Assessing zakat literacy levels among South African certified financial planner (CFP®) professionals

Zakat is important in Islam as it is one of the five pillars of the faith. Muslim individuals are required to give a portion of their wealth to those in need, serving as a means of wealth distribution and poverty alleviation. Given the annual obligation for qualifying Muslims to pay Zakat, possessing or having access to the essential knowledge of Zakat calculation is important to ensure accurate payment. Although existing research provides insights into Zakat calculations, it does not address which professionals or individuals can assist Muslims with their Zakat calculations. Muslim individuals without the capability to calculate their annual Zakat precisely are susceptible to unintentionally making incorrect payments. To address this risk, access to professional Islamic financial advice within the South African financial services industry becomes important. In this industry, the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation stands as the highest globally recognised professional qualification in financial planning. CFP® professionals possess the potential to assist Muslim clients in the accurate calculation and payment of their annual Zakat. Given the lack of research attention focusing on Zakat literacy in South Africa, particularly within the financial planning profession; the primary objective of this study was to measure the Zakat literacy levels among South African CFP® professionals, recognising the significance of Zakat in Islam and the importance of providing Muslim individuals with the knowledge to accurately calculate their Zakat. A comprehensive literature review consisting of two literature chapters was undertaken to provide context and framework for the study. The first literature review focused on contextualising Zakat and Islamic finance in the financial services industry, an overview of Islamic finance within the financial services industry, and the nature and importance of Zakat for South African Muslims. This led to the second literature review, which examined Zakat and Zakat literacy. After conducting a comprehensive review of the literature, the Zakat literacy index utilised in this study was adapted from an Indonesian Zakat literacy index, integrating two dimensions of knowledge. The first dimension is the basic knowledge of Zakat, and the second dimension is advanced knowledge of Zakat. Each dimension of the BAZNAS ZLI consisted of five variables, namely general knowledge of Zakat, knowledge of the obligation to pay Zakat, knowledge of the eight Asnaf, knowledgeThesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Management Sciences, 202

Reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities at the workplace

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of inclusivity and equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities in the workplace. This thesis aims to contribute to this discourse by examining the issue of reasonable accommodation for disabled employees, with a specific focus on the South African context. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities provide important frameworks for promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities for disabled individuals in employment. These global standards emphasise the need for reasonable accommodation, which refers to the adjustments and modifications made to the work environment or job duties to enable disabled employees to perform their tasks effectively. In South Africa, the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 (EEA) and the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 (LRA) serve as the legal framework for addressing disability rights in the workplace. These acts outline the obligations of employers to provide reasonable accommodation and protect disabled employees from discrimination. By analysing the specific provisions within the EEA and LRA, this research aims to gain insights into how South Africa addresses and implements reasonable accommodation measures. By synthesizing the perspectives of the ILO, the UN Convention, and the South African legal framework, this study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges, successes, and potential areas for improvement in achieving workplace inclusivity for individuals with disabilities. It will examine the barriers that disabled employees face in accessing reasonable accommodation, such as attitudinal barriers, lack of awareness, and financial constraints. Additionally, it will explore the strategies and initiatives that have been successful in promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities for disabled individuals in the South African workplace.Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Law, Department of Mercantile law, 202

Public policy considerations and the enforcement of restraint of trade agreements.

