5975 research outputs found
Sort by
Financial literacy challenges and financial management of selected spaza shops in KwaZulu-Natal : a case study of Gamalakhe
No full textSubmitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Management Sciences Specialising in Business Administration
at the Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2025.Township spaza shops play a crucial role in the local economy, providing essential
goods and services to residents while also generating income and employment
opportunities. However, these small enterprises often face significant challenges
related to financial literacy and financial management. This research aimed to
investigate the impact of financial literacy on the financial management practices of
spaza shop owners in South African townships; identify the key challenges they face;
and propose strategies to enhance their financial capabilities.
The objective of this study was to examine the financial literacy challenges and
financial management of selected spaza shops in KwaZulu Natal, Gamalakhe
Township. In this study, the researcher examined the influence of financial literacy in
the success of spaza shops and established the relationship between financial
literacy and the application of financial management to the success of spaza shops.
The quantitative research method was chosen for this study, and the purposive
sampling technique was adopted to select study participants. The study collected
primary data from respondents who were spaza shop owners and spaza shop
operation runners in Gamalakhe township. A total of 100 research questionnaires
were administered to the study participants. The collected data was reviewed and
analysed using quantitative analysis. The findings of this study indicated that
financial literacy significantly and positively influenced financing choices and the
selection of investment options, education level was determined to be a significant
predictor of financial literacy, and spaza shops apply different financial management
control around financial planning and budgeting, financial control, investing, and
financial risk management based on their surroundings. Based on the actual findings
the study further recommended the use of training programs focusing on improving
financial literacy, combining formal education with experiential learning opportunities
like mentorship, and providing ongoing support and refresher sessions to spaza
shops.
Peace education as a transformative strategy in a community affected by gang violence
No full textSubmitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration: Peace Studies, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2025.Thousands of children in South Africa live in areas dominated by high levels of gang violence. Little is
known about the impact of this violence on younger learners in their preschool years and on their
teachers. This study sought to provide knowledge on the exposure and experiences of preschool learners
towards gang violence in communities on the Cape Flats, Cape Town, over a two-and-a-half-year period
(from 2019 to 2021). The study also sought to answer the questions of whether peace education could
be used as a transformative strategy for the preschool community situated in gang affected areas, and if
so, how peace education could be used in these circumstances.
There is currently a dearth of literature surrounding peace education associations of preschool-aged
children and teachers in high-gang violence communities as a strategy to transform a culture of violence
to a culture of peace. Such underrepresentation in research constrains the understanding of the impact
of gang violence on the preschool population and compromises community-based violence prevention
and peace promotion intervention effectiveness. This study explored an ecological systems approach to
the consequences associated with early childhood exposure to gang violence in proximal contexts, such
as the family, school and environment. It also explored gang violence from the perspective of preschool
teachers who live and teach in affected communities and the multiple barriers to promoting peace
education in early childhood as an alternative to gangs.
Using qualitative participatory action research (PAR), the study made use of questionnaires, in-depth
interviews and focus groups for data collection. The sample population was composed of teachers and
principals from preschools on the Cape Flats. The findings revealed that this sample population
experienced high levels of victimisation and violence on a regular basis and were desperate to find a
solution to their plight. The data provided from the interviews, questionnaires and focus groups and
through thematic analysis of the data, provided the researcher information to be able to put together a
peace education manual for early childhood development educators.
It is hoped that this manual may be used for practical interventions by preschool teachers in
communities such as the Cape Flats, Cape Town, that experience high levels of violence. In this thesis,
I argue that the implications for how peace education and peacebuilding aimed at transformation are
conceived and practiced, particularly in high-violence, gang-affected contexts, are considerable.
