The genetic diversity and conservation biology of the rare terrestrial snail genus Prestonella
- Authors: Fearon, Janine Lee
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Snails -- South Africa , Snails -- Conservation -- South Africa , Snails -- Variation -- South Africa , Biodiversity -- South Africa , Snails -- Genetics -- South Africa , Snails -- Habitat -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4191 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003760 , Snails -- South Africa , Snails -- Conservation -- South Africa , Snails -- Variation -- South Africa , Biodiversity -- South Africa , Snails -- Genetics -- South Africa , Snails -- Habitat -- South Africa
- Description: Prestonella bowkeri and Prestonella nuptialis are montane specialists endemic to the southern Great Escarpment of South Africa. Phylogeographic analyses of these species based on mitochondrial markers CO1 and 16S reveal extremely high levels of divergence between populations indicating a lack of gene flow between populations. This is not surprising, because P. nuptialis and P. bowkeri have limited dispersal capacity, low vagility, a highly fragmented distribution and are habitat specialists that are restricted to isolated mesic refugia associated with waterfalls and montane seepages. A relaxed Bayesian clock estimate suggests that populations diverged from one another during the mid-late Miocene (12.5-7 MYA) which coincides with the modern trends of seasonal aridity which began during the Miocene. This result should be viewed with caution because the rates used are at best imprecise estimates of mutation rates in snails. There is no clear dichotomy between the two species and P. bowkeri is paraphyletic with respect to P. nuptialis, as a consequence the taxonomy is unclear. Due to the high levels of sequence divergence between populations they may be considered as evolutionary significant units (ESU’s). An assessment of haplotype diversity (h) and nucleotide diversity (π) reveals that populations in the western part of the Great Escarpment are more genetically depauperate than populations in the east. Correlations between genetic diversity and climatic variables show that genetically depauperate populations are found in areas that have lower annual rainfall, less reliable rainfall and higher potential evaporation, all factors associated with a drier, less mesic environment that increases the chances of a population bottleneck. This indicates that a shift towards a more arid environment may be a driver of genetic erosion. Historical climate change may thus have affected the amount and distribution of genetic diversity across the Great Escarpment since the Miocene. This has serious future implications for the survival of Prestonella. With predicted increase in global temperatures, climate change in South Africa is likely to result in range contraction and an eastward range shift for many species in the drier central and western areas (Erasmus et al. 2002) and regions along the Great Escarpment are likely to become more arid. Prestonella populations found living on inselbergs along the Great Escarpment are already restricted to site specific watercourses and seepages. An increase in the periods between stream flow, and increasing rainfall variability and mean annual potential evaporation are likely to have an adverse affect on species living in these habitats, resulting in further bottlenecks and possibly local extinction. An IUCN assessment of P. nuptialis and P. bowkeri suggests that these two species are probably endangered. The issue surrounding the conservation of Prestonella species is that they are threatened by global climate change, which cannot be simply restricted or prevented, which makes dealing with the threat of climate change difficult. Assisted migration (MA) may be considered as a method to prevent possible future extinctions of Prestonella populations, but will only be considered as a last resort. The thermal tolerance (Arrhenius breaking temperature and flat-line temperature) of individual snails from three Prestonella populations (one forest population and two thicket populations) were assessed using infrared sensors that detected changes in heart rate with increasing temperature. The forest population had a significantly lower Arrhenius breaking temperature (ABT) and flat-line temperature (FLT) than the two thicket population (p<0.05). Our results do not show a correlation between upper thermal limits and maximum habitat temperatures or other climatic variables in Prestonella populations. Although no correlation is found between ABT and maximum habitat temperature, it is likely that the differences seen between these populations are due to local micro-climate adaptation. The climatic variables used in this experiment are coarse estimates from GIS data and do not reflect actual microhabitat conditions. Forest environments are less heat stressed than thicket environments due to the forest canopy which may explain the lower ABT and FLT of the forest population.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Fearon, Janine Lee
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Snails -- South Africa , Snails -- Conservation -- South Africa , Snails -- Variation -- South Africa , Biodiversity -- South Africa , Snails -- Genetics -- South Africa , Snails -- Habitat -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4191 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003760 , Snails -- South Africa , Snails -- Conservation -- South Africa , Snails -- Variation -- South Africa , Biodiversity -- South Africa , Snails -- Genetics -- South Africa , Snails -- Habitat -- South Africa
- Description: Prestonella bowkeri and Prestonella nuptialis are montane specialists endemic to the southern Great Escarpment of South Africa. Phylogeographic analyses of these species based on mitochondrial markers CO1 and 16S reveal extremely high levels of divergence between populations indicating a lack of gene flow between populations. This is not surprising, because P. nuptialis and P. bowkeri have limited dispersal capacity, low vagility, a highly fragmented distribution and are habitat specialists that are restricted to isolated mesic refugia associated with waterfalls and montane seepages. A relaxed Bayesian clock estimate suggests that populations diverged from one another during the mid-late Miocene (12.5-7 MYA) which coincides with the modern trends of seasonal aridity which began during the Miocene. This result should be viewed with caution because the rates used are at best imprecise estimates of mutation rates in snails. There is no clear dichotomy between the two species and P. bowkeri is paraphyletic with respect to P. nuptialis, as a consequence the taxonomy is unclear. Due to the high levels of sequence divergence between populations they may be considered as evolutionary significant units (ESU’s). An assessment of haplotype diversity (h) and nucleotide diversity (π) reveals that populations in the western part of the Great Escarpment are more genetically depauperate than populations in the east. Correlations between genetic diversity and climatic variables show that genetically depauperate populations are found in areas that have lower annual rainfall, less reliable rainfall and higher potential evaporation, all factors associated with a drier, less mesic environment that increases the chances of a population bottleneck. This indicates that a shift towards a more arid environment may be a driver of genetic erosion. Historical climate change may thus have affected the amount and distribution of genetic diversity across the Great Escarpment since the Miocene. This has serious future implications for the survival of Prestonella. With predicted increase in global temperatures, climate change in South Africa is likely to result in range contraction and an eastward range shift for many species in the drier central and western areas (Erasmus et al. 2002) and regions along the Great Escarpment are likely to become more arid. Prestonella populations found living on inselbergs along the Great Escarpment are already restricted to site specific watercourses and seepages. An increase in the periods between stream flow, and increasing rainfall variability and mean annual potential evaporation are likely to have an adverse affect on species living in these habitats, resulting in further bottlenecks and possibly local extinction. An IUCN assessment of P. nuptialis and P. bowkeri suggests that these two species are probably endangered. The issue surrounding the conservation of Prestonella species is that they are threatened by global climate change, which cannot be simply restricted or prevented, which makes dealing with the threat of climate change difficult. Assisted migration (MA) may be considered as a method to prevent possible future extinctions of Prestonella populations, but will only be considered as a last resort. The thermal tolerance (Arrhenius breaking temperature and flat-line temperature) of individual snails from three Prestonella populations (one forest population and two thicket populations) were assessed using infrared sensors that detected changes in heart rate with increasing temperature. The forest population had a significantly lower Arrhenius breaking temperature (ABT) and flat-line temperature (FLT) than the two thicket population (p<0.05). Our results do not show a correlation between upper thermal limits and maximum habitat temperatures or other climatic variables in Prestonella populations. Although no correlation is found between ABT and maximum habitat temperature, it is likely that the differences seen between these populations are due to local micro-climate adaptation. The climatic variables used in this experiment are coarse estimates from GIS data and do not reflect actual microhabitat conditions. Forest environments are less heat stressed than thicket environments due to the forest canopy which may explain the lower ABT and FLT of the forest population.
- Full Text:
The genetic integrity of Labeo capensis and L. umbratus (Cyprinidae) in South Africa in relation to inter-basin water transfer schemes
- Authors: Ramoejane, Mpho
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Cyprinidae -- South Africa -- Darlington Dam , Cyprinidae -- Namibia -- Hardap Dam , Labeo -- South Africa -- Darlington Dam , Labeo -- Namibia -- Hardap Dam , Fishes -- Hybridisation -- South Africa -- Darlington Dam , Fishes -- Hybridisation -- Namibia -- Hardap Dam , Fishes -- Anatomy -- South Africa -- Darlington Dam , Fishes -- Anatomy -- Namibia -- Hardap Dam , Water transfer -- South Africa-- Darlington Dam , Water transfer -- Namibia -- Hardap Dam
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5367 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013049
- Description: The Orange-Fish and Cookhouse tunnels that are part of a major inter-basin water transfer scheme (IBT) act as a pathway for several fish species from the Orange River system to enter the Great Fish and Sundays River systems in South Africa. These include Labeo capensis and L. umbratus. Labeo capensis was restricted to the Orange River system before the inter-basin water transfer scheme. Labeo umbratus occurred naturally in the Orange River and in southern flowing river systems. Previous studies showed that the two species hybridise in Hardap Dam, located in a tributary of the Orange River system in Namibia. There are also unconfirmed reports of hybrids from Darlington Dam on the Sundays River system. The aim of the thesis was to confirm hybridisation in Hardap Dam, assess whether hybridisation between L. capensis and L. umbratus has occurred in Darlington Dam and to gain a better understanding of the diversity of these two species. Morphology (morphometrics and meristics), a nuclear S7 intron and the mitochondrial cytochrome ♭ gene were used to assess for hybridisation. A total of 275 specimens were analysed from across the geographical range of the two species. The two species could be distinguished using morphometrics (dorsal fin base, interorbital width and operculum to eye distance) and meristics (lateral line, origin of the dorsal fin to lateral line, origin of the pelvic fin to lateral line and caudal peduncle scale counts) characters. Hybrids from Hardap and Darlington dams were placed between the two species clusters. Labeo umbratus from the Orange River and southern flowing rivers formed a single cluster. The two species could also be distinguished from each other with six nuclear DNA mutations and hybrids were heterozygous at such sites in both dams. Labeo umbratus populations from the Orange River and southern flowing rivers (Gouritz, Gamtoos, Sundays, Bushmans, Great Fish and Nahoon) formed a single lineage. Analysis of mitochondrial DNA, however, revealed that L. umbratus populations from the Orange River and southern flowing rivers were two lineages that differ from each other by 5 mutations. Labeo capensis could be differentiated from both these lineages. Being maternally inherited, mitochondrial DNA did not reveal hybridisation, but ten specimens with L. capensis haplotypes were found in the Darlington Dam. In Hardap Dam, however, it appears that only L. capensis mitochondrial DNA haplotypes persist, despite morphological and nuclear DNA analysis suggesting that both morphs and hybrids of the two species occur. The genetic integrity of these Labeo species has therefore been compromised in at least Hardap and Darlington dams. The Great Fish and Sundays populations are considered to be under threat of complete introgression. The Kat River and Slagboom Dam populations that were isolated before the IBTs have to remain isolated to protect the genetic integrity of the southern lineage of L. umbratus in these two systems.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ramoejane, Mpho
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Cyprinidae -- South Africa -- Darlington Dam , Cyprinidae -- Namibia -- Hardap Dam , Labeo -- South Africa -- Darlington Dam , Labeo -- Namibia -- Hardap Dam , Fishes -- Hybridisation -- South Africa -- Darlington Dam , Fishes -- Hybridisation -- Namibia -- Hardap Dam , Fishes -- Anatomy -- South Africa -- Darlington Dam , Fishes -- Anatomy -- Namibia -- Hardap Dam , Water transfer -- South Africa-- Darlington Dam , Water transfer -- Namibia -- Hardap Dam
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5367 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013049
- Description: The Orange-Fish and Cookhouse tunnels that are part of a major inter-basin water transfer scheme (IBT) act as a pathway for several fish species from the Orange River system to enter the Great Fish and Sundays River systems in South Africa. These include Labeo capensis and L. umbratus. Labeo capensis was restricted to the Orange River system before the inter-basin water transfer scheme. Labeo umbratus occurred naturally in the Orange River and in southern flowing river systems. Previous studies showed that the two species hybridise in Hardap Dam, located in a tributary of the Orange River system in Namibia. There are also unconfirmed reports of hybrids from Darlington Dam on the Sundays River system. The aim of the thesis was to confirm hybridisation in Hardap Dam, assess whether hybridisation between L. capensis and L. umbratus has occurred in Darlington Dam and to gain a better understanding of the diversity of these two species. Morphology (morphometrics and meristics), a nuclear S7 intron and the mitochondrial cytochrome ♭ gene were used to assess for hybridisation. A total of 275 specimens were analysed from across the geographical range of the two species. The two species could be distinguished using morphometrics (dorsal fin base, interorbital width and operculum to eye distance) and meristics (lateral line, origin of the dorsal fin to lateral line, origin of the pelvic fin to lateral line and caudal peduncle scale counts) characters. Hybrids from Hardap and Darlington dams were placed between the two species clusters. Labeo umbratus from the Orange River and southern flowing rivers formed a single cluster. The two species could also be distinguished from each other with six nuclear DNA mutations and hybrids were heterozygous at such sites in both dams. Labeo umbratus populations from the Orange River and southern flowing rivers (Gouritz, Gamtoos, Sundays, Bushmans, Great Fish and Nahoon) formed a single lineage. Analysis of mitochondrial DNA, however, revealed that L. umbratus populations from the Orange River and southern flowing rivers were two lineages that differ from each other by 5 mutations. Labeo capensis could be differentiated from both these lineages. Being maternally inherited, mitochondrial DNA did not reveal hybridisation, but ten specimens with L. capensis haplotypes were found in the Darlington Dam. In Hardap Dam, however, it appears that only L. capensis mitochondrial DNA haplotypes persist, despite morphological and nuclear DNA analysis suggesting that both morphs and hybrids of the two species occur. The genetic integrity of these Labeo species has therefore been compromised in at least Hardap and Darlington dams. The Great Fish and Sundays populations are considered to be under threat of complete introgression. The Kat River and Slagboom Dam populations that were isolated before the IBTs have to remain isolated to protect the genetic integrity of the southern lineage of L. umbratus in these two systems.
