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Exploring strategies that enhance a safety culture in mitigating the number of safety incidents at Eskom.
Get PDFEver since its emergence during the 1980’s, safety culture has become a topical subject in high-risk industries such as electricity generation, construction, mining, and many others. Eskom in particular has paid a considerable amount of attention on the issue of safety in general. Although the company has made safety one of its focal points through its SHEQ Policy and various interventions in an endeavour to promote safety culture in the organisation, its safety statistics are showing that safety incidents are continuing to happen. To commence the inquiry, a literature review was conducted on secondary sources which highlighted various causes of employee injury-related incidents at Eskom which range from fall on same level, motor vehicle accidents, struck by, and others. In an endeavour to assist the company to enhance a safety culture so that it can achieve its value of ‘Zero Harm’, this study focuses on different modalities that can be developed to improve the status quo. It examines ways that can be followed towards improving the safety relationship between management and employees which in turn will result in an improved overall safety culture of the organisation. In so doing, managements’ perceptions regarding the safety culture that is currently in place as well as the employee’s attitudes towards safety standards were used to gain insights into the organisation’s safety climate on safety behaviour while examining the existing safety culture. To realise the empirical objectives of the study, a pragmatic research paradigm was adopted. This approach involved the use of both a qualitative research method, namely, a focus group, and a quantitative research method, namely, a questionnaire. Quantitative data was analysed using SPSS version 26. Meanwhile, data collected during interviews was analysed using a thematic analysis. Key findings from this study point mainly to the level of mistrust between employees and the safety leadership, which, if left unattended will have a knock-on-effect not only to the safety culture but to the entire organisational culture. Based on the meaningful results uncovered by this study, various recommendations that are aimed at enhancing a safety culture in the organisation were made. Among these recommendations, it was suggested that coaching and mentorship programmes be introduced and allow employees to champion some of the safety programmes to enhance morale and safety accountability.Thesis (Ma) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 202
Foreign aid and Human Development Indicators: Evidence from South Africa
Get PDFThe purpose of this study is to determine whether foreign aid influences the quality of life in South Africa. To do so, the study analyses the relationship between foreign aid and the human development index (HDI). HDI consists of three other indices: the index of wellbeing, the index of education, and the index of income. To measure the relationship between foreign aid and HDI, five Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) models are used in estimating the effect of foreign aid on HDI as well as life expectancy, education level, unemployment, and GDP per capita from 1993 to 2019. Income, population density, and credit are given to the private sector are part of the empirical models as controlled variables. The results show that no significant relationship exists between foreign aid and HDI, education, and GDP, while aid is linked to a lower life expectancy rate and unemployment. These findings imply that aid can increase the HDI in South Africa by contributing to a decreased unemployment rate, and thus policy makers should establish concrete plans and develop economic strategies that focus on creating incentives that attract more aid, especially in the short run. This can lead to a decrease in the unemployment rate, which is often regarded as South Africa’s biggest economic issue.Thesis (Ma) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 202
The perceptions of self service checkout systems in the South African retail
Get PDFThe introduction of Self-Service Checkout Systems (SSCOs) has disrupted and continues to transform grocery retail businesses particularly in the age of the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR), which is characterised by the pervasive presence of technological innovation in multiple sectors. SSCOs have over the years made significant in-roads in the grocery retail sector, particularly in the developed world with few exceptions of implementation in the developing world. Self Service Technologies (SST) have been used across various industries for many years in order to improve customer experience, or to address business priorities, or both. SSCOs (an SST technology) within grocery retail, have been purported to increase customer convenience, efficiency and bolster the competitive advantage of various businesses, amongst other benefits. The benefits and opportunities, risk and challenges, impact on business, perceptions of customers and customer acceptance of SSCOs have been and continue to be widely studied within the retail sector of the developed and in some parts of the developing world. The understanding and implementation of SSCOs in developing countries in general and South Africa in particular are at an embryonic stage. Questions of implementation, acceptance and adoption of SSCOs in South Africa are under-researched and nascent. However, despite their vagueness within the South African grocery retail sector, there