A restraint of trade is often incorporated into a contract of employment, stipulating that an employee is restricted from working in the same industry or sector as the employer for a specified period of time. Such a provision is aimed at protecting an employer's proprietary interests, such as trade connections and secrets, which may potentially benefit a competitor unfairly and unlawfully. In South Africa, the principles associated with restraints of trade are rooted in common law. The landmark judgment in Magna Alloys & Research (SA) (Pty) Ltd v Ellis clarified the legal position regarding agreements in restraint of trade in South Africa. Prior to the judgment, there were considerable differences in the approaches adopted by the courts in relation to provisions in restraint. These differences primarily centered around the Roman-Dutch law notion, which holds that contracts voluntarily entered into ought to be honored (pacta sunt servanda), and the English law approach that contracts in restraint of trade are prima facie unenforceable. The court in Magna held that the position in South Africa with regard to agreements in restraint of trade is that each agreement should be examined with regard to its own circumstances to determine whether the enforcement of such an agreement would be contrary to public policy. This means that while restraints of trade are generally enforceable, they must be reasonable and not against the public interest. The reasonableness of the restraint is assessed based on factors such as the duration and geographic scope of the restraint, the nature of the employee’s role, and the interests of the employer that the restraint seeks to protect..Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Department of Mercantile law (Labour Law), 202

Ammendments to the labour law relations act 66 of 1995 to addressing violent and intractable strikes

The main research question for this treatise is to determine whether the South African legal framework provides effective regulations in curbing violent and intractable strikes. To answer the research question, the research explored the evolution of the right to strike in South Africa, analysing its socio-economic impact and the transition from a repressive regime to a democratic one. The study assessed international, regional, and national legal frameworks, focusing on the right to strike and its regulation. Amendments to the LRA, including introducing rules for picketing, mandatory secret ballots for strikes, and advisory arbitration for dysfunctional strikes, were evaluated. The findings indicate that while these amendments represent a significant step in addressing the issues of violent strikes in an employment context, their effectiveness is limited. Persistent challenges include the frequent disregard by trade unions and their members for legal measures. This reflects the deeper socio- economic and political issues. The study suggests that the effectiveness of these legislative changes is hindered by ongoing social and economic inequalities, highlighting the need for broader socio-political solutions beyond legislative amendments. This comprehensive analysis explains the complexities surrounding strike actions in South Africa and the balance between upholding labour rights and maintaining workplace discipline and order.Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, School of Mercantile Law, 202

Vocational Education and the relentless struggles of TVET graduates in the Eastern Cape, South Africa: A Freirean approach

This study employs Paulo Freire’s framework to contribute to debates surrounding social justice and transformation in vocational education and training (TVET). By offering a critical perspective on dominant discourse and practices, it challenges prevailing trajectories of powerful knowledge and inherent assumptions and biases in TVET. Drawing on a Freirean framework, the research provides insights to develop more equitable and transformative practices by addressing power, privilege, and social inequality in TVET. Through dialogue and collaboration with students, it promotes critical consciousness and relevant skills and knowledge. Highlighting the significance of context, it underscores the need to understand the social and cultural context of learning. Demonstrating the potential of a Freirean framework to challenge the status quo, it promotes more equitable and empowering practices in TVET. The chosen methodology for this study is Participatory Action Research (PAR), integrating theory, action, and participation to address social issues. Recruiting 15 NC(V) graduates from Algoa TVET College, forming a Learning Cycle Group (LCG), the study aimed to comprehend graduates’ experiences, challenges, and opportunities. Life narrative interviews and LCG meetings generated data, ensuring every participant had a voice and strengthening group cohesion. Data were grounded in ethical values such as respect, equality, inclusion, democratic participation, active learning, making a difference, collective action, and personal integrity. Employing Paulo Freire’s theoretical framework, this study offers a novel perspective on TVET in South Africa, fostering dialogue with TVET students to challenge conventional discourses. It aimed to develop an alternative conceptualisation of TVET by incorporating student experiences and perspectives, promoting positive change through dialogue and addressing power dynamics and social justice issues. The study explores Powell’s (2014) question regarding TVET colleges’ role in expanding opportunities for students and asks: “How do TVET graduates experience life after graduation? Are they empowered and satisfied with their social status?” Sub-questions inquire about students’ expectations upon enrolling, opportunities after completing NC(V) programs, and the extent to which TVET colleges address unemployment and socio-economic injustices, aiming to inspire the development of praxis and frameworks that better serve the needs of TVET graduates and address social concerns.The study’s findings, analysed through Freire’s ideology in “We Make the Road by Walking” (1990) and “Pedagogy of Hope” (1994), reveal that the NC(V) program predominantly attracts underprivileged students and is rarely their first choice. This research highlights that the NC(V) program does not fully empower or transform students’ circumstances, instead perpetuating cycles of poverty, unemployment, and social inequality—contrary to Freire’s vision of education as a tool for liberation and societal change. The program fails to provide meaningful employment opportunities, leaving graduates often unemployed or in low-paying jobs, unable to escape poverty. This underscores the program’s inadequacies. Furthermore, insufficient support structures and practical application opportunities further diminish graduates’ employability. The study’s findings emphasise the need for systemic reforms in the NC(V) program. Embracing Freire’s principles and moving beyond traditional banking education models to more inclusive, participatory approaches is essential. This transformation is crucial for the TVET system to genuinely empower students and foster significant personal and societal change.Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, School of Secondary School Education, 202

