A critical analysis of A2 Fast Track Lowveld sugar cane farms in Zimbabwe in global value chains: interrogating the lives of farmers and farm labourers
- Chingono, Kudakwashe Rejoice
- Authors: Chingono, Kudakwashe Rejoice
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: International trade , Sugar trade -- Zimbabwe , Sugar growing -- Zimbabwe -- Social aspects , Agriculture -- Zimbabwe -- Social aspects
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSocSci
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/93933 , vital:30972
- Description: The sugar cane industry has for many years been a lucrative business with a booming global market. In Zimbabwe, the sugar cane industry is no exception, as it has been regarded as one of the most efficient in the region and even in the world. The sugar cane farms and mills in Zimbabwe are located in Triangle and Chiredzi, in the south-eastern part of the country and they are under the ownership of Tongaat Hullet and the Zimbabwean A2 farmers. The focus of this is on the A2 fast track farms in Hippo Valley, which are now owned by black farmers but as out-growers for Tongaat Hullet. The crucial question addressed in the thesis is whether the A2 sugar cane farmers and their workers, located at the production end of the sugar cane global value chain, are benefitting from their involvement in this value chain. A number of scholars argue that global value chains lead to economic and social upgrading at the production end of the chain, based on thoughts contained in modernisation and trickledown theory. There is an assumption, then, that integration into the global economy leads to economic upgrading which translates into social upgrading. In drawing upon critical global value theorists, bolstered by the Marxist perspective, considers the importance of a more critical view of global value chains in relation to the sugar cane industry in Zimbabwe, with the particular focus on A2 farms. Thus, the main objective of the thesis is to consider the lives and livelihoods of A2 sugar cane farmers and sugar cane workers through a case study, in the context of global value chains and arguments around economic and social upgrading. This is pursued through a case study of six A2 farms, which involved interviewing farmers, supervisors, and both permanent and temporary workers. The thesis concludes that there is no significant evidence of social upgrading amongst the labour force, and that the A2 farmers are in constant tension with Tongaat Hullet in seeking to engage in economic upgrading of their status as commercial farmers.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Chingono, Kudakwashe Rejoice
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: International trade , Sugar trade -- Zimbabwe , Sugar growing -- Zimbabwe -- Social aspects , Agriculture -- Zimbabwe -- Social aspects
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSocSci
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/93933 , vital:30972
- Description: The sugar cane industry has for many years been a lucrative business with a booming global market. In Zimbabwe, the sugar cane industry is no exception, as it has been regarded as one of the most efficient in the region and even in the world. The sugar cane farms and mills in Zimbabwe are located in Triangle and Chiredzi, in the south-eastern part of the country and they are under the ownership of Tongaat Hullet and the Zimbabwean A2 farmers. The focus of this is on the A2 fast track farms in Hippo Valley, which are now owned by black farmers but as out-growers for Tongaat Hullet. The crucial question addressed in the thesis is whether the A2 sugar cane farmers and their workers, located at the production end of the sugar cane global value chain, are benefitting from their involvement in this value chain. A number of scholars argue that global value chains lead to economic and social upgrading at the production end of the chain, based on thoughts contained in modernisation and trickledown theory. There is an assumption, then, that integration into the global economy leads to economic upgrading which translates into social upgrading. In drawing upon critical global value theorists, bolstered by the Marxist perspective, considers the importance of a more critical view of global value chains in relation to the sugar cane industry in Zimbabwe, with the particular focus on A2 farms. Thus, the main objective of the thesis is to consider the lives and livelihoods of A2 sugar cane farmers and sugar cane workers through a case study, in the context of global value chains and arguments around economic and social upgrading. This is pursued through a case study of six A2 farms, which involved interviewing farmers, supervisors, and both permanent and temporary workers. The thesis concludes that there is no significant evidence of social upgrading amongst the labour force, and that the A2 farmers are in constant tension with Tongaat Hullet in seeking to engage in economic upgrading of their status as commercial farmers.
- Full Text:
Climatic suitability of Dichrorampha odorata Brown and Zachariades (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), a shoot-boring moth for the biological control of Chromolaena odorata (L.) R.M. King and H. Robinson (Asteraceae) in South Africa
- Authors: Nqayi, Slindile Brightness
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: CLIMEX , Chromolaena odorata -- Biological control -- South Africa , Tortricidae -- South Africa , Bioclimatology -- Software
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/92208 , vital:30681
- Description: Biological control using natural enemies introduced from the native range is an integral component of the management of Chromolaena odorata, a serious invader in the eastern regions of South Africa. A number of biological control agents for C. odorata have been released in South Africa, and one of them, Dichrorampha odorata, has failed to establish. To understand if D. odorata failed to establish due to climate incompatibility, its thermal physiology was investigated. Thermal tolerance data were used to determine the developmental thresholds and number of generations that D. odorata is capable of going through in South Africa per year. These predictions were generated using CLIMEX temperature data and the degree-day parameters K and t0. Developmental time decreased with increasing temperatures ranging from 20 °C to 30°C, with immature stages not able to complete development at 18°C and 32°C. The developmental threshold, to, was determined as 8.45 °C with 872.4 degree-days required to complete development (K), indicating that D. odorata is capable of producing a maximum number of 6.5 generations per year in South Africa. The CLIMEX data indicated that the east coast regions of South Africa, which are the heaviest invaded areas by C. odorata in South Africa, were climatically most suitable for D. odorata to. D. odorata lower (LLT50) and upper (ULT50) lethal temperatures were -4.5°C and 39.64°C for larvae and 1.83 and 41.02°C for adults, and D. odorata adults were able to maintain locomotory functioning at 4.4 to 43.7°C, respectively. Acclimation at low and high temperatures indicate that when D. odorata was kept at a lower temperature of 20°C for 7 days, it became tolerant to warmer and cooler temperatures (1.95 and 44.41°C) when compared to D. odorata reared at 25°C (3.36 and 43.67°C) and 30°C (5.92 and 42.93°C). Dichrorampha odorata is therefore climatically suitable for release and should establish in South Africa to control C. odorata. The establishment and persistence of D. odorata will not be limited by climatic conditions but rather the distribution of its host weed, C. odorata in South Africa. Also, this study presents a decision-making protocol for the release of D. odorata to allow better performance in the field.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Nqayi, Slindile Brightness
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: CLIMEX , Chromolaena odorata -- Biological control -- South Africa , Tortricidae -- South Africa , Bioclimatology -- Software
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/92208 , vital:30681
- Description: Biological control using natural enemies introduced from the native range is an integral component of the management of Chromolaena odorata, a serious invader in the eastern regions of South Africa. A number of biological control agents for C. odorata have been released in South Africa, and one of them, Dichrorampha odorata, has failed to establish. To understand if D. odorata failed to establish due to climate incompatibility, its thermal physiology was investigated. Thermal tolerance data were used to determine the developmental thresholds and number of generations that D. odorata is capable of going through in South Africa per year. These predictions were generated using CLIMEX temperature data and the degree-day parameters K and t0. Developmental time decreased with increasing temperatures ranging from 20 °C to 30°C, with immature stages not able to complete development at 18°C and 32°C. The developmental threshold, to, was determined as 8.45 °C with 872.4 degree-days required to complete development (K), indicating that D. odorata is capable of producing a maximum number of 6.5 generations per year in South Africa. The CLIMEX data indicated that the east coast regions of South Africa, which are the heaviest invaded areas by C. odorata in South Africa, were climatically most suitable for D. odorata to. D. odorata lower (LLT50) and upper (ULT50) lethal temperatures were -4.5°C and 39.64°C for larvae and 1.83 and 41.02°C for adults, and D. odorata adults were able to maintain locomotory functioning at 4.4 to 43.7°C, respectively. Acclimation at low and high temperatures indicate that when D. odorata was kept at a lower temperature of 20°C for 7 days, it became tolerant to warmer and cooler temperatures (1.95 and 44.41°C) when compared to D. odorata reared at 25°C (3.36 and 43.67°C) and 30°C (5.92 and 42.93°C). Dichrorampha odorata is therefore climatically suitable for release and should establish in South Africa to control C. odorata. The establishment and persistence of D. odorata will not be limited by climatic conditions but rather the distribution of its host weed, C. odorata in South Africa. Also, this study presents a decision-making protocol for the release of D. odorata to allow better performance in the field.
