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Exploring cultural context and masculine ideals: implications for male mental health help-seeking in South Africa
Get PDFThe pervasive underdiagnosis and undertreatment of mental health issues among males, exacerbated by societal expectations of masculinity, represent a significant public health concern. This study addresses the critical gap in understanding how sociocultural constructs of masculinity influence mental health help-seeking behaviours among males in South Africa, a context marked by high rates of crime, violence, substance abuse, and male suicides. Adopting a qualitative research approach, this study conducted in-depth interviews with 12 participants, employing convenience and snowball sampling techniques to achieve data saturation. Thematic analysis was utilised to systematically identify and interpret patterns of meaning within the data, focusing on participants' understandings of mental health, the impact of sociocultural constructions of masculinity on their help-seeking behaviours, and the barriers they encounter. The findings illuminate the profound impact of sociocultural constructs of masculinity on male mental health help-seeking behaviours, revealing significant barriers rooted in societal stigma, traditional masculinity norms, and a lack of tailored mental health services. The study also introduces a conceptual model illustrating the influences on mental health acknowledgement and help-seeking behaviour among males in South Africa, underscored by a reflective analysis of exploring male emotional well-being. This study highlights the urgent need for culturally sensitive mental health care interventions that address the unique challenges faced by men in South African communities. By challenging societal norms and advocating for improved mental health awareness and services tailored to men, this research contributes to the broader discourse on gender, mental health, and social change, offering insights for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners aiming to enhance male mental health outcomes.Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Science, School of School of Behavioural & Lifestyle Sciences, 202
The impact of international debt on taxation & economic growth on five SSA countries
Get PDFThis study investigated the effect of international debt on taxation and economic growth in five selected sub-Saharan African countries (SSA): Nigeria, South Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Ghana. The study employed panel data, and the data sample spans from 1990 to 2021. A unit root testing procedure utilising the Levin-Lin-Chu test, the Pearson and Shin test, the Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) test, the Breitung test, and the Hadri test was applied to test for stationarity among variables. Cointegration analysis was used to test the long-run association among variables, including Mean Group (MG), Pooled Mean Group (PMG), and Dynamic Fixed Effects (DFE) models for ascertaining if long-run coefficients vary across individual units, allowing for individual-specific short-run dynamics and capturing time-varying factors that affect the relationship between the dependent and independent variables in the study. The empirical results for the long-run relationship showed a strong correlation between GDP and external debt in all the countries. A unit increase in external debt reduces GDP growth by 0.628394%. This indicates that high levels of external debt have a significant negative impact on economic growth over time. The short-term relationship showed country-specific effects of debt on economic development, where an increase in the eternal debt-to-GDP ratio by one unit decreases GDP by 0.009029%. SSA countries differ significantly in how foreign debt and economic development are related. Countries like Nigeria, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Ghana, which have large amounts of foreign debt, have experienced economic instability and uncertainty. Due to its heavy debt load, Kenya has faced periods of negative economic growth. However, South Africa has consistently seen GDP growth while maintaining constant levels of external debt. There is also a great deal of variation in how taxes affect economic development across the five selected SSA countries. Countries such as South Africa and Ghana, which have more consistent and large tax revenues, have made significant expenditures in economic development, boosting economic growth. Conversely, economic growth has been unequal in nations such as Nigeria, where tax revenue is subject to fluctuations. Furthermore, countries with low tax revenues, such as Ethiopia and Kenya, have seen their economic growth impeded due to their limited capacity to fund necessary development initiatives.Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 202
The labour court’s approach in awarding costs
