7490 research outputs found
Sort by
The implications of alluvial diamond mining for rural communities of Chiadzwa-Marange, Zimbabwe
Full text linkThe extraction of metals and minerals has had, and continues to have, material implications for society. Given the significant growth in alluvial diamond mining activities witnessed in Chiadzwa, a rural community situated just southwest of Zimbabwe's third largest city, Mutare. This study focuses on the implications of alluvial diamond mining for rural communities of Chiadzwa-Marange, Zimbabwe. It assesses the socioeconomic and environmental impacts of alluvial mining on rural communities. It also establishes the measures put in place by mining companies and governments to mitigate and enhance the effects of alluvial diamonds. It further identifies policy gaps and recommends strategies for improving the positive implications while mitigating the negative impact of alluvial diamond mining. The study was influenced by the Resource Curse Theory, Political Ecology Theory and the Conflict Theory. The study was an explorative case study utilising qualitative data collection methods. Qualitative data were gathered through a systematic review of the literature and bibliometric research. The bibliometric research findings discussed the current state of the research and probable future directions on the study topic. Documents were selected using non-probability sampling methods, including purposive and snowball sampling techniques. The systematic review employed qualitative content analysis and bibliometric analysis to examine the collected data. Whilst the bibliometric analysis used VOS viewer software to perform bibliometric network visualizations, trend, and clustering and citation analysis on the study topic. Both the systematic literature review and bibliometric research were, carried out using multiple data bases. The study findings showed that the implications of alluvial diamond mining activities for the Chiadzwa community were two-fold, namely, positive and negative. A major finding of this study was that the adverse effects of alluvial diamond mining outweighed the potential positive benefits of alluvial diamond mining for the host community. Hence, there was a need to avert this gap. It was evident from the study findings that alluvial diamond mining activities continued to have adverse implications on the well-being and lives of the Chiadzwa people. As such, the host community were largely excluded from the significant benefits of alluvial diamond mining. The findings were further corroborated by a bibliometric analysis carried that examined 2,159 publications on alluvial diamond mining. The keywords "Zimbabwe," "diamond," and "mining," which had a total link strength of 2,385 emerged as the most frequently occurring terms. This highlights the significance of research focused on understanding the impact of alluvial diamond discoveries and mining activities in the Chiadzwa-Marange community in Zimbabwe.This signified the importance of research to understand the implications of alluvial diamond discoveries and mining taking place in Chiadzwa-Marange community in Zimbabwe.The diamond discoveries in Chiadzwa mirror other African countries where natural resources are becoming a curse rather than a blessing to countries. The study contributes to our understanding of the implications of alluvial diamond mining for rural communities in Zimbabwe and other regions experiencing the same phenomena. Given the adverse implications, it is recommended that multi-stakeholder platforms, improved legal frameworks, corporate social responsibility initiatives, and effective monitoring mechanisms be used to ensure sustainable and equitable alluvial diamond mining practices in the Zimbabwean mining sector.Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 202
Distributional analysis of gender gaps in wages: evidence from post-apartheid labour market series data
Full text linkThis study’s main aim was to investigate the gender wage gap and its causes in post-apartheid South Africa, this study analysed the gender wage gap along sector and occupation by analysing how segmentation by occupation affects comparative earnings in different occupations and sectors of the workforce. The majority of studies conducted in South Africa do not analyse the female wage difference along occupation and sector. Most previous studies mainly focus only on mean aggregated level data which does not fully depict the gender salary difference. Using the Post-Apartheid Labour Market Series (PALMS), this study examined the gender wage gap during the years 1993 to 2019 and used Oaxaca Blinder decomposition and Unconditional Quantile Regressions (UQRs) to examine the gender wage gap and the potential causes.The results indicated that there is gender wage gap between males and females, thereby resulting in a raw log wage difference of 0.527. The decomposition method revealed that the endowments, or the differences in characteristics between females and males, accounted for 0.0605 of the wage gap and the remaining part of the wage disparity was caused by variations in observable traits like occupation, experience, and education. Unconditional Quantile Regression was employed to investigate the gender wage gap across various wage distribution points, and at each quantile of the distribution there was a wage gap between the males and females. The index of dissimilarity was used to measure the degree of occupational segregation between genders, and the results showed that occupational segregation remains a persistent challenge contributing to the gender wage disparities, as evidenced by the wage penalties observed across various occupational categories for women. In terms of domestic laws, the right to fair treatment should be incorporated in labour law where for any equivalent or comparable job, a lower salary cannot be determined based on a person's gender. Eliminating the gender pay gap should be one of South Africa's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with the intention of advancing decent work for all.Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 202
