Formulation development, manufacture and evaluation of a lamivudine-zidovudine nano co-crystal thermo-responsive suspension
- Authors: Witika, Bwalya Angel
- Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/140546 , vital:37897 , http://dx.doi.org/10.21504/10962/140546
- Description: Expected release date-April 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Witika, Bwalya Angel
- Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/140546 , vital:37897 , http://dx.doi.org/10.21504/10962/140546
- Description: Expected release date-April 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Fraud tolerance level as a predictor of insurance claims behavior: A South African Study
- Authors: Chetty,Moonsamy Perumal
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Insurance fraud Fraud -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD(Criminology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17964 , vital:41999
- Description: The insurance sector as a foundation which other sectors depend on is a critical cornerstone of a well-functioning society. An insurer’s strength exists in its ability to foresee, assess, price and mitigate current and emerging risks. Despite the value that insurance brings to maintaining and sustaining society there is large scale abuse of the various insurance products on offer. The abuse is predominately committed through the submitting of either false or inflated claims which negatively impacts the entire insurance value chain from underwriting to claims processes. Insurance claims fraud is classified as opportunistic or organised. Opportunistic claims fraud consists of claims inflation or claims padding for a genuine loss while organised claims fraud involves the lodging a claim for a loss that did not occur and usually involves staging of incidents. Opportunistic fraud is the most common type of fraud experienced by insurers and presents the greatest challenge to the insurance industry. While there are challenges in accurately determining the true costs of insurance fraud; there is consensus that the costs are significant. In response to incidents of insurance fraud insurers have implemented various measures to curb fraud; these measures range from the establishment of insurance crime bureaus, creation of internal investigation teams and the employment of technology as early warning systems. These measures although useful have not been able to be very effective as insurance fraud still continues to rise. Studies indicate that consumer attitudes towards insurance fraud play an important role which must be considered when developing fraud prevention strategies. Tolerance has been identified as an important factor which influence consumer v attitudes towards insurance fraud. Previous studies found that factors such as high insurance premiums, excess payments, consumer relationship with insurers, consumer’s previous claims experience and societal acceptability of insurance fraud played a role in shaping a consumer’s tolerance level. This study was undertaken to explore the role that policyholder tolerance has on predicting claims behaviour in the South African insurance market. The study also aimed at identifying reasons which motivated policyholder’s to commit and deter them from committing insurance fraud. A further aim was to identify the common types of insurance fraud and to measure policyholders’ perceptions towards their primary insurer, the insurance industry, brokers and insurance assessors. The fraud triangle and the theory of planned behaviour were used as theories in support of this study. Primary data for this study was gather through an online self-administered questionnaire and the sample population consisted of policyholders within the shortterm insurance market. A total of 560 completed valid questionnaires were received and analysed. The study shows that respondents have low levels of tolerance for insurance fraud. Results indicated that financial pressure, greed, financial benefit and opportunity were reasons why policyholders’ committed insurance fraud in SA. Factors which deterred policyholders from committing insurance fraud included consumer integrity and honesty, fear of being caught and prosecuted and fairness and value for money. vi Respondents indicated that inflated claims were more prevalent than false claims and it was easier to submit an inflated claim than a false claim. Regarding perceptions the study shows that respondents have a more positive view of their own primary insurer than the insurance industry in general, brokers and insurance assessors. Lastly, the research identified five factors that significantly explain levels of short-term insurance fraud tolerance, namely 'Unfairness/injustice', “Have policyholders’ best interest at heart”, 'Industry relations', ‘Opportunity’ and 'Morality'. The findings of this study could be useful to insurers when developing consumer education and awareness programmes. There exists opportunities for future research regarding several aspects of insurance fraud which was not dealt with in this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Chetty,Moonsamy Perumal
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Insurance fraud Fraud -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD(Criminology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17964 , vital:41999
- Description: The insurance sector as a foundation which other sectors depend on is a critical cornerstone of a well-functioning society. An insurer’s strength exists in its ability to foresee, assess, price and mitigate current and emerging risks. Despite the value that insurance brings to maintaining and sustaining society there is large scale abuse of the various insurance products on offer. The abuse is predominately committed through the submitting of either false or inflated claims which negatively impacts the entire insurance value chain from underwriting to claims processes. Insurance claims fraud is classified as opportunistic or organised. Opportunistic claims fraud consists of claims inflation or claims padding for a genuine loss while organised claims fraud involves the lodging a claim for a loss that did not occur and usually involves staging of incidents. Opportunistic fraud is the most common type of fraud experienced by insurers and presents the greatest challenge to the insurance industry. While there are challenges in accurately determining the true costs of insurance fraud; there is consensus that the costs are significant. In response to incidents of insurance fraud insurers have implemented various measures to curb fraud; these measures range from the establishment of insurance crime bureaus, creation of internal investigation teams and the employment of technology as early warning systems. These measures although useful have not been able to be very effective as insurance fraud still continues to rise. Studies indicate that consumer attitudes towards insurance fraud play an important role which must be considered when developing fraud prevention strategies. Tolerance has been identified as an important factor which influence consumer v attitudes towards insurance fraud. Previous studies found that factors such as high insurance premiums, excess payments, consumer relationship with insurers, consumer’s previous claims experience and societal acceptability of insurance fraud played a role in shaping a consumer’s tolerance level. This study was undertaken to explore the role that policyholder tolerance has on predicting claims behaviour in the South African insurance market. The study also aimed at identifying reasons which motivated policyholder’s to commit and deter them from committing insurance fraud. A further aim was to identify the common types of insurance fraud and to measure policyholders’ perceptions towards their primary insurer, the insurance industry, brokers and insurance assessors. The fraud triangle and the theory of planned behaviour were used as theories in support of this study. Primary data for this study was gather through an online self-administered questionnaire and the sample population consisted of policyholders within the shortterm insurance market. A total of 560 completed valid questionnaires were received and analysed. The study shows that respondents have low levels of tolerance for insurance fraud. Results indicated that financial pressure, greed, financial benefit and opportunity were reasons why policyholders’ committed insurance fraud in SA. Factors which deterred policyholders from committing insurance fraud included consumer integrity and honesty, fear of being caught and prosecuted and fairness and value for money. vi Respondents indicated that inflated claims were more prevalent than false claims and it was easier to submit an inflated claim than a false claim. Regarding perceptions the study shows that respondents have a more positive view of their own primary insurer than the insurance industry in general, brokers and insurance assessors. Lastly, the research identified five factors that significantly explain levels of short-term insurance fraud tolerance, namely 'Unfairness/injustice', “Have policyholders’ best interest at heart”, 'Industry relations', ‘Opportunity’ and 'Morality'. The findings of this study could be useful to insurers when developing consumer education and awareness programmes. There exists opportunities for future research regarding several aspects of insurance fraud which was not dealt with in this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Friction stir welding of thin section aluminium extrusions for marine applications
- Authors: Chikamhi, Prince Philhelene
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Friction welding , Welding
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEng
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46030 , vital:39410
- Description: This dissertation focuses on the development of a welding extrusion feeder, tool and schedule for implementation of defect-free butt welds on long, thin and complex-shape aluminium extrusions, as used by the marine industry. Viability of employing Friction Stir Welding (FSW) as a welding technology for joining long extrusions with a short-bed and bolt-on feeder to facilitate onsite fabrication of flat structures in shipbuilding is evaluated. An FSW feeder, tool and process control unit were designed, developed and integrated with an existing FSW platform, to facilitate implementation of continuous welds. Weld data acquired from literature review, experimentation, mechanical testing and metallographic analysis was used in design considerations for the development of a feeder. Subsequently, butt welds were implemented successfully on long 3 mm AA6082-T6 extrusions, during continuous FSW on the feeder. A specially adapted tool, the Floating Bobbin Tool, used with the feeder to implement butt welds was designed and developed from literature tool heuristics and weld trials. The tool eliminated the need for a backing bar and enabled tool-workpiece auto-alignment, beneficial with thin-section extrusions. Effect of rotational and weld speed and tool geometry of two tools (Tool 1 and 2), on weld forces and quality was tested, to establish optimum parameters for attaining high quality welds. Tool geometry had a profound effect on weld forces and integrity; Tool 2 welds exhibited superior and consistent weld quality, meeting maritime rules and standards and proving the adequacy of using FSW for joining long thin extrusions. Feeder process control, automation and optimisation, was implemented by process control unit devices, in addition to force and position control provided by the existing FSW platform. Owing to process control, automation and optimisation during continuous FSW of thin long and complex-shape aluminium extrusions, welding setup times and process variations are minimised and chances for defect-free welds increased, boosting production and cost savings in large panel fabrication in shipbuilding.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Chikamhi, Prince Philhelene
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Friction welding , Welding
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEng
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46030 , vital:39410
- Description: This dissertation focuses on the development of a welding extrusion feeder, tool and schedule for implementation of defect-free butt welds on long, thin and complex-shape aluminium extrusions, as used by the marine industry. Viability of employing Friction Stir Welding (FSW) as a welding technology for joining long extrusions with a short-bed and bolt-on feeder to facilitate onsite fabrication of flat structures in shipbuilding is evaluated. An FSW feeder, tool and process control unit were designed, developed and integrated with an existing FSW platform, to facilitate implementation of continuous welds. Weld data acquired from literature review, experimentation, mechanical testing and metallographic analysis was used in design considerations for the development of a feeder. Subsequently, butt welds were implemented successfully on long 3 mm AA6082-T6 extrusions, during continuous FSW on the feeder. A specially adapted tool, the Floating Bobbin Tool, used with the feeder to implement butt welds was designed and developed from literature tool heuristics and weld trials. The tool eliminated the need for a backing bar and enabled tool-workpiece auto-alignment, beneficial with thin-section extrusions. Effect of rotational and weld speed and tool geometry of two tools (Tool 1 and 2), on weld forces and quality was tested, to establish optimum parameters for attaining high quality welds. Tool geometry had a profound effect on weld forces and integrity; Tool 2 welds exhibited superior and consistent weld quality, meeting maritime rules and standards and proving the adequacy of using FSW for joining long thin extrusions. Feeder process control, automation and optimisation, was implemented by process control unit devices, in addition to force and position control provided by the existing FSW platform. Owing to process control, automation and optimisation during continuous FSW of thin long and complex-shape aluminium extrusions, welding setup times and process variations are minimised and chances for defect-free welds increased, boosting production and cost savings in large panel fabrication in shipbuilding.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
From housing to sustainable human settlements : a case study of Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
- Authors: Mofokeng, Mosa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Human settlements -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Housing policy -- South Africa -- Buffalo City
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSBE
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49518 , vital:41731
