This paper is set to evaluate the factors leading to prostitution and provide the understanding of the hardships that are experienced by prostitutes in their pursuit for income generation. However, this will be preceded by the background to the study. Secondly, this paper will lament or touch on the strategies employed by the Nelson Mandela Metro and other countries in an attempt to alleviate poverty. Thirdly, the views of academics and other experts in the fields of both the prostitution and poverty will be put into perspective. The relevant research methodology used to this study was found to be a descriptive study. The concluding remarks and recommendations on what is needed in order to improve the situation in the Nelson Mandela Metro are provided for the purpose of this study. Towards the end of this study, bibliography has been provided followed by the relevant annexures which will serve as evidence that inform this study.

Since 1994, South Africa has witnessed the fundamental transformation and restructuring of its Higher Education Sector. The restructuring of Higher Education Institutions in the Eastern Cape Province is manifested by inter alia the incorporation of the Port Elizabeth branch of the Vista University into the University of Port Elizabeth as a first phase and, as the final phase, the merger between the University of Port Elizabeth and the Port Elizabeth Technikon. A new, comprehensive university, the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU), emerged from this merger on 1 January 2005. The previous institutions each had its own unique brand identity, brand image and brand name. With reference to the newly established NMMU, the question can be raised whether the brand identity of this newly established institution impacts on its perceived brand image among all stakeholders who have an interest in the institution. Given the merger background, the purpose of this research project is twofold: firstly, to analyse the impact of independent variables (‘reputation’, ‘relevance’, ‘personality’, ‘performance’ and ‘relationship’) on brand identity (moderating variable) and the impact of brand identity on brand image (dependent variable); and secondly, to gauge the perceptions of NMMU stakeholders of the brand image of the University in terms of both expectations and actual experiences. In order to give effect to the above, a conceptual model on brand identity and brand image based on secondary sources on branding, was empirically tested. Given the purpose and nature of the research in question, a positivistic research paradigm was adopted. By means of a Likert seven-point scale, primary data was sourced from 1 092 respondents, who shared their perceptions on the expectations and actual experiences of using the NMMU brand. The statistical analysis of the data comprised six phases. Initially, the data was subjected to an exploratory factor analysis to assess the discriminant validity of (xvi) the research instrument. This was followed by an assessment of the reliability of the research instrument through an internal consistency measure (Cronbach alpha reliability coefficients). The items that remained were included in the multiple regression model to assess the impact of brand identity variables on brand identity. The next phase comprised a regression analysis of the impact of brand identity on brand image. Fifthly, to assess any differences between stakeholders’ expectations and actual experiences when using the NMMU brand, pair-wise t-tests were performed. Finally, to gauge the level of satisfaction of NMMU stakeholders when using the brand, a “gap” analysis was conducted by converting the mean scores into relative percentage ratings. The empirical findings did not fully support the conceptual model. The testing of the conceptual model revealed that the independent variable ‘relevance’ did not demonstrate sufficient discriminant validity and, as a result, no evidence of construct validity. This variable therefore had to be removed from the conceptual model before it was subjected to further empirical assessment by means of the multiple linear regression analysis. Based on this finding on ‘relevance’, NMMU marketing communication strategists could perform an in-depth investigation on the positioning of the brand. Further, it was found that the dependent variable ‘brand image’ was not a uni-dimensional construct as suggested in the conceptual model. Ideally, images (in this case, brand images of the NMMU) should feed into strategic vision, serving as a mirror in which a university can reflect on its true standing. This implies that instead of using stakeholder images as exact assessments of brand performance compared with strategic vision, images held by stakeholders of who the university is and what it stands for (e.g. personality and relevance comparisons) should become part of the strategic envisioning process. The linkage between strategic intent and brand image should be evident. The results of the pair-wise t-tests revealed that significant statistical differences (xvii) existed between stakeholders’ perceptions of the expected and actual experiences when using the NMMU brand. To assess the magnitude of a possible ‘gap’ between stakeholders’ expectations and actual experiences of the NMMU brand, mean score differences were converted into relative percentage ratings. The most significant findings on actual experiences (on which the level of satisfaction is based) of the NMMU brand are as follows: All relative rating scores were below 92.05%. These relative satisfaction percentages imply that respondents were not satisfied with the NMMU brand, because their expectations were not fully met. The highest rating percentage (92.05%) was obtained in respect of the statement regarding “The NMMU slogan (‘for tomorrow’) reflects the NMMU brand identity”. The lowest rating percentage (78.33%) was given to the statement “The NMMU brand exceeds expectations in terms of promises”. The second lowest rating percentage (79.67%) was found for the statement “The NMMU brand delivers on promises”. The principal recommendations emanating from this study are summarised in three groups of recommendations, namely: Recommendations pertaining to the strategic implications of the findings for the NMMU marketing communication strategists. Recommendations pertaining to the interpretation of secondary sources on brand literature, and Recommendations for future research.

