Perceptions of social media as a tool for research: a study of postgraduate students, University of Fort Hare, Alice campus
- Authors: Abolanle, Ogunnubi Adeyemi
- Date: 2014-10
- Subjects: University of Fort Hare , Media literacy , Internet research
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26381 , vital:65299
- Description: The study aimed at examining the perceptions of social media as a tool for research among postgraduate students at the University of Fort Hare, Alice campus. Data were collected using a quantitative research approach by administering structured questionnaires to 310 postgraduate students under the cluster sampling across different faculties and departments, and analysed by SPSS Statistical software and Chi-square test. 264 questionnaires were returned for analysis and these respondents maintained that they utilized social media platforms for their academic research. The findings further revealed that social media has to a large extent improved students‟ research activities as they frequently seek practical knowledge for demonstration and tutorship. Furthermore, the respondents regard social media as a good platform for research topics in audio and video formats, scholarly articles, journals and books. This study concluded that since students explore the social media platforms and search engines for various reasons, academic research inclusive, it therefore becomes imperative to create more links within the social media for students to explore books, scholarly journals and articles necessary for research and academic purposes. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2014
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014-10
- Authors: Abolanle, Ogunnubi Adeyemi
- Date: 2014-10
- Subjects: University of Fort Hare , Media literacy , Internet research
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26381 , vital:65299
- Description: The study aimed at examining the perceptions of social media as a tool for research among postgraduate students at the University of Fort Hare, Alice campus. Data were collected using a quantitative research approach by administering structured questionnaires to 310 postgraduate students under the cluster sampling across different faculties and departments, and analysed by SPSS Statistical software and Chi-square test. 264 questionnaires were returned for analysis and these respondents maintained that they utilized social media platforms for their academic research. The findings further revealed that social media has to a large extent improved students‟ research activities as they frequently seek practical knowledge for demonstration and tutorship. Furthermore, the respondents regard social media as a good platform for research topics in audio and video formats, scholarly articles, journals and books. This study concluded that since students explore the social media platforms and search engines for various reasons, academic research inclusive, it therefore becomes imperative to create more links within the social media for students to explore books, scholarly journals and articles necessary for research and academic purposes. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2014
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- Date Issued: 2014-10
Exploring targeted metagenomics and untargeted metabolomics for characterising aquaponics bacterial ecology and phytochemistry
- Authors: Abraham, Benjamin Melakail
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192453 , vital:45227
- Description: Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Biochemistry and Microbiology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Abraham, Benjamin Melakail
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192453 , vital:45227
- Description: Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Biochemistry and Microbiology, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Classification and clustering based methods for outlier detection of solar resource data
- Authors: Abrahams, Waldo
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55423 , vital:51996
- Description: Almost 90% of the primary global energy demand is serviced from the burning of fossil fuels (Abas, Kalair & Khan, 2015). Owing to the detrimental environmental impact of this, a global energy transition to the use of renewable energy, including solar energy, is needed (Gielen et al., 2019). An important aspect that inhibits the growth of solar energy is accurate solar resource data. Such data is needed because knowledge of the future reliability and quality of energy production is required to analyse a system’s performance and determine financial implications (Sengupta et al., 2017). Existing methods used to detect outliers in solar resource data do not efficiently identify outliers and an accurate and robust approach is required (Eastwood, 2019). Using simulated and real-world data, this study investigates the use of several classification methods, along with a two-stage clustering-classification approach to accurately identify outliers in solar resource data. The Treebag method proves to be an adequate outlier detection method for solar resource data. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Abrahams, Waldo
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55423 , vital:51996
- Description: Almost 90% of the primary global energy demand is serviced from the burning of fossil fuels (Abas, Kalair & Khan, 2015). Owing to the detrimental environmental impact of this, a global energy transition to the use of renewable energy, including solar energy, is needed (Gielen et al., 2019). An important aspect that inhibits the growth of solar energy is accurate solar resource data. Such data is needed because knowledge of the future reliability and quality of energy production is required to analyse a system’s performance and determine financial implications (Sengupta et al., 2017). Existing methods used to detect outliers in solar resource data do not efficiently identify outliers and an accurate and robust approach is required (Eastwood, 2019). Using simulated and real-world data, this study investigates the use of several classification methods, along with a two-stage clustering-classification approach to accurately identify outliers in solar resource data. The Treebag method proves to be an adequate outlier detection method for solar resource data. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
Exploring the diverse racialised responses to the ‘Ashwin Willemse incident’ through theories of race and coloniality of being
- Authors: Accom, Abner
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Willemse, Ashwin, 1981- , Ethnic attitudes South Africa , Race awareness South Africa , Postcolonialism South Africa , South Africa Race relations , Decolonization South Africa , Racism in sports South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/405908 , vital:70218
- Description: On 19 May 2018 Ashwin Willemse, a coloured Springbok rugby player walked off the SuperSport set, a DSTV sports program, during a live broadcast. He accused his white co-hosts Nick Mallet and Naas Botha (two white apartheid-era Springboks) of patronising him (SABC News, 2018; Eyewitness News, 2018). Responses to the Willemse incident reflected racial divisions in the country. It appeared that many white South Africans criticised Willemse’s behaviour, while many black South Africans stated that they could identify with his response to the subtle racisms experienced in everyday life, and which he claimed to have experienced on the SuperSport program (SABC News, 2018; Eyewitness News, 2018). The racialised media outcry led Professor Jonathan Jansen, to ask: “why do two groups of people, staring at the same event ‘see’ two different realities” (Maleka, 2018: 4)? This thesis probes possible answers to Jonathan Jansen’s question regarding the Ashwin Willemse walkout. The thesis explores and analyses the diverse racialised responses to the ‘Willemse walkout’ through race theories and ‘coloniality of being’. Qualitative research methods were used in the form of a reception analysis involving two racially homogenous (black and white) focus group interviews, two in-depth individual interviews with black research participants, three in-depth individual interviews with white research participants, and a sample of tweets from black and white commentators who had opinions about the ‘Willemse walkout’. The thesis concludes that most black research participants supported Willemse’s actions and most of the white people in the group disagreed with Willemse’s behaviour. Their various opinions were largely due to their different lived experiences which were a consequence of South Africa’s colonial history, apartheid, and racial discrimination. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Journalism and Media Studies, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Accom, Abner
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Willemse, Ashwin, 1981- , Ethnic attitudes South Africa , Race awareness South Africa , Postcolonialism South Africa , South Africa Race relations , Decolonization South Africa , Racism in sports South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/405908 , vital:70218
- Description: On 19 May 2018 Ashwin Willemse, a coloured Springbok rugby player walked off the SuperSport set, a DSTV sports program, during a live broadcast. He accused his white co-hosts Nick Mallet and Naas Botha (two white apartheid-era Springboks) of patronising him (SABC News, 2018; Eyewitness News, 2018). Responses to the Willemse incident reflected racial divisions in the country. It appeared that many white South Africans criticised Willemse’s behaviour, while many black South Africans stated that they could identify with his response to the subtle racisms experienced in everyday life, and which he claimed to have experienced on the SuperSport program (SABC News, 2018; Eyewitness News, 2018). The racialised media outcry led Professor Jonathan Jansen, to ask: “why do two groups of people, staring at the same event ‘see’ two different realities” (Maleka, 2018: 4)? This thesis probes possible answers to Jonathan Jansen’s question regarding the Ashwin Willemse walkout. The thesis explores and analyses the diverse racialised responses to the ‘Willemse walkout’ through race theories and ‘coloniality of being’. Qualitative research methods were used in the form of a reception analysis involving two racially homogenous (black and white) focus group interviews, two in-depth individual interviews with black research participants, three in-depth individual interviews with white research participants, and a sample of tweets from black and white commentators who had opinions about the ‘Willemse walkout’. The thesis concludes that most black research participants supported Willemse’s actions and most of the white people in the group disagreed with Willemse’s behaviour. Their various opinions were largely due to their different lived experiences which were a consequence of South Africa’s colonial history, apartheid, and racial discrimination. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Journalism and Media Studies, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
The role of climate change on food security in Northern Uganda a case study of Lira district
- Authors: Aciro, Prudence Estel
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Food security -- Uganda , Food security -- Climatic factors , Climatic changes
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57513 , vital:58054
