M.Sc.(Med.), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand / Toxoplasmosis is an infection of vertebrates caused by the obligate intracellular protozoan parasite, Toxoplasma gondii. It is one of the most common parasitic diseases of humans, infecting approximately one third of the world’s population. It is a significant cause of congenital disease and an important opportunistic pathogen which has become an increasing problem worldwide due to the AIDS epidemic. There is limited historical information about the disease in South Africa. More knowledge is needed at a regional level to properly consider solutions aimed at reducing the risk for this disease. The seroprevalence of T. gondii in samples of selected populations at risk, namely HIV-positive individuals and a more general population sample biased towards pregnant women, was therefore investigated and found to be 9.8% (37/376) and 6.4% (32/497) in the respective samples. The Pastorex Toxo latex agglutination test was evaluated and found to be a cheap, reliable method to screen for T. gondii exposure. PCR-based diagnostics were developed for direct diagnosis on tissue samples. Rodent T. gondii infection prevalence was investigated, but did not yield any positive results. This study helped to answer questions relating to the seroprevalence and diagnosis of T. gondii in South Africa. Many questions still remain to be answered, however to fully understand the impact of this parasite in our country.

Internationally it is agreed that housing is a basic human need. The right to housing is enshrined in the Bill of rights in the Constitution of South Africa (section 26), which endorses the right of citizens to have access to adequate housing (RSA, 1996). The state has an obligation to ensure that its citizens have access to adequate housing. Government in South Africa is committed to the establishment of a society based on social justice, where the quality of life of all citizens will be improved and their potential maximized. Government's commitment to fulfilling the right to housing for all its citizens is evident in the housing policies it has formulated, the most recent being the Breaking New Ground strategy. South Africa is experiencing a shortage of affordable housing. Low-middle income earners are struggling to own a house in the urban area. The market is failing to respond to the demand for affordable housing. A number of constraints are said to be contributing to this market failure: lack of effective implementation strategies, poor promotion of tenure, inadequate supply of affordable land and infrastructure, inadequacy of financial systems and poor utilisation of local building materials and technologies (Erguden,2001). The central argument in this dissertation is that land is a key issue hindering the supply of affordable housing by the private sector. This dissertation demonstrates that there is a case for state intervention to support the private sector to supply affordable housing. The state needs to do what the market does not (see Keivani et al, 2005 :2). Local government is seen as a key player in facilitating the expansion of affordable housing by directly providing land. The dissertation addresses the obstacles that prevent Local government from making land available as part of an effort to ensure the supply of affordable housing. Research is presented that indicates that local authorities are given iv bigger roles to play in housing policies, but less power and resources to implement. This implies that for the private sector to deliver affordable housing, amongst others there is a need for innovative land management approaches on the part of Local government for social justice to prevail.

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A research report submitted to the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, University of the Witwatersrand, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Management specialising in Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation Johannesburg, 2017 / The study analysed dimensions of entrepreneurial motivations that drive sustainable entrepreneurship in Gauteng Province and estimated the relationships between these motivations and enterprise performance. Despite the growing field of sustainable entrepreneurship, most of the available literature has been mainly theoretical and qualitative, or has focused on developed countries, and very little has been done in developing countries such as South Africa. This study contributed to addressing this gap. The study was based on quantitative research methods based on a positivist research paradigm to test the conceptual framework. The empirical analysis of these hypotheses was based on primary survey data collected from 91 sustainable entrepreneurs in Gauteng Province. Reliability of the enterprise performance and motivation scales was tested with the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient test and the results were acceptable. The test of the factorability of the scale items into specific factors was based on exploratory factor analysis and the items were found to relate to the respective scales. Multiple regression analysis (both OLS and robust estimations) were used to test the relationships in the conceptual framework. The empirical analyses were done using 2016 SAS Studio University Edition. The Exploratory Factor Analysis results indicated that the motivations of sustainable entrepreneurship in Gauteng Province could be factored into four dimensions: extrinsic motivations, intrinsic motivations, income security and financial independence motivations, and necessity motivations. Multiple regression analysis results revealed that extrinsic and intrinsic motivations are important determinants of enterprise performance. Analysis of the effect of individual and enterprise control factors revealed that owner/manager business management experience; and years of operation of the enterprise and number of full-time employees positively and significantly affected enterprise performance. The study makes a contribution to empirical findings on entrepreneurial motivations for sustainable entrepreneurship and their effects on enterprise performance in a developing country context. The research findings provide evidence of how different dimensions of motivations can affect enterprise performance. Interventions aimed at helping sustainable enterprises perform better and grow can target support in these dimensions as well as improve business management skills and competencies of sustainable entrepreneurs. The research on motivations of sustainable entrepreneurship could be broadened by undertaking a nationwide study to better understand the drivers of entrepreneurial behaviour related to sustainable entrepreneurship across the country. This can also be extended to the regional and continental levels. / MT2017

