The framing of China in Nigeria : an analysis of the coverage of China's involvement in Nigeria by Thisday newspaper
- Authors: Umejei, Emeka Lucky
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Thisday (Nigeria) , Nigeria -- Foreign economic relations -- China , China -- Foreign economic relations -- Nigeria , Journalism -- Nigeria , Journalism -- Political aspects -- Nigeria , Nigerian newspapers -- Objectivity , Social responsibility of business -- Nigeria
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3525 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012974
- Description: This study identified the media frames that dominate Thisday newspaper's coverage of China's engagement with Nigeria and relate these frames to frame sponsors, who articulate and contest these framings. Frame analysis is applied to a sample of 40 news, feature and opinion articles between the sample period of 1 November 2011 and 31 December 2012. The study analysed media content from Thisday newspapers, drawing on the four dimensions of frames identified by Entman: define problems, diagnose causes, evaluate causal agents and their effects, and recommend treatment (Entman 1993). Using an inductive approach to frame analysis, the study identified two overarching mega frames, contested among the ruling elites who sponsor their views on China in the media, which define China's engagement with Nigeria; partner/role model and predator. The two mega frames mirror the broad characterisation prevalent in the academic literature on China in Africa. The primary partner/role model mega frame constructs China's engagement with Nigeria as a mutually beneficial economic partnership while on the other hand the predator mega frame constructs it as unequal and exploitative. The study identified the activities of frame sponsors who are articulating and promoting their views on China's engagement with Nigeria in the media as primarily responsible for these framings. The study also identified the activities of frame sponsors (ruling and economic elites) was key to the exclusion of ordinary peoples' voices, civic organisations, trade unions and human rights organisation in the text. However, the study also attributes the exclusion of ordinary voices, human rights, democracy and civic engagements in the text to the weakness of Thisday journalism in mediating the framings of China being promoted and articulated by elite frame sponsors. This is, however, symptomatic of the fault lines of journalism practice in Nigeria.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Umejei, Emeka Lucky
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Thisday (Nigeria) , Nigeria -- Foreign economic relations -- China , China -- Foreign economic relations -- Nigeria , Journalism -- Nigeria , Journalism -- Political aspects -- Nigeria , Nigerian newspapers -- Objectivity , Social responsibility of business -- Nigeria
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3525 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012974
- Description: This study identified the media frames that dominate Thisday newspaper's coverage of China's engagement with Nigeria and relate these frames to frame sponsors, who articulate and contest these framings. Frame analysis is applied to a sample of 40 news, feature and opinion articles between the sample period of 1 November 2011 and 31 December 2012. The study analysed media content from Thisday newspapers, drawing on the four dimensions of frames identified by Entman: define problems, diagnose causes, evaluate causal agents and their effects, and recommend treatment (Entman 1993). Using an inductive approach to frame analysis, the study identified two overarching mega frames, contested among the ruling elites who sponsor their views on China in the media, which define China's engagement with Nigeria; partner/role model and predator. The two mega frames mirror the broad characterisation prevalent in the academic literature on China in Africa. The primary partner/role model mega frame constructs China's engagement with Nigeria as a mutually beneficial economic partnership while on the other hand the predator mega frame constructs it as unequal and exploitative. The study identified the activities of frame sponsors who are articulating and promoting their views on China's engagement with Nigeria in the media as primarily responsible for these framings. The study also identified the activities of frame sponsors (ruling and economic elites) was key to the exclusion of ordinary peoples' voices, civic organisations, trade unions and human rights organisation in the text. However, the study also attributes the exclusion of ordinary voices, human rights, democracy and civic engagements in the text to the weakness of Thisday journalism in mediating the framings of China being promoted and articulated by elite frame sponsors. This is, however, symptomatic of the fault lines of journalism practice in Nigeria.
- Full Text:
The genetic stock structure and distribution of Chrysoblephus Puniceus, a commercially important transboundary linefish species, endemic to the South West Indian Ocean
- Authors: Duncan, Murray Ian
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Sparidae , Fishes -- Indian Ocean , Fish populations , Fishery management , Fish stock assessment -- South Africa , Fish stock assessment -- Mozambique , Overfishing , Habitat conservation , Fishes -- Genetics , Fishes -- Climatic factors , Fishes -- Variation , Fishes -- Migration
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5360 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011868 , Sparidae , Fishes -- Indian Ocean , Fish populations , Fishery management , Fish stock assessment -- South Africa , Fish stock assessment -- Mozambique , Overfishing , Habitat conservation , Fishes -- Genetics , Fishes -- Climatic factors , Fishes -- Variation , Fishes -- Migration
- Description: Chrysoblephus puniceus is an over-exploited linefish species, endemic to the coastlines off southern Mozambique and eastern South Africa. Over-exploitation and habitat loss are two of the biggest threats to the sustainability of fisheries globally. Assessing the genetic stock structure (a prerequisite for effective management) and predicting climate related range changes will provide a better understanding of these threats to C. puniceus which can be used to improve the sustainability of the fishery. Two hundred and eighty four genetic samples were collected from eight sampling sites between Ponta da Barra in Mozambique and Coffee Bay in South Africa. The mitochondrial control region and ten microsatellite loci were amplified to analyse the stock structure of C. puniceus. The majority of microsatellite and mtDNA pairwise population comparisons were not significant (P > 0.05) although Xai Xai and Inhaca populations had some significant population comparisons for mtDNA (P < 0.05). AMOVA did not explain any significant variation at the between groups hierarchical level for any pre-defined groupings except for a mtDNA grouping which separated out Xai Xai and Inhaca from other sampling sites. SAMOVA, isolation by distance tests, structure analysis, principle component analysis and spatial autocorrelation analysis all indicated a single population of C. puniceus as being most likely. The migrate-n analysis provided evidence of current driven larval transport, with net migration rates influenced by current dynamics.Two hundred and thirty six unique presence points of C. puniceus were correlated with seasonal maximum and minimum temperature data and bathymetry to model the current distribution and predict future distribution changes of the species up until 2030. Eight individual species distribution models were developed and combined into a mean ensemble model using the Biomod2 package. Winter minimum temperature was the most important variable in determining models outputs. Overall the ensemble model was accurate with a true skills statistic score of 0.962. Binary transformed mean ensemble models predicted a northern and southern range contraction of C. puniceus' distribution of 15 percent; by 2030. The mean ensemble probability of occurrence models indicated that C. puniceus' abundance is likely to decrease off the southern Mozambique coastline but remain high off KwaZulu-Natal. The results of the genetic analysis support the theory of external recruitment sustaining the KwaZulu Natal fishery for C. puniceus. While the high genetic diversity and connectivity may make C. puniceus more resilient to disturbances, the loss of 15 percent; distribution and 11 percent; genetic diversity by 2030 will increase the species vulnerability. The decrease in abundance of C. puniceus off southern Mozambique together with current widespread exploitation levels could result in the collapse of the fishery. A single transboundary stock of C. puniceus highlights the need for co-management of the species. A combined stock assessment between South Africa and Mozambique and the development of further Marine Protected Areas off southern Mozambique are suggested as management options to minimise the vulnerability of this species.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Duncan, Murray Ian
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Sparidae , Fishes -- Indian Ocean , Fish populations , Fishery management , Fish stock assessment -- South Africa , Fish stock assessment -- Mozambique , Overfishing , Habitat conservation , Fishes -- Genetics , Fishes -- Climatic factors , Fishes -- Variation , Fishes -- Migration
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5360 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011868 , Sparidae , Fishes -- Indian Ocean , Fish populations , Fishery management , Fish stock assessment -- South Africa , Fish stock assessment -- Mozambique , Overfishing , Habitat conservation , Fishes -- Genetics , Fishes -- Climatic factors , Fishes -- Variation , Fishes -- Migration
- Description: Chrysoblephus puniceus is an over-exploited linefish species, endemic to the coastlines off southern Mozambique and eastern South Africa. Over-exploitation and habitat loss are two of the biggest threats to the sustainability of fisheries globally. Assessing the genetic stock structure (a prerequisite for effective management) and predicting climate related range changes will provide a better understanding of these threats to C. puniceus which can be used to improve the sustainability of the fishery. Two hundred and eighty four genetic samples were collected from eight sampling sites between Ponta da Barra in Mozambique and Coffee Bay in South Africa. The mitochondrial control region and ten microsatellite loci were amplified to analyse the stock structure of C. puniceus. The majority of microsatellite and mtDNA pairwise population comparisons were not significant (P > 0.05) although Xai Xai and Inhaca populations had some significant population comparisons for mtDNA (P < 0.05). AMOVA did not explain any significant variation at the between groups hierarchical level for any pre-defined groupings except for a mtDNA grouping which separated out Xai Xai and Inhaca from other sampling sites. SAMOVA, isolation by distance tests, structure analysis, principle component analysis and spatial autocorrelation analysis all indicated a single population of C. puniceus as being most likely. The migrate-n analysis provided evidence of current driven larval transport, with net migration rates influenced by current dynamics.Two hundred and thirty six unique presence points of C. puniceus were correlated with seasonal maximum and minimum temperature data and bathymetry to model the current distribution and predict future distribution changes of the species up until 2030. Eight individual species distribution models were developed and combined into a mean ensemble model using the Biomod2 package. Winter minimum temperature was the most important variable in determining models outputs. Overall the ensemble model was accurate with a true skills statistic score of 0.962. Binary transformed mean ensemble models predicted a northern and southern range contraction of C. puniceus' distribution of 15 percent; by 2030. The mean ensemble probability of occurrence models indicated that C. puniceus' abundance is likely to decrease off the southern Mozambique coastline but remain high off KwaZulu-Natal. The results of the genetic analysis support the theory of external recruitment sustaining the KwaZulu Natal fishery for C. puniceus. While the high genetic diversity and connectivity may make C. puniceus more resilient to disturbances, the loss of 15 percent; distribution and 11 percent; genetic diversity by 2030 will increase the species vulnerability. The decrease in abundance of C. puniceus off southern Mozambique together with current widespread exploitation levels could result in the collapse of the fishery. A single transboundary stock of C. puniceus highlights the need for co-management of the species. A combined stock assessment between South Africa and Mozambique and the development of further Marine Protected Areas off southern Mozambique are suggested as management options to minimise the vulnerability of this species.
