Aspects of the ecology of the estuarine round-herring Gilchristella aestuaria (Pisces: Clupeidae) and its small-scale fishery potential
- Zvavahera, Munetsi https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5337-1943
- Authors: Zvavahera, Munetsi https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5337-1943
- Date: 2021-05
- Subjects: Small-scale fisheries , Silversides
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22765 , vital:52752
- Description: In the past two decades, there has been increasing pressure for small-scale inland fisheries to play a central role in food and nutrient security for poor communities in South Africa. For decades, South African inland fisheries have focussed on the exploitation of large fish species and generally ignored the exploitation of inland small fish species (SFS). This research aimed to assess the ecology and small-scale fishery potential of the estuarine round-herring, Gilchristella aestuaria. To understand the ecology of G. aestuaria better, morphometric trait analysis and fish condition of populations in relation to environmental variables (salinity, pH, temperature, turbidity and chlorophyll-a) were done. Fish were supplemented with samples acquired from the SAIAB collection facility for 14 sites to cover all the three South African biogeographic regions, stretching from Lake Sibaya (KZN) to the Orange River estuary in the western parts of the country. The morphometric trait analysis showed that G. aestuaria populations can be distinguished based on the trait variation, however there were many overlaps for populations that are interconnected, with distant/ geographically separated populations showing clear differences. Morphometric traits of the G. aestuaria population were significantly different, however there was no strong directional relationship with environmental variables and variation in morphometric traits. However, fish condition as measured by Fulton’s condition (K) and relative weight (Wr) showed variation between populations found in different environments. These differences suggest that these populations must be managed differently if G. aestuaria is to be exploited in managed fisheries. To determine the potential nutrient value of G. aestuaria to the human diet, samples from two freshwater sites and five estuarine sites were analysed for essential macro and micronutrients. The nutrient content of G. aestuaria revealed there is potential for exploitation, as the species has a high macro (protein and fat) and micronutrient composition (calcium, iron and zinc). Mean ± SD of selected nutrients were protein (61.7±5.0 g/100g), fat (20.4±3.7g/ 100g), calcium (3507.5±314.0mg), iron (40.37±14.0mg/ 100g), zinc (22.47±5.6mg/ 100) and vitamin A (37.3±44.4 RAE/ 100g). The nutrient composition of fish collected from freshwater sites was comparable to those collected from estuarine environments. Using the recommended dietary allowances (RDA) from literature, the mass of fish and the number of fish that would provide a minimum amount for each nutrient were calculated. A child would require only 13.4g of dry G. aestuaria or approximately 74 dried fish to meet the daily requirements of zinc. Other minerals such as iron and calcium also showed a similar low weight or number of fish required to meet daily requirements for the different categories. A small number of G. aestuaria are needed to meet RDA for groups (children, adult men, adult women, pregnant women and lactating mothers). A comparison was done for the nutrient composition of G. aestuaria with reference species that are already harvested for human consumption in some African and Asian countries. The protein content of G. aestuaria was comparable to Chisense (Microthrissa moeruensis) and Kapenta Limnothrissa miodon), while the fat composition was more than twice Chisense and Kapenta. Comparing the mineral composition, G. aestuaria had more than three times higher calcium than Mola (Amblypharyngodon mola) and Puti (Puntius sophore). Zinc composition was four times higher than M. moeruensis and L. miodon. Further exploration of the ecology of G. aestuaria was studied using the Sundays River irrigations ponds as a case study that would represent small impoundments across South Africa. Species rank abundance curve and catch per unit effort (CPUE) on the Sundays Irrigation ponds revealed that G. aestuaria dominated numerically and biomass in the Sundays River irrigation ponds. To assess the potential of harvesting G. aestuaria harvesting experiments were conducted using depletion (removal) sampling. Catchweight (kg) ranged from 2.16 (1.03; 3.28) to 61.25 (44.40; 78.09) kg and the estimated biomass from the depletion model ranged from 1.05 to 40.19 kg/ha for September 2019. The depletion model revealed that small impoundments have high biomass per hectare of G. aestuaria ranging from which indicates that the species may not support a commercial fishery but small-scale fisheries. In conclusion, G. aestuaria could become a meaningful contribution to the food and nutrient security of poor communities where available as a food source through small-scale fishery exploitation. The extent of this contribution may depend on its production potential in various regions and environments. More research is however needed to determine the long-term sustainability of harvesting of G aestuaria by looking at how populations respond to harvesting. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-05
- Authors: Zvavahera, Munetsi https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5337-1943
- Date: 2021-05
- Subjects: Small-scale fisheries , Silversides
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22765 , vital:52752
- Description: In the past two decades, there has been increasing pressure for small-scale inland fisheries to play a central role in food and nutrient security for poor communities in South Africa. For decades, South African inland fisheries have focussed on the exploitation of large fish species and generally ignored the exploitation of inland small fish species (SFS). This research aimed to assess the ecology and small-scale fishery potential of the estuarine round-herring, Gilchristella aestuaria. To understand the ecology of G. aestuaria better, morphometric trait analysis and fish condition of populations in relation to environmental variables (salinity, pH, temperature, turbidity and chlorophyll-a) were done. Fish were supplemented with samples acquired from the SAIAB collection facility for 14 sites to cover all the three South African biogeographic regions, stretching from Lake Sibaya (KZN) to the Orange River estuary in the western parts of the country. The morphometric trait analysis showed that G. aestuaria populations can be distinguished based on the trait variation, however there were many overlaps for populations that are interconnected, with distant/ geographically separated populations showing clear differences. Morphometric traits of the G. aestuaria population were significantly different, however there was no strong directional relationship with environmental variables and variation in morphometric traits. However, fish condition as measured by Fulton’s condition (K) and relative weight (Wr) showed variation between populations found in different environments. These differences suggest that these populations must be managed differently if G. aestuaria is to be exploited in managed fisheries. To determine the potential nutrient value of G. aestuaria to the human diet, samples from two freshwater sites and five estuarine sites were analysed for essential macro and micronutrients. The nutrient content of G. aestuaria revealed there is potential for exploitation, as the species has a high macro (protein and fat) and micronutrient composition (calcium, iron and zinc). Mean ± SD of selected nutrients were protein (61.7±5.0 g/100g), fat (20.4±3.7g/ 100g), calcium (3507.5±314.0mg), iron (40.37±14.0mg/ 100g), zinc (22.47±5.6mg/ 100) and vitamin A (37.3±44.4 RAE/ 100g). The nutrient composition of fish collected from freshwater sites was comparable to those collected from estuarine environments. Using the recommended dietary allowances (RDA) from literature, the mass of fish and the number of fish that would provide a minimum amount for each nutrient were calculated. A child would require only 13.4g of dry G. aestuaria or approximately 74 dried fish to meet the daily requirements of zinc. Other minerals such as iron and calcium also showed a similar low weight or number of fish required to meet daily requirements for the different categories. A small number of G. aestuaria are needed to meet RDA for groups (children, adult men, adult women, pregnant women and lactating mothers). A comparison was done for the nutrient composition of G. aestuaria with reference species that are already harvested for human consumption in some African and Asian countries. The protein content of G. aestuaria was comparable to Chisense (Microthrissa moeruensis) and Kapenta Limnothrissa miodon), while the fat composition was more than twice Chisense and Kapenta. Comparing the mineral composition, G. aestuaria had more than three times higher calcium than Mola (Amblypharyngodon mola) and Puti (Puntius sophore). Zinc composition was four times higher than M. moeruensis and L. miodon. Further exploration of the ecology of G. aestuaria was studied using the Sundays River irrigations ponds as a case study that would represent small impoundments across South Africa. Species rank abundance curve and catch per unit effort (CPUE) on the Sundays Irrigation ponds revealed that G. aestuaria dominated numerically and biomass in the Sundays River irrigation ponds. To assess the potential of harvesting G. aestuaria harvesting experiments were conducted using depletion (removal) sampling. Catchweight (kg) ranged from 2.16 (1.03; 3.28) to 61.25 (44.40; 78.09) kg and the estimated biomass from the depletion model ranged from 1.05 to 40.19 kg/ha for September 2019. The depletion model revealed that small impoundments have high biomass per hectare of G. aestuaria ranging from which indicates that the species may not support a commercial fishery but small-scale fisheries. In conclusion, G. aestuaria could become a meaningful contribution to the food and nutrient security of poor communities where available as a food source through small-scale fishery exploitation. The extent of this contribution may depend on its production potential in various regions and environments. More research is however needed to determine the long-term sustainability of harvesting of G aestuaria by looking at how populations respond to harvesting. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-05
Synthesis, characterization and antiparasitic evaluation of chalcone hybrids
- Authors: Zulu, Ayanda Ignatia
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192853 , vital:45271
- Description: Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Chemistry, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Zulu, Ayanda Ignatia
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192853 , vital:45271
- Description: Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Chemistry, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Code of conduct for learners: A strategy for enhancing positive discipline in selected township schools in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
- Zondo, Sindiswa Silindokuhle
- Authors: Zondo, Sindiswa Silindokuhle
- Date: 2022-03
- Subjects: School discipline
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21711 , vital:51744
- Description: Dealing with misbehaving learners remains a significant challenge for teachers in South African schools. As the use of corporal punishment and other punitive measures to deal with misbehaving learners is now illegal, alternative positive disciplinary measures have been put in place. The prohibition of negative disciplinary measures has left teachers feeling powerless and frustrated, not knowing how to manage learner behaviour, despite the fact that they are the viable agents tasked with ensuring that positive disciplinary measures are implemented in schools. This study sought to examine how best a code of conduct for learners can be used to enhance positive discipline in schools. To that end, the study offers insights into how positive disciplinary measures may be used, in dealing with learner indiscipline. This is a qualitative study, underpinned by the interpretivist paradigm. The study employed a phenomenological design as a strategy for data collection, to examine how a code of conduct for learners can be used to enhance positive discipline in selected township schools. As this is a qualitative study concerned more with the depth than the breadth of information, the researcher deemed it necessary to focus on two schools, to obtain deep insight into the participants’ lived experiences. Two schools, in Pinetown in Durban, participated in the study. Interviews, observations and document reviews were used as data-collection instruments. In each school, interviews were conducted with the school principal, teacher representatives serving on the school governing board, disciplinary committee members, and members of the representative council for learners. Disciplinary hearings and disciplinary committee meetings were observed, and documents of relevance to the study were reviewed. The findings, as reported on here, revealed that the code of conduct is the most important strategy that schools can use to enhance positive discipline. Other strategies in enhancing positive discipline include the use of a research-based positive classroom management approach; positive reinforcement; integrating community support services; modelling good behaviour; parental involvement; preventive, supportive and corrective discipline; detention; communication (incorporating professionalism and cooperation); the creation of an environment conducive to teaching and learning; and the withdrawal or withholding of privileges. The findings further revealed that positive discipline is an alternative to negative disciplinary measures, such as corporal punishment in schools. Teachers are expected to comply with, and adhere to, disciplinary policies, and to assist learners in unlearning bad behaviours and developing the necessary life skills, values, and attitudes. The participants’ understanding of the use of a code of conduct for positive discipline successfully assisted them, as teachers, in dealing with misbehaving learners, and, in turn, in developing learners’ positive self-control and self-esteem, helping them to become responsible citizens, and courageous and respectful learners, not only in the school environment, but also as members of society at large. The research findings also revealed that many participants believed using a code of conduct (positive discipline) to enhance positive behaviour was a waste of time, and ineffective. As the findings indicate, learners were found to become impervious or immune to positive disciplinary measures put in place to assist them with behavioural problems. The findings also revealed that the ineffectiveness of such a code in enhancing positive discipline could be attributed to the fact that the teachers themselves were not, to a certain degree, fully trained with regard to positive disciplinary measures. A lack of parental support and teacher professionalism, the continued use of (the prohibited) corporal punishment, poor communication, a lack of stakeholder involvement in formulating codes of conduct, a lack of positive modelling and power struggles were found to impede the use of a code of conduct to enhance positive discipline in schools. Based on the research findings, the study recommends that schools ensure that there is a sufficiently detailed code of conduct to assist teachers in addressing learners’ bad behaviour. There should also be advocacy from the Department of Basic Education, for support programmes to be put in place to assist teachers with alternative ways of enhancing positive discipline in the classroom. Awareness of how teachers are to be upskilled as regards positive disciplinary strategies, active parental involvement, and increased support for teachers, are amongst the recommendations. Ultimately, the researcher concluded that the code of conduct was a strategy that schools can use to enhance positive discipline. To this end, teachers must adhere to that code (and other positive disciplinary measures), for positive discipline to flourish in schools. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-03
- Authors: Zondo, Sindiswa Silindokuhle
- Date: 2022-03
- Subjects: School discipline
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21711 , vital:51744
