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The international community’s implementation of the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) Principle: a Comparative Study of Sudan and Libya

  • Authors: Nizeimana, John Bosco
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Responsibility to protect (International law) , Humanitarian intervention -- Libya , Libya -- Foreign relations -- 1969- , Libya -- Politics and government -- 1969- , Humanitarian intervention -- Sudan , Sudan -- Foreign relations , Sudan -- Politics and government -- 1985-
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/162631 , vital:40962
  • Description: In the history of international relations, the adoption of the R2P principle in 2005 was widely understood to be a break-through in the international community’s efforts to respond to massive human rights violations and atrocities. Despite this, the international community’s implementation of the R2P has been widely contested, including in relation to its application in Sudan and Libya. There is agreement in the literature that, in both cases, the implementation of the R2P failed to achieve its intended purpose of protecting civilian populations. This thesis addresses the question of why the R2P failed in Sudan and Libya. Most explanations concerning the failure of the R2P in Sudan and Libya tend to focus on the politics of big power countries. The study argues that the failure to implement the R2P is related to the interactions between regional organisations and the international community (global organisations like UN) in attempting to solve large-scale human rights violent conflict. The study is firmly embedded in scholarly debates about humanitarian intervention so as to demonstrate the fact that this study is part of efforts to advance knowledge of scholarly debates on humanitarian intervention in this contemporary world order. The study combines a case study approach and qualitative research approach to achieve a nuanced understanding of the reason why the R2P failed in Sudan and Libya. The study relied on the use of documentary reviews and in-depth interviews of experts to collect data which was analysed using critical discourse analysis. The thesis demonstrated that the implementation of the R2P was characterised by a breakdown of the relationship between regional actors like the AU and global institutions like the UN. This breakdown contributed to the failure of the R2P in Sudan and Libya. The lack of financial and operational capacity for rapid deployment, the internal divisions with the AU, and the lack of political will within the AU members states were also cited as obstacles to the realisation of the R2P efforts in Sudan. To establish in-depth knowledge the study revealed other factors related to the politics of big power countries and how they played a part in the failure of the R2P in Sudan and Libya. Among these factors include implementation inconsistencies, the ICC factor, the absence of UNSC consensus in the response over Darfur and Libya, and the veto power factor and its implications in the efforts of the international community in both cases. This study also showed that the implementation of the R2P may not work effectively if left only to international actors to implement. Regional and sub-regional actors are important stakeholders of the R2P, and their interactions with the international community in actualising the implmementation of the R2P on the ground are essential. The manner in which the R2P was applied in Sudan and Libya is an indication its implementation requires improved interaction between regional actors and the international community at all level of collaboration including at global, regional and sub-regional level. This can build a strong foundation to drive the effective implementation of the R2P in future interventions. The findings of this thesis will significantly improve the available literature on the reason why the R2P failed in Sudan and Libya, particularly by paying much attention to the role of regional and sub-regional actors.
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  • Date Issued: 2020

The invasive grass genus Nassella in South Africa: A synthesis

  • Authors: Mapaura Anthony , Canavan, Kim N , Richardson, David M , Clark, Vincent R , Steenhuisen, Sandy-Lynn
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: To be catalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424842 , vital:72188 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2020.08.031"
  • Description: Three species of Nassella have naturalized in South Africa. Nassella trichotoma and N. tenuissima are declared weeds under category 1b of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEM:BA) and occur mainly in the montane grasslands of the Western and Eastern Cape provinces. Nassella neesiana is not listed in NEM:BA but is naturalized in the Eastern Cape, Western Cape and Free State provinces. Research conducted in the 1970s and 1980s led to vigorous government-funded awareness and control campaigns which ended in 2000. No research on Nassella distribution or control has been undertaken since then. Despite this hiatus, Nassella remains a dangerous genus in southern Africa, given the serious impacts of these species in similar social-ecological systems in Australia and New Zealand. This paper presents a synthesis of available information about Nassella invasions in South Africa and identifies research gaps. It specifically addresses these questions: What identification issues exist? What is the current spatial distribution of Nassella? What is the autecology of the genus? What are the social-ecological impacts of Nassella? What control measures are currently applied and what are their strengths and limitations? What do we know about Nassella distribution and its response to climate change? This paper highlights many knowledge gaps about Nassella, such as the species’ current distribution range, field identification and detection difficulties, and the uncoordinated control efforts that require urgent research to inform an effective management response.
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  • Date Issued: 2020

