Bare life in the Bantustans (of the Eastern Cape): re-membering the centinnial South African nation-state
- Authors: Westaway, Ashley
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Democracy -- South Africa , Homelands (South Africa) , Apartheid -- South Africa , Right of property -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (History)
- Identifier: vital:11535 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/149 , Democracy -- South Africa , Homelands (South Africa) , Apartheid -- South Africa , Right of property -- South Africa
- Description: This thesis argues that 1994 did not mark a point of absolute discontinuity in the history of South Africa. More specifically, it asserts that 1994 did not signal the end of segregationism; instead of democracy leading to national integration, the Bantustans are still governed and managed differently from the rest of the country. Consequently, it is no surprise that they remain mired in pervasive, debilitating poverty fifteen years after 1994. In insisting that contemporary South Africa is old (rather than new), the thesis seeks to make a contribution to political struggles that aim to bring to an end the segregationist past-in-the-present. The thesis is arranged in seven chapters. The first chapter considers the crisis that has engulfed South Africa historiography since 1994. It traces the roots of the crisis back to some of the fundamentals of the discipline of history, such as empiricism, neutrality and historicism. It suggests that the way to end the crisis, to re-assert the relevance of history, is for historians to re-invoke the practice of producing histories of the present, in an interested, deliberate manner. Chapter 2 narrows down the focus of the thesis to (past and present) property. It suggests that instead of understanding the constitutional protection of property rights and installation of a restitution process as the product of a compromise between adversarial negotiators, these outcomes are more correctly understood as emanating from consensus. The third chapter outlines the implementation of the restitution programme from 1994 to 2008. The productive value of restitution over this period is found not in what it has delivered to the claimants (supposedly the beneficiaries of the programme), but rather in its discursive effects related to citizenship in the new South Africa. Chapter 4 considers the exclusion of dispossession that was implemented in the Bantustans from the restitution programme. It argues that this decision was not an oversight on the part of the post-1994 government. Instead it was consistent with all other key policy decisions taken in the recent period. The Bantustans have been treated differently from the rest of South Africa; they have been deliberately under-developed, fabricated as welfare zones, and subjected to arbitrary customary rule. Whereas Chapters 2 to 4 look at the production of historical truth on the side of domination, Chapter 6 and 7 consider production on the side of resistance. Specifically, they describe and analyse the attempts of an NGO to establish the truths of betterment as dispossession, and post-1994 prejudice against the victims of betterment dispossession. They serve as case studies of third party-led processes that seek to produce truth-effects from within a prevailing truth regime. The final chapter attempts to bring many of the threads that weave through the thesis together, by means of a critical consideration of human rights discourse. The chapter calls on intellectuals to establish truths in relation to the history of ongoing human wrongs in South Africa (as opposed to the rainbow narrative of human rights) Finally, the thesis includes a postscript, comprising technical summaries of each of the chapters.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Westaway, Ashley
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Democracy -- South Africa , Homelands (South Africa) , Apartheid -- South Africa , Right of property -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (History)
- Identifier: vital:11535 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/149 , Democracy -- South Africa , Homelands (South Africa) , Apartheid -- South Africa , Right of property -- South Africa
- Description: This thesis argues that 1994 did not mark a point of absolute discontinuity in the history of South Africa. More specifically, it asserts that 1994 did not signal the end of segregationism; instead of democracy leading to national integration, the Bantustans are still governed and managed differently from the rest of the country. Consequently, it is no surprise that they remain mired in pervasive, debilitating poverty fifteen years after 1994. In insisting that contemporary South Africa is old (rather than new), the thesis seeks to make a contribution to political struggles that aim to bring to an end the segregationist past-in-the-present. The thesis is arranged in seven chapters. The first chapter considers the crisis that has engulfed South Africa historiography since 1994. It traces the roots of the crisis back to some of the fundamentals of the discipline of history, such as empiricism, neutrality and historicism. It suggests that the way to end the crisis, to re-assert the relevance of history, is for historians to re-invoke the practice of producing histories of the present, in an interested, deliberate manner. Chapter 2 narrows down the focus of the thesis to (past and present) property. It suggests that instead of understanding the constitutional protection of property rights and installation of a restitution process as the product of a compromise between adversarial negotiators, these outcomes are more correctly understood as emanating from consensus. The third chapter outlines the implementation of the restitution programme from 1994 to 2008. The productive value of restitution over this period is found not in what it has delivered to the claimants (supposedly the beneficiaries of the programme), but rather in its discursive effects related to citizenship in the new South Africa. Chapter 4 considers the exclusion of dispossession that was implemented in the Bantustans from the restitution programme. It argues that this decision was not an oversight on the part of the post-1994 government. Instead it was consistent with all other key policy decisions taken in the recent period. The Bantustans have been treated differently from the rest of South Africa; they have been deliberately under-developed, fabricated as welfare zones, and subjected to arbitrary customary rule. Whereas Chapters 2 to 4 look at the production of historical truth on the side of domination, Chapter 6 and 7 consider production on the side of resistance. Specifically, they describe and analyse the attempts of an NGO to establish the truths of betterment as dispossession, and post-1994 prejudice against the victims of betterment dispossession. They serve as case studies of third party-led processes that seek to produce truth-effects from within a prevailing truth regime. The final chapter attempts to bring many of the threads that weave through the thesis together, by means of a critical consideration of human rights discourse. The chapter calls on intellectuals to establish truths in relation to the history of ongoing human wrongs in South Africa (as opposed to the rainbow narrative of human rights) Finally, the thesis includes a postscript, comprising technical summaries of each of the chapters.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Benchmark value chain clusters, agglomeration economies and dynamic externalities : an intergrated approach to regional economic development
- Authors: Zeelie, Eben Johannes
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Industrial clusters , Regional economics , Regional economic disparities , Economic development , Regional planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: vital:8594 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1086 , Industrial clusters , Regional economics , Regional economic disparities , Economic development , Regional planning
- Description: From the broad overview of the cluster literature, the proposition emerges that the manipulation of regional economic structural and cluster factor conditions within a geographically proximate region can translate into sustainable regional economic growth outcomes. As a first step in exploring this research, a theoretical framework for the conceptualisation of industry clusters was established and a methodological framework applied to statistically identify major manufacturing value chain clusters in the Eastern Cape Province. This methodology combines a strength-of-linkage measure for all pairs of supply and use sectors (as revealed in the systematic analysis of intermediate purchasing and sales patterns in the South African Final Supply and Use Tables: 2002) with the application of Ward’s hierarchical cluster algorithm to map the national benchmark value chain clusters in the South African national economy. The ensuing national value chain benchmark cluster framework was then transposed to the Eastern Cape Province to reveal cluster concentrations and gaps that exist in the value chain clusters in the province. The methodology applied in this study provides an objective and clear perspective of inter-industry linkages in the South African economy and produces more detailed and evenly distributed clusters than traditional cluster identification methodologies. Secondary linkages were determined for each of the twenty-six core value chain clusters to depict the diversity of sectors linked to the respective core clusters. In transposing the national benchmark value chain cluster framework onto the Eastern Cape Province economy, a number of distinct advantages emerge. Firstly, it reveals gaps in value chain cluster groupings that may be filled through industry recruiting or regional business development strategies. However, not all industries absent from value chain clusters in the region are equally attractive for recruitment. Henceforth, the number of direct and indirect linkages to industries absent from the Eastern Cape Province serves as a measure of their relative attractiveness when considering their recruitment into the region. vi The benchmark value chain cluster framework alone does not explain which agglomeration externalities are generated and exploited within each cluster, but it served as the overarching framework for the remainder of the research. Accordingly, the value chain cluster framework was applied to evidence whether specialisation, competition or diversity (represented by MAR, Porter and Jacobs economies respectively) is the operative mechanism in generating cluster growth in the Eastern Cape Province. Since agglomeration externalities are not directly observable, construct-valid indicators for the various externalities, as well as appropriate mechanisms to empirically assess the statistical relevance of MAR-, Porter and Jacobs economies in stimulating cluster growth, were established. This thesis added to agglomeration literature by disaggregating the standard measure of diversity externalities into two unique diversity indicators, namely supply diversity (SDiv) and use diversity (UDiv). The SDiv- and UDiv coefficients measure the degree to which a value chain cluster’s supplying/user sectoral mix at provincial level differs from that of the cluster grouping at the national level. This distinction between supply-and use diversity developed in this study firstly provides a clearer insight into the relative regional presence of supplying- and using sectors to the various value chain clusters, and secondly, serves as a useful mechanism to regional policymakers in identifying industries that may be targeted for investment into a region. Therefore, by separating the diversity into its two components, a clear distinction can be drawn between the impact of supplying- and using sectors on value chain cluster growth in a particular region. From a narrow perspective, the empirical findings validate both the Marshall Arrow Romer- (small positive impact of regional cluster concentration) and the Jacobs theory (significant positive impact of cluster supply- and use diversity on cluster growth), while it invalidates Porter’s theory (no correlation between competition and cluster performance). The positive effect size recorded between the level of value chain cluster concentration and differential growth indicates that policy makers in the Eastern Cape Province will be well advised to direct growth interventions towards larger concentrated clusters, than towards smaller, incipient value chain clusters. Additionally, vii the effectiveness of targeted inward FDI to the Eastern Cape Province may be raised by evaluating the economic impact against current value chain cluster structure, as well as the effect on the supply- and use diversities of existing value chain clusters in the province. This thesis has also illustrated that value chain clusters that are concentrated in the region, show a positive effect size with the level of supply diversity in the region. Conversely, value chain clusters that reflect high levels of competitiveness record a positive effect size with use diversity. Policy interventions aimed at raising the performance of value chain clusters typified by smaller players in a competitive environment, should therefore consider raising the respective levels of use diversity in the region. This research awakens the proposition that a reliance on a serendipitous approach to generate dynamic externalities is not sufficient, and that certain factor conditions favour the transfer of tacit knowledge between cluster members. Accordingly, this research empirically explored whether statistically significant relationships can be detected between the common cluster elements, or factor conditions, that serve as conduits for the transfer of dynamic externalities and value chain cluster growth in the Eastern Cape Province. The findings indicate that linkages with knowledge generating institutions in the Eastern Cape Province do, albeit to a relatively small extent, have an impact on value chain cluster growth, and validates the assertion that cognitive enhancing institutions contribute to cluster growth. The importance of backward and forward linkages in nurturing regional growth is signified by the moderate effect size recorded by the level of vertical linkages and total value chain cluster growth. Similarly, a moderate effect size was recorded between the level of horizontal linkages and value chain cluster growth, which shows that cooperation amongst competing firms do stimulate cluster and regional growth in the Eastern Cape Province and affirms the proposition that inter-firm linkages on both vertical- and horizontal levels stimulate cluster growth. An expectation was that the institutional framework conditions would have a significant impact on value chain cluster growth in the Eastern Cape Province. However, the empirical findings reflect that the institutional framework conditions have no statistical impact on value chain cluster growth. The study also found a moderate, positive effect size between value chain cluster size (number of employees) and growth, which shows viii that size matters in regional growth. In other words, in contrast to their European counterparts, the larger the number of employees per value chain cluster, the greater the impact on value chain cluster growth in the Eastern Cape Province.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Zeelie, Eben Johannes
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Industrial clusters , Regional economics , Regional economic disparities , Economic development , Regional planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: vital:8594 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1086 , Industrial clusters , Regional economics , Regional economic disparities , Economic development , Regional planning
