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Molecular Detection of Antibiotic-Resistant Genes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa from Nonclinical Environment: Public Health Implications in Mthatha, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

  • Authors: Mojisola Clara Hosu , Sandeep Vasaikar , Grace Emily Okuthe , Teke Apalata
  • Date: 5 January 2021
  • Subjects: Microbiology
  • Language: English
  • Type: Journal Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2417 , vital:41877
  • Description: Evaluation of resistant profiles and detection of antimicrobial-resistant genes of bacterial pathogens in the nonclinical milieu is imperative to assess the probable risk of dissemination of resistant genes in the environment. .is paper sought to identify antibiotic-resistant genes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa from nonclinical sources in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, and evaluate its public health implications. Samples collected from abattoir wastewater and aquatic environment were processed by membrane filtration and cultured on CHROMagarTM Pseudomonas medium. Species identification was performed by autoSCAN-4 (Dade Behring Inc., IL). Molecular characterization of the isolates was confirmed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (rPCR) and selected isolates were further screened for the possibility of harboring antimicrobial resistance genes. Fifty-one Pseudomonas species were recovered from abattoir wastewater and surface water samples, out of which thirty-six strains were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (70.6%). .e P. aeruginosa isolates demonstrated resistance to aztreonam (86.1%), ceftazidime (63.9%), piperacillin (58.3%), cefepime (55.6%), imipenem (50%), piperacillin/tazobactam (47.2%), meropenem (41.7%), and levofloxacin (30.6%). Twenty out of thirty-six P. aeruginosa displayed multidrug resistance profiles and were classified as multidrug-resistant (MDR) (55.6%). Most of the bacterial isolates exhibited a high Multiple Antibiotic Resistance (MAR) Index ranging from 0.08 to 0.69 with a mean MAR index of 0.38. In the rPCR analysis of fifteen P. aeruginosa isolates, 14 isolates (93.3%) were detected harboring blaSHV, six isolates (40%) harbored blaTEM, and three isolates (20%) harbored blaCTX-M, being the least occurring ESBL. Results of the current study revealed that P. aeruginosa isolates recovered from nonclinical milieu are resistant to frontline clinically relevant antipseudomonal drugs. .is is concerning as it poses a risk to the environment and constitutes a public health threat. Given the public health relevance, the paper recommends monitoring of multidrug-resistant pathogens in effluent environments.
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Conference eQoboqobo

  • Authors: Lubabalo, Ntshoko and Dr Mitchell Cox , Student Researcher
  • Date: 27-02-2014
  • Subjects: Oral history Africa , Healers South Africa Interviews
  • Language: Xhosa , English
  • Type: Oral histories , Sound recordings , Interviews , audio recording
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/458416 , vital:75741 , KHA-008
  • Description: uLubabalo Ntshoko nongumphandi uthetha ngokubaluleka komhlaba kunye nemdlela ekutyetywe ngayo eQoboqobo. UDr Michell Cox waseRhodes obhale incwadi ethi Voices for the Forest incwadi le ibhalwe ngemithi yonke esiyibilisayo nokubaluleka kwendalo empilweni yethu , Lubabalo Ntshoko and Dr Mitchell Cox speaks about the importance of nature and natural resources in Qoboqobo at a conference and she references her book titled Voices Of the Forest
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  • Date Issued: 27-02-2014

VIVA Comrade Moss

  • Authors: NUMSA
  • Date: 25 April
  • Subjects: NUMSA
  • Language: English
  • Type: text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/109640 , vital:33163 , SALHA 14b : NUMSA
  • Description: The last 'Trial Update" reported on Comrade Moss’s case until mid-March. This report covers the period from that time up until 25th April.STADLER - "ANC EXPERT" Brigadier Stadler testified that the ANC had made certain calls to organisations within the country which, according to his "research", had been followed by organisations in the country. As examples he gave the ANC’s call for ungovernability, the formation of organs of people’s power and the destruction of town councils. During cross-examination Stadler conceded that he was not able to give examples of any direct link between the ANC and organisations inside the coutry but he said an inference could be drawn by looking at the ANC’s call and the behaviour of organisations inside the country.
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  • Date Issued: 25 April

Morphology, histology and histochemistry of the digestive tract of the Banded tilapia, Tilapia sparrmanii (Perciformes: Cichlidae)

