The role of universities in contributing to the development of their host cities is a subject of ongoing scholarly debate. This is because the contemporary complex and competitive economic and technological global environment requires rapid adaptation to shifting opportunities and constraints in a global knowledge economy. Higher education has thus become an engine of development for cities and nations in the developing world. In line with this global trend, the South African government has thus mandated higher education institutions to play a more active role in addressing the development needs of the country. Within this context, this study therefore embarked on an appraisal of the University of Fort Hare’s (UFH) contribution to the development of its host city, East London in South Africa. The study employed a qualitative approach and used semi structured interviews as a primary data collection tool. The sampling technique was purposive sampling as the study targeted key respondents that had rich information about their departments and organisations. The study found that the university interacts with the city on a number of platforms and advisory boards established by some university departments. The main contribution was realised through relevant research carried out by academics in different departments within the city which informs developmental policy for the local government and contributes positively to the private sector. The University of Fort Hare also serves as a major labour supplier for both the public and private sector. The study however established that UFH is not producing technical graduates which are a critical skill in the private sector, specifically in the automotive industry which is the back bone of the city. This skills gap presents an opportunity for the university to expand its programmes so as to address the needs of private industry. In terms of policy, the study recommends the need for a convener or an intermediary to champion collaboration of the university with the city and the private sector.

The purpose of this study was to find out the perceptions of male teachers on the under-representation of female teachers in high school management position in the Queenstown Education District and to find the barriers that cause this perception to determine the possible solutions for these problems. To carry out this study descriptive method was employed. Participants of the study were 60 male teachers, selected by using stratified random sampling techniques. The data were collected by using questionnaire and interview. Both qualitative and quantitative data analysis methods were employed in order to turn up at the results. The findings of the study revealed that, despite the male teachers perceptions on the under-representation of female school managers in high school management positon has been changing, but not as expected still they believe that female teachers are reluctant to accept responsibilities of school management positions Some of the challenges which could hinder female teachers representation in high school management positions were for instance; pressure of home responsibilities, men dominance of management position, political appointment, unclear promotion procedures or informal recruitment selection and discrimination.

The factors that influence the invasion of hillslopes by the shrub Pteronia incana in the communal rangelands of Ngqushwa (formerly Peddie) district were investigated. Mgwalana, one of the catchments in the district where encroachment by the species is widespread, was chosen. The study combined field observations with image analysis based on high resolution infrared imagery. The catchment was flown and high resolution infrared images (1mx1m) were taken using a Kodak DCS420 digital, colour-infrared camera. The images were analysed using Idrisi32 and Kilimanjaro GIS versions. The ability of different vegetation indices to separate P. incana from the other cover types was investigated. Field observations of the degree of P. incana invasion in relation to, inter alia, soil surface conditions, slope angle and visible forms of erosion were made. A Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of 20m spatial resolution was used to derive terrain parameters. The presence and absence of P. incana in relation to slope gradient and aspect were determined. The combined influence of the two terrain parameters and land use on the invasion was also investigated. The Topographic Wetness Index (WI), a component of the TOPMODEL was derived from the DEM and its relationship with the spatial distribution of P. incana was explored. Soil moisture dependencies for P. incana and grass species as well as surrogates for runoff under the shrub and adjacent bare areas were determined in the field. A high level of classification accuracy confirmed the reliability of digital camera imagery for spatial analyses. Distinct spectral separability for the surface vegetation cover types was achieved by means of the Perpendicular Vegetation Index (PVI) as opposed to the ratio based vegetation indices (NDVI, SAVI and MSAVI). The absence/presence of P. incana was noted to be strongly influenced by slope angle and aspect. The probability for P. incana occurrence increased with slope steepness and southerly slope orientation. Abandoned and grazing lands were identified as the main invasion hotspots. Blanket invasion of the former signified the high susceptibility of abandoned land to P. incana invasion. The combined influence of land use, slope gradient and aspect was also noted to have promoted the invasion. This is borne out by the concentration of the invasion on abandoned steep slopes with a southerly orientation. Local topographic variations were identified as having a strong bearing on P. incana spatial distribution. The topographically driven WI confirmed this relationship, such that P. incana was associated with the low WI values of convexities. Differences in the moisture dependencies between P. incana and grass species were demonstrated by the greater rooting depth of the former. During field surveys, soil surface crusting was noted as inherent to P. incana patchiness. The coupling between local topography and soil surface crusting underpins soil moisture variability at hillslope and patch scales respectively. This in turn determines the competition between P. incana and grass species and the eventual replacement of the latter by the former. A close spatial correlation between fully established P. incana and severe forms of soil erosion was observed. Loss of patchiness and expansion of inter-patch bare areas promote runoff connectivity erosion. As most of the runoff becomes run out, hillslopes tend towards dysfunctional systems. Greater soil moisture storage after rainstorms under P. incana tussocks than the adjacent bare areas signifies the shrub’s water harvesting capabilities. The tussocks could thus serve as a starting-pointbuilding- block for the rehabilitation of dysfunctional hillslope systems.

