The present study investigated Grade 9 learners’ perceptions of factors influencing their academic performance in Mathematics in Tshwane municipality, South Africa. The study was based on positivism paradigm. The quantitative research approach was used while the research design was a descriptive survey design. The sample was made up of 400 learners (280 females and 120 males). Convenient sampling method was employed as a result of the nature of data. A self-designed questionnaire was administered to collect data. Data were analysed using quantitative approach with the statistical package for the social sciences, version 24.0, and the few open ended data on strategies for improving learners’ performance were analysed deductively. Frequency tables and ratios were calculated to establish the rating of each item. A Chi-square test was used to establish relationships of the variables on learners’ Mathematics performance. The study revealed that the Grade 9 learners perceived the factors influencing their performance in Mathematics were teacher-learner relationship, school environment and influence of learners’ attitude towards their performance in Mathematics, while peer relationship and home background (parents’ relationship and support) were perceived as not having any relationship with learners’ academic performance. The following recommendations were made to improve the Grade 9 learners’ performance in Mathematics, they are: policies that may consider Mathematics as a compulsory subject in the place of maths numeracy; there should be a regular in-service training for Mathematics teachers; parents should give adequate attention and care to their children in their Mathematics assignments; there should be provision of additional classrooms and infrastructures by the government and other stakeholders; learners should be encouraged to cultivate a more positive attitude towards Mathematics as a subject. Lastly, the study proposed a model for improving Grade 9 learners’ academic performance in Mathematics in Tshwane municipality, South Africa. / Psychology of Education / D. Ed. (Psychology of Education)

High prevalence of mental illness in South African and limited Mental Health Care (MHC) resources call for ways to supplement the overburdened system to meet the rehabilitative and supportive needs of service users as stipulated in the MHC Act no. 17 of 2002. Various psychological, social, and financial difficulties plaguing MHC users require holistic treatment intervention to help them cope with their conditions. This study explored the meaning of a Tshwane District community-based support group for MHC out-patients to help illuminate the value the group had for the members. A Social Constructionist epistemology informed the qualitative research approach. Data were collected by conducting semi-structured interviews and employing a collage-making method. The main themes illuminated by thematic analysis suggest that the group provided the members with a sense of belonging, mental and physical mobilisation and stimulation, a source of support, multiple learning experiences, and contributed to personal transformation and growth. / Psychology / M.A. (Social Science (Research Consultation))

M. Tech. Food and Nutrition Tshwane University of Technology / The aim of this study was to explore and evaluate the management systems which are used for the NSNP (National School Nutrition Programme) in the City of Tshwane. The objectives of this study were set to include inter alia the evaluation of the human resource management system, quality and monitoring management system, the financial management system, purchasing and procurement system, the communication management system and capacity building management in the NSNP (National School Nutrition Programme).

Absenteeism in the workplace is a longstanding challenge practised by employees for various reasons. It persists despite the numerous efforts undertaken to curb it. The City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality is concerned with excessive employee absenteeism. Present research evaluates the City of Tshwane’s human resources policy for managing absenteeism. Causes of absenteeism are critically examined, particular attention being paid to the different leave-types that impinge on service delivery within the City of Tshwane. Within a qualitative research framework, personal semi-structured interviews were used to gather data from staff members of the Leave Capturing Office of the City of Tshwane. The targeted office is responsible for leave management, which includes capturing, recording and encashment of leave. In addition to the questionnaire, the leave management policy as well as sick-leave statistics were brought to bear on this study of absenteeism at the City of Tshwane. Study findings highlighted factors such as job dissatisfaction, unpleasant working relations, favouritism, low wages, lack of resources, stress at the workplace alongside boredom with routine unchallenging tasks as significant causes of absenteeism. The study also found sick-leave to be the form of reported absence most misused by employees. In general, employees take two days sick leave, which is the maximum an employee can take without requiring a medical certificate. Recommendations include that management should invest in a total process that can control and mitigate absenteeism related risks that may adversely affect operations at the City of Tshwane. / Public Administration / M. Admin. (Public Administration)

