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Exploring the association between oxidative stress and the cardiovascular system of pregnant and non-pregnant South African women : the champ study
No full textBackground: Oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species influence cardiovascular health through influencing vascular tone, blood pressure, and arterial stiffness. Pregnancy induces physiological adaptations that safeguard against reactive oxygen species-induced damage, supporting decreased blood pressure. However, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy aggravate cardiovascular risks.
Aim: This study investigated the relationship between oxidative stress and cardiovascular markers in pregnant and non-pregnant women in South Africa.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study of 302 women (225 pregnant, 77 non-pregnant) evaluated blood pressure, heart rate, arterial stiffness, and reactive oxygen species levels. Data were analysed using statistical tests and regression models.
Results: Pregnant women had lower blood pressure (SBP: 104.4±11.4 mmHg, DBP: 68.7±8.2 mmHg) and less arterial stiffness (PWV: 5.4±1.2 m/s) compared to non-pregnant women (SBP: 114.0±12.9 mmHg, DBP: 79.7±10.2 mmHg, PWV: 6.0±1.2 m/s) (p<0.001). Regardless of higher reactive oxygen species levels, pregnancy adaptations protected vascular health. Negative correlations observed between reactive oxygen species and blood pressure in the total group was non-significant when assessed in the pregnant and non-pregnant subgroups.
Conclusion: Pregnant women exhibited higher reactive oxygen species levels and lower blood pressure compared to non-pregnant women, suggesting that controlled oxidative changes and vascular adaptations during pregnancy may contribute to cardiovascular protection.Life and Consumer Science
A model for enhancing sustainable supply chain management, agility and performance in the petrochemical industry in South Africa
No full textSocio-economic challenges and stakeholder pressure have compelled petrochemical firms in South Africa to scout for sustainable solutions to such problems. One area where sustainability could be incorporated within the operations of petrochemical firms is supply chain management (SCM). However, adopting sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) is still in its infancy in most industries within South Africa. The aim of the study is to test a conceptual model for the relationships between SSCM practices, supply chain agility (SCA) and corporate social performance (CSP) in the petrochemical industry in South Africa. The study was based on the Stakeholder and Tripple Bottom Line Theories. Quantitative data were collected from 354 supply chain and operations managers and professionals drawn from selected petrochemical firms in South Africa. Data analysis included descriptive and inferential statistics, using tools such as the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 28.0) and partial least squares (SMART-PLS) structural equation modelling (SEM).
The study results show that only three of the nine SSCM practices (risk management, information technology adoption & communication) positively influence SCA. In turn, SCA positively influenced the three dimensions of CSP (environmental, social & economic performance). Further tests showed that SCA mediated the relationships between three SSCM practices (risk management, information technology adoption & communication) and CSP. Communication also emerged as the most significant factor influencing SCA when compared to the other SSCM practices considered in the study. The study contributes to the body of knowledge by providing literature that supports the importance of sustainability as a critical factor in supply chain strategies applied in the petrochemical industry in South Africa.D.B.L. (Business Leadership)Graduate School of Business Leadershi
A victimological analysis of robbery at residential premises in South Africa
No full textAbstracts in English, Xhosa and Northern SothoThis study aimed to explore, describe and analyse robbery at residential properties in South Africa from a victimological perspective, with a focus on the experiences of direct and indirect victims. The research was motivated by the high rates of residential robbery in this country, and the limited victimological exploration of this phenomenon. The study was designed to provide a holistic understanding of the nature of the crime, its impact on victims, and public perceptions of fear and prevention strategies. A mixed-methods research approach was adopted, combining qualitative and quantitative methods. The qualitative segment involved narrative interviews with 21 direct victims of house robbery, exploring the personal and emotional impact of these crimes. The quantitative segment included data from a web-based (cross-sectional, descriptive, self-administered) survey, distributed to South African residents via social media platforms (WhatsApp, Facebook, Reddit and email), to capture broader patterns of fear, indirect victimisation and preventative behaviours. A total of 302 survey responses were received. The qualitative data analysis was conducted using ATLAS.ti (v. 24), which facilitated the identification of themes and sub-themes related to the nature of house robbery, fear thereof, as well as its impact on direct victims, their coping mechanisms, and the relationship between residential security and house robbery in South Africa. The quantitative data were analysed using SPSS to identify statistical correlations between fear, indirect victimisation and the security measures the residents employed. As the findings of the qualitative analysis revealed, house robbery has profound psychological and social consequences. Themes of trauma, fear, and resilience emerged as key factors influencing victims’ coping strategies. The quantitative results highlighted significant patterns of fear and precautionary behaviour, as well as correlations between heightened fear and the increased use of security measures. The study also identified the need for targeted victim support services and improved crime prevention strategies to mitigate the impact of residential