THE EFFECTIVE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION ACCESSIBILITY SYSTEM FOR A COMMUNITY IN THE REMOTE AREAS OF SOUTH AFRICA

Thesis ( M. Tech. (School of Information Technology )) - Central University of Technology, Free State, 2014The aim of this study has been to find out how the community in the remote areas of South Africa access government information. The study is based on four villages, two in the Northern Cape Province (Heuningvlei and Galeshewe) and two in Limpopo Province (The Oaks and Finala). A quantitative design was used. Open and closed-ended questionnaires were used to collect data from the community. Out of 200 questionnaires distributed only 144 responses were received. Responses in the questionnaires were tabulated, coded and processed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) programme. Based on the analysis in Table 4.13, the study showed that 44 percent of the sampled community have access to information through Television which they classified as technology. Shortage of telecentres, distance to telecentres, age, lack of education, monthly income, infrastructure and transport cost were some of the important factors contributing to a lack of access to information. Some of the findings are that most of the telecentres are located far from towns, more than 7 kilometres from the village. Ideally, telecentres should be located near the community, within a short walking distance. It is recommended that provision/establishment for easy access to information and communication services by the Universal Service and Access Agency of South Africa (USAASA) in the remote areas in the Northern Cape and Limpopo province is strongly considered for implementation. This will overcome the gap that exists between the urban and semi-urban communities regarding access to human rights information such as rights to life, equality, freedom of speech, assembly and access to information. It is also assumed that the implementation of telecentres and Internet Cafes, in order to facilitate the adoption of e-government information by people residing in remote areas (semi-urban areas) such as Heuningvlei, Galeshewe, The Oaks and Finala will contribute to better access to human rights. The study also recommends that the service costs charged by the telecentre and Internet Cafes should not be expensive. This will assist the community to afford to pay Internet services. Information is important for decision-making. For this reason, it is recommended that continued campaigns on awareness about the mportance of access to information through telecentres and Internet Cafes should be conducted

Sustainble public bus transport services in the Nelson Mandela Bay

Purpose - Transport is a common constant variable found in just about every aspect of our lives as well as commercial activities; this is so because transport enables accessibility to people, places and goods. The effective management of public passenger transport operations is a more complex and all-embracing concept than what it may appear at first glance. Wider dispersed work place locations and urban sprawl is on the rise driven by among other factors the increased rate of globalisation. A unique opportunity is then presented in a developing country like South Africa for effective planning and management of public passenger bus operations. In the main, the purpose of this case study research was to develop a more sustainable public passenger transport bus operation to better connect people, places and goods. The organisation that will be studied is Blunden Coach Tours a luxury and semi-lux coach Tour operator, operating from the Nelson Mandela Bay. Design / Methodology / Approach – This study employed the case study research approach which was based on the qualitative research paradigm as such allowed for in-depth description and analysis of the case as well as related phenomena in real world context. The researcher focused only on the public passenger bus transport operations in Nelson Mandela Bay thus assuming a single context focus with a single case namely the development of a more sustainable public passenger transport operations in Nelson Mandela Bay. An embedded multiple unit of analysis strategy was employed selecting a sample of key persons responsible for strategic operational areas at Blunden Coach tours, sub-contractors and suppliers. The case study employed an in-depth probing interview process in an effort to better comprehend occurrences within the actual context of the events observed. The secondary sources of information gathered were used to structure and backup the interview questions. Practical implications – The case study enabled thought provoking insight which by virtue of South Africa’s historical socio-economic landscape offered an unusual perspective of the South African bus transport scene with a particular focus on environmental, regulatory and socio-economic sustainability considerations. A limitation to the study – The lack of responses to the interview questions from some of the key role players in the bus industry who were contacted as well as some of the respondents interviewed. The lack of responses to some of the interview questions could be perceived as a limitation to validating the Summary drawn from the study

Challenges facing higher education curriculum reform, design and management in the twenty first century

