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Promoting ethical leadership and good governance: Response to public sector corruption in South Africa
No full textCorruption is endemic in public sector institutions in South Africa (SA) and internationally. Although much has been published on public sector corruption in SA in the media, a dearth of literature exists that addresses the subject matter from an empirical perspective. The aim of this paper is to determine the nature and extent of corruption in public sector institutions in SA. The objective of the paper is to provide a solution to address the increasing levels of corruption in the SA public sector. A descriptive research design was therefore deemed appropriate for this purpose. The data for this study was collected from multiple sources; mainly books, academic journals, reports, newspapers and other records. An extensive literature review was undertaken on the theoretical and conceptual underpinnings of corruption and the nature and extent of corruption in the SA public service. A thematic analysis was undertaken that Identified recurring themes or patterns in the data by categorizing and coding the data. The possible impact of public sector corruption in SA is reported on. Also, public sector institutions in SA including State Owned Entities (SOEs) encounter higher levels of corruption owing to various challenges encountered such as poor internal control mechanisms, a lack of adherence to public procurement policies, unethical procurement practices, weak whistle-blower’s protection mechanisms, political interference for private gain, and a lack of overall good governance practices such as transparency and accountability.’ Based on the findings of the study, recommendations are made to address the significantly increasing levels of corruption in public sector institutions in SA. An ethical leadership and good governance approach is recommended as part of a multi-pronged anti-corruption strategy to address corruption in the SA public sector, which entails amongst others aspects, the revamping or improvement of procurement policies, the strengthening of internal control mechanisms in public institutions; strengthening the adherence to public procurement policies, promoting ethical practices; establishing whistle-blower’s protection mechanisms; enforcing anti-corruption policies, appropriate sanctions, the strengthening of good governance and the promotion of ethics, codes of good conduct and professionalism. The aim of the study is to address the fragmented approach and prevent and curb corruption in the SA public sector. The coordination and collaboration between the various law enforcement agencies, and the establishment of a special court for corruption, are other factors to be considered to curb and prevent corruption in the SA public sector. These recommendations could apply to all public sector institutions in SA and abroad.Public Administration and Managemen
Perceptions of South African freelance copywriters on cross-cultural communication on the Upwork digital platform
No full textThis qualitative study explores and describes the perceptions of South African freelance copywriters on cross-cultural communication on the Upwork digital platform. The study seeks to examine these perceptions with the aim of making recommendations on how Upwork can facilitate better cross-cultural communication. This study follows the interpretative approach because it seeks to determine perspectives based on how the participants create meaning from interpreting events. Data was collected from 20 participants through semi-structured interviews and two focus group discussions. The freelance copywriters suggest that Upwork lacks cross-cultural awareness to facilitate effective cross-cultural communication. The study proposes some recommendations, such as facilitating training and development, and engaging communication experts to help develop resources that could make it easier for people to communicate on the platform, even if they come from different cultures.M.A. (Communication Science)Communication Scienc
Improvement in the antibody detection sensitivity of the Murex Ab/Ag combination HCV assay
No full textGlobally, the hepatitis C virus is one of the leading causes of chronic liver diseases, with a high incidence of these diseases developing liver cancer. Hepatitis C infection may be cured, but its effects may only be realised many years after infection. While much has been done to prevent and mitigate the risk of infection, populations in underdeveloped countries remain vulnerable. Thus, in many countries within sub-Saharan Africa, access to high quality healthcare for many transmissible diseases remains limited. It is estimated that only 5% of those infected with hepatitis C virus are diagnosed, while almost none have treatment options. These statistics have alarming implications for the availability and accessibility of safe blood and blood products. In resource-constrained countries, access to traditional screening methods is limited and expensive, requiring burdensome specialised equipment and training. It is, therefore, imperative to find high quality tests that are accurate, simple to use, and require minimal resources. The Murex HCV Ag/Ab Combination assay is a high-quality serological assay that may be used to screen blood, as it is able to simultaneously detect both HCV antigen and anti-HCV antibodies. A positive result may then be confirmed using more expensive molecular techniques.
