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The effects of late payments by government on building contractors
Get PDFThe built environment in South Africa encounters the challenge of late payment. The issue of late payment has posed a major challenge to the service delivery efforts of government agencies. The delay in remunerating contractors adversely impacts their cash flow and impedes the expansion of their businesses. The construction industry is capital-demanding, and the timely payment of contractors by clients serves to mitigate cash flow challenges experienced by contractors. The main objective of the study was to gain a deeper understanding of the effects of governments late payments to building contractors in the Eastern Cape. The study therefore examined the experiences of building contractors in the Eastern Cape. The secondary objectives were to identify reasons for late payment and how it affects the cash flow of the contractor; to examine the implications of late payment and the effect it has on business growth; and to determine the reasons behind loss of productivity on site caused by late payment. The study was conducted within a quantitative research paradigm. The epistemological stance of the researcher was objectivist. The population for this study consists of building contractors based in the Eastern Cape Province registered with the Masters Builders Association (EC). A probability sample was used to identify the participants in this research. The data was collected using a survey as the primary research strategy. The survey findings suggest that many issues, including inadequate client finance, prolonged processing time for payment documentation, and non-standard payment methods, all lead to delayed payments to the contractor. The findings of the empirical study showed that, despite the lack of particular laws or regulations governing the construction industry’s payment systems, the sector nonetheless uses a number of common guidelines to guide payment practices. The pay-if-paid approach is associated with several limitations, since the contractor cannot always receive full payments as a result of incomplete or defective projects.Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Built Environment and Civil Engineering, 202
Enabling legislative coherence in the Eswatini construction industry
Get PDFThe construction industry is an age-old and highly dynamic sector that contributes to the betterment of human life through the development of infrastructure. The presence of regulations is crucial in ensuring the provision of quality, standardization, efficiency, and effectiveness in service delivery. Inadequate regulation of the construction industry has been identified as the primary cause of construction failures in both developing and developed nations. Eswatini is no exception to this issue of legislative failure. The Construction Industry Council (CIC) was established by the Government of Eswatini without initially determining the specific challenges faced by the construction industry in Eswatini. The unique legislative needs pertaining to Eswatini were not explored to ensure that the framework is tailor-made for the Eswatini sector. Given the industry's diverse and intricate nature, a generic approach would not be sufficient to create a unified legislative framework. The study was aimed at developing a coherent legislative framework for the Eswatini construction industry. This study used a mixed-methods research design, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data. A total of 297 participants were randomly selected from the CIC database for the quantitative survey. A total of 45 interviewees were purposively selected for the semi-structured interviews. Descriptive and inferential analysis were used for the interpretation of the quantitative data. Thematic analysis was used for the qualitative data. Exploratory Factor Analysis, using the maximum likelihood method with Varimax Rotation was employed to analyse the factor structure and correlation between items of the quantitative data. Additionally, the KMO and Bartlett's Tests were conducted. The ANOVA Test was used to test the hypothesis. Thematic analysis was employed for the qualitative data analysis. The findings of this study revealed that contractors in Eswatini recognised the significance of a well-functioning legislative framework and expressed dissatisfaction with the existing legislative measures implemented in the country. The key informant interviews highlighted various challenges, including the absence of regulations for the implementation of the CIC Act, lack of accountability and transparency in the management of funds for CIC operations and inadequate grading criteria. Other challenges that were revealed were insufficient oversight, unfair competition, corruption and limited stakeholder engagement.Thesis (DPhil) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, School of Built Environment and Civil Engineering, 202
