Showing items 1 - 20 of 31

Your selections:

Aileen wuornos : a psychobiographical study

  • Authors: Fakude, Shuanize Xiluva
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Women serial murderers
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50789 , vital:42700
  • Description: A psychobiographical study is an exploration of a unique individual’s entire lived life through a psychological lens. The aim of the study was to explore and describe the personality development of Aileen Wuornos within her socio-historical context by applying Erikson’s Theory of Psychosocial Development. Aileen Carol Wuornos was an American serial killer who murdered seven men in Florida between 1989 and 1990 by shooting them at point blank range. Wuornos’s life was marked by a difficult formative environment, maternal abandonment, and adoption by her grandparents. Wuornos continued to experience physical, emotional and sexual abuse at the hands of family members, friends and the community. Wuornos lived her life focusing on survival, and started to engage with petty crime and prostitution to do so. Her patterns escalated to include more serious criminal behaviour, culminating in serial murder. Wuornos was selected for this study using nonpropability purposive sampling. She was selected based on the researcher’s curiosity of her life events and experiences that led her to commit serial murders. Data was collected through a variety of primary and secondary sources on Wuornos and it was analysed using Miles and Huberman’s three steps process of data analysis, which includes data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing and verification. The findings of this study indicate that Wuornos experiences severe difficulties in renegotiating the seven stages proposed by Erikson’s Theory of Psychosocial Development, and all the ego strengths that she developed were seriously delayed.
  • Full Text: false
  • Date Issued: 2020

The effects of liberalisation and regulation of cellphone companies from 2007 - 2018: a study of Buffalo city municipality

  • Authors: Malobola, Nomvuyo Ursula Vuyokazi
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Economic development
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc (Communications)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18153 , vital:42237
  • Description: This study focuses on the effects of liberalisation and regulation of the telecommunications sector in South Africa. A qualitative research method was adopted and the researcher conducted focus group interviews with participants that were purposely selected to collect data from different suburbs around the Buffalo City Metropolitan area in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The areas were Mdantsane, Selborne and Southernwood, which have large populations and obviously enjoy high cell phone usage. In addition, an in-depth interview was conducted with an official of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), which is the monitoring body for telecommunications in South Africa. The findings of this study have shown that despite the airtime and data being expensive, the telecoms sector is critical to the people of South Africa, and the failure by the government to regulate and liberalise the telecoms sector has led to expensive cell phone charges on the public. As such, it can be noted that the majority of the urban poor, especially in the Buffalo City Metropolitan, endure expensive charges. More so, the study found that there has been frustrating slow progress of transformation of the telecommunications industry and associated key national policy objectives. In addition, the study also recognises that as a member of WTO South Africa had to adopt policies of globalisation or risk isolation should it operate outside it. In addition, this study revealed that in spite of the challenges that are related to regulation and liberalisation, progress can still be made in reducing price hikes, especially when strategic investments are made in the telecommunication sector in South Africa.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2020

The experiences of youth after exiting the foster care system in South Africa: A case study of Kou-kamma Municipality, Eastern Cape Province

  • Authors: Phillip, Malusi
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Foster home care Social work with teenagers
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSW
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18164 , vital:42238
  • Description: There is a high number of children placed in foster care in the Eastern Cape compared to other provinces as of 2017, this proves that foster care is the most preferred form of substitute care in South Africa. Despite the revelations that foster care is the mostly practiced form of substitute care in South Africa, children do not remain forever in the foster care system. Every year, hundreds of young adults age out of the foster care system in South Africa when they officially become adults at or around their 18th birthday. The aim of the study was to investigate the experiences of youth who have exited the foster care system in Kou-kamma Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape province. A qualitative research method was employed. The study made use of 26 participants, 21 youth who exited the foster care system were purposively selected from all six wards of Kou-kamma Municipality and six social workers were also purposively selected from three child welfare organizations in Kou-kamma Municipality. An interview guide was developed for both sets of participants and they were individually interviewed. The findings show that youth who have been exited from the foster care system experience a series of challenges after they have exited, including experimenting with drugs and alcohol as a negative coping mechanism, unplanned pregnancy, lack of support to enter tertiary education institutions, and financial challenges., Furthermore, the findings indicate that the youth developed coping strategies including working as seasonal workers on fruit farms of the langkloof and in the tourism and forestry of the Tsitsikamma. The youth also reported receiving support from their partners and former foster parents. Support services after the exit from the social service organizations was found to be non-existent and also the fact that social workers were facing a vii number of challenges in their quest to fulfil their roles. Some of these challenges include lack of resources, heavy caseloads, poor remuneration and inadequate office space which led to sharing. It is evident from the study that former foster youth in Koukamma are not exempted, they too encounter a lot of challenges after exiting the foster care system, more especially at the early stage of the exit with no form of support at all from child welfare organizations, they are made to find their own way in life as they are regarded as adults. It is recommended that a multi- stakeholder approach inclusive of different stakeholders needs to be adopted.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2020

An Investigation of victims' perspectives of "Ukuthwala" practice :a case study of Mbizana Local Municipality

