A green approach for the synthesis of symmetrical and unsymmetrical 1,2,4,5-tetraoxanes as anti-protozoal agents
- Authors: Cossa, Teresa Manuel
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192786 , vital:45264
- Description: Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Chemistry, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Cossa, Teresa Manuel
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192786 , vital:45264
- Description: Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Chemistry, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
A personality-based behavioural model: Susceptibility to phishing on social networking sites
- Authors: Frauenstein, Edwin Donald
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Phishing , Social networks , Personality , Self-presentation in mass media , Internet fraud , Internet users Habits and behavior , Big Five model , Human information processing , Heuristic-Systematic Model (HSM)
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/190306 , vital:44982 , 10.21504/10962/190306
- Description: The worldwide popularity of social networking sites (SNSs) and the technical features they offer users have created many opportunities for malicious individuals to exploit the behavioral tendencies of their users via social engineering tactics. The self-representation and social interactions on SNSs encourage users to reveal their personalities in a way which characterises their behaviour. Frequent engagement on SNSs may also reinforce the performance of certain activities, such as sharing and clicking on links, at a “habitual” level on these sites. Subsequently, this may also influence users to overlook phishing posts and messages on SNSs and thus not apply sufficient cognitive effort in their decision-making. As users do not expect phishing threats on these sites, they may become accustomed to behaving in this manner which may consequently put them at risk of such attacks. Using an online survey, primary data was collected from 215 final-year undergraduate students. Employing structural equation modelling techniques, the associations between the Big Five personality traits, habits and information processing were examined with the aim to identify users susceptible to phishing on SNSs. Moreover, other behavioural factors such as social norms, computer self-efficacy and perceived risk were examined in terms of their influence on phishing susceptibility. The results of the analysis revealed the following key findings: 1) users with the personality traits of extraversion, agreeableness and neuroticism are more likely to perform habitual behaviour, while conscientious users are least likely; 2) users who perform certain behaviours out of habit are directly susceptible to phishing attacks; 3) users who behave out of habit are likely to apply a heuristic mode of processing and are therefore more susceptible to phishing attacks on SNSs than those who apply systematic processing; 4) users with higher computer self-efficacy are less susceptible to phishing; and 5) users who are influenced by social norms are at greater risk of phishing. This study makes a contribution to scholarship and to practice, as it is the first empirical study to investigate, in one comprehensive model, the relationship between personality traits, habit and their effect on information processing which may influence susceptibility to phishing on SNSs. The findings of this study may assist organisations in the customisation of an individual anti-phishing training programme to target specific dispositional factors in vulnerable users. By using a similar instrument to the one used in this study, pre-assessments could determine and classify certain risk profiles that make users vulnerable to phishing attacks. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Commerce, Information Systems, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Frauenstein, Edwin Donald
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Phishing , Social networks , Personality , Self-presentation in mass media , Internet fraud , Internet users Habits and behavior , Big Five model , Human information processing , Heuristic-Systematic Model (HSM)
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/190306 , vital:44982 , 10.21504/10962/190306
- Description: The worldwide popularity of social networking sites (SNSs) and the technical features they offer users have created many opportunities for malicious individuals to exploit the behavioral tendencies of their users via social engineering tactics. The self-representation and social interactions on SNSs encourage users to reveal their personalities in a way which characterises their behaviour. Frequent engagement on SNSs may also reinforce the performance of certain activities, such as sharing and clicking on links, at a “habitual” level on these sites. Subsequently, this may also influence users to overlook phishing posts and messages on SNSs and thus not apply sufficient cognitive effort in their decision-making. As users do not expect phishing threats on these sites, they may become accustomed to behaving in this manner which may consequently put them at risk of such attacks. Using an online survey, primary data was collected from 215 final-year undergraduate students. Employing structural equation modelling techniques, the associations between the Big Five personality traits, habits and information processing were examined with the aim to identify users susceptible to phishing on SNSs. Moreover, other behavioural factors such as social norms, computer self-efficacy and perceived risk were examined in terms of their influence on phishing susceptibility. The results of the analysis revealed the following key findings: 1) users with the personality traits of extraversion, agreeableness and neuroticism are more likely to perform habitual behaviour, while conscientious users are least likely; 2) users who perform certain behaviours out of habit are directly susceptible to phishing attacks; 3) users who behave out of habit are likely to apply a heuristic mode of processing and are therefore more susceptible to phishing attacks on SNSs than those who apply systematic processing; 4) users with higher computer self-efficacy are less susceptible to phishing; and 5) users who are influenced by social norms are at greater risk of phishing. This study makes a contribution to scholarship and to practice, as it is the first empirical study to investigate, in one comprehensive model, the relationship between personality traits, habit and their effect on information processing which may influence susceptibility to phishing on SNSs. The findings of this study may assist organisations in the customisation of an individual anti-phishing training programme to target specific dispositional factors in vulnerable users. By using a similar instrument to the one used in this study, pre-assessments could determine and classify certain risk profiles that make users vulnerable to phishing attacks. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Commerce, Information Systems, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
An exploration of the mathematical learner identities of high school learners who participated in after school mathematics clubs in primary school
- Authors: Hokonya, Wellington Munetsi
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Mathematics Study and teaching (Secondary) South Africa , Mathematics Study and teaching (Elementary) Activity programs South Africa , Identity (Psychology) in children , After-school programs South Africa , School children Attitudes , Mathematics Study and teaching Psychological aspects South Africa , South African Numeracy Chair Project (SANCP)
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/189985 , vital:44953 , 10.21504/10962/189985
- Description: This study focuses on understanding mathematics learner identities of high school learners who participated in the South African Numeracy Chair Project after school mathematics clubs, an environment that afforded different mathematics identities from the traditional South African classroom. Mathematics learner identities feature prominently in current research on mathematics education because they affect whether and how learners engage in mathematics. They play a critical role in enhancing (or detracting from) learners’ attitudes, dispositions, emotional development, and general sense of self as they learn mathematics. Development of positive learner mathematical identity is therefore useful in making learners commit to their mathematics work. South African primary mathematics education is described as being in a state of crisis, and various programmes are being implemented to develop intervention models to improve quality and ensure the effective teaching and learning of primary mathematics. The South African Numeracy Chair Project initiative at Rhodes University provides for longitudinal research and development programmes with primary mathematics teachers and learners from previously disadvantaged schools, in order to find ways of mitigating the crisis. The after school mathematics clubs provide extra-curricular activities focused on developing a supportive learning community where learners’ active mathematical participation, engagement, enjoyment, and sense making are the focus. The clubs provide a supportive learning environment that is different to the traditional classroom and in which learners can participate actively and freely in mathematical activities. The study explores the nature of mathematics learner identities as learning trajectories that connect the past and future in negotiation of the present. It also seeks to discover how primary school club participation and experiences feature in the learners’ mathematical identities. The study employs two theoretical frameworks to analyse qualitative data that was gathered in the form of spoken and written stories, by 14 learners who participated in the after school mathematics clubs in primary school. The stories covered learners’ engagement in mathematics in different landscapes of practice that promoted the construction of different learner mathematical identities. A close analysis of the qualitative data revealed that learners’ mathematical identities are heavily influenced by the values that were foregrounded in the after school mathematics clubs. The clubs valued hard work and encouraged learners to ask for assistance when in doubt. In line with the club ethos, the learners storied resilience and hard work in their narratives. In addition, although many learners storied Mathematics as difficult in high school, they chose to continue taking the subject. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Hokonya, Wellington Munetsi
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Mathematics Study and teaching (Secondary) South Africa , Mathematics Study and teaching (Elementary) Activity programs South Africa , Identity (Psychology) in children , After-school programs South Africa , School children Attitudes , Mathematics Study and teaching Psychological aspects South Africa , South African Numeracy Chair Project (SANCP)
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/189985 , vital:44953 , 10.21504/10962/189985
- Description: This study focuses on understanding mathematics learner identities of high school learners who participated in the South African Numeracy Chair Project after school mathematics clubs, an environment that afforded different mathematics identities from the traditional South African classroom. Mathematics learner identities feature prominently in current research on mathematics education because they affect whether and how learners engage in mathematics. They play a critical role in enhancing (or detracting from) learners’ attitudes, dispositions, emotional development, and general sense of self as they learn mathematics. Development of positive learner mathematical identity is therefore useful in making learners commit to their mathematics work. South African primary mathematics education is described as being in a state of crisis, and various programmes are being implemented to develop intervention models to improve quality and ensure the effective teaching and learning of primary mathematics. The South African Numeracy Chair Project initiative at Rhodes University provides for longitudinal research and development programmes with primary mathematics teachers and learners from previously disadvantaged schools, in order to find ways of mitigating the crisis. The after school mathematics clubs provide extra-curricular activities focused on developing a supportive learning community where learners’ active mathematical participation, engagement, enjoyment, and sense making are the focus. The clubs provide a supportive learning environment that is different to the traditional classroom and in which learners can participate actively and freely in mathematical activities. The study explores the nature of mathematics learner identities as learning trajectories that connect the past and future in negotiation of the present. It also seeks to discover how primary school club participation and experiences feature in the learners’ mathematical identities. The study employs two theoretical frameworks to analyse qualitative data that was gathered in the form of spoken and written stories, by 14 learners who participated in the after school mathematics clubs in primary school. The stories covered learners’ engagement in mathematics in different landscapes of practice that promoted the construction of different learner mathematical identities. A close analysis of the qualitative data revealed that learners’ mathematical identities are heavily influenced by the values that were foregrounded in the after school mathematics clubs. The clubs valued hard work and encouraged learners to ask for assistance when in doubt. In line with the club ethos, the learners storied resilience and hard work in their narratives. In addition, although many learners storied Mathematics as difficult in high school, they chose to continue taking the subject. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
An interpretation of the deeming provisions in legislation in the context of a good tax system: a South African perspective
- Authors: Mostert, Tarita
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development , Taxation Law and legislation South Africa , South Africa. Income Tax Act, 1962 , Taxpayer compliance South Africa , Tax evasion (International law) , Deeming provisions
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/190897 , vital:45039 , 10.21504/10962/190897
- Description: The goal of this thesis is to analyse the relationship between deeming provisions in legislation and the principles of a good tax system. The need for a positive relationship between deeming provisions and the principles of a good tax system is demonstrated in the thesis. The research explains the historical development of deeming provisions, legal principles relevant to the interpretation of tax legislation, as well as the principles of a good tax system. Approaches to the interpretation of legislation are then described and illustrated by means of case law. Following this, the research focuses on a selection of provisions in the South African Income Tax Act, 58 of 1962, to determine whether the deeming provisions included in the Act reflect the application of the principles of a good tax system. In addition to the analysis of the selected statutory provisions, related case law is discussed, again in relation to the deeming provisions. A discussion of deeming provisions in two publications of the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) – the OECD Model Tax Convention and the OECD Multilateral Convention to Implement Tax Treaty Measures to Prevent Base Erosion and Profit Shifting – follows, with an analysis of two related deeming provisions in the Income Tax Act, to illustrate the international approach to deeming provisions and the principles of a good tax system. Finally, the administration of tax legislation is discussed, together with organisations whose mission is to promote the principles of a good tax system in tax administration. The research is qualitative in nature and follows a legal doctrinal research methodology. This methodology is both reform-oriented and theoretical and focuses on understanding the application of the legal concepts: deeming provisions, legal principles and principles of a good tax system. The research concludes that, from a theoretical perspective, a positive relationship exists between deeming provisions in the Income Tax Act and the OECD Model Tax Convention and the principles of a good tax system, and therefore creates a positive environment for tax compliance. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Commerce, Accounting, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Mostert, Tarita
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development , Taxation Law and legislation South Africa , South Africa. Income Tax Act, 1962 , Taxpayer compliance South Africa , Tax evasion (International law) , Deeming provisions
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/190897 , vital:45039 , 10.21504/10962/190897
- Description: The goal of this thesis is to analyse the relationship between deeming provisions in legislation and the principles of a good tax system. The need for a positive relationship between deeming provisions and the principles of a good tax system is demonstrated in the thesis. The research explains the historical development of deeming provisions, legal principles relevant to the interpretation of tax legislation, as well as the principles of a good tax system. Approaches to the interpretation of legislation are then described and illustrated by means of case law. Following this, the research focuses on a selection of provisions in the South African Income Tax Act, 58 of 1962, to determine whether the deeming provisions included in the Act reflect the application of the principles of a good tax system. In addition to the analysis of the selected statutory provisions, related case law is discussed, again in relation to the deeming provisions. A discussion of deeming provisions in two publications of the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) – the OECD Model Tax Convention and the OECD Multilateral Convention to Implement Tax Treaty Measures to Prevent Base Erosion and Profit Shifting – follows, with an analysis of two related deeming provisions in the Income Tax Act, to illustrate the international approach to deeming provisions and the principles of a good tax system. Finally, the administration of tax legislation is discussed, together with organisations whose mission is to promote the principles of a good tax system in tax administration. The research is qualitative in nature and follows a legal doctrinal research methodology. This methodology is both reform-oriented and theoretical and focuses on understanding the application of the legal concepts: deeming provisions, legal principles and principles of a good tax system. The research concludes that, from a theoretical perspective, a positive relationship exists between deeming provisions in the Income Tax Act and the OECD Model Tax Convention and the principles of a good tax system, and therefore creates a positive environment for tax compliance. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Commerce, Accounting, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
An investigation into yeast-baculovirus synergism for the improved control of Thaumatotibia leucotreta, an economically important pest of citrus
- Authors: Van der Merwe, Marcél
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Baculoviruses , Cryptophlebia leucotreta , Yeast , Natural pesticides , Citrus Diseases and pests , Biological pest control agents , Pests Integrated control , Thaumatotibia leucotreta
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/191236 , vital:45073
- Description: A mutualistic association between Cydia pomonella and yeasts belonging to the genus Metschnikowia has previously been demonstrated. Larval feeding galleries inoculated with M. andauensis, reduced larval mortality and enhanced larval development. Additionally, adult C. pomonella female oviposition preference was also shown to be influenced by the volatiles produced by M. andauensis. This mutualistic relationship was manipulated for biological control purposes, by combining M. pulcherrima with the baculovirus Cydia pomonella granulovirus. The combination of M. pulcherrima with brown cane sugar and CpGV in laboratory assays and field trials resulted in a significant increase in larval mortality. A similar observation was made when M. pulcherrima was substituted for Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This indicates that yeasts harbour the potential for use in biological control, especially when combined with other well-established biocontrol methods. Thaumatotibia leucotreta is a phytophagous insect endemic to southern Africa. It is highly significant to the South African citrus industry due to its classification as a phytosanitary pest by most international markets. An integrated pest management programme has been implemented to control T. leucotreta. The baculovirus Cryptophlebia leucotreta granulovirus forms one component of this programme and is highly effective. In this study, we proposed to determine which yeast species occur naturally in the gut of T. leucotreta larvae and to examine whether any of the isolated yeast species, when combined with the CrleGV-SA, enhance its effectiveness. Firstly, Navel oranges infested with T. leucotreta larvae were collected from geographically distinct citrus-producing regions across South Africa. This led to the isolation and identification of six yeast species from the gut of T. leucotreta larvae via PCR amplification and sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer region and D1/D2 domain of the large subunit. Six yeast species were identified, viz. Meyerozyma guilliermondii, Hanseniaspora uvarum, Clavispora lusitaniae, Kluyveromyces marxianus, Pichia kudriavzevii and Pichia kluyveri. Additionally, Saccharomyces cerevisiae was included as a control in all trials due to its commercial availability and use in the artificial diet used to rear T. leucotreta. Secondly, larval development and attraction assays were conducted with the isolated yeast species. Thaumatotibia leucotreta larvae that fed on Navel oranges inoculated with M. guilliermondii, P. kluyveri, H. uvarum, and S. cerevisiae had accelerated developmental periods and reduced mortality rates. Additionally, it was demonstrated that T. leucotreta neonates were attracted to YPD broth cultures inoculated with P. kluyveri, H. uvarum, P. kudriavzevii and K. marxianus for feeding. Thirdly, oviposition preference assays were conducted with adult T. leucotreta females to determine whether the isolated yeast species influence their egg-laying in two-choice and multiple-choice tests. Navel oranges were inoculated with a specific yeast isolate, and mated adult females were left to oviposit. Meyerozyma guilliermondii, P. kudriavzevii and H. uvarum were shown to influence adult T. leucotreta female oviposition preference in two-choice tests. However, multiple-choice tests using the aforementioned yeast species did not mimic these results. Lastly, a series of detached fruit bioassays were performed to determine the optimal yeast:virus ratio, test all isolated yeast species in combination with CrleGV-SA and to further enhance yeast/virus formulation through the addition of an adjuvant and surfactant. CrleGV-SA was applied at a lethal concentration that would kill 50 % of T. leucotreta larvae. The optimal yeast concentration to use alongside CrleGV-SA was determined. Pichia kluyveri, P. kudriavzevii, K. marxianus and S. cerevisiae in combination with CrleGV-SA increased larval mortality compared to CrleGV-SA alone. The inclusion of molasses and BREAK-THRU® S 240 to P. kudriavzevii and S. cerevisiae plus CrleGV-SA formulations greatly enhanced their efficacy. Additionally, semi-field trials were initiated using P. kudriavzevii and S. cerevisiae, with promising preliminary results being obtained, although more replicates need to be performed. The experiments performed in this study provide a platform for further research into the application of a yeast/virus combination as a novel control and monitoring option for T. leucotreta in the field. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Biochemistry and Microbiology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Van der Merwe, Marcél
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Baculoviruses , Cryptophlebia leucotreta , Yeast , Natural pesticides , Citrus Diseases and pests , Biological pest control agents , Pests Integrated control , Thaumatotibia leucotreta
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/191236 , vital:45073
