College of Law and Management Studies

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An analytical study of the regulation of South African diamond trade from 1994 to 2009 with reference to aspects of the 1996 Constitution.
(2009) Ndlovu, Fikile Portia.; Mneney, Edith.
This study forms a unique study of South African diamond laws as developed in the context of the South African constitutional dispensation. This study is therefore a contribution to legal research and academia which forms an in depth consideration of international trade practices that influence the diamond industry which is used in this study specifically as a sample market. The diamond industry in South Africa provides a relatively comparatively small but resilient source of economic activity through trade in diamond products as luxury items and items used for industrial purposes. It is therefore crucial that laws related to the regulation of this industry are comprehensively and analytically studied for the purposes of understanding South African national and international diamond trade regulatory framework. This is done with the aim of illustrating that there has been a significant shift of prevailing wisdom in the South African diamond trade industry. It is now evident that more constitutionally justifiable and internationally sound diamond trade practices have been adopted and applied. This study not only serves to benefit South Africa as a diamond producing country but it will also add required knowledge related to the international trade context particularly having regard to the fact that South Africa plays a significant role in the global economy and its diamond trading activities do not occur in a vacuum. Therefore the international trade aspect of this study lends it a dual purpose analysis of diamond regulation laws. 1 Report of Task Team Appointed by the Minister of Minerals & Energy to Analyze the Memoranda and Evidence Laid Before The Commission of Inquiry into the South African Diamond Industry, 20 December (1999). Chapter 5. This was stated in the submissions by Mr. L.A. Lincon, a director of De Beers. He stated that South Africa had 10% by volume of the world total of around 105 million carats. South African mines are no longer major producers of all desired qualities. As a result it was agreed in 1992 that rough diamonds destined for South African factories could be provided from the CSO’s (Central Selling Organization) full range of diamonds available in London from sources world-wide.
Women in business in the Province of Shaanxi, China : an entrepreneurial perspective.
(2008) Zhang, Fan.; Mahadea, Darma.
Since China's introduction of economic reform and adoption of market-oriented programs, more and more people are going into business. China registered an average annual GDP growth of over 8% in the past ten years. Moreover, during the past ten years (1995-2005), the number of women-owned businesses in China has increased significantly, and these businesses are just as successful as those owned by men. With an increasing number of them participating, women have become a major force in China's economic development, even in Shaanxi. The need for a better understanding of this emerging economy and of women entrepreneurs in small firm motivated the researcher to undertake this study. Moreover, this study was guided by the following research objectives: Primary objectives • Determine the motivations underpinning entry of women into small business in Shaanxi • Examine the barriers and challenges that female entrepreneurs face and how can these be addressed • Examine the contribution of female entrepreneurs to the regional development of the province with regard to employment • Consider the determinants of the employment growth of women-owned business as in Shaanxi • Examine the determinants of the performance of female entrepreneurs in Shaanxi • Make suggestions regarding further research on entrepreneurship development in Shaanxi province, China • Examine whether source of funding is associated with the education of the entrepreneurs. Secondary objectives • Examine whether perceptions of support for women entrepreneurs vary with marital status and education. • Examine whether perceptions of support for women entrepreneurs vary with training and networks. • Examine whether belonging to a business network is related to the marital status and education of the women entrepreneurs. According to surveyed entrepreneurs, the quest for personal development (pull) and a feeling of not "fit in" with the organisation (push) are two main factors which motivated women to go into business as self-employed persons. The main barriers to them start-up in business are availability of funds and family support. Problems still exist, but women entrepreneurs made a great contribution to Shaanxi's provincial economic development, especially in terms of employment creation opportunities. The regression analysis shows that education and experience of the entrepreneurs contribute significantly to employment growth. Moreover, efficient business networks, availability of funding with training opportunities and the support from government are seemingly rather weak in Shaanxi, China. Results of the hypotheses tests indicate that training, networks, business location, family member employees and prior working experience of the women entrepreneurs contribute significantly to better performance in business.
Integrated employee participation schemes in the South African gold-mining industry : a study of their effects and dynamics.
(2010) Lord, Jeremy William.; Coldwell, David A. L.