D.TechnologiaeHigher education, as both a “place” and a “paradigm”, has throughout its history confronted challenges in the internal and external environments of its functioning (Brennan et al., 1999; Hirsch & Weber, 1999). In the twenty-first century, the nature of these challenges has necessitated that both the organizational character and curriculum offerings of higher education institutions be adaptive and responsive to changes occurring in the external environment. How institutions of higher learning react to these changes, is an issue of divergent viewpoints. “Reform” and “transformation” – in the same mould as “adaptation” and “responsiveness” – are viewed in this study as the fundamental points of departure in articulating a trajectory along which change in the curriculum perspectives has to occur. As a ‘product’ offered to its ‘consumers’ – the paying students – the higher education curriculum has been a fiercely contested epistemological terrain. On the one hand is the concern that it services the interests of industry and commerce, to the detriment of society; while on the other, the curriculum has been viewed as reproducing elitist values. The problem then, is located in the realm of the curriculum’s capacity to respond to the contradictory nature of the multiple stakeholder interests. The South African higher education system is faced with the problem of firstly, de-contextualizing and disengaging the curriculum from its erstwhile political ramifications (CHE, 2000b). Secondly, affordable and quality higher education is expected to be assimilated into the broader national socioeconomic imperatives. From this study’s perspective, the problem statement is situated in the context of the curriculum’s capacity to meet the local reconstruction and developmental needs; while also adhering to international imperatives ushered in mainly by globalisation and the concomitant proliferation of alternative providers who have challenged the claim to epistemological hegemony by traditional universities. In other words, are current curriculum trends in higher education directed at meeting society’s needs; or is the entrepreneurial imperative more sacrosanct? One of the main challenges for South African higher education curriculum reform/transformation policy concerns then, should be to define and determine how the local and global curriculum polemics are to be reined-in in the broader ‘public good’ and social contract in improving the lives of all citizens. Through its empirical phase, the study has attempted to investigate the extent to which higher education curriculum trends ‘conform’ or ‘deviate’ from worldwide curriculum practices. In that regard, policy rhetoric was able to be differentiated from actual policy implementation. In order that problems of critical generalisability be obviated, data and method triangulation were utilised; also taking into account the institutional reconfiguration that had major consequences for the curriculum, especially at institutions undergoing “comprehensive” organizational and curriculum restructuring. The extent of institutional curriculum ‘deviation’ or ‘conformity’ was therefore determined on the basis of the collective integration of literature-based and empirical data and information/knowledge. The case study research conducted through questionnaires and interviews at the designated research sites (two higher education institutions with disparate academic cultures) therefore serves as the basis upon which larger investigations and broader perspectives could be incorporated, particularly from the extensive literature review. While the two case studies could have limitations of generalisability, some practices and trends lend themselves to a greater degree of the transferability of the findings. For instance, the knowledge stratification inherent in the Western university model (Makgoba, 1998; Scott, 1997) has perpetrated an environment of epistemological ‘supremacy’ within local higher education curriculum policy formulation frameworks. In that regard, it has emerged from the case study that Africanisation (in its epistemological, rather than ‘anthropological/cultural’ sense) is not part of a critical and mainstream curriculum organization tenet. While this observation could be argued to be institution-specific, it certainly also reflects a systemic trend. In the light of the epistemological context cited above, is it to be assumed then that the ‘politics of knowledge’ (Apple, 1990; Lyotard, 1994; Muller, 2000) is an extant curriculum/epistemological nuance even in the twenty-first century? The realizable outcomes of the study materialized in the conceptualisation and development of a trilogy of models on Africanisation; in which the input, mediating/modulating, and output triad factor characterises an environment of possibilities for its integration into the mainstream higher education curriculum

Development Of E-Government Diffusion Assessment Tool For Service Delivery In South Africa’s Municipalities: Task-Technology-Fit Approach

