The development of a plate-based assay to detect the activation status of ARF1 GTPase in Plasmodium falciparum parasites
- Authors: Du Toit, Skye Carol
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: ARF1 , GTPase , Plasmodium falciparum , Malaria , Drug resistance , Drug targeting , Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay , Proteins
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424654 , vital:72172
- Description: The exponential rise in antimalarial drug resistance in the most infectious malaria species, Plasmodium falciparum, has emphasised the urgency to identify and validate novel drug targets that decrease parasite viability upon inhibition. In addition to several publications indicating that the regulation of human Arf1 GTPase activity (mediated by ArfGEFs and ArfGAPs) serves as a pertinent drug target for cancer research, the identification of Arf1 and its regulatory proteins in Plasmodium falciparum led to the question whether these protein homologs could be exploited as drug targets for anti-malarial drug therapies. To investigate this prospect, the establishment of a novel in vitro colorimetric ELISA-based assay was needed to be able to detect changes in the activation status of P. falciparum Arf1 (PfArf1) in parasite cultures exposed to potential Arf1 inhibitors. By exploiting the selective protein interaction that occurs between active GTP-bound Arf1 and its downstream effector, GGA3, an assay protocol was established that could be used to detect the activation status of purified, truncated PfArf1 obtained from E. coli and endogenous PfArf1 sourced from parasite lysates. The assay relies on the use of anti-Arf1 antibodies to detect the binding of active PfArf1 in the lysates of inhibitor-exposed cultured parasites to GST-GGA3 immobilised in glutathione-coated plates. The results from chemical validation experiments conducted using the novel assay developed in this study, using the known ArfGEF inhibitor brefeldin A (BFA) and ArfGAP inhibitors Chem1099 and Chem3050, yielded the anticipated results: decrease in active PfArf1 after parasite incubation with the ArfGEF inhibitor, and increased active PfArf1 after ArfGAP inhibition. The results confirmed PfArf1 as a potential anti-malarial drug target and encourages the further development of this assay format for the identification of subsequent inhibitors in library screening campaigns. Additional pilot experiments were conducted to further explore whether the assay could detect the activation status of human Arf1 using HeLa cell lysates and to provide further evidence that the assay could be exploited as a tool in the identification of Arf1 GTPase inhibitors with BFA and the known ArfGAP inhibitor, QS11. The results suggested that, while the assay can detect the increase in active cellular Arf1 due to the inhibition of human ArfGEF following BFA treatment, subsequent treatment with QS11 showed no evidence of a reduction in active human Arf1 due to ArfGAP inhibition. Further experimentation is required to investigate the ability the assay to confirm inhibition of human Arf1 deactivation by ArfGAP inhibitors and develop the assay as a useful tool to support cancer drug discovery, in addition to antimalarial drug discovery projects aimed at Arf1. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Biochemistry and Microbiology, 2023
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- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
A statistical study of travelling ionospheric disturbances over the African-European and American sectors
- Authors: Thaganyana, Golekamang Piet
- Date: 2023-03-31
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/422541 , vital:71956 , DOI 10.21504/10962/422543
- Description: This research presents a long-term statistical study of travelling ionospheric disturbances (TIDs) of low- and high-latitude origin over the American and African-European sectors between 2010 and 2018. The TIDs of low latitude origin (hereafter known as poleward TIDs) were studied in both quiet and disturbed conditions, whereas the equatorward TIDs were only studied during quiet conditions. The Kp > 4 and Dst_ -50 nT was used as a criterion for geomagnetic disturbed conditions, while the four geomagnetically quiet days were selected each month based on Kp < 3. Observations of TIDs are made using Global Navigational Satellite Systems (GNSS) total electron content derived data. During quiet conditions, seven and two transhemispheric TIDs were identified over the African-European and American sectors, respectively. The observed TIDs originated from the wintertime hemisphere and propagated into the summertime hemisphere. The horizontal velocity, periods, and horizontal wavelengths of TIDs are in range of cH = 120-274 m/s, 48-80 min and _H = 379-1104 km, respectively. These quiet-time equatorward TIDs have been associated with tertiary gravity waves (GWs) from the dissipation of secondary GWs which are in turn generated from the dissipation of mountain waves (MWs) as a result of excited orographic forcing. The poleward TIDs during geomagnetically quiet conditions over the African and American sectors occur mainly during local daytime. Poleward TIDs were observed mostly in the African-European sector than the American sector. Their horizontal propagation velocities and periods range between 129-280 m/s and 39-70 min over African-European and American sectors. Although the mechanisms responsible for launching quiet-time poleward TIDs have not been established in this study, lower atmospheric processes such as convection systems, sudden stratospheric warming and cold weather fronts may have a role in their generation. During geomagnetic storms in the African sector, almost all poleward TIDs (with the exception of two cases) during the main phase were large-scale with horizontal velocities and periods ranging from 250-503 m/s and 30 min to 2 hours. During recovery phase, poleward TIDs fall under the category of medium scale. In the American sector, the majority of poleward TIDs occurred during the storm's main phase, as opposed to the African-European sector, which experienced a significant number of poleward TIDs during the recovery phase. The periods and horizontal velocities of TIDs range from 45 min-1.5 h and 180-296 m/s during main phase. During the recovery phase, the horizontal velocity and period range from 177-271 m/s and 40-1.5 h, respectively. Overall, it has been shown that statistically, changes in equatorial electrodynamics related to enhanced eastward electric _eld and hence increased equatorial electrojet (vertical E_B drift) correlates highly with the reported poleward TIDs. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Physics and Electronics, 2023
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- Date Issued: 2023-03-31
An in-depth investigation of an early literacy intervention in Grade R in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Hodgskiss, Jennifer Adelé
- Date: 2023-03-29
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/366222 , vital:65844
- Description: Thesis embargoed. Expected release date early 2025. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2023
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- Date Issued: 2023-03-29
Optimization of an intranasal levodopa nanocrystalline formulation for delivery to the brain
- Authors: Kakono, Chiedza
- Date: 2023-03-29
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/420709 , vital:71771
- Description: Thesis embargoed. Probable release date in 2025. , Thesis (MSc (Pharm)) -- Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmacy, 2023
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- Date Issued: 2023-03-29
Quantifying feed intake and feeding intensity using two experimental conditions and the effect of different feeding strategies on the production parameters of farmed South African abalone, haliotis midae
- Authors: Wortley, Ross Michael
- Date: 2023-03-29
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/${Handle} , vital:71932