The Islamic Bloc at the United Nations Human Rights Council

  • Authors: Rist, Duncan Graham
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: United Nations Human Rights Council , Organisation of Islamic Cooperation , International relations , International relations -- Moral and ethical aspects , Political leadership -- Moral and ethical aspects , Power (Social sciences) -- United States , Human rights -- International cooperation , Liberalism -- International cooperation
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/142759 , vital:38114
  • Description: Uncertainty as to the future of the liberal international order and the position of the United States within an international system in which it is not the hegemon remains a topic of debate amongst scholars of International Relations (Acharya: 2017; Duncombe and Dunne: 2018; Ikenberry: 2009, 2011, 2014; Nye: 2012 and Monteiro: 2011/2012). Fukuyama’s (1989: 4) “end of history” has not happened and a resurgence of populist leaders within established liberal democratic countries has contributed to a rapid decline of moral and ethical leadership and has further compromised the future of the liberal international order (Duncombe and Dunne, 2018: 27). As the relative power of the United States declines and the future of the liberal international order becomes increasingly uncertain, support for its future must be sought from outside the West (Duncombe and Dunne, 2018: 25 and Ikenberry: 2009). This thesis seeks to locate where potential non-Western support for the future liberal international order may be found. It does so through an analysis of how Islamic states who are part of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation vote on the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). The OIC has a significant presence at the UNHRC and can influence the direction of the liberal international human rights regime. The evidence examined in this research project suggests that the future liberal international order and human rights regime can indeed expect some form of cooperation from the OIC. However, the OIC, and by extension Islamic states, would likely offer more support at least for human rights, if a more common understanding were to be found.
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  • Date Issued: 2020

The jackal as a mesopredator : dietary response to an apex predator and role as an endozoochore

  • Authors: Favaretto, Bianca Sashika
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Jackal buzzard
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48313 , vital:40841
  • Description: Interactions between apex predators, mesopredators and their impacts on trophic dynamics have been well documented. However, the influence of apex predators, through the provision of carrion, on the foraging ecology of African mesopredators is poorly understood. To investigate such resource supplementation by apex predators for mesopredators, the black-backed jackal Canis mesomelas, a generalist mesopredator, was used as a model species to improve our understanding of this topic in South African ecosystems. To do this, I compared the diet of jackal at replicated sites with and without cheetah in the eastern Karoo, South Africa. Scat samples were macroscopically categorized into six broad dietary categories: mammal, reptile, bird, fruit, forage and insect. Mammalian prey was further identified to species and grouped into six functional dietary categories: carnivore, large ungulate, small ungulate, small mammal, and unknown mammal. Jackal diets were dominated by mammal prey, with significant differences in the biomass and frequency of occurrence of mammals by jackal at sites with cheetah and without cheetah. Mammal consumption, showed limited variation amongst seasons. Resource supplementation provided by predator derived carrion is an important factor influencing jackal foraging ecology. The emergent hypothesis that jackal may show demographic responses (increased fecundity, survival, density) to this supplementation needs to be tested. This study also provided an opportunity to investigate the potential role of jackal as an endozoochore. Jackal consume fruits and their seeds, yet to our knowledge, an investigation into their seed dispersing abilities is yet to be investigated. This study assessed the viability and germination capacity of ingested seeds extracted from jackal scat samples using the tetrazolium tests and germination trials. Seed viability and germination of all three species (Grewia occidentalis, Pappea capensis and Diospyros lycioides) were significantly lower than uningested seeds. These results suggest that jackal gut passage is acting severely on ingested seeds. This study represents a novel investigation into differences in jackal diet in sites with and without cheetah as well as the role jackal play in endozoochory, contributing to improved understanding of the ecological role of jackal.
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  • Date Issued: 2020

The leadership style of Richard Branson: a psychobiography

  • Authors: Fourie, Megan
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Psychology -- Biographical methods , Transformational leadership
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49838 , vital:41807
  • Description: Transformational leadership (TFL) is a leadership theory that describes how leaders create change through their ability to inspire and motivate followers toward self-improvement and innovation that benefits the individual, the group, and the organisation as a whole.This psychobiographical research study explored the leadership style of Richard Branson by using Bass’s theory of transformational leadership. An exploratory-descriptive design was utilised to examine Branson’s life history. He was selected for the study through non-probability purposive sampling based on his history as an extraordinary leader and entrepreneur. Primary and secondary sources of historical and biographical data were used in the data collection process. The data was then processed using thematic analysis against the theoretical framework of transformational leadership. From an ethical perspective, the researcher took care to avoid the misrepresentation of the subject, thus balancing objective research with respect for the psychobiographical content and minimising the risk of doing harm. The findings demonstrated that Branson’s leadership style consists of, and corresponds to a large extent, to the four components of TFL.
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  • Date Issued: 2020