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The geographic stock structure of chokka squid, Loligo Reynaudi, and its implications for management of the fishery
- Van der Vyver, Johan Samuel Frederik
- Authors: Van der Vyver, Johan Samuel Frederik
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Squids -- Geographical distribution , Loligo fisheries -- Africa, Southern , Fishery management -- Africa, Southern , Squids -- Africa, Southern , Squid fisheries -- Africa, Southern , Loliginidae -- Africa, Southern , Fish stock assessment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5363 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012973
- Description: It is currently hypothesised that the chokka squid (Loligo reynaudi) consist of a single stock. This was tested through a spatial comparison of the morphology of this species. Forty three morphometric characters were measured from 1079 chokka squid collected from three regions: the south coast of South Africa, the west coast of South Africa, and southern Angola. While no significant differences were found for the hard body parts, results from discriminant function analyses showed the soft body morphometric characters from each of the three regions differed, with an overall correct classification rate of 100% for males and 99% for females in all three regions. Due to the existing model being used to assess the resource currently being updated it was not feasible to apply this model to the area-disaggregated data from this study. Rather, the CPUE trends and catches from the area-disaggregated data were compared against those of the area-aggregated data, as a first attempt to discern any appreciable differences which would suggest the use of disaggregated data in future assessments. Both the trawl and jig CPUE trends from the area-disaggregated analysis differed only slightly from those of the area-aggregated data. Similarly, the spring and autumn biomass trends for the main spawning area (east of 22°E) followed the same trends as for the full area. It is therefore concluded that there is currently no need to assess the resource on an area-disaggregated basis.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Van der Vyver, Johan Samuel Frederik
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Squids -- Geographical distribution , Loligo fisheries -- Africa, Southern , Fishery management -- Africa, Southern , Squids -- Africa, Southern , Squid fisheries -- Africa, Southern , Loliginidae -- Africa, Southern , Fish stock assessment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5363 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012973
- Description: It is currently hypothesised that the chokka squid (Loligo reynaudi) consist of a single stock. This was tested through a spatial comparison of the morphology of this species. Forty three morphometric characters were measured from 1079 chokka squid collected from three regions: the south coast of South Africa, the west coast of South Africa, and southern Angola. While no significant differences were found for the hard body parts, results from discriminant function analyses showed the soft body morphometric characters from each of the three regions differed, with an overall correct classification rate of 100% for males and 99% for females in all three regions. Due to the existing model being used to assess the resource currently being updated it was not feasible to apply this model to the area-disaggregated data from this study. Rather, the CPUE trends and catches from the area-disaggregated data were compared against those of the area-aggregated data, as a first attempt to discern any appreciable differences which would suggest the use of disaggregated data in future assessments. Both the trawl and jig CPUE trends from the area-disaggregated analysis differed only slightly from those of the area-aggregated data. Similarly, the spring and autumn biomass trends for the main spawning area (east of 22°E) followed the same trends as for the full area. It is therefore concluded that there is currently no need to assess the resource on an area-disaggregated basis.
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The hoof-printed rock
- Authors: Maahlamela, David wa
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: South African poetry (English) -- 21st century.
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:5978 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013076
- Description: Many of these poems, although written in English, are inspired by Sepedi idioms and proverbs. Some invoke township and village life, others the observations and questions that come from writing poetry and experiences of travelling to different countries to read my poems. Others dwell on the political transformation in South Africa, or its absence, and on my own spiritual transformation.
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- Authors: Maahlamela, David wa
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: South African poetry (English) -- 21st century.
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:5978 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013076
- Description: Many of these poems, although written in English, are inspired by Sepedi idioms and proverbs. Some invoke township and village life, others the observations and questions that come from writing poetry and experiences of travelling to different countries to read my poems. Others dwell on the political transformation in South Africa, or its absence, and on my own spiritual transformation.
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The impact of labour laws on small firms : a study of employer perceptions of the Labour Relations Act (66 of 1995) and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (75 of 1997) in Grahamstown, Port Alfred and Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Mfecane, Asanda
- Date: 2014 , 2014-07-10
- Subjects: Industrial relations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Industrial laws and legislation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3371 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012953
- Description: This study sought to explore and explain the impact of labour laws on small firms, focusing on employer perceptions of the Labour Relations Act of 1995 and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act of 1997 in three towns of the Eastern Cape. It is important to focus on this impact of labour laws on these firms because of the high unemployment that faces the country. In this regard, it must be emphasised, firstly, that small firms are central to job creation; therefore, they contribute to a reduction in the unemployment rate; hence, the strategies created by the government to reduce any burdens (including regulatory burdens) on small firms. It is therefore important to study the impact of labour law on small businesses in order to assess the regulatory burden on small firms. The theoretical framework which underpins this study on the impact of labour law on small firms arises from the neo-corporatist critique of neo-liberalism. The two frameworks maintain the extent to which the government should intervene in the industrial relations system. Liberalism maintains that there should be a minimum role of the government, which involves only the facilitation of a framework for negotiations between employers and employees. Corporatism, however, maintains a social democratic approach, and holds that there should be an active role of the government in the industrial relations system with business, labour and the state working co-operatively (Klerck, 2009). This theoretical framework therefore shapes the extent to which employers perceive labour laws or state’s regulatory role impacts small businesses. The data was collected through the qualitative inquiry; using face-to-face, semi-structured interviews. The findings in this study included negative employer perceptions of labour laws. More specifically, many of the employers that were interviewed claimed that labour laws were burdensome on their businesses. They claimed that labour laws imposed financial and administrative costs to their firms, negatively affected the employer-employee relationships in these firms as well as the employing decisions of the employers. As a result, the employers saw labour laws as undermining flexibility and imposing unfair rigidities on small firms. Furthermore, employers perceived South African labour laws as not addressing the unique iii circumstances of small firms. They maintained that labour laws treated small firms similarly to large firms. Even though the employers held these perceptions of labour laws, it was evident that these subjective perceptions did not reflect the objective impact of labour laws on small firms. This was firstly related to the fact that many of the employers that were interviewed had negative views of labour laws but these views were not substantiated by particular events in their firms. Secondly, it was revealed that the employers’ perceptions of labour laws were based on their misconception or misunderstanding of labour law. Thirdly, it was revealed in this thesis that small firms were not affected in the same way to big firms by labour regulation. This was related to the fact that many of the small firms’ employers that were interviewed tended to be less concerned by regulation. Specifically, although many employers that were interviewed claimed that labour laws were burdensome on their firms it was evident that regulation was avoided because of the informality that characterised these firms. Consequently informality mediated the impact of labour laws on these firms, and labour laws imposed less ‘costs’ on these firms. However, it cannot be argued that small firms are isolated from the sphere of labour laws. Rather, although these firms were governed by regulation it was found that the extent to which employers complied with regulation depended on the extent to which organisational practice already reflected similarity with the legislative objective. , Acrobat PDFMaker 10.1 for Word , Adobe PDF Library 10.0
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mfecane, Asanda
- Date: 2014 , 2014-07-10
- Subjects: Industrial relations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Industrial laws and legislation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3371 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012953
- Description: This study sought to explore and explain the impact of labour laws on small firms, focusing on employer perceptions of the Labour Relations Act of 1995 and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act of 1997 in three towns of the Eastern Cape. It is important to focus on this impact of labour laws on these firms because of the high unemployment that faces the country. In this regard, it must be emphasised, firstly, that small firms are central to job creation; therefore, they contribute to a reduction in the unemployment rate; hence, the strategies created by the government to reduce any burdens (including regulatory burdens) on small firms. It is therefore important to study the impact of labour law on small businesses in order to assess the regulatory burden on small firms. The theoretical framework which underpins this study on the impact of labour law on small firms arises from the neo-corporatist critique of neo-liberalism. The two frameworks maintain the extent to which the government should intervene in the industrial relations system. Liberalism maintains that there should be a minimum role of the government, which involves only the facilitation of a framework for negotiations between employers and employees. Corporatism, however, maintains a social democratic approach, and holds that there should be an active role of the government in the industrial relations system with business, labour and the state working co-operatively (Klerck, 2009). This theoretical framework therefore shapes the extent to which employers perceive labour laws or state’s regulatory role impacts small businesses. The data was collected through the qualitative inquiry; using face-to-face, semi-structured interviews. The findings in this study included negative employer perceptions of labour laws. More specifically, many of the employers that were interviewed claimed that labour laws were burdensome on their businesses. They claimed that labour laws imposed financial and administrative costs to their firms, negatively affected the employer-employee relationships in these firms as well as the employing decisions of the employers. As a result, the employers saw labour laws as undermining flexibility and imposing unfair rigidities on small firms. Furthermore, employers perceived South African labour laws as not addressing the unique iii circumstances of small firms. They maintained that labour laws treated small firms similarly to large firms. Even though the employers held these perceptions of labour laws, it was evident that these subjective perceptions did not reflect the objective impact of labour laws on small firms. This was firstly related to the fact that many of the employers that were interviewed had negative views of labour laws but these views were not substantiated by particular events in their firms. Secondly, it was revealed that the employers’ perceptions of labour laws were based on their misconception or misunderstanding of labour law. Thirdly, it was revealed in this thesis that small firms were not affected in the same way to big firms by labour regulation. This was related to the fact that many of the small firms’ employers that were interviewed tended to be less concerned by regulation. Specifically, although many employers that were interviewed claimed that labour laws were burdensome on their firms it was evident that regulation was avoided because of the informality that characterised these firms. Consequently informality mediated the impact of labour laws on these firms, and labour laws imposed less ‘costs’ on these firms. However, it cannot be argued that small firms are isolated from the sphere of labour laws. Rather, although these firms were governed by regulation it was found that the extent to which employers complied with regulation depended on the extent to which organisational practice already reflected similarity with the legislative objective. , Acrobat PDFMaker 10.1 for Word , Adobe PDF Library 10.0
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The impact of social network sites on written isiXhosa : a case study of a rural and an urban high school
- Authors: Dlutu, Bongiwe Agrienette
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Online social networks -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Use studies Mobile communication systems -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Interpersonal communication -- Technological innovations -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Mobile communication systems in education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Aids and devices Xhosa language -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Electronic mail systems -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Slang Smartphones -- South Africa -- Use studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3629 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011826