- Description: Dealing with misbehaving learners remains a significant challenge for teachers in South African schools. As the use of corporal punishment and other punitive measures to deal with misbehaving learners is now illegal, alternative positive disciplinary measures have been put in place. The prohibition of negative disciplinary measures has left teachers feeling powerless and frustrated, not knowing how to manage learner behaviour, despite the fact that they are the viable agents tasked with ensuring that positive disciplinary measures are implemented in schools. This study sought to examine how best a code of conduct for learners can be used to enhance positive discipline in schools. To that end, the study offers insights into how positive disciplinary measures may be used, in dealing with learner indiscipline. This is a qualitative study, underpinned by the interpretivist paradigm. The study employed a phenomenological design as a strategy for data collection, to examine how a code of conduct for learners can be used to enhance positive discipline in selected township schools. As this is a qualitative study concerned more with the depth than the breadth of information, the researcher deemed it necessary to focus on two schools, to obtain deep insight into the participants’ lived experiences. Two schools, in Pinetown in Durban, participated in the study. Interviews, observations and document reviews were used as data-collection instruments. In each school, interviews were conducted with the school principal, teacher representatives serving on the school governing board, disciplinary committee members, and members of the representative council for learners. Disciplinary hearings and disciplinary committee meetings were observed, and documents of relevance to the study were reviewed. The findings, as reported on here, revealed that the code of conduct is the most important strategy that schools can use to enhance positive discipline. Other strategies in enhancing positive discipline include the use of a research-based positive classroom management approach; positive reinforcement; integrating community support services; modelling good behaviour; parental involvement; preventive, supportive and corrective discipline; detention; communication (incorporating professionalism and cooperation); the creation of an environment conducive to teaching and learning; and the withdrawal or withholding of privileges. The findings further revealed that positive discipline is an alternative to negative disciplinary measures, such as corporal punishment in schools. Teachers are expected to comply with, and adhere to, disciplinary policies, and to assist learners in unlearning bad behaviours and developing the necessary life skills, values, and attitudes. The participants’ understanding of the use of a code of conduct for positive discipline successfully assisted them, as teachers, in dealing with misbehaving learners, and, in turn, in developing learners’ positive self-control and self-esteem, helping them to become responsible citizens, and courageous and respectful learners, not only in the school environment, but also as members of society at large. The research findings also revealed that many participants believed using a code of conduct (positive discipline) to enhance positive behaviour was a waste of time, and ineffective. As the findings indicate, learners were found to become impervious or immune to positive disciplinary measures put in place to assist them with behavioural problems. The findings also revealed that the ineffectiveness of such a code in enhancing positive discipline could be attributed to the fact that the teachers themselves were not, to a certain degree, fully trained with regard to positive disciplinary measures. A lack of parental support and teacher professionalism, the continued use of (the prohibited) corporal punishment, poor communication, a lack of stakeholder involvement in formulating codes of conduct, a lack of positive modelling and power struggles were found to impede the use of a code of conduct to enhance positive discipline in schools. Based on the research findings, the study recommends that schools ensure that there is a sufficiently detailed code of conduct to assist teachers in addressing learners’ bad behaviour. There should also be advocacy from the Department of Basic Education, for support programmes to be put in place to assist teachers with alternative ways of enhancing positive discipline in the classroom. Awareness of how teachers are to be upskilled as regards positive disciplinary strategies, active parental involvement, and increased support for teachers, are amongst the recommendations. Ultimately, the researcher concluded that the code of conduct was a strategy that schools can use to enhance positive discipline. To this end, teachers must adhere to that code (and other positive disciplinary measures), for positive discipline to flourish in schools. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-03
Attitudes of heteronormative traditional male circumcision stakeholders towards the emergence of same-sex sexuality in ulwaluko: a case of Mdantsane and New Brighton,Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Zolani, Sonjani
- Date: 2022-08
- Subjects: National socialism and homosexuality , Men -- Sexual behavior , Circumcision--Law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27391 , vital:66967
- Description: Although the South African government has drafted policy documents to protect gays, they, year-in-year-out face abhorrence. Notably and shockingly, misunderstanding of the sexual orientation of gays in initiation schools has brought about conflict. It is of great significance for ulwaluko tradition to renegotiate its terms of being a tradition tolerating those with different sexualities within their adored culture. Therefore, this study sought to assess the attitudes of heteronormative traditional male circumcision stakeholders towards an emergence of same-sex sexuality in ulwaluko in Mdantsane and New Brighton, Eastern Cape. The study endeavoured to achieve the following objectives: i to establish the policy insights on same-sex sexuality in South Africa and elsewhere; ii to assess the prevalence of homosexuality in South Africa and other contexts; iii to establish an account of gay men’s intimate behaviour at the initiation schools; iv to examine perceptions and attitudes of selected communities on Xhosa gay men undergoing the rite of traditional male circumcision; v to establish attitudes and perceptions of selected communities on the conflict between homosexual practices and traditional male circumcision TMC and vi to assess perceptions of Xhosa gay men on the use of TMC as an instrument to “convert” them to heterosexuality. The study was informed by Four 4 theoretical lenses: sociocultural theory, anomie theory, queer theory, and intersectionality theory. Methodologically, the objectives were investigated through a qualitative research method and data was collected accordingly. The study adopted a case study as its design. Data was collected through in-depth one-on-one interviews, focus group discussions, and key informants’ interviews. The study purposively selected eighty-two 82 participants and revealed the following findings: different lenses on South African constitution and homosexuality; different attitudinal facets of the development of same-sex sexuality in South Africa, opposed lenses on homosexuality being a natural phenomenon; intimate partner relationships among the gays in the initiation schools; behavioural the difference between gays and heterosexuals in the initiation school; establishing the nature of homosexuals’ dress code; gays downplaying TMC teachings in initiation schools; Intimate partner relationships among gays in the initiation school; homosexuality associated with modernization; effectiveness of TMC as a tool to achieve gays’ heteronormativity; and lastly, gays achieving heteronormativity through rape. This study concluded that TMC needs to renegotiate its terms of being a tradition of the contemporary epoch. Perhaps this may assist in breaking the tension between ulwaluko and same-sex sexuality in society. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-08
- Authors: Zolani, Sonjani
- Date: 2022-08
- Subjects: National socialism and homosexuality , Men -- Sexual behavior , Circumcision--Law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27391 , vital:66967
- Description: Although the South African government has drafted policy documents to protect gays, they, year-in-year-out face abhorrence. Notably and shockingly, misunderstanding of the sexual orientation of gays in initiation schools has brought about conflict. It is of great significance for ulwaluko tradition to renegotiate its terms of being a tradition tolerating those with different sexualities within their adored culture. Therefore, this study sought to assess the attitudes of heteronormative traditional male circumcision stakeholders towards an emergence of same-sex sexuality in ulwaluko in Mdantsane and New Brighton, Eastern Cape. The study endeavoured to achieve the following objectives: i to establish the policy insights on same-sex sexuality in South Africa and elsewhere; ii to assess the prevalence of homosexuality in South Africa and other contexts; iii to establish an account of gay men’s intimate behaviour at the initiation schools; iv to examine perceptions and attitudes of selected communities on Xhosa gay men undergoing the rite of traditional male circumcision; v to establish attitudes and perceptions of selected communities on the conflict between homosexual practices and traditional male circumcision TMC and vi to assess perceptions of Xhosa gay men on the use of TMC as an instrument to “convert” them to heterosexuality. The study was informed by Four 4 theoretical lenses: sociocultural theory, anomie theory, queer theory, and intersectionality theory. Methodologically, the objectives were investigated through a qualitative research method and data was collected accordingly. The study adopted a case study as its design. Data was collected through in-depth one-on-one interviews, focus group discussions, and key informants’ interviews. The study purposively selected eighty-two 82 participants and revealed the following findings: different lenses on South African constitution and homosexuality; different attitudinal facets of the development of same-sex sexuality in South Africa, opposed lenses on homosexuality being a natural phenomenon; intimate partner relationships among the gays in the initiation schools; behavioural the difference between gays and heterosexuals in the initiation school; establishing the nature of homosexuals’ dress code; gays downplaying TMC teachings in initiation schools; Intimate partner relationships among gays in the initiation school; homosexuality associated with modernization; effectiveness of TMC as a tool to achieve gays’ heteronormativity; and lastly, gays achieving heteronormativity through rape. This study concluded that TMC needs to renegotiate its terms of being a tradition of the contemporary epoch. Perhaps this may assist in breaking the tension between ulwaluko and same-sex sexuality in society. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-08
Evaluation of the toxicity of secondary metabolites in Solanum incanum L. to advance community knowledge
- Authors: Zivanayi, William
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Solanum -- Zimbabwe , Pesticides -- Toxicology , Medicinal plants
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61018 , vital:69686
- Description: The effects of pests and the need to produce adequate food have influenced small-scale farmers in disadvantaged communities to adopt and utilise natural plant pesticides to improve harvests in many Southern African Development Communities. However, the phytochemistry associated with these indigenous plants’ pesticide activity still needs to be explored. The lack of evidence of scientific knowledge of the plant species has caused a lot of health issues among the users of indigenous plant pesticides. Solanum incanum is among the plants utilised to control cabbage aphids in Mkoba village, Zimbabwe. Solanum species are known for their steroidal compounds which comprise glycoalkaloids and saponins. This study evaluated the knowledge, opinions, and attitudes of the vegetable peasant farming community in Gweru regarding their use of the indigenous plant (S. incanum) as a pesticide. The study also reported the phytochemical profiling, structural characterisation of the isolated compounds, and biological and pesticidal activity evaluation of phytochemicals isolated from S. incanum. A descriptive survey was carried out to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices of a conveniently sampled group of vegetable farmers in Mkoba village who use S. incanum as a pesticide. Forty-nine respondents comprised of 19 males and 30 females of ages ranging from 15 to above 60 years took part in the study by answering an open and closed-ended questionnaire. The survey revealed that parents and neighbours were instrumental in disseminating pesticidal information in the community. Brassica napus were the most grown.vegetable and vulnerable to cabbage aphids. Mixed opinions amongst the respondents varied regarding the health and environmental impact of S. incanum as a pesticide. Seventy-five percent (75%) of the respondents supported the use of S. incanum as a pesticide whilst 25% claimed that the use of S. incanum was the source of the health problems experienced in the community. The survey demonstrated that (45)91% of the farmers displayed poor practices regarding the disposal of empty pesticide containers and the use of personal protective clothing. The most prevalent symptoms in the community were skin rash, nausea, headache, and poor vision and these symptoms were common in the age group 30 to 60 years. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Zivanayi, William
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Solanum -- Zimbabwe , Pesticides -- Toxicology , Medicinal plants
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61018 , vital:69686
- Description: The effects of pests and the need to produce adequate food have influenced small-scale farmers in disadvantaged communities to adopt and utilise natural plant pesticides to improve harvests in many Southern African Development Communities. However, the phytochemistry associated with these indigenous plants’ pesticide activity still needs to be explored. The lack of evidence of scientific knowledge of the plant species has caused a lot of health issues among the users of indigenous plant pesticides. Solanum incanum is among the plants utilised to control cabbage aphids in Mkoba village, Zimbabwe. Solanum species are known for their steroidal compounds which comprise glycoalkaloids and saponins. This study evaluated the knowledge, opinions, and attitudes of the vegetable peasant farming community in Gweru regarding their use of the indigenous plant (S. incanum) as a pesticide. The study also reported the phytochemical profiling, structural characterisation of the isolated compounds, and biological and pesticidal activity evaluation of phytochemicals isolated from S. incanum. A descriptive survey was carried out to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices of a conveniently sampled group of vegetable farmers in Mkoba village who use S. incanum as a pesticide. Forty-nine respondents comprised of 19 males and 30 females of ages ranging from 15 to above 60 years took part in the study by answering an open and closed-ended questionnaire. The survey revealed that parents and neighbours were instrumental in disseminating pesticidal information in the community. Brassica napus were the most grown.vegetable and vulnerable to cabbage aphids. Mixed opinions amongst the respondents varied regarding the health and environmental impact of S. incanum as a pesticide. Seventy-five percent (75%) of the respondents supported the use of S. incanum as a pesticide whilst 25% claimed that the use of S. incanum was the source of the health problems experienced in the community. The survey demonstrated that (45)91% of the farmers displayed poor practices regarding the disposal of empty pesticide containers and the use of personal protective clothing. The most prevalent symptoms in the community were skin rash, nausea, headache, and poor vision and these symptoms were common in the age group 30 to 60 years. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
On the design, evaluation and performance of an energy efficient solar house with integrated photovoltaics
- Authors: Ziuku, Sosten
- Date: 2011-06
- Subjects: Solar energy , Solar energy -- Environmental aspects , Photovoltaic power generation
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27473 , vital:67331