- Full Text:
A study of the influence of employee empowerment on organizational citizenship behaviours of teachers within Grahamstown independent senior schools
- Authors: Johnston, Dean Allan
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:869 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1021314
- Description: This research investigates the influence of empowerment on organisational citizenship behaviours (OCB) of teachers within Independent Senior schools in Grahamstown. Teachers, as a schools driving force, contribute immensely to the education of its students as well as determine the success and effectiveness of the school as an educational institution. The nature of a teacher’s work, and indirectly the principal’s job of managing these teachers, is complex and difficult to define as there are only certain behaviours which can be contractually obliged from teachers. Further behaviours which are beneficial to the organisation, such as OCB, need to be induced via incentives or encouraged via certain behavioural management initiatives, such as increased levels of empowerment. It is important for schools to encourage their teachers to participate in such beneficial behaviours as not all behaviours can be dictated or managed through contractual limitations. Previous studies and literature reviewed suggest that OCB is an important variable that significantly influences a schools performance. Such studies and literature suggest that empowerment could induce greater levels of OCB. The concepts of OCB and empowerment are defined and discussed and a 58 item Questionnaire is formulated based on the two concepts, drawn mainly from Short and Rinehart (1992) and Bogler and Somech (2004). The Questionnaire is divided into two parts, firstly OCB and secondly empowerment. Each section of the Questionnaire is divided into the relevant categories and dimensions as prescribed by past literature. The first part determines the behaviours which the participants believe form part of a teachers ‘in-role’ behaviour, therefore also determines which behaviours the participants believe are ‘extra-role’ or OCB. The second part determines the participant’s perception of their empowerment in their own workplace. This research makes use of an online Questionnaire. The data is collected and described using averages, modes and medians. This data is organised in a manner which further allows for a Pearson correlation analysis test to be run. This test is used to establish the correlation relationship between the two variables in this research and the statistical significance of this relationship is analysed by observing the respective p-value. The conclusion is drawn that there exists four statistically significant positively correlated relationships between the empowerment dimension (decision making, status, self-efficacy and impact) and OCB. However there exists a weak positively correlated non-statistically significant relationship between empowerment and OCB. This suggests that empowerment as a whole does not greatly influence higher levels of OCB, however the four individual dimensions of empowerment do have a positive influence.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Johnston, Dean Allan
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:869 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1021314
- Description: This research investigates the influence of empowerment on organisational citizenship behaviours (OCB) of teachers within Independent Senior schools in Grahamstown. Teachers, as a schools driving force, contribute immensely to the education of its students as well as determine the success and effectiveness of the school as an educational institution. The nature of a teacher’s work, and indirectly the principal’s job of managing these teachers, is complex and difficult to define as there are only certain behaviours which can be contractually obliged from teachers. Further behaviours which are beneficial to the organisation, such as OCB, need to be induced via incentives or encouraged via certain behavioural management initiatives, such as increased levels of empowerment. It is important for schools to encourage their teachers to participate in such beneficial behaviours as not all behaviours can be dictated or managed through contractual limitations. Previous studies and literature reviewed suggest that OCB is an important variable that significantly influences a schools performance. Such studies and literature suggest that empowerment could induce greater levels of OCB. The concepts of OCB and empowerment are defined and discussed and a 58 item Questionnaire is formulated based on the two concepts, drawn mainly from Short and Rinehart (1992) and Bogler and Somech (2004). The Questionnaire is divided into two parts, firstly OCB and secondly empowerment. Each section of the Questionnaire is divided into the relevant categories and dimensions as prescribed by past literature. The first part determines the behaviours which the participants believe form part of a teachers ‘in-role’ behaviour, therefore also determines which behaviours the participants believe are ‘extra-role’ or OCB. The second part determines the participant’s perception of their empowerment in their own workplace. This research makes use of an online Questionnaire. The data is collected and described using averages, modes and medians. This data is organised in a manner which further allows for a Pearson correlation analysis test to be run. This test is used to establish the correlation relationship between the two variables in this research and the statistical significance of this relationship is analysed by observing the respective p-value. The conclusion is drawn that there exists four statistically significant positively correlated relationships between the empowerment dimension (decision making, status, self-efficacy and impact) and OCB. However there exists a weak positively correlated non-statistically significant relationship between empowerment and OCB. This suggests that empowerment as a whole does not greatly influence higher levels of OCB, however the four individual dimensions of empowerment do have a positive influence.
- Full Text:
Calibration and wide field imaging with PAPER: a catalogue of compact sources
- Authors: Philip, Liju
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/2397 , vital:20285
- Description: Observations of the redshifted 21 cm HI line promise to be a formidable tool for cosmology, allowing the investigation of the end of the so-called dark ages, when the first galaxies formed, and the subsequent Epoch of Reionization when the intergalactic medium transitioned from neutral to ionized. Such observations are plagued by foreground emission which is a few orders of magnitude brighter than the 21 cm line. In this thesis I analyzed data from the Donald C. Backer Precision Array for Probing the Epoch of Reionization (PAPER) in order to improve the characterization of the extragalactic foreground component. I derived a catalogue of unresolved radio sources down to a 5 Jy flux density limit at 150 MHz and derived their spectral index distribution using literature data at 408 MHz. I implemented advanced techniques to calibrate radio interferometric data that led to a few percent accuracy on the flux density scale of the derived catalogue. This work, therefore, represents a further step towards creating an accurate, global sky model that is crucial to improve calibration of Epoch of Reionization observations.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Philip, Liju
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/2397 , vital:20285
- Description: Observations of the redshifted 21 cm HI line promise to be a formidable tool for cosmology, allowing the investigation of the end of the so-called dark ages, when the first galaxies formed, and the subsequent Epoch of Reionization when the intergalactic medium transitioned from neutral to ionized. Such observations are plagued by foreground emission which is a few orders of magnitude brighter than the 21 cm line. In this thesis I analyzed data from the Donald C. Backer Precision Array for Probing the Epoch of Reionization (PAPER) in order to improve the characterization of the extragalactic foreground component. I derived a catalogue of unresolved radio sources down to a 5 Jy flux density limit at 150 MHz and derived their spectral index distribution using literature data at 408 MHz. I implemented advanced techniques to calibrate radio interferometric data that led to a few percent accuracy on the flux density scale of the derived catalogue. This work, therefore, represents a further step towards creating an accurate, global sky model that is crucial to improve calibration of Epoch of Reionization observations.
