A comprehensive review of the taxonomic diversity within the freshwater catfish genus Parauchenoglanis (Siluriformes, Auchenoglanididae)
- Authors: Sithole, Yonela
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/402992 , vital:69912
- Description: Thesis embargoed. To be released early 2026. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Ichthyology & Fisheries Science, 2023
- Full Text:
- Authors: Sithole, Yonela
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/402992 , vital:69912
- Description: Thesis embargoed. To be released early 2026. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Ichthyology & Fisheries Science, 2023
- Full Text:
A distributed approach to leadership in an academic department in a South African university: an exploratory case study
- Authors: Haufiku, Kenneth David
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Universities and colleges Administration , Education, Higher South Africa , Distributed leadership , College department heads South Africa , School management and organization South Africa , Group decision making
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419748 , vital:71672
- Description: The Head of Department (HOD) position at a university has traditionally been viewed as an individual construct. However, due to the demanding nature of such a position, it is not sought-after, as it remains exclusive and unappealing to many academics. Moreover, it is a position that does not encourage inclusive leadership. Tension and role ambiguity are known to arise between the scholarly project on the one hand and management and administrative matters on the other. To address challenges associated with this singular leadership position, an academic department at a South African university adopted a distributed leadership approach in their department as a research experiment. My study was based on this research experiment. I designed this research as an exploratory case study, guided by a socio-cultural conceptualisation of distributed leadership that included a leader-plus and a practice aspect, defined as a product of the interactions of school leaders, followers and their situation. This qualitative case study aimed to describe and explain how a distributed leadership approach was understood and practised in an academic department. It also investigated the enablements and constraints of the approach. Data were generated through document analysis, observation, and individual and focus group interviews. The participants in this study included the departmental leadership team and the department’s academic and administrative staff. Unfortunately, my study took place during the global COVID-19 pandemic and national lockdowns. I had no choice but to adapt my data generation methods due to lockdown restrictions. As a result, most data generation was done via online communication. The study used inductive and abductive analysis to make the data meaningful to the reader. The findings revealed that different participants had different ideas about distributed leadership. Distributed leadership was understood as a socio-cultural practice rather than an individual practice with multiple leaders in relational practice. In addition, this approach was understood as a way of developing and sharing expertise by encouraging teamwork, collegiality and collective decision-making which aligns with the notion of democratic decision-making which creates a platform for the enablement of leadership in others. The study further explored how distributed leadership was practised. The findings were that the HOD position, usually a one-person role, was reconceptualised as a HOD team comprised of three academics and the departmental administrator. The HOD team divided the work among themselves, and this was done according to each individual’s expertise. In addition, leadership within the academic department was not limited to the HOD team but stretched across the department; thus, multiple leaders were evident. Therefore, based on the data, this study discovered that a distributed approach values leadership expertise in others. Consequently, it can be used to promote an inclusive environment in which any organisation member can lead. Inclusivity in the decision-making process was also regarded as a strong practice in the academic department. As a result, this study contends that those in formal positions can develop leadership in others through a distributed leadership approach. Through that, lecturer leadership was enacted through formal faculty and university structures and informally as and when the situation required it. The enablements of this departmental leadership approach included the structural innovation of the Friday check-in as well as the buddy system. These two innovations provided the space for collegiality and the development of voice and leadership. The consultative nature of the HOD team was also viewed as an enablement. Certain factors constrained the distributed leadership approach, one of which was the tension between the hierarchical structure of the university and the more horizontal, distributed leadership approach being piloted in the academic department. In addition to that, another constraint was also very real with the transition to Zoom as an online teaching, learning and supervision platform as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. The final constraint was experienced concerning the department’s history, as it was within a historically White university in South Africa. The effects of this history impacted the departmental culture and, as we know from the literature, institutional culture is extremely difficult to change. Finally, the study concluded that conceptualising distributed leadership as a sociocultural practice with leader-plus and practice aspects provides descriptive language and a solid theoretical and analytical framework for a distributed leadership study. The study makes an important knowledge contribution in the African Higher Education context as limited research has been carried out in this area. Furthermore, in terms of practice, my study serves as a stimulus for leadership discussions that are beneficial to everyone involved in educational institutions as they promote a level of leadership reflexivity, currently absent in many institutions. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Secondary and Post-School Education, 2023
- Full Text:
- Authors: Haufiku, Kenneth David
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Universities and colleges Administration , Education, Higher South Africa , Distributed leadership , College department heads South Africa , School management and organization South Africa , Group decision making
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419748 , vital:71672
- Description: The Head of Department (HOD) position at a university has traditionally been viewed as an individual construct. However, due to the demanding nature of such a position, it is not sought-after, as it remains exclusive and unappealing to many academics. Moreover, it is a position that does not encourage inclusive leadership. Tension and role ambiguity are known to arise between the scholarly project on the one hand and management and administrative matters on the other. To address challenges associated with this singular leadership position, an academic department at a South African university adopted a distributed leadership approach in their department as a research experiment. My study was based on this research experiment. I designed this research as an exploratory case study, guided by a socio-cultural conceptualisation of distributed leadership that included a leader-plus and a practice aspect, defined as a product of the interactions of school leaders, followers and their situation. This qualitative case study aimed to describe and explain how a distributed leadership approach was understood and practised in an academic department. It also investigated the enablements and constraints of the approach. Data were generated through document analysis, observation, and individual and focus group interviews. The participants in this study included the departmental leadership team and the department’s academic and administrative staff. Unfortunately, my study took place during the global COVID-19 pandemic and national lockdowns. I had no choice but to adapt my data generation methods due to lockdown restrictions. As a result, most data generation was done via online communication. The study used inductive and abductive analysis to make the data meaningful to the reader. The findings revealed that different participants had different ideas about distributed leadership. Distributed leadership was understood as a socio-cultural practice rather than an individual practice with multiple leaders in relational practice. In addition, this approach was understood as a way of developing and sharing expertise by encouraging teamwork, collegiality and collective decision-making which aligns with the notion of democratic decision-making which creates a platform for the enablement of leadership in others. The study further explored how distributed leadership was practised. The findings were that the HOD position, usually a one-person role, was reconceptualised as a HOD team comprised of three academics and the departmental administrator. The HOD team divided the work among themselves, and this was done according to each individual’s expertise. In addition, leadership within the academic department was not limited to the HOD team but stretched across the department; thus, multiple leaders were evident. Therefore, based on the data, this study discovered that a distributed approach values leadership expertise in others. Consequently, it can be used to promote an inclusive environment in which any organisation member can lead. Inclusivity in the decision-making process was also regarded as a strong practice in the academic department. As a result, this study contends that those in formal positions can develop leadership in others through a distributed leadership approach. Through that, lecturer leadership was enacted through formal faculty and university structures and informally as and when the situation required it. The enablements of this departmental leadership approach included the structural innovation of the Friday check-in as well as the buddy system. These two innovations provided the space for collegiality and the development of voice and leadership. The consultative nature of the HOD team was also viewed as an enablement. Certain factors constrained the distributed leadership approach, one of which was the tension between the hierarchical structure of the university and the more horizontal, distributed leadership approach being piloted in the academic department. In addition to that, another constraint was also very real with the transition to Zoom as an online teaching, learning and supervision platform as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. The final constraint was experienced concerning the department’s history, as it was within a historically White university in South Africa. The effects of this history impacted the departmental culture and, as we know from the literature, institutional culture is extremely difficult to change. Finally, the study concluded that conceptualising distributed leadership as a sociocultural practice with leader-plus and practice aspects provides descriptive language and a solid theoretical and analytical framework for a distributed leadership study. The study makes an important knowledge contribution in the African Higher Education context as limited research has been carried out in this area. Furthermore, in terms of practice, my study serves as a stimulus for leadership discussions that are beneficial to everyone involved in educational institutions as they promote a level of leadership reflexivity, currently absent in many institutions. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Secondary and Post-School Education, 2023
- Full Text:
A formative evaluation and critical analysis of an alcohol and pregnancy intervention in the Eastern Cape of South Africa
- Authors: Graham, Nicola Susan Jearey
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders South Africa Eastern Cape , Foucauldian discourse analysis , Conversation analysis , Women Social conditions South Africa Eastern Cape , Sex role South Africa Eastern Cape , Cultural hegemony
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/432541 , vital:72879 , DOI 10.21504/10962/432541