- Description: This study aimed to evaluate whether there has been any shift from housing to sustainable human settlements in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM). The objective of the study was to establish the perceived value of inclusive development by relevant stakeholders in the transformation of housing to integrated and sustainable human settlements; assess the effectiveness of available systems in transforming housing to integrated and sustainable human settlements and to establish the level of effectiveness of the current human settlements development model in transforming housing to integrated and sustainable human settlement outcomes. Following a case study approach, the study employed a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches which is also known as the mixed-method research design. Purposive sampling technique was used to arrive at a sample of 16 relevant officials, whereas the snow-ball convenience sampling technique was used to select a sample of 12 housing beneficiaries in Ndevana, Potsdam and Mzamomhle housing developments. A survey questionnaire was used to elicit data from the officials In-depth interviews were used to gather data from BCMM officials and Focus Group Discussions were used to extract data from twelve housing beneficiaries from (four from Ndevana, four from Potsdam and four from Mzamomhle) housing projects in the BCMM. The findings from this study show that although several people have been provided with houses in Ndevana, Mzamomhle and Potsdam, the settlements lack the requisite economic and social infrastructure that creates integrated and liveable settlements. Furthermore, the type, quality, and layout of houses delivered by the government falls short of the concept of sustainable development. The available systems for transforming housing to integrated sustainable human settlements have been rendered ineffective by the shortage of proper land for land-use planning and spatial development, lack of organizational capacity, lack of accountability, unaffordability of sustainable housing by the poor and insufficiency of the current housing quantum subsidy to deliver sustainable human settlements. The study further established that the integrated sustainable human settlements programs do not incorporate the community needs which have greatly affected sustainable housing delivery in BCMM. The placement of the poor households in the urban peripheries is phenomenal and hence unemployment, poverty and civil unrest have taken a toll in Ndevana, Potsdam, and Mzamomhle. The study recommends a capacity building and competency-based model to BCMM and Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlements, Integration of Government departments and Stakeholder Engagement, the establishment of monitoring and evaluation systems, alignment of provincial and local government budget cycles.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Mofokeng, Mosa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Human settlements -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Housing policy -- South Africa -- Buffalo City
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSBE
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49518 , vital:41731
- Description: This study aimed to evaluate whether there has been any shift from housing to sustainable human settlements in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM). The objective of the study was to establish the perceived value of inclusive development by relevant stakeholders in the transformation of housing to integrated and sustainable human settlements; assess the effectiveness of available systems in transforming housing to integrated and sustainable human settlements and to establish the level of effectiveness of the current human settlements development model in transforming housing to integrated and sustainable human settlement outcomes. Following a case study approach, the study employed a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches which is also known as the mixed-method research design. Purposive sampling technique was used to arrive at a sample of 16 relevant officials, whereas the snow-ball convenience sampling technique was used to select a sample of 12 housing beneficiaries in Ndevana, Potsdam and Mzamomhle housing developments. A survey questionnaire was used to elicit data from the officials In-depth interviews were used to gather data from BCMM officials and Focus Group Discussions were used to extract data from twelve housing beneficiaries from (four from Ndevana, four from Potsdam and four from Mzamomhle) housing projects in the BCMM. The findings from this study show that although several people have been provided with houses in Ndevana, Mzamomhle and Potsdam, the settlements lack the requisite economic and social infrastructure that creates integrated and liveable settlements. Furthermore, the type, quality, and layout of houses delivered by the government falls short of the concept of sustainable development. The available systems for transforming housing to integrated sustainable human settlements have been rendered ineffective by the shortage of proper land for land-use planning and spatial development, lack of organizational capacity, lack of accountability, unaffordability of sustainable housing by the poor and insufficiency of the current housing quantum subsidy to deliver sustainable human settlements. The study further established that the integrated sustainable human settlements programs do not incorporate the community needs which have greatly affected sustainable housing delivery in BCMM. The placement of the poor households in the urban peripheries is phenomenal and hence unemployment, poverty and civil unrest have taken a toll in Ndevana, Potsdam, and Mzamomhle. The study recommends a capacity building and competency-based model to BCMM and Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlements, Integration of Government departments and Stakeholder Engagement, the establishment of monitoring and evaluation systems, alignment of provincial and local government budget cycles.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Functional conversion of commercial buildings in South Africa
- Authors: Kuliti, Gerald
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Commercial buildings -- South Africa , Buildings -- Conservation and restoration Buildings -- Maintenance and repair
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46075 , vital:39485
- Description: In the major cities of South Africa, there is a prevalence of originally built commercial buildings that are being converted into residential apartments or other industrial economic spaces. These secondary users refurbish the original structures to accommodate their new specialised requirements and this mostly happens after the buildings have been lying vacant for a long period of time. The study by Y.Long et al. (2011) narrates the changes in land use, identification of driving forces and the mapping of areas that are experiencing intense land use transformation. Properties that were developed for a focused particular use, were found to have been redeveloped within a few years for other functions. Subjects that were included in the sample were selected to meet specific criteria. The stakeholders had to meet the following criteria to be included in the sample: They were registered professionals in the built environment such as: Architecture, Engineering (civil, electrical, mechanical and structural), Quantity Surveying, Town Planning, Construction Management and Estate management The method that was used to collect data was self-completion questionnaire that was given out by electronic mail. After the data was collected, it was organised and analysed. For the analysis of closed-ended questions, an online programme called QuestionPro, was used, data was analysed by using descriptive statistics and frequency tables were drawn and from these, the data was presented in pie diagrams and bar graphs. While it is necessary to expand the horizons of the ever-growing global population, it is imperative that all stakeholders in the building industry work together to find sustainable solutions to residential and industrial development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Kuliti, Gerald
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Commercial buildings -- South Africa , Buildings -- Conservation and restoration Buildings -- Maintenance and repair
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46075 , vital:39485
- Description: In the major cities of South Africa, there is a prevalence of originally built commercial buildings that are being converted into residential apartments or other industrial economic spaces. These secondary users refurbish the original structures to accommodate their new specialised requirements and this mostly happens after the buildings have been lying vacant for a long period of time. The study by Y.Long et al. (2011) narrates the changes in land use, identification of driving forces and the mapping of areas that are experiencing intense land use transformation. Properties that were developed for a focused particular use, were found to have been redeveloped within a few years for other functions. Subjects that were included in the sample were selected to meet specific criteria. The stakeholders had to meet the following criteria to be included in the sample: They were registered professionals in the built environment such as: Architecture, Engineering (civil, electrical, mechanical and structural), Quantity Surveying, Town Planning, Construction Management and Estate management The method that was used to collect data was self-completion questionnaire that was given out by electronic mail. After the data was collected, it was organised and analysed. For the analysis of closed-ended questions, an online programme called QuestionPro, was used, data was analysed by using descriptive statistics and frequency tables were drawn and from these, the data was presented in pie diagrams and bar graphs. While it is necessary to expand the horizons of the ever-growing global population, it is imperative that all stakeholders in the building industry work together to find sustainable solutions to residential and industrial development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Gender, rock and the electrical guitar : A post -structural reading
- Fourie, Jeandre, Potgieter, Zelda
- Authors: Fourie, Jeandre , Potgieter, Zelda
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Rock Music -- History -- Criticism , Gender identity in Music
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MMus
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46880 , vital:39721
- Description: Rock ‘n’ roll and, by extension, the electric guitar, is widely considered as a “gendered field of practice” (Leonard 2015: 184), governed by the hyper-masculine ideal (Hartman and Schmid 2014: 60). Both function as extensions of masculinity, representing an ideological binary of male superiority and female inferiority. This manifests concretely in the perceived disparity regarding gender representation amongst rock musicians, particularly guitarists, and often leads to somewhat one-dimensional views about the misogyny associated with the genre (Gracyk 2001: 182-183). However, by applying a post-structural reading and deconstructing the binary according to a theoretical framework inspired by the works of Julia Kristeva -- presented in a Hegelian dialectical model, with additional insight drawn from the works of Jacques Lacan and Sigmund Freud- it becomes apparent that the male claim to, and overrepresentation within,the genre is a multifaceted issue, born of a combination of natural and social constructionist factors.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Fourie, Jeandre , Potgieter, Zelda
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Rock Music -- History -- Criticism , Gender identity in Music
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MMus
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46880 , vital:39721
- Description: Rock ‘n’ roll and, by extension, the electric guitar, is widely considered as a “gendered field of practice” (Leonard 2015: 184), governed by the hyper-masculine ideal (Hartman and Schmid 2014: 60). Both function as extensions of masculinity, representing an ideological binary of male superiority and female inferiority. This manifests concretely in the perceived disparity regarding gender representation amongst rock musicians, particularly guitarists, and often leads to somewhat one-dimensional views about the misogyny associated with the genre (Gracyk 2001: 182-183). However, by applying a post-structural reading and deconstructing the binary according to a theoretical framework inspired by the works of Julia Kristeva -- presented in a Hegelian dialectical model, with additional insight drawn from the works of Jacques Lacan and Sigmund Freud- it becomes apparent that the male claim to, and overrepresentation within,the genre is a multifaceted issue, born of a combination of natural and social constructionist factors.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Generation of a virtual library of terpenes using graph theory, and its application in exploration of the mechanisms of terpene biosynthesis
- Authors: Dendera, Washington
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Terpenes , Plants -- Metabolism , Computational biology , Bioinformatics , Organic compounds -- Synthesis , Monoterpenes , Molecular biology -- Computer simulation
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/123453 , vital:35439
- Description: Terpenes form a large group of organic compounds which have proven to be of use to many living organisms being used by plants for metabolism (Pichersky and Gershenzon, 1934; McGarvey and Croteau, 1995; Gershenzon and Dudareva, 2007), defence or as a means to attract pollinators and also used by humans in medical, pharmaceutical and food industry (Bicas, Dionísio and Pastore, 2009; Marmulla and Harder, 2014; Kandi et al., 2015). Following on literature methods to generate chemical libraries using graph theoretic techniques, complete libraries of all possible terpene isomers have been constructed with the goal of construction of derivative libraries of possible carbocation intermediates which are important in the elucidation of mechanisms in the biosynthesis of terpenes. Virtual library generation of monoterpenes was first achieved by generating graphs of order 7, 8, 9 and 10 using the Nauty and Traces suite. These were screened and processed with a set of collated Python scripts written to recognize the graphs in text format and translate them to molecules, minimizing through Tinker whilst discarding graphs that violate chemistry laws. As a result of the computational time required only order 7 and order 10 graphs were processed. Out of the 873 graphs generated from order seven, 353 were converted to molecules and from the 11,7 million produced from order 10 half were processed resulting in the production of 442928 compounds (repeats included). For screening, 55 366 compounds were docked in the active site of limonene synthase; of these 2355 ligands had a good Vina docking score with a binding energy of between -7.0 and -7.4 kcal.mol-1. When these best docked molecules were overlaid in the active site a map of possible ligand positions within the active site of limonene synthase was traced out.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Dendera, Washington
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Terpenes , Plants -- Metabolism , Computational biology , Bioinformatics , Organic compounds -- Synthesis , Monoterpenes , Molecular biology -- Computer simulation
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/123453 , vital:35439
- Description: Terpenes form a large group of organic compounds which have proven to be of use to many living organisms being used by plants for metabolism (Pichersky and Gershenzon, 1934; McGarvey and Croteau, 1995; Gershenzon and Dudareva, 2007), defence or as a means to attract pollinators and also used by humans in medical, pharmaceutical and food industry (Bicas, Dionísio and Pastore, 2009; Marmulla and Harder, 2014; Kandi et al., 2015). Following on literature methods to generate chemical libraries using graph theoretic techniques, complete libraries of all possible terpene isomers have been constructed with the goal of construction of derivative libraries of possible carbocation intermediates which are important in the elucidation of mechanisms in the biosynthesis of terpenes. Virtual library generation of monoterpenes was first achieved by generating graphs of order 7, 8, 9 and 10 using the Nauty and Traces suite. These were screened and processed with a set of collated Python scripts written to recognize the graphs in text format and translate them to molecules, minimizing through Tinker whilst discarding graphs that violate chemistry laws. As a result of the computational time required only order 7 and order 10 graphs were processed. Out of the 873 graphs generated from order seven, 353 were converted to molecules and from the 11,7 million produced from order 10 half were processed resulting in the production of 442928 compounds (repeats included). For screening, 55 366 compounds were docked in the active site of limonene synthase; of these 2355 ligands had a good Vina docking score with a binding energy of between -7.0 and -7.4 kcal.mol-1. When these best docked molecules were overlaid in the active site a map of possible ligand positions within the active site of limonene synthase was traced out.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Genetic connectivity in sandy beach macroinfauna with contrasting life histories and zonation patterns