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The Iindaba Ziyafika project: a new community of practice?
- Authors: Nyathi, Sihle
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Citizen journalism -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Journalism -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Iindaba Ziyafika project Grocott's Mail (Grahamstown, South Africa) Radio journalism -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Online journalism -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Mass media -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Mass media -- Political aspects -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Journalism -- Objectivity -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3477 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002932
- Description: This study sought to investigate the practices of citizen journalists in the Iindaba Ziyafika project. The objectives of the research were to explore the evolving practices of citizen journalism in Grahamstown and to extrapolate how citizen journalists are securing a discursive space in relationship to conventional journalism. The study investigated whether the citizen journalists based at Grocotts Mail and Radio Grahamstown are developing practices and patterns that can be distinguished from the practices of conventional journalism. It also evaluated whether the content that is produced by citizen journalists differs from the content that is produced by professional journalists, so that it can be understood as "alternative" and as promoting engaged citizenship. A sub goal was also to explore whether citizen journalism does enable the practice of citizenship through expanding the public sphere. The findings of the research are that in the Iindaba Ziyafika project, citizen journalists see news as a process and not as a series of news events. This is clear departure from event-based news conceptualisation associated with mainstream journalism. They view news as unfolding social processes, allowing citizen journalists to question the factors which would have precipitated the event and investigate the causal factors of particular phenomena. The research also reveals that citizen journalists in the project are engaging in pro-am journalism. Part of the practice of citizen journalists involves a very significant amount of collaboration between professional journalists and citizen journalists. The collaboration is in the production of content and in the presentation of radio broadcasts. Part of the findings of the study are that journalists in the Iindaba Ziyafika project work in different mediums and this calls for them to acquire the competencies of the different mediums. The same citizen journalists produce content for print, radio and for online media. The diction used in the stories published by citizen journalists is couched in struggle and revolutionary language which seems to pit the community against the authorities. The citizen journalists also make use of every daily language in their radio broadcasts and borrow from their cultural expression. This they do through populist methods. The citizen journalists have also integrated communication brokering as part and parcel of their practice. This is because the citizen journalists have also made it their mandate to enable the flow of information between the residents and the local authority. In terms of sourcing there is a deliberate stance to include those who are not ordinarily given a voice in the mainstream media. Women and the poor appear frequently in stories as sources and this is a different scenario from that prevalent in mainstream journalism which frequently covers the rich and the powerful. The citizen journalists in the Iindaba Ziyafika project have also borrowed practices from professional journalism and this has been integrated into their daily practice. This includes following strategic rituals of journalism objectivity and balance.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Nyathi, Sihle
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Citizen journalism -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Journalism -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Iindaba Ziyafika project Grocott's Mail (Grahamstown, South Africa) Radio journalism -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Online journalism -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Mass media -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Mass media -- Political aspects -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Journalism -- Objectivity -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3477 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002932
- Description: This study sought to investigate the practices of citizen journalists in the Iindaba Ziyafika project. The objectives of the research were to explore the evolving practices of citizen journalism in Grahamstown and to extrapolate how citizen journalists are securing a discursive space in relationship to conventional journalism. The study investigated whether the citizen journalists based at Grocotts Mail and Radio Grahamstown are developing practices and patterns that can be distinguished from the practices of conventional journalism. It also evaluated whether the content that is produced by citizen journalists differs from the content that is produced by professional journalists, so that it can be understood as "alternative" and as promoting engaged citizenship. A sub goal was also to explore whether citizen journalism does enable the practice of citizenship through expanding the public sphere. The findings of the research are that in the Iindaba Ziyafika project, citizen journalists see news as a process and not as a series of news events. This is clear departure from event-based news conceptualisation associated with mainstream journalism. They view news as unfolding social processes, allowing citizen journalists to question the factors which would have precipitated the event and investigate the causal factors of particular phenomena. The research also reveals that citizen journalists in the project are engaging in pro-am journalism. Part of the practice of citizen journalists involves a very significant amount of collaboration between professional journalists and citizen journalists. The collaboration is in the production of content and in the presentation of radio broadcasts. Part of the findings of the study are that journalists in the Iindaba Ziyafika project work in different mediums and this calls for them to acquire the competencies of the different mediums. The same citizen journalists produce content for print, radio and for online media. The diction used in the stories published by citizen journalists is couched in struggle and revolutionary language which seems to pit the community against the authorities. The citizen journalists also make use of every daily language in their radio broadcasts and borrow from their cultural expression. This they do through populist methods. The citizen journalists have also integrated communication brokering as part and parcel of their practice. This is because the citizen journalists have also made it their mandate to enable the flow of information between the residents and the local authority. In terms of sourcing there is a deliberate stance to include those who are not ordinarily given a voice in the mainstream media. Women and the poor appear frequently in stories as sources and this is a different scenario from that prevalent in mainstream journalism which frequently covers the rich and the powerful. The citizen journalists in the Iindaba Ziyafika project have also borrowed practices from professional journalism and this has been integrated into their daily practice. This includes following strategic rituals of journalism objectivity and balance.
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The impact of forest degradation on carbon stocks of forests in the Matiwane area of the Transkei, South Africa
- Authors: Mangwale, Kagiso
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Forest degradation -- Control -- South Africa -- Transkei , Forest ecology -- South Africa -- Transkei , Carbon sequestration -- South Africa -- Transkei , Forest conservation -- South Africa -- Transkei
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4781 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012799 , Forest degradation -- Control -- South Africa -- Transkei , Forest ecology -- South Africa -- Transkei , Carbon sequestration -- South Africa -- Transkei , Forest conservation -- South Africa -- Transkei
- Description: This study focused on assessing the condition and creating a carbon inventory of forests in the Matiwane area of the Transkei. This entailed the use of aerial photography in tracing forest cover change from 1942 to 2007 coupled with ground-truthing to assess whether the forests have in any way endured degradation over the years with a potential reduction in carbon stocks as a result. This study revealed both the loss and gain of biomass in the area with a general trend of forests being continuously converted to agricultural fields resulting in reduced forest area, stem density, tree density and carbon loss in different pools of the forests, reflecting that these forests are degraded. The conversion has resulted in the reduction in the number of species from a mean of 11±0.57 species/200m² in intact forests to 1±0.23species/200m² plot in degraded forests. It was also revealed that approximately 5.2 % (791 hectares) of 15 352 hectares of forest area was lost as a result of the conversion of forest land to agricultural fields from 1942 to 2007 with 99 % of the clearing occurring in the last 33 years (1974-2007) and of which 60 % ( 4 77 hectares) occurred from 1995 to 2007, indicating that forest degradation in these forests is on the increase. The assessment also revealed some areas that were nonforest in 1942 that have accumulated woody biomass (BAA), composed mainly of Acacia sp accounting for 51.18 MgC.ha⁻¹ (Megagrams of carbon per hectare) and total carbon stocks of 0.02 TgC (Teragrams of carbon). The degradation of these forests induced a reduction in carbon stocks from 311.68±23.69 MgC.ha⁻¹ (to a soil depth 0-50 cm) in intact forest to 73.46±12.34 MgC.ha⁻¹ in degraded forests. The total carbon stocks in the degraded forests were approximated at 0.06 TgC and the BAA areas 0.02 TgC with 4.7 TgC in intact forests. The degradation of these forests has resulted in the net carbon loss of 0.19 TgC between 1942 and 2007 but 4.76 TgC is still locked in these forests. The large difference in carbon stocks between intact and degraded forests indicated the need to reduce the degradation of these forests to prevent further carbon loss and reduction of the carbon sequestration potential of these forests.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mangwale, Kagiso
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Forest degradation -- Control -- South Africa -- Transkei , Forest ecology -- South Africa -- Transkei , Carbon sequestration -- South Africa -- Transkei , Forest conservation -- South Africa -- Transkei
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4781 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012799 , Forest degradation -- Control -- South Africa -- Transkei , Forest ecology -- South Africa -- Transkei , Carbon sequestration -- South Africa -- Transkei , Forest conservation -- South Africa -- Transkei
- Description: This study focused on assessing the condition and creating a carbon inventory of forests in the Matiwane area of the Transkei. This entailed the use of aerial photography in tracing forest cover change from 1942 to 2007 coupled with ground-truthing to assess whether the forests have in any way endured degradation over the years with a potential reduction in carbon stocks as a result. This study revealed both the loss and gain of biomass in the area with a general trend of forests being continuously converted to agricultural fields resulting in reduced forest area, stem density, tree density and carbon loss in different pools of the forests, reflecting that these forests are degraded. The conversion has resulted in the reduction in the number of species from a mean of 11±0.57 species/200m² in intact forests to 1±0.23species/200m² plot in degraded forests. It was also revealed that approximately 5.2 % (791 hectares) of 15 352 hectares of forest area was lost as a result of the conversion of forest land to agricultural fields from 1942 to 2007 with 99 % of the clearing occurring in the last 33 years (1974-2007) and of which 60 % ( 4 77 hectares) occurred from 1995 to 2007, indicating that forest degradation in these forests is on the increase. The assessment also revealed some areas that were nonforest in 1942 that have accumulated woody biomass (BAA), composed mainly of Acacia sp accounting for 51.18 MgC.ha⁻¹ (Megagrams of carbon per hectare) and total carbon stocks of 0.02 TgC (Teragrams of carbon). The degradation of these forests induced a reduction in carbon stocks from 311.68±23.69 MgC.ha⁻¹ (to a soil depth 0-50 cm) in intact forest to 73.46±12.34 MgC.ha⁻¹ in degraded forests. The total carbon stocks in the degraded forests were approximated at 0.06 TgC and the BAA areas 0.02 TgC with 4.7 TgC in intact forests. The degradation of these forests has resulted in the net carbon loss of 0.19 TgC between 1942 and 2007 but 4.76 TgC is still locked in these forests. The large difference in carbon stocks between intact and degraded forests indicated the need to reduce the degradation of these forests to prevent further carbon loss and reduction of the carbon sequestration potential of these forests.
