Assessing the local government turnaround strategy: the case of Ngqushwa Local Municipality
- Authors: Bokwe, Nosiphiwo Gloria
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal corporations -- South Africa , Regional planning -- Citizen participation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8312 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020084
- Description: The thrust of the study is to investigate the Local Government Turnaround Strategy as introduced by Cabinet in the year 2009. In this treatise a critical evaluation of the Local Government Turnaround Strategy that was passed by cabinet as a panacea that seeks to address the challenges that are being faced by municipalities today will be embarked upon. A case study of the Ngqushwa Local Municipality in the Amathole District Municipal area will be undertaken with the view to understand whether the Local Government Turnaround Strategy will indeed assist ailing local municipalities like Ngqushwa. As can be seen in our country, apartheid has left many problems both in the social, economic and political realms of our society. When local government was first established it was for the perpetuation of separate development as enshrined in the policy of apartheid. Apartheid was not the beginning of geographic, institutional and social separation at the local level. Segregation was already a policy by the time apartheid was introduced in 1948. However, the Group Areas Act, the key piece of legislation, instituted strict residential segregation and compulsory removal of black people to own group areas. Through spatial separation, influx control, and a policy of own management for own areas, apartheid aimed to limit the extent to which affluent white municipalities would bear the financial burden of servicing disadvantaged black areas. These separate developments led to the collapse of the former Black Local Authorities. When the democratic government took over the same challenges reared their heads again. Many intervention programmes were introduced to assist ailing municipalities to be viable. The study thus has tried to indicate how the Turnaround has assisted municipalities like the Ngqushwa Local Municipality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Bokwe, Nosiphiwo Gloria
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal corporations -- South Africa , Regional planning -- Citizen participation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8312 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020084
- Description: The thrust of the study is to investigate the Local Government Turnaround Strategy as introduced by Cabinet in the year 2009. In this treatise a critical evaluation of the Local Government Turnaround Strategy that was passed by cabinet as a panacea that seeks to address the challenges that are being faced by municipalities today will be embarked upon. A case study of the Ngqushwa Local Municipality in the Amathole District Municipal area will be undertaken with the view to understand whether the Local Government Turnaround Strategy will indeed assist ailing local municipalities like Ngqushwa. As can be seen in our country, apartheid has left many problems both in the social, economic and political realms of our society. When local government was first established it was for the perpetuation of separate development as enshrined in the policy of apartheid. Apartheid was not the beginning of geographic, institutional and social separation at the local level. Segregation was already a policy by the time apartheid was introduced in 1948. However, the Group Areas Act, the key piece of legislation, instituted strict residential segregation and compulsory removal of black people to own group areas. Through spatial separation, influx control, and a policy of own management for own areas, apartheid aimed to limit the extent to which affluent white municipalities would bear the financial burden of servicing disadvantaged black areas. These separate developments led to the collapse of the former Black Local Authorities. When the democratic government took over the same challenges reared their heads again. Many intervention programmes were introduced to assist ailing municipalities to be viable. The study thus has tried to indicate how the Turnaround has assisted municipalities like the Ngqushwa Local Municipality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Geographical variation in effects of nutrient levels and grazing intensity on community structure between upwelling and non-upwelling regions of South Africa
- Authors: Steele, Nikita
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Upwelling (Oceanography) , Upwelling (Oceanography) -- Indian Ocean , Algae -- Indian Ocean , Algae -- Effect of grazing on -- Indian Ocean
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5873 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013013
- Description: The aim of this thesis was to assess the influence of upwelling on alga-grazer interactions in rocky shore communities along the south coast of South Africa using grazer exclusion treatments with controls and procedural controls set out in a block design and monitored for algal cover roughly monthly for one year. In the first experiment grazers were excluded from treatment plots at two upwelling and two non-upwelling sites and the rates of algal biomass accumulation were then compared. The upwelling sites showed significantly faster algal colonisation rates, with Ulva rigida being the first species to colonise the rocks. Final algal cover and biomass did not differ significantly between upwelling and non-upwelling sites in control plots open to grazers, but were significantly higher in grazer exclusion plots at upwelling sites indicating stronger grazing effects. This was confirmed by estimating the intensity of grazing using the log-response ratio (LRR), which was calculated from treatment and control plots. Upwelling sites had significantly lower LLR values indicating stronger grazing effects, than at non-upwelling sites, despite no difference in grazer abundances. The second experiment examined the effects of nutrient addition on algal growth and community composition by comparing high nutrient enrichment plots with low enrichment plots at one upwelling and one non-upwelling site. ANOVA indicated faster growth rates and significantly higher final algal biomass in high enrichment plots compared to low enrichment and control plots at both upwelling and non-upwelling sites. A two-way ANOVA indicated significantly higher algal cover in high enrichment plots compared to the data from the grazer exclusion plots in experiment 1 at both sites, suggesting that nutrient addition plays a major role in algal growth and community composition. The findings of these studies have shown significant differences between treatments, sites and seasons, with significant differences not only occurring in algal cover but also accumulation of algal biomass and recruitment patterns between treatments. The small scale local processes acting within a few centimetres (plots) or tens of meters (among blocks) can also be reflected over larger scales such as sites (upwelling/non-upwelling shores). Further, these studies have demonstrated that various factors such as the effects from increased nutrients at upwelling cells and the change in grazing effects due to enhanced nutrients can determine the abundance and diversity of the community structure, including an increase in the abundance of the fast growing algae Ulva rigida, and a slow recovery of the brown and red algae.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Steele, Nikita
