“COVID-19 made me a single parent”: an interpretative phenomenological analysis of a woman’s perinatal experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in unprecedented challenges across various aspects of life. In particular, pregnant women encountered unique challenges and circumstances that necessitated adaptation to the experience of the perinatal period1 Satyanarayana et al., (2011). A considerable amount of research has been conducted regarding women's experience of the perinatal period during COVID-19, especially in first world countries. However, inadequate research has been done in the South African context and specifically, there is a lack of qualitative research providing thick descriptions of experience. The analysis describes three master themes supported by subordinate themes. The main themes are (1) A sense of loss and change, (2) Managing COVID-19 and its regulations during the perinatal period, and (3) Glimmers of hope and desirable aftermaths. The study’s findings expand and support the growing literature of women’s experiences on the perinatal period during the COVID-19 pandemic.Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 202

Developing biological control agents for the management of the invasive tree Robinia pseudoacacia

Robinia pseudoacacia (Fabaceae) is a deciduous tree native to the Appalachian Mountains of North America but has become naturalised and invasive in other countries such as temperate North America, Europe, Australia, and Southern Africa. In South Africa the tree is classified as a category 1B invasive alien under the National Environmental Management Act (NEMBA), which stipulates the species requires some form of control as it has already caused extensive negative ecological and economic impacts. In the invaded range the tree creates monocultures that displace native species and spreads rapidly from suckering roots, making it a proficient invader. The South Africa plant prioritisation system suggests R. pseudoacacia is in the top three species which should be considered for classical weed biological control in South Africa. This thesis investigates which insects known to be associated with tree should be prioritised as candidate agents, as well as offering interesting insights into prioritising insects for weed biological control and using plant phylogenies and available literature to predict insect specificity. To ensure that no candidate biological control agents were already present in South Africa as well as to prioritise which guilds of the tree to prioritise for potential biological control, pre-release surveys were conducted across nine sites where the tree has invaded South Africa. It was found that no insects from the native range of R. pseudoacacia were present in South Africa. Seed surveys revealed that generalist insects attack a sizable proportion (68 %) of the seeds on the trees. In combination with a low seed soil bank (15.8 %) this suggests that seed- feeding agents may be helpful, however, candidate agents which damage leaves should be prioritised due to R. pseudoacacia relying heavily upon vegetative reproduction and much less on sexual reproduction. Leaves may therefor reduce the spread of these invasive trees. The insect assemblages in the native range of R. pseudoacacia are well understood. In addition, several associated insects have unintentionally followed the tree on its global spread, where they are often regarded as pests. The third chapter is therefore aimed at prioritising the known insects associated with the tree in both the native and invaded range. Literature surveys and Harris (1973) prioritisation systems were used to prioritise close to 64 candidate biological control agents down to three foliage- feeding agents, namely Odontota dorsalis (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae), Macrosaccus robiniella (Lepidoptera, Gracillariidae) and Obolodiplosis robiniae (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae). To further prioritise the six selected agents in Chapter 4, species distribution were modelled with known climatic variables. This was done by using the species known occurrence localities, from both the native and where applicable invaded ranges, to identify which species that would best match with South Africa’s climate. The study showed that O. dorsalis is best suited to survive in South Africa, followed by O. robiniae and then M. robiniella. Collected data aided in the introduction of the prioritised O. robiniae into South African quarantine facilities. Unfortunately, despite several attempts, cultures could not be established, making conventional host specificity testing impossible. Thus, in Chapter 5 we aimed to determine the potential host range of the midge using information from experts in the field of galling insects, literature surveys, agricultural pest lists, and social science platforms coupled with native and invaded range surveys. The list of non-target species to consider as potential hosts was refined by developing phylogenetic trees of closely related Fabaceae that share the same distribution (native and invaded) as R. pseudoacacia. Through the available information gathered, and field surveys of these species, O. robiniae has not been shown to utilise any species, other than those from the Robinoid clade. In addition, the midge has also never been recorded on a number of closely related leguminous fodder and horticultural species growing in close proximity at high densities to R. pseudoacacia - suggesting negligible risk to South African growers of the same species. Host-specificity assessments through field surveys can be regarded as one of the best indicators of the ecological host range, however, this information is difficult to quantify and infrequently available, thus seldom used when determining the safety of a candidate biocontrol agent. In this unique study, using the extensive data collected we are able to show that O. robiniae would be potentially safe for release in South Africa. However, open field tests exposing closely related non-target plant species under natural and semi-natural conditions are planned in Switzerland over the next two years aiming to confirm these conclusions. By identifying and prioritizing potential biological control agents, this research contributes to the development of a targeted and sustainable solution for managing R. pseudoacacia in South Africa. The economic implications of successful biological control include reduced costs associated with invasive species management and ecosystem restoration. Additionally, by mitigating the negative ecological impacts, the agricultural systems in affected regions stand to benefit from enhanced resilience and productivity. Furthermore, the study's approach of using plant phylogenies and available literature to predict insect specificity offers a valuable methodological contribution to the broader field of weed biological control. This methodology can be adapted and applied to other invasive species, providing a framework for efficient and informed decision-making in weed management strategies. In essence, this research not only addresses the specific challenges posed by R. pseudoacacia in South Africa but also provides a template for tackling similar issues in different geographical contexts, thereby contributing to global efforts in sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation.Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 202

