Walter Sisulu University
Not a member yet
1284 research outputs found
Sort by
Instilling an Investigative Culture in Language Learning
Get PDFTo be proficient when learning a language, one needs to have an instilled culture to investigate and probe deeper into diversities of the underlying language aspects. An investigative culture and improved critical thinking skills during language learning requires a multifaceted approach that involves both the teacher and learners to engage cooperatively. When this culture has been instilled, teachers can impart to learners skills to analyse information and evaluate sources, yet, drawing conclusions based onevidence. This paper had its main aim of investigating whether instilling an investigative culture can enhance language learning for improved comprehension skills. For this investigation, a qualitative approach was applied and entrenched in a case study design where five conveniently sampled university English language teachersas initiators to implant an investigative culture to enhance language learning were nominated as participants. To collect data, semi structured interviews were administered and this assistedto have better understanding of the underlying factors caused by lacking culture to investigate matters for enhanced language learning. From this study it was divulged that (i) enhanced research skills and (ii) improved memory retentionwere themajor findings as outcomes of an instilled investigative culture when learning languages. It is concluded and recommended by this paper that an investigative culture in language learning can lead to improved language proficiency, with established criticalthinking skills that can help to enhance research skills, thereby preparing learners for real-world encounters.Keywords: skills, investigative culture, language, learning, proficiency
Developing a Model for Integrating of Tuberculosis, Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Primary Healthcare Services in Oliver Reginald (O.R) Tambo District, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Get PDFDespite the policy, frameworks for integration exist; integration of TB and HIV services is far from ideal in many resource-limited countries, including South Africa. Few studies have examined the advantages and disadvantages of integrated TB and HIV care in public health facilities, and even fewer have proposed conceptual models for proven integration. This study aims to fill this vacuum by describing the development of a paradigm for integrating TB, HIV, and patient services in a single facility and highlights the importance of TB-HIV services for greater accessibility under one roof. Development of the proposed model occurred in several phases that included assessment of the existing integration model for TB-HIV and synthesis of quantitative and qualitative data from the study sites, which were selected public health facilities in rural and peri-urban areas in the Oliver Reginald (O.R.) Tambo District Municipality in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Secondary data on clinical outcomes from 2009–2013 TB–HIV were obtained from various sources for the quantitative analysis of Part 1. Qualitative data included focus group discussions with patients and healthcare workers, which were analyzed thematically in Parts 2 and 3. The development of a potentially better model and the validation of this model shows that the district health system was strengthened by the guiding principles of the model, which placed a strong emphasis on inputs, processes, outcomes, and integration effects. The model is adaptable to different healthcare delivery systems but requires the support of patients, providers (professionals and institutions), payers, and policymakers to be successful
Models of integration of TB and HIV services and factors associated with perceived quality of TB-HIV integrated service delivery in O.R Tambo District, South Africa
Get PDFBackground Tuberculosis is the leading infectious cause of death among people living with HIV. Reducing morbidity and mortality from HIV-associated TB requires strong collaboration between TB and HIV services at all levels with fully integrated, people-centered models of care. Methods This is a qualitative study design using principles of ethnography and the application of aggregate complexity theory. A total of 54 individual interviews with healthcare workers and patients took place in five primary healthcare facilities in the O.R. Tambo district. The participants were purposively selected until the data reached saturation point, and all interviews were tape-recorded. Quantitative analysis of qualitative data was used after coding ethnographic data, looking for emerging patterns, and counting the number of times a qualitative code occurred. A Likert scale was used to assess the perceived quality of TB/HIV integration. Regression models and canonical discriminant analyses were used to explore the associations between the perceived quality of TB and HIV integrated service delivery and independent predictors of interest using SPSS® version 23.0 (Chicago, IL) considering a type I error of 0.05. Results Of the 54 participants, 39 (72.2%) reported that TB and HIV services were partially integrated while 15 (27.8%) participants reported that TB/HIV services were fully integrated. Using the Likert scale gradient, 23 (42.6%) participants perceived the quality of integrated TB/HIV services as poor while 13 (24.1%) and 18 (33.3%) perceived the quality of TB/HIV integrated services as moderate and excellent, respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that access to healthcare services was significantly and independently associated with the perceived quality of integrated TB/HIV services following the equation: Y=3.72–0.06X (adjusted R2=23%, p-value=0.001). Canonical discriminant analysis (CDA) showed that in all 5 municipal facilities, long distances to healthcare facilities leading to reduced access to services were significantly more likely to be the most impeding factor, which is negatively influencing the perceived quality of integrated TB/HIV services, with functions’ coefficients ranging from 9.175 in Mhlontlo to 16.514 in KSD (Wilk’s Lambda=0.750, p=0.043)