  • Authors: Voyi, Ziyanda
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Forced marriage -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Girls -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Crimes againts Child abuse -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10361 , vital:35441
  • Description: This research was an investigation of victims’ perspectives of ukuthwala practice in Mbizana Local Municipality. The aim of the study was to describe the consequences and experiences of ukuthwala practice relating to infringement of Human Rights, to identify the modus operandi men use to abduct (thwala) these victims, to investigate the reasons that hinder victims from reporting the practice to the police officials and to investigate programs that can be implemented to prevent the ukuthwala practice. This study focused on victims’ perspectives of ukuthwala practice, which seemed to be on the rise in Mbizana Local Municipality. The study used the feminist theory and the social exchange theory. The study is qualitative in nature and it employed the exploratory research design. The study collected data from married and divorced females aged between 16 and 45 years, who were residing in Mbizana Local Municipality at the time of the study and who were also victims of ukuthwala practice. The study used snowball non-probability sampling. In non-probability sampling, the chances of selecting a particular individual are not known. The study collected data using semi-structured in-depth interviews. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. The research findings show that there are a number of women and girls in Mbizana Local municipality who are in forced marriages. The study also found that the practice of ukuthwala (forced marriage) is still practiced in rural areas of Mbizana Local Municipality and victims face many challenges in these marriages. The findings reveal that girls as young as twelve years are forced to marry older men, in some cases with the consent of their parents or guardians. Most victims are unaware that the ukuthwala practice is illegal. Those who are aware are afraid to disappoint their families. The findings of the study also show that community members are keen help stop the ukuthwala practice. The study shows the important for the relevant government stakeholders to intervene. The study recommends that government departments and community members should work hand in hand in order to fight the issue of ukuthwala practice in the municipality.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2018

The role of field and garden cultivation for food security under a changing climate: the case of Fairbairn and Ntloko villages, Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Brooks, Haydn
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Climatic changes -- Economic aspects -- Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Climatic changes -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Food -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/58013 , vital:27019
  • Description: The world is becoming more complex due to the increasing occurrence of social-ecological change. This is particularly evident in the developing world, especially on the African continent, where existing vulnerabilities (i.e. endemic poverty, weak governance, overpopulation and HIV/AIDS) are being exacerbated by the impact of climate change. Climate change poses a very real threat to millions of Africans, especially those who rely on the natural world for their livelihoods. The increasing variability of climate and rainfall patterns are said to have dire consequences on agricultural production which is the main livelihood activity of rural dwellers across the continent. The impacts of such change and variability include, changes in the frequency and intensity of droughts, flooding and heavy storms, leading to worsening soil conditions, desertification as well as disease and pest out-breaks which will likely result in reduced crop and livestock yields. A reduction in agricultural production will likely have a negative effect on the food security of millions of people. This study was conducted in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, in two rural villages, Fairbairn and Ntloko located in the former Ciskei homeland, with the purpose of exploring the nexus between climate change, cultivation and food security. This study combined social-ecological thinking with that of political ecology to create a robust lens, in which to analyse the complex interactions between humans and the environment. A mixed methods approach was used to gather the data which consisted of a household survey, using a structured questionnaire as well as semi-structured interviews with various respondents. Quantitative data were analysed using Excel and Statistica 13, whilst coding was used for qualitative data. The main aim of the study was to explore the extent and characteristics of cultivation in the two study sites, the role of household food production in food security as well as the challenges that local cultivator’s face with regards to climate change. In recent decades, there has been a decline in rural agricultural production with many fields that were previously cultivated, lying vacant and unused. However, as this study found, cultivation is still important as over 50% of sampled households cultivated a small area within the homestead. This was mainly done to supplement household food expenditure in order to save cash incomes. The results also found that although participants had perceived negative changes in climate and rainfall (amount, onset, duration), it was not considered the most important challenge for own production. Rather, lack of fencing and capital were seen as major hindrances to efficient own production. Understanding the complexity of own production and food security under a changing climate can help form better and more resilient policies and strategies for rural development, in addition to strengthening future livelihoods of rural people in an ever changing world.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2018

Antidiabetic activity and mechanism of action of extracts of Brachylaena elliptica (Thurb.) DC. and Brachylaena ilicifolia (Lam) Phill & Schweick