  • Authors: Grace E. Okuthe , Bongile Bhomela
  • Date: December 23, 2020
  • Subjects: Fish, gastrointestinal tract, histo-architecture
  • Language: English
  • Type: Journal Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2425 , vital:41881
  • Description: ABSTRACT. This study described anatomical, histological and histochemical features of the mucosal layer of the digestive tract of Tilapia sparrmanii Smith, 1840, an omnivorous freshwater fish endemic to Southern Africa. This species exhibited a short thick oesophagus with long deep longitudinal folds (466.68 ± 16.91 µm), and a thick (173.50 ± 10.92 µm) muscular layer that allow the passage of large food items. The mucosa was lined with stratified secretory epithelium rich in goblet cells that secreted neutral and acid mucins. The stomach was a sac-like structure with simple tubular glands surrounded by connective tissue. The mucosa was lined with simple columnar epithelium and the lamina propria exhibited a well-developed layer of gastric glands that occupied the entire length of the cardio-fundic region. The stomach mucosa consisted of epithelial cells with intense neutral mucin secretion which protects against gastric juice. Neck cells of gastric glands synthesized neutral and acid mucins. The intestine was highly coiled and presented a complex pattern of transversal folds internally (villi). Villi length decreased progressively from the anterior to the posterior intestine (p < 0.0001). Tunica muscularis of the mid-intestine had the thinnest thickness among all parts of the intestine (p < 0.0001). Goblet cells whose numbers increased towards the rectum secreted both acid and neutral mucins. The results indicate structural similarities of T. sparrmanii GIT with other tilapia species and will be useful for understanding the physiology of the digestive systems as well as functional components of the GIT.
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Erythrina caffra - kaffirboom

The prevalence of insufficient iodine intake in pregnancy in Africa: Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

  • Authors: Charles Bitamazire Businge , Benjamin Longo-Mbenza , Andre Pascal Kengne
  • Date: 22-8-2019
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/3387 , vital:43338 , https://systematicreviewsjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13643-019-1092-7#citeas
  • Description: Background: Insufficient iodine intake in pregnancy is associated with many adverse pregnancy outcomes. About 90% of African countries are at risk of iodine deficiency due to poor soils and dietary goitrogens. Pregnancy predisposes to insufficient iodine nutrition secondary to increased physiological demand and increased renal loss. Iodine deficiency is re-emerging in countries thought to be replete with pregnant women being the most affected. This review seeks to identify the degree of iodine nutrition in pregnancy on the entire African continent before and after the implementation of national iodization programmes. Methods: A systematic search of published literature will be conducted for observational studies that directly determined the prevalence of insufficient iodine intake among pregnant women in Africa. Electronic databases and grey literature will be searched for baseline data before the implementation of population-based iodine supplementation and for follow-up data up to December 2018. Screening of identified articles and data extraction will be conducted independently by two investigators. Risk of bias and methodological quality of the included studies will be assessed using a risk of bias tool. Appropriate meta-analytic techniques will be used to pool prevalence estimates from studies with similar features, overall and by major characteristics including the region of the study, time period (before and after implementation of iodization programmes), sample size and age. Heterogeneity of the estimates across studies will be quantified and publication bias investigated. This protocol is reported according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis protocols (PRISMA-P) 2015 guidelines. Discussion This review will help ascertain the impact of national iodization programmes on the iodine nutrition status in pregnancy in Africa and advise policy on the necessity for monitoring and mitigating iodine deficiency in pregnancy in Africa. This review is part of a thesis that will be submitted to the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, for the award of a PhD in Medicine whose protocol has been granted ethics approval (UCT HREC 135/2018). In addition, the results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.
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  • Date Issued: 22-8-2019

Honorary Citation for the Conferment of Doctor of Laws honoris causa - Tandabantu Tennyson August

