Climate change is regarded as the greatest threat facing the world today. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) concluded that climate change is caused by human activities, as a result of greenhouse gases (GHGs) being emitted into the atmosphere. Scientific literature on the impact of climate change is well documented, especially for the health sector. The mission of the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) is to “contribute towards the reduction of the burden of diseases in all the communities in Gauteng”. Ekurhuleni Health District is part of GDoH and shares a similar mission. However, this mission is under threat due to the direct and indirect impact of climate change on the public health sector. Therefore, it is essential for Ekurhuleni Health District and Provincial Clinics to take measures to reduce their contribution to climate change in the light of improving the health of their constituent. This study estimates the carbon footprint of the employees of Ekurhuleni Health District and Provincial Clinics and determines the knowledge and perception of climate change among managers and operational employees. The methodologies of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHGP) and the Department of Environmental Forestry and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) were used to quantify the carbon footprints of the employees of the Ekurhuleni Health District and Provincial Clinics. A content analysis was applied to determine the knowledge and perception of climate change. The study revealed that Scope 2, indirect emissions (electricity), accounts for 92% (35150 t CO2e) of the total carbon footprints for the period of five years, 2010-2014. Scope 1, direct emission (vehicles), is responsible for 4% (1362 t CO2e) and Scope 3, indirect emissions for ICT, for 2% (862 t CO2e), office paper 1% (181 t CO2e) and air conditioners 1% (458 t CO2e). The majority of employees demonstrated basic knowledge of climate change. However, the concept of GHGs was unfamiliar to most of the employees. In terms of perceptions of climate change, the majority of employees were concerned about the future of the planet and climate change and believed that climate change will impact their job description. The study recommends the following mitigation measures, among others, to reduce carbon footprints: (1) electrical vehicles; (2) substituting personal desktops with laptops; and (3) substituting HFC-23 air conditioner refrigerant with R410A. These recommendations have the potential to reduce the carbon emissions by 2445 t CO2e for the period of five (5) years and save R7 875 089 from fuel and power consumption. Furthermore, the District Office and Provincial Clinics can generate a revenue of R293 400 by registering for a CMD project for five years or R1 173 600 for the duration of the project (20 years). / Environmental Sciences / M. Sc. (Environmental Management)

The aim of the study was to investigate the knowledge and utilisation of antenatal care (ANC) services by pregnant women at a clinic in Ekurhuleni. A quantitative, descriptive correlational study was carried out on 90 eligible pregnant women. Data were collected with a self-administered questionnaire and analysed with the help of a statistician using the Epi Info version 7 computer program. The results of the study indicate that most women initiated ANC later than the recommendations by the World Health Organization (WHO). Over half of the respondents had overall good knowledge of ANC, but lacked knowledge of medication and screening tests done during pregnancy, some danger signs during pregnancy and of exclusive breastfeeding. Factors that were identified as associated with late initiation of ANC were current employment status, number of children, transport costs to clinic and number of antenatal visits. / Department of Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health)

The aim of the study was to investigate the knowledge and utilisation of antenatal care (ANC) services by pregnant women at a clinic in Ekurhuleni. A quantitative, descriptive correlational study was carried out on 90 eligible pregnant women. Data were collected with a self-administered questionnaire and analysed with the help of a statistician using the Epi Info version 7 computer program. The results of the study indicate that most women initiated ANC later than the recommendations by the World Health Organization (WHO). Over half of the respondents had overall good knowledge of ANC, but lacked knowledge of medication and screening tests done during pregnancy, some danger signs during pregnancy and of exclusive breastfeeding. Factors that were identified as associated with late initiation of ANC were current employment status, number of children, transport costs to clinic and number of antenatal visits. / Department of Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health)