  • Authors: Sagbo, Idowu Jonas
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Herbs -- Therapeutic use Pharmacognosy Diabetes
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8154 , vital:31624
  • Description: International Diabetes Federation (IDF) estimated that there are 415 million people globally that are suffering from diabetes and this figure is likely to double by 2040. In South Africa, the number of people suffering from diabetes is believed to be rising steadily and the current antidiabetic therapies include the use of expensive pharmaceutical drugs which after display numerous adverse side effects. Herbal medicine is an alternative treatment strategy used by many rural populations for the management of diabetes, which is cost-effective and with minimal reported side effects. The aim of this study was to validate the antidiabetic activity and to elucidate the possible mechanisms of action of the aqueous leaf extracts prepared from two plants, Brachylaena elliptica and Brachylaena ilicifolia, used by traditional healers in the Eastern Cape, South Africa for the treatment of diabetes. The current pharmaceutical drugs target site, including carbohydrate digestion, regulation of blood glucose levels through insulin levels or activating glucose uptake in liver and muscle. The plants extracts were therefore evaluated for their potential to mimic or replace these drugs. The inhibibitory effects on alpha amylase, alpha glucosidase, DPP-IV activity and pancreatic lipase were evaluated at various concentrations of the plant extracts. To evaluate the suitability of these extracts for cell based in vitro assay as well as to determine the safety of the plant extracts for human consumption, cytotoxicity towards HepG2 cells was assessed using the MTT assay. The effect of both plant extracts on glucose uptake in HepG2 and L6 cells, lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and NO production in RAW macrophages were investigated. Both plant extracts were also tested for INS-1 proliferation using the imageXpress®Micro XLS analysis. The MTT reduction assay was also used to investigate the effect of extracts on INS-1 glucose metabolism and as a reflection of insulin secretion. The inhibitory activity of the crude extracts of both plants on protein glycation, collagenase activity and CYP3A4 interaction were also evaluated The crude extracts of both plants displayed no significant inhibition on alpha amylase, alpha glucosidase, dipeptidyl peptidase-IV, lipase, protein glycation and collagenase compared to relevant standard inhibitors, acarbose, EGCG, Diprotin A, Orlistart and aminoguanidine. The mild inhibition of B. elliptica on alpha glucosidase activity at the highest concentration of the extract tested, was considered as not physiologically relevant. The aqueous extracts of bothplants showed < 40 percent cell death in HepG2 cells even at high concentration and hence support the use of the plants by traditional healers. The extracts of B. ellipticaat 25 µg/ml, displayed a proliferative effect on INS-1 cells when compared to the negative control and B. ilicifolia at 25 μg/ml. The treatment of HepG2 cells with 100 µg/mlB. elliptica and B. ilicifolia extracts revealed a higher glucose uptake of 121 percent and 123 percent respectively when compared to the pharmaceutical drug berberine. However, both plants extracts displayed weak significant glucose uptake in L6 muscle cell line at all the tested concentrations when compared to insulin at 6 μg/ml. The crude extracts of both plants demonstrated no significant effect on 3T3-L1 lipid accumulation and INS-1 glucose metabolism. The extracts of both plants strongly reduced NO production in RAW macrophages at the highest concentration (100 μg/ml) tested in this study, which at least in part, may be explained by the flavanoids and phenols content of these plants. In addition, the crude extracts of both plants displayed weak significant inhibition on the CYP3A4 activity indicating that both plant extracts do not interfere with the cytochrome P450 activation or metabolism of anti-diabetic drugs, that may be taken together with the plant extracts. In conclusion, the results obtained from this study revealed that both plants could possibly exert their hypoglycemic effect via interactions with insulin receptor, thereby enhancing glucose metabolism as well as maintaining and repairing the health state and function of the pancreatic beta cells. The findings in this study, therefore provide evidence that B. elliptica and B. ilicifolia possess antidiabetic properties, and support their folkloric use for the management of diabetes. However, due to the potential toxicity of both plant extracts, they must be prescribed with caution.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2017

Stem cutting propagation protocol for rose-scented geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)

  • Authors: Matafeni, Ntombekhaya
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Plant propagation Pelargoniums Plant cuttings
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9832 , vital:35060
  • Description: Rose-scented geranium (Pelargonium graveolens), is a high value essential oil plant that is used in the perfumery, cosmetic, aromatherapy and food flavouring industries. The increasing demand for this plant, due to its economic importance necessitates the development of an efficient propagation protocol for quality seedling and its maximum production. The present study therefore, sought to develop effective stem cutting propagation protocol which could facilitate multiplication of rose-scented geranium stem cuttings. Three separate experiments were undertaken to determine factors influencing effective propagation of rose-scented geranium. These factors were: rooting media, rooting hormone, cutting length and wound healing period on rooting and development of rose-scented geranium stem cuttings. The cuttings were assessed based on root number, length and fresh mass, plant height, leaf number, and stem circumference. In terms of root measurements, the growing media were washed out from the root system of plantlets, their roots were separated from stem before data was recorded which comprised of root number, length and root fresh mass. Root holding ability (RHA) on rooting medium was determined by visual observation and rated on a 1-5 scale where 1 = very loose, not acceptable; 2 = loose, not acceptable; 3 = medium, marginally acceptable; 4 = tight, acceptable; 5 = very tight, acceptable. The experiments were carried out at Essential Amatole Nursery, at the University of Fort Hare Research Farm, Alice Campus (located at 320 47ʹ3ʺS, 260 50ʹ43ʺ E, with an altitude of 519 m.a.s.l). All the experiments were carried out under mist conditions on bottom-heated beds in a greenhouse (with polycarbonate roofing of about 40percent shading effect) for the first three weeks after sticking the cuttings to the growing medium to facilitate root induction in relatively high temperature and relative humidity. Thereafter, the plantlets were grown in a shade house with 70percent light penetration until the termination of the experiment. To optimize the technology for the propagation of this plant the present experiment was designed with the objective to determine the efficient growing medium and proper rooting hormone for successful rooting and development of quality seedlings of rose-scented geranium. The experiment was set up in a complete randomized design (CRD) and was replicated three times with two factors 7×4, seven different growing media i.e. (1) Mixture growing medium which serves as control (pine bark 8 bags + sand 2 bags + lime 4kg + coconut 10 blocks + talborne 6.25 kg + bone meal 2 kg); (2) River sand only; (3) Pine bark; (4) Hygrotex (commercial rooting media); (5) Pine bark + river sand ( at1:1 ratio on volume basis); (6) Pine bark + hygrotex (at 1:1, ratio on volume basis), and; (7) Pine bark + river sand + hygrotex ( at 1:1:1 ratio on volume basis) and four different IBA hormone levels (auxins, types of IBA) applied as treatment were (1) Dynaroot (1 – 1g/kg), (2) Dynaroot (2- 3g/kg), (3) Dynaroot (3-8g/kg) and (4) Control (untreated with hormone). Hygrotex was identified as the best growth media for quicker regeneration giving the highest root number, length and fresh mass. While, hygrotex + pine bark (v/v 1:1) was efficient in producing more leaves, stem circumference and other aerial parameters. Dynaroot 3 was identified as the best rooting enhancer with maximum root number, length, fresh weight and plant height. Both Dynaroot 3 and Dynaroot 2 did not have major differences on giving highest leaf number. Control (untreated with hormone) was consistent in giving the greatest stem circumference than any other treatment. To maximize stem circumference, a combination of control (untreated with hormone) and hygrotex + pine bark (v/v 1:1) was identified as the best treatment. Based on the investigation for maximum production and quality seedlings of rose-scented geranium, hygrotex and Dynaroot 3 were identified as the best combination for successful rooting. The ideal cutting stem length, rooting hormone and growing medium for quality seedlings of rose-scented geranium were also investigated. The experimental lay out was in randomized complete design (RCD) with a 4 × 4 × 2 factorial treatment combination. Treatments used were, four different cutting lengths viz. 10, 12, 14 and 16 cm long; four different concentrations of IBA rooting hormone (Dynaroot 1, 2, 3 (powder form) and distilled water (control) and two types of growing medium (hygrotex and hygrotex + pine bark v/v 1:1) were used. Stem cuttings of 14 and 16 cm length gave the highest root number of 34, 38 and 35.13, and root length of 3.40 and 3.51cm respectively, with no significance. Cutting length of 10 cm favoured stem circumference (3.1 cm) as compared to other treatments. Whereas, cuttings treated with Dynaroot 3 showed a better root number (33.46 roots), root length (3.54 cm), root fresh mass (0.59 mg), leaf number of (11.08) as well as highest root holding ability (5). However, they showed no significance difference with Dynaroot 2 treated cuttings. In addition, cuttings treated with Control favoured shoot number (3.79) and stem circumference (3.05). Visually, hygrotex was observed to be better substrate though it was not significantly different from hygrotex + pine bark (1:1 v/v) on propagation of rose-scented geranium stem cuttings. Therefore, it is recommended that rose-scented geranium should be propagated through the combination of 14 cm cuttings length and treated with Dynaroot 2 IBA rooting hormone. Both hygrotex and hygrotex + pine bark (1:1 v/v) are the best growing media for root formation and growth of rose-scented geranium, though hygrotex alone is more economical. Wound healing period (WHP) of stem cutting was evaluated using 4 × 4 factorial, cuttings were separated into four groups during the healing duration (intervals of 24 hrs: days 0, 1, 2 and 3). These four groups were further subdivided into four subgroups of rooting hormone viz. Dynaroot 1, 2, 3 of indole-3-butyric acid and control (water). Experiment was laid out in a randomised complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. The results obtained from the study revealed that rose-scented geranium rooted easily when planted on Day 2 of the wound healing period such that root holding ability was at its highest. While, Day 0 cuttings showed good response for stem circumference and shoot number. The study recommends that rose-scented geranium be propagated using cuttings that have enough time to heal the wound that is, Day 2 cuttings. Dynaroot 3 (IBA hormone concentration) showed good response to rooting and other arial parameters except for stem circumference which was favoured by application of control. Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that propagation of rose-scented geranium requires a wound healing period of about three days in room temperature and application of IBA hormone before sucking cuttings in growing medium. Instead, of Dynaroot 3 or 2, Dynaroot 1 can also be used because, it is less economical and they all have a similar effect on cuttings that have been healing for three days.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2017