  • Authors: Rhodes University , Martin, Tom
  • Date: 2024-14-05
  • Subjects: Uncatalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: Speeches , Transcripts, speech , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/432591 , vital:72885
  • Description: Rhodes University Honorary Doctorate Citation (5 April 2024) Tandabantu Tennyson August: 1980s. South Africa. In the Bantustans of the time, like the Transkei, the youth have little reason for hope. They have much reason for despair. Their choices seem limited to the politics of struggle or to crime, an attempt to gain some kind of advantage from the meagre and unacceptable options on offer. In those bleak times, what was needed was visionaries. People who could see beyond the current circumstances to a different future and imagine how best to prepare for it. Not as idealists, but as pragmatists. What would happen once circumstances change, once the struggle had succeeded? Would we be ready for it? What qualities would the youth need to have in order to both benefit from and participate in a new dispensation? One such visionary was Tandabantu Tennyson August, and it is my distinct pleasure to have the opportunity to tell you more about him. Born in 1948, Mr. August matriculated from Healdtown High School, before pursuing higher education at the University of Transkei, where obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in English and Geography. This was followed by Comparative Curriculum Studies at the University of South Africa, alongside obtaining teaching certificates from Lovedale and Cicira teacher training colleges, with majors in Physical Science, Mathematics, Science, and Mathematics. This solid educational foundation laid the groundwork for his impactful career in education. He taught at Wongalethu High, St Johns College and was deputy principal at Norwood, before taking up his first principalship, at Thanga High School in 1980. From 1984 to 1990 he was principal of Ndamase High School. During his tenure there, the matric pass rate never fell below 90%. From 1991 to 1995 he was principal Isivivane High School during which time the school was promoted from a primary to a high school. Following his distinguished service at schools, he worked at the Eastern Cape Department of Basic Education, first as a deputy chief education specialist (1996 – 2006) and then as chief education specialist (2006-2010). During that time, he played a pivotal role in establishing (in conjunction with Rhodes University) and being the provincial coordinator the Advanced Certificate in Education in English, followed by ACEs in mathematical literacy and life orientation. In 2016 he received a provincial teaching award for excellence. In 2017 he was awarded the Kade Asmal award for excellence in teaching. To this day, he remains an Executive member of the eastern cape Education advisory council. Quite a career. But there’s something I haven’t mentioned. He was also an accomplished rugby player of international standing. While at Lovedale College, he was selected to represent Border and then the South African African Rugby Board, playing England in Gqeberha in 1972, in a team that would later be known as the black springboks. He eventually received his green and gold springbok blazer as just recognition of his achievement. He incorporated his love of sport into his vision for the youth under his care, as part of his overriding mission of educating the whole person. He got everyone involved in sport, if not as a player, then as a supporter. Especially during his time as principal of Ndamase High School, I am led to believe, it was extremely intimidating for opposing teams to play them. Not only at Ndamase home games, but especially at their away games. There would be one bus for the team players, and six buses for the supporters. From 1986 – 1990: he was president of the Transkei schools` sports union (TSSU). But there’s yet another thing I haven’t mentioned. In 1981, just as his career as an educational leader was really taking off, he was involved in a terrible motor vehicle accident. It left him permanently disabled and, for much of his life, a wheelchair user. Rather than stopping him, it simply added another string to his bow, now as an advocate for the disabled. From 2012 – 2022: Chairperson Eastern Cape South African National Association For Special Education (SANASE): this organization cater for the education and wellbeing of learners with disabilities and special needs. In 2023, he was the national deputy president of the same organisation. From 2013 – to date: he is a Board Member on the National Council of & for persons with disabilities (NCPD). I had the pleasure of an extensive conversation with one of Mr August’s former pupils at Ndamase High, Professor Deyi Mbelani, the current director of Rhodes University’s Institute for the Study of Englishes in Africa. He told me many stories about Mr August’s leadership, that I only wish I had time to share with you now. I put it to Professor Mbelani that, having read about Mr August, the word that stood out for me was “dedication.” He agreed that “dedication” was the word, but that I must not leave out another: “vision”. It is Mr August’s status as a visionary that best defines him, he said. Going back over the above, I think he is right. Mr Chancellor I have the honour to request you to confer the degree of Doctor of Laws honoris causa on the Mr Tandabantu Tennyson August. *The above citation draws heavily on documents submitted as part of the honorary doctorate nomination process and others compiled by the Division of Communications and Advancement. - Tom Martin.
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  • Date Issued: 2024-14-05

An evaluation study of the climate change adaptation plans for a provincial conservation authority in South Africa