Factors that influence the adoption and implementation of sustainable procurement: a case of a South African public university

Climate change and resource scarcity have become some of the world's most critical problems and are among the most significant megatrends influencing world leaders' agendas in decision- making (Rothkopf & Casey, 2014; International Social Security Association, 2014). Sustainable procurement has been identified as one of the strategic tools that can resolve these issues to help the world move towards a more sustainable and resilient future (World Bank, 2019). Through sustainable procurement practices, organisations can meet their demand and supply of goods and services while minimising environmental harm, maximising financial returns, and enhancing socioeconomic status (Villena & Gioa, 2020; Bonnemaison, Eldandsson, Ibach & Spiller, 2021). This qualitative research used an Eastern Cape-based higher education institution in South Africa as a case study to investigate factors that influence adopting and implementing sustainable procurement, with resilience as a theoretical foundation, in higher education. The research obtained approval from the participating university as a gatekeeper for the study; it began by drafting a research proposal and securing ethical clearance from Rhodes University. Semi-structured interviews were used with seven higher education procurement staff members to get the data working in procurement in higher education. The findings from the study revealed that managerial support and knowledge of sustainable procurement were determining factors for whether or not a university developed and implemented a strategy for sustainable procurement.Secondly, the participants mostly cited barriers as inadequate financial resources resulting in limitations for the university, therefore partially implementing sustainable practices. Thirdly, the data revealed that university staff in procurement had a basic understanding of sustainable procurement.Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 202

Effects of household debt on economic growth in South Africa

South Africa’s household debt relative to GDP has risen rapidly over the past decade. There is concern that high levels of household debt may decrease spending in the future and hence in the long run slow down economic growth. Thus, this study investigates the impact of household debt on growth in South Africa from 1987Q3 to 2022Q1. The research draws upon first-generation theories which include the absolute income hypothesis, life cycle hypothesis, and permanent income hypothesis, and second-generation theories which include the neo-Kaleckian model, the Super multiplier model, and the Steindl model. The impact of this relationship is assessed using a Vector Autoregressive (VAR) model, with a Toda-Yamamoto modification for some regressions. It is discovered that household debt has a positive short-term influence on economic growth, however, the influence is weak, and it decreases in the long run. Types of household debt such as credit card debt have shown to have a positive and strong influence on economic growth in South Africa from the short run to the long run, however, mortgage debt has shown weak positive influence on economic growth from the short 105 run to the long run. The study found that the growth maximizing ratios for household debt to 106 GDP ratio is 70 percent. The growth maximising credit card debt level is ZAR 72 403, in nominal terms and for mortgage debt is ZAR 5 980 000. The findings are expected to assist policymakers such as central banks and government authorities in formulating relevant policies to ensure economic sustainability through macro-prudential policy and strategies for household debt management.Thesis (MEcon) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 202

‘Crushed all over again’: the professional experiences of early career counselling psychologists in South Africa

Counselling psychology in South Africa has recently emerged from a tumultuous period, stemming from regulatory efforts in 2011, which negatively impacted on the profession’s status and viability. While the definition and scope of counselling psychology arguably demonstrate improvements in aligning with global practices, concerns persist surrounding the work opportunities and professional experiences of counselling psychologists, particularly those in the early stages of their careers. This study aimed to gain an in-depth understanding of the professional experiences of early career counselling psychologists in South Africa. The pool of participants were 10 early career counselling psychologists (females = 7, males = 3, period in service = 1–10 years). The participants completed semi-structured interviews on their early career professional experiences, as well as the meanings they attributed to these experiences. An interpretative phenomenological analysis of the data revealed three group experiential themes: (1) the complexity of finding and securing work; (2) navigating an array of personal, professional, and systemic challenges, and (3) self-acquiring support. The findings suggest that despite the unique and valuable skills and knowledge counselling psychologists possess, the participants struggled to successfully transition into the workforce, resulting in feelings of anxiety, frustration, and professional disillusionment. The findings indicate enhanced support is needed at various levels to address the needs and bolster the wellbeing, utilisation, and retention of counselling psychologists in their transition into the South African workforce