Exploring the challenges that exist in the nonprofit organisations in South Africa
Full text linkThis study explored the major challenges faced by nonprofit organisations (NPOs) in South Africa. Using a qualitative approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with ten senior and middle managers from NPOs in the Western Cape region working in areas such as health, education, human rights, poverty reduction, and environmental causes. This study examined operational barriers impacting NPO efficacy and sustainability, as well as stakeholder interactions within the NPO value chain. The key challenges identified included financial constraints, governance and accountability issues, policy engagement difficulties, and obstacles to service delivery. The findings highlight the similarities and differences between the challenges faced by South African NPOs and those in other regions globally. Recommendations are provided to enhance the resilience and effectiveness of NPOs in addressing social issues in South Africa. This research contributes to the knowledge base of South African NPOs and offers actionable insights to help them overcome obstacles, fulfil their mandates, and strengthen their societal contributions.Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 202
An assessment of the management of vocational and training programmes in selected technical and vocational education training colleges in Gqeberha, South Africa
No full textGlobally, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges are acknowledged as a crucial resource for achieving sustainable economic growth and development. Third-world countries require skilled workers to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving world regarding technology. TVET is a crucial component of any nation’s educational system, preparing students for success in the labour market. Most developing countries have acknowledged the need to establish TVET institutions to mitigate the shortage of the required manpower. In its quest to meet labour demand across various industries, South Africa introduced TVET in all provinces. This study assessed the opportunities and challenges faced in managing TVET college programmes in alignment with the government’s goal of achieving developed nation status by 2030. A descriptive research methodology helped identify the drawbacks and benefits of managing TVET colleges in Gqeberha, South Africa. The investigator employed desktop research to collect relevant data, drawing on various secondary sources from online scholarly databases. These sources included local government reports, newspaper and online articles, research studies, agency reviews, community reports, international firms’ reports, foreign government publications, research scholars’ findings, and universities and research groups’ materials. Content analysis, a qualitative method, was employed to analyse the emerging themes and patterns. The findings revealed that opportunities in TVET management include emerging technologies, collaborations and international engagements, partnerships with industry, and various support services. However, the findings indicated that TVET colleges in South Africa face challenges such as inadequate funding, lack of infrastructure, misaligned and negative perceptions, shortages of experienced and qualified lecturers and support staff, and poor governance. This study serves as a strong foundation for enhanced knowledge and improved TVET management. The study, which relied on secondary qualitative data, advances the development of an evidence-driven understanding of the state of TVET in South Africa and provides a foundation for future strategic interventions.Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 202
Legal liability under the occupational health and safety act 85 of 1993
Full text linkSouth Africa’s legislation dealing with workplace safety is commonly known as the Occupational Health and Safety Act(OHSA).1 OHSA is a pivotal body of law with the aim of protecting workers by ensuring their health and safety.2 Despite the robust framework it provides, there exists a pressing need for further exploration into its provisions, particularly in complex area regarding criminal liability, vicarious liability, and the standards of care mandated for employers. This study seeks to address these areas, seeking to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the legislation and its implications for both employers and employees. The OHSA establishes a legal obligation for employers to ensure a safe working environment, with section 38 of the OHSA specifically detailing the criminal liabilities for actions or omissions that jeopardise workplace safety. Section 37 of the OHSA introduces the concept of vicarious liability, which holds employers accountable for the actions or omissions of their employees or independent contractors. Additionally, the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA)3 through section 35 provides a statutory measure for claiming no-fault compensation, thereby limiting an employee’s right to institute a civil claim against an employer. The legal concept of liability within workplace safety encompasses several dimensions, including criminal liability, vicarious liability, and strict liability. Criminal liability under OHSA4 implies direct accountability for safety breaches, while vicarious liability extends responsibility to employers for their employees’ actions. Strict liability, although not explicitly detailed in OHSA,5 implies holding parties accountable regardless of fault, particularly relevant in the context of ensuring safe working conditions.Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, School of Mercantile Law, 202
Customary fishing rights in South African fisheries law