- Authors: Bezuidenhout, Karien
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Fishes -- Genetics , Seashore ecology -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45944 , vital:39380
- Description: Open-ocean sandy beaches are highly dynamic ecosystems that continuously respond to waves, tides and storms. These beaches support a suite of uniquely adapted fauna that exhibits a high degree of endemism. This diversity, which also includes some economically important resource species, contributes to the great socio-economic and ecological value of sandy beach systems, which provide ecosystem services such as nutrient recycling and water purification, fish nursery habitat (surf zone), and natural buffering against storms. Despite their broad global distribution comprising ~70 % of the world’s ice-free coastline, beaches are naturally fragmented by other intertidal marine habitats and extensive coastal development. Sea-level rise is now threatening beaches, particularly along developed coasts through coastal squeeze, with an increased risk of habitat loss and exacerbated fragmentation. Such habitat loss has important implications for population and species persistence, depending on the level of connectivity among populations. While sandy beach macroinfauna tend to be highly mobile across and along shore, they also show a strong bias towards direct, or aplanktonic, development; the latter could reduce opportunities for dispersal and sustained population connectivity. However, comparatively little is known about population connectivity on sandy beaches, limiting scientifically sound management of much of the world’s coastline. This study aims to address this knowledge gap by working towards a conceptual model quantifying population connectivity, and by investigating the specific roles of life history, across-shore zonation, and geographic range as putative indicators and possibly drivers of genetic differentiation (ΦST) and connectivity (gene flow) among beach macroinvertebrate populations. The main hypotheses are that 1) species with a pelagic larval stage will display lower genetic differentiation with higher rates of gene flow among populations than species with a benthic lecithotrophic larval stage or direct development; and 2) genetic differentiation among populations will decrease along an across-shore axis, from the supratidal to the low water mark. Two opposing hypotheses were tested concerning the relationship between genetic structure and distributional range: 3a) Species with a large range (measured as distance and number of latitudes) will show less genetic differentiation than those with a narrow range, because they are more able to disperse; or 3b) more widely distributed species may occur across more phylogenetic | v breaks, and thus show higher genetic differentiation than species restricted to a smaller ranges and single biogeographic provinces. First, the extent and likely drivers of population connectivity were investigated for a suite of temperate South African macroinfauna. Very low, non-significant genetic differentiation was demonstrated for the beach clam Donax serra, thus supporting the hypothesis that pelagic larval dispersers display low/no genetic differentiation among populations (Chapter 2). Statistical power of the COI locus was, however, low in this species, due to reduced genetic variability which could be attributed to an expansion from a small source population into extant habitats. The results highlighted the need for caution when interpreting a lack of genetic differentiation as evidence for population connectivity. Nevertheless, COI sequences verified that D. serra occupying the cool and warm-temperate regions of the South African coast, constitute a single species, despite morphological and behavioural differences between inhabitants of these two bioregions. D. sordidus, a congener of D. serra, and endemic to the warm-temperate (Agulhas) bioregion of South Africa, was investigated to test two opposing hypotheses (Chapter 3): 1) this pelagic larval disperser lack genetic differentiation with high rates of gene flow across its range, or alternatively 2) these clams are genetically structured across their range due to the influence of freshwater input (measured as distance to nearest estuary), and morphodynamics of the surf zone (represented by surf-zone width). Significant global ΦST was estimated for D. sordidus, with differentiation predominantly driven by haplotype frequencies at a single study site and estimates of gene flow among most sample locations generally high. Tentative evidence suggested that natural selection driven by differences in water salinity due to estuarine runoff and surf-zone width, might be maintaining two dominant haplotypes across the range of this species. Beach clams from the Southern Hemisphere, occupying different distributional ranges, were compared to test the hypothesis that genetic structure decreases with an increase in range. This hypothesis was poorly supported by the results; opposite (yet mostly non-significant) trends demonstrated for ΦST and haplotype diversity, thus providing some support for the alternative hypothesis that more phylogeographic breaks in broad-ranging species results in higher estimates of genetic structure in these species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Bezuidenhout, Karien
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Fishes -- Genetics , Seashore ecology -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45944 , vital:39380
- Description: Open-ocean sandy beaches are highly dynamic ecosystems that continuously respond to waves, tides and storms. These beaches support a suite of uniquely adapted fauna that exhibits a high degree of endemism. This diversity, which also includes some economically important resource species, contributes to the great socio-economic and ecological value of sandy beach systems, which provide ecosystem services such as nutrient recycling and water purification, fish nursery habitat (surf zone), and natural buffering against storms. Despite their broad global distribution comprising ~70 % of the world’s ice-free coastline, beaches are naturally fragmented by other intertidal marine habitats and extensive coastal development. Sea-level rise is now threatening beaches, particularly along developed coasts through coastal squeeze, with an increased risk of habitat loss and exacerbated fragmentation. Such habitat loss has important implications for population and species persistence, depending on the level of connectivity among populations. While sandy beach macroinfauna tend to be highly mobile across and along shore, they also show a strong bias towards direct, or aplanktonic, development; the latter could reduce opportunities for dispersal and sustained population connectivity. However, comparatively little is known about population connectivity on sandy beaches, limiting scientifically sound management of much of the world’s coastline. This study aims to address this knowledge gap by working towards a conceptual model quantifying population connectivity, and by investigating the specific roles of life history, across-shore zonation, and geographic range as putative indicators and possibly drivers of genetic differentiation (ΦST) and connectivity (gene flow) among beach macroinvertebrate populations. The main hypotheses are that 1) species with a pelagic larval stage will display lower genetic differentiation with higher rates of gene flow among populations than species with a benthic lecithotrophic larval stage or direct development; and 2) genetic differentiation among populations will decrease along an across-shore axis, from the supratidal to the low water mark. Two opposing hypotheses were tested concerning the relationship between genetic structure and distributional range: 3a) Species with a large range (measured as distance and number of latitudes) will show less genetic differentiation than those with a narrow range, because they are more able to disperse; or 3b) more widely distributed species may occur across more phylogenetic | v breaks, and thus show higher genetic differentiation than species restricted to a smaller ranges and single biogeographic provinces. First, the extent and likely drivers of population connectivity were investigated for a suite of temperate South African macroinfauna. Very low, non-significant genetic differentiation was demonstrated for the beach clam Donax serra, thus supporting the hypothesis that pelagic larval dispersers display low/no genetic differentiation among populations (Chapter 2). Statistical power of the COI locus was, however, low in this species, due to reduced genetic variability which could be attributed to an expansion from a small source population into extant habitats. The results highlighted the need for caution when interpreting a lack of genetic differentiation as evidence for population connectivity. Nevertheless, COI sequences verified that D. serra occupying the cool and warm-temperate regions of the South African coast, constitute a single species, despite morphological and behavioural differences between inhabitants of these two bioregions. D. sordidus, a congener of D. serra, and endemic to the warm-temperate (Agulhas) bioregion of South Africa, was investigated to test two opposing hypotheses (Chapter 3): 1) this pelagic larval disperser lack genetic differentiation with high rates of gene flow across its range, or alternatively 2) these clams are genetically structured across their range due to the influence of freshwater input (measured as distance to nearest estuary), and morphodynamics of the surf zone (represented by surf-zone width). Significant global ΦST was estimated for D. sordidus, with differentiation predominantly driven by haplotype frequencies at a single study site and estimates of gene flow among most sample locations generally high. Tentative evidence suggested that natural selection driven by differences in water salinity due to estuarine runoff and surf-zone width, might be maintaining two dominant haplotypes across the range of this species. Beach clams from the Southern Hemisphere, occupying different distributional ranges, were compared to test the hypothesis that genetic structure decreases with an increase in range. This hypothesis was poorly supported by the results; opposite (yet mostly non-significant) trends demonstrated for ΦST and haplotype diversity, thus providing some support for the alternative hypothesis that more phylogeographic breaks in broad-ranging species results in higher estimates of genetic structure in these species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Gentrification in the Nelson Mandela Bay central business district
- Mageda, Nomthandazo Christellene
- Authors: Mageda, Nomthandazo Christellene
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Gentrification , Urban renewal-- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality Neighborhoods -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46119 , vital:39498
- Description: Gentrification is the process by which middle-class residents settle inner city neighborhood previously occupied by working-class. Gentrification has long been viewed as a consumption phenomenon, which is triggered by the urge of a certain fraction of a middle class – gentrifies – to create and maintain distinction. The research is designed as a socio-economic account to discuss the development in the NMB CBD area. In my research I examine the multiscalar forces affecting neighborhood change. This study will also examine the elements affecting and also the benefits of the gentrification process using quantitative methods. The CBD of the NMB represents certain universalities of gentrification in an old city. Today the city is no longer the regular of development but instead its progenitor. Adopting the language of “urbanization” and “cities of the future” will be considered in gearing the economic development arm. It does so by an extensive mapping of gentrification processes in Port Elizabeth. It also contains a smaller study on gentrification in Cape Town and also on an international level. The outcomes provide telling insights into gentrification as a generic process affecting not just low income areas (classical gentrification) and high income areas (super-gentrification), but also a wide-ranging spectrum of medium-income areas (ordinary gentrification). This study examines the interdependent variables of gentrification, going beyond a profitable analysis and incorporating the voice of all the actors involved in the process of gentrification, using quantitative analysis. By taking into account all perspectives, this study permits a holistic understanding of the social costs and benefits associated with gentrification. As multifaceted as gentrification is, it is becoming more pervasive in cities globally, a holistic tally of the social costs and benefits of revitalization projects becoming imperative. The study concludes with discussions of the contributions, limitations, recommendations for the NMB CBD and other cities that are considering revitalizing their urban cores and implications for future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Mageda, Nomthandazo Christellene
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Gentrification , Urban renewal-- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality Neighborhoods -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46119 , vital:39498
- Description: Gentrification is the process by which middle-class residents settle inner city neighborhood previously occupied by working-class. Gentrification has long been viewed as a consumption phenomenon, which is triggered by the urge of a certain fraction of a middle class – gentrifies – to create and maintain distinction. The research is designed as a socio-economic account to discuss the development in the NMB CBD area. In my research I examine the multiscalar forces affecting neighborhood change. This study will also examine the elements affecting and also the benefits of the gentrification process using quantitative methods. The CBD of the NMB represents certain universalities of gentrification in an old city. Today the city is no longer the regular of development but instead its progenitor. Adopting the language of “urbanization” and “cities of the future” will be considered in gearing the economic development arm. It does so by an extensive mapping of gentrification processes in Port Elizabeth. It also contains a smaller study on gentrification in Cape Town and also on an international level. The outcomes provide telling insights into gentrification as a generic process affecting not just low income areas (classical gentrification) and high income areas (super-gentrification), but also a wide-ranging spectrum of medium-income areas (ordinary gentrification). This study examines the interdependent variables of gentrification, going beyond a profitable analysis and incorporating the voice of all the actors involved in the process of gentrification, using quantitative analysis. By taking into account all perspectives, this study permits a holistic understanding of the social costs and benefits associated with gentrification. As multifaceted as gentrification is, it is becoming more pervasive in cities globally, a holistic tally of the social costs and benefits of revitalization projects becoming imperative. The study concludes with discussions of the contributions, limitations, recommendations for the NMB CBD and other cities that are considering revitalizing their urban cores and implications for future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Geological and geophysical investigations of groundwater resource in the area of Ndlambe Municipality, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.