- Description: Some communities in South Africa have the highest documented rates of Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) in the world. Interventions to reduce alcohol consumption during pregnancy are crucial, but evaluations of such interventions are sparse. Formative evaluations are indicated to assist in the development of interventions. Harmful alcohol consumption during pregnancy is undergirded by a range of social injustices, including those imposed by colonisation and patriarchy; a feminist, decolonial approach to evaluations is, therefore, important. A research project, consisting of three arms, examined alcohol use during pregnancy in an under-resourced urban area of the Eastern Cape, and this research was one of those arms. An intervention was being rolled out in this area and I gathered a range of data from it. I engaged in a formative evaluation of it, and I reflect on the difficulties that I encountered in this endeavour. In the bulk of this thesis, I examine the power apparatuses and technologies that were used during the intervention to discursively position pregnant women. My analysis was guided by Foucauldian and post-Foucauldian theories, using Foucauldian Discourse Analysis and simplified Conversation Analysis (CA). Power apparatuses of coloniality, patriarchy, and pastoral power were used in the intervention to construct positions for pregnant women who drink alcohol as ignorant children, sinners, criminals, or “Mommies”. The foetus was constructed as a precious, vulnerable baby, while the person with FASD was constructed as the defiled Other, responsible for societal dissolution. The intervention used various disciplinary techniques to exhort women to follow their dictates. Women were generally compliant with being positioned as ignorant children, which absolved them from any blame for pre-natal drinking. However, some resistance was evident. I then introduce an ethics of care and justice, and I argue that pregnant/newly parenting women need to be positioned within such an ethics, which acknowledges both the universal resources that they require for reproductive freedoms, as well as their particular care needs. I highlight the few times when women were positioned in this way in the data, and I look at how the common positions could be altered or expanded to promote such an ethics. I conclude by arguing that alcohol use during pregnancy cannot be separated from the larger context of the cultural hegemony of alcohol use in some communities, and the social injustices that potentiate this use. I provide suggestions for country-wide policies and interventions, as well as specific FASD prevention programmes, and I argue that a feminist decolonising approach, within an ethics of care and justice, should guide interventions at all levels. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Authors: Graham, Nicola Susan Jearey
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders South Africa Eastern Cape , Foucauldian discourse analysis , Conversation analysis , Women Social conditions South Africa Eastern Cape , Sex role South Africa Eastern Cape , Cultural hegemony
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/432541 , vital:72879 , DOI 10.21504/10962/432541
- Description: Some communities in South Africa have the highest documented rates of Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) in the world. Interventions to reduce alcohol consumption during pregnancy are crucial, but evaluations of such interventions are sparse. Formative evaluations are indicated to assist in the development of interventions. Harmful alcohol consumption during pregnancy is undergirded by a range of social injustices, including those imposed by colonisation and patriarchy; a feminist, decolonial approach to evaluations is, therefore, important. A research project, consisting of three arms, examined alcohol use during pregnancy in an under-resourced urban area of the Eastern Cape, and this research was one of those arms. An intervention was being rolled out in this area and I gathered a range of data from it. I engaged in a formative evaluation of it, and I reflect on the difficulties that I encountered in this endeavour. In the bulk of this thesis, I examine the power apparatuses and technologies that were used during the intervention to discursively position pregnant women. My analysis was guided by Foucauldian and post-Foucauldian theories, using Foucauldian Discourse Analysis and simplified Conversation Analysis (CA). Power apparatuses of coloniality, patriarchy, and pastoral power were used in the intervention to construct positions for pregnant women who drink alcohol as ignorant children, sinners, criminals, or “Mommies”. The foetus was constructed as a precious, vulnerable baby, while the person with FASD was constructed as the defiled Other, responsible for societal dissolution. The intervention used various disciplinary techniques to exhort women to follow their dictates. Women were generally compliant with being positioned as ignorant children, which absolved them from any blame for pre-natal drinking. However, some resistance was evident. I then introduce an ethics of care and justice, and I argue that pregnant/newly parenting women need to be positioned within such an ethics, which acknowledges both the universal resources that they require for reproductive freedoms, as well as their particular care needs. I highlight the few times when women were positioned in this way in the data, and I look at how the common positions could be altered or expanded to promote such an ethics. I conclude by arguing that alcohol use during pregnancy cannot be separated from the larger context of the cultural hegemony of alcohol use in some communities, and the social injustices that potentiate this use. I provide suggestions for country-wide policies and interventions, as well as specific FASD prevention programmes, and I argue that a feminist decolonising approach, within an ethics of care and justice, should guide interventions at all levels. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2023
- Full Text:
Corporate failure and ethical resources: a case study of Steinhoff and Carillion
- Authors: Mthombeni, Seyijeni Koos
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Corporate governance , Business ethics , Steinhoff International (Firm) Corrupt practices , Carillion (Firm) Corrupt practices , Business failures , Accounting fraud
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419165 , vital:71621
- Description: This study aimed to investigate the impact of disregarding ethical resources on company performance, with a particular focus on Carillion and Steinhoff as case studies. A pragmatist research philosophy was employed using a mixed methods approach, utilizing deductive inferencing to produce archival research. Data was collected from annual financial statements and existing literature on Steinhoff and Carillion's corporate failures. Both content analysis and statistical analysis were employed to analyse the data. The study found that both Carillion and Steinhoff were at the top of their respective industries when they began to underperform due to poor governance. On the part of Carillion, much of its failure can be attributed to aggressive bidding, while for Steinhoff, its failure was due to unscrupulous accounting practices. Corruption and fraud at the top echelon of each of these respective companies began to trickle down to the bottom of the hierarchy. Additionally, Steinhoff used a two-tier board system that promotes information asymmetry between a management board and a supervisory board. This gave Steinhoff’s management board leverage to manipulate company reports and hide information from the supervisory board. Steinhoff equally violated the board’s independence by making former management executives part of the supervisory board, who could potentially be lenient to the management board due to past relationships. This was further exacerbated by the CEO duality, which contributed to Steinhoff’s lack of board independence. Furthermore, Steinhoff’s board was reported to have served as board members for a long time, eventually leading them to create a group culture that negatively affected its board’s independence. Different from Steinhoff, which lacked board independence and board diversity, at face value, Carillion appeared to have a predominantly independent board with diverse experience and external commitments. However, Carillion also lacked board independence in a different way, as some of its board members were previously employed by KPMG. KPMG was also the external auditor of Carillion. This created a scenario where Carillion and KPMG were conniving, which may have affected the objectivity of the external audits on financial performance. Further to this, the CEO held outsized power over the board, which could have also resulted in a lack of independence. This, in turn, facilitated corrupt behaviour within the organisation, which may have contributed to its corporate failure. iv The findings of the study highlight the following three conclusions: i) profits that are premised on reckless, irregular, and fraudulent business and accounting practices are not sustainable; ii) governance structures that do not adhere to sound corporate governance principles result in impaired board independence and negatively affect firm performance; and iii) companies that reach the pinnacle of their success through unethical conduct are ultimately short-lived. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2023
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mthombeni, Seyijeni Koos
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Corporate governance , Business ethics , Steinhoff International (Firm) Corrupt practices , Carillion (Firm) Corrupt practices , Business failures , Accounting fraud
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419165 , vital:71621
- Description: This study aimed to investigate the impact of disregarding ethical resources on company performance, with a particular focus on Carillion and Steinhoff as case studies. A pragmatist research philosophy was employed using a mixed methods approach, utilizing deductive inferencing to produce archival research. Data was collected from annual financial statements and existing literature on Steinhoff and Carillion's corporate failures. Both content analysis and statistical analysis were employed to analyse the data. The study found that both Carillion and Steinhoff were at the top of their respective industries when they began to underperform due to poor governance. On the part of Carillion, much of its failure can be attributed to aggressive bidding, while for Steinhoff, its failure was due to unscrupulous accounting practices. Corruption and fraud at the top echelon of each of these respective companies began to trickle down to the bottom of the hierarchy. Additionally, Steinhoff used a two-tier board system that promotes information asymmetry between a management board and a supervisory board. This gave Steinhoff’s management board leverage to manipulate company reports and hide information from the supervisory board. Steinhoff equally violated the board’s independence by making former management executives part of the supervisory board, who could potentially be lenient to the management board due to past relationships. This was further exacerbated by the CEO duality, which contributed to Steinhoff’s lack of board independence. Furthermore, Steinhoff’s board was reported to have served as board members for a long time, eventually leading them to create a group culture that negatively affected its board’s independence. Different from Steinhoff, which lacked board independence and board diversity, at face value, Carillion appeared to have a predominantly independent board with diverse experience and external commitments. However, Carillion also lacked board independence in a different way, as some of its board members were previously employed by KPMG. KPMG was also the external auditor of Carillion. This created a scenario where Carillion and KPMG were conniving, which may have affected the objectivity of the external audits on financial performance. Further to this, the CEO held outsized power over the board, which could have also resulted in a lack of independence. This, in turn, facilitated corrupt behaviour within the organisation, which may have contributed to its corporate failure. iv The findings of the study highlight the following three conclusions: i) profits that are premised on reckless, irregular, and fraudulent business and accounting practices are not sustainable; ii) governance structures that do not adhere to sound corporate governance principles result in impaired board independence and negatively affect firm performance; and iii) companies that reach the pinnacle of their success through unethical conduct are ultimately short-lived. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2023
- Full Text:
Evaluation of potential oviposition deterrents for false codling moth, Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)
- Authors: Dambuza, Khalipha
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Cryptophlebia leucotreta , Pests Integrated control , Semiochemicals , Agricultural pests Control , Oviposition , Essences and essential oils
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424479 , vital:72157
- Description: There has been extensive research on the use of semiochemicals as deterrents or true repellents in insect pest management, particularly in push-pull strategies. Much of this research has focused on pests of medical and veterinary importance and has been limited for agricultural pests. This means there is an opportunity to study use of deterrents to manage pests of agricultural importance. No study has been conducted on deterrents for false codling moth (FCM), Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), a key phytosanitary pest in citrus orchards across South Africa. This study assessed FCM oviposition deterrence in botanicals (plants (n = 11) and essential oils (n = 15)), and some commercial pesticides (n = 7) used for FCM control in South Africa. All tested botanicals were selected based on an extensive literature review of plant compounds that have been reported to deter or repel lepidopteran pests. Choice and no-choice oviposition bioassays were conducted in complete darkness in a controlled environment room. Oranges treated with solutions/suspensions of potential oviposition deterrents were placed into a cage with gravid FCM females for four hours, with oviposition being recorded every hour. Of the 33 tested compounds, only eight significantly reduced FCM oviposition (P < 0.05) compared to the control in oviposition bioassays i.e. two essential oils (lavender and peppermint), two plant crude extracts (garlic and marigold), one fruit (Mango), and three commercial FCM insecticides (Delegate, Coragen, and Warlock). All identified oviposition deterrents, except for Mango, were further investigated for their ovicidal properties in concentration response bioassays, where all botanicals were identified to have dual action (both deterrent and ovicidal properties), as they significantly (P < 0.05) reduced FCM oviposition and egg hatch. Garlic was the most efficacious botanical whilst Warlock was the only commercial insecticide that did not show ovicidal activity (F = 41.17, P = 0.0622). Larval penetration of the host fruit was less than egg hatch for all tested compounds in concentration response bioassays. Oviposition, egg hatch, and larval penetration were all affected by concentration, with the higher concentrations being the most effective. The efficacy of these deterrent compounds should be further tested in semi-field and/or field trials, and they may have potential in FCM management as allomone dispensers or sprays. They can also be implemented in push-pull strategies where they can be used in conjunction with FCM attractants. Lastly, repellence studies should be conducted in absentia of the host fruit to determine whether oviposition deterrence was a result of true repellence or odour masking. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Authors: Dambuza, Khalipha