- Description: From the broad overview of the cluster literature, the proposition emerges that the manipulation of regional economic structural and cluster factor conditions within a geographically proximate region can translate into sustainable regional economic growth outcomes. As a first step in exploring this research, a theoretical framework for the conceptualisation of industry clusters was established and a methodological framework applied to statistically identify major manufacturing value chain clusters in the Eastern Cape Province. This methodology combines a strength-of-linkage measure for all pairs of supply and use sectors (as revealed in the systematic analysis of intermediate purchasing and sales patterns in the South African Final Supply and Use Tables: 2002) with the application of Ward’s hierarchical cluster algorithm to map the national benchmark value chain clusters in the South African national economy. The ensuing national value chain benchmark cluster framework was then transposed to the Eastern Cape Province to reveal cluster concentrations and gaps that exist in the value chain clusters in the province. The methodology applied in this study provides an objective and clear perspective of inter-industry linkages in the South African economy and produces more detailed and evenly distributed clusters than traditional cluster identification methodologies. Secondary linkages were determined for each of the twenty-six core value chain clusters to depict the diversity of sectors linked to the respective core clusters. In transposing the national benchmark value chain cluster framework onto the Eastern Cape Province economy, a number of distinct advantages emerge. Firstly, it reveals gaps in value chain cluster groupings that may be filled through industry recruiting or regional business development strategies. However, not all industries absent from value chain clusters in the region are equally attractive for recruitment. Henceforth, the number of direct and indirect linkages to industries absent from the Eastern Cape Province serves as a measure of their relative attractiveness when considering their recruitment into the region. vi The benchmark value chain cluster framework alone does not explain which agglomeration externalities are generated and exploited within each cluster, but it served as the overarching framework for the remainder of the research. Accordingly, the value chain cluster framework was applied to evidence whether specialisation, competition or diversity (represented by MAR, Porter and Jacobs economies respectively) is the operative mechanism in generating cluster growth in the Eastern Cape Province. Since agglomeration externalities are not directly observable, construct-valid indicators for the various externalities, as well as appropriate mechanisms to empirically assess the statistical relevance of MAR-, Porter and Jacobs economies in stimulating cluster growth, were established. This thesis added to agglomeration literature by disaggregating the standard measure of diversity externalities into two unique diversity indicators, namely supply diversity (SDiv) and use diversity (UDiv). The SDiv- and UDiv coefficients measure the degree to which a value chain cluster’s supplying/user sectoral mix at provincial level differs from that of the cluster grouping at the national level. This distinction between supply-and use diversity developed in this study firstly provides a clearer insight into the relative regional presence of supplying- and using sectors to the various value chain clusters, and secondly, serves as a useful mechanism to regional policymakers in identifying industries that may be targeted for investment into a region. Therefore, by separating the diversity into its two components, a clear distinction can be drawn between the impact of supplying- and using sectors on value chain cluster growth in a particular region. From a narrow perspective, the empirical findings validate both the Marshall Arrow Romer- (small positive impact of regional cluster concentration) and the Jacobs theory (significant positive impact of cluster supply- and use diversity on cluster growth), while it invalidates Porter’s theory (no correlation between competition and cluster performance). The positive effect size recorded between the level of value chain cluster concentration and differential growth indicates that policy makers in the Eastern Cape Province will be well advised to direct growth interventions towards larger concentrated clusters, than towards smaller, incipient value chain clusters. Additionally, vii the effectiveness of targeted inward FDI to the Eastern Cape Province may be raised by evaluating the economic impact against current value chain cluster structure, as well as the effect on the supply- and use diversities of existing value chain clusters in the province. This thesis has also illustrated that value chain clusters that are concentrated in the region, show a positive effect size with the level of supply diversity in the region. Conversely, value chain clusters that reflect high levels of competitiveness record a positive effect size with use diversity. Policy interventions aimed at raising the performance of value chain clusters typified by smaller players in a competitive environment, should therefore consider raising the respective levels of use diversity in the region. This research awakens the proposition that a reliance on a serendipitous approach to generate dynamic externalities is not sufficient, and that certain factor conditions favour the transfer of tacit knowledge between cluster members. Accordingly, this research empirically explored whether statistically significant relationships can be detected between the common cluster elements, or factor conditions, that serve as conduits for the transfer of dynamic externalities and value chain cluster growth in the Eastern Cape Province. The findings indicate that linkages with knowledge generating institutions in the Eastern Cape Province do, albeit to a relatively small extent, have an impact on value chain cluster growth, and validates the assertion that cognitive enhancing institutions contribute to cluster growth. The importance of backward and forward linkages in nurturing regional growth is signified by the moderate effect size recorded by the level of vertical linkages and total value chain cluster growth. Similarly, a moderate effect size was recorded between the level of horizontal linkages and value chain cluster growth, which shows that cooperation amongst competing firms do stimulate cluster and regional growth in the Eastern Cape Province and affirms the proposition that inter-firm linkages on both vertical- and horizontal levels stimulate cluster growth. An expectation was that the institutional framework conditions would have a significant impact on value chain cluster growth in the Eastern Cape Province. However, the empirical findings reflect that the institutional framework conditions have no statistical impact on value chain cluster growth. The study also found a moderate, positive effect size between value chain cluster size (number of employees) and growth, which shows viii that size matters in regional growth. In other words, in contrast to their European counterparts, the larger the number of employees per value chain cluster, the greater the impact on value chain cluster growth in the Eastern Cape Province.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Between self and author : an autoethnographic approach towards the crafting of reflexive compositions in post graduate drama studies
- Authors: Moyo, Awelani Lena
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Drama -- Study and teachng (Higher) College and school drama
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2143 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002375
- Description: This thesis explores the merits of reflexivity in the processes of creating a performance and of performing research in Drama Studies. In it, I make a case for the validity of autobiographical material as an aid to generating such reflexivity. Through an autoethnographic case study of my work entitled Compositions (a series of performance projects) in which I focus on the theme of migration, I provide an indepth account of my experiences, focusing specifically on the interrelated concerns of body, space and journey in my ritualistic performance. My examination explores the dynamic effects of liminality within identity politics, through which I foreground several issues of concern which I have encountered as an emerging scholar and theatremaker working within an academic institution. I propose that the process of studying drama in a University ultimately requires one to continually negotiate a range of subject positions, whilst finding connections between these various identities that one may take up during the course of one’s studies. By developing an awareness of the overlapping of such identities and inhabiting the spaces in-between subject positions, I demonstrate how taking into account one’s personal lived experience can help illuminate one’s understanding of both the work of art and the research report, as well as the broader contexts in which such practice-based work exists. I illustrate how such an understanding has ultimately maximised the knowledge and learning that I have gathered, and has contributed to the crucial project of developing my authorial voice in writing and performance, which is central to the aims of the Master of Arts degree in Drama.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Moyo, Awelani Lena
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Drama -- Study and teachng (Higher) College and school drama
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2143 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002375
- Description: This thesis explores the merits of reflexivity in the processes of creating a performance and of performing research in Drama Studies. In it, I make a case for the validity of autobiographical material as an aid to generating such reflexivity. Through an autoethnographic case study of my work entitled Compositions (a series of performance projects) in which I focus on the theme of migration, I provide an indepth account of my experiences, focusing specifically on the interrelated concerns of body, space and journey in my ritualistic performance. My examination explores the dynamic effects of liminality within identity politics, through which I foreground several issues of concern which I have encountered as an emerging scholar and theatremaker working within an academic institution. I propose that the process of studying drama in a University ultimately requires one to continually negotiate a range of subject positions, whilst finding connections between these various identities that one may take up during the course of one’s studies. By developing an awareness of the overlapping of such identities and inhabiting the spaces in-between subject positions, I demonstrate how taking into account one’s personal lived experience can help illuminate one’s understanding of both the work of art and the research report, as well as the broader contexts in which such practice-based work exists. I illustrate how such an understanding has ultimately maximised the knowledge and learning that I have gathered, and has contributed to the crucial project of developing my authorial voice in writing and performance, which is central to the aims of the Master of Arts degree in Drama.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Bioconditioning and nitrogen fertility effects of selected cyanobacteria strains on two degraded soils in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Maqubela, Mfundo Phakama
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Nostoc , Cyanobacteria , Soil fertility -- Testing , Soils -- Nitrogen content , Cyanobacteria -- Biotechnology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Soil Science)
- Identifier: vital:11959 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/558 , Nostoc , Cyanobacteria , Soil fertility -- Testing , Soils -- Nitrogen content , Cyanobacteria -- Biotechnology
- Description: Some cyanobacteria strains have biofertilization and bioconditioning effects in soils. The objective of this study was to identify cyanobacteria with potential to improve the N fertility and structural stability of degraded soils and evaluate their effectiveness in soils of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Isolation and characterization of the indigenous cyanobacteria strains with desirable properties was first to be undertaken because their effects are known to differ from strain to strain. Cyanobacteria strains 3g, 3v, and 7e were identified from 97 strains isolated from selected soils. Nostoc strains 3g and 3v had greater ability to produce exocellular polysaccharides (EPS) but low potential to fix atmospheric N2 (4.7 and 1.3 nmol C2H4 μg chl-1 h-1, respectively). On the other hand, strain 7e had the highest capability to fix atmospheric N2 (16.1 nmol C2H4 μg chl-1 h-1) but had the least ability to produce EPS. Evaluation of the strains was done in glasshouse studies starting with Nostoc strain 9v isolated from a Tanzanian soil, followed by the indigenous strains isolated from soils in Hertzog and Qunu, South Africa. Inoculation was done by uniformly applying cyanobacteria on the surface of potted soils at a rate of 6 g m-2. First harvest and soil sampling took place after six weeks, and the top 25 mm of the soil was mixed, replanted, and sampled again after a further six weeks (second harvest). Inoculation with Nostoc strain 9v increased soil N by 40 percent and 17 percent in Guquka and Hertzog soils, respectively, and consequently increased maize dry matter yields by 40 and 49 percent. Soil C increased by 27 percent and 8 percent in Guquka and Hertzog soils, respectively, and this increase was significantly associated with that of soil N (R2 = 0.838). Higher contents of soil C, soil N and mineral N, however, were found in non-cropped soils. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed coatings of EPS on soil particles and fragments of non-cropped inoculated soils, with iii other particles enmeshed in networks of filaments, in contrast to cropped and/or non-inoculated soils. The proportion of very stable aggregates was increased by inoculation but cropping with maize reduced the aggregate stability. Inoculating Hertzog soil with indigenous strains 3g and 7e increased the nitrate N in the first cropping by 49 percent and 69 percent respectively, in cropped soils. In the second cropping increases in mineral N were 41 percent and 43 percent in 3g and 7e inoculated soils, respectively. Maize dry matter yields were higher on inoculated soils both in the first and second harvest in response to the improved N status of the soil. Increases in aggregate MWD in cropped soil as determined by fast wetting, mechanical breakdown and slow wetting were 85 percent, 33 percent, 33 percent, respectively, for 3g inoculation, 64 percent, 41 percent, and 41 percent, respectively, for 7e inoculation and 60 percent, 24 percent, 50 percent for inoculation with 9v. In non-cropped soil, increases in MWD as determined by fast wetting, mechanical breakdown and slow wetting were 11 percent, 0 percent, 7 percent, respectively for 3g inoculation, 21 percent, 11 percent, and 7 percent, respectively for 7e inoculation, and 25 percent, 36 percent, and 19 percent for strain 9v inoculation. Scanning electron microscopy observations, which were confirmed by chemical results, revealed that inoculated soils had high EPS and filaments that encouraged soil aggregation and improved aggregate stability. Results of this study show that cyanobacteria strains isolated and selected for their ability to fix atmospheric N2 and produce EPS improved the fertility status and aggregate stability of degraded soils from South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Maqubela, Mfundo Phakama
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Nostoc , Cyanobacteria , Soil fertility -- Testing , Soils -- Nitrogen content , Cyanobacteria -- Biotechnology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Soil Science)
- Identifier: vital:11959 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/558 , Nostoc , Cyanobacteria , Soil fertility -- Testing , Soils -- Nitrogen content , Cyanobacteria -- Biotechnology