The Murex HCV Ag/Ab Combination assay whilst being able to simultaneously detect both antigen and antibodies to HCV, is more sensitive in its detection of the hepatitis C viral parti-cles. The antibody detection aspect of the assay, although robust in its detection of the anti-bodies to core region 1, 2, and 3 as well as non-structural proteins, has been difficult to prepare. Specifically, detection of antibodies to core region 3 required the addition of large amounts of the detection molecule during preparation to achieve the required assay sensitivity. This not only makes the assay more expensive but also impacts the specificity of the assay by increas-ing the risk of non-specific binding of assay reagents.
The aim of this study was to improve the ability of the of the Murex HCV Ag/Ab Combination assay to detect antibodies generated to core region 3 of the HCV genome in blood serum by: optimizing the preparation of the enzyme-peptide conjugate; developing an improved method for the removal of excess/unwanted reagents and optimizing the sensitivity of the core capture molecule coated on the microtitre wells.
This experimental study identified variables within the current preparation process for both the capture and detection molecules and evaluated them to determine their effect on the Murex HCV Ab/Ag Combination Assay. A separate capture molecule specific to each region of the core represented in the Murex HCV Ab/Ag Combination Assay was prepared by the linkage of the each of the peptides to a single bovine serum albumin (BSA) molecule via sulfhydryl bonds. This molecule was then coated onto microtitre wells at a concentration of a 0.2 μg/ml. The detection molecule was prepared by: i) increasing the concentration of sulfo-SMCC modified horseradish peroxidase to 1250 μM; ii) providing sulfo-SMCC in 2.5-fold excess to horseradish peroxidase; iii) providing a 500 mM peptide solution for linkage to the modified horseradish peroxidase; iv) cross-linking the core peptide and modified horseradish peroxidase in pH 6.0 buffer and, v) removing excess and unbound reagents using a Sephadex G25 column and eluting with pH 6.0 buffer. The sensitivity, specificity, and stability of the optimised core and detection molecules were evaluated using a quality control containing antibodies specific to core region 3 only, the antibody positive control contained within the Murex HCV Ab/Ag Combination Assay, as well as 90 normal human serum samples known to be negative for hepatitis C antibodies.
The incorporation of these steps improved the sensitivity of detection of antibodies to core region 3 by 36%, the specificity of the assay by 13%, and the limit of detection was lowered by 50.9%. In addition, the optimised method did not adversely affect the stability of the Murex HCV Ab/Ag Combination Assay.
Incorporation of the suggested steps and reagents may optimize the sensitivity and specificity of the Murex HCV Ab/Ag Combination Assay for the screening of donor blood and blood prod-ucts. This will provide a more reliable, less burdensome, and inexpensive alternative for the screening of blood in countries with resource constraints. Thus, this will allow more people to access treatment options and positively contribute to the World Health Organizations (WHO) target of decreasing mortality by 65% by 2030.M. Sc. (Life Sciences)Life and Consumer Science
Electron and photon efficiencies in LHC Run 2 with the ATLAS experiment
No full textAbstract
Precision measurements of electron reconstruction, identification, and isolation efficiencies and photon identification efficiencies are presented. They use the full Run 2 data sample collected by the ATLAS experiment in pp collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 13 TeV during the years 2015–2018, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 139 fb−1. The measured electron identification efficiencies have uncertainties that are around 30%–50% smaller than the previous Run 2 results due to an improved methodology and the inclusion of more data. A better pile-up subtraction method leads to electron isolation efficiencies that are more independent of the amount of pile-up activity. Updated photon identification efficiencies are also presented, using the full Run 2 data. When compared to the previous measurement, a 30%–40% smaller uncertainty is observed on the photon identification efficiencies, thanks to the increased amount of available data
Architects of change in Canaan: the search for late Bronze Age fortifications