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Cryptophlebia leucotreta , Pests Integrated control , Semiochemicals , Agricultural pests Control , Oviposition , Essences and essential oils
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424479 , vital:72157
- Description: There has been extensive research on the use of semiochemicals as deterrents or true repellents in insect pest management, particularly in push-pull strategies. Much of this research has focused on pests of medical and veterinary importance and has been limited for agricultural pests. This means there is an opportunity to study use of deterrents to manage pests of agricultural importance. No study has been conducted on deterrents for false codling moth (FCM), Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), a key phytosanitary pest in citrus orchards across South Africa. This study assessed FCM oviposition deterrence in botanicals (plants (n = 11) and essential oils (n = 15)), and some commercial pesticides (n = 7) used for FCM control in South Africa. All tested botanicals were selected based on an extensive literature review of plant compounds that have been reported to deter or repel lepidopteran pests. Choice and no-choice oviposition bioassays were conducted in complete darkness in a controlled environment room. Oranges treated with solutions/suspensions of potential oviposition deterrents were placed into a cage with gravid FCM females for four hours, with oviposition being recorded every hour. Of the 33 tested compounds, only eight significantly reduced FCM oviposition (P < 0.05) compared to the control in oviposition bioassays i.e. two essential oils (lavender and peppermint), two plant crude extracts (garlic and marigold), one fruit (Mango), and three commercial FCM insecticides (Delegate, Coragen, and Warlock). All identified oviposition deterrents, except for Mango, were further investigated for their ovicidal properties in concentration response bioassays, where all botanicals were identified to have dual action (both deterrent and ovicidal properties), as they significantly (P < 0.05) reduced FCM oviposition and egg hatch. Garlic was the most efficacious botanical whilst Warlock was the only commercial insecticide that did not show ovicidal activity (F = 41.17, P = 0.0622). Larval penetration of the host fruit was less than egg hatch for all tested compounds in concentration response bioassays. Oviposition, egg hatch, and larval penetration were all affected by concentration, with the higher concentrations being the most effective. The efficacy of these deterrent compounds should be further tested in semi-field and/or field trials, and they may have potential in FCM management as allomone dispensers or sprays. They can also be implemented in push-pull strategies where they can be used in conjunction with FCM attractants. Lastly, repellence studies should be conducted in absentia of the host fruit to determine whether oviposition deterrence was a result of true repellence or odour masking. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2023
- Full Text:
faces, disappearing
- Authors: Mbhele, Mbekezeli
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424952 , vital:72196
- Description: My thesis explores township life through the eyes of a young boy, Sengwayo, whose life changes when a strange man arrives unexpectedly to stay with his family. The man is introduced as his uncle but nothing further is said about him. Sengwayo soon begins to experience visions and decides to find out who this man really is. His search for truth soon becomes obsessive and culminates in tragedy. As we follow Sengwayo in his quest of uncovering the truth it becomes difficult to differentiate between Sengwayo’s imagination and reality. This thesis collapses the distance between what is and what could be. It does this by alternating short sentences mostly used in the poetry of maskanda lyrics, and in the stream of consciousness found in jazz improvisation. In literary terms, the thesis draws influence from the rants and rhyme schemes of Lesego Rampolokeng, the tone and pace of Sony Labou Tansi and the surrealism in Mangaliso Buzani’s work. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Languages and Literatures, 2023
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mbhele, Mbekezeli
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424952 , vital:72196
- Description: My thesis explores township life through the eyes of a young boy, Sengwayo, whose life changes when a strange man arrives unexpectedly to stay with his family. The man is introduced as his uncle but nothing further is said about him. Sengwayo soon begins to experience visions and decides to find out who this man really is. His search for truth soon becomes obsessive and culminates in tragedy. As we follow Sengwayo in his quest of uncovering the truth it becomes difficult to differentiate between Sengwayo’s imagination and reality. This thesis collapses the distance between what is and what could be. It does this by alternating short sentences mostly used in the poetry of maskanda lyrics, and in the stream of consciousness found in jazz improvisation. In literary terms, the thesis draws influence from the rants and rhyme schemes of Lesego Rampolokeng, the tone and pace of Sony Labou Tansi and the surrealism in Mangaliso Buzani’s work. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Languages and Literatures, 2023
- Full Text:
Feminist simulations: deep in the dream of a game
- Authors: Mackintosh, Tayla
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Video games in art , Crocheting , Minecraft (Game) , Feminism in art , Simulation games , Handicraft in art , Autoethnography , Intersectionality (Sociology)
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425333 , vital:72230
- Description: This study delves into how the worlds of computer gaming and fine art intersect, employing DIY feminism to reflect on the gendered world of gaming and the links between simulation, reality, and fantasy within the game of Minecraft. I argue for a feminine craft (crochet) to challenge masculine gaming oppressions and the lack of representation, acceptance, and visibility for women in gaming culture. My research question is taken from the End Poem seen when the player has beaten the game's main boss. There is a line within the poem that asks, “But what true structure did this player create, in the reality behind the screen?” (End Poem, 2022). This is the question I have sought to answer within this study, by exploring a methodological approach that combines autoethnography and phenomenology to create a reflexive personal narrative. , Thesis (MFA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Fine Art, 2023
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mackintosh, Tayla
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Video games in art , Crocheting , Minecraft (Game) , Feminism in art , Simulation games , Handicraft in art , Autoethnography , Intersectionality (Sociology)
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425333 , vital:72230
- Description: This study delves into how the worlds of computer gaming and fine art intersect, employing DIY feminism to reflect on the gendered world of gaming and the links between simulation, reality, and fantasy within the game of Minecraft. I argue for a feminine craft (crochet) to challenge masculine gaming oppressions and the lack of representation, acceptance, and visibility for women in gaming culture. My research question is taken from the End Poem seen when the player has beaten the game's main boss. There is a line within the poem that asks, “But what true structure did this player create, in the reality behind the screen?” (End Poem, 2022). This is the question I have sought to answer within this study, by exploring a methodological approach that combines autoethnography and phenomenology to create a reflexive personal narrative. , Thesis (MFA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Fine Art, 2023
- Full Text:
M3: Mining Mini-Halos with MeerKAT
- Authors: Trehaeven, Keegan Somerset
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424754 , vital:72181
- Description: This work aims to showcase the MeerKAT telescope’s capabilities and related calibration and imaging software in studying the emission of radio mini-halos. These diffuse radio synchrotron sources surround a Brightest Cluster Galaxy (BCG) in relatively relaxed clusters out to a few 100 kpc in size. They are difficult to image because of their relatively low surface brightness and small angular size. Hence, they could not be studied in great detail by previous generations of radio telescopes and much about their nature, particularly the exact production mechanism, is not yet fully understood. Thus, for the first time, MeerKAT observed a sample of five galaxy clusters to investigate the central radio mini-halo in each. Studying these sources requires the deepest images generated from the data and the effective subtraction of any projected sources obscuring or contaminating the underlying diffuse emission. Therefore, I describe the data reduction used to create third-generation calibrated, primary beam corrected, point source subtracted Stokes I L-band continuum images of these clusters. For first- and second-generation calibration, I use the CARACal pipeline, which implements software optimised explicitly for MeerKAT data. For third-generation calibration, I use the faceted approach of killMS and DDFacet, and then I perform visibility-plane point source subtraction to disentangle the compact and diffuse emissions. I then measured the size, flux density, in-band spectral properties, and radio power of the central mini-halos. I present the first new mini-halo detection by MeerKAT (MACS J2140.2-2339, Trehaeven et al. accepted), the first spectral index maps of these mini-halos, which show very interesting distributions, and a ∼100 kpc II southern extension to the ACO 3444 mini-halo previously unseen in archival VLA data. Thereafter, I present a multi-wavelength case study for two complementary mini-halos from our sample and show via a radio-to-X-ray spatial correlation test that they might be caused by different particle (re)-acceleration mechanisms. Through these initial science results, I have shown that future observations of radio mini-halos with MeerKAT are an exciting prospect that can lead to a better understanding of the fundamental physics behind these sources. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Physics and Electronics, 2023
- Full Text:
- Authors: Trehaeven, Keegan Somerset
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424754 , vital:72181
- Description: This work aims to showcase the MeerKAT telescope’s capabilities and related calibration and imaging software in studying the emission of radio mini-halos. These diffuse radio synchrotron sources surround a Brightest Cluster Galaxy (BCG) in relatively relaxed clusters out to a few 100 kpc in size. They are difficult to image because of their relatively low surface brightness and small angular size. Hence, they could not be studied in great detail by previous generations of radio telescopes and much about their nature, particularly the exact production mechanism, is not yet fully understood. Thus, for the first time, MeerKAT observed a sample of five galaxy clusters to investigate the central radio mini-halo in each. Studying these sources requires the deepest images generated from the data and the effective subtraction of any projected sources obscuring or contaminating the underlying diffuse emission. Therefore, I describe the data reduction used to create third-generation calibrated, primary beam corrected, point source subtracted Stokes I L-band continuum images of these clusters. For first- and second-generation calibration, I use the CARACal pipeline, which implements software optimised explicitly for MeerKAT data. For third-generation calibration, I use the faceted approach of killMS and DDFacet, and then I perform visibility-plane point source subtraction to disentangle the compact and diffuse emissions. I then measured the size, flux density, in-band spectral properties, and radio power of the central mini-halos. I present the first new mini-halo detection by MeerKAT (MACS J2140.2-2339, Trehaeven et al. accepted), the first spectral index maps of these mini-halos, which show very interesting distributions, and a ∼100 kpc II southern extension to the ACO 3444 mini-halo previously unseen in archival VLA data. Thereafter, I present a multi-wavelength case study for two complementary mini-halos from our sample and show via a radio-to-X-ray spatial correlation test that they might be caused by different particle (re)-acceleration mechanisms. Through these initial science results, I have shown that future observations of radio mini-halos with MeerKAT are an exciting prospect that can lead to a better understanding of the fundamental physics behind these sources. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Physics and Electronics, 2023
