UWCScholar
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Nternal migration and the impact on the Driftsands Nature Reserve due to COVID 19: a case study perspective
(University of the Western Cape, 2025) Maphike, Russel C
Unplanned informal communities with subpar living conditions are frequently formed by illegal land occupation in all cities. However, these settlements are especially troubling in cities that are rapidly urbanising in lower-income nations since urban growth rates frequently surpass rates of infrastructure development. (Capps, Bentsen, & Ramí, 2015). The effect of COVID-19 on lower-income households has also been detrimental in the Cape Metro. Due to the different lockdown levels, it was more difficult for people to get work and for those living in backyards who couldn't afford rent to be evicted legally. The backyard residents then moved to the neighbouring Driftsands Nature Reserve from their evicted residences, resulting in an illegal and unauthorised invasion of the nature reserve. In addition to causing irreparable ecological harm and ruining the environment, this action resulted in the declassification of the once-thriving environmental education reserve and the loss of its Nature Reserve designation. The objective of this study is to assess the migration of individuals who were unlawfully occupying land in the Driftsands Nature Reserve using Lee's Theory of Migration and also taking into account the impact that COVID-19 had on the migrants (Lee, 1966).
Factors Influencing the Adoption of Digital Technologies to Reduce Food Waste in Retail Supply Chain
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Mpa, Kagiso Elton
Digital technologies are anticipated to revolutionize various work sectors and industries, including the retail supply chain. The adoption of these technologies offers numerous advantages, such as enhanced efficiency, cost reduction, better insights into production issues, and improved customer experiences. This research aims to identify the key factors influencing the adoption of digital technologies within the retail supply chain, with a particular focus on addressing food waste. The study employs the technology, organization, and environment (TOE) framework to construct an alternative conceptual model by examining thirteen contextual factors. A positivist paradigm approach was adopted to test the conceptual framework’s hypotheses against observations gathered using a survey questionnaire, of which the analysis followed a quantitative and deductive approach. The study results show that complexity, compatibility, cost, size, expertise, and competitive pressure positively influence the adoption, appropriation, and use of digital technologies in the retail supply chain. This study adds to a deeper understanding of factors influencing the use of digital technologies in retail supply chain operations.
A Framework for Data-Driven Decision-Making at a South African Higher Education Institution
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Chomunorwa, Silence
Data-driven decision-making (D3M) has practical benefits to higher education institutions (HEIs), but its adoption and use in South African HEIs are still low. This low adoption is attributed to various reasons based on decision-makers’ perceptions, expectations and experiences of data-driven decision-making tools and techniques. This thesis presents an analysis of data-driven decision-making (D3M) in a South African Higher Education Institution, addressing the need for effective decision-making approaches to enhance student experiences and institutional performance. The purpose of this study was to identify factors that influence the adoption of D3M and explore strategies for integrating D3M tools and approaches to improve educational outcomes. this study aimed to propose a framework for improving the adoption and use of data to make informed decisions at a South African HEI by addressing decision-makers' perceptions, expectations and experiences, which, in turn, will enhance student experiences. This aim is articulated through three primary objectives: first, to explore ways in which D3M can enhance student experiences; second, to investigate the institutional and individual factors affecting the adoption of D3M; and third, to analyse the perceptions, experiences, and expectations of decision-makers in utilising a data- driven approach. The study utilised the exploratory sequential mixed-methods research methodology, incorporating interviews and a survey to gather data from personnel within the institution.
Teacher perceptions and practices regarding a text-based approach to English (L2) writing instruction in grade 6: A South African case study.
(University of the Western Cape, 2014) Mushipe-Kosi, Thembisa; Nomlomo, V
Learners' low achievement in literacy is a national concern in South Africa, particularly among Grades 3 and 6 learners who write systemic and national assessment tests. Although the Department of Basic Education makes attempts to support teachers by conducting teacher development workshops, there is no significant improvement in literacy results.
With regard to language teaching, the national Curriculum Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) promotes the use of Communicative and Text-Based Approaches as a means of strengthening learners· language skills in a manner that they could use the language for different purposes, such as in speech and writing. The majority of learners have to develop these skills in a second language (L2) which is English, in which they have little competence as learners are taught through the medium of English second language (L2) from Grade 4 in many South African schools.
Concerning the approaches that have been introduced in language teaching to enhance learners oral and writing skills, little is known about how teachers understand and use the new approaches in their classrooms. There is limited research done on learners' writing in basic education. This study focuses on Grade 6 teachers' perceptions of the Text-Based Approach to teach English as a second language. It also investigates the teaching strategies used by teachers in teaching writing to Grade 6 learners who learn English as L2 and who are taught through the medium of L2. Through the lens of the Genre Based Approach, the study sought to understand how teachers implemented the Text Based Approach in teaching writing in English o Grade 6 learners.
The data were generated through interviews, observations and document analysis. The thematic qualitative approach was used to analyze data. The findings reveal that teachers have limited understanding of the Text Based Approach and that affects their practice in the classroom with regard to teaching writing. They also indicate that teachers do not receive adequate support to implement the new language curriculum in their classrooms. All these factors seem to impact negatively on the effective implementation of the Text Based Approach in teaching English (L2) writing in the Grade 6 classrooms.
Generational dynamics of commercial farming in highland Kenya
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Hakizimana, Cyriaque
Debates on the role of commercial farming as a key driver for agrarian change are well established in the agrarian scholarly field. however, they tend to focus on the class and gender dimensions. generational aspects of commercial farming and their implications for rural livelihoods for young people are neglected in this vast literature. this dissertation seeks to fill this gap. it seeks to understand drivers that shape inclusion in and exclusion from commercial farming, outcomes for rural youth, their responses, and how they are gendered. the research presented in this dissertation was conducted in timau region of meru county in kenya. timau was one of the 237 settlement schemes that formed part of the kenyatta-era public schemes programme known as the “million-acre settlement scheme” that redistributed formerly european-owned large-scale capitalist farms to develop a smallholder agricultural sector in kenya. intersecting dynamics of generation, gender, and class determine who has access to agrarian resources, and who benefits from them. this dissertation argues that the limitation of young people’s access to agrarian resources is linked with generational dynamics in land acquisition within the household. the interplay of these factors creates processes of unequal gender and generational distribution of agrarian resources. the youth land scarcity identified in this dissertation, therefore, is proposed to be generationally manufactured to shield and protect the patriarchs’ own socio-economic benefits from commercial farming. generation, gender, and class social relations are important composite elements of the generationally manufactured land scarcity, and their intersection determines the form of young people’s inclusion in or exclusion from commercial farming.