Nutritional quality of amadumbe (Colocasia esculenta L. Schott) and development of an efficient tissue culture propagation protocol
No full textSubmitted in fulfilment for the Master’s Degree of Applied Sciences in Food Science and Technology, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2025.Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott commonly known as amadumbe in South Africa is a
conventional underutilised crop. Nutritionally, amadumbe leaves and corms contain
nutritionally rich micro- and macro minerals. Amadumbe also contains high fibre,
carbohydrates, and protein reserves. Amadumbe can be used as a dual-purpose crop to satisfy
undernourished individuals and to alleviate global food insecurity. This research aimed to
investigate the quality of amadumbe for use as a green leafy vegetable and to optimize a
decontamination procedure to eliminate surface and endogenous contaminants in explants for
plant tissue culture. Two sites Umbumbulu (South) and Snembe (North) of KwaZulu-Natal,
South Africa were sampled and studied. The two sites are located on opposite ends of the
province experiencing varied weather patterns viz. temperature and precipitation. Umbumbulu
experiences temperatures of 26.2±20.6°C with annual precipitation of 573 mm compared to
Snembe with temperatures of 26.5±20.2°C and annual precipitation of 597 mm. Specifically,
the (young and mature) leaves and corms were harvested and processed for the quantification
of the nutritional (micro and macro nutrients), proximate composition (organic molecules),
antinutritional (oxalate concentrations) and optimisation of plant tissue culture
decontamination procedure. Furthermore, soil samples were collected from both sites for
determination of the soil mineral composition. Potassium was the dominant macro element
ranging from (2.0 – 5.1 g/100 g), calcium (0.08 – 1.5 g/100 g), magnesium (0.14 – 0.48 g/100
g), and phosphorus (0.14 – 0.43 g/100 g) in plant tissues. Furthermore, higher levels of micro
nutrients were observed with iron (13.4 -88 mg/100 g) and manganese (2.2 – 64 mg/100 g)
dominating. Amadumbe leaves also showed to be abundant in moisture, protein, ash, NDF, and
ADF. The soil mineral concentrations were significantly different (p<0.05) between locations
with soil:plant organ interaction. The effect of [Control, PPMTM, PPMTM (P), NaDCC, and
NaDCC (P)] in eliminating contaminants was insignificant (p>0.05), and further optimization
approaches need to be investigated. Benlate, alcohol, and TWEEN 20 did not provide any
effective outcome to remove possible endogenous and surface contaminants. Bacterial (BC),
fungal (FC), and aseptic (ACS) cultures were lost at 120 d due to obstinate microorganisms.National Research Foundation (NRF)
An exploratory study on the challenges faced by grandmother-headed households in rural Ndwedwe
No full textSubmitted to fulfil the requirements for the Master’s in Child and Youth Care degree at the Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2025.In South African rural areas, many children are raised in grandmother-headed
households due to various socio-economic challenges. These include the devastating
impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, which left a large number of children orphaned, the
breakdown of traditional family structures, high rates of poverty and unemployment,
and the migration of parents in search of economic opportunities, compelling their
grandparents to take up their care. Grandmothers who have taken on the role of
primary caregivers face unique challenges in providing emotional and physical care
for their grandchildren. The physical, emotional, and financial strain of this
responsibility can be overwhelming, as they navigate issues such as limited access to
social services, inadequate healthcare, and societal biases against grandmother headed households.
While substantial research has examined the experiences of grandmothers caring for
their grandchildren in rural South African areas, there is limited exploration of the
specific challenges and support needs these grandmothers face. This underscores the
importance of the current study, which aimed to gain an in-depth understanding of the
psychosocial challenges and experiences faced by grandmothers and grandchildren
living in these households. The goal was to understand their needs and inform the
development of more effective support systems.
A qualitative research approach was used to gain insight into the perspectives of
fourteen grandmothers of varying ages and socioeconomic backgrounds and eleven
child and youth care workers working in the milieu of these families. Semi-structured
interviews were conducted to understand the reasons for grandmothers taking on the
parental role, the fears and anxieties they face, the support they receive from formal
and informal sources, and the community strategies that can be put in place, to help
support families living in grandmother-headed households.
Using thematic analysis, five key themes and nineteen sub-themes emerged from the
data. The findings revealed that grandmothers were motivated by a strong desire to
provide a stable, loving environment for their grandchildren. However, they faced
numerous challenges, including financial strain, physical and emotional exhaustion,
challenging behaviours displayed by their grandchildren, and difficulties navigating
government bureaucracy. Child and youth care workers also reported struggling to offer adequate support due to limited resources and societal biases against
grandmother-headed households.