- Description: Some cyanobacteria strains have biofertilization and bioconditioning effects in soils. The objective of this study was to identify cyanobacteria with potential to improve the N fertility and structural stability of degraded soils and evaluate their effectiveness in soils of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Isolation and characterization of the indigenous cyanobacteria strains with desirable properties was first to be undertaken because their effects are known to differ from strain to strain. Cyanobacteria strains 3g, 3v, and 7e were identified from 97 strains isolated from selected soils. Nostoc strains 3g and 3v had greater ability to produce exocellular polysaccharides (EPS) but low potential to fix atmospheric N2 (4.7 and 1.3 nmol C2H4 μg chl-1 h-1, respectively). On the other hand, strain 7e had the highest capability to fix atmospheric N2 (16.1 nmol C2H4 μg chl-1 h-1) but had the least ability to produce EPS. Evaluation of the strains was done in glasshouse studies starting with Nostoc strain 9v isolated from a Tanzanian soil, followed by the indigenous strains isolated from soils in Hertzog and Qunu, South Africa. Inoculation was done by uniformly applying cyanobacteria on the surface of potted soils at a rate of 6 g m-2. First harvest and soil sampling took place after six weeks, and the top 25 mm of the soil was mixed, replanted, and sampled again after a further six weeks (second harvest). Inoculation with Nostoc strain 9v increased soil N by 40 percent and 17 percent in Guquka and Hertzog soils, respectively, and consequently increased maize dry matter yields by 40 and 49 percent. Soil C increased by 27 percent and 8 percent in Guquka and Hertzog soils, respectively, and this increase was significantly associated with that of soil N (R2 = 0.838). Higher contents of soil C, soil N and mineral N, however, were found in non-cropped soils. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed coatings of EPS on soil particles and fragments of non-cropped inoculated soils, with iii other particles enmeshed in networks of filaments, in contrast to cropped and/or non-inoculated soils. The proportion of very stable aggregates was increased by inoculation but cropping with maize reduced the aggregate stability. Inoculating Hertzog soil with indigenous strains 3g and 7e increased the nitrate N in the first cropping by 49 percent and 69 percent respectively, in cropped soils. In the second cropping increases in mineral N were 41 percent and 43 percent in 3g and 7e inoculated soils, respectively. Maize dry matter yields were higher on inoculated soils both in the first and second harvest in response to the improved N status of the soil. Increases in aggregate MWD in cropped soil as determined by fast wetting, mechanical breakdown and slow wetting were 85 percent, 33 percent, 33 percent, respectively, for 3g inoculation, 64 percent, 41 percent, and 41 percent, respectively, for 7e inoculation and 60 percent, 24 percent, 50 percent for inoculation with 9v. In non-cropped soil, increases in MWD as determined by fast wetting, mechanical breakdown and slow wetting were 11 percent, 0 percent, 7 percent, respectively for 3g inoculation, 21 percent, 11 percent, and 7 percent, respectively for 7e inoculation, and 25 percent, 36 percent, and 19 percent for strain 9v inoculation. Scanning electron microscopy observations, which were confirmed by chemical results, revealed that inoculated soils had high EPS and filaments that encouraged soil aggregation and improved aggregate stability. Results of this study show that cyanobacteria strains isolated and selected for their ability to fix atmospheric N2 and produce EPS improved the fertility status and aggregate stability of degraded soils from South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Biological activities of medicinal plants traditionally used to treat Septicaemia in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Chinyama, Robert Fred
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Materia medica, Vegetable -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Traditional medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Herbs -- Therapeutic use -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10119 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1274 , Materia medica, Vegetable -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Traditional medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Herbs -- Therapeutic use -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Over the past 25 years, there has been a resurgence of worldwide scientific research in the fields of ethnopharmacology. The Western world has acknowledged the continued use of traditional medicines by the majority of third world countries, and the need for novel drug development. Hence, much of the pharmaceutical research in recent years has focused on the ethnobotanical approach to drug discovery (Light et al., 2005). In South Africa, as in most developing parts of the world, traditional herbal medicine still forms the backbone of rural healthcare. The government health services in South Africa provide only western medical care although the majority of the population consult traditional healers for some or all of their healthcare needs (McGaw et al., 2005). Medicinal plants like Harpephyllum caffrum are used as blood purifiers or emetics (Watt and Breyer-Brandwijk, 1962), and also for treating acne and eczema. The antimicrobial activity of this plant can be used to treat septicaemia, which is ranked the sixth leading cause of death among neonates and the eighth leading cause of death for infants through the first year of life (Heron, 2007). In this study, the plants investigated for antimicrobial activity were Harpephyllum caffrum, Hermannia cuneifolia, Chironia baccifera, Rhigozum obovatum, Felicia muricata and Pentzia incana. These plants were tested against ATTC (American Type Culture Collection) strains and microorganisms isolated from clinical isolates of patients suffering from septicaemia. The assay methods used included the agar diffusion method using the Mast multipoint inoculator, the microtitre dilution method were used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration, thin layer chromatography fingerprints accompanied by bioautographic assay were used to detect the inhibition of bacterial growth by active compounds separated from plant extracts and the Ames test was required to assess the possibility of bacterial mutagenesis upon the exposure to plant extracts which can lead to carcinogenicity. In agar diffusion method, extracts of Harpephyllum caffrum inhibited nine strains of Candida albicans, three species of Acinetobacter and four strains of E.faecalis. Extracts of Hermannia cuneifolia inhibited four strains of B.cereus and three strains of Staphylococcus aureus. Extracts of Chironia baccifera inhibited one strain of Acinetobacter and five strains of E.faecalis. Extracts of plants Rhigozum obovatum, Felicia muricata, and Pentzia incana showed no antimicrobial activity. In the microtitre dilution method used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), the results were different from the agar diffusion method. More activity was observed. Extracts of Harpephyllum caffrum inhibited three strains of E.coli, six strains of S.aureus, three species of Acinetobacter and one strain of Klebsiella pneumonia. Extracts of Hermannia cuneifolia inhibited four strains of B.cereus, three strains of S.aureus, two strains of K.oxytoca and one species of Acinetobacter. Extracts of Chironia baccifera inhibited three strains of S.aureus, one strain of MRSA, one species of Acinetobacter and one strain of S.haemolyticus. The MIC values ranged from 0.049 to 6.25mg/ml. Using the thin layer chromatography fingerprints, bioautography showed the presence of various inhibitory chemical compounds. Methanol and acetone extracts of Harpephyllum caffrum, separated very well and showed various inhibition zones on exposure to Candida albicans, Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus. The different inhibition zones were recorded as Rf In the Ames test (Maron and Ames, 1983) the methanol and acetone extracts of Harpephyllum caffrum and Hermannia cuneifolia were negative which means they were devoid of any mutagenic properties. Methanol extracts of Harpephyllum caffrum showed similar results in the Ames assay as reported by Verschaeve and Van Staden (2008). values ranging from 0.25 to 0.95. The zones indicate the different inhibiting chemical compounds present in the plant. Petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, chloroform and formic acid were the solvents used in the assay in the ratio 8:7:5:1, respectively. Establishing the antimicrobial activity of these plants contribute to the systematic scientific investigation of indigenous South African medicinal plants.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Chinyama, Robert Fred
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Materia medica, Vegetable -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Traditional medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Herbs -- Therapeutic use -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10119 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1274 , Materia medica, Vegetable -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Traditional medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Herbs -- Therapeutic use -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Over the past 25 years, there has been a resurgence of worldwide scientific research in the fields of ethnopharmacology. The Western world has acknowledged the continued use of traditional medicines by the majority of third world countries, and the need for novel drug development. Hence, much of the pharmaceutical research in recent years has focused on the ethnobotanical approach to drug discovery (Light et al., 2005). In South Africa, as in most developing parts of the world, traditional herbal medicine still forms the backbone of rural healthcare. The government health services in South Africa provide only western medical care although the majority of the population consult traditional healers for some or all of their healthcare needs (McGaw et al., 2005). Medicinal plants like Harpephyllum caffrum are used as blood purifiers or emetics (Watt and Breyer-Brandwijk, 1962), and also for treating acne and eczema. The antimicrobial activity of this plant can be used to treat septicaemia, which is ranked the sixth leading cause of death among neonates and the eighth leading cause of death for infants through the first year of life (Heron, 2007). In this study, the plants investigated for antimicrobial activity were Harpephyllum caffrum, Hermannia cuneifolia, Chironia baccifera, Rhigozum obovatum, Felicia muricata and Pentzia incana. These plants were tested against ATTC (American Type Culture Collection) strains and microorganisms isolated from clinical isolates of patients suffering from septicaemia. The assay methods used included the agar diffusion method using the Mast multipoint inoculator, the microtitre dilution method were used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration, thin layer chromatography fingerprints accompanied by bioautographic assay were used to detect the inhibition of bacterial growth by active compounds separated from plant extracts and the Ames test was required to assess the possibility of bacterial mutagenesis upon the exposure to plant extracts which can lead to carcinogenicity. In agar diffusion method, extracts of Harpephyllum caffrum inhibited nine strains of Candida albicans, three species of Acinetobacter and four strains of E.faecalis. Extracts of Hermannia cuneifolia inhibited four strains of B.cereus and three strains of Staphylococcus aureus. Extracts of Chironia baccifera inhibited one strain of Acinetobacter and five strains of E.faecalis. Extracts of plants Rhigozum obovatum, Felicia muricata, and Pentzia incana showed no antimicrobial activity. In the microtitre dilution method used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), the results were different from the agar diffusion method. More activity was observed. Extracts of Harpephyllum caffrum inhibited three strains of E.coli, six strains of S.aureus, three species of Acinetobacter and one strain of Klebsiella pneumonia. Extracts of Hermannia cuneifolia inhibited four strains of B.cereus, three strains of S.aureus, two strains of K.oxytoca and one species of Acinetobacter. Extracts of Chironia baccifera inhibited three strains of S.aureus, one strain of MRSA, one species of Acinetobacter and one strain of S.haemolyticus. The MIC values ranged from 0.049 to 6.25mg/ml. Using the thin layer chromatography fingerprints, bioautography showed the presence of various inhibitory chemical compounds. Methanol and acetone extracts of Harpephyllum caffrum, separated very well and showed various inhibition zones on exposure to Candida albicans, Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus. The different inhibition zones were recorded as Rf In the Ames test (Maron and Ames, 1983) the methanol and acetone extracts of Harpephyllum caffrum and Hermannia cuneifolia were negative which means they were devoid of any mutagenic properties. Methanol extracts of Harpephyllum caffrum showed similar results in the Ames assay as reported by Verschaeve and Van Staden (2008). values ranging from 0.25 to 0.95. The zones indicate the different inhibiting chemical compounds present in the plant. Petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, chloroform and formic acid were the solvents used in the assay in the ratio 8:7:5:1, respectively. Establishing the antimicrobial activity of these plants contribute to the systematic scientific investigation of indigenous South African medicinal plants.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Bond market development in emerging economies: a case study of the Bond Exchange of South Africa (BESA)
- Authors: Hove, Tagara
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Bond Exchange of South Africa , Bond market -- South Africa , Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:961 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002695 , Bond Exchange of South Africa , Bond market -- South Africa , Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa
- Description: This study looks at the development of bond markets in emerging economies and focuses on the development of the Bond Exchange of South Africa (BESA). It explores the history, structure, performance and key issues related to the development of this market within the broader context of domestic, regional and global bond market development. BESA's experience provides valuable lessons for other emerging market economies also seeking to build bond markets. The sophistication of the local bond market is not enough to make it appealing to foreign borrowers. Market development demands an enabling market infrastructure and a background of macroeconomic stability, diversified market participants, deregulation of capital flows and an appropriate regulatory and supervisory environment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Hove, Tagara
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Bond Exchange of South Africa , Bond market -- South Africa , Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:961 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002695 , Bond Exchange of South Africa , Bond market -- South Africa , Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa
- Description: This study looks at the development of bond markets in emerging economies and focuses on the development of the Bond Exchange of South Africa (BESA). It explores the history, structure, performance and key issues related to the development of this market within the broader context of domestic, regional and global bond market development. BESA's experience provides valuable lessons for other emerging market economies also seeking to build bond markets. The sophistication of the local bond market is not enough to make it appealing to foreign borrowers. Market development demands an enabling market infrastructure and a background of macroeconomic stability, diversified market participants, deregulation of capital flows and an appropriate regulatory and supervisory environment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Breaking down subtle and implicit racial divides in higher education institutions : an educational management perspective
- Toni, Mademoiselle Noluthando
- Authors: Toni, Mademoiselle Noluthando
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Racism in higher education -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Educational change -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DEd