This research study is concerned with the effects and dynamics of 'integrated' schemes of employee participation, where workers are involved in both work-related decision-making, and also share in the profits of their employer. Prior research and the literature on employee participation has tended to concentrate on the process and effects of either financial participation in isolation, or of decision-making participation, but seldom on situations where both are employed simultaneously. Based on a thorough literature review, this study presents a 'Model of Integrated Employee Participation (incorporating moderating effects)'. The model explicates a process through which both types of worker involvement may operate together, leading to a set of behavioural and performance outcomes. Where the formal participation schemes are operationalised such that, combined, they lead to perceptions equivalent to 'psychological ownership', a substantial goal-congruence and integration of the employee with the organisation occurs. These processes lead, in turn, to influences on individual and organisational outcomes. Antecedent and moderating variables to the operation of such 'integrated' participation schemes are identified in the model. Specifically, the effects of the schemes are postulated to be moderated by employees' biographical and personality factors, by their perceptions of managerial commitment to employee participation, and by their perceptions of aspects of the organisation's managerial system of communication and control. The relevance and implications of the model to the South African gold-mining industry are discussed. Major pillars of this 'Model of Integrated Employee Participation (incorporating moderating effects)' were tested within a detailed investigation of the participation schemes in operation at a profitable South African gold-mining company. This investigation was longitudinal in nature, with two major surveys being performed over a ten-month period. The findings suggested that while the effects of the 'integrated' schemes on employees' job satisfaction, performance and stability were as anticipated, the proposed moderating effects were generally non-existent or insignificant. In order to obtain greater clarity of the dynamics of 'integrated' schemes of employee participation, a path analytic exploration of the interrelationships between the measured variables of the study was then undertaken. A detailed path model was developed and then tested, at three levels of the organisational hierarchy as well as on the entire workforce. The path model was substantially supported for the 'entire workforce', and for the largest stratum of the mine's employees, being the 'unskilled and semi-skilled' workers. Satisfaction with participation was found to be positively and significantly associated with perceived extent of participation. This applied to both the financial and decisional elements of the schemes. Job satisfaction and employee performance were also found to be positively associated with perceived extent of participation and / or satisfaction therewith. Employees' perceptions of managerial commitment to 'integrated participation' predicted their satisfaction therewith. Aspects of the organisation's system of managerial communication and control were found to significantly affect levels of job satisfaction and employee performance in the participative environment of the mine. The model was only partially supported, however, at the more senior levels of 'management' and 'supervisors and artisans'. It thus appeared that 'integrated participation' schemes may not enhance job satisfaction and performance at the higher levels of the organisational hierarchy, and that the schemes' effects may thus be moderated by employee seniority. The empirical findings were supportive of much of the literature on participation programmes. They were particularly consistent with 'affective' and 'contingency' explanatory models of the effects of -participation. The findings did not, however, support 'cognitive' explanatory models of the effects of participation.
An overview of the legal instruments to conserve biodiversity in South Africa with particular reference to the establishment and expansion of protected areas
(2005) Blackmore, Andrew Craig.
In this investigation, a review is undertaken of the newly promulgated and existent legislation pertaining to the conservation of biodiversity, and the establishment of protected areas as the primary means to protect representative samples thereof. This review develops understanding of the various types of protected areas which may be used, in a broad sense, to conserve the country's biodiversity, with special reference being made to the recently promulgated Protected Areas Act. In undertaking this, a detailed discussion of biodiversity, trusteeship and the concept of systematic planning and irreplaceability is generated. Cursory comment and discussion in a socio-political context, in particular regarding land reform, as well as the various international obligations and commitments the country has undertaken, is made. Despite South Africa being the third most biologically diverse country globally, it is concluded that the conservation of its biodiversity has had a troubled and undirected history. The establishment of protected areas, as a result, has been ad hoc and potentially ineffective at a national scale. The source of this observation is linked directly to the absence of a structured and co-ordinated framework that supports the fulfilment of the country's international commitments to conserve biodiversity. The promulgation of the Biodiversity Act and subsequently the Protected Areas Act, has brought into playa significant step forward in developing this co-ordinated framework. The Act clarifies and brings effect to the State's trusteeship as well as providing a platform for the participation of a wider range of role players, especially previously disadvantaged and land dispossessed communities, in conservation and protection of biodiversity. This participation includes conserving biodiversity for economic, social, and cultural reasons. The absence of meaningful incentives for private and communal landowners to voluntarily conserve biodiversity, and the significance ofthis, is also discussed. Finally a consideration is given of the secondary aim of this legislation, to simplify the statutes concerning the conservation of biodiversity and particularly those pertaining to protected area establishment. This simplification is only partially achieved as a number of protected areas are still not at all or partially regulated by the Protected Areas Act. This may be a source of confusion and uncertainty.
