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An assessment of environmental conservation and community participation processes in the Big 5 Hlabisa Local Municipality
No full textThesis submitted to the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at the University of Zululand, South Africa [2025].Environmental conservation practices, processes, and strategies are an active area of scholarly research. This is the context within which this study assessed environmental conservation and community participation processes in the Big 5 Hlabisa Local Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The objectives of the study were to: a) examine the environmental conservation practices and community participation processes adopted by the communities in the Big 5 Hlabisa Local Municipality; b) examine the factors influencing community members‘ participation in environmental conservation in the study area, c) analyse the benefits of community members‘ participation in environmental conservation processes in the study area and d) explore community members‘ perception of land ownership and how this influences the environmental conservation processes. A mixed-methods approach was followed to achieve these objectives involving quantitative and qualitative approaches. It utilised questionnaire surveys and later involved interviews with selected research respondents. Qualitative data was analysed following a thematic approach while quantitative was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. The findings of this thesis indicate that residents were knowledgeable about the value of participating in environmental conservation, and their motivation for involvement emanated from the zeal to protect natural heritage and the progression of indigenous knowledge on conservation and were conversant with the monitoring of wildlife and plant conservation. Their perceptions of benefits showed mixed feelings; mostly on the scarcity of alternative sustainable livelihoods provided to augment forest/land resources acquired for conservation, and the issues of combating invasive plant species (water hyacinth) and seasonal flooding due to climate change. They indicated patriarchy as a factor in disfranchising women in socio-economic activities around the protected areas. Their apparent land ownership views indicated community-based ownership, with traditional leaders rather than the royal house or government overseeing land management. These outcomes debunked the trusteeship issues around the study areas, thus, the Common Property and Institutional Choice theories are not practically viable, as community members alleged minimal or non-existent involvement in communal land/forest planning, strategies, and processes in environmental conservation. The recommendations include quality education and financing, utilisation of ecofeminism in curbing socioeconomic aspects of community participation, and consideration in mapping out conservation planning and strategies
Factors influencing South African grade 11 learners’ performance in Mathematics in Johannesburg West, South Africa
No full textThesis submitted to the Faculty of Education in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Education in the Department of Educational Foundations and Management at the University of Zululand, South Africa [2025].This study investigated the factors influencing the performance of South African Grade 11 learners in Mathematics. The purpose of this research was to identify the underlying causes of poor Mathematics performance among these learners, which limited their eligibility for careers in fields such as engineering, finance, and computer science. The theoretical framework underpinning this study is the socio-ecological and conceptual framework is the Mbugua, Kibet, Muthaa and Nkonke’s (2012) model. A Mixed method was used to gain a comprehensive understanding of the performance of South African Grade 11 learners in Mathematics. The quantitative component involved a questionnaire administered to 150 Grade 11 learners from three selected schools, while the qualitative component included semi-structured interviews with six learners. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS while thematic coding was done for the interview transcripts. Quantitative findings revealed significant correlations between parental education and student outcomes. The primary findings indicate that learner motivation, teacher-learner interactions, and access to resources have a significant impact on Grade 11 Mathematics performance. Socioeconomic factors and inadequate teaching strategies present considerable challenges. Effective interventions should prioritise building learner confidence, improving teacher-learner relationships, and ensuring equitable access to quality education. A key recommendation is to prioritize professional development for teachers, focusing on strategies like differentiated instruction, effective communication with learners, and the integration of technology to enhance teaching and learning in Mathematics
Evaluation of records management practices in the Kwazulu-Natal Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector, South Africa
No full textA dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Commerce, Administration and Law in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Commerce in Public Administration in the Department of Political Science and Public Administration at the University of Zululand, South Africa [2025].The major aim of this study was to comprehensively evaluate records management practices in the KwaZulu-Natal Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector to achieve improved records management systems, quality service delivery and good corporate governance. The advent of new technology and fourth industrial revolution (4IR) has introduced new facets in the corporate environment including TVET Colleges in South Africa, thereby promoting the growing interest of TVET Colleges in adopting sustainable digital records management systems. This research study was premised on the hypothesis that both the management of paper-based and electronic records amounts to dissatisfactory and falls short of best recognised records management standards and practice. Thus, the primary research question was whether the extent of adherence to records management programmes, policies and standards in the study area yield the desired outcome, given that an effective records management programme plays a pivotal role in the efficient administration of a service oriented TVET College.