- Identifier: vital:9529 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/876 , Racism in higher education -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Educational change -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: This thesis examined the manifestations of the various forms of racism in a South African institution of higher learning, the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU). The study further attempted to confront racism from the perspective of finding ways in which human relations of a diversified higher education population could be improved. As the issue at hand in this study relates to racism, critical race theory (CRT) was explored in an attempt to understand different perceptions and ways of dealing with racial inequality. CRT recognizes the complexities of racism and the construction of race as a way of justifying political, economic and social inequality (Stovall, 2006:247). This understanding played a role in making sense of perceived racial discrimination which is also connected to gender, age and social class. CRT conceptual tools, such as stories and counter stories featured strongly in the data collection process. Understanding the relationships of power, race and racism, as advocated by CRT, was vital in the process of analyzing data, reporting on the findings, and the proposed recommendations. The empirical data and literature provided insight in the design of a ‘Wheel of Humanity’ which serves as a succinct portrayal of ideas that can work in nurturing acceptable, to better, human relations. The study revealed that Meta-stereotypes influenced the perceptions of racist attitudes, behaviours and practices. As much as overt forms of racism were reported as minimal, subtle and implicit forms still exist, and are aggravated by the ‘culture of power’ that is taken for granted. The success of initiatives designed for the purposes of going beyond race, and adopting a humane approach in instilling the principles of ubuntu, depends on changing attitudes and preconceived ideas.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Toni, Mademoiselle Noluthando
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Racism in higher education -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Educational change -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DEd
- Identifier: vital:9529 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/876 , Racism in higher education -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Educational change -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: This thesis examined the manifestations of the various forms of racism in a South African institution of higher learning, the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU). The study further attempted to confront racism from the perspective of finding ways in which human relations of a diversified higher education population could be improved. As the issue at hand in this study relates to racism, critical race theory (CRT) was explored in an attempt to understand different perceptions and ways of dealing with racial inequality. CRT recognizes the complexities of racism and the construction of race as a way of justifying political, economic and social inequality (Stovall, 2006:247). This understanding played a role in making sense of perceived racial discrimination which is also connected to gender, age and social class. CRT conceptual tools, such as stories and counter stories featured strongly in the data collection process. Understanding the relationships of power, race and racism, as advocated by CRT, was vital in the process of analyzing data, reporting on the findings, and the proposed recommendations. The empirical data and literature provided insight in the design of a ‘Wheel of Humanity’ which serves as a succinct portrayal of ideas that can work in nurturing acceptable, to better, human relations. The study revealed that Meta-stereotypes influenced the perceptions of racist attitudes, behaviours and practices. As much as overt forms of racism were reported as minimal, subtle and implicit forms still exist, and are aggravated by the ‘culture of power’ that is taken for granted. The success of initiatives designed for the purposes of going beyond race, and adopting a humane approach in instilling the principles of ubuntu, depends on changing attitudes and preconceived ideas.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Call centres as a vehicle to improve customer satisfaction in local government: a case study of front line workers in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality
- Authors: Magoqwana, Babalwa Mirianda
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality (Eastern Cape, South Africa) Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies Public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies Work environment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies Customer services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies Customer satisfaction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies Call center agents -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3340 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004339
- Description: This dissertation provides an account of 'Batho Pele' (People First) and 'new public management' as applied in two government call-centres in the Eastern Cape. Focusing on the workers at these call-centres, this research examines the workplace organisation of these call-centres based in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality. The study involved interviews with managers, call-centre operators and trade unionists. The findings show how the work environment is not conducive to the goals of customer satisfaction as presented in the Batho Pele policies. The research investigates the conditions of workers as one explanatory factor for poor call-centre service. If workers are a key element in the success of the 'new public management', their work environment and conditions have to facilitate their job satisfaction and their improved customer service. The research demonstrated the evident lack of professionalism in the call-centre, customer care designed as a matter of compliance rather the need to change the culture and the persistent lack of discipline and supervision. The call centre operator's experiences include issues of surveillance, stress, emotional labour, lack of training, internal conflicts and bad 'customer service' as perceived by the citizens of the Metro.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Magoqwana, Babalwa Mirianda
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality (Eastern Cape, South Africa) Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies Public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies Work environment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies Customer services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies Customer satisfaction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies Call center agents -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3340 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004339
- Description: This dissertation provides an account of 'Batho Pele' (People First) and 'new public management' as applied in two government call-centres in the Eastern Cape. Focusing on the workers at these call-centres, this research examines the workplace organisation of these call-centres based in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality. The study involved interviews with managers, call-centre operators and trade unionists. The findings show how the work environment is not conducive to the goals of customer satisfaction as presented in the Batho Pele policies. The research investigates the conditions of workers as one explanatory factor for poor call-centre service. If workers are a key element in the success of the 'new public management', their work environment and conditions have to facilitate their job satisfaction and their improved customer service. The research demonstrated the evident lack of professionalism in the call-centre, customer care designed as a matter of compliance rather the need to change the culture and the persistent lack of discipline and supervision. The call centre operator's experiences include issues of surveillance, stress, emotional labour, lack of training, internal conflicts and bad 'customer service' as perceived by the citizens of the Metro.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Cattle production on communal rangelands of South Africa and the potential of acacia karroo in improving Nguni beef production
- Authors: Mapiye, Cletos
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Nguni cattle -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Beef cattle -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Beef cattle breeds -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Beef cattle -- Breeding -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Communal rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Grazing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Range management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11161 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1000989 , Nguni cattle -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Beef cattle -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Beef cattle breeds -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Beef cattle -- Breeding -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Communal rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Grazing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Range management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Mapiye, Cletos
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Nguni cattle -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Beef cattle -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Beef cattle breeds -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Beef cattle -- Breeding -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Communal rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Grazing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Range management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11161 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1000989 , Nguni cattle -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Beef cattle -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Beef cattle breeds -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Beef cattle -- Breeding -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Communal rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Grazing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Range management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Causes and consequences of the shortage of electrical artisans at Eskom
- Authors: Toni, Thami
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Underemployment , Manpower
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8730 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/864 , Underemployment , Manpower
- Description: The aim of this research was to examine the causes and consequences of the shortage of electrical artisans at Eskom, using the Southern Region as a case study. Eskom used to be one of the leading public enterprises in the training of artisans to fulfil its own demand as well as to meet industry demand. This research reveals that this is no longer the case. Eskom Southern Region, a sub-division of Eskom Holdings, employs about 1700 employees. More than three quarters of these employees are employed in departments that utilise mostly electrical artisans. Natural attrition and the curtailment on the number of employees indentured and trained as electrical artisans has presented the Eskom Southern Region with a skills acquisition and retention challenge. Against this background, the study sought to discover how far Eskom Southern Region implements training and development interventions and recruitment and retention strategies in response to skill shortages. The study is based on a review of literature on skill shortages, a questionnaire opinion survey on skill shortages completed by employees at Eskom Southern Region, document study, and interviews with relevant stakeholders. The empirical study confirmed the findings of the research and skills shortages were identified for particular positions employing electrical artisans. The results show worsening skill shortages and hard-to-fill vacancies. The study proposes recommendations that encompass strategic responses, workplace-based strategies, and training-based strategies to address the shortage of electrical artisans.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Toni, Thami
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Underemployment , Manpower
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8730 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/864 , Underemployment , Manpower
- Description: The aim of this research was to examine the causes and consequences of the shortage of electrical artisans at Eskom, using the Southern Region as a case study. Eskom used to be one of the leading public enterprises in the training of artisans to fulfil its own demand as well as to meet industry demand. This research reveals that this is no longer the case. Eskom Southern Region, a sub-division of Eskom Holdings, employs about 1700 employees. More than three quarters of these employees are employed in departments that utilise mostly electrical artisans. Natural attrition and the curtailment on the number of employees indentured and trained as electrical artisans has presented the Eskom Southern Region with a skills acquisition and retention challenge. Against this background, the study sought to discover how far Eskom Southern Region implements training and development interventions and recruitment and retention strategies in response to skill shortages. The study is based on a review of literature on skill shortages, a questionnaire opinion survey on skill shortages completed by employees at Eskom Southern Region, document study, and interviews with relevant stakeholders. The empirical study confirmed the findings of the research and skills shortages were identified for particular positions employing electrical artisans. The results show worsening skill shortages and hard-to-fill vacancies. The study proposes recommendations that encompass strategic responses, workplace-based strategies, and training-based strategies to address the shortage of electrical artisans.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Celebrity endorsements of branded apparel and its role in printed advertising
- Authors: Liu, Ziyu
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Advertising -- Brand name products , Brand name products , Endorsements in advertising
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9363 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1178 , Advertising -- Brand name products , Brand name products , Endorsements in advertising
- Description: Purchasing is an important concept in the life of students. The decision whether to purchase branded apparel is hence a very important one. The 21st century student is less loyal and more demanding when choosing branded apparel. Marketers should understand how students evaluate celebrity endorsers when they appear in printed advertising and respond accordingly. The objective of the research is to find out how celebrity endorsed print advertisements affect Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) students’ purchase behaviour. The results of this study could assist marketers in improving the quality of their advertising and to more accurately meet the needs of this dynamic student market. A literature review was conducted to provide an understanding of the consumer purchasing behaviour and the role celebrity endorser played in printed advertisements. The empirical study was designed to assess the impact of the use of celebrity endorsements of printed advertisements targeted at NMMU students. The empirical findings showed that both male and female students indicated that the use of celebrity endorsers get their attention and created interest, and make advertisements more memorable. Males were more influenced than ii females. Moreover, both groups indicated that for a desired or familiar product, celebrity endorsers did not easily change their purchase decisions. It was also found that the use of pictures, colours and wording featured in the advertisements are important to students. The study proposes that marketers should continue to focus on effective marketing communications and establish whether a celebrity should be used. The correct selection of a celebrity endorser can help to create greater consumer persuasion.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Liu, Ziyu
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Advertising -- Brand name products , Brand name products , Endorsements in advertising
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9363 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1178 , Advertising -- Brand name products , Brand name products , Endorsements in advertising