The dissertation argues that police officers are not trained in handling mentally ill persons. Purpose The study explored police officers‟ knowledge of mental illness and skills necessary for handling mentally ill people. Research methods The descriptive quantitative investigation has been used as a research strategy to identify the knowledge and skills of police officers in handling mentally ill persons. Forty five police officers were randomly selected from a population of 136 police officers. A self administered questionnaire was used for collecting data. Data analysis was done manually and frequency distributions, cross-tabulations and correlations were carried out. Results The findings revealed that police officers do not have knowledge and skills to handle mentally ill people. Recommendations It is recommended that mental health care practitioners should engage the police in discussions on training in handling mentally ill people. iv Limitations Due to time and budgetary limitations, the study had to settle for a more modest investigation

The aim of this study was to explore the roles of the parent SGB members in the School Governing Bodies (SGB) of two selected rural primary schools in the King Williams Town District. This was achieved by applying the qualitative approach within the parameters of the interpretivist paradigm. Structured interviews, semi structured interviews, document analysis and non-participatory observation methods were used at two sites that were purposely sampled. The samples in both schools were made up of SGB chairperson, SGB secretary, treasurer, one additional member, principal and non SGB parents. From the findings it emerged that the principal and SGB chairperson work in partnership in the business of school governance. However, principals seemed to dominate their SGB chairpersons who in most cases seem to be less competent than the principals. Parent SGB members seem to be dependent upon the educators in most cases on issues of school governance and they do not differentiate between their role and that of the SMT. Most SGB subcommittees seem to be dysfunctional and it was clear from the data that educators were the persons who dealt with school finances and matters of procurement. The majority of parent SGB members do not know what policies the school must adopt.

The success or failure of a local municipality is measured by the efficient provision of basic services to communities within the area of jurisdiction. Waste management is one of the basic services that pose serious environmental challenges. Various strategies have been developed as a means of waste management and recycling is a popular strategy as it has the potential to foster relations between the municipality and the community. Studies by the Department of environmental Affairs have confirmed that the delivery of waste management services by municipalities has capacity constraints including, but not limited to, landfill site operations, waste collection, processing and disposal, and waste management hierarchy (Department of Environmental Affairs, 2008). This research is undertaken to establish how recycling can be effective in environmental management. The findings emphasise strongly, the high level of awareness that communities have on recycling; however there is a need for intensive resource support for the community initiatives to have the desired impact.