The optimisation of Eucalyptus regeneration practices for improved survival, growth and uniformity in South African pulpwood plantations

Commercial forestry plantations in South Africa play an important role in the economy of the country, contributing 1.2% towards the gross domestic product. Currently plantation forests occupy 1.1% (1.2 million hectares) of the South African land surface, of which 75 000 hectares are re-established each year. Eucalypts constitute 43% of planted area, of which 88% is grown for pulpwood. Achieving high tree survival (>90%) is important in terms of optimising rotation-end yield. The industry origin of a 90% survival benchmark is unclear, although company procedures incorporate this as the minimum threshold in terms of re-establishment success. Past research indicates that most mortality occurs within a narrow period post-establishment and is often associated with substandard re-establishment practices and/or a stressed micro-environment. An improved understanding is needed about the various mitigation measures needed to minimize mortality during eucalypt re-establishment. Before making decisions related to mortality mitigation measures, comprehensive data are required as to their commercial applicability as well as outcomes from multiple trials that accurately quantify any impacts on tree survival and financial return. The overall purpose of this dissertation was the optimisation of Eucalyptus re-establishment practices for improved survival, growth and uniformity in South African pulpwood plantations. To achieve this, five inter-linked objectives were determined. The first objective was to highlight the most important factors contributing to increased mortality in eucalypt plantations during re-establishment. This was achieved through conducting a literature review. Citations were ranked in terms of credibility, with the importance ratings (derived from the literature sources) applied to the different factors affecting survival and growth during eucalypt re-establishment. Of the various factors impacting early eucalypt mortality, water stress and planting stock quality were considered highly important. The manner and quality of site preparation (soil and slash), planting practices (planting depth included), timing of planting (during dry, hot periods), various post-planting operations (incorrect fertiliser placement or herbicide drift) and insect pests and diseases also contribute to mortality, but to a lesser extent. These factors cannot be considered in isolation due to the complex interactions that exist between them and determining the primary causes of mortality can be elusive, especially as their impacts tend to be additive by nature. The second objective was to link survival to silvicultural treatments, site-related physiographic factors and climatic variables in South Africa. This was achieved by conducting an integrated analysis of 43 Eucalyptus trials. Of the seven re-establishment practices considered, watering, planting depth and fertiliser application were significant, with plant size, pitting method, residue management and insecticide application were not significant. However, when environmental variables were included within the analyses, there were significant site x treatment interactions for planting depth, plant size, residue management and fertiliser application. This highlights the importance of taking site related factors into consideration when interpreting the causes of mortality. The third objective was to determine the interaction between planting density and mortality on Eucalyptus growth, uniformity and financial yield at rotation end in South Africa. This was carried out to verify whether planting at different densities may be used as a preventative (before planting) mitigation measure. One trial was used to answer four keys sub-objectives: 1) The impact of three planting densities (1 102, 1 500, 1 959 SPH) with no mortality on yield at rotation-end; 2) The impact of mortality (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%) on rotation-end yield; 3) The quantification of tree performance when planting at a higher density and