- Description: The study examines the effects of climate change in Northern Uganda to create food security solutions through the improvement of local resilience mechanisms and adaptation devices. The study adopted the interpretive paradigm within the qualitative research methodology as it investigated the subjective opinions of the respondents about the role of climate change on food security in the Lira district. The researcher used non-probability purposive sampling to identify nine officials that possessed knowledge on resilience mechanisms and also interacted directly with individual farmers. The researcher used semi-structured interviews as a tool to collect data and thematic analysis to make conclusions on findings based on the emerging themes. The findings from the study revealed that the four determinants of food security are greatly affected by climate events and these are: food utilisation, food production, food availability and access to food as well as the stability of food supply. Food storage is a problem facing the community of Lira due to extreme climate events. Climate change was found to affect food prices in such a way that when agricultural inputs are bought expensively, it leads the cost of producing crops to increase, which in turn makes food more expensive at the market. The findings also displayed that Lira’s local communities are trying to apply adaptive farming practices to ensure there is an adequate food supply, such as planting a local variety of seeds that withstand the effect of climate change, such as sorghum millet and cassava. Based on the findings, valuable recommendations are offered. These include the government rolling out a national irrigation scheme to ease the use of the drip irrigation mechanism. Also, there is a need for more interventions that support local resilience mechanisms such as the use of agricultural inputs, as these require subsidisation. It emerged from the findings of this study that there is a need for better interventions to deal with flooding. For future researchers, it was found that there is a need to explore the best post-harvest handling methods as well as food storage. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Aciro, Prudence Estel
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Food security -- Uganda , Food security -- Climatic factors , Climatic changes
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57513 , vital:58054
- Description: The study examines the effects of climate change in Northern Uganda to create food security solutions through the improvement of local resilience mechanisms and adaptation devices. The study adopted the interpretive paradigm within the qualitative research methodology as it investigated the subjective opinions of the respondents about the role of climate change on food security in the Lira district. The researcher used non-probability purposive sampling to identify nine officials that possessed knowledge on resilience mechanisms and also interacted directly with individual farmers. The researcher used semi-structured interviews as a tool to collect data and thematic analysis to make conclusions on findings based on the emerging themes. The findings from the study revealed that the four determinants of food security are greatly affected by climate events and these are: food utilisation, food production, food availability and access to food as well as the stability of food supply. Food storage is a problem facing the community of Lira due to extreme climate events. Climate change was found to affect food prices in such a way that when agricultural inputs are bought expensively, it leads the cost of producing crops to increase, which in turn makes food more expensive at the market. The findings also displayed that Lira’s local communities are trying to apply adaptive farming practices to ensure there is an adequate food supply, such as planting a local variety of seeds that withstand the effect of climate change, such as sorghum millet and cassava. Based on the findings, valuable recommendations are offered. These include the government rolling out a national irrigation scheme to ease the use of the drip irrigation mechanism. Also, there is a need for more interventions that support local resilience mechanisms such as the use of agricultural inputs, as these require subsidisation. It emerged from the findings of this study that there is a need for better interventions to deal with flooding. For future researchers, it was found that there is a need to explore the best post-harvest handling methods as well as food storage. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
The use of a rapid incineration field test for determining soil organic carbon in the Southern Cape Region
- Authors: Ackhurst, Albert Arthur
- Date: 2014-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53336 , vital:45135
- Description: Knowledge of soil organic carbon levels is important both for agricultural effectiveness and soil carbon sequestration accounting, especially against the backdrop of increased climate change impacts and pressure on food production landscapes. However, current methods for soil carbon determination are expensive, energy intensive, time consuming and potentially hazardous leading to a call for alternative methods, which should be cheap, fast, simple, accurate, safe and usable where resources and soil analysis laboratories are limited. To this end the student invented a novel rapid incineration field test (RIFT) for determining soil organic carbon and tested its validity in this study. This method incorporates principles found in dry combustion as well as loss-on-ignition and quantifying organic carbon through gravimetric analysis. In order to illustrate effectiveness and accuracy it was necessary to correlate RIFT with a reference method, in this instance dry combustion with a Leco device as well as another commonly used indirect method namely the Walkley-Black wet chemical oxidation method. Samples from eleven soil forms were collected from the Southern Cape region and they were subjected to the three testing methods. It was found that RIFT is indeed as effective and in 72% of the soil forms even more effective than Walkley-Black. Furthermore, it was ascertained whether the accuracy of RIFT can be improved by correcting for clay content. The correlation of RIFT with clay % was not very significant and clay % as a variable was therefore not used in this study to obtain further refinement of RIFT predictions. Another finding was also that RIFT illustrated less variability than both the Leco and Walkley-Black methods. Lastly it was ascertained that the RIFT device and methodology is indeed cost effective, energy efficient, fast and safe in terms of the need to use potentially hazardous chemicals. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014-12
- Authors: Ackhurst, Albert Arthur
- Date: 2014-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53336 , vital:45135
- Description: Knowledge of soil organic carbon levels is important both for agricultural effectiveness and soil carbon sequestration accounting, especially against the backdrop of increased climate change impacts and pressure on food production landscapes. However, current methods for soil carbon determination are expensive, energy intensive, time consuming and potentially hazardous leading to a call for alternative methods, which should be cheap, fast, simple, accurate, safe and usable where resources and soil analysis laboratories are limited. To this end the student invented a novel rapid incineration field test (RIFT) for determining soil organic carbon and tested its validity in this study. This method incorporates principles found in dry combustion as well as loss-on-ignition and quantifying organic carbon through gravimetric analysis. In order to illustrate effectiveness and accuracy it was necessary to correlate RIFT with a reference method, in this instance dry combustion with a Leco device as well as another commonly used indirect method namely the Walkley-Black wet chemical oxidation method. Samples from eleven soil forms were collected from the Southern Cape region and they were subjected to the three testing methods. It was found that RIFT is indeed as effective and in 72% of the soil forms even more effective than Walkley-Black. Furthermore, it was ascertained whether the accuracy of RIFT can be improved by correcting for clay content. The correlation of RIFT with clay % was not very significant and clay % as a variable was therefore not used in this study to obtain further refinement of RIFT predictions. Another finding was also that RIFT illustrated less variability than both the Leco and Walkley-Black methods. Lastly it was ascertained that the RIFT device and methodology is indeed cost effective, energy efficient, fast and safe in terms of the need to use potentially hazardous chemicals. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014-12
Exploring recurring dreams as a catalyst for image-making in Visual Art
- Authors: Adams, Demi
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Dreams and the arts , Dreams in motion pictures
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52424 , vital:43640
- Description: The purpose of this study was to create a body of work which focused on the recurring dreams I have been experiencing since early childhood. I had dreams about a world which I could access through the back of my bedroom cupboard or a crack in my ceiling. This world is one which never experiences daytime; it is covered in various crystals and has its own inhabitants. I started keeping dream diaries to create my artworks, essentially creating a Paracosm. Paracosm is: “… a detailed imaginary world, especially one created by a child” (Your dictionary, 2020: 1). The problem of this study was thus: was it possible to recreate my Crystal-Lunar World (personal dream narrative) using visual art so others could experience it and which methods should be employed to substantiate these recurring dreams. Thus, the overarching research question is how do recurring personal dreams translate into visual art to sustain a language which manifests in an individual visual narrative. I made use of mixed media paintings and three-dimensional objects to illustrate scenes from my Crystal-Lunar World. I kept Dream Diaries to collect data on my recurring dreams and extract frequencies and group them into themes to create my artworks. The dream diaries also substantiated what I was painting and making. I also kept drawing journals to study the various crystals and to illustrate them and the creatures I see. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Adams, Demi
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Dreams and the arts , Dreams in motion pictures
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52424 , vital:43640
- Description: The purpose of this study was to create a body of work which focused on the recurring dreams I have been experiencing since early childhood. I had dreams about a world which I could access through the back of my bedroom cupboard or a crack in my ceiling. This world is one which never experiences daytime; it is covered in various crystals and has its own inhabitants. I started keeping dream diaries to create my artworks, essentially creating a Paracosm. Paracosm is: “… a detailed imaginary world, especially one created by a child” (Your dictionary, 2020: 1). The problem of this study was thus: was it possible to recreate my Crystal-Lunar World (personal dream narrative) using visual art so others could experience it and which methods should be employed to substantiate these recurring dreams. Thus, the overarching research question is how do recurring personal dreams translate into visual art to sustain a language which manifests in an individual visual narrative. I made use of mixed media paintings and three-dimensional objects to illustrate scenes from my Crystal-Lunar World. I kept Dream Diaries to collect data on my recurring dreams and extract frequencies and group them into themes to create my artworks. The dream diaries also substantiated what I was painting and making. I also kept drawing journals to study the various crystals and to illustrate them and the creatures I see. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Parents’ involvement in education of their children: case study of two selected secondary schools in the Amathole West District