M. Tech. Fire Technology. / Aims to determine the level of job satisfaction of the City of Tshwane EMS employees.

M. Tech. Electrical Engineering. / This study analyses the technologies with potential to generate this much needed power and transmit the electricity from the point of generation to the end use location. South Africa has abundant supplies of indigenous primary energy resources such as coal, wind, and solar. The global shift from regulation of electricity and other energy markets, community awareness of environmental impact caused by large conventional power plants, and advances in renewable and high efficiency technologies have led to greater interest in DG technologies based on Renewable Energy Sources (RES). In this study, DG based on renewable energy sources (wind, solar and energy from the waste) is considered. Their potential contribution within Tshwane is assessed.This research project presents a technical analysis of the Tshwane Electricity Network incorporating distributed renewable energy sources such as biomass, wind, solar and small-hydro. Their sizing and placement within the distribution systems is analysed in order to minimise the electrical network losses and to guarantee acceptable voltage profile. The optimisation process is a load flow based algorithm.

M.Tech. Business Administration. Business School. / he greatest challenge that the City of Tshwane is facing lies in achieving the target growth rate set by ASGISA (Accelerated Shared and Growth Initiative), the latter being a national initiative, by enabling communities to become active participants within the growing economy. One of the enablers that were identified by the Municipality was co-operatives. The successful implementation of the co-operative model within the City of Tshwane will depend on the correct guidance provided by the Municipality to the co-operatives as opposed to dictating the terms of business to the members. These findings will be based in best practice models as found world-wide. The primary objective of this dissertation is to research the legal impact of the Co-operatives Act of 2005 on the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality's Co-operative Strategy as a vehicle for local economic development.

The purpose of study was to explore and describe the student nurses’ experiences of teaching and learning through simulation. The study was conducted at one public college of nursing located in the city of Tshwane in the Gauteng province of South Africa. A quantitative exploratory and descriptive design was used to achieve the objectives of the study. The selected population comprised second year student nurses registered for the programme of education and training leading to registration as a nurse (general, psychiatric and community) and Midwife (R425, 1985; paragraph (iii) as amended) at the selected college of nursing. The number of registered second year student nurses was 250, and it was found to be manageable and adequate for data analysis. Consequently, the whole population was included in the survey and no sampling procedures were carried out. Data were collected by means of a self-administered structured questionnaire and STATA 14 program was used for data analysis. According to the results of the study, student nurses’ experiences of teaching and learning through simulation were positive. The results showed that teaching and learning through simulation led to significant increases in knowledge and skills acquisition among student nurses who took part in the study. In addition, the student nurses’ attitude to teaching and learning through simulation were positive. However, based on the findings of the literature review on trends and best practice standards for simulation, it is recommended that the college introduces high virtual technology simulation as it is only using low and medium fidelity simulation. This will ensure that the college is up to date with trends and best practice standards for simulation, and for improving simulation teaching learning outcomes for large number of student nurses. / Health Studies / M.A. (Nursing Science)

High prevalence of mental illness in South African and limited Mental Health Care (MHC) resources call for ways to supplement the overburdened system to meet the rehabilitative and supportive needs of service users as stipulated in the MHC Act no. 17 of 2002. Various psychological, social, and financial difficulties plaguing MHC users require holistic treatment intervention to help them cope with their conditions. This study explored the meaning of a Tshwane District community-based support group for MHC out-patients to help illuminate the value the group had for the members. A Social Constructionist epistemology informed the qualitative research approach. Data were collected by conducting semi-structured interviews and employing a collage-making method. The main themes illuminated by thematic analysis suggest that the group provided the members with a sense of belonging, mental and physical mobilisation and stimulation, a source of support, multiple learning experiences, and contributed to personal transformation and growth. / Psychology / M.A. (S.S. (Research Consultation))

This research study investigated the impact of staff education levels in ensuring implementation of effective health programmes: A comparative study of NPOs in City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality. The literature that was consulted explains the current level of education, worldwide and South Africa, challenges and reasons for lack of critical skills among health professionals and social workers. An exploratory approach was used in the study; by conducting a case study on two selected Non Profit Orgaisations (NPOs) namely, Hope for Life and Bophelong Life Community Hospice, both receiving funding from the Department of Health and Social Development and from the National Lotteries Distribution Trust (NLDTF) through the National Lotteries Board (NLB). Three methods of data collection were used to triangulate data, i.e. questionnaires, interviews and documentation reviews. Data was collected from staff members, NPO management and documentation from NPOs and Grant Funding System of the NLB. At the end of the study and using acquired information, a number of recommendations are made for the effective implementation of programmes for both NPOs and funding organisations such as NLB.