To achieve this, a literature review and an empirical investigation were conducted. The study was underpinned by both records’ life cycle and the records continuum model. The study utilised the interpretive research paradigm and adopted qualitative research methodology using case study design. The target population for the study was 151, with 116 respondents of those being purposively selected. Thus, purposive sampling was used to identify the research sample for the study. Using triangulated data collection methods, the researcher employed interview schedule, observation techniques, systems, and document analysis in order to enhance the validity and reliability of the research findings. Data obtained through interviews, observations, systems, and document analysis was analysed in terms of content analysis to derive pivotal themes of the study.
The key findings established that the general status of management of records in the TVET Colleges is inadequately positioned to support improved records management systems including, inter alia, insufficient integration of ICT in the management of records, thereby undermining the significant growth of the College on electronic services adoption, risk management processes, strategic planning processes, enhancing quality service delivery, promoting good governance, supporting democratic accountability, fulfilling legal and regulatory requirements, promoting and protecting human rights, and ensuring sound financial management. Although some initiatives have been undertaken to enhance records management
practices, the existing practices of the study area require serious improvement to the records management system. Therefore, based on the established empirical findings, it can be concluded that the selected study area does not conform to proper records management practices, thereby undermining good corporate governance, accountability, and quality service delivery in the TVET College arena.
Therefore, recommendations and a designed framework (TVET-AMSORT) for managing records in support of improved status quo of TVET Colleges in the study area, have been provided. Moreover, in the endeavour to enhance records management practices in the study area, a proposal for the implementation of the recommendations on a priority basis has also been provided.
The study’s contribution to scholarly works and literature in the field of public administration resides in its findings and designed framework that can be practically adopted for management of records in support of enhanced records management systems, quality service delivery and good corporate governance. By establishing the nexus between management of records and adherence to records management programmes, policies, and standards in the study area, it is hoped that the study will provide input to policymakers to consider records managers as key stakeholders in TVET Colleges. The study adds value to the prevailing theoretical and legislative phenomena that form the perpetual discourse on the application of improved records management practices in the TVET sector. However, the researcher could not include other TVET Colleges in South Africa due to time limitations. Thus, other researchers can focus on exploring the study in other research institutions in South Africa
Enhancing parental involvement in education at uMkhanyakude district
No full textThesis submitted to the Faculty of Education in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Education in the Department of Educational Foundations and Management at the University of Zululand, South Africa [2025].study aimed to enhance parental involvement in education. Parental involvement in a learner’s education level perplexed other stakeholders concerning whether parents understood their role. It had become a burning issue for educators, circuit officials and School Management Teams as they struggled to involve parents effectively in the teaching and learning process. Studies showed that parents usually blamed the teachers for the inferior performance of learners. The interpretivism paradigm was employed in this study to deepen the understanding of the problem through the eyes of the participants rather than the researcher. Twenty-five participants were sampled using non-probability sampling. A semi-structured interviews were conducted with the five selected participants and five focus groups with oral interviews recorded on audio tape for analysis. Data revealed the urgent need for capacitating stakeholders and parents were expected to play a key role in ensuring the effectiveness of educational involvement. Observations were conducted during parent meetings. Findings revealed three major themes that there were issues that affected the enhancement of parental involvement like perceptions, attitudes, and feelings. Second was the identification of challenges that curb supervision and when properly administered could benefit education. The third finding was the identification of strategies that could encourage parental involvement. Engagement could enhance the promotion of largest parental participation in teaching and learning in schools. The study concluded that parental participation in learner’s education was still a problem in schools. In conclusion, the study recommended that the South African Department of Education should develop a guide for parental involvement in school
Sustainability of SMEs and the effect of technology adoption on SMEs' business performance in the King Cetshwayo District Municipality
No full textA dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Commerce, Administration and Law in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Commerce in Economics in the Department of Economics at the University of Zululand, South Africa [2025].Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are vital for economic development, providing significant employment and contributing to sustainable growth. However, to remain competitive, SMEs must enhance their efficiency and performance, and adopting information technology (IT) systems can improve coordination, decision-making, customer satisfaction and overall organisational efficiency.