are instances where SSCOs have been implemented in South Africa. Taking into account the fact that the South African grocery retail sector is heavily influenced by the adoption of technological innovation and follows the trends from the developed world, it is only a matter of time before SSCOs become mainstream technologies in South Africa. This is more so particularly in the era of the 4IR where technology is increasingly transforming entire industries. Against this backdrop, this study addresses the question of acceptance of SSCOs within the grocery retail sector in South Africa. Whilst grocery retailers consider whether to implement SSCOs, they have to ask themselves a number of pertinent questions, not in the least whether customers would be willing to adopt the use of the technology. It is in light of this acceptability of SSCOs that the research engaged grocery retailers to investigate their perception regarding the factors that affect the acceptance of SSCOs within the South African grocery retail sector. This study followed a qualitative research design. Participants were management and owners of the SPAR retail group in South Africa. Twenty-three participants took part in the study and seventeen participant’s responses were accepted for analysis. An online open ended vi | P a g e questionnaire was used to collect data from participants and a thematic analysis was applied to the collected data in order to search for themes within the data. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Theory of Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) were used as frameworks to interpret the study findings. The results of the study indicate that the South African grocery retail sector is innovative and implements various technologies. Further, a number of grocery retailers are actively considering the implementation of SSCOs. A number of factors that promote that acceptance of SSCOs were identified by the study, for example, customer experience at checkout, which includes convenience and efficiency and business profitability. On the other hand, there are factors that hinder the acceptance of SSCOs, which include factors like loss of employment, poor infrastructure and the cost of implementation amongst others. Based on the results of the study a theoretical framework was developed, which was used to give recommendations to the grocery retail sector in order to offer guidance regarding the implementation of SSCOs in South Africa. Finally, areas and orientations of future research were identified. This study contributes to the literature on SSCOs in South Africa in particular and the developing world in general. In addition, this study contributes to academic theory and business practise by applying the Diffusion of Innovation Theory and the Technology Acceptance Model to a unique context in a new way, i.e. SSCOs in the grocery retail sector in South Africa. The limitation of the study is that the participants were from one grocery retail organisation and thus probably represent a certain grocery retail outlook based on the culture of the organisation. Future research would need to be more inclusive and have a heterogeneous research sample in order to be more reflective of multiple organisations and cultures within the grocery retail sector in South Africa. The introduction of SSCOs in South Africa will transform the grocery retail sector. The understanding of the technology and its acceptance within the sector is critical to help grocery retailers develop strategies to drive business growth, improve customer experience and capitalise on the direction of transformation that technology brings to the sector.Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 202
Legal aspects of fairtrade objectives and socio-economic development in South Africa
Get PDFThis dissertation aims to draw connections between Fairtrade and the socio-economic development objectives for South Africa in order to identify whether Fairtrade can contribute to socio-economic development in South Africa. In order to draw these connections, Fairtrade is examined in the context of the international trade system, Fairtrade is analysed in terms of socio-economic development in Africa, and the specific socio-economic development objectives for South Africa are outlined. Thereafter, in chapter 5, connections are drawn between Fairtrade and the socioeconomic development objectives for South Africa. Finally, the research is concluded by summarising the main finding of whether Fairtrade can contribute to socioeconomic development in South Africa, and setting out the key findings that were reached in answer to the sub-questions posed. This research is conducted by way of a literature review that draws from various research fields due to the nature of the socio-economic issues involved. The findings indicate that Fairtrade is sufficiently aligned to the socio-economic development objectives for South Africa to be used as a tool to contribute towards socio-economic development in South Africa. The research also suggests ways in which the connections between Fairtrade and South Africa’s socio-economic development objectives can be strengthened.Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, School of Public Law, 202
Evaluation of the toxicity of secondary metabolites in Solanum incanum L. to advance community knowledge