- Authors: Adelabu, O J
- Date: 2020-10
- Subjects: Education -- Parent participation , Parent-teacher relationships
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19969 , vital:44857
- Description: Parents’ involvement is a very important element that has an influence on children’s education. However, research has shown that parents’ involvement is the biggest challenge facing South African schools. The study sought to investigate parents’ involvement in the education of their children at secondary school in Amathole West District, Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study was underpinned by Epstein’s theory of parental involvement and the Ecological framework. A qualitative approach was adopted in this study which was located within an interpretivist paradigm and used a case study approach with a sample of 26 participants which includes (2 school principals, 6 educators, 6 parents and 12 learners) were selected conveniently, data was collected using focus group discussions, interviews and document analysis. The study revealed that although schools have employed various strategies to improve parental involvement in their children’s education, there are still challenges which inhibit the effectiveness of these strategies. The study also revealed that most parents are unable to get involved as expected by the school due to some challenges such as poverty, unemployment, educational background, distance and illiteracy. Consequently, the study recommended that parents must be more actively involved in the school and collaborate with their children’s teacher in order to bring out the best in their children. Furthermore, to ensure effective parents’ involvement, schools may have activities that can develop, improve and encourage parents’ involvement in such areas as parenting, communication, learning at home, volunteering, decision making and community collaboration. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-10
- Authors: Adelabu, O J
- Date: 2020-10
- Subjects: Education -- Parent participation , Parent-teacher relationships
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19969 , vital:44857
- Description: Parents’ involvement is a very important element that has an influence on children’s education. However, research has shown that parents’ involvement is the biggest challenge facing South African schools. The study sought to investigate parents’ involvement in the education of their children at secondary school in Amathole West District, Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study was underpinned by Epstein’s theory of parental involvement and the Ecological framework. A qualitative approach was adopted in this study which was located within an interpretivist paradigm and used a case study approach with a sample of 26 participants which includes (2 school principals, 6 educators, 6 parents and 12 learners) were selected conveniently, data was collected using focus group discussions, interviews and document analysis. The study revealed that although schools have employed various strategies to improve parental involvement in their children’s education, there are still challenges which inhibit the effectiveness of these strategies. The study also revealed that most parents are unable to get involved as expected by the school due to some challenges such as poverty, unemployment, educational background, distance and illiteracy. Consequently, the study recommended that parents must be more actively involved in the school and collaborate with their children’s teacher in order to bring out the best in their children. Furthermore, to ensure effective parents’ involvement, schools may have activities that can develop, improve and encourage parents’ involvement in such areas as parenting, communication, learning at home, volunteering, decision making and community collaboration. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-10
The factors that contribute to students’ positive perceptions towards service quality in selected off-campus residences in Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Adeleke, Thobile
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: SERVQUAL (Service quality framework) , Student housing -- Resident satisfaction -- South Africa , Consumer satisfaction -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50922 , vital:43172
- Description: Post 1994 in South Africa there has been a notable increase in the number of students enrolled at different universities which offer student accommodation. Unfortunately, only 20% of the students can be accommodated in on-campus university accommodation, which results in most students seeking accommodation in off-campus student residences many of whom do not meet the quality requirements stipulated by the Department of Higher Education. This is what prompted this research study, whose aim was to investigate the perceptions of NMU students residing in off-campus residence, towards service quality. A literature review was conducted and focused on the service quality construct, delved into the definitions of services and quality and their benefits in all industries as well as within the student housing context. The different theoretical models used in the evaluation of service quality i.e., SERVQUAL, SERVPERF, the Gaps Model and Gronroos Model were discussed. A questionnaire based on the modified SERVQUAL tool was utilized in the evaluation of service quality levels in accredited NMU off-campus residences in Nelson Mandela Bay. Statistical evaluations were conducted on the five dimensions of SERVQUAL, namely, reliability; responsiveness; assurance; empathy and tangibles/physical attributes. The primary objective of this research was achieved, as the perceptions of students towards service quality in off-campus student accommodation were successfully measured using the SERVQUAL tool. Three service quality dimensions, namely, assurance, empathy and tangibles received positive assessments. On the other hand, the empirical research results clearly demonstrated two factors that scored low i.e., reliability and responsiveness, which reflects the respondents’ negative perceptions towards these two factors. Practical steps must be taken by off-campus residence management to ensure that the expectations versus perception service gap highlighted by the empirical findings of this study are addressed in order to keep their customers satisfied and remain competitive. Cronbach alpha coefficients above 0.80 were obtained for all the five variables, proving the SERVQUAL instrument’s internal consistency and reliability to be very good. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Science, Business Administration, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Adeleke, Thobile
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: SERVQUAL (Service quality framework) , Student housing -- Resident satisfaction -- South Africa , Consumer satisfaction -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50922 , vital:43172
- Description: Post 1994 in South Africa there has been a notable increase in the number of students enrolled at different universities which offer student accommodation. Unfortunately, only 20% of the students can be accommodated in on-campus university accommodation, which results in most students seeking accommodation in off-campus student residences many of whom do not meet the quality requirements stipulated by the Department of Higher Education. This is what prompted this research study, whose aim was to investigate the perceptions of NMU students residing in off-campus residence, towards service quality. A literature review was conducted and focused on the service quality construct, delved into the definitions of services and quality and their benefits in all industries as well as within the student housing context. The different theoretical models used in the evaluation of service quality i.e., SERVQUAL, SERVPERF, the Gaps Model and Gronroos Model were discussed. A questionnaire based on the modified SERVQUAL tool was utilized in the evaluation of service quality levels in accredited NMU off-campus residences in Nelson Mandela Bay. Statistical evaluations were conducted on the five dimensions of SERVQUAL, namely, reliability; responsiveness; assurance; empathy and tangibles/physical attributes. The primary objective of this research was achieved, as the perceptions of students towards service quality in off-campus student accommodation were successfully measured using the SERVQUAL tool. Three service quality dimensions, namely, assurance, empathy and tangibles received positive assessments. On the other hand, the empirical research results clearly demonstrated two factors that scored low i.e., reliability and responsiveness, which reflects the respondents’ negative perceptions towards these two factors. Practical steps must be taken by off-campus residence management to ensure that the expectations versus perception service gap highlighted by the empirical findings of this study are addressed in order to keep their customers satisfied and remain competitive. Cronbach alpha coefficients above 0.80 were obtained for all the five variables, proving the SERVQUAL instrument’s internal consistency and reliability to be very good. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Science, Business Administration, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
A best practice model for international Financial feasibility in property Development
- Authors: Adendorff, Ryan Gregg
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Built environment , Real estate development
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59348 , vital:62073
- Description: Property development is a sector which provides economic benefits to many countries worldwide. Such economic benefits are employment provision and GDP contribution to the economy. Interestingly, financial feasibility is one of the tools that can be used to ensure property development projects’ success. It has been therefore recognised that some of the property development entrepreneurs lack financial feasibility know-how which could position their property development businesses into a competitive edge and sustainability in this continuous fluctuating property market. Hence, the aim of this study was to examine the key factors and variable that drive financial feasibility in property development and generate a financial feasibility model which can be used by property development entrepreneurs to analyse the financial feasibility of property development projects. Based on the aim of this study, an extended review of the literature relating to property business, property development, demand planning and risk management within the built environment discipline was conducted in identifying factors affecting the perceived success of financial feasibility for property development projects internationally. The research reviewed literature in the property development industry by identifying the variables for profitability, outside advice, trend analysis and real estate strategies. The research methodology approach that was used for this study, a qualitative explanatory multi-case study where embedded unit of analysis and valuable insight was provided for the success of financial feasibility in property development internationally. Semistructured interviews were conducted with various industry experts as indicated below: • Project Manager at Property Company; • Project Manager at developer; • Development Manager; • Owner of Property Group; • Part time lecturer at NMU Built Environment; • Development consulting company CEO; vi • Trustgro Developments (Pty) Ltd: Managing Director; • Tswaranang Consulting – Managing Director; • Capelo Development Company (Property Development) Director; and • NMBM - Senior Director: Land Planning and Management. The interview questions and primary and secondary propositions were defined together with the validity and reliability of the research. The purpose of the qualitative research was to unravel key factors that determine the perceived success of international financial feasibility of property development projects. Replication logic was used to generalise the results and the findings of this research effort suggested that the following variables emerging from qualitative themes, positively influences the perceived success of the financial feasibility in property development projects: profitability, risk management, outside advice, trend analysis, property cycles and demand planning. The implication arising from this study is that the perceived success of international financial feasibility in property development projects has the following positive influencing factors: profitability, risk management, outside (specialist) advice, trends analysis, property cycles and demand planning which must be considered by property developers and investors to ensure the success of their property development interventions. The curriculum of property development and real estate management practice should equally take into account the afore-mentioned factors. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