No full textText in EnglishThis dissertation investigates fortifications in Canaan, probing whether defensive architecture was extant during the Late Bronze Age. Considered by most archaeologists to be missing circa 1550 to 1200+- BCE, the study examines ten of the most prominent LBA city-states, determining from the archaeological record if they were inhabited and fortified by city walls and gates. Their Middle Bronze Age to Iron Age transitions also are considered as possibly shedding light on how fortifications developed or deteriorated over time, mirroring changing needs and the regional struggles for hegemony, particularly against the backdrop of an eastern Mediterranean Late Bronze Age collapse and its societal implications. Canaan’s artefactual remains and architectural features give the distinct impression of decline and abandonment from the preceding massive Middle Bronze Age, glacis-surrounded fortified cities, and prior to the Iron Age shift with its strategically-placed, ubiquitous hilltop fortresses spreading across the land. The research probes whether the architecture itself reflects an accurate reality of lacunas and regional collapse, later giving rise to organised, centralised and powerful polities. May fortifications’ trends serve as a diagnostic tool of sorts? The traditional view argues that they demonstrate the ebb-and-flow of coexistence, as well as violent efforts to gain power in a land of once-powerful, and then waning, Egyptian authority employing Canaanite proxies, accompanied by the emerging ethnogenesis of people groups such as the Israelites and Philistines. Simultaneously, the latest data suggest that unsettled, semi-nomadic people groups could also possess a high level of social organisation, despite their relative absence from the archaeological record. Undertaken from a predominantly archaeological perspective, the analysis incorporates a multi-disciplinary methodology with historical sources, the biblical narrative, and scientific testing cross referenced in a critical manner.D. Phil. (Religious Studies)Biblical and Ancient Studie
Factors associated with healthcare services utilisation in a rural village of Enkomazi sub-district, Ehlanzeni district, Mpumalanga province
No full textAbstract in English and IsiSwatiRural healthcare services utilisation is a complex phenomenon influenced by multiple factors, and a deeper understanding of these factors is required to inform the development of targeted interventions aimed at improving healthcare access and utilisation in communities such as those in the Ehlanzeni District. The study aimed to identify and describe factors influencing healthcare service utilisation in the rural village of the Enkomazi sub-district, Ehlanzeni district, Mpumalanga Province. Using a quantitative descriptive survey, data was collected from a systematically selected sample of 415 adults, comprising 274 females (76%) and 141 males (34%), using a structured questionnaire administered by the researcher. Descriptive data analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM SPSS 29) software to explain and summarise the data. The Andersen and Newman Behavioural Model, comprising of predisposing, enabling, and need factors, was employed to interpret the research findings. The study findings indicated predisposing factors such that males and the elderly utilise healthcare facilities for medical conditions more frequently than females and the younger population. A significant majority (98.8%) of the respondents highlight enabling factors such that they preferred and utilised the local public clinic as their primary healthcare facility and they can easily access the health facility as it is within a 5-10 km radius of the community. Respondents further exhibited a high level of confidence in the nurses’ ability to deliver effective healthcare services. Respondents indicated a need for treatment of minor illnesses, accessing chronic medication, family panning services and being treated with respect and dignity by Primary Healthcare workers. Factors that emerged as barriers to healthcare services utilisation included beliefs and myths related to disease causation and cure, resource shortages, negative staff attitudes, long waiting times, lack of redress, and poor interpersonal skills among nurses. Respondents indicated the study contributes to raising community awareness regarding the significance of utilising healthcare services offered by the local primary healthcare clinic,
enhancing accessibility, and offering evidence-based suggestions to policymakers for improving healthcare service utilizationSizinda (background): Kusetjentiswa kwetinsita tekunakekelwa kwemphilo emaphandleni kuyintfo leyinkimbinkimbi letsintfwa tinfo letinyenti, futsi kuvisisa lokujulile kwaletintfo kuyadzingeka kute kwatiswe kutfutfukiswa kwetindlela tekungenelela letihlose kwenta ncono kufinyelela nekusetjentiswa kwekunakekelwa kwemphilo emimangweni lefana naleyo leseSigodzini sase-Hlanzeni.
Inhloso (objectives): Inhloso yalolucwaningo bekukutfola nekuchaza tintfo letinemtselela ekusetjentisweni kwetinsita tekunakekelwa kwemphilo endzaweni yasemakhaya yesigodzi lesincane sase-Nkomazi, esigodzini sase-Hlanzeni, esifundzeni saseMpumalanga.