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Upwelling (Oceanography) , Upwelling (Oceanography) -- Indian Ocean , Algae -- Indian Ocean , Algae -- Effect of grazing on -- Indian Ocean
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5873 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013013
- Description: The aim of this thesis was to assess the influence of upwelling on alga-grazer interactions in rocky shore communities along the south coast of South Africa using grazer exclusion treatments with controls and procedural controls set out in a block design and monitored for algal cover roughly monthly for one year. In the first experiment grazers were excluded from treatment plots at two upwelling and two non-upwelling sites and the rates of algal biomass accumulation were then compared. The upwelling sites showed significantly faster algal colonisation rates, with Ulva rigida being the first species to colonise the rocks. Final algal cover and biomass did not differ significantly between upwelling and non-upwelling sites in control plots open to grazers, but were significantly higher in grazer exclusion plots at upwelling sites indicating stronger grazing effects. This was confirmed by estimating the intensity of grazing using the log-response ratio (LRR), which was calculated from treatment and control plots. Upwelling sites had significantly lower LLR values indicating stronger grazing effects, than at non-upwelling sites, despite no difference in grazer abundances. The second experiment examined the effects of nutrient addition on algal growth and community composition by comparing high nutrient enrichment plots with low enrichment plots at one upwelling and one non-upwelling site. ANOVA indicated faster growth rates and significantly higher final algal biomass in high enrichment plots compared to low enrichment and control plots at both upwelling and non-upwelling sites. A two-way ANOVA indicated significantly higher algal cover in high enrichment plots compared to the data from the grazer exclusion plots in experiment 1 at both sites, suggesting that nutrient addition plays a major role in algal growth and community composition. The findings of these studies have shown significant differences between treatments, sites and seasons, with significant differences not only occurring in algal cover but also accumulation of algal biomass and recruitment patterns between treatments. The small scale local processes acting within a few centimetres (plots) or tens of meters (among blocks) can also be reflected over larger scales such as sites (upwelling/non-upwelling shores). Further, these studies have demonstrated that various factors such as the effects from increased nutrients at upwelling cells and the change in grazing effects due to enhanced nutrients can determine the abundance and diversity of the community structure, including an increase in the abundance of the fast growing algae Ulva rigida, and a slow recovery of the brown and red algae.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Can sport impact rational investor behaviour? : an evaluation of the impact of national sporting performance on stock market returns in South Africa
- Authors: De Beer, Carl Francois
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Investments -- Psychological aspects -- Research -- South Africa Finance -- Psychological aspects -- Research -- South Africa Sports -- Economic aspects -- Research -- South Africa Sports -- Psychological aspects -- Research -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEcon
- Identifier: vital:1013 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002748
- Description: The finance industry is an extremely fast and complex world dominated by the Efficient Markets Hypothesis (EMH). This theory contains many assumptions which include that investors are rational utility maximisers and that market prices reflect all relevant economic information available to the public. However, over the years, a new form of financial literature known as behavioural finance has been gaining momentum. Behavioural finance seeks to bridge the gap between psychology and economics in an attempt to gain a better understanding of how markets react to different situations. Behavioural finance has also gained much attention in recent years due to the EMH’s inability to explain many economic anomalies. This study first considers the differences between behavioural finance theory and EMH theory before explaining how an individual’s mood has the ability to influence one’s risk taking preferences. Mood changes were also found to be linked to changes in the way an individual reacts to different situations, the way they thinks and processes thoughts. Negative events were also found to have a greater influence on an individual’s mood than positive events did, resulting in an asymmetric relationship between positive and negative results. This study then examines numerous studies indicating how non-economic events can have a statistical and significant influence on stock market returns before analysing previous literature where sport was found to influence market prices. The aim of this study is to determine if South African national sporting performance can influence investors in such a way that it has the ability to impact on market returns. Using standard event study methodology, this study determines the constant mean return using the daily All-Share price index on the JSE for the period of 1 January 1990 to 31 December 2010. This study focuses on three of South Africa’s most popular sports, namely soccer, cricket and rugby and examine if these three sports have the ability to influence market returns. Although there is some evidence of a relationship between stock returns and sporting performance in the descriptive analysis, the regression results indicate that sporting performance in South Africa does not significantly explain abnormal market returns on the JSE. The study provides a number of possible reasons for this finding and concludes by suggesting areas for future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: De Beer, Carl Francois
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Investments -- Psychological aspects -- Research -- South Africa Finance -- Psychological aspects -- Research -- South Africa Sports -- Economic aspects -- Research -- South Africa Sports -- Psychological aspects -- Research -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEcon
- Identifier: vital:1013 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002748
