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Sound absorption capacity of hot and warm asphaltic mixes modified with waste plastic bottles
Get PDFVehicular traffic is one of the noise-producing factors contributing to environmental problems. Utilizing special asphaltic mixes can help reduce noise generation. Thus, this research evaluated the sound absorption capacity (SAC) of hot mixed asphalt (HMA) and warm mixed asphalt (WMA) modified with pyrolyzed polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles varying at 1-17 wt. %. PET bottles were pyrolyzed at 450 °C for a 2 h retention period, obtaining pyrolyzed PET bottle (PTB). HMA and WMA were prepared with 0-17 wt. % PTB and the SAC values were tested. The results were compared to a control mix, a standard HMA or WMA without any PTB modification, to provide a baseline for the evaluation. The effects of volumetric and Marshall properties of HMA and WMA on SAC were correlated. The results revealed decreased sound levels with increasing PTB dosage in the HMA. However, WMA generated increased sound levels as PTB content increased from 1-9 wt. % but decreased after 9 wt. % of PTB substitution. HMA and WMA performed best at 11 and 7 wt. % PTB with corresponding SAC values of 78.23 and 80.53 dB compared to the control mix with 79.33 dB
Integrated reporting in Sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review of outcomes, constraints and impacts
Get PDFIntegrated Reporting (IR) integrates financial and non-financial information to provide a holistic account of how organisations create and sustain value. While the International IR Framework provided a global reference point in 2013, IR in practice has evolved more broadly, encompassing diverse sustainability and governance disclosures beyond any single framework. Since its emergence, IR has attracted growing international attention, yet its adoption and effectiveness across Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) remain limited and uneven. This paper conducts a systematic literature review (SLR) of 40 peer-reviewed studies published between 2015 and 2024, guided by PRISMA guidelines, to synthesise evidence on the outcomes, constraints, drivers, and impacts of IR, with an emphasis on SSA. The review addresses four research questions linked to testable hypotheses. Evidence supports that IR enhances strategic outcomes such as transparency, trust, and legitimacy (RQ1/H1), but constraints including symbolic adoption, weak assurance, and fragmented regulation undermine its consistency (RQ2/H2 not supported). Adoption and quality are influenced by both internal capabilities and external pressures (RQ3/H3 partially supported) yet operate inconsistently across contexts. Organisational impacts (RQ4/H4) are mixed: while IR can improve valuation and capital access, outcomes are highly contingent on governance quality, assurance credibility, and institutional maturity. The findings highlight persistent spatial, methodological, and theoretical gaps, underscoring the need for context-sensitive approaches to IR in SSA. This study contributes to theory, practice, and policy by clarifying when, why, and for whom IR delivers meaningful outcomes in emerging markets
Employees’ attitude and behaviour towards organizational change within the department of employment and labour in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Get PDFSubmitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Masters in Human Resources Management, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2024.Organisational change is an unavoidable element of contemporary workplaces, driven
by shifting market dynamics, technological progress and policy modifications.
Navigating such transformations poses numerous challenges for organisations,
especially in terms of managing the human factor—employee attitudes and
behaviours—which can greatly affect the success or failure of change initiatives.
Regardless of whether the change is gradual or revolutionary, its effects on employees
are significant, influencing their engagement, morale and overall performance during
the transition from one organisational stage to another.
This quantitative research examined employee attitudes and behaviours regarding
organisational change within the Department of Employment and Labour in KwaZulu
Natal, South Africa. The study utilised a structured questionnaire to gather data from
300 employees, ensuring a substantial sample size for statistical evaluation. The data
were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 28, applying
both inferential and descriptive statistical techniques to identify patterns and
relationships within the responses.
The results indicate a notable interconnection amongst affective (emotional), cognitive
(thought-based) and behavioural (action-oriented) attitudes towards organisational
change. This highlights the intricate relationship between how employees feel, think
and behave in response to organisational changes. The findings imply that effective
change management strategies must consider not only the practical dimensions of
change but also the psychological and emotional requirements of employees.
By illuminating these dynamics, this research provides a significant contribution to the
existing literature on organisational change, particularly within the realm of public
sector organisations in South Africa.