Kugcogcwa kwemininingwane (data collection): Ngekusebentisa luhlobo loluchazako lwesilinganiso, imininingwane (data) yagcogcwa encenyeni (sample) lekhetfwe ngendlela lehlelekile yebantfu labadzala labangu-415, lefaka ekhatsi labasikati labangu-274 (76%) kanye nalabadvuna labangu-141 (34%), ngekusebentisa liphepha lemibuto lehlelekile leliphatfwa ngumcwaningi.
Kuhlatiywa kwemininingwane (data analysis): Kuhlatiywa kwemininingwane yelucwaningo kwentiwa kusetjentiswa isoftware yePhakheji Yetibalo Yesayensi Yetenhlalakahle (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences)-IBM SPSS 29. Kwasetjentiswa imodeli yekutiphatsa (behavioural model) ya-Andersen naNewman
lefaka ekhatsi, tintfo letingumtselela walokutsite (predisposing factors), tintfo letiholela etidzingweni (need factor), tintfo letinika emandla ekwenta lokutsite (enabling), kuhumusha nekufinyeta imiphumela yalokutfolwe lucwaningo.
Imiphumela (results): Tintfo letiyimbangela noma umtselela walokutsite:lucwaningo lwaveta kutsi labadvuna kanye nebantfu labadzala basebentisa tikhungo tekunakekelwa kwemphilo kulashelwa tifo tesikhashana kunalabasikati kanye nalabancane. Tintfo letinika emandla ekwenta lokutsite: linyenti-98% lalabaphendvulile bakhetsa futsi basebentisa umtfolamphilo wendzawo njengesikhungo sabo sekunakekelwa kwemphilo futsi bayakhona kufinyelela kalula kulesikhungo semphilo njengoba sisemkhatsini wemakhilomitha langu-5 kuya ku-10, baphindze bakhombisa lizinga leliphakeme lekwetsembela kubahlengikati kuniketa lusito lwetemphilo lolusezingeni leliphakeme. Tintfo letiholela etidzingweni: labaphendvulile bakhombisa sidzingo sekwelashelwa kugula lokuncane, kutfola imitsi yetifomahlalakhna, kanye netinsita tekuhlelwa kwemindeni. Tihibe tekufinyelela kanye nekusetjentiswa kwetinsita tekunakekelwa kwemphilo: tintfo letavela njengetihibe tekusetjentiswa kwetinsita tetemphilo tifaka ekhatsi tinkholelo kanye netinganekwane letihlobene nembangela yetifo kanye nekwelashwa, kuswelakala kwetinsita tetemphilo, simo sengcondvo lesibi setisebenti, kulindza sikhatsi lesidze kutfola lusito lwetemphilo, kanye nemakhono laphansi ekusebentisana nebantfu.
Siphetfo (conclusion): Lolucwaningo lufaka sandla ekucwayiseni ummango mayelana nekubaluleka kwekusebentisa tinsita tekunakekelwa kwemphilo letiniketwa ngumtfolamphilo wendzawo, kwenta ncono kufinyelela kutinsita tetemphilo, kanye nekuniketa tiphakamiso letisekelwe ebufakazini kubenti benchubomgomo kute kwentiwe ncono kutfola nekusebentisa tinsita tetemphilo.M. A. (Health Studies)Health Studie
Implementation of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) towards infrastructure improvement: a case of the city of Johannesburg metropolitan municipality
No full textText in English with summaries and keywords in English, Zulu and TsongaThe study investigated the propensity of the Extended Public Works Programme (EPWP) to contribute to infrastructure improvement, using the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality as the case study.
To achieve its objective, the study employed a qualitative research method, using the case study research design where data was collected through semi-structured interviews.
The study found that the city has been able to achieve its infrastructure improvement plans through the implementation of the EPWP and revealed the ability of the EPWP's infrastructure sector to foster the improvement and development of infrastructure, as discovered in the case of the city of Johannesburg.
From its findings, the study concludes with a few recommendations, including the need for the CoJMM to strengthen its implementation, clarify its guidelines and policies, and increase the capacitation of the EPWP unit through resource allocation in the form of labour and funding. Areas for future study may include (based on the findings of this study) the need for the programme to be established as an independent entity that focuses on infrastructure development.Lolu cwaningo luphenya ngokubhekwa koHlelo Olwengeziwe Lwezemisebenzi Yomphakathi (EPWP) njengolunegalelo ekuthuthukisweni kwengqalasizinda, lapha kusetshenziswe uMasipala Omkhulu Wedolobha eGoli njengesibonelo.
