"To learn how to speak": a study of Jeremy Cronin's poetry
- Authors: Pinnock, William
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Poets, South African , Historical materialism
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8484 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021038
- Description: In the chapters that follow, the porous boundary between the public and the private in Jeremy Cronin’s poetry is investigated in his three collections, Inside (1983), Even the Dead: Poems, Parables and a Jeremiad (1996) and More Than a Casual Contact (2006). I argue two particular Marxist theorists are central to reading Cronin’s poetry: Bertolt Brecht, and his notion of the Verfremdungseffekt, and Walter Benjamin and his work on historical materialism, primarily the essay On the Concept of History / Theses on the Philosophy of History (1940). Both theorists focus on the work of art in a historically contextualized manner, which extends the challenge to the boundary between the public and the private. Their work is underpinned by the desire to draw out hidden narratives occluded under the grand narratives of history and capitalist ideas of progress. I argue that these are the major preoccupations in Cronin’s oeuvre as well. As such Cronin’s poetry may be seen to write against a perspective that proposes a linear conceptualisation of history. The poetry therefore challenges the notion that art speaks of ‘universal truths.’ Such ideas of History and Truth, if viewed uncritically, allow for a tendency to conceive of the past as unchanging, which subconsciously promotes the idea that social and political realities are merely logical evolutionary steps. I argue that Cronin’s poetry is thus purposefully interruptive in the way that it confronts the damaging consequences of the linear conceptualisation of history and the universal truth it promotes. His work attempts to find new ways of connection and expression through learning from South Africa’s violent past. The significance of understanding each other and the historical environment as opposed to imposing perspectives that underwrite the symbolic order requires the transformation rather than the simple transferral of power, and is a central focus throughout Cronin’s oeuvre. This position suggests that while the struggle for political freedom may be over, the necessity to rethink how South Africans relate to each other is only beginning. Chapter One will focus on positioning Cronin, the poet and public figure, in South African literature and literary criticism. In this regard, two general trends have operated as critical paradigms in the study of South African poetry, namely Formalism (or ‘prac crit’) and a Marxist inflected materialism, which have in many ways perpetuated the division between the private and the public. This has resulted in poetry being read with an exclusive focus on either one of these two aspects, overlooking the possibilities of dialogue that may take place between them. Cronin’s perspective on these polarised responses will be discussed, which will illustrate the similarity of his position to Ndebele’s notion of the ‘ordinary’ which suggests a way beyond these binaries. This will lead to a discussion of how South African poets responded to the transition phase, suggesting that the elements of the polarisation still remained. Considering the major influences and paradigms when reading Cronin’s oeuvre provides a foundation for the following three chapters. These include Cronin’s use of Romanticism, Bertolt Brecht and the V-Effekt and Walter Benjamin’s perspectives on historical materialism. In addition to these three theoretical paradigms, the relevance of Pablo Neruda’s poetry to Cronin’s work is also foregrounded. In Chapter Two, the focus will be on Cronin’s first collection of poetry, Inside, concentrating on Cronin’s use of language as a way of constructing poetry in the sparseness of the prison experience. This will show an abiding preoccupation of learning to speak in a language that considers the material context out of which it emerges. In this regard, the poems “Poem-Shrike” “Prologue” and “Cave-site” are analysed. In addition, one of the central poems in Cronin’s oeuvre, “To learn how to speak […],” will be examined in order to illustrate how the poet extends this project on a meta-poetic level, asking for South African poets to ‘learn how to speak’ in the voices of South African experience and histories. I will show how this is linked to Cronin’s “Walking on Air” which illustrates how the V-Effeckt recovers the small private histories through re-telling the life story of James Matthews, a fellow prisoner incarcerated for his anti-apartheid activism, revealing how this story is intimately connected to the public sphere. In Chapter Three, Cronin’s second collection: Even the Dead: Poems, Parables and a Jeremiad will be examined. In the poem “Three Reasons for a Mixed, Umrabulo, Round-the-Corner Poetry” Cronin resists inherited Western poetic conventions by incorporating and subverting versions of the Romantic aesthetic, arguing for poetry to be immersed in South African multi-lingual and multi-cultural experiences. “Even the Dead” reveals how Cronin uses Walter Benjamin’s perspectives on historical materialism to confront amnesia. In terms of the themes established in “To learn how to speak […]”, the poem “Moorage” demonstrates how the public and private can never be separated in Cronin’s work. The final section of this chapter will examine how Cronin responds to Pablo Neruda’s poems “I am explaining a few things” and “The Education of a Chieftain,” and how these poems challenge narratives that privilege the ‘great leader’ instead of the so-called smaller individuals’ stories. Chapter Four examines selections from Cronin’s third collection, focusing on Cronin’s use of the automobile, charting an ambiguous trajectory through the ‘new’ South Africa. The examination of the poems “Where to begin?”, “Switchback” and “End of the century - which is why wipers,” all attempt to include individuals left on the margins of the narrative of global freeways and neo-liberal capitalist progress. The poems present an interrogation of how ‘vision’ is constructed. This will show that the poetry responds to the experiences of the marginalised under these grand narratives in a primarily fragmentary and interruptive manner. This in effect constitutes the culmination of Cronin’s poetic journey and the search for new ways of envisaging South Africa’s future and finding a new language with which to speak it.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Pinnock, William
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Poets, South African , Historical materialism
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8484 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021038
- Description: In the chapters that follow, the porous boundary between the public and the private in Jeremy Cronin’s poetry is investigated in his three collections, Inside (1983), Even the Dead: Poems, Parables and a Jeremiad (1996) and More Than a Casual Contact (2006). I argue two particular Marxist theorists are central to reading Cronin’s poetry: Bertolt Brecht, and his notion of the Verfremdungseffekt, and Walter Benjamin and his work on historical materialism, primarily the essay On the Concept of History / Theses on the Philosophy of History (1940). Both theorists focus on the work of art in a historically contextualized manner, which extends the challenge to the boundary between the public and the private. Their work is underpinned by the desire to draw out hidden narratives occluded under the grand narratives of history and capitalist ideas of progress. I argue that these are the major preoccupations in Cronin’s oeuvre as well. As such Cronin’s poetry may be seen to write against a perspective that proposes a linear conceptualisation of history. The poetry therefore challenges the notion that art speaks of ‘universal truths.’ Such ideas of History and Truth, if viewed uncritically, allow for a tendency to conceive of the past as unchanging, which subconsciously promotes the idea that social and political realities are merely logical evolutionary steps. I argue that Cronin’s poetry is thus purposefully interruptive in the way that it confronts the damaging consequences of the linear conceptualisation of history and the universal truth it promotes. His work attempts to find new ways of connection and expression through learning from South Africa’s violent past. The significance of understanding each other and the historical environment as opposed to imposing perspectives that underwrite the symbolic order requires the transformation rather than the simple transferral of power, and is a central focus throughout Cronin’s oeuvre. This position suggests that while the struggle for political freedom may be over, the necessity to rethink how South Africans relate to each other is only beginning. Chapter One will focus on positioning Cronin, the poet and public figure, in South African literature and literary criticism. In this regard, two general trends have operated as critical paradigms in the study of South African poetry, namely Formalism (or ‘prac crit’) and a Marxist inflected materialism, which have in many ways perpetuated the division between the private and the public. This has resulted in poetry being read with an exclusive focus on either one of these two aspects, overlooking the possibilities of dialogue that may take place between them. Cronin’s perspective on these polarised responses will be discussed, which will illustrate the similarity of his position to Ndebele’s notion of the ‘ordinary’ which suggests a way beyond these binaries. This will lead to a discussion of how South African poets responded to the transition phase, suggesting that the elements of the polarisation still remained. Considering the major influences and paradigms when reading Cronin’s oeuvre provides a foundation for the following three chapters. These include Cronin’s use of Romanticism, Bertolt Brecht and the V-Effekt and Walter Benjamin’s perspectives on historical materialism. In addition to these three theoretical paradigms, the relevance of Pablo Neruda’s poetry to Cronin’s work is also foregrounded. In Chapter Two, the focus will be on Cronin’s first collection of poetry, Inside, concentrating on Cronin’s use of language as a way of constructing poetry in the sparseness of the prison experience. This will show an abiding preoccupation of learning to speak in a language that considers the material context out of which it emerges. In this regard, the poems “Poem-Shrike” “Prologue” and “Cave-site” are analysed. In addition, one of the central poems in Cronin’s oeuvre, “To learn how to speak […],” will be examined in order to illustrate how the poet extends this project on a meta-poetic level, asking for South African poets to ‘learn how to speak’ in the voices of South African experience and histories. I will show how this is linked to Cronin’s “Walking on Air” which illustrates how the V-Effeckt recovers the small private histories through re-telling the life story of James Matthews, a fellow prisoner incarcerated for his anti-apartheid activism, revealing how this story is intimately connected to the public sphere. In Chapter Three, Cronin’s second collection: Even the Dead: Poems, Parables and a Jeremiad will be examined. In the poem “Three Reasons for a Mixed, Umrabulo, Round-the-Corner Poetry” Cronin resists inherited Western poetic conventions by incorporating and subverting versions of the Romantic aesthetic, arguing for poetry to be immersed in South African multi-lingual and multi-cultural experiences. “Even the Dead” reveals how Cronin uses Walter Benjamin’s perspectives on historical materialism to confront amnesia. In terms of the themes established in “To learn how to speak […]”, the poem “Moorage” demonstrates how the public and private can never be separated in Cronin’s work. The final section of this chapter will examine how Cronin responds to Pablo Neruda’s poems “I am explaining a few things” and “The Education of a Chieftain,” and how these poems challenge narratives that privilege the ‘great leader’ instead of the so-called smaller individuals’ stories. Chapter Four examines selections from Cronin’s third collection, focusing on Cronin’s use of the automobile, charting an ambiguous trajectory through the ‘new’ South Africa. The examination of the poems “Where to begin?”, “Switchback” and “End of the century - which is why wipers,” all attempt to include individuals left on the margins of the narrative of global freeways and neo-liberal capitalist progress. The poems present an interrogation of how ‘vision’ is constructed. This will show that the poetry responds to the experiences of the marginalised under these grand narratives in a primarily fragmentary and interruptive manner. This in effect constitutes the culmination of Cronin’s poetic journey and the search for new ways of envisaging South Africa’s future and finding a new language with which to speak it.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