ThesisWhile e-Government has been in existence since the 1990s, with the intention of improving service delivery to citizens and improving efficiency within the government setup, it is safe to say that its implementation and success to date can be deemed mediocre at the least. The South African government entrusted the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) with the responsibility of developing and coordination of e-Government strategy to address issues across all departments and sectors. Several Information and Communication Technology (ICT) initiatives have been sanctioned by the government at provincial and national level albeit at varying degrees of success. Prior to the appointment of DPSA, most of these initiatives had been uncoordinated and isolated which has probably led to little or no progress so far. In a quest to accelerate e-Government solutions, the DPSA has placed emphasis on government-to- government (G2G), government to business and citizen (G2BC), government to citizen (G2C) and the related infrastructure which helped these projects to take off smoothly. Some examples of the initiatives in place include e-filing, e-health and e-education. The South African Revenue Services (SARS) and the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) have had success with their respective e-filing initiatives. Although queues are still being seen at these departments, most taxpayers, tax practitioners and trademark and patent applicants have embraced this electronic technology and thus alleviating the challenge of queuing for long periods. However, the same cannot be said for other initiatives such as e-health and e-education. Consequently, a need to look into e-Government diffusion in South African municipalities was birthed. This research used a modified model derived and adopted from Task-Technology-Fit (TTF) Model and Fit-Viability Model. The new model e-Government Diffusion Assessment Model (EDAM) was proposed with 12 variables. It was tested for validity and reliability. Data was collected using Likert seven-point scale questionnaire, of which 100 responses were usable and was analysed quantitatively. The hypothesis of the research model was tested using the regression analysis technique. The findings in this study indicate that e-Government has been adopted and that it is at the advanced stages of development. The results in this research show that the rate of diffusion of e-Government in the three selected municipalities across South Africa is seventy-five percent (75%). This percentage suggests that strides have been taken to embrace ICT in local government. The results also indicate that social norms have strong influence on utilisation, utilisation has strong influence on organisational performance while task-technology-fit has strong influence on utilisation. The results also indicate that task-technology-fit, utilisation and viability had a very strong influence on organisational performance. In conclusion, the findings in this study indicate that the proposed model can be used to see whether the factors are favourable for diffusion of e-Government applications. The organisational performance in this study is in line with the mandate of the municipality in delivering service to the community. This research contributed to the body of knowledge by providing an increased understanding of the information systems, diffusion, IT adoption and e-Government studies in South Africa’s municipalities. In order to improve service delivery and minimise service delivery protest it is recommended that municipalities around South Africa adopt the model as outlined in this study

The management of an HIV/AIDS awareness programme in secondary schools in the North West Province

In the light of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in South Africa, the Department of Education is promoting HIV/AIDS awareness programmes in public schooling. This dissertation focuses on the management of these programmes in secondary schools in the North West Province using a literature review and empirical investigation. The former discusses the disease and treatment, its prevalence and impact on education and the role of principal, educators and parents in prevention. A qualitative study investigated the views of a small sample of principals, teachers and learners from three secondary schools in the North West Province. Sites and participants were selected by purposeful sampling. Data gathering took place by interviewing principals and educators and by essays written by tenth grade learners. Findings illustrated the importance of community values, information, a school policy, inservice teacher training and the contribution of parents and the church. Obstacles to successful awareness programmes were identified and recommendations made.Educational StudiesM. Ed. (Education Management

Stabilization of gold mine tailings : The effect of hydrated lime on the unconfined compressive strength

Abstract: Stabilization of gold mine tailings for application in the building and construction industry, provides a significant solution to the shortage of building and construction materials for the country’s growing population. The use of gold mine tailings in the production of building blocks / bricks, is examined in this study. The tailings used in the study were characterized by having an optimum moisture content (OMC) of 14.92% and a maximum dry density (MDD) of 1 757 kg/m3. The specimens were cured at a temperature of 80oC and hydrated lime was added as a stabilizing additive to enhance the chemical and geotechnical properties of the material. The use of lime as a stabilizing additive was successful in increasing the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of the material. UCS was improved from 0.04MPa to a maximum strength of 3.02MPa. As far as the UCS is concerned, the optimum tailing: lime was obtained at a ratio of 70:30 and the produced material is suitable as masonry

Impact of sovereign credit ratings on emerging bond and stock market returns

The primary role of credit rating agencies is to reduce asymmetric information between the parties in a lending relationship. The three major rating agencies have received extensive criticism over the years. These rating agencies have been accused of providing inaccurate ratings which ultimately led to various financial calamities. Late rating action has also been blamed for exacerbating financial and economic cycles. Moreover, there is an argument that emerging markets are unfairly rated in comparison to developed economies. Hence, the reliability and informational value of the assessments provided by credit rating agencies is met with scepticism. Despite these criticisms, rating agencies are characterised as gatekeepers to capital and credit ratings remain essential financial market indicators. Albeit, the literature regarding the impact of sovereign credit ratings on bond and stock markets is inconclusive. This study aims to add to the body of literature and provide insights into the informational value of sovereign credit ratings in emerging markets. More specifically to estimate the relationship between various sovereign credit rating announcements, and bond and stock market returns. Also, to examine whether sovereign credit ratings have a differential impact between bond and stock markets. As well as address the question does it matter who provides the rating? Using an event study, abnormal returns surrounding rating announcements from 2009 to 2019 for 24 emerging markets were analyzed. Firstly, this study concluded that sovereign credit ratings are informative. Secondly, the degree of informativeness differs between the bond and stock markets. Thirdly, an asymmetrical impact was observed between the types of rating announcements. Lastly, that it does matter which rating agency provides the rating because each agency has a unique reputation. The findings of this research have implications on how investors and portfolio managers decide on asset allocation. Furthermore, policymakers may find our investment grade analysis of value when evaluating regulatory reform. It’s recommended that future research refines the event methodology and examines country specific characteristics within each of the emerging markets.Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 202

Impact of sovereign credit ratings on emerging bond and stock market returns

The primary role of credit rating agencies is to reduce asymmetric information between the parties in a lending relationship. The three major rating agencies have received extensive criticism over the years. These rating agencies have been accused of providing inaccurate ratings which ultimately led to various financial calamities. Late rating action has also been blamed for exacerbating financial and economic cycles. Moreover, there is an argument that emerging markets are unfairly rated in comparison to developed economies. Hence, the reliability and informational value of the assessments provided by credit rating agencies is met with scepticism. Despite these criticisms, rating agencies are characterised as gatekeepers to capital and credit ratings remain essential financial market indicators. Albeit, the literature regarding the impact of sovereign credit ratings on bond and stock markets is inconclusive. This study aims to add to the body of literature and provide insights into the informational value of sovereign credit ratings in emerging markets. More specifically to estimate the relationship between various sovereign credit rating announcements, and bond and stock market returns. Also, to examine whether sovereign credit ratings have a differential impact between bond and stock markets. As well as address the question does it matter who provides the rating? Using an event study, abnormal returns surrounding rating announcements from 2009 to 2019 for 24 emerging markets were analyzed. Firstly, this study concluded that sovereign credit ratings are informative. Secondly, the degree of informativeness differs between the bond and stock markets. Thirdly, an asymmetrical impact was observed between the types of rating announcements. Lastly, that it does matter which rating agency provides the rating because each agency has a unique reputation. The findings of this research have implications on how investors and portfolio managers decide on asset allocation. Furthermore, policymakers may find our investment grade analysis of value when evaluating regulatory reform. It’s recommended that future research refines the event methodology and examines country specific characteristics within each of the emerging markets.Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 202

The effectiveness of a recycling project on natural science learner’s perceptions, attitudes and the understanding of scientific knowledge of recycling

The last few decades have seen increased calls for integrated waste management practices which could lessen the impact of global warming and other environment degrading practices. As part of these efforts, recycling has become of great importance in society especially in relation to environment management. It has become an important means of reducing the increasing amounts of waste being sent to landfills. Schools have also been identified as a major contributor towards waste production. In this instance, schools have been shown to produce large quantities of solid waste. Consequently, school-based waste management practices such as recycling, which could be integrated into the curriculum are being adopted by various schools. The extent to which learners have a scientific understanding of recycling as a consequence of participating in related projects, however, has not been investigated, primarily in rural schools. Additionally, the impact of these projects on learners attitudes towards recycling in under-resourced schools is not well understood. In light of this therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of a small scale recycling project on natural science learners’ perception, attitudes and understanding of scientific knowledge of recycling. The study also explored the extent to which recycling-related content is integrated is integrated into natural sciences curriculum. The study followed a sequential mixed method approach. A total number of 150 Grade 7 learners participated in this quasi-experimental design study where 55 learners were randomly assigned into the control group and 95 into the experimental group. Data were collected using a semistructured questionnaire. The Natural Sciences CAPS curriculum was analysed to determine the integration of recycling-related content. Results shown that some aspects of recycling content are integrated into the curriculum, even though gaps were identified. This content is integrated into other topics rather than as a standalone topic. It was also found that students generally understand the importance of recycling. However, this understanding is relatively low. There were no differences between students from both groups (the control group and experimental group). Additionally, participating in the recycling project did not lead to improved understanding of recycling among the students. Results also showed that learners in both groups had positive attitude towards recycling even though there was no significant difference between experimental group students’ attitudes prior and post the recycling project. However, students’ attitudes in the control group improved significantly even though they did not participate in the recycling project. Similarly, students in both groups generally had positive perceptions towards recycling with learners in the control group reporting greater positive perception of recycling than learners in the control group post the recycling project. Based on these results, the author suggests suggest that efforts be made to explore strategies for improving learners undertstanding of recycling.Science and Technology EducationM. Ed. (Environmental Education

AN ANALYSIS OF THE MARITIME DOMAIN GOVERNANCE ARCHITECTURE IN SOUTHERN AFRICA

School for Security and Africa Studies: Military Strateg