- Authors: Adendorff, Ryan Gregg
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Built environment , Real estate development
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59348 , vital:62073
- Description: Property development is a sector which provides economic benefits to many countries worldwide. Such economic benefits are employment provision and GDP contribution to the economy. Interestingly, financial feasibility is one of the tools that can be used to ensure property development projects’ success. It has been therefore recognised that some of the property development entrepreneurs lack financial feasibility know-how which could position their property development businesses into a competitive edge and sustainability in this continuous fluctuating property market. Hence, the aim of this study was to examine the key factors and variable that drive financial feasibility in property development and generate a financial feasibility model which can be used by property development entrepreneurs to analyse the financial feasibility of property development projects. Based on the aim of this study, an extended review of the literature relating to property business, property development, demand planning and risk management within the built environment discipline was conducted in identifying factors affecting the perceived success of financial feasibility for property development projects internationally. The research reviewed literature in the property development industry by identifying the variables for profitability, outside advice, trend analysis and real estate strategies. The research methodology approach that was used for this study, a qualitative explanatory multi-case study where embedded unit of analysis and valuable insight was provided for the success of financial feasibility in property development internationally. Semistructured interviews were conducted with various industry experts as indicated below: • Project Manager at Property Company; • Project Manager at developer; • Development Manager; • Owner of Property Group; • Part time lecturer at NMU Built Environment; • Development consulting company CEO; vi • Trustgro Developments (Pty) Ltd: Managing Director; • Tswaranang Consulting – Managing Director; • Capelo Development Company (Property Development) Director; and • NMBM - Senior Director: Land Planning and Management. The interview questions and primary and secondary propositions were defined together with the validity and reliability of the research. The purpose of the qualitative research was to unravel key factors that determine the perceived success of international financial feasibility of property development projects. Replication logic was used to generalise the results and the findings of this research effort suggested that the following variables emerging from qualitative themes, positively influences the perceived success of the financial feasibility in property development projects: profitability, risk management, outside advice, trend analysis, property cycles and demand planning. The implication arising from this study is that the perceived success of international financial feasibility in property development projects has the following positive influencing factors: profitability, risk management, outside (specialist) advice, trends analysis, property cycles and demand planning which must be considered by property developers and investors to ensure the success of their property development interventions. The curriculum of property development and real estate management practice should equally take into account the afore-mentioned factors. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
Evaluation of groundwater potential using geological and geophysical methods in the University of Fort Hare Alice Campus, Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
- Adesola, Gbenga Olamide https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4151-5305
- Authors: Adesola, Gbenga Olamide https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4151-5305
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Groundwater , Geology, Structural -- South Africa , Geographical Information Systems
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22490 , vital:52344
- Description: Geological and geophysical methods were used to evaluate the groundwater potential in University of Fort Hare (Alice campus), Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Methodologies adopted for obtaining these results included a comprehensive literature review, thin section analysis, scanning electron microscopy, Geographical Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing and geophysical investigations (magnetic survey and vertical electrical sounding). The geology of the study area belongs to the Balfour Formation, which forms part of the Beaufort Group in the Karoo Supergroup. The rocks within the study area are composed majorly of sandstone and mudstone. Lineaments were automatically extracted using the PCI Geomatica 2018 software. Fifteen samples were collected at various locations within the study area and were analyzed using the petrographic microscope while others were analyzed with the Scanning Electron Microscopic (SEM) combined with an Energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry. The results show that the rocks are fractured, porous and contained minerals such as quartz, feldspar, calcite, mica and clay minerals. The occurrence of these fractures helps to improve the groundwater storage capacity in the study area. Out of the twenty seven (27) rock samples collected in the field, ten (10) rock samples were selected for densities (dry, wet and grain densities) and porosity measurements in the laboratory. The rocks density values range from 2.5763 – 2.6978 g/cm3. The average porosities of the rocks range from 0.85 – 2.56 percent. The density of the sandstone ranges from 2.5908 – 2.6820 g/cm3 whilst the porosity range from 0.85 – 2.02 percent. The density of the mudstone ranges from 2.5763 – 2.6978 g/cm3 whilst the porosity ranges from 1.84 – 2.56 percent. About 8458 magnetic measurements were taken at about 20 m spacing along linear and non-linear paths and road. A variety of magnetic maps were generated. Several magnetic highs were observed and the linear highs were interpreted to be due to dolerite dykes whilst the broader high zones were inferred to be due to dolerite sills. These Karoo dolerites intruded the sediments at various depths and must have fractured the sediments causing them to be more porous and permeable. The depth slices of magnetic data reveal that near surface magnetic bodies occur within the depth of approximately 19 m from the surface while deep seated ones occur as deep as 31 m and maybe deeper. The knowledge of the dolerite intrusions enabled the location of drilling targets for groundwater. Electrical resistivity data were collected at 28 sites using the Schlumberger array and a maximum cable length (250 m) from the centre point which achieved a maximum depth penetration of about 70 m to 162 m. The results from 1D modelling using WINRESIST software showed that the vertical electric sounding curves are composed of HA and HK curve-types, which show four geoelectric layers. The resistivity of the first layer which is the topmost layer has values ranging from 20 - 5752 Ωm and the thickness is between 0.4 – 1.8 m. The second layer which consists of clay, mudstone and sandstone has resistivity values varying from 3 - 51 Ωm and thickness varying from 0.8 – 17.5 m. The third layer which is interpreted to be the aquiferous layer of the study area is made up majorly of sandstone with resistivity that varies from 136 – 352 Ωm and thickness range from 9.9 – 143.9 m. The fourth layer of resistivity varying from 44 to 60428 Ωm is made up of mudstone and sandstone, which are in some places intruded by dolerites. Groundwater potential is favourably high in some of the areas investigated. Furthermore, the results of the research indicated that secondary porosity is the main porosity for the reservoir rocks in the study area. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Adesola, Gbenga Olamide https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4151-5305
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Groundwater , Geology, Structural -- South Africa , Geographical Information Systems
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22490 , vital:52344
- Description: Geological and geophysical methods were used to evaluate the groundwater potential in University of Fort Hare (Alice campus), Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Methodologies adopted for obtaining these results included a comprehensive literature review, thin section analysis, scanning electron microscopy, Geographical Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing and geophysical investigations (magnetic survey and vertical electrical sounding). The geology of the study area belongs to the Balfour Formation, which forms part of the Beaufort Group in the Karoo Supergroup. The rocks within the study area are composed majorly of sandstone and mudstone. Lineaments were automatically extracted using the PCI Geomatica 2018 software. Fifteen samples were collected at various locations within the study area and were analyzed using the petrographic microscope while others were analyzed with the Scanning Electron Microscopic (SEM) combined with an Energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry. The results show that the rocks are fractured, porous and contained minerals such as quartz, feldspar, calcite, mica and clay minerals. The occurrence of these fractures helps to improve the groundwater storage capacity in the study area. Out of the twenty seven (27) rock samples collected in the field, ten (10) rock samples were selected for densities (dry, wet and grain densities) and porosity measurements in the laboratory. The rocks density values range from 2.5763 – 2.6978 g/cm3. The average porosities of the rocks range from 0.85 – 2.56 percent. The density of the sandstone ranges from 2.5908 – 2.6820 g/cm3 whilst the porosity range from 0.85 – 2.02 percent. The density of the mudstone ranges from 2.5763 – 2.6978 g/cm3 whilst the porosity ranges from 1.84 – 2.56 percent. About 8458 magnetic measurements were taken at about 20 m spacing along linear and non-linear paths and road. A variety of magnetic maps were generated. Several magnetic highs were observed and the linear highs were interpreted to be due to dolerite dykes whilst the broader high zones were inferred to be due to dolerite sills. These Karoo dolerites intruded the sediments at various depths and must have fractured the sediments causing them to be more porous and permeable. The depth slices of magnetic data reveal that near surface magnetic bodies occur within the depth of approximately 19 m from the surface while deep seated ones occur as deep as 31 m and maybe deeper. The knowledge of the dolerite intrusions enabled the location of drilling targets for groundwater. Electrical resistivity data were collected at 28 sites using the Schlumberger array and a maximum cable length (250 m) from the centre point which achieved a maximum depth penetration of about 70 m to 162 m. The results from 1D modelling using WINRESIST software showed that the vertical electric sounding curves are composed of HA and HK curve-types, which show four geoelectric layers. The resistivity of the first layer which is the topmost layer has values ranging from 20 - 5752 Ωm and the thickness is between 0.4 – 1.8 m. The second layer which consists of clay, mudstone and sandstone has resistivity values varying from 3 - 51 Ωm and thickness varying from 0.8 – 17.5 m. The third layer which is interpreted to be the aquiferous layer of the study area is made up majorly of sandstone with resistivity that varies from 136 – 352 Ωm and thickness range from 9.9 – 143.9 m. The fourth layer of resistivity varying from 44 to 60428 Ωm is made up of mudstone and sandstone, which are in some places intruded by dolerites. Groundwater potential is favourably high in some of the areas investigated. Furthermore, the results of the research indicated that secondary porosity is the main porosity for the reservoir rocks in the study area. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