Full text linkIndigenous communities in South Africa have harvested marine resources and relied on the ocean for generations to sustain their traditional livelihoods and culture. In light thereof, it is imperative for the law to specially recognise the rights of indigenous communities. The current legal framework governing fishing rights in South Africa purports to include customary fishing rights as part of small-scale fishing rights. This must be achieved in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (Constitution), which confers distinct recognition on customary law, and therefore customary rights of indigenous communities. Access to marine resources under the prevailing legal frameworks has been regulated to ensure commercial exploitation of (and recreational access to) marine living resources. In terms of the previous statutory provisions, the relevant minister was empowered to issue fishing rights by granting quotas. Further provision was made for licensing of fishing vessels such as boats and fish factories. The advancement of conservation imperatives further restricted access to marine resources, ensuring that access to marine resources remained strictly regulated by the State for commercial exploitation. Fishing rights became a business commodity taking precedence over other access rights. To achieve these objectives, the Commissions of Inquiry (Du Plessis, Diemont, Treurnicht) were tasked with proposing sustainable-use strategies for the declining marine resources and to resolve challenges in the commercial fisheries industry. While the governments of years past were busy organising and strategising how best to exploit marine resources and to maximise the industry, the legislation itself did not proscribe or expressly prohibit fishing activities or marine-resource use by indigenous coastal communities. However, the communities’ access to marine and coastal resources was nevertheless restricted owing to the cumulative discriminatory impact of apartheid-order legislation. The fishing industry was no exception to the democratic overhauling of many institutions and industries in South Africa, and was earmarked for transformation. In light of its pre-constitutional isolated and sanctioned status, South Africa was eager to restore its place as a sovereign state and as a member of the international community, by embracing the human-rights-focused norms and standards observed by the international community at large. In 2017, the erstwhile Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries reported that there were more than 300 fishing communities in South Africa. Although harvesting marine resources remains a longstanding custom and expression of culture, it is trite that indigenous communities along the coast have suffered marginalisation and exclusion from legal recognition of their customary right to access marine resources. Therefore, this thesis first explores the legal obligations to recognise customary fishing rights of indigenous communities in light of international and African regional law. Secondly, it considers the recognition and protection of customary fishing rights in three foreign domestic legal systems from which South Africa can extract valuable insight. The thesis then examines the development of customary law in South Africa generally, as well as the recognition and protection of customary fishing rights under the current legal framework. Finally, the thesis proposes that a definition of customary fishing rights be included in the Marine Living Resources Act 18 of 1998 to properly recognise and protect customary fishing rights as a distinct and sui generis category of fishing rights for customary fishing communities.Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Law, School of Public Law, 202
Investigating the relationship between matric mathematics performance and economic growth in South Africa
Full text linkThis study investigated the relationship between mathematics, government spending, and economic growth in South Africa. The study explored the relationship between mathematics performance and economic growth indicators, specifically GDP growth, and employment rates using regression analysis to ascertain the impact of each variable. The findings revealed that whereas mathematics has a positive impact on economic growth, the effect is not statistically significant. In contrast, government spending demonstrates a positive and statistically major influence on the country's economic growth. The results suggested that although mathematics may play a role in enhancing economic outcomes, its direct contribution remains uncertain within the scope of this study. However, the positive and notable correlation between government expenditure and economic growth, highlighted the importance of fiscal policy in driving economic performance in South Africa. These findings emphasised the potential of government spending as a key policy tool for stimulating growth, while also indicating the need for further research to better understand the nuanced role of mathematics in economic development.Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 202
The post-covid-19 socio-economic effects on small businesses in the city of Tshwane, Gauteng
Full text linkThe study is a descriptive, narrative-exploratory research study investigating the post- COVID-19 effects on small businesses in the City of Tshwane. The COVID-19 pandemic was an abrupt disruption to global order. This study used both the exploratory and narrative approach of the qualitative methodology to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on the trade and manufacturing sectors in the post-COVID-19 era. The open-ended interview guide was used to collect primary data; the study used a hybrid method of qualitative data analysis, i.e., both content and thematic methods for the qualitative data analysis. To achieve trustworthiness, the following were considered: data credibility, dependability, confirmability, validity and reliability. The empirical data analysis was completed deductively, deriving themes after coding captured data. Descriptive statistics were also evaluated to provide demographic information about the participants. The results from both data analysis methods were compared and verified to establish the data's trustworthiness. The findings show the impact of COVID-19 on small business activities, which have been devastating and caused a significant disruption in global economic activity; many small businesses closed down, sources of income were impoverished, and many jobs were lost. There were also adverse effects on the government revenue generation capacity and capability to respond to pandemics. In conclusion, it is recommended that governments proactively respond to future outbreaks by providing tactful COVID-19 awareness training and intervention skills through public engagement. it's imperative to provide adequate support to all small businesses. It recommended that the government and stakeholders articulate further investigations into the COVID-19 pandemic disruption, providing overarching insight into the phenomenon experienced.Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 202