The leadership style of Richard Branson: a psychobiography

  • Authors: Fourie, Megan
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Leadership -- South Africa , Psychology -- Biographical methods
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50557 , vital:42221
  • Description: Transformational leadership (TFL) is a leadership theory that describes how leaders create change through their ability to inspire and motivate followers toward self-improvement and innovation that benefits the individual, the group, and the organisation as a whole.This psychobiographical research study explored the leadership style of Richard Branson by using Bass’s theory of transformational leadership. An exploratory-descriptive design was utilised to examine Branson’s life history. He was selected for the study through non-probability purposive sampling based on his history as an extraordinary leader and entrepreneur. Primary and secondary sources of historical and biographical data were used in the data collection process. The data was then processed using thematic analysis against the theoretical framework of transformational leadership. From an ethical perspective, the researcher took care to avoid the misrepresentation of the subject, thus balancing objective research with respect for the psychobiographical content and minimising the risk of doing harm. The findings demonstrated that Branson’s leadership style consists of, and corresponds to a large extent, to the four major components of TFL.
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  • Date Issued: 2020

The Legacy Effects of Colonial and Apartheid Imprints on Urban Greening in South Africa: Spaces, Species, and Suitability

  • Authors: Shackleton, Charlie M , Gwedla, Nanamhla
  • Date: 2020
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/176296 , vital:42682 , https://doi.org/10.3389/fevo.2020.579813
  • Description: Colonialism is a significant legacy across most aspects of urban form, the nature and distribution of public green spaces, and tree species composition in many cities of the Global South. However, the legacy effects of colonialism on urban green infrastructure and the uses thereof have only recently come under scrutiny. Here we collate information from South Africa on urban greening and interpret it through a colonial and apartheid legacy lens in relation to the distribution and types of urban nature found and their resonance with contemporary needs as an African country.
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  • Date Issued: 2020

The legality and enforceability of an automatic termination clause in the contract of employment

  • Authors: Mbewana, Ntsikelelo Elliot
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Employees -- Dismissal of -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Labor contract -- South Africa Unfair labor practices -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48993 , vital:41575
  • Description: This study seeks to determine the legality and enforceability of an automatic termination clause in a contract of employment. Our law seems to have two different procedures in dealing with this issue. The first aspect is to determine whether the automatic termination clause is inserted in a contract of employment merely to circumvent the provisions of the Labour Relations Act (LRA), in particular section 5(2)(b) of the LRA. If the intention is found to be to circumvent the purpose of the said provisions of the Act, then an automatic termination clause is not allowed and any termination of the contract resulting therefrom becomes a dismissal challengeable at the CCMA, Bargaining Council or Labour Court depending on the issue at hand. In the alternative, there is no dismissal for the purposes of section 186(1) of the Act in circumstances where the end of an agreed fixed term is defined by the occurrence of a particular event. Put differently, there is no dismissal when the agreed and anticipated event materialises. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa provides that everyone has the right to fair labour practices. This provision guarantees the right not to be unfairly dismissed and is in line with Article 4 of Convention 158 of the International Labour Organisation which provides that the employment of a worker shall not be terminated unless there is a valid reason for such termination connected with the capacity or conduct of the worker or based on operational requirements of the undertaking, establishment or service. This study aims to investigate the question of the legality and enforceability of an automatic termination clause in a contract of employment by analysing inter alia, the Constitution, LRA, ILO recommendations and the authorities in order to determine the extent of protection afforded to employees against employers.
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  • Date Issued: 2020

The lived experiences of women with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Malawi: an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA)