- Full Text:
Surface characteristics of rock glaciers in the Jutulsessen, Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica
- Rudolph, Elizabeth Magdalena
- Authors: Rudolph, Elizabeth Magdalena
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/2667 , vital:20314
- Description: Rock glaciers are landforms that present downslope movement of debris under the influence of ice and gravity. These landforms can be used as paleo-climate indicators as well as proxies for climate change. Rock glaciers have been investigated in a variety of climates and landscapes, however continental Antarctica, Dronning Maud Land specifically, remains understudied. This thesis aimed to investigate and classify five rock glaciers observed in the Jutulsessen, Dronning Maud Land. The surface characteristics and geomorphology were assessed and used as generic classifiers. Size, shape and landscape association was established by field surveying and GIS, whilst sediment and clast characteristics were determined from sampling. A surface temperature profile was created from short-term high frequency temperature measurements. All of the rock glaciers exhibit either undulating surfaces or patterned ground, or both, which suggests active-layer related processes. Sediment particle size analysis is inconclusive. The 137Cs-content and fabric analysis suggest movement regimes similar to other rock glaciers with higher activity at the head, and variable movement directions at the toe. Relative “activeness” is inferred from morphology: Grjotlia, Grjotøyra and Vassdalen were classified as lobate, spatulate and tongue-shaped respectively with Grjotlia the most stable. A new morphological classification of ‘crown-shaped’ is suggested for Brugdedalen and Jutuldalen, and they also appear most active. The control of local climate on rock glacier mechanics is emphasised by the findings, and thus climatic interpolation from a single weather stations is not useful. Increased spatial and temporal coverage of sediment profiles, surface topography and active-layer characteristics could be used to elucidate the processes and controls of these landforms in the Antarctic.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Rudolph, Elizabeth Magdalena
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/2667 , vital:20314
- Description: Rock glaciers are landforms that present downslope movement of debris under the influence of ice and gravity. These landforms can be used as paleo-climate indicators as well as proxies for climate change. Rock glaciers have been investigated in a variety of climates and landscapes, however continental Antarctica, Dronning Maud Land specifically, remains understudied. This thesis aimed to investigate and classify five rock glaciers observed in the Jutulsessen, Dronning Maud Land. The surface characteristics and geomorphology were assessed and used as generic classifiers. Size, shape and landscape association was established by field surveying and GIS, whilst sediment and clast characteristics were determined from sampling. A surface temperature profile was created from short-term high frequency temperature measurements. All of the rock glaciers exhibit either undulating surfaces or patterned ground, or both, which suggests active-layer related processes. Sediment particle size analysis is inconclusive. The 137Cs-content and fabric analysis suggest movement regimes similar to other rock glaciers with higher activity at the head, and variable movement directions at the toe. Relative “activeness” is inferred from morphology: Grjotlia, Grjotøyra and Vassdalen were classified as lobate, spatulate and tongue-shaped respectively with Grjotlia the most stable. A new morphological classification of ‘crown-shaped’ is suggested for Brugdedalen and Jutuldalen, and they also appear most active. The control of local climate on rock glacier mechanics is emphasised by the findings, and thus climatic interpolation from a single weather stations is not useful. Increased spatial and temporal coverage of sediment profiles, surface topography and active-layer characteristics could be used to elucidate the processes and controls of these landforms in the Antarctic.
- Full Text:
The diets of co-occuring anurans in a small South African river: assessments using stomach contents, stable isotope ratios and fatty acid profiles
- Authors: Sikutshwa, Likho
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/54405 , vital:26562
- Description: During their life cycle amphibians change their habitat and feeding, and are important consumers in both terrestrial and aquatic habitats. The trophic ecology of anurans has been studied intensively using gut content analysis, but very little work has been done using biochemical techniques such as stable isotope and fatty acid analyses. These biochemical techniques produce data that allow for additional inferences about the trophic ecology of anurans, as they reveal what the organisms assimilated over time rather than what was recently ingested. The investigation of the feeding ecology and trophic interactions of anurans using gut content analyses together with stable isotope and fatty acid analyses will help us to better understand their ecological roles. The objective of this thesis was to assess the feeding ecology of four anurans (Amietia angolensis, Amietophyrnus rangeri, Strongylopus grayii and Xenopus laevis) in a temperate river using a combination of gut content, stable isotope and fatty acid analyses. Frogs, tadpoles and potential food sources were sampled in two sites (upstream and downstream) in the Kowie River, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Gut content analyses identified 147 prey items belonging to 12 prey orders in the stomachs of the sampled specimens. In both A. angolensis and S. grayii the most important prey category was Coleoptera, followed by Hemiptera, Diptera and Hymenoptera at both sites. Aquatic prey items (aquatic hemipterans, chirinomids and blackflies) were the most important food sources for X. laevis (Alimentary Index (IAi) = 6.4; 5.2; 4.2). In Am. rangeri, Hymenoptera was the most important prey category (IAi = 8.3). The trophic niche overlap between A. angolensis and S. grayii was biologically significant (> 0.6), and in the remaining species there was no significant trophic niche overlap. Amietia angolensis showed a larger trophic niche (Levin’s measure; B = 7.7 and Bst = 0.84 downstream, and upstream B = 7.6 (Bst = 0.82) compared to the other species. The gut content analyses showed that frogs feed on a variety of prey items that constitutes food sources from both aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Stable isotopes indicated that aquatic derived sources contributed significantly more towards the diets of X. laevis, A. angolensis tadpoles and S. grayii tadpoles compared with the other anurans, whereas aquatic and terrestrial derived food sources contributed equally to the diets of A. angolensis and S. grayii. Increased trophic positions in A. angolensis and S. grayii occurred throughout their development. The four different species had similar fatty acid profiles in the upstream region, and fairly similar δ13C values, suggesting that they probably consumed similar food. Fatty acid profiles of anurans in the downstream region showed distinct separations among the species. Tadpoles had high levels of diatom-associated fatty acids (20:5ω3; A. angolensis tadpole – 8.4 %, S. grayii tadpole – 9.4 % upstream and downstream; 9.1 and 6.1 % total fatty acids (TFA), respectively). All four species had substantial contributions from bacterial fatty acids, and large proportions of saturated fatty acids (30.6 - 50.0 %) including those with 14 and 18 carbons, indicating that bacterial and detritus food sources played an important role in their diets. The fatty acid profiles revealed high proportions of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and essential fatty acids (EFAs) in all species, indicating a good quality of food and that the quality of food consumed was similar among species. The results demonstrated the usefulness of a combination of traditional techniques (gut content techniques) and biochemical techniques (stable isotopes and fatty acid analysis) for assessing consumption and assimilation. The amphibian assemblages examined derived much of their energy from terrestrial and aquatic sources. This information will allow more precise and comprehensive assessments of trophic interactions in freshwater habitats, along with aiding in future amphibian conservation and management efforts.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Sikutshwa, Likho