(De)constructing the archive : an annotated catalog of the Deon van der Walt Collection in the NMMU Library
- Authors: Buys, Frederick Jacobus
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Music -- Bibliography -- Catalogs , Archives -- Catalogs , Tenors (Singers) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MMus
- Identifier: vital:8526 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020585
- Description: Deon van der Walt was, at the height of his career, considered the leading lyric tenor of his generation. In a career that spanned more than 25 years he performed in the great opera houses of the world and sang for the leading conductors of the time, sharing the stage with the best singers in the world. He was the first male South African to accomplish the so-called “grand slam” of opera, having sung in the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden (London), Wiener Staatsoper (Vienna), La Scala (Milan) and the Metropolitan Opera House (New York). He was also a prolific oratorio and lieder singer, collaborating with the best artists the musical world had to offer. In addition he left a large recorded legacy, both published and unpublished. His untimely death on 29 November 2005 was extensively reported on both locally and abroad - a fact which again highlighted the importance of his personal and professional contribution to the international opera world.The Deon van der Walt Collection is the single most important key to unlocking the life and career of one of the most successful South African opera singers of all time. It was bequeathed to the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) Library the Deon van der Walt Trust in 2007. The collection is made up of an arbitrary assortment of books, documents, sound and video recordings that were left in van der Walt’s Zürich accommodations at the time of his death in 2005. It is housed in separate section on the lower level of the South Campus Library of the NMMU. The collection has been partially catalogued by the NMMU Library but left largely unattended for the last 6 years. The compiling of an annotated catalogue of this collection is the vital first step in connecting the dots of an extraordinary musical career that was hailed as one of the greatest of his time.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Buys, Frederick Jacobus
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Music -- Bibliography -- Catalogs , Archives -- Catalogs , Tenors (Singers) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MMus
- Identifier: vital:8526 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020585
- Description: Deon van der Walt was, at the height of his career, considered the leading lyric tenor of his generation. In a career that spanned more than 25 years he performed in the great opera houses of the world and sang for the leading conductors of the time, sharing the stage with the best singers in the world. He was the first male South African to accomplish the so-called “grand slam” of opera, having sung in the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden (London), Wiener Staatsoper (Vienna), La Scala (Milan) and the Metropolitan Opera House (New York). He was also a prolific oratorio and lieder singer, collaborating with the best artists the musical world had to offer. In addition he left a large recorded legacy, both published and unpublished. His untimely death on 29 November 2005 was extensively reported on both locally and abroad - a fact which again highlighted the importance of his personal and professional contribution to the international opera world.The Deon van der Walt Collection is the single most important key to unlocking the life and career of one of the most successful South African opera singers of all time. It was bequeathed to the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) Library the Deon van der Walt Trust in 2007. The collection is made up of an arbitrary assortment of books, documents, sound and video recordings that were left in van der Walt’s Zürich accommodations at the time of his death in 2005. It is housed in separate section on the lower level of the South Campus Library of the NMMU. The collection has been partially catalogued by the NMMU Library but left largely unattended for the last 6 years. The compiling of an annotated catalogue of this collection is the vital first step in connecting the dots of an extraordinary musical career that was hailed as one of the greatest of his time.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
(Re-)inventing our selves/ourselves : identity and community in contemporary South African short fiction cycles.
- Authors: Marais, Susan Jacqueline
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: South African fiction (English) -- History and criticism , Matlou, Joël -- Criticism and interpretation , Magona, Sindiwe -- Criticism and interpretation , Vladislavić, Ivan, 1957- -- Criticism and interpretation , Wicomb, Zoë -- Criticism and interpretation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:2326 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1016357
- Description: In this study I focus on a number of collections of short fiction by the South African writers Joël Matlou, Sindiwe Magona, Zoë Wicomb and Ivan Vladislavić, all of which evince certain of the characteristics of short story cycles or sequences. In other words, they display what Forrest L. Ingram describes as “a double tendency of asserting the individuality of [their] components on the one hand and of highlighting, on the other, the bonds of unity which make the many into a single whole”. The cycle form, thus defined, is characterised by a paradoxical yet productive and frequently unresolved tension between “the individuality of each of the stories and the necessities of the larger unit”, between “the one and the many”, and between cohesion and fragmentation. It is this “dynamic structure of connection and disconnection” which singularly equips the genre to represent the interrelationship of singular and collective identities, or the “coherent multiplicity of community”. Ingram, for example, asserts that “Numerous and varied connective strands draw the co-protagonists of any story cycle into a single community. … However this community may be achieved, it usually can be said to constitute the central character of a cycle”. Not unsurprisingly, then, in its dominant manifestations over much of the twentieth century the short story cycle demonstrated a marked inclination towards regionalism and the depiction of localised enclaves, and this tendency towards “place-based short story cycles” in which topographical unity is a conspicuous feature was as pronounced in South Africa as elsewhere. However, the specific collections which are my concern here increasingly employ innovative and self-reflexive narrative strategies that unsettle generic expectations and interrogate the notions of regionalism and community conventionally associated with the short story cycle. My investigation seeks to explain this shift in emphasis, and its particular significance within the South African context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Marais, Susan Jacqueline
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: South African fiction (English) -- History and criticism , Matlou, Joël -- Criticism and interpretation , Magona, Sindiwe -- Criticism and interpretation , Vladislavić, Ivan, 1957- -- Criticism and interpretation , Wicomb, Zoë -- Criticism and interpretation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:2326 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1016357
- Description: In this study I focus on a number of collections of short fiction by the South African writers Joël Matlou, Sindiwe Magona, Zoë Wicomb and Ivan Vladislavić, all of which evince certain of the characteristics of short story cycles or sequences. In other words, they display what Forrest L. Ingram describes as “a double tendency of asserting the individuality of [their] components on the one hand and of highlighting, on the other, the bonds of unity which make the many into a single whole”. The cycle form, thus defined, is characterised by a paradoxical yet productive and frequently unresolved tension between “the individuality of each of the stories and the necessities of the larger unit”, between “the one and the many”, and between cohesion and fragmentation. It is this “dynamic structure of connection and disconnection” which singularly equips the genre to represent the interrelationship of singular and collective identities, or the “coherent multiplicity of community”. Ingram, for example, asserts that “Numerous and varied connective strands draw the co-protagonists of any story cycle into a single community. … However this community may be achieved, it usually can be said to constitute the central character of a cycle”. Not unsurprisingly, then, in its dominant manifestations over much of the twentieth century the short story cycle demonstrated a marked inclination towards regionalism and the depiction of localised enclaves, and this tendency towards “place-based short story cycles” in which topographical unity is a conspicuous feature was as pronounced in South Africa as elsewhere. However, the specific collections which are my concern here increasingly employ innovative and self-reflexive narrative strategies that unsettle generic expectations and interrogate the notions of regionalism and community conventionally associated with the short story cycle. My investigation seeks to explain this shift in emphasis, and its particular significance within the South African context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
A bone fragment
- Authors: Dyantyi, Mbongisi Orlean
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: South African fiction (English) -- 21st century , Creative writing (Higher education) , English language -- Writing , South African fiction (English) -- Study and teaching (Higher)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:5985 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015677
- Description: This novella presents three characters, each occupying a different sphere of reality. One is a ‘living dead’ who is forced to return to the land of the living for his continued existence. The other is a young woman who, having lost the will to live, must find a purpose if she is to continue living. The third is a young man who dwells more in the inner than the external world. Their lives intersect through the scripture known as ‘a fragment of a bone.’