- Description: A mutualistic association between Cydia pomonella and yeasts belonging to the genus Metschnikowia has previously been demonstrated. Larval feeding galleries inoculated with M. andauensis, reduced larval mortality and enhanced larval development. Additionally, adult C. pomonella female oviposition preference was also shown to be influenced by the volatiles produced by M. andauensis. This mutualistic relationship was manipulated for biological control purposes, by combining M. pulcherrima with the baculovirus Cydia pomonella granulovirus. The combination of M. pulcherrima with brown cane sugar and CpGV in laboratory assays and field trials resulted in a significant increase in larval mortality. A similar observation was made when M. pulcherrima was substituted for Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This indicates that yeasts harbour the potential for use in biological control, especially when combined with other well-established biocontrol methods. Thaumatotibia leucotreta is a phytophagous insect endemic to southern Africa. It is highly significant to the South African citrus industry due to its classification as a phytosanitary pest by most international markets. An integrated pest management programme has been implemented to control T. leucotreta. The baculovirus Cryptophlebia leucotreta granulovirus forms one component of this programme and is highly effective. In this study, we proposed to determine which yeast species occur naturally in the gut of T. leucotreta larvae and to examine whether any of the isolated yeast species, when combined with the CrleGV-SA, enhance its effectiveness. Firstly, Navel oranges infested with T. leucotreta larvae were collected from geographically distinct citrus-producing regions across South Africa. This led to the isolation and identification of six yeast species from the gut of T. leucotreta larvae via PCR amplification and sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer region and D1/D2 domain of the large subunit. Six yeast species were identified, viz. Meyerozyma guilliermondii, Hanseniaspora uvarum, Clavispora lusitaniae, Kluyveromyces marxianus, Pichia kudriavzevii and Pichia kluyveri. Additionally, Saccharomyces cerevisiae was included as a control in all trials due to its commercial availability and use in the artificial diet used to rear T. leucotreta. Secondly, larval development and attraction assays were conducted with the isolated yeast species. Thaumatotibia leucotreta larvae that fed on Navel oranges inoculated with M. guilliermondii, P. kluyveri, H. uvarum, and S. cerevisiae had accelerated developmental periods and reduced mortality rates. Additionally, it was demonstrated that T. leucotreta neonates were attracted to YPD broth cultures inoculated with P. kluyveri, H. uvarum, P. kudriavzevii and K. marxianus for feeding. Thirdly, oviposition preference assays were conducted with adult T. leucotreta females to determine whether the isolated yeast species influence their egg-laying in two-choice and multiple-choice tests. Navel oranges were inoculated with a specific yeast isolate, and mated adult females were left to oviposit. Meyerozyma guilliermondii, P. kudriavzevii and H. uvarum were shown to influence adult T. leucotreta female oviposition preference in two-choice tests. However, multiple-choice tests using the aforementioned yeast species did not mimic these results. Lastly, a series of detached fruit bioassays were performed to determine the optimal yeast:virus ratio, test all isolated yeast species in combination with CrleGV-SA and to further enhance yeast/virus formulation through the addition of an adjuvant and surfactant. CrleGV-SA was applied at a lethal concentration that would kill 50 % of T. leucotreta larvae. The optimal yeast concentration to use alongside CrleGV-SA was determined. Pichia kluyveri, P. kudriavzevii, K. marxianus and S. cerevisiae in combination with CrleGV-SA increased larval mortality compared to CrleGV-SA alone. The inclusion of molasses and BREAK-THRU® S 240 to P. kudriavzevii and S. cerevisiae plus CrleGV-SA formulations greatly enhanced their efficacy. Additionally, semi-field trials were initiated using P. kudriavzevii and S. cerevisiae, with promising preliminary results being obtained, although more replicates need to be performed. The experiments performed in this study provide a platform for further research into the application of a yeast/virus combination as a novel control and monitoring option for T. leucotreta in the field. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Biochemistry and Microbiology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Application of computer-aided drug design for identification of P. falciparum inhibitors
- Authors: Diallo, Bakary N’tji
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Plasmodium falciparum , Malaria -- Chemotherapy , Molecular dynamics , Antimalarials , Cheminformatics , Drug development , Ligand binding (Biochemistry) , Plasmodium falciparum1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate reductoisomerase (PfDXR) , South African Natural Compounds Database
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192798 , vital:45265 , 10.21504/10962/192798
- Description: Malaria is a millennia-old disease with the first recorded cases dating back to 2700 BC found in Chinese medical records, and later in other civilizations. It has claimed human lives to such an extent that there are a notable associated socio-economic consequences. Currently, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), Africa holds the highest disease burden with 94% of deaths and 82% of cases with P. falciparum having ~100% prevalence. Chemotherapy, such as artemisinin combination therapy, has been and continues to be the work horse in the fight against the disease, together with seasonal malaria chemoprevention and the use of insecticides. Natural products such as quinine and artemisinin are particularly important in terms of their antimalarial activity. The emphasis in current chemotherapy research is the need for time and cost-effective workflows focussed on new mechanisms of action (MoAs) covering the target candidate profiles (TCPs). Despite a decline in cases over the past decades with, countries increasingly becoming certified malaria free, a stalling trend has been observed in the past five years resulting in missing the 2020 Global Technical Strategy (GTS) milestones. With no effective vaccine, a reduction in funding, slower drug approval than resistance emergence from resistant and invasive vectors, and threats in diagnosis with the pfhrp2/3 gene deletion, malaria remains a major health concern. Motivated by these reasons, the primary aim of this work was a contribution to the antimalarial pipeline through in silico approaches focusing on P. falciparum. We first intended an exploration of malarial targets through a proteome scale screening on 36 targets using multiple metrics to account for the multi-objective nature of drug discovery. The continuous growth of structural data offers the ideal scenario for mining new MoAs covering antimalarials TCPs. This was combined with a repurposing strategy using a set of orally available FDA approved drugs. Further, use was made of time- and cost-effective strategies combining QVina-W efficiency metrics that integrate molecular properties, GRIM rescoring for molecular interactions and a hydrogen mass repartitioning (HMR) molecular dynamics (MD) scheme for accelerated development of antimalarials in the context of resistance. This pipeline further integrates a complex ranking for better drug-target selectivity, and normalization strategies to overcome docking scoring function bias. The different metrics, ranking, normalization strategies and their combinations were first assessed using their mean ranking error (MRE). A version combining all metrics was used to select 36 unique protein-ligand complexes, assessed in MD, with the final retention of 25. From the 16 in vitro tested hits of the 25, fingolimod, abiraterone, prazosin, and terazosin showed antiplasmodial activity with IC50 2.21, 3.37, 16.67 and 34.72 μM respectively and of these, only fingolimod was found to be not safe with respect to human cell viability. These compounds were predicted active on different molecular targets, abiraterone was predicted to interact with a putative liver-stage essential target, hence promising as a transmission-blocking agent. The pipeline had a promising 25% hit rate considering the proteome-scale and use of cost-effective approaches. Secondly, we focused on Plasmodium falciparum 1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate reductoisomerase (PfDXR) using a more extensive screening pipeline to overcome some of the current in silico screening limitations. Starting from the ZINC lead-like library of ~3M, hierarchical ligand-based virtual screening (LBVS) and structure-based virtual screening (SBVS) approaches with molecular docking and re-scoring using eleven scoring functions (SFs) were used. Later ranking with an exponential consensus strategy was included. Selected hits were further assessed through Molecular Mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann Surface Area (MM-PBSA), advanced MD sampling in a ligand pulling simulations and (Weighted Histogram Analysis Method) WHAM analysis for umbrella sampling (US) to derive binding free energies. Four leads had better predicted affinities in US than LC5, a 280 nM potent PfDXR inhibitor with ZINC000050633276 showing a promising binding of -20.43 kcal/mol. As shown with fosmidomycin, DXR inhibition offers fast acting compounds fulfilling antimalarials TCP1. Yet, fosmidomycin has a high polarity causing its short half-life and hampering its clinical use. These leads scaffolds are different from fosmidomycin and hence may offer better pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties and may also be promising for lead optimization. A combined analysis of residues’ contributions to the free energy of binding in MM-PBSA and to steered molecular dynamics (SMD) Fmax indicated GLU233, CYS268, SER270, TRP296, and HIS341 as exploitable for compound optimization. Finally, we updated the SANCDB library with new NPs and their commercially available analogs as a solution to NP availability. The library is extended to 1005 compounds from its initial 600 compounds and the database is integrated to Mcule and Molport APIs for analogs automatic update. The new set may contribute to virtual screening and to antimalarials as the most effective ones have NP origin. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Biochemistry and Microbiology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Diallo, Bakary N’tji
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Plasmodium falciparum , Malaria -- Chemotherapy , Molecular dynamics , Antimalarials , Cheminformatics , Drug development , Ligand binding (Biochemistry) , Plasmodium falciparum1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate reductoisomerase (PfDXR) , South African Natural Compounds Database
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192798 , vital:45265 , 10.21504/10962/192798
- Description: Malaria is a millennia-old disease with the first recorded cases dating back to 2700 BC found in Chinese medical records, and later in other civilizations. It has claimed human lives to such an extent that there are a notable associated socio-economic consequences. Currently, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), Africa holds the highest disease burden with 94% of deaths and 82% of cases with P. falciparum having ~100% prevalence. Chemotherapy, such as artemisinin combination therapy, has been and continues to be the work horse in the fight against the disease, together with seasonal malaria chemoprevention and the use of insecticides. Natural products such as quinine and artemisinin are particularly important in terms of their antimalarial activity. The emphasis in current chemotherapy research is the need for time and cost-effective workflows focussed on new mechanisms of action (MoAs) covering the target candidate profiles (TCPs). Despite a decline in cases over the past decades with, countries increasingly becoming certified malaria free, a stalling trend has been observed in the past five years resulting in missing the 2020 Global Technical Strategy (GTS) milestones. With no effective vaccine, a reduction in funding, slower drug approval than resistance emergence from resistant and invasive vectors, and threats in diagnosis with the pfhrp2/3 gene deletion, malaria remains a major health concern. Motivated by these reasons, the primary aim of this work was a contribution to the antimalarial pipeline through in silico approaches focusing on P. falciparum. We first intended an exploration of malarial targets through a proteome scale screening on 36 targets using multiple metrics to account for the multi-objective nature of drug discovery. The continuous growth of structural data offers the ideal scenario for mining new MoAs covering antimalarials TCPs. This was combined with a repurposing strategy using a set of orally available FDA approved drugs. Further, use was made of time- and cost-effective strategies combining QVina-W efficiency metrics that integrate molecular properties, GRIM rescoring for molecular interactions and a hydrogen mass repartitioning (HMR) molecular dynamics (MD) scheme for accelerated development of antimalarials in the context of resistance. This pipeline further integrates a complex ranking for better drug-target selectivity, and normalization strategies to overcome docking scoring function bias. The different metrics, ranking, normalization strategies and their combinations were first assessed using their mean ranking error (MRE). A version combining all metrics was used to select 36 unique protein-ligand complexes, assessed in MD, with the final retention of 25. From the 16 in vitro tested hits of the 25, fingolimod, abiraterone, prazosin, and terazosin showed antiplasmodial activity with IC50 2.21, 3.37, 16.67 and 34.72 μM respectively and of these, only fingolimod was found to be not safe with respect to human cell viability. These compounds were predicted active on different molecular targets, abiraterone was predicted to interact with a putative liver-stage essential target, hence promising as a transmission-blocking agent. The pipeline had a promising 25% hit rate considering the proteome-scale and use of cost-effective approaches. Secondly, we focused on Plasmodium falciparum 1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate reductoisomerase (PfDXR) using a more extensive screening pipeline to overcome some of the current in silico screening limitations. Starting from the ZINC lead-like library of ~3M, hierarchical ligand-based virtual screening (LBVS) and structure-based virtual screening (SBVS) approaches with molecular docking and re-scoring using eleven scoring functions (SFs) were used. Later ranking with an exponential consensus strategy was included. Selected hits were further assessed through Molecular Mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann Surface Area (MM-PBSA), advanced MD sampling in a ligand pulling simulations and (Weighted Histogram Analysis Method) WHAM analysis for umbrella sampling (US) to derive binding free energies. Four leads had better predicted affinities in US than LC5, a 280 nM potent PfDXR inhibitor with ZINC000050633276 showing a promising binding of -20.43 kcal/mol. As shown with fosmidomycin, DXR inhibition offers fast acting compounds fulfilling antimalarials TCP1. Yet, fosmidomycin has a high polarity causing its short half-life and hampering its clinical use. These leads scaffolds are different from fosmidomycin and hence may offer better pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties and may also be promising for lead optimization. A combined analysis of residues’ contributions to the free energy of binding in MM-PBSA and to steered molecular dynamics (SMD) Fmax indicated GLU233, CYS268, SER270, TRP296, and HIS341 as exploitable for compound optimization. Finally, we updated the SANCDB library with new NPs and their commercially available analogs as a solution to NP availability. The library is extended to 1005 compounds from its initial 600 compounds and the database is integrated to Mcule and Molport APIs for analogs automatic update. The new set may contribute to virtual screening and to antimalarials as the most effective ones have NP origin. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Biochemistry and Microbiology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Application of environmental magnetism to trace sediment sources contributing to Kruger National Park reservoirs
- Authors: Miller, Jordan Katherine
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Geomagnetism South Africa Kruger National Park , Sediments (Geology) South Africa Kruger National Park , Sedimentation and deposition South Africa Kruger National Park , Petrology South Africa Kruger National Park , Sediments (Geology) Magnetic properties South Africa Kruger National Park
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192842 , vital:45269 , 10.21504/10962/192842
- Description: Sediment source fingerprinting using environmental magnetism has successfully differentiated between sediment sources in different regions of South Africa. The method was applied in the natural landscape of the Kruger National Park to trace sediment sources delivered to four reservoirs (Hartbeesfontein, Marheya, Nhlanganzwani, Silolweni) whose contributing catchments were underlain by a range of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. This research attempted to evaluate the impact of vegetation, lithology, and particle size controls on the ability of magnetic signatures to discriminate between lithology-defined potential sources. Potential source samples were collected from each lithology present in all catchments, except for the Lugmag catchment where the lithology was uniform, but the vegetation type varied significantly between woodland and grassland. One sediment core was taken in each of the four catchment reservoirs where there was more than one lithology present in order to unmix and apportion contributing sediment sources. Sampling time in the field was often restricted to short periods, dependent on anti-poaching activities and movement of free-roaming wildlife across the Park. This occasionally led to the sub-optimal collection of enough source samples to capture source signature variability. Mineral magnetic parameters were unable to discriminate between vegetation-defined sediment sources in the Lugmag catchment (homogenous underlying lithology) but were able to discriminate between lithology-defined sediment sources (to varying degrees) in the other four catchments. The contributions of each lithology-defined sediment source were estimated using a straightforward statistical protocol frequently used in published literature that included a Mann-Whitney U or Kruskal-Wallis H test, mass conservation test, discriminant function analysis, and an (un)mixing model. A contribution from each lithology source to reservoir sediment was estimated. Connectivity was a significant factor in understanding erosion in each of the catchments. Both longitudinal (e.g., drainage density) and lateral connectivity (e.g., floodplain - river) were important. Travel distance of eroded sediment to reservoirs was also an essential element in two of the four catchments. There are no defined floodplains, so channel bank soils are very similar to the catchment soils. Therefore, channel bank storage potential would be similar to the storage potential within the catchment. Vegetation played a crucial role in protecting soils, by reducing ii erosion potential as well as trapping and storing sediment, thereby interrupting lateral connectivity. Underlying geology and soils are determining factors of vegetation type and density. A published study estimated catchment area-specific sediment yields for different KNP catchments, including the Hartbeesfontein, Marheya, Nhlanganzwani and Silolweni catchments. The published data was used in combination with the (un)mixing model source contribution estimates of this thesis to determine specific sediment yields by lithology, i.e., for each catchment source. The polymodal particle size characteristics of the sample material led to an investigation into particle size controls on the ability of magnetic signatures to discriminate between potential sources. Due to time constraints, only the Hartbeesfontein and Marheya catchments were tested for grain size differences. For each catchment, one bulk sample was created for each lithology source. This bulk sample was divided into 10 subsamples. The samples were then fractionated into four particle size fraction groups: coarse (250 – 500 μm), medium (125 – 250 μm), fine (63 – 125 μm), and very fine (<63 μm). Reservoir samples were also bulked to create 10 down-core samples for each reservoir, and the samples were also fractionated into the four fraction groups. The same statistical protocol was applied to the fractionated samples and contribution estimates were obtained by lithology for each particle size fraction group. The goodness of fit and uncertainty of the (un)mixing model varied in each catchment, with the two measures of accuracy often showing an inverse relationship. The fractionated modelling estimated the same primary source in the two catchments as in the unfractionated modelling. However, additional information on the secondary and tertiary sources was obtained. Connectivity remained a significant factor in interpreting the results of the fractionated analysis. Specific sediment yields were estimated for each catchment source per particle size fraction group. These sediment yields provided a deeper understanding of sediment transport through a catchment and which particle size groups are most important in catchment erosion. An original contribution to research was made by estimating source contribution estimates for the four reservoirs, quantifying sediment yields for each catchment lithology and then for each catchment lithology by particle size. Mineral magnetic tracing of the catchments was applied for the first time in this region of South Africa. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Geography, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Miller, Jordan Katherine
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Geomagnetism South Africa Kruger National Park , Sediments (Geology) South Africa Kruger National Park , Sedimentation and deposition South Africa Kruger National Park , Petrology South Africa Kruger National Park , Sediments (Geology) Magnetic properties South Africa Kruger National Park
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192842 , vital:45269 , 10.21504/10962/192842
- Description: Sediment source fingerprinting using environmental magnetism has successfully differentiated between sediment sources in different regions of South Africa. The method was applied in the natural landscape of the Kruger National Park to trace sediment sources delivered to four reservoirs (Hartbeesfontein, Marheya, Nhlanganzwani, Silolweni) whose contributing catchments were underlain by a range of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. This research attempted to evaluate the impact of vegetation, lithology, and particle size controls on the ability of magnetic signatures to discriminate between lithology-defined potential sources. Potential source samples were collected from each lithology present in all catchments, except for the Lugmag catchment where the lithology was uniform, but the vegetation type varied significantly between woodland and grassland. One sediment core was taken in each of the four catchment reservoirs where there was more than one lithology present in order to unmix and apportion contributing sediment sources. Sampling time in the field was often restricted to short periods, dependent on anti-poaching activities and movement of free-roaming wildlife across the Park. This occasionally led to the sub-optimal collection of enough source samples to capture source signature variability. Mineral magnetic parameters were unable to discriminate between vegetation-defined sediment sources in the Lugmag catchment (homogenous underlying lithology) but were able to discriminate between lithology-defined sediment sources (to varying degrees) in the other four catchments. The contributions of each lithology-defined sediment source were estimated using a straightforward statistical protocol frequently used in published literature that included a Mann-Whitney U or Kruskal-Wallis H test, mass conservation test, discriminant function analysis, and an (un)mixing model. A contribution from each lithology source to reservoir sediment was estimated. Connectivity was a significant factor in understanding erosion in each of the catchments. Both longitudinal (e.g., drainage density) and lateral connectivity (e.g., floodplain - river) were important. Travel distance of eroded sediment to reservoirs was also an essential element in two of the four catchments. There are no defined floodplains, so channel bank soils are very similar to the catchment soils. Therefore, channel bank storage potential would be similar to the storage potential within the catchment. Vegetation played a crucial role in protecting soils, by reducing ii erosion potential as well as trapping and storing sediment, thereby interrupting lateral connectivity. Underlying geology and soils are determining factors of vegetation type and density. A published study estimated catchment area-specific sediment yields for different KNP catchments, including the Hartbeesfontein, Marheya, Nhlanganzwani and Silolweni catchments. The published data was used in combination with the (un)mixing model source contribution estimates of this thesis to determine specific sediment yields by lithology, i.e., for each catchment source. The polymodal particle size characteristics of the sample material led to an investigation into particle size controls on the ability of magnetic signatures to discriminate between potential sources. Due to time constraints, only the Hartbeesfontein and Marheya catchments were tested for grain size differences. For each catchment, one bulk sample was created for each lithology source. This bulk sample was divided into 10 subsamples. The samples were then fractionated into four particle size fraction groups: coarse (250 – 500 μm), medium (125 – 250 μm), fine (63 – 125 μm), and very fine (<63 μm). Reservoir samples were also bulked to create 10 down-core samples for each reservoir, and the samples were also fractionated into the four fraction groups. The same statistical protocol was applied to the fractionated samples and contribution estimates were obtained by lithology for each particle size fraction group. The goodness of fit and uncertainty of the (un)mixing model varied in each catchment, with the two measures of accuracy often showing an inverse relationship. The fractionated modelling estimated the same primary source in the two catchments as in the unfractionated modelling. However, additional information on the secondary and tertiary sources was obtained. Connectivity remained a significant factor in interpreting the results of the fractionated analysis. Specific sediment yields were estimated for each catchment source per particle size fraction group. These sediment yields provided a deeper understanding of sediment transport through a catchment and which particle size groups are most important in catchment erosion. An original contribution to research was made by estimating source contribution estimates for the four reservoirs, quantifying sediment yields for each catchment lithology and then for each catchment lithology by particle size. Mineral magnetic tracing of the catchments was applied for the first time in this region of South Africa. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Geography, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Baseline description of the Benthic Biotopes for two Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) stations in Algoa Bay, Agulhas ecoregion, South Africa
- Authors: Parker-Nance, Shirley
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Benthic ecology South Africa Algoa Bay , Long-Term Ecological Research Program , Marine invertebrates South Africa Algoa Bay , Reef ecology South Africa Algoa Bay , Coastal zone management South Africa Algoa Bay , Reef fishes South Africa Algoa Bay , Ecological mapping South Africa Algoa Bay
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/191680 , vital:45147 , 10.21504/10962/191680
