A stable isotope approach for the early detection and identification of N loading in aquatic ecosystems
- Hill, Jaclyn M, Kaehler, Sven, Hill, Martin P, Coetzee, Julie A
- Authors: Hill, Jaclyn M , Kaehler, Sven , Hill, Martin P , Coetzee, Julie A
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/444491 , vital:74245 , https://www.wrc.org.za/wp-content/uploads/mdocs/KV 280.pdf
- Description: Global increases in urbanization and anthropogenic activity within wa-tersheds and catchment areas have resulted in excessive nitrogen loads in aquatic ecosystems. South Africa is deeply dependent on nat-ural resources for its economic health and as a consequence is particu-larly vulnerable to the degradation of its natural capital. Increased nitro-gen loading can result in widespread aquatic ecosystem degradation including: harmful algal blooms, increased turbidity, hypoxia, loss of aquatic vegetation and habitat and fish kills, it is also one of the mecha-nisms driving aquatic weed invasions. Understanding the fate and pro-cessing of anthropogenic nutrients in natural systems is therefore criti-cal for both preserving the well-being and biotic heritage for future gen-erations as well as providing a tremendous opportunity to improve the management driven by science. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the feasibility of mapping anthropogenic pollution through sta-ble isotopes signatures of aquatic plants, to investigate the potential for identifying different pollution sources, concentrations and distributions in a freshwater environment and to determine the utility of these tech-niques in indentifying early eutrophication.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Hill, Jaclyn M , Kaehler, Sven , Hill, Martin P , Coetzee, Julie A
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/444491 , vital:74245 , https://www.wrc.org.za/wp-content/uploads/mdocs/KV 280.pdf
- Description: Global increases in urbanization and anthropogenic activity within wa-tersheds and catchment areas have resulted in excessive nitrogen loads in aquatic ecosystems. South Africa is deeply dependent on nat-ural resources for its economic health and as a consequence is particu-larly vulnerable to the degradation of its natural capital. Increased nitro-gen loading can result in widespread aquatic ecosystem degradation including: harmful algal blooms, increased turbidity, hypoxia, loss of aquatic vegetation and habitat and fish kills, it is also one of the mecha-nisms driving aquatic weed invasions. Understanding the fate and pro-cessing of anthropogenic nutrients in natural systems is therefore criti-cal for both preserving the well-being and biotic heritage for future gen-erations as well as providing a tremendous opportunity to improve the management driven by science. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the feasibility of mapping anthropogenic pollution through sta-ble isotopes signatures of aquatic plants, to investigate the potential for identifying different pollution sources, concentrations and distributions in a freshwater environment and to determine the utility of these tech-niques in indentifying early eutrophication.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
A status assessment of mangrove forests in South Africa and the utilization of mangroves at Mngazana Estuary
- Authors: Rajkaran, Anusha
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Mangrove forests -- Management , Forests and forestry -- Harvesting , Mangrove forests -- South Africa -- Mngazana Estuary , Mangrove ecology -- South Africa -- Mngazana Estuary , Mangrove conservation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:10604 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1547 , Mangrove forests -- Management , Forests and forestry -- Harvesting , Mangrove forests -- South Africa -- Mngazana Estuary , Mangrove ecology -- South Africa -- Mngazana Estuary , Mangrove conservation
- Description: In South Africa mangrove forests are located in estuaries from Kosi Bay in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) to Nahoon Estuary in the Eastern Cape. The aims of this study were to determine the present state of mangroves in KwaZulu-Natal, by assessing the current population structure, the changes in cover over time and associated anthropogenic pressures. A second objective of this study was to determine the effect of harvesting on the population structure and sediment characteristics in the Mngazana mangrove forest. To determine if harvesting was sustainable at Mngazana Estuary; the growth and mortality rates and associated growth conditions were measured. Finally by using population modelling sustainable harvesting limits were determined by predicting the change in population structure over time. The study focussed on the KwaZulu-Natal province as a fairly recent study addressed mangrove distribution and status in the Eastern Cape Province. A historical assessment of all mangroves forests in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) revealed that the potential threats to mangroves in South Africa include; wood harvesting, altered water flow patterns coupled with salinity changes, prolonged closed-mouth conditions and subsequent changes to the intertidal habitat. As a result mangroves were completely lost from eleven estuaries in KZN between 1982 and 1999 and a further two estuaries by 2006. Mangroves only occurred in those estuaries where the mouth was open for more than 56 percent of the time with the exception of St Lucia, where the mouth has been closed for longer but the mangrove communities have persisted because the roots of the trees were not submerged. All mangrove forests in KZN were regenerating in terms of population structure as they had reverse J-shaped population curves as well as high adult: seedling ratios. Kosi Bay and Mhlathuze Estuary were two of the larger forests that showed signs of harvesting (presence of tree or branch stumps), but the greatest threat to smaller estuaries seems to be altered water flow patterns due to freshwater abstraction in the catchments and the change of land use from natural vegetation to sugar-cane plantations. These threats affect the hydrology of estuaries and the sediment characteristics (particle size, redox, pH, salinity, temperature) of the mangrove forests. The environmental conditions under which the mangrove forests currently exist were determined for five species. Lumnitzera racemosa and Ceriops tagal exhibited a narrow range of conditions as these species are only found at Kosi Bay, while Avicennia marina, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza and Rhizophora mucronata were found to exist under a wider range of conditions. The growth rate and response to environmental conditions of the three dominant species were important to determine as these species are impacted by harvesting. Mangrove growth rates were measured at Mngazana Estuary in the Eastern Cape, the third largest mangrove forest in South Africa. Areas of this estuary where mangroves harvesting has occurred, show significant differences in sediment characteristics as well as changes in population structure in harvested compared to non harvested sites. The growth rate (in terms of height) of Avicennia marina individuals increased from seedlings (0.31 cm month-1) to adults (1.2 cm month-1), while the growth of Bruguiera gymnorrhiza stabilised from a height of 150 cm at 0.65 cm month-1. The growth of Rhizophora mucronata peaked at 0.72 cm month-1 (height 151-250 cm) and then decreased to 0.4 cm month-1 for taller individuals. Increases in diameter at breast height (DBH) ranged between 0.7 and 2.3 mm month-1 for all species. Some environmental variables were found to be important drivers of growth and mortality of individuals less then 150 cm. A decrease in sediment pH significantly increased the mortality of Avicennia marina seedlings (0-50 cm) (r = - 0.71, p<0.05) and significantly decreased the growth of Rhizophora mucronata and Bruguiera gymnorrhiza seedlings (r = -0.8, r = 0.52 – p < 0.05 respectively). At Mngazana Estuary, mortality of this species showed a positive correlation with sediment moisture content indicating that this species prefers drier conditions. The density of Rhizophora mucronata was significantly correlated to porewater temperature in Northern KZN as was the growth of adult (>300 cm) Rhizophora trees at Mngazana Estuary. Mortality of Avicennia marina individuals (51-150 cm) was related to tree density indicating intraspecific competition and self thinning. Selective harvesting of particular size classes of Rhizophora mucronata was recorded when comparing length of harvested poles (~301 cm) and the size class distribution of individuals. Taking into account the differences in growth rate for each size class for this species it will take approximately 13 years to attain a height of 390 cm which is the height at which trees are selected for harvesting at this estuary. This is 2.6 times slower than those individuals growing in Kenya. The feasibility of harvesting is dependent on the growth rate of younger size classes to replace harvested trees as well as the rate of natural recruitment feeding into the population. Different harvesting intensity scenarios tested within a matrix model framework showed that limits should be set at 5 percent trees ha-1 year-1 to maintain seedling density at > 5 000 ha-1 for R. mucronata. However harvesting of Bruguiera gymnorrhiza should be stopped due to the low density of this species at Mngazana Estuary. Harvesting of the tallest trees of Avicennia marina can be maintained at levels less than 10 percent ha-1 year-1. Effective management of mangrove forests in South African is important to maintain the current state, function and diversity of these ecosystems. Management recommendations should begin with determining the freshwater requirements of the estuaries to maintain the mouth dynamics and biotic communities and deter the harvesting of (whole) adult trees particularly those species that do not coppice. Further management is needed to ensure that forests are cleared of pollutants (plastic and industrial), and any further developments near the mangroves should be minimized.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Rajkaran, Anusha
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Mangrove forests -- Management , Forests and forestry -- Harvesting , Mangrove forests -- South Africa -- Mngazana Estuary , Mangrove ecology -- South Africa -- Mngazana Estuary , Mangrove conservation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:10604 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1547 , Mangrove forests -- Management , Forests and forestry -- Harvesting , Mangrove forests -- South Africa -- Mngazana Estuary , Mangrove ecology -- South Africa -- Mngazana Estuary , Mangrove conservation
- Description: In South Africa mangrove forests are located in estuaries from Kosi Bay in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) to Nahoon Estuary in the Eastern Cape. The aims of this study were to determine the present state of mangroves in KwaZulu-Natal, by assessing the current population structure, the changes in cover over time and associated anthropogenic pressures. A second objective of this study was to determine the effect of harvesting on the population structure and sediment characteristics in the Mngazana mangrove forest. To determine if harvesting was sustainable at Mngazana Estuary; the growth and mortality rates and associated growth conditions were measured. Finally by using population modelling sustainable harvesting limits were determined by predicting the change in population structure over time. The study focussed on the KwaZulu-Natal province as a fairly recent study addressed mangrove distribution and status in the Eastern Cape Province. A historical assessment of all mangroves forests in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) revealed that the potential threats to mangroves in South Africa include; wood harvesting, altered water flow patterns coupled with salinity changes, prolonged closed-mouth conditions and subsequent changes to the intertidal habitat. As a result mangroves were completely lost from eleven estuaries in KZN between 1982 and 1999 and a further two estuaries by 2006. Mangroves only occurred in those estuaries where the mouth was open for more than 56 percent of the time with the exception of St Lucia, where the mouth has been closed for longer but the mangrove communities have persisted because the roots of the trees were not submerged. All mangrove forests in KZN were regenerating in terms of population structure as they had reverse J-shaped population curves as well as high adult: seedling ratios. Kosi Bay and Mhlathuze Estuary were two of the larger forests that showed signs of harvesting (presence of tree or branch stumps), but the greatest threat to smaller estuaries seems to be altered water flow patterns due to freshwater abstraction in the catchments and the change of land use from natural vegetation to sugar-cane plantations. These threats affect the hydrology of estuaries and the sediment characteristics (particle size, redox, pH, salinity, temperature) of the mangrove forests. The environmental conditions under which the mangrove forests currently exist were determined for five species. Lumnitzera racemosa and Ceriops tagal exhibited a narrow range of conditions as these species are only found at Kosi Bay, while Avicennia marina, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza and Rhizophora mucronata were found to exist under a wider range of conditions. The growth rate and response to environmental conditions of the three dominant species were important to determine as these species are impacted by harvesting. Mangrove growth rates were measured at Mngazana Estuary in the Eastern Cape, the third largest mangrove forest in South Africa. Areas of this estuary where mangroves harvesting has occurred, show significant differences in sediment characteristics as well as changes in population structure in harvested compared to non harvested sites. The growth rate (in terms of height) of Avicennia marina individuals increased from seedlings (0.31 cm month-1) to adults (1.2 cm month-1), while the growth of Bruguiera gymnorrhiza stabilised from a height of 150 cm at 0.65 cm month-1. The growth of