VIVA Comrade Moss
- NUMSA
- Authors: NUMSA
- Date: 25 April
- Subjects: NUMSA
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/109640 , vital:33163 , SALHA 14b : NUMSA
- Description: The last 'Trial Update" reported on Comrade Moss’s case until mid-March. This report covers the period from that time up until 25th April.STADLER - "ANC EXPERT" Brigadier Stadler testified that the ANC had made certain calls to organisations within the country which, according to his "research", had been followed by organisations in the country. As examples he gave the ANC’s call for ungovernability, the formation of organs of people’s power and the destruction of town councils. During cross-examination Stadler conceded that he was not able to give examples of any direct link between the ANC and organisations inside the coutry but he said an inference could be drawn by looking at the ANC’s call and the behaviour of organisations inside the country.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 25 April
- Authors: NUMSA
- Date: 25 April
- Subjects: NUMSA
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/109640 , vital:33163 , SALHA 14b : NUMSA
- Description: The last 'Trial Update" reported on Comrade Moss’s case until mid-March. This report covers the period from that time up until 25th April.STADLER - "ANC EXPERT" Brigadier Stadler testified that the ANC had made certain calls to organisations within the country which, according to his "research", had been followed by organisations in the country. As examples he gave the ANC’s call for ungovernability, the formation of organs of people’s power and the destruction of town councils. During cross-examination Stadler conceded that he was not able to give examples of any direct link between the ANC and organisations inside the coutry but he said an inference could be drawn by looking at the ANC’s call and the behaviour of organisations inside the country.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 25 April
The prevalence of insufficient iodine intake in pregnancy in Africa: Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
- Charles Bitamazire Businge, Benjamin Longo-Mbenza, Andre Pascal Kengne
- Authors: Charles Bitamazire Businge , Benjamin Longo-Mbenza , Andre Pascal Kengne
- Date: 22-8-2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/3387 , vital:43338 , https://systematicreviewsjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13643-019-1092-7#citeas
- Description: Background: Insufficient iodine intake in pregnancy is associated with many adverse pregnancy outcomes. About 90% of African countries are at risk of iodine deficiency due to poor soils and dietary goitrogens. Pregnancy predisposes to insufficient iodine nutrition secondary to increased physiological demand and increased renal loss. Iodine deficiency is re-emerging in countries thought to be replete with pregnant women being the most affected. This review seeks to identify the degree of iodine nutrition in pregnancy on the entire African continent before and after the implementation of national iodization programmes. Methods: A systematic search of published literature will be conducted for observational studies that directly determined the prevalence of insufficient iodine intake among pregnant women in Africa. Electronic databases and grey literature will be searched for baseline data before the implementation of population-based iodine supplementation and for follow-up data up to December 2018. Screening of identified articles and data extraction will be conducted independently by two investigators. Risk of bias and methodological quality of the included studies will be assessed using a risk of bias tool. Appropriate meta-analytic techniques will be used to pool prevalence estimates from studies with similar features, overall and by major characteristics including the region of the study, time period (before and after implementation of iodization programmes), sample size and age. Heterogeneity of the estimates across studies will be quantified and publication bias investigated. This protocol is reported according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis protocols (PRISMA-P) 2015 guidelines. Discussion This review will help ascertain the impact of national iodization programmes on the iodine nutrition status in pregnancy in Africa and advise policy on the necessity for monitoring and mitigating iodine deficiency in pregnancy in Africa. This review is part of a thesis that will be submitted to the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, for the award of a PhD in Medicine whose protocol has been granted ethics approval (UCT HREC 135/2018). In addition, the results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 22-8-2019
- Authors: Charles Bitamazire Businge , Benjamin Longo-Mbenza , Andre Pascal Kengne
- Date: 22-8-2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/3387 , vital:43338 , https://systematicreviewsjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13643-019-1092-7#citeas
- Description: Background: Insufficient iodine intake in pregnancy is associated with many adverse pregnancy outcomes. About 90% of African countries are at risk of iodine deficiency due to poor soils and dietary goitrogens. Pregnancy predisposes to insufficient iodine nutrition secondary to increased physiological demand and increased renal loss. Iodine deficiency is re-emerging in countries thought to be replete with pregnant women being the most affected. This review seeks to identify the degree of iodine nutrition in pregnancy on the entire African continent before and after the implementation of national iodization programmes. Methods: A systematic search of published literature will be conducted for observational studies that directly determined the prevalence of insufficient iodine intake among pregnant women in Africa. Electronic databases and grey literature will be searched for baseline data before the implementation of population-based iodine supplementation and for follow-up data up to December 2018. Screening of identified articles and data extraction will be conducted independently by two investigators. Risk of bias and methodological quality of the included studies will be assessed using a risk of bias tool. Appropriate meta-analytic techniques will be used to pool prevalence estimates from studies with similar features, overall and by major characteristics including the region of the study, time period (before and after implementation of iodization programmes), sample size and age. Heterogeneity of the estimates across studies will be quantified and publication bias investigated. This protocol is reported according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis protocols (PRISMA-P) 2015 guidelines. Discussion This review will help ascertain the impact of national iodization programmes on the iodine nutrition status in pregnancy in Africa and advise policy on the necessity for monitoring and mitigating iodine deficiency in pregnancy in Africa. This review is part of a thesis that will be submitted to the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, for the award of a PhD in Medicine whose protocol has been granted ethics approval (UCT HREC 135/2018). In addition, the results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 22-8-2019
1stWeEat! The story of a food gardening intervention in Makhanda’s ECD centres
- Olvitt, Lausanne, Green, Nicola, Ntlabezo, Sisesakhe
- Authors: Olvitt, Lausanne , Green, Nicola , Ntlabezo, Sisesakhe
- Date: 2024
- Language: English
- Type: text , book
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/401198 , vital:69713 , ISBN 978-0-7961-2949-9 , DOI http://doi.org/10.21504/10962/401198
- Description: No abstract yet
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024
- Authors: Olvitt, Lausanne , Green, Nicola , Ntlabezo, Sisesakhe
- Date: 2024
- Language: English
- Type: text , book
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/401198 , vital:69713 , ISBN 978-0-7961-2949-9 , DOI http://doi.org/10.21504/10962/401198
- Description: No abstract yet
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024
A comprehensive review of the taxonomic diversity within the freshwater catfish genus Parauchenoglanis (Siluriformes, Auchenoglanididae)
- Authors: Sithole, Yonela
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/402992 , vital:69912
- Description: Thesis embargoed. To be released early 2026. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Ichthyology & Fisheries Science, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
- Authors: Sithole, Yonela
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/402992 , vital:69912
- Description: Thesis embargoed. To be released early 2026. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Ichthyology & Fisheries Science, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
Learning to make a difference: Small-scale women farmers in social learning spaces for climate action
- Authors: Chanyau, Ludwig
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/402944 , vital:69908 , DOI 10.21504/10962/402944
- Description: How do women farmers in Africa learn about climate change? What is quality climate change learning for farmers? How do farmers interface new knowledge with their long-held and trusted traditional knowledge? How do we evaluate learning at farm level and beyond? Using Okoli’s theory mining review, I untangled a tripartite knot of social learning literature to find Social Learning Theory (SLT) suitable for a study to explore my practical and scholarly curiosity as reflected in the above questions. Wenger’s theory of Social Learning emerged as the most appropriate for my research. The second phase of my study explored the climate change learning and practice terrain for small-scale women farmers, analysing the connection between learning, practice, and the resultant value in two case study areas, municipalities in the Amathole District of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. In addition to a paper on SLT mining review that unravels and chooses between the strands of social learning, the two case studies resulted in three articles that responded to the study’s objectives and the research questions. The thesis is introduced and synthesised through five 'book-end' chapters, as well as through these four articles. What were my findings? In the first case study, in the drought-stricken Raymond Mhlaba Municipality, I gathered the data through individual semi-structured interviews with farmers, extension officers and representatives of the involved organisations. I also conducted a group interview with farmers and analysed documents to supplement interview data. I analysed the data using concepts of Communities of Practice (CoP) and SLT to map out the learning and practice landscape. I discovered a constellation of CoPs interconnected by the shared drive for adaptive water management. The constellation is made up of tertiary institutions, government departments, non-governmental organisations and farmers of varying experiences and competencies, with women emerging as the more proactive gender, and state-led extension services being willing but overstretched and under-resourced. SLT effectively traced the apparent fragmented learning within and outside the CoPs and the sudden and extensive shifts in the CoP boundaries, especially in the context of COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns and the increased adoption of digital learning platforms. Despite the richness and diversity brought by the emergent new learning networks that involve participants in the province and further afield, the adoption of digital learning platforms worsened the existing generational digital divide among farmers. iii In the second case study, in the water scarce Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, I adopted the Value Creation Framework (VCF) to conduct an ethnographic evaluation that used semi-structured interviews, participant observation and document analysis of the learning experiences of women farmers in a social movement on agroecology. I found that the farmer-centred learning approach of the movement has created value for the farmers involved, evidenced by the adoption of agroecology by over 2700 members (including new urban farmers who are occupying open spaces typically used as dumpsites). The learning approach has facilitated expansive learning, enhanced resource mobilisation, new collaborations, partnerships, and seed sharing networks. Additionally, it necessitated context-appropriate and transformative changes to intersectional justice issues associated with historical inequalities in access to land and water and gender discrimination, leading to improved practices, new access to markets and improved quality yields. These are examples of immediate, potential, applied, realised, orienting, enabling and transformative as well as strategic value, as defined by the VCF. In reflecting on how women farmers learn in these social learning spaces I elucidate the learning impact pathways and local contextual influences in shifting CoP boundaries, domains, and practices during the climate crisis as it intersects with other compounding factors. I generated insights that could be useful for stakeholders in the agricultural (extension) sector to build better pathways for emancipatory and empowering expansive social learning in contexts characterised by resource constraints, but also by strong women-led agency. Such learning could make a difference and cushion small-scale farming from collapse especially in times of unprecedented changes. The agroecology movement and associated communities of practice explored in this study create transformative social learning spaces that are able to respond to climate change, and hence a model that state-led extension might want to adopt in other resource-constrained contexts. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
- Authors: Chanyau, Ludwig
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/402944 , vital:69908 , DOI 10.21504/10962/402944
