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A decolonial analysis of the Justice Zondo Commission report on state capture
No full textText in EnglishThis study analyses the Justice Zondo Commission Report on state capture, which is intrinsically embedded in coloniality, by using a decoloniality framework. The central objective of this research is to examine and critique the discourses of privilege and power in South Africa's political establishments which flourish in the report´s claims of legal and constitutional objectivity while excluding interpretations based on coloniality of power, knowledge and being to achieve justice and legitimacy. This study problematises the report’s definition and framing of the state capture discourse in South Africa on grounds of its neoliberal foundations which are disguised in legality and constitutionality.
Decoloniality as a theoretical framework, as espoused by the philosophers and theorists referred to in this study, is suited for analysing power and knowledge relations, which are central to the questions and objectives of this study. As such, decoloniality adds an insightful approach to the phenomenon of state capture, which has been widely framed against the backdrop of a populist neoliberal and polemic understanding that conceals
rather than reveals how power and privilege function systemically and structurally. Methodologically, this study employed a qualitative research design, utilizing content
analysis, historical-critical analysis, thematic analysis, and discourse analysis—all within a decolonial interpretive framework. In short, this study observes that those discourses of power and privilege that identify corruption and state capture from powerful and privileged vantage political and economic points, might be corrupt and damaging to social justice themselves. In other words, those responsible for significant structural and systemic
corruption may highlight small-scale corruption against their competitors and use their hegemony to magnify such occurrences to disguise their own version of state capture. Accordingly, this study, in its limited way, attempts to reveal how terms such as “state capture” in South Africa may actually be produced and propagated to conceal the coloniality of the state as shaped by the colonial experience, history, and its aftermath in
post-Apartheid South Africa specifically and the Global South generally. This study postulates that the neoliberal nation-state, such as post-1994 South Africa, was shaped
intrinsically by the colonial, imperial, and Apartheid systems and structures of economic and political fundamentals. In the pursuit of conducting a decolonial analysis of the Justice Zondo Commission report in South Africa, this study explores the relevant and available
literature on decoloniality, state capture, the state in South Africa, Apartheid legacy as well as the aftermath of Apartheid to explore the elected subject area of the study. From the vantage points of its decolonial theoretical framework, literature, and methodology,
this study challenges the mainstream journalistic, media, scholarly and popular understanding of the concept of ‘state capture’ in South Africa specifically and the Global
South, in general. Addressing South Africa’s socio-economic crisis is impossible without a legitimate diagnosis of its root causes. The decolonial theory applied in this study aimed not only to transform the substance of intellectual and academic discussions on state capture and corruption but also challenged the underlying structures and language that sustain these narratives. In doing so, the study sought to reshape the tone of the discourse in ways that disrupt existing imbalances in global power relations. It is critical to note that decoloniality does not claim any state of neutrality and universal truthfulness. It does not deny the potential for its partiality or bias but courageously asserts
that all knowledge is partial. This study aims to contribute to the theory and literature and expand the scholarship in the disciplines of development studies, political studies, and media in South Africa, specifically and the Global South, in general. Furthermore, this study aims to inspire further research and studies on the critical topic of corruption, state capture, and post-coloniality in South Africa, Africa, and the Global South. In summary,
the issues of corruption, state capture, law and justice in South Africa, Africa, and the Global South are not as simple and clear-cut as they appear to be in the mainstream and social media, society, and the public discourses.D. Phil. (Development Studies)Development Studie
The pivotal role of educators in shaping the curriculum : a case study of Mpumalanga Province, South Africa
No full textAbstracts in English, Zulu and AfrikaansThis study investigated the pivotal role of teachers in the development of the curriculum in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. It highlights the challenges teachers face in aligning national curriculum policies with local classroom realities, aiming to understand teacher involvement in curriculum development. A case study strategy was used, focusing on four schools in Mpumalanga. The research employed semi-structured interviews involving teachers, Heads of Departments (HODs), principals, a circuit representative, and a provincial representative. This was complemented with the literature review that provided an analysis of existing research on curriculum development and the role of teachers in developing and developed countries.
Data was analysed using thematic analysis, revealing that, although participants acknowledge the importance of teachers’ involvement in curriculum development, their participation is limited to none, due to bureaucratic constraints, insufficient professional development, and lack of resources. Taba's Curriculum Development Model was used to better understand how teachers can effectively contribute to the process. Taba’s model advocate for a bottom-up approach, stressing the significance of teachers’ classroom experiences in creating effective curricula. The model helped identify gaps on teacher involvement in rural areas like Mpumalanga Province in South Africa.
The study’s key findings consolidated the outcomes of the research, providing a cohesive understanding of teachers’ roles in curriculum development and offering practical solutions for improving their involvement. Empirical findings revealed that teachers in Siyabuswa Circuit of Mpumalanga Province experience limited involvement in curriculum development due to hierarchical barriers and insufficient support. Findings further included the disconnect between policy intentions and classroom realities, lack of professional development, and resource limitations. The study confirmed Taba’s Curriculum Development Model, advocating for active teacher participation, but highlighted that teachers were often excluded due to hierarchical barriers.
The study concluded that systemic barriers continued to restrict teacher involvement in curriculum development, emphasising the need for targeted reforms.
Recommendations included enhancing professional development programs, increasing institutional flexibility, and providing adequate resources to support teachers in curriculum design.
The study also suggests directions for future research, including examining regional differences in curriculum development. These measures aimed to bridge the gap between policy and practice, ensuring that teachers could play a central role in shaping effective curricula that address learner needs.Lolu cwaningo luphenye ngeqhaza elibalulekile lothisha ekuthuthukiseni kukharikhulamu esifundazweni saseMpumalanga, eNingizimu Africa.Iqamisa izinselelo othisha ababhekana nazo ekuhlanganiseni izinqubomgomo zekharikhulamu kazwelonke namaqiniso asendaweni yasekilasini, okuhloswe ngayo ukuqonda ukuzibandakanya kothisha ekuthuthukisweni kwekharikhulamu. Ukubuyekezwa kwemibhalo kunikeza ukuhlaziywa kocwaningo olukhona mayelana nokuthuthukiswa kwekharikhulamu kanye neqhaza lothisha emazweni asathuthuka nathuthukile. Kusetshenziswe isu lokufunda ngendaba, eligxile ezikoleni ezine zaseMpumalanga. Lolu cwaningo lusebenzise izinhlolokhono ezingahlelekile ezibandakanya othisha, iziNhloko zeMinyango (ama-HOD), othishanhloko, omele isekethe kanye nomele isifundazwe. Idatha yahlaziywa kusetshenziswa ukuhlaziya okuyindikimba, kwembula ukuthi, nakuba ababambiqhaza bevuma ukubaluleka kokuzibandakanya kothisha ekuthuthukisweni kwekharikhulamu, ukubamba kwabo iqhaza kulinganiselwe ngenxa yezingqinamba zokuphatha, ukuthuthukiswa okunganele kochwepheshe, kanye nokuntuleka kwezinsiza.
