Effects of patch-size on populations of intertidal limpets, Siphonaria spp., in a linear landscape
- Cole, Victoria J, Johnson, Linda G, McQuaid, Christopher D
- Authors: Cole, Victoria J , Johnson, Linda G , McQuaid, Christopher D
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6845 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011050
- Description: Organisms with different life-histories and abilities to disperse often utilise habitat patches in different ways. We investigated the influence of the size of patches of rock (separated by stretches of sand) on the density of pulmonate limpets (Siphonaria spp.) along 1500 km of the linear landscape of the South African coastline. We compared the influence of patch-size on two congeneric species with different modes of development, S. serrata a direct developer, and S. concinna a planktonic developer. We tested the spatial and temporal consistency of the effects of patch-size by sampling 7 independent regions spanning the distributional range of both species of limpets, and by sampling one region at monthly intervals for 1 year. Within each region or month, 4 small patches (<20 m in length) interspersed with the 4 large patches (>60 m in length) were sampled. Across the entire geographic range and throughout the year, there were more of both species of limpets in large patches than in small patches. In most regions, there was greater variability in large patches than small patches. Variability within patches in a single region was similar throughout the year, with greater variability of both species in large than in small patches. We found little influence of the mode of development on the response of limpets to patch-size. Our findings highlight the importance of understanding patterns of distribution of species with respect to habitat heterogeneity in linear landscapes, and contradict the idea that organism mobility at an early ontogenetic stage directly affects habitat use.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Cole, Victoria J , Johnson, Linda G , McQuaid, Christopher D
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6845 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011050
- Description: Organisms with different life-histories and abilities to disperse often utilise habitat patches in different ways. We investigated the influence of the size of patches of rock (separated by stretches of sand) on the density of pulmonate limpets (Siphonaria spp.) along 1500 km of the linear landscape of the South African coastline. We compared the influence of patch-size on two congeneric species with different modes of development, S. serrata a direct developer, and S. concinna a planktonic developer. We tested the spatial and temporal consistency of the effects of patch-size by sampling 7 independent regions spanning the distributional range of both species of limpets, and by sampling one region at monthly intervals for 1 year. Within each region or month, 4 small patches (<20 m in length) interspersed with the 4 large patches (>60 m in length) were sampled. Across the entire geographic range and throughout the year, there were more of both species of limpets in large patches than in small patches. In most regions, there was greater variability in large patches than small patches. Variability within patches in a single region was similar throughout the year, with greater variability of both species in large than in small patches. We found little influence of the mode of development on the response of limpets to patch-size. Our findings highlight the importance of understanding patterns of distribution of species with respect to habitat heterogeneity in linear landscapes, and contradict the idea that organism mobility at an early ontogenetic stage directly affects habitat use.
- Full Text:
Electrocatalytic behavior of cobalt phthalocyanine complexes immobilized on glassy carbon electrode towards the reduction of dicrotophos pesticide
- Vilakazi, Sibulelo, Nyokong, Tebello, Fukuda, Takamitsu, Kobayashi, Nagao
- Authors: Vilakazi, Sibulelo , Nyokong, Tebello , Fukuda, Takamitsu , Kobayashi, Nagao
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/245832 , vital:51409 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1142/S1088424612501040"
- Description: Electrocatalytic properties of cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc), cobalt tetra-carboxy phthalocyanine (CoTCPc) and cobalt octa-carboxy (CoOCPc), towards the detection of dicrotophos have been studied. Catalytic behavior towards the reduction of dicrotophos was found to be dependent on the pH, as well as the substitution on the phthalocyanine ring. Strong electron withdrawing groups on the phthalocyanine ring yielded best catalysis as evidenced by the enhancement of the reduction peak current, (~5 fold) compared to the bare glassy carbon electrode. The analysis gave a good detection limit of 1.25 × 10-7 M, and good linearity for the studied concentration range. A high Tafel slope value was obtained, indicating a strong interaction between dicrotophos and the cobalt phthalocyanine complex.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Vilakazi, Sibulelo , Nyokong, Tebello , Fukuda, Takamitsu , Kobayashi, Nagao
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/245832 , vital:51409 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1142/S1088424612501040"
- Description: Electrocatalytic properties of cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc), cobalt tetra-carboxy phthalocyanine (CoTCPc) and cobalt octa-carboxy (CoOCPc), towards the detection of dicrotophos have been studied. Catalytic behavior towards the reduction of dicrotophos was found to be dependent on the pH, as well as the substitution on the phthalocyanine ring. Strong electron withdrawing groups on the phthalocyanine ring yielded best catalysis as evidenced by the enhancement of the reduction peak current, (~5 fold) compared to the bare glassy carbon electrode. The analysis gave a good detection limit of 1.25 × 10-7 M, and good linearity for the studied concentration range. A high Tafel slope value was obtained, indicating a strong interaction between dicrotophos and the cobalt phthalocyanine complex.
- Full Text:
Electrochemical sensing and immunosensing using metallophthalocyanines and biomolecular modified surfaces
- Authors: Mashazi, Philani Nkosinathi
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Phthalocyanines , Electrochemistry , Electrodes, Enzyme , Measles -- Measurement
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5580 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018248
- Description: The synthesis of cobalt and manganese phthalocyanine complexes bearing eight hexylthio and four amino substituents was carried out. The formation of thin films of these complexes using different modification methods was also studied. Hexylthio functionalized metallophthalocyanine complexes were immobilized onto gold electrode surfaces using the self-assembly techniques. Surface modifications using cobalt and manganese tetraamino phthalocyanine as polymers, monolayers (onto electrografted surfaces) and as carbon nanotube – metallophthalocyanine conjugates was also carried out. The new method of modifying gold electrodes with metal tetraamino phthalocyanine complexes was investigated. The modified electrode surfaces were studied for their electrocatalytic properties and as potential electrochemical sensors for the detection of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). The limits of detection for the H₂O₂ were of the orders of ~10⁻⁷ M for all the modified electrodes. The modified electrodes gave very good analytical parameters; such as good sensitivity, linearity at studied concentration range and well-defined analytical peaks with increased current densities. The modification methods were reproducible, highly conducting thin films were formed and the modified electrodes were very stable. The design of electrochemical immunosensors for the detection of measles-specific antibodies was also carried out. The modified surface with measles-antigen as sensing element was accomplished using covalent immobilization for an intimate connection of the measles-antigen as a sensing layer onto an electrode surface. Two methods of detecting measles-specific antibodies were investigated and these methods were based on electrochemical impedance, i.e. label-free detection, and voltammetric method using horse-radish peroxidase (HRP) labeled antibody as a reporter. The detection of measles-specific antibodies was accomplished using both these methods. The potential applications of the designed immunosensor were evaluated in real samples (human and newborn calf serum) and the electrodes could detect the antibodies in the complex sample matrix with ease.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mashazi, Philani Nkosinathi
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Phthalocyanines , Electrochemistry , Electrodes, Enzyme , Measles -- Measurement
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5580 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018248
- Description: The synthesis of cobalt and manganese phthalocyanine complexes bearing eight hexylthio and four amino substituents was carried out. The formation of thin films of these complexes using different modification methods was also studied. Hexylthio functionalized metallophthalocyanine complexes were immobilized onto gold electrode surfaces using the self-assembly techniques. Surface modifications using cobalt and manganese tetraamino phthalocyanine as polymers, monolayers (onto electrografted surfaces) and as carbon nanotube – metallophthalocyanine conjugates was also carried out. The new method of modifying gold electrodes with metal tetraamino phthalocyanine complexes was investigated. The modified electrode surfaces were studied for their electrocatalytic properties and as potential electrochemical sensors for the detection of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). The limits of detection for the H₂O₂ were of the orders of ~10⁻⁷ M for all the modified electrodes. The modified electrodes gave very good analytical parameters; such as good sensitivity, linearity at studied concentration range and well-defined analytical peaks with increased current densities. The modification methods were reproducible, highly conducting thin films were formed and the modified electrodes were very stable. The design of electrochemical immunosensors for the detection of measles-specific antibodies was also carried out. The modified surface with measles-antigen as sensing element was accomplished using covalent immobilization for an intimate connection of the measles-antigen as a sensing layer onto an electrode surface. Two methods of detecting measles-specific antibodies were investigated and these methods were based on electrochemical impedance, i.e. label-free detection, and voltammetric method using horse-radish peroxidase (HRP) labeled antibody as a reporter. The detection of measles-specific antibodies was accomplished using both these methods. The potential applications of the designed immunosensor were evaluated in real samples (human and newborn calf serum) and the electrodes could detect the antibodies in the complex sample matrix with ease.
