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    The contributions of local economic development projects towards income poverty reduction : a case study of Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality

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    The literature revealed that focusing on local economic development (LED) is among many effective and efficient methods that can be used to reduce income poverty, joblessness and improve technical and business skills. The South African Local Government is tasked with the obligation of managing and coordinating LED initiatives that will assist with the reduction of joblessness and poverty in general. The aim of this research study is to investigate the contribution of LED projects towards income poverty reduction in business process lifecycle management (BPLM). Though the notion of LED has been researched and greatly debated by various authors globally and in South Africa (SA), this study intends to determine the degree to which LED projects contribute towards income poverty reduction. The research adopted a hybrid approach, which is composed of both quantitative and qualitative research designs. The study’s rationale is to gain more in-depth knowledge and insight into the dynamics and complexities of translating LED policy into practice. Skype interviews were used to collect data from municipal officials, project managers and traditional leaders, and semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data from the project participants. A main conclusion from the study is that middle-aged single women with low educational skills and qualifications are the majority of the participants in LED projects. A high number of these participants are unemployed and a majority of project participants depend on social grants and remittance for survival. The study will make recommendations based on its findings.M.A. (Development Studies)Development Studie

    Analysis of private security companies compliance to the private security industry’s regulatory framework in Gauteng, South Africa

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    This study analysed the private security companies’ (PSCs) compliance to the private security industry (PSI) regulatory framework or the lack thereof, in the province of Gauteng, South Africa. The overarching rationale for the is to test the industry’s progress in professionalisation. The study focused on examining whether the PSCs register with the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) and complies with other requirements as stipulated in the Private Security Industry Regulatory Act. PSIRA is well positioned to effect control over the PSI. The question remains whether the Regulator is succeeding in its mandate to effect control over the security industry. The image of the PSI is not one seen in a positive light by the society. It is, therefore, incumbent of the Regulator to professionalise the PSI so that it gains legitimacy and approval. The researcher embarked on a process of investigating whether the PSC meets requisite or operating a security business by registering with PSIRA. The researcher followed a qualitative research approach to answer the research question whether PSCs are compliant or non-compliant. In line with qualitative approach, the research opted for the phenomenological methodological framework, which sought to obtain participants’ lived experience. The rationale for selecting this methodology to study this phenomenon was to decipher as much data, experience, knowledge and lived experience from the participants. Data were collected through research interviews with PSI experts and actors and other documentary sources such as PSIRA policies were also visited. In-depth semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from the research participants. The participants were carefully selected based on their experience and knowledge. Based on the participants responses, PSCs exist because of high demand of their service made available by the void created by failing police service to provide protection to the citizenry. Although their motive is mostly making profit, for some security businesspeople, it is a calling and some want to make a different – to stop crime. The PSI is riddled by non-complying PSCs because of varied reasons. Among others, PSCs join the industry for mischievous reasons, with some intending to acquire firearms. Some join the industry because it is lucrative and the entry level is quite low whereas some join because of opportunity for tendering. Many bypasses the regulations and operate illegally. It is therefore incumbent of the Regulator to come with interventions to eliminate non-compliance. Gauteng is highly affected owing to its economic status and the high crime level. The number of PSCs is highest in the country. The Regulator has the inspectorate and legal arm/division to ensure that noncompliant PSCs are identified, sanctioned and where possible prosecuted. Participants shared divergent views on whether PSIRA is successful in its role. Some see the Regulator managing well to bring non-compliance down whereas some view PSIRA’s efforts as insufficient. Some vow that they have never seen a single inspector in their business premises. Amid all the negativity against the Regulator, there is consensus among the participant that PSIRA is not adequately funded. Their funding model, which is primarily sourced from the registered companies and levies from security officers, is not adequate to enable the Regulator to deliver on its mandate. The Regulator keeps on improving in its operations. PSIRA has improved on its digitisations, which enables many more companies to register flawlessly and swiftly, and also making their services easily available.M.A. (Criminal Justice)Criminology and Security Scienc

    Epidemiological investigation of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Sodo District Southern Ethiopia