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/54405 , vital:26562
- Description: During their life cycle amphibians change their habitat and feeding, and are important consumers in both terrestrial and aquatic habitats. The trophic ecology of anurans has been studied intensively using gut content analysis, but very little work has been done using biochemical techniques such as stable isotope and fatty acid analyses. These biochemical techniques produce data that allow for additional inferences about the trophic ecology of anurans, as they reveal what the organisms assimilated over time rather than what was recently ingested. The investigation of the feeding ecology and trophic interactions of anurans using gut content analyses together with stable isotope and fatty acid analyses will help us to better understand their ecological roles. The objective of this thesis was to assess the feeding ecology of four anurans (Amietia angolensis, Amietophyrnus rangeri, Strongylopus grayii and Xenopus laevis) in a temperate river using a combination of gut content, stable isotope and fatty acid analyses. Frogs, tadpoles and potential food sources were sampled in two sites (upstream and downstream) in the Kowie River, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Gut content analyses identified 147 prey items belonging to 12 prey orders in the stomachs of the sampled specimens. In both A. angolensis and S. grayii the most important prey category was Coleoptera, followed by Hemiptera, Diptera and Hymenoptera at both sites. Aquatic prey items (aquatic hemipterans, chirinomids and blackflies) were the most important food sources for X. laevis (Alimentary Index (IAi) = 6.4; 5.2; 4.2). In Am. rangeri, Hymenoptera was the most important prey category (IAi = 8.3). The trophic niche overlap between A. angolensis and S. grayii was biologically significant (> 0.6), and in the remaining species there was no significant trophic niche overlap. Amietia angolensis showed a larger trophic niche (Levin’s measure; B = 7.7 and Bst = 0.84 downstream, and upstream B = 7.6 (Bst = 0.82) compared to the other species. The gut content analyses showed that frogs feed on a variety of prey items that constitutes food sources from both aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Stable isotopes indicated that aquatic derived sources contributed significantly more towards the diets of X. laevis, A. angolensis tadpoles and S. grayii tadpoles compared with the other anurans, whereas aquatic and terrestrial derived food sources contributed equally to the diets of A. angolensis and S. grayii. Increased trophic positions in A. angolensis and S. grayii occurred throughout their development. The four different species had similar fatty acid profiles in the upstream region, and fairly similar δ13C values, suggesting that they probably consumed similar food. Fatty acid profiles of anurans in the downstream region showed distinct separations among the species. Tadpoles had high levels of diatom-associated fatty acids (20:5ω3; A. angolensis tadpole – 8.4 %, S. grayii tadpole – 9.4 % upstream and downstream; 9.1 and 6.1 % total fatty acids (TFA), respectively). All four species had substantial contributions from bacterial fatty acids, and large proportions of saturated fatty acids (30.6 - 50.0 %) including those with 14 and 18 carbons, indicating that bacterial and detritus food sources played an important role in their diets. The fatty acid profiles revealed high proportions of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and essential fatty acids (EFAs) in all species, indicating a good quality of food and that the quality of food consumed was similar among species. The results demonstrated the usefulness of a combination of traditional techniques (gut content techniques) and biochemical techniques (stable isotopes and fatty acid analysis) for assessing consumption and assimilation. The amphibian assemblages examined derived much of their energy from terrestrial and aquatic sources. This information will allow more precise and comprehensive assessments of trophic interactions in freshwater habitats, along with aiding in future amphibian conservation and management efforts.
- Full Text:
The use of probiotics in the diet of farmed South African abalone Haliotis midae L
- Authors: Maliza, Siyabonga
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Haliotis midae -- South Africa , Abalones -- South Africa , Haliotis midae -- Feeding and feeds , Haliotis midae -- Effect of chemicals on , Haliotis midae -- Growth , Haliotis midae -- Immunology , Probiotics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5382 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018178
- Description: Physiological stress in farmed abalone can lead to immunosuppression and increase the susceptibility to bacterial, viral and parasitic disease, often followed by mortality. Thus, handling and poor water quality can reduce farm production efficiency. Probiotics in aquaculture have been effective in a wide range of species in enhancing immunity, survival, improving feed utilisation and growth. Three putative probionts identified as a result of in vitro screening had been beneficial to laboratory-reared abalone in a previous study. The aim of this study was to produce an abalone feed that contains a suite of probionts that may promote abalone growth and health under farming conditions. The objectives were to compare growth and physiological responses (i.e., haemocyte and phagocytosis counts) of abalone fed a commercial feed (Abfeed®S 34, Marifeed, Hermanus) supplemented with probiotics (i.e., the probiotic diet) to abalone fed the commercial feed without probiotic supplementation as a control treatment in a factorial design with handling method as an independent variable. This experiment was conducted at HIK Abalone Farm (Pty Ltd) for a period of eight months with initial weight and length 36.1 ± 0.05 g and 58.6 ± 0.06 mm abalone-1. Another experiment was carried out at Roman Bay Sea Farm (Pty) Ltd with initial weight and length 34.7 ± 0.17 g and 62.3 ± 0.18 mm abalone-1, but this experiment included one factor only, i.e. the presence and absence of the probionts in the feed. At HIK there was no significant interaction between diet and handling on average length and weight gain month-1 after four (p=0.81 and p=0.32) and eight (p=0.51 and p=0.53) months, respectively. Average length (additional handling = 73.9 ± 0.52 mm, normal farm handling = 75.8 ± 0.57 mm) and weight gain (mean: additional handling = 68.5 ± 1.20 g, normal farm handling = 74.3 ± 1.86 g) increased significantly in animals that were handled under normal farm procedure and were either fed probiotic or control diet after eight months (p=0.03 and p=0.02, respectively). There was no iii difference in length gain or weight gain of abalone fed the probiotic diet and those fed the control diet (ANOVA: F(1,16)=0.04, p=0.84; F(1,16)=0.14, p=0.71, respectively). After four months phagocytotic count was significantly different between dietary treatments with mean values of 74.50 ± 10.52 and 63.52 ± 14.52 % phagocytosis count per sample for the probionts and control treatment, respectively (p=0.04), there was no difference after eight months at HIK Abalone Farm. There was no effect of stressor application (p=0.14) and no interaction between dietary treatment and stressor application for this variable i.e., phagocytosis count (p=0.61). There was no difference in feed conversion ratio between treatments with values ranging from 2.9 to 3.8. At Roman Bay Sea farm, there was no significant difference in mean length gain between abalone fed the probiotic and control diet after eight months (repeated measures ANOVA: F(4,28)=16.54. Mean weight gain of abalone fed the probiotic diet was significantly greater than those fed the control diet after eight months (repeated measures ANOVA: F(4,28)=39.82, p(0.00001). There was no significant difference in haemocyte counts between animals fed either probiotic or control diet after four and eight months at Roman Bay Sea farm (p>0.05).
