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Abundance and distribution of mesozooplankton communities on the southern and central Mozambique shelf
Full text linkMesozooplankton are a crucial component of marine ecosystems, influencing food web dynamics by transferring energy to higher trophic levels. Their abundance and distribution provide valuable information on ecosystem health, productivity, and potential fishing areas. Previous studies using satellite chlorophyll-a data identified Angoche, Sofala Bank, and Delagoa Bight as the most productive areas on the Mozambique shelf. This study aimed to examine mesozooplankton distribution, abundance, biomass, biovolume, and community structure along the Mozambique shelf using data from two ship surveys: (i) SA Agulhas II on Sofala Bank in October 2017 and (ii) Dr. Fridtjof Nansen on Sofala Bank and southern Mozambique in February-March 2018. Semi-seasonal variations were considered, as the 2017 survey occurred in early summer (October) and the 2018 survey in late summer (February-March). Sampling grids differed too with the former focused on the Sofala Bank (central shelf region), whilst the latter was along the Sofala Bank and southern Mozambique shelf. Results showed mesozooplankton abundance and biovolume were consistently higher at nearshore stations in both years. In 2017, peaks in abundance were observed near the Zambezi River mouth and between Quelimane and Pebane on the Sofala Bank. Higher biovolume was found north of Beira and south of the Zambezi Delta. In 2018, the highest abundance and biovolume occurred along the Sofala Bank and Inhambane terrace. Multivariate analysis revealed a link between higher chlorophyll-a) and higher mesozooplankton abundance. These areas experience upwelling events and riverine influence, promoting higher productivity. Copepoda were the dominant mesozooplankton taxa in both years, followed by Appendicularia and Chaetognatha. Interannual variations in environmental drivers, particularly upwelling intensity, river discharge, and nutrient availability, likely influence the distribution and abundance of mesozooplankton communities. The southward extent of the Zambezi River plume may also influence brackish and freshwateradapted taxa. Additionally, the study identified larval stages of commercially valuable decapod crustaceans and fish larvae within the meroplankton community, highlighting the shelf role as a spawning ground and its importance for fisheries. Furthermore, the presence of uncommon/rare taxa like Monstrilloida and Facetotecta indicates a potentially richer fauna than previously documented. This underlines the need for further taxonomic exploration to understand their ecological roles and potential as indicator species.Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 202
Determinants of market-related parameters considered by small-scale farmers before marketing their produce: a case of cassava farmers in South Africa
Full text linkCassava (Manihot esculenta) plays a vital role in enhancing food security due to its resilience to climate change and multipurpose use, such as food to communities, animal feeds, and raw materials for industries. However, small-scale cassava farmers in South Africa encounter a variety of barriers that impede their ability to effectively market their cassava produce. These barriers are influenced by an interplay of market-related, socioeconomic, and institutional factors, as well as challenges related to both production and marketing processes. This study sought to contribute towards the existing knowledge on small-scale farmers' market participation by analysing the socioeconomic and institutional factors influencing market-related parameters considered before selling cassava in the Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal provinces. Specifically, the study aims to identify and analyse market-related parameters that small-scale cassava farmers consider before selling their produce. Secondly, the study seeks to examine the socio-economic and institutional factors that influence these market-related parameters. Finally, the study analysed production and marketing challenges encountered by small-scale farmers before selling cassava. Using a semi-structured questionnaire, data were gathered from 240 randomly selected small-scale farmers in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu Natal. Descriptive statistics were used to identify market-related parameters and the challenges encountered by small-scale farmers. On the other hand, a probit regression model was used to analyse the factors influencing the identified market-related parameters. The statistical packages used to summarize and analyse the data were Excel and R version 4.4.1. Study findings reveal that small-scale farmers considered market price and demand as the primary parameters influencing selling decisions, with emergency harvest and peer/cooperative influence playing secondary yet statistically significant roles. Furthermore, the socioeconomic and institutional factors significantly shape decision-making. Female farmers were more likely to prioritize market price, reflecting their dominant role in cassava marketing. Larger farm sizes increased the probability of demand consideration, underscoring economies of scale. Educated farmers demonstrated a higher likelihood of resorting to emergency harvesting, indicating adaptive risk management. Cooperative membership reduced reliance on external influence, highlighting the role of collective bargaining.The identified production-related challenges that hinder farmers' participation in markets, including pests and diseases, weeds, lack of agrochemicals, soil erosion, and limited access to high-quality planting materials. Marketing-related challenge that hinder market participation was limited access to market information lack of government support, measurement issues at the point of sales, bad road networks, and difficulty encountered while harvesting. This study recommends that the government also implement a system that provides farmers with market information to enable them to make informed decisions regarding when and where to sell their products. Farmers should join cooperative farmer groups or clusters to take advantage of collective market opportunities and gain better access to inputs and other resources. Policymakers and government should prioritize investments in rural infrastructure, such as rural roads, especially in production areas and the transport system in general.Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Science and Management Cluster, 202