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    In Ethiopia, Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) is a common infectious disease. However, existing knowledge on prevalence, risk factors, community awareness and circulating parasite species are scarce. The study aimed at producing evidence to inform prevention strategies through epidemiological study using different approaches. Objectives are to access knowledge, attitude, and practices about CL, investigate risks related to transmission and determine prevalence of CL in Sodo District. Primary quantitative method using a cross-sectional descriptive approach was applied. Data were collected from interviews held with 423 households for the KAP survey. In factor assessment and prevalence study, 379 households harbouring 1356 individuals were interviewed along with clinical assessment. In the KAP study, 263 (61.9%), 226 (53.4%), and 213 (50.4%) have satisfactory knowledge, favourable attitude, and good practice about leishmaniasis. Majority are unable to identify leishmaniasis and unaware of its cause and transmission, respectively. Sandfly is considered "important biting and blood-sucking insect" by 210 (49.6%) but knowledge on biting time and breeding place was unsatisfactory. Most believed CL can be treated, is a serious problem and have a disfiguring outcome. However, most (59.3%, n=251) prefer use of traditional medication. Concerning practice, 288 (68.1%) have bed nets but personal protective measures are rarely used. Risk factor assessment shows kebele, presence of screen on window/door, sensel tree and cave/gorge, host factors (travel history, sleeping at home yard, irrigating at night, spending time near cave/gorge, using personal protective measures and sleeping hand/face covered), hyrax near home and dumping dung to be significant factors affecting leishmaniasis. Prevalence of leishmaniasis was 9.07% (123/1,356) for both scars (5.45%) and active (3.61%) infection. Lesions were mainly located on face parts and LCL was the most common form. The PCR test identified Leishmania aethiopica as principal species. The Sodo community will benefit from awareness creation programs cause, transmission, and vector of leishmaniasis. Prevention programmes should prioritise changes in host behavior such as putting a screen on window or door, use of personal protective measures, irrigation at night, and sleeping covering hand and face. CL is a challenging public health crisis in the district and due attention needs to be given to it.D. Litt. et Phil. (Public Health)Health Studie

    Umlaka lohlelo lokufundisa olususelwa ekusebenzeni kwamakhompyutha endaweni ehlanganisiwe yokufunda

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    Text in English with summary of thesis, keywords and title in English, Afrikaans and isiZuluThe primary objective of this study is to develop a framework for an activity-based computer programming instructional approach in a blended learning environment of Higher Education Institutions. The impetus for this study is the poor performance of most undergraduate students in the domain of computing science programmes to comprehend and write computer programs to solve real-world problems. In addition, a fundamental problem with most Higher Education Institutions in undergraduate computer science educational programmes is how to teach programming and how to help students understand and write computer programs. Hence, the study developed a course mediation for computer programming instruction in Higher Education Institutions in Ghana, designed and developed an activity-based programming instructional platform, and developed a framework for an activity-based approach to teach programming in a blended learning environment. The action research approach was used to conduct the research within three semesters. The mixed method approach was used to capture data from 300 students and nine instructors in three different Higher Education Institutions in Ghana as well as from different computer programming classes within a blended learning environment. The findings from the study provided a course mediation and a framework indicating the various components of an activity-based computer programming instructional approach within a blended learning environment that enhances learning gains for students in computer programming classes. Moreover, the study found that students’ learning journey of computer programming comprehension needs continuous support and engagements using an activity-based instructional approach within a blended environment.Die hoofoogmerk van hierdie studie is om ʼn raamwerk vir ʼn aktiwiteitsgebaseerde onderrigbenadering tot rekenaarprogrammering in ʼn gemengdeleeromgewing van hoëronderwysinstellings te ontwikkel. Die impetus vir die navorsing is die swak prestasie van meeste voorgraadse studente in die domein van rekenaarwetenskapprogramme om rekenaarprogramme te begryp en te skryf vir die oplossing van werklike probleme. Daarbenewens is daar by die meeste hoëronderwysinstellings se voorgraadse onderrigprogramme in rekenaarwetenskap ʼn onderliggende probleem wat betref hoe om programmering te onderrig en hoe om studente te help om rekenaarprogramme te verstaan en te skryf. Gevolglik het hierdie studie ʼn kursusbemiddeling vir die onderrig van rekenaarprogrammering in hoëronderwysinstellings in Ghana ontwikkel. As deel van die studie is daar ook ʼn aktiwiteitsgebaseerde programmeringsonderrigplatform ontwerp en ontwikkel. ʼn Raamwerk is ook ontwikkel vir ʼn aktiwiteitsgebaseerde benadering tot die onderrig van programmering in ʼn gemengdeleeromgewing. Die aksienavorsingbenadering is gevolg om die navorsing in drie semesters te doen. Die gemengdemetode-benadering is gebruik om data van 300 studente en nege dosente in drie verskillende hoëronderwysinstellings in Ghana vas te lê, asook van verskillende rekenaarprogrammering-klasse in ʼn gemengdeleeromgewing. Die bevindinge van die studie het ʼn kursusbemiddeling opgelewer, sowel as ʼn raamwerk wat ʼn aanduiding gee van die verskillende komponente van ʼn aktiwiteitsgebaseerde benadering tot die onderrig van rekenaarprogrammering in ʼn gemengdeleeromgewing, wat verhoogde leervoordele vir studente in rekenaarprogrammering-klasse bied. Die studie het boonop bevind dat studente se leerontwikkeling om rekenaarprogrammering te verstaan, volgehoue ondersteuning en betrokkenheid deur middel van ʼn aktiwiteitsgebaseerde onderrigbenadering in ʼn gemengdeleeromgewing verg. Aanbevelings is dus aan hoëronderwysinstellings se bestuurders en administrateurs; die Nasionale Akkrediteringsraad, die Ministerie van Onderwys en die Nasionale Raad op Hoër Onderwys gedoen om verbeterings in rekenaarprogrammeringskurrikula te implementeer deur die gebruik van ʼn aktiwiteitsgebaseerde pedagogiese benadering om studente se programmingsvaardighede, kennis en geleenthede vir indiensneembaarheid te bevorder.Inhloso eyinhloko yalolu cwaningo ukuthuthukisa uhlaka lwendlela yokufundisa uhlelo olususelwa ekusebenzeni kwamakhompyutha endaweni ehlanganisiwe yokufunda yeZikhungo zeMfundo ePhezulu. Umfutho walolu cwaningo ukungasebenzi kahle kwabafundi abaningi abenza iziqu ezisezingeni eliphansi emkhakheni wezinhlelo zesayensi yekhompyutha ukuqonda nokubhala izinhlelo zekhompyutha ukuxazulula izinkinga zomhlaba wangempela. Ngaphezu kwalokho, inkinga ebalulekile ngeZikhungo eziningi zeMfundo ePhezulu ezinhlelweni zeziqu ezisezingeni eliphansi zesayensi yamakhompiyutha ukuthi ungafundisa kanjani uhlelo nokuthi ungabasiza kanjani abafundi baqonde futhi babhale izinhlelo zekhompyutha. Ngakho-ke, lolu cwaningo lwasungula ukulamula kwezifundo zokufundisa uhlelo lwekhompyutha eZikhungweni zeMfundo ePhezulu eGhana, lwasongoza icebo futhi lwasungula inkundla yokufundisa uhlelo olususelwa emisebenzini, futhi lwathuthukisa uhlaka lwendlela yokufundisa uhlelo olususelwa ekusebenzeni kwamakhompiyutha endaweni ehlanganisiwe yokufunda. Indlela yokwenza ucwaningo yasetshenziselwa ukwenza ucwaningo kungakapheli izigamu ezintathu zonyaka. Indlela exubile yasetshenziselwa ukuthatha imininingwane evela kubafundi abangama-300 nabafundisi abayisishiyagalolunye eZikhungweni ezintathu zeMfundo ePhezulu eGhana kanye nasemakilasini ahlukene wokuhlela amakhompyutha endaweni ehlanganisiwe yokufunda. Okutholakele ocwaningweni kunikeze ukulamula kwezifundo nohlaka olubonisa izingxenye ezahlukahlukene zendlela yokufundisa uhlelo olususelwa ekusebenzeni kwamakhompyutha ngaphakathi kwendawo ehlanganisiwe yokufunda ethuthukisa ukuzuza kokufunda kwabafundi emakilasini wokuhlela amakhompyutha. Ngaphezu kwalokho, ucwaningo luthole ukuthi uhambo lwabafundi lokufunda lokuqonda uhlelo lwekhompyutha ludinga ukwesekwa okuqhubekayo nokuzibandakanya besebenzisa indlela yokufundisa esuselwa emisebenzini ngaphakathi kwendawo ehlanganisiwe yokufunda. Ngakho-ke, iziphakamiso kubaphathi nakubalawuli beZikhungo zeMfundo ePhezulu, iBhodi kaZwelonke Lokugunyazwa, uMnyango wezeMfundo kanye noMkhandlu kaZwelonke wezeMfundo ePhakeme zenziwe ukwenza izinguquko ezifundweni zohlelo lwekhompyutha ngokusebenzisa indlela yokufundisa esuselwe emsebenzini ukuqhubekisela phambili amakhono wabafundi wokuhlela, ulwazi namathuba okuqashwa.Ph. D. (Computer Science)School of Computin