Rhizophora mucronata peaked at 0.72 cm month-1 (height 151-250 cm) and then decreased to 0.4 cm month-1 for taller individuals. Increases in diameter at breast height (DBH) ranged between 0.7 and 2.3 mm month-1 for all species. Some environmental variables were found to be important drivers of growth and mortality of individuals less then 150 cm. A decrease in sediment pH significantly increased the mortality of Avicennia marina seedlings (0-50 cm) (r = - 0.71, p<0.05) and significantly decreased the growth of Rhizophora mucronata and Bruguiera gymnorrhiza seedlings (r = -0.8, r = 0.52 – p < 0.05 respectively). At Mngazana Estuary, mortality of this species showed a positive correlation with sediment moisture content indicating that this species prefers drier conditions. The density of Rhizophora mucronata was significantly correlated to porewater temperature in Northern KZN as was the growth of adult (>300 cm) Rhizophora trees at Mngazana Estuary. Mortality of Avicennia marina individuals (51-150 cm) was related to tree density indicating intraspecific competition and self thinning. Selective harvesting of particular size classes of Rhizophora mucronata was recorded when comparing length of harvested poles (~301 cm) and the size class distribution of individuals. Taking into account the differences in growth rate for each size class for this species it will take approximately 13 years to attain a height of 390 cm which is the height at which trees are selected for harvesting at this estuary. This is 2.6 times slower than those individuals growing in Kenya. The feasibility of harvesting is dependent on the growth rate of younger size classes to replace harvested trees as well as the rate of natural recruitment feeding into the population. Different harvesting intensity scenarios tested within a matrix model framework showed that limits should be set at 5 percent trees ha-1 year-1 to maintain seedling density at > 5 000 ha-1 for R. mucronata. However harvesting of Bruguiera gymnorrhiza should be stopped due to the low density of this species at Mngazana Estuary. Harvesting of the tallest trees of Avicennia marina can be maintained at levels less than 10 percent ha-1 year-1. Effective management of mangrove forests in South African is important to maintain the current state, function and diversity of these ecosystems. Management recommendations should begin with determining the freshwater requirements of the estuaries to maintain the mouth dynamics and biotic communities and deter the harvesting of (whole) adult trees particularly those species that do not coppice. Further management is needed to ensure that forests are cleared of pollutants (plastic and industrial), and any further developments near the mangroves should be minimized.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
A strange counterpoint : classical music performance and identities in Grahamstown, South Africa
- Marais, Terence Wilmot Eugene
- Authors: Marais, Terence Wilmot Eugene
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Music -- Western influences Music -- Performance -- Psychological aspects Music appreciation -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Music -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MMus
- Identifier: vital:2677 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007491
- Description: This study investigates the perceptions of South African practitioners of Western European Art Music (WEAM), specifically as they relate to the value of WEAM in contemporary South African society. In exploring some of the connections between musical identity and national identity, it sets out to discover what value WEAM holds for a certain group of student pianists. Qualitative empirical data was collected in the form of in-depth, semi-structured interviews and questionnaire responses, and the findings point to numerous, nuanced expressions of self and varied intersections of the nation with musical identity in the life of the individual. Further, WEAM appears to represent a crucial point of identification for these individuals, in each case generating positive affirmations of the self.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Marais, Terence Wilmot Eugene
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Music -- Western influences Music -- Performance -- Psychological aspects Music appreciation -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Music -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MMus
- Identifier: vital:2677 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007491
- Description: This study investigates the perceptions of South African practitioners of Western European Art Music (WEAM), specifically as they relate to the value of WEAM in contemporary South African society. In exploring some of the connections between musical identity and national identity, it sets out to discover what value WEAM holds for a certain group of student pianists. Qualitative empirical data was collected in the form of in-depth, semi-structured interviews and questionnaire responses, and the findings point to numerous, nuanced expressions of self and varied intersections of the nation with musical identity in the life of the individual. Further, WEAM appears to represent a crucial point of identification for these individuals, in each case generating positive affirmations of the self.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
A study of a class of invariant optimal control problems on the Euclidean group SE(2)
- Authors: Adams, Ross Montague
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Matrix groups Lie groups Extremal problems (Mathematics) Maximum principles (Mathematics) Hamilton-Jacobi equations Lyapunov stability
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5420 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006060
- Description: The aim of this thesis is to study a class of left-invariant optimal control problems on the matrix Lie group SE(2). We classify, under detached feedback equivalence, all controllable (left-invariant) control affine systems on SE(2). This result produces six types of control affine systems on SE(2). Hence, we study six associated left-invariant optimal control problems on SE(2). A left-invariant optimal control problem consists of minimizing a cost functional over the trajectory-control pairs of a left-invariant control system subject to appropriate boundary conditions. Each control problem is lifted from SE(2) to T*SE(2) ≅ SE(2) x se (2)*and then reduced to a problem on se (2)*. The maximum principle is used to obtain the optimal control and Hamiltonian corresponding to the normal extremals. Then we derive the (reduced) extremal equations on se (2)*. These equations are explicitly integrated by trigonometric and Jacobi elliptic functions. Finally, we fully classify, under Lyapunov stability, the equilibrium states of the normal extremal equations for each of the six types under consideration.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Adams, Ross Montague
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Matrix groups Lie groups Extremal problems (Mathematics) Maximum principles (Mathematics) Hamilton-Jacobi equations Lyapunov stability
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5420 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006060
- Description: The aim of this thesis is to study a class of left-invariant optimal control problems on the matrix Lie group SE(2). We classify, under detached feedback equivalence, all controllable (left-invariant) control affine systems on SE(2). This result produces six types of control affine systems on SE(2). Hence, we study six associated left-invariant optimal control problems on SE(2). A left-invariant optimal control problem consists of minimizing a cost functional over the trajectory-control pairs of a left-invariant control system subject to appropriate boundary conditions. Each control problem is lifted from SE(2) to T*SE(2) ≅ SE(2) x se (2)*and then reduced to a problem on se (2)*. The maximum principle is used to obtain the optimal control and Hamiltonian corresponding to the normal extremals. Then we derive the (reduced) extremal equations on se (2)*. These equations are explicitly integrated by trigonometric and Jacobi elliptic functions. Finally, we fully classify, under Lyapunov stability, the equilibrium states of the normal extremal equations for each of the six types under consideration.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
A study of mathematics instructional practices in foundation phase grade three classrooms in East London
- Authors: Williams, Beverley Diana
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Mathematics--Study and teaching (Primary) http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85082164 , Mathematics--Study and teaching (Elementary) http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85082163
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19585 , vital:43146
- Description: This study describes the instructional practices of grade three teachers in their attempt to facilitate mathematical learning. The teachers’ practices are described in relation to the requirements of the revised National Curriculum Statement. In order to demarcate the field of investigation, the researcher provides an overview of the historical background of the study and draws attention to the knowledge interest of the investigation. The problem, the research questions, the assumptions of the study, the significance of the study, the rationale and the delimitation of the study are all set out in this chapter. A list of the major terms used in the study is also given. In concluding the chapter and outline of the issues discussed in each of the five chapters is given. , Thesis (MEd) -- University of Fort Hare, 2011
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Williams, Beverley Diana
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Mathematics--Study and teaching (Primary) http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85082164 , Mathematics--Study and teaching (Elementary) http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85082163
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19585 , vital:43146
- Description: This study describes the instructional practices of grade three teachers in their attempt to facilitate mathematical learning. The teachers’ practices are described in relation to the requirements of the revised National Curriculum Statement. In order to demarcate the field of investigation, the researcher provides an overview of the historical background of the study and draws attention to the knowledge interest of the investigation. The problem, the research questions, the assumptions of the study, the significance of the study, the rationale and the delimitation of the study are all set out in this chapter. A list of the major terms used in the study is also given. In concluding the chapter and outline of the issues discussed in each of the five chapters is given. , Thesis (MEd) -- University of Fort Hare, 2011
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
A study of rural self-help groups in the context of government-assisted community development: the case of Peddie, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
- Pakade-Yokwana, Nozuko zandiswa Gloria
- Authors: Pakade-Yokwana, Nozuko zandiswa Gloria
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Community development http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85029215 , Rural development http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85115899
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19616 , vital:43152
- Description: This study was conducted against the backdrop of growing scholarly interest in the epistemic divide between formal, institutionalised knowledge, which guide government interventions in rural community development, and local knowledge, upon which rural communities construct their social existence. The study sought to understand why, despite their resilience and cultural embeddedness in South Africa's rural communities, indigenous self-help groups (SHGs) - as a particular form of indigenous rationality - remained on the periphery of contemporary community development interventions. The study was conducted in the communities of Dabhana, Feni and Mgwanlana in Peddie (Ngqushwa Local Municipality), Eastern Cape. Three SHG variants were eselected: a funeral group (Masingcwabane), an HIV and AIDS support groups, and a financial mutual (mgalelo) – all in the context of government-assisted community development. Empirical data was collected using a mini-survey, focus group discussion, in-depth interviews and key informant interviews. The findings revealed that SHGs were a collective model of indigenous knowledge and social interaction, driven by the belief that through 'sharing', 'reciprocity' and 'collectivism', what would ordinarily be a heavy burden for individuals became 'lighter'. Furthermore, while the institutional framework for community development mandated collaboration between government and SHGs, this framework created a stiff, bureaucratic canvass that alienated SHGs and stifled their operations. The study also found that partnership between the government and SHGs was characterised by fear and distrust on the part of government, and reluctance on the part of SHGs. Government's distrust was premised on the "informality" and "traditionality" of SHGs, and the fear that any investment in SHGs would go to waste. On the other hand, SHGs' reluctance to make themselves amenable to partnership with government seemed like a reaction to a "faulty, culturally insensitive" institutional framework which "delegitimised" grassroots development impulses. The study concluded that there existed in the rural community development arena an epistemic, ideational and practical chasm between government-driven development praxis and age-old indigenous initiatives, and that while the weaknesses of each knowledge domain were accentuated through this divide, development would continue to elude the grassroots communities unless the two knowledge domains interacted with, and leveraged, each other. , Thesis (PhD) (Sociology) -- University of Fort Hare, 2018
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Pakade-Yokwana, Nozuko zandiswa Gloria