- Description: The design, construction and performance monitoring of an energy efficient house with integrated photovoltaics is considered. Unlike conventional housing, the house design combines energy efficiency measures and renewable energy technologies into one building structure. The objective of the study was to investigate the feasibility of using energy efficient solar designs to regulate indoor thermal environment, and determine thecost effectiveness and environmental benefits of such housing designs. The use of ordinary photovoltaic panels as a building element for South Africa’s latitude and meteorological conditions was also investigated. The house model was designed using Autodesk Revit architecture and Ecotect building simulation software. Electrical performance was analyzed using RETScreen and PVDesignPRO software. In addition to passive solar design features and clerestory windows, the design has solar water heaters for hot water supply. The designed energy efficient building integrated photovoltaic (EEBIPV) house was built at the University of Fort Hare. A 3.8 kW BIPV generator was mounted on the north facing roof in such a way that the solar panels replace conventional roofing material. A data acquisition system that monitors thermal and electrical performance was installed. The grid independent house has been occupied since February 2009 and its winter indoor thermal efficiency improved from 70 to more than 78% after ceiling installation. Models for indoor thermal performance and BIPV energy and exergy contributions were developed. The avoided energy consumption from the grid has potential to reduce carbon emissions by 12.41 tons per annum. The total building cost per m2 of floor area compares favourably with the cost of commercial middle-to-upper income domestic housing units without energy efficiency measures and building integrated photovoltaics. The research output provides a good framework for the integration of passive solar designs, natural ventilation and lighting, solar water heaters and building integrated photovoltaics into new and existing housing units. , Thesis (MSci) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2011
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011-06
- Authors: Ziuku, Sosten
- Date: 2011-06
- Subjects: Solar energy , Solar energy -- Environmental aspects , Photovoltaic power generation
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27473 , vital:67331
- Description: The design, construction and performance monitoring of an energy efficient house with integrated photovoltaics is considered. Unlike conventional housing, the house design combines energy efficiency measures and renewable energy technologies into one building structure. The objective of the study was to investigate the feasibility of using energy efficient solar designs to regulate indoor thermal environment, and determine thecost effectiveness and environmental benefits of such housing designs. The use of ordinary photovoltaic panels as a building element for South Africa’s latitude and meteorological conditions was also investigated. The house model was designed using Autodesk Revit architecture and Ecotect building simulation software. Electrical performance was analyzed using RETScreen and PVDesignPRO software. In addition to passive solar design features and clerestory windows, the design has solar water heaters for hot water supply. The designed energy efficient building integrated photovoltaic (EEBIPV) house was built at the University of Fort Hare. A 3.8 kW BIPV generator was mounted on the north facing roof in such a way that the solar panels replace conventional roofing material. A data acquisition system that monitors thermal and electrical performance was installed. The grid independent house has been occupied since February 2009 and its winter indoor thermal efficiency improved from 70 to more than 78% after ceiling installation. Models for indoor thermal performance and BIPV energy and exergy contributions were developed. The avoided energy consumption from the grid has potential to reduce carbon emissions by 12.41 tons per annum. The total building cost per m2 of floor area compares favourably with the cost of commercial middle-to-upper income domestic housing units without energy efficiency measures and building integrated photovoltaics. The research output provides a good framework for the integration of passive solar designs, natural ventilation and lighting, solar water heaters and building integrated photovoltaics into new and existing housing units. , Thesis (MSci) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2011
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011-06
Human capital development and strategic plan alignment: a case of the Eastern Cape Department of Education
- Zindi, Beauty https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4790-5379
- Authors: Zindi, Beauty https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4790-5379
- Date: 2023-09
- Subjects: Human capital -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Strategic planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28694 , vital:74500
- Description: Human capital development as an interactive process enhances and facilitates the development of skills, capabilities and potential of human capital through organisational development. Thus, to achieve goals and strategic plans effectively and efficiently, the public sector must continuously upskill the knowledge and capacity of its human capital. The dearth in skills and capacity, often result in sub-optimal performance in the Eastern Cape Department of Education (ECDoE). To achieve key objectives in its strategic plan, the ECDoE must align its hhuman capital development needs with its strategic plan. The main objective of this study is to explore the nature and extent of alignment between human capital development and the strategic plan of the ECDoE. The sub-objectives of the study are to: (i) establish a conceptual framework for informing human capital development and strategic plan alignment in theECDoE ; (ii) determine how continuous teacher development as a human capital development approach can be more closely aligned with the strategic priorities of the ECDoE’s strategic plan; (iii) explore how human capital development aligns with the strategic plan and Performance Development Management System (PDMS) of the ECDoE and (iv) recommend how the ECDoE can align its strategic human capital development to its strategic plan and performance management system. The study adopts a pragmatic research philosophy and a mixed- methods approach. The quantitative strategy and positivist paradigm were adopted to collect data, from purposefully two hundred and sixty-seven (n=267) educators using a survey questionnaire. The interpretivist research philosophy informed the qualitative strategy. In-depth interview data was collected from five (n=5) purposefully sampled information-rich participants to a point of data saturation. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis. Statistical results from survey data rejected hypothesis H10 and confirmed H11 which hypothesised that there was a relationship between eemployee performance and sstrategic plan alignment. Results further confirmed the relationship between employee performance and effectiveness of training alignment. Furthermore, results confirmed an association between employee performance and trainee evaluation. Results from qualitative data suggest that the ECDoE lacked competitive and effective skills human capital development training programmes, effective human resource development strategy as well as developmental capacity building training opportunities for educators. Such capacity dearth affected both educator and learner performance, leading to sub-optimal performance learner outcomes and academic achievement results. The ECDoE must therefore closely monitor and evaluate training programmes and assess their impact on educator performance. Training must be closely aligned with skills and capacity training needs of employees and must contribute to skills acquisition and job performance indicators, envisaged in the department’s strategic plan, mission and vision. Given the findings, the study recommends a framework for human capital development and strategic plan alignment in the public sector, particularly in the ECDoE. It concludes that continuous professional development must be a key performance driver for improving effectiveness and efficiency in strategic goal, vision and mission attainment. , Thesis (DPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-09
- Authors: Zindi, Beauty https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4790-5379
- Date: 2023-09
- Subjects: Human capital -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Strategic planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28694 , vital:74500
- Description: Human capital development as an interactive process enhances and facilitates the development of skills, capabilities and potential of human capital through organisational development. Thus, to achieve goals and strategic plans effectively and efficiently, the public sector must continuously upskill the knowledge and capacity of its human capital. The dearth in skills and capacity, often result in sub-optimal performance in the Eastern Cape Department of Education (ECDoE). To achieve key objectives in its strategic plan, the ECDoE must align its hhuman capital development needs with its strategic plan. The main objective of this study is to explore the nature and extent of alignment between human capital development and the strategic plan of the ECDoE. The sub-objectives of the study are to: (i) establish a conceptual framework for informing human capital development and strategic plan alignment in theECDoE ; (ii) determine how continuous teacher development as a human capital development approach can be more closely aligned with the strategic priorities of the ECDoE’s strategic plan; (iii) explore how human capital development aligns with the strategic plan and Performance Development Management System (PDMS) of the ECDoE and (iv) recommend how the ECDoE can align its strategic human capital development to its strategic plan and performance management system. The study adopts a pragmatic research philosophy and a mixed- methods approach. The quantitative strategy and positivist paradigm were adopted to collect data, from purposefully two hundred and sixty-seven (n=267) educators using a survey questionnaire. The interpretivist research philosophy informed the qualitative strategy. In-depth interview data was collected from five (n=5) purposefully sampled information-rich participants to a point of data saturation. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis. Statistical results from survey data rejected hypothesis H10 and confirmed H11 which hypothesised that there was a relationship between eemployee performance and sstrategic plan alignment. Results further confirmed the relationship between employee performance and effectiveness of training alignment. Furthermore, results confirmed an association between employee performance and trainee evaluation. Results from qualitative data suggest that the ECDoE lacked competitive and effective skills human capital development training programmes, effective human resource development strategy as well as developmental capacity building training opportunities for educators. Such capacity dearth affected both educator and learner performance, leading to sub-optimal performance learner outcomes and academic achievement results. The ECDoE must therefore closely monitor and evaluate training programmes and assess their impact on educator performance. Training must be closely aligned with skills and capacity training needs of employees and must contribute to skills acquisition and job performance indicators, envisaged in the department’s strategic plan, mission and vision. Given the findings, the study recommends a framework for human capital development and strategic plan alignment in the public sector, particularly in the ECDoE. It concludes that continuous professional development must be a key performance driver for improving effectiveness and efficiency in strategic goal, vision and mission attainment. , Thesis (DPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-09
Experiences of youths participating in combination social protection and HIV prevention programme in resource constrained settings of Gauteng Province in South Africa: a collective case study design
- Authors: Zibengwa, Enock
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: HIV infections -- Prevention , HIV (Viruses) , HIV infections -- Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27347 , vital:66944
- Description: South Africa continues to experience unacceptably high Human Immunodeficiency Virus HIV incidence rates among youths aged 15 to 24 years. Remarkably, this is despite the numerous youth HIV prevention programmes that have been implemented in the country. Unfortunately, the programmes have not significantly curbed the spread of HIV due to the partial and fragmented nature of their implementation. The programmes are also observed to be weak in addressing complex economic factors recognised as important structural drivers for vulnerabilities that put youths at risk of HIV infection. To address this challenge, there is increased adoption and implementation of the Combination Social Protection introduced in this research as the CSP by Non-Governmental Organisations NGOs. The CSP is a youth empowerment programming strategy whose critical foundations are entrenched in combining economic strengthening interventions and HIV prevention education. CSP could provide youths with a set of indispensable life skills that enhance their competencies and agency to make informed and effective decisions regarding their health and economic lives. Despite its growing traction, little is known regarding links between the CSP and its abilities to improve HIV prevention outcomes for youths. Given the paucity of research, this study aimed to explore the experiences of youths participating in the CSP and HIV prevention programme, with a particular focus on the resource-constrained settings of Gauteng Province in South Africa. This study employed a collective case study design, within the qualitative approach, and was exploratory. In-depth individual interviews were conducted with 30 youths from six established NGOs in the City of Johannesburg (CoJ). Qualitative thematic analysis was employed as a data analysis strategy. Focus groups were separately with six practitioners from the same six NGOs, and five officials from the Department of Social Development (DSD). Both phases of data collection were guided by interview themes, which were aligned with the objectives of the study. The findings of the study point to the fact that the CSP’s innovative and holistic approach offered numerous transformative and empowering benefits to youths. It equipped them with basic informational resources, capabilities, and social assets to safeguard their health and aid their economic advancement. The programme’s mixedgender sessions provided space, freedom, and support for youths to engage on issues of gender, differential access to health and socio-economic opportunities. Another major finding of the study was that improvement of economic aptitude (brought about by financial literacy education), employability, and entrepreneurship training stirred a sense of agency and purposefulness among youths, which in turn, prompted them to be more focused on achieving long-term objectives instead of indulging in risky sexual practices. Conversely, findings revealed that the programme had limited opportunities and did not create an adequate supportive environment for youths to develop successful entrepreneurial or income-generating projects. There was also no structure to assist youths to access apprenticeship and employment markets. The study specifically recognised that the programme’s efforts to develop youths’ entrepreneurship and employability capabilities were curtailed by a lack of mentorshipnand access to financial capital for start-up costs. With these findings in mind, recommendations are made for the creation of an enabling environment by purposefully engaging youths, establishing collaborative relations with communities, and building networks with businesses and financial institutions that can help youths with capital, mentorship, and linkages to internship and wage employment. Such collaborations could be fundamental in unravelling the impact of the programme on building livelihoods and reducing HIV among youths. Hence, this study proposes a model with strategies to support the successful implementation of economic strengthening interventions for youths. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Zibengwa, Enock
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: HIV infections -- Prevention , HIV (Viruses) , HIV infections -- Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27347 , vital:66944