An understanding of administrators’ roles in enhancing the quality of a South African university: a contribution towards transformation
Full text linkSociety is shaped by an array of components, and one of the pivotal components is higher education. The nature of universities and their roles in society compel universities always to strive to respond adequately to their nation-building responsibilities. Notably, administrators play an important role in universities as they make significant contributions to ensure that universities attain their nation-building responsibilities. However, most of the focus in literature is directed toward students and academics in terms of access, throughput, quality, and transformation. There has not been enough attention given to our understanding of the role of administrators, their understanding of quality, and how they contribute to the transformation of universities. This study embarked on understanding administrators’ roles in enhancing the quality of universities within the broader transformation discourse of South Africa’s higher education. The main research question that underpinned the study was ‘How has the role of administrators contributed to the transformation of a South African university?’ This question was further divided into three as follows: 1) How has administrators' understanding of their roles been conceptualised at a South African university? 2) What notions of quality have constructed administrators' understanding of their role at a South African university? 3) What could inform the role of administrators in contributing towards transformation at a South African university? Qualitative research was deemed appropriate for the study, as it provides detailed and in-depth responses from participants, rather than quantitative research. A single case study research methodology was used with a focus on Nelson Mandela University. The study used purposive sampling to select relevant participants, who were administrators at Nelson Mandela University. Data was generated, using semi-structured one-on-one interviews, and policy documents. Thematic analysis was used, and four themes emerged from the data: 1) Policy description of the job and alignment of responsibilities, 2) Administrators’ responses to expected responsibilities, 3) Challenges experienced while executing duties, and 4) Perceived understanding of quality. The study concluded by suggesting several recommendations in areas of policies, quality, and avenues for a better understanding of the role of administrators at universities.Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, School of Education Research and Engagement, 202
Alkaloidal detection, isolation and anticancer activity of cissampelos capensis L. f.
Full text linkCancer is a serious health crisis affecting South Africa, and finding effective treatments is important. Plants contain various phytochemicals that may help combat diseases such as cancer due to their biological activities. One such plant is Cissampelos capensis L. f., traditionally used by locals in the Eastern Cape for cancer management. Phytochemical groups associated with anticancer activity include alkaloids. Recent research in our laboratory has highlighted the alkaloidal profile and cytotoxicity of the C. capensis rhizome as a potential anticancer treatment. The study made use of High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) with Dragendorff spray reagent, column chromatography (cc), and preparative Thin-Layer Chromatography (prepTLC) for compound detection and isolation. The results confirmed the presence of alkaloids in the various C. capensis extracts. Several groups of alkaloids, such as isoquinoline, quinazoline, and vanilloid alkaloids, were tentatively identified through Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS), literature comparison, and the Global Natural Products Social Molecular Networking database. Furthermore, two novel compounds were isolated and tentatively identified through structural elucidation as cissamcapine (40) and cissamcapaline (41). In vitro cytotoxicity studies via the Resazurin assay against MCF12A (non-tumorigenic human mammary epithelial cells), MCF-7 (breast cancer cells), MDA-MB-231 (triple-negative breast cancer cells), and HeLa cells (cervical cancer cells), revealed that the Only methanolic C. capensis rhizome crude extract (OMCCR) and compound 41 had the highest cytotoxicity, showing selectivity towards the breast cancer cell line. Additionally, in silico anti-breast cancer studies were conducted to assess the drug-likeness and molecular interactions of the identified compounds. All the compounds conformed to Lipinski’s rule of five, and molecular docking showed that compounds 21 and 32 had the highest binding affinities for protein 2IOK, while compounds 23 and 34 outperformed their co-crystals in 4OAR and 4RJ3, respectively. Furthermore, the isolated compounds 40 and 41 had comparable docking scores with their co-crystals against 4OAR (40: -8.16 kcal/mol; 41: -7.62 kcal/mol; co: -8.90 kcal/mol) and 4RJ3 (40: -5.90 kcal/mol; 41: -5.86 kcal/mol; co: -6.81 kcal/mol), suggesting similar theoretical binding strengths. These findings contribute towards understanding the chemistry and anticancer potential of C. capensis plant extracts.Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular & Chemical Sciences, 202