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The impact of the new dividend withholding tax on regulated investment intermediaries
- Authors: Schafer, Carolyn
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:880 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001634
- Description: The introduction of the proposed new Dividends Tax will have a significant impact on financial institutions such as Collective Investment Schemes, Linked Investment Service Providers and Long-term Insurers. The reason for this is that South African listed companies declaring local dividends will not necessarily have all the details of and know the identity of their shareholders. These financial institutions may be regarded as regulated intermediaries in terms of the new Dividends Tax legislation and therefore may have the responsibility of withholding the Dividends Tax from dividends received on behalf of their clients, who may in most cases be the beneficial owners of the underlying equity shares. The motivating factor for the research is the fact that there does not appear to be any guidance on the impact of the new Dividends Tax on financial institutions, since the Dividends Tax is new legislation. The research problem addressed in this thesis is how the systems and processes of a financial institution will be affected by the implementation of the new Dividends Tax. The research took the form of a case study designed to investigate the impact of the Dividends Tax on the financial institution at which the researcher is employed. The data required for the research was collected by means of a study of the relevant legislation enacted in connection with the topic, journal articles in financial/tax journals, as well as articles published in the media. The systems and processes presently in place, as well as the changes to these systems that will be needed to accommodate the new dividend tax were ascertained by means of in-depth interviews with relevant staff at the financial institution. In addition, the researcher also applied her personal knowledge of the business of the financial institution at which she works to the problem. As a result of the research it was determined that a Collective Investment Scheme, Linked Investment Service Provider and Long-Term Insurer will all be regarded as regulated intermediaries for the purposes of the new dividend withholding tax. This means that these financial institutions will be required to withhold Dividends Tax from dividends paid to their clients and pay this Dividends Tax so withheld to SARS. Furthermore, the findings of the research confirmed that the new Dividends Tax will have a significant impact on the client services department in areas such as notifying clients, training of client service staff, handling of declaration of exemption forms received from clients, amending client statements and tax certificates (to cater for the new Dividends Tax). In addition to this, it was ascertained that significant systems development will be required by these financial institutions in order to comply with the new Dividends Tax legislation. This would include the development of data input fields to enable users to capture the relevant information required and development of the system to enable it to flag local dividends received to which the Dividends Tax applies. The system would also need to cater for Secondary Tax on Companies credits as well as foreign tax rebates. The system should also be able to calculate the amount of Dividends Tax to withhold per dividend received by a client, as well as be able to handle the payment of the Dividends Tax to SARS and the refund to clients of Dividends Tax over deducted. It is essential that systems are able to flag the correct date of payment of the dividend so that the Dividends Tax can be paid over timeously to SARS in order to avoid interest and penalties being levied. To summarise, the new Dividends Tax has a significant impact on these financial institutions in areas such as client services, administration and system development.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Schafer, Carolyn
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:880 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001634
- Description: The introduction of the proposed new Dividends Tax will have a significant impact on financial institutions such as Collective Investment Schemes, Linked Investment Service Providers and Long-term Insurers. The reason for this is that South African listed companies declaring local dividends will not necessarily have all the details of and know the identity of their shareholders. These financial institutions may be regarded as regulated intermediaries in terms of the new Dividends Tax legislation and therefore may have the responsibility of withholding the Dividends Tax from dividends received on behalf of their clients, who may in most cases be the beneficial owners of the underlying equity shares. The motivating factor for the research is the fact that there does not appear to be any guidance on the impact of the new Dividends Tax on financial institutions, since the Dividends Tax is new legislation. The research problem addressed in this thesis is how the systems and processes of a financial institution will be affected by the implementation of the new Dividends Tax. The research took the form of a case study designed to investigate the impact of the Dividends Tax on the financial institution at which the researcher is employed. The data required for the research was collected by means of a study of the relevant legislation enacted in connection with the topic, journal articles in financial/tax journals, as well as articles published in the media. The systems and processes presently in place, as well as the changes to these systems that will be needed to accommodate the new dividend tax were ascertained by means of in-depth interviews with relevant staff at the financial institution. In addition, the researcher also applied her personal knowledge of the business of the financial institution at which she works to the problem. As a result of the research it was determined that a Collective Investment Scheme, Linked Investment Service Provider and Long-Term Insurer will all be regarded as regulated intermediaries for the purposes of the new dividend withholding tax. This means that these financial institutions will be required to withhold Dividends Tax from dividends paid to their clients and pay this Dividends Tax so withheld to SARS. Furthermore, the findings of the research confirmed that the new Dividends Tax will have a significant impact on the client services department in areas such as notifying clients, training of client service staff, handling of declaration of exemption forms received from clients, amending client statements and tax certificates (to cater for the new Dividends Tax). In addition to this, it was ascertained that significant systems development will be required by these financial institutions in order to comply with the new Dividends Tax legislation. This would include the development of data input fields to enable users to capture the relevant information required and development of the system to enable it to flag local dividends received to which the Dividends Tax applies. The system would also need to cater for Secondary Tax on Companies credits as well as foreign tax rebates. The system should also be able to calculate the amount of Dividends Tax to withhold per dividend received by a client, as well as be able to handle the payment of the Dividends Tax to SARS and the refund to clients of Dividends Tax over deducted. It is essential that systems are able to flag the correct date of payment of the dividend so that the Dividends Tax can be paid over timeously to SARS in order to avoid interest and penalties being levied. To summarise, the new Dividends Tax has a significant impact on these financial institutions in areas such as client services, administration and system development.
- Full Text:
The implementation and evaluation of a service-learning component in a second year undergraduate organic chemistry course
- Authors: Abel, Sarah Ruth
- Date: 2011 , 2010-10-03
- Subjects: Chemistry, Organic -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa , Action research in education -- South Africa , Experiential learning -- South Africa , Service learning -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4393 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006008 , Chemistry, Organic -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa , Action research in education -- South Africa , Experiential learning -- South Africa , Service learning -- South Africa
- Description: The project describes the action research implementation, and evaluation of learning, of a service-learning component in a second year undergraduate organic chemistry course. The research aims to explore the learning that takes place in a service-learning context while utilizing an action research methodology within the critical theory paradigm. This occurs in response to the world-wide call for Higher Education to produce people with civic competencies and responsiveness to the society in which they live (Boyer 1996). Educating young Chemists to see the importance of their knowledge and their responsibilities in society is an important pedagogical step in the effort to cross boundaries and make connections between people communities (Eyler and Giles 1999). The goal of this project was to explore and categorize the learning that takes place in a service-learning context and discover how these areas of learning impact the awareness of the parties involved with regard to the discipline of chemistry as well as social issues. The project makes use of Kolb‘s (1984) Experiential Learning Theory, and Eyler and Giles‘ (1999) categories of learning in service-learning and results indicate that service-learning can be a powerful pedagogical tool to increase learning in chemistry as well as in the areas of critical thinking, personal and social development, reflection and citizenship. Students‘ perceptions of themselves, their discipline and their responsibility to society were transformed by their experience of service-learning in their undergraduate chemistry course.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Abel, Sarah Ruth
- Date: 2011 , 2010-10-03
- Subjects: Chemistry, Organic -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa , Action research in education -- South Africa , Experiential learning -- South Africa , Service learning -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4393 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006008 , Chemistry, Organic -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa , Action research in education -- South Africa , Experiential learning -- South Africa , Service learning -- South Africa
- Description: The project describes the action research implementation, and evaluation of learning, of a service-learning component in a second year undergraduate organic chemistry course. The research aims to explore the learning that takes place in a service-learning context while utilizing an action research methodology within the critical theory paradigm. This occurs in response to the world-wide call for Higher Education to produce people with civic competencies and responsiveness to the society in which they live (Boyer 1996). Educating young Chemists to see the importance of their knowledge and their responsibilities in society is an important pedagogical step in the effort to cross boundaries and make connections between people communities (Eyler and Giles 1999). The goal of this project was to explore and categorize the learning that takes place in a service-learning context and discover how these areas of learning impact the awareness of the parties involved with regard to the discipline of chemistry as well as social issues. The project makes use of Kolb‘s (1984) Experiential Learning Theory, and Eyler and Giles‘ (1999) categories of learning in service-learning and results indicate that service-learning can be a powerful pedagogical tool to increase learning in chemistry as well as in the areas of critical thinking, personal and social development, reflection and citizenship. Students‘ perceptions of themselves, their discipline and their responsibility to society were transformed by their experience of service-learning in their undergraduate chemistry course.