- Description: South Africa continues to experience unacceptably high Human Immunodeficiency Virus HIV incidence rates among youths aged 15 to 24 years. Remarkably, this is despite the numerous youth HIV prevention programmes that have been implemented in the country. Unfortunately, the programmes have not significantly curbed the spread of HIV due to the partial and fragmented nature of their implementation. The programmes are also observed to be weak in addressing complex economic factors recognised as important structural drivers for vulnerabilities that put youths at risk of HIV infection. To address this challenge, there is increased adoption and implementation of the Combination Social Protection introduced in this research as the CSP by Non-Governmental Organisations NGOs. The CSP is a youth empowerment programming strategy whose critical foundations are entrenched in combining economic strengthening interventions and HIV prevention education. CSP could provide youths with a set of indispensable life skills that enhance their competencies and agency to make informed and effective decisions regarding their health and economic lives. Despite its growing traction, little is known regarding links between the CSP and its abilities to improve HIV prevention outcomes for youths. Given the paucity of research, this study aimed to explore the experiences of youths participating in the CSP and HIV prevention programme, with a particular focus on the resource-constrained settings of Gauteng Province in South Africa. This study employed a collective case study design, within the qualitative approach, and was exploratory. In-depth individual interviews were conducted with 30 youths from six established NGOs in the City of Johannesburg (CoJ). Qualitative thematic analysis was employed as a data analysis strategy. Focus groups were separately with six practitioners from the same six NGOs, and five officials from the Department of Social Development (DSD). Both phases of data collection were guided by interview themes, which were aligned with the objectives of the study. The findings of the study point to the fact that the CSP’s innovative and holistic approach offered numerous transformative and empowering benefits to youths. It equipped them with basic informational resources, capabilities, and social assets to safeguard their health and aid their economic advancement. The programme’s mixedgender sessions provided space, freedom, and support for youths to engage on issues of gender, differential access to health and socio-economic opportunities. Another major finding of the study was that improvement of economic aptitude (brought about by financial literacy education), employability, and entrepreneurship training stirred a sense of agency and purposefulness among youths, which in turn, prompted them to be more focused on achieving long-term objectives instead of indulging in risky sexual practices. Conversely, findings revealed that the programme had limited opportunities and did not create an adequate supportive environment for youths to develop successful entrepreneurial or income-generating projects. There was also no structure to assist youths to access apprenticeship and employment markets. The study specifically recognised that the programme’s efforts to develop youths’ entrepreneurship and employability capabilities were curtailed by a lack of mentorshipnand access to financial capital for start-up costs. With these findings in mind, recommendations are made for the creation of an enabling environment by purposefully engaging youths, establishing collaborative relations with communities, and building networks with businesses and financial institutions that can help youths with capital, mentorship, and linkages to internship and wage employment. Such collaborations could be fundamental in unravelling the impact of the programme on building livelihoods and reducing HIV among youths. Hence, this study proposes a model with strategies to support the successful implementation of economic strengthening interventions for youths. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Conflict-induced displacement: a study of risk and support for the older refugees in South Africa
- Yusuf, Mohammed Sanusi https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6871-0186
- Authors: Yusuf, Mohammed Sanusi https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6871-0186
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Migration, Internal , Displacement (Psychology) , Refugees -- Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22231 , vital:52001
- Description: With the exponential rise in conflict scenarios globally, the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees in foreign countries continues to grow. Although there has been several international efforts and conventions aimed at alleviating the global refugee crisis, the international community has not found a sustainable answer to this knotty problem. In Africa, with some of the worst conflict situations, the scourge of social displacement resulting in migrations have caused different levels of risks and vulnerability for the refugees, as well as capacity constraints for the host communities, governments of host countries and non-governmental bodies working with refugees. In South Africa, with one of the highest numbers of refugees in Africa, especially those coming from African countries, contention for socio-economic space and cultural differences occasionally result in violence between refugees and local people. For the older refugees, the level of risk exposure and hardship have generated interests for both scholars and officials. This thesis explores the risks and support systems for older refugees in South Africa, with specific focus on the Eastern Cape province. Various stakeholders (such as government, NGOs, host communities and the older refugees) in refugee management in South Africa have argued differently on ‘how best’ to manage older refugees in the country. Using qualitative data gathered from refugee communities in the Eastern Cape province and documentary analysis, the study found that the experiences of older refugees in the Eastern Cape province are nuanced. The dominant narrative on the experiences of older refugees indicate peaceful coexistence and resilient organic community support systems, with minor conflicts – often associated with contestations for scarce economic opportunities. Although the study focuses on one province of South Africa, this finding challenges the often-overgeneralised perception of South Africa as ‘xenophobic’. It unpacks the hidden resilient social systems and networks of relationships that bind local populations and the refugees, especially the older ones. In the search for national, regional and global answers on the best way to manage refugee crisis, this study provides insights into community-level structures and dynamics that would benefit policymaking at the national and international levels , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
- Authors: Yusuf, Mohammed Sanusi https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6871-0186
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Migration, Internal , Displacement (Psychology) , Refugees -- Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22231 , vital:52001
- Description: With the exponential rise in conflict scenarios globally, the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees in foreign countries continues to grow. Although there has been several international efforts and conventions aimed at alleviating the global refugee crisis, the international community has not found a sustainable answer to this knotty problem. In Africa, with some of the worst conflict situations, the scourge of social displacement resulting in migrations have caused different levels of risks and vulnerability for the refugees, as well as capacity constraints for the host communities, governments of host countries and non-governmental bodies working with refugees. In South Africa, with one of the highest numbers of refugees in Africa, especially those coming from African countries, contention for socio-economic space and cultural differences occasionally result in violence between refugees and local people. For the older refugees, the level of risk exposure and hardship have generated interests for both scholars and officials. This thesis explores the risks and support systems for older refugees in South Africa, with specific focus on the Eastern Cape province. Various stakeholders (such as government, NGOs, host communities and the older refugees) in refugee management in South Africa have argued differently on ‘how best’ to manage older refugees in the country. Using qualitative data gathered from refugee communities in the Eastern Cape province and documentary analysis, the study found that the experiences of older refugees in the Eastern Cape province are nuanced. The dominant narrative on the experiences of older refugees indicate peaceful coexistence and resilient organic community support systems, with minor conflicts – often associated with contestations for scarce economic opportunities. Although the study focuses on one province of South Africa, this finding challenges the often-overgeneralised perception of South Africa as ‘xenophobic’. It unpacks the hidden resilient social systems and networks of relationships that bind local populations and the refugees, especially the older ones. In the search for national, regional and global answers on the best way to manage refugee crisis, this study provides insights into community-level structures and dynamics that would benefit policymaking at the national and international levels , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
Determination of acaricide resistance profiles, and geographic range of boophilid Rhipicephalus tick spp. (Acari: Ixodidae), and sero-status of tick-borne pathogens on communal cattle in the north-eastern regions of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Yawa, Mandla https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2402-298X
- Authors: Yawa, Mandla https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2402-298X
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Cattle -- Diseases , Ticks as carriers of disease , Ticks
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21590 , vital:49356
- Description: Cattle industry improves livelihoods for many developing farmers in South Africa, however, ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) pose a detriment impact on cattle success; this is due to their resistance to acaricide application. Thus, this study was conducted to determine the extent of acaricide resistance, serostatus of tick-borne pathogens, and geographic range of boophilid ticks in communal grazing cattle in the north-eastern regions of the Eastern Cape Province (ECP), South Africa. A total of 160 structured questionnaires were prepared and randomly administered to cattle farmers to investigate their knowledge, attitudes, and practice on ticks and TBDs affecting cattle, tick control methods used, and their knowledge of acaricide resistance. Engorged visible cattle ticks were collected seasonally from 10 randomly selected cattle from the community cattle herds during dipping days between October 2018 and September 2019, and stored into the labelled test tubes containing 70 percent ethanol. For TBDs determination, a total of 240 cattle from Elundini and Senqu Municipalities were seasonally used to investigate the prevalence of ticks and TBDs, packed cell volume (PCV), and body condition scores (BCS). Shaw Larval Immersion Test (SLIT) method was used to determine the resistance of Rhipicephalus decoloratus larvae to various acaricides such as amidines, organophosphate, and synthetic pyrethroids. This study indicates that approximately 59 percent of the interviewed cattle farmers had no knowledge of the effect of TBDs affecting cattle production, and 78 percent of respondents considered ticks are the major challenge to the success of their cattle farming. Pour-on (61 percent) was the most commonly used acaricidal treatment system with fortnightly (40 percent and 31percent) treatment frequencies during the summer and winter seasons respectively. Synthetic pyrethroids (73 percent) were the most used acaricide compounds to control ticks. Moreover, approximately 85 percent of respondents perceived that they do not practice acaricide rotation, and 88 percent of the respondents had no knowledge of acaricide resistance. Interestingly, the current study record Rhipicephalus microplus for the first time at Elundini, Senqu, and Walter Sisulu. Based on the morphological traits, a total of 6176 ticks belonging to two boophilid tick species of Rhipicephalus were identified: R. decoloratus (98 percent) and R. microplus (2 percent). Rhipicephalus decoloratus was significantly higher (P<0.05) in Elundini during the hot-dry (3.37±0.121) and hot-wet (3.35±0.121) seasons compared to other localit ies. In Senqu, R. microplus had high counts (P<0.05) during the post-rainy season (1.06±0.027) compared to other localities. From this present study, it was observed that Ehrlichia ruminantium was the most prevalent at Elundini (16 percent) and (14 percent) during post-rainy and hot-dry seasons respectively and 15 percent at Senqu during the post-rainy season. Babesia bigemina was more frequent at Elundini (18 percent) and Senqu (16 percent) during the post-rainy season and hot-wet season, respectively. Cattle BCS were significantly negatively correlated with E. ruminantium (P<0.01; r = -0.203), B. bovis (P<0.01; r = -0.125), and A. marginale (P < 0.01; r = -0.122). On the other hand, PCV was significantly negatively correlated with B. bigemina (P<0.01; r =-0.138). E. ruminantium was strongly positively correlated with Amblyomma hebraeum (P<0.05; r = 0.112), while B. bovis (P<0.05; r = 0.134) and B. bigemina (P<0.05; r = 0.188) were strong positively correlated with Rhipicephalus microplus infestation and B. bigemina (P<0.05; r = 0.077) with Rhipicephalus decoloratus. During acaricide resistance testing, Shaw Larvae Immersion Testing (SLIT) was only performed on R. decoloratus larvae as engorged R. microplus ticks could not meet the required sample size for resistance testing. The current study found that the majority of the tick were susceptible at exposure to differe nt acaricide field concentrations of amidines (49 percent at 250ppm), organophosphates (33 percent and 47 percent at 300ppm and 500ppm, respectively), and synthetic pyrethroids (44 percent and 23 percent at 150ppm and 300ppm, respectively). In conclusion, less knowledge of cattle farmers on the threat pose by ticks on their cattle production results in the spatio-temporal spread of boophilid tick from region to region and from season to season thus increases incidence and risk for tick resistance. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
- Authors: Yawa, Mandla https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2402-298X
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Cattle -- Diseases , Ticks as carriers of disease , Ticks
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21590 , vital:49356
- Description: Cattle industry improves livelihoods for many developing farmers in South Africa, however, ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) pose a detriment impact on cattle success; this is due to their resistance to acaricide application. Thus, this study was conducted to determine the extent of acaricide resistance, serostatus of tick-borne pathogens, and geographic range of boophilid ticks in communal grazing cattle in the north-eastern regions of the Eastern Cape Province (ECP), South Africa. A total of 160 structured questionnaires were prepared and randomly administered to cattle farmers to investigate their knowledge, attitudes, and practice on ticks and TBDs affecting cattle, tick control methods used, and their knowledge of acaricide resistance. Engorged visible cattle ticks were collected seasonally from 10 randomly selected cattle from the community cattle herds during dipping days between October 2018 and September 2019, and stored into the labelled test tubes containing 70 percent ethanol. For TBDs determination, a total of 240 cattle from Elundini and Senqu Municipalities were seasonally used to investigate the prevalence of ticks and TBDs, packed cell volume (PCV), and body condition scores (BCS). Shaw Larval Immersion Test (SLIT) method was used to determine the resistance of Rhipicephalus decoloratus larvae to various acaricides such as amidines, organophosphate, and synthetic pyrethroids. This study indicates that approximately 59 percent of the interviewed cattle farmers had no knowledge of the effect of TBDs affecting cattle production, and 78 percent of respondents considered ticks are the major challenge to the success of their cattle farming. Pour-on (61 percent) was the most commonly used acaricidal treatment system with fortnightly (40 percent and 31percent) treatment frequencies during the summer and winter seasons respectively. Synthetic pyrethroids (73 percent) were the most used acaricide compounds to control ticks. Moreover, approximately 85 percent of respondents perceived that they do not practice acaricide rotation, and 88 percent of the respondents had no knowledge of acaricide resistance. Interestingly, the current study record Rhipicephalus microplus for the first time at Elundini, Senqu, and Walter Sisulu. Based on the morphological traits, a total of 6176 ticks belonging to two boophilid tick species of Rhipicephalus were identified: R. decoloratus (98 percent) and R. microplus (2 percent). Rhipicephalus decoloratus was significantly higher (P<0.05) in Elundini during the hot-dry (3.37±0.121) and hot-wet (3.35±0.121) seasons compared to other localit ies. In Senqu, R. microplus had high counts (P<0.05) during the post-rainy season (1.06±0.027) compared to other localities. From this present study, it was observed that Ehrlichia ruminantium was the most prevalent at Elundini (16 percent) and (14 percent) during post-rainy and hot-dry seasons respectively and 15 percent at Senqu during the post-rainy season. Babesia bigemina was more frequent at Elundini (18 percent) and Senqu (16 percent) during the post-rainy season and hot-wet season, respectively. Cattle BCS were significantly negatively correlated with E. ruminantium (P<0.01; r = -0.203), B. bovis (P<0.01; r = -0.125), and A. marginale (P < 0.01; r = -0.122). On the other hand, PCV was significantly negatively correlated with B. bigemina (P<0.01; r =-0.138). E. ruminantium was strongly positively correlated with Amblyomma hebraeum (P<0.05; r = 0.112), while B. bovis (P<0.05; r = 0.134) and B. bigemina (P<0.05; r = 0.188) were strong positively correlated with Rhipicephalus microplus infestation and B. bigemina (P<0.05; r = 0.077) with Rhipicephalus decoloratus. During acaricide resistance testing, Shaw Larvae Immersion Testing (SLIT) was only performed on R. decoloratus larvae as engorged R. microplus ticks could not meet the required sample size for resistance testing. The current study found that the majority of the tick were susceptible at exposure to differe nt acaricide field concentrations of amidines (49 percent at 250ppm), organophosphates (33 percent and 47 percent at 300ppm and 500ppm, respectively), and synthetic pyrethroids (44 percent and 23 percent at 150ppm and 300ppm, respectively). In conclusion, less knowledge of cattle farmers on the threat pose by ticks on their cattle production results in the spatio-temporal spread of boophilid tick from region to region and from season to season thus increases incidence and risk for tick resistance. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
A social media analytics framework for decision-making in citizen relationship management
- Authors: Yakobi, Khulekani
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Social Media Analytics -- South Africa , Decision making --Mathematical models , Service delivery
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60048 , vital:62815
- Description: Globally social media has shown unprecedented levels of adoption and Social Media Analytics (SMA) is a rapidly growing topic. For governments, SMA holds the promise of providing tools and frameworks to collect, monitor, analyse and visualise social media data, usually driven by specific requirements from a target application. However, social media data is noisy and unstructured, and organisations struggle to extract knowledge from this data, and convert it into actual intelligence. This study argues that SMA can support intelligent decision-making for Citizen Relationship Management (CzRM). CzRM is a growing effort of governments around the world to strive to respond rapidly to their citizens by fostering a closer relationship thereby creating more effective and efficient service delivery. However, there is a little evidence in literature on empirical studies of any existing decision-making framework for CzRM and SMA adoption. In particular, there is a gap with regards incorporating SMA into decision-making for CzRM of governments, particularly in developing countries like South Africa. The aim of this study was to develop a framework that provides guidelines, including methods and tools, incorporating SMA into decision-making for CzRM in the Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) and the Free State Provincial Government (FSPG) of South Africa. A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) and conceptual analysis method was conducted to design the Social Media Analytics Framework for Decision-making in the context of CzRM (the SMAF). The findings from the literature review revealed several benefits and challenges with SMA, in particular the shortage of skills, guidelines, methods and tools for SMA. These challenges were used to draft guidelines that were included in the framework, which consists of five components that can be used to derive intelligent information from SMA. The pragmatic philosophy and a case study design was used to generate an in-depth, multifaceted understanding of the underlying problems in the case of the GPG and the FSPG. The German North-West Metropolitan region was used as a third case study to provide a more global perspective and a case of a developed country in terms of Gross Domestic Product. The scope of the study was limited to social media posts by provincial citizens related to CzRM and service delivery. Both formative and summative evaluations of the proposed theoretical framework were conducted. The formative evaluation was conducted v | Page as an Expert Review to receive feedback of the framework from the experts in the field of Computer Science and Information Systems. The findings validated the framework and some minor improvements were made based on the experts’ recommendations. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with participants from government managers and decision makers in the three cases were conducted. Case documents for the three cases were collected and reviewed. All collected data was analysed using the Qualitative Content Analysis (QCA) method and common categories and themes were identified. Summative evaluations were conducted in the form of a Field Study, which consisted of an analysis of Twitter data from the three cases, and a closing FGD with Business Intelligence (BI) experts at the primary case of the e-Government department of the GPG. The findings revealed that SMA has been adopted in all three cases; however, while their strategies are comprehensive their implementations are very much in their early stages. The findings also highlighted the status of SMA in government and some potential gaps and areas for implementing the framework. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
- Authors: Yakobi, Khulekani
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Social Media Analytics -- South Africa , Decision making --Mathematical models , Service delivery
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60048 , vital:62815
- Description: Globally social media has shown unprecedented levels of adoption and Social Media Analytics (SMA) is a rapidly growing topic. For governments, SMA holds the promise of providing tools and frameworks to collect, monitor, analyse and visualise social media data, usually driven by specific requirements from a target application. However, social media data is noisy and unstructured, and organisations struggle to extract knowledge from this data, and convert it into actual intelligence. This study argues that SMA can support intelligent decision-making for Citizen Relationship Management (CzRM). CzRM is a growing effort of governments around the world to strive to respond rapidly to their citizens by fostering a closer relationship thereby creating more effective and efficient service delivery. However, there is a little evidence in literature on empirical studies of any existing decision-making framework for CzRM and SMA adoption. In particular, there is a gap with regards incorporating SMA into decision-making for CzRM of governments, particularly in developing countries like South Africa. The aim of this study was to develop a framework that provides guidelines, including methods and tools, incorporating SMA into decision-making for CzRM in the Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) and the Free State Provincial Government (FSPG) of South Africa. A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) and conceptual analysis method was conducted to design the Social Media Analytics Framework for Decision-making in the context of CzRM (the SMAF). The findings from the literature review revealed several benefits and challenges with SMA, in particular the shortage of skills, guidelines, methods and tools for SMA. These challenges were used to draft guidelines that were included in the framework, which consists of five components that can be used to derive intelligent information from SMA. The pragmatic philosophy and a case study design was used to generate an in-depth, multifaceted understanding of the underlying problems in the case of the GPG and the FSPG. The German North-West Metropolitan region was used as a third case study to provide a more global perspective and a case of a developed country in terms of Gross Domestic Product. The scope of the study was limited to social media posts by provincial citizens related to CzRM and service delivery. Both formative and summative evaluations of the proposed theoretical framework were conducted. The formative evaluation was conducted v | Page as an Expert Review to receive feedback of the framework from the experts in the field of Computer Science and Information Systems. The findings validated the framework and some minor improvements were made based on the experts’ recommendations. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with participants from government managers and decision makers in the three cases were conducted. Case documents for the three cases were collected and reviewed. All collected data was analysed using the Qualitative Content Analysis (QCA) method and common categories and themes were identified. Summative evaluations were conducted in the form of a Field Study, which consisted of an analysis of Twitter data from the three cases, and a closing FGD with Business Intelligence (BI) experts at the primary case of the e-Government department of the GPG. The findings revealed that SMA has been adopted in all three cases; however, while their strategies are comprehensive their implementations are very much in their early stages. The findings also highlighted the status of SMA in government and some potential gaps and areas for implementing the framework. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
The role of indigenous knowledge in agriculture and environmental conservation: the case of Gutu District Zimbabwe
- Authors: Wutete, Obert
- Date: 2014-01
- Subjects: Traditional ecological knowledge , Conservation of natural resources , Nature conservation
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26526 , vital:65520
- Description: Indigenous Knowledge IK is an emerging area of study that focuses on a community’s ways of knowing, seeing and thinking, developed over a long period of time. The knowledge is passed down orally from one generation to the other. Therefore, this study highlights a number of important factors that are associated with the use of IK in rural communities such as Gutu district. The major importance of IK include the following: it reduces costs through the use of locally available resources, acts as the basis of local-level decision making, is familiar and acceptable to the communities in which the knowledge exists and also that IK helps communities to develop their own sources of livelihoods. The objectives of the study were; to identify the types of IK peculiar to agriculture practices and the conservation of the environment within Gutu district; establish the challenges confronting IK utilization in communities; identify the constraints affecting the sharing, transfer and preservation of IK; determine the measures which should be adopted in order to promote the appreciation and value placed on IK in agriculture practices and the conservation of the environment; and to propose recommendations on how IK should be utilized for sustainable livelihoods in agriculture and environmental conservation in Gutu district and other rural communities. The study employed the survey method which was premised on the use of multiple data gathering tools, also referred to as triangulation. A total of 100 interviewees were sampled from Gutu communities for face-to-face interviews, 48 participants for focus group discussions, with each group comprising of 6 participants. The researcher collected data using a set of interview guide questions for individual participants as well as for the focus group discussions. In order to be comprehensive in data collection, the researcher also utilized observations and transects walks (these are random walks done in an area under study in order to have a better understanding of activities of the area). The triangulation of data gathering tools assisted with diverse information on the crops cultivated by residents, cultivation methods, harvesting and the preservation of the crops. The researcher also gathered information on how residents interacted with the environment, established reasons which contributed to the deterioration of the environment, established the sacredness associated with certain areas in Gutu district and the use of taboos as a way to safeguarding natural resources. The traditional practices have become a thing of the past to the present generations. The research had four major findings: First, it was found out that Indigenous Knowledge which was the basis of traditional lifestyles is no longer a major practice by Gutu residents. The gradual decline of traditional indigenous practices contributed among other factors to the decline in agriculture output. Residents have abandoned traditional farming methods such as conservation farming. The latter practice kept the soil intact and rich in fertility unlike the use of ploughs and tractors which weakens the soil. More so, residents have opted for the cultivation of crops which do not give them good harvests. Maize is one such crop which suffers from droughts as opposed to small grain crops, comprising of finger millet, pearl millet and sorghum. These endure dry conditions with limited rainfall. Gutu residents also revealed that there is overlooking of the sacredness associated with certain areas and the use of taboos to conserve the environment. It was further established that while residents have knowledge of sacred places and prohibitive taboos which are meant to safeguard the environment, residents no longer respect the prohibitions due to the influence of modernity and Christianity which regard some of the practices as backward or wayward beliefs. Second, the study established that the influence of colonial policies influenced a number of changes to the continued utilization of Indigenous Knowledge in agriculture and the management of the environment. For example, Gutu residents no longer practice shifting cultivation which used to be practice in the 1920s backwards. Residents are now confined to small pieces of land which are continuously cultivated on a yearly basis. Therefore, soils have become exhausted and production has gone down since the majority of residents are not able to replenish the soil through the use of fertilizer whose cost they cannot afford. It was also established that the environment has deteriorated continuously due to over use by an ever-increasing population. Third, the study found out that traditional platforms such as the dare men’s meeting place are no longer in existence. The dare is a set-up in which males sit around a fire place and shared ideas on different subject areas as a way of teaching one another life lessons and grooming the future generations. On the other hand, women use the round hut in which food is prepared to address a number of teachings to the girl child. Elderly women took the opportunity to induct young girls into adulthood along the duties expected of women in the society. Nowadays, both males and females share the hut used for preparing food and this is disrupting the traditional set-up of inducting young males and females in separate and appropriate platforms. The situation was worsened by colonialism which came along with Christian teachings, part of which were not in tandem with