  • Authors: Van den Berg-McGregor, Eleanor Charmell
  • Date: 2024-10-11
  • Subjects: Uncatalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/461930 , vital:76252
  • Description: While there are natural changes in climate over time, the climate change phenomenon of global warming that the Earth is currently experiencing is human-induced. The impact of human-induced climate change has led to unprecedented global warming and has become evident as there have been increases in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as inter alia, heatwaves, droughts and floods. This climate change trajectory poses a risk to the Earth’s ability to continue providing sustainable ecosystem services necessary to sustain life on Earth. Therefore, considering the risks and impacts of climate change, there is a need to strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change, and hence, there is a need for climate change adaptation (CCA). Some benefits of CCA include the reduction of risks to nature and people, biodiversity conservation, food security, livelihoods and human well-being. Through a CCA lens within the biodiversity and conservation sector, underpinned by Resilience Theory, this research study sets out to identify and evaluate the CCA plans of a provincial conservation authority. By reviewing the current literature for CCA, the insights gained allowed for the emergence of key characteristics for good CCA in the biodiversity and conservation sector, and the evaluation of CapeNature’s (a provincial conservation authority situated in the Westen Cape of South Africa) CCA plans against these key characteristics that emerged for CCA and resilience planning in protected areas and ecosystems. Qualitative data was gathered via focus groups and individual semi-structured interviews with seven key knowledge holders of CapeNature’s CCA planning processes, plans and management approaches, and through document analysis of the entity’s CCA plans, whereafter it was evaluated against the key characteristics. Challenges towards CCA and opportunities that can be explored for CCA were identified as well. This research study has revealed that CapeNature does not have a single all-encompassing CCA plan but has various CCA approaches that consider the key characteristics necessary for good CCA. However, the entity faces various challenges regarding its intention to implement these approaches over the long term. Challenges ranged from a fragmented approach to CCA to compromised capacity and capability to implement their CCA plans over time. A recurring challenge was the lack of financial resources, and this, combined with the entity’s current inability to secure sustainable financing, was emphasised as the key factor to be addressed towards facilitating the success of the entity’s CCA plans. It also emerged that CCA approaches are interdependent and linked as in various instances, when one key CCA characteristic was compromised, it had a detrimental effect on other CCA approaches. The study concludes by making recommendations to enhance CapeNature’s CCA and resilience planning, noting that these may be of relevance to other conservation agencies as well. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2024
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  • Date Issued: 2024-10-11

An investigation into the causes and effect of rising public debt in South Africa, 2009-2019

  • Authors: Mzumala, Mirriam
  • Date: 2024-10-11
  • Subjects: Uncatalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/461918 , vital:76251
  • Description: This study delves into the intricate factors contributing to the rising public debt in South Africa between 2009 and 2019, while also scrutinising the efficacy of public debt expenditure during this period. By examining data sourced from the SA National Treasury of South Africa and the South African Reserve Bank (SARB), the research endeavours to elucidate the underlying causes behind the burgeoning public debt and assess the impact of expenditure patterns on economic outcomes. The global financial crisis of 2008/2009 marked a pivotal juncture for South Africa's economy, precipitating a series of fiscal challenges that reverberated throughout the subsequent decade. Against this backdrop, this study embarks on a dual mission: firstly, to decipher the drivers underpinning the surge in public debt, and secondly, to gauge the efficacy of public expenditure vis-à-vis economic growth and development objectives. From 2009 to 2019, fiscal analysis shows a clear pattern of growing budget deficits, with government spending surpassing revenue growth. South Africa's fiscal policy has heavily favoured deficit spending, relying on debt to cover revenue shortfalls and maintain expenditure growth. Most government spending goes towards current payments and social transfers, leaving little for capital formation. Despite the National Development Plan's emphasis on investing in productive assets, both public and private sector investments have consistently fallen below targets, hindering significant contributions to economic growth. The rising public debt in South Africa stems from numerous factors, including excessive spending on unproductive areas like government compensation and social transfers, alongside high borrowing costs. This consumption-focused economic approach, coupled with insufficient investment in productive assets, has hindered South Africa's economic progress compared to global counterparts. Given these challenges, it is crucial to shift fiscal priorities towards strategies focused on investment-led growth. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2024
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  • Date Issued: 2024-10-11

An investigation into the impact of geographical location on the phytochemical composition, pharmacological and toxicological activities of Tulbaghia violacea collected from the Eastern Cape and Gauteng Province