- Description: Shallow coastal marine ecosystems provide important resources to society but are increasingly under threat from anthropogenic impacts. These systems form an interface between land and sea, providing valuable resources. Global environmental change, overexploitation, habitat transformation, pollution and policies aimed at short-term socio-economic gains are driving the loss of natural resources, productivity and biodiversity. Consequently, a comprehensive and holistic understanding of the current and future states of marine ecosystems is essential. This requires insight into the processes involved in maintaining genetic, species, habitat, community and biotope diversity at an ecosystem level. An understanding of ecosystem processes and the ability to detect changes in biodiversity, biotopes, seascape composition and ecosystem functioning require observation made over time and space. In response to this need, Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) programmes such as those established by the South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON) supported by the Department of Science and Innovation’s (DSI) Shallow Marine and Coastal Research Infrastructure (SMCRI) collect long–term observational data from different environments and systems. This study aimed to evaluate data collected as part of the developmental phase of a newly established benthic research platform. The datasets constructed are used to develop a baseline description of the benthic biotopes of two study areas within Algoa Bay. It aimed to gain insight into the feasibility of the methods used and the value of the data and derived essential biological variables (EVB). Assessing the sustainability of the programme over time was done through a practical evaluation of the methodology to be used and the technical feasibility of data collection and analysis. It furthermore aimed to assess the data usefulness in describing biodiversity at various scales and its sensitivity in reporting change. This pilot study provides valuable insight into data collection methodologies and introduces new sampling platforms. The baseline dataset consisted of data collected during the first 18 months of the SAEON Benthic Ecosystem Long-Term Ecological Research (BELTER) platform in Algoa Bay, Agulhas ecoregion, Western Indian Ocean, South Africa. This comprised of the collection of images for 150 m2 of the researched benthic seascape and 306 stereo video data streams. The 77 760 point dataset allowed the identification of 12 substrate types, 7 biotopes, 44 sub-biotope units, 377 sessile and sedentary benthic species and 51 ichthyofauna species. The described habitat and benthic communities and the defined benthic biotopes allowed for the assessment of biotope heterogeneity and the construction of a provisional distribution map for the broader biotopes. This work includes a study into the infra- and supra-benthic ichthyofauna associated with the defined biotopes and investigates the role habitat and benthic communities play in the distribution of these fish 3 assemblages. Lastly, it assesses the value of morphological traits and diversity indices for describing and comparing abiotic and biotic components of observed systems within the shallow coastal marine seascape. This study shows that species composition differs significantly between biotopes with habitat type playing a key role in the composition of the benthos. Substrate type, consolidated or unconsolidated, depth and the composition of the soft sediment is the most important determining factors. The White Sands Reef station has a higher species diversity than the St Croix Island Complex station with a higher percentage cover associated with the hard substrate. The dissimilarity between biotopes and communities are generally high although similarity within the biotopes or communities was found to be relatively low. This was considered indicative of high heterogeneity within the biotopes and a patch or mosaic-like distribution of communities within the broader biotope. A fine-scale a posteriori analysis of the data collected confirmed the high heterogeneous nature of both habitat and communities within the broader biotope. The description of the abiotic and biotic variables resulted in the identification of a diverse suite of biotope subunits. The character of the biotope hinges not only on the composition of the substrate and biota present but the contribution of smaller distinct biotopes subunits, their distribution and representation within broader biotopes and the degree these are shared with other broader biotopes. The distribution of these biotope units at different scales is believed to be important in understanding inherent diversity, niche partitioning and connectivity within a highly heterogeneous seascape. Ichthyofauna associated with the broader biotopes were indicative of the substrate type. Low profile reef systems with interspaced sandy stretches supported both reef fish and those typically associated with sandy substrates. Benthic biotopes associated characteristically with higher profile reef systems and less sand or soft sediment were mainly utilized by reef-associated fish species. Substrate type, depth and seasonality were found to be important factors in the observed composition and distribution of ichthyofauna over the seascape. Although fish species were found to have a wide distribution and made use of multiple biotopes the average abundance of the species within the observed assemblages differed. Analysis of ichthyofauna species composition indicated that observed fish assemblages were homogeneous within five of the seven biotopes. Broader biotopes that were found to be significantly different between sample locations are characterised by a diverse complement of biotope subunits and are highly heterogeneous. Traits and diversity indices are important tools for assessing and comparing different systems within the seascape, both spatially and temporally. The classification of the biota into broader phylogenetic groups indicated a significant difference between biotopes. This is especially useful when detailed 4 analysis or species identification is not possible or the skill set is not available. Morphological traits included in this study informed on the physical structure of the communities present and in combination with substrate type provided insight into the three-dimensional structure of the biotope. Species diversity, abundance, density estimates and the Shannon-Weiner diversity index were found to be the most useful diversity indices characterising and comparing biotopes. This was less so for ichthyofauna. Significant differences in the number of species observed were evident only between consolidated and unconsolidated dominated substrates. Although there was no significant difference in the number of individuals observed, both the Shannon-Weiner and Simpson Diversity indices were able to highlight differences in the fish assemblages observed for the different biotopes. The data collected, although permitting a comprehensive baseline assessment of the benthic environment for two research stations within the SAEON Algoa Bay LTER Sentinel Site, is temporally limited. The ichthyofauna dataset used was small and it is understood that the addition of length-frequency analysis of observed ichthyofauna will benefit our understanding of the biotope use by infra- and supra-benthic fish species over their life history within the larger seascape. Seasonal differences were evident and it is expected that datasets spanning several years, including LTER stations within different marine ecosystems types, will provide valuable insights on system dynamics in the short and long term both spatially and temporally. This study is the first attempt to evaluate the methodology developed and data collected in the South African Environmental Observation Network’s, Elwandle Coastal Node as part of the Shallow Marine and Coastal Research Infrastructure Benthic Ecosystem Long-Term Ecological Research (BELTER) platform. Newly designed and developed sample equipment and a sampling regime allowed for the collection of data on a long-term basis. The study was successful in the description of the biotope and biotope subunits for two research stations in Algoa Bay. It permitted the construction of comprehensive species lists for both benthic sessile and sedentary biota and the associated ichthyofauna. The subset of data used was successful in reporting on both spatial and temporal change. This work demonstrates that in the absence of detailed species identifications, traits may be used to describe habitat and community structure and report on abiotic and biotic biotope characteristics. This study furthermore allowed for the comparison of a comprehensive suite of diversity indices highlighting indices that may be especially useful in routine BELTER reporting. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Parker-Nance, Shirley
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Benthic ecology South Africa Algoa Bay , Long-Term Ecological Research Program , Marine invertebrates South Africa Algoa Bay , Reef ecology South Africa Algoa Bay , Coastal zone management South Africa Algoa Bay , Reef fishes South Africa Algoa Bay , Ecological mapping South Africa Algoa Bay
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/191680 , vital:45147 , 10.21504/10962/191680
- Description: Shallow coastal marine ecosystems provide important resources to society but are increasingly under threat from anthropogenic impacts. These systems form an interface between land and sea, providing valuable resources. Global environmental change, overexploitation, habitat transformation, pollution and policies aimed at short-term socio-economic gains are driving the loss of natural resources, productivity and biodiversity. Consequently, a comprehensive and holistic understanding of the current and future states of marine ecosystems is essential. This requires insight into the processes involved in maintaining genetic, species, habitat, community and biotope diversity at an ecosystem level. An understanding of ecosystem processes and the ability to detect changes in biodiversity, biotopes, seascape composition and ecosystem functioning require observation made over time and space. In response to this need, Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) programmes such as those established by the South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON) supported by the Department of Science and Innovation’s (DSI) Shallow Marine and Coastal Research Infrastructure (SMCRI) collect long–term observational data from different environments and systems. This study aimed to evaluate data collected as part of the developmental phase of a newly established benthic research platform. The datasets constructed are used to develop a baseline description of the benthic biotopes of two study areas within Algoa Bay. It aimed to gain insight into the feasibility of the methods used and the value of the data and derived essential biological variables (EVB). Assessing the sustainability of the programme over time was done through a practical evaluation of the methodology to be used and the technical feasibility of data collection and analysis. It furthermore aimed to assess the data usefulness in describing biodiversity at various scales and its sensitivity in reporting change. This pilot study provides valuable insight into data collection methodologies and introduces new sampling platforms. The baseline dataset consisted of data collected during the first 18 months of the SAEON Benthic Ecosystem Long-Term Ecological Research (BELTER) platform in Algoa Bay, Agulhas ecoregion, Western Indian Ocean, South Africa. This comprised of the collection of images for 150 m2 of the researched benthic seascape and 306 stereo video data streams. The 77 760 point dataset allowed the identification of 12 substrate types, 7 biotopes, 44 sub-biotope units, 377 sessile and sedentary benthic species and 51 ichthyofauna species. The described habitat and benthic communities and the defined benthic biotopes allowed for the assessment of biotope heterogeneity and the construction of a provisional distribution map for the broader biotopes. This work includes a study into the infra- and supra-benthic ichthyofauna associated with the defined biotopes and investigates the role habitat and benthic communities play in the distribution of these fish 3 assemblages. Lastly, it assesses the value of morphological traits and diversity indices for describing and comparing abiotic and biotic components of observed systems within the shallow coastal marine seascape. This study shows that species composition differs significantly between biotopes with habitat type playing a key role in the composition of the benthos. Substrate type, consolidated or unconsolidated, depth and the composition of the soft sediment is the most important determining factors. The White Sands Reef station has a higher species diversity than the St Croix Island Complex station with a higher percentage cover associated with the hard substrate. The dissimilarity between biotopes and communities are generally high although similarity within the biotopes or communities was found to be relatively low. This was considered indicative of high heterogeneity within the biotopes and a patch or mosaic-like distribution of communities within the broader biotope. A fine-scale a posteriori analysis of the data collected confirmed the high heterogeneous nature of both habitat and communities within the broader biotope. The description of the abiotic and biotic variables resulted in the identification of a diverse suite of biotope subunits. The character of the biotope hinges not only on the composition of the substrate and biota present but the contribution of smaller distinct biotopes subunits, their distribution and representation within broader biotopes and the degree these are shared with other broader biotopes. The distribution of these biotope units at different scales is believed to be important in understanding inherent diversity, niche partitioning and connectivity within a highly heterogeneous seascape. Ichthyofauna associated with the broader biotopes were indicative of the substrate type. Low profile reef systems with interspaced sandy stretches supported both reef fish and those typically associated with sandy substrates. Benthic biotopes associated characteristically with higher profile reef systems and less sand or soft sediment were mainly utilized by reef-associated fish species. Substrate type, depth and seasonality were found to be important factors in the observed composition and distribution of ichthyofauna over the seascape. Although fish species were found to have a wide distribution and made use of multiple biotopes the average abundance of the species within the observed assemblages differed. Analysis of ichthyofauna species composition indicated that observed fish assemblages were homogeneous within five of the seven biotopes. Broader biotopes that were found to be significantly different between sample locations are characterised by a diverse complement of biotope subunits and are highly heterogeneous. Traits and diversity indices are important tools for assessing and comparing different systems within the seascape, both spatially and temporally. The classification of the biota into broader phylogenetic groups indicated a significant difference between biotopes. This is especially useful when detailed 4 analysis or species identification is not possible or the skill set is not available. Morphological traits included in this study informed on the physical structure of the communities present and in combination with substrate type provided insight into the three-dimensional structure of the biotope. Species diversity, abundance, density estimates and the Shannon-Weiner diversity index were found to be the most useful diversity indices characterising and comparing biotopes. This was less so for ichthyofauna. Significant differences in the number of species observed were evident only between consolidated and unconsolidated dominated substrates. Although there was no significant difference in the number of individuals observed, both the Shannon-Weiner and Simpson Diversity indices were able to highlight differences in the fish assemblages observed for the different biotopes. The data collected, although permitting a comprehensive baseline assessment of the benthic environment for two research stations within the SAEON Algoa Bay LTER Sentinel Site, is temporally limited. The ichthyofauna dataset used was small and it is understood that the addition of length-frequency analysis of observed ichthyofauna will benefit our understanding of the biotope use by infra- and supra-benthic fish species over their life history within the larger seascape. Seasonal differences were evident and it is expected that datasets spanning several years, including LTER stations within different marine ecosystems types, will provide valuable insights on system dynamics in the short and long term both spatially and temporally. This study is the first attempt to evaluate the methodology developed and data collected in the South African Environmental Observation Network’s, Elwandle Coastal Node as part of the Shallow Marine and Coastal Research Infrastructure Benthic Ecosystem Long-Term Ecological Research (BELTER) platform. Newly designed and developed sample equipment and a sampling regime allowed for the collection of data on a long-term basis. The study was successful in the description of the biotope and biotope subunits for two research stations in Algoa Bay. It permitted the construction of comprehensive species lists for both benthic sessile and sedentary biota and the associated ichthyofauna. The subset of data used was successful in reporting on both spatial and temporal change. This work demonstrates that in the absence of detailed species identifications, traits may be used to describe habitat and community structure and report on abiotic and biotic biotope characteristics. This study furthermore allowed for the comparison of a comprehensive suite of diversity indices highlighting indices that may be especially useful in routine BELTER reporting. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Biodiversity conservation of South Africa’s Wild Coast through the years: Exploring the tensions between western-style and local traditional conservation practices
- Authors: De Villiers, Deon Johan
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Biodiversity conservation South Africa Eastern Cape , Political ecology South Africa Eastern Cape , Dwesa Nature Reserve (South Africa) , Mkambati Nature Reserve (South Africa) , Hluleka Nature Reserve (South Africa) , Environmental policy South Africa , Natural resources Co-management South Africa Eastern Cape , Land use Environmental aspects South Africa Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/190646 , vital:45013 , 10.21504/10962/190646
- Description: The Transkei Wild Coast is a unique and diverse biophysical environment stretching some 280 kilometres between the Great Kei and Mtamvuna Rivers along South Africa’s eastern coastline. Its extensive indigenous forests were recognised for their biological and economic importance by the colonial government and granted protection from the late 1800s, with forced removal of indigenous people who resided within them. The state restricted and controlled the utilisation of the forest resources, particularly by Black people, through promulgation and enforcement of legislation. Similar conservation methods were employed for protection of the Wild Coast’s soils, grasslands and marine resources, usually without any consultation with local Black leadership or communities who relied upon these resources. Previous studies have focussed on the impacts of Western-style conservation legislation and the promulgation of protected areas on local people. These have suggested that local communities have been denied access to natural resources through a fences and fines approach, often accompanied by heavy-handed, strict law enforcement measures. Very little research has been conducted to document the actual reasons for and the history of conservation efforts along the Wild Coast. The aim of this study was to explore the history of natural resource management and conservation along the Wild Coast from a Western and African perspective, and to examine the conflicts that have arisen as a result thereof. The importance of utilisation of natural resources to sustain livelihoods and the conservation methods applied to protect these resources were examined, mainly by means of a literature review and face-to-face interviews with local traditional leaders and environmental managers. The successes, challenges and conflicts that resulted from conservation efforts were examined through detailed analysis of the conservation history of three case study areas: Dwesa-Cwebe, Hluleka and Mkambati nature reserves. The study concludes that traditional leaders, foresters and conservation managers have largely been ignored during previous research on management and conservation of the Wild Coast; however, they were very eager to express their views on this subject. The interviews revealed that traditional leaders and conservationists from each case study area want to protect the Wild Coast and its natural resources, albeit for different reasons. Conservationists recognise the importance of the region’s biodiversity and the need for protected areas, particularly where there is rich endemism such as at Mkambati and Dwesa-Cwebe. Traditional leaders recognise the potential for jobs for their people where protected areas preserve the aesthetic beauty of the coast and attract tourists. For them, employment opportunities are a priority, as is access to utilisation of natural resources to sustain livelihoods. The traditional customs and culture of the people living along the Wild Coast are also seen as being of critical importance. This has not been adequately considered by past conservation planners and managers, but traditional leaders express value in conserving the amaXhosa and amaMpondo way of life. Nowhere is this more evident than in relation to grazing land for cattle. Another significant finding is that the support shown by traditional leaders for conservation of the terrestrial environment is not necessarily mirrored when it comes to protection of marine resources. The Wild Coast has a rich variety of marine flora and fauna and a high percentage of endemic species. Local people have relied upon marine resources for sustenance, but conservationists acknowledge that access to these resources has historically been restricted without consultation with traditional leaders or local communities. It is concluded that these restrictions can be linked to many land claims on protected areas on the Wild Coast since 1994. While this study suggests that both traditional leaders and conservationists want to protect the Wild Coast and its natural resources, there is still mistrust based on a history of unjust forced removals from forests, restrictions on the use of natural resources through the manifestation of colonial and apartheid power, and broken promises relating to benefit sharing from proceeds of wildlife and tourism ventures, as well as those benefits linked to land claim settlement agreements in the post-apartheid era. The study concludes that, despite past conflicts relating to conservation management, the Wild Coast’s protected areas have widespread support amongst traditional leaders. There is agreement that co-management is the preferred option but the state has to assist in curbing lawlessness that threatens over-exploitation of natural resources. It is largely acknowledged by conservationists that local people should be permitted to sustainably use certain natural resources and that there have to be increased economic benefits from tourism. Although protected area managers cannot be expected to carry the responsibility of failed tourism models and economic ventures on nature reserves, this study found that they are often the only government officials available on the ground for traditional leaders and local communities to consult with. For co-management to be successful on the protected areas, regular communication about all matters pertaining to management is considered important. While it is accepted that traditional leaders no longer have the administrative powers that they historically possessed, the study found that they are still widely respected along the Wild Coast. It is therefore concluded that regular consultation between environmental managers and traditional leaders is essential for the future conservation of the Wild Coast. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Geography, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: De Villiers, Deon Johan
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Biodiversity conservation South Africa Eastern Cape , Political ecology South Africa Eastern Cape , Dwesa Nature Reserve (South Africa) , Mkambati Nature Reserve (South Africa) , Hluleka Nature Reserve (South Africa) , Environmental policy South Africa , Natural resources Co-management South Africa Eastern Cape , Land use Environmental aspects South Africa Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/190646 , vital:45013 , 10.21504/10962/190646