- Full Text:
Electrochemistry and photophysicochemical studies of titanium, tantalum and vanadium phthalocyanines in the presence of nanomaterials
- Authors: Chauke, Vongani Portia
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Phthalocyanines -- Synthesis Electrochemistry Titanium Tantalum Vanadium
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4313 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004971
- Description: The syntheses of tetra- and octa-substituted phthalocyanine complexes of titanium (IV) oxide vanadium (IV) oxide and tantalum (V) hydroxide and their electrochemical characterisation are presented in this work. The structures and purity of these complexes were confirmed by NMR, infrared and mass spectroscopies and elemental analysis. They show good solubility in most common solvents especially non-viscous solvents such as dichloromethane and chloroform. The cyclic voltammograms (CV) showed reversible to quasi reversible behavior for all the reduction couples and the oxidation peaks were irreversible. Spectroelectrochemistry of the complexes confirmed metal and ring redox processes for TaPc and TiPc derivatives and ring based processes only for VPc complexes. The synthesis of gold nanoparticles and their conjugation with the new phthalocyanines was carried out. Similarly, single walled carbon nanotubes were conjugated to selected tantalum complexes and the characterization of all the nanomaterials and their conjugates using different techniques that include TEM, XRD and AFM is also presented in this work. The photophysical and photochemical properties and photocatalytic oxidation of cyclohexene properties of the newly synthesised in the presence of gold nanoparticles were investigated. The compounds were stable, well within the stability range for phthalocyanines. The singlet oxygen quantum yield values increased drastically in the presence of gold nanoparticles. The photocatalytic products obtained from the reaction were cyclohexene oxide, 2-cyclohexen-1-ol, 2-cyclohexene-1-one and 1,4-cyclohexanediol. The percentage conversion values, yields and selectivity values improved significantly in the presence of AuNPs. Singlet oxygen was determined to be the main agent involved in the photocatalytic oxidation of cyclohexene. The electrocatalytic oxidation of bisphenol A and p-nitrophenol was carried out using nickel tetraamino phthalocyanine and all the newly synthesised metallophthalocyanine in the presence of gold nanoparticles and single walled carbon nanotubes. The charge transfer behaviour of AuNPs was enhanced in the presence of TaPc, TiPc and VPc complexes. The presence of single walled carbon nanotubes further improved electron transfer and minimised electrode passivation.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Chauke, Vongani Portia
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Phthalocyanines -- Synthesis Electrochemistry Titanium Tantalum Vanadium
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4313 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004971
- Description: The syntheses of tetra- and octa-substituted phthalocyanine complexes of titanium (IV) oxide vanadium (IV) oxide and tantalum (V) hydroxide and their electrochemical characterisation are presented in this work. The structures and purity of these complexes were confirmed by NMR, infrared and mass spectroscopies and elemental analysis. They show good solubility in most common solvents especially non-viscous solvents such as dichloromethane and chloroform. The cyclic voltammograms (CV) showed reversible to quasi reversible behavior for all the reduction couples and the oxidation peaks were irreversible. Spectroelectrochemistry of the complexes confirmed metal and ring redox processes for TaPc and TiPc derivatives and ring based processes only for VPc complexes. The synthesis of gold nanoparticles and their conjugation with the new phthalocyanines was carried out. Similarly, single walled carbon nanotubes were conjugated to selected tantalum complexes and the characterization of all the nanomaterials and their conjugates using different techniques that include TEM, XRD and AFM is also presented in this work. The photophysical and photochemical properties and photocatalytic oxidation of cyclohexene properties of the newly synthesised in the presence of gold nanoparticles were investigated. The compounds were stable, well within the stability range for phthalocyanines. The singlet oxygen quantum yield values increased drastically in the presence of gold nanoparticles. The photocatalytic products obtained from the reaction were cyclohexene oxide, 2-cyclohexen-1-ol, 2-cyclohexene-1-one and 1,4-cyclohexanediol. The percentage conversion values, yields and selectivity values improved significantly in the presence of AuNPs. Singlet oxygen was determined to be the main agent involved in the photocatalytic oxidation of cyclohexene. The electrocatalytic oxidation of bisphenol A and p-nitrophenol was carried out using nickel tetraamino phthalocyanine and all the newly synthesised metallophthalocyanine in the presence of gold nanoparticles and single walled carbon nanotubes. The charge transfer behaviour of AuNPs was enhanced in the presence of TaPc, TiPc and VPc complexes. The presence of single walled carbon nanotubes further improved electron transfer and minimised electrode passivation.
- Full Text:
Electrospun nanofibers : an alternative sorbent material for solid phase extraction
- Chigome, Samuel, Samuel Chigome
- Authors: Chigome, Samuel , Samuel Chigome
- Date: 2012 , 2012-03-26
- Subjects: Nanofibers -- Research Electrospinning -- Research Sorbents -- Research Extraction (Chemistry) -- Research
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4314 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004972
- Description: The work described in the thesis seeks to lay a foundation for a better understanding of the use of electrospun nanofibers as a sorbent material. Three miniaturised electrospun nanofiber based solid phase extraction devices were fabricated. For the first two, 10 mg of electrospun polystyrene fibers were used as a sorbent bed for a micro column SPE device (8 mm bed height in a 200 μl pipette tip) and a disk (I) SPE device (5 mm 1 mm sorbent bed in a 1000 μl SPE barrel). While for the third, 4.6 mg of electrospun nylon nanofibers were used as a sorbent bed for a disk (II) SPE device, (sorbent bed consisting of 5 5 mm 350 μm stacked disks in a 500 μl SPE barrel). Corticosteroids were employed as model analytes for performance evaluation of the fabricated SPE devices. Quantitative recoveries (45.5-124.29 percent) were achieved for all SPE devices at a loading volume of 100 μl and analyte concentration of 500 ng ml-1. Three mathematical models; the Boltzmann, Weibull five parameter and the Sigmoid three parameter were employed to describe the break through profiles of each of the sorbent beds. The micro column SPE device exhibited a breakthrough volume of 1400 μl, and theoretical plates (7.98-9.1) while disk (I) SPE device exhibited 400-500 μl and 1.39-2.82 respectively. Disk (II) SPE device exhibited a breakthrough volume of 200 μl and theoretical plates 0.38-1.15. It was proposed that the formats of future electrospun nanofiber sorbent based SPE devices will be guided by mechanical strength of the polymer. The study classified electrospun polymer fibers into two as polystyrene type (relatively low mechanical strength) and nylon type (relatively high mechanical strength).
- Full Text:
- Authors: Chigome, Samuel , Samuel Chigome
- Date: 2012 , 2012-03-26
- Subjects: Nanofibers -- Research Electrospinning -- Research Sorbents -- Research Extraction (Chemistry) -- Research
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4314 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004972
- Description: The work described in the thesis seeks to lay a foundation for a better understanding of the use of electrospun nanofibers as a sorbent material. Three miniaturised electrospun nanofiber based solid phase extraction devices were fabricated. For the first two, 10 mg of electrospun polystyrene fibers were used as a sorbent bed for a micro column SPE device (8 mm bed height in a 200 μl pipette tip) and a disk (I) SPE device (5 mm 1 mm sorbent bed in a 1000 μl SPE barrel). While for the third, 4.6 mg of electrospun nylon nanofibers were used as a sorbent bed for a disk (II) SPE device, (sorbent bed consisting of 5 5 mm 350 μm stacked disks in a 500 μl SPE barrel). Corticosteroids were employed as model analytes for performance evaluation of the fabricated SPE devices. Quantitative recoveries (45.5-124.29 percent) were achieved for all SPE devices at a loading volume of 100 μl and analyte concentration of 500 ng ml-1. Three mathematical models; the Boltzmann, Weibull five parameter and the Sigmoid three parameter were employed to describe the break through profiles of each of the sorbent beds. The micro column SPE device exhibited a breakthrough volume of 1400 μl, and theoretical plates (7.98-9.1) while disk (I) SPE device exhibited 400-500 μl and 1.39-2.82 respectively. Disk (II) SPE device exhibited a breakthrough volume of 200 μl and theoretical plates 0.38-1.15. It was proposed that the formats of future electrospun nanofiber sorbent based SPE devices will be guided by mechanical strength of the polymer. The study classified electrospun polymer fibers into two as polystyrene type (relatively low mechanical strength) and nylon type (relatively high mechanical strength).