- Full Text:
The implementation of a performance management system in the Northern Cape Department of Environment and Nature Conservation
- Authors: Mbanjwa, Sibonelo Glenton
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Performance -- Management -- South Africa -- Northern Cape Northern Cape (South Africa). Dept. of Environment and Nature Conservation Government productivity -- South Africa -- Northern Cape -- Evaluation Civil service -- South Africa -- Northern Cape -- Evaluation Civil service -- South Africa -- Northern Cape -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:748 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003869
- Description: This document consists of three sections, and they are the academic paper (section 1), literature review (section 2) and research methodology (section 3). The academic paper consists of the purpose of the research, the summarised literature review, summarised research methodology and the research findings. The literature review section is a detailed review of literature used in this study. The research methodology section explains the research methodology and design which was employed in this study and it gives more details than the summarised version of the academic paper section. This summary integrated all the elements of section 1, section 2 and section 3. The purpose of this research is to identify the main problems that the Department of Environment and Nature Conservation (DENC) could encounter during the implementation and use of a performance management system, based on employee perspectives. The objectives of this research are therefore: to establish how often a particular problem has been encountered during the implementation and use of a performance management system in DENC; to identify the impact of various problems on the implementation of a performance management system, to establish whether these problems can be easily solved or not, and to analyse the problems associated with the implementation of a performance management system, as well as making recommendations for the successful implementation of a performance management system in the future. In this study, the researcher employed both quantitative and qualitative research approaches, informed by post-positivism as research orientation. The data collection techniques employed in this research include survey questionnaires and individual interviews. The survey questionnaire was answered by fifty respondents, and interview questions were answered by four respondents. The ethical issues were addressed by writing a letter to the Head of Department and getting authorisation to complete the research and informing respondents of their right to withdraw and to participate voluntarily. The findings indicate that the problems are either sometimes encountered or rarely encountered, and the division is about fifty percent of those sometimes encountered to those rarely encountered. This research indicates that most of the problems have a moderate impact on the use and implementation of a performance management system. The lack of management has a high impact, and a lack of positive attitude to performance management system (PMS) certainly has an impact on the use and implementation of the performance management system. Items such as the problem of information and communication technology (ICT) which does not support PMS adequately, and defining too many key performance indicators (KPI), have a small impact on the use and implementation of the performance management system. There are three problems which are difficult to solve and they are: lack of management commitment, organisational members‟ lack of positive attitude to the PMS and an insufficient period of commitment from management to PMS. This research indicates that most of the problems associated with PMS are moderately easy to solve. Two other problems that are easy to solve include the problem where there are too many KPIs defined and the problem where there is no organisational member appointed to take ownership of the PMS. According to this research, the top ten ranking problems have high ranking scores and this indicates that they can create major difficulties for the DENC in implementing the performance management system, and the chance of encountering these problems is high in the DENC in comparison to other problems. Almost all the problems ranked in the top ten seem to score highly in terms of the severity of their impact, and therefore this means that these are the problems which have an impact and, when they are not easily solved, they can become a tenacious issue for the organisation.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mbanjwa, Sibonelo Glenton
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Performance -- Management -- South Africa -- Northern Cape Northern Cape (South Africa). Dept. of Environment and Nature Conservation Government productivity -- South Africa -- Northern Cape -- Evaluation Civil service -- South Africa -- Northern Cape -- Evaluation Civil service -- South Africa -- Northern Cape -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:748 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003869
- Description: This document consists of three sections, and they are the academic paper (section 1), literature review (section 2) and research methodology (section 3). The academic paper consists of the purpose of the research, the summarised literature review, summarised research methodology and the research findings. The literature review section is a detailed review of literature used in this study. The research methodology section explains the research methodology and design which was employed in this study and it gives more details than the summarised version of the academic paper section. This summary integrated all the elements of section 1, section 2 and section 3. The purpose of this research is to identify the main problems that the Department of Environment and Nature Conservation (DENC) could encounter during the implementation and use of a performance management system, based on employee perspectives. The objectives of this research are therefore: to establish how often a particular problem has been encountered during the implementation and use of a performance management system in DENC; to identify the impact of various problems on the implementation of a performance management system, to establish whether these problems can be easily solved or not, and to analyse the problems associated with the implementation of a performance management system, as well as making recommendations for the successful implementation of a performance management system in the future. In this study, the researcher employed both quantitative and qualitative research approaches, informed by post-positivism as research orientation. The data collection techniques employed in this research include survey questionnaires and individual interviews. The survey questionnaire was answered by fifty respondents, and interview questions were answered by four respondents. The ethical issues were addressed by writing a letter to the Head of Department and getting authorisation to complete the research and informing respondents of their right to withdraw and to participate voluntarily. The findings indicate that the problems are either sometimes encountered or rarely encountered, and the division is about fifty percent of those sometimes encountered to those rarely encountered. This research indicates that most of the problems have a moderate impact on the use and implementation of a performance management system. The lack of management has a high impact, and a lack of positive attitude to performance management system (PMS) certainly has an impact on the use and implementation of the performance management system. Items such as the problem of information and communication technology (ICT) which does not support PMS adequately, and defining too many key performance indicators (KPI), have a small impact on the use and implementation of the performance management system. There are three problems which are difficult to solve and they are: lack of management commitment, organisational members‟ lack of positive attitude to the PMS and an insufficient period of commitment from management to PMS. This research indicates that most of the problems associated with PMS are moderately easy to solve. Two other problems that are easy to solve include the problem where there are too many KPIs defined and the problem where there is no organisational member appointed to take ownership of the PMS. According to this research, the top ten ranking problems have high ranking scores and this indicates that they can create major difficulties for the DENC in implementing the performance management system, and the chance of encountering these problems is high in the DENC in comparison to other problems. Almost all the problems ranked in the top ten seem to score highly in terms of the severity of their impact, and therefore this means that these are the problems which have an impact and, when they are not easily solved, they can become a tenacious issue for the organisation.
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The justice of Dikê on the forms and significance of dispute settlement by arbitration in the Iliad
- Malamis, Daniel Scott Christos
- Authors: Malamis, Daniel Scott Christos
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Homer. Iliad Epic poetry, Greek -- History and criticism Law in literature Justice in literature Dispute resolution (Law) Arbitration and award (Greek law)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3587 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002162
- Description: This thesis explores the forms and significance of dispute settlement by arbitration, or ‘δίκη’, in the Iliad. I take as my focus the ‘storm simile’ of Iliad XVI: 384-393, which describes Zeus’ theodical reaction to corruption within the δίκη-court, and the ‘shield trial’ of Iliad XVIII: 498-508, which presents a detailed picture of such a court in action, and compare the forms and conception of arbitration that emerge from these two ecphrastic passages with those found in the narrative body of the poem. Analysing the terminology and procedures associated with dispute settlement in the Iliad, I explore the evidence for the development of an ‘ideology of δίκη’, that valorises arbitrated settlement as a solution to conflict, and that identifies δίκη as a procedure and a civic institution with an objective standard of fairness: the foundation of a civic concept of ‘justice’. I argue that this ideology is fully articulated in the storm simile and the shield trial, as well as Hesiod’s Works and Days, but that it is also detectable in the narrative body of the Iliad. I further argue that the poet of the Iliad employs references to this ideology, through the narrative media of speech and ecphrasis, to prompt and direct his audience’s evaluation of the nature and outcome of the poem’s central conflict: the dispute of Achilles and Agamemnon.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Malamis, Daniel Scott Christos
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Homer. Iliad Epic poetry, Greek -- History and criticism Law in literature Justice in literature Dispute resolution (Law) Arbitration and award (Greek law)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3587 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002162
- Description: This thesis explores the forms and significance of dispute settlement by arbitration, or ‘δίκη’, in the Iliad. I take as my focus the ‘storm simile’ of Iliad XVI: 384-393, which describes Zeus’ theodical reaction to corruption within the δίκη-court, and the ‘shield trial’ of Iliad XVIII: 498-508, which presents a detailed picture of such a court in action, and compare the forms and conception of arbitration that emerge from these two ecphrastic passages with those found in the narrative body of the poem. Analysing the terminology and procedures associated with dispute settlement in the Iliad, I explore the evidence for the development of an ‘ideology of δίκη’, that valorises arbitrated settlement as a solution to conflict, and that identifies δίκη as a procedure and a civic institution with an objective standard of fairness: the foundation of a civic concept of ‘justice’. I argue that this ideology is fully articulated in the storm simile and the shield trial, as well as Hesiod’s Works and Days, but that it is also detectable in the narrative body of the Iliad. I further argue that the poet of the Iliad employs references to this ideology, through the narrative media of speech and ecphrasis, to prompt and direct his audience’s evaluation of the nature and outcome of the poem’s central conflict: the dispute of Achilles and Agamemnon.
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The mindful therapist: an interpretive phenomenological analysis of mindfulness meditation and the therapeutic alliance
- Authors: Gillitt, Tarryn
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy Meditation -- Therapeutic use Psychotherapy Counseling psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2982 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002491
- Description: The aim of this study was to present and understand therapists’ experiences of the impact of their mindfulness meditation practice on their role in the therapeutic alliance. The topic emerged in response to extant research recommendations and researcher observations of the compatibility between mindfulness meditation outcomes and the demands on therapists for establishing effective alliances with clients. The study adopted an interpretive phenomenological analysis strategy located within the qualitative paradigm, and thus a small sample of therapists practicing mindfulness meditation were selected and interviewed on their experiences using semi-structured interviewing. Data were analysed for meaning units, which were then interpreted inductively and hermeneutically and categorized into superordinate themes. Three superordinate themes within participants’ experiences of how their mindfulness meditation practice impacts upon their role in the alliance were determined, namely: ‘self-care’; ‘insight into the structure of selfhood’; and ‘immediate mindfulness meditation during therapy’. This study found these experiences capacitated participants with compassionate interpersonal affects used for creating secure bonds with clients; skills for accurate empathic understanding; and skills and attitudes for working collaboratively with clients. Should future research confirm these findings, mindfulness meditation may be used as a tool to developed alliance formation abilities for therapists in training. Importantly, findings from this project called for a more comprehensive integration of theoretical positions on the construct of mindfulness meditation.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Gillitt, Tarryn
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy Meditation -- Therapeutic use Psychotherapy Counseling psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2982 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002491
- Description: The aim of this study was to present and understand therapists’ experiences of the impact of their mindfulness meditation practice on their role in the therapeutic alliance. The topic emerged in response to extant research recommendations and researcher observations of the compatibility between mindfulness meditation outcomes and the demands on therapists for establishing effective alliances with clients. The study adopted an interpretive phenomenological analysis strategy located within the qualitative paradigm, and thus a small sample of therapists practicing mindfulness meditation were selected and interviewed on their experiences using semi-structured interviewing. Data were analysed for meaning units, which were then interpreted inductively and hermeneutically and categorized into superordinate themes. Three superordinate themes within participants’ experiences of how their mindfulness meditation practice impacts upon their role in the alliance were determined, namely: ‘self-care’; ‘insight into the structure of selfhood’; and ‘immediate mindfulness meditation during therapy’. This study found these experiences capacitated participants with compassionate interpersonal affects used for creating secure bonds with clients; skills for accurate empathic understanding; and skills and attitudes for working collaboratively with clients. Should future research confirm these findings, mindfulness meditation may be used as a tool to developed alliance formation abilities for therapists in training. Importantly, findings from this project called for a more comprehensive integration of theoretical positions on the construct of mindfulness meditation.