Improving pre-service teachers’ conceptualisation of isometric drawing through AutoCAD-based simulation
Get PDFThis qualitative study aimed to address the ongoing issue of poor performance in isometric drawing, which has been a persistent problem. Each year, Grade 12 moderators' reports consistently highlight learners' difficulties with this section. This ongoing challenge suggests that teachers also face difficulties when teaching this concept. Consequently, this study focused on pre-service teachers to address this educational gap. The choice to concentrate on pre-service teachers from a university of technology training as Engineering Graphics and Design (EGD) teachers was strategic. As future educators, these individuals have significant potential to act as agents of change in the teaching and learning of isometric drawing. This potential for educational transformation compelled the need to explore the effect of technology-enhanced learning in improving the conceptualisation of isometric drawing. To address the research objectives, forty first-year pre-service teachers enrolled in EGD were purposively selected to participate in this study. The theoretical foundation combined the Zone of Proximal Development and technology framework with Self-Directed Learning theory to underpin this qualitative enquiry. Data was gathered through photovoice and reflective diaries to evaluate the impact of AutoCAD in enhancing the conceptualisation of isometric drawing. The collected data was examined through narrative analysis to document and interpret the effects of the AutoCAD intervention. Findings from this analysis suggest that technology-enhanced learning, specifically AutoCAD-based pedagogy, significantly enhances the conceptualisation of isometric drawing and improves fundamental spatial visualisation skills. The implications of these findings indicate that EGD teachers should adopt technology-based learning approaches in their classrooms. Therefore, this study recommends that all EGD teachers become proficient in operating AutoCAD to integrate this sophisticated drawing software into their teaching methodologies effectively
Exploring phenolics against penicillin-binding proteins as druggable targets in antibacterial therapy : a structure-activity relationship study
Get PDFSubmitted in fulfilment of the academic requirement for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Biotechnology, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2024.Alterations in penicillin binding proteins (PBPs) coupled with inactivation of beta-lactam
scaffold by beta-lactamase remain the major basis for the broad clinical resistance to beta–
lactam antibiotics. While enzyme modification is most common with Gram-negative bacteria,
alteration in key PBPs is prevalent in Gram-positive organisms and increasingly being reported
in Gram-negative bacteria. Modification of PBPs ensures that the interaction with beta-lactams
occurs at a considerably higher antibiotic doses than with PBPs from susceptible strains, thus
substantially reducing biological activity. Consequently, developing potent therapeutics with a
different scaffold against PBP druggable targets represents a viable alternative strategy against
resistance to beta-lactams. Phenolics, aside having a different scaffold from conventional betalactams, have been reported to be effective against various multidrug-resistant Gram-negative
and Gram-positive bacteria. The characteristic hydroxyl group of phenolics are implicated in
strong PBPs binding while having the capability to auto-oxidize in the presence of transition
metals to generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) which have been implicated in the lethality
of most conventional antibiotics, including beta-lactams. These intriguing characteristics of
phenolics position them as a viable source of drug candidates that can be developed as
alternative beta-lactams. Hence, this study employed a multifaceted in silico and in vitro
approach in bioprespection for phenolics as modulators of PBPs and ROS in an effort to
manage resistance to beta-lactams due to PBP modifications.
Using a structure-based drug design (SBDD) approach involving the use of pharmacophore
screening and molecular docking, the over 10,000 currently known phenolics were screened at
the active site of key PBPs of common and clinically important Gram-positive (Staphylococcus
aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria. The identified top-20 phenolics against each of the
investigated key PBPs (PBP2a of S. aureus, PBP2x of S. pneumoniae, PBP3 of P. aeruginosa
and PBP3 and 5 of E. coli) had higher negative docking scores relative to the four beta-lactams
(amoxicillin, cefotaxime, aztreonam and doripenem) reference standards suggesting
effectiveness of the adopted SBDD approach. Subsequent filtering of the top-20 leads in each
case based on their physicochemical, pharmacokinetic and toxicological profiles afforded topfive phenolics that are chemically diverse, orally bioavailable and with good synthetic
feasibility scores (<5) appropriate for drug development. The profiled top-five compounds
against the key PBPs in each case were further subjected to 120-ns molecular dynamic (MD)
simulations using the in-house HEAL1361 programme with Amber 18 package of the CHPC
(Centre for High Performance Computing), South Africa. The identified lead phenolics with
the highest negative binding free energy (ΔGbind) in each case of the essential PBPs, which
include silicristin (PBP2a active site: −25.61 kcal/mol and PBP2x allosteric site: -50.54
kcal/mol), epicatechin gallate (PBP2a allosteric site: −47.65 kcal/mol), lysidicichin ( PBP3 of
E. coli: −41.66 kcal/mol), epigallocatechin 4-benzylthioether (PBP5 of E. coli −38.97
kcal/mol), catechin 3-rhamside (PBP3 of P. aeruginosa: -28.99 kcal/mol), and epicatechin 3-
O-(3-O-methylgallate (PBP2x active site: -42.18 Kcal/mol), all had higher negative binding
free energy than the reference standards. Except for silicristin with lesser stability [higher root
means square deviation (RMSD)] against three of the essential PBPs [PBP2a (5.65 Å) of S.