- Full Text:
Electrospun polyacrylic acid polymer fibers functionalized with metallophthalocyanines for photosensitizing and gas sensing applications
- Zugle, Ruphino, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Zugle, Ruphino , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/243543 , vital:51162 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/10601325.2012.662006"
- Description: The photophysical and photochemical properties of tetraaminophthalocyanine complexes of lutetium and zinc covalently linked to polyacrylic acid were studied alongside those of unsubstituted zinc phthalocyanine within the same polymeric fiber matrix. All three phthalocyanines within the solid fiber matrices showed photoactivity by the generation of singlet oxygen as was observed in solution. The fluorescence behaviors of the composite fibers equally parallel those in solution. For the unsubstituted zinc phthalocyanine composite, the fiber showed fluorescence quenching on interaction with gaseous nitrogen dioxide similar to that in DMF and, thus could be a promising nanofabric material in developing optoelectronic devices that are responsive to the gas.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Zugle, Ruphino , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/243543 , vital:51162 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/10601325.2012.662006"
- Description: The photophysical and photochemical properties of tetraaminophthalocyanine complexes of lutetium and zinc covalently linked to polyacrylic acid were studied alongside those of unsubstituted zinc phthalocyanine within the same polymeric fiber matrix. All three phthalocyanines within the solid fiber matrices showed photoactivity by the generation of singlet oxygen as was observed in solution. The fluorescence behaviors of the composite fibers equally parallel those in solution. For the unsubstituted zinc phthalocyanine composite, the fiber showed fluorescence quenching on interaction with gaseous nitrogen dioxide similar to that in DMF and, thus could be a promising nanofabric material in developing optoelectronic devices that are responsive to the gas.
- Full Text:
Emancipatory spaces in the post-colony : South Africa and the case for AbM and UPM
- Authors: Tselapedi, Thapelo
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Postcolonialism -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Apartheid -- South Africa Civil society -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Social movements -- South Africa -- Grahamstown South Africa -- Economic conditions -- 1991- South Africa -- Economic policy South Africa -- Politics and government -- 1994-
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2839 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004451
- Description: This thesis is about the relationship between local government, grassroots organisations and the organisation of power resulting from the interaction of the two. Exploring this relationship this thesis investigates whether the actions of grassroots movements can bring local government in line with their developmental role as accorded to them by the Constitution. The assumption embedded in this question is that the current balance of power at the local level exists outside of the service of the historically disadvantaged. Following on from that, the thesis explores, through different modes of analysis, theoretical and historical, the policy and constitutional framework for local government, and then it unravels the context set by the political economy of South Africa. The aim is to make a significant attempt at understanding the possible implications of the interventions grassroots movements make in the public space. The thesis does this also by looking at the strengths and weaknesses of the strategies of the UDF to makes an assessment of the possible endurance of post-apartheid grassroots movements. Since civil society ‘suffers’ from nationalist politics, with its own corporatist institutions, the thesis searches deep within or arguably 'outside of civil society', subjecting AbM and UPM to academic critique, to see how movements embedded among the poor and carrying the political instrument of anger and marginalisation, can dislodge the power of capital. More importantly, the thesis situates the post-apartheid moment within postcolonial politics; navigating through the legacy of Colonialism of a Special Type (CSP), the thesis explores the limits and opportunities at the disposal of grassroots movements. From a different perspective, the thesis is an examination of the organisation and movement of power and the spaces within which power and ideas are contested. Drawing on the political and economic engagements, dubbed the Dar Es Salaam debates, in the 1970’s and 1980’s spurred on by Issa Shivji, the late Prof Dani Wadada Nabudere and Mahmood Mandani, the conclusions of this thesis develops these engagements, essentially making a case for the continued centrality of the post-apartheid state. However, the thesis also asserts the indubitable role that both grassroots movements and civil society need to play, not necessarily in the democratisation of the state, though that goes without saying, but in taking the post-colonial state on its own terms. Consequently, the thesis puts forward the idea that issue-based mobilisation does exactly this, and in the manner that acknowledges the state’s centrality and makes paramount the self-organisation (popular assemblies) of ordinary people in public affairs. The thesis categorically concludes that the centrality of the post-apartheid state and its progressive outlook (constitutional values) is contingent on organs of popular assemblies which need to take the state on its (progressive) terms.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Tselapedi, Thapelo
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Postcolonialism -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Apartheid -- South Africa Civil society -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Social movements -- South Africa -- Grahamstown South Africa -- Economic conditions -- 1991- South Africa -- Economic policy South Africa -- Politics and government -- 1994-
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2839 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004451
- Description: This thesis is about the relationship between local government, grassroots organisations and the organisation of power resulting from the interaction of the two. Exploring this relationship this thesis investigates whether the actions of grassroots movements can bring local government in line with their developmental role as accorded to them by the Constitution. The assumption embedded in this question is that the current balance of power at the local level exists outside of the service of the historically disadvantaged. Following on from that, the thesis explores, through different modes of analysis, theoretical and historical, the policy and constitutional framework for local government, and then it unravels the context set by the political economy of South Africa. The aim is to make a significant attempt at understanding the possible implications of the interventions grassroots movements make in the public space. The thesis does this also by looking at the strengths and weaknesses of the strategies of the UDF to makes an assessment of the possible endurance of post-apartheid grassroots movements. Since civil society ‘suffers’ from nationalist politics, with its own corporatist institutions, the thesis searches deep within or arguably 'outside of civil society', subjecting AbM and UPM to academic critique, to see how movements embedded among the poor and carrying the political instrument of anger and marginalisation, can dislodge the power of capital. More importantly, the thesis situates the post-apartheid moment within postcolonial politics; navigating through the legacy of Colonialism of a Special Type (CSP), the thesis explores the limits and opportunities at the disposal of grassroots movements. From a different perspective, the thesis is an examination of the organisation and movement of power and the spaces within which power and ideas are contested. Drawing on the political and economic engagements, dubbed the Dar Es Salaam debates, in the 1970’s and 1980’s spurred on by Issa Shivji, the late Prof Dani Wadada Nabudere and Mahmood Mandani, the conclusions of this thesis develops these engagements, essentially making a case for the continued centrality of the post-apartheid state. However, the thesis also asserts the indubitable role that both grassroots movements and civil society need to play, not necessarily in the democratisation of the state, though that goes without saying, but in taking the post-colonial state on its own terms. Consequently, the thesis puts forward the idea that issue-based mobilisation does exactly this, and in the manner that acknowledges the state’s centrality and makes paramount the self-organisation (popular assemblies) of ordinary people in public affairs. The thesis categorically concludes that the centrality of the post-apartheid state and its progressive outlook (constitutional values) is contingent on organs of popular assemblies which need to take the state on its (progressive) terms.
- Full Text:
Embrace! Invest! Flourish!: Africa rising
- Authors: Malila, Vanessa
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/159539 , vital:40306 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC134110
- Description: Currently the trend across Africa within the media landscape is growth - compared with its European and American counterparts who are feeling the full weight of the current financial crisis which has seen many newspapers downsize, cut jobs and suffer massive cost cutting strategies.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Malila, Vanessa
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/159539 , vital:40306 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC134110
- Description: Currently the trend across Africa within the media landscape is growth - compared with its European and American counterparts who are feeling the full weight of the current financial crisis which has seen many newspapers downsize, cut jobs and suffer massive cost cutting strategies.