Imodeli kaTaba Yokuthuthukiswa Kwekharikhulamu yasetshenziswa ukuze kuqondwe kangcono ukuthi othisha bangaba negalelo kanjani kule nqubo. Imodeli kaTaba yayikhuthaza indlela ebheke phansi, igcizelela ukubaluleka kokuhlangenwe nakho kothisha ekilasini ekwakheni ikharikhulamu ephumelelayo. Lo mfanekiso usize ekuboneni izikhala emibhalweni, ikakhulukazi ukuntuleka kocwaningo ngokubandakanyeka kothisha ezindaweni zasemakhaya njengeMpumalanga. Okutholwe okubalulekile kwalolu cwaningo kuhlanganise imiphumela yocwaningo, kunikeze ukuqonda okuhlangene kweqhaza lothisha ekuthuthukisweni kwekharikhulamu nokunikeza izixazululo ezisebenzayo zokuthuthukisa ukuzibandakanya kwabo. Okutholwe ngokuqina kwembula ukuthi othisha baseSifundazweni saseSiyabuswa esiFundazweni saseMpumalanga babamba iqhaza elincanyana ekuthuthukisweni kohlelo lwezifundo ngenxa yezithiyo zohlelo nokwesekwa okwanele. Okutholakele kuphinde kwahlanganisa nokunqanyulwa phakathi kwezinhloso zenqubomgomo namaqiniso ekilasini, ukuntuleka kokuthuthukiswa kochwepheshe, kanye nemikhawulo yezinsiza.
Lolu cwaningo luqinisekisile i-Curriculum Development Model kaTaba, ekhuthaza ukuhlanganyela kothisha ngenkuthalo, kodwa yagqamisa ukuthi othisha bavamise ukukhishwa inyumbazane ngenxa yemingcele yezigaba. Ucwaningo luphethe ngokuthi izithiyo zesistimu ziyaqhubeka nokukhawulela ukuzibandakanya kothisha ekuthuthukisweni kwekharikhulamu, kugcizelela isidingo sezinguquko ezihlosiwe. Izincomo zazihlanganisa ukuthuthukisa izinhlelo zokuthuthukiswa kochwepheshe, ukwandisa ukuguquguquka kwesikhungo, kanye nokuhlinzeka ngezinsiza ezanele zokusekela othisha ekwakhiweni kwekharikhulamu. Ucwaningo luphinde luphakamise izikhombisi-ndlela zocwaningo lwangomuso, okuhlanganisa nokuhlola umehluko wesifunda ekuthuthukisweni kwekharikhulamu. Lezi zinyathelo bezihlose ukuvala igebe phakathi kwenqubomgomo nokusebenza, ukuqinisekisa ukuthi othisha bangaba neqhaza elikhulu ekubumbeni izifundo ezisebenza ngempumelelo ezibhekana nezidingo zabafundi.Hierdie studie het die deurslaggewende rol van onderwysers in die ontwikkeling van die kurrikulum in Mpumalanga Provinsie, Suid-Afrika, ondersoek. Dit beklemtoon die uitdagings wat onderwysers in die gesig stear om nasionale kurrikulumbeleide in lyn te bring met plaaslike klaskamerrealiteite, met die doel om onderwyers se betrokkenheid by kurrikulumontwikkeling te verstaan. Die literatuuroorsig verskaf 'n ontleding van bestaande navorsing oor kurrikulumontwikkeling en die rol van onderwysers in ontwikkelende en ontwikkelde lande. ’n Gevallestudiestrategie is gebruik, met die fokus op vier skole in Mpumalanga.
Die navorsing het semi-gestruktureerde onderhoude gebruik wat onderwysers, departementshoofde (HOD's), skoolhoofde, 'n kringverteenwoordiger en 'n provinsiale verteenwoordiger betrek het. Data is ontleed met behulp van tematiese analise, wat aan die lig gebring het dat, alhoewel deelnemers die belangrikheid van onderwysers se betrokkenheid by kurrikulumontwikkeling erken, hul deelname beperk is as gevolg van burokratiese beperkings, onvoldoende professionele ontwikkeling en gebrek aan hulpbronne. Taba se Kurrikulumontwikkelingsmodel is gebruik om beter te verstaan hoe onderwysers effektief tot die proses kan bydra Taba se model het gepleit vir 'n onder-na-bo-benadering, wat die belangrikheid van onderwysers se klaskamerervarings in die skep van effektiewe kurrikulums beklemtoon.
Die model het gehelp om leemtes in die literatuur te identifiseer, veral die gebrek aan navorsing oor onderwyserbetrokkenheid in landelike gebiede soos Mpumalanga. Die studie se sleutelbevindinge het die uitkomste van die navorsing gekonsolideer, wat 'n samehangende begrip van onderwysers se rolle in kurrikulumontwikkeling verskaf het en praktiese oplossings bied om hul betrokkenheid te verbeter. Empiriese bevindinge het aan die lig gebring dat onderwysers in die Siyabuswa-distrik van Mpumalanga-provinsie beperkte betrokkenheid by kurrikulumontwikkeling ervaar as gevolg van hiërargiese hindernisse en onvoldoende ondersteuning. Bevindinge het verder die ontkoppeling tussen beleidsvoornemens en klaskamerrealiteite, gebrek aan professionele ontwikkeling en hulpbronbeperkings ingesluit.
Die studie het Taba se kurrikulumontwikkelingsmodel bevestig, wat vir aktiewe onderwyserdeelname gepleit het, maar het beklemtoon dat onderwysers dikwels uitgesluit is weens hiërargiese hindernisse. Die studie het tot die gevolgtrekking gekom dat sistemiese struikelblokke voortgaan om onderwysers se betrokkenheid by kurrikulumontwikkeling te beperk, wat die behoefte aan geteikende hervormings beklemtoon. Aanbevelings sluit in die verbetering van professionele ontwikkelingsprogramme, die verhoging van institusionele buigsaamheid en die verskaffing van voldoende hulpbronne om onderwysers in kurrikulumontwerp te ondersteun. Die studie stel ook rigtings vir toekomstige navorsing voor, insluitend die ondersoek van streeksverskille in kurrikulumontwikkeling. Hierdie maatreëls het ten doel gehad om die gaping tussen beleid en praktyk te oorbrug, om te verseker dat onderwysers 'n sentrale rol kan speel in die vorming van effektiewe kurrikulums wat leerderbehoeftes aanspreek.M. Ed. (Curriculum and Instructional Studies)Curriculum and Instructional Studie
Detecting informal structures within formal residential areas : a case of Bulawayo Metropolitan area
No full textThere has been an increase in informal structures in the Bulawayo metropolitan area, a province in Zimbabwe, and these cause a health hazard in the city. The city council needs to monitor these structures to address associated problems, but they do not use any methodology for detecting such structures. The problem is that the building inspectors must visit each household, carrying plans approved according to council by-laws. This requires significant resources as this is undertaken manually therefore inspectors cannot cover all the suburbs.