- Description: How do women farmers in Africa learn about climate change? What is quality climate change learning for farmers? How do farmers interface new knowledge with their long-held and trusted traditional knowledge? How do we evaluate learning at farm level and beyond? Using Okoli’s theory mining review, I untangled a tripartite knot of social learning literature to find Social Learning Theory (SLT) suitable for a study to explore my practical and scholarly curiosity as reflected in the above questions. Wenger’s theory of Social Learning emerged as the most appropriate for my research. The second phase of my study explored the climate change learning and practice terrain for small-scale women farmers, analysing the connection between learning, practice, and the resultant value in two case study areas, municipalities in the Amathole District of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. In addition to a paper on SLT mining review that unravels and chooses between the strands of social learning, the two case studies resulted in three articles that responded to the study’s objectives and the research questions. The thesis is introduced and synthesised through five 'book-end' chapters, as well as through these four articles. What were my findings? In the first case study, in the drought-stricken Raymond Mhlaba Municipality, I gathered the data through individual semi-structured interviews with farmers, extension officers and representatives of the involved organisations. I also conducted a group interview with farmers and analysed documents to supplement interview data. I analysed the data using concepts of Communities of Practice (CoP) and SLT to map out the learning and practice landscape. I discovered a constellation of CoPs interconnected by the shared drive for adaptive water management. The constellation is made up of tertiary institutions, government departments, non-governmental organisations and farmers of varying experiences and competencies, with women emerging as the more proactive gender, and state-led extension services being willing but overstretched and under-resourced. SLT effectively traced the apparent fragmented learning within and outside the CoPs and the sudden and extensive shifts in the CoP boundaries, especially in the context of COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns and the increased adoption of digital learning platforms. Despite the richness and diversity brought by the emergent new learning networks that involve participants in the province and further afield, the adoption of digital learning platforms worsened the existing generational digital divide among farmers. iii In the second case study, in the water scarce Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, I adopted the Value Creation Framework (VCF) to conduct an ethnographic evaluation that used semi-structured interviews, participant observation and document analysis of the learning experiences of women farmers in a social movement on agroecology. I found that the farmer-centred learning approach of the movement has created value for the farmers involved, evidenced by the adoption of agroecology by over 2700 members (including new urban farmers who are occupying open spaces typically used as dumpsites). The learning approach has facilitated expansive learning, enhanced resource mobilisation, new collaborations, partnerships, and seed sharing networks. Additionally, it necessitated context-appropriate and transformative changes to intersectional justice issues associated with historical inequalities in access to land and water and gender discrimination, leading to improved practices, new access to markets and improved quality yields. These are examples of immediate, potential, applied, realised, orienting, enabling and transformative as well as strategic value, as defined by the VCF. In reflecting on how women farmers learn in these social learning spaces I elucidate the learning impact pathways and local contextual influences in shifting CoP boundaries, domains, and practices during the climate crisis as it intersects with other compounding factors. I generated insights that could be useful for stakeholders in the agricultural (extension) sector to build better pathways for emancipatory and empowering expansive social learning in contexts characterised by resource constraints, but also by strong women-led agency. Such learning could make a difference and cushion small-scale farming from collapse especially in times of unprecedented changes. The agroecology movement and associated communities of practice explored in this study create transformative social learning spaces that are able to respond to climate change, and hence a model that state-led extension might want to adopt in other resource-constrained contexts. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
Quinolone-Pyrazinamide Derivatives: synthesis, characterisation, in silico ADME analysis and in vitro biological evaluation against Mycobacterium tuberculosis
- Authors: Rukweza, Kudakwashe Gerald
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Quinolone antibacterial agents , Mycobacterium tuberculosis
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/390901 , vital:68596
- Description: Tuberculosis is one of the leading causes of death worldwide caused by an infectious species, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). Some of the factors that contribute to the prevalence of this disease include the complexity of diagnosis, prolonged period of therapy, side effects associated with current TB drugs, the prevalence of resistance against the current treatment options and a high incidence of co-infection with HIV/AIDS. Thus, there is a need for new alternative drugs to provide safer and shorter treatment therapy options that are not susceptible to the development of drug resistance. In this project, we focus our attention on the quinolone pharmacophore. Quinolones are currently used as alternative options in the treatment of resistant strains of Mtb. Previous work pertaining to quinolone-isoniazid hybrid compounds showed promising in vitro activity against the H37Rv strain of Mtb and served as the inspiration to pursue this project. The journey commenced with the synthesis of quinolone-pyrazinamide hybrid compounds (Figure 3.1). These compounds were synthesised, through the attachment of the quinolone and the pyrazinamide entity through a hydrazine linker. The synthesised compounds were purified, and their structural identity confirmed using common spectroscopic techniques including 1H and 13C NMR, infra-red (IR) and mass spectrometry. In vitro biological assays were performed by testing for the activity against the H37RvMA strain of Mtb. The bioassays were performed in triplicates to ensure the accuracy of the results. Moxifloxacin and isoniazid were tested as control compounds. Finally, the resultant compounds were profiled in silico for physicochemical and ADMET properties using open access software SwissADME. All the synthesised compounds 3.8a-f showed no activity against H37RvMA. In most cases, the resulting compounds showed minimal to no activity (MICs ≥ 57.3 μM) in all three media. During the in vitro studies, the compounds showed significant precipitation in the media over time suggesting poor aqueous solubility. The SwissADME analysis of these compounds indicated poor solubility in aqueous media, which is likely linked to their molecular size and complexity. Despite poor aqueous solubility, compounds 3.8a-f showed acceptable physicochemical properties and ADME parameters. No PAINs (Pan-assay interference compounds) were observed. Minimal to no interaction with CYP enzymes were predicted. Most of the compounds were compatible with the Lipinski’s rules of five. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Chemistry, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
- Authors: Rukweza, Kudakwashe Gerald
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Quinolone antibacterial agents , Mycobacterium tuberculosis
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/390901 , vital:68596
- Description: Tuberculosis is one of the leading causes of death worldwide caused by an infectious species, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). Some of the factors that contribute to the prevalence of this disease include the complexity of diagnosis, prolonged period of therapy, side effects associated with current TB drugs, the prevalence of resistance against the current treatment options and a high incidence of co-infection with HIV/AIDS. Thus, there is a need for new alternative drugs to provide safer and shorter treatment therapy options that are not susceptible to the development of drug resistance. In this project, we focus our attention on the quinolone pharmacophore. Quinolones are currently used as alternative options in the treatment of resistant strains of Mtb. Previous work pertaining to quinolone-isoniazid hybrid compounds showed promising in vitro activity against the H37Rv strain of Mtb and served as the inspiration to pursue this project. The journey commenced with the synthesis of quinolone-pyrazinamide hybrid compounds (Figure 3.1). These compounds were synthesised, through the attachment of the quinolone and the pyrazinamide entity through a hydrazine linker. The synthesised compounds were purified, and their structural identity confirmed using common spectroscopic techniques including 1H and 13C NMR, infra-red (IR) and mass spectrometry. In vitro biological assays were performed by testing for the activity against the H37RvMA strain of Mtb. The bioassays were performed in triplicates to ensure the accuracy of the results. Moxifloxacin and isoniazid were tested as control compounds. Finally, the resultant compounds were profiled in silico for physicochemical and ADMET properties using open access software SwissADME. All the synthesised compounds 3.8a-f showed no activity against H37RvMA. In most cases, the resulting compounds showed minimal to no activity (MICs ≥ 57.3 μM) in all three media. During the in vitro studies, the compounds showed significant precipitation in the media over time suggesting poor aqueous solubility. The SwissADME analysis of these compounds indicated poor solubility in aqueous media, which is likely linked to their molecular size and complexity. Despite poor aqueous solubility, compounds 3.8a-f showed acceptable physicochemical properties and ADME parameters. No PAINs (Pan-assay interference compounds) were observed. Minimal to no interaction with CYP enzymes were predicted. Most of the compounds were compatible with the Lipinski’s rules of five. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Chemistry, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
Social Learning and Regenerative Sustainability: Unlocking value created in sustainability projects in higher education
- Authors: Royle, Carlene
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/402981 , vital:69911
- Description: This qualitative study considers two bodies of theory, regenerative sustainability and social learning theory, within a tertiary education context. Universities offer unique opportunities, across both the formal and informal curriculum, that engage with the two-fold socioeconomic and environmental crises. The study explores both the promise of unlocking value in an ex-linear economy; and the healing and regenerative benefits in moving toward greener practices. Through an embedded case study at Rhodes University, in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, this research explores the value that is being unlocked in campus-based sustainability projects, when considered through a social learning lens (Lave and Wenger, 1991). Invitations to participate in this study were extended to project-leads of sustainability initiatives originating from Rhodes University campus. Six projects, which have been active on campus in recent years, were selected and, through semi-structured interviews, the insights of 12 participants were captured and analysed using the associated Value Creation Framework (VCF) developed by Wenger, Trayner and De Laat (Wenger, Trayner, de Laat, 2011) and later Wenger-Trayner and Wenger Trayner (2014, 2015, 2020). The VCF consists of value cycles that interconnect dynamically, including Orientating, Strategic, Enabling, Immediate, Potential, Applied, Realised and Reframed or Transformative value cycles. The study identified instances of all these value cycles, within and across the six embedded case studies (project). Drawing on social learning theorists the analysis further focused on instances of collaboration, agency and boundary crossing. Additional themes that emerged across the majority of the embedded study projects, were a convergence of socio and eco; a whole-systems perspective shared by project leads; the importance of the social commons; language as an enabler; and problem solving for system change. A recommendation is proposed to further unlock the unbounded value created through such projects by reframing the informal curriculum opportunities offered on university campuses as social learning spaces where students can practice agency. To do so, would require formalizing various forms of system support, thus facilitating expanded learning in regenerative sustainability activities, for the common social and planetary good. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
- Authors: Royle, Carlene
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/402981 , vital:69911
- Description: This qualitative study considers two bodies of theory, regenerative sustainability and social learning theory, within a tertiary education context. Universities offer unique opportunities, across both the formal and informal curriculum, that engage with the two-fold socioeconomic and environmental crises. The study explores both the promise of unlocking value in an ex-linear economy; and the healing and regenerative benefits in moving toward greener practices. Through an embedded case study at Rhodes University, in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, this research explores the value that is being unlocked in campus-based sustainability projects, when considered through a social learning lens (Lave and Wenger, 1991). Invitations to participate in this study were extended to project-leads of sustainability initiatives originating from Rhodes University campus. Six projects, which have been active on campus in recent years, were selected and, through semi-structured interviews, the insights of 12 participants were captured and analysed using the associated Value Creation Framework (VCF) developed by Wenger, Trayner and De Laat (Wenger, Trayner, de Laat, 2011) and later Wenger-Trayner and Wenger Trayner (2014, 2015, 2020). The VCF consists of value cycles that interconnect dynamically, including Orientating, Strategic, Enabling, Immediate, Potential, Applied, Realised and Reframed or Transformative value cycles. The study identified instances of all these value cycles, within and across the six embedded case studies (project). Drawing on social learning theorists the analysis further focused on instances of collaboration, agency and boundary crossing. Additional themes that emerged across the majority of the embedded study projects, were a convergence of socio and eco; a whole-systems perspective shared by project leads; the importance of the social commons; language as an enabler; and problem solving for system change. A recommendation is proposed to further unlock the unbounded value created through such projects by reframing the informal curriculum opportunities offered on university campuses as social learning spaces where students can practice agency. To do so, would require formalizing various forms of system support, thus facilitating expanded learning in regenerative sustainability activities, for the common social and planetary good. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