    Seasonal effects of Rhus lancea and Celtis africana on intake preference and physiological responses in South African indigenous goats

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    This study investigated the seasonal effects of Rhus lancea and Celtis africana leaves on preference, intake, weight, and serum metabolites in South African indigenous, mature, male goats. Twelve mature, male goats weighing 34 ± 5.9 kg (mean ± SD) were randomly allocated to two groups of six and kept in metabolic crates for periods of 21 days in October 2015 and March, May, and August of 2016. A browser diet of R. lancea and C. africana and a control diet (lucerne and concentrates) were randomly allocated to each group. Measurements taken included nutritional composition of browse per season, and browse preference, intake, weight changes, and serum metabolites in the goats. The acid detergent fibre (24–36%) and neutral detergent fibre (26.9–70.4 %) in R. lancea over the months were greater than in C. africana (50.3–53.2% and 49.4–55.4%, respectively). In the preference study, the goats preferred C. africana more in October (51.2 vs 48.8%), March (51.4 vs 48.6%), and May (54.3 vs 45.7%). Goats on the browser diet lost weight in March, May, and in August whereas those on the control diet gained weight. The serum urea concentration of goats consuming browser diets in May and August (1.8–3.3 mmol/l) was lower than the normal range, consistent with animals failing to derive their protein requirements from the diet. Goats prefer to browse C. africana more than R. lancea. The study also indicated the need for supplementation to meet maintenance requirements in animals fed R. lancea and C. africana.College of Agriculture and Environmental Science

    NIGERIAN LEG - Covid19 African masks collaborative visual art practice-led/based project

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    Nigerian Monster Installation made out of protective masks (photographs) Nigerian Monster Installation made out of protective masks (Videos)Annotation: NIGERIAN LEG: Covid19 African masks collaborative visual art practice-led/based project This practical project formed part of the “Covid19 African masks collaborative visual art practice-led/based project” which was a collaboration between art academics from African Tertial institutions from six countries. These were from University of South Africa (UNISA), South Africa, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana, Kenya Technical University, Kenya, Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, Nigeria, Kwara State University, Malete, Nigeria, Great Zimbabwe University, Zimbabwe and the University of Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. The main objective of this collaborative project was first to strengthen Visual Art as hard core research in addressing social concerns and issues and showing how it can be made useful in commenting and disseminating contemporary social views. Secondly, the project aimed to educate the participating students, and share ideas among the participating academics towards Practice-led and Practice based research in Fine/Visual/Creative Arts. Similarly to the other sub-projects this project was facilitated by one of the Nigerian team leaders at the Fine Art department of the Yaba College of Technology through participatory action with learners and two other collaborators, the second Nigerian team leader from Kwara State University as well as the main initiator from the university of South Africa. The conceptualisation and creation processes were facilitated through virtual discussion via google meet, and WhatsApp video calls, voice calls and text messages. Prior conceptualisation and creation processes three questions were distributed to the willing participants as data collection instruments by the students who were the co-researchers under the countries’ team leaders. The responses were anonymously collected by the co-researchers via informal interactions in their environments. The responses were interpreted culminating into the artworks generated in the respective countries’ exhibition presentations. 1. How does wearing a mask as a result of Covid19 make you feel or what emotions does this evoke in you? 2. If you were to refer to the experience of wearing a masks as something, what would this Monster be? A thing (animal or object), an event (war or car/train/plane crash) and natural disasters (tsunami/storm/volcanic eruptions etc). 3. Covid19 has really changed the world, what positive changes come to your mind? Thus, the practical production represented interpretations of the responses to these questions, and the co-researchers’ expression of their experiences and emotional feelings associated with the wearing of masks as a result of Covid19. These art creation projects had to make use of used and unused masks worn as a protective measure against Covid19. The Nigerian leg activities were related to a sphere of basic creative production elements that were explored with the co-researchers (participating students) as mechanisms of creative development that attended to the research discourse. The co-researchers were predominantly early developing learners in the general arts course. This project was meant to be a seed for continental collaborations that may be developed into further academic association collaborations. Here the navigation and process of developing the creative artefact functioned as contribution to knowledge. The project was set on how visual art research can facilitate academic research procedure, and since practice-led/based research has been accepted as legitimate visual art research there is a need for academics to collaborate in finding new ways of doing and refining this type of research, hence this project’s significance. The Nigerian group decided to exhibit their MONSTER in the form of chains made from the masks, and they represented the restrictive measures that were imposed worldwide to prevent the spread of Covid19, and suffocation associated with the wearing of masks. The restriction was portrayed in the form of a spider web created with masks chains, and this was an interactive installation where viewers were challenged to walk through the web jumping over the crisscrossed chains which filled-up the whole gallery, and sometimes jump over bodies lying on the ground helplessly hypothetically strangled/overwhelmed by the chain metaphorically representing restriction and deaths emanated from Covid19. Plastic materials were also used to wrap the helpless bodies, and to make human figures which were captured/trapped in the web again symbolising the restrictive nature of Covid19. Plastic materials were also symbolising suffocation and discomfort associated with the wearing of the masks, as well as the protective clothes that were worn, and bags which were used to seal the dead bodies.Art and MusicNon

    Inclusion challenges faced by learners with physical impairments in Mamelodi East primary schools

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    The study: inclusion challenges faced by learners with physical impairments in Mamelodi East Primary schools, aims to highlight acceleration of education opportunities for LWPI in inclusive settings in order to transform the education system and meet the UN goal of education for all. The constitution of the Republic of South Africa (RSA, 1996) guarantee every learner the right to education. The methodology used in the study is qualitative study that employed interviews, observations and documents analysis as instruments of data collection. The study was conducted in four primary schools situated in Mamelodi East in Tshwane South District in Gauteng with 20 participants. Thematic analysis was used to analyse data (Braun and Clarke, 2013). Creswell’s method of data analysis was adopted. The findings revealed that the following were factors affecting learners with physical impairments: poor infrastructures in schools, unqualified teachers, lack of resources, inaccessible/unavailable LTSM and lack of assistive devices and technologies. Some of the proposed recommendations include: that the Department of Basic Education need to see to it that they train teachers in inclusive education; revamp the schools to accommodate LWPI; provide schools with adequate resources and assistive devices and technologies in order to ensure that LWPI enjoy the same rights to education as others without disability.M. Ed. (Inclusive Education)Inclusive Educatio

    Re-reading African literature with feminist empathy : a gendered analysis of selected texts by Chinua Achebe, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Tsitsi Dangarembga

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    Several African literary texts and the critical responses to these texts have engaged extensively with the varied ways in which men and women have been both complicit in and active perpetrators of gendered oppression and violence. Even though lives of female characters are often depicted as being impacted by such challenges, contemporary African literary texts consistently portray strong female characters who advocate for emancipation and empowerment while they make choices that allow them to flourish and lead rich, personally and socially meaningful lives. This study contributes to existing scholarly conversations by drawing on theoretical frameworks that are centered around feminist empathy and other discourses of feminism to reflect critically on the ways in which the selected African texts acknowledge, accept and recognise the pain and suffering of the female other marginalised through the practice of patriarchal norms. Through an examination of Chinua Achebe’s Anthills of the Savannah, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Half of a Yellow Sun and Tsitsi Dangarembga’s This Mournable Body, I depict the disparities between the conditions of life, the socio-cultural identities, and the power dynamics of male and female characters within selected African patriarchal societies. The study further investigates the literary strategies employed to expose the effects of sexism, classism, racism, stereotyping and macho-masculinity on the lives of marginalised characters, predominantly, female characters. The research establishes methods adopted by revolutionary female characters to subvert patriarchy and assert a constructive image and role for women in the societies exemplified in the texts. Based on these findings, the study concludes that through the use of empathy as a conceptual tool drawn from the theoretical framework of feminist empathy, both genders can thrive in their mutual support and understanding of each other within a more progressive society.D. Phil. (Language, Linguistics and Literature)English Studie

    Transforming discipleship : a case study of two churches in Southern Germany

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    Abstracts in German and EnglishDer Ruf in die Nachfolge Jesu Christi mündet, gemäß den neutestamentlichen Berichten, stets in eine lebenslange, charaktertransformierende Jüngerschaftsbeziehung hinein. In Matthäus 28,19f macht Jesus diesen konstitutiven Zusammenhang besonders deutlich. Dabei stellt sich die Frage, ob die Kirchen der Postmoderne diese ganzheitliche Transformation heute noch im Blickfeld behalten und wie sie diese konkret ermöglichen? Eine wachsende Zahl von Dekonversionen nährt den Verdacht, dass Christsein heute zunehmend als Bekenntnisgemeinschaft verstanden wird, ohne dass es dabei zu einer tiefgreifenden und sichtbaren Charakterverwandlung im Denken und Leben der Glaubenden kommt. Ausgehend von diesen Beobachtungen verfolgt die geplante Forschungsarbeit das Ziel, das normative Modell der biblischen Jüngerschaft vor dem Hintergrund zweier ausgewählter Kirchen neu zur Sprache zu bringen, um daraus Anstöße und Impulse für zukunftsfähige Gemeinden zu entwickeln.According to the New Testament reports, the call to follow Jesus Christ always leads into a lifelong character transforming relationship with Christ himself. In Matthew 28:19ff Jesus is especially revealing this constitutive correlation. We might ask the question, if the churches of the postmodern time still keep this holistic transformation in their range of vision and how they can enable it concretely. A growing number of deconversions feeds the suspicion, that being a Christian is increasingly understood today as a pure denominational community without a profound and visible change in character in the thinking and life of believers. Based on these observations, the planned research pursues the goal of bringing up the normative model of biblical discipleship on the background of two selected churches in order to develop impulses for sustainable congregations.M. Th. (Christian Leadership)Practical Theolog

    The potential liability of directors for corporate cyber breaches in South Africa

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    The advances in technology across the world have brought with it new ways of conducting business in a connected economy. South African companies are no exception. However, with this wave of digital connection there are also associated dangers and risks to companies, such as cyber-attacks. A data breach can cost a company a lot of money. The financial fallout may have a severe impact on the company bottom line, erode the share value and the company public profile may decline. All these impacts may lead to the closure of the company with the knock-on negative effect on employees and the economy. Directors are charged with the responsibility of sound management of the company. This research investigates whether, and if so how, directors may be held liable by the company for the damages caused by a corporate cyber breach on the basis that the directors breached their duties of care, skill and diligence owed to the company in terms of the Companies Act 71 of 2008. The ambit of ‘diligence’ expected from directors is investigated and it is considered whether the duty imposes an oversight and monitoring obligation on directors. The question of whether directors may rely on the business judgment rule to escape liability is answered. It is concluded that the business judgment rule is not applicable in instances where directors have positive obligations of oversight and monitoring. The dissertation also explores how the delictual liability of directors may be established within the context of corporate cyber breaches. Recommendations are put forward on manners in which directors may avoid liability.LL. M. (Corporate Law)Mercantile La

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