21623 research outputs found
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Analysing the impact of recruitment challenges on hiring efficiency at Scribante Labour Consultants, a case study.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Private Employment Agencies significantly contribute to reducing unemployment in South Africa, yet challenges in agency work persist. This study explores the recruitment challenges at Scribante Labour Consultants, a private employment agency, focusing on two business models: Temporary Employment Services and Labour Consultants. Temporary Employment Services involves outsourcing employees to other companies, while Labour Consultants retain compensation management and Human Resources related responsibilities. Additionally, the study contextualises Agency Work, a prominent international model. A literature review examined International Labour Organization Conventions, Temporary Employment Services, and South African labour laws, with Agency theory framing the research. Employing a quantitative approach, the study utilised probability sampling and cluster sampling criteria. Surveys were administered to Scribante Labour Consultant associates, including Automotive Investment Holdings Mahindra Logistics, Toyoda Gosei South Africa, and Toyota Tsusho Africa. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (V23) and descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings revealed challenges in stakeholder representation, with organisations like Confederation of Association in the Private Employment Sector earning high trust while others, such as Information Technology Association and Contact Centre Management Group, faced lower engagement. Scribante Labour Consultants aligned well with International Labour Organization standards on minimum wages and collective bargaining but exhibited gaps in areas like freedom of association, social security, and maternity protection. Recommendations include enhancing stakeholder engagement, improving communication, and aligning practices with International Labour Organization Convention (No. 181). Integrating online and traditional recruitment strategies, addressing mismatches in candidate qualifications and roles, and refining maternity protection policies are essential for Scribante Labour Consultants to improve service delivery and strengthen its position in the private employment sector
Demazane Ntombazane! an exploration of hair identity politics through performance and herstory.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg.This dissertation explores, through autoethnography, the identity politics of hair through performance. It is a journey of understanding self, using hair as a site of learning, discovering and acknowledging. This research explores the notion of seeing and knowing the black female body as a place in which meaning is constantly made. The dissertation serves as an act of learning and re-learning about the self through ancestry, community, story and reflection. It can be looked at as a refusal to see the self without knowing and acknowledging those before you. The key intention is to locate the self and experiences in the existing literature on black hair, its significance, history and meaning. It looks at the body as a site of endless possibilities and possible tool of exploration through performance. This exploration is done by looking at the history of black hair in South Africa. How has black hair been looked at and perceived, by the world, culture and religion? It also examines, through Post-Apartheid Feminist Black Consciousness, the black female body in performance and looks at how black female artists uses their works to portray the black female bodies as possible sites of knowledge, resilience and empowerment. Using the creation process and performance of Demazane Ntombazane! I locate myself within the existing conversations on hair
Reflections on the experiences of pastoral caregivers in the Evangelical Lutheran church in Zimbabwe-Central diocese during the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions.
No full textDoctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.The tragic COVID-19 outbreak from Wuhan, China, prompted governments to enact public health measures to stem the virus's spread after the World Health Organization proclaimed
it to be a global pandemic on March 11, 2020. The epidemic had a devastating global impact that forced Governments to implement public health measures to stop the spread of the
virus. The COVID-19 lockdown laws prohibited in-person gatherings which traditionally served as the foundation for Christian worship. In order to develop pastoral care strategies for the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, the main goal of this research study was to reflect in depth on the experiences of pastoral caregivers in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
Zimbabwe-Central Diocese (ELCZ-CD) during the lockdown restrictions. Using qualitative research methodologies, the researcher collected data from forty (40) purposively selected
pastoral caregivers. Desktop research was utilized to supplement field research. Moyo’s 2015 pastoral care theology formed the principal underpinning theoretical framework
complemented by Martin Luther’s neighborliness care and the indigenous Karanga social philosophy of ukama (related and interrelatedness) propounded by Hungwe and Ndofirepi
(2021). Two major findings that emerged were: first, the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions killed the tried and tested physical gathering coping mechanisms of the church. Second,
although it posed several social challenges, COVID-19 lockdown restrictions provided opportunities for the church to learn new ways of doing traditional things differently (Moyo,
2016). Recommendations are that the church should embrace technology and invest in the media ministry for effective pastoral care during lockdowns
An assessment of Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) implementation and firm performance of Johannesburg Stock Exchange-listed firms.
