Ethics and education as practices of freedom
- Authors: Tabensky, Pedro
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/305672 , vital:58602 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/00131857.2020.1791822"
- Description: On the one hand, according to Richard Rorty, Paulo Freire and others, education is the practice of freedom. On the other hand, according to Michael Foucault, Mary Midgley and others, ethics is the practice of freedom. How, then, are education and ethics related to one another and what do these authors mean by ‘the practice of freedom’? In this piece, I argue that education and ethics are two mutually constitutive aspects of the practice of freedom. Individuals who are able to engage in this practice can most properly be said to be the authors of their lives, that is, individuals who, to borrow from Neil MacGregor, are able to find their ‘place in things’. To find our ‘place in things’ is to do the necessary educative work required for becoming the authors of our lives, that is, for self-actualization (as Rorty and John Dewey have argued). To take on the authorial role is, moreover, to be able effectively to take control of our lives, to organize them into unities for which we are individually responsible. This, according to Midgley, is precisely what it is to be ethical. This work, moreover, requires ongoing development, that is, education, in Dewey’s sense. I further argue that professional education and skills training cannot be understood properly in isolation from these broader educational aims and I criticize mainstream educational practices for not paying sufficient attention to the intimate relationship between the vocational and non-vocational aspects of education.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Tabensky, Pedro
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/305672 , vital:58602 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/00131857.2020.1791822"
- Description: On the one hand, according to Richard Rorty, Paulo Freire and others, education is the practice of freedom. On the other hand, according to Michael Foucault, Mary Midgley and others, ethics is the practice of freedom. How, then, are education and ethics related to one another and what do these authors mean by ‘the practice of freedom’? In this piece, I argue that education and ethics are two mutually constitutive aspects of the practice of freedom. Individuals who are able to engage in this practice can most properly be said to be the authors of their lives, that is, individuals who, to borrow from Neil MacGregor, are able to find their ‘place in things’. To find our ‘place in things’ is to do the necessary educative work required for becoming the authors of our lives, that is, for self-actualization (as Rorty and John Dewey have argued). To take on the authorial role is, moreover, to be able effectively to take control of our lives, to organize them into unities for which we are individually responsible. This, according to Midgley, is precisely what it is to be ethical. This work, moreover, requires ongoing development, that is, education, in Dewey’s sense. I further argue that professional education and skills training cannot be understood properly in isolation from these broader educational aims and I criticize mainstream educational practices for not paying sufficient attention to the intimate relationship between the vocational and non-vocational aspects of education.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Ethics in context
- Burningham, Kate, Venn, Susan, Hayward, Bronwyn, Aoyagi, Midori, Hasan, Mohammed Mehedi, Mattar, Helio, Schudel, Ingrid J, Yoshida, Aya
- Authors: Burningham, Kate , Venn, Susan , Hayward, Bronwyn , Aoyagi, Midori , Hasan, Mohammed Mehedi , Mattar, Helio , Schudel, Ingrid J , Yoshida, Aya
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/294364 , vital:57215 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/13645579.2019.1672282"
- Description: Existing literatures have discussed both ethical issues in visual research with young people, and the problems associated with applying ‘universal’ ethical guidelines across varied cultural contexts. There has been little consideration, however, of specific issues raised in projects where visual research is being conducted with young people simultaneously in multiple national contexts. This paper contributes to knowledge in this area. We reflect on our experiences of planning and conducting the International CYCLES project involving photo elicitation with young people in Bangladesh, Brazil, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa and the UK. While some issues such as varying access to technology for taking and sharing photos and diverse cultural sensitivities around the use of photography were anticipated in advance, others were more unexpected. Balancing the need for methods to be appropriate, ethical and feasible within each setting with the desire for sufficient consistency across the project is challenging. We argue that an ‘ethics in context’ approach and an attitude of ‘methodological immaturity’ is critical in international visual research projects with young people.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Burningham, Kate , Venn, Susan , Hayward, Bronwyn , Aoyagi, Midori , Hasan, Mohammed Mehedi , Mattar, Helio , Schudel, Ingrid J , Yoshida, Aya
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/294364 , vital:57215 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/13645579.2019.1672282"
- Description: Existing literatures have discussed both ethical issues in visual research with young people, and the problems associated with applying ‘universal’ ethical guidelines across varied cultural contexts. There has been little consideration, however, of specific issues raised in projects where visual research is being conducted with young people simultaneously in multiple national contexts. This paper contributes to knowledge in this area. We reflect on our experiences of planning and conducting the International CYCLES project involving photo elicitation with young people in Bangladesh, Brazil, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa and the UK. While some issues such as varying access to technology for taking and sharing photos and diverse cultural sensitivities around the use of photography were anticipated in advance, others were more unexpected. Balancing the need for methods to be appropriate, ethical and feasible within each setting with the desire for sufficient consistency across the project is challenging. We argue that an ‘ethics in context’ approach and an attitude of ‘methodological immaturity’ is critical in international visual research projects with young people.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Evaluating Feruloyl Esterase—Xylanase Synergism for Hydroxycinnamic Acid and Xylo-Oligosaccharide Production from Untreated, Hydrothermally Pre-Treated and Dilute-Acid Pre-Treated Corn Cobs:
- Mkabayi, Lithalethu, Malgas, Samkelo, Wilhelmi, Brendan S, Pletschke, Brett I
- Authors: Mkabayi, Lithalethu , Malgas, Samkelo , Wilhelmi, Brendan S , Pletschke, Brett I
- Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/149240 , vital:38818 , https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10050688
- Description: Agricultural residues are considered the most promising option as a renewable feedstock for biofuel and high valued-added chemical production due to their availability and low cost. The efficient enzymatic hydrolysis of agricultural residues into value-added products such as sugars and hydroxycinnamic acids is a challenge because of the recalcitrant properties of the native biomass. Development of synergistic enzyme cocktails is required to overcome biomass residue recalcitrance, and achieve high yields of potential value-added products. In this study, the synergistic action of two termite metagenome-derived feruloyl esterases (FAE5 and FAE6), and an endo-xylanase (Xyn11) from Thermomyces lanuginosus, was optimized using 0.5% (w/v) insoluble wheat arabinoxylan (a model substrate) and then applied to 1% (w/v) corn cobs for the efficient production of xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS) and hydroxycinnamic acids.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Mkabayi, Lithalethu , Malgas, Samkelo , Wilhelmi, Brendan S , Pletschke, Brett I
- Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/149240 , vital:38818 , https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10050688
- Description: Agricultural residues are considered the most promising option as a renewable feedstock for biofuel and high valued-added chemical production due to their availability and low cost. The efficient enzymatic hydrolysis of agricultural residues into value-added products such as sugars and hydroxycinnamic acids is a challenge because of the recalcitrant properties of the native biomass. Development of synergistic enzyme cocktails is required to overcome biomass residue recalcitrance, and achieve high yields of potential value-added products. In this study, the synergistic action of two termite metagenome-derived feruloyl esterases (FAE5 and FAE6), and an endo-xylanase (Xyn11) from Thermomyces lanuginosus, was optimized using 0.5% (w/v) insoluble wheat arabinoxylan (a model substrate) and then applied to 1% (w/v) corn cobs for the efficient production of xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS) and hydroxycinnamic acids.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Evaluating the exclusion of certain categories of workers from the coverage of the unemployment insurance act 63 of 2001 and the consequences thereof
- Authors: Ncamane, Ntando
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Social security
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18347 , vital:42254
- Description: The South African Unemployment Insurance system esteems from Social Insurance as a stream of Social Security, which consist of various elements, such as private savings, social assistance and social relief as well as social insurance. The Unemployment Insurance Act 63 of 2001 together with its sister Act, which is the Unemployment Insurance Contribution Act 4 of 2002 regulate South Africa’s unemployment insurance system. The Unemployment Insurance Act made provision for the establishment of the Unemployment Insurance Fund, which will pay unemployment benefits to certain categories of employees for unemployment, illness, maternity, adoption and dependents benefits. The UIA further makes provision for the establishment of the Unemployment Insurance Board and the appointment of the Unemployment Insurance Commissioner. The UIA applies to all employers and employees including domestic workers and seasonal workers, except to employees who work for less than 24 hours a month, employees who are employed on a leanership registered under the Skills Development Act 97 of 1998 and employees employed by the national or provincial government. Although the new Unemployment Insurance Amendment Bill makes provision for workers who were previously excluded from the coverage to be covered under the Amendment Act, these workers includes, workers on learnership, government workers and migrant workers. However, there are still some workers who do not enjoy the scope and application of the UIA those workers are workers working in the informal sector and employees who work less than 24 hours a month and workers who voluntary resign. Apart from the challenge of coverage, the study also examines other challenges faced by the UIA such as non-compliance with international standards, failure to minimise unemployment, discrimination of women against unemployment benefits, the short financial intervention provided by the UIF and the lack of proper dispute resolution mechanism. It is therefore the aim of this study to evaluate the exclusionary practice of the UIA and its repercussions on these certain categories of workers mentioned above. To achieve this abovementioned aim, the study embarks on a journey in which the background is outlined; the historical background of both social security and unemployment insurance including both the constitutional and legislative background (vi) is examined. The study scrutinises the unemployment insurance legal framework this include the structure of the UIF, benefits paid by the UIF, requirements for qualifying for benefits stipulated by the UIA. It goes further in scrutinising these certain categories of workers and other notable challenges of the UIA and UIF. Lastly but not least, an International Perspective and Comparative study is engaged on, so to outline relevant international instrument to the study and to get a better understanding of other countries unemployment insurance system and to enable South Africa to learn from these countries to enhance its unemployment insurance. Finally, recommendations are made to provide solutions to the UIA shortcomings identified in this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Ncamane, Ntando