Tuberculosis management and referral practices among traditional medicine practitioners in Lagos, Nigeria
Get PDFIntroduction: Despite the potential role of Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) and Traditional Healers (THs), little is known about their knowledge of tuberculosis (TB) management and refer ral practices in Nigeria. Objective: To determine knowledge and self-reported prac tices of traditional birth attendants and traditional healers in man aging TB in Lagos, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 120 THs and TBAs in three high TB burden Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Lagos, Nigeria. Data were collected between April 2018 to September 2018 through interviewer-administered questionnaires. We used Statistical Package for Social Sciences software for data analyses
Isimamhlaba
No full textThis exquisite throat band features a comprehensive and flat design adorned with intricate beadwork. The ornate band showcases a series of geometrical patterns, beautifully complemented by a beaded body harness that adds depth and texture. Traditionally worn by teenagers from their 18th year until the period known as "umtshotsho," the band is embellished with a striking lineal tree design rendered in pure white, symbolizing growth and vibrancy. Each detail of this accessory reflects a rich cultural heritage, making it a treasured piece of adornment.Purchased from Mrs Joan BrosterForms part of: Walter Sisulu University Beadwork Collectio
Exploring challenges that hinder the effective rendering of formal education programmes at four correctional centresin South Africa
Get PDFThe study was conducted in the Eastern Cape Region and specifically in the Mthatha Management Area in a correctional services setting. The Eastern Cape is one of the most under-developed provinces of South Africa. The researcher was alarmed by the persistent dropout rate of offender learners, low engagement of offenders in education and training programmes as well as the diminishing zeal of prison educators to perform well in their area of delivery. The study used a qualitative research approach wherein a case study design was chosen. Six correctional services educators, eight learners, six security officials and four managers from four centres were purposively selected. The study used behaviourist theory as a theoretical lens; Behaviourism is also known as behavioural psychology for its potential to change both the social behaviours of offenders engaged in programmes and security officials’ perspective towards prison education and redeems educators’ self-esteem that will augment their enthusiasm to deliver on their area of specialisation. Data were collected through interviews and observation. The findings of the study indicate that the government has simply not rectified the imbalances of the past by rebuilding prisons to accommodate rehabilitative needs. This is one of the causes of the challenges experienced by prison educators. With a general shortage of educators, the ones employed are overloaded with work that goes beyond tuition and school administrative duties. The study revealed that an unconducive teaching and learning environment was characterized by the absence of classrooms for tuition, with cells and open courtyards being used, a severe shortage of educators, a lack of relevant teacher training as well as a lack of much-needed support from management. The researcher recommends that the Department of Correctional Services should put more effort into improving the conditions for education in correctional centres in historically-disadvantaged areas, recognise the education of offenders as a human right and employ and train more educators for a very unique correctional services setting in order to help rehabilitate offenders and prevent recidivism. vi KEY WORDS Prison educator, Recidivism, Reintegration, Illiteracy, Learner Offender, Rehabilitation, Incarceration, Courtyard, Custodial Official, Dropout, Hindrances, Training.Thesis (Masters) -- Faculty of Education, 202
Monitoring strategies used for teaching and learning in selected scondary schoolsof OR Thambo Inland Education District, Eastern Cape Provice, South Africa
Get PDFThis study was meant to investigate monitoring strategies used for teaching and learning in selected secondary schools of OR Tambo Inland Education District in Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study mainly concentrated on collecting the analysed data from principals, deputy principals and heads of departments of secondary schools of Qumbu magisterial district on the basis of my proximity to their schools. A case study research design was adopted as only principals, deputy principals and HODs officially employed by the Department of Education to teach in geographically located secondary schools in Qumbu magisterial district were used as subjects to collect data. The qualitative research approach was employed in this study. A sample of 15 participants who were chosen using purposive sampling were interviewed face-to-face adopting semi-structured interviews to gather data for this study. The findings supported SMTs' use of monitoring curriculum implementation methodologies, but their actual implementation was characterised by a lack of rigour and decisiveness. Evidently, a number of contextual circumstances influenced to what extent the methods that had been decided upon were carried out. It emerged that in some SMTs’ strategies to manage and monitor the quality of teaching and learning in their secondary schools, teacher unions disrupts such systems. This implies that the teacher unions play a detrimental role in limiting effective intervention strategies by management. As long as teacher unions plays a powerful role in tying the hands of management in quality control oversight, management will find it very difficult to make inroads into improving commitment by teachers and progress of learners. The Department of Basic Education and government need to review and revise the powers of teacher unions.Thesis (Masters) -- Faculty of Education, 202