aureus, PBP3 (3.97 Å) of E. coli and PBP2x (4.90 Å), of S. pneumoniae], all the lead phenolics
had better stability (< 3 Å), compactness and flexibility relative to the referenced standards and
other top-five phenolics in each case of the investigated PBPs. However, silicrsitin remain the
only lead phenolics with broad spectrum ΔGbind for all the essential PBPs, suggesting that the
lesser stability of the compound with three of the essential PBPs could be improved to enhance
stability. Moreso, as the focus of this study is to identify lead phenolic with wide spectrum
activity against the investigated bacteria. Thus, for subsequent analysis, silicristin was selected for structural optimization against the essential PBPs for the possibility of yielding novel drug
candidates with improved antibacterial efficiency, higher stability, reduced toxicity and
favorable pharmacokinetic properties relative to silicristin.
Improved thermodynamic stability has been demonstrated to be critical in affinity/potency of
a drug for a target and its subsequent efficacy in vitro and in vivo. This study employed
hybridization of pharmacophore and structural simplification techniques in the enhancement
of thermodynamic stability of silicristin against the key PBPs of the investigated bacteria. The
knowledge of the interactions of silicristin with the key PBPs of the organisms was employed
in designing 25 novel derivatives of chalcone bis-coumarin from easily synthesizable starting
materials of coumarin moieties. Following molecular docking, pharmacokinetic screening, MD
simulation and energy refinement of the 25 derivatives, RD2c (PBP3 of E. coli: -46.26
kcal/mol), RD1c (PBP3 of P. aeruginosa: -39.42 kcal/mol and PBP2x active site: -42.90
kcal/mol), RD1a (PBP2a active site: -37.56 kcal/mol), D1a (PBP5 of E. coli: -37.19 kcal/mol),
D1h (allosteric site of PBP2a: -53.09 kcal/mol and PBP2x of S. pneumoniae:-38.53 kcal/mol),
were identified as best derivatives with enhanced ΔGbind, stability, and pharmacokinetics
properties relative to silicristin. Quantum calculations using DFT B3LYP/6-31G+ (dp)
techniques further showed that these derivatives are more reactive and with higher ability to
form hydrogen bonds due to their higher electrostatic potential compared to silicristin. Except
for PBP2x, this observation is consistent with the bond analysis of each complex post-MD
simulation as the best derivative in each case of the PBP formed higher number of hydrogen
bonds compared to silicristin. The exploration of catechol, resorcinol, and hydroquinone either
alone or in combination with each other at either end of the derivatives promotes good
pharmacological properties, while the presence of a pyrogallol and/or a benzene ring with more
than two hydroxy group at one or both ends of the derivatives caused reduced oral
bioavailability relative to silicristin. The synthetic accessibility of the derivatives was exploited
by synthesizing the parent compound of the best derivative using Knoevenagel condensation,
Vilsmeiers Haack, and Aldol condensation reactions. The successfully synthesized parent
compound was subjected to nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) for structural elucidation and
was further validated using the gauge independent atomic orbital (GIAO) method. Expectedly,
significant improvement in binding capacity and pharmacokinetic properties was observed
with the best derivatives relative to silicristin; an observation that could translate to enhanced
potency in vitro and in vivo.
Silicristin is one of the bioactive compounds of silymarin, a standardized extract from the dried
seeds of milk thistle which has been shown for its PBP modulatory properties in silico. Thus,
to understand the mechanism of action of silicristin in vitro, this study investigates the
antibacterial properties of silicristin and the synthesized parent compounds of the best
derivatives of chalcone bis coumarin (PSCB) derived from silicristin against sensitive and
resistant strains of Gram-positive (S. aureus and S. pneumoniae) and Gram-negative bacteria
(E. coli and P. aeruginosa). Also, the possible involvement of ROS in the lethality of silicristin,
PSCB and reference beta-lactams (amoxicillin against Gram-positive organisms and
cefotaxime against Gram-negative bacteria) was also investigated. The minimum inhibitory
concentration (MIC) assessment showed that silicristin, PSCB and reference beta-lactams had
higher MIC values against the resistant strains [cefotaxime (2 – 16 µg/mL), amoxicillin (4 –
32 µg/mL, silicristin (8 – 64 µg/mL) and PSCB (16 – 128 µg/mL)]. The highest MIC for
silicristin, PSCB and reference beta-lactams was observed against the resistant and sensitive
strains of P. aeruginosa [sensitive strains (8 – 64 µg/mL), resistant strains (16 – 128 µg/mL)],
while the lowest MIC was found in S. pneumoniae [sensitive strains (0.5 – 8 µg/mL), resistant
strains (2 – 16 µg/mL)]. Compared to silicristin (4 – 64 µg/mL), PSCB (8 – 128 µg/mL)
exhibited higher MIC values against all the test strains and the antibacterial activities were observed to occur in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Except against the sensitive
and resistant strains of E. coli where silicristin had a comparable killing effect as cefotaxime,
silicristin had a better killing rate than PSCB and reference standards against all the test
organisms with the best effect observed between 8 – 14 h after treatment. Except for the
exploration of silicristin and amoxicillin against the resistant strain of E. coli, which was found
to be addictive, the combinatorial therapy showed that silicristin had a synergistic effect with
both amoxicillin and cefotaxime against all test organisms. This could mean that silicristin had
other mechanism of antibacterial effect different from beta-lactams. In contrast, PSCB with
cefotaxime and amoxicillin had only synergistic effects against resistant strains of Grampositive organisms suggestive of a similar mechanism of action for PSCB and the test betalactams. A further probe into the ROS generating potential of the antibacterial agents using
ROS-specific dyes, showed that while PSCB and reference beta-lactams caused significant (P
< 0.05) higher generation of superoxide ion (O2
•−), silicristin conversely enhanced higher (P <
0.05) generation of the most toxic ROS form, the hydroxy radicals (
•OH), which is often
produced via the Fenton reaction. This observation with silicristin suggests its enhanced
modulatory effect on Fenton reaction relative to PSCB and the standards and further facilitated
increased NAD/NADH ratio, ADP/ATP ratio, lipid peroxidation, carbonyl content, propidium
iodide (PI) uptake, and depletion of reduced glutathione as observed with silicristin-treated
cells. This observation points to the enhanced involvement of oxidative stress in the modulatory
effect of silicristin against all the test organisms compared to PSCB and the reference standards.
This enhanced oxidative stress in silicristin-treated cells was substantiated with scanning
electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) micrographs with
cell walls with more blisters, eruptions, and sores compared to the observed effects with other
treatments and the untreated cells. Oxidative stress was also noted to facilitate SOS (Save Our
Souls) response in upregulating SordA and SoxR, with the most prominent effect observed with
silicristin in a manner that is more evident in the sensitive strains relative to the resistant strains.
Taken together, these observations points to the enhanced redox effect of silicristin on the
sensitive and resistant strains of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms relative to
PSCB and reference beta-lactams and could be explored to develop novel alternative
therapeutics to beta-lactams in the treatment of infections caused by the test organisms.
Additionally, since the best derivative in each case of the essential PBPs had a similar synthetic
route as PSCB, it is recommended that the synthetic route be adopted in the synthesis of the
best derivatives to enable the investigation of their in vitro and in vivo antibacterial activities
for the possibility of subsequent development as beta-lactams.