Multi-purpose community centres as catalysts for socio-economic development in Eastern Cape province, South Africa
Get PDFThe central issue facing African society, especially underdeveloped countries is that most of the population lives below the poverty line, experiences high levels of unemployment and unsustainable livelihoods. The poor and marginalised groups in many communities are deprived access to infrastructure and socio-economic amenities, this includes accessibility to government services, information, and developmental opportunities. The development of Multi-purpose Community Centres (MPCCs) is viewed as a value-adding solution to several challenges facing unequal societies, such as inadequate infrastructure, remote settlement patterns, poor access to basic services, poor access to technology, poor access to information, increased unemployment rate, increased poverty rate, and many others. The study examines the socio-economic impact of MPCCs on municipalities of the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa and explores how these centres, as built environment outputs can become a stimulus for sustainable livelihoods in urban, rural, and peri-urban human settlements, including informal settlements. The study falls under implementation evaluation research methodologies which assesses whether a programme has been adequately implemented before making inference on its effectiveness. Anchored in a Social Constructivism knowledge paradigm and leaning on a Systems and Development Theories, the study adopted a Mixed Method Research approach. In view of the data required document reviews, field observations, interviews and questionnaire surveys were employed. The research findings revealed that despite the delivery of MPCCs by the Department of Human Settlements, these centers have not provided much socio-economic opportunities to members of the communities where they are built. The MPCCs under study are facing many challenges that render them ineffective to fulfill their mandate of improving the lives of residents. The study yielded an inclusive and responsive human settlements development model for the creation of well-functioning socio-economic impactful MPCCs within existing and forth-coming housing projects and informal settlements.Thesis (DPhil) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, School of Built Environment and Civil Engineering, 202
The right of non-unionised employees and minority unions to be consulted prior to dismissals based on operational requirements
Get PDFThe position of workers and trade unions has changed drastically since the introduction of a Constitutional dispensation in South Africa. The Constitution affords both workers and trade unions protectable rights and greater influence at the workplace. To vindicate and assert these rights trade unions and workers approach the courts to vindicate these rights. Section 23 of the Constitution deals with labour rights and section 18 gives effect to the right to freedom of association. To give content to these rights the Constitution provides that courts must have regard to international law. In the context of these rights, one of the principles recognised by the International Labour Organisation through its Conventions is the principle of majoritarianism. In short, the principle endeavours to give effect to the will of trade unions representing the majority of employees in a workplace in relation to trade unions that represent the minority. This is achieved through collective bargaining, which typically results in the conclusion of collective agreements, whereby trade unions are given exclusive and or preferential rights. In AMCU v Royal Bafokeng the Constitutional Court held that, the principle of majoritarianism applies to and finds expression in section 189 of the Labour Relations Act. The effect of this judgment is that members of a minority trade union may be represented by a rival majority trade union during the consultation process when an employer has contemplated dismissals based on operational requirements. The minority judgement adopted a different approach, reasoning that, the principle of majoritarianism ought not to find application in the context of dismissals based on operational requirements. It found that section 189 is intended to give effect to the Constitutional right to fair labour practices and must therefore allow a fair procedure that permits an employee to choose who may represent him/her in a consultation process prior to dismissal.Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Department of Mercantile law, 202
Evaluation of road surface distresses using GPS and GIS techniques: a case study of the City of Johannesburg, South Africa
Get PDFThesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 202
Dislocation imaging of AISI316L stainless steels using electron channeling contrast imaging (ECCI)