- Description: As abalone are slow-growing animals there is a high investment of capital, running costs and labour in commercial abalone farming. Revenue needs to be maximised by achieving fast growth rates. A foremost driver of abalone growth is feed intake and feeding intensity of the abalone as well as the feeding regimen a farm utilises. While feed intake is well-documented in H. midae, there is a paucity of information regarding this aspect in abalone above 70 g and the relationship between feeding intensity, feed conversion rate (FCR) and daily growth rate needs to be documented. Similarly, there are a limited number of studies dealing with the effects of different pellet types of the same formulation, that differ only in shape and size, on feed intake and production in H. midae. This study made use of both a controlled laboratory experiment and commercial-scale farm experiment with the aim of testing whether feed intake information produced under laboratory conditions can provide good estimates of feed intake under farming conditions, which can further be implemented into feeding strategies on abalone farms. This study quantified daily feed intake (F) in 10 – 20 g, 100 – 110 g and 150 – 160 g abalone weight classes using two different pellet types and determined the relationship between the duration of feed availability and feed intake under laboratory conditions. The effect of three different pellet type strategies (fed daily: a leaf-only strategy = L d-1, a short-pellet only strategy = SP d-1, and a strategy that used both = B d-1) on abalone production parameters under farming conditions such as growth rate, feed conversion ratio (FCR), feeding intensity (FI) and weight variation of 30 – 40 g H. midae was also investigated. A commercial-scale farm study was designed to test the effect of four commercially relevant feeding regimens (three size-specific regimens and one commercially practiced feeding method) on the growth, FCR, feeding intensity and weight variation of these three abalone weight classes while taking into account an economic model to assess the profitability of each feeding regimen. Daily feed intake as a percentage of body mass (% BM d-1) was a function of abalone weight class between the 10 – 20 g and two larger weight classes 100 – 110 g and 150 – 160 g p < 0.0001), however feed intake was not different between the 100 – 110 g and 150 – 160 g weight classes. Pellet type did not affect feed intake in all abalone weight classes (p = 0.15). Feed intake (F) was positively linearly correlated with duration of feed availability (h) in the 10 – 20 g weight class (r2 = 0.76, p <0.00001) and logarithmically correlated in the 100 – 110 g (r2 = 0.25, p < 0.02) and 150 – 160 g (r2 = 0.52, p < 0.0001) weight classes (10 – 20 g abalone-1: 3 F (% BM) = 0.02(h) + 0.1976, 100 – 110 g abalone-1: F (% BM) = log10(h)*0.17 + 0.17, 150 – 160 g abalone-1: F (% BM) = log10(h)*0.36 + 0.07). There was no significant difference in monthly average abalone weight, daily growth rate (G), FCR and feeding intensity between each pellet type strategy (G: p = 0.60, FCR: p = 0.62, FI: p = 0.54 ). However, abalone grew well over the 112-day growth period with average abalone weight increasing significantly between each monthly sample time (pooled pellet type strategy: Huynh-Feldt correction; p < 0.00001). Furthermore, abalone fed the leaf-only pellet type strategy (L d-1) fell into higher weight classes after a 112-day growth period (Z test: 50 – 70 g: 72%) which was 16.1 % higher compared to the SP d-1 and B d-1 strategies. Daily growth rate (r2 = 0.34, p < 0.01) and FCR (r2 = 0.42, p < 0.004) was negatively correlated and FCR was positively correlated with daily feeding intensity, respectively (G = - 2.59 (FI) + 1.526, FCR = 8.8082 (FI) – 2.7108). Feeding regimen affected the production parameters of three abalone weight classes. The method practiced on the farm resulted in the best growth in the 10 – 20 g abalone weight class. The farm feeding method resulted in slower yet more efficient growth rates (lowest FCR values) in the abalone weight classes, 100 – 110 g and 150 – 160 g abalone- 1. However, size-specific feeding regimens resulted in the fastest growth rates but resulted in higher FCR values (less efficient). The relationship between feeding intensity, daily growth rate and FCR all showed that an increase in feeding intensity results in increased daily growth rates and FCR values. The economic model suggests that the higher FCR values associated with size-specific regimens, which have higher associated costs to producing abalone, were greatly outweighed by the growth attained by the abalone in the 100 – 110 g and 150 – 160 g weight classes. The size-specific regimens generated a higher potential monetary value of abalone after a 112-day period, which would consequently result in higher income for abalone farms. For abalone ranging from 100 – 110 and 150 – 160 grams, the economic model suggested that in a quarterly grading schedule (112 days) that abalone be fed the size specific daily rations, which is a function of body mass, at 0.35 % BM d-1 and 0.352 % BM d-1, respectively. The two experimental conditions used in this study produced feed intake and production parameter information that is beneficial to South African abalone farmers. The small-scale laboratory study produced information on feed intake that can be used as reference values as to what abalone in these weight classes can consume on a daily basis. The laboratory study can provide estimates of feed intake under farming conditions but should only be used as minimum 4 values when determining size-specific feeding regimens. To maximise abalone growth, farmers should utilise size-specific feeding regimens for abalone above 30 g. Daily growth rate and FCR can be predicted as a function of the abalone’s feeding intensity. Further studies are needed to determine the effects of abalone weight class on production parameters when testing different pellet types as well as an exploration into behavioural studies focusing on diet preferences. Additionally, future studies need to take into consideration abalone above the weight of 100 g with additional focus of research on behavioural, genetic and environmental aspects on abalone feed intake. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, 2023
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- Date Issued: 2023-03-29
Gamification technology in teaching: Exploring how mathematics teachers make use of Kahoot! Gamification to facilitate learning of probability in classrooms
- Authors: Mbete, Ayanda
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Gamification , Kahoot! , Mathematics Study and teaching (Elementary) South Africa Eastern Cape , Probabilities , Educational technology , Rural schools South Africa Eastern Cape , Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge , Cultural-historical activity theory
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/405311 , vital:70160
- Description: This study seeks to examine the use of Kahoot! as a gamification technology in practice with Grade six teachers to explore its use in supporting the learning of Probability in Mathematics in rural primary schools. Purposive sampling was adopted wherein nine Grade six mathematics teachers from four rural primary schools in Amathole East district were selected as participants of the study. In addition, to inform this qualitative case study, an interpretive paradigm was adopted. Data was collected using semi-questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, non-participant observations, workshop discussions and reflective journals. The TPACK by Mishra & Koehler (2009) and Vygotsky’s (1978) socio-cultural theory were employed as the lenses through which all the proceedings of the study were based. The key findings indicate that integrating Kahoot! gamification technology, in the ‘Probability’ lesson, has positive consequences such as bringing fun into the classroom, enhancing learner participation, prompt feedback and offering a learner-driven approach to learning as opposed to the conventional teaching strategies. The findings also revealed that enabling and constraining factors are associated with using Kahoot! in teaching: the ICT infrastructure, teachers’ competency levels and the environment in which teaching and learning occurs. This study concluded that the use of Kahoot enhances the learning of probability in rural under-resourced primary schools. This study recommended the integration of Kahoot gamification into the mathematics curriculum. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
Identification of novel compounds against Plasmodium falciparum Cytochrome bc1 Complex inhibiting the trans-membrane electron transfer pathway: an In Silico study