- Description: The use of cellphones has increased all over the world. That invites many academics to conduct research on the usage of these devices, especially by young people, since young people join Social Network Sites (Facebook, Mxit, 2go, Whatsapp) and use a shorthand language. Most studies are related to the use of English and other languages that are recognised by computer software. There are few studies, if any, that have been done in relation to the use of African Languages on these sites. This research therefore aims to seek to explore the use of African Languages, especially isiXhosa, in assessing how technology might help in language development through the usage of SNSs that learners already use to equip them with educational material in their mother tongue. This study was conducted in two high schools, Nogemane Senior Secondary School in a disadvantaged and remote rural community with limited access to additional educational material such as magazines, newspapers, and television. The school also lacks basic study materials such as textbooks from the Education Department and they have no access to a library and laboratory. They also only have very few subjects to choose from. Nombulelo Senior Secondary School is in Grahamstown. This school has good infrastructure and learners have access to different technological devices and they can access libraries. What is common between learners in both schools is that they are all doing isiXhosa as a first language and are using SNSs to interact with each other. This study has found that learners enjoy using SNSs rather than reading the printed books. Furthermore, they enjoy and prefer interacting in isiXhosa in their conversations. Learners also use the web to post and show their creative writing, regardless of the shorthand form writing they use on the SNSs. This study has found that learners are not well equipped with basic isiXhosa skills when reaching the FET phase. They lack the understanding of standard isiXhosa idioms and proverbs. That clearly means that they are equipped in the more modern forms of literature rather than the traditional oral forms. IsiXhosa teachers also see SNSs as the better platform to engage with learners and they suggest that there must be a section in the subjects at school that teaches about cyber bullying and being safe online. This thesis also presents examples of new and contemporary forms of SNS-speak that are used by learners in both the rural and urban schools. This study is more concerned with SNSs for literacy development and to assess whether the shorthand writing has negative or positive effects in writing isiXhosa. This is done against the backdrop of a literature review which explores new literacies, computer mediated communication, social identity models as well as language policy and planning.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Dlutu, Bongiwe Agrienette
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Online social networks -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Use studies Mobile communication systems -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Interpersonal communication -- Technological innovations -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Mobile communication systems in education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Aids and devices Xhosa language -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Electronic mail systems -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Slang Smartphones -- South Africa -- Use studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3629 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011826
- Description: The use of cellphones has increased all over the world. That invites many academics to conduct research on the usage of these devices, especially by young people, since young people join Social Network Sites (Facebook, Mxit, 2go, Whatsapp) and use a shorthand language. Most studies are related to the use of English and other languages that are recognised by computer software. There are few studies, if any, that have been done in relation to the use of African Languages on these sites. This research therefore aims to seek to explore the use of African Languages, especially isiXhosa, in assessing how technology might help in language development through the usage of SNSs that learners already use to equip them with educational material in their mother tongue. This study was conducted in two high schools, Nogemane Senior Secondary School in a disadvantaged and remote rural community with limited access to additional educational material such as magazines, newspapers, and television. The school also lacks basic study materials such as textbooks from the Education Department and they have no access to a library and laboratory. They also only have very few subjects to choose from. Nombulelo Senior Secondary School is in Grahamstown. This school has good infrastructure and learners have access to different technological devices and they can access libraries. What is common between learners in both schools is that they are all doing isiXhosa as a first language and are using SNSs to interact with each other. This study has found that learners enjoy using SNSs rather than reading the printed books. Furthermore, they enjoy and prefer interacting in isiXhosa in their conversations. Learners also use the web to post and show their creative writing, regardless of the shorthand form writing they use on the SNSs. This study has found that learners are not well equipped with basic isiXhosa skills when reaching the FET phase. They lack the understanding of standard isiXhosa idioms and proverbs. That clearly means that they are equipped in the more modern forms of literature rather than the traditional oral forms. IsiXhosa teachers also see SNSs as the better platform to engage with learners and they suggest that there must be a section in the subjects at school that teaches about cyber bullying and being safe online. This thesis also presents examples of new and contemporary forms of SNS-speak that are used by learners in both the rural and urban schools. This study is more concerned with SNSs for literacy development and to assess whether the shorthand writing has negative or positive effects in writing isiXhosa. This is done against the backdrop of a literature review which explores new literacies, computer mediated communication, social identity models as well as language policy and planning.
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The importance's of the physical analogue clock in mediating learning of analogue clock time in Grade 4 learners
- Authors: Metelerkamp, Roger Gregory
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Clocks and watches , Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Elementary) , Time measurements -- Study and teaching (Elementary)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1986 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013169
- Description: My research topic concerns how learners use the analogue clock (as a human tool) to make meaning of clock time. This study is informed by a Vygotskian socio-cultural framework to learning and development based on the concept that human activities take place in cultural contexts and is mediated by tools. In this qualitative study I report on the learners meaning making of analogue clock time using the physical clock. This study was carried out at a South African primary school through an intervention programme after school. The research employed a case study method. It involved a purposeful sample of 4 learners (n=38) from the grade four class group based on their response to a baseline assessment task. The selected sample of learners included learners across the ability spectrum to gain rich insight into how learners make meaning of analogue clock time. Data collection and analysis was done through an interpretive approach. The video-taped interviews and intervention programme was my main instrument of data collection. Other research instruments included document analysis of responses to baseline assessment tasks. These research tools yielded the data collected and also allowed for triangulation. My research topic explored how the learners make meaning of analogue clock time. In particular the two-way movement of how the learners use the physical tool namely the analogue clock to develop meaning and how the clock mediates clock knowledge in return. The findings of the study suggest that learners’ find it difficult to conceptualise analogue clock symbols and signs, in particular, in Afrikaans the half hour concept, in relation to the two hands. The physical analogue clock is also important to support and extend clock knowledge in solving time-related problems. This shows the power of the analogue clock to mediate meaning making of clock time in young learners. Because of its potential to improve teaching and learning analogue clock time in primary school it is therefore recommended that the analogue clock time be further researched in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Metelerkamp, Roger Gregory
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Clocks and watches , Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Elementary) , Time measurements -- Study and teaching (Elementary)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1986 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013169
- Description: My research topic concerns how learners use the analogue clock (as a human tool) to make meaning of clock time. This study is informed by a Vygotskian socio-cultural framework to learning and development based on the concept that human activities take place in cultural contexts and is mediated by tools. In this qualitative study I report on the learners meaning making of analogue clock time using the physical clock. This study was carried out at a South African primary school through an intervention programme after school. The research employed a case study method. It involved a purposeful sample of 4 learners (n=38) from the grade four class group based on their response to a baseline assessment task. The selected sample of learners included learners across the ability spectrum to gain rich insight into how learners make meaning of analogue clock time. Data collection and analysis was done through an interpretive approach. The video-taped interviews and intervention programme was my main instrument of data collection. Other research instruments included document analysis of responses to baseline assessment tasks. These research tools yielded the data collected and also allowed for triangulation. My research topic explored how the learners make meaning of analogue clock time. In particular the two-way movement of how the learners use the physical tool namely the analogue clock to develop meaning and how the clock mediates clock knowledge in return. The findings of the study suggest that learners’ find it difficult to conceptualise analogue clock symbols and signs, in particular, in Afrikaans the half hour concept, in relation to the two hands. The physical analogue clock is also important to support and extend clock knowledge in solving time-related problems. This shows the power of the analogue clock to mediate meaning making of clock time in young learners. Because of its potential to improve teaching and learning analogue clock time in primary school it is therefore recommended that the analogue clock time be further researched in South Africa.
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The income tax consequences of the in-house development of software
- Authors: Hodge, Dominic Shaughn
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Computer software -- Accounting , Income tax -- Data processing , Research and development projects , Income tax -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Computer software -- Development -- South Africa , Computer software -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:910 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013550
- Description: The objective of this thesis was to explore the nature of expenditure incurred on the internal development of software and its treatment in terms of the accounting and taxation frameworks to which it is subject. In fulfilling the primary objective the thesis had a number of subsidiary considerations. These included, firstly, a brief analysis of the approach of the software industry in South Africa to the taxation treatment of this type of software. The second consideration was a discussion and analysis of the taxation framework which differentiates between capital and revenue and the extent to which the receipts produced by internally developed software may be informative of the nature of the expenditure. The third was an analysis of the deductibility of expenditure incurred in the production of software with the fourth analysing the tests employed in the determination of whether expenditure is capital or revenue in nature. The fifth objective was to briefly analyse the accounting standards which find application in the determination of whether or not the software created can be considered a capital asset. The final subsidiary objective of the thesis was an analysis of the taxation framework applicable to software in respect of research and development incentives, as well as the position in the United States of America. Throughout the thesis the most apparent commonality is that there exists a significant level of uncertainty as to the taxation treatment of software both in South Africa and in America. The research concludes by stating that such uncertainty is prejudicial to the interests of research and development in relation to software.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Hodge, Dominic Shaughn
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Computer software -- Accounting , Income tax -- Data processing , Research and development projects , Income tax -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Computer software -- Development -- South Africa , Computer software -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:910 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013550
- Description: The objective of this thesis was to explore the nature of expenditure incurred on the internal development of software and its treatment in terms of the accounting and taxation frameworks to which it is subject. In fulfilling the primary objective the thesis had a number of subsidiary considerations. These included, firstly, a brief analysis of the approach of the software industry in South Africa to the taxation treatment of this type of software. The second consideration was a discussion and analysis of the taxation framework which differentiates between capital and revenue and the extent to which the receipts produced by internally developed software may be informative of the nature of the expenditure. The third was an analysis of the deductibility of expenditure incurred in the production of software with the fourth analysing the tests employed in the determination of whether expenditure is capital or revenue in nature. The fifth objective was to briefly analyse the accounting standards which find application in the determination of whether or not the software created can be considered a capital asset. The final subsidiary objective of the thesis was an analysis of the taxation framework applicable to software in respect of research and development incentives, as well as the position in the United States of America. Throughout the thesis the most apparent commonality is that there exists a significant level of uncertainty as to the taxation treatment of software both in South Africa and in America. The research concludes by stating that such uncertainty is prejudicial to the interests of research and development in relation to software.