  • Authors: Kader, Tasmeera
  • Date: 2024-10-11
  • Subjects: Uncatalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/461819 , vital:76242
  • Description: Introduction: The number of communicable and non-communicable diseases continues to rise and has become more prevalent. While drugs exist to manage and/ or treat majority of the communicable and non-communicable diseases, the rise in disease prevalence puts pressure on researchers to find new drug molecules to treat and manage these ailments. Traditional medicine refers to the knowledge, skills and practices which are based on the beliefs and experiences indigenous to cultures and is used to maintain health. Most of the research into traditional medicine focuses on the medicinal plants used. Medicinal plants are any plants in which one or more of its organs contain substances which are used for therapeutic purposes or for the synthesis of drugs. Tulbaghia violacea is a monocotyledonous genus of herbaceous perennial bulbs which is native to Africa and can be readily found throughout South Africa. It is popular for its antimicrobial, antifungal, anticoagulant, antioxidant and anticancer properties. It has been that ecological factors influence the composition and quantity of phytochemicals present in a plant. Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of geographical location on the phytochemical composition, pharmacological and toxicological activities of T. violacea collected from the Eastern Cape and Gauteng Province. Methods: The leaves of T. violacea were collected from the Eastern Cape and Gauteng Province. The leaves were dried and extracted using serial maceration with solvents hexane, acetone and methanol. The resulting extracts were subjected to qualitative preliminary phytochemical analysis and a quantitative total phenol content test was carried out using gallic acid as the standard. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) was performed to identify classes of compounds present in T. violacea. xix Antioxidant activity of T. violacea was determined qualitatively using a dot-plot and quantitatively using a DPPH radical scavenging activity assay. Ascorbic acid was used as the standard. Anti-diabetic properties of T. violacea were assessed using an α- amylase inhibition assay and an α- glucosidase inhibition assay. Acarbose was used as the standard for these assays. The anti-Alzheimer properties of T. violacea leaf extracts was determined using and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition assay. Donepezil was used as the standard for this assay. The DPPH radical scavenging activity, the α- amylase inhibition assay, the α- glucosidase inhibition assay and the AChE inhibition assay was combined with linear regression to determine the IC50 values of the T. violacea extracts and the standards. Statistical analysis was conducted to determine any differences between the plant samples and the standards as well as any differences between the EC and GP sample. Results: The results of the qualitative phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, steroids, cardiac glycosides and phenolic compounds present in T. violacea collected from EC and GP. However, their presence in the samples were different based on where the plant was cultivated. The results of the total phenolic content test, revealed that the hexane, acetone and methanol extracts of T. violacea contained phenolic compounds with the highest quantity of phenolic compounds being present in the methanol extracts. Significant statistical difference in total phenolic content between the EC and GP samples were seen for the hexane and methanol extracts. The results of the TLC revealed the presence of multiple bands which confirmed the presence of multiple phytochemicals in T. violacea. All of the extracts of T. violacea from EC and GP, showed antioxidant activity using both the dot-plot and the DPPH radical scavenging activity assay. The highest DPPH radical scavenging activity was seen by the hexane extract of the EC sample of T. violacea. The results showed significant statistical difference between the DPPH radical scavenging activity of the EC and GP samples. , Thesis (Msc (Pharmacy)) -- Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmacy, 2024
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  • Date Issued: 2024-10-11

Burgernomics: Raw BMI vs Adjusted BMI. A comparative analysis of appropriate exchange rate valuation measures

  • Authors: Gumedze, Siyanda Nakiwe Nomfundo
  • Date: 2024-10-11
  • Subjects: Uncatalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/462702 , vital:76327
  • Description: The Big Mac Index was developed in 1986 by The Economist magazine as a playful take on the Purchasing Power Parity theory. Its purpose is to indicate whether a currency is overpriced or undervalued in relation to the real exchange rate and whether it can be used as a reliable indicator of exchange rate predictions. There are two versions of the Big Mac Index: the raw Big Mac Index and the adjusted Big Mac Index. If appropriate, this index might be developed into an economic theory that can be applied to corporate finance, international trade, and international finance. To determine which Big Mac Index measure is a better indicator of exchange rate valuation, a comparison analysis was conducted. This study set out to determine how well the adjusted Big Mac Index performed as a gauge for exchange rate valuation. The research then compares the two Big Mac Index measures' ability to anticipate future exchange rates in order to determine which is more accurate. Data from the South African Reserve Bank and The Economist databases covering 37 nations from 2000 to 2022 were used for the analysis. Exchange rate misalignment trends were assessed globally, and the results indicated that the adjusted BMI was a more accurate measure of purchasing power. Tests of correlation revealed that there was a positive association between the real exchange rate and the Big Mac Index. Findings from a panel ARDL Model indicated that taking into consideration country-specific GDP variations and group heterogeneity can enhance the real exchange rates' ability to predict the raw BMI. The research also focused on the South African Rand to ascertain whether the Big Mac Index validates the Purchasing Power Parity theoretical framework. Using cointegration tests and graphic analysis, it was possible to find evidence for a cointegrating relationship between the real exchange rate and the Big Mac Index measures during the last 20 years. Additionally, a positive correlation between the modified Big Mac Index and terms of trade was discovered in the results, confirming the hypothesis that the Big Mac Index satisfies current account assumptions. Finally, a VEC model demonstrated that the modified BMI outperforms the raw BMI in terms of forecasting estimates. Overall, the study found that the Big Mac Index is more than a bit of fun as per its origin. The results showed that the adjusted Big Mac Index has practical applications and the potential to be considered as an economic theory. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2024
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  • Date Issued: 2024-10-11