Get PDFThis study investigates the use of electron microscopy to image dislocations in high-temperature steels used in the electrical power generation industry. Dislocations play an important role in the mechanical properties of steels, which continuously evolve during component manufacturing and subsequent in-service exposure due to creep and/or fatigue. The dislocation density of the steels can potentially be used as a fingerprint to identify at-risk components that has either reached end-of-life or that was incorrectly manufactured due to forming or heat treatments. Traditionally, dislocation measurements are performed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) performed on thin foils samples. However, accurate and precise measurements of the dislocation density in steels using TEM remain a challenge due to the time-consuming nature, small sampling volumes, and effects of sample preparation on the quantitative results. The aim of this study is to evaluate and establish electron channeling contrast imaging (ECCI) as a scanning electron microscopy method of quantifying the dislocation densities of power plant steels. This method can be applied to conventionally polished bulk samples allowing for large areas to be sampled. Samples consisting of AISI316L stainless steel were used as a model alloy (large grain size ~100 μm) to compare dislocation imaging using annular dark field (ADF)-scanning TEM (STEM) and ECCI. Three materials states consisting of a cold drawn rod (high dislocation density), annealed rod (low dislocation density), and an annealed sample subjected to cyclic fatigue testing (medium dislocation density) were investigated. Systematic investigations into the data acquisition parameters showed that an incident beam energy (20 kV), beam current (~4 nA), pixel size (5 nm), and working distance (4-5 mm) on a JEOL7001F SEM fitted with a retractable BSE detector could successfully image the dislocation structures for the material states used in this study. The ECCI technique was successfully used to determine the dislocation density in the three material states and the quantitative results showed similar trends as the ADF-STEM quantification results, but with less effort. Future studies using electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) orientation mapping combined with electron channeling pattern (ECP) calibrations using a single crystal Si sample will allow for ECCI imaging under controlled grain orientations. Furthermore, accurate image segmentation of dislocations from a micrograph remains a key limitation, which can be improved with the use of advanced image analysis based on deep learning approaches. The quantitative dislocation density techniques demonstrated in this study can be adapted not only for studies of other power plant steels (eg. 9-12% Cr Creep Strength Enhanced Ferritic) but also to other materials systems such as aluminium to study the recrystallization processes during annealing.Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 202
Reconstructing the fire history and palaeoenvironment at Thyspunt, Southern Cape Coast, Eastern Cape
Get PDFThis study aims to comprehensively understand the palaeoenvironments at Thyspunt in the Eastern Cape, a subregion of the Cape Floristic Region, through fire reconstruction and sediment analyses. Given the fire-dependent nature of the dominant vegetation (fynbos) in the area, there is a need for fire reconstructions and an understanding of the broader ecological dynamics within the southern Cape coastal region (SCCR). This research focused on reconstructing the fire regimes using sedimentary micro- and macrocharcoal from a sediment core (TP-1) extracted from the Langefonteinvlei wetland at Thyspunt, covering the last 5000 years. The charcoal fragments were separated into three size classes, with two falling under microcharcoal (size class 1: 10 – 100 μm and size class 2: 100 – 150 μm) and fragments greater than 150 μm representing macrocharcoal. The sedimentary profile of the TP-1 sequence was characterised based on loss on ignition and x-ray fluorescence analyses to provide better insight into the area's geological and geomorphic setting, climate history, and sediment properties. The results from the geochemical data revealed consistently high calcium carbonate composition throughout the sequence with a decrease in concentration at ~2000 cal. yr BP, 1300 cal. yr BP, and from 500 cal. yr BP to recent years. The sediments had relatively high organic content during the last 500 years. The geochemical data also indicate that the sediments are associated with shallow marine and near-shore depositional environments with a sharp increase in fine material at about 4500 cal. yr BP representing a low-energy environment. High fire activities occur around 4000 cal. yr. BP and from 1500 cal. yr BP till present, with former fire activities more likely associated with increased wildfires (driven by climate change) and the latter possibly reflecting human influence at that time. Microcharcoal fragments (size class 1: 10 – 100 μm) had higher concentrations than the other size fragments. This study underpins the importance of a multiproxy study to enrich our understanding of fire histories in Thyspunt and contributes to broader regional insights.Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 202