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Dyantyi, Mbongisi Orlean
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: South African fiction (English) -- 21st century , Creative writing (Higher education) , English language -- Writing , South African fiction (English) -- Study and teaching (Higher)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:5985 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015677
- Description: This novella presents three characters, each occupying a different sphere of reality. One is a ‘living dead’ who is forced to return to the land of the living for his continued existence. The other is a young woman who, having lost the will to live, must find a purpose if she is to continue living. The third is a young man who dwells more in the inner than the external world. Their lives intersect through the scripture known as ‘a fragment of a bone.’
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
A comparative analysis of the phonological acquisition of consonants in the speech of pre-school age isiXhosa and English-speaking children in selected schools in the East London area
- Authors: Myoli, Ndileka
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA (African Languages)
- Identifier: vital:11151 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015437
- Description: The problems of reading and incomprehension found in South African schools are often linked to children‟s differences of phonological acquisition rates and the articulation of consonants. This is according to the report of the Impact Study of the System Method for Reading Success study (SMRS) of 2009. This problem has always been associated with the racial inequalities that have previously ruled the South African education system. An understanding of the existence of the differences in children‟s articulation of consonants between the English-speaking and the isiXhosa-speaking children may lead to further understanding of the causes of such differences and the application of strategies that are aimed at remedying that situation. While many studies have been conducted in the area of language acquisition, this study found it necessary to contribute further to this debate. This study investigated the different rates of consonant articulation between pre-school-going Englishspeaking and isiXhosa-speaking children of 2-6 years of age. The main aim was to establish which of these two cohorts have early phonological acquisition of consonants and, therefore, master their articulation and why. 26 children from the two pre-schools within the East London directorate weren sampled, 13 consisting of females and males from each of the two pre-primary schools. This study used informal interviews and case study as the means of data collection as well as a case study as its investigation strategy. Children‟s speech utterances were recorded in order to analyse and compare with respect to order of acquisition, types of errors as well as the ages at which consonants were acquired. This study ensured a high degree of validity as well as giving due consideration to ethical matters in order to ensure the reliability of the results. The problems of reading and incomprehension found in South African schools are often linked to children‟s differences of phonological acquisition rates and the articulation of consonants. This is according to the report of the Impact Study of the System Method for Reading Success study (SMRS) of 2009. This problem has always been associated with the racial inequalities that have previously ruled the South African education system. An understanding of the existence of the differences in children‟s articulation of consonants between the English-speaking and the isiXhosa-speaking children may lead to further understanding of the causes of such differences and the application of strategies that are aimed at remedying that situation. While many studies have been conducted in the area of language acquisition, this study found it necessary to contribute further to this debate. This study investigated the different rates of consonant articulation between pre-school-going Englishspeaking and isiXhosa-speaking children of 2-6 years of age. The main aim was to establish which of these two cohorts have early phonological acquisition of consonants and, therefore, master their articulation and why. 26 children from the two pre-schools within the East London directorate weren sampled, 13 consisting of females and males from each of the two pre-primary schools. This study used informal interviews and case study as the means of data collection as well as a case study as its investigation strategy. Children‟s speech utterances were recorded in order to analyse and compare with respect to order of acquisition, types of errors as well as the ages at which consonants were acquired. This study ensured a high degree of validity as well as giving due consideration to ethical matters in order to ensure the reliability of the results. The study found that isiXhosa speaking children have earlier consonant acquisition than English-speaking children do. While that is the case, the study also found that English-speaking children‟s rates of phonological acquisition accelerated from the age of 4 years to the age of 6 years much more than the isiXhosa-speaking children of the same age could do. The implications of these results to education stakeholders, particularly the teachers and other related professionals who deal with children with articulation disorders on a daily basis, will create an understanding as well as an awareness of the existence of such problems. Policies formulated will have to take the existence of articulation disorders into consideration. The distribution of resources relevant to the needs of children will include and cater for children with such disorders. Further research is recommended to investigate more around this area of study to a point where solutions for the existing differences of articulation of consonants for one group of children over another are realised.The study found that isiXhosa speaking children have earlier consonant acquisition than English-speaking children do. While that is the case, the study also found that English-speaking children‟s rates of phonological acquisition accelerated from the age of 4 years to the age of 6 years much more than the isiXhosa-speaking children of the same age could do. The implications of these results to education stakeholders, particularly the teachers and other related professionals who deal with children with articulation disorders on a daily basis, will create an understanding as well as an awareness of the existence of such problems. Policies formulated will have to take the existence of articulation disorders into consideration. The distribution of resources relevant to the needs of children will include and cater for children with such disorders. Further research is recommended to investigate more around this area of study to a point where solutions for the existing differences of articulation of consonants for one group of children over another are realised.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Myoli, Ndileka
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA (African Languages)
- Identifier: vital:11151 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015437
- Description: The problems of reading and incomprehension found in South African schools are often linked to children‟s differences of phonological acquisition rates and the articulation of consonants. This is according to the report of the Impact Study of the System Method for Reading Success study (SMRS) of 2009. This problem has always been associated with the racial inequalities that have previously ruled the South African education system. An understanding of the existence of the differences in children‟s articulation of consonants between the English-speaking and the isiXhosa-speaking children may lead to further understanding of the causes of such differences and the application of strategies that are aimed at remedying that situation. While many studies have been conducted in the area of language acquisition, this study found it necessary to contribute further to this debate. This study investigated the different rates of consonant articulation between pre-school-going Englishspeaking and isiXhosa-speaking children of 2-6 years of age. The main aim was to establish which of these two cohorts have early phonological acquisition of consonants and, therefore, master their articulation and why. 26 children from the two pre-schools within the East London directorate weren sampled, 13 consisting of females and males from each of the two pre-primary schools. This study used informal interviews and case study as the means of data collection as well as a case study as its investigation strategy. Children‟s speech utterances were recorded in order to analyse and compare with respect to order of acquisition, types of errors as well as the ages at which consonants were acquired. This study ensured a high degree of validity as well as giving due consideration to ethical matters in order to ensure the reliability of the results. The problems of reading and incomprehension found in South African schools are often linked to children‟s differences of phonological acquisition rates and the articulation of consonants. This is according to the report of the Impact Study of the System Method for Reading Success study (SMRS) of 2009. This problem has always been associated with the racial inequalities that have previously ruled the South African education system. An understanding of the existence of the differences in children‟s articulation of consonants between the English-speaking and the isiXhosa-speaking children may lead to further understanding of the causes of such differences and the application of strategies that are aimed at remedying that situation. While many studies have been conducted in the area of language acquisition, this study found it necessary to contribute further to this debate. This study investigated the different rates of consonant articulation between pre-school-going Englishspeaking and isiXhosa-speaking children of 2-6 years of age. The main aim was to establish which of these two cohorts have early phonological acquisition of consonants and, therefore, master their articulation and why. 26 children from the two pre-schools within the East London directorate weren sampled, 13 consisting of females and males from each of the two pre-primary schools. This study used informal interviews and case study as the means of data collection as well as a case study as its investigation strategy. Children‟s speech utterances were recorded in order to analyse and compare with respect to order of acquisition, types of errors as well as the ages at which consonants were acquired. This study ensured a high degree of validity as well as giving due consideration to ethical matters in order to ensure the reliability of the results. The study found that isiXhosa speaking children have earlier consonant acquisition than English-speaking children do. While that is the case, the study also found that English-speaking children‟s rates of phonological acquisition accelerated from the age of 4 years to the age of 6 years much more than the isiXhosa-speaking children of the same age could do. The implications of these results to education stakeholders, particularly the teachers and other related professionals who deal with children with articulation disorders on a daily basis, will create an understanding as well as an awareness of the existence of such problems. Policies formulated will have to take the existence of articulation disorders into consideration. The distribution of resources relevant to the needs of children will include and cater for children with such disorders. Further research is recommended to investigate more around this area of study to a point where solutions for the existing differences of articulation of consonants for one group of children over another are realised.The study found that isiXhosa speaking children have earlier consonant acquisition than English-speaking children do. While that is the case, the study also found that English-speaking children‟s rates of phonological acquisition accelerated from the age of 4 years to the age of 6 years much more than the isiXhosa-speaking children of the same age could do. The implications of these results to education stakeholders, particularly the teachers and other related professionals who deal with children with articulation disorders on a daily basis, will create an understanding as well as an awareness of the existence of such problems. Policies formulated will have to take the existence of articulation disorders into consideration. The distribution of resources relevant to the needs of children will include and cater for children with such disorders. Further research is recommended to investigate more around this area of study to a point where solutions for the existing differences of articulation of consonants for one group of children over another are realised.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