- Description: The finance industry is an extremely fast and complex world dominated by the Efficient Markets Hypothesis (EMH). This theory contains many assumptions which include that investors are rational utility maximisers and that market prices reflect all relevant economic information available to the public. However, over the years, a new form of financial literature known as behavioural finance has been gaining momentum. Behavioural finance seeks to bridge the gap between psychology and economics in an attempt to gain a better understanding of how markets react to different situations. Behavioural finance has also gained much attention in recent years due to the EMH’s inability to explain many economic anomalies. This study first considers the differences between behavioural finance theory and EMH theory before explaining how an individual’s mood has the ability to influence one’s risk taking preferences. Mood changes were also found to be linked to changes in the way an individual reacts to different situations, the way they thinks and processes thoughts. Negative events were also found to have a greater influence on an individual’s mood than positive events did, resulting in an asymmetric relationship between positive and negative results. This study then examines numerous studies indicating how non-economic events can have a statistical and significant influence on stock market returns before analysing previous literature where sport was found to influence market prices. The aim of this study is to determine if South African national sporting performance can influence investors in such a way that it has the ability to impact on market returns. Using standard event study methodology, this study determines the constant mean return using the daily All-Share price index on the JSE for the period of 1 January 1990 to 31 December 2010. This study focuses on three of South Africa’s most popular sports, namely soccer, cricket and rugby and examine if these three sports have the ability to influence market returns. Although there is some evidence of a relationship between stock returns and sporting performance in the descriptive analysis, the regression results indicate that sporting performance in South Africa does not significantly explain abnormal market returns on the JSE. The study provides a number of possible reasons for this finding and concludes by suggesting areas for future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Causes and consequences of early marriage in Lusikisiki: a research paper
- Authors: Jongizulu, Siziwe
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Teenage marriage -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Forced marriage -- South Africa , Children's rights -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9074 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008414 , Teenage marriage -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Forced marriage -- South Africa , Children's rights -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The purpose of the study was to identify causes and consequences of early marriages in Lusikisiki. The population of this study is a convenience sample from Lusikisiki. The researcher thought that this was appropriate because these subjects would be sharing their personal experiences in the form of case studies. The ages of subjects that were interviewed were 40 years & 47 years old (both married early) and those that married late were both 50 years old. The idea that guided the study was an exploratory one aimed at understanding the phenomenon of early marriage. The aim was to explore the following ideas: Young girls are being given into marriage at their early age by their parents because of the bride price (ilobola)Women that are given into marriage early feel victimized by this process early marriage disrupts the school pattern of young girls Men are the main beneficiaries of early marriage.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Jongizulu, Siziwe
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Teenage marriage -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Forced marriage -- South Africa , Children's rights -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9074 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008414 , Teenage marriage -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Forced marriage -- South Africa , Children's rights -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The purpose of the study was to identify causes and consequences of early marriages in Lusikisiki. The population of this study is a convenience sample from Lusikisiki. The researcher thought that this was appropriate because these subjects would be sharing their personal experiences in the form of case studies. The ages of subjects that were interviewed were 40 years & 47 years old (both married early) and those that married late were both 50 years old. The idea that guided the study was an exploratory one aimed at understanding the phenomenon of early marriage. The aim was to explore the following ideas: Young girls are being given into marriage at their early age by their parents because of the bride price (ilobola)Women that are given into marriage early feel victimized by this process early marriage disrupts the school pattern of young girls Men are the main beneficiaries of early marriage.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Investigating the parallels between disciplinary/bio-power and cyber-corporate empire
- Authors: Taljaard, Darren
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Foucault, Michel, 1926-1984 , Discourse analysis , Disciplinary power
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8436 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021023
- Description: Strong parallels exist between the formation of subjectivity through the disciplinary/bio-power technologies of the 18th/19th centuries – which Michel Foucault identified in his books Discipline and Punish: The Birth of the Prison, and The History of Sexuality Volume 1: The Will to Knowledge – and the 20th/21st century formation of subjectivity effected through Apple. Inc and Google. Inc operating systems and products. These systems and products similarly serve to canalize and ‗discipline‘ the pursuit and exchange of information, in a way that is constitutive of a new cyber-variant of disciplinary/bio-power subjectivity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Taljaard, Darren
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Foucault, Michel, 1926-1984 , Discourse analysis , Disciplinary power
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8436 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021023
- Description: Strong parallels exist between the formation of subjectivity through the disciplinary/bio-power technologies of the 18th/19th centuries – which Michel Foucault identified in his books Discipline and Punish: The Birth of the Prison, and The History of Sexuality Volume 1: The Will to Knowledge – and the 20th/21st century formation of subjectivity effected through Apple. Inc and Google. Inc operating systems and products. These systems and products similarly serve to canalize and ‗discipline‘ the pursuit and exchange of information, in a way that is constitutive of a new cyber-variant of disciplinary/bio-power subjectivity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Monetary policy transmission in South Africa: a comparative analysis of credit and exchange rate channels
- Authors: Sebitso, Nathaniel Maemu