The Effect of training and development on employee performance in the Buffalo City Municipality in the Eastern Cape of South Africa
- Authors: Adom, Richard Kwame
- Date: 2019-09
- Subjects: Employees -- Training of , Performance -- Management , Employees -- Rating of
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20153 , vital:45377
- Description: Training and development are regarded as significant tools for any organisation to achieve the target goals and objectives. These goals and objectives are heavily and highly dependent on its workforce. In the literature, it is well documented that many organisations invest in employees’ training and development to enhance their performance and the growth of the organisation. Many organisations, however, including the Buffalo City Municipality, regard training and staff development as needless expenditure, and always do little, or make no effort to improve employees’ technical know-how. Such actions incapacitate staff to adapt to the ever-changing working environment and rapid technological innovation. This study employed purposive sampling technique to draw a sample of 70 employees from a total of 150, through structured interviews and a self-administered questionnaire, to examine the effect of training and development on employees’ performance in the Buffalo City Municipality, situated in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. The findings of the study generally revealed that training and development does not only increase employees’ performance, but assists in developing the overall personality of employees by making them more productive through building their senses of teamwork, boosting the attitude of staff which is the most critical component in attaining profit, and developing a cordial relationship and connectivity between management and the workforce. The study, therefore, recommended that the municipality, as a matter of urgency, earmarks a certain percentage of its resources for employees training and development, based on identified skills gaps to sharpen employees’ skills, competencies, capabilities and technical know-how, to capacitate them to cope with the ever-changing working environment and innovations, and to enhance their motivation, satisfaction and performance. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2019
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019-09
- Authors: Adom, Richard Kwame
- Date: 2019-09
- Subjects: Employees -- Training of , Performance -- Management , Employees -- Rating of
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20153 , vital:45377
- Description: Training and development are regarded as significant tools for any organisation to achieve the target goals and objectives. These goals and objectives are heavily and highly dependent on its workforce. In the literature, it is well documented that many organisations invest in employees’ training and development to enhance their performance and the growth of the organisation. Many organisations, however, including the Buffalo City Municipality, regard training and staff development as needless expenditure, and always do little, or make no effort to improve employees’ technical know-how. Such actions incapacitate staff to adapt to the ever-changing working environment and rapid technological innovation. This study employed purposive sampling technique to draw a sample of 70 employees from a total of 150, through structured interviews and a self-administered questionnaire, to examine the effect of training and development on employees’ performance in the Buffalo City Municipality, situated in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. The findings of the study generally revealed that training and development does not only increase employees’ performance, but assists in developing the overall personality of employees by making them more productive through building their senses of teamwork, boosting the attitude of staff which is the most critical component in attaining profit, and developing a cordial relationship and connectivity between management and the workforce. The study, therefore, recommended that the municipality, as a matter of urgency, earmarks a certain percentage of its resources for employees training and development, based on identified skills gaps to sharpen employees’ skills, competencies, capabilities and technical know-how, to capacitate them to cope with the ever-changing working environment and innovations, and to enhance their motivation, satisfaction and performance. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2019
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019-09
Development of a Mobile-Based Livestock Breeding Management System for Communal Farmers in Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Aduradola, Oluwatobi John
- Date: 2021-05
- Subjects: Mobile communication systems , Mobile computing
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20600 , vital:46364
- Description: More than a decade ago, South Africa realized the significance of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and its use in delivering several services; there are still several challenges that block implementing an ICT-based system to deliver services and information better. Since communal development is still one of the country's biggest concerns, ICT is among several advances and views recognized for speeding up communal development and providing for the country's economic growth. This research aimed to investigate and implement ICT tools for communal farmers in the context of information needs and information dissemination. The research concentrated on the technical tools and skills needed to implement an ICT tool for communal farmers and other stakeholders. A prototyping methodology was used in this research in the development of the required prototype. A study was then conducted to understand the present state and the information needs of communal farmers where the questionnaire was administered. The research results demonstrated the critical need for communal farmers to get information timely at their convenience. A mobile database system was then designed and developed that suits communal farmers' nature. This system was an offline android application that assists with their information need and its dissemination, and it allows the sharing of the communal farmer's data to other stakeholders. , Thesis (MSc) (Computer Science)-- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-05
- Authors: Aduradola, Oluwatobi John
- Date: 2021-05
- Subjects: Mobile communication systems , Mobile computing
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20600 , vital:46364
- Description: More than a decade ago, South Africa realized the significance of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and its use in delivering several services; there are still several challenges that block implementing an ICT-based system to deliver services and information better. Since communal development is still one of the country's biggest concerns, ICT is among several advances and views recognized for speeding up communal development and providing for the country's economic growth. This research aimed to investigate and implement ICT tools for communal farmers in the context of information needs and information dissemination. The research concentrated on the technical tools and skills needed to implement an ICT tool for communal farmers and other stakeholders. A prototyping methodology was used in this research in the development of the required prototype. A study was then conducted to understand the present state and the information needs of communal farmers where the questionnaire was administered. The research results demonstrated the critical need for communal farmers to get information timely at their convenience. A mobile database system was then designed and developed that suits communal farmers' nature. This system was an offline android application that assists with their information need and its dissemination, and it allows the sharing of the communal farmer's data to other stakeholders. , Thesis (MSc) (Computer Science)-- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-05
Optimisation of expression of a rice (Oryza sativa L.cv Nipponbare) plant natriuretic peptide (OsPNP-B) and its functional characterisation
- Authors: Affun, Ogheneochuko Janet
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Rice , Plant hormones , Water-electrolyte imbalances
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24354 , vital:62644
- Description: Maintenance of water and solute homeostasis is a key requirement for living systems, and in vertebrates, homeostasis is in part achieved by natriuretic peptides (NP), a family of peptide hormones. A related family of peptide hormones have also been found in the plant kingdom. Plant natriuretic peptides (PNP) are a novel class of plant proteins with two closely related homologous genes (AtPNP-A and AtPNP-B) identified in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. AtPNP-A has been extensively studied and evidence obtained points to a role in plant water homeostasis. No research has been conducted on the function of PNP-B proteins. In this study, we focus on the bioinformatic analysis of the PNP-B gene in various plants, as well investigating whether PNP-B plays a role in water homeostasis in rice plants exposed to drought stress. Basic local alignment search tool (BLAST) queries of the ―The Gene Index‖, EST and available plant genome databases revealed the presence of the PNP-B mRNA in rice, oil seed rape, oak, leafy spurge, poplar, sugarcane, pepper, cotton, apple and maize. All the identified genome sequences contained a predicted intron/insert, which was not present in the related mRNA sequences. However, RT-PCR analysis revealed the presence of the 101 bp insert in the 976 bp amplified rice PNP-B (OsPNP-B) cDNA and therefore expression was optimized for the protein encoded by only the exon2 sequence as this contained the predicted active site region of PNP-B. OsPNP-B was shown to be translated to a protein of 14 kDa with a sequence similarity to AtPNP-B (54percent), AtPNP-A (37percent) and CjBAp12 (55percent), suggesting two possible functions for PNP-B viz water homeostasis and/or pathogenesis defence. To determine whether PNP-B is involved in water homeostasis, total protein extracted from 4 weeks old (4 leaves stage) rice plants subjected to drought treatment for a period of 24, 48, 72, 120, 168 and 240hrs were resolved by 17percent SDS-PAGE and analysed by western blot analysis. The PNP-B protein was found to be down-regulated during drought stress, implying that PNP-B may play a role in water homeostasis through the release of water from cells rather than the up-take of water as seen At-PNP-A. PNP-B could therefore also be involved in plant defence mechanisms to pathogens where plants induce desiccation of infected leaves, thereby ridding the plant of the relevant pathogen. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2012