- Full Text:
The influence of indigenous languages on Ugandan English as used in the media
- Authors: Tukwasibwe, Constance
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Mass media and language -- Uganda , Languages in contact -- Uganda , English language -- Uganda , Language transfer (Language learning) -- Uganda , Communication and culture -- Uganda , Bilingualism -- Uganda , Linguistic demography -- Uganda , Uganda -- Languages
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3646 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015637
- Description: When two or more languages come in contact, they influence each other in various ways, for example through word borrowing, transfer of sounds, morphology and syntax taken from one language system and imported to another. In this study, the primary concern is on the indigenous communities of Uganda learning the English language, plus the influence that this interaction brings into the linguistic space. Bringing the Ugandan multilingual situation into perspective, the study looks at how the English language has interacted with the local languages and the local speech habits, customs and traditions of the indigenous people, to the extent that it has been indigenized. Some word usage results in miscommunication due to the socio-cultural uniqueness of Ugandan cultural expressions. As an example, because of the practice of polygamy in most Ugandan cultures, words like co-wife are coined to mean 'a woman who shares a husband, or a husband's other wife', a word that is absent in both the language and culture of native English speakers. Furthermore some words are formed by calquing some indigenous language expressions, e.g. 'to eat money' or 'to eat cash', an expression that is calqued from the Luganda phrase, kulya sente. Such word coinages are meant to fill the 'shortfall' where the English language fails to provide adequate equivalents. Understanding the context of this kind of English usage and the influence from the indigenous languages is helpful in handling inter-cultural discourses, as the same expression may convey different senses to different people in different contexts. So then, this study deals with some peculiarities of Ugandan English, namely; the features of Ugandan English grammar which are influenced by the indigenous languages. Evidence from the Corpus of Ugandan English is explored to establish that indigenous languages in Uganda have a significant influence on the English language variety spoken in the country, and that a large part of English bilingual speakers cannot speak English without transferring the features from their mother tongue or indeed, switching and mixing codes. A British corpus was used for the purposes of comparison with Ugandan English. The research was conducted in Uganda, drawing data from English newspapers, radio and television talk -shows that were recorded to provide a structural analysis of the contact situations. The result of the study points to the fact that, indeed, the phonological, morpho-syntactic and semantic characteristics of Ugandan English have a considerable amount of influence from indigenous local languages. This study is hinged on the assumption that when indigenous languages and the target language come together in a linguistic contact situation, the resulting variety would exhibit distinct phonological, lexical, grammatical and semantic/pragmatic features ( cf. Sankoff, 2001; Thomason, 1995; Thomason & Kaufman, 1988; Winford, 2005). However, some of these innovations have attracted criticism from 'prescriptivists' such as Quirk (1985, 1988, 1990); Gaudio (2011); and Abbot (1991) who perceive them as 'nonstandard', 'incorrect English language usage' and a 'direct translation from the language user's mother tongue into English'. Yet, indigenous languages continue to play important roles in shaping the kind of English language usage in Uganda.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Tukwasibwe, Constance
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Mass media and language -- Uganda , Languages in contact -- Uganda , English language -- Uganda , Language transfer (Language learning) -- Uganda , Communication and culture -- Uganda , Bilingualism -- Uganda , Linguistic demography -- Uganda , Uganda -- Languages
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3646 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015637
- Description: When two or more languages come in contact, they influence each other in various ways, for example through word borrowing, transfer of sounds, morphology and syntax taken from one language system and imported to another. In this study, the primary concern is on the indigenous communities of Uganda learning the English language, plus the influence that this interaction brings into the linguistic space. Bringing the Ugandan multilingual situation into perspective, the study looks at how the English language has interacted with the local languages and the local speech habits, customs and traditions of the indigenous people, to the extent that it has been indigenized. Some word usage results in miscommunication due to the socio-cultural uniqueness of Ugandan cultural expressions. As an example, because of the practice of polygamy in most Ugandan cultures, words like co-wife are coined to mean 'a woman who shares a husband, or a husband's other wife', a word that is absent in both the language and culture of native English speakers. Furthermore some words are formed by calquing some indigenous language expressions, e.g. 'to eat money' or 'to eat cash', an expression that is calqued from the Luganda phrase, kulya sente. Such word coinages are meant to fill the 'shortfall' where the English language fails to provide adequate equivalents. Understanding the context of this kind of English usage and the influence from the indigenous languages is helpful in handling inter-cultural discourses, as the same expression may convey different senses to different people in different contexts. So then, this study deals with some peculiarities of Ugandan English, namely; the features of Ugandan English grammar which are influenced by the indigenous languages. Evidence from the Corpus of Ugandan English is explored to establish that indigenous languages in Uganda have a significant influence on the English language variety spoken in the country, and that a large part of English bilingual speakers cannot speak English without transferring the features from their mother tongue or indeed, switching and mixing codes. A British corpus was used for the purposes of comparison with Ugandan English. The research was conducted in Uganda, drawing data from English newspapers, radio and television talk -shows that were recorded to provide a structural analysis of the contact situations. The result of the study points to the fact that, indeed, the phonological, morpho-syntactic and semantic characteristics of Ugandan English have a considerable amount of influence from indigenous local languages. This study is hinged on the assumption that when indigenous languages and the target language come together in a linguistic contact situation, the resulting variety would exhibit distinct phonological, lexical, grammatical and semantic/pragmatic features ( cf. Sankoff, 2001; Thomason, 1995; Thomason & Kaufman, 1988; Winford, 2005). However, some of these innovations have attracted criticism from 'prescriptivists' such as Quirk (1985, 1988, 1990); Gaudio (2011); and Abbot (1991) who perceive them as 'nonstandard', 'incorrect English language usage' and a 'direct translation from the language user's mother tongue into English'. Yet, indigenous languages continue to play important roles in shaping the kind of English language usage in Uganda.
- Full Text:
The influence of the therapist's activities on clients' subject positioning in relation to gender in narrative couples therapy
- Authors: Friis, Kirsten Leigh
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Narrative therapy , Couples therapy , Therapist and patient , Control (Psychology) , Critical discourse analysis , Psychotherapy -- Methods
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3227 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013050
- Description: Narrative Therapy draws on an understanding of how discourse acts to construct, reproduce and deconstruct power relationships. Therapy is focussed on collaborating with clients in a process of re-authoring their self-stories by critically evaluating the positions made available to them in relation to dominant discourses. Whilst there is a large body of theoretical knowledge on post-structuralism and psychotherapy, very few discourse analyses of psychotherapy sessions have been published. Thus, though post-structuralist therapeutic approaches are theoretically well supported, there is an identified gap in the literature on the therapeutic processes that occur within practice. This research aims to further explore these therapeutic processes, focussing specifically on subject positioning with relation to gender in Narrative Couple Therapy, and the influence of the therapist thereupon. It is based on the analysis of a video of a Michael White Narrative Couple Therapy session, "The Best of Friends." Using discourse analysis as a methodological approach, the analysis seeks first to identify talk that signifies discourses of gender difference, and then to explore how the subjects (therapist and clients) are positioned in relation to these discourses. The analysis focuses on the therapist's activities to investigate the influence of his interactions with the partners on how they are positioned or position themselves within stories of gender difference. The analysis shows that, by working reflexively, transparently and collaboratively with the partners, the therapist assists to render power, restrictive discourses, and alternate positions visible to the clients. The therapist resists being drawn into dominant therapy discourses of expert and patient, and instead continuously recognises the knowledges and expertise that the clients bring to the therapy context. He then works closely with the clients to thicken alternative representations of self.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Friis, Kirsten Leigh
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Narrative therapy , Couples therapy , Therapist and patient , Control (Psychology) , Critical discourse analysis , Psychotherapy -- Methods
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3227 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013050
- Description: Narrative Therapy draws on an understanding of how discourse acts to construct, reproduce and deconstruct power relationships. Therapy is focussed on collaborating with clients in a process of re-authoring their self-stories by critically evaluating the positions made available to them in relation to dominant discourses. Whilst there is a large body of theoretical knowledge on post-structuralism and psychotherapy, very few discourse analyses of psychotherapy sessions have been published. Thus, though post-structuralist therapeutic approaches are theoretically well supported, there is an identified gap in the literature on the therapeutic processes that occur within practice. This research aims to further explore these therapeutic processes, focussing specifically on subject positioning with relation to gender in Narrative Couple Therapy, and the influence of the therapist thereupon. It is based on the analysis of a video of a Michael White Narrative Couple Therapy session, "The Best of Friends." Using discourse analysis as a methodological approach, the analysis seeks first to identify talk that signifies discourses of gender difference, and then to explore how the subjects (therapist and clients) are positioned in relation to these discourses. The analysis focuses on the therapist's activities to investigate the influence of his interactions with the partners on how they are positioned or position themselves within stories of gender difference. The analysis shows that, by working reflexively, transparently and collaboratively with the partners, the therapist assists to render power, restrictive discourses, and alternate positions visible to the clients. The therapist resists being drawn into dominant therapy discourses of expert and patient, and instead continuously recognises the knowledges and expertise that the clients bring to the therapy context. He then works closely with the clients to thicken alternative representations of self.