Ukuze kuzuzwe imiphumele ehlosiwe, ucwaningo lusebenzise indlela yocwaningo iqophelo, kwasetshenziswa imibhalo ecwaningiwe, lapho idatha iqoqwe khona ngenhlolovo evulelekile.
Ucwaningo luthole ukuthi ngenxa yokuqaliswa kwe-EPWP, idolobha likwazile ukufeza izinhlelo zalo zokuthuthukisa ingqalasizinda. Luphinda futhi luveze amandla okwenza emkhakheni wengqalasizinda ye-EPWP ukuze kukhuthazwe ukwenziwa ngcono nokuthuthukiswa kwengqalasizinda njengoba kutholakale odabeni leDolobha eGoli.
Ngokwemiphumela, ucwaningo luphethe ngokwenza izincomo ezimbalwa, okuhlanganisa nesidingo sokuthi iCoJMM iqinise ukuqaliswa kwayo ukusebenza, icacise imihlahlandlela nezinqubomgomo zayo, iphinde ikhulise amandla okusebenza kophiko lwe-EPWP ngokwabiwa kwezinsiza ngokwabasebenzi kanjalo nangokuxhasa ngezimali. Izindawo okusafanele kwenziwe kuzo ucwaningo zingabandakanya (ngokusekelwe kokutholakale ngalolu cwaningo) isidingo sokuthi kusungulwe uhlelo njengenhlangano ezimele ezogxila ekuthuthukisweni kwengqalasizinda.Dyondzo yi lavisisa Nongonoko Lowu Ndlandlamuxiweke wa Mitirho ya Mfumo (EPWP) ku va na xiave ka antswiso wa miako, hi ku tirhisa Masipalankulu wa doroba ra Joni tanihi dyondzontsongo.
Ku fikelela xikongomelo lexi, dyondzo yi tirhisa endlelo ra nkoka ra ndzavisiso, yi tirhisa dizayini ka ndzavisiso wa dyondzontsongo, laha data yi hlengeletiwileke hi ku tiinthavhuwi ta swivutiso swo fana.
Dyondzo yi kumisisa leswaku hi ku humelerisa EPWP, doroba ri swi kotile ku fikelela maqhinga ya antswiso wa miako. Swi yisa emahlweni no paluxa vuswikoti bya xiphemu xa miako ya EPWP ku kondletela nhluvukiso na antswiso wa miako tanihi leswi kumiweke ka dyondzontsongo ya Doroba ra Joni.
Ku ya hi swikumiwa, dyondzo yi gimeta hi swibumabumelo, ku katsa na xilaveko ka CoJMM ku tiyisisa mahumeleriselo, no basisa tipholisi, mindzetelo no tlakusa vuswikoti bya yuniti ya EPWP hi miavaelana ya switirhisi hi ndlela ya mitirho na ntlakuso wa kwama. Tindhawu ta dyondzo ya ha taka ti nga katsa (ku ya hi swikumiwa swa dyondzo leyi) xilaveko ka phurogireme ku tumbuluxiwa tanihi xivandla lexi kongomisaka ka nhluvukiso wa miako.M. Admin. (Public Administration)Public Administration and Managemen
Exploring strategies used by primary schools principals in the implementation of recovery and catch-up plans due to covid-19 pendemic
No full textRecovery and making up for lost knowledge are not novel ideas. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a variety of approaches to learning recovery which are context-dependent. Because of their particular circumstances, schools use a variety of teaching and learning approaches to make up for lost knowledge. The purpose of this study was to further our knowledge and comprehension of the role principals play in putting recovery and catch-up programmes into action in primary schools. Principals must comprehend the significance of recovery and catch-up programmes as they oversee the operations of the schools. This study looked at the potential roles that principals could play in helping schools develop recovery and catch-up plans. Comprehensive knowledge of the phenomenon is provided in the literature review. Semi-structured interviews were carried out using a qualitative research approach; responses were obtained from seven of the eight sampled schools. The interpretive paradigm was applied. Four principals were interviewed, while three principals opted to send written answers via email. Despite being in the same district, the schools’ opinions on how to carry out recovery and catch-up strategies differ, according to the data. Seven themes emerged: participants’ view on effective ways of implementing the recovery and catch-up plans in primary schools, their experiences, strategies to be used, the importance, structures to be put in place, capacitation programmes and structures for managing the implementation and effectiveness of the strategies and capacitation programmes employed. The study’s primary recommendation is that school principals and other key stakeholders should receive additional professional development to design recovery and catch-up plans and implement their programmes, ensuring the continued high standards of teaching and learning. In conclusion, a number of variables were found to influence participants’ perceptions. To assess the efficacy of the proposed solutions and investigate potential enhancements, more investigation is required.D. Phil (Education Management)Educational Leadership and Managemen