  • Authors: Nkhalamba, Mathero Michelle
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: HIV-positive women -- Malawi , HIV infections -- Sex factors -- Malawi , HIV infections -- Social aspects -- Malawi , HIV-positive women -- Malawi -- Social conditions , HIV-positive women -- Malawi -- Economic conditions , Poverty -- Malawi , Antiretroviral agents -- Malawi , Phenomenological psychology
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/145291 , vital:38425
  • Description: Research on African women and HIV, particularly research that investigates their experiences of living with the virus, has been relatively peripheral. As a response to the apparent knowledge and research gaps, this project is a qualitative study involving women living with human immunodeficiency virus (WLHIV) and attending an anti-retroviral treatment (ART) clinic at Zomba Central Hospital in Southern Malawi. The study utilised an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) approach, which informed all aspects of the data-collection and data-analysis processes. Using purposive sampling, 12 women were recruited and interviewed on three occasions over a period of six months. The interviews were conducted in Chichewa and audio recorded and later transcribed into English. Fourteen superordinate themes emerged from the analysis representing the women’s prominent life experiences, how they received their diagnosis, and how they contained the trauma of their diagnosis. The analysis also developed themes regarding how they coped with the challenges of living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and made sense of their experiences. The results showed that the women struggled with multiple challenges experienced through their various identities as WLHIV. The findings also pointed to interlocking disadvantages that put the women at risk of infection, and which were present from childhood. This has implications for more structural and multidisciplinary interventions for WLHIV.
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  • Date Issued: 2020

The long road to Rhodes University: narratives of African first-generation students whose mothers are/were domestic workers

  • Authors: Mapele, Nomonde
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Household employees -- Children -- South Africa , Women household employees , Rhodes University -- Students , Black people -- Education (Higher) -- South Africa , Students, Black -- South Africa -- Personal narratives , First-generation college students
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/150530 , vital:38982
  • Description: First-generation African students contend with psychosocial, structural, educational background and financial struggles to gain access to university. The first-generation students exercised their available resources and power, agency and acquired skills to negotiate their journey and entrance to university. They had to figure out for themselves how to navigate a daunting and complex path to university without relying on the knowledge and informative engagement with previous older familial generations who had the experience of attending university. They are a testimony of a generation of young people who have the resilience and grit to compensate for the structural deficits they have and experienced through their disadvantaged educational systems and their financially disadvantaged backgrounds. Although one would expect that teachers would automatically be the first encounter a high school student has of acquiring information on how to gain access to university, many of the previously disadvantaged school teachers are simply too inundated with work to be able to facilitate this process. First-generation students found themselves mostly having to look beyond the parameters of the classroom to acquire these resources. Following a qualitative approach of narrative enquiry, five African students with life experience of being first-generation Rhodes University students whose mothers were or are domestic workers, narrated their personal stories. A first-generation student’s agency, negotiation and navigation through obstacles, struggles and setbacks in the backdrop of having mothers who were/are domestic workers who socialised their children in a specific ideology to value and pursue education are the foundations for this narrative enquiry. This research provides a framework for investigating the concept of adequate and appropriate university preparedness to address the inadequate resources that previously disadvantaged schools have in terms of preparing their students to compete (in often times with more advantaged students) to gain access to university. These first-generation students did not come from educational environments where career counselling or aptitude tests are done to better equip them for entrance into university and appropriate subject and degree choice. Several common traits emerged that give perspective to the narrative of the journey that first-generation students’ had to endure and overcome to gain access to university.
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  • Date Issued: 2020

The management of lions (Panthera Leo) in small, fenced wildlife reserves

  • Authors: McEvoy, Orla
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Lion -- Behavior -- South Africa , Spatial behavior in animals -- South Africa , Animal populations -- South Africa , Game reserves -- South Africa -- Management
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/143471 , vital:38249
  • Description: Reintroduced lion (Panthera leo) populations pose several ecological and management challenges in small (< 1,000 km2), fenced wildlife reserves. Changes in the natural socialecological conditions of reintroduced lion populations may lead to rapid population growth and a breakdown of natural predator-prey relationships. Reduced competition with other lions also likely reduces the potential for reintroduced lions to naturally form groups. My study used a combination of questionnaire surveys with tourists, existing lion demographic data from 16 wildlife reserves across South Africa and a controlled lion social experiment to address these ecological and management issues. Tourism was the primary reason for lion reintroductions. Tourists scored lions highly in terms of preference for viewing on safari, in particular, lions in larger, natural groups and adult males. Viewing lions also enhanced a tourists’ overall safari experience. The breakdown of natural social behaviour may likely therefore reduce tourist satisfaction related to lions. The number of resident prides and male coalitions in a reserve affected lion vital rates. Lion population growth rate was highest in reserves that contained a single resident pride, and the presence of unknown adult males significantly reduced cub survival and lioness birth intervals. The ratio of male cubs born also increased in reserves with a higher density of unknown adult males. Fertility control measures (deslorelin implants and unilateral hysterectomy) were effective at limiting lion population growth. Deslorelin treatment increased the age of first reproduction or the birth interval and decreased the subsequent litter size of treated lionesses to closer reflect natural vital rates in larger (> 10, 000 km2) systems. However, there was variability in infertility response between lionesses including adverse reactions in a small proportion of treated individuals. The number of resident prides and male coalitions in a reserve affected lion social behaviour. Lionesses formed larger groups in reserves with a higher density of unknown adult female neighbours, likely driven by territory defence. Lion prides with resident cubs were generally more fragmented, likely in response to reduced competition from unknown adult males. However, in areas with a high density of unknown adult female neighbours, prides with cubs formed larger groups likely in response to heightened territory defence. Therefore, with smaller foraging group sizes, predation rate was increased in reserves with reduced competition from unknown lions. My study supports a metapopulation approach for the management of lions in small, fenced reserves, and the standardisation of lion management procedures and database management. Endorsed by the Biodiversity Management Plan for lions in South Africa, this will enhance the long-term conservation potential of isolated populations.
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  • Date Issued: 2020

