The nexilitas factor: host-guest relationships in small owner managed commercial accommodation facilities in contemporary South Africa
- Von Lengeling, Volkher Heinrich Christoph
- Authors: Von Lengeling, Volkher Heinrich Christoph
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Hospitality industry -- South Africa Interpersonal relations Social interaction Liminality Consumer behavior Home-based businesses -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2093 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002656
- Description: The commercialization of hospitality established arguably the oldest profession. Historically small commercial hospitality establishments, known as inns in the western world, were of ill repute. Perhaps connected to their reputation, this category of accommodation facility has been seriously neglected as an area of academic inquiry, particularly from the perspective of the host. While there has been a huge growth in the interdisciplinary field of tourism studies in recent decades, little attention has been paid to the role of the host in the host-guest relationship at whatever level of analysis. This thesis seeks to redress the balance. Hospitality is a basic form of social bonding. This type of bonding, where a hierarchy between strangers is implicit (as with hosts and guests), may be termed ‘nexilitas’; nexilitas is a form of social bonding in liminal circumstances. To that extent it is comparable to ‘communitas’ which describes social bonding between equals in certain liminal circumstances. The difference is that nexilitas is a form of bonding between individuals in a complex power relationship. The host controls the hospitality space, but custom also empowers the guest with certain expectations, especially in the commercial context. The thesis identifies the various forms of hospitality – traditional ‘true’ or ‘pure’ hospitality, social hospitality, cultural hospitality and commercial hospitality – and discusses these critically in their historical and cross-cultural contexts, with emphasis on the perspective of the host. The passage of hospitality is then traced through the three phases of preliminality, liminality and post-liminality and discussed along the themes anticipation, arrival and accommodation and finally departure of the guest. While the historical and ethnographic review is mainly based on written histories and the experiences of other anthropologists as guests as well as ethnographers, the passage of hospitality draws on the multi-sited auto-anthropological experiences of the author, both as host and as ethnographer of contemporary South African hosts in small owner-managed commercial hospitality establishments.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Von Lengeling, Volkher Heinrich Christoph
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Hospitality industry -- South Africa Interpersonal relations Social interaction Liminality Consumer behavior Home-based businesses -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2093 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002656
- Description: The commercialization of hospitality established arguably the oldest profession. Historically small commercial hospitality establishments, known as inns in the western world, were of ill repute. Perhaps connected to their reputation, this category of accommodation facility has been seriously neglected as an area of academic inquiry, particularly from the perspective of the host. While there has been a huge growth in the interdisciplinary field of tourism studies in recent decades, little attention has been paid to the role of the host in the host-guest relationship at whatever level of analysis. This thesis seeks to redress the balance. Hospitality is a basic form of social bonding. This type of bonding, where a hierarchy between strangers is implicit (as with hosts and guests), may be termed ‘nexilitas’; nexilitas is a form of social bonding in liminal circumstances. To that extent it is comparable to ‘communitas’ which describes social bonding between equals in certain liminal circumstances. The difference is that nexilitas is a form of bonding between individuals in a complex power relationship. The host controls the hospitality space, but custom also empowers the guest with certain expectations, especially in the commercial context. The thesis identifies the various forms of hospitality – traditional ‘true’ or ‘pure’ hospitality, social hospitality, cultural hospitality and commercial hospitality – and discusses these critically in their historical and cross-cultural contexts, with emphasis on the perspective of the host. The passage of hospitality is then traced through the three phases of preliminality, liminality and post-liminality and discussed along the themes anticipation, arrival and accommodation and finally departure of the guest. While the historical and ethnographic review is mainly based on written histories and the experiences of other anthropologists as guests as well as ethnographers, the passage of hospitality draws on the multi-sited auto-anthropological experiences of the author, both as host and as ethnographer of contemporary South African hosts in small owner-managed commercial hospitality establishments.
- Full Text:
The next decade of environmental science in South Africa: a horizon scan
- Shackleton, Charlie M, Scholes, Robert J, Vogel, Coleen, Wynberg, Rachel, Abrahamse, Tanya, Shackleton, Sheona E, Ellery, William F N, Gambiza, James
- Authors: Shackleton, Charlie M , Scholes, Robert J , Vogel, Coleen , Wynberg, Rachel , Abrahamse, Tanya , Shackleton, Sheona E , Ellery, William F N , Gambiza, James
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/157124 , vital:40088 , https://doi.org/10.1080/03736245.2011.563064
- Description: Environmental systems are in constant flux, with feedbacks and non-linearities catalysed by natural trends and shocks as well as human actions. This poses challenges for sustainable management to promote human well-being. It requires environmental understanding and application that can accommodate such fluxes and pressures, as well as knowledge production systems and institutions that produce graduates with appropriate skills. In this article we consider these challenges in the South African context. Firstly, we summarise six significant environmental realisations from the last decade of environmental science internationally and question what they mean for the teaching of environmental science and research into environmental systems in South Africa in the near future. We then consider these lessons within the context of a horizon scan of near-term pressing environmental issues in South Africa. These include wateruse efficiency, poverty, food security, inequities in land and resource access, urbanisation, agrochemicals and water quality, promoting human well-being and economic adaptability in the face of climate change, and imbuing stronger environmental elements and stewardship into the integrated development planning processes and outcomes. Lastly, we consider the knowledge areas and skills that environmental graduates will require to be able to confront these problems in South Africa and simultaneously contribute to international debates and understandings around the complexity of environmental systems and how to manage them.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Shackleton, Charlie M , Scholes, Robert J , Vogel, Coleen , Wynberg, Rachel , Abrahamse, Tanya , Shackleton, Sheona E , Ellery, William F N , Gambiza, James
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/157124 , vital:40088 , https://doi.org/10.1080/03736245.2011.563064
- Description: Environmental systems are in constant flux, with feedbacks and non-linearities catalysed by natural trends and shocks as well as human actions. This poses challenges for sustainable management to promote human well-being. It requires environmental understanding and application that can accommodate such fluxes and pressures, as well as knowledge production systems and institutions that produce graduates with appropriate skills. In this article we consider these challenges in the South African context. Firstly, we summarise six significant environmental realisations from the last decade of environmental science internationally and question what they mean for the teaching of environmental science and research into environmental systems in South Africa in the near future. We then consider these lessons within the context of a horizon scan of near-term pressing environmental issues in South Africa. These include wateruse efficiency, poverty, food security, inequities in land and resource access, urbanisation, agrochemicals and water quality, promoting human well-being and economic adaptability in the face of climate change, and imbuing stronger environmental elements and stewardship into the integrated development planning processes and outcomes. Lastly, we consider the knowledge areas and skills that environmental graduates will require to be able to confront these problems in South Africa and simultaneously contribute to international debates and understandings around the complexity of environmental systems and how to manage them.
- Full Text:
The origin and development of the Nyl River floodplain wetland, Limpopo Province, South Africa: trunk–tributary river interactions in a dryland setting
- McCarthy, Terence S, Tooth, Stephen, Jacobs, Zenobia, Rowberry, Matthew D, Thompson, Mark, Brandt, Dion, Hancox, P John, Marren, Philip M, Woodborne, Stephan, Ellery, William F N
- Authors: McCarthy, Terence S , Tooth, Stephen , Jacobs, Zenobia , Rowberry, Matthew D , Thompson, Mark , Brandt, Dion , Hancox, P John , Marren, Philip M , Woodborne, Stephan , Ellery, William F N
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/144321 , vital:38331 , DOI: 10.1080/03736245.2011.619324
- Description: The Nyl River floodplain wetland, one of South Africa's largest floodplain wetlands and a Ramsar site of international conservation importance, is located in an area of long-term and still active valley sediment accumulation. Creation of accommodation space for sedimentation has previously been attributed to tectonic controls, but new investigations reveal that a more likely cause is progradation of coarse-grained tributary fans across the narrow river valley downstream of the main area of floodplain wetland. Obstruction of trunk river flow and sediment transfer by these tributary fans has led to backponding and upstream gradient reduction and to accumulation of valley fills up to ∼35 m thick. Chronological control for the timing and rate of sediment accumulation is limited, but we hypothesise that a semi-arid to arid climate, characterised by asynchronous trunk–tributary activity that results in marked discontinuities in downstream water and sediment transfer, is likely to have been a key control. These interpretations are supported by other studies of dryland rivers globally and the findings add to our growing understanding of the controls on the origin and development of southern African wetlands, particularly by demonstrating how the combination of a particular physiography and a dryland climate can impart some distinctive geomorphological characteristics.
- Full Text:
- Authors: McCarthy, Terence S , Tooth, Stephen , Jacobs, Zenobia , Rowberry, Matthew D , Thompson, Mark , Brandt, Dion , Hancox, P John , Marren, Philip M , Woodborne, Stephan , Ellery, William F N
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/144321 , vital:38331 , DOI: 10.1080/03736245.2011.619324
- Description: The Nyl River floodplain wetland, one of South Africa's largest floodplain wetlands and a Ramsar site of international conservation importance, is located in an area of long-term and still active valley sediment accumulation. Creation of accommodation space for sedimentation has previously been attributed to tectonic controls, but new investigations reveal that a more likely cause is progradation of coarse-grained tributary fans across the narrow river valley downstream of the main area of floodplain wetland. Obstruction of trunk river flow and sediment transfer by these tributary fans has led to backponding and upstream gradient reduction and to accumulation of valley fills up to ∼35 m thick. Chronological control for the timing and rate of sediment accumulation is limited, but we hypothesise that a semi-arid to arid climate, characterised by asynchronous trunk–tributary activity that results in marked discontinuities in downstream water and sediment transfer, is likely to have been a key control. These interpretations are supported by other studies of dryland rivers globally and the findings add to our growing understanding of the controls on the origin and development of southern African wetlands, particularly by demonstrating how the combination of a particular physiography and a dryland climate can impart some distinctive geomorphological characteristics.
- Full Text:
The photophysical properties of low symmetry phthalocyanines in conjunction with quantum dots
- Authors: D'Souza, Sarah
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Phthalocyanines , Photochemistry , Zinc , Quantum dots , Spectrum analysis , Nanoparticles
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4331 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004992 , Phthalocyanines , Photochemistry , Zinc , Quantum dots , Spectrum analysis , Nanoparticles
- Description: he synthesis, extensive spectroscopic characterization and photophysical studies of low symmetry zinc phthalocyanine have been conducted. Comparisons have been made taking into consideration the influence of the solvent properties as well as substituent type and position. Photosensitizing properties of the zinc phthalocyanine derivatives in the presence of thiol capped CdTe quantum dots (QDs) were compared. The QDs were used as energy transfer donors and to facilitate with energy transfer through Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) from the QDs to the MPcs. The linkage of unsymmetrically substituted 4-monoaminophenoxy zinc phthalocyanine (ZnAPPc) to CdTe quantum dots capped with mercaptopropionic acid (MPA), L-cysteine (L-cys) or thioglycolic acid (TGA) has been achieved using the coupling agents ethyl-N3 dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide (EDC) and N-hydroxy succinimide (NHS), which facilitate formation of an amide bond to form the QD-ZnAPPc-linked complex. The formation of the amide bond was confirmed using UV-Vis, Raman and IR spectroscopies, as well as AFM (atomic force microscopy). Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) resulted in stimulated emission of ZnAPPc in both the linked (QDZnAPPc-linked) and mixed (QD:ZnAPPc-mixed) conjugates for MPA only. The linked L-cys and TGA complexes (QD-ZnAPPc-linked) gave the largest FRET efficiencies hence showing the advantages of covalent linking. Fluorescence quantum yields of QDs were decreased in QD:ZnAPPc-mixed and QD:ZnAPPc-linked. High triplet state quantum yields were obtained for the linked QD-phthalocyanine derivatives (ZnAPPc)and monoaminozinc phthalocyanine (ZnAPc) compared to when ZnAPPc and ZnAPc were mixed with MPA QDs without a chemical bond.
- Full Text:
- Authors: D'Souza, Sarah
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Phthalocyanines , Photochemistry , Zinc , Quantum dots , Spectrum analysis , Nanoparticles
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4331 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004992 , Phthalocyanines , Photochemistry , Zinc , Quantum dots , Spectrum analysis , Nanoparticles
- Description: he synthesis, extensive spectroscopic characterization and photophysical studies of low symmetry zinc phthalocyanine have been conducted. Comparisons have been made taking into consideration the influence of the solvent properties as well as substituent type and position. Photosensitizing properties of the zinc phthalocyanine derivatives in the presence of thiol capped CdTe quantum dots (QDs) were compared. The QDs were used as energy transfer donors and to facilitate with energy transfer through Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) from the QDs to the MPcs. The linkage of unsymmetrically substituted 4-monoaminophenoxy zinc phthalocyanine (ZnAPPc) to CdTe quantum dots capped with mercaptopropionic acid (MPA), L-cysteine (L-cys) or thioglycolic acid (TGA) has been achieved using the coupling agents ethyl-N3 dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide (EDC) and N-hydroxy succinimide (NHS), which facilitate formation of an amide bond to form the QD-ZnAPPc-linked complex. The formation of the amide bond was confirmed using UV-Vis, Raman and IR spectroscopies, as well as AFM (atomic force microscopy). Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) resulted in stimulated emission of ZnAPPc in both the linked (QDZnAPPc-linked) and mixed (QD:ZnAPPc-mixed) conjugates for MPA only. The linked L-cys and TGA complexes (QD-ZnAPPc-linked) gave the largest FRET efficiencies hence showing the advantages of covalent linking. Fluorescence quantum yields of QDs were decreased in QD:ZnAPPc-mixed and QD:ZnAPPc-linked. High triplet state quantum yields were obtained for the linked QD-phthalocyanine derivatives (ZnAPPc)and monoaminozinc phthalocyanine (ZnAPc) compared to when ZnAPPc and ZnAPc were mixed with MPA QDs without a chemical bond.
- Full Text:
The PINIT domain of PIAS3: structure-function analysis of its interaction with STAT3
- Mautsa, Nicodemus, Prinsloo, Earl, Tastan Bishop, Özlem, Blatch, Gregory L
- Authors: Mautsa, Nicodemus , Prinsloo, Earl , Tastan Bishop, Özlem , Blatch, Gregory L
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/148082 , vital:38708 , DOI: 10.1002/jmr.1111
- Description: The protein inhibitor of activated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (PIAS3) regulates the transcriptional activity of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) which regulates transcription of genes involved in cell growth, proliferation and apoptosis. The conserved proline, isoleucine, asparagine, isoleucine, threonine (PINIT) domain of PIAS3 is thought to promote STAT3–PIAS3 interaction.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mautsa, Nicodemus , Prinsloo, Earl , Tastan Bishop, Özlem , Blatch, Gregory L
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/148082 , vital:38708 , DOI: 10.1002/jmr.1111
- Description: The protein inhibitor of activated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (PIAS3) regulates the transcriptional activity of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) which regulates transcription of genes involved in cell growth, proliferation and apoptosis. The conserved proline, isoleucine, asparagine, isoleucine, threonine (PINIT) domain of PIAS3 is thought to promote STAT3–PIAS3 interaction.
- Full Text:
The potential for voluntary instruments to achieve conservation planning goals : the case of conservancies in South Africa
- Downsborough, Linda, Shackleton, Charlie M, Knight, Andrew T
- Authors: Downsborough, Linda , Shackleton, Charlie M , Knight, Andrew T
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6629 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006821
- Description: Spatial prioritizations and gap analyses are increasingly undertaken to allocate conservation resources. Most spatial prioritizations are conducted without specifying the conservation instruments to be implemented and gap analyses typically assess formally protected areas but increasingly include private land conservation instruments. We examine conservancies to see if these voluntary instruments contribute towards achieving goals of South African conservation planning initiatives. We conducted a nationwide survey and interviews with conservancy members in Gauteng and the Eastern Cape. Conservancies have potential for assisting South Africa to achieve conservation planning goals at national and local scales but their inclusion in spatial prioritizations and gap analyses predicates improved protection for nature, operational refinement and increased support. We sound a warning to conservation planning initiatives that incorporate voluntary instruments on private land, and present recommendations for strengthening such instruments to make them more effective. Our findings may assist conservation planners elsewhere to design more effective conservation planning initiatives focused on private land.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Downsborough, Linda , Shackleton, Charlie M , Knight, Andrew T
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6629 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006821
- Description: Spatial prioritizations and gap analyses are increasingly undertaken to allocate conservation resources. Most spatial prioritizations are conducted without specifying the conservation instruments to be implemented and gap analyses typically assess formally protected areas but increasingly include private land conservation instruments. We examine conservancies to see if these voluntary instruments contribute towards achieving goals of South African conservation planning initiatives. We conducted a nationwide survey and interviews with conservancy members in Gauteng and the Eastern Cape. Conservancies have potential for assisting South Africa to achieve conservation planning goals at national and local scales but their inclusion in spatial prioritizations and gap analyses predicates improved protection for nature, operational refinement and increased support. We sound a warning to conservation planning initiatives that incorporate voluntary instruments on private land, and present recommendations for strengthening such instruments to make them more effective. Our findings may assist conservation planners elsewhere to design more effective conservation planning initiatives focused on private land.
- Full Text:
The potential impact of diving charges on the demand for diving and the diving industry in the Aliwal Shoal Marine Protected Area: a pilot study
- Authors: Schmidt, Jadon
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Marine parks and reserves -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal Recreational dive industry -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal Recreational dive industry -- Licenses -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal Marine parks and reserves -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal -- Management Conservation of natural resources -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal Environmental management -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal Marine resources conservation -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal Waste disposal in the ocean -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal Marine pollution -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:756 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003877
- Description: This research is presented in three sections. Section 1 presents the research report in an Academic Paper format. Section 2 provides a comprehensive literature review and Section 3 describes the research methodology and methods employed. Sustainable management of natural resources is a global imperative. It is particularly significant in a country like South Africa that is blessed with an abundance of biological diversity but faces many socio economic challenges that are associated with developing nations. Toward addressing these issues, diver permit fees were implemented in South Africa in 2005, making it a legal requirement for all scuba divers undertaking a dive in a Marine Protected Area (MPA) to purchase a permit. This pilot study is the first attempt since the inception of the dive permit fees to determine their impact on the demand for diving and the diving industry in the Aliwal Shoal MPA, one of the premier dive destinations in the country. In order to address key questions, qualitative data was gathered during interviews with 12 dive operators active in the MPA and 28 divers that utilised the operators to dive. In addition, independent quantitative data on the number of dive boat launches during the past 20 years was used in conjunction with mean paying diver data obtained from the operators to ascertain the demand for diving at the Aliwal Shoal during the past two decades. Results indicate that were no significant differences (at the 5% level of significance) between paying divers during 2005 compared to 2004 and 2006 [H =.1923366, N= 36, p =0.9083]. Paying diver data for the period 2000 - 2004 were compared to 2005 - 2010 and no significant differences were found at the 5% level of significance (U= 2040, Npost = 72, Npre= 60, p = 0.584981). Diver interviews revealed that only 36% of divers had paid for a permit, representing a loss of R7 438 499 during the past five years, enough to support the current budget of the MPA for 10.6 years. Operator interviews revealed that alternative destinations, economic climate and local competition had the most impact on their businesses, with permit fees having no impact on the 50% of the operators’ businesses. Operators also reported that there was little or no enforcement of the permit fees, 9 of the operators indicated that there has been no improvement in the MPA or its management since the inception of the fees and all were dissatisfied with the current management MPA. Operators and divers complained about the current purchasing and handling practices associated with the permits. Despite offering a world class diving opportunity, the dive operators currently have no incentive to enforce the permit system and due to price pressure in the local market, and have adopted a mute stance on diver permits. Consequently, there has been no significant impact on the demand for diving since the inception of the permits in 2005. The initial hypothesis that the increased costs to divers as a result of the permits would drive down the demand for diving is therefore rejected. If the permits are more strictly enforced, it is likely that more divers may seek alternative destinations due to the perception of poor value as a result of the Sappi Saiccor effluent discharge, existence of shark nets and poor management, in accordance with existing literature. The resultant decrease in demand will be detrimental to the diving industry at Aliwal Shoal. The second hypothesis, that the costs associated with the better enforcement of the MPA regulations-in terms of impacts on the diving industry- might outweigh the benefits, is therefore accepted. All the results produced by this study suggest that authorities may have been too enthusiastic to have all the boxes ticked in order to meet deadlines for international targets for marine conservation and paid little or no attention to lessons learnt from MPAs globally. Every negative aspect highlighted by existing international literature as symptomatic of MPA failure is occurring at Aliwal Shoal MPA, albatrossing it with “paper park” status. Due to the size and scope of this study, the results should be interpreted with caution and not be utilised to guide policy but rather encourage further research.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Schmidt, Jadon
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Marine parks and reserves -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal Recreational dive industry -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal Recreational dive industry -- Licenses -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal Marine parks and reserves -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal -- Management Conservation of natural resources -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal Environmental management -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal Marine resources conservation -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal Waste disposal in the ocean -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal Marine pollution -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:756 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003877
- Description: This research is presented in three sections. Section 1 presents the research report in an Academic Paper format. Section 2 provides a comprehensive literature review and Section 3 describes the research methodology and methods employed. Sustainable management of natural resources is a global imperative. It is particularly significant in a country like South Africa that is blessed with an abundance of biological diversity but faces many socio economic challenges that are associated with developing nations. Toward addressing these issues, diver permit fees were implemented in South Africa in 2005, making it a legal requirement for all scuba divers undertaking a dive in a Marine Protected Area (MPA) to purchase a permit. This pilot study is the first attempt since the inception of the dive permit fees to determine their impact on the demand for diving and the diving industry in the Aliwal Shoal MPA, one of the premier dive destinations in the country. In order to address key questions, qualitative data was gathered during interviews with 12 dive operators active in the MPA and 28 divers that utilised the operators to dive. In addition, independent quantitative data on the number of dive boat launches during the past 20 years was used in conjunction with mean paying diver data obtained from the operators to ascertain the demand for diving at the Aliwal Shoal during the past two decades. Results indicate that were no significant differences (at the 5% level of significance) between paying divers during 2005 compared to 2004 and 2006 [H =.1923366, N= 36, p =0.9083]. Paying diver data for the period 2000 - 2004 were compared to 2005 - 2010 and no significant differences were found at the 5% level of significance (U= 2040, Npost = 72, Npre= 60, p = 0.584981). Diver interviews revealed that only 36% of divers had paid for a permit, representing a loss of R7 438 499 during the past five years, enough to support the current budget of the MPA for 10.6 years. Operator interviews revealed that alternative destinations, economic climate and local competition had the most impact on their businesses, with permit fees having no impact on the 50% of the operators’ businesses. Operators also reported that there was little or no enforcement of the permit fees, 9 of the operators indicated that there has been no improvement in the MPA or its management since the inception of the fees and all were dissatisfied with the current management MPA. Operators and divers complained about the current purchasing and handling practices associated with the permits. Despite offering a world class diving opportunity, the dive operators currently have no incentive to enforce the permit system and due to price pressure in the local market, and have adopted a mute stance on diver permits. Consequently, there has been no significant impact on the demand for diving since the inception of the permits in 2005. The initial hypothesis that the increased costs to divers as a result of the permits would drive down the demand for diving is therefore rejected. If the permits are more strictly enforced, it is likely that more divers may seek alternative destinations due to the perception of poor value as a result of the Sappi Saiccor effluent discharge, existence of shark nets and poor management, in accordance with existing literature. The resultant decrease in demand will be detrimental to the diving industry at Aliwal Shoal. The second hypothesis, that the costs associated with the better enforcement of the MPA regulations-in terms of impacts on the diving industry- might outweigh the benefits, is therefore accepted. All the results produced by this study suggest that authorities may have been too enthusiastic to have all the boxes ticked in order to meet deadlines for international targets for marine conservation and paid little or no attention to lessons learnt from MPAs globally. Every negative aspect highlighted by existing international literature as symptomatic of MPA failure is occurring at Aliwal Shoal MPA, albatrossing it with “paper park” status. Due to the size and scope of this study, the results should be interpreted with caution and not be utilised to guide policy but rather encourage further research.
- Full Text:
The problems of proving actual or apparent bias: an analysis of contemporary developments in South Africa
- Okpaluba, Chuks, Juma, Laurence
- Authors: Okpaluba, Chuks , Juma, Laurence
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/127498 , vital:36017 , https://doi.org/10.17159/1727-3781/2011/v14i7a2616
- Description: This article takes a critical look at the divergent approaches of courts in constructing the meaning of actual and apparent bias in adjudicative contexts. It argues that while proving actual bias on the part of an adjudicator may not always be easy and parties often revert to apprehended bias, an allegation of bias in any adjudication process is a matter that courts take very seriously. This notwithstanding, the courts have failed to consistently demarcate the necessary elements and threshold of proof that complainants must overcome to secure a successful challenge of decisions based on adjudicative impartiality. Upon critical evaluation of the decisions on the subject so far rendered, this article suggests that the pattern which has seemingly emerged is that which weighs the allegations of bias against the presumption of impartiality and the requirements of the double reasonableness test.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Okpaluba, Chuks , Juma, Laurence
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/127498 , vital:36017 , https://doi.org/10.17159/1727-3781/2011/v14i7a2616
- Description: This article takes a critical look at the divergent approaches of courts in constructing the meaning of actual and apparent bias in adjudicative contexts. It argues that while proving actual bias on the part of an adjudicator may not always be easy and parties often revert to apprehended bias, an allegation of bias in any adjudication process is a matter that courts take very seriously. This notwithstanding, the courts have failed to consistently demarcate the necessary elements and threshold of proof that complainants must overcome to secure a successful challenge of decisions based on adjudicative impartiality. Upon critical evaluation of the decisions on the subject so far rendered, this article suggests that the pattern which has seemingly emerged is that which weighs the allegations of bias against the presumption of impartiality and the requirements of the double reasonableness test.
- Full Text:
The reading of extended text in Oshindonga in grade 2 in selected Namibian schools
- Ngula, Elizabeth Njanjukweni-Aluhe
- Authors: Ngula, Elizabeth Njanjukweni-Aluhe
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Ndonga language -- Study and teaching -- Namibia Reading comprehension -- Study and teaching (Primary) -- Namibia Reading (Primary) -- Namibia Teaching -- Namibia Teachers -- Attitudes -- Namibia Literacy -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1720 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003603
- Description: This study was conducted in order to understand to what extent Grade 2 teachers use books (or other forms of extended text) in their reading lessons in Oshindonga where very little published material is available, and, if so, whether they engage in shared reading with these materials or not. The study also explored ways to introduce more books (or other forms of extended text) into Oshindonga classrooms. The study took the form of an interpretive case study. It was conducted in two primary schools in Otjiwarongo district in the Otjozondjupa region of Namibia. Two qualified Grade 2 teachers were selected. The purpose of this sampling was to gain an in depth understanding of how these two selected teachers taught reading in Oshindonga. The data was gathered by using semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions, as well as lesson observations and stimulated recall with each individual teacher after each lesson. The purpose of this was to gain clarity in areas that were not clear during lesson presentations. A focus group interview was also conducted in order to generate ideas about how to introduce more extended texts into the classroom. The key fmdings are that both schools in the study lacked books in Oshindonga, and the teachers lacked an understanding of the importance of using books (or other forms of extended text). Other key findings are that teachers had a problem in choosing appropriate texts to read with their learners; teachers understand reading more as decoding than reading for meaning and pleasure; children were not asked any comprehension questions and the two teachers had different views on the value of shared reading. The research data revealed that there are problems in teaching literacy in Namibian African languages.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ngula, Elizabeth Njanjukweni-Aluhe
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Ndonga language -- Study and teaching -- Namibia Reading comprehension -- Study and teaching (Primary) -- Namibia Reading (Primary) -- Namibia Teaching -- Namibia Teachers -- Attitudes -- Namibia Literacy -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1720 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003603
- Description: This study was conducted in order to understand to what extent Grade 2 teachers use books (or other forms of extended text) in their reading lessons in Oshindonga where very little published material is available, and, if so, whether they engage in shared reading with these materials or not. The study also explored ways to introduce more books (or other forms of extended text) into Oshindonga classrooms. The study took the form of an interpretive case study. It was conducted in two primary schools in Otjiwarongo district in the Otjozondjupa region of Namibia. Two qualified Grade 2 teachers were selected. The purpose of this sampling was to gain an in depth understanding of how these two selected teachers taught reading in Oshindonga. The data was gathered by using semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions, as well as lesson observations and stimulated recall with each individual teacher after each lesson. The purpose of this was to gain clarity in areas that were not clear during lesson presentations. A focus group interview was also conducted in order to generate ideas about how to introduce more extended texts into the classroom. The key fmdings are that both schools in the study lacked books in Oshindonga, and the teachers lacked an understanding of the importance of using books (or other forms of extended text). Other key findings are that teachers had a problem in choosing appropriate texts to read with their learners; teachers understand reading more as decoding than reading for meaning and pleasure; children were not asked any comprehension questions and the two teachers had different views on the value of shared reading. The research data revealed that there are problems in teaching literacy in Namibian African languages.
- Full Text:
The relationship between financial development and manufacturing sector growth: evidence from Southern African Customs Union countries
- Authors: Moshabesha, Mosili
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Economic development -- Case studies -- Africa, Southern Entrepreneurship -- Case studies -- Africa, Southern Southern African Customs Union
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:990 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002725
- Description: Extensive research has been done on the relationship between financial development (FD) and growth (with the main focus on economic growth). Theoretical models and most of the conclusions reached stipulate that the development of a financial system is one of the essential ingredients for economic growth. A developed financial system is able to provide financial services efficiently to the real sector. This study examines the relationship between FD and manufacturing sector growth of the SACU countries. The study first reviews the theoretical and empirical literature of FD and growth (economic and manufacturing sector). This gives a full understanding of the topic before attempting to empirically study it. It also helps in the selection process of the model and variables to be employed in the study. A balanced panel for four SACU countries, namely Botswana, Lesotho, RSA and Swaziland, for the period 1976 to 2008 was estimated using Zellner‟s Seemingly Unrelated Regression Estimation (SURE) method. Namibia was omitted because of limited data. The SURE model was selected because it performs better than ordinary least squares (OLS) estimation of individual equations in cases where the countries studied can be affected by similar external shocks because they are in the same economic region and also have country specific structural differences which could affect their economic growth. Two measures of FD were used: credit to the private sector provided by commercial banks (FIC) and the ratio of liquid liabilities of commercial banks to GDP (LL). Manufacturing sector growth was measured by manufacturing value added to GDP. The results of the relationship between manufacturing growth and FD were very weak across the countries. The model that used FIC performed better, there was a negative significant relationship found in RSA and Swaziland, while with the model that used LL, all the countries gave an insignificant relationship. The results for Swaziland were very consistent with the past findings of the relationship between FD and economic growth in the country (for example Aziakpono (2005a)). This may be because of the high share of the manufacturing sector in GDP. Theory suggests that a well-developed financial system will have a positive impact on growth, but this was not the case in RSA and Botswana, where in some cases FD had a negative impact on the growth of the sector. The analysis of the countries‟ manufacturing sector development shows that the sector plays an important role in the economies of the SACU countries, especially in terms of employment and exports. The coefficients of trade openness are generally positive, though not significant in some cases. The other control variables gave mixed results across the counties and across the models. Based on the findings, the countries have to develop strategies that will improve entrepreneurial skills. Also the financial development in the small SACU countries is essential in order for all the sectors in the economy to benefit from the financial sector and in turn increase economic growth.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Moshabesha, Mosili
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Economic development -- Case studies -- Africa, Southern Entrepreneurship -- Case studies -- Africa, Southern Southern African Customs Union
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:990 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002725
- Description: Extensive research has been done on the relationship between financial development (FD) and growth (with the main focus on economic growth). Theoretical models and most of the conclusions reached stipulate that the development of a financial system is one of the essential ingredients for economic growth. A developed financial system is able to provide financial services efficiently to the real sector. This study examines the relationship between FD and manufacturing sector growth of the SACU countries. The study first reviews the theoretical and empirical literature of FD and growth (economic and manufacturing sector). This gives a full understanding of the topic before attempting to empirically study it. It also helps in the selection process of the model and variables to be employed in the study. A balanced panel for four SACU countries, namely Botswana, Lesotho, RSA and Swaziland, for the period 1976 to 2008 was estimated using Zellner‟s Seemingly Unrelated Regression Estimation (SURE) method. Namibia was omitted because of limited data. The SURE model was selected because it performs better than ordinary least squares (OLS) estimation of individual equations in cases where the countries studied can be affected by similar external shocks because they are in the same economic region and also have country specific structural differences which could affect their economic growth. Two measures of FD were used: credit to the private sector provided by commercial banks (FIC) and the ratio of liquid liabilities of commercial banks to GDP (LL). Manufacturing sector growth was measured by manufacturing value added to GDP. The results of the relationship between manufacturing growth and FD were very weak across the countries. The model that used FIC performed better, there was a negative significant relationship found in RSA and Swaziland, while with the model that used LL, all the countries gave an insignificant relationship. The results for Swaziland were very consistent with the past findings of the relationship between FD and economic growth in the country (for example Aziakpono (2005a)). This may be because of the high share of the manufacturing sector in GDP. Theory suggests that a well-developed financial system will have a positive impact on growth, but this was not the case in RSA and Botswana, where in some cases FD had a negative impact on the growth of the sector. The analysis of the countries‟ manufacturing sector development shows that the sector plays an important role in the economies of the SACU countries, especially in terms of employment and exports. The coefficients of trade openness are generally positive, though not significant in some cases. The other control variables gave mixed results across the counties and across the models. Based on the findings, the countries have to develop strategies that will improve entrepreneurial skills. Also the financial development in the small SACU countries is essential in order for all the sectors in the economy to benefit from the financial sector and in turn increase economic growth.
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The right to organise: critiquing the role of trade unions in shaping work relations in post-apartheid South Africa
- Authors: Nyathi, Mthokozisi
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Labor unions -- South Africa , Apartheid -- South Africa , Industrial relations -- South Africa , Labor unions -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Labor -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:3690 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003205 , Labor unions -- South Africa , Apartheid -- South Africa , Industrial relations -- South Africa , Labor unions -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Labor -- South Africa
- Description: Organised labour continues to play a prominent role in shaping employment relations in South Africa. The individual worker is powerless and in a weaker bargaining position against his employer. The advent of democracy was accompanied by numerous interventions to level the historically uneven bargaining field. The trade union movement has made and consolidated significant gains since the advent of democracy. It however faces a plethora of new challenges, such as the negative forces of globalisation, declining membership (often associated with high levels of unemployment and the changing nature of work from standard to atypical employment), the resurfacing of adversarialism in the bargaining process, and numerous shortcomings inherent in forums established to facilitate corporatism. Business is intensifying its calls for investor-friendly policies, which effectively mean a relaxation of labour policies. The trade union movement faces an enormous task of rebuilding confidence and credibility among its members and at the same time showing some commitment to other social actors, government and business, that it is committed to contribute to economic growth and employment creation. The central focus of this thesis will be to highlight the gains made by the trade union movement, the numerous challenges threatening their existence, and how they have attempted to redefine their role in the face of these challenges. It will attempt to offer advice on how trade unions can continue to play a prominent role in shaping relations of work in South Africa. The study begins with a historical overview of trade unionism in South Africa. It then attempts to establish how trade unions have made use of the institution of collective bargaining, the importance of organisational rights to the trade union movement, the effectiveness of industrial action, and the emerging challenges threatening the vibrancy of trade unions. The overall aim is to assess whether the trade union movement is still a force to be reckoned with and its future role in influencing employment relations in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Nyathi, Mthokozisi
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Labor unions -- South Africa , Apartheid -- South Africa , Industrial relations -- South Africa , Labor unions -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Labor -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:3690 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003205 , Labor unions -- South Africa , Apartheid -- South Africa , Industrial relations -- South Africa , Labor unions -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Labor -- South Africa
- Description: Organised labour continues to play a prominent role in shaping employment relations in South Africa. The individual worker is powerless and in a weaker bargaining position against his employer. The advent of democracy was accompanied by numerous interventions to level the historically uneven bargaining field. The trade union movement has made and consolidated significant gains since the advent of democracy. It however faces a plethora of new challenges, such as the negative forces of globalisation, declining membership (often associated with high levels of unemployment and the changing nature of work from standard to atypical employment), the resurfacing of adversarialism in the bargaining process, and numerous shortcomings inherent in forums established to facilitate corporatism. Business is intensifying its calls for investor-friendly policies, which effectively mean a relaxation of labour policies. The trade union movement faces an enormous task of rebuilding confidence and credibility among its members and at the same time showing some commitment to other social actors, government and business, that it is committed to contribute to economic growth and employment creation. The central focus of this thesis will be to highlight the gains made by the trade union movement, the numerous challenges threatening their existence, and how they have attempted to redefine their role in the face of these challenges. It will attempt to offer advice on how trade unions can continue to play a prominent role in shaping relations of work in South Africa. The study begins with a historical overview of trade unionism in South Africa. It then attempts to establish how trade unions have made use of the institution of collective bargaining, the importance of organisational rights to the trade union movement, the effectiveness of industrial action, and the emerging challenges threatening the vibrancy of trade unions. The overall aim is to assess whether the trade union movement is still a force to be reckoned with and its future role in influencing employment relations in South Africa.
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The role of cluster centre principals in the Ohangwena education region in Namibia
- Authors: Nghatanga, Ponny Haggai
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: School management and organization -- Namibia -- Ohangwena School principals -- Namibia -- Ohangwena Educational leadership -- Namibia -- Ohangwena Educational change -- Namibia -- Ohangwena
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1748 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003632
- Description: The Namibian Ministry of Education introduced the School Clustering System (SCS) in 1996. The system entails the grouping of schools into clusters to facilitate the sharing of resources and expertise. One school in a group is selected to serve as the Cluster Centre and the principal of the centre is identified as the Cluster Centre Principal (CCP). This has created a new level of educational leadership which is still relatively under-researched and the primary purpose of this study is to investigate the perceptions of this new role since it is perceived to be pivotal to the effective functioning of the cluster. This study is an interpretive case study of Cluster Centres in the Komesho Circuit in the Ohangwena Educational Region. Three data collection instruments were used, namely document analysis, observation and interviews. The collected data provided insight into participants' views on the role of Cluster Centre Principals (CCPs), which shed light on the challenges faCing the roles of CCPs. The findings revealed that respondents welcomed the decentralisation of an education system that involves cluster members and parents in decision making. Furthermore, the perceived role of CCPs is perceived as delegation through participative leadership and management approaches. This involves groups in teamwork to enhance the quality of teaching and learning. The study has, however, also exposed tensions surrounding the role and function of CCPs. This is partly because the role has not been formalised and is perceived as existing in a legal vacuum. This study will benefit the Cluster Centre Principals, Inspectors of Education, Advisory Teachers, non-governmental Organisations, the community and the Ministry of Education by placing the role of Cluster Centre Principals in perspective.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Nghatanga, Ponny Haggai
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: School management and organization -- Namibia -- Ohangwena School principals -- Namibia -- Ohangwena Educational leadership -- Namibia -- Ohangwena Educational change -- Namibia -- Ohangwena
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1748 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003632
- Description: The Namibian Ministry of Education introduced the School Clustering System (SCS) in 1996. The system entails the grouping of schools into clusters to facilitate the sharing of resources and expertise. One school in a group is selected to serve as the Cluster Centre and the principal of the centre is identified as the Cluster Centre Principal (CCP). This has created a new level of educational leadership which is still relatively under-researched and the primary purpose of this study is to investigate the perceptions of this new role since it is perceived to be pivotal to the effective functioning of the cluster. This study is an interpretive case study of Cluster Centres in the Komesho Circuit in the Ohangwena Educational Region. Three data collection instruments were used, namely document analysis, observation and interviews. The collected data provided insight into participants' views on the role of Cluster Centre Principals (CCPs), which shed light on the challenges faCing the roles of CCPs. The findings revealed that respondents welcomed the decentralisation of an education system that involves cluster members and parents in decision making. Furthermore, the perceived role of CCPs is perceived as delegation through participative leadership and management approaches. This involves groups in teamwork to enhance the quality of teaching and learning. The study has, however, also exposed tensions surrounding the role and function of CCPs. This is partly because the role has not been formalised and is perceived as existing in a legal vacuum. This study will benefit the Cluster Centre Principals, Inspectors of Education, Advisory Teachers, non-governmental Organisations, the community and the Ministry of Education by placing the role of Cluster Centre Principals in perspective.
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The role of eutrophication in the biological control of water hyacinth, Eichhornia crassipes, in South Africa
- Coetzee, Julie A, Hill, Martin P
- Authors: Coetzee, Julie A , Hill, Martin P
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/69263 , vital:29474 , https://doi.org/10.1007/s10526-011-9426-y
- Description: South Africa has some of the most eutrophic aquatic systems in the world, as a result of the adoption of an unnecessarily high 1 mg l-1 phosphorus (P) standard for all water treatment works in the 1970 s. The floating aquatic macrophyte, water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms (Pontederiaceae), has taken advantage of these nutrient rich systems, becoming highly invasive and damaging. Despite the implementation of a biological control programme in South Africa, water hyacinth remains the worst aquatic weed. A meta-analysis of published and unpublished laboratory studies that investigated the combined effect of P and nitrogen (N) water nutrient concentration and control agent herbivory showed that water nutrient status was more important than herbivory in water hyacinth growth. Analysis of long-term field data collected monthly from 14 sites around South Africa between 2004 and 2005 supported these findings. Therefore, the first step in any water hyacinth control programme should be to reduce the nutrient status of the water body.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Coetzee, Julie A , Hill, Martin P
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/69263 , vital:29474 , https://doi.org/10.1007/s10526-011-9426-y
- Description: South Africa has some of the most eutrophic aquatic systems in the world, as a result of the adoption of an unnecessarily high 1 mg l-1 phosphorus (P) standard for all water treatment works in the 1970 s. The floating aquatic macrophyte, water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms (Pontederiaceae), has taken advantage of these nutrient rich systems, becoming highly invasive and damaging. Despite the implementation of a biological control programme in South Africa, water hyacinth remains the worst aquatic weed. A meta-analysis of published and unpublished laboratory studies that investigated the combined effect of P and nitrogen (N) water nutrient concentration and control agent herbivory showed that water nutrient status was more important than herbivory in water hyacinth growth. Analysis of long-term field data collected monthly from 14 sites around South Africa between 2004 and 2005 supported these findings. Therefore, the first step in any water hyacinth control programme should be to reduce the nutrient status of the water body.
- Full Text:
The role of Hsp90 in the Wnt pathway of MCF7 breast cancer cells
- Authors: Cooper, Leanne Claire
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Cancer -- Treatment , Heat shock proteins , Cancer cells , Molecular chaperones
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3985 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004044 , Cancer -- Treatment , Heat shock proteins , Cancer cells , Molecular chaperones
- Description: Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in not only South African women, but women all over the world. The molecular chaperone heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) is upregulated in cancer and is almost exclusively associated with proteins involved in intracellular signal transduction, thus it plays an important role in signalling pathways within the cell. In cancer, there is an aberrant activation of the Wnt signaling pathway, which results in stabilized β-catenin being able to translocate to the nucleus where it can trigger the transcription of oncogenes found to be involved in the self-renewal of cells. The level of β-catenin is usually kept in check by a destruction complex comprising glycogen synthase kinase 3-beta (GSK-3β), axin1, adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) which phosphorylate β-catenin, resulting in its ubiquitination and degradation. HSP90 has been found to be associated with GSK-3β, but whether this association is only transient is debatable. Very little is known about the association of HSP90 with other members of the Wnt pathway in breast cancer. In this study, we have attempted to further identify the direct associations between HSP90 and GSK-3β, β-catenin, p-β-catenin and axin1. Immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy co-localization studies suggested a potential association between HSP90 and these proteins. Treatment with HSP90 inhibitors, 17-AAG and novobiocin resulted in a shift of axin1 to what appeared to be the plasma membrane. The associations of HSP90 with GSK-3β, β-catenin, p-β-catenin and axin1 were confirmed biochemically by co-immunoprecipitation and inhibition using 17-AAG, geldanamycin and novobiocin. We showed, for the first time that HSP90 is associated in a possible complex with β-catenin, p-β-catenin and axin1 therefore is potentially involved in the modulation of p-β-catenin in the Wnt pathway through the stabilization of the destruction complex.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Cooper, Leanne Claire
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Cancer -- Treatment , Heat shock proteins , Cancer cells , Molecular chaperones
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3985 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004044 , Cancer -- Treatment , Heat shock proteins , Cancer cells , Molecular chaperones
- Description: Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in not only South African women, but women all over the world. The molecular chaperone heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) is upregulated in cancer and is almost exclusively associated with proteins involved in intracellular signal transduction, thus it plays an important role in signalling pathways within the cell. In cancer, there is an aberrant activation of the Wnt signaling pathway, which results in stabilized β-catenin being able to translocate to the nucleus where it can trigger the transcription of oncogenes found to be involved in the self-renewal of cells. The level of β-catenin is usually kept in check by a destruction complex comprising glycogen synthase kinase 3-beta (GSK-3β), axin1, adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) which phosphorylate β-catenin, resulting in its ubiquitination and degradation. HSP90 has been found to be associated with GSK-3β, but whether this association is only transient is debatable. Very little is known about the association of HSP90 with other members of the Wnt pathway in breast cancer. In this study, we have attempted to further identify the direct associations between HSP90 and GSK-3β, β-catenin, p-β-catenin and axin1. Immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy co-localization studies suggested a potential association between HSP90 and these proteins. Treatment with HSP90 inhibitors, 17-AAG and novobiocin resulted in a shift of axin1 to what appeared to be the plasma membrane. The associations of HSP90 with GSK-3β, β-catenin, p-β-catenin and axin1 were confirmed biochemically by co-immunoprecipitation and inhibition using 17-AAG, geldanamycin and novobiocin. We showed, for the first time that HSP90 is associated in a possible complex with β-catenin, p-β-catenin and axin1 therefore is potentially involved in the modulation of p-β-catenin in the Wnt pathway through the stabilization of the destruction complex.
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The role of memory, museums and memorials in reconciling the past : the Apartheid Museum and Red Location Museum as case studies
- Authors: Sippel, Elizabeth
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Apartheid Museum (Johannesburg, South Africa) Red Location Museum (Port Elizabeth, South Africa) Atrocities -- Museums Apartheid and art Apartheid -- History Historical museums Collective memory Memorialization History -- Psychological aspects Memory (Philosophy) Museum exhibits -- Historiography Museums -- Historiography
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2440 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005773
- Description: When South Africa became a democracy, many of its cultural institutions were tainted by the stigma of having been tools for the production and propagation of apartheid ideology. This thesis examines two key facets of post-apartheid museums and memorials. Firstly, how they have repositioned themselves as institutions of cultural and social standing. Secondly, their role as tools of nation building, social change, and creators of national collective memory within the new democratic South Africa. Through an analysis of cultural memory theory pertaining to museology, this study elaborates on the methods employed by museums to incorporate memory into their narratives and in turn, transfer collective memory to their viewers. This thesis provides a comparative study of the architectural, memorial and museological strategies of two post-apartheid museums; the Red Location Museum and the Apartbeid Museum. It examines the contributions of both museums to the introduction of new museological strategies for the successful creation and transmission of South African collective memory. Through this analysis, both the invaluable contributions and the drawbacks of post-apartheid museums as tools for the promotion of new democratic ideologies and philosophies are considered. This thesis does not resolve the arguments and questions which have surfaced regarding cultural institutions as tools for the promotion of reconciliation and the construction of national collective memory within South Africa. As the current climate of memorialisation is one of change and paradox, it is presently impossible to fully quantify post-apartheid museums' roles within South Africa's move toward reconciliation and social change. However, the examination of both the Red Location Museum and the Apartheid Museum reveals the extraordinary change that South African cultural institutions have undergone in addition to their potential to become institutions which facilitate active reconciliation as well as social and cultural growth.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Sippel, Elizabeth
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Apartheid Museum (Johannesburg, South Africa) Red Location Museum (Port Elizabeth, South Africa) Atrocities -- Museums Apartheid and art Apartheid -- History Historical museums Collective memory Memorialization History -- Psychological aspects Memory (Philosophy) Museum exhibits -- Historiography Museums -- Historiography
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2440 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005773
- Description: When South Africa became a democracy, many of its cultural institutions were tainted by the stigma of having been tools for the production and propagation of apartheid ideology. This thesis examines two key facets of post-apartheid museums and memorials. Firstly, how they have repositioned themselves as institutions of cultural and social standing. Secondly, their role as tools of nation building, social change, and creators of national collective memory within the new democratic South Africa. Through an analysis of cultural memory theory pertaining to museology, this study elaborates on the methods employed by museums to incorporate memory into their narratives and in turn, transfer collective memory to their viewers. This thesis provides a comparative study of the architectural, memorial and museological strategies of two post-apartheid museums; the Red Location Museum and the Apartbeid Museum. It examines the contributions of both museums to the introduction of new museological strategies for the successful creation and transmission of South African collective memory. Through this analysis, both the invaluable contributions and the drawbacks of post-apartheid museums as tools for the promotion of new democratic ideologies and philosophies are considered. This thesis does not resolve the arguments and questions which have surfaced regarding cultural institutions as tools for the promotion of reconciliation and the construction of national collective memory within South Africa. As the current climate of memorialisation is one of change and paradox, it is presently impossible to fully quantify post-apartheid museums' roles within South Africa's move toward reconciliation and social change. However, the examination of both the Red Location Museum and the Apartheid Museum reveals the extraordinary change that South African cultural institutions have undergone in addition to their potential to become institutions which facilitate active reconciliation as well as social and cultural growth.
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The role of non-timber forest products in household coping strategies in South Africa: the influence of household wealth and gender
- Paumgarten, Fiona, Shackleton, Charlie M
- Authors: Paumgarten, Fiona , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6648 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006897
- Description: The prevalence and ranking of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) as safety-nets has been well discussed, but rarely quantified. We report on group discussions and household interviews in two South African villages to assess the frequency and nature of shocks and stresses over a 2-year period and the coping strategies employed, stratified by household wealth and gender of the de jure household head. Overall, kinship was the most widely adopted coping strategy, and NTFPs were the fifth most prevalent (employed by 70% of households). There were relatively few differences in the nature of shocks or responses between male- and female-headed households. Wealth influenced the experience of shocks or stresses as well as responses. Poorer households have fewer options with the increased use or sale of NTFPs being the second most commonly adopted strategy. Increased use and sale of NTFPs is a common manifestation of the safety-net function. To reconcile long-term economic development and biodiversity conservation, it is important to understand people’s use of natural resources and the factors that affect this use, including their responses to shocks and stresses.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Paumgarten, Fiona , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6648 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006897
- Description: The prevalence and ranking of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) as safety-nets has been well discussed, but rarely quantified. We report on group discussions and household interviews in two South African villages to assess the frequency and nature of shocks and stresses over a 2-year period and the coping strategies employed, stratified by household wealth and gender of the de jure household head. Overall, kinship was the most widely adopted coping strategy, and NTFPs were the fifth most prevalent (employed by 70% of households). There were relatively few differences in the nature of shocks or responses between male- and female-headed households. Wealth influenced the experience of shocks or stresses as well as responses. Poorer households have fewer options with the increased use or sale of NTFPs being the second most commonly adopted strategy. Increased use and sale of NTFPs is a common manifestation of the safety-net function. To reconcile long-term economic development and biodiversity conservation, it is important to understand people’s use of natural resources and the factors that affect this use, including their responses to shocks and stresses.
- Full Text:
The role of small antelope in ecosystem functioning in the Matobo Hills, Zimbabwe
- Authors: Lunt, Nicola
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Antelopes -- Zimbabwe -- Rhodes Matopos National Park Ecosystem health -- Zimbabwe -- Rhodes Matopos National Park Forest ecology -- Zimbabwe -- Rhodes Matopos National Park Savanna ecology -- Zimbabwe -- Rhodes Matopos National Park Woody plants -- Effect of fires on -- Zimbabwe -- Rhodes Matopos National Park Duikers -- Zimbabwe -- Rhodes Matopos National Park Bushbuck -- Zimbabwe -- Rhodes Matopos National Park Greater kudu -- Zimbabwe -- Rhodes Matopos National Park
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5760 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005448
- Description: The 28-month study assessed the impacts of five syntopic medium-sized mammalian browsers and one fire event in a woodland savanna in the Matobo Hills, Zimbabwe. Aspects of herbivory, mechanical pressures, seed dispersal and nutrient cycling were investigated for three species of small antelope (common duiker [Sylvicapra grimmia]1, klipspringer [Oreotragus oreotragus] and steenbok [Raphicerus campestris]) and two medium-sized species (bushbuck [Tragelaphus scriptus] and greater kudu [T. strepsiceros]). Focusing on Burkea africana2 woodland, in a system that does not include elephant (Loxodonta africana), effects of browsing antelope on woody and herbaceous vegetation development were investigated using exclusion plots. Browsers regulated woody plant cover (measured as basal stem area), with smaller antelope having a greater impact than larger species. This was linked to feeding height, feeding selectivity and mechanical pressures (e.g. twig breakage and trampling). Fire caused an initial reduction in above-ground standing biomass, but in the presence of fauna, pre-fire equilibria were attained within 15 months. In antelope exclosures, herbaceous biomass increased and woody biomass decreased following fire. Responses by woody vegetation to browsing varied among species, with highly palatable species typically exhibiting compensatory regrowth. Woody species richness and abundance (especially of palatable species) increased in the absence of browsers, but species richness of the herbaceous layer was promoted by moderate disturbance (trampling or fire). Faecal deposition behaviour, primarily the use of latrines by small antelope, resulted in localised soil enrichment within defended territories. Decomposition rates (and therefore return of nutrients to the soil) varied among species and seasons, due to defecation site selection, accessibility to decomposers and desiccation rates of faecal pellets. Controlled seed germination experiments indicated that ingestion by small antelope enhances germination rates of large, hard-seeded fruits such as Sclerocarya birrea. However, germination of savanna seeds may require multiple cues. This study demonstrated the critical roles of small antelope in ecosystem functioning, and highlights the importance of the less visible impacts of frequently overlooked smaller mammalian herbivores. Perturbations to the faunal community, especially small antelope, are predicted to have substantial impacts on woody plant cover.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Lunt, Nicola
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Antelopes -- Zimbabwe -- Rhodes Matopos National Park Ecosystem health -- Zimbabwe -- Rhodes Matopos National Park Forest ecology -- Zimbabwe -- Rhodes Matopos National Park Savanna ecology -- Zimbabwe -- Rhodes Matopos National Park Woody plants -- Effect of fires on -- Zimbabwe -- Rhodes Matopos National Park Duikers -- Zimbabwe -- Rhodes Matopos National Park Bushbuck -- Zimbabwe -- Rhodes Matopos National Park Greater kudu -- Zimbabwe -- Rhodes Matopos National Park
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5760 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005448
- Description: The 28-month study assessed the impacts of five syntopic medium-sized mammalian browsers and one fire event in a woodland savanna in the Matobo Hills, Zimbabwe. Aspects of herbivory, mechanical pressures, seed dispersal and nutrient cycling were investigated for three species of small antelope (common duiker [Sylvicapra grimmia]1, klipspringer [Oreotragus oreotragus] and steenbok [Raphicerus campestris]) and two medium-sized species (bushbuck [Tragelaphus scriptus] and greater kudu [T. strepsiceros]). Focusing on Burkea africana2 woodland, in a system that does not include elephant (Loxodonta africana), effects of browsing antelope on woody and herbaceous vegetation development were investigated using exclusion plots. Browsers regulated woody plant cover (measured as basal stem area), with smaller antelope having a greater impact than larger species. This was linked to feeding height, feeding selectivity and mechanical pressures (e.g. twig breakage and trampling). Fire caused an initial reduction in above-ground standing biomass, but in the presence of fauna, pre-fire equilibria were attained within 15 months. In antelope exclosures, herbaceous biomass increased and woody biomass decreased following fire. Responses by woody vegetation to browsing varied among species, with highly palatable species typically exhibiting compensatory regrowth. Woody species richness and abundance (especially of palatable species) increased in the absence of browsers, but species richness of the herbaceous layer was promoted by moderate disturbance (trampling or fire). Faecal deposition behaviour, primarily the use of latrines by small antelope, resulted in localised soil enrichment within defended territories. Decomposition rates (and therefore return of nutrients to the soil) varied among species and seasons, due to defecation site selection, accessibility to decomposers and desiccation rates of faecal pellets. Controlled seed germination experiments indicated that ingestion by small antelope enhances germination rates of large, hard-seeded fruits such as Sclerocarya birrea. However, germination of savanna seeds may require multiple cues. This study demonstrated the critical roles of small antelope in ecosystem functioning, and highlights the importance of the less visible impacts of frequently overlooked smaller mammalian herbivores. Perturbations to the faunal community, especially small antelope, are predicted to have substantial impacts on woody plant cover.
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The role of teacher cognition in the integration of technology into English teaching: a case study
- Authors: Baron, Elizabeth Mary
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: English teachers -- Effect of technological innovations on English teachers -- Psychology English teachers -- Attitudes Language and languages -- Study and teaching -- Computer-assisted instruction Educational technology Computer-assisted instruction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1753 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003637
- Description: Technology, in one or more of its various forms, is now a part of everyday life for most South African citizens. Many schools are equipped with various forms of technology, at great cost to sponsors, schools, parents or the government. However, this technology is not always exploited and full use is not made of it. As access is not the issue, other factors needed to be considered: in this case, teachers’ beliefs, attitudes and knowledge. This thesis explores the cognitive factors which affect the acceptance and use of technology. Teacher cognition and the factors which influence teacher cognition were examined. Following Borg, teacher cognition is defined as “the unobservable cognitive dimension of teaching – what teachers know, believe and think” (Borg, 2003, p. 81). Teacher cognition determines whether or not a teacher will use technology, if the external barrier of access is removed. In order to study the various aspect of teacher cognition, a case study was performed, which studied 6 teachers at 4 schools. All the schools in this study had some level of access to technology. Following Borg, initial experiences with the educational system (i.e. the teacher’s experience as a learner), teacher training, the context the teacher worked in (as well as social factors and private use) and classroom experience were all examined in order to discover the factors which most affect technology acceptance in teaching. The findings show that having easy access to well-maintained and functioning technology cannot be underestimated. In the study, support from other teachers, particularly those in leadership roles, led to an increase in technology use. This support needed to be explicit; general support did not seem to be effective. These findings suggest that technology integration needs to happen at a ‘whole school’ level.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Baron, Elizabeth Mary
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: English teachers -- Effect of technological innovations on English teachers -- Psychology English teachers -- Attitudes Language and languages -- Study and teaching -- Computer-assisted instruction Educational technology Computer-assisted instruction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1753 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003637
- Description: Technology, in one or more of its various forms, is now a part of everyday life for most South African citizens. Many schools are equipped with various forms of technology, at great cost to sponsors, schools, parents or the government. However, this technology is not always exploited and full use is not made of it. As access is not the issue, other factors needed to be considered: in this case, teachers’ beliefs, attitudes and knowledge. This thesis explores the cognitive factors which affect the acceptance and use of technology. Teacher cognition and the factors which influence teacher cognition were examined. Following Borg, teacher cognition is defined as “the unobservable cognitive dimension of teaching – what teachers know, believe and think” (Borg, 2003, p. 81). Teacher cognition determines whether or not a teacher will use technology, if the external barrier of access is removed. In order to study the various aspect of teacher cognition, a case study was performed, which studied 6 teachers at 4 schools. All the schools in this study had some level of access to technology. Following Borg, initial experiences with the educational system (i.e. the teacher’s experience as a learner), teacher training, the context the teacher worked in (as well as social factors and private use) and classroom experience were all examined in order to discover the factors which most affect technology acceptance in teaching. The findings show that having easy access to well-maintained and functioning technology cannot be underestimated. In the study, support from other teachers, particularly those in leadership roles, led to an increase in technology use. This support needed to be explicit; general support did not seem to be effective. These findings suggest that technology integration needs to happen at a ‘whole school’ level.
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The role of the mite Orthogalumna terebrantis in the biological control programme for water hyacinth, Eichhornia crassipes, in South Africa
- Authors: Marlin, Danica
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Water hyacinth -- Biological control -- South Africa Aquatic weeds -- South Africa Invasive plants -- South Africa Mites -- South Africa Mites as biological pest control agents -- South Africa Biological pest control agents -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5762 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005450
- Description: Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is an aquatic macrophyte originating from the Amazon basin. Due to its beautiful appearance it has been introduced into numerous countries across the world as an ornamental pond plant. It was introduced into South Africa in the early 1900s and has since reached pest proportions in many of the country’s fresh water bodies, causing significant economic and ecological losses. It is now considered to be the worst aquatic weed in South Africa. Efforts to control the spread of the weed began in the early 1970s and there have been some successes. Biological control has been used widely as an alternative to mechanical and chemical controls because it is cost-effective, self-sustaining and environmentally friendly. To date, six biological control agents have been introduced onto water hyacinth in South Africa. However, due to factors such as cold winter temperatures and interference from chemical control, the agent populations are occasionally knocked-down and thus the impact of biological control on the weed population is variable. In addition, many South African water systems are highly eutrophic, and in these systems the plant growth may be accelerated to such an extent that the negative impact of the agents’ herbivory is mitigated. One of the agents established on the weed is the galumnid mite Orthogalumna terebrantis, which originates from Uruguay. In South Africa, the mite was initially discovered on two water hyacinth infestations in the Mpumalanga Province in 1989 and it is now established at 17 sites across the country. Many biological control researchers believe that the mite is a good biological control agent but, prior to this thesis, little quantitative data existed to confirm the belief. Thus, this thesis is a post-release evaluation of O. terebrantis in which various aspects of the mite-plant relationship were investigated to determine the efficacy of the mite and thus better understand the role of the mite in the biological control programme of water hyacinth in South Africa. From laboratory experiments, in which mite densities were lower than densities occurring in the field, it was found that water hyacinth growth is largely unaffected by mite herbivory, except possibly at very high mite densities. When grown in high nutrient conditions the growth of the plant is so great that any affect the mite has is nullified. Plant growth is thus more affected by nutrients than by mite herbivory. However, mite feeding was also influenced by water nutrient levels and mite herbivory was greatest on plants grown in high nutrient conditions. The presence of the mite had a positive effect on the performance of the mirid Eccritotarsus catarinensis, such that the interactions of the two agents together had a greater negative impact on the plant’s growth than the individual agents had alone. Furthermore, water hyacinth physiological parameters, such as the plant’s photosynthetic ability, were negatively impacted by the mite, even at the very low mite densities used in the study. Plant growth rate is dependent on photosynthetic ability i.e. the rate of photosynthesis, and thus a decrease in the plant’s photosynthetic ability will eventually be translated into decreased plant growth rates which would ultimately result in the overall reduction of water hyacinth populations. In addition, temperature tolerance studies showed that the mite was tolerant of low temperatures. The mite already occurs at some of the coldest sites in South Africa. Therefore, the mite should be able to establish at all of the water hyacinth infestations in the country, but because it is a poor disperser it is unlikely to establish at new sites without human intervention. It is suggested that the mite be used as an additional biological control agent at sites where it does not yet occur, specifically at cold sites where some of the other, less cold-tolerant, agents have failed to establish. Finally, conditions of where, how many and how often the mite should be distributed to water hyacinth infestation in South Africa are discussed.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Marlin, Danica
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Water hyacinth -- Biological control -- South Africa Aquatic weeds -- South Africa Invasive plants -- South Africa Mites -- South Africa Mites as biological pest control agents -- South Africa Biological pest control agents -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5762 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005450
- Description: Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is an aquatic macrophyte originating from the Amazon basin. Due to its beautiful appearance it has been introduced into numerous countries across the world as an ornamental pond plant. It was introduced into South Africa in the early 1900s and has since reached pest proportions in many of the country’s fresh water bodies, causing significant economic and ecological losses. It is now considered to be the worst aquatic weed in South Africa. Efforts to control the spread of the weed began in the early 1970s and there have been some successes. Biological control has been used widely as an alternative to mechanical and chemical controls because it is cost-effective, self-sustaining and environmentally friendly. To date, six biological control agents have been introduced onto water hyacinth in South Africa. However, due to factors such as cold winter temperatures and interference from chemical control, the agent populations are occasionally knocked-down and thus the impact of biological control on the weed population is variable. In addition, many South African water systems are highly eutrophic, and in these systems the plant growth may be accelerated to such an extent that the negative impact of the agents’ herbivory is mitigated. One of the agents established on the weed is the galumnid mite Orthogalumna terebrantis, which originates from Uruguay. In South Africa, the mite was initially discovered on two water hyacinth infestations in the Mpumalanga Province in 1989 and it is now established at 17 sites across the country. Many biological control researchers believe that the mite is a good biological control agent but, prior to this thesis, little quantitative data existed to confirm the belief. Thus, this thesis is a post-release evaluation of O. terebrantis in which various aspects of the mite-plant relationship were investigated to determine the efficacy of the mite and thus better understand the role of the mite in the biological control programme of water hyacinth in South Africa. From laboratory experiments, in which mite densities were lower than densities occurring in the field, it was found that water hyacinth growth is largely unaffected by mite herbivory, except possibly at very high mite densities. When grown in high nutrient conditions the growth of the plant is so great that any affect the mite has is nullified. Plant growth is thus more affected by nutrients than by mite herbivory. However, mite feeding was also influenced by water nutrient levels and mite herbivory was greatest on plants grown in high nutrient conditions. The presence of the mite had a positive effect on the performance of the mirid Eccritotarsus catarinensis, such that the interactions of the two agents together had a greater negative impact on the plant’s growth than the individual agents had alone. Furthermore, water hyacinth physiological parameters, such as the plant’s photosynthetic ability, were negatively impacted by the mite, even at the very low mite densities used in the study. Plant growth rate is dependent on photosynthetic ability i.e. the rate of photosynthesis, and thus a decrease in the plant’s photosynthetic ability will eventually be translated into decreased plant growth rates which would ultimately result in the overall reduction of water hyacinth populations. In addition, temperature tolerance studies showed that the mite was tolerant of low temperatures. The mite already occurs at some of the coldest sites in South Africa. Therefore, the mite should be able to establish at all of the water hyacinth infestations in the country, but because it is a poor disperser it is unlikely to establish at new sites without human intervention. It is suggested that the mite be used as an additional biological control agent at sites where it does not yet occur, specifically at cold sites where some of the other, less cold-tolerant, agents have failed to establish. Finally, conditions of where, how many and how often the mite should be distributed to water hyacinth infestation in South Africa are discussed.
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The role of the principal as school leader in maintaining academic standards in the schooling of at-risk learners: a case study at a school in the northern areas of Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Draai, Karen Ann
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: School management and organization -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth School principals -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Educational leadership -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth School discipline -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Children with social disabilities -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Academic achievement -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1955 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008278
- Description: Many disadvantaged schools in South Africa are characterised by poor performance, which is often linked to the legacy of the apartheid regime. Yet, some disadvantaged schools are surviving and even producing excellent results. Many successful businessmen, politicians and academics can attest to the success of these schools, being a product of such schools. Leadership, which has received a lot of attention in recent years, are often the cause of schools failing to produce the expected results. Previous studies have shown that leadership is the key to academic excellence and that to lead disadvantaged schools to success requires strong leaders with moral purpose, who possess qualities of transformational leaders, but also leaders who can focus on instructional leadership practices. This study focuses on the role of leadership in maintaining academic standards at a school in the northern areas of Port Elizabeth. The school has a proud tradition of good academic performances and has even been labelled as a 'model C school in the northern areas'. It has been found that teachers are committed and hardworking and the principal is perceived as having expecting high expectations for the children of the area. He believes as an educator one should never give up on the children. The study found that the principal is a strong leader who shows characteristics of a transformational leader and has the drive of an instructional leader to lead the school and to maintain academic standards. He is a well-respected leader who leads with moral purpose and who has the desire to uplift the community. The study has the potential to provide guidance and encouragement to school principals, and to inform the Department of Education's leadership training programmes.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Draai, Karen Ann
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: School management and organization -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth School principals -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Educational leadership -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth School discipline -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Children with social disabilities -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Academic achievement -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1955 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008278
- Description: Many disadvantaged schools in South Africa are characterised by poor performance, which is often linked to the legacy of the apartheid regime. Yet, some disadvantaged schools are surviving and even producing excellent results. Many successful businessmen, politicians and academics can attest to the success of these schools, being a product of such schools. Leadership, which has received a lot of attention in recent years, are often the cause of schools failing to produce the expected results. Previous studies have shown that leadership is the key to academic excellence and that to lead disadvantaged schools to success requires strong leaders with moral purpose, who possess qualities of transformational leaders, but also leaders who can focus on instructional leadership practices. This study focuses on the role of leadership in maintaining academic standards at a school in the northern areas of Port Elizabeth. The school has a proud tradition of good academic performances and has even been labelled as a 'model C school in the northern areas'. It has been found that teachers are committed and hardworking and the principal is perceived as having expecting high expectations for the children of the area. He believes as an educator one should never give up on the children. The study found that the principal is a strong leader who shows characteristics of a transformational leader and has the drive of an instructional leader to lead the school and to maintain academic standards. He is a well-respected leader who leads with moral purpose and who has the desire to uplift the community. The study has the potential to provide guidance and encouragement to school principals, and to inform the Department of Education's leadership training programmes.
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