accepting a certain degree of mortality; and 4) The financial impact of different planting densities and mortality on rotation-end profit. Higher planting densities resulted in smaller individual trees, but with an increase in stand level performance. At rotation-end, lower mortality (0% and 10%) had significantly higher volumes ha-1 than the higher mortality (30% and 40%). Planting at higher densities (1 722 and 1 959 SPH) and accepting a certain degree of mortality resulted in non-significant differences for volume at rotation-end compared to the fully stocked 1 500 SPH treatment. A higher SPH resulted in a higher yield, but with an increase in estimated establishment/tending and harvesting costs. In contrast, an increase in mortality and/or lower SPH (in the absence of mortality) resulted in more variable stand growth, together with an increase in estimated machine harvesting productivity and reduced costs. Irrespective of SPH, the higher the mortality the greater the loss of income, with the best profit within each treatment related to full stocking (0% mortality). Within the higher panting densities, the profit gained following low mortality (10 and 20%) was similar to that of no mortality (0%), indicating that higher mortality may be tolerated when planting at higher densities, confirming the 90% survival threshold the industry aims to achieve post-establishment. The fourth objective was to determine if silviculture intervention (blanking at 1, 2 and 3 months or coppicing and interplanting at 6 months) will result in acceptable eucalypt stocking, if mortality is higher than 10% (remedial mitigation measure). Data from a re-establishment trial were analysed to determine which of the mitigation measures performed best in terms of stocking and growth. Coppicing and interplanting with larger plants was not a viable option as a mitigation measure for mortality as most of the coppice shoots have died. This may have been a result of frost. Although high re-establishment costs may be incurred, disaster clearing to waste followed by replanting is an option if mortality is unacceptably high (as opposed to leaving the stand as is). The results of this objective confirm that blanking as the current Best Operating Practice is still appropriate in South African forestry (i.e., try to have survival >90% and blank as soon as possible to retain >90% of stems). Blanked plants do contribute to volume, but for this to occur, blanking should be carried out within 4 weeks after planting to gain maximum benefit. In addition, it highlights the importance of implementing remedial mitigation measures to achieve >90% survival so as to gain maximum benefit. Using the outcomes from objectives 1-4, the fifth objective focussed on the development of a decision support system (DSS) for implementation of mitigation measures to improve survival within commercial eucalypt pulpwood plantations in South Africa. Improved survival starts with the implementation of good re-establishment practices and good quality planting stock. Mitigation measures for poor survival can be implemented either prior to re-establishment (before mortality occurs) or post re-establishment (after mortality has occurred). If poor survival still occurs after the implementation of good silviculture practices and pre-re-establishment mitigation practices (planting at higher densities), one should consider the various options available in terms of post re-establishment mitigation practices (remedial practices) such as blanking or replanting if mortality is high. Overall, the outcomes from this dissertation provide benchmark data and derived information as to the necessity for various mortality mitigation options within the commercial forestry sector in South Africa. In addition, the DSS will assist with decision making in terms of implementing the best silviculture practices and mitigation measures for improved survival during eucalypt re-establishment in South African pulpwood plantations.Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Science & Management, 202

The performance of small construction firms in South Africa under the cost leadership strategy