A comparative evolutionary approach to gum-feeding in Galago Moholi and Microcebus Griseorufus
- Authors: Andrews, Curswan Allan
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Zoology)
- Identifier: vital:11795 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1019831
- Description: Gums are soluble plant exudates rich in complex carbohydrates. In primates, the consumption of gum (gummivory) has been described as a primitive, fall-back diet exhibited when other food sources become scarce, particularly during dry periods. In apparent support for this interpretation, gummivory is often observed in nocturnal strepsirhines (tooth-combed primates) believed to have retained many primitive features. The complex carbohydrates in gums, however, are also known to be difficult to digest, and require particular alimentary adaptations. The hypothesis of a primitive diet predicts that gummivorous strepsirhines should use homologous digestive strategies, while the presence of different digestive adaptations in different lineages would suggest convergent evolution. I compared the digestive adaptations to gummivory in two small strepsirhine taxa, African lesser bushbabies (Galago moholi) and Malagasy reddish-grey mouse lemurs (Microcebus griseorufus). Both taxa digest gum primarily by fermentation, and have enlarged caeca for this process, but only G. moholi has an ansa coli in which digestion can be continued. In captive feeding experiments, the faeces of wild-caught G. moholi and M. griseorufus showed no significant difference in their digestive efficiency of gum compared with a control food (banana), and the banana and gum samples showed no significant difference in nutrient concentration and overall composition. To gain a broader understanding of the origins of gummivory in strepsirhines, I used a phylogenetic method to reconstruct their dietary evolution. My results indicate that gummivory evolved convergently in several primate lineages, apparently in response to environmental hypervariability. I conducted biochemical analyses of the secondary compounds found in gums that are regularly consumed, and preliminary results show that Commiphora spp. have a number of compounds, while Acacia spp. show no such traces. The absence of secondary compounds from M. griseorufus faeces suggests that the animals have physiological means for either converting them into digestible products or detoxifying and excreting them in their urine. Finally, I compared the distribution patterns of G. moholi and M. griseorufus with climatic parameters; both study taxa inhabit regions in which the dry season is characterised by little to no rainfall, a drought that may persist for months. Similar climatic regions are occupied by other gum-feeders, including the marsupial gliders (Petauridae) of Australia.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Andrews, Curswan Allan
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Zoology)
- Identifier: vital:11795 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1019831
- Description: Gums are soluble plant exudates rich in complex carbohydrates. In primates, the consumption of gum (gummivory) has been described as a primitive, fall-back diet exhibited when other food sources become scarce, particularly during dry periods. In apparent support for this interpretation, gummivory is often observed in nocturnal strepsirhines (tooth-combed primates) believed to have retained many primitive features. The complex carbohydrates in gums, however, are also known to be difficult to digest, and require particular alimentary adaptations. The hypothesis of a primitive diet predicts that gummivorous strepsirhines should use homologous digestive strategies, while the presence of different digestive adaptations in different lineages would suggest convergent evolution. I compared the digestive adaptations to gummivory in two small strepsirhine taxa, African lesser bushbabies (Galago moholi) and Malagasy reddish-grey mouse lemurs (Microcebus griseorufus). Both taxa digest gum primarily by fermentation, and have enlarged caeca for this process, but only G. moholi has an ansa coli in which digestion can be continued. In captive feeding experiments, the faeces of wild-caught G. moholi and M. griseorufus showed no significant difference in their digestive efficiency of gum compared with a control food (banana), and the banana and gum samples showed no significant difference in nutrient concentration and overall composition. To gain a broader understanding of the origins of gummivory in strepsirhines, I used a phylogenetic method to reconstruct their dietary evolution. My results indicate that gummivory evolved convergently in several primate lineages, apparently in response to environmental hypervariability. I conducted biochemical analyses of the secondary compounds found in gums that are regularly consumed, and preliminary results show that Commiphora spp. have a number of compounds, while Acacia spp. show no such traces. The absence of secondary compounds from M. griseorufus faeces suggests that the animals have physiological means for either converting them into digestible products or detoxifying and excreting them in their urine. Finally, I compared the distribution patterns of G. moholi and M. griseorufus with climatic parameters; both study taxa inhabit regions in which the dry season is characterised by little to no rainfall, a drought that may persist for months. Similar climatic regions are occupied by other gum-feeders, including the marsupial gliders (Petauridae) of Australia.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
A critical analysis of the isiXhosa translation of Chinua Achebe’s ‘things fall apart’ with specific reference to the translation of cultural phenomena
- Authors: Mbatyoti, Pheliwe Yvonne
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA (African Languages)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/701 , vital:26489
- Description: Chapter one deals with the aims, objectives, methodology and the structured organisation of the study. Chapter two discusses theories of translation and literature review to supply the necessary theoretical basis of the current study. Chapter three deals with the translation of linguistic concepts using strategies that were applied by Bongela (1993) in the translation of linguistic concepts. Idioms, proverbs, figurative language, symbolism and imagery will be analyzed in this chapter. The extent to which these concepts were translated literally, or were adapted into more familiar IsiXhosa forms, will be analysed. Chapter four critically analyses Igbo cultural practices and norms as found in “Things fall apart”. These will be compared with the amaXhosa cultural practices and analysed using the strategies of translation. The extent, to which these practices have been adapted in order to make them more accessible to the Xhosa reader, will form the main focus of the analysis.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Mbatyoti, Pheliwe Yvonne
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA (African Languages)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/701 , vital:26489
- Description: Chapter one deals with the aims, objectives, methodology and the structured organisation of the study. Chapter two discusses theories of translation and literature review to supply the necessary theoretical basis of the current study. Chapter three deals with the translation of linguistic concepts using strategies that were applied by Bongela (1993) in the translation of linguistic concepts. Idioms, proverbs, figurative language, symbolism and imagery will be analyzed in this chapter. The extent to which these concepts were translated literally, or were adapted into more familiar IsiXhosa forms, will be analysed. Chapter four critically analyses Igbo cultural practices and norms as found in “Things fall apart”. These will be compared with the amaXhosa cultural practices and analysed using the strategies of translation. The extent, to which these practices have been adapted in order to make them more accessible to the Xhosa reader, will form the main focus of the analysis.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
A critical assessment of developmental local government and its relevance to the democratic South Africa: A case study of Amathole District Municipality
- Authors: Mbambo, W B
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Admin
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1085 , vital:26525
- Description: The notion of developmental local government has become part of the South African local government dispensation as from the year 2000. According to Smith and Vawda (2003:28) the idea of developmental local government (DLG) emerged from the fusion of the social interventionist goals of the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) and the market driven economic strategies of the Growth Employment and Redistribution policy (GEAR); the two main national policies of the post-apartheid era for addressing economic growth and poverty eradication. The RDP and GEAR represented different visions for how to bring about equity and redistribution in a deeply divided state and economy. In itself South Africa as a state has 283 municipalities which are wall to wall in terms of demarcation. However, despite the fact that local democracy is deeply entrenched in South African society and furthermore, a very futuristic local government policy framework has been introduced, there is no guarantee that the new local government system will be financially viable and capable of discharging its democratic and developmental mandate. There are major challenges that have to be addressed, namely promoting job-creation, local economic development, capacity development and civic education which, in the final analysis, will ensure that the concept of developmental local government becomes a reality for the majority of South Africans.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Mbambo, W B
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Admin
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1085 , vital:26525
- Description: The notion of developmental local government has become part of the South African local government dispensation as from the year 2000. According to Smith and Vawda (2003:28) the idea of developmental local government (DLG) emerged from the fusion of the social interventionist goals of the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) and the market driven economic strategies of the Growth Employment and Redistribution policy (GEAR); the two main national policies of the post-apartheid era for addressing economic growth and poverty eradication. The RDP and GEAR represented different visions for how to bring about equity and redistribution in a deeply divided state and economy. In itself South Africa as a state has 283 municipalities which are wall to wall in terms of demarcation. However, despite the fact that local democracy is deeply entrenched in South African society and furthermore, a very futuristic local government policy framework has been introduced, there is no guarantee that the new local government system will be financially viable and capable of discharging its democratic and developmental mandate. There are major challenges that have to be addressed, namely promoting job-creation, local economic development, capacity development and civic education which, in the final analysis, will ensure that the concept of developmental local government becomes a reality for the majority of South Africans.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
A critical discourse analysis (CDA) of the contesting discourses articulated by the ANC and the news media in the City Press coverage of The Spear
- Authors: Egglestone, Tia Ashleigh
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Murray, Brett , African National Congress , Mass media -- Political aspects -- South Africa , Press and politics -- South Africa , Freedom of the press -- South Africa , Mass media policy -- South Africa , Newspapers -- Objectivity , Critical discourse analysis , South Africa -- Politics and government -- 1994-
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3526 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012975