Get PDFThe unanimous judgment in the CC case of Union for Police Security and Corrections Organisations v South African Custodial Management (Pty) Ltd and Others [2021] ZACC 26, delivered by Judge Khampepe, highlighted the distinct approach to costs in labour matters. While the general rule in litigation is that costs follow the result, the Constitutional Court has consistently emphasised that this principle does not apply in labour disputes, as clarified in the landmark case of Zungu v Premier of the Province of KwaZulu-Natal and Others (CCT136/17) [2018] ZACC 1; (2018) 39 ILJ 523 (CC); [2018] 4 BLLR 323 (CC); 2018 (6) BCLR 686 (CC) (22 January 2018). The court emphasised its constitutional and statutory obligation to depart from the general rule in labour matters. However, section 162 of the LRA provides the LC with the authority to order the payment of costs based on the requirements of the law and fairness. Similarly, section 179 of the LRA grants the LAC the discretion to make cost orders considering the law and fairness. This presents an intriguing legal debate surrounding the interpretation of the LRA provisions and the assertion that costs do not follow the result in labour matters. It raises questions about whether this assertion aligns with sections 162 and 179 of the LRA and whether it applies to labour matters beyond the purview of the LC and LAC, such as disputes rooted in the law of contracts, administrative law or common law which can be adjudicated in alternative forums. This treatise aims to explore the historical development of the South African law of costs, with a particular focus on costs in labour matters. It will critically analyse whether the courts’ approach to costs in labour matters is legally sound, fair and consistent. By delving into these issues, this treatise intends to contribute to the scholarly discussion on costs in labour disputes, assess the appropriateness of the current approach, and propose potential areas for improvement.Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Department of Mercantile Law, 202
The role of community-based organisations in addressing youth unemployment: a case of Duncan Village and Gompo Township in the Buffalo City Metro
Get PDFYouth unemployment continues to be a challenge and a complex problem driven by myriad issues despite significant investments into policies and programmes on both the demand and supply side of the labour market. There is a recognition among scholars that partnerships by all actors (such as government, private sector, and communities) through community-based organisations (CBOs) have the potential to significantly contribute to tackling youth unemployment. Yet there is scant research on the role of CBOs in tackling this challenge. Much research focus has been on the state and the private sector roles, and less attention on CBOs despite their proximity to communities directly affected by youth unemployment. However, it has become apparent that understanding the role of CBOs is essential in designing impactful and sustainable youth employment interventions. This research endeavoured to fill a void in the existing literature by examining how CBOs address youth unemployment in the Duncan Village and Gompo Township in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The underpinning theoretical framework that guided the study was community development and participation and empowerment approaches. A case study design was utilised to undertake the research. A total of 20 participants (CBOs, youth, government officials, and business sector representatives) were interviewed. Thematic analysis was applied to analyse collected data, which entailed coding and the development of categories or themes. The ATLAS.ti computer software aided this process. The findings indicated that numerous CBOs offer youths work readiness programmes, agricultural education, and training on important skills such as effective communication, time management, teamwork, and business skills, among others. These programmes equip young people with work experience and provide financial support in the form of stipends. Additionally, they keep them occupied and productive to deter engagement in criminal activity and substance abuse. The study's findings bring forth information to the policymakers and social actors on how interventions implemented by CBOs contribute to addressing youths’ needs due to their proximity to communities. Also, recommendations highlight ways for CBOs to improve their support and the contribution of the government and private sector, as well as emphasise the significance of partnerships in effectively addressing youth unemployment through community-led initiatives.Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 202
The development of a continuous improvement culture causal framework to enhance effectiveness in a South African port environment
Get PDFSignificant competition challenges confront South Africa's port sector. The sector is also essential to the Eastern Cape Province's economic and social standing. This study was conducted with the objective of helping the port industry in South Africa apply the continuous improvement (CI) philosophy more successfully. The formation of an organisational culture that was conducive to CI was accomplished via the identification of key leadership practices and behaviours. The principal objective of the study was to ascertain, examine, and conduct an empirical examination of the potential impact of diverse leadership practices and behaviours on the culture of the organisation. As a result, the goal of the study was to combine well-researched theories and findings about general organisational culture with more recent findings and firsthand knowledge about CI culture and its significance for the effective execution of CI methodology. Formulating a causal framework for CI culture was the main objective of this work. A literature study was conducted on organisational culture, CI principles, and the port industry. This assessment clearly supported CI as a proven strategy for port industry improvement. One of the main reasons why so many organisations are unable to properly deploy CI is the misalignment of their organisational