- Authors: Chebon, Lorna Jemosop
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Malaria , Plasmodium falciparum , Molecular dynamics , Antimalarials , Molecules Models , Docking , Cytochromes , Drug resistance , Computer simulation , Drugs Computer-aided design , System analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/365666 , vital:65774 , DOI https://doi.org/10.21504/10962/365666
- Description: Malaria continues to be a burden globally with a myriad of challenges deterring eradication efforts. With most antimalarials facing drug resistance, such as atovaquone (ATQ), alternative compounds that can withstand resistance are warranted. The Plasmodium falciparum cytochrome b (PfCytb), a subunit of P. falciparum cytochrome bc1 complex, is a validated drug target. Structurally, cytochrome b, cytochrome c1, and iron sulphur protein (ISP) subunits form the catalytic domain of the protein complex having heme bL, heme bH and iron-sulphur [2FE-2S] cluster cofactors. These cofactos have redox centres to aid in the electron transfer (ET) process. These subunits promote ET mainly through the enzyme’s ubiquinol oxidation (Qo) and ubiquinone reduction (Qi) processes in the catalytic domain. ATQ drug has been used in the prevention and treatment of uncomplicated malaria by targeting PfCytb protein. Once the mitochondrial transmembrane ET pathway is inhibited, it causes a collapse in its membrane potential. Previously reported ATQ drug resistance has been associated with the point mutations Y268C, Y268N and Y268S. Thus, in finding alternatives to the ATQ drug, this research aimed to: i) employ in silico approaches incorporating protein into phospholipid bilayer for the first time to understand the parasites’ resistance mechanism; ii) determine any sequence and structural differences that could be explored in drug design studies; and iii) screen for PfCytb-iron sulphur protein (Cytb-ISP) hit compounds from South African natural compound database (SANCDB) and Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) that can withstand the identified mutations. Using computational tools, comparative sequence and structural analyses were performed on the cytochrome b protein, where the ultimate focus was on P. falciparum cytochrome b and its human homolog. Through multiple sequence alignment, motif discovery and phylogeny, differences between P. falciparum and H. sapiens cytochrome b were identified. Protein modelling of both P. falciparum and H. sapiens cytochrome b - iron sulphur protein (PfCytb-ISP and HsCytb-ISP) was performed. Results showed that at the sequence level, there were few amino acid residue differences because the protein is highly conserved. Important to note is the four-residue deletion in Plasmodium spp. absent in the human homolog. Motif analysis discovered five unique motifs in P. falciparum cytochrome b protein which were mapped onto the predicted protein model. These motifs were not in regions of functional importance; hence their function is still unknown. At a structural level, the four-residue deletion was observed to alter the Qo substrate binding pocket as reported in previous studies and confirmed in this study. This deletion resulted in a 0.83 Å structural displacement. Also, there are currently no in silico studies that have performed experiments with P. falciparum cytochrome b protein incorporated into a phospholipid bilayer. Using 350 ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the holo and ATQ-bound systems, the study highlighted the resistance mechanism of the parasite protein where the loss of active site residue-residue interactions was identified, all linked to the three mutations. The identified compromised interactions are likely to destabilise the protein’s function, specifically in the Qo substrate binding site. This showed the possible effect of mutations on ATQ drug activity, where all three mutations were reported to share a similar resistance mechanism. Thereafter, this research work utilised in silico approaches where both Qo active site and interface pocket were targeted by screening the South African natural compounds database (SANCDB) and Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) compounds to identify novel selective hits. SANCDB compounds are known for their structural complexity that preserves the potency of the drug molecule. Both SANCDB and MMV compounds have not been explored as inhibitors against the PfCytb drug target. Molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, principal component, and dynamic residue network (DRN; global and local) analyses were utilised to identify and confirm the potential selective inhibitors. Docking results identified compounds that bound selectively onto PfCytb-ISP with a binding energy ≤ -8.7 kcal/mol-1. Further, this work validated a total of eight potential selective compounds to inhibit PfCytb-ISP protein (Qo active site) not only in the wild-type but also in the presence of the point mutations Y268C, Y268N and Y268S. The selective binding of these hit compounds could be linked to the differences reported at sequence/residue level in chapter 3. DRN and residue contact map analyses of the eight compounds in holo and ligand-bound systems revealed reduced residue interactions and decreased protein communication. This suggests that the eight compounds show the possibility of inhibiting the parasite and disrupting important residue-residue interactions. Additionally, 13 selective compounds were identified to bind at the protein’s heterodimer interface, where global and local analysis confirmed their effect on active site residues (distal location) as well as on the communication network. Based on the sequence differences between PfCytb and the human homolog, these findings suggest these selective compounds as potential allosteric modulators of the parasite enzyme, which may serve as possible replacements of the already resistant ATQ drug. Therefore, these findings pave the way for further in vitro studies to establish their anti-plasmodial inhibition levels. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Biochemistry and Microbiology, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
M.M. Hala: Memoirs of an Umkhonto WeSizwe Cadre
- Authors: Hala, Mzimasi Mike
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: African National Congress , Umkhonto we Sizwe (South Africa) , Anti-apartheid movements South Africa , Anti-apartheid activists South Africa , South Africa Politics and government 1948-1994 , Hani, Chris, 1942-1993 , Holomisa, Bantu, 1955- , Bisho massacre
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/406785 , vital:70307
- Description: Born in Komani (Queenstown) in 1959 and detained for Congress of South African Students (COSAS) activities while still at school, Mzimasi Mike Hala departed South Africa via Swaziland in 1981 and joined uMkhonto WeSizwe (MK). Trained in Angola, Cuba and East Germany, he commanded Cacuso camp in Angola, until redeployed to South Africa in 1987 to work underground in Venda and Cape Town. Following the unbanning of the liberation movements in 1990, he was appointed Commander of MK’s Transkei Region, where he was in charge of Chris Hani’s personal security. For reasons of space, the memoir does not proceed beyond his integration into the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) with the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel and second-in-command of SANDF Group 46 in Mthatha. Besides its value as a primary source of previously undocumented information, the thesis seeks to bridge the gap between the academic literature on MK and the lived experience of MK soldiers. Having considered both the academic literature and the published MK memoirs in Chapter One, the thesis refers back to the literature in narrative chapters Two to Five. Consolidating its findings in its conclusion, the final chapter is divided into three sections: the political culture of MK, MK gender dynamics and the consequences of the political merger of the “exiles,” including MK, and the “inziles” who subsequently came to dominate the ANC. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Institute of Social and Economic Research, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
Puma (Puma concolor) diet and habitat use in south-west New Mexico
- Authors: Bernard, Kelly Monica Tandi