Psychosocial wellbeing: the experiences of Eskom frontline technicians in Zululand, KwaZulu-Natal
Full text linkThis study explored psychosocial wellbeing with a specific focus on the experiences of Eskom frontline technicians in Zululand, KwaZulu-Natal. Literature reveals that the work that is conducted by electricity technicians is not only highly risky, but it is also associated with wide ranging psychosocial concerns. Consequently, ensuring Eskom’s frontline technicians’ psychosocial wellbeing was identified as a critical issue that required exploring the different experiences, risks, as well as challenges that they encounter. To achieve the aim and objectives of the study, the qualitative approach to research was utilized using the exploratory descriptive contextual research design. The data was collected through semi-structured, individual in-depth interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. Using a combination of purposive and volunteer sampling, 10 participants were selected for the study. These met the predetermined criteria for participants. The results revealed that Eskom’s frontline technicians experience psychological distress due to issues such as stress, burnout, and lack of support. They also encounter risks such as electrocution and possible injury or death from dangerous wildlife. Their psychosocial challenges also emanate from victimization by angry customers, together with the lack of human and material resources in Eskom. These issues affect the psychosocial wellbeing of frontline technicians. Apart from ensuring that provisions are made so that frontline technicians can have better access to the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), it is also recommended that Eskom management needs address the challenges through accessible onsite EAP programmes, reduced workload and increased human and physical resources.Thesis (MSW) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Behavioural & Lifestyle Sciences, 202
The impact of COVID-19 pandemic and its associated precautionary measures on the mental health outcomes of children and adolescents in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Full text linkThe COVID-19 pandemic and its precautionary measures have disrupted lives worldwide, with insidious effects on the mental health of children and adolescents. Recognizing these impacts, this study aimed to estimate the prevalence and explore mental health outcomes among children and adolescents in Africa. To capture the nuanced impact of COVID-19 and its associated precautionary measures on children and adolescents’ mental health, a systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted using the PRISMA-2020 guidelines (Page et al. 2021) for data collection and quality appraisal. Nine scientific databases and grey literature sources were searched to identify empirical studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Ultimately, 27 studies from Africa were included, encompassing a total sample of 31735 participants, split into age groups of children, 2-10 and adolescents, 11-19 years. Meta-analytic calculations were performed alongside the risk of bias assessments (RoBANS-2) tool to synthesize rigorous evidence from these studies. This meta-analysis revealed high prevalence rates of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and psychological distress among African children and adolescents, with female adolescents showing particularly high rates of depression and anxiety compared to males. Substance use, suicidal ideation, and PTSD presented lower prevalence rates, underscoring the limited representation of these outcomes in the literature reviewed. This study’s findings shed light on the mental health difficulties children and adolescents have faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and highlight areas for targeted mental health interventions in response to future pandemics.Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Behavioural & Lifestyle Sciences, 202
Digital transformation in the South African quantity surveying profession: a strategic approach
Full text linkThis research aimed to explore the factors influencing digital transformation among South African quantity surveying firms. It investigated the role of technological, organisational and environmental factors (TOE framework) in shaping the digital strategies of these firms. The study further identified the key stages of digital adoption they reached along their pathway to digital maturity. The study is motivated by the need to enhance the digital responsiveness of quantity surveying practices to emerging technologies and market demands. The research employed an explanatory sequential mixed-method design, integrating quantitative data from questionnaires with qualitative insights from semi-structured interviews. The TOE framework guided the exploration of factors affecting digital transformation. The study engaged private sector quantity surveying professionals across South Africa, providing a broad geographic perspective within the industry. Findings indicated that only 31% of the responding firms had a digital transformation strategy, of which only 14% were considered well-defined. Within the technology construct, relative advantages (increased work productivity) drove digital adoption, while perceived challenges (security risks and financial constraints) hindered progress. Organisationally, there was a recognised need to balance traditional quantity surveying and emerging digital services. Environmentally, firms aimed to add value for clients and remain competitive despite lacking benchmarking against competitors. Uncertainties regarding government support (erratic power supply) further complicate their future-ready efforts.With a lack of well-defined strategies, participants were still in the early stages of their digital transformation journey towards digital maturity. The study is geographically limited to South Africa and may not reflect conditions in other regions. Future research could expand to compare with global practices or explore alternative factors as quantity surveying firms reach increased digital responsiveness. Insights from this research could lead to better strategic alignment, the adoption of digital tools and potentially influence policy and practice in the industry. Firms can leverage findings to benchmark their digital maturity and follow the conceptual guideline, which simplifies the complex process of developing pathways for increased innovation and efficiency. This study contributes new insights into the digital transformation processes of quantity surveying firms in a less studied context, providing a valuable addition to both academic literature and industry practices. It highlights the importance of a structured digital strategy as a component of industry competitiveness and sustainability.Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, School of Built Environment and Civil Engineering, 202