- Full Text:
The influence of viewing context on meaning making : a reception study of the popular drama series Intersexions in Ginsberg township
- Authors: Ponono, Mvuzo
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Intersexions (Television program) , Meaning (Psychology) , Context effects (Psychology) , Television programs -- South Africa , Television -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Television viewers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Television viewers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Attitudes , Educational television programs -- South Africa , AIDS (Disease) in mass media -- South Africa , South Africa -- Social life and customs
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3528 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013093
- Description: This study examines the home as a context of viewing for the television programme Intersexions in the township of Ginsberg in the Eastern Cape. The central question asked is whether the household influences the interpretation of the programme. The research was mainly conducted through ethnographical methods of participant observation and focus group interviews. Six families were observed and six gender-based focus groups convened. Drawing from the work of Morley (1986) and Lull (1990) that argues that the home be taken more seriously as a context of viewing; this study posits that the home is a rule-bound micro-society that influences the interpretation of media messages. As a starting point, this study contends with the arguments that the South African government has been slow to acknowledge the extent of the problem presented by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Much has been written about the inefficiency of state efforts to educate the public, with some pundits suggesting that government communications strategies have largely been outdated and thus resisted by audiences (Treffry-Goatley, Mahlinza & Imrie, 2013). To counter the pandemic, a large number of independent educational television serials have been launched in South Africa, and met with popular appeal since 1994. Furthermore, this development is in line with global trends of high audience ratings for Entertainment- Education (EE) programmes (Singhal et al., 1993). To investigate complex issue of EE reception by audiences in this burgeoning area of study, the programme at the centre of this study, Intersexions, is a good example. The serial, which concluded its second season in August 2013, is second to only the established soap opera, Generations, in television ratings in South Africa. Therefore, the impressive ratings garnered by educational serials in South Africa are a chance for audience studies to study audiences in context. This research investigates Intersexions using the understanding that television audiences must be analysed in "cultural and historic specific" sites because the struggle to make meanings of texts takes place at the moment when the text and subject meet (Fiske, 1987). This research investigates the assumption that the meanings made by audiences depend not just on the text, but also on environment. This means that the research delves into the situational context in which media are used and interpreted. Therefore, the central aim of this study is to analyse television viewing of the entertainment education programme, Intersexions, in the natural setting of the home, which is in line with analysing television viewers in cultural and historically specific sites.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ponono, Mvuzo
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Intersexions (Television program) , Meaning (Psychology) , Context effects (Psychology) , Television programs -- South Africa , Television -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Television viewers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Television viewers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Attitudes , Educational television programs -- South Africa , AIDS (Disease) in mass media -- South Africa , South Africa -- Social life and customs
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3528 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013093
- Description: This study examines the home as a context of viewing for the television programme Intersexions in the township of Ginsberg in the Eastern Cape. The central question asked is whether the household influences the interpretation of the programme. The research was mainly conducted through ethnographical methods of participant observation and focus group interviews. Six families were observed and six gender-based focus groups convened. Drawing from the work of Morley (1986) and Lull (1990) that argues that the home be taken more seriously as a context of viewing; this study posits that the home is a rule-bound micro-society that influences the interpretation of media messages. As a starting point, this study contends with the arguments that the South African government has been slow to acknowledge the extent of the problem presented by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Much has been written about the inefficiency of state efforts to educate the public, with some pundits suggesting that government communications strategies have largely been outdated and thus resisted by audiences (Treffry-Goatley, Mahlinza & Imrie, 2013). To counter the pandemic, a large number of independent educational television serials have been launched in South Africa, and met with popular appeal since 1994. Furthermore, this development is in line with global trends of high audience ratings for Entertainment- Education (EE) programmes (Singhal et al., 1993). To investigate complex issue of EE reception by audiences in this burgeoning area of study, the programme at the centre of this study, Intersexions, is a good example. The serial, which concluded its second season in August 2013, is second to only the established soap opera, Generations, in television ratings in South Africa. Therefore, the impressive ratings garnered by educational serials in South Africa are a chance for audience studies to study audiences in context. This research investigates Intersexions using the understanding that television audiences must be analysed in "cultural and historic specific" sites because the struggle to make meanings of texts takes place at the moment when the text and subject meet (Fiske, 1987). This research investigates the assumption that the meanings made by audiences depend not just on the text, but also on environment. This means that the research delves into the situational context in which media are used and interpreted. Therefore, the central aim of this study is to analyse television viewing of the entertainment education programme, Intersexions, in the natural setting of the home, which is in line with analysing television viewers in cultural and historically specific sites.
- Full Text:
The interaction of silver nanoparticles with triosephosphate isomerase from human and malarial parasite (Plasmodium falciparum) : a comparative study
- De Moor, Warren Ralph Josephus
- Authors: De Moor, Warren Ralph Josephus
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Silver , Nanoparticles , Triose-phosphate isomerase , Plasmodium falciparum , Nanotechnology , Antimalarials , Povidone
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4169 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020895
- Description: The advent of advanced modern nanotechnology techniques offers new and exciting opportunities to develop novel nanotech-derived antimalarial nanodrugs with enhanced selective and targeting abilities that allow for lower effective drug dosages, longer drug persistence and reduced drug degradation within the body. Using a nanodrug approach also has the advantage of avoiding drug resistance problems that plague reconfigured versions of already-existing antimalarial drugs. In this study recombinant triosephosphate isomerase enzymes from Plasmodium falciparum (PfTIM) and Humans (hTIM) were recombinantly expressed, purified and characterised. PfTIM was shown to have optimal pH stability at pH 5.0-5.5 and thermal stability at 25°C with Km 4.34 mM and Vmax 0.876 μmol.ml⁻ₑmin⁻ₑ. For hTIM, these parameters were as follows: pH optima of 6.5-7.0; temperature optima of 30°C, with Km 2.27 mM and Vmax 0.714 μmol.ml⁻ₑmin⁻ₑ. Recombinant TIM enzymes were subjected to inhibition studies using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) stabilised silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) of 4-12 nm in diameter. These studies showed that the AgNPs were able to selectively inhibit PfTIM over hTIM with an 8-fold greater decrease in enzymatic efficiency (Kcat/Km) observed for PfTIM, as compared to hTIM, for kinetics tests done using 0.06 μM of AgNPs. Complete inhibition of PfTIM under optimal conditions was achieved using 0.25 μM AgNPs after 45 minutes while hTIM maintained approximately 31% of its activity at this AgNP concentration. The above results indicate that selective enzymatic targeting of the important, key metabolic enzyme TIM, can be achieved using nanotechnology-derived nanodrugs. It was demonstrated that the key structural differences, between the two enzyme variants, were significant enough to create unique characteristics for each TIM variant, thereby allowing for selective enzyme targeting using AgNPs. If these AgNPs could be coupled with a nanotechnology-derived, targeted localization mechanism – possibly using apoferritin to deliver the AgNPs to infected erythrocytes (Burns and Pollock, 2008) – then such an approach could offer new opportunities for the development of viable antimalarial nanodrugs. For this to be achieved further research into several key areas will be required, including nanoparticle toxicity, drug localization and testing the lethality of the system on live parasite cultures.
- Full Text:
- Authors: De Moor, Warren Ralph Josephus
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Silver , Nanoparticles , Triose-phosphate isomerase , Plasmodium falciparum , Nanotechnology , Antimalarials , Povidone
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4169 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020895
- Description: The advent of advanced modern nanotechnology techniques offers new and exciting opportunities to develop novel nanotech-derived antimalarial nanodrugs with enhanced selective and targeting abilities that allow for lower effective drug dosages, longer drug persistence and reduced drug degradation within the body. Using a nanodrug approach also has the advantage of avoiding drug resistance problems that plague reconfigured versions of already-existing antimalarial drugs. In this study recombinant triosephosphate isomerase enzymes from Plasmodium falciparum (PfTIM) and Humans (hTIM) were recombinantly expressed, purified and characterised. PfTIM was shown to have optimal pH stability at pH 5.0-5.5 and thermal stability at 25°C with Km 4.34 mM and Vmax 0.876 μmol.ml⁻ₑmin⁻ₑ. For hTIM, these parameters were as follows: pH optima of 6.5-7.0; temperature optima of 30°C, with Km 2.27 mM and Vmax 0.714 μmol.ml⁻ₑmin⁻ₑ. Recombinant TIM enzymes were subjected to inhibition studies using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) stabilised silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) of 4-12 nm in diameter. These studies showed that the AgNPs were able to selectively inhibit PfTIM over hTIM with an 8-fold greater decrease in enzymatic efficiency (Kcat/Km) observed for PfTIM, as compared to hTIM, for kinetics tests done using 0.06 μM of AgNPs. Complete inhibition of PfTIM under optimal conditions was achieved using 0.25 μM AgNPs after 45 minutes while hTIM maintained approximately 31% of its activity at this AgNP concentration. The above results indicate that selective enzymatic targeting of the important, key metabolic enzyme TIM, can be achieved using nanotechnology-derived nanodrugs. It was demonstrated that the key structural differences, between the two enzyme variants, were significant enough to create unique characteristics for each TIM variant, thereby allowing for selective enzyme targeting using AgNPs. If these AgNPs could be coupled with a nanotechnology-derived, targeted localization mechanism – possibly using apoferritin to deliver the AgNPs to infected erythrocytes (Burns and Pollock, 2008) – then such an approach could offer new opportunities for the development of viable antimalarial nanodrugs. For this to be achieved further research into several key areas will be required, including nanoparticle toxicity, drug localization and testing the lethality of the system on live parasite cultures.