Records management practices and public service delivery in Kenya.
(2007) Kemoni, Henry N.; Stilwell, Christine.; Ngulube, Patrick.
Abstract not available.
An exploratory investigation into the perceptions of consumers based on the quality of customer service received with specific reference to Ola Milky Lane - Midlands Liberty Mall.
(2008) Kisten, Melissa.; Raubenheimer, W. H.
Due to the growth of our economy and our rising standards of living, customers of today have a larger variety of products to choose from than in the past. This causes an increase in competition which has raised customer expectations on the quality of goods and services they receive (Palmer, 2001 p26). Along with this, the modern customer has become sophisticated, educated, confident and well informed. Hence, they have raised their expectations of the service they intend on receiving. This has placed enormous pressure on service organization's to improve the way they do business with these customers. This "customer transformation" has placed an increasing emphasis on customer service as a means of gaining a competitive advantage. As a consequence of competition becoming global and more intense, many organizations have come to the realization that they cannot compete on price alone. Hence, the level of customer service has a direct impact on an organization's market share, as it determines not only whether consumers will become customers but also whether existing customers will become loyal ones. If service quality is to become the cornerstone of an organisation's marketing strategy, marketers should have the means to measure it. Although research in this field exists, the researcher proposed the need for further research specifically in the area of customer perceptions toward the quality of service they receive. The issues addressed in this study will be of importance to both service managers and future researchers as a customer's evaluation of service quality and, the resulting level of satisfaction is thought to determine the likelihood of a repurchase and ultimately the success of the business. This dissertation is based on the perceptions of customers of Ola Milky Lane and the level of quality customer service they receive. Looking at the business from the customer's viewpoint will help the researcher investigate how current customers feel about the organization as well as their attitude toward the business. The expectations of these customers together with their levels of satisfaction, which shape their perceptions of the customer service, serve as the foundation on which service quality will be evaluated. Moreover, the research study hopes to assist the participating organisation establish whether gaps in service delivery exist, the reasons for their presence and identify possible solutions which can be implemented to close or prevent those gaps from further widening. This will benefit the organization as it can be used as a tool to understand customer perceptions, which can equip them to gauge the effectiveness and efficiency of their relationship programmes. With this motivation in mind, the research study takes a strategic look at the importance of customer service as perceived by customers by means of determining whether the organisation is or is not meeting their expectations.
Managerial competencies required by library managers to effectively manage change in South African university libraries.
(2009) Sukram, Praversh Jeebodh.; Raubenheimer, W. H.
This study has been undertaken to determine and examine the managerial competencies required by library managers at different managerial levels in effectively managing change in university libraries in South Africa. South African universities have experienced a large number of changes since 1994 which have inevitably affected the libraries of these universities. Library managers have been faced with a number of challenges. The study includes a literature review which highlights the findings that library managers in university libraries in South Africa, are not prepared to manage change. The literature review also identifies the competencies that are required to manage change. These are: • Communication • Planning and administration • Teamwork • Strategic action • Global awareness • Self-management. The following management functions are also highlighted in the literature review: • Job descriptions • Job/person specifications • Human resource planning • Recruitment and selection of staff • Staff appraisal • Staff training and development. Questionnaires were used to gather data from the population of the study. The data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) Version 15. The main findings of the study are: • Library managers in the university libraries are not equipped to manage change • First line managers do not require any of the competencies to manage change. • Middle managers require communication competencies and teamwork competencies. • Communication competencies, planning and administration competencies, teamwork competencies and strategic action competencies are required by senior managers to manage change. Based on the descriptive statistics and the hypotheses tested, this study provides a basis for a model that identifies the competencies and managerial functions that are required by the different managerial levels to manage change in university libraries in South Africa. Recommendations include that: • Library schools introduce a module on change management • Competencies to be work shopped to all levels of library managers • Structured training needs to be undertaken that cover all managerial functions • A management qualification must become a minimum requirement for all managerial jobs in university libraries • All senior managers should at least have a management major in their first degree or a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
The influence of team cohesiveness on team effectiveness.