- Authors: Mpofu, Mthulisi
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Groundwater Geophysical surveys
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Geology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18755 , vital:42730
- Description: Groundwater is an essential resource contributing extensively to overall total annual supply. However, overexploitation has depleted groundwater availability significantly and also brought about land subsidence at some places. The evaluation of groundwater potential zones is essential in protecting the quality of water and managing of groundwater structures. The Eastern Cape Province is one of the provinces faced with the challenge of supplying clean fresh water to the communities residing in it. Ndlambe municipality is a case in point where people rely on groundwater for agriculture and domestic activities. Few studies have been undertaken to evaluate groundwater resource in the study area. This study aims to assess groundwater resources as a way of achieving the goal of water sustainability. In the southeast of the Cape Fold Belt (CBF), is the Ndlambe municipality underneath folded Cape and Karoo Supergroup rocks. The rock sequence in the region reflects the geological history over a considerable period. In general, the area of study comprises of the Bokkeveld and Witteberg groups. The Bokkeveld comprises of shale along with sandstone whilst the Witteberg Group consists predominantly of quartzites with minor interbedded shales. The aims of the study were to target potential zones for groundwater exploration, analyse zones of lineaments, investigate the networks of fractures and the mineralogy of the area of study. In line with studies for groundwater exploration, a number of methods were undertaken for obtaining the results. These included literature review, remote sensing and geographic information system, thin section analysis, scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), structural analysis and geophysical investigations (magnetic and vertical electrical sounding). Potential zones for groundwater were identified using remote sensing techniques and geographical information systems (GIS). Maps were generated using GIS tools. Geology, slope, lineaments and Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) were considered as parameters for determining groundwater potential zones. A geological and geophysical study was conducted in the Ndlambe municipality. Twelve samples for thin sections, 12 samples for XRF analysis and 4 samples for SEM analysis were collected at different locations in the area of study and were analysed. Thin section analysis revealed that quartz arenite has been metamorphosed to quartzite due to high pressure and temperatures and the cracks in the quartz grains are due to pressure and brittle deformation that has in turn enhanced secondary porosity resulting in joints and fractures which are good for groundwater movement. Scanning electron microscopy complemented the findings from optical microscopy by revealing splatter pores which are due to intense fracturing and these contribute to increasing permeability of the rock structures. XRF revealed the chemical composition of various rock types in the area of study. The analysed samples were dominated by silica reflecting their source from weathering of silicate rocks. The Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) and Al2O3 values of the analysed samples reflected moderate to intensive weathering. In the study area, three main hydrogeologically important structures were taken into account. These included primary structures (bedding), contacts (geological) and secondary structures like fractures and folds. The study area comprises of several faults that are an important factor for porosity and permeability. The study area is dominated by blocky quartz veins that have been crushed due to compression hence higher permeability of groundwater. The Syscal Pro multichannel resistivity equipment was used to conduct the survey using the Schlumberger- Dipole-dipole array on three lines of varying length (350 m, 530 m and 340 m). Data collected were processed using RES2DINV software, producing a subsurface 2-D geoelectrical model from the pseudosections of apparent resistivity. Low resistivities in the study area were inferred to be weathered moist sandstone while low resistivities with depth indicated an overlying zone of fractured sandstone and quartzite which may be hosting some groundwater. An area of low resistivity zones between two large bodies suggests that the massive rock bodies are being weathered and fractured and fractures act as conduits for groundwater. High resistivity values indicate hard rock bodies that are unweathered hence low potential zone for groundwater localisation. The ground magnetic survey was used to delineate the subsurface structures as these control groundwater potential.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Mpofu, Mthulisi
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Groundwater Geophysical surveys
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Geology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18755 , vital:42730
- Description: Groundwater is an essential resource contributing extensively to overall total annual supply. However, overexploitation has depleted groundwater availability significantly and also brought about land subsidence at some places. The evaluation of groundwater potential zones is essential in protecting the quality of water and managing of groundwater structures. The Eastern Cape Province is one of the provinces faced with the challenge of supplying clean fresh water to the communities residing in it. Ndlambe municipality is a case in point where people rely on groundwater for agriculture and domestic activities. Few studies have been undertaken to evaluate groundwater resource in the study area. This study aims to assess groundwater resources as a way of achieving the goal of water sustainability. In the southeast of the Cape Fold Belt (CBF), is the Ndlambe municipality underneath folded Cape and Karoo Supergroup rocks. The rock sequence in the region reflects the geological history over a considerable period. In general, the area of study comprises of the Bokkeveld and Witteberg groups. The Bokkeveld comprises of shale along with sandstone whilst the Witteberg Group consists predominantly of quartzites with minor interbedded shales. The aims of the study were to target potential zones for groundwater exploration, analyse zones of lineaments, investigate the networks of fractures and the mineralogy of the area of study. In line with studies for groundwater exploration, a number of methods were undertaken for obtaining the results. These included literature review, remote sensing and geographic information system, thin section analysis, scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), structural analysis and geophysical investigations (magnetic and vertical electrical sounding). Potential zones for groundwater were identified using remote sensing techniques and geographical information systems (GIS). Maps were generated using GIS tools. Geology, slope, lineaments and Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) were considered as parameters for determining groundwater potential zones. A geological and geophysical study was conducted in the Ndlambe municipality. Twelve samples for thin sections, 12 samples for XRF analysis and 4 samples for SEM analysis were collected at different locations in the area of study and were analysed. Thin section analysis revealed that quartz arenite has been metamorphosed to quartzite due to high pressure and temperatures and the cracks in the quartz grains are due to pressure and brittle deformation that has in turn enhanced secondary porosity resulting in joints and fractures which are good for groundwater movement. Scanning electron microscopy complemented the findings from optical microscopy by revealing splatter pores which are due to intense fracturing and these contribute to increasing permeability of the rock structures. XRF revealed the chemical composition of various rock types in the area of study. The analysed samples were dominated by silica reflecting their source from weathering of silicate rocks. The Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) and Al2O3 values of the analysed samples reflected moderate to intensive weathering. In the study area, three main hydrogeologically important structures were taken into account. These included primary structures (bedding), contacts (geological) and secondary structures like fractures and folds. The study area comprises of several faults that are an important factor for porosity and permeability. The study area is dominated by blocky quartz veins that have been crushed due to compression hence higher permeability of groundwater. The Syscal Pro multichannel resistivity equipment was used to conduct the survey using the Schlumberger- Dipole-dipole array on three lines of varying length (350 m, 530 m and 340 m). Data collected were processed using RES2DINV software, producing a subsurface 2-D geoelectrical model from the pseudosections of apparent resistivity. Low resistivities in the study area were inferred to be weathered moist sandstone while low resistivities with depth indicated an overlying zone of fractured sandstone and quartzite which may be hosting some groundwater. An area of low resistivity zones between two large bodies suggests that the massive rock bodies are being weathered and fractured and fractures act as conduits for groundwater. High resistivity values indicate hard rock bodies that are unweathered hence low potential zone for groundwater localisation. The ground magnetic survey was used to delineate the subsurface structures as these control groundwater potential.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Get sleep or get stumped: sleep behaviour in elite South African cricket players during competition
- Authors: McEwan, Kayla
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Sleep -- Physiological aspects , Cricket players -- Health and hygiene , Cricket players -- South Africa -- Health and hygiene , Cricket -- Health aspects
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/147950 , vital:38696
- Description: Introduction: Good sleep behaviour is associated with achieving optimal athletic performance and reducing the risk of injury. Elite cricket players have unique physical and cognitive demands, and must accommodate for congested competition and travel schedules (all of which increase the risk of disruptive sleep). Further, the political pressures and socioeconomic barriers in South African cricket could affect the sleep of the country’s elite players. Previous research in cricket has focussed on the impact that nutrition, equipment specifications, movement physiology and psychology could elicit on performance (where many professional teams hire support staff to supervise these disciplines); however, there is limited empirical application of sleep research in elite cricket players. Therefore, this study aimed to characterise the sleep behaviours of elite South African cricket players during periods of competition and investigate the relationship between pre-match sleep and cricket performance. Methods: A longitudinal field-based investigation was implemented to monitor the sleep behaviour of 26 elite South African cricket players (age: 28.6 ± 4.0 years; height: 1.8 ± 0.1 m; weight: 85.7 ± 10.8 kg; elite experience: 3.7 ± 4.0 years) during home and away competitive tours. The Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire and Athlete Sleep Behaviour Questionnaire were administered to identify chronotype and poor sleep behaviours. Players completed an altered version of the Core Consensus Sleep Diary every morning post-travel, pre-match and post-match. Linear mixed model regression was used to compare differences in sleep variables between time-periods, match venues, player roles, match formats, sleep medication and racial groups. Spearman’s correlation (rs) was used to assess the relationship of substance use (alcohol and caffeine), age, elite experience and match performance with selected sleep indices. Statistical significance for all measures was accepted at p < 0.05. Hedge’s (g) were used as the measure of effect size. Results: Light-emitting technology use, effects of travel, late evening alcohol consumption and muscle soreness were the main factors that impacted sleep. Post-match total sleep time (06:31 ± 01:09) was significantly (p < 0.05) shorter compared to post-travel (07:53 ± 01:07; g = 1.19 [0.81;1.57]) and pre-match (08:43 ± 01:03; g = 1.97 [1.55;2.39]) total sleep time. Post-travel sleep onset latency and sleep efficiency were significantly (p < 0.05) shorter (g = 0.74 [0.29;1.29]) and higher (g = 1.35 [0.76;1.94]) at home than away. Although not significant (p > 0.05), allrounders took longer to fall asleep (g = 0.90 [0.23;1.57]), obtained less total sleep (0.76 [0.29;1.42]) and had lower morning freshness scores (g = 1.10 [0.42;1.78]) the night before a match compared to batsmen. Wake after sleep onset and get up time were moderately longer (g = 0.61 [0.22;1.26]) and later (g = 0.62 [0.27;1.17]) before. Twenty20 matches compared to One-Day International matches respectively. Further, sleep duration significantly declined from pre-match to post-match during the multi-day Test format (p = 0.04, g= 0.75 [0.40;1.12]). Late alcohol consumption was significantly (p < 0.05) correlated with a decrease in total sleep time, regardless of match venue (home: rs (49) = -0.69; away: rs (27) = -0.57). During the away condition, an increase in age was significantly associated with longer wake after sleep onset durations (rs (13) = 0.52, p = 0.0003), while greater elite experience was significantly associated with longer total sleep time (rs (72) = 0.36, p = 0.02). The non-sleep medication group took significantly longer to fall asleep compared to the sleep medication group during the first week of the away condition (p = 0.02, g = 0.75 [0.25;1.26]) particularly on nights following transmeridian travel. Although not significant ( p > 0.05), Asian/Indian players had moderately longer sleep onset latencies (g = 1.07 [0.66;1.47]), wake after sleep onset durations (g = 0.86 [0.42;1.29]), and lower subjective sleep quality (g = 0.86 [0.46;1.26]) and morning freshness scores (g = 0.89 [0.47;1.27]) compared to Whites. Similarly, Black Africans had moderately lower subjective sleep quality scores compared to Whites (g = 0.71 [0.43;0.97]). Longer sleep onset latencies and shorter total sleep times were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with poorer One-Day International (rs (28) = -0.57) and Test (rs (12) = 0.59) batting performances respectively. Higher subjective sleep quality scores were significantly associated with better Twenty20 bowling economies (rs (8) = -0.52). Discussion: There was no evidence of poor pre-match sleep behaviour, irrespective of venue; however, the most apparent disruption to sleep occurred post-match (similar to that found in other team-sports). Most disparities in sleep between match venues existed post-travel, with better sleep behaviour observed during the home condition. The differences in sleep patterns found in all three match formats were expected given the variations in format scheduling and duration. Although sleep medication was shown to promote better sleep, its long-term effectiveness was limited. The results promote the implementation of practical strategies aimed to reduce bedtime light-emitting technology use, late evening alcohol consumption and muscle pain. Inter-individual sleep behaviour was found between player roles, age, experience level and race. Moderate associations existed between sleep and markers of batting performance, specifically for the longer, strategic formats of the game. Conclusion: The current study provided new insight of the sleep behaviour in elite South African cricket players during competition. Individualized sleep monitoring practices are encouraged, with specific supervision over older, less experienced players as well as the racial minorities and allrounders of the team. The poor post-match sleep behaviour, together with the sleep and performance correlations, provide ideal opportunities for future interventions to focus on match recovery and the use sleep monitoring as a competitive advantage.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: McEwan, Kayla
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Sleep -- Physiological aspects , Cricket players -- Health and hygiene , Cricket players -- South Africa -- Health and hygiene , Cricket -- Health aspects
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/147950 , vital:38696
- Description: Introduction: Good sleep behaviour is associated with achieving optimal athletic performance and reducing the risk of injury. Elite cricket players have unique physical and cognitive demands, and must accommodate for congested competition and travel schedules (all of which increase the risk of disruptive sleep). Further, the political pressures and socioeconomic barriers in South African cricket could affect the sleep of the country’s elite players. Previous research in cricket has focussed on the impact that nutrition, equipment specifications, movement physiology and psychology could elicit on performance (where many professional teams hire support staff to supervise these disciplines); however, there is limited empirical application of sleep research in elite cricket players. Therefore, this study aimed to characterise the sleep behaviours of elite South African cricket players during periods of competition and investigate the relationship between pre-match sleep and cricket performance. Methods: A longitudinal field-based investigation was implemented to monitor the sleep behaviour of 26 elite South African cricket players (age: 28.6 ± 4.0 years; height: 1.8 ± 0.1 m; weight: 85.7 ± 10.8 kg; elite experience: 3.7 ± 4.0 years) during home and away competitive tours. The Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire and Athlete Sleep Behaviour Questionnaire were administered to identify chronotype and poor sleep behaviours. Players completed an altered version of the Core Consensus Sleep Diary every morning post-travel, pre-match and post-match. Linear mixed model regression was used to compare differences in sleep variables between time-periods, match venues, player roles, match formats, sleep medication and racial groups. Spearman’s correlation (rs) was used to assess the relationship of substance use (alcohol and caffeine), age, elite experience and match performance with selected sleep indices. Statistical significance for all measures was accepted at p < 0.05. Hedge’s (g) were used as the measure of effect size. Results: Light-emitting technology use, effects of travel, late evening alcohol consumption and muscle soreness were the main factors that impacted sleep. Post-match total sleep time (06:31 ± 01:09) was significantly (p < 0.05) shorter compared to post-travel (07:53 ± 01:07; g = 1.19 [0.81;1.57]) and pre-match (08:43 ± 01:03; g = 1.97 [1.55;2.39]) total sleep time. Post-travel sleep onset latency and sleep efficiency were significantly (p < 0.05) shorter (g = 0.74 [0.29;1.29]) and higher (g = 1.35 [0.76;1.94]) at home than away. Although not significant (p > 0.05), allrounders took longer to fall asleep (g = 0.90 [0.23;1.57]), obtained less total sleep (0.76 [0.29;1.42]) and had lower morning freshness scores (g = 1.10 [0.42;1.78]) the night before a match compared to batsmen. Wake after sleep onset and get up time were moderately longer (g = 0.61 [0.22;1.26]) and later (g = 0.62 [0.27;1.17]) before. Twenty20 matches compared to One-Day International matches respectively. Further, sleep duration significantly declined from pre-match to post-match during the multi-day Test format (p = 0.04, g= 0.75 [0.40;1.12]). Late alcohol consumption was significantly (p < 0.05) correlated with a decrease in total sleep time, regardless of match venue (home: rs (49) = -0.69; away: rs (27) = -0.57). During the away condition, an increase in age was significantly associated with longer wake after sleep onset durations (rs (13) = 0.52, p = 0.0003), while greater elite experience was significantly associated with longer total sleep time (rs (72) = 0.36, p = 0.02). The non-sleep medication group took significantly longer to fall asleep compared to the sleep medication group during the first week of the away condition (p = 0.02, g = 0.75 [0.25;1.26]) particularly on nights following transmeridian travel. Although not significant ( p > 0.05), Asian/Indian players had moderately longer sleep onset latencies (g = 1.07 [0.66;1.47]), wake after sleep onset durations (g = 0.86 [0.42;1.29]), and lower subjective sleep quality (g = 0.86 [0.46;1.26]) and morning freshness scores (g = 0.89 [0.47;1.27]) compared to Whites. Similarly, Black Africans had moderately lower subjective sleep quality scores compared to Whites (g = 0.71 [0.43;0.97]). Longer sleep onset latencies and shorter total sleep times were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with poorer One-Day International (rs (28) = -0.57) and Test (rs (12) = 0.59) batting performances respectively. Higher subjective sleep quality scores were significantly associated with better Twenty20 bowling economies (rs (8) = -0.52). Discussion: There was no evidence of poor pre-match sleep behaviour, irrespective of venue; however, the most apparent disruption to sleep occurred post-match (similar to that found in other team-sports). Most disparities in sleep between match venues existed post-travel, with better sleep behaviour observed during the home condition. The differences in sleep patterns found in all three match formats were expected given the variations in format scheduling and duration. Although sleep medication was shown to promote better sleep, its long-term effectiveness was limited. The results promote the implementation of practical strategies aimed to reduce bedtime light-emitting technology use, late evening alcohol consumption and muscle pain. Inter-individual sleep behaviour was found between player roles, age, experience level and race. Moderate associations existed between sleep and markers of batting performance, specifically for the longer, strategic formats of the game. Conclusion: The current study provided new insight of the sleep behaviour in elite South African cricket players during competition. Individualized sleep monitoring practices are encouraged, with specific supervision over older, less experienced players as well as the racial minorities and allrounders of the team. The poor post-match sleep behaviour, together with the sleep and performance correlations, provide ideal opportunities for future interventions to focus on match recovery and the use sleep monitoring as a competitive advantage.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Girls here and boys there : participatory visual methodology as pedagogy to facilitate gender sensitive practices with pre-service foundation phase teachers
- Authors: Notshulwana, Robin Anne
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Gender identity -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49385 , vital:41700
- Description: This study explores how participatory visual methodology (PVM) might facilitate a deeper understanding of gender sensitive practices (GSP) in Foundation Phase (FP) pre-service teachers. Foundation Phase classrooms are not impervious to unequal gender practices and despite policies that promote gender equitable practices in schools and in society in general, most South African schools still engage in gendered practices that perpetuate inequality and gender based violence (GBV). While the topic of gender currently features in a South African university FP curriculum with the intention of promoting social justice, the pedagogy used to enable pre-service FP teachers to understand how gender works in schools seems to do nothing more than describe the problem and give cursory suggestions for creating gender equitable practices. Teachers are often unaware of how their own gendered identity influences their facilitation of the curriculum in a gendered way. This is important in South Africa, where gender inequality remains a problem and GBV is rife. This study adopted a qualitative approach and is located within the critical paradigm applying the principles of PVM. It drew on feminist poststructuralism and feminist pedagogy as theoretical lenses to frame the study and to make meaning of the data. Participants in the study were five female pre-service FP teachers who were purposively selected. Data were generated through the visual methods of family photo album, drawing and participatory video, which were first analysed using participatory analysis, and then using thematic analysis. The main purpose of the research was to explore how PVM can facilitate a deeper awareness of GSP in pre-service FP teachers. The secondary aim was to explore their understandings of gender and GSP and how these understandings might facilitate or inhibit GSP among pre-service FP teachers. The pre-service FP teachers’ understandings of gender were elicited using the self as an entry point to explore their own gendered identities which demonstrated their somewhat narrow understanding of how gender is reified in society through mechanisms such as dress and particular performances. They further understood that their own gendered selves can shift and change with time and context. Their understanding of gender further informed their understanding of GSP. The pre-service FP teachers understood GSP as going beyond interchanging roles of girls and boys and that it meant constantly engaging with their own understandings of gender; to review their constructions of FP learners, to see pedagogical moments to teach gender sensitivity, and to recognise that GSP extends beyond the classroom. Finally, the pre-service FP teachers articulated the circumstances that might enable or inhibit their GSP in their classrooms. They recognised how the powerful constructions of gender in a society influence their work, and how, in turn their work might influence society. This translated into them understanding how the ethos of the school might mirror and sustain the hegemonic discourse of society and at the same time how they might begin to question and disrupt the discourse sustained in school. The teacher education programme, with a vested interest in gender equality, is an important mechanism to begin disrupting hegemonic discourses perpetuated in schools. The findings suggest that through its potential for reflexivity and criticality, PVM enabled the pre-service FP teachers to see how their constructions of gender influence their own practices in schools. The findings have implications for FP teacher education programmes in the South African context. Faculties of education could revisit their curriculum to ensure that gender is infused throughout the curriculum, but more importantly, could consider ‘starting with the self’ (Kirk, 2009) as an impetus to learn about how gender is reified in society and in schools. In doing so, faculties of education could also consider tools of analysis such as a feminist poststructural theory to enable the pre-service FP teachers to deepen their understandings but also support the potential to articulate and make meaning of their experiences. Teacher educators could revisit their curriculum content to determine whether the content might perpetuate a narrow view of learning and learners especially with regards to gender and considering pedagogical choices that develop pre-service teachers’ ability to cultivate classroom environments that promote gender equality. Starting with the self is an entry point for pre-service FP teachers to examine their own understanding of gender and see how this might enable GSP in their professional work. PVM, aligned with a feminist pedagogy and feminist poststructuralism, facilitated such a process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Notshulwana, Robin Anne
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Gender identity -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49385 , vital:41700
- Description: This study explores how participatory visual methodology (PVM) might facilitate a deeper understanding of gender sensitive practices (GSP) in Foundation Phase (FP) pre-service teachers. Foundation Phase classrooms are not impervious to unequal gender practices and despite policies that promote gender equitable practices in schools and in society in general, most South African schools still engage in gendered practices that perpetuate inequality and gender based violence (GBV). While the topic of gender currently features in a South African university FP curriculum with the intention of promoting social justice, the pedagogy used to enable pre-service FP teachers to understand how gender works in schools seems to do nothing more than describe the problem and give cursory suggestions for creating gender equitable practices. Teachers are often unaware of how their own gendered identity influences their facilitation of the curriculum in a gendered way. This is important in South Africa, where gender inequality remains a problem and GBV is rife. This study adopted a qualitative approach and is located within the critical paradigm applying the principles of PVM. It drew on feminist poststructuralism and feminist pedagogy as theoretical lenses to frame the study and to make meaning of the data. Participants in the study were five female pre-service FP teachers who were purposively selected. Data were generated through the visual methods of family photo album, drawing and participatory video, which were first analysed using participatory analysis, and then using thematic analysis. The main purpose of the research was to explore how PVM can facilitate a deeper awareness of GSP in pre-service FP teachers. The secondary aim was to explore their understandings of gender and GSP and how these understandings might facilitate or inhibit GSP among pre-service FP teachers. The pre-service FP teachers’ understandings of gender were elicited using the self as an entry point to explore their own gendered identities which demonstrated their somewhat narrow understanding of how gender is reified in society through mechanisms such as dress and particular performances. They further understood that their own gendered selves can shift and change with time and context. Their understanding of gender further informed their understanding of GSP. The pre-service FP teachers understood GSP as going beyond interchanging roles of girls and boys and that it meant constantly engaging with their own understandings of gender; to review their constructions of FP learners, to see pedagogical moments to teach gender sensitivity, and to recognise that GSP extends beyond the classroom. Finally, the pre-service FP teachers articulated the circumstances that might enable or inhibit their GSP in their classrooms. They recognised how the powerful constructions of gender in a society influence their work, and how, in turn their work might influence society. This translated into them understanding how the ethos of the school might mirror and sustain the hegemonic discourse of society and at the same time how they might begin to question and disrupt the discourse sustained in school. The teacher education programme, with a vested interest in gender equality, is an important mechanism to begin disrupting hegemonic discourses perpetuated in schools. The findings suggest that through its potential for reflexivity and criticality, PVM enabled the pre-service FP teachers to see how their constructions of gender influence their own practices in schools. The findings have implications for FP teacher education programmes in the South African context. Faculties of education could revisit their curriculum to ensure that gender is infused throughout the curriculum, but more importantly, could consider ‘starting with the self’ (Kirk, 2009) as an impetus to learn about how gender is reified in society and in schools. In doing so, faculties of education could also consider tools of analysis such as a feminist poststructural theory to enable the pre-service FP teachers to deepen their understandings but also support the potential to articulate and make meaning of their experiences. Teacher educators could revisit their curriculum content to determine whether the content might perpetuate a narrow view of learning and learners especially with regards to gender and considering pedagogical choices that develop pre-service teachers’ ability to cultivate classroom environments that promote gender equality. Starting with the self is an entry point for pre-service FP teachers to examine their own understanding of gender and see how this might enable GSP in their professional work. PVM, aligned with a feminist pedagogy and feminist poststructuralism, facilitated such a process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Government size, labour productivity and economic growth in South Africa
- Authors: Mbaleki, Chuma Innocent
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48915 , vital:41170
- Description: This study investigates short-run and long-run effects of fiscal consolidation on labour productivity in South Africa using the autoregressive distributed lag bounds testing approach of cointegration. We use quarterly data collected in the period of 1994Q3 to 2017Q1. We disaggregate government expenditure as well as revenue and find a positive and significant long run relationship between revenue variables and labour productivity. This relationship is also positive and significant in the short run except for net tax variable, which seems to be growth contractive. The results further suggest a positive and significant long run relationship between government expenditure on health, public safety and order, culture and recreation as well as education and labour productivity. Government expenditure on education and health variables are also positive and significant in the short run, whilst expenditure on defense is negative and not significant both in the short run and long run.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Mbaleki, Chuma Innocent
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48915 , vital:41170
- Description: This study investigates short-run and long-run effects of fiscal consolidation on labour productivity in South Africa using the autoregressive distributed lag bounds testing approach of cointegration. We use quarterly data collected in the period of 1994Q3 to 2017Q1. We disaggregate government expenditure as well as revenue and find a positive and significant long run relationship between revenue variables and labour productivity. This relationship is also positive and significant in the short run except for net tax variable, which seems to be growth contractive. The results further suggest a positive and significant long run relationship between government expenditure on health, public safety and order, culture and recreation as well as education and labour productivity. Government expenditure on education and health variables are also positive and significant in the short run, whilst expenditure on defense is negative and not significant both in the short run and long run.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Grandmothers’ perceptions regarding breastfeeding following training for breastfeeding support in Nelson Mandela Bay Health District: a qualitative study
- Authors: Manyange, Rumbidzai Lynda
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Breastfeeding promotion
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46441 , vital:39583
- Description: Rationale: Although there has been active promotion of breastfeeding for the past decades in South Africa, there has been inadequate support from multiple role players. Strategies that do not engage important family members, such as grandmothers in supporting breastfeeding are likely to fail. In many African countries, grandmothers often make critical decisions about early child feeding practices, particularly for first-time mothers. Despite the influence grandmothers have, limited studies have been done in South Africa to assess whether it is possible to change breastfeeding outcomes by empowering grandmothers as well as including them in intervention programmes. Nelson Mandela University, in collaboration with the United Nations Children Education Fund (UNICEF) and a local Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), recently launched a breastfeeding support programme, Sakha Esethu. The aim was to capacitate both primary and secondary caregivers to enable them to provide optimal breastfeeding support for mothers in various communities. However, it was important to explore the perceptions of grandmothers regarding breastfeeding to assess whether improved breastfeeding knowledge will translate into changed perceptions and therefore improved support for exclusive breastfeeding in communities in Nelson Mandela Bay. Aim: The study aimed to describe and explore the perceptions of grandmothers regarding breastfeeding after participating in a breastfeeding support programme in Nelson Mandela Bay health district (NMBHD). Methodology: The study followed a descriptive-exploratory, contextual study design with a qualitative approach. The four ethical principles that guided the study were: autonomy, non-maleficence, beneficence and justice. The researcher conducted five focus group discussions (FGD) at ECD centres in NMBHD, where 34 grandmothers participated in the study. Participants were chosen using a purposively sampling technique and data was collected using FGD interviews. Verbatim transcription was done after every FGD and data was analysed using the eight steps of Tesch’s analysis technique. An independent coder with experience in qualitative data analysis assisted to verify the codes generated. vi Results: Four major themes and eleven subthemes emerged through data analysis. The identified themes were: (1)Participant knowledge regarding breastfeeding. Participants reflected on poor knowledge on the perceived maternal benefits of breastfeeding, variance on the optimal duration of breastfeeding and recognised myths and cultural taboos related to breastfeeding, such as the use of traditional mixes, “dirty” breastmilk and perceived milk insufficiency; (2) Views on complementary feeding. The subthemes that emerged included: Participants shared their views on the age of introduction for complementary foods and feeding practices for infants; (3) Challenges related to breastfeeding. The challenges identified included: challenges for working mothers and those attending school, lack of family support and societal support for EBF, lack of support from healthcare professionals relating to initiation and continuation of breastfeeding and difficulties coping with breast health. (4) Participants enthused about the impact of being supported to optimise breastfeeding.Participants were able to share on the camaraderie benefits experienced from the Sakha Esethu group as well as on the support grandmothers can provide. Conclusion and Recommendations: This study confirmed that participation of grandmothers in the Sakha Esethu programme had an impact on changes in grandmothers’ perceptions regarding breastfeeding. However, the programme can be further improved by placing more emphasis on aspects i.e. maternal benefits of breastfeeding, during mentor training. Furthermore, there is a need to strengthen healthcare worker support and training, especially with regards to adapting counselling strategies to include breastfeeding challenges and cultural beliefs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Manyange, Rumbidzai Lynda
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Breastfeeding promotion
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46441 , vital:39583
- Description: Rationale: Although there has been active promotion of breastfeeding for the past decades in South Africa, there has been inadequate support from multiple role players. Strategies that do not engage important family members, such as grandmothers in supporting breastfeeding are likely to fail. In many African countries, grandmothers often make critical decisions about early child feeding practices, particularly for first-time mothers. Despite the influence grandmothers have, limited studies have been done in South Africa to assess whether it is possible to change breastfeeding outcomes by empowering grandmothers as well as including them in intervention programmes. Nelson Mandela University, in collaboration with the United Nations Children Education Fund (UNICEF) and a local Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), recently launched a breastfeeding support programme, Sakha Esethu. The aim was to capacitate both primary and secondary caregivers to enable them to provide optimal breastfeeding support for mothers in various communities. However, it was important to explore the perceptions of grandmothers regarding breastfeeding to assess whether improved breastfeeding knowledge will translate into changed perceptions and therefore improved support for exclusive breastfeeding in communities in Nelson Mandela Bay. Aim: The study aimed to describe and explore the perceptions of grandmothers regarding breastfeeding after participating in a breastfeeding support programme in Nelson Mandela Bay health district (NMBHD). Methodology: The study followed a descriptive-exploratory, contextual study design with a qualitative approach. The four ethical principles that guided the study were: autonomy, non-maleficence, beneficence and justice. The researcher conducted five focus group discussions (FGD) at ECD centres in NMBHD, where 34 grandmothers participated in the study. Participants were chosen using a purposively sampling technique and data was collected using FGD interviews. Verbatim transcription was done after every FGD and data was analysed using the eight steps of Tesch’s analysis technique. An independent coder with experience in qualitative data analysis assisted to verify the codes generated. vi Results: Four major themes and eleven subthemes emerged through data analysis. The identified themes were: (1)Participant knowledge regarding breastfeeding. Participants reflected on poor knowledge on the perceived maternal benefits of breastfeeding, variance on the optimal duration of breastfeeding and recognised myths and cultural taboos related to breastfeeding, such as the use of traditional mixes, “dirty” breastmilk and perceived milk insufficiency; (2) Views on complementary feeding. The subthemes that emerged included: Participants shared their views on the age of introduction for complementary foods and feeding practices for infants; (3) Challenges related to breastfeeding. The challenges identified included: challenges for working mothers and those attending school, lack of family support and societal support for EBF, lack of support from healthcare professionals relating to initiation and continuation of breastfeeding and difficulties coping with breast health. (4) Participants enthused about the impact of being supported to optimise breastfeeding.Participants were able to share on the camaraderie benefits experienced from the Sakha Esethu group as well as on the support grandmothers can provide. Conclusion and Recommendations: This study confirmed that participation of grandmothers in the Sakha Esethu programme had an impact on changes in grandmothers’ perceptions regarding breastfeeding. However, the programme can be further improved by placing more emphasis on aspects i.e. maternal benefits of breastfeeding, during mentor training. Furthermore, there is a need to strengthen healthcare worker support and training, especially with regards to adapting counselling strategies to include breastfeeding challenges and cultural beliefs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Growth and photosynthetic responses of Acacia (Vachellia) seedlings to atmospheric CO2 increased from glacial to current concentrations: underlying mechanisms and ecological implications
- Authors: Anderson, Bruce Maurice
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Acacia vachellia , Acacia vachellia -- Growth , Acacia -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/138182 , vital:37604
- Description: The African Acacia species Vachellia karroo, V. robusta, V. nilotica, and V. tortilis are some of the most invasive species implicated in bush encroachment and woody thickening of historically open savannas in southern Africa. This is partially explained by historic increases in atmospheric CO2 concentrations, which are proposed to have promoted the growth and survivorship of C3 tree seedlings relative to C4 grasses. However, the uniformity of CO2 responsiveness and differences among Vachellia species remain largely undetermined. Here we investigate the growth and photosynthetic responses of four Vachellia species, all implicated in woody encroachment, but originating from distinct climatic niches. Exposing these species to a range of sub-ambient CO2 concentrations (12 – 40 Pa) showed that V. karroo, V. robusta, V. nilotica and V. tortilis all responded strongly and fairly consistently to increasing CO2 concentrations, acting as a ‘functional type’ despite being selected from different geographic regions and having different climatic niches. Combined average net CO2 assimilation rates increased by 130% despite significant, but low levels of down-regulation and decreased stomatal conductance. The increased photosynthetic rates stimulated growth and biomass production in all compartments, with no significant differences in interspecific above and below ground allocation. Growth rates and dry biomass increased by 50% and 186%, respectively, while leaf level water use efficiency (ratio of net CO2 assimilation rate to transpiration rate) increased by an average of 218%. When this was scaled to the whole plant level, this stimulation was decreased to 80%. The decrease was the result of the CO2 stimulated increase in canopy areas, which increased leaf area for water loss. The seedlings’ total number of spinescent physical defenses, as well as the average mass and spine mass fraction also increased with rising CO2. These thicker spines could act as better deterrents against vertebrate browsers. Spine density was unchanged, however, showing that the increased spine numbers were associated with larger seedlings at higher CO2 rather than an increase in the number of spines per stem length. The stimulatory effects of increasing CO2 concentrations since the last glacial maximum and resultant increases in seedling growth and biomass are likely to have had important consequences for the survival and establishment of Acacia seedlings. Tolerance of drought and disturbance has been related to seedling size, hence stimulating the growth rate could confer disturbance tolerance and this tolerance would develop more rapidly with increasing CO2 concentrations. Furthermore, increased nitrogen and water use efficiency have the potential to support seedling establishment in environments where these resources would otherwise be limited at lower atmospheric CO2 concentrations. Resulting in a larger proportion of CO2 fertilization responsive woody seedlings surviving the seedling size classes, and persisting within historically open savannas. Where interspecific differences occurred they are likely to have arisen from adaptation to specific climates where these species are native and selection would have been driven by factors such climate, resource availability, levels of disturbance and competitive interactions. V. karroo had the highest growth rates and strong CO2 driven increases in biomass accumulation, despite having the lowest inherent photosynthetic rates. V. karroo also had the lowest increase in water use efficiency and high transpiration rates could potentially increase access to soil nutrients through mass flow. This species had the highest mean spine mass and showed significant increases in spine mass fraction at elevated CO2 concentrations, which may be important for deterring herbivores. V. robusta’s distribution to the mesic east coast of Africa suggests that water is an important limitation to its distribution. Hence, the CO2 stimulated increase in water use efficiency at both leaf and whole canopy level allows speculation that this may be an important driver of this species’ range expansion, which might continue if increasing levels of CO2 continue to promote water use efficiency. V. nilotica occupies a broad range of habitats, inhabiting large areas of the subtropics both north and south of the equator, with the strongest climatic correlates being the precipitation of the wettest quarter followed by high temperature seasonality. In response to increasing CO2, V. nilotica showed overall strong increases in growth, water use efficiency, and physical defenses. These responses may explain why V. nilotica has been such a successful encroacher in a broad range of habitats where limitations are likely to include multiple climatic factors and disturbances. V. tortilis has the widest distribution of all the species studied, covering broad ranges of Africa and only being excluded from the wettest parts of the equator and driest parts of the deserts. In these experiments this species showed the lowest biomass responsiveness to CO2, but had especially large increases in water use efficiency at both the leaf and canopy level. This may have been an important driver for this species’ encroachment into the more arid parts of its distribution, however this link will need to be verified with further experimentation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Anderson, Bruce Maurice
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Acacia vachellia , Acacia vachellia -- Growth , Acacia -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/138182 , vital:37604
- Description: The African Acacia species Vachellia karroo, V. robusta, V. nilotica, and V. tortilis are some of the most invasive species implicated in bush encroachment and woody thickening of historically open savannas in southern Africa. This is partially explained by historic increases in atmospheric CO2 concentrations, which are proposed to have promoted the growth and survivorship of C3 tree seedlings relative to C4 grasses. However, the uniformity of CO2 responsiveness and differences among Vachellia species remain largely undetermined. Here we investigate the growth and photosynthetic responses of four Vachellia species, all implicated in woody encroachment, but originating from distinct climatic niches. Exposing these species to a range of sub-ambient CO2 concentrations (12 – 40 Pa) showed that V. karroo, V. robusta, V. nilotica and V. tortilis all responded strongly and fairly consistently to increasing CO2 concentrations, acting as a ‘functional type’ despite being selected from different geographic regions and having different climatic niches. Combined average net CO2 assimilation rates increased by 130% despite significant, but low levels of down-regulation and decreased stomatal conductance. The increased photosynthetic rates stimulated growth and biomass production in all compartments, with no significant differences in interspecific above and below ground allocation. Growth rates and dry biomass increased by 50% and 186%, respectively, while leaf level water use efficiency (ratio of net CO2 assimilation rate to transpiration rate) increased by an average of 218%. When this was scaled to the whole plant level, this stimulation was decreased to 80%. The decrease was the result of the CO2 stimulated increase in canopy areas, which increased leaf area for water loss. The seedlings’ total number of spinescent physical defenses, as well as the average mass and spine mass fraction also increased with rising CO2. These thicker spines could act as better deterrents against vertebrate browsers. Spine density was unchanged, however, showing that the increased spine numbers were associated with larger seedlings at higher CO2 rather than an increase in the number of spines per stem length. The stimulatory effects of increasing CO2 concentrations since the last glacial maximum and resultant increases in seedling growth and biomass are likely to have had important consequences for the survival and establishment of Acacia seedlings. Tolerance of drought and disturbance has been related to seedling size, hence stimulating the growth rate could confer disturbance tolerance and this tolerance would develop more rapidly with increasing CO2 concentrations. Furthermore, increased nitrogen and water use efficiency have the potential to support seedling establishment in environments where these resources would otherwise be limited at lower atmospheric CO2 concentrations. Resulting in a larger proportion of CO2 fertilization responsive woody seedlings surviving the seedling size classes, and persisting within historically open savannas. Where interspecific differences occurred they are likely to have arisen from adaptation to specific climates where these species are native and selection would have been driven by factors such climate, resource availability, levels of disturbance and competitive interactions. V. karroo had the highest growth rates and strong CO2 driven increases in biomass accumulation, despite having the lowest inherent photosynthetic rates. V. karroo also had the lowest increase in water use efficiency and high transpiration rates could potentially increase access to soil nutrients through mass flow. This species had the highest mean spine mass and showed significant increases in spine mass fraction at elevated CO2 concentrations, which may be important for deterring herbivores. V. robusta’s distribution to the mesic east coast of Africa suggests that water is an important limitation to its distribution. Hence, the CO2 stimulated increase in water use efficiency at both leaf and whole canopy level allows speculation that this may be an important driver of this species’ range expansion, which might continue if increasing levels of CO2 continue to promote water use efficiency. V. nilotica occupies a broad range of habitats, inhabiting large areas of the subtropics both north and south of the equator, with the strongest climatic correlates being the precipitation of the wettest quarter followed by high temperature seasonality. In response to increasing CO2, V. nilotica showed overall strong increases in growth, water use efficiency, and physical defenses. These responses may explain why V. nilotica has been such a successful encroacher in a broad range of habitats where limitations are likely to include multiple climatic factors and disturbances. V. tortilis has the widest distribution of all the species studied, covering broad ranges of Africa and only being excluded from the wettest parts of the equator and driest parts of the deserts. In these experiments this species showed the lowest biomass responsiveness to CO2, but had especially large increases in water use efficiency at both the leaf and canopy level. This may have been an important driver for this species’ encroachment into the more arid parts of its distribution, however this link will need to be verified with further experimentation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Guidelines for the use of machine learning to predict student project group academic performance
- Authors: Evezard, Ryan
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Academic achievement , Machine learning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MIT
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46042 , vital:39476
- Description: Education plays a crucial role in the growth and development of a country. However, in South Africa, there is a limited capacity and an increasing demand of students seeking an education. In an attempt to address this demand, universities are pressured into accepting more students to increase their throughput. This pressure leads to educators having less time to give students individual attention. This study aims to address this problem by demonstrating how machine learning can be used to predict student group academic performance so that educators may allocate more resources and attention to students and groups at risk. The study focused on data obtained from the third-year capstone project for the diploma in Information Technology at the Nelson Mandela University. Learning analytics and educational data mining and their processes were discussed with an in-depth look at the machine learning techniques involved therein. Artificial neural networks, decision trees and naïve Bayes classifiers were proposed and motivated for prediction modelling. An experiment was performed resulting in proposed guidelines, which give insight and recommendations for the use of machine learning to predict student group academic performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Evezard, Ryan
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Academic achievement , Machine learning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MIT
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46042 , vital:39476
- Description: Education plays a crucial role in the growth and development of a country. However, in South Africa, there is a limited capacity and an increasing demand of students seeking an education. In an attempt to address this demand, universities are pressured into accepting more students to increase their throughput. This pressure leads to educators having less time to give students individual attention. This study aims to address this problem by demonstrating how machine learning can be used to predict student group academic performance so that educators may allocate more resources and attention to students and groups at risk. The study focused on data obtained from the third-year capstone project for the diploma in Information Technology at the Nelson Mandela University. Learning analytics and educational data mining and their processes were discussed with an in-depth look at the machine learning techniques involved therein. Artificial neural networks, decision trees and naïve Bayes classifiers were proposed and motivated for prediction modelling. An experiment was performed resulting in proposed guidelines, which give insight and recommendations for the use of machine learning to predict student group academic performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Guidelines for the user interface design of electronic medical records in optometry
- Authors: Nathoo, Dina
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: User interfaces (Computer systems) , Medical records -- Data processing , Optometry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , System design , Workflow management systems
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/148782 , vital:38773
- Description: With the prevalence of digitalisation in the medical industry, e-health systems have largely replaced the traditional paper-based recording methods. At the centre of these e-health systems are Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and Electronic Medical Records (EMRs), whose benefits significantly improve physician workflows. However, provision for user interface designs (UIDs) of these systems have been so poor that they have severely hindered physician usability, disrupted their workflows and risked patient safety. UID and usability guidelines have been provided, but have been very high level and general, mostly suitable for EHRs (which are used in general practices and hospitals). These guidelines have thus been ineffective in applicability for EMRs, which are typically used in niche medical environments. Within the niche field of Optometry, physicians experience disrupted workflows as a result of poor EMR UID and usability, of which EMR guidelines to improve these challenges are scarce. Hence, the need for this research arose, aiming to create UID guidelines for EMRs in Optometry, which will help improve the usability of the optometrists’ EMR. The main research question was successfully answered to produce the set of UID Guidelines for EMRs in Optometry, which includes guidelines built upon from literature and made contextually relevant, as well as some new additions, which are more patient focused. Design Science Research (DSR) was chosen as a suitable approach, and the phased Design Science Research Process Model (DSRPM) was used to guide this research. A literature review was conducted, including EHR and EMR, usability, UIDs, Optometry, related fields, and studies previously conducted to provide guidelines, frameworks and models. The review also included studying usability problems reported on the systems and the methods to overcome them. Task Analysis (TA) was used to observe and understand the optometrists’ workflows and their interactions with their EMRs during patient appointments, also identifying EMR problem areas. To address these problems, Focus Groups (FGs) were used to brainstorm solutions in the form of EMR UID features that optometrists’ required to improve their usability. From the literature review, TAs and FGs, proposed guidelines were created. The created guidelines informed the UID of an EMR prototype, which was successfully demonstrated to optometrists during Usability Testing sessions for the evaluation. Surveys were also used for the evaluation. The results proved the guidelines were successful, and were usable, effective, efficient and of good quality. A revised, final set of guidelines was then presented. Future researchers and designers may benefit from the contributions made from this research, which are both theoretical and practical.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Nathoo, Dina
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: User interfaces (Computer systems) , Medical records -- Data processing , Optometry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , System design , Workflow management systems
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/148782 , vital:38773
- Description: With the prevalence of digitalisation in the medical industry, e-health systems have largely replaced the traditional paper-based recording methods. At the centre of these e-health systems are Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and Electronic Medical Records (EMRs), whose benefits significantly improve physician workflows. However, provision for user interface designs (UIDs) of these systems have been so poor that they have severely hindered physician usability, disrupted their workflows and risked patient safety. UID and usability guidelines have been provided, but have been very high level and general, mostly suitable for EHRs (which are used in general practices and hospitals). These guidelines have thus been ineffective in applicability for EMRs, which are typically used in niche medical environments. Within the niche field of Optometry, physicians experience disrupted workflows as a result of poor EMR UID and usability, of which EMR guidelines to improve these challenges are scarce. Hence, the need for this research arose, aiming to create UID guidelines for EMRs in Optometry, which will help improve the usability of the optometrists’ EMR. The main research question was successfully answered to produce the set of UID Guidelines for EMRs in Optometry, which includes guidelines built upon from literature and made contextually relevant, as well as some new additions, which are more patient focused. Design Science Research (DSR) was chosen as a suitable approach, and the phased Design Science Research Process Model (DSRPM) was used to guide this research. A literature review was conducted, including EHR and EMR, usability, UIDs, Optometry, related fields, and studies previously conducted to provide guidelines, frameworks and models. The review also included studying usability problems reported on the systems and the methods to overcome them. Task Analysis (TA) was used to observe and understand the optometrists’ workflows and their interactions with their EMRs during patient appointments, also identifying EMR problem areas. To address these problems, Focus Groups (FGs) were used to brainstorm solutions in the form of EMR UID features that optometrists’ required to improve their usability. From the literature review, TAs and FGs, proposed guidelines were created. The created guidelines informed the UID of an EMR prototype, which was successfully demonstrated to optometrists during Usability Testing sessions for the evaluation. Surveys were also used for the evaluation. The results proved the guidelines were successful, and were usable, effective, efficient and of good quality. A revised, final set of guidelines was then presented. Future researchers and designers may benefit from the contributions made from this research, which are both theoretical and practical.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Hegemon and handmaiden: a neo-gramscian approach to South Africa’s position in the global political economy
- Authors: Koza, Zintle
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Hegemony
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc (Political Science)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18325 , vital:42252