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Community development http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85029215 , Rural development http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85115899
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19616 , vital:43152
- Description: This study was conducted against the backdrop of growing scholarly interest in the epistemic divide between formal, institutionalised knowledge, which guide government interventions in rural community development, and local knowledge, upon which rural communities construct their social existence. The study sought to understand why, despite their resilience and cultural embeddedness in South Africa's rural communities, indigenous self-help groups (SHGs) - as a particular form of indigenous rationality - remained on the periphery of contemporary community development interventions. The study was conducted in the communities of Dabhana, Feni and Mgwanlana in Peddie (Ngqushwa Local Municipality), Eastern Cape. Three SHG variants were eselected: a funeral group (Masingcwabane), an HIV and AIDS support groups, and a financial mutual (mgalelo) – all in the context of government-assisted community development. Empirical data was collected using a mini-survey, focus group discussion, in-depth interviews and key informant interviews. The findings revealed that SHGs were a collective model of indigenous knowledge and social interaction, driven by the belief that through 'sharing', 'reciprocity' and 'collectivism', what would ordinarily be a heavy burden for individuals became 'lighter'. Furthermore, while the institutional framework for community development mandated collaboration between government and SHGs, this framework created a stiff, bureaucratic canvass that alienated SHGs and stifled their operations. The study also found that partnership between the government and SHGs was characterised by fear and distrust on the part of government, and reluctance on the part of SHGs. Government's distrust was premised on the "informality" and "traditionality" of SHGs, and the fear that any investment in SHGs would go to waste. On the other hand, SHGs' reluctance to make themselves amenable to partnership with government seemed like a reaction to a "faulty, culturally insensitive" institutional framework which "delegitimised" grassroots development impulses. The study concluded that there existed in the rural community development arena an epistemic, ideational and practical chasm between government-driven development praxis and age-old indigenous initiatives, and that while the weaknesses of each knowledge domain were accentuated through this divide, development would continue to elude the grassroots communities unless the two knowledge domains interacted with, and leveraged, each other. , Thesis (PhD) (Sociology) -- University of Fort Hare, 2018
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
A study of the implementation and management of workforce diversity among teachers at secondary schools in the Mthatha Education District
- Authors: Mohammed, Issah
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Workplace management -- Teachers -- Education (Secondary)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:18463 , http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1008259
- Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate the implementation and management of workforce diversity among teachers at secondary schools in the Mthatha Education District with reference to national and international teachers. The literature reflects issues and theories concerning the implementation and management of workforce diversity in secondary schools. The study also shows the benefits of managing teacher diversity and the challenges in the implementation and management of workforce diversity among teachers in secondary schools. The population of the study comprised of all teachers in the fifty- six public secondary schools in the Mthatha Education District and the sample comprised of five principals, five deputy principals, five heads of departments and five international teachers on whom the case study was base to examine their views about the awareness, implementation and management of teacher diversity in the education system. This sample was drawn from five public senior secondary schools. The selection of the sample was done through the use of a purposive sampling technique. The sampling technique was used because it is not all public secondary schools in the Mthatha Education District where international teachers are found. This, therefore, allowed the researcher to select only those secondary schools at which international teachers were found. The researcher developed an open- ended interview schedule for the face-to-face in-depth interviews on the implementation and management of workforce diversity among teachers at secondary schools in the Mthatha Education District. Themes were drawn from the responses of the participants and analysed. The findings revealed that Principals, deputy principals, school management teams and teachers at all levels lacked the skills and knowledge in designing, implementing and managing teacher diversity policies in secondary schools. The findings revealed that local teachers were resistant and took a xenophobic stance towards the employment and promotions of International teachers in secondary schools. Lastly, Affirmative Action and Employment Equity Acts favour the local teachers and discriminate against the international teachers. Recommendations are made concerning the lack of awareness, skills and knowledge in designing and implementation of teacher diversity policies in secondary schools. Recommendations are also made concerning the Affirmative Action and Employment Equity Acts that influence the non recruitment and selection of international teachers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Mohammed, Issah
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Workplace management -- Teachers -- Education (Secondary)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:18463 , http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1008259
- Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate the implementation and management of workforce diversity among teachers at secondary schools in the Mthatha Education District with reference to national and international teachers. The literature reflects issues and theories concerning the implementation and management of workforce diversity in secondary schools. The study also shows the benefits of managing teacher diversity and the challenges in the implementation and management of workforce diversity among teachers in secondary schools. The population of the study comprised of all teachers in the fifty- six public secondary schools in the Mthatha Education District and the sample comprised of five principals, five deputy principals, five heads of departments and five international teachers on whom the case study was base to examine their views about the awareness, implementation and management of teacher diversity in the education system. This sample was drawn from five public senior secondary schools. The selection of the sample was done through the use of a purposive sampling technique. The sampling technique was used because it is not all public secondary schools in the Mthatha Education District where international teachers are found. This, therefore, allowed the researcher to select only those secondary schools at which international teachers were found. The researcher developed an open- ended interview schedule for the face-to-face in-depth interviews on the implementation and management of workforce diversity among teachers at secondary schools in the Mthatha Education District. Themes were drawn from the responses of the participants and analysed. The findings revealed that Principals, deputy principals, school management teams and teachers at all levels lacked the skills and knowledge in designing, implementing and managing teacher diversity policies in secondary schools. The findings revealed that local teachers were resistant and took a xenophobic stance towards the employment and promotions of International teachers in secondary schools. Lastly, Affirmative Action and Employment Equity Acts favour the local teachers and discriminate against the international teachers. Recommendations are made concerning the lack of awareness, skills and knowledge in designing and implementation of teacher diversity policies in secondary schools. Recommendations are also made concerning the Affirmative Action and Employment Equity Acts that influence the non recruitment and selection of international teachers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
A study on the cultural adjustment of the domestic partners of German expatriates in the Nelson Mandela Bay automotive industry
- Authors: Gouws, Stephanie
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: International business enterprises -- Management , International business enterprises -- Personnel management , International business enterprises -- Management -- Cross-cultural studies , International business enterprises -- Management -- Social aspects , Employment in foreign countries , Intercultural communication , Corporations, Foreign
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:16134 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1540 , International business enterprises -- Management , International business enterprises -- Personnel management , International business enterprises -- Management -- Cross-cultural studies , International business enterprises -- Management -- Social aspects , Employment in foreign countries , Intercultural communication , Corporations, Foreign
- Description: This study explores the cultural adjustment of the domestic partners of German expatriates working in the Nelson Mandela Bay automotive industry of South Africa. The data was collected by distributing pre-interview questionnaires to the participants and conducting in-depth interviews with them. Grounded theory was used in the data collection and analysis and an auto-ethnographic approach was employed, allowing for reflexivity. The findings suggest that the expatriated domestic partners did not necessarily experience much difficulty in adjusting to South African culture as they did, for example, adjusting to not being able to work for the duration of their stay. The research has also shown that the unmarried domestic partners of expatriate employees are at a disadvantage compared to their married counterparts; receiving less assistance from the companies of their partners. Based on the findings, it has been recommended that companies refine and streamline the assistance they offer to the domestic partners of their expatriate employees, providing all domestic partners with the same pre-departure training and entitling them to the same benefits.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Gouws, Stephanie
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: International business enterprises -- Management , International business enterprises -- Personnel management , International business enterprises -- Management -- Cross-cultural studies , International business enterprises -- Management -- Social aspects , Employment in foreign countries , Intercultural communication , Corporations, Foreign
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:16134 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1540 , International business enterprises -- Management , International business enterprises -- Personnel management , International business enterprises -- Management -- Cross-cultural studies , International business enterprises -- Management -- Social aspects , Employment in foreign countries , Intercultural communication , Corporations, Foreign
- Description: This study explores the cultural adjustment of the domestic partners of German expatriates working in the Nelson Mandela Bay automotive industry of South Africa. The data was collected by distributing pre-interview questionnaires to the participants and conducting in-depth interviews with them. Grounded theory was used in the data collection and analysis and an auto-ethnographic approach was employed, allowing for reflexivity. The findings suggest that the expatriated domestic partners did not necessarily experience much difficulty in adjusting to South African culture as they did, for example, adjusting to not being able to work for the duration of their stay. The research has also shown that the unmarried domestic partners of expatriate employees are at a disadvantage compared to their married counterparts; receiving less assistance from the companies of their partners. Based on the findings, it has been recommended that companies refine and streamline the assistance they offer to the domestic partners of their expatriate employees, providing all domestic partners with the same pre-departure training and entitling them to the same benefits.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
A theoretical study on the Alexander technique for the organ
- Authors: Boonzaaier, Devandre
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Musicians -- Health and hygiene , Alexander technique , Organ (Musical instrument) -- Instruction and study , Organists -- Training of -- South Africa , Music -- Performance -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8520 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015727
- Description: The aim of this research is to provide a theoretical framework of the Alexander Technique for organists. Frederick Matthias Alexander was an Australian actor who developed a technique to enable and enhance his own performance. This innovative technique is now used across the world, including South Africa. In this study the researcher provides a Literature Study of the Alexander Technique. Furthermore, he investigates and reports on the practises of a number of organists. A multiple case study approach was adapted and data was collected by means of questionnaires, personal observations and informal interviews. The data gathered in this study is described and analysed. The study culminates with a description of a theoretical framework for the application of the Alexander Technique for organists.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Boonzaaier, Devandre