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Social security
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18347 , vital:42254
- Description: The South African Unemployment Insurance system esteems from Social Insurance as a stream of Social Security, which consist of various elements, such as private savings, social assistance and social relief as well as social insurance. The Unemployment Insurance Act 63 of 2001 together with its sister Act, which is the Unemployment Insurance Contribution Act 4 of 2002 regulate South Africa’s unemployment insurance system. The Unemployment Insurance Act made provision for the establishment of the Unemployment Insurance Fund, which will pay unemployment benefits to certain categories of employees for unemployment, illness, maternity, adoption and dependents benefits. The UIA further makes provision for the establishment of the Unemployment Insurance Board and the appointment of the Unemployment Insurance Commissioner. The UIA applies to all employers and employees including domestic workers and seasonal workers, except to employees who work for less than 24 hours a month, employees who are employed on a leanership registered under the Skills Development Act 97 of 1998 and employees employed by the national or provincial government. Although the new Unemployment Insurance Amendment Bill makes provision for workers who were previously excluded from the coverage to be covered under the Amendment Act, these workers includes, workers on learnership, government workers and migrant workers. However, there are still some workers who do not enjoy the scope and application of the UIA those workers are workers working in the informal sector and employees who work less than 24 hours a month and workers who voluntary resign. Apart from the challenge of coverage, the study also examines other challenges faced by the UIA such as non-compliance with international standards, failure to minimise unemployment, discrimination of women against unemployment benefits, the short financial intervention provided by the UIF and the lack of proper dispute resolution mechanism. It is therefore the aim of this study to evaluate the exclusionary practice of the UIA and its repercussions on these certain categories of workers mentioned above. To achieve this abovementioned aim, the study embarks on a journey in which the background is outlined; the historical background of both social security and unemployment insurance including both the constitutional and legislative background (vi) is examined. The study scrutinises the unemployment insurance legal framework this include the structure of the UIF, benefits paid by the UIF, requirements for qualifying for benefits stipulated by the UIA. It goes further in scrutinising these certain categories of workers and other notable challenges of the UIA and UIF. Lastly but not least, an International Perspective and Comparative study is engaged on, so to outline relevant international instrument to the study and to get a better understanding of other countries unemployment insurance system and to enable South Africa to learn from these countries to enhance its unemployment insurance. Finally, recommendations are made to provide solutions to the UIA shortcomings identified in this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Evaluation of an NADPH-dependent assay for inhibition screening of Salmonella enterica DOXP Reguctoisomerase for identification of novel drug hit compounds
- Authors: Ngcongco, Khanyisile
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: 1-Deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate , Antibiotics , Drug development , Salmonella , Enterobacteriaceae , Vaccines , Plasmodium falciparum , Mycobacterium tuberculosis
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/167132 , vital:41440
- Description: Invasive non-typhoidal Salmonella, caused by the intracellular pathogen Salmonella enterica, has emerged as a major cause of bloodstream infections. It remains a neglected infection responsible for many deaths in Africa, as it fails to receive the level of support that is given to most better known infections. There are currently no vaccines against invasive non-typhoidal Salmonella. First-line antibiotics have been used for treatment, however, the rise in the resistance of the bacteria against these antibiotics has made treatment of invasive salmonellosis into a clinical problem. Therefore, the discovery of new compounds for the development of antibiotic drugs is required. Central metabolic pathways can be a useful source for identifying drug targets and among these is the non-mevalonate pathway, one of the pathways used for the biosynthesis of isoprenoid precursors. The second step of the non-mevalonate pathway involves the NADPH-dependent reduction of 1-deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate (DOXP) into 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol 4-phosphate (MEP). 1-Deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate (DOXP) reductoisomerase plays a vital role in the catalysis of this reaction and requires NADPH and divalent metal cations as co-factors for its activity. In this investigation recombinant DOXP reductoisomerase from Salmonella enterica, Plasmodium falciparum and Mycobacterium tuberculosis were biochemically characterized as potential targets for developing drugs that could be used as treatment of the disease. The expression and nickel-chelate affinity purification of S. enterica DOXP reductoisomerase in a fully functional native state was successfully achieved. However, the expression and purification of P. falciparum DXR and M. tuberculosis DXR was unsuccessful due to the formation of insoluble inclusion bodies. Although alternative purification strategies were explored, including dialysis and slow dilution, these proteins remained insoluble, making their functional analysis not possible. An NADPH-dependent enzyme assay was used to determine the activity of S. enterica DXR. This assay monitors the reduction of DOXP to MEP by measuring the absorbance at 340 nm, which reflects the concentration of NADPH. An alternative assay, resazurin reduction, which monitors the NADPH-dependent reduction of resazurin to resorufin, was explored for detecting enzyme activity. The recombinant S. enterica DOXP reductoisomerase had a specific activity of 0.126 ± 0.0014 μmol/min/mg protein and a Km and Vmax of 881 μM and 0.249 μmol/min/mg respectively. FR900098, a derivative of fosmidomycin, is a well-known inhibitor of DXR, however, the sensitivity of S. enterica DXR towards FR900098 has not yet been reported. The NADPH dependent enzyme and resazurin reduction assays were used to determine whether FR900098 has enzyme inhibitory effects against S. enterica DXR. Upon confirming that FR900098 is able to inhibit S. enterica DXR, FR900098 was used as a control compound in the screening of novel compounds. The S. enterica DXR enzyme was screened for inhibition by the collection of compounds from the Pathogen Box. Compounds that exhibited the desired inhibitory activity, referred to as ‘hits’ were selected for further investigation. These hits were confirmed using the NADPH-dependent enzyme assay, resulting in the identification of two different DXR inhibitor compounds, MMV002816, also known as diethylcarbamazine, and MMV228911. The inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of FR900098, MMV002816 and MMV228911 against S. enterica DXR were 1.038 μM, 2.173 μM and 6.861 μM respectively. The binding mode of these compounds to S. enterica DXR could lead to the discovery of novel druggable sites on the enzyme and stimulate the development of new antibiotics that can be used for treating Salmonella infections.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Ngcongco, Khanyisile
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: 1-Deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate , Antibiotics , Drug development , Salmonella , Enterobacteriaceae , Vaccines , Plasmodium falciparum , Mycobacterium tuberculosis
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/167132 , vital:41440
- Description: Invasive non-typhoidal Salmonella, caused by the intracellular pathogen Salmonella enterica, has emerged as a major cause of bloodstream infections. It remains a neglected infection responsible for many deaths in Africa, as it fails to receive the level of support that is given to most better known infections. There are currently no vaccines against invasive non-typhoidal Salmonella. First-line antibiotics have been used for treatment, however, the rise in the resistance of the bacteria against these antibiotics has made treatment of invasive salmonellosis into a clinical problem. Therefore, the discovery of new compounds for the development of antibiotic drugs is required. Central metabolic pathways can be a useful source for identifying drug targets and among these is the non-mevalonate pathway, one of the pathways used for the biosynthesis of isoprenoid precursors. The second step of the non-mevalonate pathway involves the NADPH-dependent reduction of 1-deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate (DOXP) into 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol 4-phosphate (MEP). 