- Description: The Transkei Wild Coast is a unique and diverse biophysical environment stretching some 280 kilometres between the Great Kei and Mtamvuna Rivers along South Africa’s eastern coastline. Its extensive indigenous forests were recognised for their biological and economic importance by the colonial government and granted protection from the late 1800s, with forced removal of indigenous people who resided within them. The state restricted and controlled the utilisation of the forest resources, particularly by Black people, through promulgation and enforcement of legislation. Similar conservation methods were employed for protection of the Wild Coast’s soils, grasslands and marine resources, usually without any consultation with local Black leadership or communities who relied upon these resources. Previous studies have focussed on the impacts of Western-style conservation legislation and the promulgation of protected areas on local people. These have suggested that local communities have been denied access to natural resources through a fences and fines approach, often accompanied by heavy-handed, strict law enforcement measures. Very little research has been conducted to document the actual reasons for and the history of conservation efforts along the Wild Coast. The aim of this study was to explore the history of natural resource management and conservation along the Wild Coast from a Western and African perspective, and to examine the conflicts that have arisen as a result thereof. The importance of utilisation of natural resources to sustain livelihoods and the conservation methods applied to protect these resources were examined, mainly by means of a literature review and face-to-face interviews with local traditional leaders and environmental managers. The successes, challenges and conflicts that resulted from conservation efforts were examined through detailed analysis of the conservation history of three case study areas: Dwesa-Cwebe, Hluleka and Mkambati nature reserves. The study concludes that traditional leaders, foresters and conservation managers have largely been ignored during previous research on management and conservation of the Wild Coast; however, they were very eager to express their views on this subject. The interviews revealed that traditional leaders and conservationists from each case study area want to protect the Wild Coast and its natural resources, albeit for different reasons. Conservationists recognise the importance of the region’s biodiversity and the need for protected areas, particularly where there is rich endemism such as at Mkambati and Dwesa-Cwebe. Traditional leaders recognise the potential for jobs for their people where protected areas preserve the aesthetic beauty of the coast and attract tourists. For them, employment opportunities are a priority, as is access to utilisation of natural resources to sustain livelihoods. The traditional customs and culture of the people living along the Wild Coast are also seen as being of critical importance. This has not been adequately considered by past conservation planners and managers, but traditional leaders express value in conserving the amaXhosa and amaMpondo way of life. Nowhere is this more evident than in relation to grazing land for cattle. Another significant finding is that the support shown by traditional leaders for conservation of the terrestrial environment is not necessarily mirrored when it comes to protection of marine resources. The Wild Coast has a rich variety of marine flora and fauna and a high percentage of endemic species. Local people have relied upon marine resources for sustenance, but conservationists acknowledge that access to these resources has historically been restricted without consultation with traditional leaders or local communities. It is concluded that these restrictions can be linked to many land claims on protected areas on the Wild Coast since 1994. While this study suggests that both traditional leaders and conservationists want to protect the Wild Coast and its natural resources, there is still mistrust based on a history of unjust forced removals from forests, restrictions on the use of natural resources through the manifestation of colonial and apartheid power, and broken promises relating to benefit sharing from proceeds of wildlife and tourism ventures, as well as those benefits linked to land claim settlement agreements in the post-apartheid era. The study concludes that, despite past conflicts relating to conservation management, the Wild Coast’s protected areas have widespread support amongst traditional leaders. There is agreement that co-management is the preferred option but the state has to assist in curbing lawlessness that threatens over-exploitation of natural resources. It is largely acknowledged by conservationists that local people should be permitted to sustainably use certain natural resources and that there have to be increased economic benefits from tourism. Although protected area managers cannot be expected to carry the responsibility of failed tourism models and economic ventures on nature reserves, this study found that they are often the only government officials available on the ground for traditional leaders and local communities to consult with. For co-management to be successful on the protected areas, regular communication about all matters pertaining to management is considered important. While it is accepted that traditional leaders no longer have the administrative powers that they historically possessed, the study found that they are still widely respected along the Wild Coast. It is therefore concluded that regular consultation between environmental managers and traditional leaders is essential for the future conservation of the Wild Coast. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Geography, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Catchment and River Management in Graduate Teacher Education: A Case Study of Student Teacher Learning and Teaching in the Upper uThukela Valley, KwaZulu-Natal
- Authors: Heath, Gavin Edward Craig
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Geography Study and teaching (Higher) South Africa KwaZulu-Natal , Watershed management Study and teaching (Higher) South Africa KwaZulu-Natal , Pedagogical content knowledge , Environmental education South Africa KwaZulu-Natal , Teacher effectiveness South Africa KwaZulu-Natal , Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS)
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/190635 , vital:45012 , 10.21504/10962/190635
- Description: This study developed as a progressive focus on a design research process towards the inclusion of new environmental knowledge in teacher education. It is centred on the clarification of pedagogical content knowledge for the teaching of catchment and river management in Geography teacher education. The study was developed as a design research case study with three phases or iterations of experiential engagement and data collection during the teaching of Postgraduate Certificate in Education students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal where I lecture Geography Education. The study’s iterative design was developed around pedagogical content knowledge refinement with curriculum knowledge analysis (phase 1) that was followed by lecture delivery and analysis (phase 2) and analysis of student engagement during fieldwork, and on teaching practice in rural classroom contexts (phase 3). Data and insights were generated across the successive stages of knowledge differentiation and teaching and learning interactions over time, and included reflection with students involved in the lectures, fieldwork and teaching practice programme. The analytical work covered a review of trajectories in new environmental knowledge, social-ecological systems, sustainability competencies, practice architecture and fieldwork pedagogy. This was done using three research lenses, namely social-ecological systems, social learning and practice architectures. All the design research and review processes served to develop, clarify and refine pedagogical content knowledge for sustainability-oriented teacher education. Thus the study conformed to the tenets of design-based research that was centred on clarification and review of pedagogical content knowledge that was carried into phases two and three. Research was focused at the nexus of pedagogical content knowledge and sustainability concerns that is necessary for the teaching of catchment and river basin management within a social-ecological systems perspective for integrated water resources management in South Africa and globally. The findings informed an illustrative model on how the research was carried out. Six design research insights and principles conclude the study and encapsulate the contribution it makes to new knowledge on how teacher education practice can be progressively aligned with new content knowledge teaching and the teaching of sustainability concerns. Specific findings in the form of six research insights indicated that the fieldworkbased teaching practice experience proved a successful learning crucible to develop sustainability competences. The cohort of student teachers passed their fieldwork teaching practice despite inadequate covering of foundational concepts in school and university. The teaching of a catchment management strategy case study was valuable in all three phases of research. A multi-contextual teaching and learning environment was successfully negotiated and navigated by the student teachers. The present Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement does not speak to the reality on the ground, particularly in deep rural environments. A compulsory virtual Geography teacher training experience is recommended. Lastly, varied and broad responses to the noted multi-contextual challenges are needed in order to prepare and equip student teachers for the demands of the new environmental knowledge in the curriculum. Based on the groundwork provided by this study, there is scope for further research especially regarding the varied and broad responses to this new environmental knowledge in the curriculum. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Heath, Gavin Edward Craig
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Geography Study and teaching (Higher) South Africa KwaZulu-Natal , Watershed management Study and teaching (Higher) South Africa KwaZulu-Natal , Pedagogical content knowledge , Environmental education South Africa KwaZulu-Natal , Teacher effectiveness South Africa KwaZulu-Natal , Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS)
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/190635 , vital:45012 , 10.21504/10962/190635
- Description: This study developed as a progressive focus on a design research process towards the inclusion of new environmental knowledge in teacher education. It is centred on the clarification of pedagogical content knowledge for the teaching of catchment and river management in Geography teacher education. The study was developed as a design research case study with three phases or iterations of experiential engagement and data collection during the teaching of Postgraduate Certificate in Education students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal where I lecture Geography Education. The study’s iterative design was developed around pedagogical content knowledge refinement with curriculum knowledge analysis (phase 1) that was followed by lecture delivery and analysis (phase 2) and analysis of student engagement during fieldwork, and on teaching practice in rural classroom contexts (phase 3). Data and insights were generated across the successive stages of knowledge differentiation and teaching and learning interactions over time, and included reflection with students involved in the lectures, fieldwork and teaching practice programme. The analytical work covered a review of trajectories in new environmental knowledge, social-ecological systems, sustainability competencies, practice architecture and fieldwork pedagogy. This was done using three research lenses, namely social-ecological systems, social learning and practice architectures. All the design research and review processes served to develop, clarify and refine pedagogical content knowledge for sustainability-oriented teacher education. Thus the study conformed to the tenets of design-based research that was centred on clarification and review of pedagogical content knowledge that was carried into phases two and three. Research was focused at the nexus of pedagogical content knowledge and sustainability concerns that is necessary for the teaching of catchment and river basin management within a social-ecological systems perspective for integrated water resources management in South Africa and globally. The findings informed an illustrative model on how the research was carried out. Six design research insights and principles conclude the study and encapsulate the contribution it makes to new knowledge on how teacher education practice can be progressively aligned with new content knowledge teaching and the teaching of sustainability concerns. Specific findings in the form of six research insights indicated that the fieldworkbased teaching practice experience proved a successful learning crucible to develop sustainability competences. The cohort of student teachers passed their fieldwork teaching practice despite inadequate covering of foundational concepts in school and university. The teaching of a catchment management strategy case study was valuable in all three phases of research. A multi-contextual teaching and learning environment was successfully negotiated and navigated by the student teachers. The present Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement does not speak to the reality on the ground, particularly in deep rural environments. A compulsory virtual Geography teacher training experience is recommended. Lastly, varied and broad responses to the noted multi-contextual challenges are needed in order to prepare and equip student teachers for the demands of the new environmental knowledge in the curriculum. Based on the groundwork provided by this study, there is scope for further research especially regarding the varied and broad responses to this new environmental knowledge in the curriculum. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Climate for changing lenses: Reconciliation through site-specific, media arts-based environmental education on the water and climate change nexus in South Africa and Canada
- Authors: Van Borek, Sarah
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Environmental education South Africa , Environmental education Canada , Climatic changes in art , Water-supply Climatic factors , Decolonization , Reconciliation South Africa , Curriculum change , Traditional ecological knowledge
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192754 , vital:45260 , 10.21504/10962/192754
- Description: This study took place in the context of a growing racialised global water crisis and increasing demands worldwide for transforming higher education at institutions of ongoing settler colonialism. It presents a conceptualisation of what education, research and activism can look like and unfolded inside a doctoral research project that expands what doctoral education can look like. Using a media arts-based praxis process, I developed a relational model of university curriculum –site-specific, media arts-based, environmental education –with potential to cultivate relations (human and nonhuman) towards reconciliation while contributing to justice at the water-climate change nexus. My aim as a settler-ally was to expand my teaching and curriculum practices, thereby also offering curriculum transformation inspiration to others. My research was rooted in my concept of reconciliation as a practice towards thriving together, where the ‘together’ was inclusive of both humans and nonhumans. The curriculum engaged students in de/re/constructing water narratives through making site-specific videos focused on local water bodies. Decolonising artistic approaches known as slow media and soundscape recording were strategically incorporated into audio/video mapping assignments where students observed water aesthetics in ways that shifted their perceptions about water and entities entangled with it. Students met with Knowledge Keepers (Indigenous and non-Indigenous people from outside the academy with existing relationships to water bodies). A photovoice methodology was used in these meetings with Knowledge Keepers to reconfigure traditional film director-subject power relations. Guest lecturers from non-traditional backgrounds contributed diverse perspectives. Ecomotricity was incorporated, whereby students were in deliberate movement in/with water bodies through canoeing together. The curriculum culminated in a public screening/education event where resulting videos, interspersed with educational games facilitated by students, surfaced emotions, knowledge co-production and new synergies amongst the event’s temporary community. Through two iterations of the curriculum, where I co-designed and taught a course called Making Waveforms, one in Vancouver, Canada and one in Cape Town, South Africa, I explored the primary research question: How can a relational site specific, media arts-based university environmental education curriculum cultivate students’ relational sensibilities and abilities oriented towards reconciliation of diverse peoples and ecosystems in South Africa and Canada? Iterating the curriculum across these two contexts allowed me to assess which aspect(s)of the curriculum may have been applicable across these and other contexts. By using mixed methods of data collection and sharing throughout the research journey, I explored the sub-questions: a) How is reconciliation understood currently by university students in South Africa and Canada? and b) How can a relational site-specific, media arts-based university environmental education curriculum and my PhD methodologies (PhD-by-publication, website, and participatory approaches to podcasting, video making, and song creation), contribute to decolonising higher education, and thereby further contribute to reconciliation of diverse peoples and ecosystems in South Africa and Canada? Integral to my praxis process, I undertook a PhD-by-publication that involved writing four academic journal articles, with each paper presenting a key stage in the process. The papers, all of which have been submitted to peer-reviewed academic journals, form part of this thesis and can be found in the Appendices. The course was originally developed around Donati’s (2011) relational sociology and Gergen’s (2009) relational education theory. Throughout my praxis process, I expanded my theoretical influences as called for by the research and teaching practice. The journey behind my first PhD paper, (Towards) Sound research practice: Podcast-building as modeling relational sensibilities at the water-climate change nexus in Cape Town, began when I officially started my doctoral studies in early 2018. The paper was co-authored with a fellow PhD scholar from Rhodes University’s Environmental Learning Research Centre (ELRC), Anna James. It presents an experimental arts-based methodology we co-developed for doing contextual profiling by building a socially-engaged podcast series, called Day One, to explore the lived experiences of the Cape Town water crisis of 2018. It includes my initial tool of analysis for exploring how the curriculum might cultivate relational sensibilities and abilities towards reconciliation. The podcast pedagogy offered opportunities to develop some relational learning processes. The analytical tool was developed from cross-referencing reconciliation and relational educational theories. This paper also incorporated theories in relational solidarity and social movement learning. The podcast episodes included personal narratives that, in turn, revealed diverse ideologies and polarisations in the water situation. Working with the audio medium highlighted possibilities for creating and shifting affective relations. Recording and editing soundscapes of waterbodies began explorations of the agential qualities of water. These were foundational dynamics to explore in building the reconciliation curriculum. The paper is published in the International Journal of New Media, Technology, and the Arts (2019, Volume14, Issue1). My second PhD paper, A media arts-based praxis process of building towards a relational model of curriculum oriented towards reconciliation through water justice, presents my methodology for and analysis of a pilot course I co-designed and taught at the Emily Carr University of Art + Design (ECUAD) in Vancouver, Canada in 2018. This course served as contextual profiling around the water situation in Vancouver. The course was offered in partnership with a science-based environmental non-profit called the David Suzuki Foundation and an Indigenous-led post-secondary school called the Native Education College. The course’s public event was hosted at the Beaty Biodiversity Museum. At this stage, I was introduced to Cree/Métis filmmaker, Gregory Coyes, and his Indigenous cinematic narrative approach known as Slow Media. Integrating slow media into video mapping assignments presented exciting possibilities for shifting views and valuing of water. This was the stage at which my concept of reconciliation expanded to explicitly include nonhumans. I applied my initial analytical tool to the curriculum here, which revealed the three most prominent relational sensibilities and abilities towards reconciliation cultivated by students through the course: (1) knowledge ecologies; (2) a hopeful social imaginary; and (3) embodied ways of knowing. I began to make connections between the curriculum and Mi’kmaq elder Albert Marshall’s concept of ‘Two-Eyed-Seeing’, and expanded the notion to ‘Three-Eyed-Seeing’ to include artistic approaches. Deeply inspired by Bekerman and Zembylas’s (2012) Teaching Contested Narratives, I began to see the growing importance of the narrative aspects of reconciliation education. The paper is published in the University of Pretoria’s Journal of Decolonising Disciplines (2021, Volume 1, Issue 2). My third PhD paper, Water as artist-collaborator: Posthumanism and reconciliation in relational media arts-based education, presents a 2019 iteration of the curriculum at ECUAD in Vancouver, and illustrates my shift to include posthuman theories in my analysis. This course was offered in affiliation with the David Suzuki Foundation, and in collaboration with the Native Education College. The culminating public event was hosted by the Beaty Biodiversity Museum. Decentring the human in this data analysis better supported my research and curricular aims. The strong technoculture of the media arts-based curriculum fits well with many posthuman concepts. This posthuman reading of the course and data enabled me to see what changes were emerging through student-water-technology intra-actions, and how these supported relations towards reconciliation as well as water justice. Most notable of these changes was the emergence of water’s agential qualities, specifically of water as becoming collaborator in artistic/knowledge co-production, where students think with water. I argued this contributes to reconciliation by decentring the human, enabling relations in which power is more equal, and where there are greater possibilities for mutual responsibility between related entities. This is where I developed the concept of audio/video as relational texts, supporting the creating and shifting of affective relations more than the monumentalised verbal/written knowledge of traditional universities. This is also where I realised that relational work towards reconciliation would require engaging with the hidden curriculum of institutions. The paper is published in the journal Reconceptualizing Educational Research Methodology (2021, Volume 12, Issue 1), as part of a special issue on Posthuman Conceptions of Change in Empirical Educational Research. My fourth PhD paper, originally entitled Making waveforms: Implicit knowledge representation through video water narratives as decolonising practice towards reconciliation in South Africa’s higher education, presents an analysis of the 2019 iteration of the curriculum in South Africa. I co-designed and led a course called Making Waveforms at the University of Cape Town’s Future Water Institute (FWI) in collaboration with Rhodes University. The course was co-designed/facilitated with FWI’s Research Fellow Amber Abrams, who also co-authored this paper. The course’s public event was hosted by a non-profit organisation called the Tshisimani Centre for Activist Education. This paper explored the ways that non-verbalisable, implicit learning –understood as part of many non-Euro/Western ways of knowing– takes place in the Making Waveforms course and how this influenced water-specific climate behaviours while contributing to decolonised reconciliation practice for higher education institutions. Drawing on theories of implicit and explicit knowledge, we first showed how implicit learning primarily took place through: 1) site-specific audio/video mapping of water bodies; 2) meetings with Knowledge Keepers; and 3) an interactive public screening event. We highlighted how this non-verbalisable learning produced feelings of empathy for diverse peoples and waterways, as well as aesthetic appreciation of water, and how this can contribute to more response-able water behaviours. This, we argued, supported the valuing of implicit knowledge within a traditional educational setting, thereby pluralising knowledge, and was key to reconciliation/decolonisation in higher education. Iterating the curriculum for the South African context emphasised the importance of context-specificity of the course overall, and also of the relational work embedded in the curriculum. This paper is under review by the University of Toronto’s journal Curriculum Inquiry (CI). Following receipt of CI's internal review process, the title of the paper has since been updated to Non-verbalisable, implicit knowledge through cellphilms as decolonised reconciliation practice towards response-able water behaviours in South Africa. Through reflective analysis of my four papers, I developed a concept for an Anatomy of Decoloniz/sed Curriculum consisting of five key parts: 1) relationality; 2) multimodality; 3) narratives/counter-narratives; 4) context-specificity; and 5) unhidden curriculum. Four meta reflections have been included in this thesis, each corresponding with one of the four papers, and presented chronologically according to the stage of the praxis process with which they correspond. In these meta reflections, I applied Kolb’s (1984) Experiential Learning Cycle model for reflective writing, based on the premise that through experiences we can expand our understanding, and included four key stages: 1) concrete experience; 2) reflective observation; 3) abstract conceptualisation; and 4) active experimentation. For the concrete experience, I provided a thick description of my process in writing the paper, as well as aspects of the phase in my praxis process that was the focus of the paper, not included in but relevant to the paper. For the reflective observation, I identified any aspects of the experience that were new to me and which therefore presented opportunities for me to learn. For the abstract conceptualisation, I critically analysed my concrete experience and reflective observation to determine which, if any, of the five key parts of the Anatomy of Decoloniz/sed Curriculum that I outline in my introduction relate to this phase of my PhD praxis process. For the active experimentation, I made conclusions about the extent to which this phase of my PhD embraced decoloniality in practice, and built on this new understanding to make recommendations for myself and others committed to the decolonial project as part of my contribution to knowledge. These meta reflections also invite readers to follow my personal narrative of becoming-with water, meaning my transformation from being water illiterate to embracing a ‘watershed mind’ (Wong,2011). Multimodality, which I propose as a key part of an Anatomy of Decoloniz/sed Curriculum, is embedded in the representational aspects of this thesis. The courses I co-designed and taught as part of this project resulted in the creation of 20 short student films. My contextual profiling involved a podcast methodology that was ongoing throughout my study, as a model of decolonised research-communication-education-action at the water-climate change nexus. This methodology resulted in the creation of four Day One podcast episodes, co-produced with a PhD colleague, Anna James. Some of these episodes are available in all three main languages of Cape Town (Xhosa, Afrikaans, and English). I evolved the podcast methodology in a later stage of my praxis process as a form of member checking with contributors involved in various stages and aspects of the research. Once the four papers were written, I created a series of four short videos called In the Flow, with each video representing a translation of one of the four papers. I invited various contributors of the research project to either watch one or more of the In the Flow videos and/or read one or more of the academic papers, and then to respond in a Zoom call with me. The responses were then shared publicly in a series of seven Climate for Changing Lenses podcast episodes. Parts of these are included in a final song/music video called Please Don’t Blow It. A Climate for Changing Lenses website was created to host all of this multimedia content that forms part of this thesis. A link to this website is provided in the Introduction section of this thesis. My research contributes to the advancement of knowledge in the areas of relational and reconciliation pedagogy, decolonising higher education, arts-based teaching, learning and research methodologies and the water-climate change nexus. My praxis process provided a relational model of reconciliation curriculum that has been tried and tested in two international contexts: Canada and South Africa. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Van Borek, Sarah