The imagery of the metropolitan area captured by a drone, smartphones and digital cameras was used to create a dataset of formal houses and informal structures for the Bulawayo metropolitan area, the first of its kind in the area. Using this dataset, a novel classification model was developed to classify formal houses and informal structures from an image. A convolution neural network (CNN) was adapted as a pattern recognition technique for use in this classification model. The data was divided into two classes – formal house and informal house (the class used for informal structures) – using a labelling annotation tool. To boost the quantity of training data, the images in the dataset were augmented by a technique that increased the images in the dataset.
To check the data quality, a Blind Reference Less Image Spatial Quality Evaluator and Naturalness Image Quality Evaluator were used proving that the dataset was of good quality and usable compared to an existing Flowers dataset. Data which the researcher and expert could not classify as either ‘formal’ or ‘informal’ was labelled ‘special data’ and reserved to be fed into the model after training to see what conclusions the trained model would draw on this data. This research adopted the YOLOv5 model for classification. The model was trained in Google Collaboratory for over 120 epochs achieving an overall accuracy of 76%. Special data was then fed to the model and the results yielded an accuracy of 95% of correctly classified images.
The findings of this research show that there are a number of informal structures that have been built within all the suburbs and the housing inspectors have not been able to identify them due to shortages of resources and the difficulties they were facing in using traditional methods in the metropolitan area. This developed model is a great innovation that will assist them in their work, especially since they only need to fly a drone, capture images and then use those images as input data in the comfort of their offices instead of going to inspect each residential property physically, a process that will enable them to use this model was developed. The drone image will be having multiple instances of houses/sructures and this will aid in the detection of informal structures in a wide area from a single image. The model can always be modified to be used for other cases as in, the identification of burst pipes by the council sewer department, illegal swimming pools, valuation of properties and unapproved extensions to existing buildings, all of which are a burden to the council and currently they do not have models that they can use.
This model is progressive allowing for new releases and its scope can be broadened to include other cities of the world where informal structures are a burden. More classes can be added to the model to cater for all structure types that are found in the city. The knowledge gap that this research covered was, the creation of a dataset that can be used by researchers, the development of the formal and informal houses classification model, the adoption of CNN as a classification tool and the process that the city council building inspectors can use when using the model. CNNs have previously been used on existing datasets, but, in the case of this research, the gap that was investigated was using the CNN on this new specially collected and curated dataset.
Addressing this gap makes a contribution to the field of machine learning in building the dataset and showing the value of using CNNs.D. Phil. (Computer Science)School of Computin
The effect of public-procurement financial incentives on the innovation behavior of private firms: the US Medicare Advantage public health insurance program
No full textThis study investigates whether financial performance incentives included in a public-procurement program can induce innovation in private-sector firms when innovation is not contractually required or specified. The research focuses on the case of Medicare Advantage, where US government-sponsored health insurance for senior citizens is provided by private companies. The government pays these insurers substantial financial incentives for performance. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the responsible agency, annually rates participating insurance plans on over 40 performance metrics combined in an overall Star Rating ranging from 2 to 5 Stars, with only 4-Star or higher plans receiving the financial incentives known as Quality Bonus Payments. This program design effectively creates a control group not qualifying for incentives and a test group receiving incentives.
The mixed-method research comprised a research survey as the primary quantitative component, supplemented by qualitative research in the form of interviews. A comprehensive innovation survey was developed and responses gathered from 25 managers responsible for insurance plan Star Ratings. Interviews conducted with plan managers and expert consultants provided further information on decision-making processes relevant to innovation. Survey responses are combined into an Innovation Capability Index representing a broad set of innovation capabilities. The index constitutes a novel measure of behavioral additionality, an evolutionary economics concept that describes process and capability changes occurring within firms receiving public support for innovation.
Results reveal a strong correlation between innovation capability and Star Ratings, with recipients of financial incentives exhibiting significantly higher innovation capability than other plans in the sample. The strongest correlation with performance is associated with a combination of innovation and operational-improvement capabilities underpinned by a foundation of execution excellence. The highest-rated plans report the highest innovation capabilities, particularly those that succeed in maintaining a top rating.
Qualitative insights gained from interviews with managers and industry experts suggest that the observed association between innovation capability and plan performance could be due to certain causal effects. Managers are aware of the potential of innovation to improve Star Ratings and may pursue innovation after encountering diminishing returns from operational improvements. Reverse causation is also possible as the financial incentives received for performance can fund innovation investments for the purpose of maintaining performance in a constantly changing regulatory and market environment. Lastly, it could be that innovation capability and Stars performance are both caused by an unmeasured third variable such as a high-level of organizational collaboration and trust.
The findings suggest that innovation is a type of adaptive capability in the evolutionary sense as it allows plans to maintain performance in response to adverse Darwinian forces represented by annual regulatory increases of performance thresholds or the introduction of new performance metrics. The study developed an index to quantify behavioral additionality by means of an aggregate of a broad set of innovation capabilities. This model may be adaptable by other public-procurement programs. The relationship found between performance and innovation suggests a broader public-procurement application for financial incentives linked to rigorous performance metrics to induce innovation in supplier firms without explicitly stating innovation requirements in the contract.Hierdie studie ondersoek of finansiële prestasie-aansporings wat in 'n openbare-verkrygingsprogram ingesluit word, innovasie in privaatsektorfirmas kan voortbring indien innovasie nie kontraktueel gespesifiseer of vereis word nie. Die navorsing fokus op Medicare Advantage, ‘n Amerikaanse regeringsgesteunde gesondheidsversekering program vir senior burgers wat deur private maatskappye gelewer word. Die regering betaal hierdie versekeraars beduidende finansiële bonusse om prestasie te bevorder. Die verantwoordelike agentskap, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), gradeer deelnemende versekeringsplanne jaarliks op grond van meer as 40 prestasiemaatstawwe wat gekombineer word in 'n stergradering wat wissel tussen 2 tot 5 sterre. Slegs planne met 4-sterre of meer ontvang finansiële aansporings as bonusbetalings vir kwaliteit. Die program ontwerp skep effektief ‘n kontrolegroep wat nie vir aansporings kwalifiseer nie en ‘n toetsgroep wat aansporings ontvang.