The potential of social learning to upscale the Community Based Water Quality Management (CBWQM) process: A case study of the Mpophomeni and Baynespruit Enviro Champs project
- Authors: Sithole, Nkosingithandile
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/402966 , vital:69910
- Description: Water is an essential component of human survival, with a wide variety of uses such as washing, cooking, drinking and growing food. Covering approximately 70% of the Earth’s surface, water is necessary for all human survival, and is a source of life for plants and animals. Only 0.036% of freshwater can be accessed and utilised by humans, which is not enough to support the rapidly growing population and economic development. This water is further exhausted by pollution caused by sewage leaks, littering, agricultural runoff and industry discharge which deteriorate water quality significantly. To exacerbate these water issues, the major issue of water accessibility is not directly linked to quantity but has been primarily attributed to poor water governance, at a global and local level (in South Africa). Poorly maintained water infrastructure and inadequate cooperative governance have resulted in the establishment of many Community Based Water Quality Management (CBWQM) projects in South Africa, to respond to water quality monitoring and management challenges. The aim of this study was firstly, to investigate how social learning was occurring within two CBWQM Communities of Practice (CoPs) located in KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, namely, the Baynespruit and the Mpophomeni Enviro Champs project (Case Study 1 and 2 respectively), and the potential of social learning to upscale CBWQM. Additionally, it sought to identify the type of support required for the scaling of social learning outcomes in CBWQM communities of practice, along two potential scaling pathways that were identified in a national study on scaling of CBWQM: Scaling Pathway 1(Policy engagement and support) and Scaling Pathway 2 (Capacity building). The research was undertaken as a qualitative case study approach, with data collected through semi-structured interviews, document, and questionnaire analysis to investigate social learning within the two selected case studies. The data was coded and indexed using a thematic analysis technique and an analytical framework as a tool to investigate how social learning was occurring in both case studies and explore the potential required to upscale it. The study found that there is an existing gap between policy and practice with regard to CBWQM support by government structures. Despite South African water policy advocating for public participation in water resource management, there has been limited support from government to support and resource CBWQM projects over a long period of time. To upscale the practice of CBWQM, the study found that capacity building and learning needs to be improved and better supported practically through models such as the 5Ts of learning, and through supporting CBWQM participants’ learning journey to establish learning pathways for them. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
- Authors: Sithole, Nkosingithandile
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/402966 , vital:69910
- Description: Water is an essential component of human survival, with a wide variety of uses such as washing, cooking, drinking and growing food. Covering approximately 70% of the Earth’s surface, water is necessary for all human survival, and is a source of life for plants and animals. Only 0.036% of freshwater can be accessed and utilised by humans, which is not enough to support the rapidly growing population and economic development. This water is further exhausted by pollution caused by sewage leaks, littering, agricultural runoff and industry discharge which deteriorate water quality significantly. To exacerbate these water issues, the major issue of water accessibility is not directly linked to quantity but has been primarily attributed to poor water governance, at a global and local level (in South Africa). Poorly maintained water infrastructure and inadequate cooperative governance have resulted in the establishment of many Community Based Water Quality Management (CBWQM) projects in South Africa, to respond to water quality monitoring and management challenges. The aim of this study was firstly, to investigate how social learning was occurring within two CBWQM Communities of Practice (CoPs) located in KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, namely, the Baynespruit and the Mpophomeni Enviro Champs project (Case Study 1 and 2 respectively), and the potential of social learning to upscale CBWQM. Additionally, it sought to identify the type of support required for the scaling of social learning outcomes in CBWQM communities of practice, along two potential scaling pathways that were identified in a national study on scaling of CBWQM: Scaling Pathway 1(Policy engagement and support) and Scaling Pathway 2 (Capacity building). The research was undertaken as a qualitative case study approach, with data collected through semi-structured interviews, document, and questionnaire analysis to investigate social learning within the two selected case studies. The data was coded and indexed using a thematic analysis technique and an analytical framework as a tool to investigate how social learning was occurring in both case studies and explore the potential required to upscale it. The study found that there is an existing gap between policy and practice with regard to CBWQM support by government structures. Despite South African water policy advocating for public participation in water resource management, there has been limited support from government to support and resource CBWQM projects over a long period of time. To upscale the practice of CBWQM, the study found that capacity building and learning needs to be improved and better supported practically through models such as the 5Ts of learning, and through supporting CBWQM participants’ learning journey to establish learning pathways for them. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
With dreams in our hands: Towards transgressive knowledge-making cultures
- Authors: Knowles, Corinne Ruth
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/402955 , vital:69909 , DOI 10.21504/10962/402955
- Description: Knowledge-making in universities is not neutral and takes different forms. This thesis critically examines the politics of knowledge to propose and present a transgressive schema for knowledge-making that is co-created with students. It emerges from teaching and learning encounters in the Humanities Extended Studies (ES) Programme at Rhodes University, where for the past decade we have experimented with different ways of knowledge-making that run counter to conventional pedagogic practices. We set up a project for the thesis that allowed us to work with knowledge in ways that are Afrocentric, and that hold and nurture our dreams. The theory and methodology of the project are explained in the first academic paper for this PhD by publication. The project and its derivatives use an African Feminist framing, and centre the ontoepistemologies of African young people who find themselves alienated and marginalised by a western bias in university curricula. Former ES student volunteers came up with topics, responded to them, reviewed each other’s work, and co-wrote two academic papers that demonstrate a praxis of African Feminist research and pedagogic principles. Two further projects practise the principles that emerge from the primary project, and together they have tested knowledge-making cultures that inspire critical thinking and creative humanity. These are explained in two further academic papers. One is co-written with the copresenter of an online inter-continental short course for PhD students on African Feminist Research Methodology. The other is single authored, and introduces the third project, a Political and International Studies third-year course on African Feminist theory. The schema for knowledge-making uses the hand, which holds our dream, as a descriptive metaphor. Each of the five fingers of the hand represents an aspect of how we have collaborated on the projects and in lecture rooms, and what this has taught us about how to nurture and inspire the dreams of young African people through transgressive knowledgemaking cultures. The five aspects – framing, activating, seeing, creating, imagining – are mutually constitutive elements of knowledge-making that are introduced throughout the thesis, and explained in careful detail in the conclusion as a synthesis of the collaborations. , Siphethe amaphupha ezandleni zethu: ukwenza iinckubeko zolwazi ezigxile ekuphazamiseni isiqhelo Isishwankathelo Ukwenziwa kolwazi kwiiunivesithi asiyonto engathathi cala kwaye yenzeka ngeendlelangeendlela. Le thisisi iphonononga ipolitiki yolwazi ngenjongo yokucebisa nokuvelisa iindlela zokwenziwa kolwazi ezigxile ekuphazamiseni kwesiqhelo, ndlela leyo eyenziwa ngentsebenziswano nabafundi. Le Ndlela yokuphazamisa isiqhelo ivela kwindlela zokufunda nokufundisa kwinkqubo yeExtended Studies kwiUnivesithi iRhodes, apho kwiminyaka elishumi edlulileyo besisebenzisa amalinge ohlukileyo okwenza ulwazi ohlukileyo kwindlela zokufunda eziqhelekileyo. Siqulunqe inkqubo yale thisisi evumele ukuba sisebenze nolwazi ngendlela ekhokhelelisa ubuAfrika phambile, nkqubo leyo eyondla nebamba amaphupha ethu. Inkcazo-bungcali neendlela zokwenza uphando lwalo msebenzi zicacisiwe kwiphepha lokuqala lethisisi yePhD ezakupapashwa. Lo msebenzi neminye imisebenzi efana nawo isebenzisa iAfrikan Feminism ngenjongo yokubeka ngokusesikweni ndlela le ingxile kwindlela yokufundisa neengcambu zayo ezizinze eAfrika, kwaye ikhokhelisa imfundo yabantu abatsha abazifumana besenziwe amakheswa nabahlelelekileyo kunyenjwa kwasentshona kwizifundo zaseunivesithi. Abafundi ababefunda kwiES baze nezihloko, yangabo abaziphendulayo, bahlola imisebenzi yoogxa babo, kwaye bancedisa ekubhaleni amaphepha amabini abonakalisa indlela yokuphanda kusetyenziswa iziseko zokufunda zeAfrikan Feminism. Eminye imisebenzi isebenzise iziseko eziphuma kulo msebenzi wokuqala, kwaye yomibini le misebenzi iphonononga iinkcubeko zokwenza ulwazi ezikhuthaza ukuzikisa ukucinga nobuntu obunobuchule. Oku kucaciswa nzulu kumaphepha amabini. Omnye ubhalwe nomfundi kunye nombhali obefundisa kwikhosi emfutshane ebikwi-intanethi ephakathi kwamazwekazi eyenzelwe abafundi be- PhD kwiAfrican Feminist Research Methodology. Omnye umsebenzi ubhalwe ngumntu omnye, nothi wazise umsebenzi wesithathu, ikhosi yonyaka wesithathu yePolitical and International Studies yenkcazo-bungcali iAfrican Feminism. Icebo lokwenza ulwazi lisebenzisa isandla esibambe amaphupha ethu, njengesafobe esinika inkcazelo. Umnwe ngamnye umele indlela esisebenzisene ngayo kule misebenzi nakumagumbi okufundela, kunye nesikufundileyo ngokukhulisa nokukhuthaza amaphupha wabantu abasebatsha baseAfrika ngokusebenzisa imisebenzi egxile kwiinkcubeko zolwazi eziphazamisa ukwenziwa kolwazi ngendlela eqhelekileyo. Imiba emihlanu- ukwenza isakhelo, ukuqalisa, ukubona, ukudala, ukusebenzisa imifanekiso ntelekelelo- iyingqokelela yenxalenye yokwenza ulwazi ngendlela enentsebenziswano kwaye ezi ziseko zaziswa banzi kwithisisi, kwaye zicaciswe gabalala kwisishwankathelo njengengqokelela yentsebenziswano kulo msebenzi. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
- Authors: Knowles, Corinne Ruth
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/402955 , vital:69909 , DOI 10.21504/10962/402955
- Description: Knowledge-making in universities is not neutral and takes different forms. This thesis critically examines the politics of knowledge to propose and present a transgressive schema for knowledge-making that is co-created with students. It emerges from teaching and learning encounters in the Humanities Extended Studies (ES) Programme at Rhodes University, where for the past decade we have experimented with different ways of knowledge-making that run counter to conventional pedagogic practices. We set up a project for the thesis that allowed us to work with knowledge in ways that are Afrocentric, and that hold and nurture our dreams. The theory and methodology of the project are explained in the first academic paper for this PhD by publication. The project and its derivatives use an African Feminist framing, and centre the ontoepistemologies of African young people who find themselves alienated and marginalised by a western bias in university curricula. Former ES student volunteers came up with topics, responded to them, reviewed each other’s work, and co-wrote two academic papers that demonstrate a praxis of African Feminist research and pedagogic principles. Two further projects practise the principles that emerge from the primary project, and together they have tested knowledge-making cultures that inspire critical thinking and creative humanity. These are explained in two further academic papers. One is co-written with the copresenter of an online inter-continental short course for PhD students on African Feminist Research Methodology. The other is single authored, and introduces the third project, a Political and International Studies third-year course on African Feminist theory. The schema for knowledge-making uses the hand, which holds our dream, as a descriptive metaphor. Each of the five fingers of the hand represents an aspect of how we have collaborated on the projects and in lecture rooms, and what this has taught us about how to nurture and inspire the dreams of young African people through transgressive knowledgemaking cultures. The five aspects – framing, activating, seeing, creating, imagining – are mutually constitutive elements of knowledge-making that are introduced throughout the thesis, and explained in careful detail in the conclusion as a synthesis of the collaborations. , Siphethe amaphupha ezandleni zethu: ukwenza iinckubeko zolwazi ezigxile ekuphazamiseni isiqhelo Isishwankathelo Ukwenziwa kolwazi kwiiunivesithi asiyonto engathathi cala kwaye yenzeka ngeendlelangeendlela. Le thisisi iphonononga ipolitiki yolwazi ngenjongo yokucebisa nokuvelisa iindlela zokwenziwa kolwazi ezigxile ekuphazamiseni kwesiqhelo, ndlela leyo eyenziwa ngentsebenziswano nabafundi. Le Ndlela yokuphazamisa isiqhelo ivela kwindlela