Throughout the study, participants emphasised the need for more comprehensive
support systems, including increased access to social services, financial assistance,
and community-based programs. Addressing these gaps would enable grandmothers
to better focus on the needs of their grandchildren and foster stronger, more resilient
families. The study underscores the importance of recognising and supporting the vital
role grandmothers play, in caring for vulnerable children in South Africa.
Comparative study of convolutional neural network object detection algorithms for vehicle detection in image processing
No full textSubmitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Engineering: Electronic and Computer Engineering, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2024.The introduction of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) has revolutionised the field of
computer vision, particularly in the domain of object detection. This thesis presents a
comprehensive comparative study of CNN-based object detection algorithms for vehicle
detection, aiming to explain their intricate architecture, differentiation in methodology, and
characteristics in performance. Beginning with an exploration of the theoretical
underpinnings of CNNs and object detection, a solid foundation is established upon which
the comparative analysis is built. Practical implementation and experimentation play a
pivotal role in this study. The three different object detector algorithms being evaluated in
this study within the MATLAB® development environment are Single Shot MultiBox
Detector (SSD), Faster Region-Based Convolutional Network (R-CNN), and You Only
Look Once (YOLO v3). Through research and experimentation, the strengths and
limitations of each algorithm are provided. The findings of this comparative study not only
contribute to the academic understanding of CNN-based object detection but also offer
practical guidance to practitioners and researchers in selecting appropriate algorithms for
specific domain applications such as vehicle image processing. Furthermore, this thesis
serves as a roadmap for future research endeavours, highlighting areas for further
exploration and improvement within the realm of object detection using convolutional
neural networks.
Internal organisational communication and change management : a glocal perspective
No full textSubmitted in fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Public Relations and Communications Management, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2024.Communication is the heartbeat of any organisation and forms a fundamental part of
managing emergent change in dynamic organisations. With communication models still
largely being influenced and guided by post-colonial, western and eastern influences, a
glocal approach to the communication process is better positioned as an appropriate
solution for a diverse workforce. Added to this is the impact external changes have on
an organisation, such as globalization, technological changes, social and economic
changes. Organizations now more than ever have been forced to either adapt or die.
Although communication is viewed as important, internal organisational communication
is often overlooked by management as an important tool in managing emergent change
in diverse workforces. Cultural and organisational capacities, as dynamic variables are
instrumental in influencing and informing the process and thus efficiency of internal
organisational communication.
To explore the application of the Chaos Theory as a framework for integrating South
African culture into the internal communication processes, the study used a quantitative
research method to survey a selected automotive group in KwaZulu-Natal. It explored
the communication processes and practices of various hierarchical levels of the
organisation under study and used two different sampling strategies; namely, criterion for
management and maximum variation sampling for staff in non-management positions. A
multivariant statistical method was used to analyze the data.
The findings from the study revealed that current models of internal organisational
communication are limited in terms of their appropriateness from a glocal perspective.
Furthermore, the findings confirmed the appropriateness of the Chaos Theory as a
framework for using internal organisational communication as a tool for managing
emergent change within a diverse workforce. Based on the presented gaps in literature
and findings from the study, the study presented the original contribution to the body of knowledge: A Glocal Process for Managing Emergent Change with Internal
Organisational Communication
Recent advances of silver nanoparticle-based polymer nanocomposites for biomedical applications
No full textSilver nanoparticle-polymer nanocomposites (AgNP-PNCs) represent a transformative advancement in biomedical material science, integrating the potent antimicrobial properties of AgNPs with the structural versatility of polymer matrices. This synergy enables enhanced infection control, mechanical stability, and controlled drug delivery, making these nanocomposites highly suitable for applications such as wound healing, medical coatings, tissue engineering, and biosensors. Recent progress in synthesis and functionalization has led to greater control over particle morphology, dispersion, and stability, optimizing AgNP-PNCs for clinical and translational applications. However, challenges related to cytotoxicity, long-term stability, immune response, and scalability persist, necessitating systematic improvements in surface functionalization, hybridization strategies, and biocompatibility assessments. This review critically evaluates the latest advancements in AgNP-PNC development, focusing on their functionalization techniques, regulatory considerations, and emerging strategies to overcome biomedical challenges. Additionally, it discusses preclinical and translational aspects, including commercialization barriers and regulatory frameworks such as FDA and EMA guidelines, ensuring a comprehensive outlook on their clinical feasibility. By bridging the gap between innovation and practical application, this review investigates the transformative potential of AgNP-PNCs in advancing next-generation biomedical materials