- Full Text:
The interface of history and fiction in Russel Brownlee’s Garden of the plagues, Ingrid Winterbach’s To hell With Cronjé, and Etienne van Heerden’s The long silence of Mario Salviati
- Authors: Wyrill, Beth Alexandra
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Brownlee, Russel -- Criticism and interpretation , Winterbach, Ingrid -- Criticism and interpretation , Van Heerden, Etienne, 1954- -- Criticism and interpretation , South African fiction (English) -- History and criticism , South African fiction (English) -- 20th century -- History and criticism , African fiction (English) -- 21st century -- History and criticism , Brownlee, Russel -- Garden of the plagues , Winterbach, Ingrid -- Niggie -- English , Van Heerden, Etienne, 1954- -- Swye van Mario Salviati -- English , Historical fiction -- History and criticism , Magic realism (Literature)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2323 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015517
- Description: Both historiographical and literary practices have undergone revision in recent years in attempting to address the inheritance of nineteenth-century realism. Since the object of realist stylistics, employed in both the writing of fiction and history, is to render authorship authoritative or even invisible, the ideological import of these narratives is often such that the constructedness of the historical record and its absences are veiled. In developments beginning in the 1980s with the advent of ‘New Historicism’ and with the emergence of postmodern literary techniques, the interface of literature and history became of seminal importance, since both were now credited as being products of narrative and discourse, and hence, to varying degrees, of the literary imagination. This movement intersects interestingly with developments in postcolonial studies, since it is the voices of the marginalized and disempowered colonized peoples that are routinely co-opted and excised from nineteenth-century realist histories. These concerns are now being fully explored in the literature of the contemporary post-transitional South African moment, since authors in this country seemingly now feel freed up to look back to histories that precede the immediate traumas of apartheid. The concern, in relation to apartheid developments but also on a broader universal scale, is this: if history is viewed as perpetual emergences of modernities, then one of the great absences in the record is the historical determinants of any given epistemology. The attempt to recreate such an epistemological genealogy is thus simultaneously postcolonial, historiographical, and literary. Russel Brownlee’s Garden of the Plagues (2005), Ingrid Winterbach’s To Hell with Cronjé (2010), and Etienne van Heerden’s The Long Silence of Mario Salviati (2002) attempt to bridge this gap in the recorded sensibilities of any historical moment by representing a ‘lived experience’ of the past, and in the process imaginatively recreating the cultural, historical and psychological locations of the proponents of an emerging modernity. This study concerns itself with the ways in which these authors address the influence of realist historiography through the use of literary innovations that allow for the departure from realist stylistics. Most commonly, all three authors draw on forms of magic realism, but multiple refigurings and recombinations of notions of temporality, narrative, and characterization likewise work to defamiliarize the once stable discourse of history.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Wyrill, Beth Alexandra
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Brownlee, Russel -- Criticism and interpretation , Winterbach, Ingrid -- Criticism and interpretation , Van Heerden, Etienne, 1954- -- Criticism and interpretation , South African fiction (English) -- History and criticism , South African fiction (English) -- 20th century -- History and criticism , African fiction (English) -- 21st century -- History and criticism , Brownlee, Russel -- Garden of the plagues , Winterbach, Ingrid -- Niggie -- English , Van Heerden, Etienne, 1954- -- Swye van Mario Salviati -- English , Historical fiction -- History and criticism , Magic realism (Literature)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2323 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015517
- Description: Both historiographical and literary practices have undergone revision in recent years in attempting to address the inheritance of nineteenth-century realism. Since the object of realist stylistics, employed in both the writing of fiction and history, is to render authorship authoritative or even invisible, the ideological import of these narratives is often such that the constructedness of the historical record and its absences are veiled. In developments beginning in the 1980s with the advent of ‘New Historicism’ and with the emergence of postmodern literary techniques, the interface of literature and history became of seminal importance, since both were now credited as being products of narrative and discourse, and hence, to varying degrees, of the literary imagination. This movement intersects interestingly with developments in postcolonial studies, since it is the voices of the marginalized and disempowered colonized peoples that are routinely co-opted and excised from nineteenth-century realist histories. These concerns are now being fully explored in the literature of the contemporary post-transitional South African moment, since authors in this country seemingly now feel freed up to look back to histories that precede the immediate traumas of apartheid. The concern, in relation to apartheid developments but also on a broader universal scale, is this: if history is viewed as perpetual emergences of modernities, then one of the great absences in the record is the historical determinants of any given epistemology. The attempt to recreate such an epistemological genealogy is thus simultaneously postcolonial, historiographical, and literary. Russel Brownlee’s Garden of the Plagues (2005), Ingrid Winterbach’s To Hell with Cronjé (2010), and Etienne van Heerden’s The Long Silence of Mario Salviati (2002) attempt to bridge this gap in the recorded sensibilities of any historical moment by representing a ‘lived experience’ of the past, and in the process imaginatively recreating the cultural, historical and psychological locations of the proponents of an emerging modernity. This study concerns itself with the ways in which these authors address the influence of realist historiography through the use of literary innovations that allow for the departure from realist stylistics. Most commonly, all three authors draw on forms of magic realism, but multiple refigurings and recombinations of notions of temporality, narrative, and characterization likewise work to defamiliarize the once stable discourse of history.
- Full Text:
The involvement of TRAP1 in the mitochondrial localization of STAT3 in mammalian cells
- Authors: Kadye, Rose
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/55760 , vital:26731
- Description: STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3), an oncogene and transcription factor of genes involved in cellular differentiation, proliferation and immune function, that classically localizes in the cytosol and nucleus has also been found in the mitochondria. However, STAT3 does not have a mitochondrial transit peptide, and its mechanism for mitochondrial localization is unknown. Cytosolic Hsp90s chaperone STAT3 to the nucleus therefore we investigated the involvement of the nuclear-encoded mitochondrial Hsp90 molecular chaperone tumor necrosis receptor associated protein 1 (TRAP1) in STAT3’s mitochondrial localization. Using TRAP1 transient over-expression, STAT3 inhibitor S3I- 201 and Hsp90 inhibitor geldanamycin, we demonstrate that TRAP1 and STAT3 co-localize and co-immunoprecipitates in mammalian systems. Taken together with the observation that STAT3 potentially directly interacts with TRAP1, these data suggest that TRAP1 plays a role in the mitochondrial localization of STAT3.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Kadye, Rose
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/55760 , vital:26731
- Description: STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3), an oncogene and transcription factor of genes involved in cellular differentiation, proliferation and immune function, that classically localizes in the cytosol and nucleus has also been found in the mitochondria. However, STAT3 does not have a mitochondrial transit peptide, and its mechanism for mitochondrial localization is unknown. Cytosolic Hsp90s chaperone STAT3 to the nucleus therefore we investigated the involvement of the nuclear-encoded mitochondrial Hsp90 molecular chaperone tumor necrosis receptor associated protein 1 (TRAP1) in STAT3’s mitochondrial localization. Using TRAP1 transient over-expression, STAT3 inhibitor S3I- 201 and Hsp90 inhibitor geldanamycin, we demonstrate that TRAP1 and STAT3 co-localize and co-immunoprecipitates in mammalian systems. Taken together with the observation that STAT3 potentially directly interacts with TRAP1, these data suggest that TRAP1 plays a role in the mitochondrial localization of STAT3.
- Full Text:
The Kansanshi Cu-Au deposit, Domes region, Zambia : geology, mineralisation and alteration characteristics in the main pit
- Authors: Chinyuku, Donald Tichaona
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Kansanshi Mine -- Zambia , Copper mines and mining -- Zambia , Gold mines and mining -- Zambia , Gold -- Assaying -- Zambia , Geology -- Zambia , Mineralogy -- Zambia , Tillite
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5051 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011758 , Kansanshi Mine -- Zambia , Copper mines and mining -- Zambia , Gold mines and mining -- Zambia , Gold -- Assaying -- Zambia , Geology -- Zambia , Mineralogy -- Zambia , Tillite
- Description: The Kansanshi Cu-Au deposit located in the Domes region of the North West province of Zambia is characterised by structurally controlled high angle veins and associated alteration halos. The northwest trending Kansanshi antiform flanks the Solwezi syncline to the north and hosts the Kansanshi deposit and consists of tillites and metasedimentary rocks. Mineralisation is associated with Neoproterozoic Pan African deformation events experienced during the formation of the Lufilian fold belt; however recent findings confirm that structures in the form of reverse and normal faults and drag folds are critical controls on mineralisation within the deposit, Main pit in particular. Low angle faults occurring below the current pit are believed to have served as major fluid pathways during mineralisation. Age dating data from the Kansanshi deposit suggest that mineralisation took place between 512 and 503 Ma indicating that the event was associated with metamorphism. Two types of alteration are dominant within the Main pit (Kansanshi deposit) with the type and intensity of alteration being largely controlled by lithological units. Albite alteration occurs dominantly in phyllites and schists whereas dolomitisation is prevalent in calcareous units. Alteration is associated with mineralisation, and therefore is used as a condition for predicting vein or disseminated mineralisation. The high Au tenor at Kansanshi can be attributed to gold grains occurring in association with melonite (NiTe₂) and microfractured pyrite intergrown with chalcopyrite in sulphide and quartz dominated veins and veinlets. Analysis of gold grade distribution within the Main pit shows a clear concentration of the element along the major north-south trending structures like the 4800 and 5400 zones, possibly through supergene enrichment in the oxide-transition-sulphide zones. It is imperative that exploration for Kansanshi-type deposits will require geochemical and geophysical studies, understanding of the geology of an area to identify the three lithostratigraphic units (red beds, evaporites and reducing strata).