- Description: Purchasing is an important concept in the life of students. The decision whether to purchase branded apparel is hence a very important one. The 21st century student is less loyal and more demanding when choosing branded apparel. Marketers should understand how students evaluate celebrity endorsers when they appear in printed advertising and respond accordingly. The objective of the research is to find out how celebrity endorsed print advertisements affect Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) students’ purchase behaviour. The results of this study could assist marketers in improving the quality of their advertising and to more accurately meet the needs of this dynamic student market. A literature review was conducted to provide an understanding of the consumer purchasing behaviour and the role celebrity endorser played in printed advertisements. The empirical study was designed to assess the impact of the use of celebrity endorsements of printed advertisements targeted at NMMU students. The empirical findings showed that both male and female students indicated that the use of celebrity endorsers get their attention and created interest, and make advertisements more memorable. Males were more influenced than ii females. Moreover, both groups indicated that for a desired or familiar product, celebrity endorsers did not easily change their purchase decisions. It was also found that the use of pictures, colours and wording featured in the advertisements are important to students. The study proposes that marketers should continue to focus on effective marketing communications and establish whether a celebrity should be used. The correct selection of a celebrity endorser can help to create greater consumer persuasion.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Challenges faced by female managers in schools within the Nelson Mandela Metropole
- Authors: Paulsen, Shareen Erica
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Women school principals , Women -- Education , Feminism and education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:9528 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/897 , Women school principals , Women -- Education , Feminism and education
- Description: This study seeks to identify and examine the challenges that female principals experience. Women are slowly climbing the promotional ladder within education, yet they experience many challenges. The fact that society has the perception that women are mothers and caregivers does not make the advancement of females easy. Although the GETT report (1996) made recommendations to ensure equality in education females are still vastly under-represented in managerial positions in education. The study was conducted from a feminine perspective. It is a qualitative case study and individual interviews, a focus group interview, observation and field notes were used to collect data. A total of three females were included in the study. Participants were purposefully selected. Two of the participants are from disadvantaged schools while the third one is an ex-Model C principal. A consent form was sent to all the participants, covering all ethical issues of voluntary participation, confidentiality and anonymity. The main question was the challenges faced by female managers in education. Having spent time with each of the principals the data in the form of field notes and transcripts were analysed. It was found that the three principals experienced similar challenges. Their responses did not always reflect what the literature said regarding the challenges. All three principals felt that more formal support structures from the DoE is needed. They mentioned that the following could be implemented to ensure that they are more effective and better prepared to face these challenges: Workshops; Mentoring and Networking; Financial Assistance; and, Capacity Building.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Paulsen, Shareen Erica
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Women school principals , Women -- Education , Feminism and education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:9528 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/897 , Women school principals , Women -- Education , Feminism and education
- Description: This study seeks to identify and examine the challenges that female principals experience. Women are slowly climbing the promotional ladder within education, yet they experience many challenges. The fact that society has the perception that women are mothers and caregivers does not make the advancement of females easy. Although the GETT report (1996) made recommendations to ensure equality in education females are still vastly under-represented in managerial positions in education. The study was conducted from a feminine perspective. It is a qualitative case study and individual interviews, a focus group interview, observation and field notes were used to collect data. A total of three females were included in the study. Participants were purposefully selected. Two of the participants are from disadvantaged schools while the third one is an ex-Model C principal. A consent form was sent to all the participants, covering all ethical issues of voluntary participation, confidentiality and anonymity. The main question was the challenges faced by female managers in education. Having spent time with each of the principals the data in the form of field notes and transcripts were analysed. It was found that the three principals experienced similar challenges. Their responses did not always reflect what the literature said regarding the challenges. All three principals felt that more formal support structures from the DoE is needed. They mentioned that the following could be implemented to ensure that they are more effective and better prepared to face these challenges: Workshops; Mentoring and Networking; Financial Assistance; and, Capacity Building.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Challenging retributivist intuitions
- Authors: Hawkes, Jonathan
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Lex talionis Punishment -- Philosophy Restorative justice
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2711 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002841
- Description: Can punishment, a practice which involves the deliberate infliction of suffering, be justified? Retributivists and consequentialists argue that punishment can be justified, whereas abolitionists argue that it cannot. Retributivists argue that punishment is justified because wrongdoers deserve it, whereas punishment is justified for consequentialists because it is beneficial for society. A popular form of abolitionism is restorative justice, which is the view that all those affected by crime (perpetrators, victims and members of society) should be reconciled. In this thesis I argue that retributivist justifications for punishment are mistaken, and argue in favour of a consequentialist view. I also argue that consequentialism can accommodate the valuable features of restorative justice while avoiding the challenges faced by it. My arguments against retributivism will turn on a thought experiment. The experiment is designed to draw out the fundamental retributivist intuition that people who cause harm deserve to suffer harm in return, yet excludes most of the principles retributivists would use to justify the intuition. I will go on to argue that, even if the retributivist considerations did apply to the experiment, they would still not justify the claim that wrongdoers deserve to be punished. Most of the retributivist considerations are, therefore, not necessary for the intuition, and none of the considerations are sufficient for it. The retributivist considerations are, I contend, rationalisations, as the claim that wrongdoers deserve to suffer is based, not on good reasons, but on an unreliable intuition. I shall argue that the consequentialist considerations, while not being necessary, are sufficient for the claim that wrongdoers should be punished, and they should be punished, I maintain, in the interests of preventing greater harm from occurring.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Hawkes, Jonathan
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Lex talionis Punishment -- Philosophy Restorative justice
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2711 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002841
- Description: Can punishment, a practice which involves the deliberate infliction of suffering, be justified? Retributivists and consequentialists argue that punishment can be justified, whereas abolitionists argue that it cannot. Retributivists argue that punishment is justified because wrongdoers deserve it, whereas punishment is justified for consequentialists because it is beneficial for society. A popular form of abolitionism is restorative justice, which is the view that all those affected by crime (perpetrators, victims and members of society) should be reconciled. In this thesis I argue that retributivist justifications for punishment are mistaken, and argue in favour of a consequentialist view. I also argue that consequentialism can accommodate the valuable features of restorative justice while avoiding the challenges faced by it. My arguments against retributivism will turn on a thought experiment. The experiment is designed to draw out the fundamental retributivist intuition that people who cause harm deserve to suffer harm in return, yet excludes most of the principles retributivists would use to justify the intuition. I will go on to argue that, even if the retributivist considerations did apply to the experiment, they would still not justify the claim that wrongdoers deserve to be punished. Most of the retributivist considerations are, therefore, not necessary for the intuition, and none of the considerations are sufficient for it. The retributivist considerations are, I contend, rationalisations, as the claim that wrongdoers deserve to suffer is based, not on good reasons, but on an unreliable intuition. I shall argue that the consequentialist considerations, while not being necessary, are sufficient for the claim that wrongdoers should be punished, and they should be punished, I maintain, in the interests of preventing greater harm from occurring.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Chang liver cell line as a model for Type II Diabetes in the liver and possible reversal of this condition by an indigenous medicinal plant
- Authors: Williams, Saralene Iona
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Diabetes -- Alternative treatment , Medicinal plants , Traditional medicine , Liver -- Diseases
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:10339 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1016179
- Description: The incidence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellittus (T2DM) is increasing world wide. In Africa the limited access to health care and the insidious course of the disease lead to more severe illness and diabetic complications. There is a need to find alternative approaches to treatment and prevention that address the problems and needs of Africa. Sutherlandia frutescens (S.frutescens) is a traditional herbal plant with known anti-diabetic properties, the precise mechanism of action of S.frutescens is not known. In order to develop new approaches for treatment and prevention of T2DM the pathophysiology of T2DM must be understood. T2DM is the final outcome of a multi-organ disease characterized by early defects in muscle, adipocytes, hepatocytes and pancreatic β-cells. In this study the role of the liver was investigated because of its central role in glucose and lipid metabolism. It is hard to differentiate between all the influences in an in vivo model, so the aim of this study was to develop an in vitro model of T2DM in Chang liver cells and to determine if S.frutescens can reverse the state of insulin resistance in this model. Different culture media conditions were screened to identify a method that can be used as the T2DM model in Chang liver cells. Serum free medium (MCBD-201) supplemented with human diabetic serum, (2.5%-10%), high insulin concentrations (0.1μM-1μM), high fructose concentrations (1-10mM). and a combination of high insulin and high fructose was used for this screening. Chang liver cells cultured in MCBD-201 medium supplemented with 1mM fructose and 0.1μM insulin showed reduced glucose uptake and increased lipid accumulation. The effect of two S.frutescens extracts, two anti-diabetic drugs, metformin and ciglitazone, and a hypolipidemic drug ciprofibrate were determined and shown to increase glucose uptake and reduce lipid accumulation. It was postulated that exposing the cells to excess nutrients in the form of high fructose would stimulate the cells to become adipogenic and accumulate lipids, which would interfere with the glucose uptake and induce insulin resistance. Gene expression of PPARγ, PPARα, and SREBP-1 transcription factors regulating lipid metabolism was determined in Chang liver cells cultured in insulin resistance inducing medium over a 48 hour time course. The expression of PPARγ, known to stimulate adipogenesis was increased after 6, 24 and 48 hours of exposure (P(H1)<0.0001). The expression of PPARα, known to stimulate β-oxidation expression, was significantly decreased after 24 hours of exposure (P(H1)<0.0001). The presence of the plant extracts in the insulin resistance inducing media protect against this increase in adipogenesis and decrease in β-oxidation after 48 hours of exposure by increasing PPARα expression and decreasing PPARγ expression. A PCR Array was performed which identified 32 more potential molecular targets of S.frutescens. Five of the 32 targets identified with the PCR Array were validated using qRT-PCR. These genes play a role in lipid and glucose metabolism and protection against oxidative stress and inflammation. In summary a cellular model of insulin resistace in hepatocytes has been established and the capacity of S.frutescens to reverse this process has been demonstrated by acting as a dual PPARγ/α agonist. New genes have been identified in the development of insulin resistance and as targets of S.frutescens.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Williams, Saralene Iona
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Diabetes -- Alternative treatment , Medicinal plants , Traditional medicine , Liver -- Diseases
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:10339 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1016179
- Description: The incidence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellittus (T2DM) is increasing world wide. In Africa the limited access to health care and the insidious course of the disease lead to more severe illness and diabetic complications. There is a need to find alternative approaches to treatment and prevention that address the problems and needs of Africa. Sutherlandia frutescens (S.frutescens) is a traditional herbal plant with known anti-diabetic properties, the precise mechanism of action of S.frutescens is not known. In order to develop new approaches for treatment and prevention of T2DM the pathophysiology of T2DM must be understood. T2DM is the final outcome of a multi-organ disease characterized by early defects in muscle, adipocytes, hepatocytes and pancreatic β-cells. In this study the role of the liver was investigated because of its central role in glucose and lipid metabolism. It is hard to differentiate between all the influences in an in vivo model, so the aim of this study was to develop an in vitro model of T2DM in Chang liver cells and to determine if S.frutescens can reverse the state of insulin resistance in this model. Different culture media conditions were screened to identify a method that can be used as the T2DM model in Chang liver cells. Serum free medium (MCBD-201) supplemented with human diabetic serum, (2.5%-10%), high insulin concentrations (0.1μM-1μM), high fructose concentrations (1-10mM). and a combination of high insulin and high fructose was used for this screening. Chang liver cells cultured in MCBD-201 medium supplemented with 1mM fructose and 0.1μM insulin showed reduced glucose uptake and increased lipid accumulation. The effect of two S.frutescens extracts, two anti-diabetic drugs, metformin and ciglitazone, and a hypolipidemic drug ciprofibrate were determined and shown to increase glucose uptake and reduce lipid accumulation. It was postulated that exposing the cells to excess nutrients in the form of high fructose would stimulate the cells to become adipogenic and accumulate lipids, which would interfere with the glucose uptake and induce insulin resistance. Gene expression of PPARγ, PPARα, and SREBP-1 transcription factors regulating lipid metabolism was determined in Chang liver cells cultured in insulin resistance inducing medium over a 48 hour time course. The expression of PPARγ, known to stimulate adipogenesis was increased after 6, 24 and 48 hours of exposure (P(H1)<0.0001). The expression of PPARα, known to stimulate β-oxidation expression, was significantly decreased after 24 hours of exposure (P(H1)<0.0001). The presence of the plant extracts in the insulin resistance inducing media protect against this increase in adipogenesis and decrease in β-oxidation after 48 hours of exposure by increasing PPARα expression and decreasing PPARγ expression. A PCR Array was performed which identified 32 more potential molecular targets of S.frutescens. Five of the 32 targets identified with the PCR Array were validated using qRT-PCR. These genes play a role in lipid and glucose metabolism and protection against oxidative stress and inflammation. In summary a cellular model of insulin resistace in hepatocytes has been established and the capacity of S.frutescens to reverse this process has been demonstrated by acting as a dual PPARγ/α agonist. New genes have been identified in the development of insulin resistance and as targets of S.frutescens.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Characterisation of the cellulolytic and hemicellulolytic system of Bacillus Licheniformis SVD1 and the isolation and characterisation of a multi-enzyme complex