Get PDFThe effects of pests and the need to produce adequate food have influenced small-scale farmers in disadvantaged communities to adopt and utilise natural plant pesticides to improve harvests in many Southern African Development Communities. However, the phytochemistry associated with these indigenous plants’ pesticide activity still needs to be explored. The lack of evidence of scientific knowledge of the plant species has caused a lot of health issues among the users of indigenous plant pesticides. Solanum incanum is among the plants utilised to control cabbage aphids in Mkoba village, Zimbabwe. Solanum species are known for their steroidal compounds which comprise glycoalkaloids and saponins. This study evaluated the knowledge, opinions, and attitudes of the vegetable peasant farming community in Gweru regarding their use of the indigenous plant (S. incanum) as a pesticide. The study also reported the phytochemical profiling, structural characterisation of the isolated compounds, and biological and pesticidal activity evaluation of phytochemicals isolated from S. incanum. A descriptive survey was carried out to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices of a conveniently sampled group of vegetable farmers in Mkoba village who use S. incanum as a pesticide. Forty-nine respondents comprised of 19 males and 30 females of ages ranging from 15 to above 60 years took part in the study by answering an open and closed-ended questionnaire. The survey revealed that parents and neighbours were instrumental in disseminating pesticidal information in the community. Brassica napus were the most grown.vegetable and vulnerable to cabbage aphids. Mixed opinions amongst the respondents varied regarding the health and environmental impact of S. incanum as a pesticide. Seventy-five percent (75%) of the respondents supported the use of S. incanum as a pesticide whilst 25% claimed that the use of S. incanum was the source of the health problems experienced in the community. The survey demonstrated that (45)91% of the farmers displayed poor practices regarding the disposal of empty pesticide containers and the use of personal protective clothing. The most prevalent symptoms in the community were skin rash, nausea, headache, and poor vision and these symptoms were common in the age group 30 to 60 years.Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 202
Caring behaviour of midwives towards labouring women at public obstetric units in the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District
Get PDFThe act of caring during childbirth forms the core of midwifery care. Caring towards labouring women includes emotional intelligence, compassion, kindness and empathy. Moreover, a women’s expectations of midwifery care during childbirth include physical comfort, emotional support, clear communication, good interpersonal skills, and the encouragement of bonding between the mother, father and baby. These expectations are at times not met and therefore midwives are perceived as uncaring, which is a trending concern. The midwife is at the forefront of providing humanised care during pregnancy, labour and delivery. However, little is known about midwives’ perceptions of providing humanised care to labouring women in public obstetric units. Thus the study sought to explore the midwives caring behaviours towards labouring women in public obstetric units in the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District (NMBHD). The study aimed to gain an understanding of the caring behaviours of midwives towards labouring women at public obstetric units in the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District. The objectives were to explore and describe the perceptions of midwives of their caring behaviour towards labouring women at public obstetric units in the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District and to and to suggest recommendations for midwives and nurse managers on caring behaviour towards labouring women. A qualitative exploratory and descriptive design and purposive, non-probability sampling were used. Data were collected through telephonic, semi-structured interviews, which were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Twelve midwives who met a set of inclusion criteria were interviewed. The data were analysed using thematic content analysis, and the three main themes and their sub-themes were verified by an independent coder. The findings of the study revealed that despite efforts to improve the quality of midwifery care, the care provided to labouring women in the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District is still compromised for various reasons. Trustworthiness in the study was ensured by using Lincoln and Guba’s (1985) principles of trustworthiness. Recommendations made were to improve the working conditions in public obstetric units, the managerial provision of formal support systems, the provision of clear guidelines and protocols as well as for further research studies. Ethical considerations were also maintained following the Belmont Report’s principles throughout the study. Recommendations made were to improve the working conditions in public obstetric units, the managerial provision of formal support systems, the provision of clear guidelines and protocols as well as for further research studies.Thesis (MCur) -- Faculty of Health Science, School of Clinical Care & Medicinal Sciences, 202
Visitors' perceptions of the Outeniqua farmers' market in George