(2004) Pramlal, Ashika.; Vajeth, Taahir Ahmed Akbar.
Teams play an important role in most organisations in today’s modern economy. The use of teams has expanded dramatically in response to competitive challenges. Research indicates that teamwork can achieve outcomes that could not be achieved by the same number of individuals working in isolation. However, teams need to be cohesive and effective in order to be successful. Team building, team cohesiveness and team effectiveness are discussed in detail, outlining their importance for good teamwork. The Police Services is dependent on effective teamwork as this forms an integral part of their daily work activities. Therefore, teams in the Police Services need to be highly cohesive in order to enhance team effectiveness. The purpose of this dissertation was to investigate the impact of team cohesiveness on team effectiveness at the police services. The key dimensions of team cohesiveness that were explored in this study are : setting goals and understanding them, extent of participation, communication, idea generation, conflict management, interpersonal relations and obstacles and the extent of their influence on team effectiveness. The research was conducted at the police services in Kwa-Dukuza, Kwa-Zulu Natal. Simple random sampling was used in this study. Various statistical techniques were used to test the three hypotheses. The results were analysed and a presentation and discussion of the respondent’s perceptions were presented. From this study, it is evident that team cohesiveness with special reference to the following sub-dimensions: setting goals and understanding them, extent of participation, communication, idea generation, conflict management, interpersonal relations and obstacles does impact significantly on team effectiveness. The limitations of the study and suggestions for future research are also outlined. Furthermore, a discussion of the possible causes for the findings are included, along with recommendations to improve team cohesiveness in order to enhance team effectiveness.
Application of knowledge management approaches and information and communication technologies to manage indigenous knowledge in the agricultural sector in selected districts of Tanzania.
(2009) Lwoga, Edda Tandi.
This study investigated the extent to which knowledge management (KM) approaches and information and communication technologies (ICTs) can be used to manage agricultural indigenous knowledge (IK), and introduce relevant exogenous knowledge in some local communities of Tanzania. The recognition and management of local practices do not only give confidence to farmers that their knowledge and skills are valued, but also leads to the preservation and continued use of their IK. Managing IK within and across communities can help to enhance cross-cultural understanding and promote the cultural dimension of agricultural development in the local communities. The current state of managing agricultural IK and access to relevant exogenous knowledge in the selected local communities in Tanzania was investigated. The study used mixed research methods, where the qualitative approach was the dominant method. Both quantitative and qualitative data were gathered simultaneously during a single phase of data collection. The primary purpose was to gather qualitative data through the semi-structured interviews, focus groups, non-participant observation, and participatory rural appraisal tools (information mapping and linkage diagrams, and problem trees). The secondary purpose was to gather quantitative data through closed questions which were embedded in the same semi-structured interviews. Both qualitative and quantitative data analyses were kept separate, and then they were combined or integrated into the meta-inferences. Some of the qualitative themes were also transformed into counts, and these counts were compared with descriptive quantitative data. The study participants included three categories of respondents: local communities (farmers and village leaders), IK policy makers (institutions that deal with intellectual property policies in Tanzania), and knowledge intermediaries (institutions that deal with agricultural KM activities in the rural areas). The findings indicated that KM approaches can be used to manage IK and appropriately introduce exogenous knowledge in the local communities, and thus the integration of both indigenous and exogenous knowledge can be feasible. The study findings showed that farmers possessed an extensive base of agricultural IK. However, this knowledge was acquired, developed and shared within a small, weak and spontaneous network, and thus knowledge loss was prevalent in the surveyed communities. Formal sources of knowledge mainly focused on disseminating exogenous knowledge in the local communities, which showed the predominance of the exogenous knowledge system over IK in the surveyed local communities. The study found that most of the farmers’ knowledge was tacit and it was created and shared through human interactions, and thus lack of ICTs did not constitute a barrier for KM practices in the rural areas. The study findings showed that radio was the major ICT used to access exogenous and indigenous knowledge in the local communities. There was low use of ICTs to share and preserve agricultural IK in the local communities. Although there was a predominance of the exogenous knowledge system over IK in the local communities, farmers applied IK gained from tacit and explicit sources of knowledge in their farming systems as compared to exogenous knowledge in the surveyed communities. Farmers trusted their own knowledge since it did not challenge their assumptions as would new knowledge from research institutions and universities. Low use of exogenous knowledge on some farming aspects was attributed to the fact that few knowledge intermediaries had identified and prioritized farmers’ knowledge and needs in the local communities. Individual and collective interactions were already used to integrate farmers’ knowledge and exogenous