Storage of surplus solar energy from photo voltaic arrays
Full text linkThis dissertation explores the development, implementation, and experimental validation of a refrigeration storage system powered by surplus solar energy generated from photovoltaic arrays. The primary focus of the research is on integrating this system with existing installations to optimize the utilization of excess solar power, with particular attention to improving the energy efficiency and operational sustainability of refrigeration in off-grid contexts. To validate the system's performance, data collection was carried out through controlled experimentation on a full-scale installation. Key variables, including ambient temperature, solar irradiance, pressure fluctuations, and the relationship between power input and output, were closely monitored. The experimental methods were designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of how these factors influence the system's operational efficiency and overall effectiveness. The findings highlight that ambient temperature, and the control system play critical roles in the system’s performance, influencing both energy consumption and cooling efficiency. The results also demonstrate the feasibility of using surplus solar energy for refrigeration in regions with high solar irradiance, such as rural areas in southern Africa. This refrigeration storage system presents a cost-effective and efficient solution for extending the shelf life of perishable goods, making it particularly valuable for rural communities with limited access to reliable electricity infrastructure. In conclusion, this research offers significant insights into the potential of solar-powered refrigeration systems as a sustainable solution for food preservation in rural and off-grid regions, contributing to enhanced food security and economic development in these areas.Thesis (MEng) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, School of Engineering, 202
Implementation of quality management systems in engineering design practices during the construction stage: case study
Full text linkGiven the historical quality and QMS implementation challenges, in terms of a range of issues, a sample of engineers/engineering technologists were surveyed to determine their understanding of quality and QMSs, the prevalence of QMSs, the barriers to QMS implementation, current QMS practices implemented, and what QMS requirements are needed to improve the implementation of QMSs to increase the adherence to quality on construction projects. The treatise reports on the findings emanating from a quantitative study that entailed the completion of a self-administered survey questionnaire conducted among engineers/engineering technologists, along with the review of the relevant literature. The type of research is based upon descriptive survey research, with specific reference to the application of natural science methods to study social phenomena, with the purpose of obtaining information about a group of people’s opinions, attitudes and previous experience using written questionnaires. The sample population consisted of 94 engineers/engineering technologists within a consulting firm, of which 25 responded to the survey questionnaire. The sample was selected using probability sampling with emphasis on simple random sampling methods. The survey questionnaire was distributed using email and completed using Microsoft Forms. The results were subsequently subjected to descriptive statistical analysis techniques. The findings indicate that although the participants of the survey questionnaire had an understanding of quality and QMSs, there is still room for improvement, QMSs are not as prevalent in the construction industry as would have been expected and is based on experience rather than literature, there are still significant barriers to the implementation of QMSs present, current QMS requirements are not considered present in the South African construction industry, and such QMS requirements need to be set up based upon South African legislation. Conclusions include: QMS requirements are lacking in the South African construction industry, and the generation of a QMS framework will contribute to the improvement of quality and QMS implementation; such a QMS framework needs to be based on South African legislation, and adequate education and training related to quality and QMS implementation need to be provided at both tertiary education institutions, as well as among individuals already in the construction industry. Recommendations include: clear definitions of quality and QMSs need to be formulated and communicated; barriers to the implementation of QMSs need to be identified and addressed; organisations need to consider their organisational culture when incorporating QMS requirements into their business; the QMS framework need to be set up to allow for the measurement of quality; functionality points for the adherence to QMS requirements and site-specific QMS requirements need to be included in tender documents; QMS requirements need to be considered by the client's agent during project stages 1 to 4; technological applications and electronic devices need to contribute to QMS implementation; education and training related to the generation and implementation of QMSs need to be applied, and the need and benefits of a QMS framework need to be promoted within the South African construction industry.Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, School of the Built Environment and Civil Engineering, 202
The effect of business banking on the performance of small and medium-sized enterprises in the city of Cape Town