zokufunda nokufundisa kwinkqubo yeExtended Studies kwiUnivesithi iRhodes, apho kwiminyaka elishumi edlulileyo besisebenzisa amalinge ohlukileyo okwenza ulwazi ohlukileyo kwindlela zokufunda eziqhelekileyo. Siqulunqe inkqubo yale thisisi evumele ukuba sisebenze nolwazi ngendlela ekhokhelelisa ubuAfrika phambile, nkqubo leyo eyondla nebamba amaphupha ethu. Inkcazo-bungcali neendlela zokwenza uphando lwalo msebenzi zicacisiwe kwiphepha lokuqala lethisisi yePhD ezakupapashwa. Lo msebenzi neminye imisebenzi efana nawo isebenzisa iAfrikan Feminism ngenjongo yokubeka ngokusesikweni ndlela le ingxile kwindlela yokufundisa neengcambu zayo ezizinze eAfrika, kwaye ikhokhelisa imfundo yabantu abatsha abazifumana besenziwe amakheswa nabahlelelekileyo kunyenjwa kwasentshona kwizifundo zaseunivesithi. Abafundi ababefunda kwiES baze nezihloko, yangabo abaziphendulayo, bahlola imisebenzi yoogxa babo, kwaye bancedisa ekubhaleni amaphepha amabini abonakalisa indlela yokuphanda kusetyenziswa iziseko zokufunda zeAfrikan Feminism. Eminye imisebenzi isebenzise iziseko eziphuma kulo msebenzi wokuqala, kwaye yomibini le misebenzi iphonononga iinkcubeko zokwenza ulwazi ezikhuthaza ukuzikisa ukucinga nobuntu obunobuchule. Oku kucaciswa nzulu kumaphepha amabini. Omnye ubhalwe nomfundi kunye nombhali obefundisa kwikhosi emfutshane ebikwi-intanethi ephakathi kwamazwekazi eyenzelwe abafundi be- PhD kwiAfrican Feminist Research Methodology. Omnye umsebenzi ubhalwe ngumntu omnye, nothi wazise umsebenzi wesithathu, ikhosi yonyaka wesithathu yePolitical and International Studies yenkcazo-bungcali iAfrican Feminism. Icebo lokwenza ulwazi lisebenzisa isandla esibambe amaphupha ethu, njengesafobe esinika inkcazelo. Umnwe ngamnye umele indlela esisebenzisene ngayo kule misebenzi nakumagumbi okufundela, kunye nesikufundileyo ngokukhulisa nokukhuthaza amaphupha wabantu abasebatsha baseAfrika ngokusebenzisa imisebenzi egxile kwiinkcubeko zolwazi eziphazamisa ukwenziwa kolwazi ngendlela eqhelekileyo. Imiba emihlanu- ukwenza isakhelo, ukuqalisa, ukubona, ukudala, ukusebenzisa imifanekiso ntelekelelo- iyingqokelela yenxalenye yokwenza ulwazi ngendlela enentsebenziswano kwaye ezi ziseko zaziswa banzi kwithisisi, kwaye zicaciswe gabalala kwisishwankathelo njengengqokelela yentsebenziswano kulo msebenzi. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
Composition Portfolio
- Authors: Bessey, Warren Gregory
- Date: 2023-04-10
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/404940 , vital:70123
- Description: Excerpt from Introduction: My interest in the Zulu royal family intensified as I began to read many stories and have lengthy conversations with members of the Zulu royal family and others, including Dr Maxwell Shamase (University of Zululand), about Zulu history. I was struck by the power and prowess of Princess Mkabayi (1750-1843). The elders were said to be speechless when she spoke. According to Shamase, a common Zulu expression which references Mkabayi’s well-known verbal skill is Umuntu ukhuluma kome umlomo, and translates as [like Mkabayi] the speaker speaks clearly and leaves no room for misunderstandings and misinterpretations. I found her to be a brilliant strategist with a servant heart and one whom history had not given due credit, and I was inspired to bring her story to life by setting it to music. I wanted to explore whether or not the events surrounding Mkabayi led to a change of consciousness among the Zulu nation, and I used this as a theme for my symphonic work about her. The lives of Queen Nandi (King Shaka’s mother) and Princess Mkabayi (King Shaka’s aunt) made for fascinating stories I had been privileged to discover, and I felt they were South African treasures to be elevated and shared with the world. The two works listed above form part of my repertoire based on Zulu royal history which are collectively known as “The Royal Trilogy,” and I have come to think of them as part of a developing “urban classical repertoire”. The Royal Trilogy is a set of three compositions with 33 independent scenes linking historical events and people. It includes the following entitled symphonic works for full orchestra: Nandi iNdlovukazi yezi Ndlovukazi (hereinafter “Queen Nandi”), Inkosazane Mkabayi (hereinafter “Princess Mkabayi”), and iNkosi uShaka: Umbono, Isizwe, Isiphetho - King Shaka: A Vision, A Nation, A Destiny (hereinafter “King Shaka”). Nandi premiered on 22 September 2016 as part of “A Musical Tribute Celebrating 200 Years of the Zulu Monarchy,” and “Mkabayi” premiered on 6 September 2018 under a programme titled “Princess Mkabayi: Celebrating Heritage Month”. Both pieces were performed at the Durban City Hall by the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra with a mass Zulu choir (combination of the Clermont Community Choir, Prince Mshiyeni Choir, and Thokozani Choral Society) for socio-economic and ethnically diverse audiences. The final work, “King Shaka,” is expected to premiere in 2023. A future adaption of the Royal Trilogy is envisioned as an Afro Fusion Contemporary Ballet. , Thesis (MMus) -- Faculty of Humanities, Music & Musicology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04-10
- Authors: Bessey, Warren Gregory
- Date: 2023-04-10
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/404940 , vital:70123
- Description: Excerpt from Introduction: My interest in the Zulu royal family intensified as I began to read many stories and have lengthy conversations with members of the Zulu royal family and others, including Dr Maxwell Shamase (University of Zululand), about Zulu history. I was struck by the power and prowess of Princess Mkabayi (1750-1843). The elders were said to be speechless when she spoke. According to Shamase, a common Zulu expression which references Mkabayi’s well-known verbal skill is Umuntu ukhuluma kome umlomo, and translates as [like Mkabayi] the speaker speaks clearly and leaves no room for misunderstandings and misinterpretations. I found her to be a brilliant strategist with a servant heart and one whom history had not given due credit, and I was inspired to bring her story to life by setting it to music. I wanted to explore whether or not the events surrounding Mkabayi led to a change of consciousness among the Zulu nation, and I used this as a theme for my symphonic work about her. The lives of Queen Nandi (King Shaka’s mother) and Princess Mkabayi (King Shaka’s aunt) made for fascinating stories I had been privileged to discover, and I felt they were South African treasures to be elevated and shared with the world. The two works listed above form part of my repertoire based on Zulu royal history which are collectively known as “The Royal Trilogy,” and I have come to think of them as part of a developing “urban classical repertoire”. The Royal Trilogy is a set of three compositions with 33 independent scenes linking historical events and people. It includes the following entitled symphonic works for full orchestra: Nandi iNdlovukazi yezi Ndlovukazi (hereinafter “Queen Nandi”), Inkosazane Mkabayi (hereinafter “Princess Mkabayi”), and iNkosi uShaka: Umbono, Isizwe, Isiphetho - King Shaka: A Vision, A Nation, A Destiny (hereinafter “King Shaka”). Nandi premiered on 22 September 2016 as part of “A Musical Tribute Celebrating 200 Years of the Zulu Monarchy,” and “Mkabayi” premiered on 6 September 2018 under a programme titled “Princess Mkabayi: Celebrating Heritage Month”. Both pieces were performed at the Durban City Hall by the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra with a mass Zulu choir (combination of the Clermont Community Choir, Prince Mshiyeni Choir, and Thokozani Choral Society) for socio-economic and ethnically diverse audiences. The final work, “King Shaka,” is expected to premiere in 2023. A future adaption of the Royal Trilogy is envisioned as an Afro Fusion Contemporary Ballet. , Thesis (MMus) -- Faculty of Humanities, Music & Musicology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04-10
A reconceptualised perspective of the six-step financial planning process
- Authors: Kinsman, Estonia Jasmine
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Financial planning industry , Affluent consumers
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60786 , vital:67404
- Description: The globally applied six-step financial planning process which is used by CFP® professionals to provide financial advice is designed to ensure that the financial advice is suitable, based on the needs of the consumer. However, given the diverse cultures in South Africa, this study argues that the six-step financial planning process (as it is currently applied) may not be suitable, as it requires contextualisation based on the unique needs of South African consumers. The various population groups in South Africa have their own sets of beliefs, values and cultural practices, and thus view aspects such as wealth (the creation, preservation and transference thereof), marriage, death and retirement, differently. Thus, financial planners who are not knowledgeable about different cultures, diverse financial needs, or the provisions of customary law, may not be able to provide suitable advice. The primary objective of the study is thus to reconceptualise the six-step financial planning process to be more inclusive, in order to better serve the financial planning needs of South African consumers. A comprehensive literature review was undertaken to provide the context and framework within which the reconceptualisation of the six-step financial planning process could be approached. An investigation of the financial planning environment and the financial planning process was completed to determine how the six-step financial planning process is currently applied in the South African context. Further, an investigation of culture and the cultural dimensions – power distance, uncertainty avoidance, individualism, masculinity, timeorientation and indulgence – was conducted, as it was clear that these cultural dimensions cannot be generalised to all South African consumers, due to the large degree of diversity within the population. It was also determined that there are various factors that contribute towards the cultural diversity of South African consumers, which may influence their financial needs and the type of financial advice that is required. These factors include race and ethnicity, marital regimes, procreation and family structures. To further illustrate the diversity of financial needs of South African consumers, a discussion of Black households and the application of financial planning legislation and customary law was provided. Black households are considered to be under-serviced, historically financially excluded, have low levels of financial literacy, and are mostly collectivist in nature. It is for these reasons that Black households are the focus of the study. Some of the financial needs that vi are common among Black households include land and property ownership, family wealth, family homesteads, lobola capital and ‘black tax’ expenditure. Given that the literature review established how the six-step financial planning process is currently applied, an interpretivist research philosophy was adopted in order to gain a deeper understanding of how the six-step financial planning process should be applied in a South African context. Further, the research approach in the context of this study is an inductive one, as the six-step financial planning process is an existing theory that was reconceptualised by considering the perceptions and experiences of 16 CFP® professionals and 14 Black South African households. A mono-method qualitative research methodology was used, with a single qualitative method of data collection (semi-structured interviews), and a single qualitative method of data analysis (latent content analysis). The findings of the study were used to provide a reconceptualised perspective of the six-step financial planning process which takes into consideration the fact that the image of a financial planner plays an important role when trying to establish a professional relationship with a client. The findings reveal that Black consumers in particular, generally have a negative image of a financial planner, which is influenced not only by their perceptions of a financial planner, but also by their self-perception of their own financial situation. The reconceptualised perspective of the six-step financial planning process also incorporates the finding that discussions around personal finances are considered impolite and taboo among the Black African community, which influences their ability to talk about these topics, trust a financial planner, and establish a professional relationship with them. The findings also reveal that a racial and gender bias exists among Black consumers – they prefer interacting with a White male financial planner, as they perceive them to be more competent and have more experience with finances and wealth accumulation. It was also found that CFP® professionals believe that having cultural awareness and cultural intelligence can reduce bias in the way that questions are asked, so as not to offend the client. Thus, cultural awareness was also incorporated into the reconceptualised perspective of the six-step financial planning process. It was also noted that it is important to ascertain clients’ level of financial literacy during the information gathering stage. Black consumers opined that in this regard, it is the role of the financial planner to both ascertain and ensure their clients’ financial literacy, and to offer financial education to ensure client understanding. vii Although the premise of the study is that South African consumers have unique financial needs due to the high degree of diversity among the population, it was the opinion of CFP® professionals that Black consumers, in particular, do not have unique financial needs – instead, they define their needs differently, have different exposures to financial resources to address their financial needs, and also prioritise and satisfy their needs differently. The prioritised financial needs of Black households (sub-themes) that emerged from both participant groups include the need to make provision for black tax, estate planning, funerals, and property ownership. Black household participants mentioned (to a greater extent than CFP® professionals did) the need to make provision for lobola and initiation schools, as these form part of several traditional ceremonies. The need to make provision for a family home was mentioned by Black household participants but not by CFP® professionals. It was discovered from Black household participants that stokvels are the most common micro-finance tool used by Black consumers, for various reasons. In fact for some, stokvels are preferred over formal financial products because they perceive that they yield a higher return, and others use them successfully to supplement their current provisions. These findings (among others) were incorporated into the reconceptualised perspective of the six-step financial planning process which is presented in this study. This study has made a contribution to the financial planning body of knowledge by presenting a reconceptualised perspective of the six-step financial planning process, and providing new knowledge on each of the associated six steps and their suitability in a South African context. This study also provides justification and evidence for the inclusion of aspects within the sixstep financial planning process that enhance the understanding of cultural diversity and needs of Black households in particular. Justification has also been provided for the inclusion of cultural aspects and diverse needs of Black consumers the in the academic curriculum of FPI and FSCA recognised qualifications, as well as the facilitation and learning outcomes of business and product-specific training that FSPs are required to provide to their representatives. The study findings also have implications for the development of the academic curriculum and assessment materials for CFP® professionals by recognised education providers, the FSCA regulatory examination, and the FPI professional competency examination. In addition, the study has provided evidence for the need to develop financial products, or customise existing financial products, that address the viii needs of Black households – especially culture-specific financial needs such as black tax, lobola and funding for initiation schools. Key words: Black households; CFP® professionals; culture; diverse needs; reconceptualisation; six-step financial planning process. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Kinsman, Estonia Jasmine
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Financial planning industry , Affluent consumers
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60786 , vital:67404
- Description: The globally applied six-step financial planning process which is used by CFP® professionals to provide financial advice is designed to ensure that the financial advice is suitable, based on the needs of the consumer. However, given the diverse cultures in South Africa, this study argues that the six-step financial planning process (as it is currently applied) may not be suitable, as it requires contextualisation based on the unique needs of South African consumers. The various population groups in South Africa have their own sets of beliefs, values and cultural practices, and thus view aspects such as wealth (the creation, preservation and transference thereof), marriage, death and retirement, differently. Thus, financial planners who are not knowledgeable about different cultures, diverse financial needs, or the provisions of customary law, may not be able to provide suitable advice. The primary objective of the study is thus to reconceptualise the six-step financial planning process to be more inclusive, in order to better serve the financial planning needs of South African consumers. A comprehensive literature review was undertaken to provide the context and framework within which the reconceptualisation of the six-step financial planning process could be approached. An investigation of the financial planning environment and the financial planning process was completed to determine how the six-step financial planning process is currently applied in the South African context. Further, an investigation of culture and the cultural dimensions – power distance, uncertainty avoidance, individualism, masculinity, timeorientation and indulgence – was conducted, as it was clear that these cultural dimensions cannot be generalised to all South African consumers, due to the large degree of diversity within the population. It was also determined that there are various factors that contribute towards the cultural diversity of South African consumers, which may influence their financial needs and the type of financial advice that is required. These factors include race and ethnicity, marital regimes, procreation and family structures. To further illustrate the diversity of financial needs of South African consumers, a discussion of Black households and the application of financial planning legislation and customary law was provided. Black households are considered to be under-serviced, historically financially excluded, have low levels of financial literacy, and are mostly collectivist in nature. It is for these reasons that Black households are the focus of the study. Some of the financial needs that vi are common among Black households include land and property ownership, family wealth, family homesteads, lobola capital and ‘black tax’ expenditure. Given that the literature review established how the six-step financial planning process is currently applied, an interpretivist research philosophy was adopted in order to gain a deeper understanding of how the six-step financial planning process should be applied in a South African context. Further, the research approach in the context of this study is an inductive one, as the six-step financial planning process is an existing theory that was reconceptualised by considering the perceptions and experiences of 16 CFP® professionals and 14 Black South African households. A mono-method qualitative research methodology was used, with a single qualitative method of data collection (semi-structured interviews), and a single qualitative method of data analysis (latent content analysis). The findings of the study were used to provide a reconceptualised perspective of the six-step financial planning process which takes into consideration the fact that the image of a financial planner plays an important role when trying to establish a professional relationship with a client. The findings reveal that Black consumers in particular, generally have a negative image of a financial planner, which is influenced not only by their perceptions of a financial planner, but also by their self-perception of their own financial situation. The reconceptualised perspective of the six-step financial planning process also incorporates the finding that discussions around personal finances are considered impolite and taboo among the Black African community, which influences their ability to talk about these topics, trust a financial planner, and establish a professional relationship with them. The findings also reveal that a racial and gender bias exists among Black consumers – they prefer interacting with a White male financial planner, as they perceive them to be more competent and have more experience with finances and wealth accumulation. It was also found that CFP® professionals believe that having cultural awareness and cultural intelligence can reduce bias in the way that questions are asked, so as not to offend the client. Thus, cultural awareness was also incorporated into the reconceptualised perspective of the six-step financial planning process. It was also noted that it is important to ascertain clients’ level of financial literacy during the information gathering stage. Black consumers opined that in this regard, it is the role of the financial planner to both ascertain and ensure their clients’ financial literacy, and to offer financial education to ensure client understanding. vii Although the premise of the study is that South African consumers have unique financial needs due to the high degree of diversity among the population, it was the opinion of CFP® professionals that Black consumers, in particular, do not have unique financial needs – instead, they define their needs differently, have different exposures to financial resources to address their financial needs, and also prioritise and satisfy their needs differently. The prioritised financial needs of Black households (sub-themes) that emerged from both participant groups include the need to make provision for black tax, estate planning, funerals, and property ownership. Black household participants mentioned (to a greater extent than CFP® professionals did) the need to make provision for lobola and initiation schools, as these form part of several traditional ceremonies. The need to make provision for a family home was mentioned by Black household participants but not by CFP® professionals. It was discovered from Black household participants that stokvels are the most common micro-finance tool used by Black consumers, for various reasons. In fact for some, stokvels are preferred over formal financial products because they perceive that they yield a higher return, and others use them successfully to supplement their current provisions. These findings (among others) were incorporated into the reconceptualised perspective of the six-step financial planning process which is presented in this study. This study has made a contribution to the financial planning body of knowledge by presenting a reconceptualised perspective of the six-step financial planning process, and providing new knowledge on each of the associated six steps and their suitability in a South African context. This study also provides justification and evidence for the inclusion of aspects within the sixstep financial planning process that enhance the understanding of cultural diversity and needs of Black households in particular. Justification has also been provided for the inclusion of cultural aspects and diverse needs of Black consumers the in the academic curriculum of FPI and FSCA recognised qualifications, as well as the facilitation and learning outcomes of business and product-specific training that FSPs are required to provide to their representatives. The study findings also have implications for the development of the academic curriculum and assessment materials for CFP® professionals by recognised education providers, the FSCA regulatory examination, and the FPI professional competency examination. In addition, the study has provided evidence for the need to develop financial products, or customise existing financial products, that address the viii needs of Black households – especially culture-specific financial needs such as black tax, lobola and funding for initiation schools. Key words: Black households; CFP® professionals; culture; diverse needs; reconceptualisation; six-step financial planning process. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
An evaluation of the effectiveness of area-based conservation intervention in avoiding biodiversity loss in South Africa
- Authors: Van Straten, Maurice Oswald
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Soil conservation -- South Africa , Livestock farms – South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61132 , vital:69765
- Description: Habitat degradation, livestock farming, crop cultivation, rangeland overutilization and veld mismanagement are among the factors causing biodiversity loss worldwide. Rangelands in arid and semi-arid environments are no exception, as they are under stress from conversion into cropland and pressure from livestock farming. In these arid areas, rainfall is unpredictable and plant recruitment levels low, resulting in veld rehabilitation being a potentially expensive and time-consuming undertaking for landowners. Landowners implement different rehabilitation methods to increase overall vegetation cover and prevent further soil and vegetation degradation. These rehabilitation methods may include the creation of micro-catchments, mulching, brushpacking, ripping, geotextiles, stone cobbling and erosion control fences, individually or in combination with the addition of reseeding, replanting, and use of manure or fertilizer to supplement land rehabilitation. This study investigated the significance of three rehabilitation methods (hollows, brush packing and a combination of these two methods) on water infiltration rates, soil moisture content, and vegetation canopy cover with associated growth form canopy cover over a period of 17 months (March 2021 to August 2022). This study showed that rehabilitation methods implemented had no significant impact on water infiltration rates and vegetation canopy cover. However, rehabilitation methods had a significant impact on soil moisture content. The use of a hollows is recommended when attempting to increase the soil moisture content percentage when performing rehabilitation. Overall vegetation canopy cover is influenced more by seasonal changes than by the rehabilitation methods implemented. This study indicated that the creation of micro-catchments is an effective rehabilitation method to use in an arid area, as it promotes vegetation establishment and growth. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Science and Management , 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Van Straten, Maurice Oswald
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Soil conservation -- South Africa , Livestock farms – South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61132 , vital:69765
- Description: Habitat degradation, livestock farming, crop cultivation, rangeland overutilization and veld mismanagement are among the factors causing biodiversity loss worldwide. Rangelands in arid and semi-arid environments are no exception, as they are under stress from conversion into cropland and pressure from livestock farming. In these arid areas, rainfall is unpredictable and plant recruitment levels low, resulting in veld rehabilitation being a potentially expensive and time-consuming undertaking for landowners. Landowners implement different rehabilitation methods to increase overall vegetation cover and prevent further soil and vegetation degradation. These rehabilitation methods may include the creation of micro-catchments, mulching, brushpacking, ripping, geotextiles, stone cobbling and erosion control fences, individually or in combination with the addition of reseeding, replanting, and use of manure or fertilizer to supplement land rehabilitation. This study investigated the significance of three rehabilitation methods (hollows, brush packing and a combination of these two methods) on water infiltration rates, soil moisture content, and vegetation canopy cover with associated growth form canopy cover over a period of 17 months (March 2021 to August 2022). This study showed that rehabilitation methods implemented had no significant impact on water infiltration rates and vegetation canopy cover. However, rehabilitation methods had a significant impact on soil moisture content. The use of a hollows is recommended when attempting to increase the soil moisture content percentage when performing rehabilitation. Overall vegetation canopy cover is influenced more by seasonal changes than by the rehabilitation methods implemented. This study indicated that the creation of micro-catchments is an effective rehabilitation method to use in an arid area, as it promotes vegetation establishment and growth. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Science and Management , 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