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Environmental education South Africa , Environmental education Canada , Climatic changes in art , Water-supply Climatic factors , Decolonization , Reconciliation South Africa , Curriculum change , Traditional ecological knowledge
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192754 , vital:45260 , 10.21504/10962/192754
- Description: This study took place in the context of a growing racialised global water crisis and increasing demands worldwide for transforming higher education at institutions of ongoing settler colonialism. It presents a conceptualisation of what education, research and activism can look like and unfolded inside a doctoral research project that expands what doctoral education can look like. Using a media arts-based praxis process, I developed a relational model of university curriculum –site-specific, media arts-based, environmental education –with potential to cultivate relations (human and nonhuman) towards reconciliation while contributing to justice at the water-climate change nexus. My aim as a settler-ally was to expand my teaching and curriculum practices, thereby also offering curriculum transformation inspiration to others. My research was rooted in my concept of reconciliation as a practice towards thriving together, where the ‘together’ was inclusive of both humans and nonhumans. The curriculum engaged students in de/re/constructing water narratives through making site-specific videos focused on local water bodies. Decolonising artistic approaches known as slow media and soundscape recording were strategically incorporated into audio/video mapping assignments where students observed water aesthetics in ways that shifted their perceptions about water and entities entangled with it. Students met with Knowledge Keepers (Indigenous and non-Indigenous people from outside the academy with existing relationships to water bodies). A photovoice methodology was used in these meetings with Knowledge Keepers to reconfigure traditional film director-subject power relations. Guest lecturers from non-traditional backgrounds contributed diverse perspectives. Ecomotricity was incorporated, whereby students were in deliberate movement in/with water bodies through canoeing together. The curriculum culminated in a public screening/education event where resulting videos, interspersed with educational games facilitated by students, surfaced emotions, knowledge co-production and new synergies amongst the event’s temporary community. Through two iterations of the curriculum, where I co-designed and taught a course called Making Waveforms, one in Vancouver, Canada and one in Cape Town, South Africa, I explored the primary research question: How can a relational site specific, media arts-based university environmental education curriculum cultivate students’ relational sensibilities and abilities oriented towards reconciliation of diverse peoples and ecosystems in South Africa and Canada? Iterating the curriculum across these two contexts allowed me to assess which aspect(s)of the curriculum may have been applicable across these and other contexts. By using mixed methods of data collection and sharing throughout the research journey, I explored the sub-questions: a) How is reconciliation understood currently by university students in South Africa and Canada? and b) How can a relational site-specific, media arts-based university environmental education curriculum and my PhD methodologies (PhD-by-publication, website, and participatory approaches to podcasting, video making, and song creation), contribute to decolonising higher education, and thereby further contribute to reconciliation of diverse peoples and ecosystems in South Africa and Canada? Integral to my praxis process, I undertook a PhD-by-publication that involved writing four academic journal articles, with each paper presenting a key stage in the process. The papers, all of which have been submitted to peer-reviewed academic journals, form part of this thesis and can be found in the Appendices. The course was originally developed around Donati’s (2011) relational sociology and Gergen’s (2009) relational education theory. Throughout my praxis process, I expanded my theoretical influences as called for by the research and teaching practice. The journey behind my first PhD paper, (Towards) Sound research practice: Podcast-building as modeling relational sensibilities at the water-climate change nexus in Cape Town, began when I officially started my doctoral studies in early 2018. The paper was co-authored with a fellow PhD scholar from Rhodes University’s Environmental Learning Research Centre (ELRC), Anna James. It presents an experimental arts-based methodology we co-developed for doing contextual profiling by building a socially-engaged podcast series, called Day One, to explore the lived experiences of the Cape Town water crisis of 2018. It includes my initial tool of analysis for exploring how the curriculum might cultivate relational sensibilities and abilities towards reconciliation. The podcast pedagogy offered opportunities to develop some relational learning processes. The analytical tool was developed from cross-referencing reconciliation and relational educational theories. This paper also incorporated theories in relational solidarity and social movement learning. The podcast episodes included personal narratives that, in turn, revealed diverse ideologies and polarisations in the water situation. Working with the audio medium highlighted possibilities for creating and shifting affective relations. Recording and editing soundscapes of waterbodies began explorations of the agential qualities of water. These were foundational dynamics to explore in building the reconciliation curriculum. The paper is published in the International Journal of New Media, Technology, and the Arts (2019, Volume14, Issue1). My second PhD paper, A media arts-based praxis process of building towards a relational model of curriculum oriented towards reconciliation through water justice, presents my methodology for and analysis of a pilot course I co-designed and taught at the Emily Carr University of Art + Design (ECUAD) in Vancouver, Canada in 2018. This course served as contextual profiling around the water situation in Vancouver. The course was offered in partnership with a science-based environmental non-profit called the David Suzuki Foundation and an Indigenous-led post-secondary school called the Native Education College. The course’s public event was hosted at the Beaty Biodiversity Museum. At this stage, I was introduced to Cree/Métis filmmaker, Gregory Coyes, and his Indigenous cinematic narrative approach known as Slow Media. Integrating slow media into video mapping assignments presented exciting possibilities for shifting views and valuing of water. This was the stage at which my concept of reconciliation expanded to explicitly include nonhumans. I applied my initial analytical tool to the curriculum here, which revealed the three most prominent relational sensibilities and abilities towards reconciliation cultivated by students through the course: (1) knowledge ecologies; (2) a hopeful social imaginary; and (3) embodied ways of knowing. I began to make connections between the curriculum and Mi’kmaq elder Albert Marshall’s concept of ‘Two-Eyed-Seeing’, and expanded the notion to ‘Three-Eyed-Seeing’ to include artistic approaches. Deeply inspired by Bekerman and Zembylas’s (2012) Teaching Contested Narratives, I began to see the growing importance of the narrative aspects of reconciliation education. The paper is published in the University of Pretoria’s Journal of Decolonising Disciplines (2021, Volume 1, Issue 2). My third PhD paper, Water as artist-collaborator: Posthumanism and reconciliation in relational media arts-based education, presents a 2019 iteration of the curriculum at ECUAD in Vancouver, and illustrates my shift to include posthuman theories in my analysis. This course was offered in affiliation with the David Suzuki Foundation, and in collaboration with the Native Education College. The culminating public event was hosted by the Beaty Biodiversity Museum. Decentring the human in this data analysis better supported my research and curricular aims. The strong technoculture of the media arts-based curriculum fits well with many posthuman concepts. This posthuman reading of the course and data enabled me to see what changes were emerging through student-water-technology intra-actions, and how these supported relations towards reconciliation as well as water justice. Most notable of these changes was the emergence of water’s agential qualities, specifically of water as becoming collaborator in artistic/knowledge co-production, where students think with water. I argued this contributes to reconciliation by decentring the human, enabling relations in which power is more equal, and where there are greater possibilities for mutual responsibility between related entities. This is where I developed the concept of audio/video as relational texts, supporting the creating and shifting of affective relations more than the monumentalised verbal/written knowledge of traditional universities. This is also where I realised that relational work towards reconciliation would require engaging with the hidden curriculum of institutions. The paper is published in the journal Reconceptualizing Educational Research Methodology (2021, Volume 12, Issue 1), as part of a special issue on Posthuman Conceptions of Change in Empirical Educational Research. My fourth PhD paper, originally entitled Making waveforms: Implicit knowledge representation through video water narratives as decolonising practice towards reconciliation in South Africa’s higher education, presents an analysis of the 2019 iteration of the curriculum in South Africa. I co-designed and led a course called Making Waveforms at the University of Cape Town’s Future Water Institute (FWI) in collaboration with Rhodes University. The course was co-designed/facilitated with FWI’s Research Fellow Amber Abrams, who also co-authored this paper. The course’s public event was hosted by a non-profit organisation called the Tshisimani Centre for Activist Education. This paper explored the ways that non-verbalisable, implicit learning –understood as part of many non-Euro/Western ways of knowing– takes place in the Making Waveforms course and how this influenced water-specific climate behaviours while contributing to decolonised reconciliation practice for higher education institutions. Drawing on theories of implicit and explicit knowledge, we first showed how implicit learning primarily took place through: 1) site-specific audio/video mapping of water bodies; 2) meetings with Knowledge Keepers; and 3) an interactive public screening event. We highlighted how this non-verbalisable learning produced feelings of empathy for diverse peoples and waterways, as well as aesthetic appreciation of water, and how this can contribute to more response-able water behaviours. This, we argued, supported the valuing of implicit knowledge within a traditional educational setting, thereby pluralising knowledge, and was key to reconciliation/decolonisation in higher education. Iterating the curriculum for the South African context emphasised the importance of context-specificity of the course overall, and also of the relational work embedded in the curriculum. This paper is under review by the University of Toronto’s journal Curriculum Inquiry (CI). Following receipt of CI's internal review process, the title of the paper has since been updated to Non-verbalisable, implicit knowledge through cellphilms as decolonised reconciliation practice towards response-able water behaviours in South Africa. Through reflective analysis of my four papers, I developed a concept for an Anatomy of Decoloniz/sed Curriculum consisting of five key parts: 1) relationality; 2) multimodality; 3) narratives/counter-narratives; 4) context-specificity; and 5) unhidden curriculum. Four meta reflections have been included in this thesis, each corresponding with one of the four papers, and presented chronologically according to the stage of the praxis process with which they correspond. In these meta reflections, I applied Kolb’s (1984) Experiential Learning Cycle model for reflective writing, based on the premise that through experiences we can expand our understanding, and included four key stages: 1) concrete experience; 2) reflective observation; 3) abstract conceptualisation; and 4) active experimentation. For the concrete experience, I provided a thick description of my process in writing the paper, as well as aspects of the phase in my praxis process that was the focus of the paper, not included in but relevant to the paper. For the reflective observation, I identified any aspects of the experience that were new to me and which therefore presented opportunities for me to learn. For the abstract conceptualisation, I critically analysed my concrete experience and reflective observation to determine which, if any, of the five key parts of the Anatomy of Decoloniz/sed Curriculum that I outline in my introduction relate to this phase of my PhD praxis process. For the active experimentation, I made conclusions about the extent to which this phase of my PhD embraced decoloniality in practice, and built on this new understanding to make recommendations for myself and others committed to the decolonial project as part of my contribution to knowledge. These meta reflections also invite readers to follow my personal narrative of becoming-with water, meaning my transformation from being water illiterate to embracing a ‘watershed mind’ (Wong,2011). Multimodality, which I propose as a key part of an Anatomy of Decoloniz/sed Curriculum, is embedded in the representational aspects of this thesis. The courses I co-designed and taught as part of this project resulted in the creation of 20 short student films. My contextual profiling involved a podcast methodology that was ongoing throughout my study, as a model of decolonised research-communication-education-action at the water-climate change nexus. This methodology resulted in the creation of four Day One podcast episodes, co-produced with a PhD colleague, Anna James. Some of these episodes are available in all three main languages of Cape Town (Xhosa, Afrikaans, and English). I evolved the podcast methodology in a later stage of my praxis process as a form of member checking with contributors involved in various stages and aspects of the research. Once the four papers were written, I created a series of four short videos called In the Flow, with each video representing a translation of one of the four papers. I invited various contributors of the research project to either watch one or more of the In the Flow videos and/or read one or more of the academic papers, and then to respond in a Zoom call with me. The responses were then shared publicly in a series of seven Climate for Changing Lenses podcast episodes. Parts of these are included in a final song/music video called Please Don’t Blow It. A Climate for Changing Lenses website was created to host all of this multimedia content that forms part of this thesis. A link to this website is provided in the Introduction section of this thesis. My research contributes to the advancement of knowledge in the areas of relational and reconciliation pedagogy, decolonising higher education, arts-based teaching, learning and research methodologies and the water-climate change nexus. My praxis process provided a relational model of reconciliation curriculum that has been tried and tested in two international contexts: Canada and South Africa. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Competing policy imperatives in Post-Apartheid South Africa: An analysis of the effects and larger significance of ESKOM restructuring on the South African automotive industry, 2005-2014
- Authors: Sibuyi, Lucas Nkosana
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Eskom (Firm) , South Africa Colonial influence , Electric power Conservation South Africa , Electric utilities Government ownership South Africa , Electric utilities Privatization South Africa , Import substitution South Africa , Government business enterprises South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192911 , vital:45278 , 10.21504/10962/192911
- Description: The state has played an indispensable, major role in the industrialisation of South Africa, and its transformation from an economy of agriculture and mining to one based on manufacturing and services by the 1970s. Large state-owned corporations in communications and transportation, finance, industry and power have been key to this process, which also involved an extensive (and racist form of) import substitution industrialisation (ISI) from the 1920s. The 1970s saw a shift towards neoliberal policies, first under the National-Party-led apartheid government and then under the African-National-Congress-led democratic government formed in 1994. Since the 1980s, this restructuring has profoundly affected state-owned enterprises (SOEs), including the monopoly electricity utility ESKOM, and manufacturing industries, such as the automotive sector. This thesis examines the evolution of and interaction between different areas of neoliberal policy, and their evolution over time through a consideration of the relationship between the restructuring of SOEs and manufacturing, with a focus on ESKOM and autotomotives respectively. Relying on interviews with senior officials, policymakers, union leaders and industrialists, as well as primary documents, the study examines the responses of OEMs in South Africa (BMW, Ford, General Motors, Mercedes Benz/Daimler, Nissan, Toyota and Volkswagen) to ESKOM’s actions, and analyses the root of these actions. It argues that while restructuring has been framed by a common framework, policy development and implementation is not coordinated or cohesive. ESKOM, for example, gutted investment in electricity and maintenance generation capacity to become profitable and create space for Independent Power Providers (IPPs) – neoliberal measures for which it was rewarded and lauded. This took place at a time when national policy emphasised the need to grow manufacturing and attract direct investment by creating an investor-friendly climate resting on infrastructure. It also took place when the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) rolled out highly successful plans – also praised and rewarded – to help adjust automotives to open markets; the sector grew much larger than under ISI, while other sectors like textiles collapsed. ESKOM’s measures, however, led to a rapid decline in the capacity and stability of the power system, and directly contradicted the drive to expand and globalise manufacturing, in which automotives was now the leading edge. Corruption in the utility worsened, much of it through subcontracting measures rooted in neoliberal reforms, but this did not cause the basic problems. It is argued that this situation of competing policy imperatives reflects deeper, long-term problems in the South African state, including contradictory policies, uneven capacity and a lack of coordination. For example, there was no coordination between the DTI and stakeholder departments that regulate ESKOM, being the shareholder ministry, the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) and its policy ministry, and the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE). These types of problems did not start postapartheid, and post-1994 reforms have not adequately addressed them. What exists is not a “developmental” state, as policymakers hope, but a fractured state of an intermediate type that combines “developmental” and “predatory” features in a oneparty dominant system in which lines between ruling party and state blur, and state resources are leveraged for elite class formation. Such was the case under apartheid skippered by the NP, with Afrikanerisation, and it continues today post-apartheid under the ANC with BEE. Major reforms are needed, but not just in SOE governance or budgets, as many have suggested. If we are to take the nation forward, the basic design of the state must be reformed. The state needs professionalised, coherent policy-making and implementation, proper coordination of state entities and hard decisions. It should manage high levels of public infrastructure, guarantee political stability and credit ratings, and provide policy certainty and predictability. Without big reforms it will remain a chronic underperformer. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Sibuyi, Lucas Nkosana
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Eskom (Firm) , South Africa Colonial influence , Electric power Conservation South Africa , Electric utilities Government ownership South Africa , Electric utilities Privatization South Africa , Import substitution South Africa , Government business enterprises South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192911 , vital:45278 , 10.21504/10962/192911
- Description: The state has played an indispensable, major role in the industrialisation of South Africa, and its transformation from an economy of agriculture and mining to one based on manufacturing and services by the 1970s. Large state-owned corporations in communications and transportation, finance, industry and power have been key to this process, which also involved an extensive (and racist form of) import substitution industrialisation (ISI) from the 1920s. The 1970s saw a shift towards neoliberal policies, first under the National-Party-led apartheid government and then under the African-National-Congress-led democratic government formed in 1994. Since the 1980s, this restructuring has profoundly affected state-owned enterprises (SOEs), including the monopoly electricity utility ESKOM, and manufacturing industries, such as the automotive sector. This thesis examines the evolution of and interaction between different areas of neoliberal policy, and their evolution over time through a consideration of the relationship between the restructuring of SOEs and manufacturing, with a focus on ESKOM and autotomotives respectively. Relying on interviews with senior officials, policymakers, union leaders and industrialists, as well as primary documents, the study examines the responses of OEMs in South Africa (BMW, Ford, General Motors, Mercedes Benz/Daimler, Nissan, Toyota and Volkswagen) to ESKOM’s actions, and analyses the root of these actions. It argues that while restructuring has been framed by a common framework, policy development and implementation is not coordinated or cohesive. ESKOM, for example, gutted investment in electricity and maintenance generation capacity to become profitable and create space for Independent Power Providers (IPPs) – neoliberal measures for which it was rewarded and lauded. This took place at a time when national policy emphasised the need to grow manufacturing and attract direct investment by creating an investor-friendly climate resting on infrastructure. It also took place when the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) rolled out highly successful plans – also praised and rewarded – to help adjust automotives to open markets; the sector grew much larger than under ISI, while other sectors like textiles collapsed. ESKOM’s measures, however, led to a rapid decline in the capacity and stability of the power system, and directly contradicted the drive to expand and globalise manufacturing, in which automotives was now the leading edge. Corruption in the utility worsened, much of it through subcontracting measures rooted in neoliberal reforms, but this did not cause the basic problems. It is argued that this situation of competing policy imperatives reflects deeper, long-term problems in the South African state, including contradictory policies, uneven capacity and a lack of coordination. For example, there was no coordination between the DTI and stakeholder departments that regulate ESKOM, being the shareholder ministry, the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) and its policy ministry, and the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE). These types of problems did not start postapartheid, and post-1994 reforms have not adequately addressed them. What exists is not a “developmental” state, as policymakers hope, but a fractured state of an intermediate type that combines “developmental” and “predatory” features in a oneparty dominant system in which lines between ruling party and state blur, and state resources are leveraged for elite class formation. Such was the case under apartheid skippered by the NP, with Afrikanerisation, and it continues today post-apartheid under the ANC with BEE. Major reforms are needed, but not just in SOE governance or budgets, as many have suggested. If we are to take the nation forward, the basic design of the state must be reformed. The state needs professionalised, coherent policy-making and implementation, proper coordination of state entities and hard decisions. It should manage high levels of public infrastructure, guarantee political stability and credit ratings, and provide policy certainty and predictability. Without big reforms it will remain a chronic underperformer. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Constraints and enablements on quality improvement in higher education
- Authors: Browning, Leanne Elizabeth
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Education, Higher Aims and objectives South Africa , Education, Higher Evaluation , Quality assurance South Africa , Educational evaluation South Africa , Self-evaluation , Critical realism
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/294956 , vital:57273 , DOI 10.21504/10962/294956