Growing municipal waste mismanagement and associated environmental impacts is an enormous environmental concern in developing countries such as South Africa. Hence, this study explored current waste management and minimisation patterns and practices in the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM), located east of the Gauteng province. The study was undertaken using a mixed method design, particularly the concurrent triangulated design where the quantitative and qualitative data were collected at the same time. The methods employed were desktop surveys, interviews with the participants and use of questionnaires which were designed based on the objectives of the study. The questionnaires were designed for different types of participants (namely, households, informal reclaimers, municipal officials and landfill officials). All the data collected were stored in Microsoft Excel (2010) spread sheet for statistical analyses. The study has revealed some patterns, practices as well as trends regarding waste management and minimisation within the EMM municipality. At household level, there was some environmental awareness on waste management practices provided by the municipality as well as local recycling options although there are numerous challenges to be resolved before these functions can become effective. With informal recycling, a number of waste materials are being reclaimed at various landfill sites. However, current informal waste picking activities by the so-called scavengers are not sustainable as waste is not separated prior to disposal at various point sources. In addition, informal reclaimers have to travel long distances to reach waste sources. Another concerning constraint hampering the effectiveness of informal waste recovery, has to do with their daily exposure to several environmental and health risks. Furthermore, the study has found out that the EMM is predominantly focused on providing better waste management services rather than balancing this activity with waste minimisation through reclaiming and recycling operations. Thus, the municipality lacks adequate infrastructure to undertake waste minimisation effectively. Also, waste minimisation and awareness campaigns were found to be inadequate and at an infant stage, unlike those carried out by private companies. In view of these findings, a number of recommendations have been made. / Environmental Sciences / M. Sc. (Environmental Science)

M. Tech. Business Administration / The study was aimed at assessing factors that compel people to decide on changing employment, benefits of making the change and challenges faced in making the decision. The study is also aimed at helping company managers to be able to identify factors that lead employees to leave organizations and therefore reduce the turnover rate and work towards employee retention. Studies that were conducted highlighted that the world of work shifts all the time and therefore many employers can no longer guarantee life-long employment and regular promotion. This causes employees not longer to feel obliged to remain loyal to one employer throughout their lives. People change careers for a number of reasons, leading to shortage of skills and high turnover rate. The study was conducted in the Ekurhuleni West area of Gauteng in an attempt to determine and quantify factors that compel people to change careers from time to time by conducting a well-planned scientific study based on empirical evidence. The implications of the results are: firstly, managers should be able to identify factors that attract, motivate and retain employees; and secondly employees should make use of career development practitioners so as to make informed decisions and be familiar with broader changes that take place in society from time to time. The study will contribute to the retention of employees, improve production and morale and also reduce expenses and time spent on recruitment, training and socialization of new employees.

The study explores the role of school principals in teacher professional development in Ekurhuleni South District and whether they perform their leadership functions as expected. Literature reviewed gave an in-depth understanding of the discourse of teacher professional development from the South African and international perspectives. A qualitative approach was adopted to explore the role of school principals in teacher professional development. Ten primary schools were selected from Ekurhuleni South District using purposive sampling. In each school, the principal, deputy principal, head of department and a post level teacher were interviewed to gather data. The findings of the study revealed that there is little or no support from principals to assist teachers in order to enhance teaching and learning. A lack of resources and development opportunities for principals by their superiors hampers teacher professional development. The main recommendation from this study is that principals should be supported by their cluster leaders, and the school governing bodies should supplement the school funds so that teachers can attend workshops. / Educational Management and Leadership / M. Ed. (Education Management)

