain and discuss recidivism and the effectiveness of diversion programmes. This is a general approach to psychology and regards criminal behaviour as no different from any kind of behaviour as it is learned through the processes of observation, imitation and vicarious reinforcement and punishment. The findings of the study revealed that the impact of absent and or lack of father figures in the family influenced the children to get involved in criminal activities. The findings further indicated that probation officers face various challenges when facilitating the programme, such as substance abuse by children, lack of resources and functional aids, and the language as the facilitator guide is written in English. It was also discovered that parents from the sample used an authoritarian style of parenting, which exerts high expectations from children while providing little in the way of feedback and nurturance. Lastly, the findings indicated that the ROL diversion programme does modify the behaviour of children on completion. However, the main challenge is the environment the children return to after completion as it is assumed as a contributing factor to committing the crime. One of the recommendations is to strengthen parenting programmes and to introduce a programme for parents or guardians of children with serious behavioural challenges, another recommendation is the development of a risk assessment tool for young people, to assist probation officers in holistically dealing with children. Additionally, probation service practitioners should be provided by the government with the necessary resources to ensure that aftercare services are rendered effectively and efficiently. The researcher lastly recommends that probation officers conduct an intervention evaluation after the programme to identify children who could not understand the content of the programme so that additional methods of intervention could be employed such as casework. The study had the following conclusions; risk factors such as lack of parental support, substance abuse, peer pressure and bereavement were causes for re-offending in the children interviewed; the programme manual presents a challenge in terms of language, because the manual is written in English, and not all children can understand English; the issue of restorative justice was overlooked by probation officers when dealing with children when they re-offended. The study also concluded that the ROL diversion programme is effective to a certain extent, depending on how the children utilize the skills acquired from the programme, and as the parents reflected that they observed a change in their children’s behaviour post-diversion, while children also expressed that they learnt valuable life skills which made them resilient. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
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  • Date Issued: 2022-09

Normative Indicators for the Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration on clinically unimpaired isiXhosa speaking adults with disadvantaged education

  • Authors: Kili, Ziphozakhe
  • Date: 2022-07
  • Subjects: Grahamstown (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27569 , vital:69316
  • Description: This study aimed to develop normative indicators for the Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration (Beery VMI) for Xhosa speaking adults in the Eastern Cape with a grade 11 or 12 qualification from a previously disadvantaged educational background. Method: the sample size was 40 participants between the ages of 19 to 40 years old. The study used participants that had no cognitive impairments. This study used independent t-test analysis to compare test performance between the following categories: urban versus rural, males versus females, age group 19-29 versus 30-40. The Kruskall Wallis test was used to establish whether classroom size would have an impact on test performance. Results: This study revealed that there was a no statistical difference in performance between urban and rural participants, males and females, and classroom size. There was no statistical significance between the age categories 19-29 versus 30-40 on the visual perception and motor coordination supplementary tests. However, there was a statistical significance noted, between the age categories on the visual-motor integration test performance. Conclusions: it was concluded that the Beery VMI can be used with more confidence when assessing the Xhosa speaking population from disadvantaged educational backgrounds. The norms in this study cannot be generalized to other ethnic groups or populations. It was further recommended that more studies like this take place, and more norms are created for the South Africans using the Beery VMI. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
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  • Date Issued: 2022-07

An analysis on the skills development needs in the Supply Chain Management unit: a case-study of Eastern Cape Department of Education