An evaluation of the effectiveness of area-based conservation interventions in avoiding biodiversity loss in South Africa
- Authors: Von Staden, Lize
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Environmental policy , Conservation of natural resources -- Government policy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61115 , vital:69762
- Description: Counterfactual impact evaluation studies form an important evidence base for the effectiveness of conservation projects, programs, and policies (collectively referred to as conservation interventions). In South Africa, counterfactual impact evaluation methods have rarely been applied to local conservation interventions, and therefore evidence for the effectiveness of key strategic national conservation approaches is lacking. This study evaluated three area-based interventions that together aim to avoid the loss of areas most important for the persistence of biodiversity in the terrestrial realm as evidence towards the effectiveness of South Africa’s landscape approach to biodiversity conservation. The first intervention, South Africa’s National Protected Area Expansion Strategy (NPAES), set ambitious targets to double the extent of South Africa’s protected area network while ensuring that the expansion preferentially occurs in areas of under-represented biodiversity. The strategy was evaluated in terms of its effectiveness in guiding protected area expansion towards more equitable representation of South Africa’s biodiversity through an assessment of changes in indicators of protected area expansion decision-making before and after the implementation of the strategy. The second intervention is the use of maps of biodiversity priorities to guide land use change decisions outside protected areas. Impact was evaluated as avoided loss of Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBAs), which need to remain in a natural condition to meet in situ conservation targets for species, ecosystems, and ecological processes. Avoided loss in CBAs was benchmarked against avoided loss in protected areas, to contextualize the effectiveness of land use planning as a conservation intervention. Lastly, the effectiveness of stricter land use regulations for threatened ecosystems to reduce land conversion pressure on these ecosystems was evaluated. Key findings were that protected areas are highly effective conservation interventions where they can be implemented, but their capacity for conservation impact is limited by severe constraints on strategic expansion. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Von Staden, Lize
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Environmental policy , Conservation of natural resources -- Government policy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61115 , vital:69762
- Description: Counterfactual impact evaluation studies form an important evidence base for the effectiveness of conservation projects, programs, and policies (collectively referred to as conservation interventions). In South Africa, counterfactual impact evaluation methods have rarely been applied to local conservation interventions, and therefore evidence for the effectiveness of key strategic national conservation approaches is lacking. This study evaluated three area-based interventions that together aim to avoid the loss of areas most important for the persistence of biodiversity in the terrestrial realm as evidence towards the effectiveness of South Africa’s landscape approach to biodiversity conservation. The first intervention, South Africa’s National Protected Area Expansion Strategy (NPAES), set ambitious targets to double the extent of South Africa’s protected area network while ensuring that the expansion preferentially occurs in areas of under-represented biodiversity. The strategy was evaluated in terms of its effectiveness in guiding protected area expansion towards more equitable representation of South Africa’s biodiversity through an assessment of changes in indicators of protected area expansion decision-making before and after the implementation of the strategy. The second intervention is the use of maps of biodiversity priorities to guide land use change decisions outside protected areas. Impact was evaluated as avoided loss of Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBAs), which need to remain in a natural condition to meet in situ conservation targets for species, ecosystems, and ecological processes. Avoided loss in CBAs was benchmarked against avoided loss in protected areas, to contextualize the effectiveness of land use planning as a conservation intervention. Lastly, the effectiveness of stricter land use regulations for threatened ecosystems to reduce land conversion pressure on these ecosystems was evaluated. Key findings were that protected areas are highly effective conservation interventions where they can be implemented, but their capacity for conservation impact is limited by severe constraints on strategic expansion. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
An evaluation of the legislative framework for public infrastructure investment to reduce unemployment in South Africa
- Authors: Daniel, Nwabisa Nandipha
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Unemployment--South Africa , unemployment Statistics
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61086 , vital:69739
- Description: This study evaluated South Africa’s legislative framework for public infrastructure investment to determine its effectiveness in reducing unemployment. The study is primarily driven by South Africa’s persistent challenge of unemployment with Statistics South Africa estimating the unemployment rate at 35.5 per cent or 7.9 million labourers. Persistently high levels of unemployment harm the socio-economy as unemployment increases poverty and contributes to inequality. For the government an increase in expenditure on social relief programmes, while offering some relief, decreases revenue collection. In order to mitigate this imbalance, the South African government identified public infrastructure investment as a stimulus for economic growth and create employment, such as in the Expanded Public Works Programme initiative. The legislative framework is an important aspect of study as policy is legitimised and implemented through the legislative framework. Previous studies have focused on the effect of fiscal policy on economic growth and employment creation. These studies have also used quantitative data analysis to explain the relationship between fiscal policy, economic growth, and unemployment. Other studies have focused on public policy planning and implementation, and some of the policies that have been implemented to address unemployment. This study focused on public infrastructure investments specifically rather than fiscal policy in general. The study also examined the legislative framework to determine whether it is effective in reducing unemployment through public infrastructure investment. The study made used qualitative data analysis as the researcher undertook a document analysis of publicly available documents which were sampled using a purposive sampling technique and analysed using the thematic analysis method. The findings of the study were that the legislative framework supported employment creation through public infrastructure investment through the establishment of a public institution to support the construction industry, the use of local content as inputs and labour-intensive technologies in the infrastructure delivery process. The legislative framework was not effective in supporting the policy, which is demonstrated by the perpetually high unemployment rate despite unemployment alleviating initiatives being implemented in the early and mid-2000s , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of business and economic sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Daniel, Nwabisa Nandipha
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Unemployment--South Africa , unemployment Statistics
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61086 , vital:69739
- Description: This study evaluated South Africa’s legislative framework for public infrastructure investment to determine its effectiveness in reducing unemployment. The study is primarily driven by South Africa’s persistent challenge of unemployment with Statistics South Africa estimating the unemployment rate at 35.5 per cent or 7.9 million labourers. Persistently high levels of unemployment harm the socio-economy as unemployment increases poverty and contributes to inequality. For the government an increase in expenditure on social relief programmes, while offering some relief, decreases revenue collection. In order to mitigate this imbalance, the South African government identified public infrastructure investment as a stimulus for economic growth and create employment, such as in the Expanded Public Works Programme initiative. The legislative framework is an important aspect of study as policy is legitimised and implemented through the legislative framework. Previous studies have focused on the effect of fiscal policy on economic growth and employment creation. These studies have also used quantitative data analysis to explain the relationship between fiscal policy, economic growth, and unemployment. Other studies have focused on public policy planning and implementation, and some of the policies that have been implemented to address unemployment. This study focused on public infrastructure investments specifically rather than fiscal policy in general. The study also examined the legislative framework to determine whether it is effective in reducing unemployment through public infrastructure investment. The study made used qualitative data analysis as the researcher undertook a document analysis of publicly available documents which were sampled using a purposive sampling technique and analysed using the thematic analysis method. The findings of the study were that the legislative framework supported employment creation through public infrastructure investment through the establishment of a public institution to support the construction industry, the use of local content as inputs and labour-intensive technologies in the infrastructure delivery process. The legislative framework was not effective in supporting the policy, which is demonstrated by the perpetually high unemployment rate despite unemployment alleviating initiatives being implemented in the early and mid-2000s , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of business and economic sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
An exploration of the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) facilitating the growth and certification of small-scale organic farmers: Giyani, Garden Route and Overberg case studies
- Authors: Mashele,N’wa-Jama
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Organic farming – Case studies --South Africa , Organic farming research
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60741 , vital:66574
- Description: In this study, I evaluated the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) as a framework to support the growth and certification of small-scale organic farmers. I used the interpretivism and constructivism lenses to understand the PGS from the perspective of members of three PGS groups. The research was qualitative, treating the three PGS groups as case studies. I collected data using focus groups, semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, field notes and observations. The theoretical frameworks that guided the research and data analysis were Socio-ecological Systems (SES) based principles and the Multi-Level-Perspective (MLP) framework. The data were analysed using Atlas.ti content analysis software. The key results were grouped into four themes: capacity; market and logistics; learning process; and disturbance, shock and stress. The theme of ‘capacity’ dealt with the functioning of a PGS, where three categories were identified: group composition and capacity; resource limitations and institutional support; marketing and consumer education. The more diversity in age, education and culture of PGS stakeholders, the better performance and chances of continuity and propagation. PGS has limited capacity partly due to its voluntary nature and infancy. It needs institutional support to grow and be useful for members. Department of Agriculture extension officers knew little about organic farming, thus limiting their engagement and assistance to such farmers. The theme of ‘market and logistics’ looked at the various factors that influence the farmers’ market reach. The perception from the members was that there was minimal consumer awareness about organic agriculture and the PGS. The marketing of organic produce relied largely on the individual farmer’s efforts and ability to search for and secure markets. The theme of the ‘learning process’ was categorised into learning and knowledge exchange. Members of the PGS groups highly regarded the invaluable knowledge shared through farm visits and online platforms, such as their WhatsApp groups. This knowledge improved and informed their farming techniques and led to the growth of v their skill base and experimentation. They viewed the way knowledge was exchanged as non-threatening and highly useful. The fourth theme of ‘disturbance, shock and stress’ dealt with the effects of COVID19. The three groups were all affected by lockdown restrictions (at the time of data collection) and were initially cut off from their usual markets. This led to a loss of income, loss of farm staff and a loss of the desired growth of the farms. The group’s diverse farming practices bolstered their resilience, enabling them to adapt and try alternative marketing strategies. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Mashele,N’wa-Jama
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Organic farming – Case studies --South Africa , Organic farming research
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60741 , vital:66574