Innovative financing strategies in the small and medium business sector, tapping the right sources
No full textAbstract: Small and medium businesses are still small due to financial incapacitation. Financial resources are
the limiting factors for growth; therefore, the study explores the SMEs' sources of finance and innovative
financial strategies for firm growth. The research adopted mixed methods. The structured questionnaires were
used on a face to face, telephonic, email, and virtual forms. The survey was more concerned with quantitative
and qualitative finance sources on both preferred and business uses. The results show that the financing
preferences of owners/managers of all the selected Districts changed accordingly with the growing needs of
their SMEs. At the start-up stage, they appear to have relied much on their savings and financial support from
immediate families. After two years of economic viability, the SMEs have increased their reliance on the
support of financial institutions. With the growth in the implementation of 4th Industrialisation and progresses
in artificial intelligence, the World is now a village. Social media has reduced the distance. Therefore, the
study proposed project financial strategies and trust financing were SMEs can tap into for their financing
needs. Innovations in the global village induce untapped sources of financing through the currently proposed
financing models for SMEs in this study
English teachers’ perspectives on infusing ICT in engineering graphics and design pedagogies using the TPACK framework
No full textThe 21st century and the 4th Industrial Revolution have necessitated a shift in pedagogies, highlighting the importance of integrating Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into education. This study explored Engineering Graphics and Design (EGD) teachers’ perspectives on the use of ICT in EGD classrooms, aiming to recommend strategies for effective integration using the Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework. Using a qualitative approach, data were collected from nine EGD teachers across secondary schools in the uMgungundlovu district of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, through semi-structured interviews and classroom observations. Thematic and descriptive analyses revealed that ICT plays a vital role in enhancing EGD instruction. Teachers demonstrated strong Technological Knowledge (TK) and effectively used tools such as AutoCAD and simulations to facilitate learners’ understanding of complex concepts. They also showed competence in aligning technology with pedagogy (TPK) and content (TCK). However, their efforts were often constrained by limited infrastructure and outdated resources. These systemic challenges hinder the full realisation of ICT’s potential in classrooms. The study recommends that the Department of Basic Education prioritize investment in ICT infrastructure and ensure equitable resource distribution. It also underscores the need for continuous professional development rooted in the TPACK framework and the creation of digital teaching resources. Furthermore, establishing professional learning communities is essential to foster collaboration and improve the integration of ICT in teaching practices. These measures are crucial for empowering teachers and preparing learners for the demands of a technologically driven world
Unveiling the therapeutic significance of shikimate pathway-derived phenolic acids against penicillin-binding protein 3 of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
No full textThis study investigated the modulatory potential of Shikimate pathway-derived phenolic acids against penicillin-binding protein 3 (PBP3) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa using computational and in vitro methods. The binding and inhibitory capabilities of 22 phenolic acids against the catalytic site of PBP3 were evaluated and revealed ellagic and chlorogenic acids as the top inhibitors, showing superior docking scores of −8.4 kcal/mol each compared to the standard, cefotaxime (−7.5 kcal/mol). Dynamics simulation of their PBP3 complexes indicated chlorogenic acid’s efficacy in inhibiting PBP3 (−33.65 kcal/mol) relative to cefotaxime (−30.10 kcal/mol), while interacting with key catalytically relevant residues. The quantum features analysis using DFT/B3LYP suggested chlorogenic acid’s superior reactivity and compatibility with the PBP3 active site. In vitro evaluation revealed an MIC of 200 mg/ml for chlorogenic acid and 0.8 mg/ml for cefotaxime against Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27,853, while their combination showed a synergistic action mechanism (FIC index of 0.5). These observations were validated in time-kill kinetics (gradual decrease in viable cells over 24 h). The study concludes chlorogenic acid as promising PBP3 inhibitor. Nonetheless, further studies could focus on the structural modification of chlorogenic acid to improve its pharmacokinetic properties and potential as an antibacterial drug candidate in vivo