traditional indigenous practices. For example, the sacredness of places and the use of taboos are regarded by the youths as old and outdated beliefs with no relevance in today’s modern world. To make matter worse, there is limited contact time between the youths and the elders due to work commitments in urban areas. This has limited the opportunities for the sharing, transfer and preservation of IK as opposed to the traditional times in which shared communal lives allowed constant interactions and appreciation of indigenous ways of life. Fourth, there are no tangible strategies for the preservation of IK for posterity. While general information on traditional IK can be shared by residents, there are individuals who possess rare knowledge but made it their preserve after they realized that the knowledge offered them competitive advantages and benefits. Another aspect is that the youths have lost interest in IK of the past since they feel that the knowledge has lost relevance to their present interests due to the dynamism of culture. In the youths’ views, IK which is useful and relevant to their generation will continue to exist while practices which are no longer useful will fall by the way side. The research utilized interviews in order to establish the manner in which Indigenous Knowledge is acquired, shared, transferred and even retained for use by future generations. The findings of the study formed the basis for recommendations, of which if adopted, could contribute significantly to the revival of indigenous knowledge practices in Gutu district. The use of indigenous knowledge, peculiar to people in a given locality, can contribute to the promotion of sustainable livelihoods and development of rural communities in Gutu district. Based on the findings of the study, the following recommendations can be considered there is need for the establishment of Indigenous Knowledge Resource Centres IKRCs in communities so that individuals with interest in traditional IK can acquire the knowledge free of charge. It may also be beneficial if IK can be introduced to become part of the tertiary level curricula. Since Zimbabwe is an agro-based economy and also the fact that rural communities rely on the environment for provisions such as firewood, production and conservation measures being part of the curricula. This will assist decision makers to appreciate and value IK in decision making and development projects, not only in agriculture and the conservation of the environment, but also in other sectors that promote people’s livelihood. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2014
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014-01
- Authors: Wutete, Obert
- Date: 2014-01
- Subjects: Traditional ecological knowledge , Conservation of natural resources , Nature conservation
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26526 , vital:65520
- Description: Indigenous Knowledge IK is an emerging area of study that focuses on a community’s ways of knowing, seeing and thinking, developed over a long period of time. The knowledge is passed down orally from one generation to the other. Therefore, this study highlights a number of important factors that are associated with the use of IK in rural communities such as Gutu district. The major importance of IK include the following: it reduces costs through the use of locally available resources, acts as the basis of local-level decision making, is familiar and acceptable to the communities in which the knowledge exists and also that IK helps communities to develop their own sources of livelihoods. The objectives of the study were; to identify the types of IK peculiar to agriculture practices and the conservation of the environment within Gutu district; establish the challenges confronting IK utilization in communities; identify the constraints affecting the sharing, transfer and preservation of IK; determine the measures which should be adopted in order to promote the appreciation and value placed on IK in agriculture practices and the conservation of the environment; and to propose recommendations on how IK should be utilized for sustainable livelihoods in agriculture and environmental conservation in Gutu district and other rural communities. The study employed the survey method which was premised on the use of multiple data gathering tools, also referred to as triangulation. A total of 100 interviewees were sampled from Gutu communities for face-to-face interviews, 48 participants for focus group discussions, with each group comprising of 6 participants. The researcher collected data using a set of interview guide questions for individual participants as well as for the focus group discussions. In order to be comprehensive in data collection, the researcher also utilized observations and transects walks (these are random walks done in an area under study in order to have a better understanding of activities of the area). The triangulation of data gathering tools assisted with diverse information on the crops cultivated by residents, cultivation methods, harvesting and the preservation of the crops. The researcher also gathered information on how residents interacted with the environment, established reasons which contributed to the deterioration of the environment, established the sacredness associated with certain areas in Gutu district and the use of taboos as a way to safeguarding natural resources. The traditional practices have become a thing of the past to the present generations. The research had four major findings: First, it was found out that Indigenous Knowledge which was the basis of traditional lifestyles is no longer a major practice by Gutu residents. The gradual decline of traditional indigenous practices contributed among other factors to the decline in agriculture output. Residents have abandoned traditional farming methods such as conservation farming. The latter practice kept the soil intact and rich in fertility unlike the use of ploughs and tractors which weakens the soil. More so, residents have opted for the cultivation of crops which do not give them good harvests. Maize is one such crop which suffers from droughts as opposed to small grain crops, comprising of finger millet, pearl millet and sorghum. These endure dry conditions with limited rainfall. Gutu residents also revealed that there is overlooking of the sacredness associated with certain areas and the use of taboos to conserve the environment. It was further established that while residents have knowledge of sacred places and prohibitive taboos which are meant to safeguard the environment, residents no longer respect the prohibitions due to the influence of modernity and Christianity which regard some of the practices as backward or wayward beliefs. Second, the study established that the influence of colonial policies influenced a number of changes to the continued utilization of Indigenous Knowledge in agriculture and the management of the environment. For example, Gutu residents no longer practice shifting cultivation which used to be practice in the 1920s backwards. Residents are now confined to small pieces of land which are continuously cultivated on a yearly basis. Therefore, soils have become exhausted and production has gone down since the majority of residents are not able to replenish the soil through the use of fertilizer whose cost they cannot afford. It was also established that the environment has deteriorated continuously due to over use by an ever-increasing population. Third, the study found out that traditional platforms such as the dare men’s meeting place are no longer in existence. The dare is a set-up in which males sit around a fire place and shared ideas on different subject areas as a way of teaching one another life lessons and grooming the future generations. On the other hand, women use the round hut in which food is prepared to address a number of teachings to the girl child. Elderly women took the opportunity to induct young girls into adulthood along the duties expected of women in the society. Nowadays, both males and females share the hut used for preparing food and this is disrupting the traditional set-up of inducting young males and females in separate and appropriate platforms. The situation was worsened by colonialism which came along with Christian teachings, part of which were not in tandem with traditional indigenous practices. For example, the sacredness of places and the use of taboos are regarded by the youths as old and outdated beliefs with no relevance in today’s modern world. To make matter worse, there is limited contact time between the youths and the elders due to work commitments in urban areas. This has limited the opportunities for the sharing, transfer and preservation of IK as opposed to the traditional times in which shared communal lives allowed constant interactions and appreciation of indigenous ways of life. Fourth, there are no tangible strategies for the preservation of IK for posterity. While general information on traditional IK can be shared by residents, there are individuals who possess rare knowledge but made it their preserve after they realized that the knowledge offered them competitive advantages and benefits. Another aspect is that the youths have lost interest in IK of the past since they feel that the knowledge has lost relevance to their present interests due to the dynamism of culture. In the youths’ views, IK which is useful and relevant to their generation will continue to exist while practices which are no longer useful will fall by the way side. The research utilized interviews in order to establish the manner in which Indigenous Knowledge is acquired, shared, transferred and even retained for use by future generations. The findings of the study formed the basis for recommendations, of which if adopted, could contribute significantly to the revival of indigenous knowledge practices in Gutu district. The use of indigenous knowledge, peculiar to people in a given locality, can contribute to the promotion of sustainable livelihoods and development of rural communities in Gutu district. Based on the findings of the study, the following recommendations can be considered there is need for the establishment of Indigenous Knowledge Resource Centres IKRCs in communities so that individuals with interest in traditional IK can acquire the knowledge free of charge. It may also be beneficial if IK can be introduced to become part of the tertiary level curricula. Since Zimbabwe is an agro-based economy and also the fact that rural communities rely on the environment for provisions such as firewood, production and conservation measures being part of the curricula. This will assist decision makers to appreciate and value IK in decision making and development projects, not only in agriculture and the conservation of the environment, but also in other sectors that promote people’s livelihood. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2014
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014-01
Developing biological control agents for the management of the invasive tree Robinia pseudoacacia
- Authors: Wolmarans, Abigail
- Date: 2024-04-05
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/435717 , vital:73181 , DOI 10.21504/10962/435717
- Description: Robinia pseudoacacia (Fabaceae) is a deciduous tree native to the Appalachian Mountains of North America but has become naturalised and invasive in other countries such as temperate North America, Europe, Australia, and Southern Africa. In South Africa the tree is classified as a category 1B invasive alien under the National Environmental Management Act (NEMBA), which stipulates the species requires some form of control as it has already caused extensive negative ecological and economic impacts. In the invaded range the tree creates monocultures that displace native species and spreads rapidly from suckering roots, making it a proficient invader. The South Africa plant prioritisation system suggests R. pseudoacacia is in the top three species which should be considered for classical weed biological control in South Africa. This thesis investigates which insects known to be associated with tree should be prioritised as candidate agents, as well as offering interesting insights into prioritising insects for weed biological control and using plant phylogenies and available literature to predict insect specificity. To ensure that no candidate biological control agents were already present in South Africa as well as to prioritise which guilds of the tree to prioritise for potential biological control, pre-release surveys were conducted across nine sites where the tree has invaded South Africa. It was found that no insects from the native range of R. pseudoacacia were present in South Africa. Seed surveys revealed that generalist insects attack a sizable proportion (68 %) of the seeds on the trees. In combination with a low seed soil bank (15.8 %) this suggests that seed- feeding agents may be helpful, however, candidate agents which damage leaves should be prioritised due to R. pseudoacacia relying heavily upon vegetative reproduction and much less on sexual reproduction. Leaves may therefor reduce the spread of these invasive trees. The insect assemblages in the native range of R. pseudoacacia are well understood. In addition, several associated insects have unintentionally followed the tree on its global spread, where they are often regarded as pests. The third chapter is therefore aimed at prioritising the known insects associated with the tree in both the native and invaded range. Literature surveys and Harris (1973) prioritisation systems were used to prioritise close to 64 candidate biological control agents down to three foliage- feeding agents, namely Odontota dorsalis (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae), Macrosaccus robiniella (Lepidoptera, Gracillariidae) and Obolodiplosis robiniae (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae). To further prioritise the six selected agents in Chapter 4, species distribution were modelled with known climatic variables. This was done by using the species known occurrence localities, from both the native and where applicable invaded ranges, to identify which species that would best match with South Africa’s climate. The study showed that O. dorsalis is best suited to survive in South Africa, followed by O. robiniae and then M. robiniella. Collected data aided in the introduction of the prioritised O. robiniae into South African quarantine facilities. Unfortunately, despite several attempts, cultures could not be established, making conventional host specificity testing impossible. Thus, in Chapter 5 we aimed to determine the potential host range of the midge using information from experts in the field of galling insects, literature surveys, agricultural pest lists, and social science platforms coupled with native and invaded range surveys. The list of non-target species to consider as potential hosts was refined by developing phylogenetic trees of closely related Fabaceae that share the same distribution (native and invaded) as R. pseudoacacia. Through the available information gathered, and field surveys of these species, O. robiniae has not been shown to utilise any species, other than those from the Robinoid clade. In addition, the midge has also never been recorded on a number of closely related leguminous fodder and horticultural species growing in close proximity at high densities to R. pseudoacacia - suggesting negligible risk to South African growers of the same species. Host-specificity assessments through field surveys can be regarded as one of the best indicators of the ecological host range, however, this information is difficult to quantify and infrequently available, thus seldom used when determining the safety of a candidate biocontrol agent. In this unique study, using the extensive data collected we are able to show that O. robiniae would be potentially safe for release in South Africa. However, open field tests exposing closely related non-target plant species under natural and semi-natural conditions are planned in Switzerland over the next two years aiming to confirm these conclusions. By identifying and prioritizing potential biological control agents, this research contributes to the development of a targeted and sustainable solution for managing R. pseudoacacia in South Africa. The economic implications of successful biological control include reduced costs associated with invasive species management and ecosystem restoration. Additionally, by mitigating the negative ecological impacts, the agricultural systems in affected regions stand to benefit from enhanced resilience and productivity. Furthermore, the study's approach of using plant phylogenies and available literature to predict insect specificity offers a valuable methodological contribution to the broader field of weed biological control. This methodology can be adapted and applied to other invasive species, providing a framework for efficient and informed decision-making in weed management strategies. In essence, this research not only addresses the specific challenges posed by R. pseudoacacia in South Africa but also provides a template for tackling similar issues in different geographical contexts, thereby contributing to global efforts in sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-05
