Assessing Risk Management on Local Government Construction Projects: A Case of OR Tambo District Municipality

Risks in construction projects arepotential events or conditions that negatively impact project objectives, including time, cost, quality, and safety.In the Eastern Cape,OR Tambo municipality, challenges to identify, assess, and prioritiserisks followed by coordinated efforts to minimise, monitor, and control the impact of risksexist. Therefore, this qualitative case study used an interpretive paradigm to assess risk management on local government construction projects within OR Tambo Municipality. Data was purposefully collected through semi-structured interviewswith15 participants, including municipal officials, project managers, project supervisors, and engineers,to gain insights into current effective practices, challenges, and strategies. Thematic analysis revealed key risk factors such as theft, economic fluctuations, and communication breakdowns significantly impactingproject timelines and costs...Degree: M. Public Administratio

Strategies for Reducing Bullying in Secondary Schools: A Study of O.R. Tambo Inland Education District of South Africa

This quantitative study explored strategies used in South African schools to reduce learner-to-leaner bullying. With the increase of incidents of bullying by peers in schools, as often reported by the media, it seemed learners’ truancy and psychological complications also likely to prevail. This study adapted the Social Disorganization Theory to develop its focus. A positivist paradigm guided the use of survey research design to collect data through a Likert scale designed questionnaire, where respondents either strongly agreed or strongly disagreed to each question. Data were from 320 learners, 240 parents, 30 teachers including six principals were computer-analysed to provide answers to the research questions. Findings revealed that, lack of positive teacher learner relationship, lack of parental support, environmental factors that contribute to learners’ behaviour, drugs and substance abuse to mention few. Suggested strategies to reduce bullying included employment of learner support agents, social workers and psychologists that could offer daily support services each from their professional views, to reduce bullying and give counselling to victims. The study recommended the need for awareness campaigns as a strategy to combat bullying. The researcher proposed a model for positive behavioural change and support to schools as a strategy to mitigate bullying and from all its sources. This is so because learners are supposed to attend school freely, without fear of bullying and be free from any form of bullying. There could be no quality basic education when school authorities do not adequately address bullying behaviours in their schools...Degree: D. Education (Educational Policy and Development

Unpacking the Decolonial Paradigm: Curriculum Transformation Strategies for Sustainable Development in a South African University

The South African higher education landscape has faced numerous challenges, even after the new democratic government implemented major policy reforms to address these challenges; epistemologies and knowledge systems at most universities remain embedded in Western worldviews. An interpretive qualitative approach was employed to conduct this study, utilising narrative analysis to analyse data collected from semi-structured interviews with four lecturers at a university in the Eastern Cape region of South Africa. The findings of the study highlight the importance of transforming university curricula for sustainable development by embracing diversity, promoting empathy and incorporating Indigenous perspectives. It is crucial to acknowledge and integrate various cultural identities, ideologies and languages into the curriculum to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the world and foster inclusivity. Infusing entrepreneurship education and digital literacy can equip students with essential skills for addressing societal challenges and preparing them for the demands of the 21st century workforce. Ultimately, the closing remarks encourage a need for incorporating Indigenous perspectives and knowledge, expanding the range of voices represented in the curriculum, promoting multilingualism, challenging Eurocentric perspectives and leveraging technology responsibly. By adopting these strategies, South African universities can work towards decolonising their curricula, promoting sustainable development and creating inclusive and empowering learning environments that respect diverse cultural identities and uphold social justice

Determination of Carbapenemases and Colistin Resistance in the Clinical Isolates from Healthcare Facilities in Mthatha and Surrounding Areas

Antimicrobial resistance is associated with the emergence of 3 carbapenemase enzymes that hydrolyze carbapenem antibiotics. These enzymes 4 are carried by certain carbapenemase-producing genes. The emergence of 5 carbapenem resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) has become a serious public health 6 threat in South Africa and globally, and has led to the use of colistin for treating 7 severe infections. The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence of 8 carbapenemase-producing genes, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for 9 the antibiotic colistin, and the prevalence of the mobile colistin resistant gene mcr 10 1 in clinical isolates drawn from healthcare facilities in Mthatha and surrounding 11 areas…Degree: M. Science (Medical Microbiology

Assessing the Role of Digital Competence in the Performance of Administrative Officers in Public Services: A Case of OR Tambo Municipality in Mthatha

This study investigated the role of digital competence in the performance of administrative officers in OR Tambo Municipality in Mthatha, South Africa. With the growing reliance on digital technologies, the study explored the current state of ICT usage, assessed the digital literacy of administrative personnel, and proposed strategies to enhance digital competencies. Employing a quantitative approach, data was collected through a questionnaire and analysed to evaluate proficiency across key dimensions, including basic computer operations, office software usage, and communication tools. The findings reveal notable disparities in digital skills based on gender and educational attainment, with females and participants with foundational education levels showing higher proficiency in certain areas. Significant gaps in advanced digital tasks, such as report compilation and email security, were also identified. The study recommends targeted training programs, gender-specific interventions, and a blended theoretical and practical learning approach to bridge these gaps. Enhancing digital literacy among administrative officers is imperative to modernising public service delivery and fostering operational efficiency in the municipality.Degree: M. Public Administratio

Empowering Women and Transforming the Education System in the African Context

This chapter expores the inerconnectedness between empowering women and transformation eduaction and the reinforcing process and policies that hold the key to gendered tranformation in Africa. Educating and advancing women is pivotal to developing and reshaping societies. Transforming an education system to empower women is vital to achieving gender equality and social progress. An education system that actively supports and nurtures women's development can lead to positive societal change, economic growth and enhanced individual empowerement..

The Perceived Effectiveness of the Implementation of the Child Support Grant Process at Inxuba Yethemba Local Municipality

The establishment of the Child Support Grant in1998 was a pivotal advancement by the South African government in eliminating poverty among children and enhancing social welfare. The Child Support Grantis a tailored financial assistance programmethat is vital for low-income families to fulfil necessities including food, schooling, and medicine. Consequently, this study highlighted continuing implementation issues, in the Inxuba Yethemba Local Municipalityin the Eastern Cape Province, which was chosen as a case study to examine these problems comprehensively...Degree: M. Public Administratio

A Critical Inquiry into the Role of Fostering and Prioritizing Participatory Governance in Disaster Management: A Case Study of Payne Location King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality (KSDLM)

Participatory governance in disaster management necessitates multi-stakeholder participation; however, disaster management is characterised by Top-down approaches that limit the scope of participation and rely on expert views.This study aimsto analyse participatory governance's impact on disaster management in KSDLM's Payne location, South Africaand to uncover methods for enhancing participatory governance in disaster management and its influence on efficacy and sustainability.This study fostered anexplanatory sequential mixed methods approachto have an in-depth comprehension of the data under the Constructivist approach, which emphasises the significance of comprehending the cultural and social context of research.This study, in terms of the sampling methods,employed purposive sampling for qualitative data and the random sampling method for quantitative datawith a sample size of 65 participants. Data collection was conducted using face-to-face structured qualitative interviews and a questionnaire for quantitative data. For data analysis, the 6-stepthematic approach was used for qualitative data and for SPSS, quantitative data was used.Furthermore, it is evident that participatory governance is crucial for disaster management; however, there are challenges that still require attentionto ensure its utmost successful implementation.Degree: M. Public Administratio

A Bibliometric Perspective on the Evolution of Research in Sludge Management: Opportunities and Challenges

Conventionally regarded as a liability, sewage sludge (SS) continues to accumulate due to rapid industrialisation and global population growth. However, the conversion of SS into energy and nutrients presents a promising alternative for sustainable waste management. Drawing from the Web of Science database and using VOSviewer for bibliometric mapping, this review investigates the research trends, intellectual structure, and collaborative networks in sludge management over the past decade. It further evaluates the strengths, particularly in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as well as the weaknesses, opportunities, and threats associated with current sludge management practices. The analysis reveals that key emerging research themes include microbial diversity in activated sludge, biological treatment processes and their limitations, and thermochemical conversion for energy and nutrient recovery. Future research is encouraged to focus on innovative remediation approaches for emerging contaminants and microplastics, and the development of scalable technologies for the commercial production of energy, nutrients, and value added chemical products from SS. This study offers a comprehensive overview of the evolution of sludge management research and provides critical insights to inform policy direction, investment priorities, and academic engagement. It also advocates for increased financial support, stakeholder incentives, and collaborative partnerships, noting that substantial progress toward achieving multiple SDGs can be made through strategic investment in sludge management initiatives

Reimagining library services: Transforming libraries into dynamic learning spaces in South African universities

This conceptual paper aimed to explore the transformation of university libraries in South Africa into dynamic learning spaces that cater to evolving academic and social needs of students. In the context of South Africa's rapidly changing higher education landscape, where inclusivity and technological advancements are paramount, the role of university libraries is shifting from traditional information repositories to hubs of collaborative learning and student engagement. The paper employed a qualitative review of literature and an analysis of the existing infrastructures in libraries of Historically Disadvantaged Institutions (HDIs) to identify strategies for this transformation. The findings highlighted the pivotal role libraries play in promoting lifelong learning, enhancing digital literacy, and supporting academic success. Key recommendations include the integration of advanced technology, the creation of flexible, student-centred spaces, and the incorporation of inclusive practices to accommodate diverse student populations. This paper contributes to ongoing research by offering a model for reimagining library spaces in line with global trends, providing insights for other educational institutions seeking to foster dynamic, student-focused learning environments