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Community involvement trends in the housing development processes in a selected township in Cape Town, South Africa
No full textDissertation submitted for the fulfilment of the degree Master of Technology: Public Management in the Faculty of Business and Management at Cape Peninsula University of TechnologyThe aim of this study was to assess Community involvement trends in the Housing Development processes in a Selected Township in Cape Town, South Africa. Democracy that was conceived in 1994 in South Africa brought about changes in all the spheres of government regarding provision of basic services such as affordable, basic housing and shelter. Notably, the Bill of Rights provides for protection of human rights by acknowledging participatory democracy where all citizens make decisions in matters affecting them. Participation builds an informed and responsible citizenry with a sense of ownership of government developments and projects. It allows municipalities to buy in and develop partnerships with stakeholders. Community participation is a concept often mentioned in community development.
Participation in some other local areas comes at a price: local democracy is challenged when stakeholders with diverse interests are tasked to provide basic services and affordable human settlement in other areas in the Western Cape. Similarly, while elected councillors make the ultimate decisions, residents should be consulted as for as possible. Involvement of service providers such as private companies in the provision of RDP houses raised questions for the communities such as Khayelitsha. It is believed that government is unable to have all the resources that make the provision of houses successful; hence there are challenges that were experienced during the process. Among the challenges, community participation was limited. Other constraints were structural problems emanating from the legacy of the apartheid housing design and provision of land.
A mixed method approach was employed in order to collect data using both qualitative and quantitative instruments. The primary source for data collection comprised in-depth focus groups, interviews, questionnaires and observation. The sample was extracted from the population of local beneficiaries of Khayelitsha Township, in the Western Cape. In this study, the researcher explored diverse views from literature reviewed, perceptions and opinions of local residents and beneficiaries of low cost housing; regarding their engagement in housing development projects in their area of jurisdiction. Findings from this study revealed that there was limited involvement of the community members in housing development in Khayelitsha. Challenges were experienced by community members; such as limited participation, lack of information on housing development, limited land on which to build low-cost houses, lack of transparency and accountability on the side of the private companies. The study recommends that national and provincial government need to adopt a participatory development approach towards the implementation of housing developments in order to accommodate the community’s views and enable them to benefit in the process when they raise their voices
Information technology in a complex economy : the African oil and gas industry
No full textThesis (DTech (Information Technology))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2015.The energy sector is fast nearing a tipping point of no turning back. Transitioning from fossil fuel to renewable energy holds both threats and opportunities for businesses across the world. Africa is a continent rich in natural resources. The World Bank predicts that by 2020 only four or five African countries will not be involved in mineral exploitation. However, the continent is in economic, political and social crises with the majority of Africans living in poverty. As an enabler of business, business expects information technology (IT) to support, grow and maintain their existing portfolio of IT products and services while at the same time innovate and build new IT competencies to respond rapidly to the transition towards renewable energy. But, IT leadership is blamed for being rigid and unable to service the evolving needs of their organisations. As a result, traditional management theory is failing IT leadership in responding to the rapid rate of change required for serving as an enabler and transformational agent for business in leveraging technology to create a competitive advantage. As an enabler of business, the rate of implementing new products and services has a direct impact on organisational competitiveness, something that traditional management theory does not provide for. Theory tells us what technical skills the IT department requires; it does not tell us what people skills are required. In addition, business managers in Africa need to develop the ability to integrate traditional and conventional management styles to resolve the unique challenges they face. The implementation of an effective and efficient IT department remains problematic for business and IT management as traditional management theory does not necessarily support the implementation of IT within organisations in the African Oil and Gas industry. This research explores the disconnect between traditional management theory and the way that IT implementation works within the African Oil and Gas industry. The study followed an inductive research approach. The research paradigm fluctuated between exploratory humanism and interpretivism. The African Oil and Gas industry presents the case study. A multistage mixed-model research design (a subset of mixed method research) was followed, combining quantitative data with qualitative data in order to add depth to the findings. The multistage mixed-model research design allowed for the collection and corroboration of data and enhanced the credibility of the study. This design was used to expand the qualitative and quantitative data collected by challenging the results from both methods
Transitional flow of non-newtonian fluids in open channels of different shapes
No full textThesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Master of Technology: Chemical Engineering in the Faculty of Engineering at the Cape Peninsula University of TechnologyOpen channels are widely used in the mining industries where homogeneous non-Newtonian slurries have to be transported around plants (Sanders et al., 2002). As water becomes scarcer and more costly due to legislative limitations, higher concentrations of slurries have to be transported. Very little work had been done to predict the laminar-turbulent transition flow of non-Newtonian fluids in open-channels. The effect of open channel on flow of non-Newtonian fluids in the transition region is not well understood. A systematic study on the effect of open channel shape on transitional flow for different non-Newtonian fluids has as far as can be ascertained not been conducted to date.