Drug development and animal welfare: bioethical analysis of emergency situations and the research settings

  • Authors: Msimang, Asante
  • Date: 2024-10-11
  • Subjects: Uncatalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/461852 , vital:76245
  • Description: Access restricited. Expected release date 2026. , Thesis (Msc (Pharmacy)) -- Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmacy, 2024
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  • Date Issued: 2024-10-11

Elucidating the effect of potential mitochondrial toxicants on glucose handling and insulin signalling in skeletal muscle and liver cell lines in vitro

  • Authors: Kuretu, Auxiliare
  • Date: 2024-10-11
  • Subjects: Uncatalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/461830 , vital:76243
  • Description: Access restricited. Expected release date 2026. , Thesis (Msc (Pharmacy)) -- Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmacy, 2024
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  • Date Issued: 2024-10-11

Evaluation of traditional and residual momentum strategies during the Covid period on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange

  • Authors: Yengwa, Mphathi Lubabalo
  • Date: 2024-10-11
  • Subjects: Uncatalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/462834 , vital:76339
  • Description: Traditional momentum is a concept which was first discovered by Jegadeesh and Titman (1993), defined as a tendency of stocks to experience a continuation in their relative performance. A stock that performed relatively well will continue to perform relatively well, and vice versa. It has been observed by other researchers that during market crises, traditional momentum tends to produce large negative returns for investors, defined as a momentum crash. To mitigate momentum crashes, many researchers have developed new momentum strategies which have better performance than traditional momentum during market crises; such strategies include residual momentum. While both residual and traditional momentum have been studied in international markets and locally, the performance of both the residual and traditional momentum strategies have not been examined in the most recent Covid-fuelled financial crisis on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. The study compares the performance of hypothetical long-only winner traditional and residual momentum portfolios (from 2018–2022) using various risk metrics, which include the tracking error, Sharpe ratio, Jensen’s alpha and information ratio. To compare the statistical significance of the difference in mean returns of residual and traditional momentum strategies to the benchmark (FTSE/Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) Top 40) the study uses Welch’s t-test. The study uses an Auto regressive distributed lag (ARDL) regression to examine the effect that various market conditions (bull market, bear market and extreme volatility) have on the returns of residual and traditional momentum strategies. Given the limited period examined in this study, the Monte Carlo simulation was used to extrapolate potential outcomes of how the momentum strategies might perform under different market conditions (as mentioned) in 1 000 iterations of each condition. The simple return analysis undertaken in this research revealed that traditional momentum outperformed residual momentum both before and throughout the COVID period. In the risk-adjusted performance measures, traditional momentum outperformed at all four risk indicators during the 2020 COVID year. The statistical significance tests, which compared the strategies' mean returns to the benchmark, demonstrated no statistically significant difference in returns over the COVID year. Furthermore, when evaluating the strategies over a five-year period (2018-2022), the difference in mean returns was shown to be statistically insignificant. However, statistical significance in returns was shown in some individual years. The ARDL regression findings show that bull, bear, and volatility factors explain relatively little of the returns for both momentum strategies, which is consistent with previous research. The Monte Carlo simulation, using the bear variable, forecasted that traditional momentum would result in negative returns during market declines, but residual momentum would provide positive returns and surpass traditional momentum with a probability of 26%. When using the bull variable, the simulation discovered that both traditional and residual momentum strategies resulted in positive returns. However, the residual momentum strategy outperformed in terms of returns and had an 84% likelihood of outperforming the traditional momentum strategy across 1,000 iterations. Nevertheless, when the simulation included the volatility variable, it projected negative returns for residual momentum and positive returns for traditional momentum. Additionally, it estimated a 14% probability of residual momentum surpassing traditional momentum under volatile market circumstances. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2024
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  • Date Issued: 2024-10-11

Integrating sustainability into strategic decision making in the South African automotive sector