- Description: This research focuses on the controversy surrounding the exhibition and media publication of Brett Murray’s painting, The Spear of the Nation (May 2012). It takes the form of a qualitative Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), underpinned by Fairclough’s (1995) three-dimensional approach, to investigate how the contesting discourses articulated by the ruling political party (the ANC) and the news media have been negotiated in the City Press coverage in response to the painting. While the contestation was fought ostensibly on constitutional grounds, it arguably serves as an illustrative moment of the deeply ideological debate occurring in South Africa between the government and the national media industry regarding media diversity, transformation and democracy. It points to the lines of fracture in the broader political and social space. Informed by Foucault’s conceptualisation of discourse and the role of power in the production of knowledge and ‘truth’, this study aims to expose the discourses articulated and contested in order to make inferences about the various ‘truths’ the ANC and the media make of the democratic role of the press in a contemporary South Africa. The sample consists of five reports intended to represent the media’s responses and four articles that prominently articulate the ANC’s responses. The analysis, which draws on strategies from within critical linguists and media studies, is confined to these nine purposively sampled from the City Press online newspaper texts published between 13 May 2012 and 13 June 2012. Findings suggest the ANC legitimise expectations for the media to engage in a collaborative role in order to serve the ‘national interest’. Conversely, the media advocate for a monitorial press to justify serving the ‘public interest’. This research is envisioned to be valuable for both sets of stakeholders in developing richer understandings relevant to issues of any regulation to be debated. It forms part of a larger project on Media Policy and Democracy which seeks to contribute to media diversity and transformation, and to develop the quality of democracy in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Egglestone, Tia Ashleigh
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Murray, Brett , African National Congress , Mass media -- Political aspects -- South Africa , Press and politics -- South Africa , Freedom of the press -- South Africa , Mass media policy -- South Africa , Newspapers -- Objectivity , Critical discourse analysis , South Africa -- Politics and government -- 1994-
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3526 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012975
- Description: This research focuses on the controversy surrounding the exhibition and media publication of Brett Murray’s painting, The Spear of the Nation (May 2012). It takes the form of a qualitative Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), underpinned by Fairclough’s (1995) three-dimensional approach, to investigate how the contesting discourses articulated by the ruling political party (the ANC) and the news media have been negotiated in the City Press coverage in response to the painting. While the contestation was fought ostensibly on constitutional grounds, it arguably serves as an illustrative moment of the deeply ideological debate occurring in South Africa between the government and the national media industry regarding media diversity, transformation and democracy. It points to the lines of fracture in the broader political and social space. Informed by Foucault’s conceptualisation of discourse and the role of power in the production of knowledge and ‘truth’, this study aims to expose the discourses articulated and contested in order to make inferences about the various ‘truths’ the ANC and the media make of the democratic role of the press in a contemporary South Africa. The sample consists of five reports intended to represent the media’s responses and four articles that prominently articulate the ANC’s responses. The analysis, which draws on strategies from within critical linguists and media studies, is confined to these nine purposively sampled from the City Press online newspaper texts published between 13 May 2012 and 13 June 2012. Findings suggest the ANC legitimise expectations for the media to engage in a collaborative role in order to serve the ‘national interest’. Conversely, the media advocate for a monitorial press to justify serving the ‘public interest’. This research is envisioned to be valuable for both sets of stakeholders in developing richer understandings relevant to issues of any regulation to be debated. It forms part of a larger project on Media Policy and Democracy which seeks to contribute to media diversity and transformation, and to develop the quality of democracy in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
A field investigation into the impact of task demands on worker responses in the South African forestry silviculture sector
- Authors: Parker, Rhiannon Jennifer
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Forests and forestry -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Blue collar workers -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Manual work -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Work -- Physiological aspects , Human mechanics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5157 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015645
- Description: Background: In South Africa, limited research has focused on the task demands and workers responses associated with forestry silviculture work, particularly pitting and planting. The methods currently in use are manual, but despite our lack of understanding of the existing demands, advances in forestry engineering have resulted in an introduction of semi-mechanised versions of these tasks. This project aimed to compare the task demands of silviculture tasks using the current manual techniques and the more modern, semi-mechanised techniques. Methods: A holistic investigation focused on the worker characteristics of a sample of black male pitters and black female planters from the Kwa-Zulu Natal forestry industry, as well as biomechanical (spinal kinematics and L5/S1 forces), physiological (heart rate, oxygen consumption and energy expenditure) and psychophysical (ratings of perceived exertion and body discomfort) responses associated with manual and semi-mechanised pitting and planting. Results: The pitting task saw significant improvements in the spinal kinematic measures as a result of the increased mechanisation, with eight of the 16 recorded variables decreasing to a lower level of risk classification. Physiologically, the manual task was associated with a mean heart rate of 157 bt.min⁻¹ and absolute energy expenditure of 11.27 kcal.min⁻¹, which were not found to be significantly different to the values of 143 bt.min⁻¹ and 9.8 kcal.min⁻¹ recorded during the semi-mechanised technique. Psychophysical responses indicated that the workers perceived manual pitting to be more physically demanding than the semi-mechanised method. The manual and semi-mechanised planting tasks were, in general, found to be acceptable from a spinal kinematics perspective, with the majority of variables classified as low risk. However, the maximum sagittal angle was reduced by more than 20 degrees as a result of the new equipment. The physiological and psychophysical demands associated with manual planting were found to be within acceptable limits. Conclusion: In terms of pitting, it can tentatively be concluded that the semi-mechanised technique is better than the manual one, based on the biomechanical and psychophysical findings, however physiological demands require further investigation. When considering the planting techniques, the semi-mechanised method showed a slight improvement from the biomechanical perspective, but further physiological and psychophysical investigations are needed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Parker, Rhiannon Jennifer
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Forests and forestry -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Blue collar workers -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Manual work -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Work -- Physiological aspects , Human mechanics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5157 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015645
- Description: Background: In South Africa, limited research has focused on the task demands and workers responses associated with forestry silviculture work, particularly pitting and planting. The methods currently in use are manual, but despite our lack of understanding of the existing demands, advances in forestry engineering have resulted in an introduction of semi-mechanised versions of these tasks. This project aimed to compare the task demands of silviculture tasks using the current manual techniques and the more modern, semi-mechanised techniques. Methods: A holistic investigation focused on the worker characteristics of a sample of black male pitters and black female planters from the Kwa-Zulu Natal forestry industry, as well as biomechanical (spinal kinematics and L5/S1 forces), physiological (heart rate, oxygen consumption and energy expenditure) and psychophysical (ratings of perceived exertion and body discomfort) responses associated with manual and semi-mechanised pitting and planting. Results: The pitting task saw significant improvements in the spinal kinematic measures as a result of the increased mechanisation, with eight of the 16 recorded variables decreasing to a lower level of risk classification. Physiologically, the manual task was associated with a mean heart rate of 157 bt.min⁻¹ and absolute energy expenditure of 11.27 kcal.min⁻¹, which were not found to be significantly different to the values of 143 bt.min⁻¹ and 9.8 kcal.min⁻¹ recorded during the semi-mechanised technique. Psychophysical responses indicated that the workers perceived manual pitting to be more physically demanding than the semi-mechanised method. The manual and semi-mechanised planting tasks were, in general, found to be acceptable from a spinal kinematics perspective, with the majority of variables classified as low risk. However, the maximum sagittal angle was reduced by more than 20 degrees as a result of the new equipment. The physiological and psychophysical demands associated with manual planting were found to be within acceptable limits. Conclusion: In terms of pitting, it can tentatively be concluded that the semi-mechanised technique is better than the manual one, based on the biomechanical and psychophysical findings, however physiological demands require further investigation. When considering the planting techniques, the semi-mechanised method showed a slight improvement from the biomechanical perspective, but further physiological and psychophysical investigations are needed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
A framework for business leadership in Africa
- Authors: Whitley, Elwyn
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Leadership -- Africa Success in business , Management -- Africa Business Industrial management -- Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45814 , vital:39219
- Description: In a fast moving, rapidly changing and highly competitive world the importance of strong leadership in both government and business cannot be over emphasised. The realisation that leadership is necessary for the organisation’s success and is key for the organisation’s survival (Alimo-Metcalfe and Alban- Metcalfe, 2008) is evident in the increasing focus on the concept over the last three to four decades. As the world becomes more of a ‘global village’ adapting to doing business in this new environment will require a leader who not only has the traditional skills set but also has the additional knowledge, skills and “mindset to navigate through the complexities brought on by moving beyond one's traditional borders” (Cohen, 2010. p. 3). This is of particular importance to Africa with the influx of foreign investors attracted by the growth opportunities that Africa offers, looking to expand their markets and in doing so imposing western norms and standards on local operations, in complex environments. Unfortunately Western leadership theories have not always been successful as Africans have found that in order to embrace Western ideals they need to relinquish some of their own beliefs. This highlights an opportunity to explore a possible hybrid leadership approach that harmonises the Western approach that is based on facts, logic and the nature of reality with the African humanistic orientation. The main aim of this study is to research the concept, principles, and characteristics of a small sample of business leaders in Africa in order to identify the factors that contribute to the leader’s success in a global business operating in Africa. By applying qualitative research methodology which includes an individual narrative written by each Managing Director, semistructured interviews and focus groups, a framework for business leadership in Africa was developed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Whitley, Elwyn
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Leadership -- Africa Success in business , Management -- Africa Business Industrial management -- Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45814 , vital:39219