This study aims to investigate the impact of technology adoption, precisely information and communication technology (ICT) and financial technology (Fintech), on the business performance of SMEs in semi-rural regions such as the King Cetshwayo District Municipality (KCDM). A positivist paradigm is employed to achieve this goal, involving a quantitative approach incorporating a survey design and correlational analysis. “A unified framework is proposed that captures the antecedents of technology adoption, technology adoption intensity, and business performance outcomes. Data was obtained through questionnaires from senior managers and business owners across various industries in the district. 800 questionnaires were administered, and 604 valid questionnaires were analysed.
A multinomial logistic regression was used to analyse the sustainability/viability of the SMEs and their innovative capacity. SMEs’ sustainability was measured by the level of their turnover, whereas the extent of their adoption of financial technology accounts for their innovative capacity. The results indicated that higher education and better adaptability to ICT are positively correlated with SMEs advancing in their innovative capacity. In addition, SMEs' sustainability is influenced by the socio-demographic and economic factors of the entrepreneur. To explain the impact of technology adoption on SME business performance, Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to conduct empirical analyses on the survey data. The results indicate that enhancing technology intensity positively impacts SMEs' business performance, including efficiency and sales.
From the study, it can be reasonably argued that technology enhances the performance of SMEs in the King Cetshwayo District Municipality (KCDM); this was achieved by switching from the customary labour-intensive ways of production and doing business. Some of the recommendations of this study included that owners of SMEs in semi-rural regions like the KCDM should prioritise and develop organisational learning abilities through research into practices for more productive ways of adopting emerging technologies. In addition, SMEs in the district should consider the trade-off between labour use and emerging technologies, as this will reduce the cost of production and enhance the efficiency of production processes. Regarding policy implications, the government should create an enabling environment by providing ICT infrastructures that allow small business owners in rural and semi-rural regions to leverage emerging technology to thrive. In addition, depending on the level and stages of technology adoption during the production process, government and SME stakeholders should develop ways of offsetting potential job losses that may arise from adopting technology
Cost of elections and administration
No full textA thesis submitted to the Faculty of Commerce, Administration and Law in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Public Administration at the University of Zululand, South Africa [2023].The study comparatively examined the influence of electoral costs on election administration in Nigeria and South Africa. The crucial question, therefore, was that whether higher costs expended on election administration translate to better performance in election administration by the election management bodies (EMBs) to produce credible elections in Nigeria and South Africa? The study therefore, examined the level of the costs of election administration in Nigeria and South Africa; assessed how efficient election administration is in Nigeria and South Africa; appraised the factors impacting on the rising costs of election administration in Nigeria and South Africa; examined the influence of electoral costs on the performance of EMBs in election administration in Nigeria and South Africa; and identified other factors influencing election administration in Nigeria and South Africa. This study became important as there remains a general lack of consensus in existing literature on whether the costs expended on election administration translate into better performance of the EMBs in election administration and delivery of credible elections. This study sought to comparatively establish the case for Nigeria and South Africa. The study utilized primary and secondary data sourced from Nigeria and South Africa. It adopted the exploratory research design, the qualitative method of data collection and analysis, and the interpretivist/constructivist research paradigm. Primary data was sourced using semi-structured interviews. A total of twenty-one (21) key informant interviewees (KIIs) were purposively selected from relevant electoral stakeholders in the countries of study, based on their experiences, expertise and practical involvement in electoral costs/budgeting, and election administration in the countries. Data collected was analyzed using qualitative thematic analysis. On the other hand, secondary data was sourced from relevant extant literature on the subject matter. Hence, secondary data was sourced from textbooks, journal and magazine articles, newspaper reports, official documents and gazettes, and the Internet. The secondary data complemented the primary data for this study. Theoretically, the study adopted the resource-based view (RBV) theory of management to further the understanding of the relationship between electoral costs and election administration. The RBV theory was used to further buttress how resources available to the electoral commission influences election administration in South Africa, while the submission of the framework was refuted for the case of Nigeria, wherein it is not always the case that better level of efficiency in election administration was achieved when more resources were deployed in election administration. While the assumption of the framework was therefore, valid for South Africa, it was not the case for Nigeria. Findings show that the costs of election administration in Nigeria and South Africa have been rising astronomically since 1999 and 1994 respectively. On the efficiency in election administration in the countries, the study found that while there have been improvements in election administration in Nigeria, there are still serious perennial challenges besetting the process, which continue to undermine high level of efficiency in election administration. Whereas, for South Africa, the level of efficiency attained in election administration over the years, is relatively high, albeit, with embedded challenges too. The study also revealed that both common and specific factors continue to influence the rising costs of election administration in Nigeria and South Africa. Among the common factors are inflation, rising voting population and number of political parties, foreign exchange volatility, the quest by the electoral commissions to improve the electoral process, and the increasing use of technologies for election administration, etc. Specifically for Nigeria, the large size of the country and huge population, high spate of electoral insecurity, and staggered elections were identified; while for South Africa, monies allotted to political parties, overseas voting, special vote system, and increased electoral litigations, etc. were identified. Findings also revealed that while electoral costs are generally germane for successful election administration, the costs expended on election administration in Nigeria has not culminated in better performance of the Nigerian Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in election administration and delivery of credible elections. Whereas, for South Africa, the costs expended on election administration has glaringly impacted on the performance of the South African Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) over the years. Furthermore, the study showed that a host of other common and specific factors, other than costs influence election administration in Nigeria and South Africa. Among the common factors are logistics challenges, legal requirements, and restrictions, and partial and partisan ad-hoc electoral officers, etc. Specifically for Nigeria, factors such as pressure and political interference from diverse political actors in the country, lack of critical electoral reforms and proper training of INEC personnel, political will, and the appointment procedures of principal officers of INEC, etc. continue to influence election administration. For South Africa, economic realities (scarce resources), violence, gerrymandering, poor voter education, and the lingering impact of apartheid, etc. are some of the other factors influencing election administration in the country. The study concluded that whereas electoral costs are important for successful election administration, nevertheless, it is not always the case that higher electoral costs will guarantee better performance of EMBs in the election administration and delivery of credible elections, just as the cases of Nigeria and South Africa have shown. Among others, the study made some recommendations that there is the urgent need for the South African parliament to increase the budget and funding of the IEC, to improve their performance in election administration; and that both the Nigerian INEC and the South African IEC need to adopt a recycling (re-use) of ad-hoc electoral personnel for different elections, in order to save the costs expended on training fresh hands during each election year and ensure that people become experts and professionals of election administration over time. Furthermore, both Nigerian and South African Parliaments and executive arms of government must be more deliberate and show more political will to ensure accountability within the electoral commissions in the countries.OKUHUNYUSHWE NGOLIMI LWESIZULU
ISIFINGO
Lesisifundo sihlola ngokuqhathanisa umthelela wezindleko zokuphathwa kokhetho eNigeria naseMzansi Afrika. Umbuzo obalulekile ukuthi ngabe izindleko eziphezulu ezisetshenziswa ukuphatha ukhetho zichaza ukusebenza kahle kwezinhlaka eziphethe ukhetho (EMBs) ukuletha ukhetho oluqotho eNigeria nase Mzansi Afrika? Ngokho ke lesisfundo sihlole izindleko zokuphathwa kokhetho eNigeria nase Mzansi Afrika, saphinda sahlolisisa ukuthi kunempumelelo engakanani ukuphathwa kokhetho eNigeria nasMzansi Afrika: imibiko yokuhlola imithelela eholela ekunyukeni kwezindleko zokuphathwa kokhetho eNigeria naseMzansi Afrika; kwahlolisiswa nomthelela wezindleko zokhetho ekusebenzeni kwezinhlaka eziphethe ukhetho (EMBs) ekuphathweni kokhetho eNigeria naseMzansi Afrika; kwase kwakhombakala nezinye izinto ezinomthelela ekuphathweni kokhetho eNigeria naseMzansi Afrika. Lesisfundo sivele sabaluleka kakhulu njengoba kungakabonakali ukuvumelana kwemibhalo ekhona ekutheni ingabe izindleko ezichithwa ekuphathweni kokhetho ziholela ekutheni izinhlaka eziphethe ukhetho (EMBs) zisebenze ngezinga eliphezulu ukuletha ukhetho oluqotho. Lesisifundo sifuna ukwakha icala ngokuqhathanisa phakathi kweNigeria noMzansi Afrika. Lesisfundo sisebenzise ulwazi oluyisisekelo nokungolwesibili oluthathwe eNigeria naseMzansi Afrika. Lithathe umklamo wocwaningo oluhlolayo, indlela esezingeni eliphezulu yokuqoqa ulwazi nokulihlaziya Kanye nomklamo wocwaningo lokuchaza/kwakha. Ulwazi oluyisisekelo lutholakale ngokusebenzisa izigamu zezingxoxo nabathize. Kukhethwe abantu abangamashumi amabili nanye ekuzoxoxiswana nabo kwizikhungo ezibambe iqhaza kulamazwe ekufundwa ngawo, mayelana nabahlangane nakho, ubuchwepheshe babo Kanye nokuzimbandakanya kwabo ohlelweni lokwaba nokuhlela izindleko zokhetho nokuphathwa kokhetho kulamazwe. Ulwazi oluqoqiwe luhlaziywe kusetshenziswa uhlaziyo olusezingeni eliphezulu futhi olungahlelwanga. Ngakolunye uhlangothi, ulwazi lwesibili lutholakale kwimibhalo ekhona ehlobene nalesisihloko. Ngalokho ke ulwazi lwesibili lutholakale ezincwadini, amajenali namaphephabhuku, imibiko yamaphephandaba, amadokhumenti omthetho Kanye namagazethi ne-intanethi. Ulwazi lwesibili luyahambisana nolwazi oluyisisekelo kulesisfundo. Ngokwemibono, lesisfundo sithathe itiyori yokuqhathanisa phakathi kwezinsizakusebenza Kanye namakhono (RBV) ukusabalalisa ukuqondwa kobudlelwane phakathi kwezindleko zokuvota Kanye nokuphathwa kokuvota. Okutholakele kukhombisa ukuthi izindleko zokuphathwa kokhetho eNigeria naseMzansi Afrika zilokhu zinyuka ngendlela eyisimanga kusuka ku 1999 no 1994 ngokwahlukana. Ekuphemeleleni kokuphathwa kokhetho kulamazwe , isifundo Sithole ukuthi nakuba kube nokuthuthuka ekuphathweni kokhetho eNigeria, kusanezinselelo ezinqala eziqhubekayo ezehlela lenqubo, eziqhubeka zibukele phansi izinga eliphezulu lempumelelo yokuphathwa kokhetho. Kanti-ke eMzansi Afrika, izinga lempumelelo etholakale ekuphathweni kokhetho kulemnyaka liye lakhula nakuba libe nezinselelo futhi. Isifundo sibuye saveza ukuthi kunemithelela ethize nevamile eqhubekayo ibe nomthelela ekukhuleni kwezindleko zokuphathwa kokhetho eNigeria naseMzansi Afriika. Phakathi kwemithelela evamile kubalwa ukwehla kwamandla