- Full Text:
Movement ecology of a West African sciaenid fish, Argyrosomus coronus, in southern Angola
- Authors: Parkinson, Matthew Cameron
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/432203 , vital:72851 , DOI 10.21504/10962/432203
- Description: Argyrosomus coronus is a large sciaenid species with a primary distribution between Cape Frio, in Namibia, and Luanda, in Angola, where it exists as a panmictic stock. Early juveniles (< 300 mm TL) occur on muddy offshore substrata (50–80 m deep) and at one year of age they recruit into the inshore zone. Adults are thought to predominantly occur inshore. Spawning occurs in the species during late spring. The species is heavily targeted by the recreational, subsistence, artisanal and commercial fisheries as juveniles through to adults and there are signs of population decline with declines in catch per unit effort (CPUE) and maximum size. A basic understanding of their movement ecology has emerged from previous studies, based on conventional tagging (mark-recapture) and CPUE monitoring from a shore-based recreational fishery. Juveniles were thought to be resident, with larger fish undertaking long distance migration southward in the austral summer and returning during the austral winter. In addition to the fishery-related threats faced by the species, the southern Angolan region has been identified to be an ocean warming hotspot, and this has been linked to a southward distribution shift and the recent hybridisation of A. coronus with its congener A. inodorus, in Namibia. This study aims to expand the knowledge of the movement ecology of A. coronus and to interrogate our current understanding of the movement patterns of the species using passive acoustic telemetry. Passive acoustic receivers were deployed at three study sites, Flamingo, where all tagging occurred, which lies ~ 200 km north of the Angolan border with Namibia, is a relatively exposed stretch of coastline; Tombua Bay, which lies 30 km south of Flamingo, is a small, sheltered natural embayment; and Baia dos Tigres, which lies 100 km south of Tombua Bay, is a sheltered lagoon in the lee of an island ~ 10 km from the mainland. Tagging occurred in two batches, one year apart. In the first batch, sub-adults (n = 3) and adults (n = 17) were tagged and monitored for two years. In the second batch, juveniles (n = 7) and sub-adults (n = 3) were tagged and monitored for one year. The first objective of this thesis (Chapter 3) was to examine the spatio-temporal dynamics of A. coronus at a regional-level (across study sites, to investigate the prevalence of the longshore migration), and at a local-level (within a study site), and to categorise the movement behaviour of juveniles, sub-adults and adults. Traditional seasons were not used in this thesis, as the study region alternates between ‘warm’ periods (up to ~ 26 °C mean daily water temperature), when Angola Current water covers the area, and ‘cold’ periods (down to ~ 15 °C mean daily water temperature), when Benguela Current water covers the area. A high degree of residency of tagged fish to the Flamingo study site, where tagging was conducted, was found, with juveniles and sub-adults never being detected outside of the Flamingo study site. Five adults (29 %) were detected haphazardly for between one and 36 days at Tombua Bay, following which they were typically detected again at the Flamingo study site. No fish were ever detected at the southernmost site, Baia dos Tigres, suggesting that none migrated to Namibia. Within the Flamingo study site, adults were found to group at the inshore mid-region of the study site during ‘cold’ periods, dispersing again during ‘warm’ periods, when there was a concomitant offshore shift in their area use. This explained the absence of the species from catches in the shore-based recreational fishery during ‘warm’ periods. These results challenge previous migration hypotheses for the species. Therefore, longshore return migrations which were evident from previously conducted conventional tagging, are probably not the norm for the species, but likely occur at a low frequency. The species exhibited a high degree of residency to their tagging site, despite the drastic seasonal changes in water temperatures and station-keeping was the dominant behaviour across all life stages. The constrained area-use noted in this study, relative to the known distribution of the species, suggests that A. coronus exists as a metapopulation, consisting of a network of subpopulations interconnected by gene flow that is most likely facilitated during their pelagic egg and larval phase. The second objective of this thesis was to examine the group formation observed at the Flamingo study site during ‘cold’ periods (Chapter 4). While this grouping of individuals was found to be correlated with water temperature, it was unlikely to be a causal relationship, as the water temperature was not dissimilar to adjacent areas. The area where individuals were concentrated is known to frequently attract large shoals of their dominant prey, Sardinella aurita. While the timing of this group formation aligns with a pre-spawning period, no studies have assessed the existence of local spawning. A. coronus were, however, likely utilising an abundant prey source, during the important pre-spawning period, in order to build up energy reserves. Group formation is a common feature of sciaenids, but literature on the subject is restricted to spawning congregations. Fish are not only more vulnerable to capture during these periods but may also be disturbed during these potentially important social periods. The third objective of this thesis was to investigate the presence of sociality in the species (Chapter 5). Evidence for sociality during and outside the seasonal group formation was explored using network analyses. There was evidence for sociality, with several groups, characterized by co-locations among individuals, identified. While these groups were fluid through time, there was evidence of persistent sociality, with two individuals in particular being consistently co-located over the entire study period. Due to the persistent nature of sociality, group foraging is suggested as an explanation for this, with anecdotal evidence of coordinated hunting supporting this. Acoustic telemetry vastly improved the knowledge of the movement ecology of A. coronus. Despite their panmictic population genetic structure, they were found to be largely resident, likely occurring as a metapopulation across their distribution, with egg and larval dispersal likely the primary mechanism for maintaining panmixia. Evidence for sociality was also found, which was previously unexplored in the species. The persistent nature of social groupings throughout the year, suggests that it may be linked with group foraging and is supported by anecdotal evidence of coordinated hunting by the species. While this study highlights the value of acoustic telemetry in studying movement ecology, it also shows the importance of drawing on multiple methods to fully understand a species’ spatial ecology, including mark-recapture, population genetics, and fishery catch and effort data. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, 2023
- Full Text:
- Authors: Parkinson, Matthew Cameron
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/432203 , vital:72851 , DOI 10.21504/10962/432203
- Description: Argyrosomus coronus is a large sciaenid species with a primary distribution between Cape Frio, in Namibia, and Luanda, in Angola, where it exists as a panmictic stock. Early juveniles (< 300 mm TL) occur on muddy offshore substrata (50–80 m deep) and at one year of age they recruit into the inshore zone. Adults are thought to predominantly occur inshore. Spawning occurs in the species during late spring. The species is heavily targeted by the recreational, subsistence, artisanal and commercial fisheries as juveniles through to adults and there are signs of population decline with declines in catch per unit effort (CPUE) and maximum size. A basic understanding of their movement ecology has emerged from previous studies, based on conventional tagging (mark-recapture) and CPUE monitoring from a shore-based recreational fishery. Juveniles were thought to be resident, with larger fish undertaking long distance migration southward in the austral summer and returning during the austral winter. In addition to the fishery-related threats faced by the species, the southern Angolan region has been identified to be an ocean warming hotspot, and this has been linked to a southward distribution shift and the recent hybridisation of A. coronus with its congener A. inodorus, in Namibia. This study aims to expand the knowledge of the movement ecology of A. coronus and to interrogate our current understanding of the movement patterns of the species using passive acoustic telemetry. Passive acoustic receivers were deployed at three study sites, Flamingo, where all tagging occurred, which lies ~ 200 km north of the Angolan border with Namibia, is a relatively exposed stretch of coastline; Tombua Bay, which lies 30 km south of Flamingo, is a small, sheltered natural embayment; and Baia dos Tigres, which lies 100 km south of Tombua Bay, is a sheltered lagoon in the lee of an island ~ 10 km from the mainland. Tagging occurred in two batches, one year apart. In the first batch, sub-adults (n = 3) and adults (n = 17) were tagged and monitored for two years. In the second batch, juveniles (n = 7) and sub-adults (n = 3) were tagged and monitored for one year. The first objective of this thesis (Chapter 3) was to examine the spatio-temporal dynamics of A. coronus at a regional-level (across study sites, to investigate the prevalence of the longshore migration), and at a local-level (within a study site), and to categorise the movement behaviour of juveniles, sub-adults and adults. Traditional seasons were not used in this thesis, as the study region alternates between ‘warm’ periods (up to ~ 26 °C mean daily water temperature), when Angola Current water covers the area, and ‘cold’ periods (down to ~ 15 °C mean daily water temperature), when Benguela Current water covers the area. A high degree of residency of tagged fish to the Flamingo study site, where tagging was conducted, was found, with juveniles and sub-adults never being detected outside of the Flamingo study site. Five adults (29 %) were detected haphazardly for between one and 36 days at Tombua Bay, following which they were typically detected again at the Flamingo study site. No fish were ever detected at the southernmost site, Baia dos Tigres, suggesting that none migrated to Namibia. Within the Flamingo study site, adults were found to group at the inshore mid-region of the study site during ‘cold’ periods, dispersing again during ‘warm’ periods, when there was a concomitant offshore shift in their area use. This explained the absence of the species from catches in the shore-based recreational fishery during ‘warm’ periods. These results challenge previous migration hypotheses for the species. Therefore, longshore return migrations which were evident from previously conducted conventional tagging, are probably not the norm for the species, but likely occur at a low frequency. The species exhibited a high degree of residency to their tagging site, despite the drastic seasonal changes in water temperatures and station-keeping was the dominant behaviour across all life stages. The constrained area-use noted in this study, relative to the known distribution of the species, suggests that A. coronus exists as a metapopulation, consisting of a network of subpopulations interconnected by gene flow that is most likely facilitated during their pelagic egg and larval phase. The second objective of this thesis was to examine the group formation observed at the Flamingo study site during ‘cold’ periods (Chapter 4). While this grouping of individuals was found to be correlated with water temperature, it was unlikely to be a causal relationship, as the water temperature was not dissimilar to adjacent areas. The area where individuals were concentrated is known to frequently attract large shoals of their dominant prey, Sardinella aurita. While the timing of this group formation aligns with a pre-spawning period, no studies have assessed the existence of local spawning. A. coronus were, however, likely utilising an abundant prey source, during the important pre-spawning period, in order to build up energy reserves. Group formation is a common feature of sciaenids, but literature on the subject is restricted to spawning congregations. Fish are not only more vulnerable to capture during these periods but may also be disturbed during these potentially important social periods. The third objective of this thesis was to investigate the presence of sociality in the species (Chapter 5). Evidence for sociality during and outside the seasonal group formation was explored using network analyses. There was evidence for sociality, with several groups, characterized by co-locations among individuals, identified. While these groups were fluid through time, there was evidence of persistent sociality, with two individuals in particular being consistently co-located over the entire study period. Due to the persistent nature of sociality, group foraging is suggested as an explanation for this, with anecdotal evidence of coordinated hunting supporting this. Acoustic telemetry vastly improved the knowledge of the movement ecology of A. coronus. Despite their panmictic population genetic structure, they were found to be largely resident, likely occurring as a metapopulation across their distribution, with egg and larval dispersal likely the primary mechanism for maintaining panmixia. Evidence for sociality was also found, which was previously unexplored in the species. The persistent nature of social groupings throughout the year, suggests that it may be linked with group foraging and is supported by anecdotal evidence of coordinated hunting by the species. While this study highlights the value of acoustic telemetry in studying movement ecology, it also shows the importance of drawing on multiple methods to fully understand a species’ spatial ecology, including mark-recapture, population genetics, and fishery catch and effort data. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, 2023