Research Report submitted to The Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment University of Witwatersrand In partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Science April 2015 / One of the causes of projects failing to meet their budget and schedule expectations is poor contractor performance. Small-medium sized contractors in the South African construction industry are faced with challenges such as poor management of cash flows, poor access to credit, not having enough capital to drive the project from their own coffers, challenges in obtaining finance, poor planning, challenges with getting competent staff, poor administrative capabilities, lack of experience and poor education, lack of management skills in general and the influence of the client such as imposing unrealistic deadlines. The competencies of the construction project manager are imperative to achieving project success in terms of meeting budget and time expectations. The specific competency of the construction project manager for handling small-medium sized contractors in South Africa are critical analysis, judgement, resource management, engaging communication and motivation. This study explores the need for a collaborative planning framework between small medium sized contractors and the construction project manager in South Africa, to address poor technical and managerial skills of small-medium sized contractors

A research report submitted to the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Medicine (Epidemiology and Biostatistics) Johannesburg, May 2014 / Objective: The objective is to estimate the magnitude and determinants of perinatal mortality in Agincourt, and determine whether there is a difference in perinatal mortality rate between South Africans and self-settled Mozambicans. Design: Case-control study of 134 cases and 136 controls using longitudinal data drawn from the Agincourt dataset for the period 1995-2000 Methods: All cases were matched against a random selection of 136 controls. Odds ratios were used to assess risk, with p-values for trend where necessary. Logistic regression was used to determine independent effects of significant risk factors. Limitations of the study: Probable under-reporting of stillbirths and early neonatal deaths. Results: The Agincourt perinatal mortality rate is estimated as 13.4 per 1000 births (95%CI, 11.23- 15.8) with an increasing trend from 1995-2000 (X2 for trend 19.487, p-value <0.001). Delivery by a nurse attendant is a protective factor but not independently so. Multivariate analysis indicates that babies of women who never attended antenatal clinic during the index pregnancy are at higher risk of perinatal death (OR= 7.55; 95%CI, 2.03-28.05) compared to others whose mothers attended antenatal clinic at least four times. Women with history of perinatal death are at a higher risk of experiencing it again, compared with those without (OR =13.68; 95%CI, 1.43-130.82). The difference in perinatal mortality rate for South Africans (13.3) and former Mozambican refugees (11.8) is not statistically significant (p-value = 0.522). Conclusion: Perinatal mortality is rising; key risk factors are non-attendance for antenatal care by mothers, and previous perinatal death. There is no significant difference in perinatal mortality rate between South Africans and self-settled Mozambicans in Agincourt.

A research report submitted to the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, University of the Witwatersrand, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Management (ENVC) Johannesburg, 2016 / Entrepreneurial Leadership is a fledgling discourse within the entrepreneurial fraternity, yet its absence in enterprises contributes to most of the firms’ abrupt ending. Studies show the lifespan of SMEs in South Africa only lasting the first three years of existence. Entrepreneurial Leadership plays critical role in the business performance of the SME in Johannesburg. A sample of 123 respondents was drawn from mostly owners and managers of SMEs in Johannesburg. A multi-prong approach for data collection was administered in the study; this included calling the prospective respondents both on their landline telephones and mobiles and some were given hard copies of the questionnaire to complete. For the convenience of other prospective respondents, an e-link questionnaire was sent by email, and directly, to the mobile phones. The conclusion of the study showed a correlation between entrepreneurial leadership and business performance, correlation between entrepreneurial orientation and business performance and finally, the moderating effect of entrepreneurial leadership on entrepreneurial orientation and business performance in Johannesburg. Given the gap in the market for the practitioners in the sphere of SME, the application of findings of this report will be helpful to the prolonged tenure of the SME in Johannesburg. The theory amassed in the study will also contribute towards further studies in Entrepreneurial Leadership. / MT2017