robbery. By synthesising these insights, this study contributes to the victimological field, offering a comprehensive framework that informs policy, practice, and future research aimed at reducing victimisation and promoting recovery for victims of house robbery in South Africa.Olu phandolwazi belujolise ekuphononongeni, ekuchazeni nasekuhlalutyeni ukuqhekezwa kwezindlu eMzantsi Afrika ngokwengcamango yamaxhoba, kugxilwe kumava amaxhoba athe achatshazelwa lolu hlobo lolwaphulomthetho ngokuthe ngqo nangokungathanga ngqo. Olu phandolwazi lukhuthazwe ngamaqondo aphezulu okuqhekezwa kwezindlu kweli lizwe, kunye nokunqongophala kokuphononongwa kwamava amaxhoba kwesi siganeko. Uphandolwazi lwenzelwe ukunika ukuqonda okupheleleyo kobume bolwaphulomthetho, ifuthe labo kumaxhoba, nezimvo zoluntu ngoloyiko kunye neendlela zokuthintela. Kusetyenziswe iindlela ezixubileyo zokwenza uphando, kudityaniswa iindlela zophandontyilazwi nezolweenkcukachamanani. Icandelo lophandontyilazwi libandakanya udliwanondlebe olubalisayo kunye namaxhoba angama21 athe achatshazelwa ngokuthe ngqo ngokuqhekezelwa izindlwini, kuphononongwa ifuthe lobuqu neleemvakalelo lolu lwaphulomthetho. Icandelo lophando lweenkcukachamanani libandakanya idatha evela kuphando olusekelwe kwiwebhu (olunxazonke, oluchazayo, oluzilawulayo), oluthe lahanjiswa kubemi boMzantsi Afrika kusetyenziswa amajelo onxibelelwano loluntu (uWhatsApp, uFacebook, uReddit kunye neimeyile), ukufumana iindlela ezibanzi zoloyiko, ukuxhatshazwa ngokungathanga ngqo kunye neendlela zothintelo. Lilonke, kufunyenwe iimpendulo zophando ezingama302. Uhlalutyo lwedatha yophandontyilazwi lwenziwe kusetyenziswa iATLAS.ti (v. 24), ethe yaququzelela ukuchongwa kwemixholo nemixholwana enxulumene nobume bokuqhekezwa kwezindlu, uloyiko, kunye nefuthe lako kumaxhoba, iindlela zabo zokuhlangabezana nokuqhekezelwa, kunye nobudlelwane phakathi kokhuseleko lweendawo zokuhlala kunye nokuqhekezwa kwezindlu eMzantsi Afrika. Idatha yeenkcukachamanani ihlalutywe kusetyenziswa iSPSS ukuchonga unxulumano lweenkcukachamanani phakathi koloyiko, ukuba lixhoba ngokungathanga ngqo kunye nemilinganiselo yokhuseleko esetyenziswa ngabemi okanye abahlali. Nanjengoko iziphumo zohlalutyo lophandontyilazwi zibonisile, ukuqhekezwa kwezindlu kuneziphumo ezinzulu engqondweni nakwezentlalo. Imixholo yokungxwelerheka, uloyiko, kunye nokomelela iye yavela nanjengeyona miba iphambili ephembelela iindlela zokumelana nolu lwaphulomthetho kwamaxhoba. Iziphumo zeenkcukachamanani zibonise iindlela eziphawulekayo zoloyiko nendlela yokuphila ngokulumkileyo, nokuhambelana phakathi koloyiko oluphezulu kunye nokusetyenziswa kwendlela egqithisileyo kwamanyathelo okhuseleko. Olu phandolwazi lukwachonge imfuneko yeenkonzo ezichongiweyo zokuxhasa amaxhoba kunye nokuphuculwa kwezicwangcisoqhinga zokuthintela ulwaphulomthetho ukunciphisa ifuthe lokuqhekezwa kwezindlu. Ngokuvelisa olu lwazi, olu phandolwazi lunegalelo kwinkalo yamaxhoba, lubonelela ngesikhokelo esibanzi esinganceda kumgaqonkqubo, kumsebenzi wale nkalo, kunye nophandolwazi lwexesha elizayo olujolise ekunciphiseni ukwenziwa amaxhoba kunye nokukhuthaza nokuphila kwamaxhoba athe aqhekezelwa izindlu eMzantsi Afrika.Maikemišetšo a nyakišišo ye e be e le go nyakišiša, go hlaloša le go sekaseka bohodu bja ka malapeng ka Afrika Borwa go tšwa go pono ya botšwasehlabelo, ka nepo ya maitemogelo a batšwasehlabelo ba go lebanywa thwii le ba go se lebanywe thwii. Dinyakišišo di hlohleleditšwe ke dipalo tša godimo tša bohodu bja ka malapeng ka nageng ye, le nyakišišo ya botšwasehlabelo ye e nago le magomo a tiragalo ye. Nyakišišo e be e hlametšwe go fa kwešišo ye e feletšego ya mohuta wa bosenyi, khuetšo ya bjona go batšwasehlabelo, le dikgopolo tša setšhaba ka ga poifo le maano a thibelo. Go šomišitšwe mokgwa wa nyakišišo wa mekgwa ye e kopantšwego, go kopanya mekgwa ya khwanthithethifi le khwalithethifi. Karolo ya khwalithethifi e be e akaretša dipoledišano tša kanegelo le batšwasehlabelo ba mannete ba 21 ba bohodu bja ka malapeng, go nyakišiša khuetšo ya motho le ya maikutlo ya bosenyi bjo. Karolo ya khwanthithethifi e akareditše datha go tšwa go sabeyi ye e theilwego godimo ga wepe (ye e selaganyago, hlalošago, itaolago), yeo e abetšwego badudi ba Afrika Borwa ka diforamo tša ditaba tša leago (WhatsApp, Facebook, Reddit le imeile), go swara mekgwa ye e nabilego ya poifo, tlaišo ka tsela ye e sa lebanyego le maitshwaro a thibelo. Ka kakaretšo, go amogetšwe dikarabo tše 302 tša nyakišišo. Tshekatsheko ya datha ya khwalithethifi e dirilwe ka go šomiša ATLAS.ti (v. 24), yeo e nolofaditšego tlhaolo ya morero le merero tše nnyane tšeo di amanago le mohuta wa bohodu bja ka malapeng, poifo ya tšona, gammogo le khuetšo ya yona go batšwasehlabelo ba go lebanywa thwii, mekgwa ya bona ya go lebeletšana le maemo, le kamano gare ga tšhireletšo ya dintlo le bohodu bja ka malapeng ka Afrika Borwa. Datha ya khwanthithethifi di sekasekilwe ka go šomiša SPSS go šupa ditswalano tša dipalopalo gare ga poifo, tlaišo ye e sa lebanyego thwii le magato a tšhireletšo ao badudi ba a šomišitšego. Bjalo ka ge dikutullo tša tshekatsheko ya khwalithethifi di utollotše, bohodu bja ka malapeng bo na le ditlamorago tše di tseneletšego tša monagano le tša leago. Merero ya masetlapelo, poifo le go kgotlelela di tšweletše e le mabaka a bohlokwa ao a hlohleletšago maano a go lebeletšana le boemo bja batšwasehlabelo. Dipoelo tša khwanthithethifi di laeditše dipaterone tše bohlokwa tša poifo le boitshwaro bja tšhireletšo, gammogo le dikamano gare ga poifo ye e phagamego le tšhomišo ye e oketšegilego ya magato a tšhireletšo. Nyakišišo gape e lemogile tlhokego ya ditirelo tša thekgo ya batšwasehlabelo tšeo di nepišitšwego le maano a thibelo ya bosenyi ao a kaonafetšego go fokotša khuetšo ya bohodu bja ka malapeng. Ka go kopanya dikgopolo tše, nyakišišo ye e tsenya letsogo lefapheng la botšwabohlaselo, go fa foreimiweke ye e feletšego yeo e tsebagatšago pholisi, mokgwa, le dinyakišišo tša ka moso tšeo di lebišitšwego phokotšong ya botšwasehlabelo le tšwetšopeleng ya pholo ya batšwasehlabelo ba bohodu bja ka malapeng ka Afrika Borwa.Ph. D. (Criminal Justice)Criminology and Security Scienc
A criminal career study of female offenders incarcerated at Kgoši Mampuru II and Johannesburg Correctional Centres, South Africa