An assessment of the budgeting system in the Eastern Cape Department of Health to ensure effective and efficient health care service delivery

  • Authors: Mangwanya, Maonei Gladys
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Health services administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Government spending policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Health facilities -- Finance , Finance, Public -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2061 , vital:27603
  • Description: The National Department of Health is the executive department of the South African government which is assigned to the national health issues of the country. This research was however aimed specifically on the budgeting process within the Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Health. This was provisioned by assessing the significance of the budgeting system and its correlation to efficient and effective healthcare service delivery. The aim of the research was to highlight on how policies have an effect on the budgeting system at the provincial level, considering the provincial health department is responsible for the provision of publicly funded health services. This research assessed the budgeting system in the Eastern Cape Department of Health in an attempt to propagate effective and efficient health service delivery for the general citizenry. This was a qualitative study design which harnessed the merits of secondary data as the main code of the research design which enabled the comprehension of the budgeting system in the Eastern Cape Department of Health. Data was analysed using thematic analysis to examine the distinctive themes and sub-themes identified from within the reviewed literature. The Eastern Cape Province is succumbing to insufficient funding at provincial level and this has a clear-cut reflection on the administration of services within respective departments, particularly the Health Department. This is despite the fact that the Public Finance Management Act, 1999 promotes the objectives of good financial management aimed at maximizing service delivery through the effective use of the limited resources. Resultantly it was fundamental to comprehend on the issues underpinning the scope of budget reporting as well as budget accountability and the effect it has on service delivery in the Eastern Cape Department of Health. Recommendations were thus given based on the discussed and derived themes to ensure that there is an appropriate budgeting system to ensure efficient and effective provision of health care services in the Eastern Cape Department of Health.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2016

Genetic and biological characterisation of a novel South African Cydia pomonella granulovirus (CpGV-SA) isolate