The standard anti-retroviral drugs (ARVs) used for the treatment of HIV/AIDS have significant side effects resulting in a lack of adherence and the emergence of multidrug resistant viral strains. These drugs are also expensive, making it essential to investigate all alternatives to classical HIV/AIDS treatment. A wide variety of nonconventional medicines are used by patients for the treatment HIV and for symptoms associated with HIV. So long as they are safe and effective, traditional, complementary and alternative medicines (TCAMs) may be considered more advantageous for developing countries as they are relatively cheap, more accessible and widely accepted by local populations. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of TCAM use in HIV-positive patients, prior to, and during ARV therapy. The study was exploratory, cross sectional and observational in nature. Participants were selected via convenience sampling from the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, and included 244 HIV-positive patients, 29 health care professionals (HCPs) and 30 traditional, complementary and alternative practitioners (TCAMPs). A wide variety of TCAMs were used by the sample population. These medicines were more commonly used by non-ARV patients (36 percent) compared with ARV patients (22 percent). A significant statistical difference in TCAM use between the ARV and non- ARV population was found in relation to education, employment, period of status awareness, patient opinion of personal health and the reasons for TCAM use. Amongst the HCPs, 24 percent recommended TCAM use prior to ARVs, and 55 percent were aware of patients self-prescribing before and during ARV treatment. Amongst the TCAMPs, 90 percent provided a wide range of TCAMs for HIV, with some giving consideration to conventional management. TCAMs are commonly used by HIV-positive patients on ARVs, as well as by those not on ARVs. These medicines are also the preferred form of treatment for those not seeking conventional treatment. TCAMs are widely available and recommended by TCAMPs as well as some HCPs. Due to public health concerns, clinical trials of the widely used TCAMs are crucial in order to establish the safety and efficacy of these medicines in HIV.

Information is a vitally important asset to organizations and the information should be protected to sustain the value it provides to the organization. Information is transferred via different mediums in these organizations. An example would be Terrestrial Trunked Radio or TETRA, which is utilized within organizations to provide a technically very secure form of digital radio communication. TETRA is a communications technology that is currently being successfully used throughout the world for secure, reliable and robust critical communication. TETRA is used by Public Safety and Security (PSS) and transportation sectors, amongst others. PSS includes police officers, fire marshals and emergency medical units who require protected and accurate information that could influence decisions that could make difference between life and death. The TETRA educational programme offered by the TETRA Academy at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU), educates TETRA users in various aspects of the TETRA standard. TETRA is viewed as a technically very secure communication standard, as it utilizes security features such as mutual authentication, air interface encryption, end-to-end encryption, jamming detection and ambience listening, amongst other security techniques to ensure that the information traversing through the network is kept secure. The TETRA educational programme material includes many physical and technical controls to assist TETRA users in protecting information. However, to what extent does the TETRA educational programme address operational controls? Operational controls address what is often referred to as the weakest link in information security – human behavioural issues. Humans can be exploited through human manipulation attacks, which include social engineering and bribery. Therefore, this study argues towards adapting the TETRA educational programme offered at the NMMU to address these human behavioural issues.

The experiences of pregnant teenagers as related to ante-natal care were researched. The primary objective of the study was to explore and describe the experiences pregnant teenagers had of their ante-natal care. The researcher recommended measures based on the findings of the study to midwives to encourage ante-natal care clinic attendance amongst pregnant teenagers. The recommendations were such that even nurses at Primary Health Care clinics could utilise them as they also come into contact with pregnant teenagers. An increasing number of pregnant teenagers in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality area are admitted to referral hospitals with complications during pregnancy and labour. Some of these teenagers are un-booked or had only a few ante-natal clinic visits. The researcher therefore wanted to obtain first hand information related to the reluctance of pregnant teenagers to attend ante-natal care clinics. Attendance at ante-natal care clinics plays an important part in enabling the staff to screen pregnant mothers for health problems and so limit complications. Hence the concern and need to develop measures to motivate pregnant teenagers to attend ante-natal clinics.

