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A class of constant coefficient nonlinear equations that are solvable by the heat kernel
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The use of isiZulu language as the strategy towards developing numerical literacy in correctional centre classrooms
No full textThe Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Management of Oral and Maxillofacial Patients Under General Anaesthesia at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital
No full textA research report submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Science in Dentistry (Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery), in the Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Oral Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025AIM OF THE STUDY The purpose of the study was to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the management of oral and maxillofacial patients at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital. OBJECTIVES 1. Determine the type and distribution of MFOS procedures performed under general anesthesia in CMJAH one year before the COVID-19 pandemic. 2. Determine the type and distribution of the MFOS procedures performed at CMJAH during the COVID-19 pandemic. 3. Compare MFOS procedures performed before and during the pandemic. 4. Determine the most common emergency with MFOS during the COVID-19 pandemic. STUDY DESIGN This was a retrospective, quantitative study conducted with records of patients who had oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures under general anaesthesia at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital between 23 March 2019 and 23 March 2021. MAJOR RESULTS The sample consisted of 853 patients who underwent oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures under general anaesthesia at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH) between 23 March 2019 and 23 March 2021. The most common MFOS procedure performed one year before the COVID-19 pandemic was open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) (49.9%) and the least common was examination under general anaesthesia (0.2%). III During the COVID-19 pandemic, the most common MFOS procedure performed was also open reduction and internal fixation (58.2%) and the least common procedure was marsupialization (0.5%). More male patients (91.7%) had ORIF performed on them than females (8.3%) before and 88.8% males and 11.2% females during the COVID-19 pandemic. The frequency of MFOS procedures performed before the pandemic was 62%, while 322 (38%) of the procedures were performed after the pandemic. Facial fractures as a result of trauma (68.6%) were the most common emergency for MFOS treated during the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that there were more MFOS procedures performed under general anesthesia in CMJAH before the COVID-19 pandemic (62%) than the procedures performed during the pandemic (38%). Additionally, it showed that open reduction was the most common type of MFOS procedure performed both a year before and one year after COVID- 19 was declared a pandemic. There was an increase in trauma as an indication for surgery during the pandemic, with 68.6% of traumatology cases treated under general anaesthesia, making trauma the most common MFOS emergency during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study also showed that more men received oral and maxillofacial surgery both before (77.4%) and during (70%) the COVID-19 pandemic.MM202
Effectuation methods in the success of entrepreneurs securing funding in the dtic Black Industrialist Scheme
No full textA research report submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Management in Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation, in the Faculty of Commerce Law and Management, Wits Business School, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025This study investigates the role of effectuation methods in the success of Black Industrialists securing funding through the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (dtic) Black Industrialist Scheme (BIS) in South Africa. The study is situated within the broader discussion on entrepreneurial strategies and economic empowerment in South Africa. Drawing on Sarasvathy's (2001) effectuation theory, the research examines five core principles: Bird in Hand, Affordable Loss, Lemonade, Crazy Quilt, and Pilot-in-the-Plane. It explores how these principles influence the ability of Black Industrialists to navigate the complex funding environment and secure financial resources. Using a quantitative research design, data was collected from Black Industrialists who have applied for funding under the BIS. The research employs Likert-scale questionnaires to measure the application of effectuation principles and their correlation with successful funding outcomes. The study also considers entrepreneurial experience as a moderating variable, acknowledging its potential impact on decision-making processes and funding success. The findings indicate that while effectuation principles are valuable in entrepreneurial contexts, their effectiveness is limited within the framework of the BIS. Specifically, the Bird in Hand and Crazy Quilt principles, which emphasize leveraging existing resources and forming strategic partnerships, demonstrate a significant positive correlation with successful funding outcomes. However, entrepreneurial experience did not significantly moderate these relationships, challenging previous assumptions about its role in enhancing effectuation strategies. This study contributes to both theoretical and practical understanding of effectuation and funding in emerging economies. It suggests that while effectuation offers a useful framework for entrepreneurial decision-making, its practical application must align with institutional funding requirements. The study recommends that policymakers consider more adaptive funding mechanisms to accommodate entrepreneurial flexibility while maintaining accountability. Future research should explore longitudinal effects of effectuation strategies and comparative analyses across diverse funding mechanisms to deepen insights into entrepreneurial success in structured financial environments.MM202
Generative AI's impact on bank relationship manager roles and customer lending experiences
No full textA research report submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Management in the field of Digital Business, in the Faculty of Commerce Law and Management, Wits Business School, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025MM202
Psychological Wellbeing Among South African Women with Endometriosis: A Quantitative Study