- Description: Despite its assumed leadership of and investment in the African Union (AU) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), South Africa has not developed its own hegemonic project and is consequently unable to exert significant influence over the ideas of the two institutions. Rooted in Antonio Gramsci’s absolute historicism, which locates decisions and actions at the level of the state within specific contexts, Robert Cox’s Method of Historical Structures (MHS) offers a framework that enables an approach informed by Critical Theory to analysing and empirically understanding the underlying factors of this situation. Utilising the three elements of the MHS, namely, material capabilities, ideas and institutions, and applying them to the context of international relations, it was found that South Africa’s choices have been informed by the global context of the post-USSR global arena it entered in 1990. The triumph of the neoliberal world order led by the United States framed the context of South Africa’s engagement with Africa and the world, with its choices informed by a composite of neoliberally defined global social relations of production and ideas that had already elicited global consent. South Africa’s organisation of material capabilities and resources was thus limited within the parameters of a neoliberal world order, and the predominance of institutions that facilitated the penetration of neoliberalism, regionally and globally. The global hegemonic order relies on surrogates for its functioning and South Africa’s subsequent domestic adherence to the hegemonic neoliberal order has been transferred to SADC and, to a limited extent, to the AU through the policies and institutional projects that South Africa has championed since 1994. Nonetheless, in the face of persistent inequality and poverty, internal contestation to this adherence has emanated from trade unions and civil society organisations. It was found that the continued and intensifying domestic contestation iii reinforces the lack of a domestic hegemonic project that could have been projected externally to SADC and the AU, so that South Africa, as a dominant peripheral state in the global world order, displays more characteristics of handmaiden than hegemon.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Koza, Zintle
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Hegemony
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc (Political Science)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18325 , vital:42252
- Description: Despite its assumed leadership of and investment in the African Union (AU) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), South Africa has not developed its own hegemonic project and is consequently unable to exert significant influence over the ideas of the two institutions. Rooted in Antonio Gramsci’s absolute historicism, which locates decisions and actions at the level of the state within specific contexts, Robert Cox’s Method of Historical Structures (MHS) offers a framework that enables an approach informed by Critical Theory to analysing and empirically understanding the underlying factors of this situation. Utilising the three elements of the MHS, namely, material capabilities, ideas and institutions, and applying them to the context of international relations, it was found that South Africa’s choices have been informed by the global context of the post-USSR global arena it entered in 1990. The triumph of the neoliberal world order led by the United States framed the context of South Africa’s engagement with Africa and the world, with its choices informed by a composite of neoliberally defined global social relations of production and ideas that had already elicited global consent. South Africa’s organisation of material capabilities and resources was thus limited within the parameters of a neoliberal world order, and the predominance of institutions that facilitated the penetration of neoliberalism, regionally and globally. The global hegemonic order relies on surrogates for its functioning and South Africa’s subsequent domestic adherence to the hegemonic neoliberal order has been transferred to SADC and, to a limited extent, to the AU through the policies and institutional projects that South Africa has championed since 1994. Nonetheless, in the face of persistent inequality and poverty, internal contestation to this adherence has emanated from trade unions and civil society organisations. It was found that the continued and intensifying domestic contestation iii reinforces the lack of a domestic hegemonic project that could have been projected externally to SADC and the AU, so that South Africa, as a dominant peripheral state in the global world order, displays more characteristics of handmaiden than hegemon.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
High-intensity Interval Training utilising a standardised versus customised training programme among endurance trained male cyclists
- Authors: Salzwedel, Jarred Wayne
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Cycling South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46423 , vital:39596
- Description: The primary aim of this study was to compare the effect of a standardised versus customised high-intensity interval training programmeon performance indicators of endurance trained male cyclists utilising a standardised method of prescribing intervals in comparison to a customised method of prescribing intervals based on training feedback. The study was exploratory and quasi-experimental in nature and utilized a quantitative approach. A quasi-experimental, pretest-postestcontrol group study design was used. A total number of 22 participants that met the inclusion criteria were included in the study by means of purposive sampling. The participants were subdivided into an experimental group (n=11) and a control group (n=11)by means of random stratification in order to ensure performance equality between the two groups. The experimental group completed a High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) block of 28 days (four weeks) with three weeks of interval-based sessions and one recovery week ending off the block. The programmeutilised the same “anaerobic” type intervals (10 x 30 seconds at 170% PPO with 4 minutes 30 seconds recovery) as the control group, performed twice per week for three consecutive weeks. The Lamberts and Lambert submaximal cycling test (LSCT) was used to determine whether a participant in the experimental group could start his HIIT session on a particular day.Participants were notallowed to start their HIIT session if twoor more of the set criteria weremet.If the participants did not qualify to participate in a HIIT session they were required to perform a low intensity training session in the same venue. Differences between the pre-and post-test showed statistically non-significant improvements (p>0.05) from pre-to post-test for both the experimental and control groups in respect of the physiological variables measured (gas exchange threshold, respiratory compensation point, maximal oxygen consumption). The experimental group did however show more positive, but statistically non-significantimprovements in peak power output. The findings of this study therefore showed that no significant within group nor between group improvements were achieved utilizing a standised versus customised HIIT training programme over the four-week study period. The findings do however suggest that the LSCT may have merit in prescribing HIIT sessions in trained athletesas suggested by the improvements of the experimental group’s peak power output.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Salzwedel, Jarred Wayne
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Cycling South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46423 , vital:39596
- Description: The primary aim of this study was to compare the effect of a standardised versus customised high-intensity interval training programmeon performance indicators of endurance trained male cyclists utilising a standardised method of prescribing intervals in comparison to a customised method of prescribing intervals based on training feedback. The study was exploratory and quasi-experimental in nature and utilized a quantitative approach. A quasi-experimental, pretest-postestcontrol group study design was used. A total number of 22 participants that met the inclusion criteria were included in the study by means of purposive sampling. The participants were subdivided into an experimental group (n=11) and a control group (n=11)by means of random stratification in order to ensure performance equality between the two groups. The experimental group completed a High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) block of 28 days (four weeks) with three weeks of interval-based sessions and one recovery week ending off the block. The programmeutilised the same “anaerobic” type intervals (10 x 30 seconds at 170% PPO with 4 minutes 30 seconds recovery) as the control group, performed twice per week for three consecutive weeks. The Lamberts and Lambert submaximal cycling test (LSCT) was used to determine whether a participant in the experimental group could start his HIIT session on a particular day.Participants were notallowed to start their HIIT session if twoor more of the set criteria weremet.If the participants did not qualify to participate in a HIIT session they were required to perform a low intensity training session in the same venue. Differences between the pre-and post-test showed statistically non-significant improvements (p>0.05) from pre-to post-test for both the experimental and control groups in respect of the physiological variables measured (gas exchange threshold, respiratory compensation point, maximal oxygen consumption). The experimental group did however show more positive, but statistically non-significantimprovements in peak power output. The findings of this study therefore showed that no significant within group nor between group improvements were achieved utilizing a standised versus customised HIIT training programme over the four-week study period. The findings do however suggest that the LSCT may have merit in prescribing HIIT sessions in trained athletesas suggested by the improvements of the experimental group’s peak power output.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
History on trial: a study of the Salem commonage land claim
- Authors: Bezuidenhout, GJW
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: South Africa. Restitution of Land Rights Act, 1994 , Salem (South Africa) -- History , Land tenure -- Law and legilstion -- South Africa , Land reform -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/146647 , vital:38545
- Description: This thesis critically examines the Salem commonage claim, a dispute that has shaken the hamlet of Salem to its core. On ground level it has caused racialized fault lines to reopen, while suspicion and distrust has also grown between the black Africans of the area as well. On a national level, the Constitutional Court judgement has potentially set a precedent with regards to its jurisprudential approach in determining the validity of land claims in South Africa. Its interpretation of the law was determined by the restorative justice jurisprudence enshrined in the Restitution of Land Rights Act 22 of 1994 (the Act). It based its own understanding of the history of the commonage on this jurisprudence. In a bold step towards realising the aims and purposes of the Act, the Constitutional Court found that both the black African claimants as well as the white landowners have equal rights to the land. One of the reasons why the decision of the Constitutional Court is ground-breaking is that the dispute involves a former commonage – land used for common purpose. The Constitutional Court emphasised that the Act was an “extraordinary piece of legislation” and had to be interpreted in such a way so as to address the injustices of the past. This included provisions of the Act which dealt with how oral testimonies from claimants would be dealt with. Another interesting feature was the heavy reliance by all parties on expert witnesses in the persons of eminent historians, Professors Martin Legassick and Herman Giliomee. This case gave much-needed clarification as to what the appropriate role of an expert historian witness may be in a land claim. The success or failure of land claims often depend on the weight of the evidence supplied by the expert historian witness. But the historian must also take cognisance of the fact that the evidence s/he gives is appropriate according to the scope of law. This case also dismisses the assumption that colonial instruments of land assignation are beyond reproach. These instruments which grant rights to land may also be scrutinised in a court of law, just like when oral testimony is tested for its credibility. This is important to note, especially when balancing land rights of the claimants against those of the landowners. This thesis agrees with the decision taken by the Constitutional Court in this instance. However, it also cautions that such softly-softly approaches may appear as a suitable compromise on paper, but the feeling on the ground may not be as receptive to reconciliation as what the courts would have hoped for. To the jurist, this judgement accurately encapsulates the purpose and aims of the Act. However, such a judgement may not seem satisfactory to the people of Salem. The decisions of the Salem commonage case are sure to inform the discourse of land claims in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Bezuidenhout, GJW
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: South Africa. Restitution of Land Rights Act, 1994 , Salem (South Africa) -- History , Land tenure -- Law and legilstion -- South Africa , Land reform -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/146647 , vital:38545
- Description: This thesis critically examines the Salem commonage claim, a dispute that has shaken the hamlet of Salem to its core. On ground level it has caused racialized fault lines to reopen, while suspicion and distrust has also grown between the black Africans of the area as well. On a national level, the Constitutional Court judgement has potentially set a precedent with regards to its jurisprudential approach in determining the validity of land claims in South Africa. Its interpretation of the law was determined by the restorative justice jurisprudence enshrined in the Restitution of Land Rights Act 22 of 1994 (the Act). It based its own understanding of the history of the commonage on this jurisprudence. In a bold step towards realising the aims and purposes of the Act, the Constitutional Court found that both the black African claimants as well as the white landowners have equal rights to the land. One of the reasons why the decision of the Constitutional Court is ground-breaking is that the dispute involves a former commonage – land used for common purpose. The Constitutional Court emphasised that the Act was an “extraordinary piece of legislation” and had to be interpreted in such a way so as to address the injustices of the past. This included provisions of the Act which dealt with how oral testimonies from claimants would be dealt with. Another interesting feature was the heavy reliance by all parties on expert witnesses in the persons of eminent historians, Professors Martin Legassick and Herman Giliomee. This case gave much-needed clarification as to what the appropriate role of an expert historian witness may be in a land claim. The success or failure of land claims often depend on the weight of the evidence supplied by the expert historian witness. But the historian must also take cognisance of the fact that the evidence s/he gives is appropriate according to the scope of law. This case also dismisses the assumption that colonial instruments of land assignation are beyond reproach. These instruments which grant rights to land may also be scrutinised in a court of law, just like when oral testimony is tested for its credibility. This is important to note, especially when balancing land rights of the claimants against those of the landowners. This thesis agrees with the decision taken by the Constitutional Court in this instance. However, it also cautions that such softly-softly approaches may appear as a suitable compromise on paper, but the feeling on the ground may not be as receptive to reconciliation as what the courts would have hoped for. To the jurist, this judgement accurately encapsulates the purpose and aims of the Act. However, such a judgement may not seem satisfactory to the people of Salem. The decisions of the Salem commonage case are sure to inform the discourse of land claims in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020