emali, ukunyuka kwezibalo zabantu abahlala ezweni, izibalo zamaqembu ezepolitiki, ukuguquka kokushintshisana ngemali phakathi kwamazwe, ukulangazelela kwamakhomishini okhetho ukuthuthukisa inqubo yokuvota, nokunyuka kobuchwepheshe bokuphathwa kokuvota, Kanye nokunye. Kutholakale ukuthi inselelo yeNigeria ubukhulu bezwe Kanye nabahlali bakhona abaningi, ukungathembani okhethweni Kanye nokhetho oluntekenteke, kanti eMzansi Afrika kutholakale ukuthi izimali zabelwe amaqembu ezepolitiki, abavoti abapheshesheya kwezilwandle, izinhlelo eziyikhethelo zokuvota, ukwanda kokuqulwa kwamacala ezokhetho, Kanye nokunye. Kutholakale ukuthi nakuba izindleko zihambisana nempumelelo yokuphathwa kokhetho, izindleko ezichithwe ekuphathweni kokhetho eNigeria azilinyusanga izinga lokusebenza kahle kwe Khomishini ezimele yokhetho yaseNigeria (INEC) ekuphathweni nokuthulwa kokhetho oluqotho. EMzansi Afrika , izindleko ezichithwe ekuphathweni kokhetho zibe nomthelela ongemuhle ekusebenzeni kweKhomishini ezimele yokhetho (IEC) eminyakeni edlule. Ngaphezu kwalokho, isfundo sikhombisa ukuthi kuneminye imithelela ethize nevamile ngaphandle kwemithelelo yezindleko zokuphathwa kokhetho eNigeria nase Mzansi Afrika. Kwimithelela evamile, kubalwa izinselelo zokulungiselela nokuhlela, izidingo zemithetho, izikhinyabezo Kanye nabasebenzi bohlelo lokhetho. ENigeria kubalwa imithelela efana nengcindezi, ukugxambukela kwezepolitiki evela kubantu abahlukene bezepolitiki ezweni, ukungaguqulwa kwendlela yokuvota,nokuqeqeshwa kwezisebenzi zeKhomishini ezimele yokhetho (INEC), ukungazinikezeli kwezepolitiki Kanye nokuqokwa kwezindlela zokusebenza kwezinhloko zeINEC Kanye nokunye kuyaqhubeka nokuba nomthelela ekuphathweni kokhetho. EMzansi Africa, isimo somnotho (ukuntuleka kwezinsiza), udlame, ukukhwabanisa, ukungafundisi abantu ngokhetho, nemithelela yobandlululo Kanye nokunye, kunomthelela ekuphathweni kokhetho ezweni. Isifundo siphetha ngokuthi nakuba izindleko zokhetho zibalulekile ekuphathweni kokhetho ngempumelelo, akusho ukuthi izindleko zokhetho eziphezulu zizoqinisekisa ukusebenza kangcono kwezinhlaka eziphethe ukhetho EMBs ekuphatheni nasekuletheni ukhetho oluqotho, njengoba indaba yaseNigeria nase Mzansi Africa ivezile. Phakathi kokunye, isifundo senze izincomo zokuthi kunesidingo esiphuthumayo sokuthi iphalamende laseMzansi Afrika linyuse isabelomali Kanye nesikhwama seIEC, ukufukula indlela yayo yokusebenza ekuphatheni ukhetho, nokuthi womabili lamaKhomishini INEC yaseNigeria neIEC yaseMzansi Afrika badinga ukusebenzisa ngokuphindelela abasebenzi ababodwa ezinhlelweni zokhetho olwehlukene, ukuze kunciphe izindleko zokuqeqesha abantu abasha njalo uma kunokhetho nokuqinisekisa ukuthi abantu bagcina sebenolwazi olunzulu lokuphatha ukhetho uma isikhathi siqhubeka. Ngaphezu kwalokho, womabili amaphalamende elaseNigeria nelaseMzansi Afrika, nabaphathi bezinhlaka zikahulumeni kumele bakhombise ukuzimbandakanya ngokuphelele, bakhombise nentshisekelo yokuqinisekisa izimpendulo kumaKhomishini ezokhetho kulamazwe
Knowledge management practices in public libraries: a case study of uMkhanyakude district in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
No full textThesis submitted to the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Master of Arts on Information Science in the Department of Information Studies at the University of Zululand, South Africa [2024].The study's main purpose was to survey the knowledge management practices in public libraries in the uMkhanyakude District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. Three research objectives informed the study: to identify knowledge management practices in public libraries, understand the value of knowledge management practices in public libraries, and determine the factors hampering knowledge management practices in public libraries. The study was underpinned by knowledge creation whose founder is Nonaka (1994). The study was informed by the interpretivism research paradigm, which is associated with qualitative studies. The study collected data from six librarians who were purposively selected from public libraries. The study adopted a social anthropological approach, which thoroughly evaluated each participant's response. Data was collected from the participants through telephonic semi-structured interviews and was analysed using thematic analysis.