- Description: This study contributes to the literature on quality improvement in higher education by examining the structural, cultural and agential constraints and enablements on a quality process at a university in South Africa. It examined four cases and developed an understanding of the complex interaction of structure, culture and agency and the mechanisms that enable or constrain quality improvement in higher education. The study drew on the literature on higher education quality for the theoretical basis for what is known contributes to the way in which quality assurance and improvement is implemented and its impact on the higher education context. Critical Realism provided the ontological framework and conceptual tools to understand and explore the complex social world within which the quality process took place. The literature on the morphogenetic approach provided the analytical framework for the data analysis and findings. The data consisted of a set of documents from a quality process that took place over a five-year period. The data analysis revealed that different departmental contexts impact on how mechanisms are activated. Each school context shapes the way in which people engage with the review process and consequently, processes and procedures are mediated in each context. This research therefore adds to the understanding of the way in which quality processes take place at a micro-level within an institutional context and informs the approach to quality improvement more broadly, nationally and internationally. The research contributes to the knowledge that will inform planning, policies and practices in quality improvement processes in higher education and the findings identify a number of factors (mechanisms) that should inform the way in which a quality process is facilitated, will enable effective self-evaluation and review processes, and consequently are more likely to lead to quality improvement. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, Centre for Higher Education Research, Teaching and Learning, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Browning, Leanne Elizabeth
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Education, Higher Aims and objectives South Africa , Education, Higher Evaluation , Quality assurance South Africa , Educational evaluation South Africa , Self-evaluation , Critical realism
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/294956 , vital:57273 , DOI 10.21504/10962/294956
- Description: This study contributes to the literature on quality improvement in higher education by examining the structural, cultural and agential constraints and enablements on a quality process at a university in South Africa. It examined four cases and developed an understanding of the complex interaction of structure, culture and agency and the mechanisms that enable or constrain quality improvement in higher education. The study drew on the literature on higher education quality for the theoretical basis for what is known contributes to the way in which quality assurance and improvement is implemented and its impact on the higher education context. Critical Realism provided the ontological framework and conceptual tools to understand and explore the complex social world within which the quality process took place. The literature on the morphogenetic approach provided the analytical framework for the data analysis and findings. The data consisted of a set of documents from a quality process that took place over a five-year period. The data analysis revealed that different departmental contexts impact on how mechanisms are activated. Each school context shapes the way in which people engage with the review process and consequently, processes and procedures are mediated in each context. This research therefore adds to the understanding of the way in which quality processes take place at a micro-level within an institutional context and informs the approach to quality improvement more broadly, nationally and internationally. The research contributes to the knowledge that will inform planning, policies and practices in quality improvement processes in higher education and the findings identify a number of factors (mechanisms) that should inform the way in which a quality process is facilitated, will enable effective self-evaluation and review processes, and consequently are more likely to lead to quality improvement. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, Centre for Higher Education Research, Teaching and Learning, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Continuing teacher professional development in the Environment Sector: A case study of Fundisa for Change continuing teacher professional development programme
- Authors: Nkhahle, Lebona Jerome
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Environmental education South Africa , Pedagogical content knowledge , Teachers In-service training South Africa , Curriculum-based assessment South Africa , Fundisa for Change , Practice Architectures
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192724 , vital:45254 , 10.21504/10962/192724
- Description: The importance of teachers being engaged in professional development initiatives is widely acknowledged in the literature and in most cases these initiatives are largely focused on addressing teachers’ lack of subject content knowledge. The problem of teachers having inadequate environmental knowledge is common in South Africa due to the fact that much of the environmental content knowledge in the curriculum is new, and environmental education itself is a new field. This is an area of interest in South Africa as a third iteration of the post-apartheid curriculum, the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) has recently been introduced into schools and many subjects have environmental learning content. Inadequate subject content knowledge influences teachers’ abilities to choose appropriate teaching and assessment methods and this might negatively affect the process of teaching and learning. Knowledgeable teachers are needed to help learners understand the current issues affecting citizens, and in particular, environmental issues, which form the focus of this study. The main research questions addressed are: 1. What are the teachers’ experiences of the Fundisa for Change continuing teacher professional development programme in relation to environment and sustainability content knowledge? 2. How does the Fundisa for Change continuing teacher professional development programme influence teachers’ practice? 3. What practices of the Fundisa for Change teacher professional development programme are characteristic of effective continuing teacher professional development initiatives? 4. How are (if at all) the practices of teacher training, teacher learning, teaching and assessment of Biodiversity content in CAPS living practices? This work was conducted as a qualitative case study and it was carried out in the provinces of Gauteng, Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga in South Africa. It included four teachers from the Eastern Cape and five from Mpumalanga. Seven teacher trainers also participated, two of which were based in Gauteng and the rest in the Eastern Cape. Data were generated through interviews and document analysis, and included analysis of teacher portfolios showing evidence of classroom practice. The study explored teachers’ experiences of an environmental education training programme called ‘Fundisa for Change’, which has been set up as a national partnership initiative to strengthen teachers’ environmental knowledge and teaching skills in order to address the above-mentioned problem. It focused on training teachers in the Life Sciences, particularly on new content knowledge on Biodiversity, and on teaching and assessment skills. It also looked into how the training influenced teaching practice. The study worked with practice theory, in particular Kemmis and Grootenboer’s (2008) theory of practice architectures, to look at the sayings, doings and relatings pertaining to the teaching of Biodiversity, and the enabling and constraining of this practice. The features and the teachers’ experiences of the Fundisa for Change professional development programme have been presented and explained. The study also used the ecologies of practices theory to describe the living nature of practices. The following are the key findings: • The Fundisa for Change programme improved the participating teachers’ Biodiversity content knowledge, teaching and assessment skills. • Practices of the Fundisa for Change teacher professional development programme characteristic of effective continuing teacher professional development initiatives are: duration; active involvement of teachers; providing teachers with subject content knowledge; promoting establishment of professional learning communities; coherence; follow-up; and assessment of teachers. • The conditions that affect the participating teachers’ teaching practice are: the use of language (both scientific and instructional); infrastructure (availability of computer laboratories, science laboratories, extra classrooms and libraries); teaching and learning support materials including laboratory apparatus; class size; and policies. • The Fundisa for Change programme encourages teachers to improvise and use the local environment in their teaching to try to tackle the problem of lack of funds and equipment. • Teaching Biodiversity practice is ‘living’ as it is characterised by the principles of living ecologies. Recommendations based on the findings are: • There is a need for more teacher training by Fundisa for Change and other organisations whose training activities are SACE approved to cater for more teachers. • A more structured plan of action from the Department of Basic Education (DBE) is needed to assist and involve more organisations and stakeholders. • Provision of infrastructure and teaching and learning resource materials to schools by the DBE needs to be accelerated as it is legally binding. • Follow-up should be formally incorporated into Fundisa for Change programme activities. • Formation of professional learning communities is very important to help new teachers as there is no formal induction programme in South Africa. • An induction policy by the DBE needs to be formulated to help establish an induction programme for newly qualified teachers. Recommendations for further research are: • Use of lesson observation for data collection to improve results. • A larger sample could be used to expand the insights gained in this study. • Fundisa for Change practices can be studied at the level of teacher professional development practices. • Other modes of teacher professional development initiatives such as Lesson Study can be tested out to overcome the challenge of teachers not wanting to be observed. • More research can be carried out on the practices of teacher training, teacher learning, student learning and assessment, as practices associated with teaching Biodiversity. The study was important in that it gave an understanding of what makes continuing teacher professional development initiatives effective. The study also looked at teaching Biodiversity through the use of contemporary forms of a practice theory which are the theory of practice architectures and the theory of the ecologies of practices. This provided understandings into how professional development programmes are experienced in practice, and showed that though the teachers were trained and positive benefits accrued, there are factors which enable or constrain their actual teaching Biodiversity practice. The study also showed that practices are interrelated in ecologies of practices. These factors need to be considered in professional development programming. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Nkhahle, Lebona Jerome
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Environmental education South Africa , Pedagogical content knowledge , Teachers In-service training South Africa , Curriculum-based assessment South Africa , Fundisa for Change , Practice Architectures
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192724 , vital:45254 , 10.21504/10962/192724
- Description: The importance of teachers being engaged in professional development initiatives is widely acknowledged in the literature and in most cases these initiatives are largely focused on addressing teachers’ lack of subject content knowledge. The problem of teachers having inadequate environmental knowledge is common in South Africa due to the fact that much of the environmental content knowledge in the curriculum is new, and environmental education itself is a new field. This is an area of interest in South Africa as a third iteration of the post-apartheid curriculum, the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) has recently been introduced into schools and many subjects have environmental learning content. Inadequate subject content knowledge influences teachers’ abilities to choose appropriate teaching and assessment methods and this might negatively affect the process of teaching and learning. Knowledgeable teachers are needed to help learners understand the current issues affecting citizens, and in particular, environmental issues, which form the focus of this study. The main research questions addressed are: 1. What are the teachers’ experiences of the Fundisa for Change continuing teacher professional development programme in relation to environment and sustainability content knowledge? 2. How does the Fundisa for Change continuing teacher professional development programme influence teachers’ practice? 3. What practices of the Fundisa for Change teacher professional development programme are characteristic of effective continuing teacher professional development initiatives? 4. How are (if at all) the practices of teacher training, teacher learning, teaching and assessment of Biodiversity content in CAPS living practices? This work was conducted as a qualitative case study and it was carried out in the provinces of Gauteng, Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga in South Africa. It included four teachers from the Eastern Cape and five from Mpumalanga. Seven teacher trainers also participated, two of which were based in Gauteng and the rest in the Eastern Cape. Data were generated through interviews and document analysis, and included analysis of teacher portfolios showing evidence of classroom practice. The study explored teachers’ experiences of an environmental education training programme called ‘Fundisa for Change’, which has been set up as a national partnership initiative to strengthen teachers’ environmental knowledge and teaching skills in order to address the above-mentioned problem. It focused on training teachers in the Life Sciences, particularly on new content knowledge on Biodiversity, and on teaching and assessment skills. It also looked into how the training influenced teaching practice. The study worked with practice theory, in particular Kemmis and Grootenboer’s (2008) theory of practice architectures, to look at the sayings, doings and relatings pertaining to the teaching of Biodiversity, and the enabling and constraining of this practice. The features and the teachers’ experiences of the Fundisa for Change professional development programme have been presented and explained. The study also used the ecologies of practices theory to describe the living nature of practices. The following are the key findings: • The Fundisa for Change programme improved the participating teachers’ Biodiversity content knowledge, teaching and assessment skills. • Practices of the Fundisa for Change teacher professional development programme characteristic of effective continuing teacher professional development initiatives are: duration; active involvement of teachers; providing teachers with subject content knowledge; promoting establishment of professional learning communities; coherence; follow-up; and assessment of teachers. • The conditions that affect the participating teachers’ teaching practice are: the use of language (both scientific and instructional); infrastructure (availability of computer laboratories, science laboratories, extra classrooms and libraries); teaching and learning support materials including laboratory apparatus; class size; and policies. • The Fundisa for Change programme encourages teachers to improvise and use the local environment in their teaching to try to tackle the problem of lack of funds and equipment. • Teaching Biodiversity practice is ‘living’ as it is characterised by the principles of living ecologies. Recommendations based on the findings are: • There is a need for more teacher training by Fundisa for Change and other organisations whose training activities are SACE approved to cater for more teachers. • A more structured plan of action from the Department of Basic Education (DBE) is needed to assist and involve more organisations and stakeholders. • Provision of infrastructure and teaching and learning resource materials to schools by the DBE needs to be accelerated as it is legally binding. • Follow-up should be formally incorporated into Fundisa for Change programme activities. • Formation of professional learning communities is very important to help new teachers as there is no formal induction programme in South Africa. • An induction policy by the DBE needs to be formulated to help establish an induction programme for newly qualified teachers. Recommendations for further research are: • Use of lesson observation for data collection to improve results. • A larger sample could be used to expand the insights gained in this study. • Fundisa for Change practices can be studied at the level of teacher professional development practices. • Other modes of teacher professional development initiatives such as Lesson Study can be tested out to overcome the challenge of teachers not wanting to be observed. • More research can be carried out on the practices of teacher training, teacher learning, student learning and assessment, as practices associated with teaching Biodiversity. The study was important in that it gave an understanding of what makes continuing teacher professional development initiatives effective. The study also looked at teaching Biodiversity through the use of contemporary forms of a practice theory which are the theory of practice architectures and the theory of the ecologies of practices. This provided understandings into how professional development programmes are experienced in practice, and showed that though the teachers were trained and positive benefits accrued, there are factors which enable or constrain their actual teaching Biodiversity practice. The study also showed that practices are interrelated in ecologies of practices. These factors need to be considered in professional development programming. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Culture, gender and forests: social differentiation in coping and adapting to climate change and other stressors in the south west and east regions of Cameroon
- Authors: Enokwena Baa, Ojongetakah
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Climatic changes Cameroon , Differentiation (Sociology) Cameroon , Climatic changes Social aspects Cameroon , Cultural awareness Cameroon , Environmental justice Cameroon , Social justice Cameroon , Environmental risk assessment Cameroon , Political ecology Cameroon , Ecofeminism Cameroon , Social capital (Sociology) Cameroon , Community forests Cameroon , Deforestation Cameroon
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/295040 , vital:57284 , DOI 10.21504/10962/295040
- Description: Climate change adaptation scholars and practitioners are beginning to acknowledge that the impact of climate change and other related shocks and stressors will be felt, and reacted to, differently across genders and other types of intersecting social categories, such as age, wealth, and culture, in rural communities. However, to date, most research unpacking these differential impacts and responses has been limited to 'men' versus 'women'. Few studies go beyond this male-female dichotomy to include the different gender structures of households and the intersection with other social factors that contribute to marginalisation, such as ethnicity. This research aimed to explore how different gendered household types in two ethnically diverse communities, the Ejagham and the Baka communities in the SSouth West and East regions of Cameroon, experienced and responded to climate change and other stressors. The central argument of the study is that social differentiation present dynamics and complexities across intersecting identities which determines varied levels of vulnerabilities, adaptive capacity, and livelihood outcomes. The study thus sets out to examine cultural and gendered differentiation in household assets and livelihood activities, how multiple shocks and stressors are experienced, and the differentiated responses to these, focussing specifically on forest and social safety nets. The findings were used to develop an integrated understanding of the complex socially differentiated dimensions of vulnerability and adaptation within the two communities and the implications for more climate secure and equitable livelihoods. The study drew on social-ecological systems, social justice, and feminist political ecology as guiding theoretical lenses. The study further integrated the Moser gender planning and Harvard analytical frameworks as tools for unpacking gender inequality. It followed a mixed methods research design that included household surveys, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions that applied participatory exercises. Financial, human, and physical capital were arguably limited within all household types in both the Ejagham and the Baka communities. Social and natural capital were the most common form of assets that households relied on, with ‘savings groups’ in the Ejagham communities being particularly prevalent. Most households were involved in crop cultivation and forest product collection although there were gendered and cultural differences. Collection of wild fruits, medicinal plants, and condiments, for example, was a more common livelihood activity within the Baka communities and amongst female-headed households. Cultivation of pumpkins and vegetables was dominant amongst households in Ejagham, with these being grown mainly by women, while the cultivation of yams was done by men. Across both communities, female-headed households had less ownership of land compared to male-headed households. The current pressure on agricultural land in the Ejagham communities has decreased crop productivity, with female-headed households disproportionately affected by less ownership of land and thus, options to diversify agricultural activities. Similarly, the rise in individual and private land ownership, in response to resource scarcity and large-scale deforestation in East Cameroon, has further dispossessed female-headed households in the Baka communities, already marginalised by their ethnicity, of land. Inequitable access to assets and the disparity in ownership of these assets across the study communities was both a cause and effect of households' differential livelihood activities and responses to shocks and stressors. Several of the shocks and stressors households were exposed to differed across the two sites. The Ejagham communities, being predominantly agricultural, frequently identified warming temperatures as a climatic stressor and increased sensitivity to the impacts of these. The Baka faced similar climate stressors, although more frequent storms were mentioned as a shock by a significant number of households. The impacts of these storms include damage and destruction of houses due to the traditional construction methods used. Since women are often tasked with the building of houses this adds another layer of stress for them. In terms of idiosyncratic shocks, the death of the main breadwinner was most frequently reported in both communities as a non-climatic shock, although this was higher within the Ejagham communities than in the Baka communities, and particularly so for female-headed households. The varied experiences from multiple shocks and stressors resulted in households' differential coping and adaptation responses. Among the different response options, social and forest safety nets, especially the use and sale of forest products (NTFPs) remained the main response options used by households in both communities. Forest products further supported households during periods of food shortage, especially female-headed households in the Ejagham communities. Households further supported one another through social groups such as savings, farming, hunting (particularly for men) and NTFP collection (for women) groups. By exploring social-ecological interactions, the study highlights the complexities around gender inequalities, vulnerabilities, and responses across socially differentiated groups of people which should be considered in policy, practice, and research. Several of my findings challenge mainstream discourses that generally group women, for instance, as a homogenous category when looking at vulnerability. For example, findings revealed that it is possible for different types of households, both women and men, to be both advantaged and vulnerable at the same time, depending on the shock or stressor faced and the livelihood activities they engage in. The same also applies to ethnicity. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Environmental Science, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Enokwena Baa, Ojongetakah
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Climatic changes Cameroon , Differentiation (Sociology) Cameroon , Climatic changes Social aspects Cameroon , Cultural awareness Cameroon , Environmental justice Cameroon , Social justice Cameroon , Environmental risk assessment Cameroon , Political ecology Cameroon , Ecofeminism Cameroon , Social capital (Sociology) Cameroon , Community forests Cameroon , Deforestation Cameroon
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/295040 , vital:57284 , DOI 10.21504/10962/295040