- Full Text:
Empirical modelling of the solar wind influence on Pc3 pulsation activity
- Authors: Lotz, Stefanus Ignatius
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Solar wind -- Research Solar activity -- Research Stellar oscillations -- Research , Magnetospheric radio wave propagation , Interplanetary magnetic fields
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5464 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005249
- Description: Geomagnetic pulsations are ultra-low frequency (ULF) oscillations of the geomagnetic field that have been observed in the magnetosphere and on the Earth since the 1800’s. In the 1960’s in situ observations of the solar wind suggested that the source of pulsation activity must lie beyond the magnetosphere. In this work the influence of several solar wind plasma and interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) parameters on Pc3 pulsations are studied. Pc3 pulsations are a class of geomagnetic pulsations with frequency ranging between 22 and 100 mHz. A large dataset of solar wind and pulsation measurements is employed to develop two empirical models capable of predicting the Pc3 index (an indication of Pc3 intensity) at one hour and five minute time resolution, respectively. The models are based on artificial neural networks, due to their ability to model highly non-linear interactions between dependent and independent variables. A robust, iterative process is followed to find and rank the set of solar wind input parameters that optimally predict Pc3 activity. According to the parameter selection process the input parameters to the low resolution model (1 hour data) are, in order of importance, solar wind speed, a pair of time-based parameters, dynamic solar wind pressure, and the IMF orientation with respect to the Sun-Earth line (i.e. the cone angle). Input parameters to the high resolution model (5 minute data) are solar wind speed, cone angle, solar wind density and a pair of time-based parameters. Both models accurately predict Pc3 intensity from unseen solar wind data. It is observed that Pc3 activity ceases when the density in the solar wind is very low, even while other conditions are favourable for the generation and propagation of ULF waves. The influence that solar wind density has on Pc3 activity is studied by analysing six years of solar wind and Pc3 measurements at one minute resolution. It is suggested that the pause in Pc3 activity occurs due to two reasons: Firstly, the ULF waves that are generated in the region upstream of the bow shock does not grow efficiently if the solar wind density is very low; and secondly, waves that are generated cannot be convected into the magnetosphere because of the low Mach number of the solar wind plasma due to the decreased density.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Lotz, Stefanus Ignatius
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Solar wind -- Research Solar activity -- Research Stellar oscillations -- Research , Magnetospheric radio wave propagation , Interplanetary magnetic fields
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5464 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005249
- Description: Geomagnetic pulsations are ultra-low frequency (ULF) oscillations of the geomagnetic field that have been observed in the magnetosphere and on the Earth since the 1800’s. In the 1960’s in situ observations of the solar wind suggested that the source of pulsation activity must lie beyond the magnetosphere. In this work the influence of several solar wind plasma and interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) parameters on Pc3 pulsations are studied. Pc3 pulsations are a class of geomagnetic pulsations with frequency ranging between 22 and 100 mHz. A large dataset of solar wind and pulsation measurements is employed to develop two empirical models capable of predicting the Pc3 index (an indication of Pc3 intensity) at one hour and five minute time resolution, respectively. The models are based on artificial neural networks, due to their ability to model highly non-linear interactions between dependent and independent variables. A robust, iterative process is followed to find and rank the set of solar wind input parameters that optimally predict Pc3 activity. According to the parameter selection process the input parameters to the low resolution model (1 hour data) are, in order of importance, solar wind speed, a pair of time-based parameters, dynamic solar wind pressure, and the IMF orientation with respect to the Sun-Earth line (i.e. the cone angle). Input parameters to the high resolution model (5 minute data) are solar wind speed, cone angle, solar wind density and a pair of time-based parameters. Both models accurately predict Pc3 intensity from unseen solar wind data. It is observed that Pc3 activity ceases when the density in the solar wind is very low, even while other conditions are favourable for the generation and propagation of ULF waves. The influence that solar wind density has on Pc3 activity is studied by analysing six years of solar wind and Pc3 measurements at one minute resolution. It is suggested that the pause in Pc3 activity occurs due to two reasons: Firstly, the ULF waves that are generated in the region upstream of the bow shock does not grow efficiently if the solar wind density is very low; and secondly, waves that are generated cannot be convected into the magnetosphere because of the low Mach number of the solar wind plasma due to the decreased density.
- Full Text:
Enabling social learning as a response to environmental issues through teaching of localised curriculum in Zambian schools
- Authors: Sinyama, Imakando
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Social learning -- Zambia -- Keembe (Central Province) Environmental education -- Zambia -- Keembe (Central Province) Environmental education -- Study and teaching -- Zambia -- Keembe (Central Province) Sustainable development -- Study and teaching -- Zambia -- Keembe (Central Province) Curriculum change -- Zambia -- Keembe (Central Province) Educational evaluation -- Zambia -- Keembe (Central Province)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1508 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003390
- Description: Schools are traditionally established as the main meeting platforms for awareness, education, training and capacity building in the local communities, and as such, are highly regarded and respected. They are situated and integrated in nearly all local communities. They are thus perfectly suited to reach, draw on and provide capacity building to the communities. Zambia recently introduced a new curriculum aspect named localised curriculum, which makes up 20% of the curriculum. This curriculum area encourages schools to address issues of sustainable development that are locally relevant through this curriculum component, but it is not clear what kind of learning emerges from this curriculum aspect. The study looked at the shift in pedagogical discourse since the introduction of the localised curriculum. Using case study methodology and observation of a number of classroom activities in the Keemba District near Monze in Zambia, I observed social learning interactions taking place in the implementation of the localised curriculum. In particular, I was interested in how the different aspects of the localised curriculum enabled social learning, at different levels. What is important in this research is that it focused not so much on what people should know, or be able to do, but rather, drawing on some of the questions raised by Wals (2007), I considered questions of how people learn, and how social learning emerges in school-community interactions in the localised curriculum. The main research question was to investigate: How does localised curriculum enable social learning in response to environmental issues in Zambian schools? This research drew on a number of associated research projects that were carried out in southern Africa and beyond. In his research, Namafe (2008) states that he saw a great need to institutionalise increased participation of Zambian Basic Schools and their local communities in sustainable development of the country in order to alleviate poverty and achieve equitable development. Hogan (2008, p. 122 ) researching in a different context, argues that contextualisation of the curriculum allowed for indigenous knowledge to come in to the classroom, stating that ‘Weakening of the frames provided the opportunity of closer relationships to give space for knowledge other than teacher selected knowledge or book knowledge to enter the classroom.’ In this study I found that: - Teaching localised curriculum allowed for contextualisation and integration of environment and natural resource management issues - Localising the curriculum contributed to curriculum relevancy: teaching localised curriculum helped learners, teachers and community to develop concern for quality of life and contributed to an understanding of sustainable development - Localised curriculum allowed for frame awareness, frame deconstruction and reframing to take place: this allowed teachers to use methods which promoted active pupil participation and interaction, encouraging learners to be reflexive thinkers rather than just using rote memory - Participation of teachers, community and learners in the implementation of the localised curriculum: The involvement of community members to teach topics of the localised curriculum was useful and articulated processes of inter–epistemological dialogue between traditional or every day and scientific or institutional knowledge - The localised curriculum implementation involved various roles and was influenced by various factors. Of key interest to this study was the fact that neither parents, learners nor teachers saw the localised curriculum as an opportunity for problem solving, but rather emphasised the learning of practical life skills relevant to the community. This differed from the curriculum manuals, and reduced the environmental education potential and also social learning opportunities.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Sinyama, Imakando
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Social learning -- Zambia -- Keembe (Central Province) Environmental education -- Zambia -- Keembe (Central Province) Environmental education -- Study and teaching -- Zambia -- Keembe (Central Province) Sustainable development -- Study and teaching -- Zambia -- Keembe (Central Province) Curriculum change -- Zambia -- Keembe (Central Province) Educational evaluation -- Zambia -- Keembe (Central Province)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1508 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003390
- Description: Schools are traditionally established as the main meeting platforms for awareness, education, training and capacity building in the local communities, and as such, are highly regarded and respected. They are situated and integrated in nearly all local communities. They are thus perfectly suited to reach, draw on and provide capacity building to the communities. Zambia recently introduced a new curriculum aspect named localised curriculum, which makes up 20% of the curriculum. This curriculum area encourages schools to address issues of sustainable development that are locally relevant through this curriculum component, but it is not clear what kind of learning emerges from this curriculum aspect. The study looked at the shift in pedagogical discourse since the introduction of the localised curriculum. Using case study methodology and observation of a number of classroom activities in the Keemba District near Monze in Zambia, I observed social learning interactions taking place in the implementation of the localised curriculum. In particular, I was interested in how the different aspects of the localised curriculum enabled social learning, at different levels. What is important in this research is that it focused not so much on what people should know, or be able to do, but rather, drawing on some of the questions raised by Wals (2007), I considered questions of how people learn, and how social learning emerges in school-community interactions in the localised curriculum. The main research question was to investigate: How does localised curriculum enable social learning in response to environmental issues in Zambian schools? This research drew on a number of associated research projects that were carried out in southern Africa and beyond. In his research, Namafe (2008) states that he saw a great need to institutionalise increased participation of Zambian Basic Schools and their local communities in sustainable development of the country in order to alleviate poverty and achieve equitable development. Hogan (2008, p. 122 ) researching in a different context, argues that contextualisation of the curriculum allowed for indigenous knowledge to come in to the classroom, stating that ‘Weakening of the frames provided the opportunity of closer relationships to give space for knowledge other than teacher selected knowledge or book knowledge to enter the classroom.’ In this study I found that: - Teaching localised curriculum allowed for contextualisation and integration of environment and natural resource management issues - Localising the curriculum contributed to curriculum relevancy: teaching localised curriculum helped learners, teachers and community to develop concern for quality of life and contributed to an understanding of sustainable development - Localised curriculum allowed for frame awareness, frame deconstruction and reframing to take place: this allowed teachers to use methods which promoted active pupil participation and interaction, encouraging learners to be reflexive thinkers rather than just using rote memory - Participation of teachers, community and learners in the implementation of the localised curriculum: The involvement of community members to teach topics of the localised curriculum was useful and articulated processes of inter–epistemological dialogue between traditional or every day and scientific or institutional knowledge - The localised curriculum implementation involved various roles and was influenced by various factors. Of key interest to this study was the fact that neither parents, learners nor teachers saw the localised curriculum as an opportunity for problem solving, but rather emphasised the learning of practical life skills relevant to the community. This differed from the curriculum manuals, and reduced the environmental education potential and also social learning opportunities.