cultures. Furthermore, there was proof of the crucial part that the conduct and behaviour of leaders might play in the formation of a CI culture. Based on the research study, a framework was created to direct these activities and behaviours. The research methodology used to ultimately create the framework was through an empirical study using a quantitative approach. This quantitative approach was used to evaluate eight hypotheses of this study. Additionally, the validity and reliability of the study was also assessed. The eight major types of leadership actions addressed in this framework, and was tested through the hypotheses, included supportive leadership, process management, employee empowerment, organisational values, reward system, external interaction, customer focus, and future orientation. The association between the eight criteria and the existence of CI culture was then investigated empirically using a structured questionnaire. After this, the data was extensively analysed and statistically scrutinised. The findings showed a substantial positive correlation between the degree of CI culture that was presently in place (dependent variable) and four of the eight categories (independent variables). The four categories were external interaction, process management, organisational values, and supportive leadership. After illustrating these connections, the study's recommendations and conclusions were presented in accordance with the data. The recommendations include improving the framework even more by giving additional information about the precise leadership behaviors connected to each variable and increasing the scope of the study to more than just one sample from one port in South Africa.Thesis (MEng) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, School of Engineering, 202
Guidelines towards the use of virtual consultation in primary healthcare
Get PDFIn an environment of expanding demand on the healthcare system to provide equitable, accessible, and safe healthcare, the use of information and communication technology (ICT) is one of the strategies identified to fulfil such expectations. To make this achievable, ICTs are integrated in healthcare using telehealth, which permits the provision of remote healthcare by using virtual health technologies. One domain of telehealth which permits remote care is virtual consultations. It is an important tool in the healthcare industry used to promote access to healthcare services, especially for elderly people or people with disabilities, those suffering from chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hypertension, among others, and for people in rural and underserved communities. This is possible using videoconferencing technology, telephone consultations, email, or instant messaging. Virtual consultations are becoming an integral part of the healthcare industry all over the world, and it is important to understand how to make use of them to promote healthcare access. The purpose of this study was to create guidelines to assist primary health care professionals in the most effective ways of using virtual consultations to improve access to essential health care services. As such, the objectives governing this study were to identify the role that virtual consultations play in healthcare, to investigate the factors that impact the use of virtual consultations, to review the existing guidelines on virtual consultations, as well as to identify the requirements needed for virtual consultations. This research followed several aspects to guide the methodology of this study. The research process governing this research was the design science research process. The research made use of literature reviews, argumentation, and a survey for data collection as well as a qualitative content analysis to analyse the data. The data collection consisted of 32 survey responses, which aided in the identification of the factors impacting the use of virtual consultations. The results showed that virtual consultations are utilised for various aspects of care delivery, but face-to-face consultations are still the first choice of consultation.Thesis (MIT) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Information Technology, 202
A framework for a cybersecurity policy in South African schools
Get PDFToday, learners at school grow up within an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) environment and have become technology users. A growing number of learners have access to ICT devices, such as mobile phones, tablets and desktop computers owing to their affordability. Access to ICT devices enables learners to interact in cyberspace which offers them numerous advantages and benefits. Cyberspace enables learners to improve their learning by providing ease of access to information and other learning material. Additionally, it allows them to socialise and to communicate with each without having to be in the same place. Furthermore, it allows them to participate in games, including educational games, to help with their learning. Despite these benefits, learners are prone to falling victim to a range of cyber risks and attacks. These cyber risks and attacks include cyberbullying, accessing inappropriate content and being exposed to sexual grooming. This is due to the fact that cyberspace is an unregulated platform and its complex nature does not make it easy to govern. Thus, there is a need to implement a policy that can govern and educate school learners on how to protect and conduct themselves when accessing cyberspace to avoid and reduce exposure to cyber