Exploring resilience of social workers working within the healthcare system in the Nelson Mandela Metropole, South Africa
Get PDFSocial workers working in the health care setting must respond to complex patient needs, a fast paced and multidisciplinary work environment, that are frequently not experienced as equalising platforms for the social work discipline. This requires a high level of resilience in social workers to remain responsive to compassionate human care, quality service delivery and selfcare. This study aimed to explore the resilience of social workers in the healthcare sector, in order to address the knowledge and practice gap and contribute to a better understanding of mental healthcare needs and coping resources of social workers, working in this field of service. The study was guided by two theoretical frameworks: The ecological systems theory and resilience theory. Informed by a constructivism research paradigm, the study employed semi-structures in-depth research interviews as a method to collect data with eight social workers as research participants, recruited via purposive research sampling from health and mental health care settings. The key findings indicate that social workers experience various challenges at work that leads to burnout as a result of the complex work that they do, and they are required to contain these and be resilient using different mechanism. All the ethical protocols were observed, and the necessary measures taken to enhance the trustworthiness of the study. The findings make a valuable contribution to the curriculum input for social work training and valuable insights for continuous professional development for social work practitioners in the health care sector.Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Science, School of Behavioural & Lifestyle Sciences, 202
The role of environmental factors, vegetation type, and community knowledge, attitude, and practices on schistosomiasis intermediate host snails’ distribution in the Nelson Mandela Bay water bodies
Get PDFSchistosomiasis, often known as bilharzia, is a parasitic water-borne disease caused by trematode flatworms of the genus Schistosoma. In 76 endemic countries, including 46 in Africa, over 800 million individuals are at risk of contracting the disease. This study examined the influence of water physicochemical properties, vegetation type and community knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) on the distribution and habitat preference of schistosomiasis intermediate host snails in the communities of Kariega and Kwa Nobuhle, in Nelson Mandela Bay. Methods. A quantitative cross-sectional research design approach was employed in this study. Data for the water physicochemical properties was collected over different seasons over a 9-month period. Eight sampling sites were selected based on their proximity to residential areas. A simple dip method was used for surface water samples and measurements done using a Bante 900P multiparameter meter, Macherey Nagel PF-12 plus, and hardness meter. A 300 μm mesh scoop net on a metal frame was used to capture snails. At each sample site, the predominant plant species were gathered and transported to experts in the Botany Department at Nelson Mandela University for identification. The composition and percentage cover of vegetation were visually estimated and documented. A structured questionnaire was used to elicit responses from 380 participants for the pre- and post-intervention KAP study, using the interview format. Data was analysed using R software (version 4.3.1) and Microsoft Office 365 Excel (2019 version). Results. Freshwater snails were found in all eight water bodies studied; however, schistosomiasis intermediate host snails were only found in three of them while the prevailing species in the study sites were Physa snails. There was no correlation between the number of snails and turbidity (r=-0.070). However, a negative and weak correlation existed between snails and DO (r=-0.185), hardness (r=-0.210), pH (r=-0.235), TDS (r=-0.236), EC (r=-0.240), salinity (r=-0.242), and temperature (r=-0.273). There was also a negative correlation between snails and vegetation coverage (r=-0.127). Of the 380 study participants, only 8.7% were aware of the disease pre-intervention. The paired samples t-test results demonstrate a difference (7.2 ± 2.5) in knowledge scores, and the improvement in knowledge levels post-intervention is statistically significant (p<0.001). Conclusion. The study discovered an abundance of Physa snails; considering their biological characteristics and ability to endure, these snails could potentially serve as a biological control agent in locations where theThesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Behavioural & Lifestyle Sciences, 202
Synthesis and applications of hydroxyl-functionalized chemosensors for selective detection of ions in aqueous systems