Minimum sentencing disparities in the criminal justice system

In South Africa, judicial officers have wide discretionary authority with regard to both the type of and the severity of the sentence. Sentencing is a particularly challenging part of the criminal justice process. It is challenging, because South Africa's sentencing system does not have uniform sentencing guidelines that can assist presiding officers in exercising their judicial discretion in the sentencing process. Nor does South Africa have a Sentencing Council to establish sentencing guidelines. Parliament adopted the Criminal Law Amendment Act, which provides for mandatory minimum sentences for certain serious and violent offences. One of the legislation's intended objectives was to advance consistency and avoid disparities in sentencing. The legislation has limited, but not eliminated the court's discretion. A deviation or an escape clause is provided to sentencing courts to depart from the prescribed minimum sentence. If a sentencing court is satisfied that substantial and compelling circumstances exist, departure is justified and a lesser sentence should be imposed. Legislature does not define the phrase "substantial and compelling circumstances". Nor does legislature provide guidance, regarding what the phrase constitutes and does not constitute. Thus, courts have to exercise their judicial discretion when imposing sentences. When interpreting the phrase substantial and compelling circumstances, the courts generally consider that the legislature prescribed minimum sentences as the sentences that should ordinarily be imposed for serious offences. The courts further consider that the legislature aimed to ensure a severe, standardised and consistent response from the courts. Thus, courts should not depart from the prescribed minimum sentence for lightly and flimsy reasons. Further, the traditional mitigating and aggravating factors should still be considered in sentencing. Additionally, if the court considers that the prescribed sentence will be unjust, the court has to depart from the prescribed sentence and impose a lesser sentence. The courts, however, interpret the abovementioned principles inconsistently. This is attributed to the legislature's failure to provide clear, uniform and adequate guidelines to the courts. Disparities in sentencing still permeate South Africa's sentencing system, which creates a challenge to achieve consistency in sentencing. The conclusion of this research is that there is still dissatisfaction with sentencing among the public and sentenced prisoners. Another conclusion of this research is that the legislation has exacerbated prison overcrowding. A further conclusion in this research is that the legislation has not achieved one of its fundamental objectives, namely advancing consistency and avoiding disparities in sentencing. Comparative research is also done in order to see how South Africa's system can be developed and/or improved.Thesis (LMM) -- Faculty of Law, Department of Criminal and Procedural Law, 202

Evaluating factors affecting the effectiveness of the tender system In Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality

The tender system is a complex process requiring attention to detail; when followed correctly, it is advantageous for both the vendor/service provider and the customer (public or private sector). However, many factors affect it and end up contributing to its ineffectiveness. This study mentions political interference and bureaucracy, maladministration, fraud, corruption, flawed tender practices, delay in payments and lack of skills by tender administrators. Against this background, the primary objective of this study is to contribute to improving the tender system in Buffalo City Municipality by investigating the factors that make it ineffective. A quantitative research design was used, and a sample was taken from contractors carrying out work for Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province. Convenience sampling was used while conducting this study. This study’s demographic data is analysed in percentage form using simple descriptive statistics. Once data had been gathered from the independent and dependent variables, the researcher used it to draw a conclusion and inferences using inferential statistics to show relationships between multiple variables to generalise results and make predictions. A multiple regression analysis was also employed.Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 202

Demographic correlates of indices of psychological well-being and COVID-19 related distress among South African university students