- Description: Climate change adaptation scholars and practitioners are beginning to acknowledge that the impact of climate change and other related shocks and stressors will be felt, and reacted to, differently across genders and other types of intersecting social categories, such as age, wealth, and culture, in rural communities. However, to date, most research unpacking these differential impacts and responses has been limited to 'men' versus 'women'. Few studies go beyond this male-female dichotomy to include the different gender structures of households and the intersection with other social factors that contribute to marginalisation, such as ethnicity. This research aimed to explore how different gendered household types in two ethnically diverse communities, the Ejagham and the Baka communities in the SSouth West and East regions of Cameroon, experienced and responded to climate change and other stressors. The central argument of the study is that social differentiation present dynamics and complexities across intersecting identities which determines varied levels of vulnerabilities, adaptive capacity, and livelihood outcomes. The study thus sets out to examine cultural and gendered differentiation in household assets and livelihood activities, how multiple shocks and stressors are experienced, and the differentiated responses to these, focussing specifically on forest and social safety nets. The findings were used to develop an integrated understanding of the complex socially differentiated dimensions of vulnerability and adaptation within the two communities and the implications for more climate secure and equitable livelihoods. The study drew on social-ecological systems, social justice, and feminist political ecology as guiding theoretical lenses. The study further integrated the Moser gender planning and Harvard analytical frameworks as tools for unpacking gender inequality. It followed a mixed methods research design that included household surveys, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions that applied participatory exercises. Financial, human, and physical capital were arguably limited within all household types in both the Ejagham and the Baka communities. Social and natural capital were the most common form of assets that households relied on, with ‘savings groups’ in the Ejagham communities being particularly prevalent. Most households were involved in crop cultivation and forest product collection although there were gendered and cultural differences. Collection of wild fruits, medicinal plants, and condiments, for example, was a more common livelihood activity within the Baka communities and amongst female-headed households. Cultivation of pumpkins and vegetables was dominant amongst households in Ejagham, with these being grown mainly by women, while the cultivation of yams was done by men. Across both communities, female-headed households had less ownership of land compared to male-headed households. The current pressure on agricultural land in the Ejagham communities has decreased crop productivity, with female-headed households disproportionately affected by less ownership of land and thus, options to diversify agricultural activities. Similarly, the rise in individual and private land ownership, in response to resource scarcity and large-scale deforestation in East Cameroon, has further dispossessed female-headed households in the Baka communities, already marginalised by their ethnicity, of land. Inequitable access to assets and the disparity in ownership of these assets across the study communities was both a cause and effect of households' differential livelihood activities and responses to shocks and stressors. Several of the shocks and stressors households were exposed to differed across the two sites. The Ejagham communities, being predominantly agricultural, frequently identified warming temperatures as a climatic stressor and increased sensitivity to the impacts of these. The Baka faced similar climate stressors, although more frequent storms were mentioned as a shock by a significant number of households. The impacts of these storms include damage and destruction of houses due to the traditional construction methods used. Since women are often tasked with the building of houses this adds another layer of stress for them. In terms of idiosyncratic shocks, the death of the main breadwinner was most frequently reported in both communities as a non-climatic shock, although this was higher within the Ejagham communities than in the Baka communities, and particularly so for female-headed households. The varied experiences from multiple shocks and stressors resulted in households' differential coping and adaptation responses. Among the different response options, social and forest safety nets, especially the use and sale of forest products (NTFPs) remained the main response options used by households in both communities. Forest products further supported households during periods of food shortage, especially female-headed households in the Ejagham communities. Households further supported one another through social groups such as savings, farming, hunting (particularly for men) and NTFP collection (for women) groups. By exploring social-ecological interactions, the study highlights the complexities around gender inequalities, vulnerabilities, and responses across socially differentiated groups of people which should be considered in policy, practice, and research. Several of my findings challenge mainstream discourses that generally group women, for instance, as a homogenous category when looking at vulnerability. For example, findings revealed that it is possible for different types of households, both women and men, to be both advantaged and vulnerable at the same time, depending on the shock or stressor faced and the livelihood activities they engage in. The same also applies to ethnicity. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Environmental Science, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Development and optimisation of a mucoadhesive chitosan-based intranasal microemulsion and nanomicelle solution for lamotrigine using artificial neural networks
- Authors: Melamane, Siyabonga
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/${Handle} , vital:45247
- Description: Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Pharmacy, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Melamane, Siyabonga
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/${Handle} , vital:45247
- Description: Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Pharmacy, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Distribution, ecological and economic impacts and competition of the invasive alien aquatic weeds (Pontederia crassipes Mart., Pistia stratiotes L., Salvinia molesta D.S. Mitch. and Azolla filiculoides Lam.) in Madagascar
- Authors: Lehavana, Adolphe
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Pontederiaceae Madagascar , Water lettuce Madagascar , Salvinia molesta Madagascar , Azolla filiculoides Madagascar , Introduced aquatic organisms , Aquatic weeds Economic aspects , Aquatic weeds Social aspects , Aquatic weeds Geographical distribution
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/191225 , vital:45072
- Description: In Madagascar, as in several countries in the world, the invasion by four aquatic weeds (Pontederia crassipes Mart. (Pontederiaceae), Pistia stratiotes L. (Araceae), Salvinia molesta D.S. Mitch Salviniaceae) and Azolla filiculoides Lam. (Azollaceae) are among the drivers of environmental and socio-economic deterioration in aquatic ecosystems. Pistia stratiotes was first recorded on the island in the 19th century, and P. crassipes from the beginning of the 20th century, while S. molesta and A. filiculoides were only documented during in the 21st century. From the 1920s, botanists such as Henri Perrier de la Bathie and Raymond Decary were already aware of the dangers caused, in particular by P. crassipes in other countries, and raised the alarm, but little attention has been paid to these species. The aim of the research conducted for this thesis was to determine the distribution, socio-economic and ecological impacts of these four invasive alien aquatic weeds in Madagascar and to make recommendations for their control. First, the distributions of these four aquatic weeds were mapped. This mapping exercise compiled data from different sources including herbarium records, online data and field visits across Madagascar. The mapping study was undertaken from August 2015 to June 2020. Except for mountainous areas above 1800 m (Tsaratanana Massif, Ankaratra Massif and Andringitra Massif) where no data were available, all of Madagascar's bioclimates were invaded by at least one of the four aquatic weeds. In total, at least one species was recorded in 18 of the 22 Regions. Pontederia crassipes was recorded in 13 Regions, S. molesta in 14 Regions, P. stratiotes in 12 Regions, and A. filiculoides in 13 Regions. Herbarium records revealed the oldest record for P. stratiotes to be 1847, 1931 for P. crassipes, 1995 for S. molesta and there were no herbarium specimens for A. filiculoides prior to the start of the current study in 2015. We now know where these four weeds occur and how abundant they are. An objective of this research was to assess the impacts of the four invasive aquatic plants on the socio-economy of the island, mainly on rice production and fishing. Between 2016 and 2019, 102 households in three regions, Soanierana Ivongo, Foulpointe and Antananarivo, were randomly selected and questioned on the impact of these weeds in their aquatic ecosystems and their livelihoods such as fishing and rice growing. Surveys revealed that the four aquatic weeds significantly threatened household activities. On the east coast of Madagascar, the invasions of these four invasive species decreased fish and freshwater shrimp production by 82%. On the high plateau of Madagascar, they reduced rice yield by 30% despite requiring an additional expense of US$ 1,107/ha for control. Although farmers surveyed only used manual control to manage these weeds, they were receptive to other control methods, including integrated control using herbicides and biological control. Another objective of this research was to determine the ecological impacts of the four weeds and specifically if freshwater ecosystem functioning would return after control. To assess the ecological impact, between February 2017 to August 2019, on Lake Antsokafina, the following abiotic and biotic factors were considered: physico-chemistry of water, succession of macrophyte community and animal diversity. With the exception of turbidity, the values of the physico-chemical parameters of the water (pH, electrical conductivity, water temperature and turbidity), were similar between the infested zone and cleared zone. A study on the invasion process of aquatic weeds showed that the plant community succession of the lake changed over time in the areas that had been cleared. The submerged species Ceratophyllum demersum was the pioneer, followed by creeping species such as Echinochloa colona and Ipomoea aquatica, before the area was recolonized by aquatic weeds. Among the aquatic weeds, S. molesta was the most aggressive, covering 92% of the area one year after the start of the experiment. For animal diversity, bird, shrimp and fish community were assessed. The cleaning of the plots in the lake allowed the resumption of fishing activity providing 50 to 200g/catch for shrimp and from 0.25 to 0.5kg/catch for fish per person per day, while no catch was obtained in the areas infested by aquatic weeds were fishermen still attempting to harvest fish/shrimp from the aquatic weed infested areas. Three species of birds, Humblot’s Heron (Ardea humbloti), the white-faced whistling duck (Dendrocygna viduata) and red-billed teal (Anas erythrorhyncha) returned once the areas had been cleared. A manipulated outdoor as descriptor for laboratory experiment was conducted to determine the level and nature of competition of four aquatic weeds species against the indigenous floating fern, Salvinia hastata Desv. (Salviniaceae), using an additive series density model. It was shown that all four invasive species outcompeted S. hastata, with P. crassipes being 24 times more dominant, followed by P. stratiotes at 12 times, S. molesta at 8 times, and finally A. filiculoides at 1.2 times more dominant. This study provided direct evidence of the biodiversity impact of these four species and thus also provided an environmental argument for their control. Based on the findings of this study, a series of recommendations was formulated to manage the invasions of alien species in Madagascar with particular attention to invasive aquatic weeds. These recommendations mainly concern the establishment of management structures and legal instruments such as the creation of a lead government agency at national level and a cross-sectorial invasive species advisory committee, which should review legislation and regulations related to invasive species. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Lehavana, Adolphe
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Pontederiaceae Madagascar , Water lettuce Madagascar , Salvinia molesta Madagascar , Azolla filiculoides Madagascar , Introduced aquatic organisms , Aquatic weeds Economic aspects , Aquatic weeds Social aspects , Aquatic weeds Geographical distribution
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/191225 , vital:45072
- Description: In Madagascar, as in several countries in the world, the invasion by four aquatic weeds (Pontederia crassipes Mart. (Pontederiaceae), Pistia stratiotes L. (Araceae), Salvinia molesta D.S. Mitch Salviniaceae) and Azolla filiculoides Lam. (Azollaceae) are among the drivers of environmental and socio-economic deterioration in aquatic ecosystems. Pistia stratiotes was first recorded on the island in the 19th century, and P. crassipes from the beginning of the 20th century, while S. molesta and A. filiculoides were only documented during in the 21st century. From the 1920s, botanists such as Henri Perrier de la Bathie and Raymond Decary were already aware of the dangers caused, in particular by P. crassipes in other countries, and raised the alarm, but little attention has been paid to these species. The aim of the research conducted for this thesis was to determine the distribution, socio-economic and ecological impacts of these four invasive alien aquatic weeds in Madagascar and to make recommendations for their control. First, the distributions of these four aquatic weeds were mapped. This mapping exercise compiled data from different sources including herbarium records, online data and field visits across Madagascar. The mapping study was undertaken from August 2015 to June 2020. Except for mountainous areas above 1800 m (Tsaratanana Massif, Ankaratra Massif and Andringitra Massif) where no data were available, all of Madagascar's bioclimates were invaded by at least one of the four aquatic weeds. In total, at least one species was recorded in 18 of the 22 Regions. Pontederia crassipes was recorded in 13 Regions, S. molesta in 14 Regions, P. stratiotes in 12 Regions, and A. filiculoides in 13 Regions. Herbarium records revealed the oldest record for P. stratiotes to be 1847, 1931 for P. crassipes, 1995 for S. molesta and there were no herbarium specimens for A. filiculoides prior to the start of the current study in 2015. We now know where these four weeds occur and how abundant they are. An objective of this research was to assess the impacts of the four invasive aquatic plants on the socio-economy of the island, mainly on rice production and fishing. Between 2016 and 2019, 102 households in three regions, Soanierana Ivongo, Foulpointe and Antananarivo, were randomly selected and questioned on the impact of these weeds in their aquatic ecosystems and their livelihoods such as fishing and rice growing. Surveys revealed that the four aquatic weeds significantly threatened household activities. On the east coast of Madagascar, the invasions of these four invasive species decreased fish and freshwater shrimp production by 82%. On the high plateau of Madagascar, they reduced rice yield by 30% despite requiring an additional expense of US$ 1,107/ha for control. Although farmers surveyed only used manual control to manage these weeds, they were receptive to other control methods, including integrated control using herbicides and biological control. Another objective of this research was to determine the ecological impacts of the four weeds and specifically if freshwater ecosystem functioning would return after control. To assess the ecological impact, between February 2017 to August 2019, on Lake Antsokafina, the following abiotic and biotic factors were considered: physico-chemistry of water, succession of macrophyte community and animal diversity. With the exception of turbidity, the values of the physico-chemical parameters of the water (pH, electrical conductivity, water temperature and turbidity), were similar between the infested zone and cleared zone. A study on the invasion process of aquatic weeds showed that the plant community succession of the lake changed over time in the areas that had been cleared. The submerged species Ceratophyllum demersum was the pioneer, followed by creeping species such as Echinochloa colona and Ipomoea aquatica, before the area was recolonized by aquatic weeds. Among the aquatic weeds, S. molesta was the most aggressive, covering 92% of the area one year after the start of the experiment. For animal diversity, bird, shrimp and fish community were assessed. The cleaning of the plots in the lake allowed the resumption of fishing activity providing 50 to 200g/catch for shrimp and from 0.25 to 0.5kg/catch for fish per person per day, while no catch was obtained in the areas infested by aquatic weeds were fishermen still attempting to harvest fish/shrimp from the aquatic weed infested areas. Three species of birds, Humblot’s Heron (Ardea humbloti), the white-faced whistling duck (Dendrocygna viduata) and red-billed teal (Anas erythrorhyncha) returned once the areas had been cleared. A manipulated outdoor as descriptor for laboratory experiment was conducted to determine the level and nature of competition of four aquatic weeds species against the indigenous floating fern, Salvinia hastata Desv. (Salviniaceae), using an additive series density model. It was shown that all four invasive species outcompeted S. hastata, with P. crassipes being 24 times more dominant, followed by P. stratiotes at 12 times, S. molesta at 8 times, and finally A. filiculoides at 1.2 times more dominant. This study provided direct evidence of the biodiversity impact of these four species and thus also provided an environmental argument for their control. Based on the findings of this study, a series of recommendations was formulated to manage the invasions of alien species in Madagascar with particular attention to invasive aquatic weeds. These recommendations mainly concern the establishment of management structures and legal instruments such as the creation of a lead government agency at national level and a cross-sectorial invasive species advisory committee, which should review legislation and regulations related to invasive species. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Embodied difference in manhood: A sociological analysis of the intersection of visible physical impairments and manhood among Xhosa men in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Sipungu, Thoko Andy
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Masculinity South Africa Eastern Cape , Sex role South Africa Eastern Cape , Sex role Psychological aspects , Men with disabilities South Africa Eastern Cape , People with disabilities Social conditions , Xhosa (African people) South Africa Eastern Cape Social life and customs , Male domination (Social structure) South Africa Eastern Cape , Circumcision Social aspects South Africa Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/191658 , vital:45145 , 10.21504/10962/191658
- Description: In this thesis, I outline possible answers to the question of what it means to be a Xhosa man living with a visible physical impairment. Drawing on 17 one-on-one in-depth interviews and through an interpretive phenomenological thematic analysis, this thesis explores the intersection of physical disabilities and manhood masculinity in Xhosa men in selected rural areas in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The intention for this study is to better our understanding concerning the creation, negotiation, maintenance, and recreation of manhood identities by traditionally circumcised Xhosa men in the Eastern Cape who by birth, accident, or illness find themselves at the intersections of masculinity and physical disability. Research notes that the bodies of men with disabilities serve as a continual reminder that they are at odds with the expectations of the dominant manhood cultures. The main argument from this area of research is that men with disabilities are outside the hegemony because they undermine the normative role and shape of the body in Western cultures. However, this line of argumentation stands in sharp contrast to arguments that the hegemony in Xhosa manhood masculinity is primarily and conclusively achieved by having a traditionally circumcised penis without any consideration of the full embodiments of men. Therefore, this study, in the first instance, seeks to bring embodiment into the analyses of manhood by focusing on physical disability amongst traditionally circumcised Xhosa men. Through an embodied theoretical approach to their disabilities that accounts for the corporeal experience of impairment, and theories of masculinity that centre the context, this thesis establishes, in the first instance, the significance of embodiment in doing Xhosa manhood. Concerning the research aims and objectives, this study sheds light on what it means to be a Xhosa man living with visible physical impairment. In this regard, the original findings are classified according to each research aims and objective, as outlined below. Concerning the first research aim, I found that the participants struggle to speak about their bodies outside of physical labour/work despite their impairments. I explain their inability to talk about their disabled bodies by looking at traditional Xhosa initiation as a grantor of equality and sameness. Secondly, I argue that there is a higher premium on social bodies rather than physical bodies in this context, thus their inability to speak about their conditions. Lastly, I make connections between the participants’ inabilities to talk about their bodies and the lasting impact of colonial and apartheid histories. Concerning the second research aim, I explore ways and strategies they employ to respond to and negotiate Xhosa manhood masculinity's dominant cultural demands. In this regard, I note that the participants who acquired their impairments after initiation consider their disability as a second initiation because they see it as having set them back to square one regarding their manhood responsibilities. In contrast, the participants who acquired their disabilities post-initiation saw initiation as a gateway to a more respectable personhood status. I also note that there is an emergence of alternative Xhosa manhood masculinities. Lastly, I also found that contrary to western scholarship on disability and manhood, the participants distinguish between threatened manhood identity versus threatened status as a man. I outline how they arrive at this distinction. In terms of researching the last research aim, this thesis explores how the participants negotiate their ‘embodied difference’ in mundane everyday living. I explore their taken-for-granted routines in doing and being disabled Xhosa men every day. In this regard, this study presents original and interesting findings regarding sex and intimacy, social interactions and sociability, and everyday home living. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Sipungu, Thoko Andy
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Masculinity South Africa Eastern Cape , Sex role South Africa Eastern Cape , Sex role Psychological aspects , Men with disabilities South Africa Eastern Cape , People with disabilities Social conditions , Xhosa (African people) South Africa Eastern Cape Social life and customs , Male domination (Social structure) South Africa Eastern Cape , Circumcision Social aspects South Africa Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/191658 , vital:45145 , 10.21504/10962/191658
- Description: In this thesis, I outline possible answers to the question of what it means to be a Xhosa man living with a visible physical impairment. Drawing on 17 one-on-one in-depth interviews and through an interpretive phenomenological thematic analysis, this thesis explores the intersection of physical disabilities and manhood masculinity in Xhosa men in selected rural areas in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The intention for this study is to better our understanding concerning the creation, negotiation, maintenance, and recreation of manhood identities by traditionally circumcised Xhosa men in the Eastern Cape who by birth, accident, or illness find themselves at the intersections of masculinity and physical disability. Research notes that the bodies of men with disabilities serve as a continual reminder that they are at odds with the expectations of the dominant manhood cultures. The main argument from this area of research is that men with disabilities are outside the hegemony because they undermine the normative role and shape of the body in Western cultures. However, this line of argumentation stands in sharp contrast to arguments that the hegemony in Xhosa manhood masculinity is primarily and conclusively achieved by having a traditionally circumcised penis without any consideration of the full embodiments of men. Therefore, this study, in the first instance, seeks to bring embodiment into the analyses of manhood by focusing on physical disability amongst traditionally circumcised Xhosa men. Through an embodied theoretical approach to their disabilities that accounts for the corporeal experience of impairment, and theories of masculinity that centre the context, this thesis establishes, in the first instance, the significance of embodiment in doing Xhosa manhood. Concerning the research aims and objectives, this study sheds light on what it means to be a Xhosa man living with visible physical impairment. In this regard, the original findings are classified according to each research aims and objective, as outlined below. Concerning the first research aim, I found that the participants struggle to speak about their bodies outside of physical labour/work despite their impairments. I explain their inability to talk about their disabled bodies by looking at traditional Xhosa initiation as a grantor of equality and sameness. Secondly, I argue that there is a higher premium on social bodies rather than physical bodies in this context, thus their inability to speak about their conditions. Lastly, I make connections between the participants’ inabilities to talk about their bodies and the lasting impact of colonial and apartheid histories. Concerning the second research aim, I explore ways and strategies they employ to respond to and negotiate Xhosa manhood masculinity's dominant cultural demands. In this regard, I note that the participants who acquired their impairments after initiation consider their disability as a second initiation because they see it as having set them back to square one regarding their manhood responsibilities. In contrast, the participants who acquired their disabilities post-initiation saw initiation as a gateway to a more respectable personhood status. I also note that there is an emergence of alternative Xhosa manhood masculinities. Lastly, I also found that contrary to western scholarship on disability and manhood, the participants distinguish between threatened manhood identity versus threatened status as a man. I outline how they arrive at this distinction. In terms of researching the last research aim, this thesis explores how the participants negotiate their ‘embodied difference’ in mundane everyday living. I explore their taken-for-granted routines in doing and being disabled Xhosa men every day. In this regard, this study presents original and interesting findings regarding sex and intimacy, social interactions and sociability, and everyday home living. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Establishing a water resources assessment system for Eswatini (Swaziland) incorporating data and modelling uncertainty