Small construction firms in South Africa have been experiencing poor performance over the years. They have not been cost-efficient, resulting in profitability and viability challenges. These challenges have emanated from the firms’ lack of strategic focus. They have not consciously implemented appropriate strategies to enhance their performance. The cost leadership strategy is therefore a viable option for firms to address their viability challenges because winning contracts depends on submitting the lowest tender bids. This research sought to establish how small construction firms in South Africa could best implement the cost leadership strategy to improve their performance through developing a partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM) to implement identified significant financial, human capital, innovation and technology strategies. The research followed a quantitative research approach. Data was collected through questionnaires, which were distributed to a sample of owners and managers of small construction firms in the provinces of South Africa. The population of the study consisted of small construction firms in grades 2 to 4 on the Construction Industry Development Board’s (CIDB) contractors register. The respondents, who were selected through stratified random sampling, were requested to rate the importance of finance, human capital, innovation and technology strategies in supporting the performance of their firms. A total of 155 usable questionnaires were returned. The data was analysed using the software SPSS Statistics - Version 28. Chi-square tests were used to identify the statistically significant financial, human capital, innovation and technology strategies for the performance of the firms. Furthermore, Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to determine the statistically significant differences in the respondents’ perceptions of the importance of the strategies due to demographics. Thereafter, a structural model was developed through SEM modelling to determine the relationship between the significant strategies and performance. The results established that increasing the available finance, creating higher incomes compared to costs, increasing contracts per annum and supporting the budget for innovation, significantly contributed to the performance of the construction firms. In addition, prioritising skills development, offering basic salaries with incentives, fostering a strong work ethic, and effective coordination of work were significant strategies. Recognising innovations in technology and human resources cost reductions and carefully promoting innovative ideas through the right support infrastructure were the most significant innovation strategies for performance. It was further established that the acquisition and effective use of computer software and hardware, with the relevant technical knowledge and technical tools, were significant technology strategies for firm performance. The study also established the existence of statistically significant differences in the perception of the importance of innovation and technology strategies due to types of work, and differences in the perception of financial strategies due to age (generation). A PSL-SEM implementation model consisting of statistically significant strategies and demographics was developed and presented graphically. It is recommended that small construction firms should adopt the model to strengthen value chain activities for better performance. The government, the CIDB and other stakeholders should fully support the implementation of the model.Thesis (DPhil) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Built Environment and Civil Engineering, 202

Exploring the views of selected, unafflicted women from Walvis bay and Windhoek, Namibia, regarding intimate partner killing and its effect on their well-being.

Intimate Partner Killing (IPK), popularly known as passion killing in certain regions, such as in southern parts of Africa, Europe, and America, and also referred to as intimate partner homicide, is a global concern. In Namibia, the rate at which men take the lives of their intimate partners due to failed romantic relationships has sparked apprehension within the communities. This study delves into the perspectives of unafflicted women in Namibia, shedding light on the broader impact of intimate partner killing on female well-being. Using a qualitative approach, the study conducted face-to-face, semi-structured interviews with 14 participants. Grounded theory was applied to analyse the collected data and form categories from it. The data were transcribed and analysed using codes, thematic analysis, and interpretation. The theoretical frameworks intersectionality theory, social feminist theory, structuralist theory and systems theory underpin this study. The findings reveal that intimate partner killing severely affects women’s mental health, leading to vicarious trauma characterised by fear and anxiety. Participants reported difficulty experiencing positive emotions in their romantic relationships due to the pervasive uncertainty of this growing issue. Intimate partner killing leaves women feeling scared, unsafe, and traumatised, often prompting them to exercise extreme caution in their relationships to avoid becoming victims themselves. Symptoms such as feeling unsafe, scared, and traumatised align with post-traumatic stress and generalised anxiety. The study recommends implementing policy interventions and stringent laws in Namibia to prevent or discourage men from resorting to violence against their loved ones. Moreover, establishing assistance centres staffed with social work and mental health professionals is crucial to counselling and supporting women experiencing post-traumatic stress and anxiety resulting from intimate partner violence.Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of behavioural Sciences, 202

Development of the Zirconium-based metal- organic framework UiO-66 for Adsorption-mediated electrochemical sensing of organonitrogen compounds in fuels