Following the COVID-19 pandemic we sought to determine the relationships between anxiety, hopelessness, alcohol use, perceived vulnerability to infection, resilience, traumatic stress, and satisfaction with life amongst university students at three tertiary higher education institutions in South Africa. Our participants were a convenience sample (N = 803) of South African students attending three universities. Participants completed an online survey that contained a battery of psychological measures that measured fear of COVID-19, Perceived Vulnerability to Disease, Resilience, Satisfaction with Life Scale, Hopelessness, Anxiety, PTSD, Alcohol Use, Traumatic Stress, and worry about infection with COVID-19. The mean age of participants was 25 (SD = 8.22), most of whom were female (51%). An increase in age amongst respondents was significantly positively correlated with hopelessness and life satisfaction, but also significantly negatively associated with symptoms of anxiety, PTSD, and alcohol use. Multivariate analysis showed that women reported significantly higher levels of fear of COVID-19, perceived vulnerability to disease, PTSD, and COVID-19 related worries compared to men and those identifying as “other.” Students at the urban university reported higher levels of fear of COVID-19, perceived vulnerability to disease, and COVID-19 related worries but lower levels of anxiety compared to those at the peri-urban and rural university. Students at the rural institution reported greater levels of alcohol use compared to those at the other institutions. Psychological distress among students was exacerbated during the pandemic. It may be useful to identify students in the first term who are struggling academically and to direct them to both academic and counseling support services

A university-based entrepreneurial ecosystem framework in a developing country context

As finding employment in South Africa remains difficult, venture creation is a necessary alternative source of income and employment. The literature suggests that a university should serve as an incubator for student entrepreneurs and provide a supportive environment for their entrepreneurial ventures. Universities are also important to the development of entrepreneurial thinking among faculty, students, and other stakeholders. Furthermore, a university-based entrepreneurial ecosystem (U-BEE) is perceived as a source of support for successful student start-up ventures. The literature suggests that the elements of U-BEEs and the interaction between them vary depending on regional and local conditions. Furthermore, the key components of a U-BEE are not appropriate for all regions or contexts. As U-BEEs are dynamic and student start-ups vary, the need exists to understand the interacting elements of the system before it can be built, or the strategies implemented. Against this background, the primary objective of this study was to map and assess a student U-BEE in a developing country context. The current study was situated in an interpretive research paradigm and deductive reasoning was applied. As a single case study research strategy was used and based on convenience sampling, Nelson Mandela University (NMU) was selected as the case to be investigated. Data was collected through a document review, surveying 33 respondents as well as conducting semi-structured interviews with 12 entrepreneurship stakeholders at one point in time. Deductive codes and thematic analysis were used to analyze the data. Through identifying and delineating the elements of NMU’s student U-BEE, it was noted that the elements in the system varied in degree of importance and prevalence. The elements investigated were people, infrastructure, funding, leadership and governance, entrepreneurship activities, reward system, collaboration, monitoring and evaluation, as well as organizational culture and outcomes. Several people were identified as supporting student entrepreneurship at NMU ranging from top management, and academics to support staff. Although a science and technology park did not exist at NMU, the findings showed that physical infrastructure and IT facilities existed to support student entrepreneurship. Despite some funding being provided for student entrepreneurship support (SES) development, none was provided for entrepreneurial infrastructure. Some top management personnel were identified as providing leadership for SES at NMU including the Vice-Chancellor who was committed to contributing to the ecosystem. In addition, various co-curricular SES activities were identified as taking place at NMU with most being offered free to registered students. However, NMU did not provide any incentives to encourage staff or students to provide SES at NMU and no formal system for rewards existed. Several internal and external collaborations to provide SES activities effectively at NMU were identified, with most occurring through the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education Community of Practice Network. SES activities were not monitored at NMU, but some student entrepreneurship data was handled by the Department of Institutional Planning. As a result, NMU was not perceived as having an entrepreneurially supportive culture, and the use of metrics to establish measurable outcomes were limited. In addition to identifying the challenges faced when building a student U-BEE ecosystem in a developing country context, the study elaborated on several suggestions on how these challenges could be overcome and what improvements could be made in terms of SES at NMU. The challenges identified related to NMU being under-resourced in terms of funds, staff, and infrastructure to support student entrepreneurship. In general, the findings of this study highlighted the need for student entrepreneurship to be a strategic priority at NMU. The increased involvement of top management, entrepreneurship staff, students, and other stakeholders needs to be encouraged and incentivized. In addition, faculties across the university should encourage student entrepreneurship involvement and encourage students to participate in programmes offered on campuses. The importance of appropriately skilled staff to handle all matters relating to student entrepreneurship was also emphasized. This study has theoretical significance because it identifies, maps, and assesses the elements of a student U-BEE in a developing country context. As such, it paves the way for future researchers to investigate other universities in these contexts, and to undertake further empirical studies. This study also has practical significance in that it makes several recommendations that might be of value to stakeholders within U-BEEs in developing country contexts.Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Management Sciences, 202