Thesis (M.M.)--University of the Witwatersrand, 2011. / The subject of this research is “A phenomengraphic study of experiential learning within a South African MBA context”. The specific MBA context explored in this study is the Negotiation elective of the MBA programme at the University of the Witwatersrand’s Graduate School of Business Administration (Wits Business School). In her capacity as Career Advisor to postgraduate students at Wits Business School, the researcher encountered a number of MBA students who, subsequent to taking the MBA Negotiation elective, had gone through a period of considerable reflection, introspection and change. The changes observed ranged on a continuum, from basic behavioural adjustments to profound transformation. This led the researcher to question whether the Negotiation elective acted as a catalyst to this change. The MBA Negotiation elective utilises various elements of experiential learning and has been widely regarded as an exemplar of experiential learning pedagogy within the University of the Witwatersrand/Wits Business School community. An evaluation of experiential learning pedagogy would thus prove useful to business school educators and career management practitioners who are primarily concerned with preparing students to manage work problems, lead subordinates and to make appropriate career and life choices in an increasingly complex and ambiguous global environment of business. The research intent was to explore and analyse the qualitatively different experiences of students in the Negotiation elective, in order to discover the essence of what students experienced in the elective and how they experienced the phenomenon of experiential learning within the context described above. The intent provided the researcher with the rationale for the adoption of 3 phenomenology and, more specifically, phenomenography for the research and analysis process. The researcher interviewed a purposive sample of eight students from the Negotiation elective at Wits Business School and gained their views on the research question. The respondents’ narratives derived from a single open ended question namely, “Tell me about your experience in the Negotiation elective, with particular reference to your learning and development.” The narratives were subjected to a process of eidetic reduction, in accordance with the phenomenological method. From this process, the researcher was able to distil the findings into nine themes, which were then cross analysed and compared to the literature review. The researcher was able to capture interesting insights into the similarities and variances in the students’ conceptions of the phenomenon of experiential learning. A number of discoveries were made. Firstly, the research findings confirmed that a causal relationship exists between the level of significance attributed to an experience and the actual learning that resulted there from. Further, individual personality, learning style and behaviour impacted upon the receptivity to the experiential learning modality. The research study was able to tap into the transformative role of experiential learning, through the analysis of the themes of double loop learning and mental models that emerged from the analysis of the respondents’ narratives. The value of reflection as a learning mechanism was confirmed and provides evidence of how learning is acquired through experiential learning pedagogy. Further, the research study was able to provide concrete examples of learning and development that resulted from the Negotiation elective and was also able to provide a critical perspective of the importance of the time dimension in development. 4 The research provides conclusive evidence of the correlation between the facilitator in an experiential learning context and the resultant learning and development. The research findings put forward a number of facilitation criteria that are essential for the provision of optimal learning within a community of learners. The possible shortcomings of this pedagogy are also highlighted through an exposure of the potential for framing and bias in the experiential learning context. Finally, the study confirms the assertion of Patel (2003) that experiential learning is phenomenological practice. The research findings provide convincing support for the utilisation of experiential learning pedagogy as an appropriate androgogic approach for the management of ambiguity and complex change and the development of self-awareness and personal mastery. It should be adopted as modality of choice in preparing students for the leadership and management challenges of the environment of business in the 21st century.

The suitability of Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) as a source of peaking plant capacity in South Africa is examined in this research report. The report examines the current state of CAES technology including examples of operational and planned facilities. It further evaluates the potential challenges and benefits of the use of CAES in South Africa. A high level proposal for plant design capacity is documented, and potential costs for construction thereof are estimated. The cost of a CAES plant is compared to generating options using the Levelised Cost of Energy (LCOE) method. The study proposes that by 2018 additional peaking plant capacity will be required and that a CAES plant able to provide additional capacity up to 3 500MW would help to alleviate the potential shortfall which may be experienced at this time. The report further proposes conversion of underground mines for use as air receivers for high pressure storage of large volumes of compressed air required for CAES. The research report concludes that CAES presents a feasible solution to the potential future shortfall in peaking plant capacity in South Africa, and that site identification and construction of a suitable storage cavern presents the main obstacle to the implementation of this technology.

Thesis - Master of Management in Public Policy. University of Witwatersrand, Wits School of Governance / Objective: In this study I deconstruct South Africa’s sanitation policy in order to understand why demand-driven service delivery (i.e. service delivery based on collective action) has failed as a tool for public policy management. The overall objective was to locate both case-specific as well as generalizable answers in the data. Method: Guided by deconstructivism and Grounded Theory Methodology this paper mapped out the South African policy landscape and proceeded to code the data collected in that exercise through three rounds of coding. Once these elements of the planning which went into the study were explained and demonstrated, the results were shared. Thereafter the details of theory-building were explained before moving on to provide a literature review to position the study. Lastly, the emergent theory was applied to the South African sanitation case as a test of usefulness. Results: The emergent codes indicated a general consensus around the idea that public policy governance is largely the responsibility of government which is seen as powerful, while individual citizens are seen as marginalized and disempowered in the course of hoping to realize their rights. Deeper analysis revealed that individual citizens are the true holders of power as they have outsourced their responsibility to participate in collective action to government, leaving government alone in the process of service delivery. Conclusion: Demand-driven service delivery fails as a tool of public policy governance where there is a misunderstanding of public policy which prevents collective action. A quasi-theory of governance as collaboration emerged as the necessary solution to this problem. / MT2017