- Authors: Wolmarans, Abigail
- Date: 2024-04-05
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/435717 , vital:73181 , DOI 10.21504/10962/435717
- Description: Robinia pseudoacacia (Fabaceae) is a deciduous tree native to the Appalachian Mountains of North America but has become naturalised and invasive in other countries such as temperate North America, Europe, Australia, and Southern Africa. In South Africa the tree is classified as a category 1B invasive alien under the National Environmental Management Act (NEMBA), which stipulates the species requires some form of control as it has already caused extensive negative ecological and economic impacts. In the invaded range the tree creates monocultures that displace native species and spreads rapidly from suckering roots, making it a proficient invader. The South Africa plant prioritisation system suggests R. pseudoacacia is in the top three species which should be considered for classical weed biological control in South Africa. This thesis investigates which insects known to be associated with tree should be prioritised as candidate agents, as well as offering interesting insights into prioritising insects for weed biological control and using plant phylogenies and available literature to predict insect specificity. To ensure that no candidate biological control agents were already present in South Africa as well as to prioritise which guilds of the tree to prioritise for potential biological control, pre-release surveys were conducted across nine sites where the tree has invaded South Africa. It was found that no insects from the native range of R. pseudoacacia were present in South Africa. Seed surveys revealed that generalist insects attack a sizable proportion (68 %) of the seeds on the trees. In combination with a low seed soil bank (15.8 %) this suggests that seed- feeding agents may be helpful, however, candidate agents which damage leaves should be prioritised due to R. pseudoacacia relying heavily upon vegetative reproduction and much less on sexual reproduction. Leaves may therefor reduce the spread of these invasive trees. The insect assemblages in the native range of R. pseudoacacia are well understood. In addition, several associated insects have unintentionally followed the tree on its global spread, where they are often regarded as pests. The third chapter is therefore aimed at prioritising the known insects associated with the tree in both the native and invaded range. Literature surveys and Harris (1973) prioritisation systems were used to prioritise close to 64 candidate biological control agents down to three foliage- feeding agents, namely Odontota dorsalis (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae), Macrosaccus robiniella (Lepidoptera, Gracillariidae) and Obolodiplosis robiniae (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae). To further prioritise the six selected agents in Chapter 4, species distribution were modelled with known climatic variables. This was done by using the species known occurrence localities, from both the native and where applicable invaded ranges, to identify which species that would best match with South Africa’s climate. The study showed that O. dorsalis is best suited to survive in South Africa, followed by O. robiniae and then M. robiniella. Collected data aided in the introduction of the prioritised O. robiniae into South African quarantine facilities. Unfortunately, despite several attempts, cultures could not be established, making conventional host specificity testing impossible. Thus, in Chapter 5 we aimed to determine the potential host range of the midge using information from experts in the field of galling insects, literature surveys, agricultural pest lists, and social science platforms coupled with native and invaded range surveys. The list of non-target species to consider as potential hosts was refined by developing phylogenetic trees of closely related Fabaceae that share the same distribution (native and invaded) as R. pseudoacacia. Through the available information gathered, and field surveys of these species, O. robiniae has not been shown to utilise any species, other than those from the Robinoid clade. In addition, the midge has also never been recorded on a number of closely related leguminous fodder and horticultural species growing in close proximity at high densities to R. pseudoacacia - suggesting negligible risk to South African growers of the same species. Host-specificity assessments through field surveys can be regarded as one of the best indicators of the ecological host range, however, this information is difficult to quantify and infrequently available, thus seldom used when determining the safety of a candidate biocontrol agent. In this unique study, using the extensive data collected we are able to show that O. robiniae would be potentially safe for release in South Africa. However, open field tests exposing closely related non-target plant species under natural and semi-natural conditions are planned in Switzerland over the next two years aiming to confirm these conclusions. By identifying and prioritizing potential biological control agents, this research contributes to the development of a targeted and sustainable solution for managing R. pseudoacacia in South Africa. The economic implications of successful biological control include reduced costs associated with invasive species management and ecosystem restoration. Additionally, by mitigating the negative ecological impacts, the agricultural systems in affected regions stand to benefit from enhanced resilience and productivity. Furthermore, the study's approach of using plant phylogenies and available literature to predict insect specificity offers a valuable methodological contribution to the broader field of weed biological control. This methodology can be adapted and applied to other invasive species, providing a framework for efficient and informed decision-making in weed management strategies. In essence, this research not only addresses the specific challenges posed by R. pseudoacacia in South Africa but also provides a template for tackling similar issues in different geographical contexts, thereby contributing to global efforts in sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-05
An ethnographic exploration of black lesbians rape survivors’ access to support services in Cape Town South Africa
- Wilson, Kaythrine Esther Jacqueline
- Authors: Wilson, Kaythrine Esther Jacqueline
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/232646 , vital:50010
- Description: Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Wilson, Kaythrine Esther Jacqueline
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/232646 , vital:50010
- Description: Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
Beyond mastery: jazz, gender and power in postapartheid South Africa
- Authors: Williams, Ulagh
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/432505 , vital:72876 , DOI 10.21504/10962/432512
- Description: This dissertation studies the musical lives of seven South African women who have built highprofile national and international careers as jazz musicians. Empirically it records self-reported experiences and actions that they have identified as relevant to their success within a notoriously patriarchal field. Drawing on feminist research methods and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis the dissertation strives to develop an empathic yet critical epistemological framework attuned to the complexities of their lived experiences as women and as jazz musicians. Theoretically it investigates the power relations at play in the myriad ways they negotiate or have been impelled to negotiate gender and patriarchy as musicians. Chapter one draws attention to the ubiquity of patriarchy in South African and international jazz culture, and highlights the research participants’ numerous successes to date as performers, educators, composers, and bandleaders. Chapter two positions this study in relation to cognate work in South African jazz studies, international feminist jazz studies and feminist phenomenology. Chapters three to five successively consider the participants’ early enculturation as musical and gendered subjects, their agentic responses to structures of patriarchy and/or race as emerging and established professionals, and the ways these experiences have found expression in some of their musical utterances as performers and composers. Fusing art and activism, the participants challenge and transcend masculinist discourses of mastery that still dominate South African jazz as a field of production and aesthetic practice. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Music and Musicology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
- Authors: Williams, Ulagh
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/432505 , vital:72876 , DOI 10.21504/10962/432512
- Description: This dissertation studies the musical lives of seven South African women who have built highprofile national and international careers as jazz musicians. Empirically it records self-reported experiences and actions that they have identified as relevant to their success within a notoriously patriarchal field. Drawing on feminist research methods and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis the dissertation strives to develop an empathic yet critical epistemological framework attuned to the complexities of their lived experiences as women and as jazz musicians. Theoretically it investigates the power relations at play in the myriad ways they negotiate or have been impelled to negotiate gender and patriarchy as musicians. Chapter one draws attention to the ubiquity of patriarchy in South African and international jazz culture, and highlights the research participants’ numerous successes to date as performers, educators, composers, and bandleaders. Chapter two positions this study in relation to cognate work in South African jazz studies, international feminist jazz studies and feminist phenomenology. Chapters three to five successively consider the participants’ early enculturation as musical and gendered subjects, their agentic responses to structures of patriarchy and/or race as emerging and established professionals, and the ways these experiences have found expression in some of their musical utterances as performers and composers. Fusing art and activism, the participants challenge and transcend masculinist discourses of mastery that still dominate South African jazz as a field of production and aesthetic practice. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Music and Musicology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
The influence of electronic-consumer experience (e-CX) on consumer post-purchase outcomes of South African e-commerce retail organisations
- Authors: Williams, Alyssa Shawntay
- Date: 2024-04-03
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434828 , vital:73108
- Description: Access restricted. Expected release in 2026. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Commerce, Management, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-03
- Authors: Williams, Alyssa Shawntay
- Date: 2024-04-03
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434828 , vital:73108
- Description: Access restricted. Expected release in 2026. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Commerce, Management, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-03
A toolkit for successful workplace learning analytics at software vendors
- Authors: Whale, Alyssa Morgan
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Computer-assisted instruction , Intelligent tutoring systems , Information visualisation
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/64448 , vital:73713
- Description: Software vendors commonly provide digital software training to their stakeholders and therefore are faced with the problem of an influx of data collected from these training/learning initiatives. Every second of every day, data is being collected based on online learning activities and learner behaviour. Thus, online platforms are struggling to cope with the volumes of data that are collected, and companies are finding it difficult to analyse and manage this data in a way that can be beneficial to all stakeholders. The majority of studies investigating learning analytics have been conducted in educational settings. This research aimed to develop and evaluate a toolkit that can be used for successful Workplace Learning Analytics (WLA) at software vendors. The study followed the Design Science Research (DSR) methodology, which was applied in iterative cycles where various components of the toolkit were designed, developed, and evaluated by participants. The real-world-context was a software vendor, ERPCo, which has been struggling to implement WLA successfully with their current Learning Experience Platform (LXP), as well as with their previous platform. Qualitative data was collected using document analysis of key company documents and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with employees from ERPCo to explore and confirm different topics and themes. These methods were used to iteratively analyse the As-Is and To-Be situations at ERPCo and to develop and evaluate the proposed WLA Toolkit. The method used to analyse the collected data from the FGDs was the Qualitative Content Analysis (QCA) method. To develop the first component of the toolkit, the Organisation component, the organisational success factors that influence the success of WLA were identified using a Systematic Literature Review (SLR). These factors were discussed and validated in two exploratory FGDs held with employees from ERPCo, one with operational stakeholders and the other with strategic decision makers. The DeLone and McLean Information Systems (D&M IS) Success Model was used to undergird the research as a theory to guide the understanding of the factors influencing the success of WLA. Many of the factors identified in theory were found to be prevalent in the real-world-context, with some additional ones being identified in the FGDs. The most frequent challenges highlighted by participants were related to visibility; readily available high-quality data; flexibility of reporting; complexity of reporting; and effective decision making and insights obtained. Many of these related to the concept of usability issues for both the system and the information, which is specifically related to System Quality or Information Quality from the D&M IS Success Model. The second and third components of the toolkit are the Technology and Applications; and Information components respectively. Therefore, architecture and data management challenges and requirements for these components were analysed. An appropriate WLA architecture was selected and then further customised for use at ERPCo. A third FGD was conducted with employees who had more technical roles in ERPCo. The purpose of this FGD was to provide input on the architecture, technologies and data management challenges and requirements. In the Technology and Applications component of the WLA Toolkit, factors influencing WLA success related to applications and visualisations were considered. An instantiation of this component was demonstrated in the fourth FGD, where learning data from the LXP at ERPCo was collected and a dashboard incorporating recommended visualisation techniques was developed as a proof of concept. In this FGD participants gave feedback on both the dashboard and the toolkit. The artefact of this research is the WLA Toolkit that can be used by practitioners to guide the planning and implementation of WLA in large organisations that use LXP and WLA platforms. Researchers can use the WLA Toolkit to gain a deeper understanding of the required components and factors for successful WLA in software vendors. The research also contributes to the D&M IS Success Model theory in the information economy. In support of this PhD dissertation, the following paper has been published: Whale, A. & Scholtz, B. 2022. A Theoretical Classification of Organizational Success Factors for Workplace Learning Analytics. NEXTCOMP 2022. Mauritius. A draft manuscript for a journal paper was in progress at the time of submitting this thesis. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics , 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: Whale, Alyssa Morgan