  • Authors: Sidiya, Lukhanyo https://orcid.org/0009-0001-2273-6348
  • Date: 2022-06
  • Subjects: Grahamstown (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa History
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28850 , vital:75133
  • Description: Supply chain management is very important for any organisation in the world. More so, a government’s supply chain management has to function and perform efficiently for it to be able to accomplish its set goals. In order to achieve this, it needs to ensure that it is staffed with competent, objective and impartial people. However, lack of skills among supply chain management personnel has been recognised as a major obstruction in ensuring that there effective and efficient functioning of supply chain management processes in South Africa. Therefore, there is need to explore the skills development needs in the supply chain management of a public institution. Incidentally, this research explored the skills development needs in the supply chain management unit of the Eastern Cape Department of Education. The study employed a qualitative approach, as such its research design was the case study research design and the interpretivist paradigm. The study made use of qualitative data. To collect the qualitative data semi-structured interviews were utilised. The selection of participants from the Eastern Cape Department of Education was done using purposive sampling. The data collected through fieldwork were analysed using thematic analysis. The standout themes from the data were the essential skills in SCM at the organisation (hard and soft skills), ensuring skills development, skills development needs and challenges, role if skills development in the organisation and strategies used to skills development. Based on the findings, it is suggested that strategies used for skills audit be reviewed so that more advanced skills that can address skills needs challenges immediately, when change occurs as well as meeting future skills needs. The study also recommends improved communication and information dissemination regarding skills development. The study also suggested for the organisation to invest more resources to ensure training of SCM unit personnel. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
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  • Date Issued: 2022-06

Evaluation of the extent of the public programming by Eastern Cape Provincial Archives and Records Services

  • Authors: Tshebi, Siyathemba Mboneleli https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2833-9842
  • Date: 2022
  • Subjects: Grahamstown (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27663 , vital:69381
  • Description: Public programming initiatives are an integral part of archival operations worldwide as they support the greater use of archival records by attracting prospective users and sponsors. Public programming comprises a sequence of strategies for publicizing and marketing archives to the public, which are crucial in archival operations as they promote better use of archives and records. South African National Archives and Records. Services depends on provisions of the National Archives of South Africa Act of 1996 in its strive to promote access and use of archives as sources of information. . unknown and therefore not used to their maximal utility value, likely due to low-key and ineffective archival public programming initiatives. Consequently, the primary purpose of this research study was to evaluate the extent of public programming strategies used by the Eastern Cape Provincial Archives and Records Services (EAPARS). The study used a mixed-method, embracing qualitative and quantitative research approaches. As an integrated record-keeping framework, Record Continuum was used as a theoretical framework to guide the study. Sixteen copies of questionnaire were distributed among staff and users ECPARS. The research uncovered that ECPARS does not have specific regulations and policies on public programming, but relies on the more general provisions of the Provincial Archives and Records Services Act of 1996 as a guiding instrument in executing its public programming operations. The study further revealed various factors, such as the limited budget and inadequate staff, as key hindering factors in the smooth execution of archival public programming plans by ECPARS. The study recommends a review and update by ECPARS of how it can specifically effectively implement the provisions of the 1996 Act to the modern ways of taking public archives to the people. The research also recommends that ECPARS engage additional staff or outsourced services to strengthen its the public programming of its archival resources and services workforce for Eastern Cape Provincial Archives and Records. The study concludes that improved financial resources, use of ICTs, and coherent policy framework, and public awareness creation and education can facilitate better to acquire, widen access to use of its archives. Keyword , Thesis (MLIS) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
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  • Date Issued: 2022

Abortion and the role of self-forgiveness

  • Authors: Van der Berg, Hailey
  • Date: 2021-04
  • Subjects: Grahamstown (South Africa) , Forgiveness -- Psychological aspects , Abortion -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Psychological aspects
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51917 , vital:43384
  • Description: Women who have terminated a pregnancy may identify shame, guilt, grief, and/or regret after the procedure. This study aimed to explore and describe the self-forgiveness process of women in the Nelson Mandela Metropole area who identified negative emotions such as guilt and/or regret after an abortion. The methodology followed an exploratory-descriptive, qualitative design, adopting Lincoln and Guba's (1985) model of trustworthiness. Participants were obtained through non-probability purposive sampling and data was gathered via semi-structured, online individual interviews on a face-to-face basis. Data gathered was analysed using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) thematic analysis. The findings reflected the participants’ perceptions of forgiveness and self-forgiveness, as well as the psychological experiences of women post-abortion. A self-forgiveness model developed by Enright and the Human Development Study Group (1996), as well as the stages of grief developed by Kübler-Ross and Kessler (2005), was utilised to conceptualise the psychological experiences and psychological healing of post-abortion women. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
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  • Date Issued: 2021-04