- Full Text:
- Authors: Maliza, Siyabonga
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Haliotis midae -- South Africa , Abalones -- South Africa , Haliotis midae -- Feeding and feeds , Haliotis midae -- Effect of chemicals on , Haliotis midae -- Growth , Haliotis midae -- Immunology , Probiotics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5382 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018178
- Description: Physiological stress in farmed abalone can lead to immunosuppression and increase the susceptibility to bacterial, viral and parasitic disease, often followed by mortality. Thus, handling and poor water quality can reduce farm production efficiency. Probiotics in aquaculture have been effective in a wide range of species in enhancing immunity, survival, improving feed utilisation and growth. Three putative probionts identified as a result of in vitro screening had been beneficial to laboratory-reared abalone in a previous study. The aim of this study was to produce an abalone feed that contains a suite of probionts that may promote abalone growth and health under farming conditions. The objectives were to compare growth and physiological responses (i.e., haemocyte and phagocytosis counts) of abalone fed a commercial feed (Abfeed®S 34, Marifeed, Hermanus) supplemented with probiotics (i.e., the probiotic diet) to abalone fed the commercial feed without probiotic supplementation as a control treatment in a factorial design with handling method as an independent variable. This experiment was conducted at HIK Abalone Farm (Pty Ltd) for a period of eight months with initial weight and length 36.1 ± 0.05 g and 58.6 ± 0.06 mm abalone-1. Another experiment was carried out at Roman Bay Sea Farm (Pty) Ltd with initial weight and length 34.7 ± 0.17 g and 62.3 ± 0.18 mm abalone-1, but this experiment included one factor only, i.e. the presence and absence of the probionts in the feed. At HIK there was no significant interaction between diet and handling on average length and weight gain month-1 after four (p=0.81 and p=0.32) and eight (p=0.51 and p=0.53) months, respectively. Average length (additional handling = 73.9 ± 0.52 mm, normal farm handling = 75.8 ± 0.57 mm) and weight gain (mean: additional handling = 68.5 ± 1.20 g, normal farm handling = 74.3 ± 1.86 g) increased significantly in animals that were handled under normal farm procedure and were either fed probiotic or control diet after eight months (p=0.03 and p=0.02, respectively). There was no iii difference in length gain or weight gain of abalone fed the probiotic diet and those fed the control diet (ANOVA: F(1,16)=0.04, p=0.84; F(1,16)=0.14, p=0.71, respectively). After four months phagocytotic count was significantly different between dietary treatments with mean values of 74.50 ± 10.52 and 63.52 ± 14.52 % phagocytosis count per sample for the probionts and control treatment, respectively (p=0.04), there was no difference after eight months at HIK Abalone Farm. There was no effect of stressor application (p=0.14) and no interaction between dietary treatment and stressor application for this variable i.e., phagocytosis count (p=0.61). There was no difference in feed conversion ratio between treatments with values ranging from 2.9 to 3.8. At Roman Bay Sea farm, there was no significant difference in mean length gain between abalone fed the probiotic and control diet after eight months (repeated measures ANOVA: F(4,28)=16.54. Mean weight gain of abalone fed the probiotic diet was significantly greater than those fed the control diet after eight months (repeated measures ANOVA: F(4,28)=39.82, p(0.00001). There was no significant difference in haemocyte counts between animals fed either probiotic or control diet after four and eight months at Roman Bay Sea farm (p>0.05).
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A teaching case study on the effect of growth on organisational leadership and culture at hardware warehouse as the organisation grew from one store to 18 stores
- Authors: Mfabane, Masiwakhe
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Corporate culture -- South Africa -- Case studies , Leadership -- South Africa -- Case studies , Management -- South Africa -- Case studies , Hardware stores -- South Africa -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:829 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013008
- Description: From summary:The main objective of this research study was to write up a teaching case study, based on Greiner’s (1998) model of organisational development, outlining what effect the growth of Hardware Warehouse had on the leadership and culture of the organisation. The study is a teaching case study in the form of “a descriptive case focusing on presenting a description of past events and decisions” (Cappel and Schwager, 2002: 289).
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- Authors: Mfabane, Masiwakhe
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Corporate culture -- South Africa -- Case studies , Leadership -- South Africa -- Case studies , Management -- South Africa -- Case studies , Hardware stores -- South Africa -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:829 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013008
- Description: From summary:The main objective of this research study was to write up a teaching case study, based on Greiner’s (1998) model of organisational development, outlining what effect the growth of Hardware Warehouse had on the leadership and culture of the organisation. The study is a teaching case study in the form of “a descriptive case focusing on presenting a description of past events and decisions” (Cappel and Schwager, 2002: 289).
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An evaluation of the delivery of the Eskom Customer Safety Education Programme in the Queenstown Customer Services Area.
- Authors: Mtyalela, Kanyisa Highly
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Eskom (Firm) , Customer relations -- Management , Safety education -- South Africa -- Queenstown , Safety education -- Evaluation , Safety consultants -- Rating of -- South Africa -- Queenstown , Public safety -- South Africa -- Queenstown
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:839 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013569
- Description: The aim of this research is to evaluate the Eskom customer safety education programme in the Queenstown Customer Services Area. The research focuses on the implementation of the programme with the aim of assessing whether there is need for optimisation in the way that the customer education and training is delivered. The paper consists of three sections. Section one is directed to Eskom and is made up of (i) a review of the literature that is relevant to the Eskom safety education programme, (ii) the findings made from the study and (iii) recommendations from the author. Section two is a review of the key concepts which were identified for this paper and these are: (i) education and training, (ii) consumer education, (iii) citizenship education, (iv) training programme development, and (v) training programme evaluation. Section three provides detail on and justifies the research methodology that was followed for this paper. The author adopted the deductive approach and collected data from literature sources and Eskom documents as well as face-to-face interviews with the Eskom trainers and customers. Qualitative data was collected from the interviews and is presented in section one of the report in the form of (i) narratives, (ii) graphs and (iii) tables. The research has identified some shortcomings in the delivery of the training and recommendations have been made on how these shortcomings can be addressed. Trainer skills, training evaluation and training tools are amongst the issues that require attention in the Queenstown Customer Services Area. The results revealed that 67 percent of the trainers have not received training related to conducting customer forums. Inconsistencies with regard to the evaluation of the training interventions were also identified and there were differences in terms of the training tools that are utilised at the forums. The recommendations made by the author are based on the literature that was reviewed as part of this study and are aimed at addressing the delivery of the training. The respondents all displayed an understanding of the objectives of the Eskom safety education programme and made recommendations in terms of how Eskom can reduce the tampering of Eskom equipment. The recommendations made included the involvement of the community as well as unannounced door-to-door audits aimed at identifying damaged and tampered Eskom equipment. These recommendations are in line with the guiding principles of safety education presented in McWhirter (2008: 32) which include the involvement of young people in real decisions to help them stay safe, as well as the use of active approaches in addressing safety issues. A review of the electrical contact incidents which were reported to Eskom in 2011/12 revealed that in 61,5 percent of the cases that occurred in the Eastern Cape, Eskom had conducted electricity safety education before the incidents occurred. The recommendations in terms of the training delivery should be implemented to improve the delivery of the training. The author however recommends further research on how Eskom can reduce the number of electrical contact incidents that occur, as it has been proven through previous studies that safety education “has an impact on knowledge, behaviour, risk and skills and no papers have provided evidence of the impact of safety education on injury rates” (Mulvaney, Watson and Errington, 2012: 27).