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The nexilitas factor: host-guest relationships in small owner managed commercial accommodation facilities in contemporary South Africa
- Von Lengeling, Volkher Heinrich Christoph
- Authors: Von Lengeling, Volkher Heinrich Christoph
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Hospitality industry -- South Africa Interpersonal relations Social interaction Liminality Consumer behavior Home-based businesses -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2093 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002656
- Description: The commercialization of hospitality established arguably the oldest profession. Historically small commercial hospitality establishments, known as inns in the western world, were of ill repute. Perhaps connected to their reputation, this category of accommodation facility has been seriously neglected as an area of academic inquiry, particularly from the perspective of the host. While there has been a huge growth in the interdisciplinary field of tourism studies in recent decades, little attention has been paid to the role of the host in the host-guest relationship at whatever level of analysis. This thesis seeks to redress the balance. Hospitality is a basic form of social bonding. This type of bonding, where a hierarchy between strangers is implicit (as with hosts and guests), may be termed ‘nexilitas’; nexilitas is a form of social bonding in liminal circumstances. To that extent it is comparable to ‘communitas’ which describes social bonding between equals in certain liminal circumstances. The difference is that nexilitas is a form of bonding between individuals in a complex power relationship. The host controls the hospitality space, but custom also empowers the guest with certain expectations, especially in the commercial context. The thesis identifies the various forms of hospitality – traditional ‘true’ or ‘pure’ hospitality, social hospitality, cultural hospitality and commercial hospitality – and discusses these critically in their historical and cross-cultural contexts, with emphasis on the perspective of the host. The passage of hospitality is then traced through the three phases of preliminality, liminality and post-liminality and discussed along the themes anticipation, arrival and accommodation and finally departure of the guest. While the historical and ethnographic review is mainly based on written histories and the experiences of other anthropologists as guests as well as ethnographers, the passage of hospitality draws on the multi-sited auto-anthropological experiences of the author, both as host and as ethnographer of contemporary South African hosts in small owner-managed commercial hospitality establishments.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Von Lengeling, Volkher Heinrich Christoph
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Hospitality industry -- South Africa Interpersonal relations Social interaction Liminality Consumer behavior Home-based businesses -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2093 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002656
- Description: The commercialization of hospitality established arguably the oldest profession. Historically small commercial hospitality establishments, known as inns in the western world, were of ill repute. Perhaps connected to their reputation, this category of accommodation facility has been seriously neglected as an area of academic inquiry, particularly from the perspective of the host. While there has been a huge growth in the interdisciplinary field of tourism studies in recent decades, little attention has been paid to the role of the host in the host-guest relationship at whatever level of analysis. This thesis seeks to redress the balance. Hospitality is a basic form of social bonding. This type of bonding, where a hierarchy between strangers is implicit (as with hosts and guests), may be termed ‘nexilitas’; nexilitas is a form of social bonding in liminal circumstances. To that extent it is comparable to ‘communitas’ which describes social bonding between equals in certain liminal circumstances. The difference is that nexilitas is a form of bonding between individuals in a complex power relationship. The host controls the hospitality space, but custom also empowers the guest with certain expectations, especially in the commercial context. The thesis identifies the various forms of hospitality – traditional ‘true’ or ‘pure’ hospitality, social hospitality, cultural hospitality and commercial hospitality – and discusses these critically in their historical and cross-cultural contexts, with emphasis on the perspective of the host. The passage of hospitality is then traced through the three phases of preliminality, liminality and post-liminality and discussed along the themes anticipation, arrival and accommodation and finally departure of the guest. While the historical and ethnographic review is mainly based on written histories and the experiences of other anthropologists as guests as well as ethnographers, the passage of hospitality draws on the multi-sited auto-anthropological experiences of the author, both as host and as ethnographer of contemporary South African hosts in small owner-managed commercial hospitality establishments.
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The photophysical properties of low symmetry phthalocyanines in conjunction with quantum dots
- Authors: D'Souza, Sarah
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Phthalocyanines , Photochemistry , Zinc , Quantum dots , Spectrum analysis , Nanoparticles
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4331 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004992 , Phthalocyanines , Photochemistry , Zinc , Quantum dots , Spectrum analysis , Nanoparticles
- Description: he synthesis, extensive spectroscopic characterization and photophysical studies of low symmetry zinc phthalocyanine have been conducted. Comparisons have been made taking into consideration the influence of the solvent properties as well as substituent type and position. Photosensitizing properties of the zinc phthalocyanine derivatives in the presence of thiol capped CdTe quantum dots (QDs) were compared. The QDs were used as energy transfer donors and to facilitate with energy transfer through Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) from the QDs to the MPcs. The linkage of unsymmetrically substituted 4-monoaminophenoxy zinc phthalocyanine (ZnAPPc) to CdTe quantum dots capped with mercaptopropionic acid (MPA), L-cysteine (L-cys) or thioglycolic acid (TGA) has been achieved using the coupling agents ethyl-N3 dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide (EDC) and N-hydroxy succinimide (NHS), which facilitate formation of an amide bond to form the QD-ZnAPPc-linked complex. The formation of the amide bond was confirmed using UV-Vis, Raman and IR spectroscopies, as well as AFM (atomic force microscopy). Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) resulted in stimulated emission of ZnAPPc in both the linked (QDZnAPPc-linked) and mixed (QD:ZnAPPc-mixed) conjugates for MPA only. The linked L-cys and TGA complexes (QD-ZnAPPc-linked) gave the largest FRET efficiencies hence showing the advantages of covalent linking. Fluorescence quantum yields of QDs were decreased in QD:ZnAPPc-mixed and QD:ZnAPPc-linked. High triplet state quantum yields were obtained for the linked QD-phthalocyanine derivatives (ZnAPPc)and monoaminozinc phthalocyanine (ZnAPc) compared to when ZnAPPc and ZnAPc were mixed with MPA QDs without a chemical bond.
- Full Text:
- Authors: D'Souza, Sarah
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Phthalocyanines , Photochemistry , Zinc , Quantum dots , Spectrum analysis , Nanoparticles
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4331 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004992 , Phthalocyanines , Photochemistry , Zinc , Quantum dots , Spectrum analysis , Nanoparticles
- Description: he synthesis, extensive spectroscopic characterization and photophysical studies of low symmetry zinc phthalocyanine have been conducted. Comparisons have been made taking into consideration the influence of the solvent properties as well as substituent type and position. Photosensitizing properties of the zinc phthalocyanine derivatives in the presence of thiol capped CdTe quantum dots (QDs) were compared. The QDs were used as energy transfer donors and to facilitate with energy transfer through Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) from the QDs to the MPcs. The linkage of unsymmetrically substituted 4-monoaminophenoxy zinc phthalocyanine (ZnAPPc) to CdTe quantum dots capped with mercaptopropionic acid (MPA), L-cysteine (L-cys) or thioglycolic acid (TGA) has been achieved using the coupling agents ethyl-N3 dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide (EDC) and N-hydroxy succinimide (NHS), which facilitate formation of an amide bond to form the QD-ZnAPPc-linked complex. The formation of the amide bond was confirmed using UV-Vis, Raman and IR spectroscopies, as well as AFM (atomic force microscopy). Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) resulted in stimulated emission of ZnAPPc in both the linked (QDZnAPPc-linked) and mixed (QD:ZnAPPc-mixed) conjugates for MPA only. The linked L-cys and TGA complexes (QD-ZnAPPc-linked) gave the largest FRET efficiencies hence showing the advantages of covalent linking. Fluorescence quantum yields of QDs were decreased in QD:ZnAPPc-mixed and QD:ZnAPPc-linked. High triplet state quantum yields were obtained for the linked QD-phthalocyanine derivatives (ZnAPPc)and monoaminozinc phthalocyanine (ZnAPc) compared to when ZnAPPc and ZnAPc were mixed with MPA QDs without a chemical bond.
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The potential impact of diving charges on the demand for diving and the diving industry in the Aliwal Shoal Marine Protected Area: a pilot study
- Authors: Schmidt, Jadon
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Marine parks and reserves -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal Recreational dive industry -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal Recreational dive industry -- Licenses -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal Marine parks and reserves -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal -- Management Conservation of natural resources -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal Environmental management -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal Marine resources conservation -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal Waste disposal in the ocean -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal Marine pollution -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:756 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003877
- Description: This research is presented in three sections. Section 1 presents the research report in an Academic Paper format. Section 2 provides a comprehensive literature review and Section 3 describes the research methodology and methods employed. Sustainable management of natural resources is a global imperative. It is particularly significant in a country like South Africa that is blessed with an abundance of biological diversity but faces many socio economic challenges that are associated with developing nations. Toward addressing these issues, diver permit fees were implemented in South Africa in 2005, making it a legal requirement for all scuba divers undertaking a dive in a Marine Protected Area (MPA) to purchase a permit. This pilot study is the first attempt since the inception of the dive permit fees to determine their impact on the demand for diving and the diving industry in the Aliwal Shoal MPA, one of the premier dive destinations in the country. In order to address key questions, qualitative data was gathered during interviews with 12 dive operators active in the MPA and 28 divers that utilised the operators to dive. In addition, independent quantitative data on the number of dive boat launches during the past 20 years was used in conjunction with mean paying diver data obtained from the operators to ascertain the demand for diving at the Aliwal Shoal during the past two decades. Results indicate that were no significant differences (at the 5% level of significance) between paying divers during 2005 compared to 2004 and 2006 [H =.1923366, N= 36, p =0.9083]. Paying diver data for the period 2000 - 2004 were compared to 2005 - 2010 and no significant differences were found at the 5% level of significance (U= 2040, Npost = 72, Npre= 60, p = 0.584981). Diver interviews revealed that only 36% of divers had paid for a permit, representing a loss of R7 438 499 during the past five years, enough to support the current budget of the MPA for 10.6 years. Operator interviews revealed that alternative destinations, economic climate and local competition had the most impact on their businesses, with permit fees having no impact on the 50% of the operators’ businesses. Operators also reported that there was little or no enforcement of the permit fees, 9 of the operators indicated that there has been no improvement in the MPA or its management since the inception of the fees and all were dissatisfied with the current management MPA. Operators and divers complained about the current purchasing and handling practices associated with the permits. Despite offering a world class diving opportunity, the dive operators currently have no incentive to enforce the permit system and due to price pressure in the local market, and have adopted a mute stance on diver permits. Consequently, there has been no significant impact on the demand for diving since the inception of the permits in 2005. The initial hypothesis that the increased costs to divers as a result of the permits would drive down the demand for diving is therefore rejected. If the permits are more strictly enforced, it is likely that more divers may seek alternative destinations due to the perception of poor value as a result of the Sappi Saiccor effluent discharge, existence of shark nets and poor management, in accordance with existing literature. The resultant decrease in demand will be detrimental to the diving industry at Aliwal Shoal. The second hypothesis, that the costs associated with the better enforcement of the MPA regulations-in terms of impacts on the diving industry- might outweigh the benefits, is therefore accepted. All the results produced by this study suggest that authorities may have been too enthusiastic to have all the boxes ticked in order to meet deadlines for international targets for marine conservation and paid little or no attention to lessons learnt from MPAs globally. Every negative aspect highlighted by existing international literature as symptomatic of MPA failure is occurring at Aliwal Shoal MPA, albatrossing it with “paper park” status. Due to the size and scope of this study, the results should be interpreted with caution and not be utilised to guide policy but rather encourage further research.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Schmidt, Jadon
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Marine parks and reserves -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal Recreational dive industry -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal Recreational dive industry -- Licenses -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal Marine parks and reserves -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal -- Management Conservation of natural resources -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal Environmental management -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal Marine resources conservation -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal Waste disposal in the ocean -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal Marine pollution -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:756 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003877
- Description: This research is presented in three sections. Section 1 presents the research report in an Academic Paper format. Section 2 provides a comprehensive literature review and Section 3 describes the research methodology and methods employed. Sustainable management of natural resources is a global imperative. It is particularly significant in a country like South Africa that is blessed with an abundance of biological diversity but faces many socio economic challenges that are associated with developing nations. Toward addressing these issues, diver permit fees were implemented in South Africa in 2005, making it a legal requirement for all scuba divers undertaking a dive in a Marine Protected Area (MPA) to purchase a permit. This pilot study is the first attempt since the inception of the dive permit fees to determine their impact on the demand for diving and the diving industry in the Aliwal Shoal MPA, one of the premier dive destinations in the country. In order to address key questions, qualitative data was gathered during interviews with 12 dive operators active in the MPA and 28 divers that utilised the operators to dive. In addition, independent quantitative data on the number of dive boat launches during the past 20 years was used in conjunction with mean paying diver data obtained from the operators to ascertain the demand for diving at the Aliwal Shoal during the past two decades. Results indicate that were no significant differences (at the 5% level of significance) between paying divers during 2005 compared to 2004 and 2006 [H =.1923366, N= 36, p =0.9083]. Paying diver data for the period 2000 - 2004 were compared to 2005 - 2010 and no significant differences were found at the 5% level of significance (U= 2040, Npost = 72, Npre= 60, p = 0.584981). Diver interviews revealed that only 36% of divers had paid for a permit, representing a loss of R7 438 499 during the past five years, enough to support the current budget of the MPA for 10.6 years. Operator interviews revealed that alternative destinations, economic climate and local competition had the most impact on their businesses, with permit fees having no impact on the 50% of the operators’ businesses. Operators also reported that there was little or no enforcement of the permit fees, 9 of the operators indicated that there has been no improvement in the MPA or its management since the inception of the fees and all were dissatisfied with the current management MPA. Operators and divers complained about the current purchasing and handling practices associated with the permits. Despite offering a world class diving opportunity, the dive operators currently have no incentive to enforce the permit system and due to price pressure in the local market, and have adopted a mute stance on diver permits. Consequently, there has been no significant impact on the demand for diving since the inception of the permits in 2005. The initial hypothesis that the increased costs to divers as a result of the permits would drive down the demand for diving is therefore rejected. If the permits are more strictly enforced, it is likely that more divers may seek alternative destinations due to the perception of poor value as a result of the Sappi Saiccor effluent discharge, existence of shark nets and poor management, in accordance with existing literature. The resultant decrease in demand will be detrimental to the diving industry at Aliwal Shoal. The second hypothesis, that the costs associated with the better enforcement of the MPA regulations-in terms of impacts on the diving industry- might outweigh the benefits, is therefore accepted. All the results produced by this study suggest that authorities may have been too enthusiastic to have all the boxes ticked in order to meet deadlines for international targets for marine conservation and paid little or no attention to lessons learnt from MPAs globally. Every negative aspect highlighted by existing international literature as symptomatic of MPA failure is occurring at Aliwal Shoal MPA, albatrossing it with “paper park” status. Due to the size and scope of this study, the results should be interpreted with caution and not be utilised to guide policy but rather encourage further research.