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Affun, Ogheneochuko Janet
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Rice , Plant hormones , Water-electrolyte imbalances
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24354 , vital:62644
- Description: Maintenance of water and solute homeostasis is a key requirement for living systems, and in vertebrates, homeostasis is in part achieved by natriuretic peptides (NP), a family of peptide hormones. A related family of peptide hormones have also been found in the plant kingdom. Plant natriuretic peptides (PNP) are a novel class of plant proteins with two closely related homologous genes (AtPNP-A and AtPNP-B) identified in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. AtPNP-A has been extensively studied and evidence obtained points to a role in plant water homeostasis. No research has been conducted on the function of PNP-B proteins. In this study, we focus on the bioinformatic analysis of the PNP-B gene in various plants, as well investigating whether PNP-B plays a role in water homeostasis in rice plants exposed to drought stress. Basic local alignment search tool (BLAST) queries of the ―The Gene Index‖, EST and available plant genome databases revealed the presence of the PNP-B mRNA in rice, oil seed rape, oak, leafy spurge, poplar, sugarcane, pepper, cotton, apple and maize. All the identified genome sequences contained a predicted intron/insert, which was not present in the related mRNA sequences. However, RT-PCR analysis revealed the presence of the 101 bp insert in the 976 bp amplified rice PNP-B (OsPNP-B) cDNA and therefore expression was optimized for the protein encoded by only the exon2 sequence as this contained the predicted active site region of PNP-B. OsPNP-B was shown to be translated to a protein of 14 kDa with a sequence similarity to AtPNP-B (54percent), AtPNP-A (37percent) and CjBAp12 (55percent), suggesting two possible functions for PNP-B viz water homeostasis and/or pathogenesis defence. To determine whether PNP-B is involved in water homeostasis, total protein extracted from 4 weeks old (4 leaves stage) rice plants subjected to drought treatment for a period of 24, 48, 72, 120, 168 and 240hrs were resolved by 17percent SDS-PAGE and analysed by western blot analysis. The PNP-B protein was found to be down-regulated during drought stress, implying that PNP-B may play a role in water homeostasis through the release of water from cells rather than the up-take of water as seen At-PNP-A. PNP-B could therefore also be involved in plant defence mechanisms to pathogens where plants induce desiccation of infected leaves, thereby ridding the plant of the relevant pathogen. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2012
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Giving effect to the rights of remand detainees
- Authors: Africa, Nicole Kristy
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Prisoners--Civil rights
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51205 , vital:43216
- Description: Remand detainees make up a considerable amount of the total prison population in South Africa’s correctional system. Inmates are considered a vulnerable group in our society and the majority have suffered unfavourable life circumstances. Correctional centres are not open establishments and the public is not always aware of the human rights violations that occur in these establishments. The crime rate in South Africa is high and effective means must be taken to ensure the safety of its citizens. Time spent on remand is not viewed as punishment, however it is often met with appalling conditions including severe overcrowding, violence, gangsterism, drug usage, illness, the spread of disease and inadequate infrastructure and resources. This is the reality despite South Africa having one of the most progressive Bill of Rights in the world which guarantees human rights and in addition having a comprehensive Correctional Services legislative framework. Remand detainees are entitled to all rights and protections save for those legally restricted for the purpose of their detention. The court process to determine guilt or innocence is riddled with delays and clogged court rolls which sees matters taking a long time to finalise with time spent on remand regarded as dead time with no opportunities for productive activity. The Canadian position regarding remand detainees was investigated and many similarities were detected with the conditions experienced on remand detention in South Africa. It was found that these challenges are a global issue. This study investigates methods for improvement to the South African remand detainee landscape and highlights reforms that can be undertaken to make South Africa a leader in this arena. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Criminal and Procedural Law, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Africa, Nicole Kristy
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Prisoners--Civil rights
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51205 , vital:43216
- Description: Remand detainees make up a considerable amount of the total prison population in South Africa’s correctional system. Inmates are considered a vulnerable group in our society and the majority have suffered unfavourable life circumstances. Correctional centres are not open establishments and the public is not always aware of the human rights violations that occur in these establishments. The crime rate in South Africa is high and effective means must be taken to ensure the safety of its citizens. Time spent on remand is not viewed as punishment, however it is often met with appalling conditions including severe overcrowding, violence, gangsterism, drug usage, illness, the spread of disease and inadequate infrastructure and resources. This is the reality despite South Africa having one of the most progressive Bill of Rights in the world which guarantees human rights and in addition having a comprehensive Correctional Services legislative framework. Remand detainees are entitled to all rights and protections save for those legally restricted for the purpose of their detention. The court process to determine guilt or innocence is riddled with delays and clogged court rolls which sees matters taking a long time to finalise with time spent on remand regarded as dead time with no opportunities for productive activity. The Canadian position regarding remand detainees was investigated and many similarities were detected with the conditions experienced on remand detention in South Africa. It was found that these challenges are a global issue. This study investigates methods for improvement to the South African remand detainee landscape and highlights reforms that can be undertaken to make South Africa a leader in this arena. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Criminal and Procedural Law, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Drifting towards death: a South African patient safety incident through an HFE Systems lens
- Authors: Agar, Sarah Leigh
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Patients Safety measures , Medical errors Prevention , Human engineering , Medical care South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/362716 , vital:65356
- Description: Patient Safety Incidents (PSI) are a frequent occurrence within the South African public healthcare system wherein a patient is unnecessarily maimed, harmed, killed, or put through significant trauma, emotional or physical. These incidents have a significant impact on the performance of the system and the well-being of individuals involved. Often PSI are the result of multiple system failings that provide the necessary preconditions for the PSI to occur. Thus, to provide appropriate patient safety recommendations to address and aid in the prevention of future PSI it is necessary to apply a systems approach to PSI analysis. A systems approach supports a ‘bigger picture’ view of an incident which includes looking beyond the immediate causes of a PSI and taking the different levels of the healthcare system into consideration during incident analysis. Human Factors and Ergonomics (HFE) is at its core a systems discipline and has been successfully applied to multiple fields including healthcare. HFE offers multiple incident analysis tools grounded in systems theory. The Life Esidimeni incident, a PSI that resulted in the death of 144 MHCU, is the biggest PSI in recent South African history and is therefore an important potential case study for the application of HFE systems tools within the South African healthcare context (an area that is lacking in existing literature). The objectives of this research were to (i) Systematically uncover the causal factors that led to the outcome of the of the Life Esidimeni incident; (ii) Identify critical faults, and gaps within the healthcare system that led to the Life Esidimeni PSI; and (iii) Provide proactive recommendations for future prevention of PSI. To fulfil these objectives a descriptive case study research method design was adopted using a qualitative systems-based tool, AcciMap. The application of AcciMap to Life Esidimeni enabled both the sharp end and blunt end causal factors that contributed to the outcome of the incident to be identified. Importantly this provided insight into the critical faults and gaps of the South African public healthcare system. The results of the AcciMap indicated that there were four main broad systemic faults in the system. These broad areas were categorized as key themes, which include: (i) competency, (ii) safeguards, (iii) time pressures, and (iv) vertical integration. From these key themes recommendations aimed at addressing the critical faults and gaps in the system and preventing future PSI were made. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Human Kinetics and Ergonomics, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Agar, Sarah Leigh
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Patients Safety measures , Medical errors Prevention , Human engineering , Medical care South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/362716 , vital:65356