  • Authors: Motsoeneng, Boitumelo Madika
  • Date: 2016
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: vital:20503 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1021266
  • Description: The codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), is the primary pest of pome fruit cultivated worldwide. The control of this insect pest has been dependent on the frequent use of broad-spectrum chemical pesticides, which has led to the development of resistance in pest populations and negative effects on human health and the environment. The Betabaculovirus of C. pomonella has successfully been applied as a biological control agent in integrated pest management (IPM) programmes for the suppression of pest populations worldwide. Previously, all Cydia pomonella granulovirus (CpGV) biopesticides were based on a Mexican isolate (CpGV-M) and although these products are highly efficient at controlling C. pomonella, resistance cases have been reported across Europe. The identification of novel CpGV isolates as additional or alternative control agents to manage resistance is therefore necessary. This study aimed to genetically and biologically characterise a novel South African C. pomonella granulovirus isolate and to test its virulence against neonate larvae. Based on the morphology of the occlusion bodies observed using transmission electron microscopy, granuloviruses were recovered from diseased and dead larvae collected from an orchard in South Africa where no virus applications had been made. DNA was extracted and the identification of the isolated granulovirus was achieved through the PCR amplification and sequencing of the lef-8, lef-9, granulin and egt genes. Submission of the gene sequences to BLAST revealed high percentage identities to sequences from various CpGV isolates, resulting in the naming of the isolate in this study as the South African Cydia pomonella granulovirus (CpGV-SA) isolate. Phylogenetic analysis based on the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) detected in the lef-8, lef-9 and granulin nucleotide sequences grouped the South African isolate with CpGV-E2 (genome type B) and CpGV-S (genome type E). The CpGV-SA isolate was further genetically characterised by restriction endonuclease analysis and complete sequencing of the genomic DNA. Differences were observed for the BamHI, EcoRI, PstI and XhoI profiles of CpGV-SA in comparison to the respective profiles generated for CpGV-M extracted from a biopesticide, Carpovirusine® (Arysta Lifescience, France). Several genetic variations between the complete genome sequence of CpGV-SA and the reference isolate, CpGV-M1, as well as a recent genome submission of CpGV-M, both representing genome type A were observed. The complete genome analysis confirmed that CpGV-SA is genetically different from the Mexican CpGV isolate, used in thedevelopment of most biopesticides. In silico restriction profiles of the genome sequence obtained for CpGV-SA and genome sequences of genetically different CpGV isolates originating from Mexico (M1 and M), England (E2), Canada (S) and Iran (I12 and I07), available on the NCBI’s GenBank database confirmed that CpGV-SA is of mixed genotypes. Furthermore, the South African isolate shared the single common difference found in the pe38 gene of resistance overcoming isolates, which was the absence of an internal 24 nucleotide repeat present in CpGV-M1. In addition to the common difference, SNPs detected in the pe38 gene grouped the isolate with the CpGV-S isolate, suggesting that the CpGV-SA isolate is predominantly of genome type E. To determine the biological activity of CpGV-SA against neonate C. pomonella larvae, surface bioassays were conducted alongside CpGV-M (Carpovirusine®) bioassays. The LC50 and LC90 values for the South African isolate were 1.6 × 103 and 1.2 × 105 OBs/ml respectively. The LT50 was determined to be 135 hours. These values were similar to the values obtained for CpGV-M (Carpovirusine®). The results in this study suggest that a novel South African CpGV isolate of mixed genotypes, potentially able to overcome resistance in C. pomonella, with biological activity similar to CpGV-M (Carpovirusine®) and important for the control of C. pomonella was recovered. The CpGV-SA isolate could therefore potentially be developed into a biopesticide for use in resistance management strategies against C. pomonella populations in South Africa.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2016

Restricted teacher leadership : a case study in a township high school in Port Elizabeth

  • Authors: Fani, Pamela Pumla
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Educational leadership , School management and organization -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Case studies
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
  • Identifier: vital:2059 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1019882
  • Description: The South African education system prior to 1994 was characterised by hierarchical management structures with top-down communication systems. After 1994, there was a policy call to shift leadership and management practices to more democratic ways of working. These policies required the principals to share their power with teachers, replacing the leader-follower system of leadership. The post-apartheid era in the South African education system marked a turning point where, in policy discourse at least, teachers were seen as leaders, opening the doors for teacher leadership. The aim of this study was to explore the enactment of teacher leadership in a township secondary school in the province of the Eastern Cape. It also sought to investigate the factors that enhanced or hindered this leadership enactment as teachers operated as leaders in their natural setting. Under the umbrella of distributed leadership as a theoretical framework, the research study was located within the interpretive paradigm and a qualitative case study was adopted. Three teacher leaders at the case study school were my primary participants. Data collection methods included interviews, questionnaires, observations, self-reflective journaling and telephonic conservations. I used Grant’s Model of teacher leadership as my analytical tool. My findings indicated that teacher leadership was enacted in all the zones of teacher leadership but to varying degrees. My teacher leaders enacted leadership in Zone 1 where they showed strong leadership in the classroom. They also enacted leadership in Zone 2 and 4 where they showed leadership in working with other teachers and learners outside the classroom in curricular and extra-curricular activities as well as in other neighbouring schools. However, in Zone 3 the School Management Team (SMT) controlled most of the leadership and management activities. Teacher leaders were not included in decision-making in this zone as the SMT thought that it was their sole duty. Teacher leadership in this school was thus characterised as ‘restricted’ following the characterisations of teacher leadership by Harris & Muijs (2007). Using Gunter’s (2005) categories of distributed leadership, I categorised the case study school as an example of authorised distributed leadership.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2016

Earnings quality and equity returns : evidence of the accrual anomaly from the South African equity market