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The reading of extended text in Oshindonga in grade 2 in selected Namibian schools
- Ngula, Elizabeth Njanjukweni-Aluhe
- Authors: Ngula, Elizabeth Njanjukweni-Aluhe
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Ndonga language -- Study and teaching -- Namibia Reading comprehension -- Study and teaching (Primary) -- Namibia Reading (Primary) -- Namibia Teaching -- Namibia Teachers -- Attitudes -- Namibia Literacy -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1720 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003603
- Description: This study was conducted in order to understand to what extent Grade 2 teachers use books (or other forms of extended text) in their reading lessons in Oshindonga where very little published material is available, and, if so, whether they engage in shared reading with these materials or not. The study also explored ways to introduce more books (or other forms of extended text) into Oshindonga classrooms. The study took the form of an interpretive case study. It was conducted in two primary schools in Otjiwarongo district in the Otjozondjupa region of Namibia. Two qualified Grade 2 teachers were selected. The purpose of this sampling was to gain an in depth understanding of how these two selected teachers taught reading in Oshindonga. The data was gathered by using semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions, as well as lesson observations and stimulated recall with each individual teacher after each lesson. The purpose of this was to gain clarity in areas that were not clear during lesson presentations. A focus group interview was also conducted in order to generate ideas about how to introduce more extended texts into the classroom. The key fmdings are that both schools in the study lacked books in Oshindonga, and the teachers lacked an understanding of the importance of using books (or other forms of extended text). Other key findings are that teachers had a problem in choosing appropriate texts to read with their learners; teachers understand reading more as decoding than reading for meaning and pleasure; children were not asked any comprehension questions and the two teachers had different views on the value of shared reading. The research data revealed that there are problems in teaching literacy in Namibian African languages.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ngula, Elizabeth Njanjukweni-Aluhe
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Ndonga language -- Study and teaching -- Namibia Reading comprehension -- Study and teaching (Primary) -- Namibia Reading (Primary) -- Namibia Teaching -- Namibia Teachers -- Attitudes -- Namibia Literacy -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1720 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003603
- Description: This study was conducted in order to understand to what extent Grade 2 teachers use books (or other forms of extended text) in their reading lessons in Oshindonga where very little published material is available, and, if so, whether they engage in shared reading with these materials or not. The study also explored ways to introduce more books (or other forms of extended text) into Oshindonga classrooms. The study took the form of an interpretive case study. It was conducted in two primary schools in Otjiwarongo district in the Otjozondjupa region of Namibia. Two qualified Grade 2 teachers were selected. The purpose of this sampling was to gain an in depth understanding of how these two selected teachers taught reading in Oshindonga. The data was gathered by using semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions, as well as lesson observations and stimulated recall with each individual teacher after each lesson. The purpose of this was to gain clarity in areas that were not clear during lesson presentations. A focus group interview was also conducted in order to generate ideas about how to introduce more extended texts into the classroom. The key fmdings are that both schools in the study lacked books in Oshindonga, and the teachers lacked an understanding of the importance of using books (or other forms of extended text). Other key findings are that teachers had a problem in choosing appropriate texts to read with their learners; teachers understand reading more as decoding than reading for meaning and pleasure; children were not asked any comprehension questions and the two teachers had different views on the value of shared reading. The research data revealed that there are problems in teaching literacy in Namibian African languages.
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The relationship between financial development and manufacturing sector growth: evidence from Southern African Customs Union countries
- Authors: Moshabesha, Mosili
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Economic development -- Case studies -- Africa, Southern Entrepreneurship -- Case studies -- Africa, Southern Southern African Customs Union
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:990 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002725
- Description: Extensive research has been done on the relationship between financial development (FD) and growth (with the main focus on economic growth). Theoretical models and most of the conclusions reached stipulate that the development of a financial system is one of the essential ingredients for economic growth. A developed financial system is able to provide financial services efficiently to the real sector. This study examines the relationship between FD and manufacturing sector growth of the SACU countries. The study first reviews the theoretical and empirical literature of FD and growth (economic and manufacturing sector). This gives a full understanding of the topic before attempting to empirically study it. It also helps in the selection process of the model and variables to be employed in the study. A balanced panel for four SACU countries, namely Botswana, Lesotho, RSA and Swaziland, for the period 1976 to 2008 was estimated using Zellner‟s Seemingly Unrelated Regression Estimation (SURE) method. Namibia was omitted because of limited data. The SURE model was selected because it performs better than ordinary least squares (OLS) estimation of individual equations in cases where the countries studied can be affected by similar external shocks because they are in the same economic region and also have country specific structural differences which could affect their economic growth. Two measures of FD were used: credit to the private sector provided by commercial banks (FIC) and the ratio of liquid liabilities of commercial banks to GDP (LL). Manufacturing sector growth was measured by manufacturing value added to GDP. The results of the relationship between manufacturing growth and FD were very weak across the countries. The model that used FIC performed better, there was a negative significant relationship found in RSA and Swaziland, while with the model that used LL, all the countries gave an insignificant relationship. The results for Swaziland were very consistent with the past findings of the relationship between FD and economic growth in the country (for example Aziakpono (2005a)). This may be because of the high share of the manufacturing sector in GDP. Theory suggests that a well-developed financial system will have a positive impact on growth, but this was not the case in RSA and Botswana, where in some cases FD had a negative impact on the growth of the sector. The analysis of the countries‟ manufacturing sector development shows that the sector plays an important role in the economies of the SACU countries, especially in terms of employment and exports. The coefficients of trade openness are generally positive, though not significant in some cases. The other control variables gave mixed results across the counties and across the models. Based on the findings, the countries have to develop strategies that will improve entrepreneurial skills. Also the financial development in the small SACU countries is essential in order for all the sectors in the economy to benefit from the financial sector and in turn increase economic growth.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Moshabesha, Mosili
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Economic development -- Case studies -- Africa, Southern Entrepreneurship -- Case studies -- Africa, Southern Southern African Customs Union
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:990 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002725
- Description: Extensive research has been done on the relationship between financial development (FD) and growth (with the main focus on economic growth). Theoretical models and most of the conclusions reached stipulate that the development of a financial system is one of the essential ingredients for economic growth. A developed financial system is able to provide financial services efficiently to the real sector. This study examines the relationship between FD and manufacturing sector growth of the SACU countries. The study first reviews the theoretical and empirical literature of FD and growth (economic and manufacturing sector). This gives a full understanding of the topic before attempting to empirically study it. It also helps in the selection process of the model and variables to be employed in the study. A balanced panel for four SACU countries, namely Botswana, Lesotho, RSA and Swaziland, for the period 1976 to 2008 was estimated using Zellner‟s Seemingly Unrelated Regression Estimation (SURE) method. Namibia was omitted because of limited data. The SURE model was selected because it performs better than ordinary least squares (OLS) estimation of individual equations in cases where the countries studied can be affected by similar external shocks because they are in the same economic region and also have country specific structural differences which could affect their economic growth. Two measures of FD were used: credit to the private sector provided by commercial banks (FIC) and the ratio of liquid liabilities of commercial banks to GDP (LL). Manufacturing sector growth was measured by manufacturing value added to GDP. The results of the relationship between manufacturing growth and FD were very weak across the countries. The model that used FIC performed better, there was a negative significant relationship found in RSA and Swaziland, while with the model that used LL, all the countries gave an insignificant relationship. The results for Swaziland were very consistent with the past findings of the relationship between FD and economic growth in the country (for example Aziakpono (2005a)). This may be because of the high share of the manufacturing sector in GDP. Theory suggests that a well-developed financial system will have a positive impact on growth, but this was not the case in RSA and Botswana, where in some cases FD had a negative impact on the growth of the sector. The analysis of the countries‟ manufacturing sector development shows that the sector plays an important role in the economies of the SACU countries, especially in terms of employment and exports. The coefficients of trade openness are generally positive, though not significant in some cases. The other control variables gave mixed results across the counties and across the models. Based on the findings, the countries have to develop strategies that will improve entrepreneurial skills. Also the financial development in the small SACU countries is essential in order for all the sectors in the economy to benefit from the financial sector and in turn increase economic growth.