- Full Text:
The application of statistical classification to predict sovereign default
- Authors: Vele, Rendani
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424563 , vital:72164
- Description: When considering sovereign loans, it is imperative for a financial institution to have a good understanding of the sovereign they are transacting with. Defaults can occur if proper evaluation steps are not considered. To aid in the prediction of potential sovereign defaults, financial institutions, together with grading companies, quantify the risk associated with issuing a loan to a sovereign by developing sovereign default early warning systems (EWS). Various classification models are considered in this study to develop sovereign default EWS. These models are the binary logit, probit, Bayesian additive regression trees, and artificial neural networks. This study investigates the predictive performance of the various classification techniques. Sovereign information is not readily available, so missing data techniques are considered in order to counter the data availability issue. Sovereign defaults are rare, which results in an imbalance in the distribution of the binary dependent variable. To assess data sets with such characteristics, metrics for imbalanced data are considered for model performance comparison. From the findings, the Bayesian additive regression technique generated better results than the other techniques when considering a basic data analysis. Moreover when cross-validation was considered, the neural network technique performed best. In addition, regional models had better results than the global model when considering model predictive capability. The significance of this study is to develop sovereign default prediction models using various classification techniques focused on enhancing previous literature and analysis through the application of Bayesian additive regression trees. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Statistics, 2023
- Full Text:
- Authors: Vele, Rendani
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424563 , vital:72164
- Description: When considering sovereign loans, it is imperative for a financial institution to have a good understanding of the sovereign they are transacting with. Defaults can occur if proper evaluation steps are not considered. To aid in the prediction of potential sovereign defaults, financial institutions, together with grading companies, quantify the risk associated with issuing a loan to a sovereign by developing sovereign default early warning systems (EWS). Various classification models are considered in this study to develop sovereign default EWS. These models are the binary logit, probit, Bayesian additive regression trees, and artificial neural networks. This study investigates the predictive performance of the various classification techniques. Sovereign information is not readily available, so missing data techniques are considered in order to counter the data availability issue. Sovereign defaults are rare, which results in an imbalance in the distribution of the binary dependent variable. To assess data sets with such characteristics, metrics for imbalanced data are considered for model performance comparison. From the findings, the Bayesian additive regression technique generated better results than the other techniques when considering a basic data analysis. Moreover when cross-validation was considered, the neural network technique performed best. In addition, regional models had better results than the global model when considering model predictive capability. The significance of this study is to develop sovereign default prediction models using various classification techniques focused on enhancing previous literature and analysis through the application of Bayesian additive regression trees. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Statistics, 2023
- Full Text:
The portrayal of migrants and liminality in Nadifa Mohamed’s Black Mamba Boy, The Orchard of Lost Souls and The Fortune Men
- Authors: Fühner, Melissa Ashleigh
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Mohamed, Nadifa, 1981- Criticism and interpretation , Diaspora , Transnationalism in literature , Migration studies , Liminality in literature , African literature (English) History and criticism
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425056 , vital:72205
- Description: This thesis argues that the characters in Nadifa Mohamed’s oeuvre exhibit both vulnerability and agency and that their position in society oscillates as if between two poles, as they cross social and spatial boundaries. There is no existing scholarly research that focuses on child migrants in Mohamed’s texts specifically. Here, Black Mamba Boy, The Orchard of Lost Souls and The Fortune Men are analysed and compared with a central focus on the child migrant characters to examine her portrayal of conflict-induced migration and its impact on vulnerable communities. In Black Mamba Boy, Mohamed portrays Jama’s exilic journey where he leaves his homeland of Hargeisa and migrates across territorial borders in Northeast Africa to find his father. His quest brings him from Somaliland to Sudan as he walks through countries that are devastated by the war between the British and Italian colonial forces in the 1930s. As Jama attempts to cross the spatial distance between himself and his father he also treads the invisible line between life and death. Along his journey, Jama is exploited and abused by colonial troops and traumatised by the conflict he witnesses. Mohamed revisits her father’s precarious journey not to portray him as a victim but to make him “a hero, not the fighting or romantic kind but the real deal, the starved child who survives every sling and arrow that shameless fortune throws at them” (1). Thus, the text is an account of Jama’s strength as he miraculously survives the brutalities of war. Similarly, in The Orchard of Lost Souls, the child protagonist, Deqo, is a refugee with parents. She internally migrates through Hargeisa at the moment the region breaks out into the Somali Civil War. Deqo attempts to keep herself out of harm’s way as the town is destroyed by soldiers and rebel groups who have opened fire against civilians. As a female child migrant Deqo occupies a particularly vulnerable position as she navigates a space where gender-based violence is used as a method of war. Despite the dangers around her, Deqo actively seeks out safety and a path that will free her from the tightening grip of the war. The Fortune Men depicts Mahmood’s journey of migration as an adult. When he attempts to cross the border into Wales he is ostracised, abused, and dehumanised because of his difference. Jama and Deqo’s exilic journeys are compared to Mahmood’s unsuccessful migration and the children cross borders that adults cannot cross because they use their vulnerability to seek out opportunities and change their environment. This thesis is situated within the theoretical framework of transnational and diasporic literature with a specific focus on the impact of forced migration on child migrants. Through close engagement and comparison of the three primary ii texts mentioned, this thesis demonstrates the vulnerabilities and fluctuating agencies of characters to highlight their liminal positioning. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Literary Studies in English 2023
- Full Text:
- Authors: Fühner, Melissa Ashleigh
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Mohamed, Nadifa, 1981- Criticism and interpretation , Diaspora , Transnationalism in literature , Migration studies , Liminality in literature , African literature (English) History and criticism
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425056 , vital:72205
- Description: This thesis argues that the characters in Nadifa Mohamed’s oeuvre exhibit both vulnerability and agency and that their position in society oscillates as if between two poles, as they cross social and spatial boundaries. There is no existing scholarly research that focuses on child migrants in Mohamed’s texts specifically. Here, Black Mamba Boy, The Orchard of Lost Souls and The Fortune Men are analysed and compared with a central focus on the child migrant characters to examine her portrayal of conflict-induced migration and its impact on vulnerable communities. In Black Mamba Boy, Mohamed portrays Jama’s exilic journey where he leaves his homeland of Hargeisa and migrates across territorial borders in Northeast Africa to find his father. His quest brings him from Somaliland to Sudan as he walks through countries that are devastated by the war between the British and Italian colonial forces in the 1930s. As Jama attempts to cross the spatial distance between himself and his father he also treads the invisible line between life and death. Along his journey, Jama is exploited and abused by colonial troops and traumatised by the conflict he witnesses. Mohamed revisits her father’s precarious journey not to portray him as a victim but to make him “a hero, not the fighting or romantic kind but the real deal, the starved child who survives every sling and arrow that shameless fortune throws at them” (1). Thus, the text is an account of Jama’s strength as he miraculously survives the brutalities of war. Similarly, in The Orchard of Lost Souls, the child protagonist, Deqo, is a refugee with parents. She internally migrates through Hargeisa at the moment the region breaks out into the Somali Civil War. Deqo attempts to keep herself out of harm’s way as the town is destroyed by soldiers and rebel groups who have opened fire against civilians. As a female child migrant Deqo occupies a particularly vulnerable position as she navigates a space where gender-based violence is used as a method of war. Despite the dangers around her, Deqo actively seeks out safety and a path that will free her from the tightening grip of the war. The Fortune Men depicts Mahmood’s journey of migration as an adult. When he attempts to cross the border into Wales he is ostracised, abused, and dehumanised because of his difference. Jama and Deqo’s exilic journeys are compared to Mahmood’s unsuccessful migration and the children cross borders that adults cannot cross because they use their vulnerability to seek out opportunities and change their environment. This thesis is situated within the theoretical framework of transnational and diasporic literature with a specific focus on the impact of forced migration on child migrants. Through close engagement and comparison of the three primary ii texts mentioned, this thesis demonstrates the vulnerabilities and fluctuating agencies of characters to highlight their liminal positioning. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Literary Studies in English 2023
- Full Text:
The possible effect of insecticide drift from citrus orchards, and acute toxicity of insecticides on the biocontrol agents of Pontederia crassipes (Mart.) Solms-Laub (Pontederiaceae) established along citrus orchards in the Lowveld region of Mpumalanga Province, South Africa
- Authors: Mabuza, Mefika Michael
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424468 , vital:72156
- Description: This study investigated the possible effect of insecticide drift on naturalized biological control agents of Pontederia crassipes (Mart.) Solms-Laub (Pontederiaceae), in the Lowveld region of Mpumalanga Province of South Africa. Occurrence and abundance of biocontrol agents were recorded at three sites on the Crocodile River and at three dams adjacent to citrus orchards. Leaves of P. crassipes and water samples were collected for insecticide residues and also nutrient status of the water and plants. Eccritotarsus catarinensis Carvalho (Hemiptera: Miridae), Neochetina spp. (combined) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), and Orthogalumna terebrantis Wallwork (Sarcoptiformes: Galumnidae) were recorded with notable variation in abundance between the river and dams across regions. Insecticide residues were not detected on all leaves sampled across study regions, however, nutrients were detected with nitrate ranging between oligotrophic and mesotrophic. Phosphorus was also detected, but, neither of the nutrients correlated with the occurrence and abundance of naturalized biological control agents of P. crassipes. Bioassays were conducted to measure the effect of commonly used insecticides (viz. Methomyl and Chlorpyrifos) on the survival and feeding damage of biological control agents of P. crassipes. Survival of individual insects was recorded between 0.5 and 120 hours for Megamelus scutellaris and Neochetina eichhorniae Warner (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) adults for treatments where insecticides were topically applied onto the insects or leaves were dipped into the pesticides. Concentrations below field rates, recommended and above field rates of Methomyl and Chlorpyrifos on either exposure techniques significantly reduced survival and feeding of biocontrol agents. Methomyl was more toxic compared to Chlorpyrifos and it significantly reduced the survival of M. scutellaris and N. eichhorniae. In conclusion, in this study, population abundance of biocontrol agents of P. crassipes at the Lowveld region of Mpumalanga was not influenced by pesticide drift, but, insecticides commonly used in the citrus orchards has the potential to negatively impact naturalized biological control of P. crassipes as demonstrated by the bioassays. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mabuza, Mefika Michael