knowledge in the local communities, however, they needed to be strengthened through KM practices. The study findings showed that various factors determined access to knowledge in the communities, which included ICTs, culture of a certain locality, trust, status, context and space. The findings also showed that the lack of IK policy and existence of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) that inadequately recognised and protected IK, limited acquisition, sharing and preservation of IK in the surveyed communities in Tanzania. The study concluded that unless KM approaches are applied, IK will continue to disappear, and the rural farmers will have nothing to rely on, for their farming practices. Since knowledge is the collective expertise of everyone in the communities, this study recommends that KM practices should be embedded in the community, private and public agricultural actors and other government and private institutions as they currently function in the local communities. The government and private agricultural actors should foster the KM practices in the local communities by engaging the community leaders and rural people in the whole process. Since IK is site-specific, it can therefore seldom be scaled up without an adaptation, however it can be used to stimulate experimentation and innovation in other communities. With this view, this study recommends that knowledge should not be separated from the individuals who possess it, instead efforts should be made to enable the communities to manage their own knowledge, and to adapt other knowledge systems to suit their local context for effective KM practices. Indigenous knowledge would be effectively managed and integrated with exogenous knowledge if the government ensures that there are policies and Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) that recognise and protect the existing knowledge in the country. These policies may include sectoral policies that deal with IK, rural development, agriculture, ICTs, education issues and various other issues. These policies should comprise the following: (i) a shared definition of and vision for KM in the country; (ii) the clear goals/strategies for the innovation initiatives to take place in the rural areas; and (iii) guidance with regard to prioritizing, deciding upon, and taking action to institutionalize KM processes in the rural areas with linkages to gender perspectives. Issues related to the capacity building, culture, content, infrastructure, and leadership should be addressed at this level for effective implementation of KM services in the rural areas. This will enable the communities and agricultural actors (such as research, extension, NGOs, libraries) to establish KM practices and a culture that is conducive for KM activities in their localities. Further, the study recommends that public and private institutions, knowledge intermediaries (such as research, extension, NGOs, libraries) and village leaders should be involved in the KM practices in the rural areas, and they should ensure that there is a committed leadership for KM activities, knowledge culture, appropriate ICTs, favourable context and space, and mapping to locate knowledge bearers and knowledge resources in the rural areas. However, the absence of ICTs should not constitute a barrier for KM and knowledge integration processes, since the findings showed that communities are more likely to understand, acquire and use knowledge that is shared through indigenous communication channels which are oral in nature rather than other approaches such as ICTs.
Large and grey : whales, elephants, and international law and politics.
(2008) Edmund, William Franz Couzens.; Kidd, Michael Anthony.
This thesis is an investigation into, and a gathering of evidence on, the various ways in which two iconic species, whales and elephants, and the two conventions which govern their management, the 1946 International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling (ICRW) and the 1973 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), are linked in international law and politics. After explaining the nature of international conventions governing wildlife species generally, the respective histories of the two conventions are considered: first, that of the ICRW is considered, together with its strengths, weaknesses and current position; after which a similar assessment is made of CITES. The history of linkage between the two is considered, including attempts made to use the one to undercut the other. Various aspects of the protection, use and management of the two species are then canvassed; and it is shown how important political actors hold apparently mutually exclusive views. Throughout, the position of South Africa is particularly considered. The importance of protecting biological diversity is then considered, together with the potential harmonising role of the 1989 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and the political stances of various countries, together with ongoing analysis of efforts to effect change. The natures of whales and elephants as symbols, and as special animals, are then considered. In conclusion, it is explained that both treaties could work if the political drive was present - but that this is currently absent, and the environment is suffering whilst politicians argue over the best courses to follow to protect natural resources. It is suggested that the reason that the arguments in respect of whales and elephants, the ICRW and CITES, are so bitter is because so much is at stake - for the fight on this battleground is not simply about the particular species, but the course the world as a whole should follow in all of its use of natural resources. Understanding the links between species and between treaties helps us to understand alternative possible courses. By exploring one such set of links that has not previously been analysed, the research presented in this thesis is intended to make a contribution to that understanding (both internationally and within South Africa).