This study focused on the technical and institutional constraints faced by the vegetable co-operatives with regard to the impact on productivity. Vegetable co-operatives have no access to markets due to their poor performance on productivity and poor quality produce resulting to low prices for the produce such that they cannot compete in a market economy. In this study, the data was drawn from a sample of thirty vegetable co-operatives in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) of the Eastern Cape; obtained through focus group discussions and interviews from each cooperative. The objectives of the study are to measure the productivity of vegetable co-operatives using Total factor productivity analysis (TFP) and profitability of vegetable co-operative using Gross Margin (GM). Followed by the descriptive statistics in identifying and assessing the socio-economic characteristics as well as coping strategies adopted by vegetable co-operatives in BCMM where percentages, means and tables are used looking at the highest frequency. The results show that the vegetable co-operatives in the BCMM are not productive and profitable due to major constraints experienced by co-operatives such as lack of market, information, trainings and business skills, capital, infrastructural facilities, effective extension services that all leads to poor produce quality. Co-operative is said to be profitable and viable if total revenue is greater than the total variable cost which makes the gross margin positive. In this case, the total gross margin is negative. The results showed that the production costs, maintenance (tractor hire, generator hire and servicing) and electricity costs were the major costs incurred in the production of vegetable by the co-operatives.

The study aims to evaluate the biomass production and nutrient content and silage quality of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne (L)), cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata (L)) and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea (Schreb)). Six varieties were used, two for each species. A completely randomized block designed replicated three times was conducted at University of Fort Hare Research Farm during 2014-2015 growing season. The plots were harvested at four-week interval (post emergency) for one year. Biomass yields were measured for fresh forage and dry matter yield. Duplicated samples were then dried, milled and analyzed for chemical and mineral composition (CP, NDF, ADF, and ash, Ca, P, K, Na, Mn, Cu, Zn and Fe) for only winter season. In addition the grasses were ensiled and the silage was analyzed for its fermentation parameters and nutrient content (lactic acid, pH, DM, CP, NDF, ADF, and ash, Ca, P, K, Na, Mn, Cu, Zn and Fe). Biomass results showed significant differences (P < 0.05) between season and varieties. On average Tall fescue varieties Jessup (13741.67 FM kg/ha), Alix (12007.78 FM kg/ ha) and Ryegrass varieties Samson (11597.22 FM kg/ha) and Nui (10591.67 FM kg/ha) had the highest fresh biomass yield. Similarly, Tall fescue varieties Jessup (2833.06 DM kg/ha) and Alix (2708.3 DM kg/ ha) and Ryegrass varieties Samson (2169.44 DM kg/ha) and Nui (2169.67 kg/ha) had the highest dry biomass yield. Throughout the year the average biomass yield was significantly different among species (P< 0.05). During summer and autumn Tall fescue varieties Jessup and Alix gave the highest dry matter yields of 3855.5 to 1977.8 DM kg/ha, and 3877.8 to 1900 DM kg/ha, respectively, and followed by Cocksfoot 2400 DM kg/ha. Ryegrass had the highest dry matter biomass yield in winter (2975 DM kg/ha) and the least in summer (977.75 DM kg/ha). There were no significant (P>0.05) differences on the chemical composition (CP, NDF, ADF, and ash) and mineral composition (Ca, P, K, Na, Mn, Cu, Zn and Fe) of the six varieties. The grass silage results showed significant differences (P< 0.05) among the six varieties for moisture content. Perennial ryegrass variety Nui (66.76 percent) had low moisture content than the other grass silages. The different varieties had no significant effects (P>0.05) on chemical composition (CP, NDF, ADF, and ash) and mineral composition (Ca, P, K, Na, Mn, Cu, Zn and Fe). It is concluded that the biomass production of the six varieties of three grass species was different throughout the year under irrigation hence Ryegrass and Tall fescue are recommended for dairy farmers in the region for all seasons. It can be concluded that there is no difference with respect to fermentation characteristics and nutrient content among the varieties of the grass species.