No full textText in English with summaries in Xhosa and Southern SothoThe criminal career paradigm outlines the path of an individual’s progression or participation in criminal activities, from the first incident to the last. South African research remains nominal in the attempt to explore the criminal career of female offenders, which focuses on the why and when of the onset of offending, the continuation of offending, the prevalence and seriousness of the offending, and the time of desistance of offending. Addressing this gap, the criminal career paradigm was applied to understand the trajectories of female offenders who participated in this study. The objectives of this study were to: explore the criminal careers of the female offenders who participated in the study; explain the risk factors that led to the development of criminal behaviour of the female offenders through the analysis of their life histories; explain the female offenders’ motivations for committing crimes; make recommendations for gender-responsive crime prevention and rehabilitation strategies from the study findings; and develop a conceptual model explaining the criminal trajectory of female offenders who participated in this research. This study was grounded in the developmental and life-course criminology (DLC) framework, drawing on four key theories: Sampson and Laub’s Age-Graded Theory, Moffitt’s Developmental Taxonomy, Farrington’s ICAP Theory, and Thornberry’s Interactional Theory of Delinquency. To obtain detailed and rich data regarding the life histories of the participants, a qualitative research approach built on the phenomenological research design was employed to study 35 incarcerated female offenders based in Kgoši Mampuru II and Johannesburg Female Correctional Centres. Diary entries were employed during data collection, backed with follow-up interviews, in which the focus was on the participants lived experiences using a narrative approach.
Key findings indicated that the criminal careers of the female offenders, who participated in this study, were shaped by multiple early life offending risk factors during their adolescent years, including individual risk factors, familial risk factors, peer and educational risk factors and communal and environmental risk factors. Moreover, petty crimes, such as theft, were committed during adolescence, between the ages of 14 and 18. The findings further revealed that some participants were first arrested at the age of 16 while others were incarcerated for their first crime in their mid-thirties. The participants within the study were found to have differences in the durations of their criminal careers. Some of the participants engaged in crime for periods as long as 20 years but the average length of the participants’ criminal careers was 10 years. These criminal careers were not, however, linear, as they were interrupted by factors such as motherhood, employment or even incarceration for those who were not entering a correctional facility for the first time at the time of this research. In addition, the study found specific offending escalation and specialisation to include drug-related, shoplifting, and financial crimes. Only one offender’s criminal activities seemed to have escalated from selling marijuana to being involved in drug trafficking. Furthermore, the study formulated the female criminal behaviour trajectory conceptual model that was developed from the findings. The model presents a framework to understand the criminal trajectories of the females who participated in this study. Based on the empirical data obtained from the 35 incarcerated female offenders, literature and life course theories, this model offers a coherent pattern to explain the criminal trajectories of the females who participated in this study using the criminal career paradigm. This study proposes the development of gender-responsive correctional programming, economic empowerment, and skills development for young women as well as early intervention and prevention strategies that address childhood experiences.Isikhokelo somsebenzi wolwaphulomthetho sichaza ukuqhubela phambili kokubandakanyeka komntu kwimisebenzi yolwaphulomthetho, ukusuka kwisehlo sokuqala ukuya kwesokugqibela. Uphandolwazi eMzantsi Afrika lusanqongophele kwiinzame zokuphonononga imisebenzi yolwaphulomthetho yabaphulimthetho ababhinqileyo, kugxininiswa ekubeni kutheni belwenza kwaye baluqala nini, ukuqhubeka kwalo, ukuxhaphaka jikelele nobuzaza, kunye nexesha lokuyeka ulwaphulomthetho. Ngenxa yalo msantsa, kusetyenziswe isikhokelo somsebenzi wolwaphulomthetho ukuze kuqondwe iindlela zabaphulimthetho ababhinqileyo abathatha inxaxheba kolu phandolwazi. Iinjongo zolu phandolwazi ibikuku: phonononga imisebenzi yolwaphulomthetho yabaphulimthetho ababhinqileyo abathathe inxaxheba kolu phandolwazi; ukuchaza imiba yomngcipheko ekhokelela ekukhuleni komkhuba wolwaphulomthetho kula mabhinqa, ngokuhlalutya imbali yobomi babo; ukucacisa iimpembelelo ezikhokelela ekwenzeni ulwaphulomthetho kwabaphulimthetho ababhinqileyo; ukwenza izindululo zezicwangcisoqhinga zothintelo lolwaphulomthetho olusabela kwisini nezokubuyisela kwisimo sangaphambili kwiziphumo zolu phandolwazi; kunye nokuphuhlisa umfuziselo wangokwengqiqo ochaza indlela yolwaphulomthetho yabaphulimthetho ababhinqileyo abathathe inxaxheba kolu phandolwazi. Olu phandolwazi belusekelwe kwisikhokelo solwaphulomthetho oluphuhlayo nolwenzeka phakathi ebomini (iDLC), ukuzoba iingcingane/iithiyori ezine eziphambili ezizezi zilandelayo: iSampson and Laub’s Age-Graded Theory, iMoffitt’s Developmental Taxonomy, iFarrington’s ICAP Theory, kunye neThornberry’s Interactional Theory of Delinquency. Kusetyenziswe indlela yophandontyilazwi, olusekelwe kuyilo lophandolwazi ngokwavama oluntu kwezentlalo ukufumana idatha ecacileyo neyaneleyo ngeenkcukacha ngembali yobomi babathathinxaxheba, ukuphonononga abaphulimthetho abangama35 abavalelwe eKgoši Mampuru II nakumanye Amaziko aseRhawutini oLuleko lwaBasetyhini. Kusetyenziswe okubhalwe kwiidayari ngexesha lokuqokelelwa kwedatha, kongezwa ludliwanondlebe olulandelayo obelugxile kumava aphilayo abathathinxaxheba, ngokulandela indlela yokubalisa.
Iziphumo eziphambili zibonise ukuba imisebenzi yolwaphulomthetho yabaphulimthetho ababhinqileyo abathathe inxaxheba kolu phandolwazi yaqalwa yimiba emininzi yomngcipheko wolwaphulomthetho kwasekutsheni kwiminyaka yabo yokufikisa, kubandakanywa imiba yomngcipheko eyelelene nomntu ngamnye, yosapho, yoontanga neyezemfundo; imiba yomngcipheko yezentlalo kunye nokusingqongileyo. Ngaphezu koko, ulwaphulomthetho olungekho qatha, olunjengobusela, oluthe lwenziwa ngexesha lokufikisa, phakathi kweminyaka eli14 neli18 ubudala. Iziphumo zikwabonise ukuba abanye babathathinxaxheba baye babanjwa okokuqala beneminyaka eli16 ubudala, ngoxa abanye bavalelwa ulwaphulomthetho lwabo lokuqala bephakathi kwiminyaka engamashumi amathathu ubudala. Abathathinxaxheba kolu phandolwazi babonise ukwahluka kwixesha labo lomsebenzi wolwaphulomthetho. Abanye babathathinxaxheba bathi babandakanyeka kulwaphulomthetho isithuba esingangeminyaka engama20; nangona kunjalo, ubude bexesha lemisebenzi yolwaphulomthetho yabathathinxaxheba ibiyiminyaka eli10. Le misebenzi yolwaphulomthetho ayilandelelani, nakubeni – yaphazanyiswa zizinto ezifana nokuba ngumama, ingqesho okanye ukuvalelwa kwabo bakhe bangena kwiziko loluleko ngaphambili. Iziphumo zibonise ukuba olona lwaphulomthetho oluqatha nolwenziwa kakhulu lubandakanya olunxulumene neziyobisi, ubusela ezivenkileni, kunye nolwaphulomthetho lwezemali. Mnye kuphela umsebenzi wolwaphulomthetho womaphulimthetho obonakala ngathi uye wagqithisela ukusuka ekuthengiseni intsangu ukuya ekubandakanyekeni ekuthubelezisweni kweziyobisi. Kuye kwaqulunqwa umfuziselo wengqiqo yeendlela zokuziphatha kwabaphulimthetho. Lo mfuziselo ubonisa isikhokelo sokuqonda iindlela zolwaphulomthetho lwabhinqileyo abathathe inxaxheba kolu phandolwazi. Ngokusekelwe kwidatha yobungqina obubambekayo ngokwamava efunyenwe kubaphulimthetho ababhinqileyo abavalelweyo abangama35, kuncwadi nakwiingcingane zezifundo zobomi, lo mfuziselo ubonisa indlela ehambelanayo yokuchaza iindlela zolwaphulomthetho lwababhinqileyo abathathe inxaxheba kolu phandolwazi, kusetyenziswa isikhokelo somsebenzi wolwaphulomthetho. Olu phandolwazi luphakamisa uphuhliso lwenkqubo yoluleko esabela ngokwesini, ukuxhotyiswa ngezoqoqosho, nophuhliso lwezakhono lwamabhinqa aselula, kunye nezicwangcisoqhinga zokungenelela nokuthintela kwangethuba ezijoliswe kumava asebuntwaneni.Pharadaeme ya mosebetsi wa botlokotsebe o hlalosa tswelopele ya ho kenya letsoho ha motho diketsong tsa botlokotsebe, ho tloha ketsahalong ya pele ho isa ho ya ho qetela. Diphuphutso tsa Afrika Borwa di sa ntse di lekanyeditswe maitekong a ho batlisisa mesebetsi ya batlodi ba molao ba basadi, e tobileng ho hobaneng le neng qalong ya tlolo ya molao, tswelelopele ya tlolo ya molao le ho teba ha tlolo ya malao, le nako ya ho kgaotsa ho tlola molao.Ka lebaka la lekgalo lena, pharadaeme ya mosebetsi wa botlokotsebe e ile ya sebediswa ho utlwisisa maemo a batlodi ba molao ba basadi ba nkang karolo thutong ena. Sepheo sa thuto ena e ne e le ho: hlahloba mesebetsi ya batlodi ba molao ba basadi ba nkileng karolo ho thuto; ho hlalosa mabaka a kotsi a entseng hore ho be le ntshetsopele ya boitshwaro ba tlolo ya molao ya basadi, ka ho hlahloba histori ya bophelo ba bona;hlalosa sepheo sa batlodi ba molao ba basadi ho etsa ditlolo tsa molao; ho etsa dikgothaletso bakeng sa thibelo ya botlokotsebe e arabelang tekatekano le maano a tlhabollo ho tswa diphumano tsa thuto; le ho ntshetsapele mohlala o hlalosang tsela ya botlokotsebe ya basenyi ba basadi ba keneng phuputsong ena.Ho fumana dintlha tse qaqileng le tse ruileng mabapi le nalane ya bophelo ba bankakarolo, ho ile ha sebediswa mokgwa wa ho etsa dipatlisiso tsa boleng, o ipapisitseng le moralo wa dipatlisiso tse sa tlwaelehang ho ithuta ka ditlokotsebe tse 35 tsa basadi tse kwaletsweng tse thehilweng Setsing sa Mampuru II le Johannesburg Female Correctional Centres.Ditlhaloso tsa dayari di ile tsa sebediswa nakong ya pokello ya dintlha, di tlatselletswa ke dipuisano tse ileng tsa latela tse neng di shebane le diphihlelo tsa bophelo ba bankakarolo, ho latela mokgwa wa ho pheta.
Diphihlelo tsa bohlokwa di bontshitse hore mesebetsi ya tlolo ya molao ya batlodi ba molao ba basadi ba ileng ba ba nka karolo thutong ena e ne e bopilwe ke mabaka a mangata a kotsi bakeng sa ho senya bophelo ba pele nakong ya dilemo tsa bona tsa botjha, ho kenyeletsa le maemo a kotsi a motho ka mong, a lelapa, a dithaka le a thuto; le mabaka a kotsi a setjhaba le a tikoloho.Ho feta moo, ditlolo tsa molao tse nyenyane, tse kang boshodu, di ne di etswa nakong ya batjha, ba pakeng tsa dilemo tse 14 le 18. Diphumano di ile tsa tswela pele ho senola hore ba bang ba bankarolo ba ile ba tshwarwa lekgetlo la pele ba le dilemo di 16, ha ba bang ba ile ba kwallwa ka lebaka la tlolo ya molao ya bona ya pele bohareng ba dilemo tse mashome a mararo.Bankakarolo ba thuto ba bontshitse phapang dinakong tsa mesebetsi ya bona ya tlolo ya molao. Ba bang ba bankakarolo ba tlotse molao nako e telele jwalo ka dilemo tse 20; leha ho le jwalo, nako e tlwaelehileng ya mesebetsi ya bankakarolo ba tlolo ya molao e ne e le dilemo tse 10. Mesebetsi ena ya botlokotsebe e ne e sa lekane, leha ho le jwalo - e ile ya sitiswa ke dintlha tse jwalo ka bomme, mosebetsi kapa esita le ho kwallwa bakeng sa ba kileng ba kena setsing sa kgalemelo. Diphumano di bontshitse hore keketseho e itseng ya bokgopo le boitshwaro bo kenyelletsa botlokotsebe bo amanang le dithethefatsi, boshodu ba mabenkele le botlokotsebe ba ditjhelete. Ke diketso tsa botlokotsebe tsa motlodi wa molao a le mong feela tse bonahalang di eketsehile ho tloha ho rekisa matekwane ho isa ho ameheng kgwebong ya dithethefatsi. Moetso wa mohopolo wa mekgwa ya botlokotsebe ya basadi o entswe nakong ya thuto mme wa ntlafatswa ho tswa diphumano.Motlolo ona o hlahisa moralo wa ho utlwisisa ditsela tsa botlokotsebe tsa basadi ba nkileng karolo thutong ena. Ho ipapisitswe le dintlha tse matla tse fumanweng ho tswa ho ditlokotsebe tsa basadi tse 35 ba kwaletsweng, dingodilweng le dikgopolo tsa bophelo, motlolo ona o fana ka mohlala o momahaneng wa ho hlalosa mekgwa ya botlokotsebe ya basadi ba nkileng karolo thutong ena, ba sebedisa pharadaeme ya mosebetsi wa botlokotsebe.Thuto ena e sisinya ntshetsopele ya mananeo a kgalemelo a arabelang bong, matlafatso ya moruo, le ntshetsopele ya ditsebo bakeng sa basadi ba batjha, hammoho le maano a pele a ho kenella le a thibelo a reretsweng diphihlelo tsa bongwana.D. Phil. (Criminal Justice: Criminology)Criminology and Security Scienc
Gender mainstreaming practices and challenges in political institutions and economic development schemes of Gomma District, Oromia Region, Ethiopia
No full textThe objectives of the study were to explore gender mainstreaming practices in Gomma District related to administrative capacity building; setting accountability mechanisms; ensuring gender parity in the workforce, cooperative societies and leaderships; and identifying the challenges encountered in the process of gender mainstreaming. To this end, qualitative study was conducted in 2017 by taking Gomma District as a case. A total of 187 persons selected purposively were participated in the study. In-depth interview, focus group discussion and document review were used as methods of data collection. Data analysis was done thematically. The study was guided by three theories: Symbolic Interactionism that enables to understand the subjective descriptions of the study participants‘ experiences and perceptions towards gender mainstreaming practices; Social Constructivist Feminism that verifies the social construction of gender and the possibility of conscious reordering of the deeply rooted gender inequality in societal structures; and Stiwanism that validates women‘s participation and collaboration with men in social transformation. The findings of the study revealed low commitment and accountability of the district leaders for gender mainstreaming practices. There exists underutilization of the district Women and Children Affairs‘ Office constrained by budget for trainings, high personnel turnover consequent to workload and low salary scale of the office and absence of budget line for salaries of gender focal persons in most sectors and all kebele administrations. Sectors‘ accountability is not reinforced by making gender mainstreaming part of staffs‘ job descriptions and performance assessments; huge gender gap is identified in the district‘s workforce, decision-making positions and low value is given to women in the workplaces. Personal factors such as women‘s lack of passion for leadership and rural women‘s low participation in meetings; institutional factors such as lack of support from concerned offices, human power and financial constraints, low trust on women‘s leadership capacity and failures to implement court decisions on women cases have challenged gender mainstream practices in the district. To conclude, despite the emphasis given to gender equality in policies, Growth and Transformation Plan, and Sustainable Development Goals documents in Ethiopia, the emphasis given to gender mainstreaming activities in the study area is limited. Therefore, concerted effort is needed from the district administration office and concerned zonal, regional and national offices to address the gaps related to gender mainstreaming practices in Gomma District Administration.PhD. (Sociology)Sociolog
An evaluation of the African peer review mechanism (APRM) as an effective instrument of good governance in Africa : the case of Rwanda
No full textAbstracts in English and Northern SothoFollowing the formation of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) in 2001, African leaders resolved to set up an instrument that will monitor progress of member states towards the fulfilment of NEPAD’s objective of promoting good governance. This resolution gave birth to the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), which was established in 2003. The APRM’s mandate is to ensure that member states implement governance policies that conform to the four main thematic areas, namely, Democracy and Political Governance, Economic Governance and Management, Socio-economic Development and Corporate Governance. The purpose of this study is to critically evaluate the APRM as an instrument of promoting good governance in Africa. The role of the APRM in promoting good governance is analysed in the context of existing socio-economic and political conditions in Africa. The study uses Rwanda as a case study to demonstrate how a peer-reviewed state can offer empirical evidence of the APRM’s effectiveness as a tool of good governance in line with the above-mentioned thematic areas. It also argues that Rwanda has implemented policy reforms in accordance with the four thematic areas of the APRM, resulting in notable political and socio-economic achievements. The study employs qualitative methodology and relied on primary and secondary data collected through the techniques of documentary analysis and semi-structured interviews. The framework of Liberalism is a preferred theory because of its consistency and similarity with the principles of the APRM. The principal finding of this study is that, the Rwandan experience shows that the APRM has the potential to foster good governance, and therefore, pave the way to Africa’s development.Ka morago ga go hlongwa ga Tšhomišano ye Ntshwa Tlhabologong ya Afrika (New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) ka ngwaga wa 2001, baetapele ba dinaga tša Afrika ba ile ba tšea sepetho sa go tla ka lenaneo la go lekodišiša kgatelopele yeo e bileng gona go tšweletša pele morero wa NEPAD wa go tlhohleletša pušo ye botse ya go hloka bosodi. Sepetho seo se ile sa tswala Lemanoga la go Sekaseka Dinaga tša Afrika (African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) ka ngwaga wa 2003. Kgwekgwe ye kgolo ya APRM ke gore maloko a yona a latele lenaneo la pušo go ya ka dinthla tše di latelago tše nne: Demokrasi le Pušo ya Sepolotiki (Democracy and Political Governance), Pušo le Tsamaišo ya Ditšhelete (Economic Governance and Management), Thlabollo ya Leago le Leruo (Socio-economic Development) le Pušo ya Dikgwebo (Corporate Governance). Morero wo mogolo wa dinyakišišo tše ke go lekola le go sekaseka lenaneo la APRM go tlhohleletša pušo ye botse ya go hloka bosodi mo dinageng tša Afrika. Tekolo ye lenaneo la APRM e tšea karolo mo maemong a leago, ditšhelete le dipolotiki mo Afrika mabapi le pušo ye botse. Dinyakišišo tše šomišitše naga ya Rwanda bjalo ka mohlala wa thuto mo go phethagatšeng APRM mo mmušong wa naga ye. Monyakišiši o šomišitše mohuta wa boleng ba dithuto (qualitative study) go nyakišiša taba ye gomme a šomiša dipalopalo le dipoelo tšeo di šetšego di le gona gammogo le go botšiša batšeakarolo dipotšiso le go sekaseka dingwalwa tšeo di šetšego di le gona. Monyakišiši o šomišitše Tokologo (Liberalism) bjalo ka seipone goba leihlo leo le tlhlahlago dinyakišišo tše. Monyakišiši o ile a humana gore maitemogelo a Rwanda a bontšha gore lenanelo la APRM le ka thuša naga tša Afrika go ba le pušo ye botse yeo e ka tlišago tlhabologo le kgatelopele ga naga le maemo a ditšhelete.M.A. (International Politics)Political Science
Student well-being : a case study of first-year B.Ed. students ina n open distance e-Learning curriculum
No full textAbstracts in English, Zulu and AfrikaansImproving the well-being of first-year students in Open Distance e-Learning (ODeL) institutions is crucial, as it has a direct impact on academic success. These students encounter various challenges when learning in ODeL, particularly those in rural areas.
This study employed an exploratory case study design to examine the well-being of first-year students in South Africa’s largest ODeL institution. Situated within the interpretive research paradigm, it focused on the experiences and challenges faced by first-year students in an ODeL context. A qualitative research approach was employed to gather insights from first-year students regarding the psychological, academic, and social factors that influence their well-being. Through a case study strategy, the study explored different challenges affecting students’ well-being, their perceptions of well-being, and strategies that can be employed to support student well-being in ODeL. Data generation was facilitated through individual semi-structured interviews, which gave the researcher a significant perspective on students’ lived experiences. Additionally, data were collected through a document analysis of institutional student support policies. A thematic analysis of the data revealed key findings regarding challenges faced by first-year students in ODeL. These challenges encompass academic, social, emotional, psychological, technological, and financial dimensions, significantly impacting students' academic success. While institutional support services are available, issues of accessibility and equity have been noted. The findings advocate for integrating well-being principles into the curriculum to enhance a sense of community and academic success. Additionally, the study informed guidelines for a proposed module on student well-being and provided recommendations for policymakers, institutions, and first-year students in ODeL.Kubaluleke kakhulu ukuba siphucule indlela yokuphatheka kwabafundi abenza unyaka wokuqala ezikhungweni Zokufunda Nanoma Ukuphi (ODeL), ikakhulu ngoba kuba nomthelela ekuphumeleleni kokufunda. Laba bafundi bahlangabezana nezinselelo ezahlukene ngesikhathi befunda kuma-ODeL, ikakhulu labo abasezindaweni zasemakhaya.
Lapha kuye kwasetshenziswe uhlaka lombhalo ocwaningiwe ukuze kuhlolwe indlela yokuphatheka kwabafundi abenza unyaka wokuqala esikhungweni esikhulu kunazo zonke se-ODeL eNingizimu Afrika. Ekutholeni ukuthi abantu basiqonda ngokunjani isimo, lolu cwaningo lugxile kulezo zimo esezike zenzeka, kanye nezinselele abafundi abenza unyaka wokuqala ababhekana nazo ngaphansi kwesikhungo se-ODeL. Kuye kwasetshenziswa indlela yokucwaninga iqophelo ukuze kuqoqwe ulwazi kubafundi mayelana nomthelela wezimo ezingokwengqondo, ezemfundo nendlela yenhlalo kubafundi. Ngokusebenzisa umbhalo ocwaningiwe, izindaba ezehlukene ezithinta inhlalakahle yabafundi, imibono yabo ngenhlalakahle, kanye namasu angasetshenziswa ukusekela indlela yenhlalo yabafundi bakuma-ODeL. Imininingo iqoqwe ngokwenhlolovo evulelekile nabantu ngabodwana, nokuhlinzeke umcwaningi ngombono obalulekile mayelana nalokho abafundi abahlangabezana nakho. Ukwengeza, imininingo itholakale ekuhlaziyweni kwemibhalo yesikhungo maqondana nezinqubomgomo zokusekela abafundi. Indlela yokuhlaziywa kwezihlokwana iveze lukhulu olubalulekile mayelana nezinselelo ezihlangabezana nabafundi abenza unyaka wokuqala esikhungweni se-ODeL. Lezi zinselele zihlanganisa uhlelo lokufunda, inhlalakahle, umuzwa, isimomqondo, ubuchwepheshe, kanye nezezimali kanjalo nezimo ezithinta kakhulu impumelelo yabafundi ezifundweni abazenzayo. Nakuba kunezinselelo ezikhona ngokwesekwa yisikhungo, kuye kwaqapheleka izindlela zokufinyelela kokuyizinsiza kanye nokulingana.
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Umcwaningi ukhuthaza ukuba kuhlanganiswe imigomo yezindlela zokuphatheka kwabafundi nohlelo lokufunda ukuze kuphuculwe ukuzizwa komphakathi kanjalo nokwandisa imiphumela emihle kubafundi. Ukwengeza, lolu cwaningo lwazisa ngemihlahlandlela yesifundo ehlongozwayo maqondana nendlela yokuphatheka kwabafundi kanti futhi luhlinzeka ngezincomo kulabo abasungula izinqubomgomo, izikhungo, nabafundi abenza unyaka wokuqala ku-ODeL.Die verbetering van die welstand van eerstejaarstudente in oopafstandsleerinstellings is
van deurslaggewende belang, aangesien dit akademiese sukses direk beïnvloed. Hierdie
studente ervaar verskeie uitdagings wanneer hulle op hierdie wyse leer, veral dié in
landelike gebiede.
’n Verkennende gevallestudieontwerp is aangewend om die welstand van
eerstejaarstudente in Suid Afrika se grootste oopafstandsleerinstelling te ondersoek. Die
studie, wat in die vertolkende navorsingsparadigma geleë is, het gefokus op die ervarings
en uitd agings van eerstejaarstudente in ’n oopafstandsleer konteks. ’n Kwalitatiewe
navorsingsbenadering is gebruik om insigte te verkry by hierdie studente oor die
psigologiese, akademiese en sosiale faktore wat hulle welstand beïnvloed. Deur die
gebruik van ’n gevallestudie strategie is die verskillende kwessies wat studente se
welstand beïnvloed, hulle waarnemings van welstand, en strategieë wat gebruik kan word
om studente se welstand in oopafstandsleer te ondersteun, verken. Data is ingesamel uit
individuele halfgestruktureerde onderhoude, wat vir die navorser ’n betekenisvolle perspektief oor studente se geleefde ervarings gegee het. Verder is data ingesamel uit
dokumentontleding van die institusionele studenteondersteuningsbeleide.
’n Tematiese ontleding van die data het sleutelbevindings onthul oor die uitdagings van
eerstejaarstudente in oopafstandsleer. Hierdie uitdagings dek die akademiese, sosiale,
emosionele, psigologiese, tegnologiese en finansiële dimensies en beïnvloed stude nte
se akademiese sukses beduidend. Terwyl daar wel ondersteuningsdienste bestaan, is
daar opgelet dat daar probleme met toeganklikheid en billikheid is. Die navorser bepleit
die integrasie van welstandsbeginsels in die kurrikulum om ’n gevoel van gemeensk ap te
bevorder en om akademiese sukses te verbeter. Verder bied die studie riglyne vir ’n
voorgestelde module oor studente se welstand en verskaf dit aanbevelings vir
beleidmakers, instellings en eerstejaarstudente in oopafstandsleer.D. Ed. (Curriculum Studies)College of Educatio
Antecedents of brand reliability, brand benevolence and brand credibility : evidence from South African government department clients
No full textThis study investigates the antecedents of brand trust, specifically brand reliability, brand benevolence, and brand credibility, within the context of the South African public sector, using the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) as a case study. Despite extensive branding literature, research addressing trust-building mechanisms in public institutions remains limited, particularly in developing economies. Addressing this gap, the study is grounded in the Theory of Planned Behaviour, Interpersonal Attachment Theory, Brand Equity Theory, Social Identity Theory, and Interpersonal Trust Theory. A quantitative, cross-sectional survey methodology was employed, gathering data from a random sample of 338 of the dtic clients. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was used to test hypothesised relationships among key constructs including brand awareness, brand knowledge, brand familiarity, brand attitude, brand image, and the dimensions of brand trust.
Findings reveal that brand awareness, brand knowledge, and brand familiarity each significantly and positively influence brand attitude and brand image. In turn, brand attitude and brand image significantly and positively influence brand reliability, brand benevolence, and brand credibility. Furthermore, brand attitude and brand image were found to mediate the relationship between the cognitive brand constructs (awareness, knowledge, and familiarity) and trust dimensions. Based on these results, the Brand Reliability, Benevolence, and Credibility (RBC) Model was developed, offering a comprehensive framework for understanding trust formation in public sector branding.
This study makes both theoretical and practical contributions by extending branding theory into the public sector of a developing country context and by offering actionable insights for public sector managers aiming to enhance trust through brand management strategies. Limitations, including the use of a cross-sectional design and a sample confined to one government department, are acknowledged. Nevertheless, the study provides a vital foundation for future research and policy-making in public sector branding.Ph. D. (Marketing)Marketing and Retai
The potential of polypropylene fiber reinforcement in geopolymer concrete
No full textDespite the growing interest in geopolymer concrete as a sustainable alternative to Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) concrete, most existing studies have concentrated on unreinforced formulations and elevated-temperature curing, which limits their applicability in real-world construction, particularly for reinforced structures under ambient conditions. To bridge this gap, this research focused on polypropylene fibers added to geopolymer concrete cured at ambient temperature. Geopolymer mixes containing 0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% PP fibers by volume were prepared and subjected to a comprehensive experimental program. This included material characterization (X-ray fluorescence and sieve analysis of slag, fly ash, and aggregates), mix design optimization, fresh property evaluation, and mechanical testing (compressive and flexural strength at 7, 28, and 90 days). Durability was assessed using oxygen permeability index (OPI), water sorptivity and porosity, and chloride conductivity tests. Statistical analysis using DATAtab supported the interpretation of experimental data. In terms of workability, slump tests showed improvements with 0.5% and 1.0% fiber contents, reaching 120 mm and 150 mm, respectively, which facilitated ease of placement and finishing. However, at 1.5% fiber content, workability decreased by approximately 50% due to fiber clustering, indicating poor flowability. Mechanical testing revealed that the addition of PP fibers enhanced compressive and flexural strength up to an optimal dosage, beyond which strength declined. The highest compressive strength gain (2.6%) occurred at 0.5% fiber content after 90 days. Flexural strength improved significantly with fiber addition, achieving a 47.6% increase at 1.0% fiber content after 90 days. A moderate positive correlation (R² = 0.58) was found between compressive and flexural strength. Regarding durability, oxygen permeability was reduced in samples with 0.5% and 1.5% fiber content, indicating enhanced resistance to gas ingress. Water sorptivity gradually increased with fiber content but stabilized in the later stages of testing, reflecting acceptable water resistance over time. Chloride ion conductivity remained largely unaffected by fiber inclusion across all dosages. Overall, the findings demonstrate that polypropylene fibers can enhance the workability, mechanical strength, and durability of ambient-cured geopolymer concrete. An optimal fiber dosage of 0.5–1.0% was identified for balancing workability, mechanical performance, and durability. These insights support the development of sustainable, high-performance geopolymer concrete suitable for diverse construction applications under ambient conditions.MSc (Engineering)Civil and Chemical Engineerin
The relationship between principals’ fiscal competencies and financial management practices in public secondary schools in Kenya
No full textText in EnglishThis study investigated the relationship between the principals’ fiscal competencies and effective performance of selected financial management roles in public secondary schools in Kajiado County, Kenya. The financial management practices were budgeting, procurement, internal financial control and financial reporting. The study was underpinned by two theories: scientific management theory and systems theory combined to form a theoretical framework. The study largely adopted the quantitative methodology using correlational research design and qualitative methodology to a lesser extent using a case study. Data from principals’ and bursars was collected through questionnaires, while semi-structured interviews were used for school auditors. The study used a multistage sampling technique to select a sample of 115 public secondary school principals, 111 school bursars and three school auditors. The findings indicated that there was a positive and statistically significant relationship between budgeting competencies and principals’ performance of financial management roles (p=0.703**; p<0.01); procurement and performance of financial management roles (p=0.876**; p<0.01); internal financial control competencies and principals’ performance of financial management roles (p=0.885**;p<0.01) and financial reporting competencies and performance of financial management roles at 0.05 alpha (p=0.880**; p<0.01). It is concluded that some principals did not have the necessary competencies for performance of budgeting, procurement, internal financial control and financial reporting roles. It is also concluded that some principals were ineffective in performing selected roles in budgeting, procurement, financial internal control and financial reporting. This study recommends that principals be trained, mentored and coached in the performance of budgeting, procurement, internal control and financial reporting roles to address the identified competency and skills gaps.D. Phil. (Education Management)College of Educatio