- Authors: Ndzabandzaba, Coli
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Water resources development Eswatini , Water-supply Eswatini Management , Hydrologic models Eswatini , Runoff Mathematical models , Rain and rainfall Mathematical models , Pitman model
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/189009 , vital:44806 , 10.21504/10962/189009
- Description: The uneven distribution of water resources availability globally puts pressure on environmental and human or socio-economic systems and has complex implications for the interactions within these systems. The natural environment and water resources are increasingly threatened by development, and water management crises are still occurring. This is exacerbated by the lack of accurate and adequate information on these systems. In Eswatini, for example, the pressure on the available water resources is mounting due to increasing water demand for irrigation while information about natural hydrological conditions and levels of water resources developments are uncertain. In addition, the practical application of hydrological models for water resources assessments that incorporate uncertainty in Eswatini has yet to be realised. The aim of the study, therefore, was to develop a water resource assessment system that is based on both observed and simulated information and that includes uncertainty. This study focusses on a regional water resource assessment using an uncertainty version of the Pitman monthly rainfall-runoff model whose outputs are constrained by six indices of natural hydrological response (i.e., mean monthly runoff, mean monthly groundwater recharge, Q10, Q50 and Q90 percentage points of the flow duration curve and % time of zero flows) for each of the 122 sub-basins of the transboundary catchments of Eswatini. A 2-step uncertainty modelling approach was tested, validated and then applied to all the sub-basins of Eswatini. The first step of the model run establishes behavioural, but uncertain model parameter ranges for natural incremental sub-basin hydrological responses and the model is typically run 100 000 times for each sub-basin. The parameter space that defines the uncertainty in parameter estimation is sampled based on simple Monte Carlo approach. The second step links all the sub-basin outputs and allows for water use parameters to be incorporated, where necessary, in order to generate cumulative sub-basin outflows. The results from the constraint index analysis have proved to be useful in constraining the model outputs. Generally, the behavioural model outputs produced realistic uncertainty estimates as well as acceptable simulations based on the assessment of the flow duration curves. The modelling results indicated that there is some degree of uncertainty that cannot be easily accounted for due to some identified data issues. The results also showed that there is still a possibility to improve the simulations provided such issues are resolved. The issues about the simulation of stream flow that were detected are mainly related to availability of data to estimate water use parameters. Another challenge in setting up the model was associated with establishing constraints that match the parameters for natural hydrological conditions for specific sub-basins and maintaining consistency in the adjustment of the model output constraints for other sub-basins. In an attempt to overcome this problem, the study recommends additional hydrological response constraints to be used with the Pitman model. Another main recommendation relates to the strong cooperation of relevant catchment management authorities and stakeholders including scientists in order to make information more available to users. The new hydrological insight is derived from the analysis of hydrological indices which highlighted the regional variations in hydrological processes and sub-basin response across the transboundary basins of Eswatini. The adopted modelling approach provides further insight into all the uncertainties associated with quantifying the available water resources of the country. The study has provided further understanding of the spatial variability of the hydrological response and existing development impacts than was previously available. It is envisaged that these new insights will provide an improved basis for future water management in Eswatini. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Institute for Water Research, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Ndzabandzaba, Coli
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Water resources development Eswatini , Water-supply Eswatini Management , Hydrologic models Eswatini , Runoff Mathematical models , Rain and rainfall Mathematical models , Pitman model
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/189009 , vital:44806 , 10.21504/10962/189009
- Description: The uneven distribution of water resources availability globally puts pressure on environmental and human or socio-economic systems and has complex implications for the interactions within these systems. The natural environment and water resources are increasingly threatened by development, and water management crises are still occurring. This is exacerbated by the lack of accurate and adequate information on these systems. In Eswatini, for example, the pressure on the available water resources is mounting due to increasing water demand for irrigation while information about natural hydrological conditions and levels of water resources developments are uncertain. In addition, the practical application of hydrological models for water resources assessments that incorporate uncertainty in Eswatini has yet to be realised. The aim of the study, therefore, was to develop a water resource assessment system that is based on both observed and simulated information and that includes uncertainty. This study focusses on a regional water resource assessment using an uncertainty version of the Pitman monthly rainfall-runoff model whose outputs are constrained by six indices of natural hydrological response (i.e., mean monthly runoff, mean monthly groundwater recharge, Q10, Q50 and Q90 percentage points of the flow duration curve and % time of zero flows) for each of the 122 sub-basins of the transboundary catchments of Eswatini. A 2-step uncertainty modelling approach was tested, validated and then applied to all the sub-basins of Eswatini. The first step of the model run establishes behavioural, but uncertain model parameter ranges for natural incremental sub-basin hydrological responses and the model is typically run 100 000 times for each sub-basin. The parameter space that defines the uncertainty in parameter estimation is sampled based on simple Monte Carlo approach. The second step links all the sub-basin outputs and allows for water use parameters to be incorporated, where necessary, in order to generate cumulative sub-basin outflows. The results from the constraint index analysis have proved to be useful in constraining the model outputs. Generally, the behavioural model outputs produced realistic uncertainty estimates as well as acceptable simulations based on the assessment of the flow duration curves. The modelling results indicated that there is some degree of uncertainty that cannot be easily accounted for due to some identified data issues. The results also showed that there is still a possibility to improve the simulations provided such issues are resolved. The issues about the simulation of stream flow that were detected are mainly related to availability of data to estimate water use parameters. Another challenge in setting up the model was associated with establishing constraints that match the parameters for natural hydrological conditions for specific sub-basins and maintaining consistency in the adjustment of the model output constraints for other sub-basins. In an attempt to overcome this problem, the study recommends additional hydrological response constraints to be used with the Pitman model. Another main recommendation relates to the strong cooperation of relevant catchment management authorities and stakeholders including scientists in order to make information more available to users. The new hydrological insight is derived from the analysis of hydrological indices which highlighted the regional variations in hydrological processes and sub-basin response across the transboundary basins of Eswatini. The adopted modelling approach provides further insight into all the uncertainties associated with quantifying the available water resources of the country. The study has provided further understanding of the spatial variability of the hydrological response and existing development impacts than was previously available. It is envisaged that these new insights will provide an improved basis for future water management in Eswatini. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Institute for Water Research, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Ethics of climate change: a normative account
- Authors: Afolabi, Abiodun Paul
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Climatic changes Senegal Saint-Louis , Climatic changes Moral and ethical aspects , Cultural property Senegal Saint-Louis , Ethics Senegal Saint-Louis , Applied ethics , Environmental justice Senegal Saint-Louis , Philosophy, African , Normativity (Ethics)
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192864 , vital:45272 , 10.21504/10962/192864
- Description: Consider, for instance, you and your family have lived around a place where you enjoyed the flora and fauna of the land as well as the natural environment. Fishing and farming were pleasant activities for your family, and anyone in the community not only to survive but thrive. Your neighbours and the people in the community pride themselves so much in their farming abilities and fishing techniques. Suddenly things start taking a different turn because of rising sea level and changing weather pattern. First, your land began to give way because of sweeping erosion, and later the riverbank serving the community starts drying up. Your neighbour could not hold their own in this grim condition as they started relocating. You even witnessed some of your family and friends leaving the community and you later heard that they have become climate refugees. To put it all together, you were told that what you are experiencing is one of climate change effects. You were told that the loss of the place that you once cherished is not an act of God but the result of the reckless flaring of greenhouse gasses harmful to the environment by some powerful but polluting nations. What will you do? This might sound like a fairy tale. In reality, this is the story of the people of Saint Louis Atlantic Coasts in Senegal, captured by the Global Climate Change Alliance Plus Initiative.1 Their situation has been described as ‘living on the edge’ because for centuries, Saint Louis Atlantic Coasts, home to around 230,000 inhabitants, also known as the ‘Venice of Africa’ has been protected from the pounding Atlantic waves by the ‘Langue de Barbarie,’ a narrow, 30 km peninsula at the mouth of the Senegal river. However, the low-lying sandy spit of land along this World Heritage site is itself rapidly disappearing in the present. This is the consequence of a changing climate and other man-made problems such as illegal sand-mining and over-development. Today, the southern part of the Langue de Barbarie is an island, and the village of Doune Baba Dieye is under more than a metre of water. The villagers have become climate refugees, forced to live in temporary camps on the mainland. Not only have they lost their homes, but they have also lost significant cultural heritage like the farming and fishing culture tied to this place. The ethical considerations that emerge from climate change impacts on the world’s cultural heritage are varied. However, it seems not as self-evident in the way that research on climate change ethics has been framed around economic interest and direct threats to human life and other species. Even when they mention climate impacts on heritage sites around the world, those of Africans have been side-lined. For instance, the impact of climate change on small island nations like Tuvalu, Kiribati2 have gained much traction in climate change discourse, but we do not get to see stories of Africans whose cherished cultural heritage are affected by climate despoliation. How do we respond to this intractable challenge? This is a question of justice and, to be more precise, climate justice. Many principles and proposals for climate justice have been put forward, but the insufficient attention to the vulnerabilities or loss of cultural heritage values of Africans, which is a critical aspect of their social realities, make these theories less persuasive on a global level. This thesis, then, fills this gap in the literature by suggesting that the failure to take cognizance of the injustice in neglecting cultural heritage values when dealing with the burden of climate change is the effect of three problems. One, the value of culture is less understood in this environmental age. Hence, cultural values are excluded or made to be secondary in consideration of principles of climate justice. Second, the idea of Personhood has been neglected in climate ethics and climate justice discourse. Yet, this idea of Personhood can be an enabler of climate justice in that a realization of the significance of cultural heritage to the wellness of the human persons in Africa, makes it loss morally reprehensible. Third, those whose cultural heritage is significantly affected do not get represented in the debate about sharing the burden of climate change. This dissertation thereby builds upon the general findings of the past about anthropogenic climate change, its causes and consequences. Adopting a discursive normative framework, I also address the significance of cultural heritage in this contemporary environmental age and discuss the global justice implications of cultural heritage loss to climate change. This dissertation further provides a critique of mainstream climate justice theories, especially their marginalization of the cultural dimension of climate change. In this regard, the metaphor - ‘cultural storm’ was deployed to argue that climate justice discourses have neither factored the deep socio-cultural impact of climate change nor do they draw on the cultural understanding of justice in putting forward their theories. Given the nature of the indirect, cumulative, and interconnected invisible losses to cultural heritage from climate change, it seems unlikely that they can be addressed by simple tweaks of the climate justice status quo. This dissertation proposes that the idea of personhood in African philosophy, can be conceived to ensure climate justice live up to its expectations in a world of diverse persons dealing with a complex phenomenon like climate change. It argues that a cultural dimension of climate ethics has implications for how mitigation, adaptation and compensation plans should be furthered for global climate justice. At the foundation of my argument, I suggest that what is needed in climate justice discourse is a commitment to explore new and innovative alternatives that will produce an inclusive global climate treaty that is sensitive to the cultural heritage assets that is destroyed by climate change in Africa. This will require a multi-dimensional framework that allows fundamentally different kinds of values and benefits to be given equal visibility and standing in global climate negotiations. The dissertation proceeds in six chapters. In the first chapter, I discuss how climate change denies, damage and destroys cultural heritage values in Africa and argue that it is unjust to ignore this dimension of climate change impact, particularly on the African continent. In the second chapter, I critically discuss the normative value of cultural heritage in an environmentally sustainable and morally appropriate way for this global age. I argue that what is lost when climate change affects cultural heritage is a significant cultural asset that ought to be seriously considered in climate ethics. The third chapter addresses the global justice implications of the destruction of Africa's cultural heritage by climate change that must be paid attention to. In chapter four, I evaluate the plausibility of some of the mainstream climate justice proposals. I offered a different possible critique of current approaches to climate justice to show how they have furthered cultural injustice. The critique of current climate justice theories that I offer, stems from an uninspiring approach that belies logic permitting the sacrificing of that which is connected to others wellbeing as well as the implicit assumptions and the limitation of the idea of justice that undergird these climate justice theories. I offer, in chapter five, a plausible climate ethics theory that recognizes culturally embedded ideas of justice and empower all stakeholders to build by themselves, lives that are, in the light of these ideas, deemed to be adversely impacted by climate change. This theory advances a socio-cultural perspective to climate change which could provide a nuanced basis for understanding and addressing global climate duties that will be sensitive to the loss of cultural heritage. Specifically, I apply the African conception of personhood, to provide a normative basis for a different but intuitive understanding of the cultural dimension of climate ethics. In the final chapter, I discuss how this theory can be applied to rethink current global responses in the form of mitigation, adaptation and compensation in such a way that it takes seriously the impacts of climate change on Africa’s cultural heritage and values. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Philosophy, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Afolabi, Abiodun Paul
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Climatic changes Senegal Saint-Louis , Climatic changes Moral and ethical aspects , Cultural property Senegal Saint-Louis , Ethics Senegal Saint-Louis , Applied ethics , Environmental justice Senegal Saint-Louis , Philosophy, African , Normativity (Ethics)
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192864 , vital:45272 , 10.21504/10962/192864
- Description: Consider, for instance, you and your family have lived around a place where you enjoyed the flora and fauna of the land as well as the natural environment. Fishing and farming were pleasant activities for your family, and anyone in the community not only to survive but thrive. Your neighbours and the people in the community pride themselves so much in their farming abilities and fishing techniques. Suddenly things start taking a different turn because of rising sea level and changing weather pattern. First, your land began to give way because of sweeping erosion, and later the riverbank serving the community starts drying up. Your neighbour could not hold their own in this grim condition as they started relocating. You even witnessed some of your family and friends leaving the community and you later heard that they have become climate refugees. To put it all together, you were told that what you are experiencing is one of climate change effects. You were told that the loss of the place that you once cherished is not an act of God but the result of the reckless flaring of greenhouse gasses harmful to the environment by some powerful but polluting nations. What will you do? This might sound like a fairy tale. In reality, this is the story of the people of Saint Louis Atlantic Coasts in Senegal, captured by the Global Climate Change Alliance Plus Initiative.1 Their situation has been described as ‘living on the edge’ because for centuries, Saint Louis Atlantic Coasts, home to around 230,000 inhabitants, also known as the ‘Venice of Africa’ has been protected from the pounding Atlantic waves by the ‘Langue de Barbarie,’ a narrow, 30 km peninsula at the mouth of the Senegal river. However, the low-lying sandy spit of land along this World Heritage site is itself rapidly disappearing in the present. This is the consequence of a changing climate and other man-made problems such as illegal sand-mining and over-development. Today, the southern part of the Langue de Barbarie is an island, and the village of Doune Baba Dieye is under more than a metre of water. The villagers have become climate refugees, forced to live in temporary camps on the mainland. Not only have they lost their homes, but they have also lost significant cultural heritage like the farming and fishing culture tied to this place. The ethical considerations that emerge from climate change impacts on the world’s cultural heritage are varied. However, it seems not as self-evident in the way that research on climate change ethics has been framed around economic interest and direct threats to human life and other species. Even when they mention climate impacts on heritage sites around the world, those of Africans have been side-lined. For instance, the impact of climate change on small island nations like Tuvalu, Kiribati2 have gained much traction in climate change discourse, but we do not get to see stories of Africans whose cherished cultural heritage are affected by climate despoliation. How do we respond to this intractable challenge? This is a question of justice and, to be more precise, climate justice. Many principles and proposals for climate justice have been put forward, but the insufficient attention to the vulnerabilities or loss of cultural heritage values of Africans, which is a critical aspect of their social realities, make these theories less persuasive on a global level. This thesis, then, fills this gap in the literature by suggesting that the failure to take cognizance of the injustice in neglecting cultural heritage values when dealing with the burden of climate change is the effect of three problems. One, the value of culture is less understood in this environmental age. Hence, cultural values are excluded or made to be secondary in consideration of principles of climate justice. Second, the idea of Personhood has been neglected in climate ethics and climate justice discourse. Yet, this idea of Personhood can be an enabler of climate justice in that a realization of the significance of cultural heritage to the wellness of the human persons in Africa, makes it loss morally reprehensible. Third, those whose cultural heritage is significantly affected do not get represented in the debate about sharing the burden of climate change. This dissertation thereby builds upon the general findings of the past about anthropogenic climate change, its causes and consequences. Adopting a discursive normative framework, I also address the significance of cultural heritage in this contemporary environmental age and discuss the global justice implications of cultural heritage loss to climate change. This dissertation further provides a critique of mainstream climate justice theories, especially their marginalization of the cultural dimension of climate change. In this regard, the metaphor - ‘cultural storm’ was deployed to argue that climate justice discourses have neither factored the deep socio-cultural impact of climate change nor do they draw on the cultural understanding of justice in putting forward their theories. Given the nature of the indirect, cumulative, and interconnected invisible losses to cultural heritage from climate change, it seems unlikely that they can be addressed by simple tweaks of the climate justice status quo. This dissertation proposes that the idea of personhood in African philosophy, can be conceived to ensure climate justice live up to its expectations in a world of diverse persons dealing with a complex phenomenon like climate change. It argues that a cultural dimension of climate ethics has implications for how mitigation, adaptation and compensation plans should be furthered for global climate justice. At the foundation of my argument, I suggest that what is needed in climate justice discourse is a commitment to explore new and innovative alternatives that will produce an inclusive global climate treaty that is sensitive to the cultural heritage assets that is destroyed by climate change in Africa. This will require a multi-dimensional framework that allows fundamentally different kinds of values and benefits to be given equal visibility and standing in global climate negotiations. The dissertation proceeds in six chapters. In the first chapter, I discuss how climate change denies, damage and destroys cultural heritage values in Africa and argue that it is unjust to ignore this dimension of climate change impact, particularly on the African continent. In the second chapter, I critically discuss the normative value of cultural heritage in an environmentally sustainable and morally appropriate way for this global age. I argue that what is lost when climate change affects cultural heritage is a significant cultural asset that ought to be seriously considered in climate ethics. The third chapter addresses the global justice implications of the destruction of Africa's cultural heritage by climate change that must be paid attention to. In chapter four, I evaluate the plausibility of some of the mainstream climate justice proposals. I offered a different possible critique of current approaches to climate justice to show how they have furthered cultural injustice. The critique of current climate justice theories that I offer, stems from an uninspiring approach that belies logic permitting the sacrificing of that which is connected to others wellbeing as well as the implicit assumptions and the limitation of the idea of justice that undergird these climate justice theories. I offer, in chapter five, a plausible climate ethics theory that recognizes culturally embedded ideas of justice and empower all stakeholders to build by themselves, lives that are, in the light of these ideas, deemed to be adversely impacted by climate change. This theory advances a socio-cultural perspective to climate change which could provide a nuanced basis for understanding and addressing global climate duties that will be sensitive to the loss of cultural heritage. Specifically, I apply the African conception of personhood, to provide a normative basis for a different but intuitive understanding of the cultural dimension of climate ethics. In the final chapter, I discuss how this theory can be applied to rethink current global responses in the form of mitigation, adaptation and compensation in such a way that it takes seriously the impacts of climate change on Africa’s cultural heritage and values. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Philosophy, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29