1-Deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate (DOXP) reductoisomerase plays a vital role in the catalysis of this reaction and requires NADPH and divalent metal cations as co-factors for its activity. In this investigation recombinant DOXP reductoisomerase from Salmonella enterica, Plasmodium falciparum and Mycobacterium tuberculosis were biochemically characterized as potential targets for developing drugs that could be used as treatment of the disease. The expression and nickel-chelate affinity purification of S. enterica DOXP reductoisomerase in a fully functional native state was successfully achieved. However, the expression and purification of P. falciparum DXR and M. tuberculosis DXR was unsuccessful due to the formation of insoluble inclusion bodies. Although alternative purification strategies were explored, including dialysis and slow dilution, these proteins remained insoluble, making their functional analysis not possible. An NADPH-dependent enzyme assay was used to determine the activity of S. enterica DXR. This assay monitors the reduction of DOXP to MEP by measuring the absorbance at 340 nm, which reflects the concentration of NADPH. An alternative assay, resazurin reduction, which monitors the NADPH-dependent reduction of resazurin to resorufin, was explored for detecting enzyme activity. The recombinant S. enterica DOXP reductoisomerase had a specific activity of 0.126 ± 0.0014 μmol/min/mg protein and a Km and Vmax of 881 μM and 0.249 μmol/min/mg respectively. FR900098, a derivative of fosmidomycin, is a well-known inhibitor of DXR, however, the sensitivity of S. enterica DXR towards FR900098 has not yet been reported. The NADPH dependent enzyme and resazurin reduction assays were used to determine whether FR900098 has enzyme inhibitory effects against S. enterica DXR. Upon confirming that FR900098 is able to inhibit S. enterica DXR, FR900098 was used as a control compound in the screening of novel compounds. The S. enterica DXR enzyme was screened for inhibition by the collection of compounds from the Pathogen Box. Compounds that exhibited the desired inhibitory activity, referred to as ‘hits’ were selected for further investigation. These hits were confirmed using the NADPH-dependent enzyme assay, resulting in the identification of two different DXR inhibitor compounds, MMV002816, also known as diethylcarbamazine, and MMV228911. The inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of FR900098, MMV002816 and MMV228911 against S. enterica DXR were 1.038 μM, 2.173 μM and 6.861 μM respectively. The binding mode of these compounds to S. enterica DXR could lead to the discovery of novel druggable sites on the enzyme and stimulate the development of new antibiotics that can be used for treating Salmonella infections.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Evaluation of Baited Remote Underwater Video Systems (BRUVS) for monitoring fish communities in Lake Malawi/Niassa
- Authors: Van Wyk, Angus
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Underwater videography -- Malawi , Chambo -- Malawi -- Monitoring , Fishes -- Malawi -- Monitoring , Oreochromis lidole -- Malawi -- Monitoring
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/145546 , vital:38448
- Description: Baited Remote Underwater Video systems (BRUVS) have become a well-established in-situ monitoring technique in clearwater aquatic ecosystems. The relatively low cost, nondestructive and non-extractive nature of this technique permits BRUVS to be employed in a wide range of habitats. To date, the vast majority of studies using BRUVS technology have been conducted in marine habitats. Subsequently, BRUVS applications in freshwater habitats are scant, and techniques are not well developed. The primary objective of this thesis was to address this knowledge gap and develop standard operating procedures for BRUVS employment in Lake Malawi/Niassa and explore the potential of BRUVS as a monitoring tool for fish communities in the African Great Lakes. Eight easily identifiable species groups, representative of Lake Malawi/Niassa inshore fish communities, were used to develop the technique. The optimal BRUVS deployment time to obtain 95 % species accumulation was achieved in a 15-minute recording period. Power analysis, using a pre-determined 80 % power, a confidence interval of 95 % and a significance level of < 0.05 was used to determine annual sampling effort requirements for each species group. The power analysis was performed to detect a 10 % change in abundance over a hypothetical 10-year monitoring scenario. In areas where fish abundance was lower, the sampling effort required to monitor key fisheries species was significantly higher. For example, Chambo, the local Oreochromis (Nyasalapia) species flock, required an annual sampling effort of 120 deployments in Malawi compared to 56 in Mozambique ( < 0.05). Chambo had a higher detection probability in areas of lesser fishing pressure and were found in higher abundances in deeper, less accessible habitats. Deep-water (> 20 m) and rocky habitats were most important in explaining Chambo abundance and detection probability. The size-structure of Chambo in Lake Malawi/Niassa reflects size-specific depth and habitat migrations. Larger Chambo were observed aggregating in waters deeper than 20 m and a broader size range of individuals were observed utilising structured habitat. The effects of fishing are apparent in the size-structure of Chambo in the areas sampled. In study areas exposed to greater levels of fishing pressure – such as Malawi, the BRUVS detected significantly fewer individuals within sexually mature size classes, and the average size was smaller than in areas with less exploitation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Van Wyk, Angus
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Underwater videography -- Malawi , Chambo -- Malawi -- Monitoring , Fishes -- Malawi -- Monitoring , Oreochromis lidole -- Malawi -- Monitoring
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/145546 , vital:38448
- Description: Baited Remote Underwater Video systems (BRUVS) have become a well-established in-situ monitoring technique in clearwater aquatic ecosystems. The relatively low cost, nondestructive and non-extractive nature of this technique permits BRUVS to be employed in a wide range of habitats. To date, the vast majority of studies using BRUVS technology have been conducted in marine habitats. Subsequently, BRUVS applications in freshwater habitats are scant, and techniques are not well developed. The primary objective of this thesis was to address this knowledge gap and develop standard operating procedures for BRUVS employment in Lake Malawi/Niassa and explore the potential of BRUVS as a monitoring tool for fish communities in the African Great Lakes. Eight easily identifiable species groups, representative of Lake Malawi/Niassa inshore fish communities, were used to develop the technique. The optimal BRUVS deployment time to obtain 95 % species accumulation was achieved in a 15-minute recording period. Power analysis, using a pre-determined 80 % power, a confidence interval of 95 % and a significance level of < 0.05 was used to determine annual sampling effort requirements for each species group. The power analysis was performed to detect a 10 % change in abundance over a hypothetical 10-year monitoring scenario. In areas where fish abundance was lower, the sampling effort required to monitor key fisheries species was significantly higher. For example, Chambo, the local Oreochromis (Nyasalapia) species flock, required an annual sampling effort of 120 deployments in Malawi compared to 56 in Mozambique ( < 0.05). Chambo had a higher detection probability in areas of lesser fishing pressure and were found in higher abundances in deeper, less accessible habitats. Deep-water (> 20 m) and rocky habitats were most important in explaining Chambo abundance and detection probability. The size-structure of Chambo in Lake Malawi/Niassa reflects size-specific depth and habitat migrations. Larger Chambo were observed aggregating in waters deeper than 20 m and a broader size range of individuals were observed utilising structured habitat. The effects of fishing are apparent in the size-structure of Chambo in the areas sampled. In study areas exposed to greater levels of fishing pressure – such as Malawi, the BRUVS detected significantly fewer individuals within sexually mature size classes, and the average size was smaller than in areas with less exploitation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Evaluation of product x pre and post cpv implementation
- Authors: Killian, Christopher Grant
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Pharmaceutical industry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPharm
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46447 , vital:39577
- Description: Purpose: Stage 3 of the pharmaceutical process validation lifecycle, is called continued process verification (CPV). CPV is the final stage of lifecycle management and is intended to provide ongoing assurance that during routine production that a process remains in a state of control. Since CPV is a relatively new focus area for regulators, many legacy products will not have undergone Stage 3 process validation. Therefore, an opportunity existed to review the impact and challenges of implementing CPV on a legacy product. Methodology: This study employed quantitative analysis to evaluate the impact of CPV on process stability and end product quality for Product X, a legacy product manufactured at a generics manufacturing facility. Initial Stage 3a CPV was used to review historical process data and identify special cause variation. Corrective and preventative actions were taken to address these statistical outliers and the impact of these process changes were evaluated in Stage 3b. Results: CPV implementation appeared to have an effect on process control, stability and capability for Product X. In Stage 3b, an increase in statistical outliers along with significant changes to process mean and standard deviation were seen for the critical process parameters, average mass and hardness. An improvement in process capability for the critical quality attributes, assay and dissolution, was also seen. Conclusion: The largest benefit of CPV implementation, especially for a legacy product, is the process knowledge gained. This provided opportunities for process improvement and ultimately benefited patient safety.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Killian, Christopher Grant
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Pharmaceutical industry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPharm
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46447 , vital:39577
- Description: Purpose: Stage 3 of the pharmaceutical process validation lifecycle, is called continued process verification (CPV). CPV is the final stage of lifecycle management and is intended to provide ongoing assurance that during routine production that a process remains in a state of control. Since CPV is a relatively new focus area for regulators, many legacy products will not have undergone Stage 3 process validation. Therefore, an opportunity existed to review the impact and challenges of implementing CPV on a legacy product. Methodology: This study employed quantitative analysis to evaluate the impact of CPV on process stability and end product quality for Product X, a legacy product manufactured at a generics manufacturing facility. Initial Stage 3a CPV was used to review historical process data and identify special cause variation. Corrective and preventative actions were taken to address these statistical outliers and the impact of these process changes were evaluated in Stage 3b. Results: CPV implementation appeared to have an effect on process control, stability and capability for Product X. In Stage 3b, an increase in statistical outliers along with significant changes to process mean and standard deviation were seen for the critical process parameters, average mass and hardness. An improvement in process capability for the critical quality attributes, assay and dissolution, was also seen. Conclusion: The largest benefit of CPV implementation, especially for a legacy product, is the process knowledge gained. This provided opportunities for process improvement and ultimately benefited patient safety.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Evaluation of the role of ethical leadership development on organisational performance: the case of Econet Wireless Zimbabwe