Communal rangelands occupy 13 percent of the agricultural land in South Africa, and these rangelands serve as a source of feed to livestock. These areas are threatened by bush encroachment due to poor rangeland management. This study was conducted in Alice (Sheshegu communal area) and the objective was to assess farmers' perceptions and the impact of bush encroachment on herbaceous vegetation and soil nutrients. Structured questionnaires were used to assess indigenous knowledge of communal farmers on the impact of bush encroachment on rangelands. Fourty (40) respondents from households who owned livestock were randomly selected and interviewed at Sheshegu village. About 89 percent of communal farmers perceived that change of their grasslands to encroached savannas was caused by unreliable rainfall, prolonged drought, and poor rangeland management. Rangeland assessment was performed at four sites (Scattered, Moderate, Mixed and Dense bushland. 100mx50m were demarcated per site, and four 100m transects were laid parallel to each other, 30m apart. The step point method was used to determine both species composition and basal cover. Biomass production was determined by harvesting forage within randomly-paced a 0.25m2 quadrats. Aristada congesta and Eragrostis obtuse were the most dominating grass species in dense, mixed and moderate bushland. Scattered bushland was dominated by Themeda triandra. Biomass production increases with increase in bush density and basal cover improved from winter to summer season. Increaser grass species increase with the increase in bush density, this indicated that the rangeland was poorly managed and palatable species were being replaced by less palatable ones. Species composition of woody plants was determined within a 200m2 belt transect in all sites. Maytenus polycantha, Aloe ferox, Erehia rigida and lucas capensis were the most dominant woody species in Mixed bushland while Acacia karroo was most dominated in Scattered, Moderate and Dense bushland. Woody density showed no significant differences (P> 0.05) between Dense, Mixed and Moderate bushland. Woody plant density in all these sites exceed 2500 plants/ha, which showed that the rangeland was encroached with woody plants. Soil nutrient content was determined for each site. Five samples of soil were collected per site to test the effect of bush encroachment on soil nutrient composition. The concentration of nitrogen and soil pH increased with increase in bush density, while that of potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, sodium and sulphur showed no significant differences (P>0.05) across all homogenous vegetation units. The study revealed that Sheshegu communal farmers are aware of both negative and positive effects of encroachment on their community, and also argue that the government is not willing to support communal farmers in the process of reducing the spread of bush encroachment. It was concluded that the concentration of nitrogen and soil pH increased with increasing bush density and that bush encroachment had negative effects on herbaceous species. It was recommended that communal farmers should be formulating rangeland rules and regulations to manage rangeland resources. Rangeland rules and regulations should be based on the management of livestock management during grazing and harvesting of rangeland resources. The harvesting of woody and good timing of application of fire can also reduce the spread of bush encroachment. Veld resting and rotational grazing can also improve fuel load which is required for burning of woody plants. Furthermore, Department of agriculture should also provide workshops or training to communal farmers use different approaches or cheap ways of reducing bush encroachment and conserving rangeland resources.

This study investigates environmental factors influencing ecotonal changes in the Dontsa Forest Management Unit (FMU) of the Keiskammahoek Estate Forest which is located in the Amatole Mountains of the Eastern Cape in the Republic of South Africa. The patterns of forest edge movement were analysed to show trends of forest edge movement from 1975 to 1985, 1975 to 1992, 1975 to 2002, 1975 to 2014, 1985 to 1992, 1985 to 2002, 1985 to 2014, 1992 to 2002, 1992 to 2014 and 2002 to 2014 by digitizing and assessing the scale of forest edge movement using georeferenced aerial photographs. Belt transects were established in six sites that were selected on the basis of physiographic elements for determination of the driving forces of forest ecotonal changes. The results of the study show that the forest edge moved positive towards the grassland biome while in other sites there was contraction of the forest edge from 1975 to 2014. The findings of the study show that some forest patches moved with few individual pioneer species towards the grassland while indigenous species dominated in the ecotone area of the forest in other research sites. D whyteana, A latifolius, R melanophloes, A facultus, R prenoides, C aurea, C bispinosa, C inerme, and S martina are the plant species with high density in the forest ecotone while A latifolius, R prenoides, R melanophloes were highly distributed along the grassland area. The results also show that harvesting of Pinus patula and illegal harvesting of understory species are major factors that result in ecotonal changes of Dontsa FMU. The research sites adjacent to residential areas have experienced reduction of ecotone area as compared to the research sites in high altitude areas of the Amathole Mountains where there is less disturbance. The eastern facing aspect of the forest exhibited a high density of plants in the forest ecotone as compared to the west facing slope.