- Description: In a fast moving, rapidly changing and highly competitive world the importance of strong leadership in both government and business cannot be over emphasised. The realisation that leadership is necessary for the organisation’s success and is key for the organisation’s survival (Alimo-Metcalfe and Alban- Metcalfe, 2008) is evident in the increasing focus on the concept over the last three to four decades. As the world becomes more of a ‘global village’ adapting to doing business in this new environment will require a leader who not only has the traditional skills set but also has the additional knowledge, skills and “mindset to navigate through the complexities brought on by moving beyond one's traditional borders” (Cohen, 2010. p. 3). This is of particular importance to Africa with the influx of foreign investors attracted by the growth opportunities that Africa offers, looking to expand their markets and in doing so imposing western norms and standards on local operations, in complex environments. Unfortunately Western leadership theories have not always been successful as Africans have found that in order to embrace Western ideals they need to relinquish some of their own beliefs. This highlights an opportunity to explore a possible hybrid leadership approach that harmonises the Western approach that is based on facts, logic and the nature of reality with the African humanistic orientation. The main aim of this study is to research the concept, principles, and characteristics of a small sample of business leaders in Africa in order to identify the factors that contribute to the leader’s success in a global business operating in Africa. By applying qualitative research methodology which includes an individual narrative written by each Managing Director, semistructured interviews and focus groups, a framework for business leadership in Africa was developed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
A framework for the management of environmental information in Higher Education Institutions
- Authors: Jonamu, Blessing Tapiwa
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Sustainability , Universities and colleges , Environmental management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10492 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020620
- Description: Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are not immune to the global environment problems. An increasing awareness of the environmental responsibilities of HEIs has led researchers to investigate the role of environmental information and Environmental Management Information Systems (EMISs) in HEIs. EMISs play a major role in environmental management and environmental decision making in HEIs. Internationally, an increasing number of HEIs are embracing the concept of ‘sustainable HEIs’ by undertaking green campus initiatives. HEIs often use diverse information systems, some of which are manual systems, proven to be inefficient and this gives rise to redundant and inconsistent databases which result in non-compliance with regulations, confusion and lack of co-ordinated effort. There is therefore need for an integrated, comprehensive software system and framework which can assist with the efficient management of environmental information at South African HEIs. This study fills a gap in the field of environmental sustainability at HEIs as the evaluation of existing sustainability programs has shown common weakness such as: Failure to effectively set baselines, flaws in data acquisition and management and missing documentation. The aim of this study is to propose a framework for Environmental Information Management (EIM) in HEIs. The framework includes guidelines related to the components of the framework which can also be used to perform a gap analysis to facilitate the improved design of effective and efficient EIM processes and data stores. The Design Science Research (DSR) methodology is the research methodology used in the development of the two artifacts of this study namely: The EIM framework for HEIs and an EMIS prototype to serve as proof of concept. Problem identification and motivation was the first activity of the DSR which was done through a rigorous literature review and an investigation and evaluation of extant systems. This resulted in the design of an initial EIM framework for HEIs. Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) was the HEI used as the case study. The EIM framework was applied at NMMU and this enabled the researcher to understand the current As-Is EIM processes at NMMU and this resulted in clear objectives of a solution. The EMIS prototype (data warehouse) was then designed and implemented based on the theoretical framework. Three sets of evaluations were done to determine the acceptance of the EIM framework for HEIs and the performance of the EMIS prototype. The EIM framework was generally positively accepted and minor suggestions were made. An updated version of the EIM framework was proposed and evaluated. The experimental evaluation results showed that the EMIS prototype was efficient and effective. The contribution of this study is an EIM framework for HEIs and an implementation of an EMIS (EnviroDW) at NMMU that could be utilised by other HEIs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Jonamu, Blessing Tapiwa
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Sustainability , Universities and colleges , Environmental management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10492 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020620
- Description: Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are not immune to the global environment problems. An increasing awareness of the environmental responsibilities of HEIs has led researchers to investigate the role of environmental information and Environmental Management Information Systems (EMISs) in HEIs. EMISs play a major role in environmental management and environmental decision making in HEIs. Internationally, an increasing number of HEIs are embracing the concept of ‘sustainable HEIs’ by undertaking green campus initiatives. HEIs often use diverse information systems, some of which are manual systems, proven to be inefficient and this gives rise to redundant and inconsistent databases which result in non-compliance with regulations, confusion and lack of co-ordinated effort. There is therefore need for an integrated, comprehensive software system and framework which can assist with the efficient management of environmental information at South African HEIs. This study fills a gap in the field of environmental sustainability at HEIs as the evaluation of existing sustainability programs has shown common weakness such as: Failure to effectively set baselines, flaws in data acquisition and management and missing documentation. The aim of this study is to propose a framework for Environmental Information Management (EIM) in HEIs. The framework includes guidelines related to the components of the framework which can also be used to perform a gap analysis to facilitate the improved design of effective and efficient EIM processes and data stores. The Design Science Research (DSR) methodology is the research methodology used in the development of the two artifacts of this study namely: The EIM framework for HEIs and an EMIS prototype to serve as proof of concept. Problem identification and motivation was the first activity of the DSR which was done through a rigorous literature review and an investigation and evaluation of extant systems. This resulted in the design of an initial EIM framework for HEIs. Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) was the HEI used as the case study. The EIM framework was applied at NMMU and this enabled the researcher to understand the current As-Is EIM processes at NMMU and this resulted in clear objectives of a solution. The EMIS prototype (data warehouse) was then designed and implemented based on the theoretical framework. Three sets of evaluations were done to determine the acceptance of the EIM framework for HEIs and the performance of the EMIS prototype. The EIM framework was generally positively accepted and minor suggestions were made. An updated version of the EIM framework was proposed and evaluated. The experimental evaluation results showed that the EMIS prototype was efficient and effective. The contribution of this study is an EIM framework for HEIs and an implementation of an EMIS (EnviroDW) at NMMU that could be utilised by other HEIs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
A goal-setting intervention with motocross racers : a case study investigating the effects of an intervention on perceived motivation, confidence, and self-efficacy
- Authors: Fleming, Tracey Laura
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Motocross -- Psychological aspects -- Research , Motorcyclists -- Psychological aspects -- Research , Goal (Psychology) -- Research , Competition (Psychology) -- Research , Motivation (Psychology) -- Case studies , Confidence -- Case studies , Self-efficacy -- Case studies , Sports -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3224 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012996
- Description: This study aimed to investigate the effects that a specifically tailored goal-setting program would have on two motocross racers in terms of their self-efficacy and motivation, as well as the process of designing this intervention. This case-study approach involved a mixed methods approach, consisting of pre-intervention and post-intervention assessments, interviews, and performance profiles. The tools used include Vealey’s (1986) Competitive Orientation Inventory (COI), Gill and Deeter’s (1988) Sport Orientation Questionnaire (SOQ), performance profiles, and semi-structured interviews. The goal-setting intervention lasted a total of five weeks. The results from the preintervention and post-intervention assessments were compared to determine whether any changes in motivation or self-efficacy occurred during the intervention. For the first participant, significant changes in both motivation and self-efficacy were present in addition to significant changes in competitive orientation. For the second participant, there were no significant changes in either motivation or self-efficacy. However, for the second participant there was also no change in competitive orientation. Findings suggest that the focus and competitive orientation of an athlete have a significant influence on the types of goals set, and consequently on positive changes in motivation, confidence, and self-efficacy. The influence of the competitive orientation in athletes also highlighted the importance of attaining a balance between performance and outcome goal-related activities. It was also discovered through qualitative assessment that this program is suitable for particular groups of athletes such as those who are injured, display an external locus of causality or are otherwise not performing at their prime.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Fleming, Tracey Laura
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Motocross -- Psychological aspects -- Research , Motorcyclists -- Psychological aspects -- Research , Goal (Psychology) -- Research , Competition (Psychology) -- Research , Motivation (Psychology) -- Case studies , Confidence -- Case studies , Self-efficacy -- Case studies , Sports -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3224 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012996
- Description: This study aimed to investigate the effects that a specifically tailored goal-setting program would have on two motocross racers in terms of their self-efficacy and motivation, as well as the process of designing this intervention. This case-study approach involved a mixed methods approach, consisting of pre-intervention and post-intervention assessments, interviews, and performance profiles. The tools used include Vealey’s (1986) Competitive Orientation Inventory (COI), Gill and Deeter’s (1988) Sport Orientation Questionnaire (SOQ), performance profiles, and semi-structured interviews. The goal-setting intervention lasted a total of five weeks. The results from the preintervention and post-intervention assessments were compared to determine whether any changes in motivation or self-efficacy occurred during the intervention. For the first participant, significant changes in both motivation and self-efficacy were present in addition to significant changes in competitive orientation. For the second participant, there were no significant changes in either motivation or self-efficacy. However, for the second participant there was also no change in competitive orientation. Findings suggest that the focus and competitive orientation of an athlete have a significant influence on the types of goals set, and consequently on positive changes in motivation, confidence, and self-efficacy. The influence of the competitive orientation in athletes also highlighted the importance of attaining a balance between performance and outcome goal-related activities. It was also discovered through qualitative assessment that this program is suitable for particular groups of athletes such as those who are injured, display an external locus of causality or are otherwise not performing at their prime.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