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Musicians -- Health and hygiene , Alexander technique , Organ (Musical instrument) -- Instruction and study , Organists -- Training of -- South Africa , Music -- Performance -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8520 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015727
- Description: The aim of this research is to provide a theoretical framework of the Alexander Technique for organists. Frederick Matthias Alexander was an Australian actor who developed a technique to enable and enhance his own performance. This innovative technique is now used across the world, including South Africa. In this study the researcher provides a Literature Study of the Alexander Technique. Furthermore, he investigates and reports on the practises of a number of organists. A multiple case study approach was adapted and data was collected by means of questionnaires, personal observations and informal interviews. The data gathered in this study is described and analysed. The study culminates with a description of a theoretical framework for the application of the Alexander Technique for organists.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
A white man in exile
- Authors: Krueger, Anton
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/229459 , vital:49677 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/10137548.2011.636974"
- Description: This article explores intersections between understandings of masculinity and nationalism. Etymologically, ‘patriotism’ refers to a love for a fatherland and a patriarchal order; it includes notions of loyalty, honour and a range of qualities often associated with conceptions of masculinity. But if gender remains fixed to these normative constructions, what happens to one’s sense of masculine identity when the national state changes? My interest lies in exploring how white South African men have been repositioned in terms of a shift in their gendered identification, with a reflection on the possibly tragic consequences of maintaining an overly rigid gender role identification. As long as masculinity is embedded within nationalism, it will be caught up within a defensive reactive mode which can turn self-destructive. In order to explore these ideas the article employs as its central metaphor the character of Dawid Olivier, who is the protagonist of Athol Fugard’s Sorrows and Rejoicings (2002).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Krueger, Anton
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/229459 , vital:49677 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/10137548.2011.636974"
- Description: This article explores intersections between understandings of masculinity and nationalism. Etymologically, ‘patriotism’ refers to a love for a fatherland and a patriarchal order; it includes notions of loyalty, honour and a range of qualities often associated with conceptions of masculinity. But if gender remains fixed to these normative constructions, what happens to one’s sense of masculine identity when the national state changes? My interest lies in exploring how white South African men have been repositioned in terms of a shift in their gendered identification, with a reflection on the possibly tragic consequences of maintaining an overly rigid gender role identification. As long as masculinity is embedded within nationalism, it will be caught up within a defensive reactive mode which can turn self-destructive. In order to explore these ideas the article employs as its central metaphor the character of Dawid Olivier, who is the protagonist of Athol Fugard’s Sorrows and Rejoicings (2002).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
A “place in which to cry”: the place for race and a home for shame in Zoë Wicomb's Playing in the Light
- Authors: Dass, Minesh
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/142588 , vital:38093 , DOI: 10.1080/1013929X.2011.602910
- Description: In Zoë Wicomb's Playing in the Light, the main character's troubled sense of identity (brought about by her parents' shameful decision to ‘play white’) is viscerally symbolised by her discomfort in her own and others' homes. In her Cape Town apartment she has nightmares about other houses. Her visits to her family home, where her elderly father lives alone, are similarly burdened by presences and memories she finds unwelcoming. And, her extended vacation to the UK, once she has discovered her family's secret, is a choice of “a place in which to cry” (Wicomb 2006: 191).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Dass, Minesh
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/142588 , vital:38093 , DOI: 10.1080/1013929X.2011.602910
- Description: In Zoë Wicomb's Playing in the Light, the main character's troubled sense of identity (brought about by her parents' shameful decision to ‘play white’) is viscerally symbolised by her discomfort in her own and others' homes. In her Cape Town apartment she has nightmares about other houses. Her visits to her family home, where her elderly father lives alone, are similarly burdened by presences and memories she finds unwelcoming. And, her extended vacation to the UK, once she has discovered her family's secret, is a choice of “a place in which to cry” (Wicomb 2006: 191).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Aardvark burrows: a potential resource for animals in arid and semi-arid environments
- Whittington-Jones, Gareth M, Bernard, Ric T F, Parker, Daniel M
- Authors: Whittington-Jones, Gareth M , Bernard, Ric T F , Parker, Daniel M
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/443852 , vital:74166 , https://doi.org/10.1080/15627020.2011.11407509
- Description: Arid and semi-arid environments are characterized by extreme fluctuations in temperature and low rainfall, which present significant challenges to the animals inhabiting these areas. However, the presence of burrows may allow animals to avoid climatic extremes and predators and may act as valuable foraging sites. We assessed the microhabitat conditions (maximum and minimum temperature, relative humidity and seed abundance) of aardvark (Orycteropus afer) burrows in relation to paired non-burrow areas at three sites in South Africa. We also describe the extent to which they are used as resources by other vertebrates. Maximum temperatures were significantly lower and minimum temperatures and relative humidity values were significantly higher inside the burrows than outside. The concentration of seeds inside the burrows and at the paired non-burrow sites was similar. Twenty-seven vertebrate species (21 mammals, two birds, three reptiles and one amphibian) were recorded making use of the burrows and it is likely that these species accrue benefits (e.g. a buffered microclimate) from burrow use. However, our sampling was biased towards mammals and nocturnal species. Consequently, we recommend further work to establish the overall reliance of vertebrate taxa on aardvark burrows in arid and semi-arid environments.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Whittington-Jones, Gareth M , Bernard, Ric T F , Parker, Daniel M
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/443852 , vital:74166 , https://doi.org/10.1080/15627020.2011.11407509
- Description: Arid and semi-arid environments are characterized by extreme fluctuations in temperature and low rainfall, which present significant challenges to the animals inhabiting these areas. However, the presence of burrows may allow animals to avoid climatic extremes and predators and may act as valuable foraging sites. We assessed the microhabitat conditions (maximum and minimum temperature, relative humidity and seed abundance) of aardvark (Orycteropus afer) burrows in relation to paired non-burrow areas at three sites in South Africa. We also describe the extent to which they are used as resources by other vertebrates. Maximum temperatures were significantly lower and minimum temperatures and relative humidity values were significantly higher inside the burrows than outside. The concentration of seeds inside the burrows and at the paired non-burrow sites was similar. Twenty-seven vertebrate species (21 mammals, two birds, three reptiles and one amphibian) were recorded making use of the burrows and it is likely that these species accrue benefits (e.g. a buffered microclimate) from burrow use. However, our sampling was biased towards mammals and nocturnal species. Consequently, we recommend further work to establish the overall reliance of vertebrate taxa on aardvark burrows in arid and semi-arid environments.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Abortion as disruption: discourses surrounding abortion in the talk of men
- Authors: Hansjee, Jateen
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Abortion -- Psychological aspects Abortion -- Social aspects Men -- South Africa -- Language Men -- South Africa -- Attitudes Health attitudes -- South Africa Discourse analysis -- Psychological aspects Discourse analysis -- Social aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2984 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002493
- Description: This research examines men’s talk around abortion using critical discourse analysis. Current literature indicates a dearth of studies addressing the topic of men and abortion in various domains. An understanding of men’s relationship to abortion, however, is crucial to understanding abortion as a social phenomenon. This study utilises the work of Foucault around discourse and power, as well as Butler’s work on gender to create a theoretical framework to approach data. Data were collected in the form of interview groups made up of men, as well as newspaper articles and on-line forum discussions that featured men as the author. What emerged from theses texts was a ‘Familial Discourse’ which posits the nuclear, heterosexual family as a long term relationship between a mother and father, which forms the ideal site to raise children. Discourses that support the family are a discourse of ‘Equal Partnership’ which establishes the man and the woman as being in a heterosexual relationship where each partner is seen to have equal power, and a discourse of ‘Foetal Personhood’ which constructs the foetus as a child in need of a family. Related to the heterosexual matrix, the formation of a family unit comes to be constructed as ‘natural’. Abortion acts as a disruptor to these discourses. By disrupting the formation of the family unit, abortion negatively affects the individuals involved. A relationship where a formation of a family unit was disrupted cannot survive. If the female partner has an abortion without her partner, it is seen as disrupting the equal partnership between the man and the woman. Men in this case see themselves as ‘powerless’ compared to women. From this point a ‘New Man’ discourse emerges, where men position themselves as loving and responsible in the context of a nuclear, heterosexual family unit. Abortion disrupts ‘Foetal Personhood’ and is constructed as murder. In the case of rape the ‘Familial Discourse’ can be invoked either to justify abortion or resist abortion, based on whether or not a family unit can be formed. These discourses reproduce patriarchy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Hansjee, Jateen
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Abortion -- Psychological aspects Abortion -- Social aspects Men -- South Africa -- Language Men -- South Africa -- Attitudes Health attitudes -- South Africa Discourse analysis -- Psychological aspects Discourse analysis -- Social aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2984 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002493
- Description: This research examines men’s talk around abortion using critical discourse analysis. Current literature indicates a dearth of studies addressing the topic of men and abortion in various domains. An understanding of men’s relationship to abortion, however, is crucial to understanding abortion as a social phenomenon. This study utilises the work of Foucault around discourse and power, as well as Butler’s work on gender to create a theoretical framework to approach data. Data were collected in the form of interview groups made up of men, as well as newspaper articles and on-line forum discussions that featured men as the author. What emerged from theses texts was a ‘Familial Discourse’ which posits the nuclear, heterosexual family as a long term relationship between a mother and father, which forms the ideal site to raise children. Discourses that support the family are a discourse of ‘Equal Partnership’ which establishes the man and the woman as being in a heterosexual relationship where each partner is seen to have equal power, and a discourse of ‘Foetal Personhood’ which constructs the foetus as a child in need of a family. Related to the heterosexual matrix, the formation of a family unit comes to be constructed as ‘natural’. Abortion acts as a disruptor to these discourses. By disrupting the formation of the family unit, abortion negatively affects the individuals involved. A relationship where a formation of a family unit was disrupted cannot survive. If the female partner has an abortion without her partner, it is seen as disrupting the equal partnership between the man and the woman. Men in this case see themselves as ‘powerless’ compared to women. From this point a ‘New Man’ discourse emerges, where men position themselves as loving and responsible in the context of a nuclear, heterosexual family unit. Abortion disrupts ‘Foetal Personhood’ and is constructed as murder. In the case of rape the ‘Familial Discourse’ can be invoked either to justify abortion or resist abortion, based on whether or not a family unit can be formed. These discourses reproduce patriarchy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Above ground woody community attributes, biomass and carbon stocks along a rainfall gradient in the savannas of the central lowveld, South Africa
- Shackleton, Charlie M, Scholes, Robert J
- Authors: Shackleton, Charlie M , Scholes, Robert J
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6658 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007079
