11613 research outputs found
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The urban livelihoods of informal sector practitioners in Harare
No full textThesis(Ph.D.(Development Studies))--University of the Free State, 2023Street trading is critical for urban-based livelihoods, especially with increasing urbanisation and limited jobs in the formal sector. Vendingscapes are socioeconomically and politically contested lived-in spaces with repression and violent occurrences. Studies that look at street trading have tended to focus on the economic and monetary aspects of the sector. This study is unique because it investigates the value of the sustainable livelihoods approach, a framework commonly applied in rural contexts to explore street traders shaping their livelihoods within macroeconomic and regulatory uncertainties. The focus is on the lived experiences and responses to government brutality. The five sustainable livelihood approach tenets – the vulnerability context, assets, policies, institutions, processes (PIPs), livelihood strategies, and livelihood outcomes – were analysed from the street traders’ perspective. The study used a case study design with a qualitative approach. The data collection techniques included key informant interviews, semi-structured interviews to allow vendors to express their lived experiences, non-participant observation, systematic actions and behaviours measurement and archival data analysis, including policy analysis. Thematic data analysis occurred throughout the study, showing emerging patterns and relationships. The study concluded that street trading in Harare is thriving amid an intensifying everyday struggle. Vendors are becoming more uncertain and vulnerable as Zimbabwe sinks into socioeconomic turmoil due to foreign currency crises, increasing isolation, poverty, runaway inflation, tax evasion and unemployment, among many challenges that increase the vulnerability context and informality. Zimbabwe should enact informal sector-specific legislation as vendors show their agency by minimising the risks of arrest and confiscating goods. The study’s main contribution is a detailed analysis of vendors’ livelihood strategies that circumvent government brutality
Implementing the supervision framework for the social work profession: supervisors’ views and experiences
No full textThis study focused on social work supervision and its impact on the occupational development and service delivery of supervisees, specifically within the South African Department of Social Development (DSD). While previous research has often examined the views and experiences of supervisees and student social workers, the study uniquely explored the perspective of social work supervisors. Utilising the systems theory as a theoretical framework, qualitative research with semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis was employed. The findings revealed significant structural challenges that hindered the alignment of social work supervision with the DSD’s established Supervision Framework. As the scope of the study was limited to the Mahikeng Service Point, North West, South Africa, generalisation is cautioned, necessitating further research in other welfare organisations for a broader understanding.Publisher's versio
Constitutional framework for traditional leaders in South Africa
No full textDissertation(MGT (Governance and Political Transformation))--University of the Free State, 2023This conceptual Mini dissertation explores the Constitutional framework for traditional leaders in South Africa, focusing on the delicate balance between cultural heritages and integrating traditional leadership into the modern governance. Traditional leadership plays a significant role in social, cultural and economic fabric of South African Communities, often serving vital link between the government and local Communities. However, the Constitutional recognition and regulation of traditional leaders have been subject of an ongoing debate. Drawing on comprehensive review of existing literature, legal framework and relevant case studies, this mini dissertation examines the historical context of traditional leadership in South Africa and analyse the complexities surrounding their positions within the Constitutional framework.it explores the tension between customary law, democratic principles and human rights, shedding light on the Constitutional challenges faced in reconciling traditional governance structures with the demand of the modern Constitutional democracy. This main dissertation delve into the key issues such as recognition of traditional leaders authority, their leadership with elected government structure, and extend to which Customary laws should be accommodated within the broader legal system.it also explored the need for accountability, transparency, and inclusivity within traditional leadership institutions, ensuring that they align with democratic values while upholding the cultural heritage and practices cherished by local government communities. The findings of this mini dissertation contributes on the ongoing discourse of the Constitutional recognition and regulations of traditional leadership in South Africa. By critically analysing the intricate dynamics between traditional, modern governance and Constitutional principles. The study will inform policy makers, legal practitioners, scholars and communities on the challenges and potential solutions for establishing a Constitutional framework that respects Cultural heritage while promoting the principles of democracy, human rights and inclusivity
The ephemeral aroma of the mysterious beauty plant: a hyacinth aroma and incense market at Rooidam, Lourier Park, Bloemfontein