Whistleblowing : the other side of the coin
(2009) Easthorpe, Juanita.
No abstract available
The electronic monitoring of employees in the workplace.
(2010) Subramanien, Darren Cavell.
No abstract available
An investigation into the incidence and reasons associated with management employees' intentions to leave their organizations : perceptions of MBA students in KwaZulu-Natal
(2009) Muteswa, Rudolph P. T.
Skills shortages in South Africa occur when demand for certain skills exceeds supply, South Africa has a high demand for mathematical, sciences and information technology (IT) related skills (Daniels, 2007:1). Factors such as HIV/AIDS, legislation (for example affirmative action), and rapid growth of the IT sector and the education system are contributing to the continuous increase in the skills shortages rate in South Africa (Daniels, 2007:1). As a result of the skills shortages, South African organisations find themselves competing with international organisations for managerial-level employees, resulting in a ‘war for talent’. This study specifically focussed on the incidence and reasons associated with managerial-level employees’ intentions to leave their KwaZulu-Natal (KZN)-based organisations. In particular, the perceptions of MBA students studying at UKZN formed the focus of this study. The study, both primary and secondary data were collected and analysed. In the study the targeted population were managerial-level employees who were currently working in KwaZulu-Natal-based organisations and who had met the entry requirements of UKZN’s Graduate School of Business (GSB). The purposive sampling technique was used and all the registered MBA students at the GSB of UKZN formed the target population that is, the target population comprised of all 1st year, 2nd year and 3rd year MBA students and there were approached following that same order. In the study it was found that the three CFST sub-components that had the most influence on the managerial-level employees’ decision to leave were aspects of the CFST related to careerpath strategies, management/leadership style and rewards. These results were more clearly supported and given stronger evidence by the rankings of the high scoring samples of the intention to leave (ITL) scale and propensity to leave (PTL) scale which depicted the same three CFST sub-components. Recommendations were made based on the findings of the study that South African organisations have a strong influence on the respondent’s decisions to leave their organisations. It was also recommended that South African organisations should implement effective leadership/management style and should also offer their managerial-level employees competitive remuneration packages.
An inquiry into the underlying causes of objections by game ranchers to power lines on their properties.
(2005) Gaylard, Ian Herbert.; Hardman, Stanley George.
After many years of being overlooked as a game ranching area and tourist destination in favour of more established areas, the Eastern Cape, in terms of game ranching and tourism has ‘come of age’. It has become a huge industry in the Eastern Cape. Income was initially generated from commercial hunting, followed by non-consumptive eco tourism. As the industry expanded, the true value of game was discovered coupled with games inherent ability to survive with limited human interference has made it an attractive business. These factors and others have encouraged more and more farmers to convert from other forms of farming to game ranching. With this came the desire to restore their properties back to or as close as possible to its original state. Resulting in ‘emergence’ in the form of ‘resistance to power lines’, because they were seen as hideous and an unnecessary visual intrusion which impacted negatively on tourism and property values etc. The purpose of this dissertation was to surface the underlying causes for the resistance to power lines. A systems thinking approach was used, which emphasised multiple causes, and by means of systems diagrams gained an understanding of the various issues and arguments that relate to the placing and managing of power lines in rural areas. Key focus areas were motivational theories, mental constructs and factors that contribute to people’s perspectives and worldviews that ultimately influence their behaviour.
Inclusive education policy and practice : investigating the educational rights and needs of learners and students with visual impairments in South Africa
(2008) Sukhraj-Ely, Praveena.; De Kadt, Raphael.
Focus This thesis investigates inclusive education policy and practice in South Africa. In this context, particular focus is given to the rights and needs of visually impaired learners and students. Background Due to the dual segregated education system, as at 2001, approximately 280 000 disabled children did not have access to education at school. The special schools system fostered inequality and discrimination of disabled learners from an early age. This stood in tension with the South African Constitution and was not in line with international trends. This ‘normative tension’ and lack of alignment with evolving international practice led to a shift towards an inclusive education system as a policy preference. Policy In 1996 the Constitution and the South African Schools Act prescribed that everyone had the right to basic education and should not be discriminated against on any grounds. Mainstream schools catered for able-bodied learners, and existing legislation did not automatically equip schools and teachers with resources and training to accommodate disabled learners. To enable directives to obtain these objectives, Education White Paper 6 was passed in 2001. This policy documented Government’s intent to implement an inclusive education system by 2021. Investigation The educational needs of visually impaired learners were identified and discussed. An analysis of White Paper 6, highlighting its strengths and limitations in light of the identified specialised educational needs, was conducted. Research was undertaken in mainstream schools, special schools and universities to assess the progress of the implementation process. Challenges impeding the process including untrained educators, insufficient funding, and no established provisioning norms were identified. Inclusive education has its foundations within social rights theory. Education, like other basic social rights is a justiciable right which the State must uphold. However, like all normative wish lists of rights, limited resources, competing claimants and policy trade-offs are inevitable, more especially in a developing country. As a result budgets, utilisation of funds and accountability of the Department of Education were also investigated. Conclusion Following an analysis of the contents of the policy and findings on the progress of the implementation process, policy recommendations- informed by the researchwere proposed.