- Description: In this study, I evaluated the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) as a framework to support the growth and certification of small-scale organic farmers. I used the interpretivism and constructivism lenses to understand the PGS from the perspective of members of three PGS groups. The research was qualitative, treating the three PGS groups as case studies. I collected data using focus groups, semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, field notes and observations. The theoretical frameworks that guided the research and data analysis were Socio-ecological Systems (SES) based principles and the Multi-Level-Perspective (MLP) framework. The data were analysed using Atlas.ti content analysis software. The key results were grouped into four themes: capacity; market and logistics; learning process; and disturbance, shock and stress. The theme of ‘capacity’ dealt with the functioning of a PGS, where three categories were identified: group composition and capacity; resource limitations and institutional support; marketing and consumer education. The more diversity in age, education and culture of PGS stakeholders, the better performance and chances of continuity and propagation. PGS has limited capacity partly due to its voluntary nature and infancy. It needs institutional support to grow and be useful for members. Department of Agriculture extension officers knew little about organic farming, thus limiting their engagement and assistance to such farmers. The theme of ‘market and logistics’ looked at the various factors that influence the farmers’ market reach. The perception from the members was that there was minimal consumer awareness about organic agriculture and the PGS. The marketing of organic produce relied largely on the individual farmer’s efforts and ability to search for and secure markets. The theme of the ‘learning process’ was categorised into learning and knowledge exchange. Members of the PGS groups highly regarded the invaluable knowledge shared through farm visits and online platforms, such as their WhatsApp groups. This knowledge improved and informed their farming techniques and led to the growth of v their skill base and experimentation. They viewed the way knowledge was exchanged as non-threatening and highly useful. The fourth theme of ‘disturbance, shock and stress’ dealt with the effects of COVID19. The three groups were all affected by lockdown restrictions (at the time of data collection) and were initially cut off from their usual markets. This led to a loss of income, loss of farm staff and a loss of the desired growth of the farms. The group’s diverse farming practices bolstered their resilience, enabling them to adapt and try alternative marketing strategies. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
An investigation of alternative separation strategies for common chemical mixtures by means of host-guest chemistry protocols with host compounds N,N′- bis(5-phenyl-5-dibenzo[a,d]cycloheptenyl)ethylenediamine and N,N’-bis(5-phenyl-10,11- dihydro-5-dibenzo[a,d]cycloheptenyl)ethylenediamine
- Authors: Barton, Danica Brione
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid -- South Africa , Enzymes –Analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61176 , vital:69791
- Description: In this work, the selectivity behaviour of two host compounds, namely N,N’-bis(5-phenyl-5- ibenzo[a,d]cycloheptenyl)ethylenediamine (H1) and N,N’-bis(5-phenyl-10,11-dihydro-5- ibenzo[a,d]cycloheptenyl)ethylenediamine (H2), was assessed in mixtures of difficult-toseparate compounds, including the xylenes and ethylbenzene, pyridine and methylpyridines, and anisole and methylanisoles. These host compounds were synthesized using Grignard addition reactions with phenylmagnesium bromide on dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5-one and 10,11- dihydrodibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5-one, respectively. The resultant alcohols were treated with perchloric acid to form the corresponding perchlorate salts, which were then reacted with ethylenediamine to afford the required H1 and H2 host compounds. Yields were 95 ad 52% for this final step in each case. An investigation of the conformations, both from experiment (using single crystal X-ray diffractometry (SCXRD) on the apohost compound) and computational calculations was undertaken. Unfortunately, H1 always crystallized out as a powder unless this host compound formed a complex with a guest species, and so could not be subjected to SCXRD analysis as apohost alone. However, a single crystal structure for apohost H2 was successfully obtained and compared with computational data from a previous investigation. It was observed that the conformation of apohost H2 compared favourably with that of the lowest energy conformer from that work. In single solvent recrystallization experiments with o-, m-, p-xylene (o-Xy, m-Xy, p-Xy) and ethylbenzene (EB), both H1 and H2 formed complexes with only one of the four guest species, namely p-Xy and o-Xy, respectively. The host:guest (H:G) ratios were 1:1 for both of these complexes. In the equimolar guest/guest competition experiments, inclusion complexes only formed when p-Xy or o-Xy, respectively, were present in the mixtures; if p-Xy (for experiments with H1) or o-Xy (H2) was absent from these mixtures, only apohost was recovered from the glass vessels. Three selectivity profiles were constructed for each of these host compounds, in which each one was recrystallized from binary mixed guests in various proportions. These demonstrated an overwhelming preference of H1 for p-Xy and H2 for o-Xy, which concurred with the results from the equimolar experiments. Thermal analysis using H1∙p-Xy revealed that this complex was unstable at ambient conditions, while SCXRD explained this observation: this complex may be defined as a true clathrate since no host‧‧‧guest interactions were identified at all, and the guest was retained in the complex by means of steric factors alone. Furthermore, the guest molecules resided in wide open channels that may have facilitated the guest release process. H2∙o-Xy, on the other hand, was stable at room temperature, and the guest release event only commenced at 69.7 °C (Ton). This too was explained by SCXRD analyses in that interactions between host and guest species were observed in this case. Additionally, the guest molecules were housed in discrete cages, which made their escape more challenging compared with p-Xy in H1∙p-Xy. It was concluded that, in this guest series, both of the host compounds would be effective as separatory tools employing host-guest chemistry protocols due to their remarkable selectivities for p-Xy (H1) and o-Xy (H2). , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Barton, Danica Brione
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid -- South Africa , Enzymes –Analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61176 , vital:69791
- Description: In this work, the selectivity behaviour of two host compounds, namely N,N’-bis(5-phenyl-5- ibenzo[a,d]cycloheptenyl)ethylenediamine (H1) and N,N’-bis(5-phenyl-10,11-dihydro-5- ibenzo[a,d]cycloheptenyl)ethylenediamine (H2), was assessed in mixtures of difficult-toseparate compounds, including the xylenes and ethylbenzene, pyridine and methylpyridines, and anisole and methylanisoles. These host compounds were synthesized using Grignard addition reactions with phenylmagnesium bromide on dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5-one and 10,11- dihydrodibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5-one, respectively. The resultant alcohols were treated with perchloric acid to form the corresponding perchlorate salts, which were then reacted with ethylenediamine to afford the required H1 and H2 host compounds. Yields were 95 ad 52% for this final step in each case. An investigation of the conformations, both from experiment (using single crystal X-ray diffractometry (SCXRD) on the apohost compound) and computational calculations was undertaken. Unfortunately, H1 always crystallized out as a powder unless this host compound formed a complex with a guest species, and so could not be subjected to SCXRD analysis as apohost alone. However, a single crystal structure for apohost H2 was successfully obtained and compared with computational data from a previous investigation. It was observed that the conformation of apohost H2 compared favourably with that of the lowest energy conformer from that work. In single solvent recrystallization experiments with o-, m-, p-xylene (o-Xy, m-Xy, p-Xy) and ethylbenzene (EB), both H1 and H2 formed complexes with only one of the four guest species, namely p-Xy and o-Xy, respectively. The host:guest (H:G) ratios were 1:1 for both of these complexes. In the equimolar guest/guest competition experiments, inclusion complexes only formed when p-Xy or o-Xy, respectively, were present in the mixtures; if p-Xy (for experiments with H1) or o-Xy (H2) was absent from these mixtures, only apohost was recovered from the glass vessels. Three selectivity profiles were constructed for each of these host compounds, in which each one was recrystallized from binary mixed guests in various proportions. These demonstrated an overwhelming preference of H1 for p-Xy and H2 for o-Xy, which concurred with the results from the equimolar experiments. Thermal analysis using H1∙p-Xy revealed that this complex was unstable at ambient conditions, while SCXRD explained this observation: this complex may be defined as a true clathrate since no host‧‧‧guest interactions were identified at all, and the guest was retained in the complex by means of steric factors alone. Furthermore, the guest molecules resided in wide open channels that may have facilitated the guest release process. H2∙o-Xy, on the other hand, was stable at room temperature, and the guest release event only commenced at 69.7 °C (Ton). This too was explained by SCXRD analyses in that interactions between host and guest species were observed in this case. Additionally, the guest molecules were housed in discrete cages, which made their escape more challenging compared with p-Xy in H1∙p-Xy. It was concluded that, in this guest series, both of the host compounds would be effective as separatory tools employing host-guest chemistry protocols due to their remarkable selectivities for p-Xy (H1) and o-Xy (H2). , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Assessing diatom community composition and structure in palaeosediments of a southern Cape coastal wetland
- Authors: Sepato, Tshiamo Tsholofelo
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Diatoms --South Africa – Southern Cape , Paleoecology , Marine algae --South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61258 , vital:69847
- Description: Palaeoenvironmental studies are important as they aid in reconstructing histories of past landscapes and provide key long-term information for the conservation and management of ecosystems. The southern Cape coast is a focus area for palaeoenvironmental research due to its high botanical and climatic importance. A three-metre sediment core was retrieved from Whale Rock wetland (Plettenberg Bay, southern Cape Coast) and spanned ~8000 years – a large proportion of the Holocene epoch. Diatom data preserved in palaeosediments of the Whale Rock wetland are presented within this study. A total of 48 diatom species was identified. Based on the multivariate statistical analysis, the diatom assemblages were divided into three zones: Zone WR-1-A (~7200 – 6450 cal yr BP); Zone WR-1- B (~6450 – 6250 cal yr BP) and Zone WR-1-C (~250 cal yr BP – to present). Two diatom preservation hiatus periods were observed at ~8000 – 7200 cal yr BP and ~6400 – 230 cal yr BP. The results indicated that benthic diatom species were significantly dominant throughout the Whale Rock record. The diatom evidence revealed that the Whale Rock wetland system freshened over time as diatom species identified in Zone WR-1-A and Zone WR-1- B indicated marine influences whereas Zone WR-1-C displayed a dominance of species that thrive in freshwater conditions. A transitional phase occurred at ~6400 cal yr BP where abrupt changes began prior to the significant ~6400 – 230 cal yr BP diatom preservation hiatus period. Principal Component Analysis showed that salinity was the main environmental driver of change impacting the species abundance and diversity of diatom communities within the wetland system throughout the Holocene. When compared with regional palaeoenvironmental and palaeolimnological data, it is evident that several other wetland systems moved from a marine/brackish favoured system to a freshwater system with the transitional phase occurring at different periods within the Holocene. This study indicated that diatoms are powerful biological proxies of environmental change. It is recommended that the site be revisited to investigate further the hiatus phases to further explore the lack of diatom preservation for these periods and to also contribute more palaeoenvironmental proxy evidence as well as modern hydrological information. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Sepato, Tshiamo Tsholofelo
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Diatoms --South Africa – Southern Cape , Paleoecology , Marine algae --South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61258 , vital:69847
- Description: Palaeoenvironmental studies are important as they aid in reconstructing histories of past landscapes and provide key long-term information for the conservation and management of ecosystems. The southern Cape coast is a focus area for palaeoenvironmental research due to its high botanical and climatic importance. A three-metre sediment core was retrieved from Whale Rock wetland (Plettenberg Bay, southern Cape Coast) and spanned ~8000 years – a large proportion of the Holocene epoch. Diatom data preserved in palaeosediments of the Whale Rock wetland are presented within this study. A total of 48 diatom species was identified. Based on the multivariate statistical analysis, the diatom assemblages were divided into three zones: Zone WR-1-A (~7200 – 6450 cal yr BP); Zone WR-1- B (~6450 – 6250 cal yr BP) and Zone WR-1-C (~250 cal yr BP – to present). Two diatom preservation hiatus periods were observed at ~8000 – 7200 cal yr BP and ~6400 – 230 cal yr BP. The results indicated that benthic diatom species were significantly dominant throughout the Whale Rock record. The diatom evidence revealed that the Whale Rock wetland system freshened over time as diatom species identified in Zone WR-1-A and Zone WR-1- B indicated marine influences whereas Zone WR-1-C displayed a dominance of species that thrive in freshwater conditions. A transitional phase occurred at ~6400 cal yr BP where abrupt changes began prior to the significant ~6400 – 230 cal yr BP diatom preservation hiatus period. Principal Component Analysis showed that salinity was the main environmental driver of change impacting the species abundance and diversity of diatom communities within the wetland system throughout the Holocene. When compared with regional palaeoenvironmental and palaeolimnological data, it is evident that several other wetland systems moved from a marine/brackish favoured system to a freshwater system with the transitional phase occurring at different periods within the Holocene. This study indicated that diatoms are powerful biological proxies of environmental change. It is recommended that the site be revisited to investigate further the hiatus phases to further explore the lack of diatom preservation for these periods and to also contribute more palaeoenvironmental proxy evidence as well as modern hydrological information. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Assessing the Role of Women on Small-Scale Agribusiness at Wincanton Estate in Kariega, South Africa