A new approach to representations of revolution
- Authors: Burke, Matthew Ainslie
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Radicalism in literature , Radicalism in literature -- Moral and ethical aspects , Politics and literature -- Moral and ethical aspects , Revolutionary literature, English
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2310 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013068
- Description: This project asserts that revolution is characterised by the expression of unthinkable possibilities, and so addresses the paradox implicit in any attempt to "write revolution." That is, how does one represent revolution without reducing it to an ordered term of reference, and thereby subduing its radical character? Additionally, can transformative action be conceptualised as a creative project to which an ethical subject may, and in fact should, be drawn? To answer these questions, my investigation develops in three strands. I combine the radical theory of Alain Badiou with similar affirmations of revolutionary intervention from Slavoj Žižek and Paulo Freire, and so create an aesthetic that affirms revolutionaries as agents of supplementary creativity. My first purpose is thus to establish revolution as a productive enterprise that enables peace, rather than a destructive undertaking that introduces violence. This done, I apply the resultant conceptual tools to literary representations of radical transformation, and demonstrate that my aesthetic enables new readings of the literature of revolution to which it is applied. In the course of my analysis, I also evaluate the suitability of Badiou's ethic as a standpoint from which to engage with literature on revolution. Ultimately, then, the aesthetic I construct not only contests the notion that radical transformation is always destructive, but also renders one sensitive to revolutionary literature's excessive and supplementary dimensions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Burke, Matthew Ainslie
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Radicalism in literature , Radicalism in literature -- Moral and ethical aspects , Politics and literature -- Moral and ethical aspects , Revolutionary literature, English
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2310 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013068
- Description: This project asserts that revolution is characterised by the expression of unthinkable possibilities, and so addresses the paradox implicit in any attempt to "write revolution." That is, how does one represent revolution without reducing it to an ordered term of reference, and thereby subduing its radical character? Additionally, can transformative action be conceptualised as a creative project to which an ethical subject may, and in fact should, be drawn? To answer these questions, my investigation develops in three strands. I combine the radical theory of Alain Badiou with similar affirmations of revolutionary intervention from Slavoj Žižek and Paulo Freire, and so create an aesthetic that affirms revolutionaries as agents of supplementary creativity. My first purpose is thus to establish revolution as a productive enterprise that enables peace, rather than a destructive undertaking that introduces violence. This done, I apply the resultant conceptual tools to literary representations of radical transformation, and demonstrate that my aesthetic enables new readings of the literature of revolution to which it is applied. In the course of my analysis, I also evaluate the suitability of Badiou's ethic as a standpoint from which to engage with literature on revolution. Ultimately, then, the aesthetic I construct not only contests the notion that radical transformation is always destructive, but also renders one sensitive to revolutionary literature's excessive and supplementary dimensions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
A psychobiography of Helen Martins
- Authors: Mitchell, Donna Leigh
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Martins, Helen Elizabeth, 1897-1976 -- Criticism and interpretation , Psychology -- Biographical methods , Women sculptors -- Psychology , Psychohistory , Personality -- Social aspects , Personality -- Age factors , Personality assessment , Personality change
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3204 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011670 , Martins, Helen Elizabeth, 1897-1976 -- Criticism and interpretation , Psychology -- Biographical methods , Women sculptors -- Psychology , Psychohistory , Personality -- Social aspects , Personality -- Age factors , Personality assessment , Personality change
- Description: Helen Martins devoted approximately the last thirty years of her life to converting her family home into a unique fantasy world which she named the Owl House. Since her death in 1976 the Owl House has become a national monument and museum in South Africa. Throughout her life Helen was considered by most of the surrounding villagers to have been strange, and she withdrew increasingly from society. However, she appeared to have contained a desire for human connection. There are several instances in which she expressed this desire, such as through the numerous letters which she wrote to fellow artists. The existing body of literature on Helen illustrates the complex nature of her personality; however the question of which personality style she best typifies has remained unanswered. In order to answer this question a psychobiography was conducted on Helen. Psychobiographies entail a biographical representation of a person's life history to which a psychological theory is applied. The psychological theory utilised within the current study was Millon's (1969/1996) Biosocial- Learning Theory. Thus, the chief objective of this study was to describe and interpret Helen's personality style through the use of Millon's (1969/1996) Biosocial-Learning Theory. Alexander's model of data extraction and Miles and Huberman's three step approach were implemented in order to reduce, organise and analyse the data. The findings of this study reflected that Helen deteriorated from one of Millon's (1969/1996) proposed personality styles to another as she aged. The current findings may illuminate Helen's motives for obsessively devoting her life to the creation of her fantasy world.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Mitchell, Donna Leigh
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Martins, Helen Elizabeth, 1897-1976 -- Criticism and interpretation , Psychology -- Biographical methods , Women sculptors -- Psychology , Psychohistory , Personality -- Social aspects , Personality -- Age factors , Personality assessment , Personality change
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3204 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011670 , Martins, Helen Elizabeth, 1897-1976 -- Criticism and interpretation , Psychology -- Biographical methods , Women sculptors -- Psychology , Psychohistory , Personality -- Social aspects , Personality -- Age factors , Personality assessment , Personality change
- Description: Helen Martins devoted approximately the last thirty years of her life to converting her family home into a unique fantasy world which she named the Owl House. Since her death in 1976 the Owl House has become a national monument and museum in South Africa. Throughout her life Helen was considered by most of the surrounding villagers to have been strange, and she withdrew increasingly from society. However, she appeared to have contained a desire for human connection. There are several instances in which she expressed this desire, such as through the numerous letters which she wrote to fellow artists. The existing body of literature on Helen illustrates the complex nature of her personality; however the question of which personality style she best typifies has remained unanswered. In order to answer this question a psychobiography was conducted on Helen. Psychobiographies entail a biographical representation of a person's life history to which a psychological theory is applied. The psychological theory utilised within the current study was Millon's (1969/1996) Biosocial- Learning Theory. Thus, the chief objective of this study was to describe and interpret Helen's personality style through the use of Millon's (1969/1996) Biosocial-Learning Theory. Alexander's model of data extraction and Miles and Huberman's three step approach were implemented in order to reduce, organise and analyse the data. The findings of this study reflected that Helen deteriorated from one of Millon's (1969/1996) proposed personality styles to another as she aged. The current findings may illuminate Helen's motives for obsessively devoting her life to the creation of her fantasy world.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
A study of the reintegration of female former child soldiers in Gulu District, northern Uganda
- Authors: Bertelsen, Anna
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Women soldiers -- Uganda -- Gulu District , Child soldiers -- Uganda -- Gulu District , Patriarchy -- Uganda -- Gulu District
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: vital:8324 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020192
- Description: This research explores the perceptions and experiences of female former child soldiers in regard to their reintegration within the community of Gulu District, northern Uganda. In many societies women are generally excluded due to prevailing patriarchal hegemonies, with northern Uganda being no exception. Moreover, former child soldiers are commonly marginalized and discriminated against because members of communities commonly believe that they should be punished for the perceived atrocities that they allegedly committed during times of conflict, rather than be reintegrated into society. In this regard female former child soldiers can be identified as a particularly vulnerable and marginalized group. Therefore, it can be suggested that although the distinction between traditional gender roles has been eroded during times of armed conflict, there is still widespread evidence that women are largely overlooked and disregarded in the process of peace building. In order to explore the perceptions and experiences of former female child soldiers, a qualitative case study method was utilized based on in-depth face to face interviews with women from Gulu District, northern Uganda. The findings of this study indicate that, even though these women went through considerable hardships, all of them displayed a strong sense of resilience. Many of them had taken on the role as active change agents in their own lives and provided an array of suggestions on how their situation could be improved. The major themes constructed from the study include: challenges facing returnees; facilitating factors for returnees and suggestions on improved reintegration. Based on these findings a number of recommendations emerged. The recommendations are presented in order to assist organizations and other stakeholders involved in reintegration of child soldiers in northern Uganda and elsewhere in the world. Apart from providing information to the existing body of research, future areas of proposed research are also outlined.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Bertelsen, Anna
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Women soldiers -- Uganda -- Gulu District , Child soldiers -- Uganda -- Gulu District , Patriarchy -- Uganda -- Gulu District
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: vital:8324 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020192