- Authors: Chakonza, Hawkins
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Econet Wireless Zimbabwe , Leadership , Leadership -- Case studies , Business ethics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/146723 , vital:38551
- Description: The study evaluated the role of ethical leadership development on the performance of the organisation. Econet Wireless Zimbabwe was employed as a case study. The objectives of the study were to: understand the role of ethical leadership development at Econet Wireless Zimbabwe on the day to day running of the business, understand the nature of the ethical leadership development at Econet Wireless, examine the factors influencing ethical leadership development at Econet Wireless, ascertain the role of ethical leadership development in enhancing organisational perfomance and efficiency and to investigate leaders’ perceptions on ethical leadership development on the organisation’s effectiveness. Social learning and social exchange theory informed the study. The research employed a qualitatve approache to improve the validity,reliability and credibility of the research findings. key informnat intervews and focus group of discussion and in-depth interviews were used as data collection instruments. The study found that ethical leadership development programmes improve the perfomance of orgnisations. That is, ethical leadeship development enbaled Econet Wireless Zimbabwe to achive disticinive competence, increase profit, have a large number of subscribers and also expanded among others. Furthermore, the study shows that an ethical leadership development approach brings significant value to the organisation and, suggests that ethical leaders are more influential in organizations than currently understood. The study found that leaders could influence ethics related outcomes in the organisation by engaging in behaviours that makes them perceived as credible, attractive and legitimate by their followers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Chakonza, Hawkins
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Econet Wireless Zimbabwe , Leadership , Leadership -- Case studies , Business ethics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/146723 , vital:38551
- Description: The study evaluated the role of ethical leadership development on the performance of the organisation. Econet Wireless Zimbabwe was employed as a case study. The objectives of the study were to: understand the role of ethical leadership development at Econet Wireless Zimbabwe on the day to day running of the business, understand the nature of the ethical leadership development at Econet Wireless, examine the factors influencing ethical leadership development at Econet Wireless, ascertain the role of ethical leadership development in enhancing organisational perfomance and efficiency and to investigate leaders’ perceptions on ethical leadership development on the organisation’s effectiveness. Social learning and social exchange theory informed the study. The research employed a qualitatve approache to improve the validity,reliability and credibility of the research findings. key informnat intervews and focus group of discussion and in-depth interviews were used as data collection instruments. The study found that ethical leadership development programmes improve the perfomance of orgnisations. That is, ethical leadeship development enbaled Econet Wireless Zimbabwe to achive disticinive competence, increase profit, have a large number of subscribers and also expanded among others. Furthermore, the study shows that an ethical leadership development approach brings significant value to the organisation and, suggests that ethical leaders are more influential in organizations than currently understood. The study found that leaders could influence ethics related outcomes in the organisation by engaging in behaviours that makes them perceived as credible, attractive and legitimate by their followers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Events as catalyst to atact tourists to destinations: Spectator perceptions of the social impact of events in East London: A study of Spec-Savers Ironman South Africa 70.3 in Buffalo City
- Authors: Mxunyelwa, Siayabonga
- Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Type: Conference Proceeding
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/10868 , vital:75300
- Description: In recent years, globally events have shown rapid growth as types of attractions within destinations with such events creating a favourable image of a destination, expanding the traditional tourist season, spreading tourist demand evenly through an area and attracting foreign and domestic visitors. As far as South Africa is concerned attracting influx of tourists is the problem in the event sport tourism industry The objective of this study is to address this gap and to evaluate the social impact perceptions of event tourism spectators. The research design for the proposed study primarily involved exploratory and descriptive research. The target-sampling frame was the event tourism spectators at the Spec-Savers Ironman South Africa 70.3 Triathlon event held in East London. The findings suggest that the opportunity to meet new people, attend a major event and enhancing event tourism destination were deemed positive social impacts. Conversely, the study suggested that littering and social inequalities (exclusionary) are negative social impacts. The results in this study have produced a foundation that events management practitioners, event tourism planners, policy makers, decision makers, researchers and academics can utilise in planning for future events that are socially sustainable in a developing economy context such as South Africa.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Mxunyelwa, Siayabonga
- Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Type: Conference Proceeding
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/10868 , vital:75300
- Description: In recent years, globally events have shown rapid growth as types of attractions within destinations with such events creating a favourable image of a destination, expanding the traditional tourist season, spreading tourist demand evenly through an area and attracting foreign and domestic visitors. As far as South Africa is concerned attracting influx of tourists is the problem in the event sport tourism industry The objective of this study is to address this gap and to evaluate the social impact perceptions of event tourism spectators. The research design for the proposed study primarily involved exploratory and descriptive research. The target-sampling frame was the event tourism spectators at the Spec-Savers Ironman South Africa 70.3 Triathlon event held in East London. The findings suggest that the opportunity to meet new people, attend a major event and enhancing event tourism destination were deemed positive social impacts. Conversely, the study suggested that littering and social inequalities (exclusionary) are negative social impacts. The results in this study have produced a foundation that events management practitioners, event tourism planners, policy makers, decision makers, researchers and academics can utilise in planning for future events that are socially sustainable in a developing economy context such as South Africa.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2020
Events tourism as a conduit to promote underdeveloped tourist destinations, with specific reference to the Mooiplaas Homecoming Music Event in East London, South Africa
- Mxunyelwa, Siyabonga, Kilani, Khuselwa Busisiwe
- Authors: Mxunyelwa, Siyabonga , Kilani, Khuselwa Busisiwe
- Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/1958 , vital:39809 , https://www.ajhtl.com/uploads/7/1/6/3/7163688/article_9_vol_9_2__2020_wsu.pdf
- Description: Events tourism has demonstrated growth over the years, and has been used as a tool to boost local economies. Hosting such events creates benefits, these include the boost in the local economy, improvement of infrastructure on destinations and job creation. The purpose of this paper was to investigate how events tourism could be utilised as a conduit to promote underdeveloped tourist destinations in Mooiplaas. Secondary data sources were consulted to understand the role of events tourism in the local community of Mooiplaas. This paper utilised a survey questionnaire to collect data. The simple random sampling method was utilised to select the respondents. The findings indicate that 70% of the respondents agreed that they are consulted about the events that promote their community. Furthermore, the findings elucidates that 82% of the respondents concur that events can potentially create entrepreneurial opportunities. These findings contribute significantly in developing the local economic strategies of the municipalities in underdeveloped regions. As such it is recommended that events are planned in a coherent, systematic manner in order to achieve local economic development objectives. Furthermore, the paper provided a foundation on how to plan, organise, lead and control events that can potentially unearth tourism demand particularly in developing tourist destinations. Moreover, it is hoped that the paper will serve as the basis to plan future events in the context of regions such as Mooiplaas that are still engulfed with developmental challenges, these contribute to triple threat of unemployed, poverty and inequality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Mxunyelwa, Siyabonga , Kilani, Khuselwa Busisiwe
- Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/1958 , vital:39809 , https://www.ajhtl.com/uploads/7/1/6/3/7163688/article_9_vol_9_2__2020_wsu.pdf
- Description: Events tourism has demonstrated growth over the years, and has been used as a tool to boost local economies. Hosting such events creates benefits, these include the boost in the local economy, improvement of infrastructure on destinations and job creation. The purpose of this paper was to investigate how events tourism could be utilised as a conduit to promote underdeveloped tourist destinations in Mooiplaas. Secondary data sources were consulted to understand the role of events tourism in the local community of Mooiplaas. This paper utilised a survey questionnaire to collect data. The simple random sampling method was utilised to select the respondents. The findings indicate that 70% of the respondents agreed that they are consulted about the events that promote their community. Furthermore, the findings elucidates that 82% of the respondents concur that events can potentially create entrepreneurial opportunities. These findings contribute significantly in developing the local economic strategies of the municipalities in underdeveloped regions. As such it is recommended that events are planned in a coherent, systematic manner in order to achieve local economic development objectives. Furthermore, the paper provided a foundation on how to plan, organise, lead and control events that can potentially unearth tourism demand particularly in developing tourist destinations. Moreover, it is hoped that the paper will serve as the basis to plan future events in the context of regions such as Mooiplaas that are still engulfed with developmental challenges, these contribute to triple threat of unemployed, poverty and inequality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Evidence of genetic differentiation in cigar wrasse Cheilio inermis (Labridae) within the western Indian Ocean:
- Mayekiso, Sisanda, Gouws, Gavin, Mwale, Monica, Gon, Ofer
- Authors: Mayekiso, Sisanda , Gouws, Gavin , Mwale, Monica , Gon, Ofer
- Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/163499 , vital:41043 , https://doi.org/10.1139/gen-2019-0185
- Description: Patterns of genetic structure and connectivity of the monotypic cigar wrasse Cheilio inermis within western Indian Ocean (WIO) are poorly understood. Whether the species exists as a single panmictic population across the WIO is unclear. Sequence data were generated from two mitochondrial genes (cytochrome b and ATPase 6) and one nuclear intron (S7 intron I). High levels of haplotype and allelic diversity (h = 0.88–0.98; A = 0.95–0.98), along with low nucleotide diversities were observed across all markers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Mayekiso, Sisanda , Gouws, Gavin , Mwale, Monica , Gon, Ofer
- Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/163499 , vital:41043 , https://doi.org/10.1139/gen-2019-0185
- Description: Patterns of genetic structure and connectivity of the monotypic cigar wrasse Cheilio inermis within western Indian Ocean (WIO) are poorly understood. Whether the species exists as a single panmictic population across the WIO is unclear. Sequence data were generated from two mitochondrial genes (cytochrome b and ATPase 6) and one nuclear intron (S7 intron I). High levels of haplotype and allelic diversity (h = 0.88–0.98; A = 0.95–0.98), along with low nucleotide diversities were observed across all markers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Evolving an Efficient and Effective Off-the-Shelf Computing Infrastructure for Rural Communities of South Africa
- Siebörger, Ingrid, Terzoli, Alfredo, Hodgkinson-Williams, Cheryl
- Authors: Siebörger, Ingrid , Terzoli, Alfredo , Hodgkinson-Williams, Cheryl
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/430990 , vital:72734 , https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-52014-4_5
- Description: Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) have diffused into al-most every area of life for citizens living in the Global North. Data is seen as a key element in the fourth industrial revolution and is the foundation of Information, Knowledge and Wisdom. Knowledge has become the new “make or break” asset and an inability to access the world’s data and technologies that facilitate access, synthesis and inter-rogation of data places one at a disadvantage. In 2013, the Department of Communications in South Africa announced a new national broad-band policy to promote the reduction of a digital divide and sup-port citi-zens and the economy in digital interactions. Implementation has thus far not been successful. Furthermore, the Broadband policy does not address how South Africans are to access the Internet once available. The Siyakhula Living Lab (SLL) provides an example of a computing infrastructure model for the introduction of ICTs into rural communities. Through the deployment of “broadband islands” and low-cost compu-ting infrastructure to promote both knowledge creation and consump-tion, access to the proposed ubiquitous Internet connectivity can be un-locked. However, the initial computing infrastructure deployed to the SLL suffers from a single point of failure. In this paper, we discuss al-ternative computing infrastructure configurations that were tested and deployed within the SLL in order to determine a more appropriate com-puting infrastructure model for the SLL and potentially other rural South African communities; such that learners, teachers and community members can be active contributors and consumers of data, infor-mation, knowledge and wisdom.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Siebörger, Ingrid , Terzoli, Alfredo , Hodgkinson-Williams, Cheryl
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/430990 , vital:72734 , https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-52014-4_5
- Description: Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) have diffused into al-most every area of life for citizens living in the Global North. Data is seen as a key element in the fourth industrial revolution and is the foundation of Information, Knowledge and Wisdom. Knowledge has become the new “make or break” asset and an inability to access the world’s data and technologies that facilitate access, synthesis and inter-rogation of data places one at a disadvantage. In 2013, the Department of Communications in South Africa announced a new national broad-band policy to promote the reduction of a digital divide and sup-port citi-zens and the economy in digital interactions. Implementation has thus far not been successful. Furthermore, the Broadband policy does not address how South Africans are to access the Internet once available. The Siyakhula Living Lab (SLL) provides an example of a computing infrastructure model for the introduction of ICTs into rural communities. Through the deployment of “broadband islands” and low-cost compu-ting infrastructure to promote both knowledge creation and consump-tion, access to the proposed ubiquitous Internet connectivity can be un-locked. However, the initial computing infrastructure deployed to the SLL suffers from a single point of failure. In this paper, we discuss al-ternative computing infrastructure configurations that were tested and deployed within the SLL in order to determine a more appropriate com-puting infrastructure model for the SLL and potentially other rural South African communities; such that learners, teachers and community members can be active contributors and consumers of data, infor-mation, knowledge and wisdom.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Examining intraspecific multiple predator effects across shifting predator sex ratios:
- Cuthbert, Ross N, Dalu, Tatenda, Wasserman, Ryan J, Weyl, Olaf L F, Froneman, P William, Callaghan, Amanda, Dick, Jaimie T A
- Authors: Cuthbert, Ross N , Dalu, Tatenda , Wasserman, Ryan J , Weyl, Olaf L F , Froneman, P William , Callaghan, Amanda , Dick, Jaimie T A
- Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/150119 , vital:38941 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.baae.2020.03.002
- Description: Predator-predator interactions, or “multiple predator effects” (MPEs), are pervasive in the structuring of communities and complicate predictive quantifications of ecosystem dynamics. The nature of MPEs is also context-dependent, manifesting differently among species, prey densities and habitat structures. However, there has hitherto been a lack of consideration for the implications of intraspecific demographic variation within populations for the strength of MPEs. The present study extends MPE concepts to examine intraspecific interactions among male and female predators across differences in prey densities using a functional response approach. Focusing on a copepod-mosquito model predator-prey system, interaction strengths of different sex ratio pairs of Lovenula raynerae were quantified towards larval Culex pipiens complex prey, with observations compared to both additive and substitutive model predictions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Cuthbert, Ross N , Dalu, Tatenda , Wasserman, Ryan J , Weyl, Olaf L F , Froneman, P William , Callaghan, Amanda , Dick, Jaimie T A
- Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/150119 , vital:38941 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.baae.2020.03.002
- Description: Predator-predator interactions, or “multiple predator effects” (MPEs), are pervasive in the structuring of communities and complicate predictive quantifications of ecosystem dynamics. The nature of MPEs is also context-dependent, manifesting differently among species, prey densities and habitat structures. However, there has hitherto been a lack of consideration for the implications of intraspecific demographic variation within populations for the strength of MPEs. The present study extends MPE concepts to examine intraspecific interactions among male and female predators across differences in prey densities using a functional response approach. Focusing on a copepod-mosquito model predator-prey system, interaction strengths of different sex ratio pairs of Lovenula raynerae were quantified towards larval Culex pipiens complex prey, with observations compared to both additive and substitutive model predictions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Examining the effect of Diversity, Inclusion and Equity on Work Engagement and Innovation on South African Organisations
- Authors: Efalao, D M
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Organizational effectiveness -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48202 , vital:40520
- Description: The biggest strengths of organisational success lie in its employees; therefore, employee engagement is a fundamental force that is linked to organisational effectiveness and success. The level of employee engagement in South Africa according to the polls remains very low. On the other front, innovative ideas prove to be a vital element of organisational innovativeness and progress. Today’s business environment is unstable and to remain relevant in the marketplace, it is imperative for organisations to embrace innovation and become responsive to changing customer needs. South Africa’s population is very diverse coming second in diversity after the United States. The diversity of South Africa as a national endowment could be investigated to see if it could be leveraged to improve organisational innovation and effectiveness through work engagement. Being mindful of the fact that being diverse is not equal to being inclusive, inclusion is also investigated to see its effect on work engagement and organisational innovation. The principle of fairness (equity) was also investigated with relation to engagement and innovation. The purpose of the study is to assist organisations to improve employee engagement and organisational innovation by taking advantage of the national factor endowment of diversity and inclusion. Equity is investigated as an important principle that could possibly have an effect on employee engagement or organisational innovation. The findings were that diversity and inclusion have a significant relationship with employee engagement and organisational innovativeness while equity has a significant relationship with organisational innovativeness. Recommendations were therefore made to leaders of the organisations to embrace workforce diversity, inclusion and fairness in organisational structures and practices in order to realise improved employee engagement and organisational innovativeness.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Efalao, D M
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Organizational effectiveness -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48202 , vital:40520