risks. Countries like the United Kingdom (UK), Australia (AU) and Rwanda (RW) have developed cybersecurity policies to assist schools to develop and implement a cybersecurity policy to create a cybersecurity environment for learners with the support and commitment of the government. These countries continue to implement cybersecurity strategies and advocate for a cybersecurity policy to be implemented in schools to foster a cybersecurity culture. However, this does not seem to be the case for South Africa. The South African education system does not have a standard national cybersecurity policy to be implemented in all schools to handle cyber risks and incidents. The Department of Basic Education (DBE) drafted guidelines to assist schools to implement cybersecurity strategies such as a cybersecurity-related policy; however, these guidelines do not include guidance on how to implement them and they have not been enacted. Because of the lack of commitment from the government to implement a cybersecurity policy at school level, learners continue to be exposed to cyber risks. Hence, it is up to each school to create and implement a cybersecurity policy that is unique to that school to help keep their learners safe. In terms of South African law, schools are ultimately responsible for the safety and well-being of school learners. School Governing Bodies (SGBs) have a legal obligation to ensure that cybersecurity measures are in place to protect learners from cyber risks, especially when schools provide access or expect learners to have and use ICT devices during school hours. However, schools (including SGBs) are ill-equipped to implement cybersecurity initiatives by themselves. They lack knowledge about ICT and are hampered by severe time and financial constraints. This study proposes a framework to assist SGBs in implementing a cybersecurity policy in South African schools. To address this need, the study first performed a literature review to identify the problem area, that schools in South Africa have no cybersecurity policy to guide them and protect school learners from cyber risks. There is a need for cybersecurity policies in schools and the SGBs entrusted with such a responsibility lack the resources and capacity to develop them. Moreover, many schools do not have cybersecurity policies in place to protect school learners if cyber risk incidents occur. This led to identifying research objectives together with research methods to address the problem area. The primary objective is to develop a framework to assist SGBs in implementing a basic cybersecurity policy in South African schools. In order to achieve the primary objective, the study determined cybersecurity policy implementation components and characteristics of cybersecurity policies using the literature review method to obtain the framework design components. Thereafter, cybersecurity-related policies, guidelines and best practices in South Africa and globally were identified and analysed for the school environment through the use of a literature review and qualitative content analysis to obtain cybersecurity policy content suitable for the school environment. Once these actions were performed, the formulation and design of the framework for implementing a basic cybersecurity policy using the relevant policy components and characteristics took place, which resulted in the proposed framework solution.Thesis (MIT) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, School of Information Technology, 202
Total quality management as a tool towards improving Eastern Cape’s department of public works construction
Get PDFThere have been numerous claims regarding how quality management systems facilitate the implementation of Total Quality Management (TQM) among Government Implementing Agents, particularly within the Eastern Cape Department of Public Works and Infrastructure. However, the success rate of TQM implementation in ECDPW projects varies. This study aims to investigate the implementation of TQM within these construction projects. Additionally, five secondary objectives were established to further this investigation. Utilizing a quantitative research approach, data obtained from a semi-structured questionnaire survey was analyzed. The analysis was based on responses from 44 out of 50 questionnaires distributed. Implications: The practical implication of this study lies in identifying the implementation of TQM among Governmental Implementing Agents, particularly within the Eastern Cape Department of Public Works, and understanding the challenges they encounter. The theoretical implications encompass contributing to existing studies that validate quality comprehensively within ECDPW construction projects and suggesting ways they can effectively implement TQM across their processes. The research findings confirmed the challenges and difficulties experienced during the various phases—pre-construction, construction, and post-construction—of projects managed by the Eastern Cape’s Department of Public Works. It was evident that Total Quality Management lacks robust implementation within ECDPW construction projects, directly impacting project quality and the effective execution of quality management systems. A key limitation of this study is the absence of data collection on the professional backgrounds and years of experience of the study participants. During pilot testing, it was found more suitable to identify job roles rather than professional backgrounds.Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Built Environment and Civil Engineering, 202