The combustion of fuel which contains organonitrogen compounds has led to an increase in atmospheric and environmental levels of nitrogen oxides which are responsible for several environmental, ecological, and human health problems. With increasingly strict environmental regulations and deleterious effects of the nitrogen-containing compounds in fuels, there is a strong need for the removal and detection of nitrogen-containing compounds in fuels to produce fuels with lower levels of nitrogen compounds. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandated nitrogen content in fossil fuels to be about less than 1 wt%. The existing analytical techniques used for the quantification of nitrogen-containing compounds in fuels include GC-MS, GC-AED, and spectrophotometry. Despite being sensitive and specific, these methods require expensive equipment, highly trained personnel, and time-consuming pre-treatment methods to avoid interferences from similar compounds, and they suffer from analyte loss and inadequate results. Thus, they can only be carried out in the off-site laboratories, hindering them from rapid on-site screening. The metal-organic framework (MOF) UiO-66-NH2 and its composites UiO-66-NH2/GA, and UiO- 66-NH2/GO-NH2 (GA= Graphene aerosol and GO= Graphene oxide) have shown great potentialin the adsorption of organonitrogen compounds like quinoline. However, research in the electrochemical application of these MOFs and their derivatives is limited despite their high surface area, abundant porosity, and increased conductivity. To demonstrate their electrochemical sensing potential, modification of the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was suggested, which would show a higher degree of association for pyridine and quinoline on modified UiO-66-NH2/GA and UiO-66-NH2/GO-NH2 surfaces, thereby creating a more favourable route for adsorption. This would result in enhanced sensing of pyridine and quinoline in model fuel. Thus, unlike the bare GCE, the fabricated/modified can selectively detect high levels of organonitrogen compounds. In this study, Chapter 3, UiO-66-NH2/GA and UiO-66-NH2/GO-NH2 are prepared via the solvothermal method and then characterized using various spectroscopic and imaging techniques such as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Ultraviolet-Visible Spectroscopy (UV-VIS), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), X-ray Development of the Zirconium-based metal- organic framework UiO-66 for Adsorption-mediated electrochemical sensing of organonitrogen compounds in fuels.Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular & Chemical Sciences, 202

Enabling legislative coherence in the Eswatini construction industry

The construction industry is an age-old and highly dynamic sector that contributes to the betterment of human life through the development of infrastructure. The presence of regulations is crucial in ensuring the provision of quality, standardization, efficiency, and effectiveness in service delivery. Inadequate regulation of the construction industry has been identified as the primary cause of construction failures in both developing and developed nations. Eswatini is no exception to this issue of legislative failure. The Construction Industry Council (CIC) was established by the Government of Eswatini without initially determining the specific challenges faced by the construction industry in Eswatini. The unique legislative needs pertaining to Eswatini were not explored to ensure that the framework is tailor-made for the Eswatini sector. Given the industry's diverse and intricate nature, a generic approach would not be sufficient to create a unified legislative framework. The study was aimed at developing a coherent legislative framework for the Eswatini construction industry. This study used a mixed-methods research design, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data. A total of 297 participants were randomly selected from the CIC database for the quantitative survey. A total of 45 interviewees were purposively selected for the semi-structured interviews. Descriptive and inferential analysis were used for the interpretation of the quantitative data. Thematic analysis was used for the qualitative data. Exploratory Factor Analysis, using the maximum likelihood method with Varimax Rotation was employed to analyse the factor structure and correlation between items of the quantitative data. Additionally, the KMO and Bartlett's Tests were conducted. The ANOVA Test was used to test the hypothesis. Thematic analysis was employed for the qualitative data analysis. The findings of this study revealed that contractors in Eswatini recognised the significance of a well-functioning legislative framework and expressed dissatisfaction with the existing legislative measures implemented in the country. The key informant interviews highlighted various challenges, including the absence of regulations for the implementation of the CIC Act, lack of accountability and transparency in the management of funds for CIC operations and inadequate grading criteria. Other challenges that were revealed were insufficient oversight, unfair competition, corruption and limited stakeholder engagement.Thesis (DPhil) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, School of Built Environment and Civil Engineering, 202