- Description: Enumeration of carbon stocks at benchmark sites is a necessary activity in assessing the potential carbon sequestration and possible generation of credits through restoration of intensively impacted sites. However, there is a lack of empirical studies throughout much of the savannas of sub-Saharan Africa, including South Africa. We report an estimation of species specific and site biomass and carbon stocks, and general vegetation structural attributes from three protected areas along a rainfall gradient in the central lowveld, South Africa. Estimates of biomass and carbon stocks were effected through destructive sampling to establish locally derived allometric equations. There was a gradient of increasing woody density, height of the canopy, number of species, density of regenerative stems and a greater proportion of stems in small size classes from the arid locality to the mesic locality, with the semi-arid locality being intermediate. The proportion of spinescent species decreased with increasing rainfall. The mesic locality was significantly more woody than either the arid or semi-arid sites, having double the biomass, four times the density and 40% higher basal area. Above ground carbon pools were also higher; carbon stocks were approximately 9 t/ha for the arid and semi-arid sites and 18 t/ha for the mesic site.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Shackleton, Charlie M , Scholes, Robert J
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6658 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007079
- Description: Enumeration of carbon stocks at benchmark sites is a necessary activity in assessing the potential carbon sequestration and possible generation of credits through restoration of intensively impacted sites. However, there is a lack of empirical studies throughout much of the savannas of sub-Saharan Africa, including South Africa. We report an estimation of species specific and site biomass and carbon stocks, and general vegetation structural attributes from three protected areas along a rainfall gradient in the central lowveld, South Africa. Estimates of biomass and carbon stocks were effected through destructive sampling to establish locally derived allometric equations. There was a gradient of increasing woody density, height of the canopy, number of species, density of regenerative stems and a greater proportion of stems in small size classes from the arid locality to the mesic locality, with the semi-arid locality being intermediate. The proportion of spinescent species decreased with increasing rainfall. The mesic locality was significantly more woody than either the arid or semi-arid sites, having double the biomass, four times the density and 40% higher basal area. Above ground carbon pools were also higher; carbon stocks were approximately 9 t/ha for the arid and semi-arid sites and 18 t/ha for the mesic site.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Action competence and waste management: a case study of learner agency in two Grahamstown eco-schools
- Chiphwanya, Nellie Chimwemwe
- Authors: Chiphwanya, Nellie Chimwemwe
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Environmental education -- South Africa -- Grahamstown -- Case studies Environmental education -- Study and teaching (Primary) -- South Africa -- Grahamstown -- Case studies Student-centered learning -- South Africa -- Grahamstown -- Case studies Refuse and refuse disposal -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Grahamstown -- Case studies Recycling (Waste, etc) -- South Africa -- Grahamstown -- Case studies Active learning -- South Africa -- Grahamstown -- Case studies Competency based education -- South Africa -- Grahamstown -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1956 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008308
- Description: There has been a growing need in environmental education to develop students' ability and will to take part in democratic processes that enable them take environmental action in their local environment. This study examined learner action competence in waste management practices in two primary school contexts in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. An interpretive case study design is used to probe how learner participation in Eco-School waste management practices enabled the acquisition of knowledge in purposeful learning and action experiences that developed the vision and agency of informed action. The research was centred on two guiding questions: 1. How informed, purposeful and action-orientated is learner participation in Eco-School waste management activities? 2. What Eco-School waste management activities are fostering active participation towards a learner-led agency? Educators in the two schools were interviewed and Eco-School portfolios were examined for evidence of the learning activities and learner achievement. This provided the contextual data for reviewing focus group interviews to probe what was significant to learners, what they came to know and how they had contributed to the process of developing better waste management in the Eco-School context. The evidence generated in the study was used to identify the roles of the various players, the significant activities and processes that enabled and constrained the emergence of learner-led agency. The main findings in the study were that teacher intentionality and school management ethos were significant in engaging learners in meaningful waste management activities in both cases. The study also revealed that although most of the waste management activities in both cases were teacher-initiated, there were spaces open for learner initiatives. However, it appeared that the activity based waste management practices mostly allowed learners to learn how to do waste management more than allowing them to find out more about the scope and nature of ii the problem of waste. This then resulted in learners talking more about what they were doing with waste than talking about what they knew about waste. There were differences in the way in which learners approached waste in the two cases. In the one case, Kingswood Junior School learners used waste artistically and carried out activities that allowed for better use of waste resources like paper while in the other School, Grahamstown SDA School, learners approached waste as a resource for making money. However, in both cases, learners appeared to enjoy the positive experiences of doing things that contributed to a cleaner environment and were of benefit to others and this gave them a sense of pride to share their experiences with others. This study was significant as it allowed me to probe learner participation and examine the development of their action competence through listening to the voices of the learners themselves and understanding what was important to them about the knowledge they gained and their vision of better waste management.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Chiphwanya, Nellie Chimwemwe
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Environmental education -- South Africa -- Grahamstown -- Case studies Environmental education -- Study and teaching (Primary) -- South Africa -- Grahamstown -- Case studies Student-centered learning -- South Africa -- Grahamstown -- Case studies Refuse and refuse disposal -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Grahamstown -- Case studies Recycling (Waste, etc) -- South Africa -- Grahamstown -- Case studies Active learning -- South Africa -- Grahamstown -- Case studies Competency based education -- South Africa -- Grahamstown -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1956 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008308
- Description: There has been a growing need in environmental education to develop students' ability and will to take part in democratic processes that enable them take environmental action in their local environment. This study examined learner action competence in waste management practices in two primary school contexts in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. An interpretive case study design is used to probe how learner participation in Eco-School waste management practices enabled the acquisition of knowledge in purposeful learning and action experiences that developed the vision and agency of informed action. The research was centred on two guiding questions: 1. How informed, purposeful and action-orientated is learner participation in Eco-School waste management activities? 2. What Eco-School waste management activities are fostering active participation towards a learner-led agency? Educators in the two schools were interviewed and Eco-School portfolios were examined for evidence of the learning activities and learner achievement. This provided the contextual data for reviewing focus group interviews to probe what was significant to learners, what they came to know and how they had contributed to the process of developing better waste management in the Eco-School context. The evidence generated in the study was used to identify the roles of the various players, the significant activities and processes that enabled and constrained the emergence of learner-led agency. The main findings in the study were that teacher intentionality and school management ethos were significant in engaging learners in meaningful waste management activities in both cases. The study also revealed that although most of the waste management activities in both cases were teacher-initiated, there were spaces open for learner initiatives. However, it appeared that the activity based waste management practices mostly allowed learners to learn how to do waste management more than allowing them to find out more about the scope and nature of ii the problem of waste. This then resulted in learners talking more about what they were doing with waste than talking about what they knew about waste. There were differences in the way in which learners approached waste in the two cases. In the one case, Kingswood Junior School learners used waste artistically and carried out activities that allowed for better use of waste resources like paper while in the other School, Grahamstown SDA School, learners approached waste as a resource for making money. However, in both cases, learners appeared to enjoy the positive experiences of doing things that contributed to a cleaner environment and were of benefit to others and this gave them a sense of pride to share their experiences with others. This study was significant as it allowed me to probe learner participation and examine the development of their action competence through listening to the voices of the learners themselves and understanding what was important to them about the knowledge they gained and their vision of better waste management.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Adaptation choices, community perceptions, livelihood linkages and income dynamics for district producer communities surrounding Nyatana Game Park in Zimbabwe
- Authors: Taruvinga, Amon
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Game reserves -- Zimbabwe , Wildlife conservation -- Zimbabwe , Wildlife management -- Zimbabwe , Sustainable development -- Zimbabwe , Game farms -- Zimbabwe , Rural poor -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11154 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/476 , Game reserves -- Zimbabwe , Wildlife conservation -- Zimbabwe , Wildlife management -- Zimbabwe , Sustainable development -- Zimbabwe , Game farms -- Zimbabwe , Rural poor -- Zimbabwe
- Description: This thesis explores human-wildlife interactions under community managed game parks. The thesis consists of an introductory chapter, study location chapter and four self-contained studies based on different samples from created clusters surrounding Nyatana Game Park, which make up the rest of the thesis chapters. Chapter one presents an introductory overview of wildlife management in Zimbabwe, specifically looking at human-wildlife interactions under CAMPFIRE projects, welfare dynamics and conservation implications for the surrounding communities who share boundaries with community-managed game parks. The chapter concludes by highlighting the challenges facing community-based wildlife conservation in Zimbabwe as well as the key concepts that will be the subject of the rest of the thesis. Chapter two presents the study location; it highlights the road map to the study area, starting with the provincial location, and indicates the specific districts from which respondents were selected. A brief agro-ecological summary of the study area is also presented; it looks specifically at climate, vegetation and a demographic data of the study area. Chapter three: Can game parks be trusted as livelihood sources? To answer this topical question, Chapter three explores livelihood adaptation strategies for households who share boundaries with Nyatana Game Park. Most of the community managed game parks, under CAMPFIRE principles in Zimbabwe, were established with the primary objective of generating revenue for the surrounding communities; this was done in the hope of using positive returns from game farming to promote the conservation of wildlife. Has this materialised in practice? Descriptive results from this study seem to suggest otherwise, where mixed farming and gold panning were the major livelihood adaptation choices reported by most households. The revenue from game farming was reported to be too low and inconsistent, to such an extent that the majority of the community regarded it as risky and unreliable. A multinomial logistic regression model for correlates of adaptation choices indicated that access to credit, markets, and extension may be some of the current institutional constraints inhibiting households from accessing off-farm sources for their livelihoods. In addition, household size, gender and age may enhance the adaptive capacity of households to move out of risky crop faming into other off-farm portfolio diversifications. The study, therefore, suggests that game parks, according to the evidence uncovered by the study, may not be trusted as a reliable and sustainable livelihood source. If local communities who share boundaries with game parks do not view them as reliable and sustainable livelihood sources, as concluded in Chapter three, how can they (local communities) be trusted