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Monetary policy -- South Africa , Foreign exchange market -- South Africa , Financial crises -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic conditions , South Africa -- Economic policy , Banks and banking -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1129 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020851
- Description: This thesis focuses on monetary policy transmission and particularly seeks to examine the impact of credit and exchange rate channels of monetary policy transmission in the South African economy. South Africa's monetary policy has gone through several changes over the past thirty years. In this respect, there is a need for robust empirical evidence on the effects of these channels on inflation and output. The thesis employs a structural vector autoregressive (SVAR) model to identify monetary transmission in South Africa for the period 1994:q4 - 2008:q2. The form of the SVAR used in this thesis is based on the fact that South Africa is a small open economy, which means that external shocks are an important driver of domestic activity. The impulse responses and variance decomposition results show that the repo rate, credit and exchange rate play a role in terms of their impact on inflation and output. The dynamic responses to the identified monetary policy shock are consistent with standard theory and highlight the importance of the interest rate channel. A shock to the interest rate, increasing it by one standard deviation, results in a persistent fall in credit. The response of output is immediate as it falls and bottoms out within the second year. Inflation shows a lagged response, it is positive within the first year as the exchange rate depreciates but in subsequent quarters inflation responds negatively as expected. Inflation falls and reaches a minimum by approximately eight quarters then moves towards baseline. The exchange rate shows delayed appreciation. The shock to the repo interest rate leads to an immediate depreciation of the exchange rate in the first two quarters as output declines, followed by an appreciation in the third and sixth quarter. Due to larger error bounds the impact of the repo rate on the exchange rate could be less effective within the first two years. The impulse responses suggest that monetary policy plays an effective role in stabilising the economy in response to a credit shock, notwithstanding large standard error bounds. Hence, the monetary authority reacts by increasing the repo rate as a result of inflation. The impact of credit on output is positive but is offset to some extent by the rising repo rate. In response to the rand appreciation, the monetary authority reduces the repo rate significantly during the first year with the maximum impact in the second year and then returns to baseline thereafter. Therefore the monetary authority reduces the repo rate, probably to stabilise falling inflation. The result shows that inflation falls as a result of the rand appreciation. A shock to the exchange rate causes a rise in output, though small in magnitude, which is persistent but reaches baseline at the end of the period. This result could reflect the effects of the resultant fall in the repo rate and a persistent rise in credit over the whole period, which tends to increase output. The exchange rate shows an obvious and stronger immediate impact on inflation compared to credit impact on inflation. However, the credit shock has an obvious and stronger impact on output compared to an exchange rate impact on output. However, the large standard error bounds may imply that credit and exchange rate channels are not as effective in the short run. It is important to note that the results are based on the SVAR model estimated with percentage growth rate of the variables. The variance decomposition result is in line with the impulse responses and shows that the exchange rate and credit channels could be important transmission channels in South Africa over the chosen sample period. The exchange rate and credit shocks show a stronger effect on inflation than on output, looking at both the impulse responses and variance decomposition results. The reaction of the repo interest rate to the credit and exchange rate shocks comes out as expected. The repo rate increases as a result of an increase in the credit and falls as a result of the currency appreciation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Sebitso, Nathaniel Maemu
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Monetary policy -- South Africa , Foreign exchange market -- South Africa , Financial crises -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic conditions , South Africa -- Economic policy , Banks and banking -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1129 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020851
- Description: This thesis focuses on monetary policy transmission and particularly seeks to examine the impact of credit and exchange rate channels of monetary policy transmission in the South African economy. South Africa's monetary policy has gone through several changes over the past thirty years. In this respect, there is a need for robust empirical evidence on the effects of these channels on inflation and output. The thesis employs a structural vector autoregressive (SVAR) model to identify monetary transmission in South Africa for the period 1994:q4 - 2008:q2. The form of the SVAR used in this thesis is based on the fact that South Africa is a small open economy, which means that external shocks are an important driver of domestic activity. The impulse responses and variance decomposition results show that the repo rate, credit and exchange rate play a role in terms of their impact on inflation and output. The dynamic responses to the identified monetary policy shock are consistent with standard theory and highlight the importance of the interest rate channel. A shock to the interest rate, increasing it by one standard deviation, results in a persistent fall in credit. The response of output is immediate as it falls and bottoms out within the second year. Inflation shows a lagged response, it is positive within the first year as the exchange rate depreciates but in subsequent quarters inflation responds negatively as expected. Inflation falls and reaches a minimum by approximately eight quarters then moves towards baseline. The exchange rate shows delayed appreciation. The shock to the repo interest rate leads to an immediate depreciation of the exchange rate in the first two quarters as output declines, followed by an appreciation in the third and sixth quarter. Due to larger error bounds the impact of the repo rate on the exchange rate could be less effective within the first two years. The impulse responses suggest that monetary policy plays an effective role in stabilising the economy in response to a credit shock, notwithstanding large standard error bounds. Hence, the monetary authority reacts by increasing the repo rate as a result of inflation. The impact of credit on output is positive but is offset to some extent by the rising repo rate. In response to the rand appreciation, the monetary authority reduces the repo rate significantly