The meanings selected Rhodes University student-fans of hip-hop make of the gendered scenarios portrayed in designated South African commercial hip-hop music videos

  • Authors: Mtengwa, Tamuka Phumelela Msawenkosi Misheck
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Hip-hop -- South Africa , Misogyny -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Rap (Music) -- South Africa , Rap (Music) -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Hip-hop -- Influence , Violence in music , Women -- Violence against -- South Africa , Rape culture -- South Africa , Rap music fans-- South Africa -- Makhanda , Misogyny in music , #RapeCultureMustFall , #RUReferenceList
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/148305 , vital:38728
  • Description: Hip-hop is frequently linked to misogyny and other forms of violence. This link, in many instances, is often presented outside of a critical understanding of complex underlying societal and gender dynamics. South Africa’s high rates of violence against women make it necessary to understand how hip-hop videos interact with society, as hip-hop, in its commercial form, has become a growing music genre in South Africa. Rhodes University, which has a notable student following of hip-hop, has experienced concerning levels of gender-based tensions as evidenced by the rise of the “fallist” movement’s #RapeCultureMustFall, #RUReferenceList and the suicide of Khensani Maseko, at the instigation of an alleged incident of rape, perpetrated by her boyfriend and fellow student. It is therefore of interest to investigate how a select group of Rhodes University student-fans of hip-hop make meaning out of selected South African commercial hip-hop music videos. The hip-hop music videos chosen for the study, hence Pitbull Terrier (Die Antwoord), Pearl Thusi (Emtee), Dlala ka yona (L’Tido), All eyes on me (AKA featuring Burna Boy, Da L.E.S and JR) and Ragga Ragga (Gemini Major featuring Casper Nyovest, Riky Rick and Nadia Nakai), were selected on the strength of their popularity and uniquely gendered scenarios. This study draws on qualitative research methods, thus qualitative thematic content analysis, focus group and in-depth interviews. The study establishes that despite gender being a contentious issue at Rhodes University, students make meaning out of the gendered portrayals based on their own experiences, socialisation, cultural values and level of submission to the discourse of hip-hop. This study seeks to understand how selected student-fans of hip-hop read the gendered portrayals of the music videos, based on their own experiences, socialisation, cultural values, and level of submission to the discourse of hip-hop.
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  • Date Issued: 2020

The mediating effect of financial literacy on the relationship between financial behavior and financial well-being on budget intentions

  • Authors: Msakatya, Sakhumzi Mcgregor
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Financial literacy
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49736 , vital:41786
  • Description: Financial literacy concerns the understanding of those concepts related to finances. Financial literacy is globally recognised as an essential life skill since people must be able to differentiate among a wide range of products, services and providers of financial products to manage their finances successfully. Individuals make daily financial decisions about expenditures and savings. In environments where resources are scarce poor financial decisions have high impact on the quality of life and future access to resources. People are not adequately educated with regards to finance and wealth creation, save too little for retirement, overspend and tend to purchase items that are not prioritised for the household. Due to limited empirical research, it is clear that new research into the effect of financial literacy on the relationship between financial behaviour and financial well-being on budget intentions is required. This study was anchored to two theories, namely the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), intended to explain all behaviors in which people have the ability to exert self-control and the Trans-Theoretical Model of Behaviour Change (TTM) that could be used to change people’s financial behaviour. The problem being explored is that the mismanagement of funding for beneficiaries at higher education institutions. NSFAS has begun to increasingly make cash payouts available to beneficiaries yet there is not enough empirical evidence to suggest that the beneficiaries possess adequate personal finance management skills or they are financially literate to being able to better manage their finances. When the beneficiaries are not adequately skilled regarding personal finance management skills, they could misuse such funds and this could result in these beneficiaries failing to complete their studies. This study contributed to the identified knowledge gap by investigating the mediating effect of financial literacy on the relationship between financial behaviour and financial well-being on budget intentions among South African university students. This study included quantitative research methods and questionnaires were used as the primary means of collecting the data. The sample included 204 participants from the University of Fort Hare. The final sample yielded a total response rate of 81.6%. A cross sectional research design was used for this study. Convenience sampling was used in this study. The researcher made use of student leaders to distribute and collect questionnaires. This study included 14 hypotheses. The dependent variables included Budget Intentions and Financial Literacy. The independent variables included Financial Well-being and Financial Behaviour. Self-control as a financial behaviour predicted university students’ budget intentions. Individuals with better self-control were more likely to forgo indulgences and focus on the long-term goals, thereby sticking to a budget. Optimism significantly predicted budget intentions of university learners. People who tend to engage in deliberate thinking more often are more likely to better manage their personal finances through budgeting. Individuals who have more positive financial attitude were more satisfied with their financial situation implying that they undertake planning and budgeting as far as finance issues are concerned. Financial socialisation from a parental perspective significantly influenced university students’ financial behaviour, namely, financial teaching, monitoring and modelling. People with better self-control are more likely to practise saving in almost every income flowing to them. Financial behaviour, particularly, deliberating thinking significantly predicted financial literacy. Positive financial behaviours such as being financial literate such as a reduction in day-to-day expenses were found to be associated with lower financial anxiety levels. Financial behaviours including positive financial attitude significantly predicted financial literacy. Individuals who had their financial issues monitored by parents for the purpose of earning advice and tips on financial matters were positively behaving pointing to the notion that they were financial literate and knowledgeable. The implication of the study is that management of institutions of higher learning should encourage students to practise self-control behaviour regarding their finances in order to improve budget intentions. It is also recommended that the Universities management should design short courses where students can be trained on or made aware of the importance of self-control as much as good financial behaviour is concerned.
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  • Date Issued: 2020

The modulation of the photophysical and photodynamic therapy activities of a phthalocyanine by detonation nanodiamonds: Comparison with graphene quantum dots and carbon nanodots

  • Authors: Matshitse, Refilwe , Managa, Muthumuni , Nyokong, Tebello
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: To be catalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/186690 , vital:44525 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.diamond.2019.107617"
  • Description: A positively charged phthalocyanine (2,9,16,23-tetrakis[4-(N-methylpyridyloxy)]-phthalocyanine (ZnTPPcQ)) was non-covalently linked to carbon based nanoparticles: detonation nanodiamonds (DNDs), carbon dots (CDs) and graphene quantum dots (GQDs) to form nanosembles of DNDs-ZnTPPcQ, GQDs-ZnTPPcQ and CDs-ZnTPPcQ, respectively. Irrespective of its small size and the least number of Pcs (41.67 μg loading per milligram of DNDs), DNDs-ZnTPPcQ gave the highest singlet oxygen quantum yield (0.62) in dimethyl sulfoxide compared to the rest of the conjugates. This resulted in superior PDT activity against MCF7 breast cancer lines, with the lowest cell viability of 28% compared to ZnTPPcQ-CDs and ZnTPPcQ-GQDs at 30.1 ± 0.02% and 31.4 ± 0.23%, respectively.
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  • Date Issued: 2020

The national health insurance bill: a measure to realise the right to access health care services

  • Authors: Moyo, Priscilla Tariro
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Medical laws and legislation -- South Africa , Health insurance -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49016 , vital:41593
  • Description: The right to access health care services is enshrined in section 27 of the Constitution. It is a right afforded to everyone. The state is required to adopt legislative and other measures for the progressive realisation of this right. To that effect, the state has passed various pieces of legislation aimed at realising the right to access health care services. The key legislative measures regulating the health system are the National Health Act, the Medical Schemes Act and the Medicines Act. Despite the various legislative measures in place, not everyone has access to health care services and there is a need for reform in the health system. To remedy the problem of inaccessibility, the government introduced the NHI Bill in 2018 which was amended in 2019. The NHI Bill purports to amend the way in which health services are financed. The purpose of this research is to determine the constitutionality of selected aspects of the NHI Bill. Section 27(2) of the Constitution requires that any measure adopted by the state in realising the right to access health care services must be reasonable. This research, therefore, assesses whether the NHI Bill is a reasonable measure that meets the requirements of section 27(2). The NHI Bill will be assessed in light of the reasonableness review used to assess state compliance with the obligation in terms of section 27. In assessing the reasonableness of the NHI Bill, reference is made to the domestic obligations of the state to realise the right to access health care services, the context in which the NHI Bill was published, the provisions of international law, and the impact the NHI Bill will have on other rights specifically the right to equality. The findings of this research are that the NHI Bill is likely to be found unconstitutional insofar as it unfairly discriminates against asylum seekers and undocumented migrants and lacks clarity with respect to important issues such as the role of medical schemes. Based on this analysis, recommendations are made to ensure that the NHI Bill is constitutionally sound.
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  • Date Issued: 2020