Get PDFFluorescent molecular chemosensors are crucial tools for monitoring toxic metal ions and environmental compounds that pose risks to both humans and wildlife. Continuous sensing is essential for early detection, and chemosensors offer a sensitive and straightforward approach by detecting challenging analyte’s through optical absorption and fluorescence. Current detection methods, such as flame photometry and mass spectrometry, can be expensive, destructive, and impractical for continuous monitoring. Consequently, fluorescent-based methods present a promising, simple, and highly sensitive alternative for chemical recognition and monitoring. In this project, we successfully synthesized ten highly selective small hydroxyl containing molecule fluorescent and colorimetric sensors; Oxime Dye (OD), Small Sensor 1 (SS1), Small Sensor 2 (SS2), Quinoline Dye 1 (QD1), Quinoline Dye 2 (QD2), Quinoline Dye 3 (QD3), Coumarin Dye 1 (CD1), Coumarin Dye 2 (CD2), Naphthalene Dye 1 (ND1), Naphthalene Dye 2 (ND2). These chemosensors contained benzothiazole, naphthalene, quinoline, and coumarin fluorophores. These sensors facilitate both quantitative and qualitative assessment of cationic and anionic species in aqueous organic media. The chemosensors were synthesized using modified Schiff base, azo dye, and oxime-based reactions, enhancing binding and selectivity with analyte’s. They exhibited selectivity towards various metal ions (Cu2+, Fe2+, Ni2+, and Hg2+) and anions (hydroxyl and cyanate), characterized by distinct absorption bands and significant fluorescent quenching and enhancement. While some sensors were selective towards both cations and anions, others exclusively targeted cations, showing lower selectivity or sensitivity towards anions upon further testing. Conversely, certain sensors were selective towards anions, demonstrating reduced sensitivity or selectivity towards the tested cations. The oxime-based chemosensor, OD, was obtained through an oxime-based reaction. The sensor demonstrates remarkable selectivity for Cu2+ and cyanate ions. During titration experiments, the interaction of Cu2+ with OD resulted in a noticeable fluorescence quenching effect, while the presence of OCN ions led to fluorescence enhancement. These distinct behaviors strongly suggest the formation of specific 1:1 complexes between OD and Cu2+ or OCN ions, a conclusion supported by detailed analysis using the Jobs plot technique. In addition to the fluorescence studies, investigations into the influence of pH on the sensor OD, as well as its complexes with Cu2+ and OCN, were conducted to determine the optimum pH conditions for their operation. Moreover, reversible behavior of the complexes was explored in the presence of EDTA, revealing that only the OD-OCN complex displayed reversibility. Furthermore, molecular modeling studies were performed to validate the binding units and calculate the energy differences between the sensor and its respective complexes. Additionally, four chemosensors (SS1, SS2, CD2, and QD2) were synthesized and characterized using Schiff-based reactions, showcasing their unique absorption behaviors. SS1 and SS2, characterized by benzothiazole fluorophores, demonstrated high sensitivity to hydroxyl anions. Jobs plot studies revealed a stable 1:1 binding stoichiometry. Chemosensor CD2, incorporating a coumarin fluorophore, was structurally confirmed but showed no significant spectral changes when screened with various ions. Chemosensor QD2 exhibited remarkable selectivity for Fe2+ ions, and stable 1:1 complexes were confirmed. Further molecular modeling studies were conducted to identify potential binding sites. Furthermore, five chemosensors (CD1, CD3, QD1, ND1, and ND2) were synthesized and characterized using azo dye reactions, revealing their unique absorption behaviors. Chemosensor CD1 showed high selectivity towards Hg2+ under both absorption and emission spectroscopy. Job's plot studies confirmed a stable 1:1 complex formation. The presence of competing cations did not affect complex formation, emphasizing its stability and selectivity. Another coumarin-containing dye chemosensor, CD3, was synthesized as a novel chemosensor. In the presence of TBA anionic solutions, CD3 exhibited strong absorption bands and selectivity for OH- ions, forming a stable complex with them. Quantitative studies, including the determination of LOD and LOQ, were also conducted. The binding stoichiometry of 1:1 between CD3 and OH- was established through Job's plot analysis. Lastly, two naphthalene dyes were synthesized. However, they did not exhibit selectivity towards cations or anions. Interestingly, their absorption spectra were affected by the change in solvent system, a concept worth exploring in future work. Chemosensor ND1 and ND2 did not show any cation or anion selectivity. However, they demonstrated different spectra and colour responses to cations and anions in different water-DMSO solvent systems.Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular & Chemical Sciences, 202