during the first year with the maximum impact in the second year and then returns to baseline thereafter. Therefore the monetary authority reduces the repo rate, probably to stabilise falling inflation. The result shows that inflation falls as a result of the rand appreciation. A shock to the exchange rate causes a rise in output, though small in magnitude, which is persistent but reaches baseline at the end of the period. This result could reflect the effects of the resultant fall in the repo rate and a persistent rise in credit over the whole period, which tends to increase output. The exchange rate shows an obvious and stronger immediate impact on inflation compared to credit impact on inflation. However, the credit shock has an obvious and stronger impact on output compared to an exchange rate impact on output. However, the large standard error bounds may imply that credit and exchange rate channels are not as effective in the short run. It is important to note that the results are based on the SVAR model estimated with percentage growth rate of the variables. The variance decomposition result is in line with the impulse responses and shows that the exchange rate and credit channels could be important transmission channels in South Africa over the chosen sample period. The exchange rate and credit shocks show a stronger effect on inflation than on output, looking at both the impulse responses and variance decomposition results. The reaction of the repo interest rate to the credit and exchange rate shocks comes out as expected. The repo rate increases as a result of an increase in the credit and falls as a result of the currency appreciation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Humour's critical capacity in the context of South African dance, with two related analyses
- Authors: Elliott, Nicola
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Dance -- South Africa Choreography -- South Africa Dance criticism -- South Africa Theater -- South Africa South African wit and humor
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2137 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002369
- Description: This thesis spans two fields - South African dance and the philosophy of humour - and attempts to link them through an understanding of their formal mechanisms. I attempt to establish two main ideas: that there is a need for a critical praxis in South African dance, and that humour in dance can be part of this process. In Chapter One, I discuss elements of the South African dance and theatre industries pre- and post-1994 towards arguing my first point (that South African dance would benefit from a critical praxis). I probe some of the challenges facing artists and describe howchoreographers are dealing thematically and stylistically (but not formally) with the concept of the 'New' South Africa. Through an investigation of concerns voiced by critics regarding choreographic form in the country, I argue that South African dance would benefit from critical formal investigations in dance-making. Finally, I discuss traditional views of humour in South African dance/theatre and in philosophy, which suggest that humour is predominantly seen as frivolous and unworthy of serious attenfion. In Chapter Two, I offer a defence for humour's more profound critical aspects, suggesting that humour can in fact be seen as critical 'thinking in action'. A discussion of theories about humour reveals that the basis for humour is the incongruous. A subsequent discussion of form in theatre and dance shows how the incongruous might work within dance form to create meta-dance. In this way, I attempt to link the two fields of humour and South African dance and to make the connection between the critical capaci~ies of meta-dance and those of humour. I suggest, in other words, that humour in dance can create a critical awareness, of the likes advocated in Chapter One. In Chapter Three, I discuss aspects of two works: my own This part should be uncomfortable (2008) and Nelisiwe Xaba's Plasticization (2004). The two analyses differ from each other as does the humour in both works. Despite the differences, I argue that humour in both works is operating on a critical level that includes a meta-level of signification.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Elliott, Nicola
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Dance -- South Africa Choreography -- South Africa Dance criticism -- South Africa Theater -- South Africa South African wit and humor
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2137 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002369
- Description: This thesis spans two fields - South African dance and the philosophy of humour - and attempts to link them through an understanding of their formal mechanisms. I attempt to establish two main ideas: that there is a need for a critical praxis in South African dance, and that humour in dance can be part of this process. In Chapter One, I discuss elements of the South African dance and theatre industries pre- and post-1994 towards arguing my first point (that South African dance would benefit from a critical praxis). I probe some of the challenges facing artists and describe howchoreographers are dealing thematically and stylistically (but not formally) with the concept of the 'New' South Africa. Through an investigation of concerns voiced by critics regarding choreographic form in the country, I argue that South African dance would benefit from critical formal investigations in dance-making. Finally, I discuss traditional views of humour in South African dance/theatre and in philosophy, which suggest that humour is predominantly seen as frivolous and unworthy of serious attenfion. In Chapter Two, I offer a defence for humour's more profound critical aspects, suggesting that humour can in fact be seen as critical 'thinking in action'. A discussion of theories about humour reveals that the basis for humour is the incongruous. A subsequent discussion of form in theatre and dance shows how the incongruous might work within dance form to create meta-dance. In this way, I attempt to link the two fields of humour and South African dance and to make the connection between the critical capaci~ies of meta-dance and those of humour. I suggest, in other words, that humour in dance can create a critical awareness, of the likes advocated in Chapter One. In Chapter Three, I discuss aspects of two works: my own This part should be uncomfortable (2008) and Nelisiwe Xaba's Plasticization (2004). The two analyses differ from each other as does the humour in both works. Despite the differences, I argue that humour in both works is operating on a critical level that includes a meta-level of signification.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Filling the gap : Nietzsche's account of authenticity as a supplementary ideal
- Authors: Baker, Michaela Christie
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Nietzsche, Friedrich Wilhelm, 1844-1900 -- Ethics , Authenticity (Philosophy) , Ethics, Modern , Normativity (Ethics) , Self-knowledge, Theory of
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2727 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003734 , Nietzsche, Friedrich Wilhelm, 1844-1900 -- Ethics , Authenticity (Philosophy) , Ethics, Modern , Normativity (Ethics) , Self-knowledge, Theory of