- Description: Patient Safety Incidents (PSI) are a frequent occurrence within the South African public healthcare system wherein a patient is unnecessarily maimed, harmed, killed, or put through significant trauma, emotional or physical. These incidents have a significant impact on the performance of the system and the well-being of individuals involved. Often PSI are the result of multiple system failings that provide the necessary preconditions for the PSI to occur. Thus, to provide appropriate patient safety recommendations to address and aid in the prevention of future PSI it is necessary to apply a systems approach to PSI analysis. A systems approach supports a ‘bigger picture’ view of an incident which includes looking beyond the immediate causes of a PSI and taking the different levels of the healthcare system into consideration during incident analysis. Human Factors and Ergonomics (HFE) is at its core a systems discipline and has been successfully applied to multiple fields including healthcare. HFE offers multiple incident analysis tools grounded in systems theory. The Life Esidimeni incident, a PSI that resulted in the death of 144 MHCU, is the biggest PSI in recent South African history and is therefore an important potential case study for the application of HFE systems tools within the South African healthcare context (an area that is lacking in existing literature). The objectives of this research were to (i) Systematically uncover the causal factors that led to the outcome of the of the Life Esidimeni incident; (ii) Identify critical faults, and gaps within the healthcare system that led to the Life Esidimeni PSI; and (iii) Provide proactive recommendations for future prevention of PSI. To fulfil these objectives a descriptive case study research method design was adopted using a qualitative systems-based tool, AcciMap. The application of AcciMap to Life Esidimeni enabled both the sharp end and blunt end causal factors that contributed to the outcome of the incident to be identified. Importantly this provided insight into the critical faults and gaps of the South African public healthcare system. The results of the AcciMap indicated that there were four main broad systemic faults in the system. These broad areas were categorized as key themes, which include: (i) competency, (ii) safeguards, (iii) time pressures, and (iv) vertical integration. From these key themes recommendations aimed at addressing the critical faults and gaps in the system and preventing future PSI were made. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Human Kinetics and Ergonomics, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
Investigating the consumer decision-making process and determinants of choice for prepaid services from mobile network service providers
- Authors: Ajayi, Ella
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Mobile communication systems , Consumer behavior
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53688 , vital:45713
- Description: The mobile telecommunications industry has been a fundamental and an important enabler in the advancement of the South African economy, with mobile network providers investing billions of rands in mobile infrastructure and facilitating a functional and progressive global marketplace (ICASA Annual Performance Plan, 2020/21). South Africa’s telecommunications system is one of the most sophisticated in the emerging markets, and according to Gillwald, Mothobi, and Rademan (2018, p.6), various indices including the ICT Development Index corroborate this view. The deployment of wireless communications networks in the country has had immeasurable social benefits for many consumers. The most rural areas of the country are now able to experience the convenience and ubiquity that comes with having access to mobile network technology. Though mobile network provision is making progress in terms of bridging the digital divide, inhibitors exist within the mobile competitive landscape that prevent consumers from exploring the full benefits of the advanced technologies at their disposal. According to Chinembiri (2020, p.6), mobile data costs remain high and out of reach for the average South African consumer, despite the recent requisite data price reduction by the dominant mobile network service providers. The prepaid segment is dominated by customers who either carry multiple SIM cards or switch between mobile network operators. The adoption by ICASA of the Mobile Number Portability (MNP), the process through which customers switch between mobile operators and keep their mobile number (Yadav, Dabhade, & Dabhade, 2013, p.1), resulted in significant reduction in switching costs thus perpetuating the migration of subscribers between mobile network providers. According to Olufemi and Strydom (2018, p. 52), the fiercest competition experienced by South African mobile providers is in the prepaid market. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Ajayi, Ella
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Mobile communication systems , Consumer behavior
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53688 , vital:45713
- Description: The mobile telecommunications industry has been a fundamental and an important enabler in the advancement of the South African economy, with mobile network providers investing billions of rands in mobile infrastructure and facilitating a functional and progressive global marketplace (ICASA Annual Performance Plan, 2020/21). South Africa’s telecommunications system is one of the most sophisticated in the emerging markets, and according to Gillwald, Mothobi, and Rademan (2018, p.6), various indices including the ICT Development Index corroborate this view. The deployment of wireless communications networks in the country has had immeasurable social benefits for many consumers. The most rural areas of the country are now able to experience the convenience and ubiquity that comes with having access to mobile network technology. Though mobile network provision is making progress in terms of bridging the digital divide, inhibitors exist within the mobile competitive landscape that prevent consumers from exploring the full benefits of the advanced technologies at their disposal. According to Chinembiri (2020, p.6), mobile data costs remain high and out of reach for the average South African consumer, despite the recent requisite data price reduction by the dominant mobile network service providers. The prepaid segment is dominated by customers who either carry multiple SIM cards or switch between mobile network operators. The adoption by ICASA of the Mobile Number Portability (MNP), the process through which customers switch between mobile operators and keep their mobile number (Yadav, Dabhade, & Dabhade, 2013, p.1), resulted in significant reduction in switching costs thus perpetuating the migration of subscribers between mobile network providers. According to Olufemi and Strydom (2018, p. 52), the fiercest competition experienced by South African mobile providers is in the prepaid market. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Examining learners' and teachers' perceptions of the relationship between school infrastructure and learners' performance in Fort Beaufort Education District, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Ajibade, Benedicta Aremevbemi
- Authors: Ajibade, Benedicta Aremevbemi
- Date: 2012-12
- Subjects: School facilities , Education and state -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24695 , vital:63526
- Description: This study examined learners’ and teachers’ perceptions of the relationship between school infrastructure and learners’ performance in Fort Beaufort Education District, Eastern Cape. The study arose from a concern that, despite South African Government’s commitment to funding the renovation of some old and dilapidated school buildings and constructing new ones so that there would be an improvement in both teaching and learning in affected secondary schools. Regrettably, most school buildings remain in deplorable conditions. There has been poor learner performance at all levels of the secondary education system in some rural areas of the Eastern Cape Province. Learners’ performance in the Province’s high schools has been described as the worst in the country. From the literature, it appears that no thorough and conclusive studies looking into the issues relating to school buildings and learners’ performance as perceived by learners and teachers in South Africa have been conducted. Hence, the researcher was motivated to examine the relationship between school buildings and learners’ performance. The study was placed within the post-positivism paradigm and used a mixed method research design that incorporated concurrent procedures in the collection, analysis and interpretation of the data. Likert-scale questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data while qualitative data were collected through interviews and observations. A total of 240 learners completed the questionnaire. The researcher conducted 48 brief interviews (36 with teachers and 12 with school principals) from 12 selected secondary schools. Furthermore, the researcher made observations to assess the state of the buildings. At school level, the study revealed that most of the school buildings were in deplorable condition. The teaching and learning environment also compounded the problem of poor learners’ performance. Learners’ motivation/morale, health and safety were not guaranteed in most of the schools, and teachers’ expressed difficulty in performing their job effectively. Large classes, lack of teaching and learning resources, and limited infrastructure were some of the factors hindering teaching and learning at school level. Results obtained from the study showed that the principals and teachers perceived strong links between the condition of their school buildings and learners’ performance. About half of the learners perceived some link between the condition of their schools and their academic performance. The study observed that the majority of school buildings were old and in very bad conditions with few under renovation from the Correctional service department. The study also showed that most schools lack recreational facilities, do not have electricity, laboratories, library and water. Most of the educators are unhappy about their work environment and are not motivated. The study has put forth recommendations for educational planners and for policies regarding the funding norms. Furthermore, based on the findings of the study, there is need for collaborative effort among educational stakeholders to ensure adequate and appropriated delivery of school infrastructure specifically school building that will translate into improved teaching practice at school level and better learners’ performance. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, 2012
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012-12
- Authors: Ajibade, Benedicta Aremevbemi
- Date: 2012-12
- Subjects: School facilities , Education and state -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24695 , vital:63526
- Description: This study examined learners’ and teachers’ perceptions of the relationship between school infrastructure and learners’ performance in Fort Beaufort Education District, Eastern Cape. The study arose from a concern that, despite South African Government’s commitment to funding the renovation of some old and dilapidated school buildings and constructing new ones so that there would be an improvement in both teaching and learning in affected secondary schools. Regrettably, most school buildings remain in deplorable conditions. There has been poor learner performance at all levels of the secondary education system in some rural areas of the Eastern Cape Province. Learners’ performance in the Province’s high schools has been described as the worst in the country. From the literature, it appears that no thorough and conclusive studies looking into the issues relating to school buildings and learners’ performance as perceived by learners and teachers in South Africa have been conducted. Hence, the researcher was motivated to examine the relationship between school buildings and learners’ performance. The study was placed within the post-positivism paradigm and used a mixed method research design that incorporated concurrent procedures in the collection, analysis and interpretation of the data. Likert-scale questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data while qualitative data were collected through interviews and observations. A total of 240 learners completed the questionnaire. The researcher conducted 48 brief interviews (36 with teachers and 12 with school principals) from 12 selected secondary schools. Furthermore, the researcher made observations to assess the state of the buildings. At school level, the study revealed that most of the school buildings were in deplorable condition. The teaching and learning environment also compounded the problem of poor learners’ performance. Learners’ motivation/morale, health and safety were not guaranteed in most of the schools, and teachers’ expressed difficulty in performing their job effectively. Large classes, lack of teaching and learning resources, and limited infrastructure were some of the factors hindering teaching and learning at school level. Results obtained from the study showed that the principals and teachers perceived strong links between the condition of their school buildings and learners’ performance. About half of the learners perceived some link between the condition of their schools and their academic performance. The study observed that the majority of school buildings were old and in very bad conditions with few under renovation from the Correctional service department. The study also showed that most schools lack recreational facilities, do not have electricity, laboratories, library and water. Most of the educators are unhappy about their work environment and are not motivated. The study has put forth recommendations for educational planners and for policies regarding the funding norms. Furthermore, based on the findings of the study, there is need for collaborative effort among educational stakeholders to ensure adequate and appropriated delivery of school infrastructure specifically school building that will translate into improved teaching practice at school level and better learners’ performance. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, 2012