- Description: The biggest strengths of organisational success lie in its employees; therefore, employee engagement is a fundamental force that is linked to organisational effectiveness and success. The level of employee engagement in South Africa according to the polls remains very low. On the other front, innovative ideas prove to be a vital element of organisational innovativeness and progress. Today’s business environment is unstable and to remain relevant in the marketplace, it is imperative for organisations to embrace innovation and become responsive to changing customer needs. South Africa’s population is very diverse coming second in diversity after the United States. The diversity of South Africa as a national endowment could be investigated to see if it could be leveraged to improve organisational innovation and effectiveness through work engagement. Being mindful of the fact that being diverse is not equal to being inclusive, inclusion is also investigated to see its effect on work engagement and organisational innovation. The principle of fairness (equity) was also investigated with relation to engagement and innovation. The purpose of the study is to assist organisations to improve employee engagement and organisational innovation by taking advantage of the national factor endowment of diversity and inclusion. Equity is investigated as an important principle that could possibly have an effect on employee engagement or organisational innovation. The findings were that diversity and inclusion have a significant relationship with employee engagement and organisational innovativeness while equity has a significant relationship with organisational innovativeness. Recommendations were therefore made to leaders of the organisations to embrace workforce diversity, inclusion and fairness in organisational structures and practices in order to realise improved employee engagement and organisational innovativeness.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Expansive learning in the leadership development of school learners
- Grant, Carolyn, Kajee, Farhana Amod
- Authors: Grant, Carolyn , Kajee, Farhana Amod
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/281072 , vital:55689 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/13603124.2020.1836405"
- Description: In many countries across the globe, and on the African continent in particular, young people do not have a voice in matters concerning their schooling. By virtue of their minor status, opportunities for participatory decision-making and leadership in schools are restricted, despite national policies to the contrary. This is all-too-often because leadership is (mis)understood as an adult phenomenon. In this article, we present a formative intervention, ‘Learners Lead’, which aimed at developing learner voice and leadership in learners through collective involvement in school change projects. Formulated as a documentary case study, data were generated from 95 research reports, the written assessments of the students registered for the Educational Leadership and Management elective within a postgraduate qualification in a South African university. Analysis drew on the pyramid of learner voice and the theory of expansive learning to examine if, and how, leadership development in learners occurred. The study found that expansive learning’s seven learning actions provided the necessary additional theoretical tools for understanding and unpacking the stages of leadership development as the school change projects unfolded. Implications for practice and research are discussed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Grant, Carolyn , Kajee, Farhana Amod
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/281072 , vital:55689 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/13603124.2020.1836405"
- Description: In many countries across the globe, and on the African continent in particular, young people do not have a voice in matters concerning their schooling. By virtue of their minor status, opportunities for participatory decision-making and leadership in schools are restricted, despite national policies to the contrary. This is all-too-often because leadership is (mis)understood as an adult phenomenon. In this article, we present a formative intervention, ‘Learners Lead’, which aimed at developing learner voice and leadership in learners through collective involvement in school change projects. Formulated as a documentary case study, data were generated from 95 research reports, the written assessments of the students registered for the Educational Leadership and Management elective within a postgraduate qualification in a South African university. Analysis drew on the pyramid of learner voice and the theory of expansive learning to examine if, and how, leadership development in learners occurred. The study found that expansive learning’s seven learning actions provided the necessary additional theoretical tools for understanding and unpacking the stages of leadership development as the school change projects unfolded. Implications for practice and research are discussed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Experiences and coping strategies of probation officers in fulfilling their role within the multi-stakeholder child justice system
- Authors: Ndwammbi, Thomani Freddy
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Probation officers
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSW
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46437 , vital:39591
- Description: Probation officers, as social workers, play a central role in the child justice system. They are expected to collaborate with various stakeholders within the multi-stakeholder child justice system. They have to meet the various expectations of these stakeholdersthatincludepolice, prosecutors, lawyers and magistrates while ensuring the best interest of the children involved in the child justice system. Despite the important rolethat isplayed by probation officers in the system, there is a gap in literature on the experiences and coping strategies of probation officers in fulfilling their roles within a multi-stakeholder context. This was a qualitative study that was exploratory-descriptive and contextual in design. A non-probability purposive sampling technique was employed to identify probation officers who are working in Vhembe district, Limpopo and who have a minimum of two years working experience as probation officers. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with the selected probation officers, and the data collected was analysed using thematic data analysis. The trustworthiness of the research process and the findings was enhanced by employing a variety of data verification strategies. This research contributes to a greater understanding of probation officers’ experiences and coping strategies in fulfilling their role within the multi-stakeholder child justice system. Thestudy revealed that most probation officers experienced difficulties in fulfilling their role within the multi-stakeholder child justice system. They needed resources, supervisors who understand probation services and full support from the department and other child justice stakeholders. The study revealed various coping strategies that probation officers employed in order to cope with fulfilling their role. Probation Officers use personal resources as a coping strategy, draw support from their colleagues andregard job satisfaction as a coping strategy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Ndwammbi, Thomani Freddy
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Probation officers
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSW
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46437 , vital:39591
- Description: Probation officers, as social workers, play a central role in the child justice system. They are expected to collaborate with various stakeholders within the multi-stakeholder child justice system. They have to meet the various expectations of these stakeholdersthatincludepolice, prosecutors, lawyers and magistrates while ensuring the best interest of the children involved in the child justice system. Despite the important rolethat isplayed by probation officers in the system, there is a gap in literature on the experiences and coping strategies of probation officers in fulfilling their roles within a multi-stakeholder context. This was a qualitative study that was exploratory-descriptive and contextual in design. A non-probability purposive sampling technique was employed to identify probation officers who are working in Vhembe district, Limpopo and who have a minimum of two years working experience as probation officers. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with the selected probation officers, and the data collected was analysed using thematic data analysis. The trustworthiness of the research process and the findings was enhanced by employing a variety of data verification strategies. This research contributes to a greater understanding of probation officers’ experiences and coping strategies in fulfilling their role within the multi-stakeholder child justice system. Thestudy revealed that most probation officers experienced difficulties in fulfilling their role within the multi-stakeholder child justice system. They needed resources, supervisors who understand probation services and full support from the department and other child justice stakeholders. The study revealed various coping strategies that probation officers employed in order to cope with fulfilling their role. Probation Officers use personal resources as a coping strategy, draw support from their colleagues andregard job satisfaction as a coping strategy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Experiences of community service nurses regarding supervision and support from professional nurses in primary health care clinics in Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Zambodla, Ayanda
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Primary health care -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46456 , vital:39604
- Description: Community servicenursesinSouthAfricaarenewly qualified nurses who have to undertake a one-year community service rotation in public healthcare facility. Recently qualified, they are not yet competent to work alone and require supervision Theobjectiveofthisstudywastoexploreanddescribetheexperiencesofcommunity service nurses with regards to the supervision and support they received from professional nurses at primary healthcare clinics inNelsonMandelaBay.The researcher utilised a qualitative research approach, with an explorative, descriptive and contextual research design inorder to achieve the objectives of this study. The research population comprised community service nurses who had completed their one-year community serviceduringthe2016-2017cycleinaprimary healthcarefacilityinNelsonMandelaBay.Purposivesamplingwasusedtoselectthe research sample. Data collection was done by conducting 10semi-structured interviews. Descriptive field notes supplemented the data. Tesch’smethod of qualitative data analysis was employed to analyse the data. Ethical considerations were applied throughout the study. Trustworthiness of the study was maintained by applyingGuba’s criteria of credibility, transferability, dependability and confirmability. Two main themes emerged from the study. Theme1 focused on the participant's experiences regarding the diverse needs related to the community service placement at primary healthcare clinics. Theme2 related to the participants expressed experiences with regard to social interaction during community service at primary healthcare clinics. The findings of the study enabled recommendations to be made for nursing practice, education and research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Zambodla, Ayanda
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Primary health care -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46456 , vital:39604
- Description: Community servicenursesinSouthAfricaarenewly qualified nurses who have to undertake a one-year community service rotation in public healthcare facility. Recently qualified, they are not yet competent to work alone and require supervision Theobjectiveofthisstudywastoexploreanddescribetheexperiencesofcommunity service nurses with regards to the supervision and support they received from professional nurses at primary healthcare clinics inNelsonMandelaBay.The researcher utilised a qualitative research approach, with an explorative, descriptive and contextual research design inorder to achieve the objectives of this study. The research population comprised community service nurses who had completed their one-year community serviceduringthe2016-2017cycleinaprimary healthcarefacilityinNelsonMandelaBay.Purposivesamplingwasusedtoselectthe research sample. Data collection was done by conducting 10semi-structured interviews. Descriptive field notes supplemented the data. Tesch’smethod of qualitative data analysis was employed to analyse the data. Ethical considerations were applied throughout the study. Trustworthiness of the study was maintained by applyingGuba’s criteria of credibility, transferability, dependability and confirmability. Two main themes emerged from the study. Theme1 focused on the participant's experiences regarding the diverse needs related to the community service placement at primary healthcare clinics. Theme2 related to the participants expressed experiences with regard to social interaction during community service at primary healthcare clinics. The findings of the study enabled recommendations to be made for nursing practice, education and research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Explored Vygotsky’s concept of mediation in a biliteracy project in the foundation phase of a township school
- Authors: Frans, Nompumelelo Grace
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Literacy -- South Africa -- Case studies , Education, Elementary -- South Africa -- Case studies , Education, Bilingual -- South Africa -- Case studies , Vygotskiĭ, L S (Lev Semenovich), 1896-1934 , Biliteracy Project (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/147204 , vital:38602
- Description: The research reported on in this thesis explored teacher mediation when a biliteracy approach through task-based teaching and learning is used in a Foundation Phase classroom in a township school in the Eastern Cape. It is an action research aimed at understanding and systematically investigating how and what it means to work with bilingual mediation to ensure cognition, with emphasis on task design, facilitation for cognition, mediation forms and language use. This thesis was motivated by three issues that are still not being adequately addressed: the low level of cognitive work in South African schools, the failure to use the home languages of children throughout schooling as a medium of instruction and assessment (while providing excellent access to English as subject), and a top-down approach to both policy development and teacher professionalisation. These three issues drove me to explore theories that can help address them, and that is how I came to rely mostly on mediation, biliteracy and a task-based approach to teaching. For this research, on data handling I prepared and taught six lessons, but only three of the six lessons were recorded, transcribed and analysed for empirical data. I chose data handling, as in my previous experience I found it to include all the mathematical problem-solving skills which involve addition subtraction, analysing and comparing information. It also offered opportunities for language use, and meaningful interactive co-construction and acquiring of knowledge in the process of teaching and learning. This turned into a form of theory-driven action research, which was also developmental. I was critically reflective on my practices, and my facilitation for cognition and how I use language to make cognition possible. I also looked at the types of activities that I gave learners to help reach maximum development. The data collected from the classroom interactions, shows how I, in some instances, would take decisions, implement them and then find them not to be effective. It also shows some of the challenges I came across, from myself and the learners. Learners challenges were, unfamiliarity with the systematic build-up of data handling, filling in tables, transferring information from one form into a different form, and constructing and analysing bar graphs. This was part of pedagogynot the policy, which indicated inadequate teacher development. This could be because data handling is allocated minimal weighting from the CAPS document, and teachers do not go as in depth as they need to in dealing with data handling. My challenge was to prepare the grade 3 class for more data handling encounters in the higher grades. I had to ensure they grasped data handling concepts in their mother tongue before the switch to English as LoLT, as prescribed by policy. Learners proved to have little or no knowledge with regards to data handling concepts, which meant I had to start from the basics, as I had nothing to build on, and then progress to grade 3 level in one year. This study suggests that for any concept that has to be taught, cognition must be a priority, and strategies on how to facilitate that needs to be well thought out. Teachers need to be aware of theories that can positively impact on their practices. Teacher development is key to improvement of education, especially in the Eastern Cape. That cannot be done in isolation, but in partnership with relevant stakeholders.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Frans, Nompumelelo Grace
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Literacy -- South Africa -- Case studies , Education, Elementary -- South Africa -- Case studies , Education, Bilingual -- South Africa -- Case studies , Vygotskiĭ, L S (Lev Semenovich), 1896-1934 , Biliteracy Project (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/147204 , vital:38602
- Description: The research reported on in this thesis explored teacher mediation when a biliteracy approach through task-based teaching and learning is used in a Foundation Phase classroom in a township school in the Eastern Cape. It is an action research aimed at understanding and systematically investigating how and what it means to work with bilingual mediation to ensure cognition, with emphasis on task design, facilitation for cognition, mediation forms and language use. This thesis was motivated by three issues that are still not being adequately addressed: the low level of cognitive work in South African schools, the failure to use the home languages of children throughout schooling as a medium of instruction and assessment (while providing excellent access to English as subject), and a top-down approach to both policy development and teacher professionalisation. These three issues drove me to explore theories that can help address them, and that is how I came to rely mostly on mediation, biliteracy and a task-based approach to teaching. For this research, on data handling I prepared and taught six lessons, but only three of the six lessons were recorded, transcribed and analysed for empirical data. I chose data handling, as in my previous experience I found it to include all the mathematical problem-solving skills which involve addition subtraction, analysing and comparing information. It also offered opportunities for language use, and meaningful interactive co-construction and acquiring of knowledge in the process of teaching and learning. This turned into a form of theory-driven action research, which was also developmental. I was critically reflective on my practices, and my facilitation for cognition and how I use language to make cognition possible. I also looked at the types of activities that I gave learners to help reach maximum development. The data collected from the classroom interactions, shows how I, in some instances, would take decisions, implement them and then find them not to be effective. It also shows some of the challenges I came across, from myself and the learners. Learners challenges were, unfamiliarity with the systematic build-up of data handling, filling in tables, transferring information from one form into a different form, and constructing and analysing bar graphs. This was part of pedagogynot the policy, which indicated inadequate teacher development. This could be because data handling is allocated minimal weighting from the CAPS document, and teachers do not go as in depth as they need to in dealing with data handling. My challenge was to prepare the grade 3 class for more data handling encounters in the higher grades. I had to ensure they grasped data handling concepts in their mother tongue before the switch to English as LoLT, as prescribed by policy. Learners proved to have little or no knowledge with regards to data handling concepts, which meant I had to start from the basics, as I had nothing to build on, and then progress to grade 3 level in one year. This study suggests that for any concept that has to be taught, cognition must be a priority, and strategies on how to facilitate that needs to be well thought out. Teachers need to be aware of theories that can positively impact on their practices. Teacher development is key to improvement of education, especially in the Eastern Cape. That cannot be done in isolation, but in partnership with relevant stakeholders.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Exploring affordances and hindrances when indigenous knowledge is integrated in the topic on waves and sound in a Grade 10 Physical Sciences township class
- Authors: Manyana, Xolani Justice
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Physical sciences -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa , Physical sciences -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Case studies , Ethnoscience -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Schools -- South Africa -- Curricula , Social change
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/142889 , vital:38173