No full textDoctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.This study assesses the implementation of Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices and their impact on firm performance among companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). As ESG factors increasingly influence corporate strategy and stakeholder decision-making, understanding their effect on financial and non-financial outcomes, such as ESG reporting styles used by listed firms, becomes essential. The study assesses the extent to which JSE-listed firms integrate ESG principles into their operations, governance structures, and reporting frameworks. It also examined the roles of government, regulators, and investors in ESG implementation. Using a combination of quantitative methods, including the system Generalised Method of Moments, qualitative content analysis on corporate disclosures, and scoping review methodology, the study examined the relationship between ESG implementation and key performance indicators, such as stock performance and market valuation. Additionally, the study examined impression management in ESG reports and chairman’s statements. Using scoping review methodology, the study assessed the South African government, regulators, and investors’ progress towards adopting ESG in their policies, laws, and investment decisions, as well as research output on ESG implementation in South Africa. This multi-method approach employed in this study enhanced the robustness of findings, offering both empirical and interpretive insights into ESG implementation challenges and successes. In addition, this methodological triangulation enhanced academic rigor while maintaining readability for industry practitioners. The findings suggest a positive correlation between strong ESG practices and improved financial performance, with firms demonstrating robust governance frameworks, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility achieving superior market returns and stakeholder trust. However, the study also identified challenges, including inconsistent ESG reporting, impression management, and varying quality of ESG disclosures across industries. The results underscore the increasing significance of ESG factors in corporate performance, underscoring the need for enhanced regulatory standards and greater transparency in ESG reporting. In addition, the study contributes to the body of literature on sustainable business practices and provides valuable insights for investors, policymakers, and corporate managers in navigating the evolving ESG landscape
‘Smoking Hot’: The use of Ntsu as a vaginal sexual stimulant among women at kwaDabeka township (Durban, South Africa)
No full textDoctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.This study probed the cultural influences on how women construct their femininity in society and examined sexuality through women’s perceptions of their body, sex, and sexual pleasure using an African Feminist lens. The complexities of women’s desire to assert an identity combined with the contestation of normative femininity, sex, gender, and power relations in a culturally saturated township community were unbundled. Hence, the study focused on the constructions of sexuality amongst young Zulu women who use ntsu (snuff) as a sexual vaginal stimulant at KwaDabeka, a township in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa). Data was obtained from 18 women aged between 18-25 in various occupations. The study employed a qualitative, interpretive design.
The numerous signals arising from the women's expressions of their sexuality, encompassing their acts of resistance, cooperation, mixed feelings, and advocacy in challenging and deconstructing male heterosexual dominance through vaginal practices, were scrutinised. Findings depict how these women contended with and contested social constructions of female sexuality, often disregarding the realities of their sexual lives and experiences. In the study, sexuality was a construct simultaneously being challenged and fashioned through the vaginal enhancement practices of ntsu (snuff)
Climate change and the United Church of Zambia: an indigenous African theological response.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.This thesis purpose is to explore the need for an appropriate indigenous response to climate change within the United Church of Zambia (UCZ). The thesis argument is that the UCZ's inadequate
response to climate change is due to the absence of a suitable African theological approach. Therefore by determining an appropriate African theological response, the thesis seeks to address
the impact of climate change on communities, including the UCZ, in Zambia. It also aims at identifying African resources that can be drawn upon to mitigate climate change and advocates for
a more holistic approach that considers social, economic, and environmental factors. In order to achieve these goals, the study utilizes a qualitative method, involving observations, and analysis
of textual or visual data. The findings highlighted are that, the UCZ has insufficient response to climate change and the thesis recommends the enhancing of knowledge, understanding of climate
change and indigenous knowledge among church leaders. Ultimately, the study emphasizes the urgency of responding to climate change within faith-based communities and underscores the
critical role of theology in influencing positive action towards a sustainable future