- Description: This research explores the perceptions and experiences of female former child soldiers in regard to their reintegration within the community of Gulu District, northern Uganda. In many societies women are generally excluded due to prevailing patriarchal hegemonies, with northern Uganda being no exception. Moreover, former child soldiers are commonly marginalized and discriminated against because members of communities commonly believe that they should be punished for the perceived atrocities that they allegedly committed during times of conflict, rather than be reintegrated into society. In this regard female former child soldiers can be identified as a particularly vulnerable and marginalized group. Therefore, it can be suggested that although the distinction between traditional gender roles has been eroded during times of armed conflict, there is still widespread evidence that women are largely overlooked and disregarded in the process of peace building. In order to explore the perceptions and experiences of former female child soldiers, a qualitative case study method was utilized based on in-depth face to face interviews with women from Gulu District, northern Uganda. The findings of this study indicate that, even though these women went through considerable hardships, all of them displayed a strong sense of resilience. Many of them had taken on the role as active change agents in their own lives and provided an array of suggestions on how their situation could be improved. The major themes constructed from the study include: challenges facing returnees; facilitating factors for returnees and suggestions on improved reintegration. Based on these findings a number of recommendations emerged. The recommendations are presented in order to assist organizations and other stakeholders involved in reintegration of child soldiers in northern Uganda and elsewhere in the world. Apart from providing information to the existing body of research, future areas of proposed research are also outlined.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
A systematic review of the effectiveness of animal-assisted interventions
- Authors: Badenhorst, Estelle
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Animals -- Therapeutic use , Human-animal relationships
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9980 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021139
- Description: There is a global increase in research on the benefits of animals and the value of incorporating them into interventional practices. This is referred to as animal-assisted interventions. Due to the novelty of this type of intervention and the accompanying complexity of variables, a need exists to explore the various aspects within these interventions. Looking specifically at animal-assisted interventions within the mental health field, this study focuses on the psycho-therapeutic value of companion animals, such as dogs and cats. The primary aim of this study was to identify the mechanisms through which an animal-assisted intervention exerts its influence. A secondary aim was to indentify salient methodological aspects within the included studies. A systematic review of existing literature was undertaken to explore these factors. Each study was appraised against specific inclusion and exclusion criteria and themes were extracted. The data was synthesised, integrated and discussed in relation to previously conducted studies in relevant fields. Six themes emerged from the systematic review. These included enhanced comfort, the living nature of animals, physical contact, adjunctive nature, an affinity for animals, as well as methodological considerations. Based on these emergent themes conclusions were drawn as to the psycho-therapeutic influences of companion animals. This may serve as informative knowledge regarding animal-assisted interventions for practitioners seeking additional methods to reach treatment goals. Information is also provided for researchers interested in the field, particularly methodological considerations, before embarking on a study of animal-assisted intervention efficacy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Badenhorst, Estelle
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Animals -- Therapeutic use , Human-animal relationships
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9980 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021139
- Description: There is a global increase in research on the benefits of animals and the value of incorporating them into interventional practices. This is referred to as animal-assisted interventions. Due to the novelty of this type of intervention and the accompanying complexity of variables, a need exists to explore the various aspects within these interventions. Looking specifically at animal-assisted interventions within the mental health field, this study focuses on the psycho-therapeutic value of companion animals, such as dogs and cats. The primary aim of this study was to identify the mechanisms through which an animal-assisted intervention exerts its influence. A secondary aim was to indentify salient methodological aspects within the included studies. A systematic review of existing literature was undertaken to explore these factors. Each study was appraised against specific inclusion and exclusion criteria and themes were extracted. The data was synthesised, integrated and discussed in relation to previously conducted studies in relevant fields. Six themes emerged from the systematic review. These included enhanced comfort, the living nature of animals, physical contact, adjunctive nature, an affinity for animals, as well as methodological considerations. Based on these emergent themes conclusions were drawn as to the psycho-therapeutic influences of companion animals. This may serve as informative knowledge regarding animal-assisted interventions for practitioners seeking additional methods to reach treatment goals. Information is also provided for researchers interested in the field, particularly methodological considerations, before embarking on a study of animal-assisted intervention efficacy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
A temporal dimension to the influence of pollen rewards on bee behaviour and fecundity in Aloe tenuior
- Duffy, Karl J, Johnson, Steven D, Peter, Craig I
- Authors: Duffy, Karl J , Johnson, Steven D , Peter, Craig I
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6561 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011735 , http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0094908
- Description: The net effect of pollen production on fecundity in plants can range from negative – when self-pollen interferes with fecundity due to incompatibility mechanisms, to positive – when pollen availability is associated with increased pollinator visitation and fecundity due to its utilization as a reward. We investigated the responses of bees to pollen and nectar rewards, and the effects of these rewards on pollen deposition and fecundity in the hermaphroditic succulent shrub Aloe tenuior. Self-pollinated plants failed to set fruit, but their ovules were regularly penetrated by self-pollen tubes, which uniformly failed to develop into seeds as expected from ovarian self-incompatibility (or strong early inbreeding depression). Bees consistently foraged for pollen during the morning and early afternoon, but switched to nectar in the late afternoon. As a consequence of this differential foraging, we were able to test the relative contribution to fecundity of pollen- versus nectar-collecting flower visitors. We exposed emasculated and intact flowers in either the morning or late afternoon to foraging bees and showed that emasculation reduced pollen deposition by insects in the morning, but had little effect in the afternoon. Despite the potential for self-pollination to result in ovule discounting due to late-acting self-sterility, fecundity was severely reduced in artificially emasculated plants. Although there were temporal fluctuations in reward preference, most bee visits were for pollen rewards. Therefore the benefit of providing pollen that is accessible to bee foragers outweighs any potential costs to fitness in terms of gender interference in this species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Duffy, Karl J , Johnson, Steven D , Peter, Craig I
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6561 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011735 , http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0094908
- Description: The net effect of pollen production on fecundity in plants can range from negative – when self-pollen interferes with fecundity due to incompatibility mechanisms, to positive – when pollen availability is associated with increased pollinator visitation and fecundity due to its utilization as a reward. We investigated the responses of bees to pollen and nectar rewards, and the effects of these rewards on pollen deposition and fecundity in the hermaphroditic succulent shrub Aloe tenuior. Self-pollinated plants failed to set fruit, but their ovules were regularly penetrated by self-pollen tubes, which uniformly failed to develop into seeds as expected from ovarian self-incompatibility (or strong early inbreeding depression). Bees consistently foraged for pollen during the morning and early afternoon, but switched to nectar in the late afternoon. As a consequence of this differential foraging, we were able to test the relative contribution to fecundity of pollen- versus nectar-collecting flower visitors. We exposed emasculated and intact flowers in either the morning or late afternoon to foraging bees and showed that emasculation reduced pollen deposition by insects in the morning, but had little effect in the afternoon. Despite the potential for self-pollination to result in ovule discounting due to late-acting self-sterility, fecundity was severely reduced in artificially emasculated plants. Although there were temporal fluctuations in reward preference, most bee visits were for pollen rewards. Therefore the benefit of providing pollen that is accessible to bee foragers outweighs any potential costs to fitness in terms of gender interference in this species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Alphabetical Index of Students 1925 - 1950
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Rhodes University -- Students
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:14959 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1010427
- Description: An alphabetical index of students admitted to Rhodes University between 1925 and 1950, giving the admission number, so that the student's entry may be found in the corresponding MS volume held in the Cory Library.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Rhodes University -- Students
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:14959 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1010427
- Description: An alphabetical index of students admitted to Rhodes University between 1925 and 1950, giving the admission number, so that the student's entry may be found in the corresponding MS volume held in the Cory Library.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Altering urbanscapes: South African writers re-imagining Johannesburg, with specific reference to Lauren Beukes, K. Sello Duiker, Nadine Gordimer and Phaswane Mpe
- Authors: Fryer, Jocelyn Teri
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Novelists, South African , Johannesburg (South Africa) -- History
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8481 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020877
- Description: The following dissertation considers the ways in which we have come to perceive of our post-apartheid South African urban spaces. It focusses on the representation of our contemporary urban spaces as I posit that they are re-imagined in the works of Phaswane Mpe, K.Sello Duiker, Nadine Gordimer and Lauren Beukes. In particular, it is concerned with the representation of Johannesburg, and specifically Hillbrow, in relation to the space of the rural, the suburban enclave and the city of Cape Town. I argue that while so-called urban ‘slums’ such as Hillbrow have been denigrated in the local imaginary, the texts that I have selected draw attention to the potentialities of such spaces. Rather than aspiring to ‘First World’ aesthetics of modernity then, we might come to see such spaces as Hillbrow anew, and even to learn from them as models, so as to better create more fully integrated and dynamic African cities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Fryer, Jocelyn Teri
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Novelists, South African , Johannesburg (South Africa) -- History
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8481 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020877
- Description: The following dissertation considers the ways in which we have come to perceive of our post-apartheid South African urban spaces. It focusses on the representation of our contemporary urban spaces as I posit that they are re-imagined in the works of Phaswane Mpe, K.Sello Duiker, Nadine Gordimer and Lauren Beukes. In particular, it is concerned with the representation of Johannesburg, and specifically Hillbrow, in relation to the space of the rural, the suburban enclave and the city of Cape Town. I argue that while so-called urban ‘slums’ such as Hillbrow have been denigrated in the local imaginary, the texts that I have selected draw attention to the potentialities of such spaces. Rather than aspiring to ‘First World’ aesthetics of modernity then, we might come to see such spaces as Hillbrow anew, and even to learn from them as models, so as to better create more fully integrated and dynamic African cities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014