to conserve them? To assess their perceptions of game parks, Chapter four presents a multinomial logistic regression model for perceptions of society on game parks using the African elephant as a typical example. The results suggest that Problem Animal Control (PAC) perceptions, livestock predation and issues of low and poor revenue distribution may be some of the critical perceptions capable of influencing surrounding communities to negatively participate in the conservation of wildlife. The results further suggest that using wildlife proceeds to finance observable local common pool infrastructure may positively influence the surrounding communities to conserve wildlife. The chief conclusion regarding game parks, therefore, was that the surrounding communities were in favour of the obliteration pathway, although minimal conservation perceptions were also available. Given the negative conclusions regarding game parks, as suggested in Chapters three and four, citizens would then wonder if any meaningful hope for community managed game parks exists. Chapter five probes the buffer zone livelihood link under community managed game parks, using evidence from the Nyatana Game Park. The binary logistic regression model results, for buffer zone participation and resource extraction combinations by surrounding communities, suggest that resource extraction may be market driven rather than focussing on domestic consumption. The study therefore concludes that the buffer zone livelihood link as currently practiced, though potential, may fail to address the livelihood expectations of the sub-district producer communities. The study therefore calls for extreme caution whenever the buffer zone livelihood link is considered, because several institutional and design conflicts exist within this dynamic. In Chapter six, the study further probed the buffer zone income dynamics for the sub-district producer community. The results of descriptive statistics suggest that the contribution of buffer zone activities to household income may be significant with a positive correlation to household agricultural income for communities who reside inside or close to the park (primary sub-district producer community). Using the Gini decomposition approach and Lorenz curves, the study concluded that a buffer zone income may be capable of contributing to more equally distributed incomes for rural communities who share boundaries with game parks. With respect to the correlates of household income, the results suggest that household size and age may negatively influence income from buffer zone activities, while gender may have a positive effect. This was also true for education and Livestock Units (LUs) with respect to income from self employment; the former positively and the latter negatively related. The results further suggest that land size may also be positively significant in order to explain income from agriculture as well as total income. With regard to the distance from the buffer zone, the results suggest a negative influence with respect to the buffer zone, agriculture and total income. The implied message therefore suggests that buffer zones may provide active livelihood sources which are capable of financing rural household agriculture. The income equalizing effect which is portrayed may also further imply that, if correctly targeted and promoted, a buffer zone income could possibly address the current income inequality which is generic in rural areas. However, this potential may not be realized due to the current buffer zone design status (created for local secondary use as opposed to commercial primary use), restrictive policies and poor institutional support. With this dilemma facing community managed game parks (threats as summarised in Chapters three and four amid the potential hope summarized in Chapters five and six), Chapter 7 concludes the study by suggesting that the human-wildlife interaction model, though currently theoretical, may have significant practical potential in addressing the livelihoods of the surrounding communities as well as promoting the conservation of wildlife. This could be possible if available challenges that range from low revenue, insecure property rights, high human-elephant conflict and institutional design conflict for buffer zone utilization are corrected by means of the free market system. This would allow market forces to deliver on the expectations of the ―human-wildlife interactions model‖ – sustainable livelihoods for the former and intergenerational conservation for the latter.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Taruvinga, Amon
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Game reserves -- Zimbabwe , Wildlife conservation -- Zimbabwe , Wildlife management -- Zimbabwe , Sustainable development -- Zimbabwe , Game farms -- Zimbabwe , Rural poor -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11154 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/476 , Game reserves -- Zimbabwe , Wildlife conservation -- Zimbabwe , Wildlife management -- Zimbabwe , Sustainable development -- Zimbabwe , Game farms -- Zimbabwe , Rural poor -- Zimbabwe
- Description: This thesis explores human-wildlife interactions under community managed game parks. The thesis consists of an introductory chapter, study location chapter and four self-contained studies based on different samples from created clusters surrounding Nyatana Game Park, which make up the rest of the thesis chapters. Chapter one presents an introductory overview of wildlife management in Zimbabwe, specifically looking at human-wildlife interactions under CAMPFIRE projects, welfare dynamics and conservation implications for the surrounding communities who share boundaries with community-managed game parks. The chapter concludes by highlighting the challenges facing community-based wildlife conservation in Zimbabwe as well as the key concepts that will be the subject of the rest of the thesis. Chapter two presents the study location; it highlights the road map to the study area, starting with the provincial location, and indicates the specific districts from which respondents were selected. A brief agro-ecological summary of the study area is also presented; it looks specifically at climate, vegetation and a demographic data of the study area. Chapter three: Can game parks be trusted as livelihood sources? To answer this topical question, Chapter three explores livelihood adaptation strategies for households who share boundaries with Nyatana Game Park. Most of the community managed game parks, under CAMPFIRE principles in Zimbabwe, were established with the primary objective of generating revenue for the surrounding communities; this was done in the hope of using positive returns from game farming to promote the conservation of wildlife. Has this materialised in practice? Descriptive results from this study seem to suggest otherwise, where mixed farming and gold panning were the major livelihood adaptation choices reported by most households. The revenue from game farming was reported to be too low and inconsistent, to such an extent that the majority of the community regarded it as risky and unreliable. A multinomial logistic regression model for correlates of adaptation choices indicated that access to credit, markets, and extension may be some of the current institutional constraints inhibiting households from accessing off-farm sources for their livelihoods. In addition, household size, gender and age may enhance the adaptive capacity of households to move out of risky crop faming into other off-farm portfolio diversifications. The study, therefore, suggests that game parks, according to the evidence uncovered by the study, may not be trusted as a reliable and sustainable livelihood source. If local communities who share boundaries with game parks do not view them as reliable and sustainable livelihood sources, as concluded in Chapter three, how can they (local communities) be trusted to conserve them? To assess their perceptions of game parks, Chapter four presents a multinomial logistic regression model for perceptions of society on game parks using the African elephant as a typical example. The results suggest that Problem Animal Control (PAC) perceptions, livestock predation and issues of low and poor revenue distribution may be some of the critical perceptions capable of influencing surrounding communities to negatively participate in the conservation of wildlife. The results further suggest that using wildlife proceeds to finance observable local common pool infrastructure may positively influence the surrounding communities to conserve wildlife. The chief conclusion regarding game parks, therefore, was that the surrounding communities were in favour of the obliteration pathway, although minimal conservation perceptions were also available. Given the negative conclusions regarding game parks, as suggested in Chapters three and four, citizens would then wonder if any meaningful hope for community managed game parks exists. Chapter five probes the buffer zone livelihood link under community managed game parks, using evidence from the Nyatana Game Park. The binary logistic regression model results, for buffer zone participation and resource extraction combinations by surrounding communities, suggest that resource extraction may be market driven rather than focussing on domestic consumption. The study therefore concludes that the buffer zone livelihood link as currently practiced, though potential, may fail to address the livelihood expectations of the sub-district producer communities. The study therefore calls for extreme caution whenever the buffer zone livelihood link is considered, because several institutional and design conflicts exist within this dynamic. In Chapter six, the study further probed the buffer zone income dynamics for the sub-district producer community. The results of descriptive statistics suggest that the contribution of buffer zone activities to household income may be significant with a positive correlation to household agricultural income for communities who reside inside or close to the park (primary sub-district producer community). Using the Gini decomposition approach and Lorenz curves, the study concluded that a buffer zone income may be capable of contributing to more equally distributed incomes for rural communities who share boundaries with game parks. With respect to the correlates of household income, the results suggest that household size and age may negatively influence income from buffer zone activities, while gender may have a positive effect. This was also true for education and Livestock Units (LUs) with respect to income from self employment; the former positively and the latter negatively related. The results further suggest that land size may also be positively significant in order to explain income from agriculture as well as total income. With regard to the distance from the buffer zone, the results suggest a negative influence with respect to the buffer zone, agriculture and total income. The implied message therefore suggests that buffer zones may provide active livelihood sources which are capable of financing rural household agriculture. The income equalizing effect which is portrayed may also further imply that, if correctly targeted and promoted, a buffer zone income could possibly address the current income inequality which is generic in rural areas. However, this potential may not be realized due to the current buffer zone design status (created for local secondary use as opposed to commercial primary use), restrictive policies and poor institutional support. With this dilemma facing community managed game parks (threats as summarised in Chapters three and four amid the potential hope summarized in Chapters five and six), Chapter 7 concludes the study by suggesting that the human-wildlife interaction model, though currently theoretical, may have significant practical potential in addressing the livelihoods of the surrounding communities as well as promoting the conservation of wildlife. This could be possible if available challenges that range from low revenue, insecure property rights, high human-elephant conflict and institutional design conflict for buffer zone utilization are corrected by means of the free market system. This would allow market forces to deliver on the expectations of the ―human-wildlife interactions model‖ – sustainable livelihoods for the former and intergenerational conservation for the latter.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Adequacy of the advanced certificate in education to develop the work-intergrated learning competencies of principals: a case study
- Authors: Dali, Christopher Malizo
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: School principals -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Emotional intelligence -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Educational leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DEd