An educational intervention on the prevention of catheter-related bloodstream infections in haemodialysis patients in Eswatini

  • Authors: Simelane, Delisile
  • Date: 2021-04
  • Subjects: Grahamstown (South Africa) , Catheterization -- Complications -- Eswatini , Infection Control
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51906 , vital:43383
  • Description: Nurses are health care professionals whose duty it is to protect patients from acquiring infections while hospitalised in a health care setup. By maintaining an infection-free environment, it is expected that the patient's recovery will be promoted, and high-quality nursing care will be delivered. This also applies to the prevention of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) in haemodialysis patients. As nurses spend most of their nursing time with patients, they should have a good level of understanding of infection prevention and control in health care setups. In Eswatini, central venous catheters (CVCs) are commonly used for vascular access in patients who require haemodialysis. From the latest data available in the country's three largest regional hospitals, the proportion of haemodialysis patients with CVCs hospitalised for CRBSIs was 27% (64/239) January to December 2020. Further, it is unclear whether professional nurses have knowledge on the prevention of CRBSIs. This study aimed to investigate the effect of an educational intervention, based on the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) Guidelines, on professional nurses' knowledge regarding the prevention of CRBSIs in haemodialysis patients in hospitals in Eswatini (previously known as Swaziland). The study used a convenience sample including all professional nurses and nurse managers (N=99) employed at the renal and intensive care units (ICUs) at the five hospitals (Hospitals A-E) in Eswatini where haemolysis is conducted. The study is underpinned by Florence Nightingale's Theory and the Knowledge-to-Action Framework. The research study followed a positivistic, quantitative research paradigm, using a quasi-experimental, one-group, pre-post-test design with an interventional research approach, to be conducted in three phases. The first phase was the distribution of a pre-test questionnaire to all professional nurses and nurse managers working in renal units and those in ICUs that are also managing CVCs in order to assess their knowledge regarding the prevention of CRBSIs in haemodialysis patients. The second phase included the educational intervention, which was developed, reviewed and presented by the researcher to professional nurses. The third phase included the distribution of a post-test questionnaire to the professional nurses to assess the effect of the educational intervention on their knowledge.The pre-and post-test questionnaires were developed by the researcher, in line with the educational intervention (and informed based on the pre-test findings), reviewed by six experts and pilot tested to ascertain its validity and reliability. The researcher captured the data using Microsoft Excel and, with the assistance of a statistician, who performed statistical analyses using Cronbach's alpha, One-sample t-tests, Cohen's Kappa, Cohen's D, and Chi-square test. Ethical principles, according to the Belmont Report, including autonomy, beneficence and justice, and appropriate standards of rigour were maintained throughout the research study. In this study the overall knowledge was good with a mean score of 75.05 ±8.74 for the pre-test and 77.75±9.55 for the post-test. The knowledge scores for the factor infection prevention was higher (pre-test: 83.33±9.28 versus post-test: 85.14±8.28) compared to the factor catheter care (pre-test: 66.76±13.13 versus post-test: 70.38±14.27). The factor catheter care and age was significantly related in the pre-test with a p-value of .043 between groups. The factor infection prevention and how long practising in the unit were significantly related in the pre-test, with a p-value of .029 between groups. The factor infection prevention in the pre-test had a medium significant difference between >1 year and >5 years practicing in the unit (Scheffé p .048 and Cohen's d 0.77). The study is the first in the field of nursing in Eswatini. The educational intervention can be used by nurses in renal units and ICUs to close knowledge-practice gaps that can put patients at higher risk for CRBSIs, but requires further development and testing. , Thesis (MN) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
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  • Date Issued: 2021-04