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- Authors: Mtyalela, Kanyisa Highly
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Eskom (Firm) , Customer relations -- Management , Safety education -- South Africa -- Queenstown , Safety education -- Evaluation , Safety consultants -- Rating of -- South Africa -- Queenstown , Public safety -- South Africa -- Queenstown
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:839 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013569
- Description: The aim of this research is to evaluate the Eskom customer safety education programme in the Queenstown Customer Services Area. The research focuses on the implementation of the programme with the aim of assessing whether there is need for optimisation in the way that the customer education and training is delivered. The paper consists of three sections. Section one is directed to Eskom and is made up of (i) a review of the literature that is relevant to the Eskom safety education programme, (ii) the findings made from the study and (iii) recommendations from the author. Section two is a review of the key concepts which were identified for this paper and these are: (i) education and training, (ii) consumer education, (iii) citizenship education, (iv) training programme development, and (v) training programme evaluation. Section three provides detail on and justifies the research methodology that was followed for this paper. The author adopted the deductive approach and collected data from literature sources and Eskom documents as well as face-to-face interviews with the Eskom trainers and customers. Qualitative data was collected from the interviews and is presented in section one of the report in the form of (i) narratives, (ii) graphs and (iii) tables. The research has identified some shortcomings in the delivery of the training and recommendations have been made on how these shortcomings can be addressed. Trainer skills, training evaluation and training tools are amongst the issues that require attention in the Queenstown Customer Services Area. The results revealed that 67 percent of the trainers have not received training related to conducting customer forums. Inconsistencies with regard to the evaluation of the training interventions were also identified and there were differences in terms of the training tools that are utilised at the forums. The recommendations made by the author are based on the literature that was reviewed as part of this study and are aimed at addressing the delivery of the training. The respondents all displayed an understanding of the objectives of the Eskom safety education programme and made recommendations in terms of how Eskom can reduce the tampering of Eskom equipment. The recommendations made included the involvement of the community as well as unannounced door-to-door audits aimed at identifying damaged and tampered Eskom equipment. These recommendations are in line with the guiding principles of safety education presented in McWhirter (2008: 32) which include the involvement of young people in real decisions to help them stay safe, as well as the use of active approaches in addressing safety issues. A review of the electrical contact incidents which were reported to Eskom in 2011/12 revealed that in 61,5 percent of the cases that occurred in the Eastern Cape, Eskom had conducted electricity safety education before the incidents occurred. The recommendations in terms of the training delivery should be implemented to improve the delivery of the training. The author however recommends further research on how Eskom can reduce the number of electrical contact incidents that occur, as it has been proven through previous studies that safety education “has an impact on knowledge, behaviour, risk and skills and no papers have provided evidence of the impact of safety education on injury rates” (Mulvaney, Watson and Errington, 2012: 27).
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Sarkaiym
- Authors: Sutherns, Michael Courtney
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Creative writing (Higher education) -- Research -- South Africa , Creative writing -- Fiction , South African fiction (English) -- Study and teaching (Higher) , South African fiction (English) -- 21st century
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:5976 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012998
- Description: The kingdom of Sansland situated on the Azanian Peninsula has been ruled by Sorricians, the sky people, ever since they landed on terra firma centuries ago. The indigenous population are forced to engage directly in the social and economic perpetuation of their own domination beneath the Sorrician heel. Until revolution flares in the antipodes, and soon, even the gods themselves seem to take an interest in the inevitable course of events. But all is not what it seems. The revolution appears to proceed too rapidly. The kingdom’s trade infrastructure collapses too easily. The Sorrician rulers are inexplicably and unrealistically confident in their ability to repel an attack on the capital. It will take a man of conscience, a regular soldier and a boy priest to restore appearances back to reality.
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- Authors: Sutherns, Michael Courtney
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Creative writing (Higher education) -- Research -- South Africa , Creative writing -- Fiction , South African fiction (English) -- Study and teaching (Higher) , South African fiction (English) -- 21st century
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:5976 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012998
- Description: The kingdom of Sansland situated on the Azanian Peninsula has been ruled by Sorricians, the sky people, ever since they landed on terra firma centuries ago. The indigenous population are forced to engage directly in the social and economic perpetuation of their own domination beneath the Sorrician heel. Until revolution flares in the antipodes, and soon, even the gods themselves seem to take an interest in the inevitable course of events. But all is not what it seems. The revolution appears to proceed too rapidly. The kingdom’s trade infrastructure collapses too easily. The Sorrician rulers are inexplicably and unrealistically confident in their ability to repel an attack on the capital. It will take a man of conscience, a regular soldier and a boy priest to restore appearances back to reality.
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The relationship between accounting choices and share prices : a study of South African listed companies
- Authors: Bunting, Mark Bevan
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Financial statements -- South Africa , Accounting -- South Africa , Managerial accounting -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:989 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002724 , Financial statements -- South Africa , Accounting -- South Africa , Managerial accounting -- South Africa
- Description: It is widely assumed that the managers of companies behave in a self-interested and opportunistic manner when making the discretionary accounting choices that are applied in the preparation of published financial reports. Empirical research has found evidence for this in the United States, Britain, Spain, France and Australia, amongst other countries. There has, however, been no prior work of a similar nature in a South African context. The purpose of this study is to extend this body of work by examining the relationship between a number of potentially opportunistic (profit-increasing, income-smoothing and solvencyimproving) accounting choices made by the managers of South African listed companies, and growth rates in the share prices of those companies. Data in respect of thirty-nine medium-sized South African listed companies are analysed for evidence of the expected positive relationship between opportunistic accounting choices and share price growth. No evidence is found for this relationship. This may be due to limitations in the research design, inadequacies in the interpretation of the agency theory from which the hypotheses are developed, or a combination of both. Refinements in the research design or a re-interpretation of the theory may be successful in addressing these matters as part of future research efforts.