Get PDFSustainability has been the focal point of sustainable tourism development in South Africa for a number of years. The ability of attractions to depict the culture of an area and provide visitors with locally produced goods that remain economically viable for vendors, remains crucial for tourism development. Hence, farmers’ markets have recently been identified as potential visitor attractions that can provide sustainable development for communities. However, farmers’ markets and their clientele who attend have not received the necessary scholarly attention particularly within the Western Cape region of South Africa. To further understand what role farmers markets can play in the tourism economy; this study sought to examine the perceptions of visitors at the Outeniqua Farmers’ Market in George. The research objectives were: • To determine the demographic profile of visitors to the Outeniqua Farmers’ Market. • To ascertain the preferences of visitors with regard to the type of products offered at the Outeniqua Farmers’ Market. • To determine whether the Outeniqua Farmers’ Market serves as an attraction to visitors. • To analyse which factors motivate visitors to attend the Outeniqua Farmers’ Market. • To examine the visitors understanding of the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the Outeniqua Farmers’ Market. To accomplish the objectives of this study, previous research undertaken was consulted in order to better understand how farmers’ markets were performing around the world. In addition, to what methodological approaches would be most appropriate to utilise for such a study. The literature consulted revealed disparate differences in perceptions between farmers’ market visitors in Northern as opposed to Southern hemisphere countries. The effects of COVID 19 and the influence of visitor perceptions on travel behaviour were expounded on. Also, previous research revealed that a quantitative survey would be useful for the study as respondents would be accessible at the farmers’ market to solicit information since it was a confined area. v The findings revealed that visitors were mostly locals to the area, comprising primarily white middle-aged females who often attend with family groups. Furthermore, visitors thoroughly enjoyed the overall experience the market presented. It is further complemented by the availability of ready-to-eat foods as well as the provision of social interactions within a secure environment, while scrutinising the environmental friendliness and uniqueness of the products.Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Science, 202
A Literacy Project with community members: Designing translanguaging storybooks for a multilingual community
Get PDFThe purpose of this study was to establish a community-based literacy project that would design translingual storybooks accessible to all children and community members in terms of language, contextual relevance, and age appropriateness for a rural community in the Eastern Cape. Although multiple studies have been done worldwide, more research was needed on the impact community members thought it could have in South African society. This study's theoretical framework was drawn from Cen Williams's (1980) translanguaging. Williams (1980) viewed translanguaging as receiving information in one language (input) and relaying it in another language (output) to expand the competency of the two languages as well as ensure that deeper learning takes place (Wright & Baker, 2017). Translanguaging has evolved throughout the centuries. García and Wei (2014) describe it as a single repertoire that is being used since students integrate their languages and create a new language that they use to function in the world. A qualitative approach was used to answer the research question: "How can a translingual pedagogy enhance communicative repertories in designing community translingual storybooks?" A CPAR design was used to answer the research questions. Through workshops, focus groups, storyboards, and draw-and-talk, the researcher aimed to discover how a translingual pedagogy could enhance communicative repertoires by designing translingual storybooks. Lincoln and Guba's (1985) model of trustworthiness was used to guarantee trustworthiness by concentrating on credibility, transferability, dependability, confirmability, and reflexivity. Three main themes materialised from the data: using the mother tongue, isiXhosa, foundation to improve additional languages, interactive and structure-based strategies, and assets and drawbacks while creating resources with community members. The findings of this study indicated that multiple community members sometimes used their mother tongue to aid in the development of understanding additional languages, English and Afrikaans. They needed to learn the crucial roles they played in students' language development since they were the ones that could make those vital connections. The research participants needed an idea of the methods that could be used to design their translingual storybooks. They indicated that they wanted to work with other community members and wanted steps to follow to design these storybooks. The researcher had to present them with ideas of methods that fit their needs. The researcher knew that every study has assets and drawbacks depending on their view, the study's iii aims and goals, and the research question. It was found that the assets outweighed the drawbacks since the participants were an eager group of individuals. The research participants in this study come with a wide variety of knowledge about the needs of their community based on their experiences. They all have different job descriptions, but what brings them together is their desire to improve the community reading resources to improve their linguistic knowledge. The research participants designed the translingual storybooks at home and shared the data via WhatsApp.Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, School for initial Teacher Education, 202
Marine spatial planning by the state as trustee of coastal public property