Public works programmes and a basic income grant as policy responses to unemployment and poverty in South Africa.
(2007) Biyase, Mduduzi Eligius.; Bromberger, Norman.
No abstract available.
The applicability of the risk-free rate proxy in South Africa : a zero-beta approach.
(2009) Charteris, Ailie Heather.; Strydom, Barry Stephen.
The challenges faced by CMT employers in the clothing industry in the greater Durban area.
(2008) Chetty, Katrina.; Ramdial, Pratistadevi K.
This research study examines the challenges facing CMTs in the Durban area. The researcher conducted a literature review on the evolution of the clothing industry, internationally and locally, the emergence of the CMT factory in Durban and the key aspects affecting CMTs in their current environment including yet not restricted to; imports, labour regulation, worker co-operation and CMT distributors. CMTs are the labour components in the clothing sector, providing jobs for woman and unskilled to semi-skilled individuals. Therefore, the poor performance of CMTs are cause for concern in South Africa, a country that is experiencing disturbing levels of unemployment. The evolution of the CMT factory highlights its reasons for coming into being i.e. short-run times and high productivity levels. When large manufacturers restructured to remain competitive, they shed the labour component of their operation. The reason for this move was to do away with labour issues. CMTs, in effect, became this labour component, without the benefits associated with that of a large manufacturing firm. However, the labour regulations that came into effect do not distinguish between a small business i.e. the CMT factory and a large manufacturer, as the same laws apply to both. The current CMT environment makes it difficult for employers to remain competitive, both locally and internationally, when factors such as low productivity hinder performance. The study provides vital information from the CMT employers' perspective and recommendations that have been made are practical and can be made use of with the help of the government.
A study of the impact of expanded public works programme on job creation in the Zululand district municipality.
(2008) Khanyile, Bonguyise Kenneth.; Bozas, Alexander Robert.; Geach, Walter Dayson.
This research measures and evaluates the impact of the Expanded Public Works Programmes on job creation in the Zululand District in order to guide government in developing a policy that will assist future job creation programmes. The Provincial government has prioritized poverty reduction and job creation as key focus areas in Kwazulu - Natal. This study attempts to determine whether the Expanded Public Works Programme contributes towards job creation and economic growth. The study was limited to the area of the Zululand District Municipality. This research was quantitative in nature in order to meet the objectives of the study which relates to impacts of the Expanded Public Works Programme on job creation. Statistics will be used to justify the conclusions drawn about the percentage increase in employment creation in the area. . The sample was a representative of the population of the area under study. Efforts were made to eliminate any ambiguity in the questionnaires. As training of people on the Expanded Public Works Programme is often conducted in less than six months and as the training is often not accredited, it is concluded that the jobs created by the Expanded Public Works Programme in the Zululand District Municipality are not sustainable. A high percentage of people worked on the Expanded Public Works Programme projects. Although these jobs are not sustainable, they do contribute towards the reduction of unemployment during the construction phase of the project. Most people agree with and support the Expanded Public Works Programme as a successful programme that gives hope for job creationThe output and impact of the Expanded Public Works Programme on skills training, monthly gross household income, daily wage, sustainable jobs and reduction in unemployment is shown to be minimal or not having a very noticeable impact.. Registered institutions under the Department of Education should be used to conduct training on these projects so that the level of training received can be consistent for all people trained
The impact of preferential market access instrument : the case of African Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA) in Swaziland.
(2006) Sibanyoni, Mbali Patience.; Kohler, Marcel Rene Anton Robert.

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