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Puma Food New Mexico , Puma Habitat New Mexico , Puma Nutrition New Mexico , Puma Conservation New Mexico , Carnivorous animals New Mexico , Red deer , Elk , Mule deer , Ungulates
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/362752 , vital:65359
- Description: The puma (Puma concolor) is a wide-ranging large felid species occupying an extensive geographic range throughout North and South America, and site-specific research on their diet is important for local management. Like other large felids, puma diet may differ between sexes due to size dimorphism, and between seasons due to changes in prey vulnerability and availability. This study assessed the influence of sex and season on puma diet in south-west New Mexico in terms of prey species and prey size categories. Pumas specialised on mule deer and elk throughout the year, and killed a range of other species of different sizes. The diet of the smaller female puma was nested within the diet of males, supporting the size-nested strategy. The effect of puma sex on prey species and size categories was independent of season, and vice versa, and the probability of a female making a medium-sized kill such as mule deer was higher than for males, while the probability of an extra-large kill such as elk was substantially greater for males. The probability of pumas killing either mule deer or elk in each season was similar, and greater than other species categories. Additionally, individual puma strongly influenced all prey species and size categories killed. The results from this study concur with previous findings on the importance of mule deer and elk in puma diet, and suggest that puma predation may also impact a number of other species, particularly smaller herbivores like collared peccary, and mesocarnivores such as skunks. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
A model for linking innovation and sustainable growth of immigrant entrepreneurs in the Johannesburg Metropolitan Area, South Africa
- Authors: Mzamo, Ziyanda
- Date: 2022-08
- Subjects: Immigrant business enterprises -- Technological innovations -- South Africa , Business Management -- South Africa , Industrial management -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28828 , vital:75130
- Description: South Africa experienced hard times during the apartheid era. This led to some of the South African nationals seeking solace and hiding in neighbouring African countries. Post 1994, this situation has largely changed. Other African countries have not been as privileged to recover from the political turmoil nations have experienced and have left civilians stranded with no comfort or job security. It is for this reason that immigrants from other African countries track to South Africa for the hope and promise of a better future. While this is the case and hope, South Africa is dealing with its own issues of high unemployment rate, violence and crime, poverty, lack of quality education, drug and substance abuse, unstable political issues and influx of immigrants who have no plans or ways of survival. This makes things even harder for the government to accommodate everyone as the focus and priority is seen to be given to its citizens. Entrepreneurship becomes the most feasible and practical way of survival for the immigrants. Some of these businesses have stood the test of time, are making strides and thriving. Their growth journeys may even be better than those of citizens due to these businesses primarily being characterized by survival tactics. This study was hence conducted to predominantly formulate a model for linking the innovation and sustainable business growth of immigrant entrepreneurs. The secondary objective was to gauge if there is a significant relationship between innovation (incremental, radical, and technological) and sustainable business growth of immigrant entrepreneurs in the Johannesburg Metropolitan Area. A mixed approach was used to achieve these objectives. The population of the study targeted immigrant entrepreneurs from the African continent who are running small and medium (SME) businesses in the Johannesburg Metropolitan area. The data was gathered using semi-structured interviews and a survey. Seventeen (17) interviews were held, and one hundred and two (102) surveys were collected, totalling one hundred and nineteen (119) research study participants. The participants were selected using convenience sampling and snowballing due to the population of immigrant entrepreneurs being unknown in Johannesburg. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to analyse the data. The findings revealed that innovation played a major role in sustainable business growth of the immigrant entrepreneurs. The research study showed the typical measures of innovation (incremental, radical and technological) as well as business growth may not be reflective and applicable to the SME space due to the businesses being survival businesses. The research study recommends that development of immigrant entrepreneurship focused programs for coaching, support, funding, and handholding be of absolute government focus. Internal collaborative innovation agendas are key for businesses to balance incremental and radical innovation. This will minimise the reliance on business owners or leadership to drive innovation, but rather, for innovation to be a way of working for all in the business. Growth and sustainability rides on shared innovation as opposed to individually led or an isolated agenda. Education, change management and training of citizens and safety officials is recommended to understand the benefits of immigrant owned businesses as an economic driver and as a point of embracing fellow Africans. This will eliminate the stereotypes that make immigrant entrepreneurs exposed and uncomfortable in their business journeys. , Thesis (DBA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-08
A structural equation model on small business performance: the mediating role of effectuation & entrepreneur identity
- Authors: Muchineripi, Justice Ngonidzashe https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8058-731X
- Date: 2022-08
- Subjects: Small business -- Management , Entrepreneurship
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28806 , vital:75099
- Description: The role of effectuation and entrepreneur identity in the performance of small business has not received much attention in the African small business context. Effectuation plays a critical role in determining the success of a business. All businesses need to have inherent strategies within the business on how to deal with financial and operational challenges. Despite the impact of entrepreneur identity on performance, there is a noted gap in literature on the possible role that effectuation can play. Research purpose: The research aim is to test the structural model on small business performance in the South African small business context. The research thus investigates the mediating role of effectuation on entrepreneur identity and performance amongst small businesses in South Africa. Research approach/design and method: The study was undertaken in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. A quantitative research approach was utilised and primary data was collected from 380 Small Medium and Micro Enterprises through structured questionnaires. Structural Equation Modeling was used for testing the hypotheses. Main findings: The findings revealed that spiritual identity and business identity exert a positive effect on subjective performance in Small Medium Micro Enterprises. Findings further revealed that spiritual identity and effectuation significantly predict objective performance. Spiritual identity, social identity and business identity significantly predict effectuation in SMMEs. Contribution: The study makes a major contribution in the body of knowledge for small business practitioners, policymakers and researchers who would like to explore the role of effectuation and entrepreneur identity on small business performance. The study findings encourage effectual decision making by small businesses as it reveals that facing challenges is inevitable, but what is important is that the business should be able to resolve various challenges using available resources. Originality/value: The empirical evidence provided in the study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the theory of effectuation in the South African context. The study also provides policy guidelines for policymakers to entrepeneurs who would like to venture into business. , Thesis (DBA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-08