- Identifier: vital:9472 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1342 , School principals -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Emotional intelligence -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Educational leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The aim of this study was to explore the adequacy of the Advanced Certificate in Education (School Leadership) programme to develop the school principals’ workintegrated learning competencies (WILCs) at the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). One of the objectives of this study was therefore to determine the extent to which the Advanced Certificate in Education (ACE) – School Leadership (SL) programme could utilise emotional intelligence (EI) to develop the principals’ intrapersonal and interpersonal competencies for collegial leadership. Another objective was to explore the school principals’ perceptions of their emotional competencies that could link their theoretical studies at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) with their practical learning experiences in their schools. Presently, one of the major programmes that could use EI in the development of school principals’ WILCs is the ACE (SL) programme offered by HEIs. The challenge for HEIs, such as the NMMU, is to offer an ACE (SL) programme that is capable of empowering principals from divergent school backgrounds. This would enable them to better understand and interpret the contextual evironments in their schools and their emotional relationships with their teachers as colleagues. The purposively selected research participants for this study comprised of school principals from one hundred and thirty rural, urban, township and farm schools. These schools are located in areas such as Lusikisiki, Bizana, Kokstad, Maluti, Mount Frere, Mount Fletcher, Cradock, Graaff-Reinet, Uitenhage and Port Elizabeth. For the purposes of triangulation, forty-two semi-structured questionnaire responses, five focus group interviews, ten in-depth interviews, and the school principals’ portfolio reflections, were used in the collection and analysis of the data. The findings of this interpretive, explorative, descriptive, and phenomenological study revealed that generally, the school principals had satisfactory levels of EI, firstly especially in terms of their intrapersonal competencies such as adaptability, v achievement drive, commitment, initiative and optimism. The school principals valued the opportunity afforded to them by the ACE (SL) programme to discuss their individual emotions and experiences with principals from similar and different school contexts. The ACE (SL) programme helped them to interrogate and express their own perceptions and experiences and the WILCs required in their leadership positions in schools. Secondly, the findings on the effectiveness of the interpersonal WILCs revealed that most of the school principals were adept at inducing desirable feelings and actions in their teachers. The feedback from the semi-structured questionnaire, the in-depth interviews, the focus group interviews, and the principals’ reflection portfolios indicated that EI could strongly influence the development of the WILCs of school principals. Politically astute principals know how to collaborate with teachers to achieve school goals. They create a culture of trust and achievement as they collaborate as colleagues in their schools. In conceptualising the development of the WILCs of school principals, one of the major recommendations emanating from this study is the utilisation of the WILCs model to develop the school principals’ collegial leadership abilities. The WILCs model was developed as a recommendation to provide a common language for discussing emotional capabilities and guidance for a host of WILCs such as self-awareness, selfregulation, empathy, conflict management, building bonds, enabling and inspiring others to develop in a collaborative and collegial manner. Underpinning the WILCs model are five major assumptions. The first assumption is that although the intrapersonal and interpersonal competencies are essential, generic and could be applied to any organisational context, the focus in this study is on school principals and their school environments. The second assumption of this model is that the WILCs are the result of rigorous research and represent a way of describing the effective leadership abilities of principals within their school contexts. The third assumption is that the WILCs are interrelated, complex, and serve to highlight key elements of effective leadership in the school environment without privileging one over another. Fourthly, the conceptual basis for the construction of the WILCs model is the vi empowerment of principals and their interpersonal relationships with the wider school community. Fifthly, and a highly relevant assumption for school principals, this WILCs model brings together the social constructivist essence of the two epistemic sites of learning discussed in this study – the schools and the HEIs – and the interconnectedness between EI and IQ in the development of principals’ WILCs for collegial leadership. Evidently, principals cannot solely depend on their experiences only to hone their leadership competencies. Formal programmes, such as the ACE (SL) programme, are essential to develop the WILCs of school principals. Nothing less should be contemplated to develop their collegial leadership competencies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Dali, Christopher Malizo
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: School principals -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Emotional intelligence -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Educational leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DEd
- Identifier: vital:9472 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1342 , School principals -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Emotional intelligence -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Educational leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The aim of this study was to explore the adequacy of the Advanced Certificate in Education (School Leadership) programme to develop the school principals’ workintegrated learning competencies (WILCs) at the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). One of the objectives of this study was therefore to determine the extent to which the Advanced Certificate in Education (ACE) – School Leadership (SL) programme could utilise emotional intelligence (EI) to develop the principals’ intrapersonal and interpersonal competencies for collegial leadership. Another objective was to explore the school principals’ perceptions of their emotional competencies that could link their theoretical studies at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) with their practical learning experiences in their schools. Presently, one of the major programmes that could use EI in the development of school principals’ WILCs is the ACE (SL) programme offered by HEIs. The challenge for HEIs, such as the NMMU, is to offer an ACE (SL) programme that is capable of empowering principals from divergent school backgrounds. This would enable them to better understand and interpret the contextual evironments in their schools and their emotional relationships with their teachers as colleagues. The purposively selected research participants for this study comprised of school principals from one hundred and thirty rural, urban, township and farm schools. These schools are located in areas such as Lusikisiki, Bizana, Kokstad, Maluti, Mount Frere, Mount Fletcher, Cradock, Graaff-Reinet, Uitenhage and Port Elizabeth. For the purposes of triangulation, forty-two semi-structured questionnaire responses, five focus group interviews, ten in-depth interviews, and the school principals’ portfolio reflections, were used in the collection and analysis of the data. The findings of this interpretive, explorative, descriptive, and phenomenological study revealed that generally, the school principals had satisfactory levels of EI, firstly especially in terms of their intrapersonal competencies such as adaptability, v achievement drive, commitment, initiative and optimism. The school principals valued the opportunity afforded to them by the ACE (SL) programme to discuss their individual emotions and experiences with principals from similar and different school contexts. The ACE (SL) programme helped them to interrogate and express their own perceptions and experiences and the WILCs required in their leadership positions in schools. Secondly, the findings on the effectiveness of the interpersonal WILCs revealed that most of the school principals were adept at inducing desirable feelings and actions in their teachers. The feedback from the semi-structured questionnaire, the in-depth interviews, the focus group interviews, and the principals’ reflection portfolios indicated that EI could strongly influence the development of the WILCs of school principals. Politically astute principals know how to collaborate with teachers to achieve school goals. They create a culture of trust and achievement as they collaborate as colleagues in their schools. In conceptualising the development of the WILCs of school principals, one of the major recommendations emanating from this study is the utilisation of the WILCs model to develop the school principals’ collegial leadership abilities. The WILCs model was developed as a recommendation to provide a common language for discussing emotional capabilities and guidance for a host of WILCs such as self-awareness, selfregulation, empathy, conflict management, building bonds, enabling and inspiring others to develop in a collaborative and collegial manner. Underpinning the WILCs model are five major assumptions. The first assumption is that although the intrapersonal and interpersonal competencies are essential, generic and could be applied to any organisational context, the focus in this study is on school principals and their school environments. The second assumption of this model is that the WILCs are the result of rigorous research and represent a way of describing the effective leadership abilities of principals within their school contexts. The third assumption is that the WILCs are interrelated, complex, and serve to highlight key elements of effective leadership in the school environment without privileging one over another. Fourthly, the conceptual basis for the construction of the WILCs model is the vi empowerment of principals and their interpersonal relationships with the wider school community. Fifthly, and a highly relevant assumption for school principals, this WILCs model brings together the social constructivist essence of the two epistemic sites of learning discussed in this study – the schools and the HEIs – and the interconnectedness between EI and IQ in the development of principals’ WILCs for collegial leadership. Evidently, principals cannot solely depend on their experiences only to hone their leadership competencies. Formal programmes, such as the ACE (SL) programme, are essential to develop the WILCs of school principals. Nothing less should be contemplated to develop their collegial leadership competencies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Adherence to pre-selected infant feeding practices among mothers on the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV/AIDS programme in the Amathole region, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Yako, Elizabeth Matseliso
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Child care -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Child health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mother and infant -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Parenteral feeding of children -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Motherhood -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , HIV infections -- Children -- Transmission -- Prevention , Maternal health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , AIDS (Disease) in pregnancy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Nursing Science)
- Identifier: vital:11891 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001091 , Child care -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Child health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mother and infant -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Parenteral feeding of children -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Motherhood -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , HIV infections -- Children -- Transmission -- Prevention , Maternal health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , AIDS (Disease) in pregnancy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Infant feeding in the context of HIV/AIDS poses a challenge among mothers. The implementation of UNICEF guidelines on infant feeding, which state that “when replacement feeding is acceptable, feasible, affordable, sustainable and safe, avoidance of all breastfeeding by HIV-infected mothers is recommended” (WHO, 2003:12) are not easy to meet. In more developed countries, where these criteria are met, almost all HIV-infected mothers have ceased to breast feed. Consequently, infants of mothers in these countries are less likely to be infected with HIV postnatally. In South Africa, more specifically in the Eastern Cape, infant feeding is a challenge as a number of UNICEF criteria cannot be met. The Eastern Cape is one of the poorest Provinces in South Africa, with a number of rural communities. Earlier studies have shown that, if mothers select either exclusive breast feeding or exclusive formula feeding, this reduces mother-to-child transmission of HIV. A limited number of studies on adherence to the method of infant feeding selected before delivery were found in the literature, hence the need for the current study. The purpose of the study was to explore adherence to exclusive breast feeding and exclusive formula feeding among mothers with HIV infection and to determine the problems that mothers may be facing in implementing their pre-selected methods.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Yako, Elizabeth Matseliso
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Child care -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Child health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mother and infant -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Parenteral feeding of children -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Motherhood -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , HIV infections -- Children -- Transmission -- Prevention , Maternal health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , AIDS (Disease) in pregnancy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Nursing Science)