No full textDissertation (M.Arch.(Architecture))--University of the Free State, 2023Rooidam is located on the outskirts of Bloemfontein and is a forgotten terrain indicative of what Edward Relph, a Canadian geographer, would state as a non-place. The inexplicable landscape consists of a floral wonder [hyacinth] which has the potential to be transformed into an ephemeral yet tangible body of experiential aroma. The main research question is: How can we reactivate the Rooidam through an aroma and incense market conceptualised through an interpretation of metamorphosis of the hyacinth plant? Past efforts to reactivate the area have not succeeded, due to the lack of care; it was simply left to become a dystopian landscape. By introducing a project that will propel commercial viability, create haptic experiences, enhance communal enclaves and attract people to interact with the neglected landscape, past failures can be rectified. The proposed design intervention will be guided by haptic senses, how experiences are created in spaces together with the production of space as memories. The intervention proposed argues that a hyacinth aroma and incense market has the power to reactivate and reinvigorate the landscape, unify the community while changing the perceptions of Rooidam
Effectiveness of employee development of managers at a Metropolitan Municipality
No full textDissertation (MBA (Business Administration))--University of the Free State, 2023The research study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of manager development in the metropolitan municipality. Effective management is critical for the sustainable development and success of the municipality to deliver basic services to the community. There are different challenges and changes that the municipality is faced with that require managers to be agile and adaptable to ensure that the municipality remains sustainable in the long term. These challenges and changes require the municipality to invest in its managers' professional growth and development to enhance managerial skills, knowledge, and competencies to enable managers to address complex issues in the municipality effectively.
This research study intends to investigate the benefits of manager's development, discuss the applicable developmental strategies at a Metro Municipality, assess the effectiveness of manager's development, and assess the challenges impacting the development of managers at a Metro Municipality.
The researcher used a qualitative research method for data collection and analysis. The study used a semi-structured interview design. The data was collected using ten open-ended interview questions to assess the effectiveness of the manager’s development and obtain more insights about the topic.
The findings from this study contribute to the existing literature on managers’ development in municipalities and assist management in developing and implementing more effective development strategies and programmes tailored to the specific needs and challenges faced by managers. The recommendation of the study is expected to contribute to the growth and development of managers in the municipality, ultimately leading to more effective administration, improved overall performance and efficiency of municipalities, and service delivery for the community
A visitor city on the Moon: giving identity to Lunar Architecture
No full textDissertation (M.Arch.(Architecture))--University of the Free State, 2023In an era when commercial space travel has become a reality and Lunar habitation is no longer fiction, the future Lunar visitors’ city emerges. With world-renowned architecture firms collaborating with space agencies on space architecture and the ongoing developments of NASA and SpaceX, the possible identity of Lunar architecture is explored. How can biomimicry with architecture be applied to create an immersive future visitors’ city on the Moon and contribute towards a Lunar architectural identity? This explorative thesis transcends the boundaries of traditional design, embracing the challenge of replicating Earth’s comforts and familiarity on the Moon. It invites visitors on an extraordinary journey to a world where technology sustains life, the Earth hangs in the distant sky, and the Moon’s reduced gravity offers unique opportunities for exploration. The book, “ ”, by Kevin Lynch, was thoroughly studied. The concept of biomimicry and relevant precedent studies were examined and applied. This was done to gain a thorough understanding of how humans perceive a new environment and how to design comfortable and relatable architecture. Furthermore, inspired by Le Corbusier’s notion of architecture as a machine, this thesis conceives the Lunar centre as a self-sustaining life-support system. It delves into the intricate details of providing essential services such as food, water, oxygen, sewage management, and power within the context of the Moon. Through science and architecture, the vision harmoniously combines functionality with an immersive visitor experience, catering to both scientific researchers and adventure-seeking tourists
Integrated innovation strategies on sustainability of agricultural cooperatives in Lejweleputswa district, Free State Province, South Africa
No full textThesis (Ph.D.(Sustainable Agriculture))--University of the Free State, 2023Agriculture is practiced in rural areas characterised by extreme poverty. In the Lejweleputswa district, crop farming cooperatives, together with other agricultural production activities, are significant economic engine. Conversely, modern crop producers are reluctant to incorporate innovation into their routine farming practices.