Load shedding and performance of small-scale resturants in Mthatha, South Africa
Get PDFSmall businesses in South Africa are recognized for creating jobs and increasing economic growth. Ever since South Africa experienced load shedding in 2008, small businesses, especially those in the restaurant sector, have been hugely affected by load shedding as they heavily rely on electricity for most of their business operations. Load shedding results in a loss of sales and a decrease in productivity, which reduces their profitability and eventually, sustainability. The purpose of the study was to establish the extent to which load shedding affects the performance of small-scale restaurants in Mthatha, South Africa. A positivist research paradigm was adopted for the study, which was anchored on a quantitative approach using an explanatory research design. A fully structured self-administered questionnaire was sent to 53 small-scale restaurant owners or managers and 51 responded. Data analyzed using SmartPLS4 revealed that load shedding has a negative but insignificant impact on both the profitability and productivity of small-scale restaurants. Based on the results load shedding does not impact the performance of small-scale restaurants in Mthatha as both performance proxies showed a statistically insignificant impact. Looking at the current situation of electricity in South Africa, things are getting worse as it is common for Mthatha people to go the entire day without electricity. This study helps in identifying the extent of the effects load shedding has on small-scale restaurants. This study adds to the findings of prior research on the effects of load shedding on the performance of small-scale restaurants and the study contributed to the body of iii knowledge on the effects of load shedding on the performance of small-scale restaurants and mitigates on existing literature gap where the populace is not aware of the extent to which load shedding has affected the performance of small-scale restaurants.Faculty of Economics and Financial Sciences, 202
The nexus between oil prices, exchange rate and foreeign direct investment in South Africa
Get PDFThe 2000 to 2020 relationship between oil prices, exchange rates, and foreign direct investment (FDI) in South Africa presents a fascinating case in the global economics. Noteworthy is that this period is marked by some important geopolitical events, technological advancements, and economic shifts that provide a rich ground for analyzing how these three critical factors interact in an emerging country. South Africa, with its unique economic and political landscape, offers an exemplary context for exploring the dynamics of these variables and their collective impact on the nation's economic health and growth. This study conducted an empirical analysis to investigate the association of oil prices, exchange rates, and foreign direct investment (FDI) in South Africa from 2000 to 2020. The research applied the autoregressive distributed lag bounds technique (ARDL) after initial unit root tests indicated different orders of integration (1(0) and 1(1)) for the variables. The results align with the risk aversion theory, revealing a significant and negative relationship between exchange rates and foreign direct investment in the long-term. Conversely, the interaction term EXCH_OIL, interest rates, and inflation demonstrated a significant and positive relationship with foreign direct investment in both the short-run and the long-run. The Granger causality test identified a unidirectional causality from foreign direct investment to exchange rates. This study recommends implementing policies aimed at stabilizing oil prices and exchange rates to entice foreign investment into South Africa.Thesis (Masters) -- Faculty of Economic and Financial Sciences, 202
Natural resource rents and public debt in selected resource in rich Sub-Saharan AfricanCountries
Get PDFMany Sub-Saharan African countries are endowed with natural resources and yet their public debts are keeping on ballooning. The skyrocketing of these debts can cause a public debt crisis which can further bite on the poor who are already living miserable lives in resource-rich countries. This study examines the impact of natural resource rents on public debt in Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries from 2000 to 2020, utilising the panel ARDL technique. The main objective of this research work was to investigate the relationship between natural resource rents and public debt in selected resource-rich Sub-Saharan African countries. The panel ARDL technique employed in this study strengthens the analysis by considering both short-run and long-run dynamics. In the short run, a significant and negative relationship is observed between natural resource rents and public debt, aligning with the theoretical expectations of resource-rich economies benefiting from increased revenues. However, in the long run, a contrasting pattern emerges, indicating that natural resource rents contribute to an increase in public debt, highlighting the challenges associated with the resource curse phenomenon. The empirical analysis reveals noteworthy findings with implications for theory, practice, and policy. The findings underscore the need for careful fiscal management and prudent policies in resource-rich countries to avoid excessive debt accumulation over the long term. This highlights the importance of implementing effective governance mechanisms, transparency, and accountability frameworks to manage natural resource revenues responsibly. In conclusion, this study contributes to the understanding of the relationship between natural resource rents and public debt in SSA countries. It emphasizes the importance of balancing short-term fiscal benefits with long-term sustainability and provides valuable insights for policymakers to design and implement effective resource management strategies.Thesis (Masters) -- Faculty of Economics and Financial Sciences, 202