The study's findings showed that all six (100%) selected public libraries apply knowledge management practices. The findings of the study revealed that public libraries have knowledge sharing as the main knowledge management practice. It was noted that public libraries employ many practices, but each library employed its practices of choice depending on their knowledge management practices structure. The findings further showed that knowledge management practices in public libraries are employed through meetings, training, information sessions, and awareness, to mention a few. The findings revealed that knowledge management practices make the libraries usable.
The results also showed that 83.35% of public libraries had factors hampering knowledge management practices. The factors are not limited to shortage of funds, resources and space, and political interference. Several suggestions were made to improve knowledge management practices in public libraries. These suggestions include improving the library budget, increasing libraries’ building sizes, and conducting more staff training
Impact of court-annexed mediation in South Africa: a developmental perspective
No full textDissertation submitted to the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy on Development Studies in the Department of Anthropology and Development Studies at the University of Zululand, South Africa [2024].The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of court-annexed mediation on access to justice, the efficiency and effectiveness of the justice system, and maximisation of the benefits of court-annexed mediation in South Africa. Alternative dispute resolution has become a recognised approach to dispute resolution around the world, and its mechanisms, particularly, mediation, and arbitration, have evolved into powerful complementary dispute resolution processes for our courts. Therefore, this study was focused on the introduction of court-annexed mediation in the South African Justice system, a) to improve access to justice for the South African public, especially the poor, b) to improve the efficiency of the system and c) to reduce the ever-increasing case backlog in the civil courts amongst others. This desire to conduct the study was based on the premise that people continue to face barriers to justice despite the initiative to implement court-annexed mediation.
The primary theories utilized for this research are mediation and social justice theories. Mediation is one of the consensus-building processes in alternative dispute resolution. According to social justice theory, everyone is entitled to equal economic, political, and social rights and opportunities. The methodology employed was phenomenology, a qualitative approach, with data collected through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. Sampling was purposive, targeting individuals who had experienced court-annexed mediation, including mediators, individuals familiar with our court processes, and potential users of the service. The focus was on the experiences and preferences of the people of South Africa regarding court-annexed mediation.
The study found that challenges raised in the problem statement remain prevalent: Access to justice remains a challenge, and the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development initiative to implement court-annexed mediation was not successful. In addition, the court roll remains clogged with extensive backlogs. Furthermore, the study found that the South Africans, indeed, forfeited many benefits due to the failure to implement court-annexed mediation. In other countries, globally and on the African continent, court-annexed mediation has been implemented successfully, and the users have enjoyed its benefits, including the positive impact on their justice systems.