This paper, which focuses on integrated innovation methods that support agricultural cooperatives, is a component of a PhD research project conducted in the province of Free State in the Lejweleputswa district municipality. The lack of enthusiasm among cooperative members in integrating innovation techniques into business operations as a trending factor for sustainability made agriculture cooperatives unsustainable, according to the study's research topic. The primary objective was to examine the impact of integrated innovation strategies on the sustainability of agriculture cooperatives in Lejweleputswa district, Free State province in order to make a policy recommendation for sustainability.
The descriptive study analysis was conducted on 139 cooperative members from 25 different agriculture cooperatives. Data was collected using survey questions that were standardised. Likert scales with 5 points were used to assess these survey questions. Collected data sets were analysed using SPSS version 28 software.
The data was found to be reliable as a Cronbach’s alpha was found to be 0.927 and 0.861 for product and process innovation strategy implementation. The average correlation coefficient was observed to be 0.6 which denotes an overall positive correlation between variables. The one sample test was used to determine the p-value (Sig-value), which was found to be less than 0.05. Pearson correlation coefficient was found to be 0.68 on average, denoting that there is a positive relationship between variables of organisational strategies. The p-value (0.026) < 0.05 indicated a statistically significant difference between the variables.
The F-value for marketing innovation strategies variables was found to be less than the degree of freedom, 1.552 and 3.0, respectively. Thus, the hypothesis was accepted. The one-sample t test was also used to determine the mean, standard deviation, and the p-values of the results. All the mean values were significantly higher than 3, and p-values were found to be all less than 0.05, thus indicating that respondents agree with the discussed challenges.
The findings indicated that RSMEA, NNFI and CFI were within the acceptable ranges for good model fit at 0.049, 0.953 and 0.957, respectively. This implies that the hypothesised model was a good fit for collected data. It was observed that only 40.29% agreed to have received financial support from FDI’s and only 58.27% agreed to have received non-financial support from government agencies.
The results suggest that agricultural cooperatives are not motivated to use innovative marketing techniques. It is determined that most the Lejweleputswa district's agricultural cooperatives have a poor opinion of marketing innovation.
The result of the study proves the hypothesis that the implementation of innovation strategies is significantly low in agriculture cooperatives
Assessing the willingness of rural homeowners to insure their homes in South Africa using multilevel modelling
No full textDissertation (M.Sc.(Actuarial Science))--University of the Free State, 2023There has been an increase in urbanisation in the last decade as more South African seeks better work opportunities in the urban areas. Despite this notable increase, there are individuals who still prefer to build houses and reside in rural areas. There are reasons why people in South Africa have opted to invest in properties in rural areas. Firstly, the process to obtain land in rural areas is through a traditional leader or chief of the village (much easier than in the urban areas). Secondly, the cost of the land in the rural areas is significantly lower than the cost of land in the urban areas. As valid as these reasons are, they have drawbacks such as owners of the not having a title deed for their land and an accurate amount of the value of their land. This makes it difficult to insure these homes. The absence of a rural home insurance in South Africa that focuses on these rural homeowners fitting the description above was the driving force behind the need for this study. Literature thus far has been focused on agricultural and crop insurance in rural areas. This study will explore the challenges in the rural insurance market in South Africa and factors affecting the willingness of these rural residents to insure their rural homes
Acceptance, attitudes and nutritional content of novel nixtamalized maize products developed for the South African consumer
No full textDissertation (M.Sc.(Consumer Science))--University of the Free State, 2023South Africa is well-known for its good quality maize that serves as a staple crop for over 80% of the country’s population. Additionally, South Africa is also Africa’s top maize producer. However, maize provides an unbalanced supply of essential nutrients, such as the essential amino acids lysine and tryptophan. Moreover, the water-soluble vitamin B₃ is biologically unavailable to humans. Therefore, long-term consumption of maize-based diets, deficient in these nutrients, can result in pellagra, a disease manifested by the characteristic symptom dermatitis, on sun-exposed skin. The process of nixtamalization improves the nutritional, textural and sensory quality, and the physicochemical properties of maize products. Nixtamalization is the traditional process of preparing maize in Mexico. It involves cooking and soaking maize kernels in an alkaline solution, typically calcium hydroxide or slaked lime. The process allows bound nutrients to be more readily available for absorption, improves flavour and texture, as well as digestion. This study was divided into three essential phases:
(I) the development of consumer-acceptable novel nixtamalized maize products; (II) the determination of consumer attitudes, knowledge and awareness towards nixtamalization and nixtamalized maize products, through the administration of a questionnaire; and
(III) the analysis of the nutritional content of a novel consumer accepted nixtamalized maize product.