Growing municipal waste mismanagement and associated environmental impacts is an enormous environmental concern in developing countries such as South Africa. Hence, this study explored current waste management and minimisation patterns and practices in the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM), located east of the Gauteng province. The study was undertaken using a mixed method design, particularly the concurrent triangulated design where the quantitative and qualitative data were collected at the same time. The methods employed were desktop surveys, interviews with the participants and use of questionnaires which were designed based on the objectives of the study. The questionnaires were designed for different types of participants (namely, households, informal reclaimers, municipal officials and landfill officials). All the data collected were stored in Microsoft Excel (2010) spread sheet for statistical analyses. The study has revealed some patterns, practices as well as trends regarding waste management and minimisation within the EMM municipality. At household level, there was some environmental awareness on waste management practices provided by the municipality as well as local recycling options although there are numerous challenges to be resolved before these functions can become effective. With informal recycling, a number of waste materials are being reclaimed at various landfill sites. However, current informal waste picking activities by the so-called scavengers are not sustainable as waste is not separated prior to disposal at various point sources. In addition, informal reclaimers have to travel long distances to reach waste sources. Another concerning constraint hampering the effectiveness of informal waste recovery, has to do with their daily exposure to several environmental and health risks. Furthermore, the study has found out that the EMM is predominantly focused on providing better waste management services rather than balancing this activity with waste minimisation through reclaiming and recycling operations. Thus, the municipality lacks adequate infrastructure to undertake waste minimisation effectively. Also, waste minimisation and awareness campaigns were found to be inadequate and at an infant stage, unlike those carried out by private companies. In view of these findings, a number of recommendations have been made. / Environmental Sciences / M. Sc. (Environmental Science)

In most instances people tend to think of the public sector as monopolistic entities facing captive demand, enjoying guaranteed source and levels of financing, and being relatively immune from voters, stakeholders, and political institutions such as legislatures and courts (Morris & Kuratko, 2003: 305). Entrepreneurship or intrapreneurial behaviour is commonly discussed in the context of private business. However, government departments and other organs of state have a pressing need to think entrepreneurially (Rwigema & Venter, 2005:10). Against the backdrop of legacy of apartheid in South Africa, municipalities are still faced with the challenge of extending the fundamental benefits of basic water supply and sanitation, electricity and housing to all people. It is therefore imperative in the light of these challenges for a municipality like Ekurhuleni to operate as business does, by adopting an innovative or intrapreneurial approach. The primary objective of this study was to assess intrapreneurial climate in the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality and to make recommendations to foster intrapreneurship within the organisation. The literature review was instrumental to gather secondary data on corporate entrepreneurship (intrapreneurship) and to understand its dynamics. In order to gain primary data, quantitative research was carried out. The study population comprised lower, middle and top management participants, who were requested to complete questionnaires. This was followed by statistical analysis. The empirical results indicate no practical significance in respondents' perception of their entrepreneurial characteristics in relation to their superiors. However, the results do indicate practical significant differences between the relationship between the groups of top/middle and lower management level and entrepreneurial climate. The respondents did not fully agree with the statements that the Ekurhuleni Municipality climate is conducive to foster entrepreneurial behaviour. However, it was revealed that practical significant differences were found on the relationship between management level variable and intrapreneurial climate constructs. The results of the study indicate that the respondents have divergent views of the intrapreneurial climate in the Ekurhuleni Municipality and that these views are based on the following constructs: management support, sponsor (champions), tolerance for risks, mistakes and failure, appropriate rewards, discretionary time and work, empowered teams and multi-disciplinary teams and diversity, resources availability and accessibility, and flat organisational structure with open communication and strong sense of belonging. It can thus be concluded that lower level managers are of the opinion that the climate is not conducive for a spirit of innovation to prosper. The purpose of this research was to assess the intrapreneurial climate in the Ekurhuleni Municipality. Empirical evidence shows that there is a pressing need for a shift from the current top down approach to a future of entrepreneurism and innovation among the workforce. In light of the above-mentioned empirical findings, a practical action plan was recommended to the Ekurhuleni Municipality management in order to foster an intrapreneurial climate (see Table 5.1). Subsequent to the findings, a practical action plan was proposed to the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality's management to enhance a culture of innovation and entrepreneurial behaviour. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2009.