- Authors: Zalwango, Joanita
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Leadership in women , Women in agriculture --Eastern Cape – Kariega , Climate change -- Kariega
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61054 , vital:69690
- Description: Agricultural development is a prerequisite for most economies to grow. Agricultural activities are key to food security and sustaining livelihoods globally. Within the African continent, more women are employed in agriculture and agribusiness activities than other sectors. As main contributors to the labour force in the agricultural sector, women get involved in many agricultural and agribusiness activities to sustain their families. With over 60% of women in Sub–Saharan Africa involved in agriculture, there is need to explore and assess the role they play in promoting agribusiness with special focus on Kariega, in South Africa. The identified participants in the study, as self-employed farmers, participate in agribusiness, thereby creating employment opportunities whilst generating personal incomes. Several benefits to female involvement in agribusiness were identified, including the ability to sustain families, stable cash flow, and empowerment. Several challenges were identified, including adequate capital, inaccessibility to private land, droughts, water scarcity, climate change effects and stigmatisation. Through a feminist qualitative methodology, the study utilised semi- structured interviews to collect data from 10 women involved in agribusiness around Kariega, Nelson Mandela Bay. Themes from the findings are analysed to highlight the important role played by women toward agribusiness, their achievements, government and private sector role and the hinderances still faced by these women in agricultural cooperatives. Discussion from the analysis included a framework of recommendations, for policy makers, development practitioners and future researchers. The study found that all stakeholders involved in the agricultural sector should work together for sustainable agricultural development and sustainable development goals to be achieved. Sustainability among women farmers can be achieved by (a) Increasing government intervention and support (b) Climate smart agriculture practices (c) Overcoming stigmatisation (d) Encouraging and involving the youth (e) Diversification and integration of farm businesses and (f) Using contract farming. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2023
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Assessing the Role of Women on Small-Scale Agribusiness at Wincanton Estate in Kariega, South Africa
- Authors: Zalwango, Joanita
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Leadership in women , Women in agriculture --Eastern Cape – Kariega , Climate change -- Kariega
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61054 , vital:69690
- Description: Agricultural development is a prerequisite for most economies to grow. Agricultural activities are key to food security and sustaining livelihoods globally. Within the African continent, more women are employed in agriculture and agribusiness activities than other sectors. As main contributors to the labour force in the agricultural sector, women get involved in many agricultural and agribusiness activities to sustain their families. With over 60% of women in Sub–Saharan Africa involved in agriculture, there is need to explore and assess the role they play in promoting agribusiness with special focus on Kariega, in South Africa. The identified participants in the study, as self-employed farmers, participate in agribusiness, thereby creating employment opportunities whilst generating personal incomes. Several benefits to female involvement in agribusiness were identified, including the ability to sustain families, stable cash flow, and empowerment. Several challenges were identified, including adequate capital, inaccessibility to private land, droughts, water scarcity, climate change effects and stigmatisation. Through a feminist qualitative methodology, the study utilised semi- structured interviews to collect data from 10 women involved in agribusiness around Kariega, Nelson Mandela Bay. Themes from the findings are analysed to highlight the important role played by women toward agribusiness, their achievements, government and private sector role and the hinderances still faced by these women in agricultural cooperatives. Discussion from the analysis included a framework of recommendations, for policy makers, development practitioners and future researchers. The study found that all stakeholders involved in the agricultural sector should work together for sustainable agricultural development and sustainable development goals to be achieved. Sustainability among women farmers can be achieved by (a) Increasing government intervention and support (b) Climate smart agriculture practices (c) Overcoming stigmatisation (d) Encouraging and involving the youth (e) Diversification and integration of farm businesses and (f) Using contract farming. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2023
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Billing system, communication strategies, and organisation change in Zimbabwe: the case of telone customers’ postpaid to prepaid migration
- Authors: Dube, Sizalobuhle
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Communication , Organizational change , Organizational change -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27336 , vital:66942
- Description: This study investigated the effectiveness of the communication strategies used to implement the migration of telephone services from post-paid to prepaid billing at TelOne Zimbabwe. This study adopted the Freeman‟s stakeholder theory and the Lewin‟s change model to analyse the factors that influenced the effectiveness of the communication strategies used by TelOne before, during and after the change implementation as a way to communicate the initiative with its stakeholders. A qualitative approach was utilised and the key research methods used included document analysis, participant observation, as well as 21 face-to-face and 79 telephonic semi-structured interviews conducted with respondents from among TelOne managers, employees and the customers. The documents and respondents were purposively sampled based on the researcher‟s knowledge of their relevance in the study. The findings revealed several factors that mired effective change communication strategies such as company image, stakeholder recognition and communication centralisation. To curb these communication challenges, the study proposes Thrive organisational communication change model TOCC that encourages organisations to communicate the initiative to its relevant internal and external stakeholders considering their views and addressing factors that might hinder effective communication as a strategy to enhance successful change management. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Dube, Sizalobuhle
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Communication , Organizational change , Organizational change -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27336 , vital:66942
- Description: This study investigated the effectiveness of the communication strategies used to implement the migration of telephone services from post-paid to prepaid billing at TelOne Zimbabwe. This study adopted the Freeman‟s stakeholder theory and the Lewin‟s change model to analyse the factors that influenced the effectiveness of the communication strategies used by TelOne before, during and after the change implementation as a way to communicate the initiative with its stakeholders. A qualitative approach was utilised and the key research methods used included document analysis, participant observation, as well as 21 face-to-face and 79 telephonic semi-structured interviews conducted with respondents from among TelOne managers, employees and the customers. The documents and respondents were purposively sampled based on the researcher‟s knowledge of their relevance in the study. The findings revealed several factors that mired effective change communication strategies such as company image, stakeholder recognition and communication centralisation. To curb these communication challenges, the study proposes Thrive organisational communication change model TOCC that encourages organisations to communicate the initiative to its relevant internal and external stakeholders considering their views and addressing factors that might hinder effective communication as a strategy to enhance successful change management. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2023
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- Date Issued: 2023-04
Challenges and opportunities of coastal and marine tourism in Swartkops river Estuary
- Authors: Nokela,Thembela
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Marine -- South Africa -- Swartkops River Estuary , Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality—Tourism , Estuarine pollution
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61316 , vital:70083
- Description: This study's goal was to pinpoint the challenges and untapped opportunities associated with Coastal and Marine Tourism (CMT) in the Swartkops River Estuary (SRE). CMT has become the biggest segment of the travel industry. Moreover, this form of alternative tourism is the most significant and fastest developing economic activity in the ocean. The objectives of this study were to identify the challenges that hinder the development of CMT in SRE, to determine opportunities for CMT in SRE, to evaluate NMBM’s efforts in creating and sustaining CMT in SRE and to evaluate the status of CMT in SRE in terms of CMT related development. This study fit within the interprevist paradigm and made use of a qualitative research approach and design as well as inductive reasoning. The qualitative research design consisted of data being collected through document and content analysis. Data was analysed using data analysis process of Miles and Herman (1994) as well as the coding and developing of specific themes that emerged from the data. The data in this phase was presented both in narrative format and tables. The document analysis used in this study was established based on the objectives of this study. The findings of this study revealed that key challenges that hinder the growth of CMT in Swartkops River Estuary are environmental impacts that include pollution, over enrichment, inappropriate development, overfishing, destruction of mudflats, limited freshwater inflow, destruction of vegetation and climate change. The findings also revealed that there are opportunities for CMT in SRE such as promoting SRE as a popular ecotourism destination by developing ecotourism nodes. These include environmental education at the Aloes Nature Reserve's and the Swartkops Estuary south-east section, sustainable ecolodges and conference centres. The study recommends that the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality should organize educational programmes to educate local people about the significance of conserving and safeguarding the environment for future generations. These findings also posed certain challenges linked to those identified in the analysis. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development & Tourism, 2023
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- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Nokela,Thembela
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Marine -- South Africa -- Swartkops River Estuary , Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality—Tourism , Estuarine pollution
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61316 , vital:70083
- Description: This study's goal was to pinpoint the challenges and untapped opportunities associated with Coastal and Marine Tourism (CMT) in the Swartkops River Estuary (SRE). CMT has become the biggest segment of the travel industry. Moreover, this form of alternative tourism is the most significant and fastest developing economic activity in the ocean. The objectives of this study were to identify the challenges that hinder the development of CMT in SRE, to determine opportunities for CMT in SRE, to evaluate NMBM’s efforts in creating and sustaining CMT in SRE and to evaluate the status of CMT in SRE in terms of CMT related development. This study fit within the interprevist paradigm and made use of a qualitative research approach and design as well as inductive reasoning. The qualitative research design consisted of data being collected through document and content analysis. Data was analysed using data analysis process of Miles and Herman (1994) as well as the coding and developing of specific themes that emerged from the data. The data in this phase was presented both in narrative format and tables. The document analysis used in this study was established based on the objectives of this study. The findings of this study revealed that key challenges that hinder the growth of CMT in Swartkops River Estuary are environmental impacts that include pollution, over enrichment, inappropriate development, overfishing, destruction of mudflats, limited freshwater inflow, destruction of vegetation and climate change. The findings also revealed that there are opportunities for CMT in SRE such as promoting SRE as a popular ecotourism destination by developing ecotourism nodes. These include environmental education at the Aloes Nature Reserve's and the Swartkops Estuary south-east section, sustainable ecolodges and conference centres. The study recommends that the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality should organize educational programmes to educate local people about the significance of conserving and safeguarding the environment for future generations. These findings also posed certain challenges linked to those identified in the analysis. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development & Tourism, 2023
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- Date Issued: 2023-04