No full textA research report submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts (Psychology by Coursework and Research Report), to the Faculty of Humanities, School of Human and Community Development, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025Endometriosis is a chronic illness that significantly impacts the physical, emotional, and psychological wellbeing (PW) of women. Despite its prevalence, the psychological toll of endometriosis remains under-researched, particularly in South Africa, where healthcare disparities and limited resources exacerbate challenges. The aim of this study addresses a critical gap in exploring the associative and predictive relationships between delayed diagnosis, psychosocial factors (participation in support groups and perceived medical support), and demographics (age and socioeconomic impact and access) on the experiences of PW in a sample of South African women diagnosed with endometriosis. Using a cross-sectional, correlational design, the study analysed 248 South African women aged 18–55 diagnosed with endometriosis. Participants were recruited via social media, support groups, and university students, employing non-probability sampling. Data was collected using the Ryff Psychological Wellbeing Scale, the Stellenbosch Endometriosis Quality of Life Scale (SEQOL), the Endometriosis Impact Questionnaire (EIQ), and a contextual questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including Pearson correlations and regression analyses, were conducted. The simple regression results revealed that perceived medical support, EIQ Social Impact, SEQOL Support, socioeconomic status contextual burden, SEQOL Income, EIQ Employment & Financial and Education impact, and EIQ Psychological Impact and SEQOL PW were all significantly negative predictors of PW. However, delayed diagnosis, age, and support group participation were not found to be significant predictors. Additionally, the overall multiple regression model was significant (F(9, 238) = 8.81, p < .001) and accounted for approximately 25.0% of the variance in PW with socioeconomic contextual burden emerging as the only significant predictor of PW (p = .028). Socioeconomic Impact and Access factors accounted for the largest variance in PW, showing the role of healthcare access and financial strain. The two psychological factor measures also emerged as a key area affecting overall PW. The results emphasise the need for endometriosis awareness, integrating mental health support into treatment plans and addressing systemic barriers to healthcare. This research provides a foundation for future studies to leverage in studying South African women with endometriosis.National Research Foundation (NRF)Post Graduate Merit Award - University of the Witwatersrand, JohannesburgMMM202
The news consumption habits of Generation Z in Johannesburg
No full textA Research Report submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts by Coursework and Research Report in Journalism and Media Studies, to the Faculty of Humanities, School of Literature, Language and Media, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025Understanding Generation Z’s news consumption habits is pivotal in comprehending the evolving media landscape and its implications for news dissemination and engagement. This generation’s unique habits, preferences, and behaviours are reshaping the media industry, influencing public discourse, and impacting how news is produced and consumed. This study set out to explore the news consumption habits of South African Generation Z audiences, focusing on their preferred news formats and platforms, the influence of societal events, and their perceptions of news credibility and trustworthiness. Using a focus group, the research uncovered clear preferences for digital-first news, particularly via social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. Respondents also cited News24 as a trusted and frequently accessed source. Findings show that Generation Z gravitates toward short-form, visual content and appreciates concise, engaging news formats. However, while social media is a dominant source, credibility remains critical. Participants expressed the need for verified sources and transparent reporting, with concerns about misinformation and bias often shaping their engagement with the news. Societal events such as the Israel-Palestine conflict, gender-based violence, and COVID-19 were shown to significantly impact how Generation Z engages with news, often leading to emotional fatigue or news avoidance. Overall, the study highlights the importance of accessible, trustworthy, and empathetic journalism in engaging younger audiences, offering valuable insights for news organisations seeking to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving media landscape.MMM202
An Investigation of the Effects of Over-the-Top (OTT) Services on Subscription Television Providers in South Africa
No full textA research report submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Management in the field of Digital Business, in the Faculty of Commerce Law and Management, Wits Business School, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025This study examines the growing shift in consumer behavior from traditional television to Over-the-Top (OTT) streaming platforms in South Africa. With the rapid adoption of digital technologies, OTT services such as Netflix, Showmax, and DStv Stream have become increasingly popular, especially among younger, tech-savvy, and educated individuals. The study employed a quantitative approach using a Stratified Random Sampling method. Data were collected from 264 respondents out of 303 distributed surveys, achieving an 87.13% response rate. The survey explored factors influencing OTT adoption, including age, gender, educational level, and regional distribution. The findings revealed that OTT platforms, particularly Netflix, are most favoured by individuals aged 25-44, with Netflix being the dominant service across all age groups. Additionally, education levels were positively correlated with OTT adoption, with higher education linked to increased usage of OTT platforms. DStv remained the most popular traditional TV service, but its appeal is waning in comparison to OTT services. This study further explored the motivations behind consumers’ choices, including content relevance, pricing, and the perceived benefits of flexibility and convenience offered by OTT platforms. The findings provide valuable insights into consumer preferences in the South African media landscape and offer recommendations for businesses looking to capitalise on the growing OTT market. The findings of this study indicate that OTT platforms are rapidly transforming the television industry, necessitating strategic adaptations from traditional TV providers. Based on these findings, the study recommends that to remain competitive, industry leaders must embrace digital transformation, invest in personalised content experiences, explore innovative monetisation models, and leverage social influence for customer acquisition and retention with an emphasis on digital literacy and regional expansion, particularly in Gauteng, where OTT services are most widely adopted.MM202