Incorporating emotion detection in text-dependent speaker authentication
Get PDFBiometric authentication allows a person to access sensitive information using unique physical characteristics. Voice, as a biometric authentication method, is gaining popularity due to its unique characteristics and widespread availability on smartphones and other devices. It offers a secure and user-friendly alternative to traditional password-based authentication and allows a less intrusive authentication method than fingerprint authentication. Furthermore, a vast amount of information is portrayed through voice, such as age, gender, health, and emotional state. Gaining illegitimate access to information becomes significantly more difficult as biometrics are difficult to steal, and countermeasures to techniques such as replay attacks are constantly being improved. However, illegitimate access can be gained by forcing a legitimate person to authenticate themselves through voice. This study investigates how the emotion(s) carried by voice can assist in detecting if authentication was performed under duress. Knowledge is contributed using a three-phased approach: information gathering, experimentation, and deliberation. The experimentation phase is further divided into three phases to extract data, implement findings, and assess the value of determining duress using voice. This phased approach to experimentation ensures minimal change in variables and allows the drawn conclusions to be relevant to each phase. The first phase examines datasets and classifiers; the second phase explores feature enhancement techniques and their impact; and the third phase discusses performance measurements and their value to emotion detection.Thesis (DPhil) -- Faculty Of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Information Technology, 202
Comparative study of the effect of iloprost on neuroinflammatory changes in c8-b4 microglial cells and murine model of trypanosomiasis
Get PDFNeurodegenerative conditions significantly impact well-being and quality of life in individuals with major symptoms including mood disorders, cognitive decline, and psychiatric disturbances, often resulting from neuroinflammation triggered by immune responses to bacterial or parasitic infections such as gram-negative bacteria or Human African Trypanosomiasis. Microglia play a crucial role in both neurotoxicity and cellular processes involved in restoring the neural health. Exploring the therapeutic potential of prostacyclin and its analogues in regulating microglia responses to inflammatory insult and treating Trypanosoma brucei (T.b) infection remains an unexplored area. The aim of this study was to assess the potential neuroprotective effects of Iloprost through comparative analysis of neuroinflammatory responses in both microglial cells exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and mouse brains infected with T.b brucei. In phase I of this study both resting and LPS treated C8-B4 microglial cells were exposed to varying concentrations of Iloprost. The effects of Iloprost on LPS-induced inflammation were analysed using immunofluorescence to detect microglial activation and differentiate between pro and anti-inflammatory phenotypes. Furthermore, pro and anti-inflammatory cytokine secretion was determined using an ELISA, in addition gene expression analysis was carried out using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Also, DNA methylation status of C8-B4 cells exposed to LPS challenge alone or in combination with various concentrations of Iloprost were determined using bisulfite sequencing technique followed by qPCR. In phase II of the study, a total of twenty-four Albino Swiss male mice (8-10 weeks old) were divided into four treatment groups with 6 mice in each group. All treatment groups except the non-infected control were inoculated with the T.b brucei parasite. One group received a single intraperitoneal injection of Diminazene aceturate (4 mg kg-1) while the remaining group received repeated intraperitoneal injections of Iloprost (200 μg kg-1). On day ten of the study, mouse brains were removed on ice using forceps. The hippocampal tissues were dissected out and processed for quantification of gene expression changes in pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Overall, the findings of this study indicate that LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine, TNF-α and IL-1β, secretion and gene expression is down-regulated in C8-B4 microglial cells treated with Iloprost. Furthermore, there was a significant up-regulation in the expression of anti-inflammatory genes, particularly ARG-1, CD206, BDNF and CREB in response to Iloprost treatment following LPS-induced inflammation. This study is also the first to confirm M2 microglial polarization with Iloprost treatment in both resting and LPS treated cells. However, hypermethylation at CREB and BDNF promoter regions was observed 24 hours after Iloprost treatment. Additionally, Iloprost reversed hypomethylation at the BDNF promoter region that had been induced by LPS treatment. The rodent model also indicated a downregulation in the pro-inflammatory cytokine, IL-1β, expression and upregulation of BDNF transcription in T.b brucei infected mice treated with repeated doses of Iloprost. In conclusion, determining the immunomodulatory roles of Iloprost in both in vitro and in vivo models of neuroinflammation could assist in the development of alternative therapy for neurodegenerative disease.Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular & Chemical Sciences, 202