Evolutionary robotics controllers with location perception facilitated by neural network-based simulators

  • Authors: Phillips, Antin Paul
  • Date: 2021-04
  • Subjects: Grahamstown (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Neural networks (Computer science) -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52137 , vital:43444
  • Description: Humans impressively maintain a real-time approximation of their bodily form. For instance, one knows where one’s arm is, relative to the body, without needing to directly observe it. This ability, in part, allows humans to interact with the environment without direct observation. This bodily sense is referred to as ”proprioception“. The human body contains various proprioceptors, sensory neurons which provide information about the physical state of the body. This information, along with internal body representations that humans develop over time, allows one to maintain an approximation of their bodily form. Humans also possess an impressive sense of direction and navigation ability. For instance, a blindfolded human can move around a familiar environment and maintain an approximate sense of where they are within that environment. This ability is, in part, enabled by proprioception as it provides one with an approximation of the effects their actions have on their body. The field of Evolutionary Robots (ER) makes extensive use of robotic simulators to carry out simulated robotic evaluations. Research has been conducted into alternate forms of simulation and Simulator Neural Networks (SNNs) were subsequently developed. The speed and accuracy of these SNNs, relative to more typical simulation techniques, is what inspired the approach explored in this research. Robots do not necessarily possess the appropriate hardware to sense their position within an environment. Thus, it was proposed that SNNs could be incorporated into ER controllers to approximate the position of the robot. These SNNs would be executed in parallel to the robot and provide a constant approximation of the robot’s position. This would provide controllers with information that they would not otherwise have, albeit approximate information. Various experiments were carried out which examined both typical ER controllers as well as those which were augmented in the proposed fashion. The augmented controllers were found to outperform typical controllers as well as develop more advanced and efficient behaviours. Furthermore, the augmented controllers demonstrated the ability to solve tasks that regular controllers could not. A potential criticism of the approach suggested in this research is that ER controllers could hypothetically be trained in such a way that the proposed augmentation would be unnecessary. This possibility was investigated and it was found that successfully training controllers in such a manner would be unlikely. Furthermore, the effort involved in fine-tuning this training process would be greater than simply following the approach suggested in this research. Another potential drawback of the suggested approach involved the accuracy of the information that SNNs could provide to controllers. The approximated information was found to diverge over time and negatively affected controller performance. A method to address this issue was proposed and subsequently implemented. This method was demonstrated to be an effective means of reducing the divergence of the SNNs outputs and, in turn, improved controller performance. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2021
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  • Date Issued: 2021-04

Financing of local economic development initiatives in South Africa

  • Authors: Moses, Itumeleng James
  • Date: 2021-04
  • Subjects: Grahamstown (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53035 , vital:44864
  • Description: Post the 2008/09 global economic and financial crises, increased calls have been made for exploration and consideration of alternative sources of funding for economic development at a local level. To limit dependence on restricted and sometimes dwindling public finances from central government, many countries in the world have considered various alternative forms of financing. In South Africa, only four of the eight metropolitan municipalities (in short metros), have introduced municipal bonds primarily to finance their infrastructure development initiatives. Having noted the reluctance of metros and secondary cities in South Africa to explore alternative sources to finance their local economic development (LED) initiatives, this study advocates for the use of municipal bonds in the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality (henceforth Mangaung Metro), as an alternative source of finance for its LED initiatives, especially its infrastructure development programme. The study further presents evidence for the other metros in South Africa, where municipal bonds have worked as an additional and/or alternative source of finance. Using analysis of socio-economic conditions as well as selected financial ratios, the study compares Mangaung Metro to the other four metros that have issued municipal bonds in order to assess the state of readiness and the viability of a municipality bond for the metro. On the analysis of socio-economic conditions, this study found that on the one hand, the Mangaung Metro lags all the other metros under review on almost all the indicators, whilst the economic and labour market data highlights the development potential of the metro. On the financial analysis, the study found that Mangaung Metro’s financial situation seems to have been improving and could have been described as sound up to 2015/16, and that the deterioration in the metro’s finance coincided with the changes in the political and 6 administrative leadership and management of the metro. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics Development and Tourism, 2021
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  • Date Issued: 2021-04