  • Authors: Lutchmun, Thashveen
  • Date: 2015
  • Subjects: Earnings management -- South Africa , Accounting -- Standards
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
  • Identifier: vital:915 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017537
  • Description: A key incentive for accounting research is to provide evidence on the usefulness of earnings in making economic decisions. Of particular interest over the last two decades is the issue of the quality of financial reporting, specifically the quality of earnings, given the number of global financial scandals reported during that period. The quality of earnings is driven by the choices, estimates and judgments that the accounting standards make available to managers in order to portray the firm’s economic position and performance in a timely and credible manner. However, this leeway in financial reporting also creates opportunities for earnings management. The objective of this thesis is firstly to establish whether earnings manipulation has had the ability to predict cross-sectional returns in South Africa during the 2007-2014 period. In other words, the purpose of this thesis is to find evidence whether the market reacts to earnings management practices, as measured by accruals, and rewards high earnings quality companies with higher equity returns (a process known as the accrual anomaly). The timeframe selected for the research encompasses the global financial crisis, a period in which accounting manipulation incentives are likely to be strong. Secondly, this study attempts to establish the presence of the accrual anomaly amongst growth and value firms. The motivations for earnings management of the former are expected to be strong. Securities are allocated to portfolios according to accruals and the subsequent equity returns are analysed cross-sectionally to establish the existence of the accrual anomaly and hence assessing the usefulness of earnings manipulation in predicting equity returns. To provide evidence for the presence of the accrual anomaly amongst growth and value shares, securities are independently allocated to portfolios according to their book-to-market ratio and accruals and a cross-sectional analysis is performed on their subsequent equity returns. In order to increase the robustness of the tests, two measures of accruals are used: a balance sheet approach and a cash flow measure. Evidence is provided for the presence of the accrual anomaly among South African listed companies for the balance sheet measure of accruals but not the cash flow approach. Whilst the accrual anomaly is significantly present in a growth-neutral-value construct, statistical significance is not established when growth and value shares are considered individually.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2015

A study on the application technology of the sterile insect technique, with focus on false codling moth, Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), a pest of citrus in South Africa

  • Authors: Nepgen, Eugene Stephan
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Cryptophlebia leucotreta , Citrus -- Diseases and pests -- Control -- South Africa , Insect pests -- Control -- South Africa , Insect sterilization
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: vital:5879 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013199
  • Description: False codling moth (FCM), Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) is considered the most important indigenous pest of citrus in southern Africa. Major concerns such as progressive insecticidal resistance, the negative impact of insecticides on the environment, as well as the influence of consumers opposed to chemical residues on fruit, created opportunities for biological control methods such as Sterile Insect Technology (SIT). This technology is now established in the Western and Eastern Cape provinces of South Africa as an effective, sustainable alternative to conventional FCM control methods. Due to the prevalence of the pest in all citrus producing areas of South Africa, potential for SIT to expand is enormous. Success of an SIT programme is highly dependent on efficient application of the technology to achieve its objectives in a timeous manner. The aim of this study was to advance the application of SIT for control of FCM on citrus in South Africa, by investigating the effect of certain critical stages in the process. The effect of long-distance transportation on fitness of irradiated FCM was determined, showing reduced performance with cold-immobilized transport. A significant decrease in flight ability and longevity of irradiated FCM was found, although critically, realized fecundity was not affected. The effect of two different insecticides in the pyrethroid and organophosphate chemical groups were investigated for their residual effect on mortality of released irradiated FCM, to determine if these pest control programmes could be integrated. Both chlorpyrifos and tau-fluvalinate were effective in killing irradiated FCM for a number of days after application, after which degradation of the active ingredient rendered it harmless. This effect was found to be similar for irradiated and non-irradiated males, consequently ratios of sterile : wild male FCM should be retained regardless of whether sprays are applied or not. The modes for release of sterile FCM in an SIT programme were investigated. Efficacy of ground and aerial release platforms were tested by evaluating the recovery of released irradiated male FCM in these orchards. More irradiated FCM were recovered in orchards released from the ground compared to air. However, an economic analysis of both methods shows application of irradiated insects over a large geographical area is more cost-effective by air. Depending on the terrain and size of the target area, a combination of both methods is ideal for application of SIT for control of FCM in citrus. Development of application technology for advance of the programme is discussed and recommendations for future research and development are offered.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2014

Dangerous people and places : a community newspaper's constructions of crime

  • Authors: Raymond, Leigh Alice
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Grocott's Mail (Grahamstown, South Africa) , Community newspapers -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Crime and the press -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Newspapers -- Objectivity , Mass media policy -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Social responsibility of business -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Police and the press -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:3527 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013091
  • Description: This thesis argues that there is a clear imbalance in the representation of crime in the newspaper, Grocott’s Mail, in Grahamstown, in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. The thesis concludes that the system of marginalisation and segregation which was established during the apartheid era is the foundation for the continued segregation and marginalisation of certain groups of people in Grahamstown as depicted in crime journalism. Previous research shows that not only people, but spaces are marginalised through media representations of crime. As people are represented as dangerous, so too the spaces they occupy become dangerous spaces. Importantly, the research shows that discourses of marginalisation are present in newspaper reports reproducing the discourses prominent in society, and in turn, the newspaper itself perpetuates these marginalising discourses. This extends into the coverage that different crimes receive in newspapers. For instance, the reports show that a middle-class audience will be more concerned with property crime in middle-class neighbourhoods, than other crimes in lower-class neighbourhoods. I argue that not only the type of crime, but the severity, the effect, and the necessity for justice represented by the newspaper, are all largely determined by the region of the crime. Further, I show that the criminal is not only demonised and represented as individually deviant in the reports in the newspaper, but that these representations are made by this newspaper because they are deeply imbedded as a discourse in society. This is partly because this newspaper has taken on a monitorial role, requiring neutral reporting from journalists, and a dedication to surveying the processes of state institutions, like the police and courts. As a result, the ways in which crime is reported on in the newspaper is fairly well fixed, making it difficult for journalists to conceive of different ways of reporting crime. The representations of the criminal justice system that the monitorial media, this newspaper included present, are a careful balance between the interest of the public, and the need to preserve relationships with sources. The monitorial media in general, and this newspaper in particular, represent the criminal justice system. The relationship between the police and the newspaper, and the courts and the media, therefore strongly influences the way in which crime news is reported. In particular, crime news is represented from the perspective of the criminal justice system. This research was carried out using Critical Discourse Analysis, qualitative interviews, and focus group interviews.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2014