This work investigated the effect of the channel cross-sectional shape on transitional flow of non-Newtonian fluids.
There are a number of analytical and empirical methods available for the prediction of transitional flow in open channels. However, there are no conclusive guidelines in the literature that would predict the transitional flow for different shapes.
A large experimental database for non-Newtonian flow produced by the Flow Process Research Centre at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology in rectangular, trapezoidal, semi-circular and triangular channels at slopes varying from 1° to 5° was used to achieve the objective. The test fluids consisted of bentonite and kaolin clay suspensions, and solutions of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) of various concentrations. The shear stress - shear rate behaviour of each test fluid was measured using in-line tube viscometry.
To evaluate predictive models of transitional flow in various channel shapes, a comparison of critical actual velocities with models velocities was conducted for power law, Bingham plastic and yield-shear thinning fluids. After comparison of various models in different flume shapes, Haldenwang‟s critical Reynolds number for rectangular channels was deemed to be the best predictive model. To improve Haldenwang‟s critical Reynolds number, new correlations based on Haldenwang‟s (2003) method were developed for each shape studied and their corresponding critical velocities were compared.
By combining all the transition data for the four shapes a new correlation “combined model” was developed for onset of transition and onset of full turbulence which can adequately accommodate the four different channel shapes for all fluids tested
A solar water purification system for rural areas
No full textThesis (MTech (Mechanical Engineering))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2015.Access to adequate quantities of clean drinking water has become a serious issue on the
worldwide level. This is particularly true in arid and rural areas where for the majority of
people water is a limited and a vulnerable resource. These water sources which are often
highly contaminated are potentially the cause for several diseases (waterborne diseases) and
ultimately death especially in infants. Due to poverty and sometimes to the remote conditions
of their regions, the population is unable to afford adequate water purification technologies,
since they are relatively expensive and energy intensive. It is therefore vital to investigate
appropriate water purification technology that people can afford or construct, operate and
maintain themselves.
A promising technology is solar distillation for the supply of drinking water on a small-scale
level. It has proved to be a unique purification method as it can purify almost any type of
water by using the high solar energy potential of the affected regions. The most basic form of
solar distillation is the use of a single basin single slope solar still. However the downside of
this technology is that it presents a low efficiency and productivity. To try to tackle this
problem, many studies have been carried out to enhance productivity, effectiveness and
efficiency of single-basin solar stills.
In this present study, a solar distillation unit was designed, fabricated and experimentally
tested. Its performance in terms of distillate output and energy efficiency was analysed under
Cape Town conditions and compared to similar stills that have been reported in the literature.
The main configuration of the solar still is a double glazed single basin solar still coupled to
an external condenser.
The study indicated that the performance of the solar still unit can be enhanced by increasing
the evaporation rate which is a combined effect of solar radiation, ambient temperature, and
the system components temperature. It was concluded that the applied techniques such as the
external condenser, double glazing, good insulation and low level of water are effective. The
unit was found to have an efficiency ranging between 21 and 29% over the test period and a
mean distillate yield of about 2.5 litres per square meter was achieved per day
Knowledge management in the IT outsourcing service Industry of South Africa: a case of Western Cape and Gauteng Provinces
No full textThesis Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Master of Technology (MTech) in Information Technology in the Faculty of Informatics and Design at the Cape Peninsula University of TechnonlogyThe sourcing of IT solutions (whether to provide internal solutions or to outsource services to specialized IT service providers) is a major strategic decision for all organizations. This study sought to explore the dynamics of Knowledge Management (KM) implementations in the Information Technology (IT) services outsourcing industry. A qualitative research method was then used to carry out the investigation. Using the purposive sampling technique, the IT services industry, comprising IT services clients and service providing organizations (contractors) in both the public and private sectors were the main sources of primary data, whereas secondary data came from the literature. Then, because of its alignment to the interrogation of a subjective nature that requires interpretation (KM in IT outsourcing industry), critical paradigm together with interpretive paradigm collectively known as critical-interpretive paradigm became appropriate for this study. The primary data was collected through the use of interviews which were subsequently subjected to content analysis and the Actor Network Theory (ANT) was deployed as the analytical lens. ANT aided in drawing a comparison between the ideal IT services industry network and the actual meaning of the findings. Findings reveal that whilst most service providing organizations (contractors) demonstrate significant improvement in the management of knowledge assets, particularly the protection of intellectual property, the same cannot be said of their clients. Further, although there are encouraging cases of good practice and comprehension of the benefits of outsourcing in both sectors, IT services clients still engage in careless practices when appointing their contractors. For example, in most cases the clients’ appointing panels are