Die gemengdemetode-navorsing het bestaan uit ‘n navorsingsvraelys as die primêre kwantitatiewe component, aangevul deur kwalitatiewe navorsing in die vorm van onderhoude. 'n Omvattende omvattende innovasievraelys ontwikkel en beantwoord deur 25 bestuurders wat vir die stergraderings van versekeringsplanne verantwoordelik is. Onderhoude met planbestuurders en kundige konsultante het verdere inligting ingewin oor besluitnemingsprosesse wat relevant is vir innovasie. Die reaksies verkry van vraelyste is gekombineer in 'n Innovasievermoë-Indeks wat 'n wye stel innovasievermoëns verteenwoordig. Hierdie indeks is 'n nuwe maatstaf vir gedragstoevoeglikheid (behaviour additionality), 'n evolusionêre ekonomiese konsep wat die proses- en vermoëveranderings omskryf wat binne firmas plaasvind wat openbare steun vir innovasie ontvang.
Die resultate toon 'n sterk korrelasie tussen innovasievermoë en stergraderings, waar ontvangers van finansiële aansporings ‘n beduidend hoër innovasievermoë as die ander planne in die steekproef toon. Die grootste korrelasie met prestasie is geassosieer met'n kombinasie van innovasie en operasionele verbeteringsvermoëns voorkom wat deur uitnemende uitvoering ondersteun word. Die planne met die hoogste gradering toon die beste innovasievermoëns, veral dié wat daarin slaag om 'n topgradering te handhaaf.
Kwalitatiewe insigte wat verkry is uit onderhoude met bestuurders en kundiges in die bedryf, dui daarop dat die waargenome verband tussen innovasievermoë en planprestasie te wyte kan wees aan sekere oorsaaklike effekte. Bestuurders is bewus van die potensiaal van innovasie om stergraderings te verbeter en kan innovasie nastreef nadat hulle dalende opbrengste van operasionele verbeterings teëgekom het. Omgekeerde oorsaaklikheid is ook moontlik aangesien die finansiële aansporings wat vir prestasie ontvang word, innovasiebeleggings kan finansier met die doel om prestasie in 'n voortdurend veranderende regulatoriese en markomgewing te handhaaf. Laastens kan dit wees dat innovasievermoë en sterprestasie albei veroorsaak word deur 'n ongemete derde veranderlike soos 'n hoë vlak van organisatoriese samewerking en vertroue.
Die bevindinge toon dat innovasie 'n soort evolusionêre aanpasbaarheidsvermoë is, aangesien dit planne help om prestasie te handhaaf in ‘n ongunstige Darwinistiese omgewing wat deur jaarlikse regulatoriese verhogings van prestasiedrempels of die bekendstelling van nuwe prestasiemaatstawwe gekenmerk word. Die studie ontwikkel ‘n indeks om gedragstoevoeglikheid deur middel van 'n breë stel innovasievermoëns te kwantifiseer. Hierdie model kan aangepas word vir ander openbare-verkrygingsprogramme. Die verband wat tussen prestasie en innovasie gevind is, dui op 'n breër toepassing vir openbare verkryging sodat finansiële aansporings aan streng prestasiemaatstawwe gekoppel kan word om innovasie in verskaffersfirmas aan te moedig sonder dat innovasievereistes uitdruklik in die kontrak vermeld word.Lolu cwaningo luphenya ukuthi ngakube imali ewumhlomulo wokwenza kahle efakwe ngaphansi kohlelo lokuthengwa kwempahla yomphakathi ingakwazi yini ukusetshenziselwa indlela entsha yokusebenza ezimbonini ezizimele uma le ndlela ingacacisiwe noma ingafakiwe njengezimfuno ezidingekayo ngokwenkontileka. Ucwaningo lugxile odabeni lweMedicare Advantage, lapho umshwalense wezempilo kubantu asebekhulile oxhaswe khona nguhulumeni waseMelika uhlinzekwa yizinkampani ezizimele. Uhulumeni ukhokhela lezi zinkampani zomshwalense imali ewumhlomulo wokwenza kahle. Njalo ngonyaka amaCenters for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), ayi-ejensi eqokelwe lo msebenzi, enza izilinganiso zezinhlelo zemishwalense eyingxenye yezindlela zokusebenza ezingama-40 uma zihlanganiswa zilinganiswa ngokwezinkanyezi (Star Rating) kusuka ku-2 kuya ku-5, lapho uthola khona kuphela imali ewumhlomulo wokwenza kahle uma uthole u-4-Star noma ngaphezulu nokwaziwa ngokuthi yiQuality Bonus Payments. Lo mklamo wohlelo udala ngempumelelo iqembu lokulawula elingafanelekile ukuthola izikhuthazo kanye neqembu lokuhlola elithola izikhuthazo.
Ucwaningo lwendlela exubile lwaluhlanganisa ucwaningo locwaningo njengengxenye eyinhloko yobuningi, eyengeziwe ucwaningo lwekhwalithi ngendlela yezingxoxo. Njengengxenye yocwaningo, kusungulwe inhlolovo ngendlela entsha yokusebenza kwase kuqoqwa izimpendulo kubaphathi abangama-25 ababhekele uhlelo lomshwalense ngaphansi kwabenza izilinganiso. Izinhlolovo ezibanjwe nabaphathi bezinhlelo zokusebenza kanye nabeluleki abangongoti zisihlinzeke ngolwazi olwengeziwe mayelana nendlela yokuthathwa kwezinqumo mayelana nendlela entsha yokusebenza. Izimpendulo zocwaningo zihlanganiswe zaba Yizinkomba Ezimile Zendlela Entsha Yokusebenza ukuze zimele umthamo obanzi mayelana nobuhle bendlela entsha yokusebenza. Izinkomba zihlanganisa isilinganiso esisha sokwengeza indlela yokuziphatha, indlela yokuziguqukela komnotho ngokuchaza izinguquko zenqubo namandla okusebenza okwenzeka emafemini athola ukwesekwa ngumphakathi uma esungula indlela entsha yokusebenza.D. Phil
The transition of electrical engineering technology learners into the world of work: a scrutiny of three NQF levels 2 – 4 TVET streams
No full textAbstract in English with Northern Sotho and Xhosa translationsYouth unemployment remains a critical issue globally, with Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) frequently regarded as essential in preparing the youth for the world of work. However, despite the emphasis placed on TVET, there is a widespread challenge in ensuring that TVET graduates successfully transition into the world of work. Previous studies have confirmed that graduates from the three key TVET streams, NATED, NC(V) and NSC, struggle to transition into employment. This study explores the transition of learners graduating from these three TVET streams in Electrical Engineering Technology at NQF Level 4, and specifically their integration into the world of work.