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Enhancing the critical reading skills of student teachers in Namibia : An action research project
- Authors: Dikuwa, Alexander
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Reading (Higher education) Critical thinking , Teachers -- Training of -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1912 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007162
- Description: This thesis reports on a responsive action research case study undertaken to teach student teachers to read critically. I undertook this research to gain a basic knowledge about critical reading as well as to form a knowledge base that would enable me to teach it effectively. First, I gave students a diagnostic assessment activity, analyzed the result and established the students’ ability to read a text critically. After I had established the students’ strengths, weaknesses, and the requirements to move students from their existing critical reading competency to an improved one, I reviewed the literature to provide me with a theory of teaching critical reading. The lessons were then planned and taught. The lessons; focus group interviews; researcher’s diary; students’ reflections and non-participant observer comments formed the data of the study. The data were analyzed using the framework of “what went well”, “what did not go well” and “what needs to be improved if the lessons were to be repeated”. The main purpose was to address the goals of the research, which were to find effective ways of teaching critical reading, appropriate critical reading materials, and to identify any pedagogic shortcomings. The 30 students who took part in this research were third-year students studying English Second language and Mother tongue pedagogies to become specialists in the teaching of both at Junior Secondary level (grades 8 – 10). The study was guided by constructivist theory, which underpins learner-centred education, which continues to inform and shape the development of curricula in Namibia.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Dikuwa, Alexander
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Reading (Higher education) Critical thinking , Teachers -- Training of -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1912 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007162
- Description: This thesis reports on a responsive action research case study undertaken to teach student teachers to read critically. I undertook this research to gain a basic knowledge about critical reading as well as to form a knowledge base that would enable me to teach it effectively. First, I gave students a diagnostic assessment activity, analyzed the result and established the students’ ability to read a text critically. After I had established the students’ strengths, weaknesses, and the requirements to move students from their existing critical reading competency to an improved one, I reviewed the literature to provide me with a theory of teaching critical reading. The lessons were then planned and taught. The lessons; focus group interviews; researcher’s diary; students’ reflections and non-participant observer comments formed the data of the study. The data were analyzed using the framework of “what went well”, “what did not go well” and “what needs to be improved if the lessons were to be repeated”. The main purpose was to address the goals of the research, which were to find effective ways of teaching critical reading, appropriate critical reading materials, and to identify any pedagogic shortcomings. The 30 students who took part in this research were third-year students studying English Second language and Mother tongue pedagogies to become specialists in the teaching of both at Junior Secondary level (grades 8 – 10). The study was guided by constructivist theory, which underpins learner-centred education, which continues to inform and shape the development of curricula in Namibia.
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Environmental factors influencing learner absenteeism in six schools in the Kavango Region, Namibia
- Authors: Sanzila, Keith Mumba
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: School attendance -- Namibia -- Kavango Education -- Namibia -- Kavango Education and state -- Namibia -- Kavango Education -- Social aspects -- Namibia -- Kavango High school students -- Namibia -- Kavango -- Attitudes High school students -- Namibia -- Kavango -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1516 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003398
- Description: This study on learner absenteeism takes place in the Namibian context with a focus on the Kavango region, located in Northern Namibia, where absenteeism has been identified as a problem. The intention of the study is to find out the relationship between learner absenteeism and environmental factors. The research question was framed as: How do environmental factors influence learner absenteeism in schools, conceptualised as human activity systems in the Kavango Region (Namibia)? The wider intention of this study is to inform processes that can be put in place to reduce the impact of environmental factors on learner absenteeism, with the ultimate view of improving the quality of education. The literature review provides insight into learner absenteeism in developing and developed nations. It outlines the Namibian policies developed for improving learner attendance and retention of learners in schools, with the view of improving access to school. The study is located within the broader goals of education of Namibia. The research adopts a qualitative interpretive approach, and focuses on environmental factors influencing learner absenteeism in six case studies, which are selected schools in the Kavango province. The study uses a variety of tools such as questionnaires, focus group interviews, observations and interviews as well as document analysis. It uses a combination of inductive and abductive modes of inference in the data analysis. It draws on systems thinking to develop a model that theorises the interrelated roles of different stakeholders, namely, learners, teachers, parents, educational officials (including the regional office and the Ministry of Education). It proposes possible strategies for reduction of learner absenteeism that could contribute towards the improvement of the quality of education. It also mentions the benefits of reducing learner absenteeism in the schools involved in the case study. The findings clearly show that poverty is the main environmental factor that influences learner attendance. The impact of poverty does not, however, occur in isolation; it interacts and has influence over other environmental factors such as alcohol abuse, sickness, lack of parental involvement, lack of motivation from stakeholders and household work. The study also found certain educational factors influenced learner absenteeism, such as teacher attitude, pedagogical styles, and lack of security. The study ends with recommendations to reduce learner absenteeism and recommendations for further research.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Sanzila, Keith Mumba
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: School attendance -- Namibia -- Kavango Education -- Namibia -- Kavango Education and state -- Namibia -- Kavango Education -- Social aspects -- Namibia -- Kavango High school students -- Namibia -- Kavango -- Attitudes High school students -- Namibia -- Kavango -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1516 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003398
- Description: This study on learner absenteeism takes place in the Namibian context with a focus on the Kavango region, located in Northern Namibia, where absenteeism has been identified as a problem. The intention of the study is to find out the relationship between learner absenteeism and environmental factors. The research question was framed as: How do environmental factors influence learner absenteeism in schools, conceptualised as human activity systems in the Kavango Region (Namibia)? The wider intention of this study is to inform processes that can be put in place to reduce the impact of environmental factors on learner absenteeism, with the ultimate view of improving the quality of education. The literature review provides insight into learner absenteeism in developing and developed nations. It outlines the Namibian policies developed for improving learner attendance and retention of learners in schools, with the view of improving access to school. The study is located within the broader goals of education of Namibia. The research adopts a qualitative interpretive approach, and focuses on environmental factors influencing learner absenteeism in six case studies, which are selected schools in the Kavango province. The study uses a variety of tools such as questionnaires, focus group interviews, observations and interviews as well as document analysis. It uses a combination of inductive and abductive modes of inference in the data analysis. It draws on systems thinking to develop a model that theorises the interrelated roles of different stakeholders, namely, learners, teachers, parents, educational officials (including the regional office and the Ministry of Education). It proposes possible strategies for reduction of learner absenteeism that could contribute towards the improvement of the quality of education. It also mentions the benefits of reducing learner absenteeism in the schools involved in the case study. The findings clearly show that poverty is the main environmental factor that influences learner attendance. The impact of poverty does not, however, occur in isolation; it interacts and has influence over other environmental factors such as alcohol abuse, sickness, lack of parental involvement, lack of motivation from stakeholders and household work. The study also found certain educational factors influenced learner absenteeism, such as teacher attitude, pedagogical styles, and lack of security. The study ends with recommendations to reduce learner absenteeism and recommendations for further research.