not representative of all stakeholders but only limited to management with no regard for the input from IT professionals. Low numbers of dedicated KM departments in IT services client organizations is also a concern since it is these departments who should champion the KM processes and implementations. On outsourcing, it is recommended that organizations must implement clear and representative selection policies during the selection of contractors and not just rely on past experiences or exclude other key stakeholders. On the protection of intellectual property (IP) and organizational culture, a recommendation is that organizations should define clear KM processes aimed at addressing issues from deliberate protection of knowledge assets to timely and secure dissemination of knowledge. The allocation of sufficient time to knowledge workers to integrate, discover better ways of doing things is also proposed, together with a concise definition of how new ideas will be evaluated and selected for further development and investment
The effects of dietary Buriti oil (Mauritia flexuosa) supplementation on rat reproductive function
No full textThesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Master of Technology: Biomedical Technology In the Faculty of Health and Wellness sciences at the Cape Peninsula University of TechnologyOxidative stress (OS) plays a major role in the pathogenesis of different conditions including male infertility. OS is caused by high amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that exceed the antioxidant ability of a system. The sperm membrane is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids and is prone to damage by ROS. Sperm damage decreases motility, concentration and viability. Testicular oxidative stress impairs Leydig cell function and leads to decreased hormonal control as the cells secrete testosterone.
Studies have shown the role of antioxidants in the fight against OS. Recently more studies have been focused on the use of natural antioxidants derived from fruits, vegetables, nuts and oils for this purpose. The effects of Buriti oil supplementation have been investigated in the diet and it had been shown that it is rich in carotenoids and vitamin E. This study explored the antioxidant effects of Buriti oil on testicular tissue, epidymal tissue and hormonal function in male Wistar rats. Experiments were conducted for 6 weeks and male adult Wistar rats (10 weeks) were divided into two groups (n=30) for each group. The control group received standard rat chow and water while the experimental group received Buriti oil, rat chow and water daily. Both groups were exposed to natural physiological OS. The plasma, testicular and epididymal tissue samples of both groups were analysed for various parameters. Testicular weight and epididymal weight of rats fed with Buriti oil were significantly increased compared to the control group. Testicular and epididymal MDA levels were decreased in rats fed with Buriti oil compared to the control group. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) activities were increased in both epididymal and testicular tissue of the Buriti oil fed group than the control group. Data were expressed in mean ± SEM.
In conclusion, our findings suggest that Buriti oil supplementation could prevent OS damage in the male reproductive system
Male University students’ knowledge, beliefs and attitude towards screening for prostate cancer in Benin City, Nigeria
No full textDISSERTATION SUBMITTED IN FINAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE MASTERS OF TECHNOLOGIAE IN NURSING
IN THE FACULTY OF HEALTH AND WELLNESS SCIENCES AT THE CAPE PENINSULA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
2015Beliefs and awareness towards prostate cancer screening among men is very crucial for early detection and management of the condition. From various literatures reviewed, prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death amongst men. In Nigeria, it is the most common male cancer and may be as high as that seen in African Americans in the United State. In most developing countries e.g Benin Republic, Gambia, Senegal, Ghana, and Nigeria, access to health care and prostate cancer screening methods for early detection is limited. AIM: The aim of the study is to assess the knowledge, belief and attitude of male students in the Benson Idahosa University, Benin City, Nigeria towards prostate cancer screening in order to curb the high incidence and death rate resulting from this disease. POPULATION: The study populations will be Faculty of Social and management Science students of range 18-35 years at Benson Idahosa University, Benin-City, Nigeria. SAMPLE: All students will be selected from the number of male students that are registered in the Faculty of Social Science. METHODOLOGY: This design selected for this study is qualitative cross-sectional. METHOD OF DATA COLLECTION: Interviews and questionnaires will be used as tool for data collection. KEY FINDINGS: The students had never received information from their health care provider about prostate cancer. Very few were able to identify the possible symptoms of prostate cancer. There is low level of knowledge about prostate cancer screening and they do not know what abnormal prostate specific antigen (PSA) is. Majority of the participants gained informed knowledge about prostate cancer screening for the first time from this study. The students have a pronounced negative attitude towards prostate cancer screening. Lack of awareness about cancer screening programs is also identified as a major barrier why many Nigerian men do not go for screening. The level of education has a positive influence to prostate cancer and screening. Prostate cancer screening is not a taboo to Bini culture. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study revealed that there is low level of knowledge about prostate cancer among male university students in Benin-City, Nigeria. RECOMMENDATIONS: Initiation of cancer teachings in schools, churches, and traditional gatherings. Demonstrations with the use posters in public places about prostate cancer menace and screening should be 3
encouraged. There should be implementation of policy that every male student from age 30 be involved in health education and promotion programs for prostate cancer.
