scholarly journals Factors that influence the employability of National Certificate (Vocational) graduates: The case of a rural TVET college in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa

Author(s):  
Nduvazi O Mabunda ◽  
Liezel Frick

Enhancing the employability of National Certificate (Vocational) NC(V) graduates in South Africa is important. If NC(V) graduates are not employable, this has a negative impact on both the local economy and the future prospects of these young adults. Yet, national data show high youth unemployment rates which includes those with NC(V) qualifications. The factors that influence the employability of these graduates – particularly in the rural areas of South Africa – are not well documented. This study therefore explored the factors that influence NC(V) graduates’ employability by means of a case study at a rural TVET college in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The case focused on recent NC(V) graduates’ perceptions of their own employability and also on input from lecturers in selected NC(V) programmes and potential employers in the study area. Semi-structured interviews were conducted. The findings indicate that negative stakeholder perceptions exist about the employability of NC(V) graduates in the study context, which was a major factor in determining these graduates’ employment prospects. Furthermore, there have been no attempts to strengthen relations between the particular vocational institution and the local employment industry included in the study. The TVET college was hampered by poor planning, while prospective employers had limited awareness of the NC(V) curriculum and its objectives. These factors underscore the dissatisfaction among rural stakeholders with the employability of NC(V) graduates in the study context.

2021 ◽  
pp. 002087282096742
Author(s):  
Emmison Muleya

Successful social reintegration is critical if we are to reduce recidivism and crime in general. This voice of people article presents a background case for why effective offender reintegration services are key in South Africa, and the Eastern Cape in particular, through an example of the Offender Reintegration programme rendered by the National Institute of Crime Prevention and Reintegration of Offenders (NICRO). Apart from the paucity of literature on offender reintegration, very few voices from people working directly with these former offenders are ever heard. Therefore, this article seeks to address this gap by contributing to the body of knowledge on offender social reintegration.


2021 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-32
Author(s):  
Tshepiso Jonathan SETOKOE ◽  

This article investigates the viability of community-based tourism (CBT) in support of socio-economic development and poverty alleviation through a case study in Nqileni Village, Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. This was done through data solicited using a qualitative research approach amongst residents of Nqileni village in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The data collected was then analysed using NVivo system, version 11, which provided substance to the research through the creation of a comprehensive observation report. The results indicated a positive view of members of the community relating to the contribution of CBT to community development (socio-economics) and poverty alleviation.


10.31355/70 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 001-007

NOTE: THIS ARTICLE WAS PUBLISHED WITH THE INFORMING SCIENCE INSTITUTE. Aim/Purpose...................................................................................................................................................................................................... The goal of this study was to investigate the financial management practices of SMMEs operating in under developed regions as a challenge facing SMMEs operating in underdeveloped regions using former Transkei Homelands in Eastern Cape Province as a case study. Background......................................................................................................................................................................................................... In South Africa, the works of Cameron and Miller (2008) highlights that South Africa is ranked among top countries in the world with high failure rates of SMMEs during the first year of establishment. This calls for continues research works to identify factors that could be impeding the progress of SMMEs in South Africa. According to Jayansankaran, (1999) proper financial management practices are among the key deciding factors when it comes to the survival of SMMEs. Mostly SMMEs in underdeveloped regions are owned and managed by one person, the lack of financial management competence on the side of the SMMEs owners or managers in turn could bring serious consequences to the financial stability and grow of the SMMEs. It is against this background that this study focuses on financial management practices among SMMEs entrepreneurs operating their businesses in former Transkei Homelands where survival of SMMEs are critical for economic development of the region. Methodology....................................................................................................................................................................................................... The researcher in this study uses both quantitative and purposive sampling approaches to design an exploratory study to sample 68 SMMEs owners/managers based in the various towns of the selected region. Contribution........................................................................................................................................................................................................ This research will add to the growing knowledge about identifying factors that may be impeding survival of SMMEs. Findings .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. The major findings of the study revealed that 95.59% of the owners/managers have no financial management/accounting skills as well as 58.82% of the internal system of recording financial transactions are not audited. Recommendations for Practitioners................................................................................................................................................................. In view of the findings it is recommended that agencies charged with looking after SMMEs provide training in the area of financial management skills for the SMMEs owners/managers. Recommendation for Researchers.................................................................................................................................................................... Future studies can include the other four principles of financial management principles highlighted by Armstrong (2001). Impact on Society............................................................................................................................................................................................... The research will assist to highlight to funders of SMMEs, policy makers and business support agencies the need for educating SMMEs entrepreneurs especially those operating their businesses in underdeveloped regions in proper financial management practices in order to curve the problem of cash flow faced by SMMEs which leads to SMMEs failure. Future Research................................................................................................................................................................................................. Exploring the skills of the SMMEs entrepreneurs’ to prepare, understand and interpretation of financial statements are critical in this context.


2021 ◽  
Vol 26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allison H. Du Plessis ◽  
Dalena Van Rooyen ◽  
Wilma Ten Ham-Baloyi

Background: Screening for chorioamnionitis, or the risk thereof, by midwives is largely lacking during antenatal care and no best practice guidelines for chorioamnionitis in South Africa was noted.Aim: To explore and describe midwives’ knowledge and practices related to the screening and management of women who are at risk of or diagnosed with chorioamnionitis.Setting: Public healthcare institutions in a health district in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa.Methods: A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design was used. Ten midwives were purposively included in this study, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with them. The data were analysed using an adapted version of Tesch’s eight steps for data analysis.Results: The main theme revealed that midwives lack knowledge regarding chorioamnionitis, resulting in incorrect practices including a lack of screening, misdiagnosis and mismanagement of the infectious condition.Conclusions: Findings of this research showed that midwives lacked knowledge regarding the screening and management of women with chorioamnionitis resulting in incorrect practices in this regard. There is thus a need for midwives to update their knowledge regarding the screening and management of chorioamnionitis and training (e.g. through a short learning programme).Contribution: Findings of this study could be used by midwives to update their knowledge regarding screening and managing women with chorioamnionitis, which is expected to translate to better practices. Moreover, study findings were synthesised with the results of a literature review study to form the basis for the development of a best practice guideline for screening and managing women with chorioamnionitis.


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