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Ethical deliberations in environmental education workplaces: a case story of contextualised and personalised reflexivity
- Authors: Olvitt, Lausanne L
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/437421 , vital:73377 , ISBN 9789086867578 , https://doi.org/10.3920/9789086867578_0010
- Description: This chapter explores the fluidity and complexity of individual ethical deliberations in an environmental education workplace and ‘teases out’the associated learning processes. Based on the author’s recent doctoral research, the chapter tells the story of one South African environmental educator grappling with environmentoriented ethical tensions in his work. These ten-sions range from immediate officebased concerns such as paper wastage, to wider concerns such as lowering his carbon footprint through his choice of transport. The environmental educator has recently completed a one-year part-time course in environmental education. Does the course’s new capital of concepts and terminology influence his ethical deliberations? Does learning about environmental philosophies and other people’s ethical dilemmas support him to deepen his engage-ment with ethical tensions in his ownwork? The case study suggests that course-based learning processes are not espe-cially influential until they interface with the multi-layered soci-ocultural and historical dynamics in work-based and home-based ethical deliberations. Deciding what is ‘right’, and then teaching others about that ‘rightness’ is not as simple as know-ing the facts or norms, and acting on them. Past experiences, cultural norms, religious convictions, power gradients and even logistical constraints, all influence the nature and outcome of individual ethical deliberations, as do people’s future aspira-tions and their professional identities as environmental educa-tors.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Olvitt, Lausanne L
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/437421 , vital:73377 , ISBN 9789086867578 , https://doi.org/10.3920/9789086867578_0010
- Description: This chapter explores the fluidity and complexity of individual ethical deliberations in an environmental education workplace and ‘teases out’the associated learning processes. Based on the author’s recent doctoral research, the chapter tells the story of one South African environmental educator grappling with environmentoriented ethical tensions in his work. These ten-sions range from immediate officebased concerns such as paper wastage, to wider concerns such as lowering his carbon footprint through his choice of transport. The environmental educator has recently completed a one-year part-time course in environmental education. Does the course’s new capital of concepts and terminology influence his ethical deliberations? Does learning about environmental philosophies and other people’s ethical dilemmas support him to deepen his engage-ment with ethical tensions in his ownwork? The case study suggests that course-based learning processes are not espe-cially influential until they interface with the multi-layered soci-ocultural and historical dynamics in work-based and home-based ethical deliberations. Deciding what is ‘right’, and then teaching others about that ‘rightness’ is not as simple as know-ing the facts or norms, and acting on them. Past experiences, cultural norms, religious convictions, power gradients and even logistical constraints, all influence the nature and outcome of individual ethical deliberations, as do people’s future aspira-tions and their professional identities as environmental educa-tors.
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Evaluating the sustainable management of the State indigenous forests in the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Quvile, Nkosipendule
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Forests and forestry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Forest conservation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Forest ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Sustainable forestry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Forest management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:775 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003896
- Description: This research assesses the state of sustainability of State indigenous forests in the Eastern Cape and provides recommendations to improve their sustainability. The Eastern Cape Indigenous Forest Management Audit (ECIFMA) report of 2009 provided the primary data for this assessment (DAFF, 2009). The research was inspired by the fact that the global challenge of forestry destruction and degradation where the extent of forests is being reduced at an alarming rate of 6% annually. It became essential for global leaders to develop policies and strategies that sought to promote sustainable forest management. The monitoring of sustainability of forests was only possible through use of globally and nationally developed sets of criteria and indicators. Eleven forest estates responsible for the management of State indigenous forests in the Eastern Cape were selected for this research. The choice was influenced by the availability of audit data from the ECIFMA report of 2009. This report contained performance information of 41 indicators under 18 criteria for monitoring sustainable forest management as extracted from the PCI&S assessment checklist developed for monitoring the sustainability of indigenous forests in South Africa (DWAF, 2005). The data was refined using the MCA methods (ranking and scoring) as described by Mendoza and Prabhu (2000). These methods yielded to the determination of the performance of indicators of forest sustainability. It was thus important to conclude the research by responding to the following questions: • What is the state of sustainability of the State indigenous forests in the Eastern Cape? • What recommendations could be made to improve the sustainability of State indigenous forests? It was found that the State indigenous forests were not managed in a sustainable manner. The research report is concluded by providing concrete recommendations to improve forest sustainability.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Quvile, Nkosipendule
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Forests and forestry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Forest conservation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Forest ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Sustainable forestry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Forest management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:775 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003896
- Description: This research assesses the state of sustainability of State indigenous forests in the Eastern Cape and provides recommendations to improve their sustainability. The Eastern Cape Indigenous Forest Management Audit (ECIFMA) report of 2009 provided the primary data for this assessment (DAFF, 2009). The research was inspired by the fact that the global challenge of forestry destruction and degradation where the extent of forests is being reduced at an alarming rate of 6% annually. It became essential for global leaders to develop policies and strategies that sought to promote sustainable forest management. The monitoring of sustainability of forests was only possible through use of globally and nationally developed sets of criteria and indicators. Eleven forest estates responsible for the management of State indigenous forests in the Eastern Cape were selected for this research. The choice was influenced by the availability of audit data from the ECIFMA report of 2009. This report contained performance information of 41 indicators under 18 criteria for monitoring sustainable forest management as extracted from the PCI&S assessment checklist developed for monitoring the sustainability of indigenous forests in South Africa (DWAF, 2005). The data was refined using the MCA methods (ranking and scoring) as described by Mendoza and Prabhu (2000). These methods yielded to the determination of the performance of indicators of forest sustainability. It was thus important to conclude the research by responding to the following questions: • What is the state of sustainability of the State indigenous forests in the Eastern Cape? • What recommendations could be made to improve the sustainability of State indigenous forests? It was found that the State indigenous forests were not managed in a sustainable manner. The research report is concluded by providing concrete recommendations to improve forest sustainability.
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Evaluation of a service-learning elective as an approach to enhancing the pharmacist's role in health promotion in South Africa
- Srinivas, Sunitha C, Wrench, Wendy W
- Authors: Srinivas, Sunitha C , Wrench, Wendy W
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: vital:6443 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006630
- Description: Background. A service-learning (SL) elective offered to final-year pharmacy students was introduced in 2007. The elective demonstrated a holistic approach to creating opportunities for future pharmacists to understand the current needs and future challenges of the burden of disease in developing countries such as South Africa and to foresee their key roles in health promotion. Methods. The 2007 Sasol National Festival of Science and Technology (SciFest) was chosen as the ideal platform to implement this elective. Evaluation of the elective was carried out in association with the Academic Development Centre using a web-based software tool known as the ADC evaluation assistant (ADCEA). The ADCEA consisted of a ‘question bank’ from which the course facilitators selected nine ranked closed questions as well as two open-ended questions. Results. SciFest participation, in the course of the service-learning elective, was acknowledged by students to have prepared them as responsible citizens to undertake health promotion in the public sector healthcare system. Conclusion. Students’ experiences of the learning opportunities provided in the SciFest elective highlight the strengths of this SL programme.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Srinivas, Sunitha C , Wrench, Wendy W
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: vital:6443 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006630
- Description: Background. A service-learning (SL) elective offered to final-year pharmacy students was introduced in 2007. The elective demonstrated a holistic approach to creating opportunities for future pharmacists to understand the current needs and future challenges of the burden of disease in developing countries such as South Africa and to foresee their key roles in health promotion. Methods. The 2007 Sasol National Festival of Science and Technology (SciFest) was chosen as the ideal platform to implement this elective. Evaluation of the elective was carried out in association with the Academic Development Centre using a web-based software tool known as the ADC evaluation assistant (ADCEA). The ADCEA consisted of a ‘question bank’ from which the course facilitators selected nine ranked closed questions as well as two open-ended questions. Results. SciFest participation, in the course of the service-learning elective, was acknowledged by students to have prepared them as responsible citizens to undertake health promotion in the public sector healthcare system. Conclusion. Students’ experiences of the learning opportunities provided in the SciFest elective highlight the strengths of this SL programme.
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Exploring relationship between value-and life-orientation and job satisfaction:
- Louw, Lynette, Mayer, Claude-Hélène, Baxter, Jeremy
- Authors: Louw, Lynette , Mayer, Claude-Hélène , Baxter, Jeremy
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/142782 , vital:38116 , DOI: 10.4102/ac.v12i1.131
- Description: The purpose of this article is to investigate the relationship between value- and life-orientation and job satisfaction, as well as determining the influence of gender, age and cultural group within the selected South African organisational context.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Louw, Lynette , Mayer, Claude-Hélène , Baxter, Jeremy
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/142782 , vital:38116 , DOI: 10.4102/ac.v12i1.131
- Description: The purpose of this article is to investigate the relationship between value- and life-orientation and job satisfaction, as well as determining the influence of gender, age and cultural group within the selected South African organisational context.
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Exploring staff involvement in an organization development intervention in a school in the Kavango region, Namibia: a case study
- Authors: Rengura, Demetrius Kativa
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Education -- Namibia -- Kavango Educational change -- Namibia -- Kavango Organizational change -- Namibia -- Kavango School management and organization -- Namibia -- Kavango School improvement programs -- Namibia -- Kavango Management -- Employee participation -- Namibia -- Kavango Action research in education -- Namibia -- Kavango
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1542 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003424
- Description: Since independence, the Namibian education system has experienced a process of transformation from authoritarianism to democratisation. The philosophy underpinning this process is spelt out in the policy, Toward Education for All, with its four major goals being: Access, Equity, Quality and Democracy. Democratisation of education would mean that people would be equally involved in decision‐making processes both at the system and organizational level, so as to contribute collectively to shaping the destiny of education in Namibia. This would mean at the school level of an organization, that teachers are the facilitators of democracy and agents of change in the learning organization environment. To strengthen democracy and empower people’s participation in the decision‐making process, Namibia further adopted a decentralization policy which involved the devolution of power and administrative functions from central government to regional authorities. In the context of this policy framework, schools should take responsibility to introduce and manage change in their organizations. However, evidence suggests that schools have been slow to take up the challenge and that change is largely still initiated by regional officials. This study looks at how organisation development (OD) may play a role in encouraging a mindset where change may be initiated by the organisation itself. OD is a planned change strategy based on normative re‐educative and empirical rational strategies implemented systematically. OD is participant driven, involving a series of activities that move the organization to a preferred future. It focuses on human behaviour and organizational change through staff participation practising a bottom‐up rather than top‐down approach. This study reports on an OD intervention in a rural school east of Rundu, in the Kavango Educational region of Namibia. The study aimed at exploring staff involvement in an OD intervention and probed participants’ perceptions and experiences of the process. The study is an action research case study located within the interpretive and critical paradigms. Observation and semi‐structured interviews were the main data‐collection tools used in the study. In its preliminary investigation the study found that a lack of staff involvement in decisionmaking processes and participation in meetings were the major factors that were perceived to retard the effectiveness of the organization. The study further found that the authoritative style of leadership in the school contributed to the lack of cooperation and participation of staff members. In contrast, the staff responded positively to the OD intervention. Participants embraced OD as a democratic approach to change as it made a meaningful impact on their understanding and conception of organization change. The intervention further empowered participants with new skills and knowledge of initiating change and problem‐solving. Apart from that, the intervention provided a possible short‐term outcome that encouraged participants to adopt and apply OD in the future, without underestimating the difficulties associated with the process.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Rengura, Demetrius Kativa
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Education -- Namibia -- Kavango Educational change -- Namibia -- Kavango Organizational change -- Namibia -- Kavango School management and organization -- Namibia -- Kavango School improvement programs -- Namibia -- Kavango Management -- Employee participation -- Namibia -- Kavango Action research in education -- Namibia -- Kavango
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1542 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003424
- Description: Since independence, the Namibian education system has experienced a process of transformation from authoritarianism to democratisation. The philosophy underpinning this process is spelt out in the policy, Toward Education for All, with its four major goals being: Access, Equity, Quality and Democracy. Democratisation of education would mean that people would be equally involved in decision‐making processes both at the system and organizational level, so as to contribute collectively to shaping the destiny of education in Namibia. This would mean at the school level of an organization, that teachers are the facilitators of democracy and agents of change in the learning organization environment. To strengthen democracy and empower people’s participation in the decision‐making process, Namibia further adopted a decentralization policy which involved the devolution of power and administrative functions from central government to regional authorities. In the context of this policy framework, schools should take responsibility to introduce and manage change in their organizations. However, evidence suggests that schools have been slow to take up the challenge and that change is largely still initiated by regional officials. This study looks at how organisation development (OD) may play a role in encouraging a mindset where change may be initiated by the organisation itself. OD is a planned change strategy based on normative re‐educative and empirical rational strategies implemented systematically. OD is participant driven, involving a series of activities that move the organization to a preferred future. It focuses on human behaviour and organizational change through staff participation practising a bottom‐up rather than top‐down approach. This study reports on an OD intervention in a rural school east of Rundu, in the Kavango Educational region of Namibia. The study aimed at exploring staff involvement in an OD intervention and probed participants’ perceptions and experiences of the process. The study is an action research case study located within the interpretive and critical paradigms. Observation and semi‐structured interviews were the main data‐collection tools used in the study. In its preliminary investigation the study found that a lack of staff involvement in decisionmaking processes and participation in meetings were the major factors that were perceived to retard the effectiveness of the organization. The study further found that the authoritative style of leadership in the school contributed to the lack of cooperation and participation of staff members. In contrast, the staff responded positively to the OD intervention. Participants embraced OD as a democratic approach to change as it made a meaningful impact on their understanding and conception of organization change. The intervention further empowered participants with new skills and knowledge of initiating change and problem‐solving. Apart from that, the intervention provided a possible short‐term outcome that encouraged participants to adopt and apply OD in the future, without underestimating the difficulties associated with the process.
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Facile deposition of gold nanoparticle thin films on semi-permeable cellulose substrate
- Sosibo, Ndabenhle, Mdluli, Phumlani, Mashazi, Philani N, Tshikhudo, Robert, Skepu, Amanda, Vilakazi, Sibulelo, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Sosibo, Ndabenhle , Mdluli, Phumlani , Mashazi, Philani N , Tshikhudo, Robert , Skepu, Amanda , Vilakazi, Sibulelo , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/242638 , vital:51063 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matlet.2012.08.043"
- Description: This study reports the facile method for the deposition of gold nanoparticle thin film onto a monoporous semi-permeable cellulose membrane through the diffusion of borohydride ions leading to the reduction of AuCl4− ions. The synthesis of gold nanoparticle thin film was deposited on one side of the membrane that was exposed to AuCl4− ions while the other side containing a reducing agent remained clear. The gold nanoparticle thin film exhibited a broad surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak at 529 nm. Various characterization techniques were employed and all demonstrated the presence of gold thin film. The reported method represents a simplistic method for the deposition of gold nanoparticle thin films and various other metal nanoparticles may be deposited following this method.