  • Authors: Makaudi, Tuelo Ivan
  • Date: 2024-10-11
  • Subjects: Uncatalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/461874 , vital:76247
  • Description: Sustainability has become a major topic for businesses, policy makers, government, and researchers. With the growing awareness of climate change, environmental and social problems, attention has turned to how businesses impact the environment, society, and economy. Sustainability, therefore, requires the integration of environmental and social issues into strategic decision making. Many organizations consider sustainability as an important issue for the business. However, some companies are struggling to combine business success and the success of other stakeholders, particularly those representing the interests of the environment and society. The purpose of this case study is to explore how sustainability is integrated into strategic decision making within some companies in the South African automotive industry. This study followed a qualitative approach, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten senior managers in the automotive sector in South Africa. The study used an inductive thematic analysis approach to analyse the data, and five main themes were generated: (1) Business profitability, (2) Organization culture, (3) Rationality, (4) Compliance, and (5) Corporate social responsibility (CSR). The findings of the study indicated that strategic decisions made considered business profitability first and foremost above environment and society. There is evidence that businesses engage in some sustainability activities, but this was related to the business objective to be profitable and to meet compliance requirements. The findings of the study also indicated that a rational decision-making approach was used predominantly, compared to intuitive and political approaches. This was due to the cautious approach of maintaining profit-making as a primary business objective. In terms of recommendations, this study recommends that automotive companies in South Africa integrate sustainability considerations into organizational/or business strategy to enable the industry to create shared value for the environment, society and economy. Integrating sustainability into business strategy will align business practices with sustainability goals and therefore allowing the automotive industry to have a positive impact in the society and environment which in turn will lead to improved financial performance. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2024
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  • Date Issued: 2024-10-11

IT business consulting competencies to address business intelligence and analytics challenges in South African organisations

  • Authors: Chatapura, Ruvimbo Faith
  • Date: 2024-10-11
  • Subjects: Uncatalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/462680 , vital:76325
  • Description: Background: In today's dynamic environment, the importance and popularity of business intelligence and analytics (BI&A) has increased due to the rise in big data being generated across the globe. BI&A is an essential emerging business competency area and dynamic capability that serves as an enabler for organisations to harvest value from their big data. When implemented correctly, BI&A is a powerful tool that leads to increased competitive advantage. However, organisations in South Africa are facing major challenges when it comes to adopting and harnessing it. As such, it is IT business consultants that South African organisations turn to for acquiring BI&A expertise. Objective: Using the Theory of Dynamic Capabilities as an underpinning lens, the purpose of this study is to investigate the relevant competencies IT business consultants need to address BI&A challenges in South African organisations. This study focuses on developing a BI&A competency framework based on these competencies that IT business consultants can consider when addressing the BI&A challenges in South African organisations. Methods: A qualitative research approach was utilised in this study by making use of an interpretive paradigm, abductive reasoning, qualitative description research strategy, as well as semi-structured interviews and questionnaires as data collection methods to elicit feedback on this study’s BI&A competency framework. Content analysis was conducted to categorise and code the interview data, and descriptive analysis was conducted to rank the competencies in order of relevance. Findings: It was found that the relevant business competencies to consider are business acumen, industry knowledge and strategic conceptual abilities. The relevant technical competencies are categorised into three categories: analytical skills (logical thinking, problem-solving, statistical analysis and what-if analysis), data engineering (data modelling skills, data warehousing, database management, data governance, data interpretation, data stewardship, data visualisation tools and data processing languages) and supplementary skills (project management, consulting skills and artificial intelligence). The relevant values and behavioural competencies to consider are integrity, communication, teamwork, resilience, commitment, creativity, emotional intelligence, humility, behavioural analysis, curiosity, leadership and social intelligence. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Information Systems, 2024
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  • Date Issued: 2024-10-11

Redefinition of a refugee during conditions of disaster uncertainty of COVID19 in South Africa and beyond

  • Authors: Maguire, Kelly Ann
  • Date: 2024-10-11
  • Subjects: Uncatalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/461841 , vital:76244
  • Description: Access restricited. Expected release date 2026. , Thesis (Msc (Pharmacy)) -- Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmacy, 2024
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  • Date Issued: 2024-10-11

Relationship between oil price changes and the South African stock market returns: a nonlinear ARDL analysis