Main thesis title 2021: subtitle if needed. If no subtitle follow instructions in manual

Exploring preparedness of social workers to address the environmental justice issue in communities: the case of selected dumping sites in King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD) municipality, Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Njama, Thembani https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8306-6501
  • Date: 2020-06
  • Subjects: Grahamstown (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22423 , vital:52064
  • Description: Social workers are mandated to address environmental justice issues as part of working towards promoting community and environmental sustainability within and between communities. This thesis reports from a research study that was aimed at exploring the preparedness of social workers to address pollution in King Sabata Dalindyebo communities with the objective to: understand the social work intervention strategies social workers use to address pollution in KSD communities; identify the challenges if any social workers face when addressing pollution in KSD communities; and explore the confidence of social workers when addressing pollution in KSD communities. To achieve its aim and objectives, this study was exclusively informed by a qualitative research approach and thus utilised an explorative case study design to obtain in-depth qualitative data. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve social workers using a semi-structured interview guide. The interviewed social workers were sampled utilizing convenience and snowball sampling techniques. Mass collected data was analysed thematically and thus presented according to themes and subthemes. Findings indicated that social workers are not sufficiently prepared to address pollution in KSD communities because of lack of environmental education and training, coupled with lack of enabling resources. Therefore, this study recommended environmental social work education and training through organisational workshops as well as improved support and resourcing. This study also recommended a future study that will explore the progress of social work towards promoting environmental sustainability in communities. , Thesis (MSW) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
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  • Date Issued: 2020-06

Factors influencing rentention of academic staff at South African higher education institutions

  • Authors: Maphiri, Thabiso
  • Date: 2020-04
  • Subjects: Grahamstown (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54739 , vital:47653
  • Description: The study investigated the factors influencing retention of academic staff at South African Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). The Job Embeddedness theory and Herzberg’s theory on retention were used to explore the retention of employees with special focus on the challenges and strategies of enhancing retention. The study adopted desktop research to explore the retention of academic staff in HEIs. This study discussed the challenges and factors influencing staff retention in universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training colleges (TVETs) in South Africa. The findings of the study revealed that the challenges that impede staff retention include a lack of capacity; massification of tertiary education; transformation of higher education; redressing historical imbalances; staff turnover; a lack of mentoring and coaching; and the impossibility to satisfy everyone’s needs. The study identified strategies that can be adopted to enhance staff retention that focus on remuneration and compensation; professional development; workplace climate; appointments and promotions; institutional governance; institutional infrastructure and adaptation to change. Factors that contribute to effective staff retention were also identified as organisational culture; the rewards system; mentoring and development programmes; retention tracking, recruitment; selection; the life cycle of an employee; onboarding; performance management systems, career management, bureaucratic organisational structures; and effective support from Deans and Vice-Chancellors. Lastly, the study recommended the following on how HEIs can retain their academic staff: career advancement opportunities to boost morale and loyalty of the staff; mentoring and coaching provided to the junior staff by the senior staff; job satisfaction through the provision of remuneration and rewarding performance; and implementing sound performance management and appraisal systems. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2020
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  • Date Issued: 2020-04

Investigation on the nature of records management in the office of the Premier Supply Chain management

  • Authors: Vakalisa, Ndileka
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Grahamstown (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27606 , vital:69319
  • Description: The purpose of the study was to investigate on the nature of records management in the office of the Premier Supply Chain Management. This study focuses on the Supply Chain Unit in the office of the Premier in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study sought to investigate the classification systems in place that is records management policy, procedure manual and file plans. The legal framework that regulates archives. Data was collected using open-ended questionnaire. The target population of this study included all the officials within the Office of the Premier. The sample of 15 was derived from the supply chain management officials, records management managers and directors. The study adopted a qualitative research methodology, which is multimethod in its orientation, which involves an interpretative, naturalistic emphasis to its subject issue. Findings from the study revealed that the unit had its internal records management policy, an official framework document that outlined the processes involved in organising records within the department. Thus, there are policy frameworks within the department even though not clearly described to other employees, which might lead to risks in the management of records. The study also revealed that most records personnel were not trained to effectively manage records. It was also indicated that there is a lack of proper filing system and or electronic records management system. Hence, for effective and efficient records management, the study recommends the creation of a web-based integrated system for communication and where records can be accessed within one system. The study also recommends proper training of records personnel to mitigate risks. Hence, the study recommends that senior management create and implement a records management program that clearly outlines the procedures of records management, risks factors and how to minimize them. This will aide in good practice, uniformity, standardization, high levels of professionalism, accountability, and transparency. , Thesis (MLIS) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2017
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  • Date Issued: 2017

The implementation of inclusion policy for learners with special education needs: a case study of four primary schools in the Grahamstown District

  • Authors: Shadaya, Girlie
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Education and state -- South Africa , Inclusive education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teachers -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Education, Primary -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Children with disabilities -- Education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Special education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Grahamstown (South Africa)
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
  • Identifier: vital:16183 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1006239 , Education and state -- South Africa , Inclusive education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teachers -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Education, Primary -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Children with disabilities -- Education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Special education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Grahamstown (South Africa)
  • Description: Inclusion is successful when all stakeholders in the education system accept the challenge to work together and to do their fair share of educating all children. Although the teacher has been placed at the heart of the system as a key person in shaping inclusion, the district office (Department of Education), schools, teachers and parents must engage in collaborative team-driven decision making that is focused on interventions designed to enhance social outcomes for learners. The aim of this study was to assess the implementation of the inclusion policy for learners with special education needs. This study made use a mixed method research approach which engaged both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. A total of twenty primary school teachers filled a questionnaire that had three parts: (i) Teacher demographics, (ii) Instructional modifications and (iii) Teaching strategies. Interviews, documents and observations were also used to collect data. Data was analysed by statistical and non-statistical procedures. Results showed that the inclusion policy is being implemented in schools. However, there are challenges that are being faced. For one, teachers have not received adequate training with regards to inclusive education. Staff development workshops to try and address this challenge are minimal, there is not enough collaboration being demonstrated by the different stakeholders with regards to support and monitoring the implementation process. The study recommends that all teachers and other personnel in the school receive adequate training. Also, the need for support must be met. Further studies could consider attitudes to inclusive education and the relationship between learner success and teacher preparedness in inclusive educational models.
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  • Date Issued: 2012

The biggest boy on the planet: a case study describing the Therapeutic Journey of a boy with severe anxiety

  • Authors: Laing, Caroline
  • Date: 2010-12
  • Subjects: Grahamstown (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25184 , vital:63985
  • Description: The following paper describes the therapeutic journey of David (not his real name), an eight year old boy who was referred for therapy as a result of severe anxiety. David is a pupil at a remedial school, having moved from his previous school due to his being unable to cope academically and socially in a mainstream school environment. David had ten sessions of play therapy and the following paper provides a narrative account of the therapy process using a case study design. In the narratives, some of the themes which emerge during the course of therapy are described. The therapist’s theoretic orientation is explained as well as how this approach seemed to enable David, in the context of the therapeutic relationship, to express and make sense of his anxieties. , Thesis (M.Counselling Psychology) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2010
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2010-12

First house (prison) built in Grahamstown - side view

First house (prison) built in Grahamstown, 1813

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