The research is framed by a conceptual model that integrates the Career EDGE model of graduate employability, the LEPO framework and Anderson’s Skills Acquisition theory to assess the employability of TVET graduates. The framework delineates seven stages, namely the input, the learning environment, the process stage, the novice stage, the autonomous/competency stage, the expert stage, and lastly the employability stage, through which learners progress as they are prepared for transition into the world of work.
A qualitative research approach, guided by a phenomenological design, was adopted to examine the employment prospects of learners from the three streams. The study used a mixed-method sampling strategy, combining criterion and convenience sampling for TVET institutions and industries with homogeneous and random sampling for learners. Data were collected through semi-structured individual and group interviews, observations, audits and a non-standardised test at TVET institutions and industries in Gauteng and Limpopo provinces. Ethical considerations were rigorously maintained throughout the data collection process.
Data analysis was conducted using the six-step phenomenological approach, focusing on participants’ lived experiences and the interpretation of the phenomenon under study. Key themes and subthemes were identified to address the research questions. The findings reveal several systemic challenges, namely the curricular of the three TVET streams did not sufficiently incorporate Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) and Work-Based Learning (WBL), and career development learning was notably absent. Additionally, many TVET institutions were under-resourced, lacking the tools, machines and equipment stipulated in the curricular, with some existing equipment being outdated and non-functional. Collaboration between TVET institutions and industry to provide WIL and WBL opportunities was minimal. Learners exhibited limited technical knowledge, fundamental skills and core-work skills, with insufficient exposure to career development learning and the broader labour market. The study employed various methods to ensure credibility, transferability, dependability, trustworthiness and consistency of the study’s findings, transparency in data collection, triangulation of data sources, audio recording, audit trails, repeated observations and meticulous documentation and storage.
The key findings suggest that graduates from the NC(V) stream would have improved prospects of transition into the world of work if its curriculum was fully implemented. However, the industry showed a preference for graduates from the NATED stream and had limited awareness of NC(V) and NSC. Learners across all three streams demonstrated deficiencies in technical knowledge, skills and awareness of the job market, with many expressing a preference for continuing their studies at TVET colleges or universities rather than immediately seeking employment.Go hloka mešomo ga bafsa go tšwela pele go ba bothata bjo bogolo lefaseng ka bophara, fao Tlhahlo ka ga Thuto ya tša Sethekniki le ya Mešomo ya Matsogo (TVET) e tšwelago pele kgafetšakgafetša go bonwa bjalo ka ye bohlokwa go lokišetša bafsa lefaseng la mošomo. Le ge go le bjale, ka ntle le ge kgatelelo e beilwe go TVET, go na le bothata bjo bo phatlaletšego bja go netefatša gore baithuti ba dithuto tša TVET bao ba phethilego dithuto ba fetogela ka katlego ka lefaseng la mošomo. Dinyakišišo tše di fetilego di tiišeditše gore baithuti bao ba phethilego dithuto go tšwa ka magorong a mararo a bohlokwa a TVET, e lego a NATED, NC(V) le NSC, ba swara bothata go hwetša mešomo. Dinyakišišo tše di lekola go fetogela ga baithuti bao ba phethago dithuto go tšwa ka mo magorong a mararo a TVET ka go Theknolotši ya Boentšeneere bja tša Mohlagase ka go Maemo a 4 a NQF, le kudukudu go tsenywa ga bona ka lefaseng la mošomo.
Dinyakišišo di akaretšwa ke mokgwa wa kgopolo wo o kopanyago mokgwa wa Career EDGE wa go thwalega mešomong ga baithuti bao ba phethilego dithuto, motheo wa LEPO le teori ya Anderson ya Khwetšo ya Mabokgoni go sekaseka go thwalega mešomong ga baithuti bao ba phethilego dithuto tša TVET. Motheo wo o aroganya magato a šupa, e lego tšweletšo, seemo sa go ithuta, legato la tshepedišo, legato la bao ba sa thomago, legato la boikemo/la bokgoni, legato la ditsebi, le la mafelelo legato la go thwalega mošomong, tšeo ka tšona baithuti ba gatelago pele ge ba dutše ba lokišetšwa go tsena lefaseng la mošomo.
Mokgwa wa dinyakišišo tša boleng, wo o hlahlwago ke tlhamo ya tiragalo, o dirišitšwe ka nepo ya go lekola dikgonagalo tša go hwetša mešomo ga baithuti go tšw aka magorong a a mararo. Dinyakišišo di šomišitše leano la mokgwa wa tlhakanyo ya sampole, wo o kopanyago mekgwa le sampole ya nepagalo ya dihlongwa tša thuto tša TVET le diintasteri tša sampole ya go swana le ya sewelo ya go nyakišiša baithuti. Tshedimošo e kgobokeditšwe ka dipotsološo tša go nyaka mabaka go baarabi ba batho ba o tee le ba sehlopha, ka ditekodišišo, ka ditsinkelo le ka teko ye e sa swantšhwego ka dihlongweng tša thuto tša TVET le ka diintastering tša ka diphrobentsheng tša Gauteng le Limpopo. Ditlhokomedišišo tša maitshwaro di ile tša tšwetšwa pele ka šedi ka tshepedišong ka moka ya kgoboketšo ya tshedimošo.
Tshekatsheko ya tshedimošo e dirilwe ka go šomiša mokgwa wa tiragalo wa dikgato tše tshela, wo o nepišitšego go maitemogelo a bakgathatema le tlhathollo ya tiragalo ya ka dinyakišišong. Merero le mererwana ye bohlokwa e ile ya hlathwa ka nepo ya go rarolla dipotšišo tša dinyakišišo. Dikutollo di utolla ditlhohlo tše mmalwa tša tshepedišo ya thuto, e lego lenaneothuto la magoro a mararo a TVET ebile ya se ya tsenya gabotse Go Ithuta ga Go Amana le Mošomo (WIL) le Go Ithuta ga Go Thewa go Mošomo (WBL), gomme go ithuta ga tlhabollo ya tša mošomo go lemogilwe gore ga se gwa ba gona. Godimo ga fao, dihlongwa tša ntši tša TVET di be di hlokwa methopo, di hloka ditlabelo, metšhene le didirišwa tšeo di laetšwego ka gare ga mananeothuto, fao e lego gore didirišwa tše di lego gona di fetilwego ke nako ebile di sa šomego. Tirišano magareng ga dihlongwa tša thuto tša TVET le intasteri go fana ka dibaka tša WIL le tša WBL e be e le ye nnyane. Baithuti ba laeditše tsebo ye nnyane ya sethekniki, mabokgoni a motheo le mabokgoni a motheo a mošomo, fao ba bilego le tlhabollo ye e sa lekanego ka ga mošomo le ka ga mmaraka ya bašomi ka kakaretšo. Dinyakišišo di dirišitše mekgwa ye e fapafapanego go netefatša gore go ba le seriti, go fetošetša, go botega, go tshephagala le tshwantšho ya dikutollo tša dinyakišišo, go hloka sephira ge go kgoboketšwa tshedimošo, go bea methopo ya tshedimošo ka makala a mararro, go gatiša medumo, ditiro tša tekodišišo ya mešomo, ditekolo tše di bušeletšwago le go ngwala ka bokgoni le polokelo.