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424468 , vital:72156
- Description: This study investigated the possible effect of insecticide drift on naturalized biological control agents of Pontederia crassipes (Mart.) Solms-Laub (Pontederiaceae), in the Lowveld region of Mpumalanga Province of South Africa. Occurrence and abundance of biocontrol agents were recorded at three sites on the Crocodile River and at three dams adjacent to citrus orchards. Leaves of P. crassipes and water samples were collected for insecticide residues and also nutrient status of the water and plants. Eccritotarsus catarinensis Carvalho (Hemiptera: Miridae), Neochetina spp. (combined) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), and Orthogalumna terebrantis Wallwork (Sarcoptiformes: Galumnidae) were recorded with notable variation in abundance between the river and dams across regions. Insecticide residues were not detected on all leaves sampled across study regions, however, nutrients were detected with nitrate ranging between oligotrophic and mesotrophic. Phosphorus was also detected, but, neither of the nutrients correlated with the occurrence and abundance of naturalized biological control agents of P. crassipes. Bioassays were conducted to measure the effect of commonly used insecticides (viz. Methomyl and Chlorpyrifos) on the survival and feeding damage of biological control agents of P. crassipes. Survival of individual insects was recorded between 0.5 and 120 hours for Megamelus scutellaris and Neochetina eichhorniae Warner (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) adults for treatments where insecticides were topically applied onto the insects or leaves were dipped into the pesticides. Concentrations below field rates, recommended and above field rates of Methomyl and Chlorpyrifos on either exposure techniques significantly reduced survival and feeding of biocontrol agents. Methomyl was more toxic compared to Chlorpyrifos and it significantly reduced the survival of M. scutellaris and N. eichhorniae. In conclusion, in this study, population abundance of biocontrol agents of P. crassipes at the Lowveld region of Mpumalanga was not influenced by pesticide drift, but, insecticides commonly used in the citrus orchards has the potential to negatively impact naturalized biological control of P. crassipes as demonstrated by the bioassays. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2023
- Full Text:
The views and opinions of Rhodes University lecturers towards isiXhosa as a language of learning and teaching (LOLT) in higher education
- Authors: Nkunzi, Zintle
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424963 , vital:72197
- Description: This research sought to investigate how African languages function as a communicative tool in a university where English is the medium of instruction. The study's purpose is to provide a systematic review of research that has been carried out on language attitudes towards isiXhosa as a language of learning and teaching (LoLT) in higher education. The study reveals that South African higher education institutions such as Rhodes University mostly use English as the LoLT- a language which for most lecturers is not their first/home language but helps ease communication in a multilingual community. Rhodes University is characterised by multilingualism because the university community is made up of diversity in culture, language, and educational background of the people. Previously explored language attitude studies are based on students’ views and this study investigated RU lecturer views and opinions towards isiXhosa as a LoLT. The study focused on the importance and the need (if any) of isiXhosa in a multilingual higher education institution. The study reveal that language barriers are one of the difficulties, but academic cultural differences seem to play a crucial role that can impact on the learning and teaching outcomes. This can lead to negative experiences and the forming of stereotypical views. These views include how lecturers are and should be trained to teach mathematics, science, and academic studies in African languages. The SA higher education practices and language use (i.e., monolingual language policy) are one of the reasons that the implementation of indigenous languages in education policies in SA is fraught with difficulties due to several factors. Amongst the factors is the fact that indigenous languages are not yet fully developed as academic languages. The study further reveals that lecturers find it difficult to teach mathematical studies in isiXhosa because of lack of terminology in the language for academic purposes particularly at a tertiary level. Furthermore, existing literature highlights the importance of the use of code-switching which is a beneficial practice for lecturers in assisting their students who struggle with English as a LoLT at RU. The lecturer views towards isiXhosa as a LoLT at RU is not only on language barrier but also about the lack of development in the language use in spaces where only English is believed to be the best such as language for academics. The study also reveals an integration of Information Communication Technology in education and how language appears as a barrier. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Languages and Literatures, 2023
- Full Text:
- Authors: Nkunzi, Zintle
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424963 , vital:72197
- Description: This research sought to investigate how African languages function as a communicative tool in a university where English is the medium of instruction. The study's purpose is to provide a systematic review of research that has been carried out on language attitudes towards isiXhosa as a language of learning and teaching (LoLT) in higher education. The study reveals that South African higher education institutions such as Rhodes University mostly use English as the LoLT- a language which for most lecturers is not their first/home language but helps ease communication in a multilingual community. Rhodes University is characterised by multilingualism because the university community is made up of diversity in culture, language, and educational background of the people. Previously explored language attitude studies are based on students’ views and this study investigated RU lecturer views and opinions towards isiXhosa as a LoLT. The study focused on the importance and the need (if any) of isiXhosa in a multilingual higher education institution. The study reveal that language barriers are one of the difficulties, but academic cultural differences seem to play a crucial role that can impact on the learning and teaching outcomes. This can lead to negative experiences and the forming of stereotypical views. These views include how lecturers are and should be trained to teach mathematics, science, and academic studies in African languages. The SA higher education practices and language use (i.e., monolingual language policy) are one of the reasons that the implementation of indigenous languages in education policies in SA is fraught with difficulties due to several factors. Amongst the factors is the fact that indigenous languages are not yet fully developed as academic languages. The study further reveals that lecturers find it difficult to teach mathematical studies in isiXhosa because of lack of terminology in the language for academic purposes particularly at a tertiary level. Furthermore, existing literature highlights the importance of the use of code-switching which is a beneficial practice for lecturers in assisting their students who struggle with English as a LoLT at RU. The lecturer views towards isiXhosa as a LoLT at RU is not only on language barrier but also about the lack of development in the language use in spaces where only English is believed to be the best such as language for academics. The study also reveals an integration of Information Communication Technology in education and how language appears as a barrier. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Languages and Literatures, 2023
- Full Text:
Towards interrogating the notion of a Black aesthetic in multi-cultural Africa
- Authors: Maina, Muhunyo
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425231 , vital:72221
- Description: Enbargoed. Expected release date 2025. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Fine Art, 2023
- Full Text:
- Authors: Maina, Muhunyo
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425231 , vital:72221
- Description: Enbargoed. Expected release date 2025. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Fine Art, 2023
- Full Text:
Constructions of Ukuyalwa and marriage satisfaction: experiences of Xhosa couples in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Bikwe, Siphuxolo
- Date: 2023-03-30
- Subjects: Xhosa (African people) South Africa Eastern Cape , Xhosa (African people) Marriage customs and rites , Black psychology , Couples therapy , Interpersonal relations and culture , Communication in marriage , Satisfaction , Foucauldian discourse analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/408805 , vital:70527
- Description: Marital satisfaction may be described as the extent to which one’s expectations, desires and needs are being satisfied in their marriage. Studies that concern marital satisfaction provide us with crucial insights into factors that support or compromise the longevity of long-term, committed relationships. Little work has been done in understanding the role of cultural practices in marital satisfaction particularly in Africa, and South Africa more specifically. Ukuyalwa is a Xhosa ritual that takes place during a Xhosa traditional wedding, whereby the bride is introduced to the (traditional) guiding practices of her new home by the women of the family together with her sisters-in-law. This study informs the practice of African psychology as formulated by Ratele (2017b).Critical African psychology as a framework recognizes the construction of culture alongside political, socioeconomic, and historical matrices. These are acknowledged as an important element in psychological theories, methods, and explanations. This research project aimed to identify the discourses that circulate around ukuyalwa as a Xhosa cultural practice and consider the implications for the marital satisfaction of amaXhosa couples. The study interviewed 3 Xhosa couples of varying ages who had been married for different durations to develop an understanding of their experiences of ukuyalwa and marital satisfaction. Data was analyzed using a Foucauldian Discourse Analysis (FDA) which allowed for the identifications of the discourses that the couples used to construct ukuyalwa and marital satisfaction. The couples discursively constructed marriage as ‘divine unity’, ‘unification of families’ and ‘partnership’. Ukuyalwa was constructed as a ‘gendered process’, ideas of tradition and modernity, and a ‘foundation’ also became apparent. Satisfaction was constructed as ‘open communication’ and ‘work’. The couples’ positions shifted in their conversations, where in some instances they were 'learners’, ‘initiates’, and/or ‘passive’, and in other instances, they were ‘in charge’, ‘knowledgeable’, and ‘experts’. The discourses of culture, religion, and partnership circulated prominently in relation to marriage, ukuyalwa, and marital satisfaction. The findings of the study speak to how the couples’ constructions of marriage and cultural customs such as ukuyalwa are valuable as they often inform how couples behave in their marriage relationships and what they regard as satisfactory to them when it comes to marriage. These insights into what informs the couples’ ideas on marriage and satisfaction can be utilised in informing couples therapy interventions. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Authors: Bikwe, Siphuxolo
- Date: 2023-03-30
- Subjects: Xhosa (African people) South Africa Eastern Cape , Xhosa (African people) Marriage customs and rites , Black psychology , Couples therapy , Interpersonal relations and culture , Communication in marriage , Satisfaction , Foucauldian discourse analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/408805 , vital:70527