Investigating groundwater and surface water exchange in the Umgeni Catchment, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.The understanding of the role of groundwater in river basin hydrology and its contribution to the water resources base is limited. Past studies have focused on quantifying and modelling surface water. Recent South African policies emphasise the need for conjunctive use of water resources, including adding groundwater into the national water security mix and water balance accounting. Groundwater and stream networks fed by groundwaters are proven to be resilient against global climate change. The current study aims to shed light on groundwater recharge processes and its connection to the stream network in the Umgeni Catchment of KwaZulu-Natal province in South Africa. The groundwater recharge-flow-discharge processes are examined across altitudinal gradients and scales with specific emphasis on the role of wetlands, lithology, geomorphology, dykes, land use and land cover in controlling the connection between groundwater and surface water. Proven isotope tracers (Oxygen-18 (18O) and Deuterium (2H) and Radon (222Rn)), piezometry, electrical conductivity and baseflow separation were employed to investigate groundwater recharge processes and the connection between groundwater and surface waters. About 220 rainwater samples have been collected on a daily to monthly basis between March 2022 and January 2024 at three locations (Durban, Pietermaritzburg and Howick). In addition, we collected 180 samples, including streams (105), springs (18), wetlands (15) and boreholes (43), representing both the wet and dry seasons. The results showed that rainfall predominantly recharges the groundwaters. 222Rn data from the stream network revealed that the headwater streams of the Umgeni catchment are dominated by groundwater inflow, while the stream network downstream shows little sign of groundwater inflow. The findings highlight the critical role of rainfall in
recharging groundwater and the strong influence of geology on groundwater contributions to surface waters in the Umgeni Catchment. The identification of groundwater-dominated headwaters and surface water-dependent downstream areas underscores the need for regionspecific water management strategies. Protecting recharge zones, implementing sustainable groundwater abstraction, and integrating groundwater-surface water management will be essential for ensuring long-term water security
An assessment of the contribution of indigenous crops towards household food security in KwaZulu Natal.
No full textDoctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, PietermaritzburgIndigenous crops play a significant role in providing an alternative food source for vulnerable households. In the past, these crops were commonly accessible and available but have been reduced due to urbanisation and an increase in population, among other factors. Indigenous crops have a wide variety of nutritional, medicinal, and environmental benefits. However, these crops are still characterized by weak value chains, supply chains, and negative perceptions among farming households and consumers. As such, their potential still needs to be explored. The study’s main objective was to assess the interaction between indigenous crops and food security of the sampled farming households from three districts (i.e Harry Gwala, EThekwini and uMgungundlovu) in KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa. The specific objectives were (i) To examine the factors affecting the consumption of indigenous crops; (ii) To investigate the factors affecting market channels and food form (as it is or processed) selection of indigenous crops and (iii) To analyse the association between socio-economic factors, indigenous crops, and it’s contribution to household food security. The study used primary data from 260 farming households, which were randomly selected. Descriptive statistics were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and STATA. The binomial logit, multinomial logit, bivariate probit and extended ordered probit regression models were used to investigate the interactions between indigenous crops and various variables. The Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) was employed to measurehousehold food security. The results revealed that 13.8% of farming households were food secure, 34.2% were mildly food insecure, 36.2% were moderately food insecure, and 15.8% were severely food insecure. The binomial logit regression results demonstrated that an increase in the number of females and children within a household as well as farming experience increased the likelihood of consuming indigenous crops. Monthly food expenses decreased the likelihood of consuming indigenous crops.
Regarding the indigenous crops’ market value perception, the findings showed that 41.9% of the participants believed indigenous crops could be easily marketed, whereas 58.1% indicated that indigenous crops could not easily be marketed. The results further showed that male size within a household was positively associated with selection of the local marketing channels. The number of children, unemployed members in a household, total household income, and production of crops for consumption and sale negatively influenced the selection of the local market. On the other hand, the size of the farm was positively associated with the household decision to sell their indigenous crops at an informal market, while the decision to sell in an informal market was also negatively associated with farming experience, producing crops for own consumption and sale. The number of children, education levels, farming experience, and unemployed individuals were negatively associated with the selection of formal markets. Gender and total household income positively influenced the selection of formal markets. Using the bivariate probit regression, the results revealed that farming experience positively influenced the household decision to sell the indigenous crops as fresh produce. Producing for consumption or sale negatively influenced the household decision to sell indigenous crops as fresh produce in the market. Male and farm size in the household were likely to positively influence the decision to sell indigenous crops in a processed food form while total household income was negatively associated with the decision to sell indigenous crops in a processed food form. The extended ordered probit regression model showed a significant association between indigenous crops and household food security. The results showed that consumption and perception of indigenous crops, farming period, perceived marketing potential, required agricultural assistance, and suitable marketing channel choices significantly influenced household food security. The Chi-square association between socio-economic parameters and household food security showed that gender, household size, and monthly income were significantly associated with household food security.
The study concluded that the socio-economic factors play a significant role in the use and selection of marketing channels for indigenous crops. The decision regarding the food form by which the household sell its indigenous crops was influenced by various socio-economic factors. Farming households perceived indigenous crops as not easily marketable and associated with being largely consumed by older males. Farming households consuming indigenous crops were more likely to be food secure. It is recommended that government, extension officers and nutritionists conduct training workshops to encourage households to grow, market and buy indigenous crops. Government and policy markers need to include indigenous crops in the national food and nutrition security implementation plan and actively create formal markets for the sale of indigenous crops
Assessing the persistence of Blacksmith Lapwings (Vanellus armatus) and Crowned Lapwings (Vanellus coronatus) in an urban area, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.Urbanisation generally threatens biodiversity and causes shifts in species assemblages. Despite this, many species persist in urban areas. Species with broader tolerance generally show improved persistence. The capacity of species to survive in extreme physical changes along the urban-rural gradient varies greatly as their responses mainly depend on their specific ecological traits such as body mass, dietary niche, migratory strategy, habitat affinity, and behavioural plasticity. Little is documented on ground-nesting birds in urban areas. Lapwings are ground-nesting birds that appear to be persisting in urban landscape mosaics in South Africa. The persistence of Blacksmith (Vanellus armatus) and Crowned Lapwings (V. coronatus) in selected metropolitan areas of KwaZulu-Natal was assessed. Information about their occurrence, habitat use, distribution, and behaviour in urban mosaic landscapes was investigated by conducting monthly surveys and observations and with citizen science feedback. During the breeding season, the influence of anthropogenic activities and different land uses on the nesting ecology of lapwings breeding in the urban mosaic landscape of Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, was determined. Blacksmith Lapwings' presence in the urban mosaic landscape depended on water availability, temperature, habitat type, resource availability, and grass height. Both lapwing species required short grasslands in urban mosaic landscapes and nested in pairs in open areas. At certain times of the year, they congregated in single species flocks in some regions of the urban mosaic landscape, particularly open green spaces, for feeding and socialising. Despite all the anthropogenic factors affecting ground nesting birds in urban mosaic landscapes, lapwings show behavioural plasticity and use natural and managed green spaces for their persistence here. Bridging the gap between urban development and conservation practices is crucial in creating environments that can support the needs of humans and wildlife in mosaic urban landscapes
"Exile is a traumatizing horror, a nightmare of terror, a destabilizing drama, a suicidal downer, a dehumanizing outrage, a continuous bondage”: a psychobiography of Hugh Ramapolo Masekela.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Various studies provide explorations and descriptions of the implications of exile. However, fewer South African studies give a psychobiographical account of the implications of exile on personhood and/or personality development. Psychobiography is qualitative in nature and refers to the systematic, descriptive, and explorative study of the life histories of past or present significant and influential members of society in light of psychological conceptions. The primary aim of this study is to give a psychobiographical account of the implications of exile on Hugh Ramapolo Masekela’s (1939-2018) psychodynamic life. Purposive sampling was used to select Masekela as the psychobiographical subject. His experience of exile for thirty years, extraordinary musical abilities, sociopolitical activism, and rich biographical data make him a suitable subject. Masekela’s musical abilities earned him global recognition as the father of South African jazz music. He employed his music, including live performances, as his political voice against the apartheid regime. The researcher established an analytical matrix to classify data and employed Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development to systematically evaluate and extrapolate Masekela’s life history. Erikson’s theory emphasises how historical, social, cultural, and external environmental factors impact an individual’s personality development. The research findings revealed that Masekela’s sociohistorical context, including his early life and the occurrences of his external environment, complicated his identity development and, subsequently, his ability to cope and adapt during exile. Masekela experienced a sense of mistrust in himself and his external environment, exilic trauma, anxiety and personal destabilisation. He also experienced feelings of isolation, loss and inadequacy. Masekela’s experience of exile perpetuated his regression to past psychosocial conflicts, alongside his psychosocial moratorium and identity confusion. Even so, Masekela’s continuing sense of purpose and competence facilitated the development of his career fidelity. Masekela had two significant experiences which led to his catharsis and the eventual resolution of previous psychosocial crises, namely: (a) his return from exile and (b) rehabilitation from substance use. Lastly, this
study contributes to South Africa’s progressing field of psychobiography as a methodological approach