Dikutollo tše bohlokwa di šišinya gore baithuti bao ba phethilego dithuto go tšwa ka legorong la NC(V) ba tla ba le dikgonagalo tše di kaonafatšego tša gore ba tsene ka lefaseng la mošomo ge lenaneothuto la yona le ka phethagatšwa ka botlalo. Le ge go le bjale, intasteri e laeditše gore e nyaka kudu baithuti bao ba phethilego dithuto go tšwa ka legorong la NATED ebile ba nago le temogo ye nnyane ka ga NC(V) le NSC. Baithuti go ralala le magoro a mararo ba laeditše tlhaelelo ya tsebo ya tša sethekniki, ya mabokgoni le temogo ya mmaraka wa mošomo, fao ba bantši ba laetšago gore ba rata go tšwetša pele dithuto tša bona ka dikholetšheng tša TVET goba ka diyunibesithing sebakeng sa gore ba nyake mošomo ka pela ge ba fetša go phetha dithuto.Intswelangqesho yolutsha ihleli ingumba ophambili kwihlabathi liphela, ngeMfundo yezeMisebenzi noBugcisa kunye noQeqesho (TVET) ethe rhoqo ukubonwa njengeyimfuneko ekulungiseleleni ulutsha iindawo zemisebenzi. Kodwa, nangona kubekwa ugxininiso kwiTVET, kukho umcelimngeni othe jikelele ekuqinisekiseni ukuba abathweswe izidanga badlulela ngempumelelo kwiindawo zomsebenzi. Uphando oludlulieyo luqinisekise ukuba abanezidanga abasuka kwizakhono ezintathu zeTVET, NATED, NC(V) neNSC, bayasokola ukudlulela emsebenzini. Olu phando luphonononga ukuqhubela phambili kwabafundi abathweswe izidanga kwezi nkalo zintathu kuBuchwepheshe bobuNjineli boMbane kwiBakala lesi4 leNQF, nangakumbi ukungeniswa kwabo kwiindawo zomsebenzi.
Uphando lwakhiwe ngemodeli yeengcingane edibanisa imodeli yeCareer EDGE yokuqesheka kwabanezidanga, isakhelo iLEPO nethiyori Yokufundwa kweZakhono ka-Anderson ukuvavanya ukuqesheka kwabathweswe izidanga kwiTVET. Isakhelo sicacisa kakuhle amanqanaba asixhenxe, angala, iinkcukacha, isimo sokufunda, inqanaba lenkqubo, inqanaba lobulingwa, inqanaba lesakhono/lokuzimela, inqanaba lobungcali, nokugqibela inqanaba lokuqesheka, ekuthi abafundi badlule kuwe ngeli xa belungiselelwa ukugqithela kwiindawo zomsebenzi.
Indlela yophando enika inkcaza nobunjani, ikhokelwe luyilo olujolise ekuqondeni amava neembono zabantu, yasetyenziselwa ukuvavanya amathuba emisebenzi wabafundi abasuka kwezi nkalo zintathu. Uphando lwasebenzisa isicwangcisoqhinga sokhetho seendlela ezixutyiweyo, kudityaniswa umlinganiselo nokhetho/usampulo olulungeleyo lwamaziko eTVET namashishini kusetyenziswa ukhetho/usampulo lwabafundi olufanayo nolungakhethiyo. Iinkcukacha zophando/idatha zaqokelelwa ngodliwanondlebe olungacwangciswanga ngokupheleleyo lwabantu kunye nodliwanondlebe lwamaqela, ukuqwalasela, uphicotho novavanyo olungamiselwanga kumaziko eTVET namashishini eGauteng naseLimpopo. Ukuqwalaselwa kwentsulungeko yophando kwagcinwa ngqongqo kuyo yonke inkqubo yoqokelelo lweenkcukacha/lwedatha
Uhlalutyo lweenkcukacha zophando/zedatha lwenziwa ngokusebenzisa indlela yoqwalaselo lwemo enamamanqaba amathandathu, kugxilwe kumava abathathinxaxheba nakutoliko lwemo ephandwayo. Kwachongwa imixholo nemixholwana ukuqwalasela imibuzo yophando. Iziphumo zadandalazisa imicelimingeni emininzi ebanzi, ikharityhulam yeenkalo ezintathu zange yangahlanisa ngokwaneleyo UkuFunda Okudityaniswa noMsebenzi (WIL) nokuFunda okuSekelwe Emsebenzini (WBL), kwanophuhliso lwamakhono kwaqapheleka ukuba alukho. Ukwaleka, iiTVET ezininzi zazingenazinto zaneleyo, kunqongophele izixhobo, oomatshini nezixhobo ezimiselwe kwikharityhulam, zikunye nezixhobo ezikhoyo eziphelelwe lixesha nezingasasebenziyo. Intsebenziswano phakathi kwamaziko eTVET namashishini ukunika iWIL neWBL amathuba yayincinane. Abafundi babonakalisa ulwazi olukhwinisayo kwezobuchwepheshe, izakhono ezibalulekileyo, izakhono ezingundoqo zomsebenzi, ukutyhileka okunganelanga ekufundeni kophuhliso lwamakhondo omsebenzi kunye noshishino lomsebenzi olubanzi. Uphando lwasebenzisa iindlela/iimethodi ezahlukeneyo ukuqinisekisa ukukholiseka, ukusebenziseka, ukuxhomekeka, intembeko kunye nokuzinza kweziphumo zophando, ukuba selubala koqokelelo lweenkcukacha zophando, ukuhlanganiswa kwemithombo yeenkcukacha, ushicilelo olumanyelwayo, imikhondo yophicotho, uqwalaselo oluphindaphindiweyo, ubungqina bamaxwebhu obucokisekileyo kunye nogcino.