- Authors: Van Dyk, Jacoba Susanna
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Lignocellulose Lignocellulose -- Biotechnology Lignocellulose -- Biodegradation Plant biotechnology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3936 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003995
- Description: The biological degradation of lignocellulose into fermentable sugars for the production of liquid transportation fuels is feasible and sustainable, but equires a variety of enzymes working in synergy as lignocellulose is a complex and recalcitrant substrate. The cellulosome is a multi-enzyme complex (MEC) with a variety of cellulolytic and hemicellulolytic enzymes that appears to facilitate an enhanced synergy and efficiency, as compared to free enzymes, for the degradation of recalcitrant substrates such as lignocellulose and plant cell walls. Most of the studies on cellulosomes have focused on a few organisms; C. thermocellum, C. cellulovorans and C. cellulolyticum, and there is only limited knowledge vailable on similar complexes in other organisms. Some MECs have been identified in aerobic bacteria such as Bacillus circulans and Paenibacillus curdlanolyticus, but the nature of these MECs have not been fully elucidated. This study investigated the cellulolytic and emi-cellulolytic system of Bacillus licheniformis SVD1 with specific reference to the presence of a MEC, which has never been reported in the literature for B. licheniformis. A MEC of approximately 2,000 kDa in size, based on size exclusion chromatography using Sepharose 4B, was purified from a culture of B. licheniformis. When investigating the presence of enzyme activity in the total crude fraction as well as the MEC of a birchwood xylan culture, B. licheniformis was found to display a variety of enzyme activities on a range of substrates, although xylanases were by far the predominant enzyme activity present in both the crude and MEC fractions. Based on zymogram analysis there were three CMCases, seven xylanases, three mannanases and two pectinases in the crude fraction, while the MEC had two CMCases, seven xylanases, two mannanases and one pectinase. The pectinases in the crude could be identified as a pectin methyl esterase and a lyase, while the methyl esterase was absent in the MEC. Seventeen protein species could be detected in the MEC but only nine of these displayed activity on the substrates tested. The possible presence of a β-xylosidase in the crude fraction was deduced from thin layer chromatography (TLC) which demonstrated the production of xylose by the crude fraction. It was furthermore established that B. licheniformis SVD1 was able to regulate levels of enzyme expression based on the substrate the organism was cultured on. It was found that complexed xylanase activity had a pH optimum of between pH 6.0 and 7.0 and a temperature optimum of 55oC. Complexed xylanase activity was found to be slightly inhibited by CaCl2 and inhibited to a greater extent by EDTA. Complexed xylanase activity was further shown to be activated in the presence of xylose and xylobiose, both compounds which are products of enzymatic degradation. Ethanol was found to inhibit complexed xylanase activity. The kinetic parameters for complexed xylanase activity were measured and the Km value was calculated as 2.84 mg/ml while the maximal velocity (Vmax) was calculated as 0.146 U (μmol/min/ml). Binding studies, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and a bioinformatic analysis was conducted to investigate whether the MEC in B. licheniformis SVD1 was a putative cellulosome. The MEC was found to be unable to bind to Avicel, but was able to bind to insoluble birchwood xylan, indicating the absence of a CBM3a domain common to cellulosomal scaffoldin proteins. TEM micrographs revealed the presence of cell surface structures on cells of B. licheniformis SVD1 cultured on cellobiose and birchwood xylan. However, it could not be established whether these cell surface structures could be ascribed to the presence of the MECs on the cell surface. Bioinformatic analysis was conducted on the available genome sequence of a different strain of B. licheniformis, namely DSM 13 and ATCC 14580. No sequence homology was found with cohesin and dockerin sequences from various cellulosomal species, indicating that these strains most likely do not encode for a cellulosome. This study described and characterised a MEC that was a functional enzyme complex and did not appear to be a mere aggregation of proteins. It displayed a variety of hemi-cellulolytic activities and the available evidence suggests that it is not a cellulosome, but should rather be termed a xylanosome. Further investigation should be carried out to determine the structural basis of this MEC.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Van Dyk, Jacoba Susanna
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Lignocellulose Lignocellulose -- Biotechnology Lignocellulose -- Biodegradation Plant biotechnology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3936 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003995
- Description: The biological degradation of lignocellulose into fermentable sugars for the production of liquid transportation fuels is feasible and sustainable, but equires a variety of enzymes working in synergy as lignocellulose is a complex and recalcitrant substrate. The cellulosome is a multi-enzyme complex (MEC) with a variety of cellulolytic and hemicellulolytic enzymes that appears to facilitate an enhanced synergy and efficiency, as compared to free enzymes, for the degradation of recalcitrant substrates such as lignocellulose and plant cell walls. Most of the studies on cellulosomes have focused on a few organisms; C. thermocellum, C. cellulovorans and C. cellulolyticum, and there is only limited knowledge vailable on similar complexes in other organisms. Some MECs have been identified in aerobic bacteria such as Bacillus circulans and Paenibacillus curdlanolyticus, but the nature of these MECs have not been fully elucidated. This study investigated the cellulolytic and emi-cellulolytic system of Bacillus licheniformis SVD1 with specific reference to the presence of a MEC, which has never been reported in the literature for B. licheniformis. A MEC of approximately 2,000 kDa in size, based on size exclusion chromatography using Sepharose 4B, was purified from a culture of B. licheniformis. When investigating the presence of enzyme activity in the total crude fraction as well as the MEC of a birchwood xylan culture, B. licheniformis was found to display a variety of enzyme activities on a range of substrates, although xylanases were by far the predominant enzyme activity present in both the crude and MEC fractions. Based on zymogram analysis there were three CMCases, seven xylanases, three mannanases and two pectinases in the crude fraction, while the MEC had two CMCases, seven xylanases, two mannanases and one pectinase. The pectinases in the crude could be identified as a pectin methyl esterase and a lyase, while the methyl esterase was absent in the MEC. Seventeen protein species could be detected in the MEC but only nine of these displayed activity on the substrates tested. The possible presence of a β-xylosidase in the crude fraction was deduced from thin layer chromatography (TLC) which demonstrated the production of xylose by the crude fraction. It was furthermore established that B. licheniformis SVD1 was able to regulate levels of enzyme expression based on the substrate the organism was cultured on. It was found that complexed xylanase activity had a pH optimum of between pH 6.0 and 7.0 and a temperature optimum of 55oC. Complexed xylanase activity was found to be slightly inhibited by CaCl2 and inhibited to a greater extent by EDTA. Complexed xylanase activity was further shown to be activated in the presence of xylose and xylobiose, both compounds which are products of enzymatic degradation. Ethanol was found to inhibit complexed xylanase activity. The kinetic parameters for complexed xylanase activity were measured and the Km value was calculated as 2.84 mg/ml while the maximal velocity (Vmax) was calculated as 0.146 U (μmol/min/ml). Binding studies, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and a bioinformatic analysis was conducted to investigate whether the MEC in B. licheniformis SVD1 was a putative cellulosome. The MEC was found to be unable to bind to Avicel, but was able to bind to insoluble birchwood xylan, indicating the absence of a CBM3a domain common to cellulosomal scaffoldin proteins. TEM micrographs revealed the presence of cell surface structures on cells of B. licheniformis SVD1 cultured on cellobiose and birchwood xylan. However, it could not be established whether these cell surface structures could be ascribed to the presence of the MECs on the cell surface. Bioinformatic analysis was conducted on the available genome sequence of a different strain of B. licheniformis, namely DSM 13 and ATCC 14580. No sequence homology was found with cohesin and dockerin sequences from various cellulosomal species, indicating that these strains most likely do not encode for a cellulosome. This study described and characterised a MEC that was a functional enzyme complex and did not appear to be a mere aggregation of proteins. It displayed a variety of hemi-cellulolytic activities and the available evidence suggests that it is not a cellulosome, but should rather be termed a xylanosome. Further investigation should be carried out to determine the structural basis of this MEC.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Characterisation of the plasmodium falciparum Hsp40 chaperones and their partnerships with Hsp70
- Authors: Botha, Melissa
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Heat shock proteins Plasmodium falciparum Protein folding Molecular chaperones Malaria
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3938 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003997
- Description: Central to this research, 40 kDa Heat shock proteins (Hsp40s) are known to partner (or cochaperone) 70 kDa Heat shock proteins (Hsp70s), facilitating the selection and transfer of protein substrate to Hsp70 and the stimulation of the protein folding ability of Hsp70. Members of the diverse Hsp70-Hsp40 protein complement of Plasmodium falciparum have been implicated in the cytoprotection of this malaria parasite, and are thought to facilitate the protein folding, assembly and translocation tasks required by the parasite to commandeer the infected human erythrocyte subsequent to invasion. In particular, the parasite has evolved an expanded and specialised 43- member suite of Hsp40 proteins, 19 of which bear an identifiable export motif for secretion into the infected erythrocyte cytoplasm where they potentially interact with human Hsp70. Although type I Hsp40 proteins are representative of typical regulators of Hsp70 activity, only two of these proteins are apparent in the parasite’s Hsp40 complement. These include a characteristic type I Hsp40 termed PfHsp40, and a larger, atypical type I Hsp40 termed Pfj1. Both Hsp40 proteins are predicted to be parasite-resident and are most likely to facilitate the co-chaperone regulation of the highly abundant and stress-inducible Hsp70 homolog, PfHsp70-I. In this work, the co-chaperone functionality of PfHsp40 and Pfj1 was elucidated using in vivo and in vitro assays. Purified recombinant PfHsp40 was shown to stimulate the ATPase activity of PfHsp70-I in in vitro single turnover and steady state ATPase assays, and co-operate with PfHsp70-I in in vitro aggregation suppression assays. In these in vitro assays, heterologous partnerships could be demonstrated between PfHsp70-I and the human Hsp40, Hsj1a, and human Hsp70 and PfHsp40, suggesting a common mode of Hsp70-Hsp40 interaction in the parasite and host organism. The functionality of the signature Hsp40 domain, the Jdomain, of Pfj1 was demonstrated by its ability to replace the equivalent domain of the A. tumefaciens Hsp40, Agt DnaJ, in interactions with the prokaryotic Hsp70, DnaK, in the thermosensitive dnaJ cbpA E. coli OD259 deletion strain. An H33Q mutation introduced into the invariant and crucial HPD tripeptide motif abrogated the functionality of the J-domain in the in vivo complementation system. These findings provide the first evidence for the conservation of the prototypical mode of J-domain based interaction of Hsp40 with Hsp70 in P. falciparum. Immunofluorescence staining revealed the localisation of PfHsp40 to the parasite cytoplasm, and Pfj1 to the parasite cytoplasm and nucleus in cultured intraerythrocytic stage P. falciparum parasites. PfHsp70-I was also shown to localise to the parasite cytoplasm and nucleus in these stages, consistent with the literature. Overall we propose that PfHsp40 and Pfj1 co-localise with and regulate the chaperone activity of PfHsp70-I in P. falciparum. This is the first study to identify and provide evidence for a functional Hsp70-Hsp40 partnership in P. falciparum, and provides a platform for future studies to elucidate the importance of these chaperone partnerships in the establishment and survival of the parasite in the intraerythrocytic-stages of development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Botha, Melissa
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Heat shock proteins Plasmodium falciparum Protein folding Molecular chaperones Malaria
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3938 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003997
- Description: Central to this research, 40 kDa Heat shock proteins (Hsp40s) are known to partner (or cochaperone) 70 kDa Heat shock proteins (Hsp70s), facilitating the selection and transfer of protein substrate to Hsp70 and the stimulation of the protein folding ability of Hsp70. Members of the diverse Hsp70-Hsp40 protein complement of Plasmodium falciparum have been implicated in the cytoprotection of this malaria parasite, and are thought to facilitate the protein folding, assembly and translocation tasks required by the parasite to commandeer the infected human erythrocyte subsequent to invasion. In particular, the parasite has evolved an expanded and specialised 43- member suite of Hsp40 proteins, 19 of which bear an identifiable export motif for secretion into the infected erythrocyte cytoplasm where they potentially interact with human Hsp70. Although type I Hsp40 proteins are representative of typical regulators of Hsp70 activity, only two of these proteins are apparent in the parasite’s Hsp40 complement. These include a characteristic type I Hsp40 termed PfHsp40, and a larger, atypical type I Hsp40 termed Pfj1. Both Hsp40 proteins are predicted to be parasite-resident and are most likely to facilitate the co-chaperone regulation of the highly abundant and stress-inducible Hsp70 homolog, PfHsp70-I. In this work, the co-chaperone functionality of PfHsp40 and Pfj1 was elucidated using in vivo and in vitro assays. Purified recombinant PfHsp40 was shown to stimulate the ATPase activity of PfHsp70-I in in vitro single turnover and steady state ATPase assays, and co-operate with PfHsp70-I in in vitro aggregation suppression assays. In these in vitro assays, heterologous partnerships could be demonstrated between PfHsp70-I and the human Hsp40, Hsj1a, and human Hsp70 and PfHsp40, suggesting a common mode of Hsp70-Hsp40 interaction in the parasite and host organism. The functionality of the signature Hsp40 domain, the Jdomain, of Pfj1 was demonstrated by its ability to replace the equivalent domain of the A. tumefaciens Hsp40, Agt DnaJ, in interactions with the prokaryotic Hsp70, DnaK, in the thermosensitive dnaJ cbpA E. coli OD259 deletion strain. An H33Q mutation introduced into the invariant and crucial HPD tripeptide motif abrogated the functionality of the J-domain in the in vivo complementation system. These findings provide the first evidence for the conservation of the prototypical mode of J-domain based interaction of Hsp40 with Hsp70 in P. falciparum. Immunofluorescence staining revealed the localisation of PfHsp40 to the parasite cytoplasm, and Pfj1 to the parasite cytoplasm and nucleus in cultured intraerythrocytic stage P. falciparum parasites. PfHsp70-I was also shown to localise to the parasite cytoplasm and nucleus in these stages, consistent with the literature. Overall we propose that PfHsp40 and Pfj1 co-localise with and regulate the chaperone activity of PfHsp70-I in P. falciparum. This is the first study to identify and provide evidence for a functional Hsp70-Hsp40 partnership in P. falciparum, and provides a platform for future studies to elucidate the importance of these chaperone partnerships in the establishment and survival of the parasite in the intraerythrocytic-stages of development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Characterisation of Trypanosomal Type III and Type IV Hsp40 proteins