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The right to organise: critiquing the role of trade unions in shaping work relations in post-apartheid South Africa
- Authors: Nyathi, Mthokozisi
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Labor unions -- South Africa , Apartheid -- South Africa , Industrial relations -- South Africa , Labor unions -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Labor -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:3690 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003205 , Labor unions -- South Africa , Apartheid -- South Africa , Industrial relations -- South Africa , Labor unions -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Labor -- South Africa
- Description: Organised labour continues to play a prominent role in shaping employment relations in South Africa. The individual worker is powerless and in a weaker bargaining position against his employer. The advent of democracy was accompanied by numerous interventions to level the historically uneven bargaining field. The trade union movement has made and consolidated significant gains since the advent of democracy. It however faces a plethora of new challenges, such as the negative forces of globalisation, declining membership (often associated with high levels of unemployment and the changing nature of work from standard to atypical employment), the resurfacing of adversarialism in the bargaining process, and numerous shortcomings inherent in forums established to facilitate corporatism. Business is intensifying its calls for investor-friendly policies, which effectively mean a relaxation of labour policies. The trade union movement faces an enormous task of rebuilding confidence and credibility among its members and at the same time showing some commitment to other social actors, government and business, that it is committed to contribute to economic growth and employment creation. The central focus of this thesis will be to highlight the gains made by the trade union movement, the numerous challenges threatening their existence, and how they have attempted to redefine their role in the face of these challenges. It will attempt to offer advice on how trade unions can continue to play a prominent role in shaping relations of work in South Africa. The study begins with a historical overview of trade unionism in South Africa. It then attempts to establish how trade unions have made use of the institution of collective bargaining, the importance of organisational rights to the trade union movement, the effectiveness of industrial action, and the emerging challenges threatening the vibrancy of trade unions. The overall aim is to assess whether the trade union movement is still a force to be reckoned with and its future role in influencing employment relations in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Nyathi, Mthokozisi
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Labor unions -- South Africa , Apartheid -- South Africa , Industrial relations -- South Africa , Labor unions -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Labor -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:3690 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003205 , Labor unions -- South Africa , Apartheid -- South Africa , Industrial relations -- South Africa , Labor unions -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Labor -- South Africa
- Description: Organised labour continues to play a prominent role in shaping employment relations in South Africa. The individual worker is powerless and in a weaker bargaining position against his employer. The advent of democracy was accompanied by numerous interventions to level the historically uneven bargaining field. The trade union movement has made and consolidated significant gains since the advent of democracy. It however faces a plethora of new challenges, such as the negative forces of globalisation, declining membership (often associated with high levels of unemployment and the changing nature of work from standard to atypical employment), the resurfacing of adversarialism in the bargaining process, and numerous shortcomings inherent in forums established to facilitate corporatism. Business is intensifying its calls for investor-friendly policies, which effectively mean a relaxation of labour policies. The trade union movement faces an enormous task of rebuilding confidence and credibility among its members and at the same time showing some commitment to other social actors, government and business, that it is committed to contribute to economic growth and employment creation. The central focus of this thesis will be to highlight the gains made by the trade union movement, the numerous challenges threatening their existence, and how they have attempted to redefine their role in the face of these challenges. It will attempt to offer advice on how trade unions can continue to play a prominent role in shaping relations of work in South Africa. The study begins with a historical overview of trade unionism in South Africa. It then attempts to establish how trade unions have made use of the institution of collective bargaining, the importance of organisational rights to the trade union movement, the effectiveness of industrial action, and the emerging challenges threatening the vibrancy of trade unions. The overall aim is to assess whether the trade union movement is still a force to be reckoned with and its future role in influencing employment relations in South Africa.
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The role of cluster centre principals in the Ohangwena education region in Namibia
- Authors: Nghatanga, Ponny Haggai
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: School management and organization -- Namibia -- Ohangwena School principals -- Namibia -- Ohangwena Educational leadership -- Namibia -- Ohangwena Educational change -- Namibia -- Ohangwena
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1748 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003632
- Description: The Namibian Ministry of Education introduced the School Clustering System (SCS) in 1996. The system entails the grouping of schools into clusters to facilitate the sharing of resources and expertise. One school in a group is selected to serve as the Cluster Centre and the principal of the centre is identified as the Cluster Centre Principal (CCP). This has created a new level of educational leadership which is still relatively under-researched and the primary purpose of this study is to investigate the perceptions of this new role since it is perceived to be pivotal to the effective functioning of the cluster. This study is an interpretive case study of Cluster Centres in the Komesho Circuit in the Ohangwena Educational Region. Three data collection instruments were used, namely document analysis, observation and interviews. The collected data provided insight into participants' views on the role of Cluster Centre Principals (CCPs), which shed light on the challenges faCing the roles of CCPs. The findings revealed that respondents welcomed the decentralisation of an education system that involves cluster members and parents in decision making. Furthermore, the perceived role of CCPs is perceived as delegation through participative leadership and management approaches. This involves groups in teamwork to enhance the quality of teaching and learning. The study has, however, also exposed tensions surrounding the role and function of CCPs. This is partly because the role has not been formalised and is perceived as existing in a legal vacuum. This study will benefit the Cluster Centre Principals, Inspectors of Education, Advisory Teachers, non-governmental Organisations, the community and the Ministry of Education by placing the role of Cluster Centre Principals in perspective.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Nghatanga, Ponny Haggai
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: School management and organization -- Namibia -- Ohangwena School principals -- Namibia -- Ohangwena Educational leadership -- Namibia -- Ohangwena Educational change -- Namibia -- Ohangwena
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1748 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003632
- Description: The Namibian Ministry of Education introduced the School Clustering System (SCS) in 1996. The system entails the grouping of schools into clusters to facilitate the sharing of resources and expertise. One school in a group is selected to serve as the Cluster Centre and the principal of the centre is identified as the Cluster Centre Principal (CCP). This has created a new level of educational leadership which is still relatively under-researched and the primary purpose of this study is to investigate the perceptions of this new role since it is perceived to be pivotal to the effective functioning of the cluster. This study is an interpretive case study of Cluster Centres in the Komesho Circuit in the Ohangwena Educational Region. Three data collection instruments were used, namely document analysis, observation and interviews. The collected data provided insight into participants' views on the role of Cluster Centre Principals (CCPs), which shed light on the challenges faCing the roles of CCPs. The findings revealed that respondents welcomed the decentralisation of an education system that involves cluster members and parents in decision making. Furthermore, the perceived role of CCPs is perceived as delegation through participative leadership and management approaches. This involves groups in teamwork to enhance the quality of teaching and learning. The study has, however, also exposed tensions surrounding the role and function of CCPs. This is partly because the role has not been formalised and is perceived as existing in a legal vacuum. This study will benefit the Cluster Centre Principals, Inspectors of Education, Advisory Teachers, non-governmental Organisations, the community and the Ministry of Education by placing the role of Cluster Centre Principals in perspective.
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The role of Hsp90 in the Wnt pathway of MCF7 breast cancer cells
- Authors: Cooper, Leanne Claire
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Cancer -- Treatment , Heat shock proteins , Cancer cells , Molecular chaperones
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3985 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004044 , Cancer -- Treatment , Heat shock proteins , Cancer cells , Molecular chaperones
- Description: Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in not only South African women, but women all over the world. The molecular chaperone heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) is upregulated in cancer and is almost exclusively associated with proteins involved in intracellular signal transduction, thus it plays an important role in signalling pathways within the cell. In cancer, there is an aberrant activation of the Wnt signaling pathway, which results in stabilized β-catenin being able to translocate to the nucleus where it can trigger the transcription of oncogenes found to be involved in the self-renewal of cells. The level of β-catenin is usually kept in check by a destruction complex comprising glycogen synthase kinase 3-beta (GSK-3β), axin1, adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) which phosphorylate β-catenin, resulting in its ubiquitination and degradation. HSP90 has been found to be associated with GSK-3β, but whether this association is only transient is debatable. Very little is known about the association of HSP90 with other members of the Wnt pathway in breast cancer. In this study, we have attempted to further identify the direct associations between HSP90 and GSK-3β, β-catenin, p-β-catenin and axin1. Immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy co-localization studies suggested a potential association between HSP90 and these proteins. Treatment with HSP90 inhibitors, 17-AAG and novobiocin resulted in a shift of axin1 to what appeared to be the plasma membrane. The associations of HSP90 with GSK-3β, β-catenin, p-β-catenin and axin1 were confirmed biochemically by co-immunoprecipitation and inhibition using 17-AAG, geldanamycin and novobiocin. We showed, for the first time that HSP90 is associated in a possible complex with β-catenin, p-β-catenin and axin1 therefore is potentially involved in the modulation of p-β-catenin in the Wnt pathway through the stabilization of the destruction complex.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Cooper, Leanne Claire
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Cancer -- Treatment , Heat shock proteins , Cancer cells , Molecular chaperones
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3985 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004044 , Cancer -- Treatment , Heat shock proteins , Cancer cells , Molecular chaperones
- Description: Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in not only South African women, but women all over the world. The molecular chaperone heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) is upregulated in cancer and is almost exclusively associated with proteins involved in intracellular signal transduction, thus it plays an important role in signalling pathways within the cell. In cancer, there is an aberrant activation of the Wnt signaling pathway, which results in stabilized β-catenin being able to translocate to the nucleus where it can trigger the transcription of oncogenes found to be involved in the self-renewal of cells. The level of β-catenin is usually kept in check by a destruction complex comprising glycogen synthase kinase 3-beta (GSK-3β), axin1, adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) which phosphorylate β-catenin, resulting in its ubiquitination and degradation. HSP90 has been found to be associated with GSK-3β, but whether this association is only transient is debatable. Very little is known about the association of HSP90 with other members of the Wnt pathway in breast cancer. In this study, we have attempted to further identify the direct associations between HSP90 and GSK-3β, β-catenin, p-β-catenin and axin1. Immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy co-localization studies suggested a potential association between HSP90 and these proteins. Treatment with HSP90 inhibitors, 17-AAG and novobiocin resulted in a shift of axin1 to what appeared to be the plasma membrane. The associations of HSP90 with GSK-3β, β-catenin, p-β-catenin and axin1 were confirmed biochemically by co-immunoprecipitation and inhibition using 17-AAG, geldanamycin and novobiocin. We showed, for the first time that HSP90 is associated in a possible complex with β-catenin, p-β-catenin and axin1 therefore is potentially involved in the modulation of p-β-catenin in the Wnt pathway through the stabilization of the destruction complex.