Iziphumo zophando eziphambili zibonisa ukuba abafundi abanezidanga kwinkalo yeNC(V) bebenokuwaphucula amathuba okugqithela kwilizwe lomsebenzi ukuba ikharityhulam ibiphunyezwe ngokupheleleyo. Kambe ke, ushishino lubonakalise ikhethe lwabafundi abanezidanga abavela kwinkalo yeNATED kwaye benolwazi olunganelanga ngeNC(V) neNSC. Abafundi kuzo zontanthu iinkalo babonakalise ukusilela kulwazi lwezobuchwepheshe, izakhono nolwazi ngemarike yemisebenzi, abaninzi bevakalisa ikhethe lokuqhuba izifundo zabo kwiikholeji zeTVET okanye kwiiyunivesithi kunokusuka bafune umsebenzi kwangoko.D. Phil. (Technology Education
The experiences of male infertility within the couple dynamic at an infertility treatment unit in Pretoria, South Africa
No full textAbstract in English with translations in Afrikaans and TsongaMale infertility is a life crisis which has the potential to disrupt a couple’s quality of life, intimate partner relationships, and affect the couple’s emotional or psychological well-being. The focus of this qualitative study is the male’s experience of male infertility within the couple dynamic. The study explored the impact of male infertility and infertility treatment on the psychological and emotional well-being of the male as well as help-seeking behaviour from the couple’s perspective, considering, too, the impact of their ecological environment. Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory provided the theoretical framework for the study. Findings highlight that the experience of male infertility creates a cycle of suffering that affects the couple’s social, marital, financial, work and psychological well-being. Thus, in the process, disrupting the couple’s functionality and diminishing their shared quality of life. The couple’s psycho-emotional suffering due to male infertility is not an isolated experience but a product of the couple’s reciprocal interaction with their ecological environment. This study highlights that male infertility is a reproductive complication that has the potential to disrupt the male’s psychosocial and pyscho-emotional well-being, as well as negatively impacting the couple’s dynamic. Data collection comprised in-depth, semi-structured interviews with six couples (twelve participants) undergoing male infertility treatment at the Steve Biko Academic Hospital, in Pretoria, South Africa. Data analysis was conducted by means of thematic analysis.Manlike onvrugbaarheid is 'n lewenskrisis wat die potensiaal het om 'n paartjie se lewenskwaliteit, intieme maatverhoudings te ontwrig en die egpaar se emosionele of sielkundige welstand te beïnvloed. Die fokus van hierdie kwalitatiewe studie is die man se ervaring van manlike onvrugbaarheid binne die egpaardinamiek. Die studie het die impak van manlike onvrugbaarheid en onvrugbaarheidsbehandeling op die sielkundige en emosionele welstand van die man sowel as hulpsoekende gedrag ondersoek vanuit die egpaar se perspektief, ook met inagneming van die impak van hul ekologiese omgewing. Bronfenbrenner se ekologiese sisteemteorie het die teoretiese raamwerk vir die studie verskaf. Bevindinge beklemtoon dat die ervaring van manlike onvrugbaarheid 'n bose kringloop van lyding skep wat die egpaar se sosiale, huweliks-, finansiële, werks- en sielkundige welstand beïnvloed. So, in die proses, ontwrig die egpaar se funksionaliteit en verminder hul gedeelde lewenskwaliteit. Die egpaar se psigo-emosionele lyding as gevolg van manlike onvrugbaarheid is nie 'n geïsoleerde ervaring nie, maar 'n produk van die egpaar se wederkerige interaksie met hul ekologiese omgewing. Dus, in ooreenstemming met die bestaande literatuur, kom hierdie studie tot die gevolgtrekking dat manlike onvrugbaarheid 'n urogenitale ongesteldheid is wat die potensiaal het om die man se psigososiale en psigo-emosionele welstand te ontwrig, asook om die egpaar se dinamiek negatief te beïnvloed.Data-insameling het bestaan uit in-diepte, semi-gestruktureerde onderhoude met ses paartjies (twaalf deelnemers) wat manlike onvrugbaarheidsbehandeling ondergaan het by die Steve Biko Akademiese Hospitaal, in Pretoria, Suid-Afrika. Data-analise is deur middel van tematiese analise uitgevoer.Ku pfumala n’wana ka xinuna i xiphiqo xa vutomi lexi nga na vuswikoti byo kavanyeta khwalithi ya vutomi bya mpatswa, vuxaka bya le kusuhi bya vanghana, na ku khumba vuhlayiseki bya mpatswa bya mintlhaveko kumbe bya miehleketo. Nkoka wa dyondzo leyi ya xiyimo i ntokoto wa xinuna wa ku pfumala n’wana wa xinuna endzeni ka dynamic ya mpatswa. Dyondzo yi lavisisile mbuyelo wa ku pfumala n’wana ka xinuna na vutshunguri bya ku pfumala n’wana eka vuhlayiseki bya miehleketo na mintlhaveko bya wanuna xikan’we na mahanyelo yo lava mpfuneto ku suka eka mavonelo ya mpatswa, ku tekela enhlokweni, na swona, vuyelo bya ndhawu ya vona ya ikholoji. Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory yi nyikile rimba ra thiyori ra dyondzo leyi. Swikumiwa swi kombisa leswaku ntokoto wa ku pfumala n’wana wa xinuna wu tumbuluxa xirhendzevutani xo biha xa ku xaniseka lexi khumbaka vuhlayiseki bya mpatswa, bya ntshamisano, vukati, bya timali, ntirho na bya miehleketo. Xisweswo, eka endlelo, ku kavanyeta matirhelo ya mpatswa na ku hunguta khwalithi ya vutomi bya vona lebyi va avelana. Ku xaniseka ka mpatswa lowu hi tlhelo ra miehleketo na mintlhaveko hikwalaho ka ku pfumala n’wana ka xinuna a hi ntokoto lowu nga woxe kambe i vuhumelerisi bya ku tirhisana ka mpatswa lowu hi ku tlherisela na ndhawu ya vona ya ikholoji. Xisweswo, hi ku landza miri wa matsalwa lama nga kona, ndzavisiso lowu wu gimeta hi leswaku ku pfumala n’wana ka xinuna i ku tsandzeka ka urogenital loku nga na vuswikoti byo kavanyeta vuhlayiseki bya xinuna bya psychosocial na pyscho-emotional, xikan’we na ku khumba hi ndlela yo biha dynamic ya mpatswa. Nhlengeleto wa datha wu katsa mimbulavurisano yo enta, leyi nga hlelekangiki ngopfu na mimpatswa ya tsevu (khume mbirhi wa vatekaxiave) lava endlaka vutshunguri bya ku pfumala mbeleko bya xinuna eXibedlhele xa Steve Biko Academic, ePitori, Afrika-Dzonga. Nxopaxopo wa datha wu endliwile hi ku tirhisa nxopaxopo wa nhlokomhaka.M.A. (Psychology)Psycholog
Development of management guidelines for youth in HIV support groups in Eswatini
No full textPurpose: The purpose of the study was to explore the lived experiences of youth in HIV support groups in Eswatini and to develop management guidelines for youth living with HIV (YLHIV) in Eswatini.