Profiling of selected filamentous actinomycetes isolated from activated sludge plants
Get PDFSubmitted in fulfilment of the academic requirement for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Biotechnology, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2025.The formation of stable foams on the surface of aeration tanks has been observed worldwide
in activated sludge systems. As a result of foam formation, wastewater treatment works face
operational difficulties since foam seeps into effluent, adversely affecting the concentration of
suspended solids, which reduces disinfection efficiency. Several efforts have been channeled
towards a better comprehension of the microbial ecology of foaming. High abundance of
Candidatus Microthrix parvicella and branched filaments of mycolic acid-containing
actinomycetes have been reported frequently in foaming samples. The proliferation of these
microorganisms has been reported from domestic to industrial treatment plants with different
process configurations and throughout the different seasons. For process optimisation and
troubleshooting, a greater comprehension of the structure and function of microbial community
within a wastewater treatment plant is a prerequisite. Excessive growth of filamentous bacteria
is promoted by the presence of a variety of physicochemical factors, and changes in process
conditions. Though various factors can induce foaming, it is imperative to identify and quantify
the indigenous organisms implicated in foaming to pre-empt forthcoming episodes. To date,
no metagenomics data have been generated specifically from foaming samples in South
African wastewater treatment works. Additionally, the fastidious nature of filamentous bacteria
has limited our knowledge of pure culture studies, globally. Almost all of the available
literature on pure culture studies in South Africa is more than a decade old and used
conventional methods for isolation and purification. Therefore, this study aimed to profile
microbial communities that are prevalent in foam samples in selected wastewater treatment
works in KwaZulu Natal using a metagenomics approach. Additionally, the study explored the
use of micromanipulation techniques for the isolation and cultivation of selected actinomycetes
(Gordonia spp.) from foam samples. Two wastewater treatment works treating domestic and
industrial wastewater were selected for the study.
Microscopic examination of foam samples using wet mount technique indicated the prevalence
of right-angled branched filamentous actinomycetes in both wastewater treatment works. The
branched filamentous bacteria were selectively isolated using the micromanipulation technique
from pre-treated mixed liquor and foam samples. Among the filamentous morphotypes that
predominated in mixed liquor were Eikelboom Type 0041, Thiothrix, Gordonia spp.,
Eikelboom Type 021N and Eikelboom Type 0092 dominated in wastewater treatment works A and in wastewater treatment works B, Eikelboom Type 0041, Eikelboom Type 021N and
Gordonia spp. dominated throughout the sampling period while Eikelboom Type 1851 and
Thiothrix spp. were identified as transients.
A total of forty-four isolates were obtained from the two wastewater treatment works using the
micromanipulation technique. Out of these, nine isolates were further selected for physiological
and molecular characterisation. The media that supported most isolates was Reasoner’s 2A
agar and casitone glucose yeast agar during initial isolation stage. Upon continuous
subculturing during preservation, filamentous morphology was permanently lost as the isolate
from wastewater treatment works B shifted to single-celled morphology. The selected isolates
were further grown in different media containing various carbon substrates such as cholesterol,
benzoic acid, glucose, galactose and glycerol and were grown both aerobically and
anaerobically. Aerodynamism varied amongst isolates, some displayed no growth under
anaerobic conditions whilst only one isolate from wastewater treatment works B utilised all
substrates aerobically and anaerobically. Isolates grew optimally at 30o
C. Isolates from
wastewater treatment works A mixed liquor and foam were fastidious and did not survive the
process of isolation and profiling. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA sequences indicated
that the isolates were close relatives of Gordonia spp. However, the similarity index was lower
than 97% indicating that the isolates may be novel or represent divergent variants to existing
Gordonia spp.
Additionally, quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed to assess the dominance
of selected actinomycetes in foaming samples. Gordonia spp. were successfully quantified
and their abundance was related to selected plant operation parameters to establish trends that
induce Gordonia spp. proliferation. The ambient temperature of the two respective plants,
wastewater treatment works A and B was (24.8 ±5.5 and 28.0o
C ± 5.1 respectively) observed
to favour the growth of mycolic acid containing actinomycetes. The amount of Gordonia spp.
in foams was significantly higher in foam samples than mixed liquor in both the plants
investigated. It was also observed that Gordonia copy numbers of 3.7 X 109 ± 0.1 copies/ng
were sufficient to induce foaming in these plants.