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- Authors: Chinyuku, Donald Tichaona
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Kansanshi Mine -- Zambia , Copper mines and mining -- Zambia , Gold mines and mining -- Zambia , Gold -- Assaying -- Zambia , Geology -- Zambia , Mineralogy -- Zambia , Tillite
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5051 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011758 , Kansanshi Mine -- Zambia , Copper mines and mining -- Zambia , Gold mines and mining -- Zambia , Gold -- Assaying -- Zambia , Geology -- Zambia , Mineralogy -- Zambia , Tillite
- Description: The Kansanshi Cu-Au deposit located in the Domes region of the North West province of Zambia is characterised by structurally controlled high angle veins and associated alteration halos. The northwest trending Kansanshi antiform flanks the Solwezi syncline to the north and hosts the Kansanshi deposit and consists of tillites and metasedimentary rocks. Mineralisation is associated with Neoproterozoic Pan African deformation events experienced during the formation of the Lufilian fold belt; however recent findings confirm that structures in the form of reverse and normal faults and drag folds are critical controls on mineralisation within the deposit, Main pit in particular. Low angle faults occurring below the current pit are believed to have served as major fluid pathways during mineralisation. Age dating data from the Kansanshi deposit suggest that mineralisation took place between 512 and 503 Ma indicating that the event was associated with metamorphism. Two types of alteration are dominant within the Main pit (Kansanshi deposit) with the type and intensity of alteration being largely controlled by lithological units. Albite alteration occurs dominantly in phyllites and schists whereas dolomitisation is prevalent in calcareous units. Alteration is associated with mineralisation, and therefore is used as a condition for predicting vein or disseminated mineralisation. The high Au tenor at Kansanshi can be attributed to gold grains occurring in association with melonite (NiTe₂) and microfractured pyrite intergrown with chalcopyrite in sulphide and quartz dominated veins and veinlets. Analysis of gold grade distribution within the Main pit shows a clear concentration of the element along the major north-south trending structures like the 4800 and 5400 zones, possibly through supergene enrichment in the oxide-transition-sulphide zones. It is imperative that exploration for Kansanshi-type deposits will require geochemical and geophysical studies, understanding of the geology of an area to identify the three lithostratigraphic units (red beds, evaporites and reducing strata).
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The large scale bioinformatics analysis of auxiliary activity family 9 enzymes
- Authors: Moses, Vuyani
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Bioinformatics -- Analysis , Cellulose -- Biodegradation , Biomass energy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4145 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1016356
- Description: Biofuels have been proposed to be a suitable replacement to the already depleting fossil fuels. The complex structures of plant biomasses present a challenge the production of biofuels due to recalcitrance. The complex cellulose structure and hydrogen bonding between repeat units of cellulose is believed to be a major contributor to the recalcitrance of cellulose. Fungal organisms come equipped with various oxidative enzymes involved in degradation of plant biomass. The exact mechanism of cellulose degradation remains elusive. The GH61 is a group of proteins which are PMOs. GH61 sequences where previously described as endoglucanases due to weak endoglucanase activity. These enzymes were later found not possess any enzyme activity of their own however they could enhance the activity of other cellulose degrading enzymes. As a result reclassification of these enzymes as AA9 has been implemented. AA9 proteins have been reported to share structural homology with the bacterial AA10 group of enzymes. Based on cleavage products that are produced when AA9 proteins interact with cellulose, AA9 proteins have been grouped into three types. To date the exact mechanism and the sequence and structural basis for differentiating between the various AA9 types remains unknown. Using various bionformatic techniques sequence and structural elements were identified for distinguishing between the AA9 types. A large dataset of sequences was obtained from the Pfam database from UNIPROT entries. Due to high divergence of AA9 sequences, a smaller dataset with the more divergent sequences removed was created. The inclusion of the reference sequences to the data set was done to observe which sequences belong to a certain type. Phylogenetic analysis was able to group AA9 proteins into three distinct groups. MSA and motif analysis revealed that the N-Terminus of these proteins is mostly responsible for type specificity. Structural analysis of AA9 PDB structures and homology models allowed the effect of physicochemical properties to be gauged structurally. The presence of 310 helices and aromatic residues the surface of AA9 sequences is an observation which still warrants further investigation.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Moses, Vuyani
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Bioinformatics -- Analysis , Cellulose -- Biodegradation , Biomass energy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4145 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1016356
- Description: Biofuels have been proposed to be a suitable replacement to the already depleting fossil fuels. The complex structures of plant biomasses present a challenge the production of biofuels due to recalcitrance. The complex cellulose structure and hydrogen bonding between repeat units of cellulose is believed to be a major contributor to the recalcitrance of cellulose. Fungal organisms come equipped with various oxidative enzymes involved in degradation of plant biomass. The exact mechanism of cellulose degradation remains elusive. The GH61 is a group of proteins which are PMOs. GH61 sequences where previously described as endoglucanases due to weak endoglucanase activity. These enzymes were later found not possess any enzyme activity of their own however they could enhance the activity of other cellulose degrading enzymes. As a result reclassification of these enzymes as AA9 has been implemented. AA9 proteins have been reported to share structural homology with the bacterial AA10 group of enzymes. Based on cleavage products that are produced when AA9 proteins interact with cellulose, AA9 proteins have been grouped into three types. To date the exact mechanism and the sequence and structural basis for differentiating between the various AA9 types remains unknown. Using various bionformatic techniques sequence and structural elements were identified for distinguishing between the AA9 types. A large dataset of sequences was obtained from the Pfam database from UNIPROT entries. Due to high divergence of AA9 sequences, a smaller dataset with the more divergent sequences removed was created. The inclusion of the reference sequences to the data set was done to observe which sequences belong to a certain type. Phylogenetic analysis was able to group AA9 proteins into three distinct groups. MSA and motif analysis revealed that the N-Terminus of these proteins is mostly responsible for type specificity. Structural analysis of AA9 PDB structures and homology models allowed the effect of physicochemical properties to be gauged structurally. The presence of 310 helices and aromatic residues the surface of AA9 sequences is an observation which still warrants further investigation.
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The leadership competencies subordinates value : an exploratory study across gender and national culture
- Authors: Gondongwe, Sharon
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Leadership , Organizational behavior , Organizational behavior -- Cross-cultural studies , Organizational behavior -- Sex differences
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1203 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015673
- Description: The effectiveness of leadership is largely dependent on whether the leadership competencies exhibited by leaders are congruent with the value system endorsed by subordinates. One of the ways in which leaders can influence subordinates is by understanding the leadership competencies valued by subordinates. Gender and national culture are two of the many factors that have an influence on the leadership competencies valued by subordinates. A large amount of research has been conducted to determine if, indeed, gender and national culture influence the leadership competencies subordinates' value. However, most of this research has been conducted in Europe and North America, places in which national cultures differ significantly from those prevailing in African countries. This study, from a South African and Zimbabwean perspective, attempted to ascertain if gender and national culture influence the leadership competencies they value in their leaders. Existing studies have indicated that gender and national culture do not influence the leadership competencies valued in a leader. The findings of this study are in accordance with previous research and agree that gender and national culture do not influence the leadership competencies valued in a leader. The results of this study indicated that male and female subordinates value similar leadership competencies. With respect to national culture, both South African and Zimbabwean subordinates value similar leadership competencies. Based on the findings of this study, regardless of gender and national culture, all subordinates value a leader who is loyal, visionary, openly embodies integrity, and is a leader who empowers subordinates.
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- Authors: Gondongwe, Sharon
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Leadership , Organizational behavior , Organizational behavior -- Cross-cultural studies , Organizational behavior -- Sex differences
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1203 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015673
- Description: The effectiveness of leadership is largely dependent on whether the leadership competencies exhibited by leaders are congruent with the value system endorsed by subordinates. One of the ways in which leaders can influence subordinates is by understanding the leadership competencies valued by subordinates. Gender and national culture are two of the many factors that have an influence on the leadership competencies valued by subordinates. A large amount of research has been conducted to determine if, indeed, gender and national culture influence the leadership competencies subordinates' value. However, most of this research has been conducted in Europe and North America, places in which national cultures differ significantly from those prevailing in African countries. This study, from a South African and Zimbabwean perspective, attempted to ascertain if gender and national culture influence the leadership competencies they value in their leaders. Existing studies have indicated that gender and national culture do not influence the leadership competencies valued in a leader. The findings of this study are in accordance with previous research and agree that gender and national culture do not influence the leadership competencies valued in a leader. The results of this study indicated that male and female subordinates value similar leadership competencies. With respect to national culture, both South African and Zimbabwean subordinates value similar leadership competencies. Based on the findings of this study, regardless of gender and national culture, all subordinates value a leader who is loyal, visionary, openly embodies integrity, and is a leader who empowers subordinates.