Research Method: The research employed a qualitative approach following a descriptive phenomenological design to subjectively capture the lived experiences of YLHIV. Data were collected from 30 participants aged 15-24 across four regional hospitals in Eswatini. In-depth unstructured interviews were conducted in English and SiSwati, following participants' informed consent. interviews are conducted using a language preferred by the participants. The data was analysed using five steps for qualitative data explication. Research ethics were observed per the Belmont report and the University of South Africa’s (UNISA) standards.
Findings: Four major themes emerged: (1) Lived experiences of YLHIV in support groups, (2) Experiences of self-discharged YLHIV, (3) Reasons for self-discharge from HIV support groups, and (4) Factors promoting retention or suitable discharge practices. Participants reported both positive and negative aspects of YLHIV support groups. Additionally, the Management guidelines for YLHIV in support groups were developed to emphasize a comprehensive, multi-level approach to addressing YLHIV’s physical, psychosocial and economic needs, with interventions spanning individual to policy levels. Five guidelines were developed. Guideline (1) holistic approach to support YLHIV, guideline (2) regular evaluation and feedback for resilience improvement, guideline (3) supporting self-discharged, guideline (4) transitioning of YLHIV in youth Support Groups to adult support groups and guideline (5) introduction of vocational training.
Conclusion: The findings informed the development of management guidelines to enhance YLHIV support, focusing on psychosocial support, HIV stigma reduction and mechanisms for safe discharge or sustained group membership. Appropriate operationalisation of the five guidelines would contribute to improved YLHV retention to care, improve viral load suppression and overall quality of life of the YLHIV. This study offers insights to policymakers and healthcare providers on strengthening YLHIV support in Eswatini, aligning with sustainable HIV response.Ph. D. (Public Health)Health Studie
The association between cartoon watching and children’s intelligence: a study of selected secondary schools in FCT Abuja, Nigeria
No full textText in EnglishThe purpose of this study is to investigate the association between cartoon watching and
children's intelligence. Given the advent of satellite facilities including the Internet, satellite
television stations and other modern technologies such as Starcom, Multi-choice and Hi TV,
it has become easier for youth from all social classes to have access to different kinds of
cartoon programmes. This study adopts a quantitative design research approach. It compares
the IQ of children who watch cartoons and those who do not. A total number of 207 senior
secondary three (SS3), final year students from selected secondary schools in FCT Abuja,
participated in this study. The results of the study indicate a significant variance in the IQ of
the different participants involved in the study, where those who watch cartoons scored
higher than those who do not watch cartoons. This result implies that the more cartoons
participants watched, the higher their levels of intelligence and creativity were. The study
equally examines other variables such as parent’s level of education, age, and gender in
relation to cartoon watching. The result indicates no significant association between the
aforementioned variables, and students’ IQ. This study further investigates other variables
that could relate to IQ, such as personality and the cumulative grade point average of the
students. The results recorded a significant relationship between IQ and some personality
variables such as neuroticism, and openness, as well as cumulative grade point average.Ph. D. (Psychology)Psycholog
Incorporating business intelligence and knowledge management in enabling ecosystem for entrepreneurs : a department of small business development, South Africa model
No full textThis study investigates the use of BI as a KM tool to improve entrepreneurial support services at the DSBD in South Africa. Against the backdrop of persistent economic inequality, high youth unemployment, and the critical role of entrepreneurship in national development, the study explores how the integration of BI and KM can improve decision-making, policy implementation, and programme responsiveness within public sector institutions. Guided by the People-Centric BI-KM Framework by Rosatim (2014), the research highlights the integration of technology, human participation, and organisational processes in delivering knowledge-driven support to entrepreneurs.
Using a qualitative case study methodology, the study draws on semi-structured interviews with 20 business development officers from DSBD entities, complemented by document analysis of policy frameworks, strategic plans, and monitoring reports. Thematic analysis was applied to uncover patterns, insights, and gaps in the current application of BI and KM systems. The findings reveal that while the DSBD collects substantial data, the lack of structured KM practices and the poor integration of BI tools limit its ability to offer adaptive and targeted entrepreneurial support. Participants identified systemic barriers such as siloed data systems, limited digital literacy, and insufficient feedback mechanisms, all of which restrict the effectiveness of the programme.
In response, the study outlines a series of strategic recommendations aimed at embedding BI and KM into the institutional operations of the DSBD. These include developing a unified BI-KM integration strategy, co-designing user-centred systems that are accessible and inclusive, institutionalising continuous learning and capacity building, and embedding BI-KM tools across the entire programme lifecycle, from needs assessment to impact evaluation. Furthermore, the study calls for a cultural shift towards knowledge sharing and evidence-based decision-making, backed by strong leadership commitment and a robust monitoring, evaluation, and learning framework.
Based on the findings and recommendations of this study, a conceptual model was developed to support the integration of BI and KM within the DSBD. The purpose of the model is to guide the systematic and sustainable application of BI and KM tools and processes in enhancing entrepreneurial support. It emphasises a holistic and integrated approach, recognising the importance of aligning strategic intent, technological accessibility, capacity development, organisational culture, and feedback mechanisms to create an adaptive and responsive support system for entrepreneurs.
The study contributes to the fields of information science and public sector innovation by offering practical and policy-relevant insights for integrating BI within KM strategies tailored to the developmental mandates of institutions like the DSBD. It advances theoretical discourse on people-centric knowledge systems while laying a foundation for future research involving entrepreneurs themselves, as well as comparative studies across public agencies. The findings are relevant to policymakers, practitioners, and researchers seeking to improve the efficiency, responsiveness, and sustainability of entrepreneurial ecosystems in developing contexts.D. Inf. (Information Science)Information Scienc
Deprescribing of polypharmacy at selected district hospitals in Gauteng Province
No full textPolypharmacy is a significant problem that complicates the treatment regimens of patients. It has been linked to numerous deleterious effects such as adverse drug interactions, decreased adherence, hospital admissions, increased morbidity and death. Despite well-documented and highly publicised effects, there seems to be little action to address them. The problem of polypharmacy prescribing is intractable a challenge to both prescribers and dispensers. The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of authorised prescribers regarding deprescribing as a tool to avert polypharmacy at selected district hospitals in Gauteng Province. The study employed a qualitative descriptive research approach and purposive non-random sampling was used to gain in-depth understanding from the targeted sample of authorised prescribers. Individual face-to-face, in-depth, semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from 13 participants. Probing, clarifying, and paraphrasing techniques were employed to allow free expression until data saturation was reached. Field notes were documented, and audio recordings were used to capture the data which was transcribed verbatim. Qualitative data analysis orientated towards summarising the information content was used, and Tesch’s eight-step method for data analysis was followed. The research findings of the study provide insight, create awareness, and encourage safe, rational and judicious prescribing practices among authorised prescribers in district hospitals in Gauteng Province.M.P.H.Health Studie