The first phase aimed to explore South African consumers' acceptance of nixtamalization and novel nixtamalized maize products. Three nixtamalized maize products were developed: a vegetarian patty; a vegetarian nugget; and a maize chip. To evaluate the consumers' sensory acceptance of various attributes, including taste, aroma, texture, and appearance, the study employed the Just-About-Right (JAR) scales and a 9-point hedonic scale. Among the three products evaluated, the maize chip received the most acceptable JAR results, although improvements were required for its appearance attribute. Furthermore, correlation and penalty analysis revealed that appearance and taste played significant roles in the acceptance of nixtamalized maize products, among South African consumers. Consequently, the chips were flavoured with seasonings to improve taste and appearance, with different flavours, such as chutney and tomato. Notably, the chutney-flavoured maize chip achieved an acceptance rate of >70.0% for all four attributes, rendering it “just-about-right”.
The study's second phase involved determining consumers’ attitudes toward nixtamalization and nixtamalized maize products. The data was collected online, using an Evasys© questionnaire, which was anonymously completed by respondents, during the sensory tasting of the maize chips. Quantitative analysis concluded that most respondents were open to nixtamalization as a new processing technique and to newly developed maize products produced, through nixtamalization. Specifically, respondents indicated that the safety aspect of nixtamalization played a crucial role in their willingness to consume nixtamalized maize, in the future. Moreover, the results indicated that the respondents were willing to incorporate nixtamalized products into their future consumption, and recommend them to friends and family.
After achieving consumer acceptance, the third phase of the study focused on conducting nutritional analysis of the novel nixtamalized maize chip. The analysis revealed several noteworthy findings. The chips exhibited a high energy content of 2303 kJ/100 g and protein content of 6.64 g/100 g. Compared to two commercial chips, the nixtamalized maize chip displayed a higher insoluble fibre content of 15.87 g/100 g of NDF and 1.32 g/100 g of ADF. Additionally, the sodium content of the maize chip (706.67 mg/100 g), fell within the permissible limit set out by South African salt legislation (<800 mg/100 g), for savoury snack foods. Moreover, the chips demonstrated favourable potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium levels. The higher fat content of 23.72 g/100 g in the chips was attributed to the deep-frying process, used during preparation
An exploration of the role of college management teams in enhancing college lecturers’ workplace experiences
No full textDissertation (M.Ed.(Education Management))--University of the Free State, 2023This study aimed to explore the role of college management teams in enhancing college lecturers’ workplace experiences. Since lecturers at colleges in South Africa are expected to perform according to challenging global demands, including transitions to adapt to the fourth industrial revolution (4IR), it became a necessity to unpack the reasons for college lecturers’ mediocre delivery of academic services. According to the Policy on Professional Qualification for Lecturers in Technical and Vocational Education and Training in South Africa (2013), the lecturers need to know both theory and practical work-related aspects of the curriculum. However, lecturers’ workplace experiences are still a matter of concern, particularly in the TVET sector. A gap that exists in research pertaining to the role of the College Management Teams in enhancing the workplace experience of college lecturers. This study was underpinned by the principles of the human capital theory which was appropriate to dissect the experiences of staff within institutions such that institutional practices are efficiently investigated. I conducted a comparative study of TVET colleges in South Africa, Nigeria, and the United States of America to describe the various practices of College Management Teams and college lecturers. To generate data, a qualitative research method was adopted. The selected sample of participants consisted of the Deputy Principal Academic, Curriculum Manager, Human Resources Manager, and six Campus Managers. Qualitative data was collected from College Management Teams through semi-structured interviews. The findings revealed that there were glaring challenges for the College Management Teams. Emanating from the findings and conclusions of this study, recommendations were suggested to address these challenges by implementing concerted intervention strategies to enhance lecturers' workplace experience which included establishing a partnership with industry, motivating lecturers to attend workshops to gain workplace experience, availing funds to pay substitute lecturers, curriculum matters, and management of resources to meet industry’s real-life standards. It is envisioned that the results of this study will convince TVET college lecturers, managers, and policymakers to become committed to ongoing professional development programmes that capacitate lecturers to enhance their daily work experiences