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- Authors: Sosibo, Ndabenhle , Mdluli, Phumlani , Mashazi, Philani N , Tshikhudo, Robert , Skepu, Amanda , Vilakazi, Sibulelo , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/242638 , vital:51063 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matlet.2012.08.043"
- Description: This study reports the facile method for the deposition of gold nanoparticle thin film onto a monoporous semi-permeable cellulose membrane through the diffusion of borohydride ions leading to the reduction of AuCl4− ions. The synthesis of gold nanoparticle thin film was deposited on one side of the membrane that was exposed to AuCl4− ions while the other side containing a reducing agent remained clear. The gold nanoparticle thin film exhibited a broad surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak at 529 nm. Various characterization techniques were employed and all demonstrated the presence of gold thin film. The reported method represents a simplistic method for the deposition of gold nanoparticle thin films and various other metal nanoparticles may be deposited following this method.
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Farm level institutions in emergent communities in post fast track Zimbabwe: case of Mazowe district
- Authors: Chiweshe, Manase Kudzai
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Land reform -- Zimbabwe -- History -- 21st century Land settlement -- Social aspects -- Zimbabwe Zimbabwe -- Social conditions -- 1980- Zimbabwe -- Economic conditions Zimbabwe -- Politics and government -- 1980-
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3308 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003096
- Description: The thesis seeks to understand how emerging communities borne out of the Fast Track Land Reform Programme in Zimbabwe have been able to ensure social cohesion and social service provision using farm level institutions. The Fast Track Programme brought together people from diverse backgrounds into new communities in the former commercial farming areas. The formation of new communities meant that, often, there were 'stranger households'living next to each other. Since 2000, these people have been involved in various processes aimed at turning clusters of homesteads into functioning communities through farm level institutions. Fast track land reform precipitated economic and political crisis in Zimbabwe characterised by a rapidly devaluating Zimbabwean dollar, enormous inflation and high unemployment figures. This economic crisis has impacted heavily on new farmers who find it increasingly difficult to afford inputs and access loans. They have formed social networks in response to these challenges, taking the form of farm level institutions such as farm committees, irrigation committees and health committees. The study uses case studies from small-scale 'A1 farmers‘ in Mazowe district which is in Mashonaland Central Province. It employs qualitative methodologies to enable a nuanced understanding of associational life in the new communities. Through focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, narratives, key informant interviews and institutional mapping the study outlines the formation, taxonomy, activities, roles, internal dynamics and social organisation of farm level institutions. The study also uses secondary data collected in 2007-08 by the Centre for Rural Development in the newly resettled areas in Mazowe. The major finding of the study is that farmers are organising in novel ways at grassroots levels to meet everyday challenges. These institutional forms however are internally weak, lacking leadership with a clear vision and they appear as if they are transitory in nature. They remain marginalised from national and global processes and isolated from critical connections to policy makers at all levels; thus A1 farmers remain voiceless and unable to have their interests addressed. Farm level institutions are at the forefront of the microeconomics of survival among these rural farmers. They are survivalist in nature and form, and this requires a major shift in focus if they are to be involved in developmental work. The institutions remain fragmented and compete amongst themselves for services from government without uniting as A1 farmers with similar interests and challenges.
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Farm level institutions in emergent communities in post fast track Zimbabwe: case of Mazowe district
- Authors: Chiweshe, Manase Kudzai
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Land reform -- Zimbabwe -- History -- 21st century Land settlement -- Social aspects -- Zimbabwe Zimbabwe -- Social conditions -- 1980- Zimbabwe -- Economic conditions Zimbabwe -- Politics and government -- 1980-
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3308 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003096
- Description: The thesis seeks to understand how emerging communities borne out of the Fast Track Land Reform Programme in Zimbabwe have been able to ensure social cohesion and social service provision using farm level institutions. The Fast Track Programme brought together people from diverse backgrounds into new communities in the former commercial farming areas. The formation of new communities meant that, often, there were 'stranger households'living next to each other. Since 2000, these people have been involved in various processes aimed at turning clusters of homesteads into functioning communities through farm level institutions. Fast track land reform precipitated economic and political crisis in Zimbabwe characterised by a rapidly devaluating Zimbabwean dollar, enormous inflation and high unemployment figures. This economic crisis has impacted heavily on new farmers who find it increasingly difficult to afford inputs and access loans. They have formed social networks in response to these challenges, taking the form of farm level institutions such as farm committees, irrigation committees and health committees. The study uses case studies from small-scale 'A1 farmers‘ in Mazowe district which is in Mashonaland Central Province. It employs qualitative methodologies to enable a nuanced understanding of associational life in the new communities. Through focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, narratives, key informant interviews and institutional mapping the study outlines the formation, taxonomy, activities, roles, internal dynamics and social organisation of farm level institutions. The study also uses secondary data collected in 2007-08 by the Centre for Rural Development in the newly resettled areas in Mazowe. The major finding of the study is that farmers are organising in novel ways at grassroots levels to meet everyday challenges. These institutional forms however are internally weak, lacking leadership with a clear vision and they appear as if they are transitory in nature. They remain marginalised from national and global processes and isolated from critical connections to policy makers at all levels; thus A1 farmers remain voiceless and unable to have their interests addressed. Farm level institutions are at the forefront of the microeconomics of survival among these rural farmers. They are survivalist in nature and form, and this requires a major shift in focus if they are to be involved in developmental work. The institutions remain fragmented and compete amongst themselves for services from government without uniting as A1 farmers with similar interests and challenges.
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Fast track land reform programme and women in Goromonzi district, Zimbabwe
- Authors: Chakona, Loveness
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Land reform -- Research -- Zimbabwe Land settlement -- Government policy -- Zimbabwe Land reform beneficiaries -- Zimbabwe Sex discrimination against women -- Zimbabwe Women's rights -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3317 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003105
- Description: From the year 2000, land became the key signifier for tackling the unfinished business of the decolonisation process in Zimbabwe, notably by rectifying the racially-based land injustices of the past through land redistribution. This took the form of the Fast Track Land Reform Programme (FTLRP). However, the racialised character and focus of the FTLRP tended to mask or at least downplay important gender dimensions to land in Zimbabwe. Colonial and post-colonial Zimbabwe (up to 2000) had instigated, propagated and reproduced land ownership, control and access along a distinctively patriarchal basis which left women either totally excluded or incorporated in an oppressive manner. This patriarchal structuring of the land question was rooted in institutions, practices and discourses. Although a burgeoning number of studies have been undertaken on the FTLRP, few have had a distinctively gender focus in seeking to identify, examine and assess the effect of the programme on patriarchal relations and the socio-economic livelihoods of rural women. This thesis makes a contribution to filling this lacuna by offering an empirically-rich study of land redistribution in one particular district in Zimbabwe, namely, Goromonzi District. This entails a focus on women on A1 resettlement farms in the district (and specifically women who came from nearby customary areas) and on women who continue to live in customary areas in the district. My thesis concludes that the FTLRP is seriously flawed in terms of addressing and tackling the patriarchal structures that underpin the Zimbabwean land question.
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- Authors: Chakona, Loveness
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Land reform -- Research -- Zimbabwe Land settlement -- Government policy -- Zimbabwe Land reform beneficiaries -- Zimbabwe Sex discrimination against women -- Zimbabwe Women's rights -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3317 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003105
- Description: From the year 2000, land became the key signifier for tackling the unfinished business of the decolonisation process in Zimbabwe, notably by rectifying the racially-based land injustices of the past through land redistribution. This took the form of the Fast Track Land Reform Programme (FTLRP). However, the racialised character and focus of the FTLRP tended to mask or at least downplay important gender dimensions to land in Zimbabwe. Colonial and post-colonial Zimbabwe (up to 2000) had instigated, propagated and reproduced land ownership, control and access along a distinctively patriarchal basis which left women either totally excluded or incorporated in an oppressive manner. This patriarchal structuring of the land question was rooted in institutions, practices and discourses. Although a burgeoning number of studies have been undertaken on the FTLRP, few have had a distinctively gender focus in seeking to identify, examine and assess the effect of the programme on patriarchal relations and the socio-economic livelihoods of rural women. This thesis makes a contribution to filling this lacuna by offering an empirically-rich study of land redistribution in one particular district in Zimbabwe, namely, Goromonzi District. This entails a focus on women on A1 resettlement farms in the district (and specifically women who came from nearby customary areas) and on women who continue to live in customary areas in the district. My thesis concludes that the FTLRP is seriously flawed in terms of addressing and tackling the patriarchal structures that underpin the Zimbabwean land question.
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