- Description: This thesis examines the ideal of authenticity: why we might want or need such an ideal, what such an ideal would look like, and what mechanisms we would need to ensure the successful operation of such an ideal. The thesis has three main parts. The first part of the thesis aims at motivating the need to look to authenticity as a supplementary ideal to normative moral theory. I do this by drawing a distinction between ethics and morality and arguing that there are important aspects of our lives (such as our relations to ourselves) our beliefs and projects) about which normative moral theory fails to give us guidance and about which an ethical ideal, namely that of authenticity, can provide us with the requisite guidance. The second part of the thesis elucidates Nietzsche's view of authenticity as eternal return. I argue that eternal return consists in holding a particular attitude to one's life - one's past, present and future. I then demonstrate that what is fundamental to successfully living authentically in accordance with eternal return is a rigorous search for self-knowledge. In the third part of the thesis I argue that, in order to achieve the self-knowledge necessary to being a successful authentic agent, one must acquire it through a process of dialogue with other agents. I give a model of self-knowledge as a dialogic encounter that provides two important mechanisms whereby such self-knowledge can be gained.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Baker, Michaela Christie
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Nietzsche, Friedrich Wilhelm, 1844-1900 -- Ethics , Authenticity (Philosophy) , Ethics, Modern , Normativity (Ethics) , Self-knowledge, Theory of
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2727 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003734 , Nietzsche, Friedrich Wilhelm, 1844-1900 -- Ethics , Authenticity (Philosophy) , Ethics, Modern , Normativity (Ethics) , Self-knowledge, Theory of
- Description: This thesis examines the ideal of authenticity: why we might want or need such an ideal, what such an ideal would look like, and what mechanisms we would need to ensure the successful operation of such an ideal. The thesis has three main parts. The first part of the thesis aims at motivating the need to look to authenticity as a supplementary ideal to normative moral theory. I do this by drawing a distinction between ethics and morality and arguing that there are important aspects of our lives (such as our relations to ourselves) our beliefs and projects) about which normative moral theory fails to give us guidance and about which an ethical ideal, namely that of authenticity, can provide us with the requisite guidance. The second part of the thesis elucidates Nietzsche's view of authenticity as eternal return. I argue that eternal return consists in holding a particular attitude to one's life - one's past, present and future. I then demonstrate that what is fundamental to successfully living authentically in accordance with eternal return is a rigorous search for self-knowledge. In the third part of the thesis I argue that, in order to achieve the self-knowledge necessary to being a successful authentic agent, one must acquire it through a process of dialogue with other agents. I give a model of self-knowledge as a dialogic encounter that provides two important mechanisms whereby such self-knowledge can be gained.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
Confirmation of a slow symplasmic loading and unloading pathway in barley (Hordeum Vulgare L.) source and sink leaves
- Authors: Buwa, Lisa Valencia
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Phloem , Plant translocation , Barley -- Metabolism
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4253 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007804
- Description: Visualization of the transport pathway in barley (Hordeum vulgare) leaves was carried out using a combination of aniline blue and a symplasmically transported fluorochrome, 5,6 carboxyfluorescein (5,6-CF). When applied to a source leaf, basipetal movement of 5,6-CF was observed after 3 h and the fluorochrome front was observed about 3-4cm away from the point of application. The fluorochrome was taken up into the symplasm of the mesophyll and was loaded into the bundle sheath cells and then subsequently the vascular parenchyma and finally into the sieve tubes. In sink leaves, acropetal movement was observed after 3 h and the fluorochrome had moved approximately 3 cm away from the point of application. Unloading of 5,6-CF occurred from all classes of longitudinal veins. Studies on solute retrieval showed that 5,6 CF-diacetate was transferred to xylem parenchyma where it was metabolized. 5,6-CF was then transferred from the xylem parenchyma to the vascular parenchyma cells, and it would appear that thick-walled sieve tubes were the first to show 5,6-CF labeling. Counterstaining with aniline blue demonstrates the presence of plasmodesmata and this suggests a potential symplasmic pathway from the mesophyll to the sieve tubes. Application of 5,6 CF-diacetate revealed a slow symplasmic pathway, which involved transfer of 5,6-CF, which was effected via plasmodesma.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
- Authors: Buwa, Lisa Valencia
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Phloem , Plant translocation , Barley -- Metabolism
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4253 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007804
- Description: Visualization of the transport pathway in barley (Hordeum vulgare) leaves was carried out using a combination of aniline blue and a symplasmically transported fluorochrome, 5,6 carboxyfluorescein (5,6-CF). When applied to a source leaf, basipetal movement of 5,6-CF was observed after 3 h and the fluorochrome front was observed about 3-4cm away from the point of application. The fluorochrome was taken up into the symplasm of the mesophyll and was loaded into the bundle sheath cells and then subsequently the vascular parenchyma and finally into the sieve tubes. In sink leaves, acropetal movement was observed after 3 h and the fluorochrome had moved approximately 3 cm away from the point of application. Unloading of 5,6-CF occurred from all classes of longitudinal veins. Studies on solute retrieval showed that 5,6 CF-diacetate was transferred to xylem parenchyma where it was metabolized. 5,6-CF was then transferred from the xylem parenchyma to the vascular parenchyma cells, and it would appear that thick-walled sieve tubes were the first to show 5,6-CF labeling. Counterstaining with aniline blue demonstrates the presence of plasmodesmata and this suggests a potential symplasmic pathway from the mesophyll to the sieve tubes. Application of 5,6 CF-diacetate revealed a slow symplasmic pathway, which involved transfer of 5,6-CF, which was effected via plasmodesma.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
Imaging the metaphysical in contemporary art practice : a comparative study of intertextuality, poststructuralism and metaphysical symbolism
- Authors: Opperman, J. A.