Get PDFThe world is facing an unprecedented biodiversity crisis, endangering human wellbeing, human rights, and the future of life on Earth. This is because the state of the ocean is deteriorating due to increased human activities, which have resulted in the destruction of limited marine resources in terms of space, time, and quantity. Marine spatial planning (MSP) and the public trust doctrine are two concepts that have been proposed to address this ecological crisis. The relatively new notion of MSP has emerged as a comprehensive way to allocate ocean use in space and time to improve coordination and deliver a more sustainable use of the ocean space. While different States have utilised the public trust doctrine to manage trust resources for the exclusive benefit of their current and future citizens. The thesis examines the MSP process and the public trust doctrine in international law to determine international obligations that can be relied on to ensure State compliance at a domestic level. It was determined that MSP and the public trust doctrine are only implicit in certain international law instruments. The thesis further sets out to examine whether both approaches must be explicitly mentioned in binding international law instruments. The thesis is expected to determine whether the South African environmental law regime includes the public trust doctrine – expressly or impliedly. The public trust doctrine is not expressly provided for in the Constitution since section 24 contains an implicit duty. The implicit duty is a constitutional human rights imperative applicable to all environmental management statutes. The picture in South Africa’s environmental legislation differs because the public trust doctrine is expressly mentioned, albeit in different terminology in several environmental law statutes dealing with specific natural resources. However, the legislature failed to include an express public trust provision in the Marine Spatial Planning Act (MSPA). 1 The thesis then embarks on a journey of statutory interpretation. It examines the applicable canons of interpretation to determine whether the MSPA supports or contradicts the public trust doctrine. An implicit public trust duty was found in the MSPA. This exercise also led to the conclusion that the trusteeship clause in National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act (NEM: ICMA) also applies in the same geographical area as the MSP Act. Moreover, there is no provision in NEM: ICMA requiring its provisions to be applied or read in accordance with MSP regulation. However, a thorough examination of the NEM: ICMA and MSPA provisions leads to the conclusion that there will be no conflict if both instruments are read together. The most significant finding of this thesis is that, due to the provisions of both statutes, the State, a trustee in NEM: ICMA, is also a trustee in the MSPA. Finally, the combination of MSP and the public trust doctrine in MSP regulation may have several positive impacts, which include useful intervention for the existential crisis that underpins South Africa’s maritime domain and the promotion of sustainable development of the ocean space for both current and future generations. MSP and the public trust doctrine should be used in tandem to ensure that the ocean space is developed sustainably for current and future generations. This thesis demonstrated that the ultimate impact of the State’s implementation of MSP on the relevant State actors is that they must constantly remind themselves of the full implications of their role as trustees of coastal public property to avoid violating their public trust duties.Thesis (LLD) -- Faculty of Law, School of School of Public Law, 202
Factors contributing to the productivity of operations at the port of Ngqura, Gqeberha
Get PDFPorts are the gateway to economic trade and a huge contributor to South Africa’s economy. Productivity has become a critical component for ports in the port industry as a means of enhancing market potential and competitiveness (Kuo, Lu, and Le, 2020). Therefore ports must investigate their productivity factors to stay competitive. This study sought to determine the factors that contribute to productivity at the Port of Ngqura. A qualitative research approach was employed in the study where data was obtained by conducting interviews with a sample of ten employees from Transnet Port Terminals and Transnet National Port Authority. Out of the ten employees identified, only four participants took part in the study. According to the respondents, the key factors contributing to productivity at the Port of Ngqura include the staff, efficient staff training, equipment, technology, and infrastructure. Furthermore, the respondents highlighted the importance of technology, specifically the planning and operations systems such as NAVIS and SPARCS, in optimising productivity. Infrastructure was also emphasised as a significant factor affecting productivity. Only the views of employees working at the Transnet Port Terminals and Transnet Port Authority at the Port of Ngqura were considered. The study achieved a low response rate. Based on the empirical research, the study could conclude by making the following recommendations that the Port of Ngqura should prioritise enhancing its operations by making significant investments in equipment and infrastructure. Through the adoption of an efficient human resource strategy, the port should also handle workforce problems brought on by resignations, voluntary separation plans (VSPs), and contract terminations. Planning for succession effectively is crucial to maintaining institutional knowledge.Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 202