The Northern Cross fast radio burst project–I: overview and pilot observations at 408 MHz

  • Authors: Locatelli, Nicola T , Bernardi, Gianni , Bianchi, Germano , Chiello, Riccardo C , Magro, Alessio , Naldi, Giovanni , Pilia, Maura , Pupillo, Giuseppe , Ridolfi, Alessandro , Setti, Giancarlo , Vazza, Franco
  • Date: 2020
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/148791 , vital:38774 , https://0-doi.org.wam.seals.ac.za/10.1093/mnras/staa813
  • Description: Fast radio bursts (FRBs) remain one of the most enigmatic astrophysical sources. Observations have significantly progressed over the last few years, due to the capabilities of new radio telescopes and the refurbishment of existing ones. Here, we describe the upgrade of the Northern Cross radio telescope, operating in the 400–416 MHz frequency band, with the ultimate goal of turning the array into a dedicated instrument to survey the sky for FRBs.
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  • Date Issued: 2020

The novobiocin-induced turnover of fibronectin via low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 alters matrix morphology with physiological consequences on cell growth and migration

  • Authors: Boёl, Natasha Marie-Eraine
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Uncatalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/114778 , vital:34034 , 10.21504/10962/114778
  • Description: Fibronectin (FN), an extracellular matrix protein, is secreted as a soluble dimer which is assembled into an insoluble extracellular matrix. The dynamics of FN matrix assembly and degradation play a large role in cell migration and invasion thereby contributing to the metastatic potential of cancer cells. Previous studies have shown the direct binding of Heat Shock Protein 90 kDa (Hsp90) and FN in vitro, and that inhibition of Hsp90 with novobiocin (NOV) caused internalisation of the FN matrix. Low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) is a ubiquitous receptor known to bind both Hsp90 and FN. Using an LRP1 expressing Hs578T breast cancer cell line and an isogenic mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) model system of differential LRP1 expression we demonstrate that LRP1 is involved in turnover of FN in response to C-terminal Hsp90 inhibition. The first objective of this study was to identify the mechanism of NOV-induced LRP1-mediated FN turnover. Our data show that NOV-mediated FN turnover via LRP1 did not require the activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which play an important role in processing and degradation of the extracellular matrix and FN. In addition, the levels of the main FN receptor responsible for its extracellular assembly, β1-integrin, did not change in response to NOV. LRP1 is known to undergo regulated intramembrane proteolysis (RIP) which generates smaller fragments that may translocate to the nucleus and modulate gene transcription. Using inhibitors of LRP1 cleavage and nuclear fractionation we determined that LRP1 processing was not required for the NOV-induced FN response suggesting that a mechanism unrelated to LRP1 RIP is involved. A possible mechanism may be in altered Hsp90-LRP1 cell signalling as we observed disruption of the FN-Hsp90-LRP1 complex at the cell surface in NOV treated cells. How this affects downstream eHsp90-LRP1 signalling is still to be determined but may be related to a significant increase in phospho-AKT and loss of phospho-ERK upon NOV-treatment; two key signalling proteins involved in FN matrix regulation and which are downstream of LRP1 signalling. The second objective of this study was to determine the physiological consequences associated with FN turnover in response to NOV treatment. Using migration assays we demonstrated that levels of insoluble matrix-associated FN and FN concentration are not solely responsible for migratory capacity of cells on decellularized extracellular matrices, but rather that structural composition and integrity of the matrix plays a bigger role. Using confocal and scanning electron microscopy, we identified NOV treated matrices to be flatter, less mature and contain thicker, rope-like FN fibrils to which cells adhered better but were generally less proliferative. Comparatively, cells adhered less to the more mature and 3-dimensional untreated matrices but exhibited increased spreading and cell growth, which may in part be due to the thinner fibrils and web-like matrix. In summary, this study substantiates the role of LRP1 in NOV-mediated FN turnover, and provides new insights into the possible mechanisms of the Hsp90-LRP1 mediated loss of FN matrix. This is the first study to demonstrate some of the functional consequences related to FN turnover by NOV at the ECM level. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Biochemistry and Microbiology, 2020
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  • Date Issued: 2020

The past meets the present: exploring the biogeography of extant plecoptera of South Africa with reference to ancient middle permian fossil forms from the Onder Karoo locality near Sutherland

  • Authors: Kirkaldy, Benjamin Puleng
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Stoneflies, Fossil -- South Africa -- Northern Cape , Palaeopteron -- South Africa -- Northern Cape , Stoneflies -- Evolution , Insects, Fossil -- South Africa -- Northern Cape , Paleoentomology , Paleoentomology -- South Africa -- Northern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/165755 , vital:41278
  • Description: The Onder Karoo fossil locality near Sutherland, Northern Cape, recently yielded an unprecedented diversity of middle Permian insects, which were preserved in deposits of an aquatic lake margin system, in the Lowermost Abrahamskraal Formation. A large number of Plecoptera (stonefly) specimens were found, and this study represents an in-depth analysis of these species in the context of plecopteran evolution. A significant contribution to current knowledge of the Plecoptera from the middle Permian to the present has been made, utilizing a combination of fossil and phylogenetic evidence to better understand the origins, evolution, diversity and biogeography of the stoneflies. Three new plecopteran species have been described from the Onder Karoo locality, which is recognized here as the first Lagerstätte of its kind in Gondwana. Possible ecological links and relationships with the plecopterans described here have been suggested, using extant Plecoptera as analogues. An in-depth, fossilcalibrated, dated phylogeny of the Plecoptera was completed, using representatives from all three dominant lineages, the Antarctoperlaria, Systellognatha and the Euholognatha. This provides strong support for the monophyly of the Notonemouridae and the Antarctoperlaria, however the monophyly of Systellognatha and Euholognatha was not supported. The Notonemouridae were found to represent an earlier divergence than previously believed, forming a sister group to the remaining Plecoptera. Through a combination of fossil and molecular evidence, strong support was found for the current distribution of the Plecoptera worldwide being attributable to vicariance caused by the rifting of Pangea, and subsequently Gondwana and Laurasia, and long range dispersal. The focussed effort to include Southern Hemisphere stoneflies throughout this study has been a valuable step in reducing the Northern Hemisphere bias which currently dominates plecopteran research and has assisted in opening the way for future research into this important group on a global scale.
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  • Date Issued: 2020

The perceived effects of rainfall variability on food security in Senqu local municipality, South Africa

The perceptions and experiences of tenants living in a social housing initiative in Port Elizabeth

  • Authors: Konstabel, Desiree
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Social settlements
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46410 , vital:39579
  • Description: Social housing aims to redress the housing crisis that South Africa is currently facing given the backlog that was left in the provision of free basic housing. Research conducted on the low to the middle-income group from which South African social housing tenants originate, suggests that this income bracket experiences social, physical and mental health challenges. They are three times more likely to suffer from depression than their counterparts in developed countries. Little to no literature has been published focusing on tenants who represent low to middle-income groups living in social housing in South Africa. Furthermore, the researcher did not come across literature highlighting the perceptions and experiences of tenants, who represent these low to middle-income groups, and who live in social housing in South Africa. In the context of South African social housing, there is a gap in the literature about the perceptions and experiences of tenants living in a social housing initiative.Guided by the Social Constructionism and Sense of Community theoretical frameworks, the goal of this qualitative research study waste gain a better understanding about the perceptions and experiences of tenants living in a social housing initiative in South Africa. An exploratory and descriptive research design was employed, focusing on the tenants of one social housing initiative. A non-probability purposive sampling procedure was followed. Convenience sampling was applied and followed up by volunteer sampling techniques. The sample size consisted of 9 social housing tenants. Individual, semi-structured interviews were conducted by an independent interviewer and used to collect data and analyse themes. Trustworthiness and ethical considerations were adhered to on all levels.This research contributes to a greater understanding of the perceptions and experiences of tenants living in a social housing initiative. The study revealed that most tenants experienced an increased sense of safety in the social housing initiative as compared to the surrounding community. The study further revealed that lower-income tenants have concerns about the long-term affordability of rentals in social housing. Among others, the study recommends that social workers advocate for inclusive social and economic policies to promote greater inclusion of vulnerable groups from low-income backgrounds.
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  • Date Issued: 2020
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