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Mind and body , Metaphysics in art
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Fine Art, Painting)
- Identifier: vital:10762 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/101 , Mind and body , Metaphysics in art
- Description: It was then that I decided to investigate how contemporary forms of metaphysical imaging have evolved formally and stylistically. I began to question how such approaches might be informed by current philosophical thought, given that many contemporary theorists have adopted a sceptical view towards metaphysical discourse. This point of contention presented me with the initial challenge of finding an artist whose exploration of metaphysical content is supported by topical philosophical thought. I intended this inquiry to serve as a basis from which to develop my own approach to imaging metaphysical content and to situate it within the context of contemporary thought.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2002
- Authors: Opperman, J. A.
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Mind and body , Metaphysics in art
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Fine Art, Painting)
- Identifier: vital:10762 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/101 , Mind and body , Metaphysics in art
- Description: It was then that I decided to investigate how contemporary forms of metaphysical imaging have evolved formally and stylistically. I began to question how such approaches might be informed by current philosophical thought, given that many contemporary theorists have adopted a sceptical view towards metaphysical discourse. This point of contention presented me with the initial challenge of finding an artist whose exploration of metaphysical content is supported by topical philosophical thought. I intended this inquiry to serve as a basis from which to develop my own approach to imaging metaphysical content and to situate it within the context of contemporary thought.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2002
A critical analysis of the importance of oracy in the classroom, with particular reference to secondary schools in the Cape Education Department
- Authors: Malherbe, Neil
- Date: 1995
- Subjects: Communication in education Verbal behavior Oral communication Discussion -- Study and teaching Classroom management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1474 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003355
- Description: In the past thirty years, oracy has received prominence as a means to enhance teaching styles and assist with learning. Much of what has been written in this field has been by those interested in a 'language across the curriculum' approach, such as Barnes (1969) who developed the terms 'exploratory talk' and 'final draft talk'. The linguist, M.A.K. Halliday {1989} and others have suggested that the teacher's approach should be to encourage what he terms 'heuristic talk' i.e. relatively unstructured exploratory language used by the pupils in talking towards an understanding of a concept. It is more evident in certain school subjects that pupils may have difficulty in understanding abstract or complex concepts. In this regard, English, mathematics and physical science were selected for the purpose of this study, as each has its own metalanguage, specific to that subject. It is presumed that some pupils may find difficulty in these subjects because of the subject-specific language inherent in each. This work explores whether a programme of increased oracy alleviates some of these problems and it makes recommendations for the implementation of such a programme. The period involved for the purpose of this study was five weeks, during which teachers of three selected classes presented lessons in such a way that oral work was stressed. At the completion of this programme, a test was written for comparison with past experiences. Pupils answered a comprehensive questionnaire and staff involved were interviewed; the results of this feedback, in conjunction with what has been written by others in this field, forms the basis for this work. The primary recommendation emerging from this and other studies is that a shift away from a teacher-/ and textbook-dominated approach is necessary. Pupils need to contextualise knowledge in their own terms. One important way of accomplishing this is by affording them theopportunity to interact orally with each other and with the teacher.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1995
- Authors: Malherbe, Neil
- Date: 1995
- Subjects: Communication in education Verbal behavior Oral communication Discussion -- Study and teaching Classroom management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1474 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003355
- Description: In the past thirty years, oracy has received prominence as a means to enhance teaching styles and assist with learning. Much of what has been written in this field has been by those interested in a 'language across the curriculum' approach, such as Barnes (1969) who developed the terms 'exploratory talk' and 'final draft talk'. The linguist, M.A.K. Halliday {1989} and others have suggested that the teacher's approach should be to encourage what he terms 'heuristic talk' i.e. relatively unstructured exploratory language used by the pupils in talking towards an understanding of a concept. It is more evident in certain school subjects that pupils may have difficulty in understanding abstract or complex concepts. In this regard, English, mathematics and physical science were selected for the purpose of this study, as each has its own metalanguage, specific to that subject. It is presumed that some pupils may find difficulty in these subjects because of the subject-specific language inherent in each. This work explores whether a programme of increased oracy alleviates some of these problems and it makes recommendations for the implementation of such a programme. The period involved for the purpose of this study was five weeks, during which teachers of three selected classes presented lessons in such a way that oral work was stressed. At the completion of this programme, a test was written for comparison with past experiences. Pupils answered a comprehensive questionnaire and staff involved were interviewed; the results of this feedback, in conjunction with what has been written by others in this field, forms the basis for this work. The primary recommendation emerging from this and other studies is that a shift away from a teacher-/ and textbook-dominated approach is necessary. Pupils need to contextualise knowledge in their own terms. One important way of accomplishing this is by affording them theopportunity to interact orally with each other and with the teacher.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1995
The career maturity of the gifted and talented pupil
- Authors: Rainier, Markseller Garrett
- Date: 1984