- Louw, Cassandra Alexandrovna
- Authors: Louw, Cassandra Alexandrovna
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Trypanosoma Heat shock proteins African trypanosomiasis Epidemic encephalitis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3926 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003985
- Description: The heat shock protein-70 (Hsp70) family of molecular chaperones are ubiquitous highly conserved proteins that are critical for the viability of cellular homeostasis. The ATPase activity of Hsp70 proteins is critical to their function as the affinity of a given Hsp70 for non-native substrate is modulated by ATP binding and hydrolysis. When bound to ATP, Hsp70s possess a low affinity for a given substrate protein, while the hydrolysis of ATP to ADP causes a conformational change that results in a high affinity for substrate proteins. The basal ATPase activity of Hsp70s is too low to facilitate their function in vivo, and co-chaperones are essential to modulate the efficient protein folding by Hsp70. Heat shock protein-40 (Hsp40) heat shock proteins are essential for the in vivo function of Hsp70s by stimulating the ATPase activity of these proteins and facilitating transfer of substrates. The Type III class of Hsp40 proteins have not been well characterised due to their poor levels of conservation at the primary sequence level. This is due to the fact that Type III Hsp40s only contain a J-domain and a poorly conserved C-terminal region. The newly identified Type IV class of Hsp40s, contain an abrogated HPD tripeptide motif in the J-domain and have also not been extensively studied. Trypanosoma brucei (T. brucei) is a unicellular flagellated protozoan parasite. It is the causative agent of Human African Trypansomiasis (HAT) which results in thousands of deaths and devastating agricultural losses in many parts of Africa. T. brucei undergoes a complex lifecycle that is characterised by the transition from an insect vector to a mammalian host in markedly different conditions of temperature, pH, nutrient availability and respiratory requirements. It has been proposed that molecular chaperones may enhance the survival of these parasites due to their cytoprotective effect in combating cellular stress. Due to the fact that T. brucei infection is invariably fatal if left untreated, and that no novel treatment regimens have been developed recently, the identification of potential novel drug targets among proteins essential to the parasite’s survival in the host organism is an attractive aspect of T. brucei research. Because Type III Hsp40s are poorly conserved with respect to Hsp40s found in the human host, the identification of any of these proteins found to be essential to T. brucei survival in humans could potentially make attractive novel drug targets. An in depth in silico investigation into the Type III Hsp40 complement as well as partner Hsp70 proteins in T.brucei was performed. T. brucei possesses 65 Hsp40 proteins, of which 47 were classed as Type III and 6 of which were identified as being putative Type IV Hsp40s. A small but significant number (5) of Type III TbHsp40s contained tetratricopeptide (TPR) domains in addition to the J-domain. The J-domains of the Type III TbHsp40 complement were found to be conserved with respect to those of canonical Hsp40 proteins, although the mutation of certain residues that play a key role in Hsp40-Hsp70 interaction was noted. Potential partnerships of these proteins in the parasite was also investigated. The coding regions of three previously uncharacterised TbHsp40s were successfully amplified from T. brucei TREU927 genomic DNA and cloned into an expression vector. Tbj1, a Tcj1 ortholog, was selected for further study and successfully expressed and biochemically characterised. Tbj1 expressed in E. coli was found to be insoluble, but large amounts were recovered with the aid of a denaturing purification followed by refolding elution strategies, and the bulk of the protein recovered was in compact monomeric form as determined by size-exclusion chromatography fast protein liquid chromatography (SEC-FPLC). The addition of Tbj1 to a thermally aggregated substrate resulted in increased levels of aggregation, although Tbj1 was able to assist two Hsp70 proteins in the suppression of aggregation. Tbj1 proved unable to stimulate the ATPase activity of these same Hsp70s, and could not rescue temperature sensitive cells when replacing E.coli DnaJ and CbpA. It was concluded that Tbj1 does not possess independent chaperone activity, but could display Hsp40 co-chaperone properties under certain circumstances. This could allude to a specialised function in the T. brucei parasite. The lack of human orthologues to Tbj1 could result in the attractiveness of this protein as a novel drug target.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Louw, Cassandra Alexandrovna
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Trypanosoma Heat shock proteins African trypanosomiasis Epidemic encephalitis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3926 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003985
- Description: The heat shock protein-70 (Hsp70) family of molecular chaperones are ubiquitous highly conserved proteins that are critical for the viability of cellular homeostasis. The ATPase activity of Hsp70 proteins is critical to their function as the affinity of a given Hsp70 for non-native substrate is modulated by ATP binding and hydrolysis. When bound to ATP, Hsp70s possess a low affinity for a given substrate protein, while the hydrolysis of ATP to ADP causes a conformational change that results in a high affinity for substrate proteins. The basal ATPase activity of Hsp70s is too low to facilitate their function in vivo, and co-chaperones are essential to modulate the efficient protein folding by Hsp70. Heat shock protein-40 (Hsp40) heat shock proteins are essential for the in vivo function of Hsp70s by stimulating the ATPase activity of these proteins and facilitating transfer of substrates. The Type III class of Hsp40 proteins have not been well characterised due to their poor levels of conservation at the primary sequence level. This is due to the fact that Type III Hsp40s only contain a J-domain and a poorly conserved C-terminal region. The newly identified Type IV class of Hsp40s, contain an abrogated HPD tripeptide motif in the J-domain and have also not been extensively studied. Trypanosoma brucei (T. brucei) is a unicellular flagellated protozoan parasite. It is the causative agent of Human African Trypansomiasis (HAT) which results in thousands of deaths and devastating agricultural losses in many parts of Africa. T. brucei undergoes a complex lifecycle that is characterised by the transition from an insect vector to a mammalian host in markedly different conditions of temperature, pH, nutrient availability and respiratory requirements. It has been proposed that molecular chaperones may enhance the survival of these parasites due to their cytoprotective effect in combating cellular stress. Due to the fact that T. brucei infection is invariably fatal if left untreated, and that no novel treatment regimens have been developed recently, the identification of potential novel drug targets among proteins essential to the parasite’s survival in the host organism is an attractive aspect of T. brucei research. Because Type III Hsp40s are poorly conserved with respect to Hsp40s found in the human host, the identification of any of these proteins found to be essential to T. brucei survival in humans could potentially make attractive novel drug targets. An in depth in silico investigation into the Type III Hsp40 complement as well as partner Hsp70 proteins in T.brucei was performed. T. brucei possesses 65 Hsp40 proteins, of which 47 were classed as Type III and 6 of which were identified as being putative Type IV Hsp40s. A small but significant number (5) of Type III TbHsp40s contained tetratricopeptide (TPR) domains in addition to the J-domain. The J-domains of the Type III TbHsp40 complement were found to be conserved with respect to those of canonical Hsp40 proteins, although the mutation of certain residues that play a key role in Hsp40-Hsp70 interaction was noted. Potential partnerships of these proteins in the parasite was also investigated. The coding regions of three previously uncharacterised TbHsp40s were successfully amplified from T. brucei TREU927 genomic DNA and cloned into an expression vector. Tbj1, a Tcj1 ortholog, was selected for further study and successfully expressed and biochemically characterised. Tbj1 expressed in E. coli was found to be insoluble, but large amounts were recovered with the aid of a denaturing purification followed by refolding elution strategies, and the bulk of the protein recovered was in compact monomeric form as determined by size-exclusion chromatography fast protein liquid chromatography (SEC-FPLC). The addition of Tbj1 to a thermally aggregated substrate resulted in increased levels of aggregation, although Tbj1 was able to assist two Hsp70 proteins in the suppression of aggregation. Tbj1 proved unable to stimulate the ATPase activity of these same Hsp70s, and could not rescue temperature sensitive cells when replacing E.coli DnaJ and CbpA. It was concluded that Tbj1 does not possess independent chaperone activity, but could display Hsp40 co-chaperone properties under certain circumstances. This could allude to a specialised function in the T. brucei parasite. The lack of human orthologues to Tbj1 could result in the attractiveness of this protein as a novel drug target.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Characterization of hydrogen and helium implanted silicon carbide
- Authors: O'Connell, Jacques Herman
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Silicon carbide , Hydrogen , Helium
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10539 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/979 , Silicon carbide , Hydrogen , Helium
- Description: This dissertation focuses on the characterization of hydrogen implanted 3C-SiC and helium implanted 6H-SiC and the interaction of silver and palladium with the SiC. The main technique used for the analysis of the implanted SiC was transmission electron microscopy (TEM), although scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and nanoindentation hardness testing were also used. Both H and He implantations were done at an ion energy of 100 keV and the total dose for both species was 1017 ions/cm2. Specimens were annealed at 1000 °C for 20 min in an inert atmosphere. The observed depth of ion damage agreed closely with that predicted by TRIM 2008. The damaged region in the He implanted specimens had a high density of small bubbles but no cracks were observed. Severe cracking was observed along the damaged region in the H implanted specimens. A second phase hexagonal (4H-SiC) was detected in two grains in the 3C-SiC and some grown in voids were also observed. The wettability of SiC by a 2:1 by volume mixture of Ag and Pd is extremely low but is significantly increased through the addition of Si to the mixture. The Si containing metal mixture was found to migrate along the grain boundaries of polycrystalline 3CSiC while sealing the point of entry. Pd attacks SiC and severe etching was observed on the surface of 6H-SiC. An epitaxially orientated Pd2Si inclusion was observed in the 6H-SiC. No effect of implantation damage on the interaction of Pd and Ag with SiC was observed. Pd etched the surface of the He implanted 6H-SiC down through the damaged region with no evidence of implantation damage left after 67 hours of annealing and thus no conclusions could be drawn. The metal mixture interacted with the non implanted surface of the H implanted 3C-SiC after dissolving the Si substrate and therefore the effect of the ion damage on the interaction could not be investigated. Nanoindentation hardness measurements showed a marked increase in hardness of He implanted 6H-SiC annealed for 20 min at 1000 °C over that of as implanted and virgin material. There was also a large decrease in hardness corresponding to the depth of the ion damage.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: O'Connell, Jacques Herman
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Silicon carbide , Hydrogen , Helium
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10539 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/979 , Silicon carbide , Hydrogen , Helium
- Description: This dissertation focuses on the characterization of hydrogen implanted 3C-SiC and helium implanted 6H-SiC and the interaction of silver and palladium with the SiC. The main technique used for the analysis of the implanted SiC was transmission electron microscopy (TEM), although scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and nanoindentation hardness testing were also used. Both H and He implantations were done at an ion energy of 100 keV and the total dose for both species was 1017 ions/cm2. Specimens were annealed at 1000 °C for 20 min in an inert atmosphere. The observed depth of ion damage agreed closely with that predicted by TRIM 2008. The damaged region in the He implanted specimens had a high density of small bubbles but no cracks were observed. Severe cracking was observed along the damaged region in the H implanted specimens. A second phase hexagonal (4H-SiC) was detected in two grains in the 3C-SiC and some grown in voids were also observed. The wettability of SiC by a 2:1 by volume mixture of Ag and Pd is extremely low but is significantly increased through the addition of Si to the mixture. The Si containing metal mixture was found to migrate along the grain boundaries of polycrystalline 3CSiC while sealing the point of entry. Pd attacks SiC and severe etching was observed on the surface of 6H-SiC. An epitaxially orientated Pd2Si inclusion was observed in the 6H-SiC. No effect of implantation damage on the interaction of Pd and Ag with SiC was observed. Pd etched the surface of the He implanted 6H-SiC down through the damaged region with no evidence of implantation damage left after 67 hours of annealing and thus no conclusions could be drawn. The metal mixture interacted with the non implanted surface of the H implanted 3C-SiC after dissolving the Si substrate and therefore the effect of the ion damage on the interaction could not be investigated. Nanoindentation hardness measurements showed a marked increase in hardness of He implanted 6H-SiC annealed for 20 min at 1000 °C over that of as implanted and virgin material. There was also a large decrease in hardness corresponding to the depth of the ion damage.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Citizen participation, decentralization and inclusive development : a survey on citizen participation and decentralization in South Africa with specific reference to the Eastern Cape c.2005
- Authors: Robino, Carolina