- Description: The lack of interest and hence the decline in the number of learners doing Science in schools, is attributed in part to the decontextualised ways in which Science is taught. As an attempt to address this challenge, the new South African National Curriculum Policy Statement (CAPS) encourages Science teachers to use culturally responsive pedagogies through integrating local or indigenous knowledge (IK) in Science lessons to make it accessible and relevant to learners. But, it does not explicitly state how Science teachers should go about enacting this. It is against this caveat that this study aimed at finding out indigenous practices and knowledge in the community and from two community members that could be integrated into the topic on waves and sound in Grade 10 Physical Sciences lessons with the view to establishing its influence (or not) on learners’ conceptions and dispositions towards Science. The study was conducted at Buyelembo Combined School (pseudonym), a township school in the Sarah Baartman District, in the Eastern Cape in South Africa. The research participants were 18 Grade 10 Physical Sciences learners, two Physical Sciences teachers and two community members. Data were generated using the learners’ group activity, discussions and presentations, observations (participatory observations and lesson observations), stimulated recall interviews and reflections. A thematic and inductive-deductive approach to data analysis was employed to come up with sub-themes and themes. Underpinned by an interpretivist perspective and informed by Vygotsky’s socio-cultural theory, a qualitative case study approach was adopted. Additionally, Ogunniyi’s Contiguity Argumentative Theory (CAT) was used as an analytical framework. The five cognitive states of CAT were employed to analyse data during the social interactions to surface any contradictions. The findings from this study revealed that there are indigenous practices and knowledge in relation to the sea that can be integrated into the topic on waves and sound in Grade 10 Physical Sciences lessons. However, regarding relevance of those indigenous practices and knowledge to science, the study revealed that the learners found no relevance at all but discussions and argumentation were enhanced. In addition, findings from this study revealed that the learners’ conceptions, dispositions, and sense-making in science were influenced positively through using hands-on practical activities when teaching Science concepts. Lastly, the study revealed that the use of mother tongue by the community members, learners and the teachers together with the language of learning and teaching promoted learner talk. Based on the findings of this study, I recommend that there is a need to support teachers on how to integrate indigenous practices and knowledge in their teaching, particularly when teaching Physical Sciences.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Manyana, Xolani Justice
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Physical sciences -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa , Physical sciences -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Case studies , Ethnoscience -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Schools -- South Africa -- Curricula , Social change
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/142889 , vital:38173
- Description: The lack of interest and hence the decline in the number of learners doing Science in schools, is attributed in part to the decontextualised ways in which Science is taught. As an attempt to address this challenge, the new South African National Curriculum Policy Statement (CAPS) encourages Science teachers to use culturally responsive pedagogies through integrating local or indigenous knowledge (IK) in Science lessons to make it accessible and relevant to learners. But, it does not explicitly state how Science teachers should go about enacting this. It is against this caveat that this study aimed at finding out indigenous practices and knowledge in the community and from two community members that could be integrated into the topic on waves and sound in Grade 10 Physical Sciences lessons with the view to establishing its influence (or not) on learners’ conceptions and dispositions towards Science. The study was conducted at Buyelembo Combined School (pseudonym), a township school in the Sarah Baartman District, in the Eastern Cape in South Africa. The research participants were 18 Grade 10 Physical Sciences learners, two Physical Sciences teachers and two community members. Data were generated using the learners’ group activity, discussions and presentations, observations (participatory observations and lesson observations), stimulated recall interviews and reflections. A thematic and inductive-deductive approach to data analysis was employed to come up with sub-themes and themes. Underpinned by an interpretivist perspective and informed by Vygotsky’s socio-cultural theory, a qualitative case study approach was adopted. Additionally, Ogunniyi’s Contiguity Argumentative Theory (CAT) was used as an analytical framework. The five cognitive states of CAT were employed to analyse data during the social interactions to surface any contradictions. The findings from this study revealed that there are indigenous practices and knowledge in relation to the sea that can be integrated into the topic on waves and sound in Grade 10 Physical Sciences lessons. However, regarding relevance of those indigenous practices and knowledge to science, the study revealed that the learners found no relevance at all but discussions and argumentation were enhanced. In addition, findings from this study revealed that the learners’ conceptions, dispositions, and sense-making in science were influenced positively through using hands-on practical activities when teaching Science concepts. Lastly, the study revealed that the use of mother tongue by the community members, learners and the teachers together with the language of learning and teaching promoted learner talk. Based on the findings of this study, I recommend that there is a need to support teachers on how to integrate indigenous practices and knowledge in their teaching, particularly when teaching Physical Sciences.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Exploring an intervention on how to integrate local or indigenous knowledge on the features of the moon in Grade 4 classes
- Authors: Magwentshu, Thando
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Moon -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- South Africa , Science -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- South Africa , Education, Elementary -- South Africa , Ethnoscience -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/166387 , vital:41358
- Description: The National Curriculum Statement (R-12) calls on all Natural Sciences teachers to integrate local or indigenous knowledge (IK) into their lessons. However, this seems to be easier said than done. For instance, in my experience as a Natural Sciences teacher I have observed that the Department of Education does not adequately equip and support teachers with the necessary pedagogical skills to integrate IK in science lessons. It is against this background that this study sought to explore an intervention on the development and implementation of model lessons on features of the moon that integrate local or IK in Grade 4 classes. The study adopted a qualitative case study approach underpinned by an interpretivist perspective. Within the interpretive paradigm, a qualitative case study approach was employed. The participants were four Grade 4 Natural Sciences and Technology teachers from selected schools in the Chris Hani West District. Data were gathered and triangulated using questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, document analysis, a presentation by an expert community member, workshop discussions and journal reflections. Vygotsky’s socio-cultural theory and Shulman’s pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) were used as a theoretical framework and analytical framework respectively. From the socio-cultural theory, three concepts were used: social interactions, mediation of learning and the zone of proximal development (ZPD). Additionally, within PCK, Mavhunga and Rollnick’s (2013) five Topic Specific Pedagogical Content Knowledge components: learners’ prior knowledge, what is difficult to understand, curricular saliency, representations and conceptual teaching strategies were used as analytical tools. A thematic approach to qualitative data analysis was adopted, to come up with sub-themes in relation to my research questions. The findings from this study revealed that before the intervention, some teachers had a narrow understanding of local or IK and how it could be integrated in their lessons. As a result, some teachers had never implemented integration of local or IK as required by the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) and the principles of the National Curriculum Statement. The findings of this study thus showed that after the intervention, teachers felt equipped with understanding of local or IK. Additionally, they were able to develop their own model lessons that integrated it. The study thus recommends that teachers should be supported as far as possible in order to be able to integrate local or IK in their science lessons.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Magwentshu, Thando
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Moon -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- South Africa , Science -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- South Africa , Education, Elementary -- South Africa , Ethnoscience -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/166387 , vital:41358
- Description: The National Curriculum Statement (R-12) calls on all Natural Sciences teachers to integrate local or indigenous knowledge (IK) into their lessons. However, this seems to be easier said than done. For instance, in my experience as a Natural Sciences teacher I have observed that the Department of Education does not adequately equip and support teachers with the necessary pedagogical skills to integrate IK in science lessons. It is against this background that this study sought to explore an intervention on the development and implementation of model lessons on features of the moon that integrate local or IK in Grade 4 classes. The study adopted a qualitative case study approach underpinned by an interpretivist perspective. Within the interpretive paradigm, a qualitative case study approach was employed. The participants were four Grade 4 Natural Sciences and Technology teachers from selected schools in the Chris Hani West District. Data were gathered and triangulated using questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, document analysis, a presentation by an expert community member, workshop discussions and journal reflections. Vygotsky’s socio-cultural theory and Shulman’s pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) were used as a theoretical framework and analytical framework respectively. From the socio-cultural theory, three concepts were used: social interactions, mediation of learning and the zone of proximal development (ZPD). Additionally, within PCK, Mavhunga and Rollnick’s (2013) five Topic Specific Pedagogical Content Knowledge components: learners’ prior knowledge, what is difficult to understand, curricular saliency, representations and conceptual teaching strategies were used as analytical tools. A thematic approach to qualitative data analysis was adopted, to come up with sub-themes in relation to my research questions. The findings from this study revealed that before the intervention, some teachers had a narrow understanding of local or IK and how it could be integrated in their lessons. As a result, some teachers had never implemented integration of local or IK as required by the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) and the principles of the National Curriculum Statement. The findings of this study thus showed that after the intervention, teachers felt equipped with understanding of local or IK. Additionally, they were able to develop their own model lessons that integrated it. The study thus recommends that teachers should be supported as far as possible in order to be able to integrate local or IK in their science lessons.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020