- Subjects: Gifted children--Psychology Counseling in vocational education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1371 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001437
- Description: In 1980 the cape Education Department launched a Gifted and Talented programme in some schools which was intended to enrich the educational experience of the more able pupils. Numerous studies have shown these pupils to have a higher level of career maturity than non-gifted pupils, but the studies have also shown that these pupils face unique career- development problems. Gifted and Talented pupils constitute an important source of manpower and their potential contribution to the total society is great. Consequently they are in need of effective career guidance to help them overcome their unique problems and realize their potential. This study set out to discover if the career maturity of a group of Standard 9 Gifted and Talented pupils, identified according to the original Cape Education Department criteria, is indeed higher than that of their peers and to make recommendations for facilitating career education among these pupils. Contrary to expectations the Gifted and Talented pupils did not show significantly higher levels of career maturity than their peers, as measured on the Attitude Scale of Crites ' Career Maturity Inventory. Compared with the American norms , the scores obtained by the research population were unfavourable. The validity of the I .Q. scores used and the criteria for identification of Gifted and Talented pupils are seen as questionable which could have led to an inaccurate grouping of the pupils as Gifted and Talented or non- gifted. Recommendations are made for a basic career education programme for all pupils which would include periods of active work experience. Recommendations for additional career education for those currently classified as Gifted and Talented pupils are also made, so as to allow these pupils additional time for self- development, decisionmaking and dealing with their unique life situation
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1984
- Authors: Rainier, Markseller Garrett
- Date: 1984
- Subjects: Gifted children--Psychology Counseling in vocational education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1371 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001437
- Description: In 1980 the cape Education Department launched a Gifted and Talented programme in some schools which was intended to enrich the educational experience of the more able pupils. Numerous studies have shown these pupils to have a higher level of career maturity than non-gifted pupils, but the studies have also shown that these pupils face unique career- development problems. Gifted and Talented pupils constitute an important source of manpower and their potential contribution to the total society is great. Consequently they are in need of effective career guidance to help them overcome their unique problems and realize their potential. This study set out to discover if the career maturity of a group of Standard 9 Gifted and Talented pupils, identified according to the original Cape Education Department criteria, is indeed higher than that of their peers and to make recommendations for facilitating career education among these pupils. Contrary to expectations the Gifted and Talented pupils did not show significantly higher levels of career maturity than their peers, as measured on the Attitude Scale of Crites ' Career Maturity Inventory. Compared with the American norms , the scores obtained by the research population were unfavourable. The validity of the I .Q. scores used and the criteria for identification of Gifted and Talented pupils are seen as questionable which could have led to an inaccurate grouping of the pupils as Gifted and Talented or non- gifted. Recommendations are made for a basic career education programme for all pupils which would include periods of active work experience. Recommendations for additional career education for those currently classified as Gifted and Talented pupils are also made, so as to allow these pupils additional time for self- development, decisionmaking and dealing with their unique life situation
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1984
The contribution of F. D. Maurice to the nineteenth century discussion of the atonement in Britain
- Authors: Richardson, Robert Neville
- Date: 1971
- Subjects: Maurice, Frederick Denison, 1805-1872 Atonement -- History of doctrines -- 19th century Atonement -- Great Britain -- 19th century
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1235 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007485
- Description: From Introduction: Frederick Denison Maurice is generally remembered in connection with the rise of Christian Socialism. That his activities in this Movement were the most important aspect of his career is doubtful. ... Maurice's fundamental theological principles were: first, the idea of unity - unity in the Godhead, "Unity in Trinity", and unity among men in the human family; secondly, the Fatherhood of God - a Fatherhood which had at its heart the principle of sacrificial love. The events of Maurice's life proved to be fertile ground for the growth of these convictions. It was these convictions which shaped his whole understanding of the Atonement. Davies (3) points out that, in his teaching on the Atonement, Maurice turned away from the Western and Augustinian insistence that the basis of man's relationship to God was the Fall, and held, with the theolo Gians of the Eastern Church, that Christ's redemption of man is best understood as a restoration of man's relationship to God in Creation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1971
- Authors: Richardson, Robert Neville
- Date: 1971
- Subjects: Maurice, Frederick Denison, 1805-1872 Atonement -- History of doctrines -- 19th century Atonement -- Great Britain -- 19th century
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1235 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007485
- Description: From Introduction: Frederick Denison Maurice is generally remembered in connection with the rise of Christian Socialism. That his activities in this Movement were the most important aspect of his career is doubtful. ... Maurice's fundamental theological principles were: first, the idea of unity - unity in the Godhead, "Unity in Trinity", and unity among men in the human family; secondly, the Fatherhood of God - a Fatherhood which had at its heart the principle of sacrificial love. The events of Maurice's life proved to be fertile ground for the growth of these convictions. It was these convictions which shaped his whole understanding of the Atonement. Davies (3) points out that, in his teaching on the Atonement, Maurice turned away from the Western and Augustinian insistence that the basis of man's relationship to God was the Fall, and held, with the theolo Gians of the Eastern Church, that Christ's redemption of man is best understood as a restoration of man's relationship to God in Creation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1971