The impact of social network sites on written isiXhosa : a case study of a rural and an urban high school

  • Authors: Dlutu, Bongiwe Agrienette
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Online social networks -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Use studies Mobile communication systems -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Interpersonal communication -- Technological innovations -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Mobile communication systems in education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Aids and devices Xhosa language -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Electronic mail systems -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Slang Smartphones -- South Africa -- Use studies
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:3629 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011826
  • Description: The use of cellphones has increased all over the world. That invites many academics to conduct research on the usage of these devices, especially by young people, since young people join Social Network Sites (Facebook, Mxit, 2go, Whatsapp) and use a shorthand language. Most studies are related to the use of English and other languages that are recognised by computer software. There are few studies, if any, that have been done in relation to the use of African Languages on these sites. This research therefore aims to seek to explore the use of African Languages, especially isiXhosa, in assessing how technology might help in language development through the usage of SNSs that learners already use to equip them with educational material in their mother tongue. This study was conducted in two high schools, Nogemane Senior Secondary School in a disadvantaged and remote rural community with limited access to additional educational material such as magazines, newspapers, and television. The school also lacks basic study materials such as textbooks from the Education Department and they have no access to a library and laboratory. They also only have very few subjects to choose from. Nombulelo Senior Secondary School is in Grahamstown. This school has good infrastructure and learners have access to different technological devices and they can access libraries. What is common between learners in both schools is that they are all doing isiXhosa as a first language and are using SNSs to interact with each other. This study has found that learners enjoy using SNSs rather than reading the printed books. Furthermore, they enjoy and prefer interacting in isiXhosa in their conversations. Learners also use the web to post and show their creative writing, regardless of the shorthand form writing they use on the SNSs. This study has found that learners are not well equipped with basic isiXhosa skills when reaching the FET phase. They lack the understanding of standard isiXhosa idioms and proverbs. That clearly means that they are equipped in the more modern forms of literature rather than the traditional oral forms. IsiXhosa teachers also see SNSs as the better platform to engage with learners and they suggest that there must be a section in the subjects at school that teaches about cyber bullying and being safe online. This thesis also presents examples of new and contemporary forms of SNS-speak that are used by learners in both the rural and urban schools. This study is more concerned with SNSs for literacy development and to assess whether the shorthand writing has negative or positive effects in writing isiXhosa. This is done against the backdrop of a literature review which explores new literacies, computer mediated communication, social identity models as well as language policy and planning.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2014

Experiencing loss : traumatic memory and nostalgic longing in Anne Landsman's The Devil's Chimney and The Rowing Lesson, and Rachel Zadok's Gem Squash Tokoloshe

Fixed points of single-valued and multi-valued mappings with applications

  • Authors: Stofile, Simfumene
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Fixed point theory Mappings (Mathematics) Coincidence theory (Mathematics) Metric spaces Uniform spaces Set-valued maps
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
  • Identifier: vital:5397 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002960
  • Description: The relationship between the convergence of a sequence of self mappings of a metric space and their fixed points, known as the stability (or continuity) of fixed points has been of continuing interest and widely studied in fixed point theory. In this thesis we study the stability of common fixed points in a Hausdorff uniform space whose uniformity is generated by a family of pseudometrics, by using some general notations of convergence. These results are then extended to 2-metric spaces due to S. Gähler. In addition, a well-known theorem of T. Suzuki that generalized the Banach Contraction Principle is also extended to 2-metric spaces and applied to obtain a coincidence theorem for a pair of mappings on an arbitrary set with values in a 2-metric space. Further, we prove the existence of coincidence and fixed points of Ćirić type weakly generalized contractions in metric spaces. Subsequently, the above result is utilized to discuss applications to the convergence of modified Mann and Ishikawa iterations in a convex metric space. Finally, we obtain coincidence, fixed and stationary point results for multi-valued and hybrid pairs of mappings on a metric space.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2013

An evaluation of UPLC technology for the simultaneous analysis of actives in a multi-active drug

  • Authors: Bawjee, Janita
  • Date: 2011
  • Subjects: High performance liquid chromatography
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
  • Identifier: vital:10384 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008407 , High performance liquid chromatography
  • Description: The evaluation of the potential to use Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) for the simultaneous quantification of all the actives in a multi-active tablet is described in this work. Part of the evaluation was to ensure that the necessary regulatory requirements were adhered to by ascertaining that an analytical method is suitable for a specific purpose through analytical method validation for the specific multi-active tablet. The UPLC method was also tested for the analysis of similar products, namely tablet formulations that contain similar active ingredients in the same proportions but with an additional active ingredient. A method for the simultaneous determination of paracetamol, caffeine and codeine phosphate was developed using UPLC technology. The UPLC developed method was more efficient than the existing in-house HPLC method. The UPLC method was then validated in accordance to ICH and USP guidelines. The application of this UPLC method for the analysis of similar products containing paracetamol, caffeine, codeine phosphate and one extra active ingredient was very challenging. The low concentration of the additional component, differences in sample matrix and differences in formulations added to the challenges. The direct application for the analysis of products Y and Z was not successful; however the method could be used as a platform for further research. A cost comparison between the UPLC and HPLC methods showed the UPLC method to be more cost effective. Thus, while maintenance costs are higher for the UPLC instrument, column costs are comparable to HPLC columns, but solvent and waste disposal charges decrease considerably due to lower solvent use. The reduction in instrument time dramatically improves the cost effectiveness of UPLC over HPLC due to a concurrent reduction in analyst time requirement. The results of this study show that the analytical costs associated with the analysis of multi-active drugs using HPLC procedures can be reduced substantially by the CONFIDENTIAL INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OF ASPEN PHARMACARE implementation of UPLC technology. The hypothesis that the enhanced chromatographic power of UPLC can be leveraged to provide faster analysis times hence increased product throughput rates, and lower operating costs for the analysis of multi-active drugs was accepted. These advantages were achieved whilst meeting all regulatory requirements for analytical methods as required by regulatory bodies.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2011