- Identifier: vital:11891 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001091 , Child care -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Child health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mother and infant -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Parenteral feeding of children -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Motherhood -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , HIV infections -- Children -- Transmission -- Prevention , Maternal health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , AIDS (Disease) in pregnancy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Infant feeding in the context of HIV/AIDS poses a challenge among mothers. The implementation of UNICEF guidelines on infant feeding, which state that “when replacement feeding is acceptable, feasible, affordable, sustainable and safe, avoidance of all breastfeeding by HIV-infected mothers is recommended” (WHO, 2003:12) are not easy to meet. In more developed countries, where these criteria are met, almost all HIV-infected mothers have ceased to breast feed. Consequently, infants of mothers in these countries are less likely to be infected with HIV postnatally. In South Africa, more specifically in the Eastern Cape, infant feeding is a challenge as a number of UNICEF criteria cannot be met. The Eastern Cape is one of the poorest Provinces in South Africa, with a number of rural communities. Earlier studies have shown that, if mothers select either exclusive breast feeding or exclusive formula feeding, this reduces mother-to-child transmission of HIV. A limited number of studies on adherence to the method of infant feeding selected before delivery were found in the literature, hence the need for the current study. The purpose of the study was to explore adherence to exclusive breast feeding and exclusive formula feeding among mothers with HIV infection and to determine the problems that mothers may be facing in implementing their pre-selected methods.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Adjustment of commercial banks' interest rates and the effectiveness of monetary policy: evidence from Anglophone West Africa
- Authors: Bangura, Lamin
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Monetary policy -- Africa, West , Banks and banking -- Africa, West , Interest rates -- Africa, West
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:951 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002685 , Monetary policy -- Africa, West , Banks and banking -- Africa, West , Interest rates -- Africa, West
- Description: Most central banks use short-term interest rates as their main instrument of monetary policy. It is assumed that a change in policy rate will influence interest rates set by commercial banks, but this is not usually the case. Commercial banks adjust their interest rates in response to changes in policy rate with lags, which make their interest rates sticky. Stickiness in commercial banks interest rates have been seen as an obstacle to the smooth transmission of monetary policy decisions. Despite the importance of the transmission process, little attention has been given to a systematic measurement of the degree of response of commercial banks‟ interest rates to changes in monetary policy stance in the Anglophone West African countries, specifically within the West African Monetary Zone (WAMZ) economies. Against this backdrop, this study explores the interest rate adjustment dynamics using monthly interest rate series on discount rate, treasury bill rate, commercial banks‟ deposit and lending rates from 1989 to 2009 (for Gambia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone) and from 2000 to 2009 (for Ghana). Specifically, the study set out to examine how lending and deposit rates respond to changes in the official rates and to see whether there is a convergence among the rates over time. Also, to examine the relative adjustment of commercial bank lending rates to changes in the official rate when there is disequilibrium. The analyses were twofold: a full sample period and a rolling window analysis. Following Cottarelli and Kourelis (1994), the study employed cointegration technique and an asymmetric error correction model to obtain the short-run and long-run parameters from which the error correction coefficients, mean adjustment lags and asymmetric mean adjustment lags were estimated. The results for the entire sample period revealed that the long-run pass-through in Nigeria was 81% and 67% for lending rates and deposit rates respectively. In Ghana, it was 66% and 69% for lending and deposit rates respectively. While in Sierra Leone, long-run pass-through was 62% and 72% for lending and deposit rates respectively. In Gambia, it was 50% and 40% for lending and deposit rates respectively. On the other hand, the short-run pass-through was found to be lower compared to the long-run pass-through: in Nigeria it was 66% and 47%; in Gambia, 26% and 29%; in Sierra Leone, 30% and 13%; and in Ghana, -6% and 35% for lending and deposit rates respectively in each country. The pass-through estimates for the rolling windows were mixed for short-run and long-run pass-through. The mean adjustment lags suggest that the speed of adjustment of Lending rates for full sample period were two, two, seven and twelve months in Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone and Gambia respectively. While for deposit rates they were five, six, seven and eighteen for Ghana, Nigeria, Gambia and Sierra Leone respectively. The average speeds of adjustment for the rolling windows were four and five months for lending and deposit rates respectively. Weak evidence of convergence was found in lending and deposit rates in the short-run and long-run pass-through among the countries. However, the results suggest that the magnitude and speed of the pass-through amongst the countries on average were high compared to emerging Asian countries. Significant asymmetric adjustments were found in the lending rates for Gambia and Sierra Leone, while in Gambia and Nigeria there were asymmetries in deposit rates. Based on the evidence provided, interest rate pass-through is high in Nigeria and Ghana compared to Gambia and Sierra Leone and this calls for the harmonization of financial policies on the part of the financial authorities in the WAMZ. Viewed solely from an interest rate pass-through, the lack of convergence among the countries suggests that WAMZ is far from ready for a monetary union. The relatively low pass-through in some of the countries suggests rigidity in the banking system which may be due to underdevelopment of the system. Thus efforts geared toward strengthening the banking system and the financial system as whole would further enhance the prospect of a monetary union among them.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Bangura, Lamin
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Monetary policy -- Africa, West , Banks and banking -- Africa, West , Interest rates -- Africa, West
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:951 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002685 , Monetary policy -- Africa, West , Banks and banking -- Africa, West , Interest rates -- Africa, West
- Description: Most central banks use short-term interest rates as their main instrument of monetary policy. It is assumed that a change in policy rate will influence interest rates set by commercial banks, but this is not usually the case. Commercial banks adjust their interest rates in response to changes in policy rate with lags, which make their interest rates sticky. Stickiness in commercial banks interest rates have been seen as an obstacle to the smooth transmission of monetary policy decisions. Despite the importance of the transmission process, little attention has been given to a systematic measurement of the degree of response of commercial banks‟ interest rates to changes in monetary policy stance in the Anglophone West African countries, specifically within the West African Monetary Zone (WAMZ) economies. Against this backdrop, this study explores the interest rate adjustment dynamics using monthly interest rate series on discount rate, treasury bill rate, commercial banks‟ deposit and lending rates from 1989 to 2009 (for Gambia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone) and from 2000 to 2009 (for Ghana). Specifically, the study set out to examine how lending and deposit rates respond to changes in the official rates and to see whether there is a convergence among the rates over time. Also, to examine the relative adjustment of commercial bank lending rates to changes in the official rate when there is disequilibrium. The analyses were twofold: a full sample period and a rolling window analysis. Following Cottarelli and Kourelis (1994), the study employed cointegration technique and an asymmetric error correction model to obtain the short-run and long-run parameters from which the error correction coefficients, mean adjustment lags and asymmetric mean adjustment lags were estimated. The results for the entire sample period revealed that the long-run pass-through in Nigeria was 81% and 67% for lending rates and deposit rates respectively. In Ghana, it was 66% and 69% for lending and deposit rates respectively. While in Sierra Leone, long-run pass-through was 62% and 72% for lending and deposit rates respectively. In Gambia, it was 50% and 40% for lending and deposit rates respectively. On the other hand, the short-run pass-through was found to be lower compared to the long-run pass-through: in Nigeria it was 66% and 47%; in Gambia, 26% and 29%; in Sierra Leone, 30% and 13%; and in Ghana, -6% and 35% for lending and deposit rates respectively in each country. The pass-through estimates for the rolling windows were mixed for short-run and long-run pass-through. The mean adjustment lags suggest that the speed of adjustment of Lending rates for full sample period were two, two, seven and twelve months in Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone and Gambia respectively. While for deposit rates they were five, six, seven and eighteen for Ghana, Nigeria, Gambia and Sierra Leone respectively. The average speeds of adjustment for the rolling windows were four and five months for lending and deposit rates respectively. Weak evidence of convergence was found in lending and deposit rates in the short-run and long-run pass-through among the countries. However, the results suggest that the magnitude and speed of the pass-through amongst the countries on average were high compared to emerging Asian countries. Significant asymmetric adjustments were found in the lending rates for Gambia and Sierra Leone, while in Gambia and Nigeria there were asymmetries in deposit rates. Based on the evidence provided, interest rate pass-through is high in Nigeria and Ghana compared to Gambia and Sierra Leone and this calls for the harmonization of financial policies on the part of the financial authorities in the WAMZ. Viewed solely from an interest rate pass-through, the lack of convergence among the countries suggests that WAMZ is far from ready for a monetary union. The relatively low pass-through in some of the countries suggests rigidity in the banking system which may be due to underdevelopment of the system. Thus efforts geared toward strengthening the banking system and the financial system as whole would further enhance the prospect of a monetary union among them.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Adoption and sustained use of M-Commerce to improve efficacy of construction SMMEs
- Authors: Williams, Zenande
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Construction industry , Mobile commerce , Small business , Computer-assisted instruction , Interactive videos
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Information Systems)
- Identifier: vital:11125 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/528 , Construction industry , Mobile commerce , Small business , Computer-assisted instruction , Interactive videos
- Description: E-commerce has been said to bring value to businesses by improving business efficiency and effectiveness and thus providing business with a competitive advantage through the potential benefits that it offers (Cloete, Courtney & Fintz, 2002). However, despite the potential benefits that e-commerce can offer, the adoption of B2C e-commerce in South African construction SMMEs is low and this is due to the challenges associated with e-commerce (Vaithanathan, 2010; Uzoka, Shemi & Seleka, 2007; Love & Irani, 2004; Anumba & Ruikar, 2002). These e-commerce challenges include: high implementation costs, lack or poor infrastructure, inadequate resources, low use of e-commerce by suppliers and consumers, lack of access to e-commerce, computer illiteracy, deficiency in understanding the potential benefits of e-commerce and security concerns (Vaithanathan, 2010; Uzoka, Shemi, & Seleka, 2007; Mensah, Bahta, & Mhlanga, 2005; Cloete, Courtney, & Fintz, 2002). Therefore, due to these e-commerce challenges, construction SMMEs do not exploit the business advantages that e-commerce offers. In order to assist South African construction SMMEs in their efforts to improve their business effectiveness and efficiency through commercial technologies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Williams, Zenande
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Construction industry , Mobile commerce , Small business , Computer-assisted instruction , Interactive videos
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Information Systems)
- Identifier: vital:11125 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/528 , Construction industry , Mobile commerce , Small business , Computer-assisted instruction , Interactive videos
- Description: E-commerce has been said to bring value to businesses by improving business efficiency and effectiveness and thus providing business with a competitive advantage through the potential benefits that it offers (Cloete, Courtney & Fintz, 2002). However, despite the potential benefits that e-commerce can offer, the adoption of B2C e-commerce in South African construction SMMEs is low and this is due to the challenges associated with e-commerce (Vaithanathan, 2010; Uzoka, Shemi & Seleka, 2007; Love & Irani, 2004; Anumba & Ruikar, 2002). These e-commerce challenges include: high implementation costs, lack or poor infrastructure, inadequate resources, low use of e-commerce by suppliers and consumers, lack of access to e-commerce, computer illiteracy, deficiency in understanding the potential benefits of e-commerce and security concerns (Vaithanathan, 2010; Uzoka, Shemi, & Seleka, 2007; Mensah, Bahta, & Mhlanga, 2005; Cloete, Courtney, & Fintz, 2002). Therefore, due to these e-commerce challenges, construction SMMEs do not exploit the business advantages that e-commerce offers. In order to assist South African construction SMMEs in their efforts to improve their business effectiveness and efficiency through commercial technologies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011