- Description: Marital satisfaction may be described as the extent to which one’s expectations, desires and needs are being satisfied in their marriage. Studies that concern marital satisfaction provide us with crucial insights into factors that support or compromise the longevity of long-term, committed relationships. Little work has been done in understanding the role of cultural practices in marital satisfaction particularly in Africa, and South Africa more specifically. Ukuyalwa is a Xhosa ritual that takes place during a Xhosa traditional wedding, whereby the bride is introduced to the (traditional) guiding practices of her new home by the women of the family together with her sisters-in-law. This study informs the practice of African psychology as formulated by Ratele (2017b).Critical African psychology as a framework recognizes the construction of culture alongside political, socioeconomic, and historical matrices. These are acknowledged as an important element in psychological theories, methods, and explanations. This research project aimed to identify the discourses that circulate around ukuyalwa as a Xhosa cultural practice and consider the implications for the marital satisfaction of amaXhosa couples. The study interviewed 3 Xhosa couples of varying ages who had been married for different durations to develop an understanding of their experiences of ukuyalwa and marital satisfaction. Data was analyzed using a Foucauldian Discourse Analysis (FDA) which allowed for the identifications of the discourses that the couples used to construct ukuyalwa and marital satisfaction. The couples discursively constructed marriage as ‘divine unity’, ‘unification of families’ and ‘partnership’. Ukuyalwa was constructed as a ‘gendered process’, ideas of tradition and modernity, and a ‘foundation’ also became apparent. Satisfaction was constructed as ‘open communication’ and ‘work’. The couples’ positions shifted in their conversations, where in some instances they were 'learners’, ‘initiates’, and/or ‘passive’, and in other instances, they were ‘in charge’, ‘knowledgeable’, and ‘experts’. The discourses of culture, religion, and partnership circulated prominently in relation to marriage, ukuyalwa, and marital satisfaction. The findings of the study speak to how the couples’ constructions of marriage and cultural customs such as ukuyalwa are valuable as they often inform how couples behave in their marriage relationships and what they regard as satisfactory to them when it comes to marriage. These insights into what informs the couples’ ideas on marriage and satisfaction can be utilised in informing couples therapy interventions. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2023
- Full Text:
Izit? Hoe lyk hulle? Kom ons ǂXoa – A South African Khoe-San narrative
- Authors: Gabie, Sharon
- Date: 2023-03-30
- Subjects: San (African people) , Khoikhoi (African people) , Identity politics , Self-perception , Convention for a Democratic South Africa , Free, prior, and informed consent (Indigenous rights) , Epistemic injustice
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/409790 , vital:70630 , DOI 10.21504/10962/409790
- Description: The foundation of the South African narrative is framed by identity politics; a politics instituted at the intersection of race and class to exclude all people considered non-White concerning the socioeconomic and political landscape of the country. The preamble of the Freedom Charter signed in 1955 declared that the country belongs to all who live in it: Black and White people. The dominant constructivist narratives of addressing the racial dichotomy obliterate the injustice suffered by the Khoe-San people whose identity was overshadowed under the homogeneous term, Coloured people. Following the first democratic elections, at the negotiations of the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA) in 1996, Khoe-San people were once again excluded and played no significant role in deciding the future of the new South Africa. The epistemic injustice suffered by the Khoe-San people, the loss of land, language, and cultural heritage were glanced over in the new democratic dispensation. In this thesis, I hone into the identity politics and identity formation of the Khoe-San people, after 1994. The self-identifying Khoe-San people became visible to the democratic state through various forms of activism and networking across provinces foregrounding the concept of indigeneity to address issues of exclusion and marginalisation. The phenomenon of indigeneity, bestowed on Khoe-San people by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP) created a path for the Khoe-San people to be in conversation with state organs to address their plight of the loss of land linked to identity, language, culture, heritage, and other social ills experienced in their communities. The thesis illustrates the vagueness of Coloured identity under the Apartheid state, and the preconceived narrative that Coloured people were a privileged group; precludes and obliterates the epistemic injustice suffered by Khoe-San people. The transnational conceptualisation and global politics of indigenous peoples; the particularity of indigeneity in relation to First Nation Status, in the South African context, destabilises identity politics and the four-tier racial categorisation system used by the Apartheid state carried through by the national government under democracy. The conceptualisation of this global discourse on indigeneity brought a new consciousness in sections of the Coloured community where self-identifying Khoe-San people question their place in the democratic dispensation. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Anthropology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Authors: Gabie, Sharon
- Date: 2023-03-30
- Subjects: San (African people) , Khoikhoi (African people) , Identity politics , Self-perception , Convention for a Democratic South Africa , Free, prior, and informed consent (Indigenous rights) , Epistemic injustice
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/409790 , vital:70630 , DOI 10.21504/10962/409790
- Description: The foundation of the South African narrative is framed by identity politics; a politics instituted at the intersection of race and class to exclude all people considered non-White concerning the socioeconomic and political landscape of the country. The preamble of the Freedom Charter signed in 1955 declared that the country belongs to all who live in it: Black and White people. The dominant constructivist narratives of addressing the racial dichotomy obliterate the injustice suffered by the Khoe-San people whose identity was overshadowed under the homogeneous term, Coloured people. Following the first democratic elections, at the negotiations of the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA) in 1996, Khoe-San people were once again excluded and played no significant role in deciding the future of the new South Africa. The epistemic injustice suffered by the Khoe-San people, the loss of land, language, and cultural heritage were glanced over in the new democratic dispensation. In this thesis, I hone into the identity politics and identity formation of the Khoe-San people, after 1994. The self-identifying Khoe-San people became visible to the democratic state through various forms of activism and networking across provinces foregrounding the concept of indigeneity to address issues of exclusion and marginalisation. The phenomenon of indigeneity, bestowed on Khoe-San people by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP) created a path for the Khoe-San people to be in conversation with state organs to address their plight of the loss of land linked to identity, language, culture, heritage, and other social ills experienced in their communities. The thesis illustrates the vagueness of Coloured identity under the Apartheid state, and the preconceived narrative that Coloured people were a privileged group; precludes and obliterates the epistemic injustice suffered by Khoe-San people. The transnational conceptualisation and global politics of indigenous peoples; the particularity of indigeneity in relation to First Nation Status, in the South African context, destabilises identity politics and the four-tier racial categorisation system used by the Apartheid state carried through by the national government under democracy. The conceptualisation of this global discourse on indigeneity brought a new consciousness in sections of the Coloured community where self-identifying Khoe-San people question their place in the democratic dispensation. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Anthropology, 2023
- Full Text:
Pedagogical practices teachers use to teach reading lessons in the junior primary phase in Kavango West region’
- Authors: Shimafo, Hildegard
- Date: 2023-03-30
- Subjects: Reading (Primary) Namibia Kavango West , Pedagogy , Extensive reading , Primary school teachers Namibia Kavango West , School children Books and reading Namibia Kavango West
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/408762 , vital:70523
- Description: Learning to read for meaning and enjoyment in the Junior Primary phase is an essential goal for every child during their primary schooling. Despite this, reading for meaning and enjoyment in the Namibian context, specifically for primary learners, remains a concern. Current research suggests that there are very few studies that have been done in Namibia that examine the pedagogical practices of Junior Primary teachers to develop learners’ reading competence. In view of that, this study focused on the pedagogical practices of Junior Primary teachers in mediating reading in their classrooms. The study is a qualitative interpretive case study using observation and interviews as tools to generate in-depth data on how teachers teach reading. The study sample comprised of three Junior Primary teachers from Grades 1-3 who participated in this study. The selection criteria were based on historical background and the culture of teaching reading lessons for Grade 1-3 teachers. The study revealed some factors that impede the teaching of reading. Amongst them are a lack of in-service training, language barriers, and the lack of resources. The study found that English used as the LoLT (Language of Learning and Teaching) at the school where the study took place made it difficult for the teachers to convey the correct information to the learners due to a lack of proficiency. The study revealed that this situation limited most of the learners’ reading opportunities. Theory of Practice Architecture (ToPA), in particular by Kemmis and Grootenboer (2008), was used as an explanatory and analytical tool. This research asked the questions: 1.What pedagogical practices do Junior Primary teachers employ to mediate reading? and 2. What factors enable and constrain the pedagogical practices of teachers? As a way forward, this study recommends for a compulsory reading program be instituted at Higher Education Institutions responsible for teacher education. This should empower the teachers to enter a Junior Primary classroom with more confidence to teach the various reading components. This study recommends continuous in-service courses for teachers. The study further recommends that the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture make provisions for textbooks in all schools for all learners if the learners reading performance is to improve in Namibia. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2023
- Full Text:
- Authors: Shimafo, Hildegard
- Date: 2023-03-30
- Subjects: Reading (Primary) Namibia Kavango West , Pedagogy , Extensive reading , Primary school teachers Namibia Kavango West , School children Books and reading Namibia Kavango West
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/408762 , vital:70523
- Description: Learning to read for meaning and enjoyment in the Junior Primary phase is an essential goal for every child during their primary schooling. Despite this, reading for meaning and enjoyment in the Namibian context, specifically for primary learners, remains a concern. Current research suggests that there are very few studies that have been done in Namibia that examine the pedagogical practices of Junior Primary teachers to develop learners’ reading competence. In view of that, this study focused on the pedagogical practices of Junior Primary teachers in mediating reading in their classrooms. The study is a qualitative interpretive case study using observation and interviews as tools to generate in-depth data on how teachers teach reading. The study sample comprised of three Junior Primary teachers from Grades 1-3 who participated in this study. The selection criteria were based on historical background and the culture of teaching reading lessons for Grade 1-3 teachers. The study revealed some factors that impede the teaching of reading. Amongst them are a lack of in-service training, language barriers, and the lack of resources. The study found that English used as the LoLT (Language of Learning and Teaching) at the school where the study took place made it difficult for the teachers to convey the correct information to the learners due to a lack of proficiency. The study revealed that this situation limited most of the learners’ reading opportunities. Theory of Practice Architecture (ToPA), in particular by Kemmis and Grootenboer (2008), was used as an explanatory and analytical tool. This research asked the questions: 1.What pedagogical practices do Junior Primary teachers employ to mediate reading? and 2. What factors enable and constrain the pedagogical practices of teachers? As a way forward, this study recommends for a compulsory reading program be instituted at Higher Education Institutions responsible for teacher education. This should empower the teachers to enter a Junior Primary classroom with more confidence to teach the various reading components. This study recommends continuous in-service courses for teachers. The study further recommends that the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture make provisions for textbooks in all schools for all learners if the learners reading performance is to improve in Namibia. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2023