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Computer-assisted instruction , Intelligent tutoring systems , Information visualisation
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/64448 , vital:73713
- Description: Software vendors commonly provide digital software training to their stakeholders and therefore are faced with the problem of an influx of data collected from these training/learning initiatives. Every second of every day, data is being collected based on online learning activities and learner behaviour. Thus, online platforms are struggling to cope with the volumes of data that are collected, and companies are finding it difficult to analyse and manage this data in a way that can be beneficial to all stakeholders. The majority of studies investigating learning analytics have been conducted in educational settings. This research aimed to develop and evaluate a toolkit that can be used for successful Workplace Learning Analytics (WLA) at software vendors. The study followed the Design Science Research (DSR) methodology, which was applied in iterative cycles where various components of the toolkit were designed, developed, and evaluated by participants. The real-world-context was a software vendor, ERPCo, which has been struggling to implement WLA successfully with their current Learning Experience Platform (LXP), as well as with their previous platform. Qualitative data was collected using document analysis of key company documents and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with employees from ERPCo to explore and confirm different topics and themes. These methods were used to iteratively analyse the As-Is and To-Be situations at ERPCo and to develop and evaluate the proposed WLA Toolkit. The method used to analyse the collected data from the FGDs was the Qualitative Content Analysis (QCA) method. To develop the first component of the toolkit, the Organisation component, the organisational success factors that influence the success of WLA were identified using a Systematic Literature Review (SLR). These factors were discussed and validated in two exploratory FGDs held with employees from ERPCo, one with operational stakeholders and the other with strategic decision makers. The DeLone and McLean Information Systems (D&M IS) Success Model was used to undergird the research as a theory to guide the understanding of the factors influencing the success of WLA. Many of the factors identified in theory were found to be prevalent in the real-world-context, with some additional ones being identified in the FGDs. The most frequent challenges highlighted by participants were related to visibility; readily available high-quality data; flexibility of reporting; complexity of reporting; and effective decision making and insights obtained. Many of these related to the concept of usability issues for both the system and the information, which is specifically related to System Quality or Information Quality from the D&M IS Success Model. The second and third components of the toolkit are the Technology and Applications; and Information components respectively. Therefore, architecture and data management challenges and requirements for these components were analysed. An appropriate WLA architecture was selected and then further customised for use at ERPCo. A third FGD was conducted with employees who had more technical roles in ERPCo. The purpose of this FGD was to provide input on the architecture, technologies and data management challenges and requirements. In the Technology and Applications component of the WLA Toolkit, factors influencing WLA success related to applications and visualisations were considered. An instantiation of this component was demonstrated in the fourth FGD, where learning data from the LXP at ERPCo was collected and a dashboard incorporating recommended visualisation techniques was developed as a proof of concept. In this FGD participants gave feedback on both the dashboard and the toolkit. The artefact of this research is the WLA Toolkit that can be used by practitioners to guide the planning and implementation of WLA in large organisations that use LXP and WLA platforms. Researchers can use the WLA Toolkit to gain a deeper understanding of the required components and factors for successful WLA in software vendors. The research also contributes to the D&M IS Success Model theory in the information economy. In support of this PhD dissertation, the following paper has been published: Whale, A. & Scholtz, B. 2022. A Theoretical Classification of Organizational Success Factors for Workplace Learning Analytics. NEXTCOMP 2022. Mauritius. A draft manuscript for a journal paper was in progress at the time of submitting this thesis. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics , 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
Integration of clinical legal education with procedural law modules
- Authors: Welgemoed, Marc
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Law -- Study and teaching (Clinical education) , Procedure law
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/56123 , vital:55571
- Description: This research evaluates the role that Clinical Legal Education (CLE) can and should play in the teaching and learning of procedural law modules, ie Civil Procedure, Criminal Procedure and the Law of Evidence. It is argued that the doctrine of transformative constitutionalism provides a sound theoretical basis for the integration of CLE in the teaching and learning of procedural law modules in that there is a constitutional imperative on law schools to train law graduates, who are ready for entry into legal practice, as far as adequate theoretical knowledge and practical skills are concerned. This research provides an indication of how the integration of CLE with procedural law modules can improve the appreciation of the values of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa 108 of 1996 by law graduates. Graduates will learn the importance of advancing social and procedural justice when rendering legal services to members of the public. Furthermore, graduates will be equipped with valuable graduate attributes required for legal practice. The conclusion of this research is that an integrated teaching and learning methodology, in relation to procedural law modules, will result in producing better law graduates for legal practice. The result of this will be that future legal practitioners, who can serve the public in a professional, ethical and accountable manner as envisaged by the Legal Practice Act 28 of 2014, immediately after graduating from law schools, will be produced. , Thesis (LLD) -- Faculty of Law, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Welgemoed, Marc
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Law -- Study and teaching (Clinical education) , Procedure law
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/56123 , vital:55571
- Description: This research evaluates the role that Clinical Legal Education (CLE) can and should play in the teaching and learning of procedural law modules, ie Civil Procedure, Criminal Procedure and the Law of Evidence. It is argued that the doctrine of transformative constitutionalism provides a sound theoretical basis for the integration of CLE in the teaching and learning of procedural law modules in that there is a constitutional imperative on law schools to train law graduates, who are ready for entry into legal practice, as far as adequate theoretical knowledge and practical skills are concerned. This research provides an indication of how the integration of CLE with procedural law modules can improve the appreciation of the values of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa 108 of 1996 by law graduates. Graduates will learn the importance of advancing social and procedural justice when rendering legal services to members of the public. Furthermore, graduates will be equipped with valuable graduate attributes required for legal practice. The conclusion of this research is that an integrated teaching and learning methodology, in relation to procedural law modules, will result in producing better law graduates for legal practice. The result of this will be that future legal practitioners, who can serve the public in a professional, ethical and accountable manner as envisaged by the Legal Practice Act 28 of 2014, immediately after graduating from law schools, will be produced. , Thesis (LLD) -- Faculty of Law, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Ecosexual digital war machines: minoritarian environmental desires in the age of new media
- Authors: Weideman, Lisa
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54828 , vital:47915
- Description: Today the (Transnational) State Apparatuses of neoliberal capitalism, ranging from educational institutions to mass media and financial institutions, have effectively created and channelled desires towards consumerism, predicated on resource-extractive practices, within the context of what Gilles Deleuze calls societies of control. This control has also intensified in the digital era, particularly through Internet-based technologies which provide increasingly efficient platforms for the escalation of commodification – ironically, despite the reality of ecological crisis being precipitated by the related extractive practices to the point where it now threatens the continued existence of life on earth. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Language, Media and Communication, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Weideman, Lisa
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54828 , vital:47915
- Description: Today the (Transnational) State Apparatuses of neoliberal capitalism, ranging from educational institutions to mass media and financial institutions, have effectively created and channelled desires towards consumerism, predicated on resource-extractive practices, within the context of what Gilles Deleuze calls societies of control. This control has also intensified in the digital era, particularly through Internet-based technologies which provide increasingly efficient platforms for the escalation of commodification – ironically, despite the reality of ecological crisis being precipitated by the related extractive practices to the point where it now threatens the continued existence of life on earth. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Language, Media and Communication, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Moult and energetics in three species from the Euplectes genus representing a gradient of elaborate plumage ornamentation
- Authors: Webb, Stacey Leigh
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Sexual selection in animals – South Africa , Bird watching -- Africa, Southern , Plumage
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60026 , vital:62734
- Description: Elaborate plumage ornamentation in birds has fascinated scientists since the 1800s. The evolution and persistence of elaborate and costly ornamentation seemed to be in opposition to the theory of natural selection. However, over the years research has revealed the role and functional significance of elaborate plumage ornamentation in sexual selection. Recent studies have shown that the energetic costs associated with moulting into new plumages are higher than maintenance costs, but these costs have not been quantified for species that exhibit elaborate breeding plumage ornamentation for sexual selection. In addition, for these sexually selected ornamental traits (signals) to have evolved and be maintained, there must be some aspect of individual quality that they convey to the receiver. Despite a large body of literature on sexual selection, honest signalling and ornamental plumage in birds, the physiological correlates of honest signalling during sexual selection and the messages these signals convey to the receivers are poorly understood. In this study, I investigated four aspects related to the honesty of the sexual selection signal. These were (i) seasonal variation in standardised resting metabolic rates of breeding and non-breeding birds, (ii) moult phenology, (iii) physiological parameters linked to honest signalling, and (iv) the energetic costs of production and maintenance of elaborate plumage ornamentation using three species from the Euplectes genus as model species. The three species selected, the red-collared widowbird (Euplectes ardens), fan-tailed widowbird (Euplectes axillaris) and the southern red bishop (Euplectes orix) represent a gradient of plumage elaboration and although the receivers of the sexual selection signals are known for these three species, the energetic cost of the signals and the underlying message the signals convey remain unknown. I measured seasonal variation in resting metabolic rate (RMR), body mass (Mb), thermoneutral zone (TNZ) and body temperature (Tb) over the course of two years in the three selected Euplectes species (E. ardens, E. axillaris and E. orix; chapter 2). My results showed no significant effect of season on RMR (except in E. orix females) suggesting that in these species the metabolic costs in summer (associated with breeding season) are comparable to the metabolic costs associated with thermoregulation during winter. Contrary to my prediction that metabolic costs would increase along a gradient of increasing tail length (due to the energetic costs Webb V associated with elaborate plumage ornamentation), I found no significant effect of species. The lack of a significant result indicates that once the initial investment in plumage is complete, other predictor variables play a role (in this case body mass). , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
- Authors: Webb, Stacey Leigh
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Sexual selection in animals – South Africa , Bird watching -- Africa, Southern , Plumage
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60026 , vital:62734
- Description: Elaborate plumage ornamentation in birds has fascinated scientists since the 1800s. The evolution and persistence of elaborate and costly ornamentation seemed to be in opposition to the theory of natural selection. However, over the years research has revealed the role and functional significance of elaborate plumage ornamentation in sexual selection. Recent studies have shown that the energetic costs associated with moulting into new plumages are higher than maintenance costs, but these costs have not been quantified for species that exhibit elaborate breeding plumage ornamentation for sexual selection. In addition, for these sexually selected ornamental traits (signals) to have evolved and be maintained, there must be some aspect of individual quality that they convey to the receiver. Despite a large body of literature on sexual selection, honest signalling and ornamental plumage in birds, the physiological correlates of honest signalling during sexual selection and the messages these signals convey to the receivers are poorly understood. In this study, I investigated four aspects related to the honesty of the sexual selection signal. These were (i) seasonal variation in standardised resting metabolic rates of breeding and non-breeding birds, (ii) moult phenology, (iii) physiological parameters linked to honest signalling, and (iv) the energetic costs of production and maintenance of elaborate plumage ornamentation using three species from the Euplectes genus as model species. The three species selected, the red-collared widowbird (Euplectes ardens), fan-tailed widowbird (Euplectes axillaris) and the southern red bishop (Euplectes orix) represent a gradient of plumage elaboration and although the receivers of the sexual selection signals are known for these three species, the energetic cost of the signals and the underlying message the signals convey remain unknown. I measured seasonal variation in resting metabolic rate (RMR), body mass (Mb), thermoneutral zone (TNZ) and body temperature (Tb) over the course of two years in the three selected Euplectes species (E. ardens, E. axillaris and E. orix; chapter 2). My results showed no significant effect of season on RMR (except in E. orix females) suggesting that in these species the metabolic costs in summer (associated with breeding season) are comparable to the metabolic costs associated with thermoregulation during winter. Contrary to my prediction that metabolic costs would increase along a gradient of increasing tail length (due to the energetic costs Webb V associated with elaborate plumage ornamentation), I found no significant effect of species. The lack of a significant result indicates that once the initial investment in plumage is complete, other predictor variables play a role (in this case body mass). , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12