In most instances people tend to think of the public sector as monopolistic entities facing captive demand, enjoying guaranteed source and levels of financing, and being relatively immune from voters, stakeholders, and political institutions such as legislatures and courts (Morris & Kuratko, 2003: 305). Entrepreneurship or intrapreneurial behaviour is commonly discussed in the context of private business. However, government departments and other organs of state have a pressing need to think entrepreneurially (Rwigema & Venter, 2005:10). Against the backdrop of legacy of apartheid in South Africa, municipalities are still faced with the challenge of extending the fundamental benefits of basic water supply and sanitation, electricity and housing to all people. It is therefore imperative in the light of these challenges for a municipality like Ekurhuleni to operate as business does, by adopting an innovative or intrapreneurial approach. The primary objective of this study was to assess intrapreneurial climate in the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality and to make recommendations to foster intrapreneurship within the organisation. The literature review was instrumental to gather secondary data on corporate entrepreneurship (intrapreneurship) and to understand its dynamics. In order to gain primary data, quantitative research was carried out. The study population comprised lower, middle and top management participants, who were requested to complete questionnaires. This was followed by statistical analysis. The empirical results indicate no practical significance in respondents' perception of their entrepreneurial characteristics in relation to their superiors. However, the results do indicate practical significant differences between the relationship between the groups of top/middle and lower management level and entrepreneurial climate. The respondents did not fully agree with the statements that the Ekurhuleni Municipality climate is conducive to foster entrepreneurial behaviour. However, it was revealed that practical significant differences were found on the relationship between management level variable and intrapreneurial climate constructs. The results of the study indicate that the respondents have divergent views of the intrapreneurial climate in the Ekurhuleni Municipality and that these views are based on the following constructs: management support, sponsor (champions), tolerance for risks, mistakes and failure, appropriate rewards, discretionary time and work, empowered teams and multi-disciplinary teams and diversity, resources availability and accessibility, and flat organisational structure with open communication and strong sense of belonging. It can thus be concluded that lower level managers are of the opinion that the climate is not conducive for a spirit of innovation to prosper. The purpose of this research was to assess the intrapreneurial climate in the Ekurhuleni Municipality. Empirical evidence shows that there is a pressing need for a shift from the current top down approach to a future of entrepreneurism and innovation among the workforce. In light of the above-mentioned empirical findings, a practical action plan was recommended to the Ekurhuleni Municipality management in order to foster an intrapreneurial climate (see Table 5.1). Subsequent to the findings, a practical action plan was proposed to the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality's management to enhance a culture of innovation and entrepreneurial behaviour. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2009.

M.A. (Social Work) / Stress is a well-known phenomenon in our everyday lives, and has a serious impact on our personal and social functioning. Stress is experienced by almost all individuals, especially in their work-environment, and has a huge impact on their functioning, motivation, performance, colleagues and even clients. Within the Department of Social Development there is a lot of red tape, challenges and situations that create stress for the employees on an ongoing basis. If these situations are not handled and managed correctly and effectively through successful stress management, intervention methods, and also support systems, it can prove detrimental to employees on the level of service delivery. Within the Department of Social Development, social workers are irreplaceable in their roles, as they fulfil the core functions of the Department. They are responsible for the social work services to clients and the public, and also all other duties that go hand in hand in improving their clients’ social functioning. Observations by the researcher in her own work environment (Ekurhuleni region) showed that social workers and other employees are overworked and stressed out, and sick leave is taken regularly for stress-related problems. Some of the current workplace trends have been determined in a pre-study by the author during March/April 2008 (Maré, 2008). The reason for the study was to determine if social workers in the Ekurhuleni Region experience negative stress, and if it is related to their work. The aim was to discover if the source of their stress is work-related, and if they can successfully cope with this work-related stress and deal with it. The researcher is a social worker in the Ekurhuleni Region and has been in the position of having to cope with tremendous work-related stress in conditions which made coping with it difficult. With this study, the researcher wanted to investigate the stress experience of social workers and their way of coping with it, in order to develop guidelines from the results that would assist the social workers in effectively handling their work-related stress. These guidelines should not only improve the functioning of the social workers, but also impact positively on the service delivery of the organisation. Social work is a helping profession in which social workers draws from themselves to be able to assist clients with their problems and stress. This in itself can turn out to be a stressful situation, as social workers ignore their own stress through focusing on the client. The social worker’s own functioning is not as important as the client’s, and therefore the social worker’s needs are forgotten or ignored. The researcher hopes that with this study a positive contribution will be made in understanding the needs of the helper, instead of only focusing on the helpless.