Geological and geophysical investigation of the South Eastern Karoo Basin, South Africa
- Authors: Baiyegunhi, Christopher
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Geology)
- Identifier: vital:11532 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1021280
- Description: Geological and geophysical methods were used to investigate the southeastern Karoo Basin of South Africa in an area extending from longitudes 24 o E to 29o E and latitudes 32o S to 35o S. This was undertaken in order to reveal geologic structures, isochore thicknesses of the geologic sequence and their variations across the study area, proffer the possible provenance of the sediments and assess the potential of oil and gas accumulation. The methodology used includes field investigation, rock sampling, preparation of thin sections, petrographic studies, X-ray diffraction analysis, density measurements, porosity calculations, extraction of elevation data from Google Earth, 2½ D gravity profile modelling, generating of isochore (true vertical) thicknesses and depositional surfaces maps from the models, PetroMod 1D modelling and qualitative interpretation of magnetic, gravity and radiometric maps.Petrographic study was carried out on twenty six thin sections of rocks from the eleven geologic formations that cover the study area. Petrographic studies on the diamictite of the Dwyka Group shows abundance of monocrystalline quartz, granite and quartzite components in the breccias which possibly indicate the existence of granitic and metamorphic rocks in the source areas. The sandstones of the Ecca and Beaufort Groups are immature, greywacke and the heavy mineral assemblages signify that the minerals are of granitic, volcanic and metamorphic origin. The magnetic maps show two main magnetic anomalies, a major one trending in a northeast to southwest direction which is part of the Beattie magnetic anomaly and another that is a “bean-shaped” anomaly. The radially averaged power spectrum shows two depths to magnetic sources. The first depth is about 0.6 km which is the average depth to the top of the shallow sources, while the average depth to the top of the deep sources is about 15 km. The shallow sources are connected to magnetic minerals within the Beaufort Group while deep magnetic sources were inferred to be in the basement. The gamma ray spectrometric map shows areas with relatively high gamma radiation count. The high radiation count is possibly due to the uranium and thorium in the detrital materials, as well as the enrichment of radioelements in the feldspars (k-feldspar), calcite, quartz, zircon and clay minerals in the fluvial channel sandstones of the Beaufort Group. A total of two hundred and fifty-eight (258) rock samples were collected in the field and densities (dry, wet and grain densities) and porosities were determined in the laboratory. The Karoo Supergroup density values range from 2.526 – 2.828 g/cm3. The average porosities range from 0. 49 – 3.31 %. The dry densities and porosities of all the formations are inversely correlated with correlation coefficient values (R) that range from 0.9491 - 0.9982. The density of the dolerite intrusions (mostly sill) ranges from 2.700 – 2.837 g/cm3 whilst the porosity range from 0.1118 – 0.3868 %. The Bouguer anomaly map shows an increase in gravity values from -140.7 mGal in inland to about 60.1 mGal in coastal areas. This dominant gravity variation is inferred to be due to a deeper basement and/or Moho that get shallower from inland towards the coast. The Moho is at about 45 km depth inland and shallows to about 42 km at the coast. The 2½ D gravity modelling was done for fourteen (14) profiles with each profile having three (3) models corresponding to minimum, average and maximum densities to obtain the thicknesses of the geologic sequence. The current isochore thicknesses extracted from the gravity models show that the Beaufort Group is the thickest of all the groups that make up the Karoo Supergroup with maximum vertical thickness of up to 634 m, followed by the Ecca and Dwyka Groups with maximum vertical thicknesses of about 3207 m and 727 m, respectively. The maximum elevation for the Dwyka, Ecca and Beaufort sediments are about 500 m, 400 m and 285 m, respectively, whilst the maximum depth below sea level are around 8500 m, 7000 m and 5500 m, respectively. The PetroMod1D model result yield average vitrinite reflectance and temperature values of about 6 % and 500 ℃ respectively for the lower Ecca Group which belong to the dry gas window based on classification by several authors. Thus the rocks of the lower Ecca Group are thermally matured for hydrocarbon (shale gas) generation that can merit gas exploration in the Karoo Basin.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Baiyegunhi, Christopher
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Geology)
- Identifier: vital:11532 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1021280
- Description: Geological and geophysical methods were used to investigate the southeastern Karoo Basin of South Africa in an area extending from longitudes 24 o E to 29o E and latitudes 32o S to 35o S. This was undertaken in order to reveal geologic structures, isochore thicknesses of the geologic sequence and their variations across the study area, proffer the possible provenance of the sediments and assess the potential of oil and gas accumulation. The methodology used includes field investigation, rock sampling, preparation of thin sections, petrographic studies, X-ray diffraction analysis, density measurements, porosity calculations, extraction of elevation data from Google Earth, 2½ D gravity profile modelling, generating of isochore (true vertical) thicknesses and depositional surfaces maps from the models, PetroMod 1D modelling and qualitative interpretation of magnetic, gravity and radiometric maps.Petrographic study was carried out on twenty six thin sections of rocks from the eleven geologic formations that cover the study area. Petrographic studies on the diamictite of the Dwyka Group shows abundance of monocrystalline quartz, granite and quartzite components in the breccias which possibly indicate the existence of granitic and metamorphic rocks in the source areas. The sandstones of the Ecca and Beaufort Groups are immature, greywacke and the heavy mineral assemblages signify that the minerals are of granitic, volcanic and metamorphic origin. The magnetic maps show two main magnetic anomalies, a major one trending in a northeast to southwest direction which is part of the Beattie magnetic anomaly and another that is a “bean-shaped” anomaly. The radially averaged power spectrum shows two depths to magnetic sources. The first depth is about 0.6 km which is the average depth to the top of the shallow sources, while the average depth to the top of the deep sources is about 15 km. The shallow sources are connected to magnetic minerals within the Beaufort Group while deep magnetic sources were inferred to be in the basement. The gamma ray spectrometric map shows areas with relatively high gamma radiation count. The high radiation count is possibly due to the uranium and thorium in the detrital materials, as well as the enrichment of radioelements in the feldspars (k-feldspar), calcite, quartz, zircon and clay minerals in the fluvial channel sandstones of the Beaufort Group. A total of two hundred and fifty-eight (258) rock samples were collected in the field and densities (dry, wet and grain densities) and porosities were determined in the laboratory. The Karoo Supergroup density values range from 2.526 – 2.828 g/cm3. The average porosities range from 0. 49 – 3.31 %. The dry densities and porosities of all the formations are inversely correlated with correlation coefficient values (R) that range from 0.9491 - 0.9982. The density of the dolerite intrusions (mostly sill) ranges from 2.700 – 2.837 g/cm3 whilst the porosity range from 0.1118 – 0.3868 %. The Bouguer anomaly map shows an increase in gravity values from -140.7 mGal in inland to about 60.1 mGal in coastal areas. This dominant gravity variation is inferred to be due to a deeper basement and/or Moho that get shallower from inland towards the coast. The Moho is at about 45 km depth inland and shallows to about 42 km at the coast. The 2½ D gravity modelling was done for fourteen (14) profiles with each profile having three (3) models corresponding to minimum, average and maximum densities to obtain the thicknesses of the geologic sequence. The current isochore thicknesses extracted from the gravity models show that the Beaufort Group is the thickest of all the groups that make up the Karoo Supergroup with maximum vertical thickness of up to 634 m, followed by the Ecca and Dwyka Groups with maximum vertical thicknesses of about 3207 m and 727 m, respectively. The maximum elevation for the Dwyka, Ecca and Beaufort sediments are about 500 m, 400 m and 285 m, respectively, whilst the maximum depth below sea level are around 8500 m, 7000 m and 5500 m, respectively. The PetroMod1D model result yield average vitrinite reflectance and temperature values of about 6 % and 500 ℃ respectively for the lower Ecca Group which belong to the dry gas window based on classification by several authors. Thus the rocks of the lower Ecca Group are thermally matured for hydrocarbon (shale gas) generation that can merit gas exploration in the Karoo Basin.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Geomorphic and ambient environmental impacts on lichen distribution on two inland Nunataks in western Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica
- Authors: Dwight, Rosemary Anne
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Lichens -- Antarctica -- Queen Maud Land , Lichen communities -- Antarctica -- Queen Maud Land , Lichens -- Climatic factors -- Antarctica -- Queen Maud Land , Lichens -- Effect of environment on -- Antarctica -- Queen Maud Land , Biotic communities -- Antarctica -- Queen Maud Land , Biotic communities -- Climatic factors -- Antarctica -- Queen Maud Land , Biodiversity -- Climatic factors -- Antarctica -- Queen Maud Land
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4889 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018189
- Description: Feedbacks between abiotic variables and community structure in Antarctica are poorly understood. Research is, therefore, required to elucidate the patterns of biodiversity that exist and the factors that influence them, particularly under changing climates. Landscape processes affect environmental heterogeneity, which in turn affect patterns of biodiversity. Two inland Antarctic nunataks, Robertskollen and the Northern Buttress of Vesleskarvet, were selected for investigation to determine the potential impact of selected environmental factors on lichen distribution and abundance, at the intra- and inter-nunatak scales. Lichens were found to prefer rock faces with dips between 1° and 45°, and northern/southern aspects. Lichen colonisation was mostly in microtopographical features that result from rock weathering. The distribution of lichens was found to be regular at the intra- and inter-nunatak scale, whereas lichen abundance was found to be mostly influenced by temperature. On the Northern Buttress, rock hardness displays a similar pattern to lichen abundance, both of which are suggested to be a function of exposure time, which is dependent on deglaciation. The two nunataks serve as excellent laboratories that can potentially be used as proxies for investigating the possible impacts of climate change
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Dwight, Rosemary Anne
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Lichens -- Antarctica -- Queen Maud Land , Lichen communities -- Antarctica -- Queen Maud Land , Lichens -- Climatic factors -- Antarctica -- Queen Maud Land , Lichens -- Effect of environment on -- Antarctica -- Queen Maud Land , Biotic communities -- Antarctica -- Queen Maud Land , Biotic communities -- Climatic factors -- Antarctica -- Queen Maud Land , Biodiversity -- Climatic factors -- Antarctica -- Queen Maud Land
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4889 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018189
- Description: Feedbacks between abiotic variables and community structure in Antarctica are poorly understood. Research is, therefore, required to elucidate the patterns of biodiversity that exist and the factors that influence them, particularly under changing climates. Landscape processes affect environmental heterogeneity, which in turn affect patterns of biodiversity. Two inland Antarctic nunataks, Robertskollen and the Northern Buttress of Vesleskarvet, were selected for investigation to determine the potential impact of selected environmental factors on lichen distribution and abundance, at the intra- and inter-nunatak scales. Lichens were found to prefer rock faces with dips between 1° and 45°, and northern/southern aspects. Lichen colonisation was mostly in microtopographical features that result from rock weathering. The distribution of lichens was found to be regular at the intra- and inter-nunatak scale, whereas lichen abundance was found to be mostly influenced by temperature. On the Northern Buttress, rock hardness displays a similar pattern to lichen abundance, both of which are suggested to be a function of exposure time, which is dependent on deglaciation. The two nunataks serve as excellent laboratories that can potentially be used as proxies for investigating the possible impacts of climate change
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Getting down to toyi-toyi
- Authors: Thomas, Cornelius
- Date: 2015
- Type: Image
- Identifier: vital:8052 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020548
- Description: On Wednesday, 21 October 2015, Rhodes University closed in solidarity with the higher education sector as students and staff embarked on nationwide protest action against the shortage of funding in the South African higher education sector. #FeesMustFall is a national student led protest movement that began in mid-October 2015 in response to proposed increases in fees at South African universities. These images depict the peaceful march and illustrate the extent of solidarity among staff, students and community members who joined in support of the protest.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Thomas, Cornelius
- Date: 2015
- Type: Image
- Identifier: vital:8052 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020548
- Description: On Wednesday, 21 October 2015, Rhodes University closed in solidarity with the higher education sector as students and staff embarked on nationwide protest action against the shortage of funding in the South African higher education sector. #FeesMustFall is a national student led protest movement that began in mid-October 2015 in response to proposed increases in fees at South African universities. These images depict the peaceful march and illustrate the extent of solidarity among staff, students and community members who joined in support of the protest.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2015
Global Cicada Sound Collection I: Recordings from South Africa and Malawi by BW Price and MH Villet and harvesting of BioAcoustica data by GBIF
- Baker, Ed, Price, Benjamin W, Rycroft, Simon, Villet, Martin H
- Authors: Baker, Ed , Price, Benjamin W , Rycroft, Simon , Villet, Martin H
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/441420 , vital:73886 , https://bdj.pensoft.net/articles.php?id=5792
- Description: Sound collections for singing insects provide important repositories that underpin existing research (eg Price et al. 2007 at http://bio. acousti. ca/node/11801; Price et al. 2010) and make bioacoustic collections available for future work, including insect communication (Ordish 1992), systematics (eg David et al. 2003), and automated identification (Bennett et al. 2015). The BioAcoustica platform (Baker et al. 2015) is both a repository and analysis platform for bioacoustic collections: allowing collections to be available in perpetuity, and also facilitating complex analyses using the BioVeL cloud infrastructure (Vicario et al. 2011). The Global Cicada Sound Collection is a project to make recordings of the world's cicadas (Hemiptera: Cicadidae) available using open licences to maximise their potential for study and reuse. This first component of the Global Cicada Sound Collection comprises recordings made between 2006 and 2008 of Cicadidae in South Africa and Malawi.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Baker, Ed , Price, Benjamin W , Rycroft, Simon , Villet, Martin H
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/441420 , vital:73886 , https://bdj.pensoft.net/articles.php?id=5792
- Description: Sound collections for singing insects provide important repositories that underpin existing research (eg Price et al. 2007 at http://bio. acousti. ca/node/11801; Price et al. 2010) and make bioacoustic collections available for future work, including insect communication (Ordish 1992), systematics (eg David et al. 2003), and automated identification (Bennett et al. 2015). The BioAcoustica platform (Baker et al. 2015) is both a repository and analysis platform for bioacoustic collections: allowing collections to be available in perpetuity, and also facilitating complex analyses using the BioVeL cloud infrastructure (Vicario et al. 2011). The Global Cicada Sound Collection is a project to make recordings of the world's cicadas (Hemiptera: Cicadidae) available using open licences to maximise their potential for study and reuse. This first component of the Global Cicada Sound Collection comprises recordings made between 2006 and 2008 of Cicadidae in South Africa and Malawi.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Global Handbook of Quality of Life: exploration of well-being of nations and continents
- Glatzer, Wolfgang, Camfield, Laura, Moller, Valerie, Rojas, Mariano
- Authors: Glatzer, Wolfgang , Camfield, Laura , Moller, Valerie , Rojas, Mariano
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , book
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/67245 , vital:29063 , https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-9178-6
- Description: publisher version , This handbook provides a comprehensive historical account of the field of Quality of Life. It brings together theoretical insights and empirical findings, and presents the main items of global quality of life and wellbeing research. Worldwide in its scope of topics, the handbook examines discussions of demographic and health development, the spread of democracy, global economic accounting, multi-item measurement of perceived satisfaction and expert-assessed quality of life, and the well-being of children, women and poor people. It looks at well-being in specific regions, including North and Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, South America, and Eastern and Western Europe. In addition to contributions by leading and younger authors, the handbook includes contributions from International Organizations about their own work with respect to social reporting.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Glatzer, Wolfgang , Camfield, Laura , Moller, Valerie , Rojas, Mariano
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , book
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/67245 , vital:29063 , https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-9178-6
- Description: publisher version , This handbook provides a comprehensive historical account of the field of Quality of Life. It brings together theoretical insights and empirical findings, and presents the main items of global quality of life and wellbeing research. Worldwide in its scope of topics, the handbook examines discussions of demographic and health development, the spread of democracy, global economic accounting, multi-item measurement of perceived satisfaction and expert-assessed quality of life, and the well-being of children, women and poor people. It looks at well-being in specific regions, including North and Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, South America, and Eastern and Western Europe. In addition to contributions by leading and younger authors, the handbook includes contributions from International Organizations about their own work with respect to social reporting.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2015
Glycolytic potential and meat quality from dorper and merino sheep slaughtered at a commercial abattoir
- Authors: Stempa, Thuthuzelwa
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Slaughtering and slaughter-houses Meat -- Quality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15310 , vital:40361
- Description: The objective of the study was to determine glycolytic potential and meat quality from Dorper and Merino sheep of both sexes slaughtered at a commercial abattoir. Dorper (n=52) and Merino (n= 48) breeds aged eight years, consisting of 50 intact rams and 50 non-pregnant ewes were used in the study. The sheep used in the study were reared, transported and lairised under identical conditions. Blood samples were collected at exsanguination for the measurement of glucose, lactate and cortisol levels. Samples were also collected from the Muscularis longmissius thoracis et lumborum (LTL) for the measurement glycogen, lactate levels, pH decline and colour. Correlations amongst blood stress indicators, muscle metabolites and meat quality attributes were also determined. Sex and breed had no effect on muscle glycolytic potential, glycogen and lactate levels from Dorper and Merino sheep of both sexes at the abattoir. Although sex and breed had an effect on pre-slaughter stress indicators (lactate and cortisol) collected at exsanguination. Ewes had higher levels of blood lactate (7.4 3 ± 0.49 mmol/L) and cortisol (293.92 ± 14.32 nmol/L) than the rams which had (5.19 ± 0.49 mmol/L) and (179.50 ± 14.32 nmol/L) lactate and cortisol levels, respectively. Furthermore, higher levels of lactate were observed in Dorper (7.54 ± 0.42 mmol/L) compared to the Merino sheep (4.97 ± 0.49 mmol/L). Meat pH decline and colour were also significantly affected by sex and breed. Ewes had higher levels of at pH45 minutes post slaughter (7.05 ± 0.04), pH3 hours (6.45 ± 0.04) , pH24 hours (6.00 ± 0.03), a* (14.31 ± 0.33) , b* (8.84 ± 0.29), H* (31.47 ± 0.73) and C* (16.75 ± 0.24) compared to the rams which had pH45 minutes (6.44 ± 0.04), pH3 hours (6.12 ± 0.04), pH24 hours (5.88 ± 0.03), a* (12.25 ± 0.33), b* (7.00 ± 0.29), H* (29.36 ± 0.73) and C* (14.15 ± 0.42) values. Moreover, Merino sheep had higher levels of L* (38.17 ± 0.48) and H* (31.59 ± 0.74) compared to the Dorper which had (36.39 ± 0.46) and (29.33 ± 0.71) L* and H* values, respectively. Blood cortisol was also positively correlated (P < 0.05) to glucose (r = 0.27), lactate (r = 0.37) but was negatively correlated (P < 0.001) to meat lightness (r = -0.44). Furthermore, blood cortisol was positively correlated (P < 0.001) to pH45 (r = 0.34), pH24 (r =0.22), meat yellowness (r = 0.24) and chroma (r = 0.37), but was negatively correlated to meat lightness (r = -0.47). Glycolytic potential was positively correlated (P < 0.001) to muscle glycogen levels (r = 0.66) and muscle lactate (r = 0.71).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Stempa, Thuthuzelwa
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Slaughtering and slaughter-houses Meat -- Quality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15310 , vital:40361
- Description: The objective of the study was to determine glycolytic potential and meat quality from Dorper and Merino sheep of both sexes slaughtered at a commercial abattoir. Dorper (n=52) and Merino (n= 48) breeds aged eight years, consisting of 50 intact rams and 50 non-pregnant ewes were used in the study. The sheep used in the study were reared, transported and lairised under identical conditions. Blood samples were collected at exsanguination for the measurement of glucose, lactate and cortisol levels. Samples were also collected from the Muscularis longmissius thoracis et lumborum (LTL) for the measurement glycogen, lactate levels, pH decline and colour. Correlations amongst blood stress indicators, muscle metabolites and meat quality attributes were also determined. Sex and breed had no effect on muscle glycolytic potential, glycogen and lactate levels from Dorper and Merino sheep of both sexes at the abattoir. Although sex and breed had an effect on pre-slaughter stress indicators (lactate and cortisol) collected at exsanguination. Ewes had higher levels of blood lactate (7.4 3 ± 0.49 mmol/L) and cortisol (293.92 ± 14.32 nmol/L) than the rams which had (5.19 ± 0.49 mmol/L) and (179.50 ± 14.32 nmol/L) lactate and cortisol levels, respectively. Furthermore, higher levels of lactate were observed in Dorper (7.54 ± 0.42 mmol/L) compared to the Merino sheep (4.97 ± 0.49 mmol/L). Meat pH decline and colour were also significantly affected by sex and breed. Ewes had higher levels of at pH45 minutes post slaughter (7.05 ± 0.04), pH3 hours (6.45 ± 0.04) , pH24 hours (6.00 ± 0.03), a* (14.31 ± 0.33) , b* (8.84 ± 0.29), H* (31.47 ± 0.73) and C* (16.75 ± 0.24) compared to the rams which had pH45 minutes (6.44 ± 0.04), pH3 hours (6.12 ± 0.04), pH24 hours (5.88 ± 0.03), a* (12.25 ± 0.33), b* (7.00 ± 0.29), H* (29.36 ± 0.73) and C* (14.15 ± 0.42) values. Moreover, Merino sheep had higher levels of L* (38.17 ± 0.48) and H* (31.59 ± 0.74) compared to the Dorper which had (36.39 ± 0.46) and (29.33 ± 0.71) L* and H* values, respectively. Blood cortisol was also positively correlated (P < 0.05) to glucose (r = 0.27), lactate (r = 0.37) but was negatively correlated (P < 0.001) to meat lightness (r = -0.44). Furthermore, blood cortisol was positively correlated (P < 0.001) to pH45 (r = 0.34), pH24 (r =0.22), meat yellowness (r = 0.24) and chroma (r = 0.37), but was negatively correlated to meat lightness (r = -0.47). Glycolytic potential was positively correlated (P < 0.001) to muscle glycogen levels (r = 0.66) and muscle lactate (r = 0.71).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Going green: the impact of integrated sustainability reporting within JSE companies
- Authors: Nkosi, Jabulani Elias
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Sustainable development , Environmental policy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/9129 , vital:26467
- Description: The world is threatened by the possibility of an irreversible catastrophe that many would blame on the environmental impact of the present lifestyle, the results of which are climate change or global warming. This is clearly unacceptable to both present and future generations. If going green really means changing the way we live and pursuing knowledge and practices that can lead to more environmentally friendly and socio-ecologically responsible decisions, it is time to protect the environment and sustain its natural resources for current and future generations. Integrated sustainability reporting should be viewed as a vehicle to accomplish this global agenda of going green beyond mere legal requirements. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of integrated sustainability reporting (ISR) on achieving green business status within JSE listed companies. To achieve the purpose, an in-depth literature study and empirical research were undertaken using a triangulation method. After a detailed descriptive and content analysis of the collected primary and secondary data, the study found the following: Most of the JSE listed corporations’ integrated reports are not utilising the CSR, GRI guidelines and voluntary standards as effective tools to drive the process of green sustainable business. Some of the JSE listed organisations are treating financial and non-financial matters as separate issues in their integrated reports; The ISR has no impact in terms of using the NEMA framework in driving the process of green sustainable business in the JSE listed organisations; Most of the JSE listed organisations were fully aware of ecological sustainability as a pillar to drive the process of green sustainable business. They treat this pillar of sustainable development as a separate entity from socio-economic developmental issues. Most of the JSE listed corporations adhere to all the bylaws and regulations of ecological sustainability within their required certification of ISO 14001 standards in order to remain effectively certified by the auditing authority. Some integrated reports indicated much support for staff in terms of health, educational activities, labour laws and programmes that advance the socio-economic aspects of human beings; The study has found that the social pillar of sustainability is mostly supported by JSE listed organisations in South Africa - to the level of the requirements of labour relations legislation. It is not integrated with sustainability policies beyond the statutory requirements; It was further noticed in this study that integrated sustainability reports, based on the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) principles and the King III reporting guidelines, disclose outcomes and results regarding the JSE listed organisations’ obligations, strategy and management approach which occurred within the reporting period. To address the above-listed findings, the researcher recommended that the JSE listed organisations integrate the NEMA, EMS, CSR, GRI and King III guidelines in their integrated sustainability reporting, in order to produce an effective sustainable green business in South Africa that is ecologically accountable and socio-economically supportive to all multi-stakeholders. The government and non-governmental organisations are the key players to drive the process of going green using the ISR. The government needs more structured policies and regulations that will support the National Development Plan in the pursuit of green economy in the form of grants and incentives that are beyond the present status quo.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Nkosi, Jabulani Elias
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Sustainable development , Environmental policy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/9129 , vital:26467
- Description: The world is threatened by the possibility of an irreversible catastrophe that many would blame on the environmental impact of the present lifestyle, the results of which are climate change or global warming. This is clearly unacceptable to both present and future generations. If going green really means changing the way we live and pursuing knowledge and practices that can lead to more environmentally friendly and socio-ecologically responsible decisions, it is time to protect the environment and sustain its natural resources for current and future generations. Integrated sustainability reporting should be viewed as a vehicle to accomplish this global agenda of going green beyond mere legal requirements. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of integrated sustainability reporting (ISR) on achieving green business status within JSE listed companies. To achieve the purpose, an in-depth literature study and empirical research were undertaken using a triangulation method. After a detailed descriptive and content analysis of the collected primary and secondary data, the study found the following: Most of the JSE listed corporations’ integrated reports are not utilising the CSR, GRI guidelines and voluntary standards as effective tools to drive the process of green sustainable business. Some of the JSE listed organisations are treating financial and non-financial matters as separate issues in their integrated reports; The ISR has no impact in terms of using the NEMA framework in driving the process of green sustainable business in the JSE listed organisations; Most of the JSE listed organisations were fully aware of ecological sustainability as a pillar to drive the process of green sustainable business. They treat this pillar of sustainable development as a separate entity from socio-economic developmental issues. Most of the JSE listed corporations adhere to all the bylaws and regulations of ecological sustainability within their required certification of ISO 14001 standards in order to remain effectively certified by the auditing authority. Some integrated reports indicated much support for staff in terms of health, educational activities, labour laws and programmes that advance the socio-economic aspects of human beings; The study has found that the social pillar of sustainability is mostly supported by JSE listed organisations in South Africa - to the level of the requirements of labour relations legislation. It is not integrated with sustainability policies beyond the statutory requirements; It was further noticed in this study that integrated sustainability reports, based on the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) principles and the King III reporting guidelines, disclose outcomes and results regarding the JSE listed organisations’ obligations, strategy and management approach which occurred within the reporting period. To address the above-listed findings, the researcher recommended that the JSE listed organisations integrate the NEMA, EMS, CSR, GRI and King III guidelines in their integrated sustainability reporting, in order to produce an effective sustainable green business in South Africa that is ecologically accountable and socio-economically supportive to all multi-stakeholders. The government and non-governmental organisations are the key players to drive the process of going green using the ISR. The government needs more structured policies and regulations that will support the National Development Plan in the pursuit of green economy in the form of grants and incentives that are beyond the present status quo.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Gqirha singing and dancing
- Unnamed
- Authors: Unnamed
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: UNCATALOGUED
- Type: Video
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/303074 , vital:58288 , KHV-250
- Description: Traditional healer speaking followed by dancing and singing , Use of this resource is governed by the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons "Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike" License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/) (NEVER CAHNGE THIS FIELD)
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Unnamed
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: UNCATALOGUED
- Type: Video
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/303074 , vital:58288 , KHV-250
- Description: Traditional healer speaking followed by dancing and singing , Use of this resource is governed by the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons "Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike" License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/) (NEVER CAHNGE THIS FIELD)
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2015
Gqirha washing apparel in traditional drink
- Unnamed
- Authors: Unnamed
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: UNCATALOGUED
- Type: Video
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/303079 , vital:58289 , KHV-251
- Description: Traditional healer washing apparel in traditional drink , Use of this resource is governed by the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons "Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike" License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/) (NEVER CAHNGE THIS FIELD)
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Unnamed
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: UNCATALOGUED
- Type: Video
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/303079 , vital:58289 , KHV-251
- Description: Traditional healer washing apparel in traditional drink , Use of this resource is governed by the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons "Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike" License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/) (NEVER CAHNGE THIS FIELD)
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2015
Gqirha's change attire, singing and dancing in circle
- Unnamed
- Authors: Unnamed
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: UNCATALOGUED
- Type: Video
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/303184 , vital:58303 , KHV-261
- Description: Traditional healers change attire, singing and dancing in a circle , Use of this resource is governed by the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons "Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike" License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/) (NEVER CAHNGE THIS FIELD)
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Unnamed
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: UNCATALOGUED
- Type: Video
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/303184 , vital:58303 , KHV-261
- Description: Traditional healers change attire, singing and dancing in a circle , Use of this resource is governed by the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons "Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike" License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/) (NEVER CAHNGE THIS FIELD)
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2015
Graduateness and employability: a case of one polytechnic in Zimbabwe
- Authors: Mutirwara, Miriam
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Occupational training Employees -- Training -- Zimbabwe College graduates -- Employment -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Education)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/6125 , vital:29493
- Description: The study explored the domains of graduateness and employability at one polytechnic in Zimbabwe. The focus was on how instructional delivery strategies and assessment tools could embed domains of graduateness and employer expectations. A phenomenological research approach was used in conducting the study. This qualitative research paradigm allowed the research to take place in a natural setting which enabled a holistic picture and use of an inductive mode of inquiry through the researcher’s immersion in the research setting. Human capital, teaching methods and flexible training models, among others, emerged as major strengths in training. However, these key strengths were marred by unprofessional practices and limited resources. In assessment, proficiency schedules, trade testing and use of external assessors emerged as key strengths. Pertaining to the curriculum, it emerged that on paper, curriculum specifications and design for implementation appeared relevant to the production of a graduate exhibiting attributes of graduateness. It however emerged that there was need to revisit the hidden curriculum, as training was dependent on the availability of resources. The study proposes a framework for promoting graduateness and enhancing employability through creation of mutual partnerships to collectively develop a curriculum that is acceptable to institutions and industry. Moreover, graduateness domains should be enshrined in the curriculum. A need for strategic selection of teaching and assessment methods which promote critical thinking, interaction, decision making and retention of information was identified. Major recommendations are that institutions should align themselves with market demands and technological changes to ensure employability. Institutions should also prepare graduates for transition to the world of work, by rendering adequate preparation through teaming up with industry and the use of appropriate teaching methodology.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Mutirwara, Miriam
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Occupational training Employees -- Training -- Zimbabwe College graduates -- Employment -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Education)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/6125 , vital:29493
- Description: The study explored the domains of graduateness and employability at one polytechnic in Zimbabwe. The focus was on how instructional delivery strategies and assessment tools could embed domains of graduateness and employer expectations. A phenomenological research approach was used in conducting the study. This qualitative research paradigm allowed the research to take place in a natural setting which enabled a holistic picture and use of an inductive mode of inquiry through the researcher’s immersion in the research setting. Human capital, teaching methods and flexible training models, among others, emerged as major strengths in training. However, these key strengths were marred by unprofessional practices and limited resources. In assessment, proficiency schedules, trade testing and use of external assessors emerged as key strengths. Pertaining to the curriculum, it emerged that on paper, curriculum specifications and design for implementation appeared relevant to the production of a graduate exhibiting attributes of graduateness. It however emerged that there was need to revisit the hidden curriculum, as training was dependent on the availability of resources. The study proposes a framework for promoting graduateness and enhancing employability through creation of mutual partnerships to collectively develop a curriculum that is acceptable to institutions and industry. Moreover, graduateness domains should be enshrined in the curriculum. A need for strategic selection of teaching and assessment methods which promote critical thinking, interaction, decision making and retention of information was identified. Major recommendations are that institutions should align themselves with market demands and technological changes to ensure employability. Institutions should also prepare graduates for transition to the world of work, by rendering adequate preparation through teaming up with industry and the use of appropriate teaching methodology.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Green procurement for municipal construction projects
- Authors: Maboza, Luthando Sithembele
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Sustainable construction , Construction industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3165 , vital:20407
- Description: The study is a qualitative investigation of the implementation of green procurement in the construction sector at Local Government level. The focus is on the Metropolitan Municipalities of EThekwini, Nelson Mandela Bay and City of Cape Town. For the purpose of realising an extended comparative perspective, an additional three smaller municipalities were also reviewed. Green procurement is the tool used by governments to source the supply of products and services that are environmentally friendly to counter the global problem of climate change. The study commences with the exposition of the aspects of green procurement from the basis of the enabling legal framework to the scholarly contribution from which the study can be predicated. It becomes apparent from this review of legislation that there is a scope within the existing body of legislation for the use of green procurement as an environmental tool. Scholarly work addresses adoption of green procurement and considers, inter alia, the Bottom-up Approach, the Top-down Approach, and the Procura + Milestones model. Literature indicates that development has a negative impact on the environment, which includes vegetation loss, illegal dumping, and greenhouse gas emissions. Further, the literature recommends green lifecycle design and production of construction projects to reduce the impact of construction on the environment. A systematic investigation of municipalities by means of interviews with relevant municipal officials involved with the procurement of products and services, infrastructure services and environmental affairs officials made it possible to identify factors that impact on the implementation of green procurement. The investigation finds that the major obstacles to green procurement are socio-economic challenges that confront municipalities, lack of policy, and lack of awareness. Recommendations include the proposal of initiatives that encourage and improve the implementation of green procurement. The study hopes to inspire innovation in the implementation of green procurement in the construction sector.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Maboza, Luthando Sithembele
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Sustainable construction , Construction industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3165 , vital:20407
- Description: The study is a qualitative investigation of the implementation of green procurement in the construction sector at Local Government level. The focus is on the Metropolitan Municipalities of EThekwini, Nelson Mandela Bay and City of Cape Town. For the purpose of realising an extended comparative perspective, an additional three smaller municipalities were also reviewed. Green procurement is the tool used by governments to source the supply of products and services that are environmentally friendly to counter the global problem of climate change. The study commences with the exposition of the aspects of green procurement from the basis of the enabling legal framework to the scholarly contribution from which the study can be predicated. It becomes apparent from this review of legislation that there is a scope within the existing body of legislation for the use of green procurement as an environmental tool. Scholarly work addresses adoption of green procurement and considers, inter alia, the Bottom-up Approach, the Top-down Approach, and the Procura + Milestones model. Literature indicates that development has a negative impact on the environment, which includes vegetation loss, illegal dumping, and greenhouse gas emissions. Further, the literature recommends green lifecycle design and production of construction projects to reduce the impact of construction on the environment. A systematic investigation of municipalities by means of interviews with relevant municipal officials involved with the procurement of products and services, infrastructure services and environmental affairs officials made it possible to identify factors that impact on the implementation of green procurement. The investigation finds that the major obstacles to green procurement are socio-economic challenges that confront municipalities, lack of policy, and lack of awareness. Recommendations include the proposal of initiatives that encourage and improve the implementation of green procurement. The study hopes to inspire innovation in the implementation of green procurement in the construction sector.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Guarded visions: walls, watchtowers and warped perspectives in the Israeli occupied West Bank Palestinian territory
- Authors: Baasch, Rachel M
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/147281 , vital:38611 , https://0-hdl.handle.net.wam.seals.ac.za/10520/EJC176318
- Description: This paper examines the relationship between Israel's fortification of physical space and narratives of division in the Israeli occupied Palestinian West Bank Territory. I argue that the fortification and separation of physical space deepens segregation, and increases fear, hostility and disconnection between people living in this context. Furthermore, I suggest that this relationship between narratives of division and insecurity and structural mechanisms of control within the West Bank influences and impacts on individuals such that personal perspectives become guarded and defensive. The mediation of subjects through a defensive lens can prevent individuals from forming connections that acknowledge the permeability of seemingly impenetrable distinctions between inside and outside, or self and an-other. The looking, recording and representation of people in a place that is guarded and framed from a position of insecurity reduces the capacity of individuals to locate openings that traverse restrictive boundaries. In order to contextualise my discussion, I have included personal documentation of defensive structures photographed in the West Bank between 2013 and 2014. I position my observations and analyses in relation to discussions about the Oush Grab Military Base presented by the Decolonizing Architecture Art Residency (DAAR) in their recent publication Architecture after revolution (2013).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Baasch, Rachel M
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/147281 , vital:38611 , https://0-hdl.handle.net.wam.seals.ac.za/10520/EJC176318
- Description: This paper examines the relationship between Israel's fortification of physical space and narratives of division in the Israeli occupied Palestinian West Bank Territory. I argue that the fortification and separation of physical space deepens segregation, and increases fear, hostility and disconnection between people living in this context. Furthermore, I suggest that this relationship between narratives of division and insecurity and structural mechanisms of control within the West Bank influences and impacts on individuals such that personal perspectives become guarded and defensive. The mediation of subjects through a defensive lens can prevent individuals from forming connections that acknowledge the permeability of seemingly impenetrable distinctions between inside and outside, or self and an-other. The looking, recording and representation of people in a place that is guarded and framed from a position of insecurity reduces the capacity of individuals to locate openings that traverse restrictive boundaries. In order to contextualise my discussion, I have included personal documentation of defensive structures photographed in the West Bank between 2013 and 2014. I position my observations and analyses in relation to discussions about the Oush Grab Military Base presented by the Decolonizing Architecture Art Residency (DAAR) in their recent publication Architecture after revolution (2013).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Guidelines for psychiatric nurses to assist in the care of female patients with bipolar disorder during their admission and stay in a tertiary level psychiatric facility in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Du Plessis, Anneki
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Psychiatric nurses -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Manic-depressive persons -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Psychiatric hospitals -- Admission and discharge -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10072 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021160
- Description: Bipolar disorder is the sixth leading cause of disability in the world among people aged 15-44. Bipolar disorder is a chronic psychiatric disorder with a significant impact on patients’ social, occupational, and general functioning well-being. Patients who are diagnosed with bipolar type 1 disorder are usually admitted to a psychiatric hospital as an involuntary patient which means that they will be cared for in a closed unit. In a critical analysis of the literature it was noted that not much is known of the experiences of patients in psychiatric wards. The researcher used a qualitative approach, with a phenomenological research strategy. An explorative, descriptive and contextual design was utilized to gain more insight into female patients’ lived experiences during their admission and stay in a tertiary level psychiatric institution. The research population was female patients who were diagnosed with bipolar disorder and who had recently experienced being admitted to and treated at a tertiary level psychiatric facility where they were treated for this condition. Purposive sampling was utilised to obtain the sample for the study. A pilot study was conducted before the study commenced to ensure the trustworthiness of the findings. The researcher obtained the data via semi-structured interviews as well as field notes and reflective journals. Data was analysed by using Tesch’s method as adopted by Creswell. Once the data had been analysed, a literature control was done in accordance with the findings. Guba’s model of trustworthiness was utilized to ensure that this study was trustworthy and credible. The researcher implemented ethical principles to ensure that no harm was done to the participants during the research study. Finally, guidelines were developed to assist professional nurses to manage patients optimally during their admission and stay in a closed unit of a tertiary psychiatric facility.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Du Plessis, Anneki
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Psychiatric nurses -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Manic-depressive persons -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Psychiatric hospitals -- Admission and discharge -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10072 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021160
- Description: Bipolar disorder is the sixth leading cause of disability in the world among people aged 15-44. Bipolar disorder is a chronic psychiatric disorder with a significant impact on patients’ social, occupational, and general functioning well-being. Patients who are diagnosed with bipolar type 1 disorder are usually admitted to a psychiatric hospital as an involuntary patient which means that they will be cared for in a closed unit. In a critical analysis of the literature it was noted that not much is known of the experiences of patients in psychiatric wards. The researcher used a qualitative approach, with a phenomenological research strategy. An explorative, descriptive and contextual design was utilized to gain more insight into female patients’ lived experiences during their admission and stay in a tertiary level psychiatric institution. The research population was female patients who were diagnosed with bipolar disorder and who had recently experienced being admitted to and treated at a tertiary level psychiatric facility where they were treated for this condition. Purposive sampling was utilised to obtain the sample for the study. A pilot study was conducted before the study commenced to ensure the trustworthiness of the findings. The researcher obtained the data via semi-structured interviews as well as field notes and reflective journals. Data was analysed by using Tesch’s method as adopted by Creswell. Once the data had been analysed, a literature control was done in accordance with the findings. Guba’s model of trustworthiness was utilized to ensure that this study was trustworthy and credible. The researcher implemented ethical principles to ensure that no harm was done to the participants during the research study. Finally, guidelines were developed to assist professional nurses to manage patients optimally during their admission and stay in a closed unit of a tertiary psychiatric facility.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Guidelines for the analysis of student web usage in support of primary educational objectives
- Authors: Von Schoultz, Dean John
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Information behavior , Searching behavior , Internet in higher education , World Wide Web , Educational technology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4965 , vital:20772
- Description: The Internet and World Wide Web provides huge amounts of information to individuals with access to it. Information is an important driving factor of education and higher education has experienced massive adoption rates of information and communication technologies, and accessing the Web is not an uncommon practice within a higher educational institution. The Web provides numerous benefits and many students rely on the Web for information, communication and technical support. However, the immense amount of information available on the Web has brought about some negative side effects associated with abundant information. Whether the Web is a positive influence on students’ academic well-being within higher education is a difficult question to answer. To understand how the Web is used by students within a higher education institution is not an easy task. However, there are ways to understand the Web usage behaviour of students. Using established methods for gathering useful information from data produced by an institution, Web usage behaviours of students within a higher education institution could be analysed and presented. This dissertation presents guidance for analysing Web traffic within a higher educational institution in order to gain insight into the Web usage behaviours of students. This insight can provide educators with valuable information to bolster their decision-making capacity towards achieving their educational goals.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Von Schoultz, Dean John
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Information behavior , Searching behavior , Internet in higher education , World Wide Web , Educational technology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4965 , vital:20772
- Description: The Internet and World Wide Web provides huge amounts of information to individuals with access to it. Information is an important driving factor of education and higher education has experienced massive adoption rates of information and communication technologies, and accessing the Web is not an uncommon practice within a higher educational institution. The Web provides numerous benefits and many students rely on the Web for information, communication and technical support. However, the immense amount of information available on the Web has brought about some negative side effects associated with abundant information. Whether the Web is a positive influence on students’ academic well-being within higher education is a difficult question to answer. To understand how the Web is used by students within a higher education institution is not an easy task. However, there are ways to understand the Web usage behaviour of students. Using established methods for gathering useful information from data produced by an institution, Web usage behaviours of students within a higher education institution could be analysed and presented. This dissertation presents guidance for analysing Web traffic within a higher educational institution in order to gain insight into the Web usage behaviours of students. This insight can provide educators with valuable information to bolster their decision-making capacity towards achieving their educational goals.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Guidelines for the responsible use of social media by nursing students
- Authors: Nyangeni, Thandolwakhe
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Nursing students , Social media
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10065 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020658
- Description: Social media use is becoming a popular activity among students at Nursing Education Institutions in South Africa, with Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Blackberry Messaging, Mxit and Google Plus being some of the social networking sites adopted for various reasons by nursing students. However, lack of accountability and unethical use of social media by nursing students in South Africa has been reported. Owing to the lack of accountability and unethical misconduct associated with the use of social media, guidelines for responsible usage are needed. A qualitative, descriptive, explorative and contextual research study was conducted to explore and describe the perceptions of nursing students regarding the responsible use of social media. Nursing students registered for the undergraduate nursing degree at a Nursing Education Institution in the Eastern Cape, South Africa were interviewed using a semi-structured individual interview method in order to elicit rich descriptions of their perceptions regarding the use of social media. The goal of the study was to develop guidelines for the responsible use of social media by nursing students. In phase one, the researcher explores and describes the perceptions of nursing students regarding the use of social media. In phase two, guidelines for the responsible use of social media by nursing students were developed, using the findings of the study. Tesch’s method of thematic synthesis was utilised to analyse the data. To ensure rigour and trustworthiness in the study, the researcher used Guba and Lincoln’s criteria, namely: credibility, dependability, confirmability, and transferability. To protect the rights and dignity of the participants and to safeguard the integrity of this study, the researcher complied with the following ethical principles: beneficence and non-maleficence, autonomy, justice, privacy, and confidentiality. Twelve in-depth, semi-structured interviews provided saturated data, which was then transcribed and coded to yield the major and sub-themes that were identified in this study. The information shared by the participants provided the basis for the development of guidelines for the responsible use of social media by nursing students, which are intended to provide guidance for legally and ethically acceptable social networking. Three themes that emerged from the data were: Nursing student’s lives are centred around social media, Nursing students experience blurred personal and professional boundaries and lack of accountability, and Students expressed a need for the guidelines for the responsible use of social media. Six principle guidelines focusing on accountable and ethically acceptable use of social media were developed. The study concludes with the recommendations regarding nursing practice, nursing education and nursing research. The limitations of the study were that data was collected from students in the undergraduate nursing degree programme and therefore the experiences of the nursing students in the postgraduate degree and diploma programmes regarding the use of social media are not known. The researcher depended solely on the story as told by the participants and did not get the opportunity to observe their social networking conduct, so the researcher made inferences based on the information that was supplied by students. The paucity of research in this topic made it a challenge for the researcher to find context-specific research articles for South Africa. Recommendations from this study could be used to influence further research aimed at establishing the effectiveness of the guidelines. The findings of this research study could also be used to influence policy making at national and provincial levels of government regarding the use of social media at healthcare facilities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Nyangeni, Thandolwakhe
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Nursing students , Social media
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10065 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020658
- Description: Social media use is becoming a popular activity among students at Nursing Education Institutions in South Africa, with Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Blackberry Messaging, Mxit and Google Plus being some of the social networking sites adopted for various reasons by nursing students. However, lack of accountability and unethical use of social media by nursing students in South Africa has been reported. Owing to the lack of accountability and unethical misconduct associated with the use of social media, guidelines for responsible usage are needed. A qualitative, descriptive, explorative and contextual research study was conducted to explore and describe the perceptions of nursing students regarding the responsible use of social media. Nursing students registered for the undergraduate nursing degree at a Nursing Education Institution in the Eastern Cape, South Africa were interviewed using a semi-structured individual interview method in order to elicit rich descriptions of their perceptions regarding the use of social media. The goal of the study was to develop guidelines for the responsible use of social media by nursing students. In phase one, the researcher explores and describes the perceptions of nursing students regarding the use of social media. In phase two, guidelines for the responsible use of social media by nursing students were developed, using the findings of the study. Tesch’s method of thematic synthesis was utilised to analyse the data. To ensure rigour and trustworthiness in the study, the researcher used Guba and Lincoln’s criteria, namely: credibility, dependability, confirmability, and transferability. To protect the rights and dignity of the participants and to safeguard the integrity of this study, the researcher complied with the following ethical principles: beneficence and non-maleficence, autonomy, justice, privacy, and confidentiality. Twelve in-depth, semi-structured interviews provided saturated data, which was then transcribed and coded to yield the major and sub-themes that were identified in this study. The information shared by the participants provided the basis for the development of guidelines for the responsible use of social media by nursing students, which are intended to provide guidance for legally and ethically acceptable social networking. Three themes that emerged from the data were: Nursing student’s lives are centred around social media, Nursing students experience blurred personal and professional boundaries and lack of accountability, and Students expressed a need for the guidelines for the responsible use of social media. Six principle guidelines focusing on accountable and ethically acceptable use of social media were developed. The study concludes with the recommendations regarding nursing practice, nursing education and nursing research. The limitations of the study were that data was collected from students in the undergraduate nursing degree programme and therefore the experiences of the nursing students in the postgraduate degree and diploma programmes regarding the use of social media are not known. The researcher depended solely on the story as told by the participants and did not get the opportunity to observe their social networking conduct, so the researcher made inferences based on the information that was supplied by students. The paucity of research in this topic made it a challenge for the researcher to find context-specific research articles for South Africa. Recommendations from this study could be used to influence further research aimed at establishing the effectiveness of the guidelines. The findings of this research study could also be used to influence policy making at national and provincial levels of government regarding the use of social media at healthcare facilities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Head of state immunity under the Rome statute of the International Criminal Court: an analysis of the contemporary legal issues and the African Union’s response to the prosecution of African heads of state
- Authors: Oyugi, Phoebe Akinyi
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/7746 , vital:21292
- Description: This research examines the impact of head of state immunity on the relationship between Africa and the International Criminal Court (ICC). Thus, it investigates the position of heads of state immunity before international criminal tribunals with special regard to the ICC and assesses the response of African States Parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (Rome Statute) to their cooperation obligation under article 98 (1). In addition, it seeks to ascertain the extent to which the African Union (AU) decisions impact on the decision of African States Parties to the Rome Statute to cooperate with the ICC and determine the legality of Article 46 bis of the Protocol on Amendments to the Protocol on the Statute of the African Court of Justice and Human Rights (the Amendment Protocol). Thereafter, it appraises the possible impact of these developments on the application of the principles of international criminal justice in Africa and finally, makes recommendation on ways in which the AU-ICC relationship can be improved. The thesis begins by discussing immunity as a rule of customary international law and the exceptions to its application with regard to international criminal law. This paves way for the analysis of the cooperation regime of the ICC and exceptions thereto with special focus on immunity under article 98 (1) of the Rome Statute. The factors arising from the AU decisions relating to cooperation with the ICC are also discussed with a view to determine their justification under international law. The thesis draws on examples from Chad, Kenya and Malawi to illustrate the manner in which African States Parties to the Rome Statute respond to their cooperation obligation and to what extent this response is affected by the AU position. Lastly, the position of article 46 A bis of the Amendment Protocol, which safeguards immunity based on official capacity, is analysed with a view to determine how the introduction of this new provision is likely to affect the application of international criminal law in the African continent. Drawing on the study of the issues above, the thesis comes to the following conclusions. First, the application of immunity before a particular tribunal depends on the factors influencing its establishment and its mandate as provided for in the constitutive instrument. Secondly, states parties to the Rome Statute can rely on article 98 (1) to deny the ICC request for the arrest and surrender of President Bashir because he is the head of a non-party state. Thirdly, the AU’s position does not have a direct impact on the decisions by African States Parties to the Rome Statute on the issue of the arrest and surrender of President Bashir to the ICC. Fourthly, some of the AU grievances against the ICC have justification in international law and therefore deserve the attention of the ICC and the international community. Fifthly, article 46 A bis is in line with the principles of international law on immunities. Given these findings, the thesis recommends that the AU-ICC relationship should be mended in the interest of international criminal justice. And that this can be done by: strengthening the capacity of African States and Africa as a region to deal with international crime occurring in Africa; forging a deeper cooperation between the AU and the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in ICC related matters; and by the ICC adopting a broad interpretation of its discretion during the prosecution of heads of state. This would allow the ICC to mete out justice without jeopardizing the proper functioning of the states whose heads are on trial.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Oyugi, Phoebe Akinyi
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/7746 , vital:21292
- Description: This research examines the impact of head of state immunity on the relationship between Africa and the International Criminal Court (ICC). Thus, it investigates the position of heads of state immunity before international criminal tribunals with special regard to the ICC and assesses the response of African States Parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (Rome Statute) to their cooperation obligation under article 98 (1). In addition, it seeks to ascertain the extent to which the African Union (AU) decisions impact on the decision of African States Parties to the Rome Statute to cooperate with the ICC and determine the legality of Article 46 bis of the Protocol on Amendments to the Protocol on the Statute of the African Court of Justice and Human Rights (the Amendment Protocol). Thereafter, it appraises the possible impact of these developments on the application of the principles of international criminal justice in Africa and finally, makes recommendation on ways in which the AU-ICC relationship can be improved. The thesis begins by discussing immunity as a rule of customary international law and the exceptions to its application with regard to international criminal law. This paves way for the analysis of the cooperation regime of the ICC and exceptions thereto with special focus on immunity under article 98 (1) of the Rome Statute. The factors arising from the AU decisions relating to cooperation with the ICC are also discussed with a view to determine their justification under international law. The thesis draws on examples from Chad, Kenya and Malawi to illustrate the manner in which African States Parties to the Rome Statute respond to their cooperation obligation and to what extent this response is affected by the AU position. Lastly, the position of article 46 A bis of the Amendment Protocol, which safeguards immunity based on official capacity, is analysed with a view to determine how the introduction of this new provision is likely to affect the application of international criminal law in the African continent. Drawing on the study of the issues above, the thesis comes to the following conclusions. First, the application of immunity before a particular tribunal depends on the factors influencing its establishment and its mandate as provided for in the constitutive instrument. Secondly, states parties to the Rome Statute can rely on article 98 (1) to deny the ICC request for the arrest and surrender of President Bashir because he is the head of a non-party state. Thirdly, the AU’s position does not have a direct impact on the decisions by African States Parties to the Rome Statute on the issue of the arrest and surrender of President Bashir to the ICC. Fourthly, some of the AU grievances against the ICC have justification in international law and therefore deserve the attention of the ICC and the international community. Fifthly, article 46 A bis is in line with the principles of international law on immunities. Given these findings, the thesis recommends that the AU-ICC relationship should be mended in the interest of international criminal justice. And that this can be done by: strengthening the capacity of African States and Africa as a region to deal with international crime occurring in Africa; forging a deeper cooperation between the AU and the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in ICC related matters; and by the ICC adopting a broad interpretation of its discretion during the prosecution of heads of state. This would allow the ICC to mete out justice without jeopardizing the proper functioning of the states whose heads are on trial.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Health Psychology and the framing of abortion in Africa: a critical review of the literature
- Macleod, Catriona I, Chiweshe, Malvern T, Mavuso, Jabulile M-J J
- Authors: Macleod, Catriona I , Chiweshe, Malvern T , Mavuso, Jabulile M-J J
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/143871 , vital:38290 , https://ischp.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/ischp_2015_abstract_booklet.pdf
- Description: Despite 97% of abortions performed in Africa being classifiable as unsafe, there has been virtually no engagement in knowledge production about abortion in Africa from psychologists, outside of South Africa. Taking a feminist health psychology approach, we conducted a systematic review of published research on this topic featured in PsycINFO over a six year period. We analysed the 39 articles included in the review in terms of countries in which the research was conducted, types of research, issues covered, framings, and main findings. The results show that apart from a public health framing, perspectives that foreground contextual, social, cultural, gendered perspectives dominate. While abortion services, unsafe abortion and the incidence of abortion were well researched, so too were attitudes and public discourses on abortion. Clinical psychological, reproductive justice or rights and medical framings received little attention. We outline the implications of this knowledge base for feminist health psychology in Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Macleod, Catriona I , Chiweshe, Malvern T , Mavuso, Jabulile M-J J
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/143871 , vital:38290 , https://ischp.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/ischp_2015_abstract_booklet.pdf
- Description: Despite 97% of abortions performed in Africa being classifiable as unsafe, there has been virtually no engagement in knowledge production about abortion in Africa from psychologists, outside of South Africa. Taking a feminist health psychology approach, we conducted a systematic review of published research on this topic featured in PsycINFO over a six year period. We analysed the 39 articles included in the review in terms of countries in which the research was conducted, types of research, issues covered, framings, and main findings. The results show that apart from a public health framing, perspectives that foreground contextual, social, cultural, gendered perspectives dominate. While abortion services, unsafe abortion and the incidence of abortion were well researched, so too were attitudes and public discourses on abortion. Clinical psychological, reproductive justice or rights and medical framings received little attention. We outline the implications of this knowledge base for feminist health psychology in Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Higher education is underfunded
- Authors: Thomas, Cornelius
- Date: 2015
- Type: Image
- Identifier: vital:8053 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020549
- Description: On Wednesday, 21 October 2015, Rhodes University closed in solidarity with the higher education sector as students and staff embarked on nationwide protest action against the shortage of funding in the South African higher education sector. #FeesMustFall is a national student led protest movement that began in mid-October 2015 in response to proposed increases in fees at South African universities. These images depict the peaceful march and illustrate the extent of solidarity among staff, students and community members who joined in support of the protest.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Thomas, Cornelius
- Date: 2015
- Type: Image
- Identifier: vital:8053 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020549
- Description: On Wednesday, 21 October 2015, Rhodes University closed in solidarity with the higher education sector as students and staff embarked on nationwide protest action against the shortage of funding in the South African higher education sector. #FeesMustFall is a national student led protest movement that began in mid-October 2015 in response to proposed increases in fees at South African universities. These images depict the peaceful march and illustrate the extent of solidarity among staff, students and community members who joined in support of the protest.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2015
Histopathology induced by a medicinal plant indigenous to South Africa that has shown in vitro anti-microbial activity against drug resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
- Authors: Shauli, Mathulo Mathabiso
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Mycobacterial diseases , Tuberculosis -- Treatment -- South Africa , Medicinal plants -- Microbiology , Traditional medicine
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3990 , vital:20498
- Description: Tuberculosis (TB) still remains a health problem globally with over a million new infections and a mortality rate of 1.5 million individuals annually (Hawn et al., 2014). The emerging multi-drug resistant (MDR) strains that accompany human immune deficiency virus (HIV) infection in high-incidence populations contribute significantly to the health burden of TB (Areeshi et al., 2014). The standard treatment that is advocated by the World Health Organization (WHO) for active tuberculosis includes long-term therapy that incorporates the use of isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinimide and ethambutol as front line drugs (WHO, 2013). Drug resistance against established treatment options for TB makes research into new forms of therapy an imperative in health care (Ntulela et al., 2009). South Africa is currently witnessing a high number of cases of drug-resistant TB. In some parts of the country, one in ten cases of TB is resistant to treatment. It is therefore essential to have new anti-tuberculosis agents, which can be readily and simply produced from some local source (Warner et al., 2014). A logical starting point for this research of new agents would be the herbal medicines which have been used for centuries in rural areas by local healers. Western developed countries have harvested ethno botanical knowledge and have produced drug therapies for conventional medicines for other ailments. The activity of extracts of the active plants and their properties still require study in animal models in order to assess their future as new anti-tuberculosis agents (Lall and Meyer, 1999). This study focuses on qualitative and quantitative experimental findings after the administration of a medicinal plant extract to animals. This will include daily observation of animals, recording of feed consumption, recording of animal weights, macroscopic examination of animals at necropsy, tissue harvesting, histological procedures and microscopy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Shauli, Mathulo Mathabiso
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Mycobacterial diseases , Tuberculosis -- Treatment -- South Africa , Medicinal plants -- Microbiology , Traditional medicine
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3990 , vital:20498
- Description: Tuberculosis (TB) still remains a health problem globally with over a million new infections and a mortality rate of 1.5 million individuals annually (Hawn et al., 2014). The emerging multi-drug resistant (MDR) strains that accompany human immune deficiency virus (HIV) infection in high-incidence populations contribute significantly to the health burden of TB (Areeshi et al., 2014). The standard treatment that is advocated by the World Health Organization (WHO) for active tuberculosis includes long-term therapy that incorporates the use of isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinimide and ethambutol as front line drugs (WHO, 2013). Drug resistance against established treatment options for TB makes research into new forms of therapy an imperative in health care (Ntulela et al., 2009). South Africa is currently witnessing a high number of cases of drug-resistant TB. In some parts of the country, one in ten cases of TB is resistant to treatment. It is therefore essential to have new anti-tuberculosis agents, which can be readily and simply produced from some local source (Warner et al., 2014). A logical starting point for this research of new agents would be the herbal medicines which have been used for centuries in rural areas by local healers. Western developed countries have harvested ethno botanical knowledge and have produced drug therapies for conventional medicines for other ailments. The activity of extracts of the active plants and their properties still require study in animal models in order to assess their future as new anti-tuberculosis agents (Lall and Meyer, 1999). This study focuses on qualitative and quantitative experimental findings after the administration of a medicinal plant extract to animals. This will include daily observation of animals, recording of feed consumption, recording of animal weights, macroscopic examination of animals at necropsy, tissue harvesting, histological procedures and microscopy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015