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The role of memory, museums and memorials in reconciling the past : the Apartheid Museum and Red Location Museum as case studies
- Authors: Sippel, Elizabeth
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Apartheid Museum (Johannesburg, South Africa) Red Location Museum (Port Elizabeth, South Africa) Atrocities -- Museums Apartheid and art Apartheid -- History Historical museums Collective memory Memorialization History -- Psychological aspects Memory (Philosophy) Museum exhibits -- Historiography Museums -- Historiography
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2440 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005773
- Description: When South Africa became a democracy, many of its cultural institutions were tainted by the stigma of having been tools for the production and propagation of apartheid ideology. This thesis examines two key facets of post-apartheid museums and memorials. Firstly, how they have repositioned themselves as institutions of cultural and social standing. Secondly, their role as tools of nation building, social change, and creators of national collective memory within the new democratic South Africa. Through an analysis of cultural memory theory pertaining to museology, this study elaborates on the methods employed by museums to incorporate memory into their narratives and in turn, transfer collective memory to their viewers. This thesis provides a comparative study of the architectural, memorial and museological strategies of two post-apartheid museums; the Red Location Museum and the Apartbeid Museum. It examines the contributions of both museums to the introduction of new museological strategies for the successful creation and transmission of South African collective memory. Through this analysis, both the invaluable contributions and the drawbacks of post-apartheid museums as tools for the promotion of new democratic ideologies and philosophies are considered. This thesis does not resolve the arguments and questions which have surfaced regarding cultural institutions as tools for the promotion of reconciliation and the construction of national collective memory within South Africa. As the current climate of memorialisation is one of change and paradox, it is presently impossible to fully quantify post-apartheid museums' roles within South Africa's move toward reconciliation and social change. However, the examination of both the Red Location Museum and the Apartheid Museum reveals the extraordinary change that South African cultural institutions have undergone in addition to their potential to become institutions which facilitate active reconciliation as well as social and cultural growth.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Sippel, Elizabeth
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Apartheid Museum (Johannesburg, South Africa) Red Location Museum (Port Elizabeth, South Africa) Atrocities -- Museums Apartheid and art Apartheid -- History Historical museums Collective memory Memorialization History -- Psychological aspects Memory (Philosophy) Museum exhibits -- Historiography Museums -- Historiography
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2440 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005773
- Description: When South Africa became a democracy, many of its cultural institutions were tainted by the stigma of having been tools for the production and propagation of apartheid ideology. This thesis examines two key facets of post-apartheid museums and memorials. Firstly, how they have repositioned themselves as institutions of cultural and social standing. Secondly, their role as tools of nation building, social change, and creators of national collective memory within the new democratic South Africa. Through an analysis of cultural memory theory pertaining to museology, this study elaborates on the methods employed by museums to incorporate memory into their narratives and in turn, transfer collective memory to their viewers. This thesis provides a comparative study of the architectural, memorial and museological strategies of two post-apartheid museums; the Red Location Museum and the Apartbeid Museum. It examines the contributions of both museums to the introduction of new museological strategies for the successful creation and transmission of South African collective memory. Through this analysis, both the invaluable contributions and the drawbacks of post-apartheid museums as tools for the promotion of new democratic ideologies and philosophies are considered. This thesis does not resolve the arguments and questions which have surfaced regarding cultural institutions as tools for the promotion of reconciliation and the construction of national collective memory within South Africa. As the current climate of memorialisation is one of change and paradox, it is presently impossible to fully quantify post-apartheid museums' roles within South Africa's move toward reconciliation and social change. However, the examination of both the Red Location Museum and the Apartheid Museum reveals the extraordinary change that South African cultural institutions have undergone in addition to their potential to become institutions which facilitate active reconciliation as well as social and cultural growth.
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The role of small antelope in ecosystem functioning in the Matobo Hills, Zimbabwe
- Authors: Lunt, Nicola
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Antelopes -- Zimbabwe -- Rhodes Matopos National Park Ecosystem health -- Zimbabwe -- Rhodes Matopos National Park Forest ecology -- Zimbabwe -- Rhodes Matopos National Park Savanna ecology -- Zimbabwe -- Rhodes Matopos National Park Woody plants -- Effect of fires on -- Zimbabwe -- Rhodes Matopos National Park Duikers -- Zimbabwe -- Rhodes Matopos National Park Bushbuck -- Zimbabwe -- Rhodes Matopos National Park Greater kudu -- Zimbabwe -- Rhodes Matopos National Park
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5760 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005448
- Description: The 28-month study assessed the impacts of five syntopic medium-sized mammalian browsers and one fire event in a woodland savanna in the Matobo Hills, Zimbabwe. Aspects of herbivory, mechanical pressures, seed dispersal and nutrient cycling were investigated for three species of small antelope (common duiker [Sylvicapra grimmia]1, klipspringer [Oreotragus oreotragus] and steenbok [Raphicerus campestris]) and two medium-sized species (bushbuck [Tragelaphus scriptus] and greater kudu [T. strepsiceros]). Focusing on Burkea africana2 woodland, in a system that does not include elephant (Loxodonta africana), effects of browsing antelope on woody and herbaceous vegetation development were investigated using exclusion plots. Browsers regulated woody plant cover (measured as basal stem area), with smaller antelope having a greater impact than larger species. This was linked to feeding height, feeding selectivity and mechanical pressures (e.g. twig breakage and trampling). Fire caused an initial reduction in above-ground standing biomass, but in the presence of fauna, pre-fire equilibria were attained within 15 months. In antelope exclosures, herbaceous biomass increased and woody biomass decreased following fire. Responses by woody vegetation to browsing varied among species, with highly palatable species typically exhibiting compensatory regrowth. Woody species richness and abundance (especially of palatable species) increased in the absence of browsers, but species richness of the herbaceous layer was promoted by moderate disturbance (trampling or fire). Faecal deposition behaviour, primarily the use of latrines by small antelope, resulted in localised soil enrichment within defended territories. Decomposition rates (and therefore return of nutrients to the soil) varied among species and seasons, due to defecation site selection, accessibility to decomposers and desiccation rates of faecal pellets. Controlled seed germination experiments indicated that ingestion by small antelope enhances germination rates of large, hard-seeded fruits such as Sclerocarya birrea. However, germination of savanna seeds may require multiple cues. This study demonstrated the critical roles of small antelope in ecosystem functioning, and highlights the importance of the less visible impacts of frequently overlooked smaller mammalian herbivores. Perturbations to the faunal community, especially small antelope, are predicted to have substantial impacts on woody plant cover.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Lunt, Nicola
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Antelopes -- Zimbabwe -- Rhodes Matopos National Park Ecosystem health -- Zimbabwe -- Rhodes Matopos National Park Forest ecology -- Zimbabwe -- Rhodes Matopos National Park Savanna ecology -- Zimbabwe -- Rhodes Matopos National Park Woody plants -- Effect of fires on -- Zimbabwe -- Rhodes Matopos National Park Duikers -- Zimbabwe -- Rhodes Matopos National Park Bushbuck -- Zimbabwe -- Rhodes Matopos National Park Greater kudu -- Zimbabwe -- Rhodes Matopos National Park
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5760 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005448
- Description: The 28-month study assessed the impacts of five syntopic medium-sized mammalian browsers and one fire event in a woodland savanna in the Matobo Hills, Zimbabwe. Aspects of herbivory, mechanical pressures, seed dispersal and nutrient cycling were investigated for three species of small antelope (common duiker [Sylvicapra grimmia]1, klipspringer [Oreotragus oreotragus] and steenbok [Raphicerus campestris]) and two medium-sized species (bushbuck [Tragelaphus scriptus] and greater kudu [T. strepsiceros]). Focusing on Burkea africana2 woodland, in a system that does not include elephant (Loxodonta africana), effects of browsing antelope on woody and herbaceous vegetation development were investigated using exclusion plots. Browsers regulated woody plant cover (measured as basal stem area), with smaller antelope having a greater impact than larger species. This was linked to feeding height, feeding selectivity and mechanical pressures (e.g. twig breakage and trampling). Fire caused an initial reduction in above-ground standing biomass, but in the presence of fauna, pre-fire equilibria were attained within 15 months. In antelope exclosures, herbaceous biomass increased and woody biomass decreased following fire. Responses by woody vegetation to browsing varied among species, with highly palatable species typically exhibiting compensatory regrowth. Woody species richness and abundance (especially of palatable species) increased in the absence of browsers, but species richness of the herbaceous layer was promoted by moderate disturbance (trampling or fire). Faecal deposition behaviour, primarily the use of latrines by small antelope, resulted in localised soil enrichment within defended territories. Decomposition rates (and therefore return of nutrients to the soil) varied among species and seasons, due to defecation site selection, accessibility to decomposers and desiccation rates of faecal pellets. Controlled seed germination experiments indicated that ingestion by small antelope enhances germination rates of large, hard-seeded fruits such as Sclerocarya birrea. However, germination of savanna seeds may require multiple cues. This study demonstrated the critical roles of small antelope in ecosystem functioning, and highlights the importance of the less visible impacts of frequently overlooked smaller mammalian herbivores. Perturbations to the faunal community, especially small antelope, are predicted to have substantial impacts on woody plant cover.
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The role of teacher cognition in the integration of technology into English teaching: a case study
- Authors: Baron, Elizabeth Mary
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: English teachers -- Effect of technological innovations on English teachers -- Psychology English teachers -- Attitudes Language and languages -- Study and teaching -- Computer-assisted instruction Educational technology Computer-assisted instruction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1753 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003637
- Description: Technology, in one or more of its various forms, is now a part of everyday life for most South African citizens. Many schools are equipped with various forms of technology, at great cost to sponsors, schools, parents or the government. However, this technology is not always exploited and full use is not made of it. As access is not the issue, other factors needed to be considered: in this case, teachers’ beliefs, attitudes and knowledge. This thesis explores the cognitive factors which affect the acceptance and use of technology. Teacher cognition and the factors which influence teacher cognition were examined. Following Borg, teacher cognition is defined as “the unobservable cognitive dimension of teaching – what teachers know, believe and think” (Borg, 2003, p. 81). Teacher cognition determines whether or not a teacher will use technology, if the external barrier of access is removed. In order to study the various aspect of teacher cognition, a case study was performed, which studied 6 teachers at 4 schools. All the schools in this study had some level of access to technology. Following Borg, initial experiences with the educational system (i.e. the teacher’s experience as a learner), teacher training, the context the teacher worked in (as well as social factors and private use) and classroom experience were all examined in order to discover the factors which most affect technology acceptance in teaching. The findings show that having easy access to well-maintained and functioning technology cannot be underestimated. In the study, support from other teachers, particularly those in leadership roles, led to an increase in technology use. This support needed to be explicit; general support did not seem to be effective. These findings suggest that technology integration needs to happen at a ‘whole school’ level.
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- Authors: Baron, Elizabeth Mary
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: English teachers -- Effect of technological innovations on English teachers -- Psychology English teachers -- Attitudes Language and languages -- Study and teaching -- Computer-assisted instruction Educational technology Computer-assisted instruction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1753 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003637
- Description: Technology, in one or more of its various forms, is now a part of everyday life for most South African citizens. Many schools are equipped with various forms of technology, at great cost to sponsors, schools, parents or the government. However, this technology is not always exploited and full use is not made of it. As access is not the issue, other factors needed to be considered: in this case, teachers’ beliefs, attitudes and knowledge. This thesis explores the cognitive factors which affect the acceptance and use of technology. Teacher cognition and the factors which influence teacher cognition were examined. Following Borg, teacher cognition is defined as “the unobservable cognitive dimension of teaching – what teachers know, believe and think” (Borg, 2003, p. 81). Teacher cognition determines whether or not a teacher will use technology, if the external barrier of access is removed. In order to study the various aspect of teacher cognition, a case study was performed, which studied 6 teachers at 4 schools. All the schools in this study had some level of access to technology. Following Borg, initial experiences with the educational system (i.e. the teacher’s experience as a learner), teacher training, the context the teacher worked in (as well as social factors and private use) and classroom experience were all examined in order to discover the factors which most affect technology acceptance in teaching. The findings show that having easy access to well-maintained and functioning technology cannot be underestimated. In the study, support from other teachers, particularly those in leadership roles, led to an increase in technology use. This support needed to be explicit; general support did not seem to be effective. These findings suggest that technology integration needs to happen at a ‘whole school’ level.
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