Representing conflict: an analysis of The Chronicle's coverage of the Gukurahundi conflict in Zimbabwe between 1983 and 1986

  • Authors: Santos, Phillip
  • Date: 2011
  • Subjects: The Chronicle (Zimbabwe) Zimbabwe -- History -- 1980- Zimbabwe -- Politics and government -- 1980- Mass media -- Political aspects -- Zimbabwe Mass media -- Moral and ethical aspects -- Zimbabwe Journalistic ethics -- Zimbabwe Journalism -- Objectivity -- Zimbabwe War in mass media -- Zimbabwe Violence in mass media -- Zimbabwe Mass media and peace -- Zimbabwe Discourse analysis
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:3481 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002936
  • Description: This research is premised on the understanding that media texts are discourses and that all discourses are functional, that is, they refer to things, issues and events, in meaningful and goal oriented ways. Nine articles are analysed to explicate the sorts of discourses that were promoted by The Chronicle during the Gukurahundi conflict in Zimbabwe between 1982 and 1986. It is argued that discourses in the news media are shaped by the role(s), the type(s) of journalism assumed by such media, and by the political environment in which the news media operate. The interplay between the roles, types of journalism practised, and the effect the political environment has on news discourses is assessed within the context of conflictual situations. This is done using insights from the theoretical position of peace journalism and its critique of professional or mainstream journalism as promoting war/violence journalism. Using the case of The Chronicle's reportage of the Gukurahundi conflict in Zimbabwe, it is concluded that, in performing the collaborative role, state owned/controlled media assume characteristics of war/violence journalism. On the other hand, it is concluded that The Chronicle developed practices consistent with peace journalism when it both espoused the facilitative role and journalistic objectivity. These findings undermine the conventional view among proponents of peace journalism that in times of conflict, the news media should be interventionist in favour of peace and that they should abandon the journalistic norm of objectivity which they argue, promotes war/violence journalism.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2011

Critical reflective teaching practice in three mathematics teachers

  • Authors: Luwango, Luiya
  • Date: 2009
  • Subjects: Education (Secondary) -- Namibia Mathematics teachers -- Training of - -Namibia Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
  • Identifier: vital:1485 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003366
  • Description: This qualitative study reports on critical reflective teaching by three mathematics teachers and how it shapes their classroom practice. The study was carried out in three secondary schools in Rundu in northern Namibia. The study employed a case study method. The selection of teachers was based on their rich practical professional knowledge and exemplary teaching practices. Data collection and analysis was done through an interpretive approach. Interviews and document analyses were the two research tools used, not only for the collection of data but for triangulation also. Interpretations of the findings were validated through member checking. Critical reflective teaching involves thought and action, and it raises teachers’ consciousness of what they do. Through critical reflective practice, teachers scrutinize their beliefs and knowledge of the subject and their practice. Furthermore critical reflective practice may get teachers into a disposition to find alternatives to improve their teaching. In this study, the findings are that participants reflect extensively on their classroom practice. The teachers pointed out that reflection on practice enables them to analyse and evaluate their teaching in line with effective mathematics teaching. They emphasised that critical reflection leads to the identification of weaknesses in teachers’ classroom practice. This culminates in better planning whereby alternative approaches to teaching are exercised. Because of its potential to improve teaching and enhance professional development it is therefore recommended that mathematics teachers be exposed to skills that enhance critical reflective teaching practice. Teachers need to familiarise themselves with the concept of critical reflective teaching in mathematics to meet the demands of superior quality teaching.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2009

An investigation of the implementation of the thematic approach in Namibian lower primary classrooms: a case study

  • Authors: Amukushu-Niipare, Alina
  • Date: 2008
  • Subjects: Education, Elementary -- Namibia -- Case studies Teaching -- Namibia -- Case studies Education -- Namibia -- Case studies Educational change -- Namibia -- Case studies School integration -- Namibia -- Case studies Curriculum planning -- Namibia
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
  • Identifier: vital:1651 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003534
  • Description: This study focuses on the implementation of a thematic approach in the Namibian Lower Primary Phase of schooling. The purpose of the study is to investigate teachers’ perceptions and understanding of the thematic approach and also to explore how teachers plan and implement a thematic approach in their classrooms. It is argued that a thematic approach allows for a combination of subjects that integrate content across the curriculum in such a way that learners can see the relations among concepts and so build up their knowledge in a more meaningful way. The work was done in a qualitative paradigm using a case study approach. Findings reveal that the majority of teachers have a shallow conceptual understanding of the principles of a thematic approach and this causes difficulties in their practice. The investigation concludes that in order for teachers to deepen their conceptual understanding of the thematic approach, follow-up workshops are necessary to help them develop appropriate strategies for their classrooms.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2008
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy
  • Copyright
  • Contact