Assessing the relevance of technical skills to student employment opportunities in TVET colleges in Limpopo province
No full textEducation in the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College setting is a significant paradigm shift striving to guarantee that every student has reasonable access to technical skills irrespective of their diverse abilities and needs. The program was designed to equip students for immediate entry into the workforce, emphasizing both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. It prioritized real-world application, effective problem-solving, and readiness for industry demands, driving personal growth and contributing to economic advancement. This study aimed to explore the viewpoints of TVET College management and lecturers on implementing the technical skills necessary for graduates' employment. The study was conducted at two campuses of TVET Colleges in the Capricorn District of Limpopo. The study adopted a qualitative research approach using a case study design. Moreover, this study was guided by Bush’s theory of educational leadership and management. A purposeful sampling approach was utilized for this study to identify participants who were likely to be knowledgeable and experienced in the phenomenon under investigation. Data were generated through semi-structured interviews and observations with Campus Managers (CMs), Heads of Department (HoDs), and lecturers. The study employed non-participant observation and document analysis to triangulate data for credibility and trustworthiness. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis, and it followed a process that included data coding, theme identification, and interpretation of findings to analyze the data related to the implementation of technical skills in the TVET colleges. The study findings revealed that all participants understood the importance of imparting technical skills to the graduates for employment opportunities within the industry. It became evident that various factors, such as the availability of physical resources, procurement processes, placement of students, and the nature of the curriculum taught in TVET colleges, impacted the implementation of the required technical skills. The study also revealed the challenges that hamper implementation, such as the lack of partnerships with the relevant local industry, the advancement of technology used by the industry, and the lack of practical lessons in the workshops. Therefore, it was recommended that lecturers undergo industry training to provide students with the latest and necessary technical skills. Success in technical skills also relies on active involvement from all stakeholders in educating students so that they can participate in the economy of South Africa.M. Ed. (Education Management)College of Educatio
Silica immobilized porphyrin-culnS2/ZnS quantum dot conjugates for coliform bacteria photoinactivation in water
No full textChlorination is a widely used chemical disinfection technique in South African water treatment facilities. However, it fails to combat emerging pollutants, drug resistant microbes and carcinogenic by-products, resulting in the inability of water treatment plants (WTPs) to meet standard regulations. Thus, alternative techniques to combat these challenges must be developed. Among the reported procedures, antimicrobial photodynamic inactivation (aPDI) is reportedly promising. aPDI is a photoinactivation technique employed for combating prevalent and drug-resistant pathogenic microbes. The efficacy of aPDI is independent of existing drug-resistance and is not associated with promoting drug-resistance after a photoinactivation process. In this study, the synthesis, characterization, photochemical properties and aPDI efficacy of a metal-free and indium (III) porphyrin conjugated to CuInS2/ZnS core-shell quantum dots (QDs) against E. coli and S. aureus when immobilized on mesoporous silica is reported. The effect of conjugation and metalation of porphyrin with indium (III) on aPDI efficacy, singlet oxygen quantum yields, fluorescence lifetimes, fluorescence quantum yields, triplet lifetimes and antimicrobial log reductions was studied.
This study finds indium (III) porphyrin and CuInS2/ZnS QDs to generate more reactive oxygen species and singlet oxygen through conjugation. The singlet oxygen quantum yield of nanoconjugates was determined to be higher when compared to non-conjugated porphyrins. As such, the photoinactivation efficacy of nanoconjugates was greater.Chemistr