- Full Text:
Microbial and extracellular polymeric substance dynamics in arid–zone temporary pan ecosystems
- Authors: Bute, Tafara Frank
- Date: 2023-03-29
- Subjects: Extracellular polymeric substances , Biofilms , Vernal pools , Microbiomes , Sediment–water interface
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/422258 , vital:71925
- Description: Microbial communities of bacteria, viruses, algae, protozoans and fungi participate profoundly in aquatic systems, particularly in mediating processes such as primary production, decomposition, and biogeochemical cycles. In addition, microbiomes produce extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) which encompass a hydrated exopolymer mainly constituted of carbohydrates and proteins. The exopolymer aid proliferation and persistence of biofilms on their resident surfaces. There is however paucity of data on functional diversity of microbiomes in arid zone temporary wetlands with previous research having mainly focused on permanent systems in the northern hemisphere. In the face of ongoing climatic changes and anthropogenic threats to wetlands, it is imperative to assess the health status of aquatic systems in relation to microbial productivity dynamics. In this thesis, colorimetric methods and sequence–based metagenomics were conducted to quantify microbial EPS production and bacterial metagenome functions, respectively. This study was conducted in Khakhea–Bray region (North–West, South Africa) in June 2021 and January 2022 with a focus on evaluating microbial patterns of distribution between seasons (i.e., Dry and Wet) and varying depth i.e., deepest zones (Deep), intermediate depth (Mid) and shallowest regions (Edge). Additionally, potential relationships between EPS and either water content or organic matter content (OM content) were evaluated. In this study it was hypothesized that wet phases and deeper zones will have high EPS production and support more functions in comparison to shallowest regions and dry phases. Carbohydrates and proteins were quantified using the Dubois method and modified Lowry procedure, respectively. Carbohydrates generally occurred in higher proportions than proteins, suggesting that EPS found in these systems was largely diatom produced. The wet phases (wet season and inundation periods) supported more EPS production compared to the dry phases. The results of principal components analysis (PCA) and Spearman’s correlations suggested that EPS was highly correlated with sediment water content among other assessed variables. No significant associations were established between EPS and organic matter content. Spatial distribution of EPS demonstrated similar patterns between the deepest (Deep) and the intermediate depth zones (Mid) however the shallow regions (Edge) had significantly lower concentrations. Bacterial characterization was established by amplification of the 16S rRNA gene using illumina–sequencing protocol. Enzyme functions associated with biogeochemical pathways were predicted in PICRUSt2 bioinformatics pipeline. A total of 15 042 Unique Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs) were observed to be affiliated to 51 bacterial phyla and 1 127 genera. All top genera had commonality in heat tolerance. Firmicutes, dominated at phyla level with 59 % (mean ± sd, 19 ± 13 %) relative abundance followed by Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria both at 34 % (18 ± 7 %) and (18 ± 6 %), respectively. Microbial diversity matrices highlighted significant differences in beta diversity more than alpha diversity. Bacterial microbiomes were more distinct between seasons compared to within season, suggesting that functions were seasonally driven. These findings were supported by highest rates of denitrification, carbohydrate degradation and EPS production by core microbiomes in the wet season as compared to low rates of nitrogen mineralisation, carbon fixation and nitrification in the dry season. The present findings represent a first attempt in evaluating sequence–based metagenomics in semi–arid southern African temporary pan ecosystem. Both microbial EPS and bacterial functional potential were highly driven by water availability, with highest rates mainly associated with maximum inundation compared to dry states of pans. It can therefore be suggested that extended dry periods are threatening to microbially mediated processes in temporary wetlands, with implications to loss of biodiversity due to desiccation resulting in poor nutrient cycling. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Authors: Bute, Tafara Frank
- Date: 2023-03-29
- Subjects: Extracellular polymeric substances , Biofilms , Vernal pools , Microbiomes , Sediment–water interface
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/422258 , vital:71925
- Description: Microbial communities of bacteria, viruses, algae, protozoans and fungi participate profoundly in aquatic systems, particularly in mediating processes such as primary production, decomposition, and biogeochemical cycles. In addition, microbiomes produce extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) which encompass a hydrated exopolymer mainly constituted of carbohydrates and proteins. The exopolymer aid proliferation and persistence of biofilms on their resident surfaces. There is however paucity of data on functional diversity of microbiomes in arid zone temporary wetlands with previous research having mainly focused on permanent systems in the northern hemisphere. In the face of ongoing climatic changes and anthropogenic threats to wetlands, it is imperative to assess the health status of aquatic systems in relation to microbial productivity dynamics. In this thesis, colorimetric methods and sequence–based metagenomics were conducted to quantify microbial EPS production and bacterial metagenome functions, respectively. This study was conducted in Khakhea–Bray region (North–West, South Africa) in June 2021 and January 2022 with a focus on evaluating microbial patterns of distribution between seasons (i.e., Dry and Wet) and varying depth i.e., deepest zones (Deep), intermediate depth (Mid) and shallowest regions (Edge). Additionally, potential relationships between EPS and either water content or organic matter content (OM content) were evaluated. In this study it was hypothesized that wet phases and deeper zones will have high EPS production and support more functions in comparison to shallowest regions and dry phases. Carbohydrates and proteins were quantified using the Dubois method and modified Lowry procedure, respectively. Carbohydrates generally occurred in higher proportions than proteins, suggesting that EPS found in these systems was largely diatom produced. The wet phases (wet season and inundation periods) supported more EPS production compared to the dry phases. The results of principal components analysis (PCA) and Spearman’s correlations suggested that EPS was highly correlated with sediment water content among other assessed variables. No significant associations were established between EPS and organic matter content. Spatial distribution of EPS demonstrated similar patterns between the deepest (Deep) and the intermediate depth zones (Mid) however the shallow regions (Edge) had significantly lower concentrations. Bacterial characterization was established by amplification of the 16S rRNA gene using illumina–sequencing protocol. Enzyme functions associated with biogeochemical pathways were predicted in PICRUSt2 bioinformatics pipeline. A total of 15 042 Unique Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs) were observed to be affiliated to 51 bacterial phyla and 1 127 genera. All top genera had commonality in heat tolerance. Firmicutes, dominated at phyla level with 59 % (mean ± sd, 19 ± 13 %) relative abundance followed by Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria both at 34 % (18 ± 7 %) and (18 ± 6 %), respectively. Microbial diversity matrices highlighted significant differences in beta diversity more than alpha diversity. Bacterial microbiomes were more distinct between seasons compared to within season, suggesting that functions were seasonally driven. These findings were supported by highest rates of denitrification, carbohydrate degradation and EPS production by core microbiomes in the wet season as compared to low rates of nitrogen mineralisation, carbon fixation and nitrification in the dry season. The present findings represent a first attempt in evaluating sequence–based metagenomics in semi–arid southern African temporary pan ecosystem. Both microbial EPS and bacterial functional potential were highly driven by water availability, with highest rates mainly associated with maximum inundation compared to dry states of pans. It can therefore be suggested that extended dry periods are threatening to microbially mediated processes in temporary wetlands, with implications to loss of biodiversity due to desiccation resulting in poor nutrient cycling. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2023
- Full Text:
Photodynamic therapy using morpholine substituted porphyrins in the presence of cancer specific molecules linked to graphene quantum dots
- Magaela, Ngwanabjala Bridged
- Authors: Magaela, Ngwanabjala Bridged
- Date: 2023-03-29
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/422486 , vital:71947
- Description: This thesis reports on the synthesis, characterization, photophysiochemical properties of morpholine substituted symmetrical and asymmetrical porphyrins. The synthesized porphyrins are conjugated to cancer selective biomolecules (folic acid and biotin) which are linked to nitrogen doped graphene quantum dots, as potential photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy (PDT). The symmetrical morpholine porphyrin complexes 2 (Sn(IV) 5,10,15,20 tetra-4-morpholinyl porphyrin) and 3 (Zn 5,10,15,20 tetra-4-morpholinyl porphyrin) had the same substituent but different central metals, and they were both conjugated to biotin decorated nitrogen doped graphene quantum dots (B-NGQDs), however complex 2 (Sn(IV) 5,10,15,20 tetra-4-morpholinyl porphyrin) was conjugated to B-NGQDs through an ester bond and complex 3 (Zinc 5,10,15,20 tetra-4-morpholinyl porphyrin) through 𝜋-𝜋 stacking. The effect of asymmetry was studied by comparing complex 3 (Zn 5,10,15,20 tetra-4-morpholinyl porphyrin) and complex 5 (Zn 5- bromophenyl-10-15-20-(tris-4- morpholinyl) porphyrin). Complex 5 (Zn 5- bromophenyl-10-15-20-(tris-4- morpholinyl) porphyrin) was an asymmetric porphyrin with morpholine and bromine as substituents. It was observed that asymmetry enhances singlet oxygen quantum yield and PDT activity. It was also observed that folic acid is a better targeting biomolecule when compared to biotin, and this was studied by comparing complex 3 conjugated to B-NGQDs and complex 3 conjugated to folic acid decorated nitrogen doped graphene quantum dots (FA-NGQDs). 3-FA-NGQDs had a better cellular uptake and PDT activity. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Chemistry, 2023
- Full Text:
- Authors: Magaela, Ngwanabjala Bridged
- Date: 2023-03-29
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/422486 , vital:71947
- Description: This thesis reports on the synthesis, characterization, photophysiochemical properties of morpholine substituted symmetrical and asymmetrical porphyrins. The synthesized porphyrins are conjugated to cancer selective biomolecules (folic acid and biotin) which are linked to nitrogen doped graphene quantum dots, as potential photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy (PDT). The symmetrical morpholine porphyrin complexes 2 (Sn(IV) 5,10,15,20 tetra-4-morpholinyl porphyrin) and 3 (Zn 5,10,15,20 tetra-4-morpholinyl porphyrin) had the same substituent but different central metals, and they were both conjugated to biotin decorated nitrogen doped graphene quantum dots (B-NGQDs), however complex 2 (Sn(IV) 5,10,15,20 tetra-4-morpholinyl porphyrin) was conjugated to B-NGQDs through an ester bond and complex 3 (Zinc 5,10,15,20 tetra-4-morpholinyl porphyrin) through 𝜋-𝜋 stacking. The effect of asymmetry was studied by comparing complex 3 (Zn 5,10,15,20 tetra-4-morpholinyl porphyrin) and complex 5 (Zn 5- bromophenyl-10-15-20-(tris-4- morpholinyl) porphyrin). Complex 5 (Zn 5- bromophenyl-10-15-20-(tris-4- morpholinyl) porphyrin) was an asymmetric porphyrin with morpholine and bromine as substituents. It was observed that asymmetry enhances singlet oxygen quantum yield and PDT activity. It was also observed that folic acid is a better targeting biomolecule when compared to biotin, and this was studied by comparing complex 3 conjugated to B-NGQDs and complex 3 conjugated to folic acid decorated nitrogen doped graphene quantum dots (FA-NGQDs). 3-FA-NGQDs had a better cellular uptake and PDT activity. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Chemistry, 2023
- Full Text:
The development of a low-cost real- time bacterial plate culture monitoring system
- Authors: Songcata, Ntobeko
- Date: 2023-03-29
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/422437 , vital:71942
- Description: Access restricted. Access embargoed until 2025. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Biotechnology Innovation Centre, 2023
- Full Text:
- Authors: Songcata, Ntobeko
- Date: 2023-03-29
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/422437 , vital:71942
- Description: Access restricted. Access embargoed until 2025. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Biotechnology Innovation Centre, 2023
- Full Text: