Walter Sisulu University
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The Perceived Effectiveness of the Implementation of the Child Support Grant Process at Inxuba Yethemba Local Municipality
Full text linkThe establishment of the Child Support Grant in1998 was a pivotal advancement by the South African government in eliminating poverty among children and enhancing social welfare. The Child Support Grantis a tailored financial assistance programmethat is vital for low-income families to fulfil necessities including food, schooling, and medicine. Consequently, this study highlighted continuing implementation issues, in the Inxuba Yethemba Local Municipalityin the Eastern Cape Province, which was chosen as a case study to examine these problems comprehensively...Degree: M. Public Administratio
Assessing the Role of Digital Competence in the Performance of Administrative Officers in Public Services: A Case of OR Tambo Municipality in Mthatha
Full text linkThis study investigated the role of digital competence in the performance of administrative officers in OR Tambo Municipality in Mthatha, South Africa. With the growing reliance on digital technologies, the study explored the current state of ICT usage, assessed the digital literacy of administrative personnel, and proposed strategies to enhance digital competencies. Employing a quantitative approach, data was collected through a questionnaire and analysed to evaluate proficiency across key dimensions, including basic computer operations, office software usage, and communication tools. The findings reveal notable disparities in digital skills based on gender and educational attainment, with females and participants with foundational education levels showing higher proficiency in certain areas. Significant gaps in advanced digital tasks, such as report compilation and email security, were also identified. The study recommends targeted training programs, gender-specific interventions, and a blended theoretical and practical learning approach to bridge these gaps. Enhancing digital literacy among administrative officers is imperative to modernising public service delivery and fostering operational efficiency in the municipality.Degree: M. Public Administratio
Unpacking the Decolonial Paradigm: Curriculum Transformation Strategies for Sustainable Development in a South African University
Full text linkThe South African higher education landscape has faced numerous challenges, even after the new democratic government implemented major policy reforms to address these challenges; epistemologies and knowledge systems at most universities remain embedded in Western worldviews. An interpretive qualitative approach was employed to conduct this study, utilising narrative analysis to analyse data collected from semi-structured interviews with four lecturers at a university in the Eastern Cape region of South Africa. The findings of the study highlight the importance of transforming university curricula for sustainable development by embracing diversity, promoting empathy and incorporating Indigenous perspectives. It is crucial to acknowledge and integrate various cultural identities, ideologies and languages into the curriculum to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the world and foster inclusivity. Infusing entrepreneurship education and digital literacy can equip students with essential skills for addressing societal challenges and preparing them for the demands of the 21st century workforce. Ultimately, the closing remarks encourage a need for incorporating Indigenous perspectives and knowledge, expanding the range of voices represented in the curriculum, promoting multilingualism, challenging Eurocentric perspectives and leveraging technology responsibly. By adopting these strategies, South African universities can work towards decolonising their curricula, promoting sustainable development and creating inclusive and empowering learning environments that respect diverse cultural identities and uphold social justice
Strategies for Reducing Bullying in Secondary Schools: A Study of O.R. Tambo Inland Education District of South Africa
Full text linkThis quantitative study explored strategies used in South African schools to reduce learner-to-leaner bullying. With the increase of incidents of bullying by peers in schools, as often reported by the media, it seemed learners’ truancy and psychological complications also likely to prevail. This study adapted the Social Disorganization Theory to develop its focus. A positivist paradigm guided the use of survey research design to collect data through a Likert scale designed questionnaire, where respondents either strongly agreed or strongly disagreed to each question. Data were from 320 learners, 240 parents, 30 teachers including six principals were computer-analysed to provide answers to the research questions. Findings revealed that, lack of positive teacher learner relationship, lack of parental support, environmental factors that contribute to learners’ behaviour, drugs and substance abuse to mention few. Suggested strategies to reduce bullying included employment of learner support agents, social workers and psychologists that could offer daily support services each from their professional views, to reduce bullying and give counselling to victims. The study recommended the need for awareness campaigns as a strategy to combat bullying. The researcher proposed a model for positive behavioural change and support to schools as a strategy to mitigate bullying and from all its sources. This is so because learners are supposed to attend school freely, without fear of bullying and be free from any form of bullying. There could be no quality basic education when school authorities do not adequately address bullying behaviours in their schools...Degree: D. Education (Educational Policy and Development
Assessing the Relative Participation of Different Stakeholders in Curriculum Development in Secondary Schools of OR Tambo Inland Education District B
Full text linkDemocracy in South Africa necessitated transformation of segregated education systems that existed and adopted in schools prior 1994, to have a single curriculum irrespective of colour, race, and religion. Transformation of education in particular was crucial to redress the imbalances of the past. It was believed that consultation was done through Batho Pele principles, though there has been no empirical evidence to prove teacher participation in curriculum development as major implementers. This study, sought to establish the relative contribution of stakeholders like teachers, communities, teacher unions in curriculum development in schools of OR Tambo inland education district. Resistance shown by teachers regarding curriculum implementation triggered the researcher. A case study research design was adopted hence, it is the analyses of OR Tambo teachers and principals’ responses. In collecting and analysing the collected data, a qualitative method approach was used. A sample of 10 purposeful selected secondary schools from different circuits was used for data collection and each secondary school was represented by one teacher and one principal as participants for this study. Semi- structured interviews were conducted face-to-face with 10 teachers and 10 principals of the sampled purposefully selected secondary schools. The qualitative data was adopted in this study. A thematic approach was used to analyse the collected data through interviews. It emerged the stakeholders like teachers, principals, teacher unions, communities, were marginalised by Department of Basic Education (DBE) curriculum planners. The study recommended that DBE should have effective programs on teacher training for curriculum implementation, availability of human and material resources, involve stakeholders like teachers, principals, teacher unions, researchers, parents and interested parties in curriculum developments...Degree: D. Education (Education Management and Development
A Bibliometric Perspective on the Evolution of Research in Sludge Management: Opportunities and Challenges
Full text linkConventionally regarded as a liability, sewage sludge (SS) continues to accumulate due to rapid industrialisation and global population growth. However, the conversion of SS into energy and nutrients presents a promising alternative for sustainable waste management. Drawing from the Web of Science database and using VOSviewer for bibliometric mapping, this review investigates the research trends, intellectual structure, and collaborative networks in sludge management over the past decade. It further evaluates the strengths, particularly in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as well as the weaknesses, opportunities, and threats associated with current sludge management practices. The analysis reveals that key emerging research themes include microbial diversity in activated sludge, biological treatment processes and their limitations, and thermochemical conversion for energy and nutrient recovery. Future research is encouraged to focus on innovative remediation approaches for emerging contaminants and microplastics, and the development of scalable technologies for the commercial production of energy, nutrients, and value added chemical products from SS. This study offers a comprehensive overview of the evolution of sludge management research and provides critical insights to inform policy direction, investment priorities, and academic engagement. It also advocates for increased financial support, stakeholder incentives, and collaborative partnerships, noting that substantial progress toward achieving multiple SDGs can be made through strategic investment in sludge management initiatives
On the Limited Role of Conservation Laws in the Double Reduction Routine for Partial Differential Equations
Full text linkThe double reduction method for finding invariant solutions of a given partial differential equation (PDE) provides for the reduction of a q-th order PDE that admits a Lie symmetry and an associated nontrivial conservation law to an ordinary differential equation (ODE) of order q-1.In all the articles we have seen where the method has been used, the algorithm has involved writing the conservation law in canonical variables determined by the associated symmetry. In this paper, we illustrate that it is not necessary to use or even have the associated conservation law. It is enough to know that there exists a conservation law associated with a given Lie symmetry. Canonical variables derived from the symmetry are sufficient to achieve double reduction. In the canonical variables, the PDE is transformed after routine calculations into an ODE of one less than that of the PDE. We have outlined the steps involved in this variation of the double reduction method and illustrated the routine using five PDEs
Navigating the Challenges Brought by Post-Municipal Demarcation in Local Municipalities in South Africa: A Case Study of Ntabankulu Local Municipality (Eastern Cape)
Full text linkThis research investigates the challenges faced by Ntabankulu Local Municipality as a result of municipal demarcation. The post-demarcation process in South Africa has often been overlooked by the government, leading to negative repercussions in local municipalities, particularly in service provision due to boundary redrawing. However, these boundary changes also present significant opportunities for local development, especially as they aim to dismantle the apartheid legacy of racial oppression and unequal service provision. The study employs a qualitative research approach, which was deemed appropriate for achieving the research objectives. The sample size consisted of 25 participants, including 5 community leaders, 5 municipal authorities from Ntabankulu, 5 general community members, 5 traditional leaders, and 5 representatives from civil society organisations. A simple sampling method was used to select participants, and open-ended interview questions were administered. Based on the findings, this study recommends that Ntabankulu conduct thorough and timely consultations with all stakeholders and foster the development of communication links between affected communities following the demarcation process.Degree: M. Public Administratio
Isiyambane segqirha
No full textThe headband features a pristine white strip adorned with four exquisite pearl buttons, complemented by striking navy chevrons and delicate diamond accents. Skilfully crafted from lustrous porcelain beads alongside the pearl buttons, this piece boasts a unique design. The strip elegantly rests across the front of the head while cascading bead streamers in a vibrant array of white, yellow, navy, red, and black pearls drape gracefully, framing the face of the diviner in the Qebe region of the Engcobo District of AbaThembu. This captivating headband serves as a stunning accessory and carries cultural significance, embodying the area's rich traditions.Purchased from Mrs Joan BrosterForms part of: Walter Sisulu University Beadwork Collectio
Isigcina-ntliziyo
No full textA cherished keeper of the heart, this necklace features an oversized flat tab design that captivates the eye with its stunning geometric patterns. Adorned with eight exquisite pearl buttons, it is a distinctive piece traditionally worn by both men and women of the AmaHlubi community in Tsomo. The necklace combines beautiful porcelain and glass beads, adding a touch of elegance to its design, making it not only a piece of jewellery but also a symbol of love and cultural heritage.Purchased from Mrs Joan BrosterForms part of: Walter Sisulu University Beadwork Collectio