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012-12
The role of records management in the sustainability of small micro medium enterprises (SMMEs) in the Eastern Cape, South Africa: a study of Alice and Fort Beaufort
- Ajibade, Patrick https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8608-8378
- Authors: Ajibade, Patrick https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8608-8378
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Knowledge management , Small business
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25259 , vital:64122
- Description: The study sought to investigate the role of records management in the sustainability of the Small Micro, Medium enterprises (SMMEs) in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa with focus on Alice and Fort Beaufort towns. The objectives of the study were to identify the types of records that are kept by SMMEs; evaluate the infrastructure for the SMMEs records management; determine the compliance of SMMEs with the existing RM legal and regulatory requirements; and identify the challenges related to SMMEs records practices. Twenty three (23) respondents from SMMEs were interviewed. Findings revealed all the respondents could not confirm adoption of any systemic way of records management to support business functions and operations. Majority of the SMMEs due to their inability to maintain records could not identify potential benefit of business RM with an exception of three SMMEs. The respondents were not aware of any compliance and regulatory framework most especially on business records management. The challenges facing SMMEs include; inability to capture/create maintain, preserve business records systematically in its lifecycle. The SMMEs lack needed training especially in records management to allow them the benefit of maintaining business records. It is recommended that SMMEs should acquire skill that would enable them manage their business records that may help improved decision making. There should be legislative and regulatory framework that ensures compliance. And assistance should be rendered to train SMMEs on basic RM skills that could improve their business operations. , Thesis (MLIS) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2014
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Ajibade, Patrick https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8608-8378
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Knowledge management , Small business
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25259 , vital:64122
- Description: The study sought to investigate the role of records management in the sustainability of the Small Micro, Medium enterprises (SMMEs) in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa with focus on Alice and Fort Beaufort towns. The objectives of the study were to identify the types of records that are kept by SMMEs; evaluate the infrastructure for the SMMEs records management; determine the compliance of SMMEs with the existing RM legal and regulatory requirements; and identify the challenges related to SMMEs records practices. Twenty three (23) respondents from SMMEs were interviewed. Findings revealed all the respondents could not confirm adoption of any systemic way of records management to support business functions and operations. Majority of the SMMEs due to their inability to maintain records could not identify potential benefit of business RM with an exception of three SMMEs. The respondents were not aware of any compliance and regulatory framework most especially on business records management. The challenges facing SMMEs include; inability to capture/create maintain, preserve business records systematically in its lifecycle. The SMMEs lack needed training especially in records management to allow them the benefit of maintaining business records. It is recommended that SMMEs should acquire skill that would enable them manage their business records that may help improved decision making. There should be legislative and regulatory framework that ensures compliance. And assistance should be rendered to train SMMEs on basic RM skills that could improve their business operations. , Thesis (MLIS) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2014
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
“Un-silencing queer Nigeria”: Representations of queerness in contemporary Nigerian fiction
- Authors: Akram, Tahzeeb
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Heterosexism in literature , Patriarchy in literature , Homophobia in literature , Sexual minorities in literature , Nigerian literature 21st century History and criticism , Queer theory Nigeria , Gender identity Law and legislation Nigeria , Gender identity Religious aspects , Sexual minorities Nigeria Social conditions , Nigeria. Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/190668 , vital:45016
- Description: This thesis analyses contemporary queer Nigerian fiction, particularly queer representations regarding law, religion and culture in Nigeria’s heteropatriarchal and queerphobic society. I explore a number of authors’ use of different literary forms and platforms to promote and represent non-conforming genders and sexualities in queerphobic Nigeria. These narratives show queer people navigating the heteronormative society vis-à-vis marriage, family, intimacy, work, violence and rights activism. I draw on Western and African gender and queer theories for the concepts, definitions and critical terminologies used in this thesis. African queer theorists and activists are highlighted for their reclaiming queer history from among the early records in Africa as well as contemporary queer Nigerian literature and activism. Religion and queerness are crucial themes in Chinelo Okparanta’s same sex women’s novel, Under the Udala Trees. Using queer African Christian theology against Nigeria’s conservative socio-religious setting, I demonstrate that queerness is not a threat to Nigerian’s Christian faith, and that mutual coexistence of queer sexuality and Christianity advances queer rights in that society. Nnanna Ikpo’s Fimí Sílẹ̀ Forever: Heaven gave it to me’s problematises heteronormative masculinities and the manufacturing of heteropatriarchy and queer masculinities in Nigeria. I examine the protagonists who are both victims of and perpetrators in their queerphobic society. The socio-legal focus I employ examines the impact of the 2014 Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act on Nigeria’s already marginalised and oppressed queer community. There are vast opportunities for queer Nigerian artists to create, publish and promote queer identities in the safe and enabling space of online platforms via physical distancing between the queer community and the queerphobic society. From the digitally published 14: An Anthology of Queer Art’s two volumes, five short stories are analysed regarding different forms of intimacies in queer men’s relationships. These queer contemporary fiction writers offer complex representations of queerness within Nigeria’s heteropatriarchal and queerphobic society that polices non-normative bodies through religion, culture and the law. Such literary texts, digital literary platforms and activism vitally provide queer Nigerians a progressive space to assert queer presence, voices lives and rights to educating and re-socialising their society towards humaneness. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Literary Studies in English, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Akram, Tahzeeb
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Heterosexism in literature , Patriarchy in literature , Homophobia in literature , Sexual minorities in literature , Nigerian literature 21st century History and criticism , Queer theory Nigeria , Gender identity Law and legislation Nigeria , Gender identity Religious aspects , Sexual minorities Nigeria Social conditions , Nigeria. Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/190668 , vital:45016
- Description: This thesis analyses contemporary queer Nigerian fiction, particularly queer representations regarding law, religion and culture in Nigeria’s heteropatriarchal and queerphobic society. I explore a number of authors’ use of different literary forms and platforms to promote and represent non-conforming genders and sexualities in queerphobic Nigeria. These narratives show queer people navigating the heteronormative society vis-à-vis marriage, family, intimacy, work, violence and rights activism. I draw on Western and African gender and queer theories for the concepts, definitions and critical terminologies used in this thesis. African queer theorists and activists are highlighted for their reclaiming queer history from among the early records in Africa as well as contemporary queer Nigerian literature and activism. Religion and queerness are crucial themes in Chinelo Okparanta’s same sex women’s novel, Under the Udala Trees. Using queer African Christian theology against Nigeria’s conservative socio-religious setting, I demonstrate that queerness is not a threat to Nigerian’s Christian faith, and that mutual coexistence of queer sexuality and Christianity advances queer rights in that society. Nnanna Ikpo’s Fimí Sílẹ̀ Forever: Heaven gave it to me’s problematises heteronormative masculinities and the manufacturing of heteropatriarchy and queer masculinities in Nigeria. I examine the protagonists who are both victims of and perpetrators in their queerphobic society. The socio-legal focus I employ examines the impact of the 2014 Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act on Nigeria’s already marginalised and oppressed queer community. There are vast opportunities for queer Nigerian artists to create, publish and promote queer identities in the safe and enabling space of online platforms via physical distancing between the queer community and the queerphobic society. From the digitally published 14: An Anthology of Queer Art’s two volumes, five short stories are analysed regarding different forms of intimacies in queer men’s relationships. These queer contemporary fiction writers offer complex representations of queerness within Nigeria’s heteropatriarchal and queerphobic society that polices non-normative bodies through religion, culture and the law. Such literary texts, digital literary platforms and activism vitally provide queer Nigerians a progressive space to assert queer presence, voices lives and rights to educating and re-socialising their society towards humaneness. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Literary Studies in English, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29