KEYWORDS: male, University students, knowledge of prostate cancer, beliefs and attitude towards screening for prostate cancer, Prostate cancer screenin
The antioxidative and cytotoxic effects of hibiscus sabdariffa on mcf7 and mcf12a breast cell lines
No full textThesis (MTech (Biomedical Technology))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2015.Cancer is the leading cause of death in both developed and developing countries. In particular, breast cancer is regarded as the most common neoplastic disease in females and accounts for the high mortality rates in women. Increased mortality rates could be attributed to ineffective current cancer treatment modalities that have been implicated to cause multidrug resistance, high toxicity and induction of several side effects. In addition, oxidative stress appears to play a role in the development of breast cancer. Therefore, current cancer research aims to search for plant based anticancer compounds with less side effects and toxicity towards the human body. An example of such a plant is Hibiscus sabdariffa also known as roselle and is reported to have bioactive compounds that exhibit anticancer and antioxidant effects. However, the effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa on breast cancer in relation to oxidative stress and apoptosis have not been investigated.
In this research study, the aim was to evaluate the cytotoxic and antioxidant effects of water and methanolic extracts of Hibiscus sabdariffa (HS) on cancerous MCF7 and non-cancerous MCF12A breast cell lines with special reference to oxidative stress and apoptosis. This was done based on the fact that HS has been documented for its traditional use against cancer and other ailments
The antimicrobial and associated antioxidant activity of rooibos (aspalathus linearis) and honeybush (cyclopia intermedia) herbal teas
No full textThesis (MTech (Biomedical Technology))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2015.The increase in antibiotic resistant bacterial and fungal infections and the prevalence of oxidative stress-related conditions including cancers, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes has led to a consensus among pharmaceutical companies, clinicians and researchers that novel antimicrobial and antioxidant approaches are needed. These should be ideally efficacious, non toxic, easily accessible and affordable. There has been an increased interest in the identification of medicinal plants that possess both these bioactivities in an intrinsically related manner, allowing the simultaneous prevention of these ailments. Two South African herbal teas, rooibos and honeybush have been associated with a long history of medicinal use, hence their consideration for the current study. Numerous studies have been performed to evaluate the antioxidant activities of these South African herbal teas, however limited information about their antimicrobial activity currently exists.National Research Foundatio
Design for collaboration in South Africa : an activity theory perspective on participatory design
No full textThesis (DTech (Design))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2015.Participatory Design (PD) is increasingly being used as a methodology by local
government, private designers and design researchers in the Western Cape, South
Africa, to democratise the design of product service systems (PSS). Activity theory,
specifically Cultural Historical Activity Theory (CHAT) offers PD researchers and
practitioners involved in the collaborative design and development of socio-technical
PSS’s an interpretive lens through which to a) identify existing and potential
contradictions and tensions within and between work activity systems for design
interventions, and b) provide designers with a conceptual model of investigation. In
the last decade participatory development studies have interrogated public
participation and approaches to the involvement of civil society in their own
development, essentially embracing a shift from passive participation to active
participation. PD and participatory development share a number of beliefs,
methodologies and goals. This thesis explores the potential of CHAT in contributing
to the extension of PD practices, beyond a workplace focus and into the sociotechnical
development of communities at large. Legacy projects and activities - those aimed at extending the impact of emergent design and innovation - arising out of Cape Town’s designation as World Design Capital 2014 often require community-based participatory design (CbPD) and the development of socio-technical PSS through holistic approaches, centred around participant needs, activities and aspirations. This approach can contribute to social capital and more active citizenry. The research presented in this thesis draws from an in-depth CbPD project based in an informal settlement in Cape Town, South Africa. The project focussed on solid waste management (SWM) work and life activities and resulted in co-designed PSS solutions. Based in a quad-helix partnership between local government, the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, private designers and the community members themselves, this project a) tested CHAT in the fields of CbPD and PSS design, identifying tensions and contradictions as opportunities for design intervention and, b) produced conceptual and process models, which blend CHAT and service design, for further testing in the design of socio-technical PSS. The overall result is a homegrown methodology for CbP