Furthermore, the application of next generation sequencing provided further insight into the
role of other actinomycetes in foam formation in this study. Three mixed liquor samples and
three foam samples were subjected to next generation sequencing from each wastewater treatment works. Based on the next generation sequencing approach, the microbial community
did not vary significantly in mixed liquor and foam, however, abundance changed significantly
amongst mycolic acid containing Actinobacteria. An average increase of 17% was observed
from Nocardiaceae, Mycobacteriaceae and Gordoniaceae in foams than in mixed liquor. The
dominant foam formers in both the wastewater treatment were Gordonia spp., Rhodococcus
spp. and Mycobacterium spp. irrespective of the influent characteristics. Gordonia amarae
which has been implicated and greatly studied as a foam inducer were not found to be
predominant in these wastewater treatment works highlighting the contribution of other
potential Gordonia spp. (Gordonia alkanivorans, Gordonia insulae, Gordonia phthalatica,
Gordonia polyisoprenivorans, Gordonia rubripertincta) in foaming. Mycobacterium doricum
and Rhodococcus coprophilus were also detected from foam samples. The abundance of
Mycobacterium intracellulare, Mycobacterium africanum and Mycobacterium avium in
wastewater treatment works A and B raises serious health implications. M. intracellulare has
been implicated in human pulmonary infections even in immunocompetent individuals. The
detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in foams also raises health concerns considering the
prevalence of HIV in South Africa and tuberculosis co-infections that emanate from
immunosuppression. The prevalence of mycobacterial pathogens in foams necessitates deeper
interrogation to circumvent occupational hazards. By contributing to the current knowledge
base, this study has made a significant contribution towards understanding the organisms
responsible for foam formation and stabilization in the subtropical region of KwaZulu-Natal.
The Beneish model as a fraud controlmeasure in Zimbabwean state-owned enterprises
Get PDFResearch purpose: The research purpose of the study was to determine the effectiveness of the Beneish model
as a fraud control measure for Zimbabwean state-owned enterprises (SOEs).
Design/methodology/approach: This study adopted a triangulation research approach. Statistically tested,
quantitative data from financial statements were validated with the qualitative data derived from Auditor General
(AG) reports on Zimbabwean SOEs, and reported fraud issues from newspaper articles on Zimbabwean SOEs.
Research findings: The findings revealed that the Beneish model is effective in detecting and preventing fraud,
and can be used as an early indication of fraud in the financial statements of Zimbabwean SOEs. This can assist
the AG, internal and external auditors, anti-corruption agencies, forensic accountants, and certified fraud
examiners with early identification of possible fraud in the financial statements, and will reduce the fraud impact,
since faster detection and prevention can potentially minimise financial losses.
Policy implication: Fraud indicators (red flags) from the Beneish model can be used as an early indication of
potential fraud in the financial statements of Zimbabwean SOEs. This helps the AG, external and internal
auditors, anti-corruption agencies, forensic accountants, and certified fraud examiners to identify red flags in the
financial statements, earlier. Curbing fraud losses can potentially improve the performance of Zimbabwean
SOEs.
Originality: Fraud control measures from the Beneish model’s red flag fraud indicators are expected to add
value in curbing the occurrence of fraud in Zimbabwean SOEs
Financial growth and sustainability in retail SMMes: study of work-integrated learning policy
No full textThis evaluation of Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) with Small, Medium and Micro Enterprise (SMME) retailers in South Africa arose from observations that vocational education goals required in this sector are not being achieved. Qualitative methodologies were used, including dialogic interviews and questionnaire surveys of purposive samples of SMME retailers, tertiary vocational educators and retail students, as well as insights from large retailers and skills development facilitators. Findings indicate lack of consensus on WIL strategies, and that for WIL within retail SMMEs to succeed, small business management capacity and entrepreneurial competence need to be supported by pre-WIL processes and mentorship strategies. To promote work-based learning within SMMEs, recommendations are made for policy review by W&RSETA management, vocational educators and small business development organisations
Exploring the change of organisational culture in the post-COVID-19 pandemic period at the selected vocational colleges in KwaZulu-Natal
No full textSubmitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Management Sciences Specialising in Human Resource Management, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2025.Practising organisational culture is indispensable in boosting the sustainable
development of various organisations. However, lately it has been shrouded
with confusion especially in the post-COVID-19 crisis which prompted this
study to investigate its current stature. The gradual disappearance of
the pandemic era gave birth to a new complex and challenging space for
human resource management professionals in South African higher education
institutions in both public and private sectors, who are compelled to find
ingenious solutions around bringing sound and competitive organisational
culture. Although there are vast studies that uncover different issues related to
COVID-19 pandemic, few previous studies to date have been conducted
regarding the change of organisational culture at the workplace in the postCOVID-19 pandemic period. It is against this backdrop that the current study
sought to explore the change of organisational culture in the post-COVID-19
pandemic period at Vocational Colleges in Kwazulu-Natal.