Background: Obesity is a chronic and complex metabolic disease with associated comorbidities. The prevalence of excess body weight has risen substantially in both affluent developed countries and in developing countries worldwide. In 2008 it was estimated that 43 million children under the age of five were overweight, with developing countries accounting for 75 percent of these rates. Furthermore, with 75 percent of these children developing adulthood obesity, mortality rates due to obesity will continue to increase unless preventative interventions are implemented. Objective: To identify the prevalence of obesity and overweight among urban seven to 10 years old children in Quintile five English-medium schools in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan municipality in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Design and Methods: A quantitative descriptive one-way cross-sectional research design utilising random sampling was used. A total of 713 children participated in the study. A onceoff survey consisted of anthropometrical assessment of height, weight and waist circumference. To classify children into weight categories, the International Obesity Task Force cut-off values were used. A validated physical activity – related behaviour questionnaire was completed to explore and identify the daily level of physical activity expressed in MET values. Using one-way ANOVA’s and Chi-squared tests, significance between variables was analysed. Results: Overweight prevalence was 20.9 percent and obesity prevalence was 9.8 percent. A significant relationship was found between obesity and overweight levels for gender, age, ethnicity and culture. No significant relationship was found for obesity and overweight prevalence and physical activity. Conclusion: Results highlight the rising prevalence of obesity and overweight amongst urban children from affluent primary schools and the necessity for further research to explore sociocultural factors that impact on obesogenic behaviour in South African youth.

Thesis (M.Com (Economics and Economic History))--Rhodes University, 2006.

Poverty is one of the social problems plaguing South Africa. In South Africa it is required of municipalities as entities in the socio-economic and political transformation process and agents of change, to eradicate poverty and unemployment by facilitating local economic development in their respective areas. Local economic development has to be implemented in a way that takes cognisance of the different challenges that exist within various areas and contexts. Various district and local municipalities have initiated an array of agricultural programs such as community or food gardens as aspect of their Local Economic Development strategies. In this study I investigated the sustainability of community gardens as a mechanism to poverty alleviation in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. The study focused exclusively on community gardens in Bloemendal, KwaZakhele, Motherwell and Walmer. A mixed methods research approach was employed to gather data from the community garden members and municipal official who administers the community gardens. Semi-structured interview was conducted with the municipal official administering community gardens in Nelson Mandela Bay. A structured questionnaire was used to gather data from the community garden members. Observations were made on types of crops grown in the gardens, in order to supplement and validate data collected and information gathered during interviews. Community garden members identified funding as their main challenge. Community gardens have a potential to be sustainable if the requisite support structures that need to exist to support the micro-farmers are in place.

There has been an increase in the use of information technology in the hospital environment over the past decade and the use of computers by Nursing Managers is rapidly increasing. The latter poses a challenge to Nurse Managers, as their computer literacy status is unknown. This is evident from the fact that prior to 1996 there was only four computers at one of the private hospitals used in this study. Computer skills were never a requirement when applying for the position of Nurse Manager; and there is still currently no formal computer training provided for Nurse Managers or Acting Nurse Managers. Resources are however available in the hospitals to assist the managers with various computer problems but it is not known if these resources equip managers with the appropriate tools to become efficient in their role. The lack of formal training and lack of assessment of resources to determine whether the computer needs of Nurse Managers are met results in a lot of time being wasted and many frustrations experienced among Nurse Managers. The researcher was therefore motivated by the latter problem to explore and describe the computer literacy status of Nurse Managers in order to make recommendations to management regarding the research findings. The researcher selected a quantitative, explorative, contextual and descriptive survey design. The research population was made up of all Nurse Managers and Acting Nurse Managers at the time of the study. A 100 percent sample was utilised and comprised thirty-four respondents who made up the entire group of Nurse Managers and Acting Nurse Managers at the time of the study. A structured, self-administered questionnaire was used in Phase One of the research and in Phase Two a data observation sheet was used to test the respondents and to collect the necessary data. This data was manually processed and analysed by the iii researcher. All ethical considerations were honoured throughout the research process. The main findings of the research study reflected that the respondents had a below average ability to use various software packages such as Microsoft Word, EXCEL and Power Point. Findings further revealed that the respondent’s literacy levels were average with regard to the use of peripheral components of the computer such as the use of the mouse and keyboard. The respondents rated their competency level as average with regard to using a computer. Due to the limitations and small sample size used in the study the researcher recommends that further research using a larger sample by expanding the research into the other private hospitals in the group through out South Africa should take place in order to produce more constructive results than this study.

Thesis (M.B.A. (Rhodes Investec Business School)) - Rhodes University, 2008. / "Thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Masters in Business Administration" - T.p.