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- Authors: Bunting, Mark Bevan
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Financial statements -- South Africa , Accounting -- South Africa , Managerial accounting -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:989 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002724 , Financial statements -- South Africa , Accounting -- South Africa , Managerial accounting -- South Africa
- Description: It is widely assumed that the managers of companies behave in a self-interested and opportunistic manner when making the discretionary accounting choices that are applied in the preparation of published financial reports. Empirical research has found evidence for this in the United States, Britain, Spain, France and Australia, amongst other countries. There has, however, been no prior work of a similar nature in a South African context. The purpose of this study is to extend this body of work by examining the relationship between a number of potentially opportunistic (profit-increasing, income-smoothing and solvencyimproving) accounting choices made by the managers of South African listed companies, and growth rates in the share prices of those companies. Data in respect of thirty-nine medium-sized South African listed companies are analysed for evidence of the expected positive relationship between opportunistic accounting choices and share price growth. No evidence is found for this relationship. This may be due to limitations in the research design, inadequacies in the interpretation of the agency theory from which the hypotheses are developed, or a combination of both. Refinements in the research design or a re-interpretation of the theory may be successful in addressing these matters as part of future research efforts.
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Brain drain, exodus and chicken run : media discourses on emigration
- Authors: Bright, Sue-Ann
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Mass media and language -- South Africa , Mass media criticism -- South Africa , Discourse analysis -- Social aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3163 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007672 , Mass media and language -- South Africa , Mass media criticism -- South Africa , Discourse analysis -- Social aspects
- Description: This paper explores the discourses of emigration in a South African daily newspaper from 1988 to 2001, and discusses the implications of these discourses on the way in which emigration is constructed within South African society In this paper, Potter and Wetherell 's (1987) approach to discourse analysis is utilized. It makes use of interpretative repertoires, to explore the functions and consequences of the discourses. The discursive framework thereby reveals the different subject positions related to nationalism, race and class. It is argued that economics and notions of culture and social class, do more than provide a useful medium through which the phenomenon of emigration can be understood. They also support the affirmations of certain groups of people above others, by claiming that emigration is unpatriotic and disloyal. This paper concludes by identifying the negative connotations of media discourses in the construction of emigration and acknowledges that many alternate constructions are silenced in this matter.
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- Authors: Bright, Sue-Ann
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Mass media and language -- South Africa , Mass media criticism -- South Africa , Discourse analysis -- Social aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3163 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007672 , Mass media and language -- South Africa , Mass media criticism -- South Africa , Discourse analysis -- Social aspects
- Description: This paper explores the discourses of emigration in a South African daily newspaper from 1988 to 2001, and discusses the implications of these discourses on the way in which emigration is constructed within South African society In this paper, Potter and Wetherell 's (1987) approach to discourse analysis is utilized. It makes use of interpretative repertoires, to explore the functions and consequences of the discourses. The discursive framework thereby reveals the different subject positions related to nationalism, race and class. It is argued that economics and notions of culture and social class, do more than provide a useful medium through which the phenomenon of emigration can be understood. They also support the affirmations of certain groups of people above others, by claiming that emigration is unpatriotic and disloyal. This paper concludes by identifying the negative connotations of media discourses in the construction of emigration and acknowledges that many alternate constructions are silenced in this matter.
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In the best interests of the child? : a case study of the psychological discourses of the custody decision-making process in a South African context
- Authors: Durrbaum, René
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Custody of children -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects Children of divorced parents -- South Africa -- Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3153 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007484
- Description: This study focuses on the process of custody decision-making in a South African divorce context with the aim of critically examining the operation of the principle of the best interests of the child. A narrative approach is incorporated into Parker and Fairclough's discourse analytic approaches in the context of an instrumental case study. More specifically, the focus falls on moving beyond the understandings of custody embodied within the current psychological literature in order to examine the relationship between theory and practice and to view custody as a dynamic process at both a textual and analytical level. Concepts of dialoguing, context, audience and intertextuality together with a storied approach are central. Further, an attempt is made to provide a disruptive reading of the case through the use of notions of power, ideology and institutional practices embedded within the case and its broader contexts. The analysis demonstrates the need for decision-making to be viewed as a broader process situated across multiple professional, institutional and socio-political texts and contexts. Further, it is argued that in order for the process to uphold the principle of the child's best interests, specialised training must be supplemented with changes at the level of policy, aimed at moving toward a more inclusive, process-oriented approach to custody decision-making.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Durrbaum, René
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Custody of children -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects Children of divorced parents -- South Africa -- Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3153 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007484
- Description: This study focuses on the process of custody decision-making in a South African divorce context with the aim of critically examining the operation of the principle of the best interests of the child. A narrative approach is incorporated into Parker and Fairclough's discourse analytic approaches in the context of an instrumental case study. More specifically, the focus falls on moving beyond the understandings of custody embodied within the current psychological literature in order to examine the relationship between theory and practice and to view custody as a dynamic process at both a textual and analytical level. Concepts of dialoguing, context, audience and intertextuality together with a storied approach are central. Further, an attempt is made to provide a disruptive reading of the case through the use of notions of power, ideology and institutional practices embedded within the case and its broader contexts. The analysis demonstrates the need for decision-making to be viewed as a broader process situated across multiple professional, institutional and socio-political texts and contexts. Further, it is argued that in order for the process to uphold the principle of the child's best interests, specialised training must be supplemented with changes at the level of policy, aimed at moving toward a more inclusive, process-oriented approach to custody decision-making.
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An exploration into the photo-transformation of the human form, through a research of its contemporary influential imagery and diversity within our culture
- Authors: Murphy, Alexandra Christina
- Date: 1996
- Subjects: Photography, Artistic Photography of the nude Human figure in art Portrait photography
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MFA
- Identifier: vital:2416 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002212
- Description: The purpose of this study is to look at how the figure is imaged through the photographic medium today. Through this purpose I aim to explore the individual expression of the photographer in his photographic medium; the expression of the figure within the medium and the diverse practises of this medium in society - to build up an awareness and understanding of the diverse representations of the human form. The general aims of study are: 1 - to study how these three photographers choose to photograph the figure, through their technical, compositional and individual approach. 2 - to show how diverse the usage of the photographic figure is in the visual world. 3 - to expose an awareness of the photographic figure as transformation of an expression of self. 4 - to show the relationship between the photographer and the figure, the camera and the photographer, the camera and the figure, and the photographic figure and the viewer. 5 - to study my own photographic imagery in relation to the other imagery discussed. My research information was collected through: observations, discussions, literature and practical exploration. This study will attempt to draw conclusions, from its explorations, that will highlight the importance of the individual eye: that it is the individual eye that becomes the vehicle of transformation.