Full text linkSmall and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) serve as the backbone of economies in developed and developing countries, significantly contributing to job creation, innovation, and economic growth. However, many SMEs encounter challenges in accessing sufficient financial resources, which limits their potential for sustainable development. This study examined the effect of business banking on the financial performance of SMEs in the manufacturing sector of Cape Town. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) Version 29.0 was used for quantitative data analysis. A self-administered five-point Likert scale questionnaire was distributed to 184 participants, resulting in a 72% response rate and 132 valid responses. The reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed using Cronbach’s α, yielding an overall value of 0.760, which is deemed acceptable for exploratory research and close to the threshold for excellent reliability. The findings indicate that BFS and BBS had the strongest positive influence on the financial performance of SMEs, with regression analysis showing significant predictive power for BFS (β = 0.287, p = 0.001) and BBS (β = 0.177, p = 0.032). Additionally, CR (β = 0.245, p = 0.004) demonstrated a notable relationship, though its restrictive nature posed challenges for SMEs. FIA indicated a marginal direct effect on the financial performance of SMEs but revealed potential when coupled with financial literacy programmes and digital tools. Correlation analysis confirmed moderate to high associations between BFS and BBS with financial performance. A one-way ANOVA indicated significant group differences based on financial access and the utilisation of banking services. Homogeneity testing further validated the robustness of the ANOVA results, ensuring reliable findings. The study recommends revising collateral policies to incorporate alternative security options, increasing access to flexible financing solutions, and enhancing tailored banking services for SMEs. It also emphasises the importance of financial literacy initiatives and the integration of digital tools to maximise the utility of FIA. It is suggested that, in future research, sample sizes should be expanded for greater generalisability, and the study should be replicated in other South African provinces to capture regional differences. A mixed methods approach could be adopted to integrate qualitative insights. Incorporating these suggestions in future research would enhance understanding and support targeted interventions. This study highlights the critical role of business banking in SME development, providing actionable insights and strategies to address financial challenges and support SMEs in achieving sustainable growth in the evolving economic landscape of Cape Town.Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 202
The asymmetric relationship between credit cycle and business cycle in South Africa
Full text linkUnderstanding the relationship between credit cycles and business cycles in South Africa is essential due to their significant impact on economic growth, financial stability, and employment. Given the country's history of financial volatility and structural economic challenges, analysing how private and public sector credit fluctuations influence business cycles provides crucial insights for policy formulation, risk management, and sustainable economic development. This study investigates the asymmetric relationship between credit cycles and business cycles in South Africa, focusing on both private and public sector credit. The objective is to understand how credit dynamics interact with business cycles and inform monetary and fiscal policies aimed at mitigating procyclicality and enhancing macroeconomic stability. To achieve this objective, this study used quarterly data from 1980Q1 to 2024Q1 from the South African Reserve Bank and employed the Linear Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL), Non-linear ARDL (NARDL), and Three-Regime Threshold ARDL (TARDL) models to analyse both long- and short-run dynamics. Stationarity tests, the Hodrick-Prescott filter for cyclical components, and the Brock-Dechert-Scheinkman (BDS) test for nonlinearity were also applied. The key findings are: 1) A strong long- and short-term relationship exists between credit and the business cycle in South Africa. 2) Private sector credit significantly drives business cycle fluctuations, but its impact is temporary. 3) Credit expansions are procyclical, boosting growth during upswings, while contractions deepen downturns. 4) Public sector credit has a limited influence, with occasional countercyclical effects. 5) Bidirectional causality between credit and the business cycle underscores the need for policy interventions to manage credit-driven volatility. The procyclical relationship between credit and business cycles amplifies economic vulnerabilities, threatening financial stability by creating feedback loops that may lead to defaults, liquidity crises, and widening income inequality as vulnerable groups face restricted access to credit. To mitigate these risks, policymakers must adopt countercyclical measures, such as tightening credit during booms and providing stimulus during recessions, while reinforcing regulatory frameworks to safeguard financial stability. Based on these findings, the study recommends enhancing South Africa’s economic and financial stability by addressing procyclical credit cycles. Key measures include strengthening countercyclical capital buffers for banks, establishing fiscal stabilization funds, and investing in advanced financial monitoring systems for timely interventions. Additionally, promotingThesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 202
The impact of COVID-19 sentimental index on African stock market returns
Full text linkThis study investigates how the Covid-19 Sentimental index affects stock market returns for South African, Nigerian, Morocco and Namibia. Stock market activity heavily relies on investor sentiment especially when investors demonstrate fear and uncertainty like during the Covid-19 pandemic period. This study creates a Sentimental index from Google search trends and Covid-19 specific search terms to measure investor feelings which subsequently determines changes in stock market returns. The research analyses stock market and investor sentiment relationships through short and long-term analyses using Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) in combination with Nonlinear ARDL (NARDL) methods. The research includes macroeconomic control variables that consist of interest rate data and exchange rate information while utilizing the ADS Index to represent U.S. business conditions. The study results demonstrate how emotional market volatility strongly influences stock market behaviour within emerging economies because of investors' psychological influences on these financial systems. The study enhances knowledge about sentiment effects on market efficiency in African stock exchanges while delivering practical recommendations to policymakers along with investors and financial regulators for stabilizing sentiment-driven market shaking.Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 202