The study's target population equated to 137 employees and a sample size of
20 respondents comprised of academic staff and professional (Administration)
staff was considered appropriate. However, the data were successfully
gathered through semi-structured interviews from 18 respondents. The
remaining two participants declined to take part in the interview due to their
busy schedules. Thematic analysis was utilised to analyse the collected data.
The findings of the study indicated that teamwork enables employees to
navigate and cope with changes in the post-pandemic period. Leadership was
also cited as captain of change who bear the responsibility of breaking the old
culture and embracing the new organisational culture. The findings further
emphasised that offering an organisational climate that enhances innovation,
and creativity enables employees to come up with new ideas, values and
norms. The results further revealed that employees lack adequate training to
cope with the change, and there was inadequacy in team building to ensure
that the team was bonding and sharing the same values as well as norms. The findings and suggestions of the study could be valuable in evaluating how
training and development programs contribute to fostering a culture of
resilience, innovation and adaptability in response to future disruptions. The
study has made significant contributions to the existing body of knowledge and
provides valuable insights for educational institutions.
Sustainable Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) implementation strategy for municipal development in Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, Eastern Cape
No full textSubmitted in fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Management Sciences
Specialising in Public Administration at the Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2025.The MIG was introduced to promote infrastructure development at the local
government level and to improve service delivery, particularly in rural areas, to address
unemployment, poverty, and inequality. The MIG policy was then introduced by the
Department of Provincial and Local Government as the first infrastructure
development policy in response to the country's social and rural economic
development challenges. It aimed to prioritise poverty eradication and socio-economic
development. The policy gained support and positive responses from the people of
the Eastern Cape and other parts of the country. Therefore, the Nelson Mandela Bay
Metropolitan Municipality, as a Category A municipality, is one of the municipalities
that has implemented the MIG to provide infrastructure development. However, it has
been highlighted by the National Treasury’s Report on Medium-Term Infrastructure
Spending (2019/2021a) that municipalities still find it challenging to spend their
allocated MIG funds despite the pressing municipality needs due to effective and
efficient prevailing capacity constraints, especially in project planning. This inefficiency
stems from the insignificant sustainability of the MIG implementation strategy, which
is restricted by several factors. Therefore, the study focused on exploring an
alternative MIG implementation strategy for municipal development. Consequently,
the study assessed the MIG implementation in Nelson Mandela Bay.
This study utilised a mixed-methods approach, employing quantitative and qualitative
research techniques. Data was collected, using structured questionnaires which were
distributed to 50 respondents’ participants and qualitative data was collected through
two focus group discussions. The quantitative data was analysed using descriptive
statistics, structural equation modelling, chi-square tests, and factor analyses while
the qualitative research data was analysed using Thematic analysis. The Statistical
Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) version 29.0 and Smart PLS4 software were
used for data analysis.
The study found that implementing the MIG is ineffective, particularly in the initial
phases, as it fails to assist the municipality in providing essential services to the
community. The inadequate MIG implementation plan emerged as a significant factor. The study
respondents requested an enhanced MIG implementation strategy. This requires
developing a customised MIG implementation framework upon which a plan can be
developed for institutionalisation.
Therefore, this study proposed a systemic MIG implementation framework that will
contribute to the existing literature by providing approaches that can be used to
address the challenges faced in sustainable MIG implementation. Moreover, this
framework can serve as a point of reference for researchers, municipalities and
practitioners to facilitate better application of MIG strategies for various municipalities.
Also, the findings of this study may contribute to the public administration theory by
demonstrating how a sustainable MIG implementation strategy can influence the
allocation and management of grants for infrastructure development in local
government.
The study concludes that the existing MIG policy framework is adequate but requires
monitoring to ensure the proper implementation of infrastructure projects. Therefore,
this study recommends that the MIG guidelines and implementation toolkits should be
standardised and used by various MIG agencies.