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Local government -- Citizen participation , Decentralization in government -- South Africa , Political planning -- Citizen participation , Community development, Urban -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9084 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/875 , Local government -- Citizen participation , Decentralization in government -- South Africa , Political planning -- Citizen participation , Community development, Urban -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Contemporary debates about development confer a prominent role to citizen participation and decentralization. Growing scepticism about the efficacy of narrowly conceived measures add pressure to reform development both theoretically and in practical terms. There is a greater understanding that ‘traditional’ development approaches and policies need to be reformulated and decentralization and citizen participation have been proposed as remedies to previous development failures. It is frequently argued that citizen participation will improve the efficiency and efficacy of public services. Citizen participation is meant to render local government more accountable and to contribute to deepening democracy, by reinforcing representative democratic institutions with participatory forms. At the same time, decentralization reforms have been proposed as a response to the failures of highly centralized states. From a political perspective, it is argued, decentralization reforms can help the central state gain legitimacy and have been seen as a strategy for maintaining political stability. It has been repeatedly suggested that physical proximity makes it easier for citizens to hold local officials accountable for their performance. From an economic perspective, decentralization can improve the match between the mix of services provided by the public sector and the preferences of the local population. It has also been noted that people are more willing to pay for services that respond to their priorities and that increased competition between local governments generates spaces for more creative responses adapted to local needs. But then, can decentralization and citizen participation live up to the faith and expectations that they have inspired? I argue that the literature commonly over-emphasises the role of citizen participation and decentralization in development and what these processes and reforms can achieve. Much of the evidence is anecdotal in nature and tends to neglect the specific contexts in which these processes take place. Also largely ignored are political economy considerations and a critical exploration of the relationship between these two key words. At best, when their interrelationships are addressed decentralization and citizen participation are conceived as based on a symbiotic relationship. I suggest, however, that the relationship between these two processes is not as straightforward as most of the literature assumes. The meanings of these two key words in current development lexicon are explored and critically assessed. I argue that whether or not the rising prominence of these two words actually means the emergence of a new development agenda is a moot point. It critically depends on the understandings of these ambiguous terms. The thesis adopts a political economy approach. Combined with this is an awareness of the broader historical and socio-economic context in which citizen participation and decentralization take place. The thesis applies these ideas triangulating diverse research methods and data sources. It combines a literature review and documentary analysis, a survey conducted with municipal authorities and civil society organizations in the Eastern Cape as well as structured interviews with Ward councillors and with key informants. From a theoretical perspective, the study lays a foundation for understanding the relationship between development policies outcomes and the nature of citizen participation and decentralization in developing countries. This, in turn, provides a basis from which citizen participation and decentralization in South Africa can be assessed and understood. The thesis presents evidence from a case study of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. By revealing how different dimensions of decentralization and citizen participation operate and intersect, the findings demonstrate, that contrary to common knowledge, citizen participation and decentralization are frequently at odds. Moreover, contrary to frequent statements, the research also shows that opening new spaces for participation in decentralized local governance can result in fewer changes and disappointing results at best, undermining the transformative potential of the concepts of participation and decentralization.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Robino, Carolina
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Local government -- Citizen participation , Decentralization in government -- South Africa , Political planning -- Citizen participation , Community development, Urban -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9084 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/875 , Local government -- Citizen participation , Decentralization in government -- South Africa , Political planning -- Citizen participation , Community development, Urban -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Contemporary debates about development confer a prominent role to citizen participation and decentralization. Growing scepticism about the efficacy of narrowly conceived measures add pressure to reform development both theoretically and in practical terms. There is a greater understanding that ‘traditional’ development approaches and policies need to be reformulated and decentralization and citizen participation have been proposed as remedies to previous development failures. It is frequently argued that citizen participation will improve the efficiency and efficacy of public services. Citizen participation is meant to render local government more accountable and to contribute to deepening democracy, by reinforcing representative democratic institutions with participatory forms. At the same time, decentralization reforms have been proposed as a response to the failures of highly centralized states. From a political perspective, it is argued, decentralization reforms can help the central state gain legitimacy and have been seen as a strategy for maintaining political stability. It has been repeatedly suggested that physical proximity makes it easier for citizens to hold local officials accountable for their performance. From an economic perspective, decentralization can improve the match between the mix of services provided by the public sector and the preferences of the local population. It has also been noted that people are more willing to pay for services that respond to their priorities and that increased competition between local governments generates spaces for more creative responses adapted to local needs. But then, can decentralization and citizen participation live up to the faith and expectations that they have inspired? I argue that the literature commonly over-emphasises the role of citizen participation and decentralization in development and what these processes and reforms can achieve. Much of the evidence is anecdotal in nature and tends to neglect the specific contexts in which these processes take place. Also largely ignored are political economy considerations and a critical exploration of the relationship between these two key words. At best, when their interrelationships are addressed decentralization and citizen participation are conceived as based on a symbiotic relationship. I suggest, however, that the relationship between these two processes is not as straightforward as most of the literature assumes. The meanings of these two key words in current development lexicon are explored and critically assessed. I argue that whether or not the rising prominence of these two words actually means the emergence of a new development agenda is a moot point. It critically depends on the understandings of these ambiguous terms. The thesis adopts a political economy approach. Combined with this is an awareness of the broader historical and socio-economic context in which citizen participation and decentralization take place. The thesis applies these ideas triangulating diverse research methods and data sources. It combines a literature review and documentary analysis, a survey conducted with municipal authorities and civil society organizations in the Eastern Cape as well as structured interviews with Ward councillors and with key informants. From a theoretical perspective, the study lays a foundation for understanding the relationship between development policies outcomes and the nature of citizen participation and decentralization in developing countries. This, in turn, provides a basis from which citizen participation and decentralization in South Africa can be assessed and understood. The thesis presents evidence from a case study of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. By revealing how different dimensions of decentralization and citizen participation operate and intersect, the findings demonstrate, that contrary to common knowledge, citizen participation and decentralization are frequently at odds. Moreover, contrary to frequent statements, the research also shows that opening new spaces for participation in decentralized local governance can result in fewer changes and disappointing results at best, undermining the transformative potential of the concepts of participation and decentralization.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Civil engineering components for a conceptual elevated light rail transit model with reference to Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Zang, Jin
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Railroads, Local and light -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Street-railroads -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Local transit -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9593 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/769 , Railroads, Local and light -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Street-railroads -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Local transit -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: The increase of motor vehicles, especially in cities, cause transport problems of traffic congestion, vehicle accidents, air pollution and a lack of public spaces. The increasing number of motor vehicles consumes huge amounts of finite petrol energy and emits large amounts of gases that are harmful to the atmosphere and the natural environment. Therefore, the current road transport network is not a sustainable form of public transport for the future. In order to seek a suitable transportation mode, the Infrastructure and Engineering Business Unit of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) did some feasibility studies about light rail transit (LRT) from 1984 to 1988. The NMBM-report (1988: 8) concluded that a LRT system would provide the most suitable and primary mode to serve Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB). Although LRT was regarded as the most suitable primary mode of transport at that time (1988), further studies that were reported in 2006 recommended an alternative public transportation system. This research refers to these studies done for the NMB area and other studies and reports for other areas, but focus on the identification of the most suitable civil engineering components for a conceptual elevated light rail transit (ELRT) model. Electrical driven LRT systems have advantages over internal-combustion driven vehicles in terms of environmental protection. Traditional LRT systems are at ground level and are integrated with the existing road network. Some successful LRT systems indicate that the success of LRT systems is mainly dependent on integration with the existing road network. However, the integration of road transport systems with LRT systems cause increased congestion and accidents. An ELRT system can solve these problems. Bangkok has already built an ELRT system to solve its severe traffic congestion. 4 In order to develop a conceptual ELRT model, this research aimed to determine the most suitable civil engineering components for a conceptual ELRT model, including: (i) the most suitable type of bridge foundation; (ii) the most suitable type bridge girder; (iii) the most suitable type of sleeper; and (iv) whether the track should be a ballasted or non-ballasted type. The grounded theory approach was adopted to build up sets of data from which the most suitable components could be selected. In addition, design analyses were done of the various types of components to determine their suitability for a conceptual ELRT model. Experienced engineers and experts were also consulted to identify the most suitable components. After analyses and selection of the most suitable components, outstanding experts were approached to evaluate the components that showed up as the most suitable through the research. The research results indicated that bored and cast-in-place piles, a double-cell trapezoidal segmental box girder, and twin-block sleepers on a non-ballasted sleeper bed are the most suitable civil engineering components.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Zang, Jin
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Railroads, Local and light -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Street-railroads -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Local transit -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9593 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/769 , Railroads, Local and light -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Street-railroads -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Local transit -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: The increase of motor vehicles, especially in cities, cause transport problems of traffic congestion, vehicle accidents, air pollution and a lack of public spaces. The increasing number of motor vehicles consumes huge amounts of finite petrol energy and emits large amounts of gases that are harmful to the atmosphere and the natural environment. Therefore, the current road transport network is not a sustainable form of public transport for the future. In order to seek a suitable transportation mode, the Infrastructure and Engineering Business Unit of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) did some feasibility studies about light rail transit (LRT) from 1984 to 1988. The NMBM-report (1988: 8) concluded that a LRT system would provide the most suitable and primary mode to serve Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB). Although LRT was regarded as the most suitable primary mode of transport at that time (1988), further studies that were reported in 2006 recommended an alternative public transportation system. This research refers to these studies done for the NMB area and other studies and reports for other areas, but focus on the identification of the most suitable civil engineering components for a conceptual elevated light rail transit (ELRT) model. Electrical driven LRT systems have advantages over internal-combustion driven vehicles in terms of environmental protection. Traditional LRT systems are at ground level and are integrated with the existing road network. Some successful LRT systems indicate that the success of LRT systems is mainly dependent on integration with the existing road network. However, the integration of road transport systems with LRT systems cause increased congestion and accidents. An ELRT system can solve these problems. Bangkok has already built an ELRT system to solve its severe traffic congestion. 4 In order to develop a conceptual ELRT model, this research aimed to determine the most suitable civil engineering components for a conceptual ELRT model, including: (i) the most suitable type of bridge foundation; (ii) the most suitable type bridge girder; (iii) the most suitable type of sleeper; and (iv) whether the track should be a ballasted or non-ballasted type. The grounded theory approach was adopted to build up sets of data from which the most suitable components could be selected. In addition, design analyses were done of the various types of components to determine their suitability for a conceptual ELRT model. Experienced engineers and experts were also consulted to identify the most suitable components. After analyses and selection of the most suitable components, outstanding experts were approached to evaluate the components that showed up as the most suitable through the research. The research results indicated that bored and cast-in-place piles, a double-cell trapezoidal segmental box girder, and twin-block sleepers on a non-ballasted sleeper bed are the most suitable civil engineering components.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009