The findings of the study enabled the development of a framework for implementing court-annexed mediation in South Africa to solve the pending national problem, to advance the constitutional requirement of access to justice for all and to advance Sustainable Development Goal number 16. All the research questions were answered, and all the study objectives were also achieved
The three-dimensional approach to teaching addition and subtraction through the medium of isiZulu to adult learners in a correctional centre classroom
No full textDissertation submitted to the Faculty of Education in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Education in the Department of Curriculum and Instructional-Studies at the University of Zululand, South Africa [2024].Substandard mathematics performance in adults presents a significant educational challenge, particularly in multilingual contexts like South Africa. The aim of this study was to explore the use of Erickson and Lanning’s (2013) three-dimensional approach in developing the three-dimensions of numeracy within the context of learning addition and subtraction through the medium of isiZulu. The study was contextualized within the selected correctional centre adult mathematics classroom. The pragmatic epistemological stance was employed, and the study was framed within the QUANT-QUAL explanatory sequential mixed methods research design. The research endeavor operationalized qualitative and quantitative data to address the main research question, which is, how can the three-dimensional approach be used to teach addition and subtraction in the language of isiZulu to adult learners in a correctional centre classroom? Data, which were collected from one hundred and fifty purposively sampled adult learner-offenders through semi-structured interviews, document analysis, post-tests and pre-tests as well as written reflections, were analysed through the conceptual framework for adult mathematical learning through language. The findings revealed that isiZulu language is resourceful in actualizing the development of adult learner-offenders’ mathematics conceptual understanding. Furthermore, the study discovered that translanguaging and adult learner-offenders’ experiences are both scaffolds for synchronized advancement of the three dimensions of numeracy in isiZulu home language mathematics correctional centre classrooms. As the means towards alleviating the complexity of mathematics learning to adult learner-offenders whose home language is not English, the ILaBa-CoMaT model was developed to advance the concurrent understanding of addition and subtraction skills, facts, and concepts. The study concludes by designating the use of African indigenous languages in the teaching and learning of mathematics in adult correctional centre classrooms, thus challenging the South African curriculum and policy framework on adult education to reform the mathematics Language of Learning and Teaching
Teachers’ experiences of teaching sexual education among senior phase learners in rural primary schools of the Soutpansberg West Circuit
No full textDissertation submitted to the Faculty of Education in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Education in the Department of Social Science at the University of Zululand, South Africa [2024].Sexuality Education was introduced to avert high rates of HIV, unwanted pregnancy, and gender-based violence among learners. However, these challenges are still persistent in rural-based schools regardless of Sexuality Education offered at schools. The aim of this study was to explore teachers’ experiences of teaching Sexuality Education among senior phase learners in rural primary and secondary schools of the Soutpansberg West Circuit in order to develop a guideline to enhance effective teaching. The study was underpinned by systems theory. The study was conducted in two phases. First phase one is situational analysis aimed at understanding the teachers’ experiences of teaching Sexuality Education among senior phase learners in schools of the Soutpansberg West Circuit. This phase was achieved by conducting a qualitative study using Husserl’s descriptive phenomenology. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews from 14 criterion-purposively selected teachers and analysed following Collaizi’s seven steps for data analysis. The findings indicated that teachers have both negative and positive perceptions towards Sexuality Education, which in turn affect how they offer Sexuality Education. The findings further highlighted several factors that affect the effectiveness of Sexuality Education, such as considering Sexuality Education as taboo, lack of adequate knowledge and skills among teachers, cultural beliefs, religious beliefs, how Life orientation is viewed as a subject, and the views of learners and parents regarding Sexuality Education. Phase two of the study focused on developing and presenting the guidelines for enhancing the effectiveness of Sexuality Education in Soutpansberg West Circuit. The guideline was developed following the process highlighted by De Leo, Bloxsome, and Bayes, and the World Health Organisation. The guideline focuses on enhancing approaches used for Sexuality Education, addressing the factors that affect Sexuality Education teachers’ perceptions of Sexuality Education. The scope was based on the study objectives and critical study findings. The findings and developed guidelines can contribute to improving Sexuality Education curriculum in rural areas, offering of Sexuality Education, and increasing the effectiveness of Sexuality Education