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- Authors: Murphy, Alexandra Christina
- Date: 1996
- Subjects: Photography, Artistic Photography of the nude Human figure in art Portrait photography
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MFA
- Identifier: vital:2416 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002212
- Description: The purpose of this study is to look at how the figure is imaged through the photographic medium today. Through this purpose I aim to explore the individual expression of the photographer in his photographic medium; the expression of the figure within the medium and the diverse practises of this medium in society - to build up an awareness and understanding of the diverse representations of the human form. The general aims of study are: 1 - to study how these three photographers choose to photograph the figure, through their technical, compositional and individual approach. 2 - to show how diverse the usage of the photographic figure is in the visual world. 3 - to expose an awareness of the photographic figure as transformation of an expression of self. 4 - to show the relationship between the photographer and the figure, the camera and the photographer, the camera and the figure, and the photographic figure and the viewer. 5 - to study my own photographic imagery in relation to the other imagery discussed. My research information was collected through: observations, discussions, literature and practical exploration. This study will attempt to draw conclusions, from its explorations, that will highlight the importance of the individual eye: that it is the individual eye that becomes the vehicle of transformation.
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National liberation movement in the international political arena: a case study of the African National Congress at the United Nations (1960 to February 1990)
- Authors: Mopp, Adrian Carl
- Date: 1996
- Subjects: United Nations -- South Africa , African National Congress -- History , Economic sanctions -- South Africa , Boycotts -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2808 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003018 , United Nations -- South Africa , African National Congress -- History , Economic sanctions -- South Africa , Boycotts -- South Africa
- Description: The African National Congress (ANC) was the leading opponent of the South African Government's Apartheid policies. It was engaged in an Anti-Apartheid struggle and as part thereof called for South Africa's diplomatic isolation. In the course of its struggle, the ANC sought international support. Given the stature of the United Nations (UN) as the foremost international organisation, the ANC campaigned at the UN for South Africa's diplomatic isolation. This thesis focuses on the activities of African National Co~gress at the United Nations. It firstly outlines a brief history of the ANC and the UN and examines the relationship which developed between the two organisations. It then focuses on the activities of the ANC at the UN which were aimed at isolating South Africa diplomatically from the international community. Finally a brief assessment of the extent of South Africa's diplomatic isolation is provided.
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- Authors: Mopp, Adrian Carl
- Date: 1996
- Subjects: United Nations -- South Africa , African National Congress -- History , Economic sanctions -- South Africa , Boycotts -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2808 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003018 , United Nations -- South Africa , African National Congress -- History , Economic sanctions -- South Africa , Boycotts -- South Africa
- Description: The African National Congress (ANC) was the leading opponent of the South African Government's Apartheid policies. It was engaged in an Anti-Apartheid struggle and as part thereof called for South Africa's diplomatic isolation. In the course of its struggle, the ANC sought international support. Given the stature of the United Nations (UN) as the foremost international organisation, the ANC campaigned at the UN for South Africa's diplomatic isolation. This thesis focuses on the activities of African National Co~gress at the United Nations. It firstly outlines a brief history of the ANC and the UN and examines the relationship which developed between the two organisations. It then focuses on the activities of the ANC at the UN which were aimed at isolating South Africa diplomatically from the international community. Finally a brief assessment of the extent of South Africa's diplomatic isolation is provided.
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Base exchange in soils : a study of the reproducibility of base exchange values for some South African soils, as indicated by leaching with normal ammonium acetate solution
- Authors: Pienaar, D J
- Date: 1946
- Subjects: Soil chemistry , Soils
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4489 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013038
- Description: A very reliable method for the total analysis of the ammonium acetate leachate has been outlined. This is both simple and straight forward and is more rapid than any which have been seen in the literature. It is particularly applicable where a worker must perform a large number of routine analyses in the minimum of time. Shirley (29) and other workers have shown that 1000 ml. of leaching solution is generally necessary to extract all the exchangeable gases. The present investigation has shown that the time of leaching makes no appreciable difference to the amounts of bases replaced, as long as this exceeds four hours. Two alternative methods have been introduced for the rapid determination of the total exchangeable bases in a soil and there are considered to be more reliable than that of Bray and White. It is suggested that the two new methods might yield a still greater degree of accuracy if larger aliquots were to be used for each determination. It is further pointed out that the values obtained by the chloride methods are more likely to represent correct values than the sum totals of the bases as determined individually, since these are arrived at by summing the results of four different estimations, each of which is liable to experimental error, whereas in the chloride methods there is only one perfectly straightforward determination. The values for the total exchangeable bases in the soils examined were found to vary over the range 2.50 to 14.28 m.e. per 100 g. soil, with a variance of up to ± 0.2sm.e. per 100 g., corresponding to a percentage error of up to ± 4.7%. These figures are based on the analysis of 12 separate leachings of each soil with normal ammonium acetate solution of pH 7.00. This rather wide variance can be attributed to the fact that the exchangeable bases in some soils are more easily replaceable than in other soils. It is regretted that the shortage of time and the non-availability of a complete range of samples of all typical South African soils has prevented the attainment of an original objective, namely, a statistical evaluation of the base exchange figures for all South African soil types. It would also have been of great interest to have been able to establish exactly the composition of the double salt of calcium and magnesium, whose existence has been postulated to explain the effect of the Ca/Mg ratio on the results yielded by the first chloride method. Summary, p. 67-68.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Pienaar, D J
- Date: 1946
- Subjects: Soil chemistry , Soils
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4489 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013038
- Description: A very reliable method for the total analysis of the ammonium acetate leachate has been outlined. This is both simple and straight forward and is more rapid than any which have been seen in the literature. It is particularly applicable where a worker must perform a large number of routine analyses in the minimum of time. Shirley (29) and other workers have shown that 1000 ml. of leaching solution is generally necessary to extract all the exchangeable gases. The present investigation has shown that the time of leaching makes no appreciable difference to the amounts of bases replaced, as long as this exceeds four hours. Two alternative methods have been introduced for the rapid determination of the total exchangeable bases in a soil and there are considered to be more reliable than that of Bray and White. It is suggested that the two new methods might yield a still greater degree of accuracy if larger aliquots were to be used for each determination. It is further pointed out that the values obtained by the chloride methods are more likely to represent correct values than the sum totals of the bases as determined individually, since these are arrived at by summing the results of four different estimations, each of which is liable to experimental error, whereas in the chloride methods there is only one perfectly straightforward determination. The values for the total exchangeable bases in the soils examined were found to vary over the range 2.50 to 14.28 m.e. per 100 g. soil, with a variance of up to ± 0.2sm.e. per 100 g., corresponding to a percentage error of up to ± 4.7%. These figures are based on the analysis of 12 separate leachings of each soil with normal ammonium acetate solution of pH 7.00. This rather wide variance can be attributed to the fact that the exchangeable bases in some soils are more easily replaceable than in other soils. It is regretted that the shortage of time and the non-availability of a complete range of samples of all typical South African soils has prevented the attainment of an original objective, namely, a statistical evaluation of the base exchange figures for all South African soil types. It would also have been of great interest to have been able to establish exactly the composition of the double salt of calcium and magnesium, whose existence has been postulated to explain the effect of the Ca/Mg ratio on the results yielded by the first chloride method. Summary, p. 67-68.
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