Attitudes of heteronormative traditional male circumcision stakeholders towards the emergence of same-sex sexuality in ulwaluko: a case of Mdantsane and New Brighton,Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Zolani, Sonjani
- Date: 2022-08
- Subjects: National socialism and homosexuality , Men -- Sexual behavior , Circumcision--Law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27391 , vital:66967
- Description: Although the South African government has drafted policy documents to protect gays, they, year-in-year-out face abhorrence. Notably and shockingly, misunderstanding of the sexual orientation of gays in initiation schools has brought about conflict. It is of great significance for ulwaluko tradition to renegotiate its terms of being a tradition tolerating those with different sexualities within their adored culture. Therefore, this study sought to assess the attitudes of heteronormative traditional male circumcision stakeholders towards an emergence of same-sex sexuality in ulwaluko in Mdantsane and New Brighton, Eastern Cape. The study endeavoured to achieve the following objectives: i to establish the policy insights on same-sex sexuality in South Africa and elsewhere; ii to assess the prevalence of homosexuality in South Africa and other contexts; iii to establish an account of gay men’s intimate behaviour at the initiation schools; iv to examine perceptions and attitudes of selected communities on Xhosa gay men undergoing the rite of traditional male circumcision; v to establish attitudes and perceptions of selected communities on the conflict between homosexual practices and traditional male circumcision TMC and vi to assess perceptions of Xhosa gay men on the use of TMC as an instrument to “convert” them to heterosexuality. The study was informed by Four 4 theoretical lenses: sociocultural theory, anomie theory, queer theory, and intersectionality theory. Methodologically, the objectives were investigated through a qualitative research method and data was collected accordingly. The study adopted a case study as its design. Data was collected through in-depth one-on-one interviews, focus group discussions, and key informants’ interviews. The study purposively selected eighty-two 82 participants and revealed the following findings: different lenses on South African constitution and homosexuality; different attitudinal facets of the development of same-sex sexuality in South Africa, opposed lenses on homosexuality being a natural phenomenon; intimate partner relationships among the gays in the initiation schools; behavioural the difference between gays and heterosexuals in the initiation school; establishing the nature of homosexuals’ dress code; gays downplaying TMC teachings in initiation schools; Intimate partner relationships among gays in the initiation school; homosexuality associated with modernization; effectiveness of TMC as a tool to achieve gays’ heteronormativity; and lastly, gays achieving heteronormativity through rape. This study concluded that TMC needs to renegotiate its terms of being a tradition of the contemporary epoch. Perhaps this may assist in breaking the tension between ulwaluko and same-sex sexuality in society. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-08
Clinicians knowledge and perceptions of point of care testing (poct) in selected hospitals in the free state, South Africa
- Authors: Watkins, Edgar Jeffrey
- Date: 2022-08
- Subjects: Point-of-care testing , Preventive health services , Medical technology
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27264 , vital:66487
- Description: Point of care testing (POCT) improves access and equity to health diagnostic services in resource-limited settings like South Africa, where some health facilities do not have on-site laboratories. With recent technological advancements, most traditional laboratory tests can now be conducted on-site at primary health clinics (PHC), hospital wards and clinics. One advantage of the POCT device is that it can be used by a non-medical laboratory expert at the patient’s bed side during hospitalizations or near the patient in the doctor’s consultation rooms. This results in a shorter turnaround time for the availability of test results when compared to that from a specimen sent to a traditional clinical laboratory. Despite the benefits of POCT, many clinicians (doctors and nurses) avoid utilizing POCT for quality assurance reasons. Clinicians believe the results from a POCT device may not be as reliable as the results from tests performed by a medical laboratory scientist in the traditional clinical laboratory. This study used a concurrent mixed method research design to explore clinicians' POCT knowledge and attitudes in a subset of hospitals in the Free state of South Africa. The study population comprised of consenting medical professionals from the ten (10) selected Free State district hospitals (study sites). The findings demonstrated that hospitals in urban areas have easier access to laboratory services. There were two (2) urban study sites that had on-site laboratories which achieved faster Turn-Around-Time (TAT). The participants indicate that they are aware of POCT and routinely use it, but there are far fewer POCT tests available than laboratory tests. When diagnostic options are scarce, point-of-care testing (POCT) can provide a more accurate diagnosis than traditional methods. The improved health care provision and reduced incidence of health complications is the end result. According to the participants, having access to POCT diagnostic services has shown promise in addressing challenges that sometimes present with laboratory-based methods, particularly in settings with limited access to hospitals or when laboratories cannot be accessed. Further, clinicians argue that errors in the usage of POCT may occur due to the quality of these POCTs and improper documentation of the test results by the clinicians. Therefore, poor utilization of POCT by clinicians can be improved if implemented with pre-set strict selection goals and processes to ensure that the right POCT is selected for the right purpose that would reduce resource expenditure by the hospitals and improve patient experiences and health outcomes. , Thesis (MPH) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-08
Determinants of inclusive growth in South Africa: a macroeconomic approach
- Authors: Makala, Zizo https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4875-6531
- Date: 2022-08
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa , Macroeconomics -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's/ theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28761 , vital:74913
- Description: Available literature substantiates that economic growth is imperative but not sufficient to improve the living standards of a substantial percentage of South Africa’s population. The benefits of growth are also barely equitably distributed among the different groups of society in South Africa. Based on this background, the study empirically examines the factors that determine inclusive growth in South Africa. The study utilised annual data from 1991 to 2020, employing the autoregressive distributed lag model (ARDL) bounds testing approach to cointegration to evaluate the long-run and short-run linkage among the variables of interest. Based on the Social Opportunity Function, a model linking inclusive growth and its determinants was specified. The empirical results suggest a positive relationship between Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and inclusive growth (LGDPPPE), in both the short run and the long run, implying that, FDI inflows significantly drive inclusive growth. Therefore, there is a need for South Africa to open economic borders to benefit from the opportunities for inclusive growth through external capital. In contrast, Inflation (INFL) portrays a negative influence on LGDPPPE, both in the short and long run alike, suggesting that the rate of inclusive growth is higher when inflation rate is lower, leading to the implication that, to significantly help accelerate inclusive growth in South Africa, the control of inflation must be a major object of economic policy. In the short run, the Level of Income (LGDPPC), Government Consumption (GGFCE), Population Growth (POPG), Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF), and Trade Openness (TOP) indicate no noticeable influence on LGDPPPE. However, in the long run, LGDPPC, POPG and TOP turned out positive and statistically significant. This finding suggests that policies that make the South African economy open to trade with the rest of the world are essential for inclusive economic growth. Furthermore, the finding implies that population growth is not detrimental to growth inclusiveness in South Africa and policy measures that enhance the population’s productivity to reap demographic dividends should be encouraged. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-08
Dietary preference and perceptions of the health implications: A qualitative study on perspectives from outpatients and health care providers at Nontyatyambo Community Health Centre, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Chocko, Ronnie J A V
- Date: 2022-08
- Subjects: Diet , Nutrition
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26764 , vital:65990
- Description: Introduction and background. Poor dietary choices are resulting in an increase of mortality and morbidity rates globally. Epidemiological studies reveal that diets high in animal-sourced foods (ASF) lead to an increased risk of developing cardio-metabolic diseases (CMD). On the other hand, plant-based foods (PBF) have been shown to reduce this risk. Making well informed dietary choices plays an important role in reducing the burden of these diseases. To this end, this study further explores the role that diet plays in maintaining good health by exploring current dietary preferences, perceptions of the health implications of these dietary choices and perceptions of the benefits of PBFs vs ASFs of people in a local South African context. Methodology. This qualitative study was conducted at Nontyatyambo Community Health Centre, Mdantansane, Buffalo City Metropolitan district in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. A sample of 42 participants was enrolled for the study. A question/interview guide was used to collect data through key-in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Two audio recorders were used to record the verbal responses of participants. The recorded interviews were transcribed and translated to English. The transcribed data was systematically and thematically analyzed. Results. It was found that all participants in this study were following an omnivorous dietary pattern. A number of participants expressed that they did not like vegetables. In this study, most participants felt that PBFs were healthier than ASFs. Even though they felt PBFs were healthier, none followed exclusively plant-based diet. Conclusion. Transforming dietary patterns to contain more plant-based foods may be a critical factor in reversing harmful effects on public health and the environment. This calls for urgent public health intervention to improve nutritional uptake as a strategy to reduce potential CMD. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-08
Human Resource Development model for cultivating a culture of innovation in local government: the case of Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, South Africa
- Authors: Mutangabende, Shepherd https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3231-7400
- Date: 2022-08
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development -- South Africa , Local government -- Technological innovations -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28817 , vital:75128
- Description: Local government in South Africa is grappling with transforming democratic, accountable, and sustainable service provision to communities. Human Resource Management (HRM) plays an instrumental role in cultivating an innovative public service culture. It enables such a culture through workforce planning, recruitment, selection, induction, rewarding, budget allocation, training, and development. A culture of innovation provides an opportunity for local government to respond to pressing local needs within legislative and financial constraints. This study adopted a pragmatic research philosophy, and an exploratory sequential mixed methods research strategy and case study research design, to investigate human resources development strategies for cultivating a culture of innovation in local government, using a case study of Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, in South Africa. Qualitative data was collected from twenty (n=20) purposefully sampled information-rich participants through indepth interviews and quantitative data from eighty (n=80) line officials using a structured questionnaire. Research findings indicate that HRM in BCMM is not optimally utilising HRM strategies to cultivate a culture of innovation. Study results show insufficiency of qualified human capital, which therefore, impose constraints on the capacity of the municipality to optimally cultivate a culture of innovation. Findings show that participants in leadership positions often lacked requisite knowledge and capacity on workforce planning, which is necessary for human capital needs analysis and for identifying skills gaps, which would subsequently inform recruitment and selection, induction, and human resources development of municipal human capital. Recruitment and selection processes as well as induction programmes are also often devoid of innovation human resources development practices and strategies. There were often not much rewards for employees who come up with innovative ideas or methods of executing their key performance areas. Lack of rewards was a barrier to innovation as the question of “what is in it for me?” remain unanswered. This could be the reason why there were few innovative activities taking place in local government and the case study municipality. Results further suggest that the organisational culture of the case study municipality was mostly conservative, as employees did not have fecund opportunities for trial and error of new methods of executing performance tasks, often strictly adhering to standard operating procedures. The organisational culture in the case study municipality was thus risk aversive, and a significant barrier to innovation. There was often poor communication on the availability of budget allocation for innovation. The study, therefore, recommended more effective and innovative workforce planning and using that information during recruitment and selection. It also recommended using rewards to motivate employees to be innovative, allowing trial and error, to test new ideas and methods as ways of cultivating a culture of innovation. There is thus a significant need and demand for transformation and innovation in local governance, heightened by increasing municipal dysfunction and citizen expectation. As such, providing human capital with requisite knowledge and skills, retaining talent, and inducing human resources to be immobile, build up high performance work systems (HPWS), essential for achieving sustainable local government functionality and municipal performance. Human Resource Development thus play a significant role, as it essentially provides training and development programmes to equip workers with innovative skills needed in local government. The study thus developed and recommended a human resource development model which could be contextually adapted by municipalities to cultivate and foster a culture of innovation for optimum municipal functionality. , Thesis (DPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-08
Isolation, characterisation and biological evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia and Tephrosia vogelii as sources of Anti-oxidant and Pesticide
- Authors: Kerebba, Nasifu https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3700-3937
- Date: 2022-08
- Subjects: Tephrosia vogelii , Tephrosia , Pesticides
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27821 , vital:69943
- Description: This study aimed at evaluating chemically the pesticidal and antioxidant activities of Tithonia diversifolia Hemsland Tephrosia vogelii Hook f. In the study, the composition of essential oils and non-volatile substances was evaluated by modern analytical tools. The essential oils were characterised using Gas chromatography GC mass spectrometry mass spectrometry GC MS MS, GC and multivariate techniques. While phenolic compounds of T. diversifolia were comprehensively characterised using Ultra high performance liquid-phase chromatography coupled to a tandem mass spectrometer with electrospray ionisation UHPLC ESI MS MS. Both the essential oils and non-volatile components of the plant materials were evaluated for repellency, fumigant toxicity, contact toxicity and antifeedant potential in either a choice or no choice experiments. The non-volatile substances were evaluated for antioxidant properties. Using activity-guided isolation, three known compounds, a one pimarane diterpene type compound; sandaracopimaradiene-1α,9α-diol, a sesquiterpene lactone; deacetylviguiestenin and a caffeic acid derivative; 3 4 O caffeoyloxy methyl 2-methyloxirane-2-carboxylic acid were obtained from T. diversifolia. The compounds were characterised by spectral methods; 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance NMR, Fourier transform Infra-red spectroscopy FTIR and mass spectrometry MS. Characterisation of essential oils revealed three chemotypes that were found to grow at different places of eastern Uganda. Based on the profiles of the compounds of the farnesene family, results showed that farnesol was a major constituent in the oil of chemotype 1 while springene compounds β-springene and α-springene and the β-farnesene were widely expressed in chemotype 2. The third chemotype was a mixed hybrid of both farnesol and the springene chemotypes. In all the chemotypes, alkylbenzenes; o-xylene, m-xylene and ethylbenzene were in huge amounts as other significant components in the oil. 1,4- dihydroxy-p-menth-2-ene, 5,9-undecadien-2-one, 6,10-dimethyl, and 3-cyclohexen-1- carboxaldehyde,3,4-dimethyl were other most significant chemical constituents of the three chemotypes. The presence of chemical variation in the components of T. vogelii essential oil showed that the fumigant and repellency efficacy of this plant against Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky were undermined. However, all the chemotypes of T. vogelii essential oil could show repellence and fumigant toxicity against S. zeamais. The comparison between insecticidal and repellent effects of the essential oils of chemotype 3 of T. vogelii with that of T. diversifolia was done. Results indicated that the former could be promoted more for contact toxicity effect while T. diversifolia better suits fumigation effects against S. zeamais. Investigation of the feeding deterrence of both volatile and non-volatile substances of T. diversifolia leaves revealed that its essential oil did not show significant antifeedant activity at a dose of 0.29 μL mg of flour disks. The crude extract, some fractions and the isolated compounds demonstrated feeding deterrence activity against S. zeamais. The feeding deterrence index of sandarac copimaradiene- 1α,9α-diol was 81.19 5.94 percent at 0.1percent w w 1 mg g food compared to 97.45 0.43 percentage for Neemazal extract 10 percent azadirachtin positive control at 10w w 100 mgg food. The EC50 of deacetylviguiestin, 3 4 O caffeoyloxy methyl 2 methyloxirane 2 carboxylic acid and azadirachtin commercial antifeedant against S. zeamais were 22140.23 9103.29, 3654.28 2715.09 and 14.59 5.59 ppm respectively. Although these compounds showed less activity against S. zeamais than azadirachtin, their antifeedant activities were very significant and can be valuable alternatives. UHPLC DAD ESI-MS MS characterisation of fractions of T. diversifolia led to the identification of 7 novel hydroxycinnamates; 4-O 1 O caffeoylglucosyl quinic acid, 4 O caffeoyl 2 hydroxy 3 methylbutanoic acid, 4-O-caffeoyl-2-hydroxybutanoic acid, 3,4 dihydroxyphenyl-4-O-caffeoyl-2-hydroxybutanoate, 4-vinylphenyl 4 O caffeoyl 2-hydroxy 3 methylbutanoate, 4 O caffeoyl-caffeoyloxymethyl 2 hydroxy 3 methylbutanoate, 4 O-caffeoyl 2 2 3,4 dihydroxyphenyl acetoyloxy 3-methylbutanoic acid from T. diversifolia leaves that had not been previously reported in nature. Their structures have been assigned based on the unique MS MS fragmentation patterns for each of the compounds in a switching negative or positive ionisation mode and deduction from 1D 1H and 13C NMR of similar compound. In total, 55 phenolic compounds from aqueous fractions of T. diversifolia have been identified including 4 hydroxybenzoic acids, 19 hydroxycinnamic acids, 22 flavonoids, 1 saponin triterpenoid and 9 coumarins and furocoumarins. The present study further showed that the DPPH radical scavenging effect and reducing power antioxidant activity of tested samples of T. diversifolia showed a moderate correlation with the phenolic content present in these samples. This implied that the antioxidant potential was just partly attributed to its phenolic content. , Thesis (MSci) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-08
Limits of the Judiciary in the separation of powers in South Africa
- Authors: Qikani, Siphokazi
- Date: 2022-08
- Subjects: Judiciary and law
- Language: English
- Type: Masters theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/9460 , vital:73539
- Description: The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 is the supreme law of the Republic and obligations imposed by it must be fulfilled. The laws of the country and government action draw their validity from the Constitution. The Constitution entrenches principles that ensure democratic processes which promote the objectives, spirit and purport of the Constitution. Separation of powers is one of such principles. Separation of powers is the doctrine that proposes division of power between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government. The Constitution confers legislative power to parliament, executive power to the executive and judicial power to the courts. In the South African context of separation of powers, the role of each branch of government is not always clearly defined and sometimes gains perspective as courts interpret parliamentary legislations and executive policies. The Court’s role and limitations in the interpretation of laws often come under scrutiny and bring confusion as to what extent can courts intervene in matters purely left to other branches of government. The current study explores the meaning, implications and practical application of the doctrine of separation of powers by courts. The study pays particular attention to the role and the limits of the Judiciary within the context of separation of powers in South Africa, with the hope of bringing greater clarity of this doctrine to lawyers, academics, government officials and society at large. Keywords: constitutional supremacy, rule of law, separation of powers, legislature, executive, judiciary, judicial intervention. , Thesis (Masters) -- Faculty of Humanities Social Sciences and Law, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-08
Public goods and social resistance: A study of the perceptions of risk and vulnerability in the n2 toll road project in the wild coast of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Mambiravana, Tafadzwa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7543-2989
- Date: 2022-08
- Subjects: Infrastructure (Economics) , Roads -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23910 , vital:61293
- Description: The construction of the N2 Toll Road in the Wild Coast has been lauded for its ‘developmental agenda’, as the government envisages, this 550 km road project linking Eastern Cape and KwaZulu Natal provinces will act as a game changer to the socio-economic status of the region in a manner beneficial to local people and the nation in general. However, the road project has equally been criticised by several local communities and environmental advocacy groups who suspect the road is associated with controversial titanium mining and its anticipated socio-ecological disasters in the region. Drawing from this conundrum, this study explores intersections of the diverse perceptions of stakeholders on infrastructural provisioning for development purposes in a historically deprived area in South Africa. Using a qualitative research approach in the form of face-to-face interviews with the participants, focus group discussions, secondary data review and observations, the study found that the diverse perceptions of risk and vulnerability have divided the stakeholders into those who support and those who oppose the road project. Most importantly, the study has also found that although there is deep-seated resentment towards the road project among certain grassroots groups, the general view shared among the study communities is nuanced. In other words, there is no ‘hardline collective opposition’ against the road project among local communities. Drawing from these findings, the study recommends that land audit need to be conducted prior to the commencement of infrastructure projects in order to highlight possible tenure blockages. In addition, the study recommends that it is critical for developers and policy makers to recognize the significance of cultural spaces and sacred places for community cultural health. These factors are critical to weigh against the proposed infrastructure developments as they sometimes outweigh the benefits. The study was anchored on the cultural theory of risk perception, which helped to explore the complex interactions between different actors on infrastructural development and environmental policy discourse. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-08
The impact of public libraries as a transformative factor in human development in the Buffalo City Municipalities
- Authors: Ndlovu, Sheron https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4601-9789
- Date: 2022-08
- Subjects: Public libraries , Libraries and society
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23947 , vital:61993
- Description: This study investigated the impact of public libraries as a transformative factor in human development in the Buffalo City Municipalities. Literature revealed that although libraries play a significant role to their clientele, there seems to be challenges of service delivery in public libraries and these are largely due to funding issues. This has led to a general public negative perception that public libraries underperform which may not be necessarily a true reflection of public libraries. The role of the libraries in as far as the transformative factor in human development may be unclear, therefore, the researcher wants to determine the extent of the transformation factor in human development. The study was guided by the following objectives to: examine the impact of public library to its community or patrons in the Buffalo city libraries, find determine whether the library personnel understand their role in transforming the human development, determine the strategies used by public libraries that are transforming the human factor and to establish how the library patrons perceive the role of the public libraries in transforming their lives. A mixed methods approach was used as the research method. Qualitative and quantitative research methods were combined while simple random sampling was adopted to have a wide range of perspectives from library users. Library staff were purposively selected for interviews. A total of 31 people were interviewed, with 6 librarians and 25 library patrons. Out of 250 questionnaires administered, 220 were returned. The study was informed by the Service quality theory (SERVQUAL), Human Capital Theory and the Diffusion of Innovation Theory (DOIT). The DOIT theory was deemed suitable in this kind of research that deals with transformation and development as patrons adopted and adapted to new ideas and practices. The Service Quality theory was useful in this study because it included variables that the researcher felt were most significant for transformation and development to take place in a public library setting. The HCT theory denotes that education and training leads to greater productivity, and it translates into economic returns like high wages and increased Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This theory was relevant in this study because public libraries have an informative role to play as part of its roles as well as an educational role to play to the lives of the people who use the library. When people read at libraries, they are educated. They also improve their literacy levels through reading. Public libraries provide community members with services that are free of charge or cheaper and this helps the library patrons to save economically and transform as well. This process of servicing the needs of patrons is beneficial and continuous. In addition, the findings of this study revealed that library personnel understand their roles and those roles in turn transform the human development, although this is not really conclusive that they understand their roles in the transformation process. They ensure that the library patrons get the services they require and in some instances the library personnel even go beyond their normal duties. However, it must be noted that from the findings the main obstacles hindering libraries to effectively transforming the human development is the issue of funding and insufficient resources, Libraries have assisted in educational investment to the community members through many programmes offered in the public libraries and this assists in educational improvement and productivity in many spheres of life. The study also revealed that the public libraries provide spaces where patrons can hold meetings, discuss study related topics as well as individual studying spaces although, more space is required to avoid overcrowding. Through a number of strategies employed which are also attractive to the library patrons, public libraries transform the human development. Patrons perceive public libraries as extremely useful in transforming their lives as they indicated that the public library transform their lives in many aspects such as providing them with the information they require, learning opportunities, access to gateways of information like the internet and manual books, bridging that poverty gap and provision of literacy skills to the library patrons. It was concluded that public libraries transform the lives of the people in the communities that they serve in different aspects with the different roles and services that they offer to their patronage. In addition, a number of strategies are employed by public libraries so as to attract people into public libraries as well as to fulfil their primary mandate. In their pursuit to employ these strategies, public libraries transform the human development. Librarians with their duties assist the public yet it is unclear if they are fully aware of the role they play in transforming people’s lives. Despite some of the bad attitude exhibited by the librarians, a larger percentage of the librarians display a good attitude when carrying out their duties and assisting the library patrons. Librarians go beyond the call of duty in assisting the patrons and this in turn transform the human development. The researcher made some recommendations as per the findings of the study and these recommendations entail continuous training of the library personnel post their formal qualifications, strengthened collaboration and communication by the three spheres of Government so that the libraries may be better governed, constant awareness drives about public libraries and stable internet connectivity so that access maybe improved. The researcher also recommended the use of social media platforms for communication purposes and announcements as people are now attracted to social media platforms and they can be accessed by most of the library community. A proposed model was developed, and the proposed model is the RPPPP hierarchical model for transformative public libraries. This model was proposed also based on the findings of the research. For a public library to be transformative it must have resources, personnel, patrons, physical space and policies in place hence, the name RPPPP model. RPPPP denotes Resources, patrons, personnel, policy and physical space. Resources are primary to the functioning of any public library, highly skilled personnel as well as patrons as they are the recipients of the public library services, policy is also important so as to give guidance and direction on the issues of governance. In order to adequately serve the needs of the patrons, enough space is needed. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-08