  • Authors: Habana, Athenkosi
  • Date: 2024-10-11
  • Subjects: Uncatalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/462713 , vital:76328
  • Description: Understanding the factors that influence oil price volatility and how they affect the stock market is crucial for decision-making, planning, and forecasting by governments, companies, and individuals. The aim of this study is to analyze the relationship between oil prices and stock market returns of selected JSE stock indices. A nonlinear ARDL model is used to study the interaction between changes in oil prices and the South African stock market. Monthly data covering the period from January 2010 to December 2022 is utilized in the study. The main findings of the study show that in the short run negative changes in oil prices have a statistically significant positive impact that on stock returns of the All-Share, Financials and Resources indices, while it is insignificant for the Industrials index stock returns. On the other hand, positive changes in oil prices have a negative and insignificant impact on all the stock returns of the indices. Therefore, in the short-run there is no nonlinear relationship between oil prices and the stock returns of the indices. In the long-run, the impact of oil prices on stock returns of the All Share, Financials and Resources indices is nonlinear or asymmetric. The impact of oil price changes on the stock indices varies across the indices. An increase in oil prices has a negative and statistically significant impact on stock returns of the All Share, Financials and Resources index. Conversely, a decrease in oil prices has a positive and significant impact on All Share, Financials and Resources index stock returns in the long-run. The impact of positive and negative changes in oil prices is insignificant for the Industrials index stock returns. Therefore, these finding makes it possible for investors or portfolio managers to better mitigate the negative consequences of unforeseen events and adapt their investment plans to hedge against variations in the price of oil. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2024
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  • Date Issued: 2024-10-11

South Africa’s financial services trade and trade potential under the African Continental Free Trade Area

  • Authors: Gyan, Mawuko
  • Date: 2024-10-11
  • Subjects: Uncatalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/462846 , vital:76340
  • Description: This study investigates the nature, importance and prospects for growth of South Africa’s trade in financial services and trade potential under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement. It does so by identifying and measuring the share, growth performance and some of the characteristics of South Africa’s financial services trade in the aggregate and with selected trading partners and regions. It also computes South Africa’s trade potential in financial and finance-related services trade with selected African trading partners amid the ongoing AfCFTA services trade negotiations, using trade complementarity indices (TCIs). Finally, the study estimates the effect of regional trade agreement participation on bilateral financial services trade involving African economies using a gravity model. The study employs the use of descriptive trade statistics to analyse the share and growth performance of South Africa’s services trade in the aggregate and at the sub-sector level, based on balance of payments (BOP) data for the years 2005 to 2022 from the ITC, UNCTAD and WTO Trade in Services Database. Bilateral trade data from the OECD and WTO BaTIS Database is also used in the analysis of intra-African trade. In order to investigate trade through Mode 3, information on FDI statistics is sourced from recent reports. Through analysing trade complementarity indices (TCIs), the study finds that South Africa has significant potential to increase exports of financial and finance-related services to Mauritius, Ghana and the SADC and non-TFTA regions. South Africa has significant import TCIs with the COMESA and non- TFTA regions as well as Egypt, Tunisia and Kenya. The gravity model estimation reveals that membership in African regional groupings like the AfCFTA, SADC, COMESA and the EAC have no significant positive impact as yet on intra-African financial services trade. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2024
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  • Date Issued: 2024-10-11

The art of adaption: the National Arts Festival’s strategic response to the COVID-19 pandemic

  • Authors: Brody, Blake Benjamin
  • Date: 2024-10-11
  • Subjects: Uncatalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/461863 , vital:76246
  • Description: The National Arts Festival (NAF), an annual event held in South Africa, faced a significant challenge in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The traditional in-person format of the festival was no longer feasible due to government restrictions. In response, the NAF's CEO, Monica Newton, led her team in a rapid transition to a virtual platform. This decision-making process and the creation of the first virtual NAF (vNAF) occurred within a remarkably short period of 100 days. This teaching case study delves into the academic framework of crisis management, stakeholder theory, strategic thinking, strategic management, and business models, examining their application in the context of the NAF's transformation. To understand the decision-making process and challenges faced by the NAF, a qualitative research design was employed. Data collection involved two face-to-face interviews with Monica Newton, CEO of the NAF, and secondary sources. The teaching case is accompanied by a comprehensive note for educators, offering guidance on its classroom use. The note includes a case synopsis, intended audience, suggested learning outcomes, theoretical connections, teaching strategies, potential discussion questions, evaluation methods, and additional resources. It supports a multi-faceted analysis of the NAF's transformation and encourages vibrant class discussion. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2024
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  • Date Issued: 2024-10-11
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