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The lived experiences of HIV-positive women in poverty
- Msengana, Sweetlener Thobeka
- Authors: Msengana, Sweetlener Thobeka
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: HIV-positive women -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , HIV infections -- Psychological aspects -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , HIV infections -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Poor -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Poverty -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Poverty -- Psychological aspects -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Stigma (Social psychology) -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3240 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013269
- Description: The focus of this study was on the experiences of a small sample of local women who are HIVpositive and are living in poverty. The researcher was interested in exploring the psychological and social experiences of these women using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. This research aimed at giving these women a voice to express their first-hand, personal accounts of living with HIV in poverty. Data was analysed for meaningful units, which were interpreted inductively and hermeneutically, and categorised into super-ordinate themes. Six themes within the participants' experiences of living with HIV were determined, namely: (I) experiences of diagnosis, (2) disclosure experiences, (3) stigma, (4) ARV experiences, (5) experiences of social support and (6) poverty. This research found that after an HIV-positive diagnosis, most women experience a variety of emotional reactions. These reactions however seem to change overtime into positive acceptance of the HIV diagnosis. Most of the women in this study preferred to use partial disclosure than to fully disclose their HJV-positive status openly to families, friends and to their community. Reasons for not using full disclosure included fear of discrimination and stigma, which included a fear of being rejected or being blamed for their status and a fear of losing relationships. It was also evident from the findings that most of the women had experienced stigma directly and therefore partial disclosure was used as a coping mechanism to protect the self from further harm. It was also revealed that stigma not only has a negative impact on disclosure but also on social support and ARV experiences. Because ofHIV-related stigma, lack of social support was a struggle that almost all the women in this study had experienced. Lack of understandings about their medication also had a negative impact of the ARV experiences. Stigmas along with poverty are the major struggles that HIV -positive women have to deal with in their day to day living. The findings of this study reveal a need for further research in this experiential area as well as campaigns and education around issues such as stigma, medication, and emotional difficulties associated with HIV.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Msengana, Sweetlener Thobeka
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: HIV-positive women -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , HIV infections -- Psychological aspects -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , HIV infections -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Poor -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Poverty -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Poverty -- Psychological aspects -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Stigma (Social psychology) -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3240 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013269
- Description: The focus of this study was on the experiences of a small sample of local women who are HIVpositive and are living in poverty. The researcher was interested in exploring the psychological and social experiences of these women using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. This research aimed at giving these women a voice to express their first-hand, personal accounts of living with HIV in poverty. Data was analysed for meaningful units, which were interpreted inductively and hermeneutically, and categorised into super-ordinate themes. Six themes within the participants' experiences of living with HIV were determined, namely: (I) experiences of diagnosis, (2) disclosure experiences, (3) stigma, (4) ARV experiences, (5) experiences of social support and (6) poverty. This research found that after an HIV-positive diagnosis, most women experience a variety of emotional reactions. These reactions however seem to change overtime into positive acceptance of the HIV diagnosis. Most of the women in this study preferred to use partial disclosure than to fully disclose their HJV-positive status openly to families, friends and to their community. Reasons for not using full disclosure included fear of discrimination and stigma, which included a fear of being rejected or being blamed for their status and a fear of losing relationships. It was also evident from the findings that most of the women had experienced stigma directly and therefore partial disclosure was used as a coping mechanism to protect the self from further harm. It was also revealed that stigma not only has a negative impact on disclosure but also on social support and ARV experiences. Because ofHIV-related stigma, lack of social support was a struggle that almost all the women in this study had experienced. Lack of understandings about their medication also had a negative impact of the ARV experiences. Stigmas along with poverty are the major struggles that HIV -positive women have to deal with in their day to day living. The findings of this study reveal a need for further research in this experiential area as well as campaigns and education around issues such as stigma, medication, and emotional difficulties associated with HIV.
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The media, Equal Education and school learners : an investigation of the possibility of 'political listening' in the South African education crisis
- Mufamadi, Azwihangwisi Eugene
- Authors: Mufamadi, Azwihangwisi Eugene
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Equal Education (Nonprofit organisation) Journalism, Educational -- South Africa Educational equalization -- South Africa Journalism -- Political aspects -- South Africa Education -- Citizen participation Educational change -- South Africa Qualitative research
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3524 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011874
- Description: This study sets out to investigate democratic participation in South Africa and the role that media play and can potentially play within this context. It considers a social movement, as one way in which citizens can organise themselves and make their voices heard to improve their chances of making a meaningful contribution to democracy. It employs Susan Bickford's theory of 'political listening', which offers a potential solution to the lack of political representativeness and inclusiveness, by focusing on the way citizens relate to each other through speaking, listening and dialogue. This study examines whether the interaction between learners and the social movement Equal Education could be considered 'political listening', and the current and possible role of the media within this context of participation. The study also attempts to develop and make a contribution to the language of description for the theory of political listening in order to map it onto the data. Using evidence or data gathered through observation of Equal Education's youth group meetings with learners and in-depth interviews with learners, youth group facilitators, Equal Education staff members and journalists, this study shows how the interaction amongst learners and between Equal Education and learners could be considered political listening and how the social movement works as a democratic project which offers learners an opportunity to exercise their citizenship. Furthermore, it also details the current role of the media and possible role of the media as perceived by Equal Education, learners and by journalists who report on Equal Education's activities. The study does not make conclusive claims about whether 'political listening' occurs between Equal Education and learners and the media because the study is exploratory in nature and involves a lot of trial and error when it comes to applying the theory of political listening to interview and textual data, which is a communication context that the theory is only beginning to chart.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mufamadi, Azwihangwisi Eugene
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Equal Education (Nonprofit organisation) Journalism, Educational -- South Africa Educational equalization -- South Africa Journalism -- Political aspects -- South Africa Education -- Citizen participation Educational change -- South Africa Qualitative research
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3524 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011874
- Description: This study sets out to investigate democratic participation in South Africa and the role that media play and can potentially play within this context. It considers a social movement, as one way in which citizens can organise themselves and make their voices heard to improve their chances of making a meaningful contribution to democracy. It employs Susan Bickford's theory of 'political listening', which offers a potential solution to the lack of political representativeness and inclusiveness, by focusing on the way citizens relate to each other through speaking, listening and dialogue. This study examines whether the interaction between learners and the social movement Equal Education could be considered 'political listening', and the current and possible role of the media within this context of participation. The study also attempts to develop and make a contribution to the language of description for the theory of political listening in order to map it onto the data. Using evidence or data gathered through observation of Equal Education's youth group meetings with learners and in-depth interviews with learners, youth group facilitators, Equal Education staff members and journalists, this study shows how the interaction amongst learners and between Equal Education and learners could be considered political listening and how the social movement works as a democratic project which offers learners an opportunity to exercise their citizenship. Furthermore, it also details the current role of the media and possible role of the media as perceived by Equal Education, learners and by journalists who report on Equal Education's activities. The study does not make conclusive claims about whether 'political listening' occurs between Equal Education and learners and the media because the study is exploratory in nature and involves a lot of trial and error when it comes to applying the theory of political listening to interview and textual data, which is a communication context that the theory is only beginning to chart.
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The natural history of the humpback dolphin, Sousa chinensis, in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa : age, growth and reproduction
- Authors: Nolte, Zianca
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Sousa -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Dolphins -- Behavior -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Dolphins -- Age determination -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Dolphins -- Development -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Dolphins -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal -- Reproduction , Dolphins -- Physiology -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5878 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013178
- Description: Globally, inshore cetaceans are being threatened by a number of anthropogenic activities. The Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, Sousa chinensis, is currently listed as ‘near threatened’ by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In order to be able to advise on management and conservation strategies, knowledge on the life history of the species is required. To date very little is known about the biology of humpback dolphins. The aim of the present study was to determine basic life history parameters, including age, growth and reproduction of humpback dolphins incidentally caught in shark nets. Age was estimated by counting the growth layer groups (GLGs) in the dentine and cementum of sectioned and stained teeth. Both a Von Bertalanffy and a Gompertz growth curve fitted well to the data, but for comparison with previous studies on Sousa, the Gompertz growth function was adopted to describe the relationship between length and age for KwaZulu-Natal populations. Length at birth was estimated between 104.33 and 111.57 cm for males and females, respectively. Asymptotic length was reached at 266.48 cm and 239.29 cm for males and females, respectively. This corresponds to the attainment of physical maturity at 24 GLGs in males and 16 GLGs in females. Asymptotic mass for males could not be determined, while for females it occurred around 160 kg. The maximum age estimates and recorded lengths were 24 GLGs and 279 cm for males and 17.7 GLGs and 249 cm for females. Differences in length-at-age and mass-at-age for S. chinensis suggest sexual dimorphism. The attainment of sexual maturity in males occurred between 9 and 10 GLGs, corresponding to 230 cm total body length and 140 kg. The maximum combined testis mass of mature males comprised 0.42% of total body mass, and a roving male mating system was proposed. In females, sexual maturity occurred around 7.6 GLG, between 220 and 222 cm and 104 - 140 kg. The ovulation rate is estimated at 0.2 ovulations per annum, suggesting a calving interval of five years. It is evident from the results obtained in the present study that geographical differences exist in the life history parameters of S. chinensis. As a result, regional conservation and management strategies are imperative. Results from this study can therefore assist in assessing the status of existing population structures in the KwaZulu-Natal coastal waters, and the implementation of regional mitigation strategies to ensure the continued survival of humpback dolphins in the region.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Nolte, Zianca
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Sousa -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Dolphins -- Behavior -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Dolphins -- Age determination -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Dolphins -- Development -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Dolphins -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal -- Reproduction , Dolphins -- Physiology -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5878 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013178
- Description: Globally, inshore cetaceans are being threatened by a number of anthropogenic activities. The Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, Sousa chinensis, is currently listed as ‘near threatened’ by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In order to be able to advise on management and conservation strategies, knowledge on the life history of the species is required. To date very little is known about the biology of humpback dolphins. The aim of the present study was to determine basic life history parameters, including age, growth and reproduction of humpback dolphins incidentally caught in shark nets. Age was estimated by counting the growth layer groups (GLGs) in the dentine and cementum of sectioned and stained teeth. Both a Von Bertalanffy and a Gompertz growth curve fitted well to the data, but for comparison with previous studies on Sousa, the Gompertz growth function was adopted to describe the relationship between length and age for KwaZulu-Natal populations. Length at birth was estimated between 104.33 and 111.57 cm for males and females, respectively. Asymptotic length was reached at 266.48 cm and 239.29 cm for males and females, respectively. This corresponds to the attainment of physical maturity at 24 GLGs in males and 16 GLGs in females. Asymptotic mass for males could not be determined, while for females it occurred around 160 kg. The maximum age estimates and recorded lengths were 24 GLGs and 279 cm for males and 17.7 GLGs and 249 cm for females. Differences in length-at-age and mass-at-age for S. chinensis suggest sexual dimorphism. The attainment of sexual maturity in males occurred between 9 and 10 GLGs, corresponding to 230 cm total body length and 140 kg. The maximum combined testis mass of mature males comprised 0.42% of total body mass, and a roving male mating system was proposed. In females, sexual maturity occurred around 7.6 GLG, between 220 and 222 cm and 104 - 140 kg. The ovulation rate is estimated at 0.2 ovulations per annum, suggesting a calving interval of five years. It is evident from the results obtained in the present study that geographical differences exist in the life history parameters of S. chinensis. As a result, regional conservation and management strategies are imperative. Results from this study can therefore assist in assessing the status of existing population structures in the KwaZulu-Natal coastal waters, and the implementation of regional mitigation strategies to ensure the continued survival of humpback dolphins in the region.
- Full Text: