The impact of the minimum wage in South Africa
- Authors: Brown, Kenrick
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Minimum wage--Law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51202 , vital:43224
- Description: On the 20th anniversary of freedom and democracy in South Africa, the government announced its intention to introduce a national minimum wage. The announcement made it clear that the intention was not to introduce a residual wage floor, but to rather completely transform the country’s inordinately unequal wage structure. “Change will not come about without some far-reaching interventions. … As government, we will, during this term, investigate the possibility of a national minimum wage as one of the key mechanisms to reduce income inequality.”1 Minimum wages are geared towards establishing wage floors, which are the bare minimum that employees are allowed to pay employees. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) describes minimum wages as remuneration that covers the basic needs of workers and their families, taking into account relevant economic factors.2 National minimum wages of course set these minimum wage floors at a national, economy-wide level. In South Africa, the stated purpose of a national minimum wage has the multi-purpose function of setting a national wage floor in order to reduce poverty and inequality in order to transform the inherently unequal wage structure radically that still exists in South Africa post-apartheid. Before 1st of January 2019 when the national minimum wage became effective, South Africa had minimum wages, but this was prescribed per sector of the economy. Particularly in unorganised sectors a nationally set minimum wage increased the scope and ease of enforcement for minimum wages in comparison to sectoral wage determinations. In short, it covers all employees in all industries, whereas sectoral determinations did not. Furthermore, a national minimum wage would be far more easily set to take into consideration broader governmental policy considerations in comparison to diverse, multisector wage determinations that only target the employees and economic considerations of their sector. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Mercantile Law, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Brown, Kenrick
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Minimum wage--Law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51202 , vital:43224
- Description: On the 20th anniversary of freedom and democracy in South Africa, the government announced its intention to introduce a national minimum wage. The announcement made it clear that the intention was not to introduce a residual wage floor, but to rather completely transform the country’s inordinately unequal wage structure. “Change will not come about without some far-reaching interventions. … As government, we will, during this term, investigate the possibility of a national minimum wage as one of the key mechanisms to reduce income inequality.”1 Minimum wages are geared towards establishing wage floors, which are the bare minimum that employees are allowed to pay employees. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) describes minimum wages as remuneration that covers the basic needs of workers and their families, taking into account relevant economic factors.2 National minimum wages of course set these minimum wage floors at a national, economy-wide level. In South Africa, the stated purpose of a national minimum wage has the multi-purpose function of setting a national wage floor in order to reduce poverty and inequality in order to transform the inherently unequal wage structure radically that still exists in South Africa post-apartheid. Before 1st of January 2019 when the national minimum wage became effective, South Africa had minimum wages, but this was prescribed per sector of the economy. Particularly in unorganised sectors a nationally set minimum wage increased the scope and ease of enforcement for minimum wages in comparison to sectoral wage determinations. In short, it covers all employees in all industries, whereas sectoral determinations did not. Furthermore, a national minimum wage would be far more easily set to take into consideration broader governmental policy considerations in comparison to diverse, multisector wage determinations that only target the employees and economic considerations of their sector. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Mercantile Law, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
A causal analysis to investigate low production efficiency in the tyre manufacturing industry in South Africa
- Authors: Bruinders, Bramwill Bertram
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Industrial efficiency , Production management , Lean manufacturing -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50977 , vital:43177
- Description: The evolution of tyre manufacturing in South Africa went back to the early 1930s and matured technologically, becoming automated in the 1960s. The tyre industry in South Africa is worth approximately R30bn per annum and is one of the major supporting industries for domestic vehicle manufacturers. The local industry manufactures only 11 million tyres but can manufacture 18 million tyres per annum. The tyre industry thus plays a crucial role in South Africa’s economic development. Consumers are opting to buy cheaper imported tyres even though tyres are essential purchases. Therefore, the major tyre manufacturers must compete against an estimated 200 importers of various brands, most from China and Japan. The excess local capacity and increasing volume of imports put the local tyre manufacturers under severe pressure to grow their market share, reduce operational cost and achieve economies of scale. The study’s general objective was to conduct a root cause analysis of South African tyre manufacturers’ underlying issues resulting in low production efficiencies. This study used critical manufacturing principles such as traceability, knowledge of lean principles, lean implementation challenges, Total Quality Management, organisational buy-in, waste and rework and maintenance planning that constitute tools of lean practices. These principles provided an opportunity to adopt efficient manufacturing practices in tyre manufacturing companies and help organisations identify improvement areas. A questionnaire was developed and distributed electronically to 93 respondents employed in the tyre manufacturing industry in South Africa. The study addressed product traceability, investigated the quality measures in place, and examined the influence of the workforce’s attitude and morale on productivity, and determined management’s influence on decision-making. The key findings indicated that traceability, lean implementation challenges and organisational buy-in played a significant role in improving production efficiency. Recommendations were made to management to ensure that they lead by example and enhance these key constructs to foster their growth. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business Administration , 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Bruinders, Bramwill Bertram
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Industrial efficiency , Production management , Lean manufacturing -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50977 , vital:43177
- Description: The evolution of tyre manufacturing in South Africa went back to the early 1930s and matured technologically, becoming automated in the 1960s. The tyre industry in South Africa is worth approximately R30bn per annum and is one of the major supporting industries for domestic vehicle manufacturers. The local industry manufactures only 11 million tyres but can manufacture 18 million tyres per annum. The tyre industry thus plays a crucial role in South Africa’s economic development. Consumers are opting to buy cheaper imported tyres even though tyres are essential purchases. Therefore, the major tyre manufacturers must compete against an estimated 200 importers of various brands, most from China and Japan. The excess local capacity and increasing volume of imports put the local tyre manufacturers under severe pressure to grow their market share, reduce operational cost and achieve economies of scale. The study’s general objective was to conduct a root cause analysis of South African tyre manufacturers’ underlying issues resulting in low production efficiencies. This study used critical manufacturing principles such as traceability, knowledge of lean principles, lean implementation challenges, Total Quality Management, organisational buy-in, waste and rework and maintenance planning that constitute tools of lean practices. These principles provided an opportunity to adopt efficient manufacturing practices in tyre manufacturing companies and help organisations identify improvement areas. A questionnaire was developed and distributed electronically to 93 respondents employed in the tyre manufacturing industry in South Africa. The study addressed product traceability, investigated the quality measures in place, and examined the influence of the workforce’s attitude and morale on productivity, and determined management’s influence on decision-making. The key findings indicated that traceability, lean implementation challenges and organisational buy-in played a significant role in improving production efficiency. Recommendations were made to management to ensure that they lead by example and enhance these key constructs to foster their growth. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business Administration , 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
The impact of urban gardening on household food security: evidence from Makhanda East, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Bruwer, Guillaume Marcel Xavier
- Authors: Bruwer, Guillaume Marcel Xavier
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Food security South Africa Makhanda , Urban agriculture South Africa Makhanda , Urban gardening South Africa Makhanda , Sustainable development South Africa Makhanda , South Africa Economic conditions , Subsistence farming South Africa Makhanda , Economic impact analysis South Africa Makhanda , Propensity Score Matching (PSM)
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/263575 , vital:53640
- Description: Urban gardening in townships is a common coping strategy employed by poor inhabitants to improve food security, earn income through sales, and generate cost-savings through home consumption of fresh produce. Food security is a cornerstone of human development and welfare, and the achievement thereof remains a global challenge. The majority of academic research and policy documentation traditionally positions food insecurity as a rural phenomenon. However, recent trends point to an increase in food insecurity in urban areas, particularly in low-income areas such as townships. In South Africa, rapid urbanization has led to burgeoning townships and rapidly expanding low-income informal settlements characterised by poverty, unemployment, and food insecurity. Research concerned with the role that urban agricultural production plays in contributing to the food security of poor households is scarce and not well understood. This research, therefore, aimed to contribute to the limited research which specifically examines urban food security, and the role urban agriculture play in the achievement of household food security. The study employed collective action theory and utility theory to firstly provides an in-depth examination of the determinants of participation in urban gardening using Probit regression modeling. The second research objective was to perform an impact evaluation of participation in urban gardening on selected household food security indicators including Household Dietary Diversity Scores (HDDS), the Household Hunger Scale (HHS) and the Coping Strategy Index (CSI) using Propensity Score Matching (PSM). Purposive and snowball sampling methods were employed to obtain a sample of 60 urban gardeners and a control group of 55 non-gardening households from Extension 6, 7 and 10 townships as well as Joza Location in Makhanda East, Eastern Cape Province. Households were surveyed using a structured household food security questionnaire. A focus group discussion was held with the Linomtha Community Garden members and key informant interviews were undertaken with important stakeholders such as the local extension officers. Descriptive analysis revealed that urban gardening households (UGs) had older household heads who were less educated, and that land and water availability were the dominant constraints to increases in agricultural production. Results from the probit and average marginal effects models showed that the likelihood of participation significantly increased when household unemployment and dependency increased and that households who were engaged in off-farm economic activity were more likely to participate in urban gardening. The impact evaluation was performed using PSM and Average Treatment Effect on the Treated (ATT). Analysis illustrated that participation in urban gardening does significantly reduce both the full CSI and Reduced CSI. Thus, participation in urban gardening improves the food security of participating households by significantly reducing the frequency of participating households (UGs) applying undesirable coping strategies such as sending children elsewhere other than the household, borrowing food from other households and reducing the number of meals eaten in a day due to food shortages. This study posits that urban gardening alone will not eradicate the rampant food insecurity and poverty which pervades in South Africa’s townships. However, urban gardening participation does contribute to the construction of a sustainable, urban livelihood by reducing the number and severity of the undesirable coping strategies that food insecure households employ by providing some nutritious produce as well improved social capital through gardening networks and supporting institutions. It is recommended that policy makers, at a national and municipal level, need to create a clearer directive for the integration of urban food production into the urban food marketplace thus increasing access to income generating channels for small-scale home, and community gardeners. Co-operation between private and public institutions for food security and urban gardeners needs to be fostered and awareness of opportunities to participate in urban gardens needs to be improved. Central to the developmental challenges that rapid increases in urbanization and food insecurity in poor urban areas, is the need for national and local governments to improve access to economic opportunities in township areas - both in urban agriculture and in other, skills intensive sectors. , Thesis (MEcon) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
- Authors: Bruwer, Guillaume Marcel Xavier
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Food security South Africa Makhanda , Urban agriculture South Africa Makhanda , Urban gardening South Africa Makhanda , Sustainable development South Africa Makhanda , South Africa Economic conditions , Subsistence farming South Africa Makhanda , Economic impact analysis South Africa Makhanda , Propensity Score Matching (PSM)
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/263575 , vital:53640
- Description: Urban gardening in townships is a common coping strategy employed by poor inhabitants to improve food security, earn income through sales, and generate cost-savings through home consumption of fresh produce. Food security is a cornerstone of human development and welfare, and the achievement thereof remains a global challenge. The majority of academic research and policy documentation traditionally positions food insecurity as a rural phenomenon. However, recent trends point to an increase in food insecurity in urban areas, particularly in low-income areas such as townships. In South Africa, rapid urbanization has led to burgeoning townships and rapidly expanding low-income informal settlements characterised by poverty, unemployment, and food insecurity. Research concerned with the role that urban agricultural production plays in contributing to the food security of poor households is scarce and not well understood. This research, therefore, aimed to contribute to the limited research which specifically examines urban food security, and the role urban agriculture play in the achievement of household food security. The study employed collective action theory and utility theory to firstly provides an in-depth examination of the determinants of participation in urban gardening using Probit regression modeling. The second research objective was to perform an impact evaluation of participation in urban gardening on selected household food security indicators including Household Dietary Diversity Scores (HDDS), the Household Hunger Scale (HHS) and the Coping Strategy Index (CSI) using Propensity Score Matching (PSM). Purposive and snowball sampling methods were employed to obtain a sample of 60 urban gardeners and a control group of 55 non-gardening households from Extension 6, 7 and 10 townships as well as Joza Location in Makhanda East, Eastern Cape Province. Households were surveyed using a structured household food security questionnaire. A focus group discussion was held with the Linomtha Community Garden members and key informant interviews were undertaken with important stakeholders such as the local extension officers. Descriptive analysis revealed that urban gardening households (UGs) had older household heads who were less educated, and that land and water availability were the dominant constraints to increases in agricultural production. Results from the probit and average marginal effects models showed that the likelihood of participation significantly increased when household unemployment and dependency increased and that households who were engaged in off-farm economic activity were more likely to participate in urban gardening. The impact evaluation was performed using PSM and Average Treatment Effect on the Treated (ATT). Analysis illustrated that participation in urban gardening does significantly reduce both the full CSI and Reduced CSI. Thus, participation in urban gardening improves the food security of participating households by significantly reducing the frequency of participating households (UGs) applying undesirable coping strategies such as sending children elsewhere other than the household, borrowing food from other households and reducing the number of meals eaten in a day due to food shortages. This study posits that urban gardening alone will not eradicate the rampant food insecurity and poverty which pervades in South Africa’s townships. However, urban gardening participation does contribute to the construction of a sustainable, urban livelihood by reducing the number and severity of the undesirable coping strategies that food insecure households employ by providing some nutritious produce as well improved social capital through gardening networks and supporting institutions. It is recommended that policy makers, at a national and municipal level, need to create a clearer directive for the integration of urban food production into the urban food marketplace thus increasing access to income generating channels for small-scale home, and community gardeners. Co-operation between private and public institutions for food security and urban gardeners needs to be fostered and awareness of opportunities to participate in urban gardens needs to be improved. Central to the developmental challenges that rapid increases in urbanization and food insecurity in poor urban areas, is the need for national and local governments to improve access to economic opportunities in township areas - both in urban agriculture and in other, skills intensive sectors. , Thesis (MEcon) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
The effect of the anaesthetics 1 Clove oil and MS-222 on the sedation, recovery, survival, population growth and fecundity of the calanoid copepod, Pseudodiaptomus hessei Copepoda Calanoida under culture conditions.
- Authors: Bulube, Masivuye Nomazizi
- Date: 2023-01
- Subjects: Water quality , Marine biodiversity , Aquatic animals -- Food
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27524 , vital:67430
- Description: Compared to current live food organisms used in aquaculture, the calanoid copepod, Pseudodiaptomus hessei is smaller and has a superior nutritional value. However, due to their fast and erratic movements, manipulating and counting this species for aquaculture research purposes is difficult. For easier manipulation it is therefore necessary to sedate the copepods. The study aimed to determine the effect of two anaesthetics on sedation, recovery, survival, population growth and fecundity of the calanoid copepod, Pseudodiaptomus hessei, under culture conditions. Male and female P. hessei were exposed to the anaesthetics clove oil and Tricaine Methane sulfonate (MS-222). Twelve replicates of five copepods each were exposedto clove oil at 100, 150 and 200 μL/L, and to MS-222 at 300, 600, 900, 1200 and 1500 mg/Lwith the number of fully sedated copepods being recorded. clove oil sedation only occurredafter 5:23±1:25 minutes in the 100 μL/L treatment while copepods exposed to 150 and200μL/L were anaesthetized within 2:48±0:46 and 0:40±0:07 minutes respectively. Sedation did not occur in MS-222 at concentrations of 300 and 600 mg/L while at 900 mg/L all copepodswere sedated within 4:19±0:41 minutes. Only copepods exposed to 1200 and 1500 mg/L were all fully sedated within 2:26±1:46 and 1:23±0:37 minutes respectively. Clove oil recovery onlyoccurred at 4:40±1:32 minutes in the 100 μL/L treatment while copepods exposed to 150 and200 μL/L recovered at 8:30±1:46 and 12:12±0:59 minutes, respectively. In this study, all MS- 222 treatments showed full recovery at 1:07±0:41 to 1:11±0:41 minutes with 100% survivalrate. The growth development FPN (Final Population Number) for Clove oil, MS-222 and control were not different from the control indicating that exposure to the anaesthetic had no effect on their long-term survival (21 days). The mean clutch size of 34±5 eggs per sac was high compared to other studies on the species. Based on these findings the 150 μL/L Clove oiland 1200 mg/L MS-222 concentrations were the lowest doses of each anaesthetic to induce full sedation within 3 minutes followed by rapid recovery 87 within three minutes without it affecting its short (24 hours) and long-term survival, population growth and fecundity. Basedon sedation and recovery rates, effect on survival, fecundity and growth as well as cost and ease use, the 1200 mg/L MS-222 concentration is the recommended to safely anaesthetize P. hessei. , Thesis (MSci) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-01
- Authors: Bulube, Masivuye Nomazizi
- Date: 2023-01
- Subjects: Water quality , Marine biodiversity , Aquatic animals -- Food
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27524 , vital:67430
- Description: Compared to current live food organisms used in aquaculture, the calanoid copepod, Pseudodiaptomus hessei is smaller and has a superior nutritional value. However, due to their fast and erratic movements, manipulating and counting this species for aquaculture research purposes is difficult. For easier manipulation it is therefore necessary to sedate the copepods. The study aimed to determine the effect of two anaesthetics on sedation, recovery, survival, population growth and fecundity of the calanoid copepod, Pseudodiaptomus hessei, under culture conditions. Male and female P. hessei were exposed to the anaesthetics clove oil and Tricaine Methane sulfonate (MS-222). Twelve replicates of five copepods each were exposedto clove oil at 100, 150 and 200 μL/L, and to MS-222 at 300, 600, 900, 1200 and 1500 mg/Lwith the number of fully sedated copepods being recorded. clove oil sedation only occurredafter 5:23±1:25 minutes in the 100 μL/L treatment while copepods exposed to 150 and200μL/L were anaesthetized within 2:48±0:46 and 0:40±0:07 minutes respectively. Sedation did not occur in MS-222 at concentrations of 300 and 600 mg/L while at 900 mg/L all copepodswere sedated within 4:19±0:41 minutes. Only copepods exposed to 1200 and 1500 mg/L were all fully sedated within 2:26±1:46 and 1:23±0:37 minutes respectively. Clove oil recovery onlyoccurred at 4:40±1:32 minutes in the 100 μL/L treatment while copepods exposed to 150 and200 μL/L recovered at 8:30±1:46 and 12:12±0:59 minutes, respectively. In this study, all MS- 222 treatments showed full recovery at 1:07±0:41 to 1:11±0:41 minutes with 100% survivalrate. The growth development FPN (Final Population Number) for Clove oil, MS-222 and control were not different from the control indicating that exposure to the anaesthetic had no effect on their long-term survival (21 days). The mean clutch size of 34±5 eggs per sac was high compared to other studies on the species. Based on these findings the 150 μL/L Clove oiland 1200 mg/L MS-222 concentrations were the lowest doses of each anaesthetic to induce full sedation within 3 minutes followed by rapid recovery 87 within three minutes without it affecting its short (24 hours) and long-term survival, population growth and fecundity. Basedon sedation and recovery rates, effect on survival, fecundity and growth as well as cost and ease use, the 1200 mg/L MS-222 concentration is the recommended to safely anaesthetize P. hessei. , Thesis (MSci) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-01
An exploration of burnout among health Professions academics employed in Health sciences faculties at a south African university
- Authors: Burger, Jeanine
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Health care personnel -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58665 , vital:59979
- Description: The label of ‘stress factories’ is becoming a way to collectively refer to higher education institutions due to the changing academic landscape. Academics within health professions face key stressors related to excessive workloads, and insufficient resources resulting in burnout. Some of the most pertinent consequences of burnout include deterioration in physical and mental health, incline in absenteeism and a negative impact on the well-being and performance of students, patients, and organisations. There is a lack of research conducted on health professions academics in South Africa. The overall aim of this study was, therefore, to explore burnout among health professions academic staff who worked within the Community and Health Sciences (CHS) and Dentistry faculties (collectively referred to as Health sciences faculties) at a historically disadvantaged university. The study adopted an online survey design. Participants were selected using simple random sampling. Frequency tables were used to summarise and describe the participants, while correlation analysis was used to test associative relationships. ANOVA was used to test group differences and Scheffé tests were used for posthoc analysis. Ethics clearance was obtained from the Bio-Medical Research Ethics Committee of UWC. Permission to conduct the study was given by the Registrar of UWC. Informed consent was sought from participants for their voluntary participation. Their identities were kept anonymous and responses confidential. Overall findings from the current study indicated that this sample of Health Professional Academics (HPAs) experienced moderate to high levels of burnout, as measured by the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory. No demographic factors were found to correlate with the total score of burnout. Two variables were significantly related to exhaustion, namely the level of qualification and whether participants were studying at the time of completing the survey. Furthermore, nurses and participants currently studying towards a PhD reported significantly higher levels of burnout than the rest of the sample of HPAs. The impact of this study shows HPAs’ experience of moderate to high levels of burnout require interventions to decrease job demands and increase job resources. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Burger, Jeanine
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Health care personnel -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58665 , vital:59979
- Description: The label of ‘stress factories’ is becoming a way to collectively refer to higher education institutions due to the changing academic landscape. Academics within health professions face key stressors related to excessive workloads, and insufficient resources resulting in burnout. Some of the most pertinent consequences of burnout include deterioration in physical and mental health, incline in absenteeism and a negative impact on the well-being and performance of students, patients, and organisations. There is a lack of research conducted on health professions academics in South Africa. The overall aim of this study was, therefore, to explore burnout among health professions academic staff who worked within the Community and Health Sciences (CHS) and Dentistry faculties (collectively referred to as Health sciences faculties) at a historically disadvantaged university. The study adopted an online survey design. Participants were selected using simple random sampling. Frequency tables were used to summarise and describe the participants, while correlation analysis was used to test associative relationships. ANOVA was used to test group differences and Scheffé tests were used for posthoc analysis. Ethics clearance was obtained from the Bio-Medical Research Ethics Committee of UWC. Permission to conduct the study was given by the Registrar of UWC. Informed consent was sought from participants for their voluntary participation. Their identities were kept anonymous and responses confidential. Overall findings from the current study indicated that this sample of Health Professional Academics (HPAs) experienced moderate to high levels of burnout, as measured by the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory. No demographic factors were found to correlate with the total score of burnout. Two variables were significantly related to exhaustion, namely the level of qualification and whether participants were studying at the time of completing the survey. Furthermore, nurses and participants currently studying towards a PhD reported significantly higher levels of burnout than the rest of the sample of HPAs. The impact of this study shows HPAs’ experience of moderate to high levels of burnout require interventions to decrease job demands and increase job resources. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
Towards the provision of relevant, Secondary schools building types through the design of a high schools STEM Centre in Zwide, Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Burger, Sean
- Date: 2020-09
- Subjects: Landscape architecture -- Nelson Mandela Bay
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59194 , vital:60279
- Description: The topic of education in South Africa has always been an area of much debate and contention. The quality of education environments provided in townships in generally always lacking as these facilities are composed of a standardized set of functions. As a result of a budget constraints and poor resources management, most schools lack the required specialised facilities to provide for a full learning experience. With a focus on the development specialised skills in the field of science, mathematics technology and engineering, learners attending these schools are unable to complete with those ore more affluent schools , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2020
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2020-09
- Authors: Burger, Sean
- Date: 2020-09
- Subjects: Landscape architecture -- Nelson Mandela Bay
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59194 , vital:60279
- Description: The topic of education in South Africa has always been an area of much debate and contention. The quality of education environments provided in townships in generally always lacking as these facilities are composed of a standardized set of functions. As a result of a budget constraints and poor resources management, most schools lack the required specialised facilities to provide for a full learning experience. With a focus on the development specialised skills in the field of science, mathematics technology and engineering, learners attending these schools are unable to complete with those ore more affluent schools , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2020
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2020-09
The photodynamic therapeutic activities and optical limiting properties of metalated asymmetric porphyrins and corroles
- Authors: Burgess, Kristen Paige
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424490 , vital:72158
- Description: Cancer is a devastating disease that is a leading cause of death worldwide. Despite the available cancer treatments, there is a significant need to improve the therapeutic approach towards this disease. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an alternative approach for treating cancer, which requires a photosensitiser, molecular oxygen and light. Although some porphyrin-based derivatives have been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other similar agencies elsewhere for photodynamic therapy, their relatively poor photophysicochemical properties mean that there is an ongoing need for new photosensitiser dyes. Singlet oxygen photosensitiser dyes can also be used to treat bacteria that develop antimicrobial resistance in the context of photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT). The main aim of this study was to synthesise and characterise a series of porphyrin dyes with 4-quinolinyl, thien-2-yl and 4-bromo-thien-2-yl meso-aryl groups and their Sn(IV) and In(III) complexes, as well as their corrole analogues. Corroles are contracted macrocycles that have interesting optical properties. The corroles selected for study were found to be difficult to synthesise and purify and had unfavourable photophysicochemical properties and were thus omitted from the PDT and PACT biological applications within this thesis. High- and low-symmetry A4 and ABAB type meso-tetraarylporphyrins porphyrins were synthesised to improve the photophysicochemical properties of the photosensitisers; the utility of these dyes as photosensitisers was studied against the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line for PDT and against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli for PACT. The thienyl-2-yl rings were introduced to red shift the lowest energy Q band towards the phototherapeutic window, while quaternisation of the nitrogen and sulfur atoms of the 4-quinolinyl and thien-2-yl rings to introduce a cationic nature was explored to improve the bioavailability of the drugs and uptake into the target cell walls for improved efficacy. Heavy Sn(IV) and In(III) central metal ions were introduced to enhance the singlet oxygen quantum yields and limit aggregation through axial ligation. The bromine atoms of the 4-bromo-thien-2-yl meso-aryl rings were also introduced to enhance the singlet oxygen quantum yields of the dyes. Furthermore, the utility of the porphyrin and corrole molecules for optical limiting properties to limit laser radiation to protect optical devices, including eyes, was explored by the z-scan technique. One of the dyes studied, Sn(IV) tetrathien-2-ylporphyrin, that exhibited the most favourable reverse saturable absorbance (RSA) response was embedded into a poly(bisphenol carbonate A) polymer thin film to further explore its suitability for practical applications. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Chemistry, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
- Authors: Burgess, Kristen Paige
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424490 , vital:72158
- Description: Cancer is a devastating disease that is a leading cause of death worldwide. Despite the available cancer treatments, there is a significant need to improve the therapeutic approach towards this disease. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an alternative approach for treating cancer, which requires a photosensitiser, molecular oxygen and light. Although some porphyrin-based derivatives have been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other similar agencies elsewhere for photodynamic therapy, their relatively poor photophysicochemical properties mean that there is an ongoing need for new photosensitiser dyes. Singlet oxygen photosensitiser dyes can also be used to treat bacteria that develop antimicrobial resistance in the context of photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT). The main aim of this study was to synthesise and characterise a series of porphyrin dyes with 4-quinolinyl, thien-2-yl and 4-bromo-thien-2-yl meso-aryl groups and their Sn(IV) and In(III) complexes, as well as their corrole analogues. Corroles are contracted macrocycles that have interesting optical properties. The corroles selected for study were found to be difficult to synthesise and purify and had unfavourable photophysicochemical properties and were thus omitted from the PDT and PACT biological applications within this thesis. High- and low-symmetry A4 and ABAB type meso-tetraarylporphyrins porphyrins were synthesised to improve the photophysicochemical properties of the photosensitisers; the utility of these dyes as photosensitisers was studied against the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line for PDT and against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli for PACT. The thienyl-2-yl rings were introduced to red shift the lowest energy Q band towards the phototherapeutic window, while quaternisation of the nitrogen and sulfur atoms of the 4-quinolinyl and thien-2-yl rings to introduce a cationic nature was explored to improve the bioavailability of the drugs and uptake into the target cell walls for improved efficacy. Heavy Sn(IV) and In(III) central metal ions were introduced to enhance the singlet oxygen quantum yields and limit aggregation through axial ligation. The bromine atoms of the 4-bromo-thien-2-yl meso-aryl rings were also introduced to enhance the singlet oxygen quantum yields of the dyes. Furthermore, the utility of the porphyrin and corrole molecules for optical limiting properties to limit laser radiation to protect optical devices, including eyes, was explored by the z-scan technique. One of the dyes studied, Sn(IV) tetrathien-2-ylporphyrin, that exhibited the most favourable reverse saturable absorbance (RSA) response was embedded into a poly(bisphenol carbonate A) polymer thin film to further explore its suitability for practical applications. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Chemistry, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
A study of the airflow on the windward slope of a transverse dune in the Alexandria coastal dunefield
- Authors: Burkinshaw, Jennifer Ruth
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52734 , vital:43883
- Description: Our understanding of the evolution of dune morphology has been hampered by a lack of empirical observations of airflow behaviour over dune forms. Sand dunes intrude into the atmospheric boundary layer and convergence of streamlines results in an acceleration of airflow up the windward slopes of dunes. This study examines the airflow structure and corresponding bedform development on the windward slope of a 7 m high transverse dune on the edge of the Alexandria coastal dunefield, Algoa Bay, South Africa. The Alexandria dunefield is subjected to a trimodal wind regime, consisting of the dominant south-westerly which blows all year round, summer easterlies and winter northwesterlies. The morphology of the study dune, Dune13, is controlled by the easterlies and north-westerlies, and reverses seasonally with respect to these two winds. Seven section lines 30 m apart and normal to the dune crest were surveyed regularly over the period of a year to monitor the reversal process. Three detailed topographic surveys were also done during this period. Airflow behaviour was monitored during the year. Wind speed profiles on the windward slope of the dune were measured using 4 to 5 vertical arrays of anemometers positioned from the base of the dune to the crest on a 1 selected section line. Usually 4 to 5 anemometers were deployed in each vertical array, from a height of 6 to 10 cm above the surface, up to a height of 150 cm above the surface. Initially 8 microanemometers were available; ultimately 28 anemometers were run simultaneously. An independent weather station at an elevation of 6 m recorded the unaccelerated flow. Local gradient measurements and erosion and deposition rates were recorded along selected section lines. Strong summer easterly winds (14 m/sec at 1.4 m above the dune crest) were measured on a dune slope in the process of being transformed from a slipface to a stoss slope. The following winter, light north-westerly winds (typically B m/sec at 1.6 m above the dune crest) were measured on the new windward slope already reversed by the prevailing winter wind. Airflow data confirm the compression of airflow against the windward slope resulting in a non-logarithmic wind speed profile. Compression results in an increased shear velocity within 30 cm of the dune surface, and the dune slope is eroded. Higher up in the wind speed profile, shear velocity decreases to 0.1 m/sec. It is not known at what height the wind speed profile recovers from the intrusion of the dune into the boundary layer. High values of shear velocity (1.6 m/sec) above the rounded crestal area of the dune record the recovery of the wind speed profile from flow divergence, which is a response to the rapid reduction of dune gradient and is accompanied by deposition of sand in this region. 2 The erosion pin data act as a simple and sensitive test for changes in gradient, reflecting the dune's response to changes in the airflow regime. The shape of the dune plays a major role in determining the extent of the compression and the distribution of shear velocity up the slope. Increased shear velocity is experienced on that part of the slope which is nonaerodynamic with respect to the prevailing wind. Under unidirectional conditions, feedback between flow and form results ultimately in a slope with a curvature such that shear velocity increases systematically upslope. The survey data and erosion pin data record the reversal process as the dune achieves a new steady state during each wind season. The existence of a non-logarithmic wind speed profile makes it difficult to know what relevant measure of shear velocity is to be used in sand transport equations. Future work should include wind speed measurements within 10 cm of the surface. An ideal study modelling aeolian bedform development would utilise wind tunnel measurements, combined with field measurements such as obtained in this study, for comparison with numerical modelling. The study needs to be extended to 3-dimensional airflow measurements. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Burkinshaw, Jennifer Ruth
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52734 , vital:43883
- Description: Our understanding of the evolution of dune morphology has been hampered by a lack of empirical observations of airflow behaviour over dune forms. Sand dunes intrude into the atmospheric boundary layer and convergence of streamlines results in an acceleration of airflow up the windward slopes of dunes. This study examines the airflow structure and corresponding bedform development on the windward slope of a 7 m high transverse dune on the edge of the Alexandria coastal dunefield, Algoa Bay, South Africa. The Alexandria dunefield is subjected to a trimodal wind regime, consisting of the dominant south-westerly which blows all year round, summer easterlies and winter northwesterlies. The morphology of the study dune, Dune13, is controlled by the easterlies and north-westerlies, and reverses seasonally with respect to these two winds. Seven section lines 30 m apart and normal to the dune crest were surveyed regularly over the period of a year to monitor the reversal process. Three detailed topographic surveys were also done during this period. Airflow behaviour was monitored during the year. Wind speed profiles on the windward slope of the dune were measured using 4 to 5 vertical arrays of anemometers positioned from the base of the dune to the crest on a 1 selected section line. Usually 4 to 5 anemometers were deployed in each vertical array, from a height of 6 to 10 cm above the surface, up to a height of 150 cm above the surface. Initially 8 microanemometers were available; ultimately 28 anemometers were run simultaneously. An independent weather station at an elevation of 6 m recorded the unaccelerated flow. Local gradient measurements and erosion and deposition rates were recorded along selected section lines. Strong summer easterly winds (14 m/sec at 1.4 m above the dune crest) were measured on a dune slope in the process of being transformed from a slipface to a stoss slope. The following winter, light north-westerly winds (typically B m/sec at 1.6 m above the dune crest) were measured on the new windward slope already reversed by the prevailing winter wind. Airflow data confirm the compression of airflow against the windward slope resulting in a non-logarithmic wind speed profile. Compression results in an increased shear velocity within 30 cm of the dune surface, and the dune slope is eroded. Higher up in the wind speed profile, shear velocity decreases to 0.1 m/sec. It is not known at what height the wind speed profile recovers from the intrusion of the dune into the boundary layer. High values of shear velocity (1.6 m/sec) above the rounded crestal area of the dune record the recovery of the wind speed profile from flow divergence, which is a response to the rapid reduction of dune gradient and is accompanied by deposition of sand in this region. 2 The erosion pin data act as a simple and sensitive test for changes in gradient, reflecting the dune's response to changes in the airflow regime. The shape of the dune plays a major role in determining the extent of the compression and the distribution of shear velocity up the slope. Increased shear velocity is experienced on that part of the slope which is nonaerodynamic with respect to the prevailing wind. Under unidirectional conditions, feedback between flow and form results ultimately in a slope with a curvature such that shear velocity increases systematically upslope. The survey data and erosion pin data record the reversal process as the dune achieves a new steady state during each wind season. The existence of a non-logarithmic wind speed profile makes it difficult to know what relevant measure of shear velocity is to be used in sand transport equations. Future work should include wind speed measurements within 10 cm of the surface. An ideal study modelling aeolian bedform development would utilise wind tunnel measurements, combined with field measurements such as obtained in this study, for comparison with numerical modelling. The study needs to be extended to 3-dimensional airflow measurements. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
An assessment of different methods for measuring mammal diversity in two Southern African arid ecosystems.
- Authors: Burt, Chloe
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Biodiversity -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52338 , vital:43591
- Description: A current critical environmental problem is the loss of biodiversity. To allow for adaptive management and effective conservation interventions, reliable data needs to be readily available and effectively collected. To gather reliable data, the most appropriate method must be used. The aim of this thesis was to compare the effectiveness and efficiency of different mammal diversity sampling techniques, including discussing specificities and complementarity of each. I also assessed the limitation of methods in terms of the influence of species traits on detectability. I used standard mammal field methods such as block transects, camera traps, track plates, spotlight surveys, mist nets, acoustic surveys, and live traps for a wide range of mammal taxa, and also included the use of local knowledge in the comparison. I assessed the cost-efficiency of each method by determining the cost per species. The efficiency of each method was assessed by observing when the species accumulation curve reached an asymptote. The effectiveness was determined by the species richness and the taxonomic groups the method detected. My results indicated that block transects were the most efficient and effective method to assess species richness. However, a combination of methods allowed for a more comprehensive survey and my results indicate that block transects and live traps were the best combination. It is important to note, not only the effectiveness and efficiency of methods be assessed, but also their limitations. I therefore also assessed the influence of species traits on the detectability of five methods. The species traits that I tested were body size, diet, activity, and if they lived in groups. On both study areas, body size was the main trait that influenced detectability with most field methods. Diet and activity had varying influence on detectability depending on the method. Group living did not significantly influence detectability. Based on my results, I provide guidelines for choosing the most appropriate survey method for targeted studies on mammals in arid ecosystems as well as guidelines for choosing the most appropriate methods for a terrestrial mammal inventory. Survey methods selection and guidelines provided here can allow for effective monitoring and therefore effective and adaptive management and having reliable and repeatable outcomes from surveys. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Burt, Chloe
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Biodiversity -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52338 , vital:43591
- Description: A current critical environmental problem is the loss of biodiversity. To allow for adaptive management and effective conservation interventions, reliable data needs to be readily available and effectively collected. To gather reliable data, the most appropriate method must be used. The aim of this thesis was to compare the effectiveness and efficiency of different mammal diversity sampling techniques, including discussing specificities and complementarity of each. I also assessed the limitation of methods in terms of the influence of species traits on detectability. I used standard mammal field methods such as block transects, camera traps, track plates, spotlight surveys, mist nets, acoustic surveys, and live traps for a wide range of mammal taxa, and also included the use of local knowledge in the comparison. I assessed the cost-efficiency of each method by determining the cost per species. The efficiency of each method was assessed by observing when the species accumulation curve reached an asymptote. The effectiveness was determined by the species richness and the taxonomic groups the method detected. My results indicated that block transects were the most efficient and effective method to assess species richness. However, a combination of methods allowed for a more comprehensive survey and my results indicate that block transects and live traps were the best combination. It is important to note, not only the effectiveness and efficiency of methods be assessed, but also their limitations. I therefore also assessed the influence of species traits on the detectability of five methods. The species traits that I tested were body size, diet, activity, and if they lived in groups. On both study areas, body size was the main trait that influenced detectability with most field methods. Diet and activity had varying influence on detectability depending on the method. Group living did not significantly influence detectability. Based on my results, I provide guidelines for choosing the most appropriate survey method for targeted studies on mammals in arid ecosystems as well as guidelines for choosing the most appropriate methods for a terrestrial mammal inventory. Survey methods selection and guidelines provided here can allow for effective monitoring and therefore effective and adaptive management and having reliable and repeatable outcomes from surveys. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Esibelekweni: Ingqokelela Yemibongo ngesiXhosa nangesiNgesi
- Authors: Busakwe, Yenzokuhle
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English , Xhosa
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424917 , vital:72193
- Description: My thesis is a collection of poems that is written in isiXhosa and English. It explores African spirituality, my relationship with God, heartache from romantic and platonic relationships. I make use of dual languages because some themes that I write about such as African spirituality I find words that capture their truest emotion in my Xhosa vocabulary, and I cannot find them in English. My poems use the narrative form because it allows me to tell stories through poetry without having to commit my writing to musicality or rhyming that a lyric poetry normally has. My work is shaped by writers such as Kate Beinhemer, Mangaliso Buzani, Amy Saul Zerby, Nontsizi Mgqwethio, Simphiwe Nolutshungu and Oiu Miaojin. Buzani makes use of images and few lines in his writing but still manages to capture a story with brevity. Saul-Zerby makes use of text lingo in some of her poems, and I make use of it to close a gap that I have identified with the books that I was reading that are all written in a formal and serious format. Mgqwetho’s poems explore Christianity and African Spirituality which is one of the subjects that my work is exploring too but in a manner that differs. I talk about how they have been my guidance instead of praising their powers like Nontsizi normally does in her poems. Simphiwe Nolutshungu’s poems has influenced the structure of my poems. Fairy tales written by writers like Kate helps my writing to bring to life issues that sound too dreamy to be true but have manifested as visions and memories that I cannot wipe out from my conscience. Oiu Miaojin’s novel “Last words from Montmantre” I am fascinated by how the writer detail emotions such as vulnerability and heartbreak in his storytelling. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Languages and Literatures, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
- Authors: Busakwe, Yenzokuhle
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English , Xhosa
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424917 , vital:72193
- Description: My thesis is a collection of poems that is written in isiXhosa and English. It explores African spirituality, my relationship with God, heartache from romantic and platonic relationships. I make use of dual languages because some themes that I write about such as African spirituality I find words that capture their truest emotion in my Xhosa vocabulary, and I cannot find them in English. My poems use the narrative form because it allows me to tell stories through poetry without having to commit my writing to musicality or rhyming that a lyric poetry normally has. My work is shaped by writers such as Kate Beinhemer, Mangaliso Buzani, Amy Saul Zerby, Nontsizi Mgqwethio, Simphiwe Nolutshungu and Oiu Miaojin. Buzani makes use of images and few lines in his writing but still manages to capture a story with brevity. Saul-Zerby makes use of text lingo in some of her poems, and I make use of it to close a gap that I have identified with the books that I was reading that are all written in a formal and serious format. Mgqwetho’s poems explore Christianity and African Spirituality which is one of the subjects that my work is exploring too but in a manner that differs. I talk about how they have been my guidance instead of praising their powers like Nontsizi normally does in her poems. Simphiwe Nolutshungu’s poems has influenced the structure of my poems. Fairy tales written by writers like Kate helps my writing to bring to life issues that sound too dreamy to be true but have manifested as visions and memories that I cannot wipe out from my conscience. Oiu Miaojin’s novel “Last words from Montmantre” I am fascinated by how the writer detail emotions such as vulnerability and heartbreak in his storytelling. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Languages and Literatures, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
The contribution of urban agriculture to food sovereignty and household food security in Lingelihle
- Authors: Buso, Lelethu
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food sovereignty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Urban agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53834 , vital:46005
- Description: Most urban households in South Africa are food insecure even though poor households spend 60–80% of their income on food. Most of these households are low-income households who depend on social grants and whose main source of food are markets. This research assessed the contribution of urban agriculture to food sovereignty and household food security in Lingelihle Township, Cradock, in the Chris Hani district, South Africa. The research data were collected both from households that practise farming in Lingelihle Township and those that do not. The study used Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) methods such as observation, transect walks, resource mapping, food consumption diaries, focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews to collect data. The research findings revealed that urban agriculture has the potential to contribute to achieving food sovereignty and household food security. The comparison between households that farm and households that do not farm proved that households that farm are more food secure and have more disposable income than households that do not farm. The study offers recommendations on how urban agriculture can be supported to contribute to household food security and food sovereignty. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Buso, Lelethu
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food sovereignty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Urban agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53834 , vital:46005
- Description: Most urban households in South Africa are food insecure even though poor households spend 60–80% of their income on food. Most of these households are low-income households who depend on social grants and whose main source of food are markets. This research assessed the contribution of urban agriculture to food sovereignty and household food security in Lingelihle Township, Cradock, in the Chris Hani district, South Africa. The research data were collected both from households that practise farming in Lingelihle Township and those that do not. The study used Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) methods such as observation, transect walks, resource mapping, food consumption diaries, focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews to collect data. The research findings revealed that urban agriculture has the potential to contribute to achieving food sovereignty and household food security. The comparison between households that farm and households that do not farm proved that households that farm are more food secure and have more disposable income than households that do not farm. The study offers recommendations on how urban agriculture can be supported to contribute to household food security and food sovereignty. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Ranked factors influencing the sustainability and growth of SMMEs in the city of Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Bussy, Matthew
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Business enterprises -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Small business -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51050 , vital:43204
- Description: SMMEs are the backbone of both established and developing economies with their ability to contribute to a country’s GDP, create employment, stimulate innovation and create new revenue streams. In South Africa the majority of SMMEs do not reach the critical threshold period for sustainability, defined by the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) as three years. This study explores twenty-five barriers and influences (nine external and sixteen internal) as experienced by small businesses operating in the city of Port Elizabeth, and their effect on the sustainability and success of the small business. The internal barriers and influences are ranked according to their relative importance to business sustainability and success as viewed by small businesses in the city of Port Elizabeth. The research is exploratory in nature and was conducted using a structured questionnaire. The findings show that the nineteen barriers and influencers that are controllable within the business are all important to the success and sustainability of small businesses. Of these internal factors, the most important one relatively speaking is found to be the general management abilities of management, and the least important, relatively speaking, is the education levels of the non-management employees. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business Administration, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Bussy, Matthew
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Business enterprises -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Small business -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51050 , vital:43204
- Description: SMMEs are the backbone of both established and developing economies with their ability to contribute to a country’s GDP, create employment, stimulate innovation and create new revenue streams. In South Africa the majority of SMMEs do not reach the critical threshold period for sustainability, defined by the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) as three years. This study explores twenty-five barriers and influences (nine external and sixteen internal) as experienced by small businesses operating in the city of Port Elizabeth, and their effect on the sustainability and success of the small business. The internal barriers and influences are ranked according to their relative importance to business sustainability and success as viewed by small businesses in the city of Port Elizabeth. The research is exploratory in nature and was conducted using a structured questionnaire. The findings show that the nineteen barriers and influencers that are controllable within the business are all important to the success and sustainability of small businesses. Of these internal factors, the most important one relatively speaking is found to be the general management abilities of management, and the least important, relatively speaking, is the education levels of the non-management employees. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business Administration, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Microbial and extracellular polymeric substance dynamics in arid–zone temporary pan ecosystems
- Authors: Bute, Tafara Frank
- Date: 2023-03-29
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/422258 , vital:71925
- Description: Microbial communities of bacteria, viruses, algae, protozoans and fungi participate profoundly in aquatic systems, particularly in mediating processes such as primary production, decomposition, and biogeochemical cycles. In addition, microbiomes produce extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) which encompass a hydrated exopolymer mainly constituted of carbohydrates and proteins. The exopolymer aid proliferation and persistence of biofilms on their resident surfaces. There is however paucity of data on functional diversity of microbiomes in arid zone temporary wetlands with previous research having mainly focused on permanent systems in the northern hemisphere. In the face of ongoing climatic changes and anthropogenic threats to wetlands, it is imperative to assess the health status of aquatic systems in relation to microbial productivity dynamics. In this thesis, colorimetric methods and sequence–based metagenomics were conducted to quantify microbial EPS production and bacterial metagenome functions, respectively. This study was conducted in Khakhea–Bray region (North–West, South Africa) in June 2021 and January 2022 with a focus on evaluating microbial patterns of distribution between seasons (i.e., Dry and Wet) and varying depth i.e., deepest zones (Deep), intermediate depth (Mid) and shallowest regions (Edge). Additionally, potential relationships between EPS and either water content or organic matter content (OM content) were evaluated. In this study it was hypothesized that wet phases and deeper zones will have high EPS production and support more functions in comparison to shallowest regions and dry phases. Carbohydrates and proteins were quantified using the Dubois method and modified Lowry procedure, respectively. Carbohydrates generally occurred in higher proportions than proteins, suggesting that EPS found in these systems was largely diatom produced. The wet phases (wet season and inundation periods) supported more EPS production compared to the dry phases. The results of principal components analysis (PCA) and Spearman’s correlations suggested that EPS was highly correlated with sediment water content among other assessed variables. No significant associations were established between EPS and organic matter content. Spatial distribution of EPS demonstrated similar patterns between the deepest (Deep) and the intermediate depth zones (Mid) however the shallow regions (Edge) had significantly lower concentrations. Bacterial characterization was established by amplification of the 16S rRNA gene using illumina–sequencing protocol. Enzyme functions associated with biogeochemical pathways were predicted in PICRUSt2 bioinformatics pipeline. A total of 15 042 Unique Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs) were observed to be affiliated to 51 bacterial phyla and 1 127 genera. All top genera had commonality in heat tolerance. Firmicutes, dominated at phyla level with 59 % (mean ± sd, 19 ± 13 %) relative abundance followed by Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria both at 34 % (18 ± 7 %) and (18 ± 6 %), respectively. Microbial diversity matrices highlighted significant differences in beta diversity more than alpha diversity. Bacterial microbiomes were more distinct between seasons compared to within season, suggesting that functions were seasonally driven. These findings were supported by highest rates of denitrification, carbohydrate degradation and EPS production by core microbiomes in the wet season as compared to low rates of nitrogen mineralisation, carbon fixation and nitrification in the dry season. The present findings represent a first attempt in evaluating sequence–based metagenomics in semi–arid southern African temporary pan ecosystem. Both microbial EPS and bacterial functional potential were highly driven by water availability, with highest rates mainly associated with maximum inundation compared to dry states of pans. It can therefore be suggested that extended dry periods are threatening to microbially mediated processes in temporary wetlands, with implications to loss of biodiversity due to desiccation resulting in poor nutrient cycling. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-03-29
- Authors: Bute, Tafara Frank
- Date: 2023-03-29
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/422258 , vital:71925
- Description: Microbial communities of bacteria, viruses, algae, protozoans and fungi participate profoundly in aquatic systems, particularly in mediating processes such as primary production, decomposition, and biogeochemical cycles. In addition, microbiomes produce extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) which encompass a hydrated exopolymer mainly constituted of carbohydrates and proteins. The exopolymer aid proliferation and persistence of biofilms on their resident surfaces. There is however paucity of data on functional diversity of microbiomes in arid zone temporary wetlands with previous research having mainly focused on permanent systems in the northern hemisphere. In the face of ongoing climatic changes and anthropogenic threats to wetlands, it is imperative to assess the health status of aquatic systems in relation to microbial productivity dynamics. In this thesis, colorimetric methods and sequence–based metagenomics were conducted to quantify microbial EPS production and bacterial metagenome functions, respectively. This study was conducted in Khakhea–Bray region (North–West, South Africa) in June 2021 and January 2022 with a focus on evaluating microbial patterns of distribution between seasons (i.e., Dry and Wet) and varying depth i.e., deepest zones (Deep), intermediate depth (Mid) and shallowest regions (Edge). Additionally, potential relationships between EPS and either water content or organic matter content (OM content) were evaluated. In this study it was hypothesized that wet phases and deeper zones will have high EPS production and support more functions in comparison to shallowest regions and dry phases. Carbohydrates and proteins were quantified using the Dubois method and modified Lowry procedure, respectively. Carbohydrates generally occurred in higher proportions than proteins, suggesting that EPS found in these systems was largely diatom produced. The wet phases (wet season and inundation periods) supported more EPS production compared to the dry phases. The results of principal components analysis (PCA) and Spearman’s correlations suggested that EPS was highly correlated with sediment water content among other assessed variables. No significant associations were established between EPS and organic matter content. Spatial distribution of EPS demonstrated similar patterns between the deepest (Deep) and the intermediate depth zones (Mid) however the shallow regions (Edge) had significantly lower concentrations. Bacterial characterization was established by amplification of the 16S rRNA gene using illumina–sequencing protocol. Enzyme functions associated with biogeochemical pathways were predicted in PICRUSt2 bioinformatics pipeline. A total of 15 042 Unique Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs) were observed to be affiliated to 51 bacterial phyla and 1 127 genera. All top genera had commonality in heat tolerance. Firmicutes, dominated at phyla level with 59 % (mean ± sd, 19 ± 13 %) relative abundance followed by Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria both at 34 % (18 ± 7 %) and (18 ± 6 %), respectively. Microbial diversity matrices highlighted significant differences in beta diversity more than alpha diversity. Bacterial microbiomes were more distinct between seasons compared to within season, suggesting that functions were seasonally driven. These findings were supported by highest rates of denitrification, carbohydrate degradation and EPS production by core microbiomes in the wet season as compared to low rates of nitrogen mineralisation, carbon fixation and nitrification in the dry season. The present findings represent a first attempt in evaluating sequence–based metagenomics in semi–arid southern African temporary pan ecosystem. Both microbial EPS and bacterial functional potential were highly driven by water availability, with highest rates mainly associated with maximum inundation compared to dry states of pans. It can therefore be suggested that extended dry periods are threatening to microbially mediated processes in temporary wetlands, with implications to loss of biodiversity due to desiccation resulting in poor nutrient cycling. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-03-29
Assessing the economic impact and legal standing of expropriation of land without compensation policy and the effects on farm investment of selected farmers in South Africa
- Authors: Buthelezi, Sithabiso
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Land tenure , Economic impact analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57557 , vital:58073
- Description: South Africa’s agricultural sector is still labour- intensive and with South Africa’s high unemployment levels, this sector becomes crucial for employment creation. Moreover, the sector assists in eradicating poverty and ensuring food security. The African National Congress (ANC) has introduced the Draft Constitution Eighteenth Amendment Bill, 2019 in the National Assembly. The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure issued a notice indicating the government’s intention to introduce the Expropriation Bill, 2020 in the National Assembly for debate. After these Bills were issued, there has been a debate in the public, including legal and economic scholars about the potential impact that these policy proposals will have on investment, specifically the agricultural industry. This treatise investigates the potential impact of expropriation of land without compensation on farm investment and assess the legality of the policy. The supporting theoretical literature in this treatise is the property rights theory, efficiency theories and transactional costs theory. The study used various cases and interpretations of legislation across different jurisdictions, to assess the legality of this policy. To test the impact of expropriation of land on farm investment, the study uses a survey collected from 22 farmers, registered with the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) who responded to the request to participate. Once collected, the data were coded and analysed through the Stata statistical package. The results from descriptive statistics show that several independent variables that were included in the model had an influence on investment decisions. The study also found that the influence of title deeds differs between rural and semiurban dwellers. Semi-urban dwellers are likely to regard their property as insecure without title deeds, whereas rural dwellers indicated strong security of tenure despite staying on leased land. The study also found that the influence of collateral credit differs between small and commercial farmers. Some small farmers, who had collateral assets, did not use it when seeking credit or were denied even after using it. That is due to other factors such as cash flow and affordability. These factors, combined with the low value of collateral assets for small farmers prevent them from accessing additional credit. The results from the regression analysis revealed that certain independent variables have an influence on the dependent variable (farm investment). The regression vi | P a g e analysis results also prove that there is a significant positive correlation between the security of tenure and farm investment. However, the results from the respondents show that the proposed policy (expropriation of land without compensation) has not decreased their security of tenure as yet. The majority of respondents reported knowing about the policy, but still indicated that they intend to increase their farm investment in the coming three years. Therefore, there is no evidence that the proposed legislation had a negative impact on planned investment from a data analysis perspective. However, planned investments are decreased because of the current policy uncertainty. Those participants who indicated that they will decrease their investment, did so because they were not sure if their property will be targeted or not. This policy uncertainty is the source of disinvestment. Government should finalise this policy. It must be clear, indicate the circumstances under which someone’s property will be targeted. This is likely to put everyone at ease and be certain if their property will be expropriated or not. Government should be cautious of putting a policy that is not definite enough and leaves the final decisions to the court to determine the amount to be paid as compensation, as is currently the case. This court-determined compensation increases transactions costs and also creates uncertainty because one does not know how much are they entitled to until the final court determination. This contributes to policy uncertainty and procrastination on investment. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Buthelezi, Sithabiso
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Land tenure , Economic impact analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57557 , vital:58073
- Description: South Africa’s agricultural sector is still labour- intensive and with South Africa’s high unemployment levels, this sector becomes crucial for employment creation. Moreover, the sector assists in eradicating poverty and ensuring food security. The African National Congress (ANC) has introduced the Draft Constitution Eighteenth Amendment Bill, 2019 in the National Assembly. The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure issued a notice indicating the government’s intention to introduce the Expropriation Bill, 2020 in the National Assembly for debate. After these Bills were issued, there has been a debate in the public, including legal and economic scholars about the potential impact that these policy proposals will have on investment, specifically the agricultural industry. This treatise investigates the potential impact of expropriation of land without compensation on farm investment and assess the legality of the policy. The supporting theoretical literature in this treatise is the property rights theory, efficiency theories and transactional costs theory. The study used various cases and interpretations of legislation across different jurisdictions, to assess the legality of this policy. To test the impact of expropriation of land on farm investment, the study uses a survey collected from 22 farmers, registered with the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) who responded to the request to participate. Once collected, the data were coded and analysed through the Stata statistical package. The results from descriptive statistics show that several independent variables that were included in the model had an influence on investment decisions. The study also found that the influence of title deeds differs between rural and semiurban dwellers. Semi-urban dwellers are likely to regard their property as insecure without title deeds, whereas rural dwellers indicated strong security of tenure despite staying on leased land. The study also found that the influence of collateral credit differs between small and commercial farmers. Some small farmers, who had collateral assets, did not use it when seeking credit or were denied even after using it. That is due to other factors such as cash flow and affordability. These factors, combined with the low value of collateral assets for small farmers prevent them from accessing additional credit. The results from the regression analysis revealed that certain independent variables have an influence on the dependent variable (farm investment). The regression vi | P a g e analysis results also prove that there is a significant positive correlation between the security of tenure and farm investment. However, the results from the respondents show that the proposed policy (expropriation of land without compensation) has not decreased their security of tenure as yet. The majority of respondents reported knowing about the policy, but still indicated that they intend to increase their farm investment in the coming three years. Therefore, there is no evidence that the proposed legislation had a negative impact on planned investment from a data analysis perspective. However, planned investments are decreased because of the current policy uncertainty. Those participants who indicated that they will decrease their investment, did so because they were not sure if their property will be targeted or not. This policy uncertainty is the source of disinvestment. Government should finalise this policy. It must be clear, indicate the circumstances under which someone’s property will be targeted. This is likely to put everyone at ease and be certain if their property will be expropriated or not. Government should be cautious of putting a policy that is not definite enough and leaves the final decisions to the court to determine the amount to be paid as compensation, as is currently the case. This court-determined compensation increases transactions costs and also creates uncertainty because one does not know how much are they entitled to until the final court determination. This contributes to policy uncertainty and procrastination on investment. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
Hydraulic vulnerability of Subtropical Thicket to drought : a remote sensing and physiological perspective
- Authors: Buttner, Daniel Harry
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55455 , vital:52017
- Description: Water availability is one of largest constraints on plant survival, growth, and species distribution globally. The recent escalation in tree mortality coupled with declining precipitation and amplified temperatures has implicated drought as a major cause behind many large-scale dieback events observed across the world. Raising the question, what makes some species more resistant and persist while others dwindle and vanish from the landscape? The observed variability in species drought susceptibility demonstrates the complexity of physiological responses of plants to changes in water availability. Hydraulic dysfunction in plants has been purported to be the key mechanism behind drought-induced mortality provoking interest in hydraulic traits and critical thresholds of xylem physiological function. The capability of species to maintain hydraulic functionality under drought strongly influences the survival and general productivity towards water deficits. Hence, two core objectives, and subsequently aims, of this thesis are firstly to investigate the effect of drought on Subtropical Thicket vegetation health and productivity, and secondly to examine the underpinning physiological mechanisms and functional thresholds relaying speciesspecific drought vulnerability within this semi-arid biome. In first data chapter, this thesis offers an assessment of vegetation change under drought and its influence on plant physiological function and productivity across a subsection of Subtropical Thicket distribution. Additionally, this chapter provides a regional scale perspective of drought on Subtropical Thicket flora in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. A severe anomalous dieback event, which coincided with extreme, accumulative drought conditions was observed in 2020. Employing a combination of field-based approaches and remote sensing, this chapter aimed to provide a comprehensive report of the extent and severity of crown defoliation and canopy dieback following this event, additionally describing predisposing and compounding factors. Based on Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration and Standardized Precipitation Indices this event began in 2015 and coincided with amplified temperatures, exacerbating evaporative demand. Aerial UAV surveys and field-based investigations were undertaken. Remotely sensed (RS) indices provided an avenue for extensive spatiotemporal investigations to uncover the extent of drought-related impact on vegetation productivity and discuss potential underpinning mechanisms behind drought-induced mortality in Subtropical Thicket. Leveraging long-term time series RS data, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellites as a proxy vegetation physiological status in combination with SPI and SPEI describing drought condition and groundbased surveying defining canopy vitality condition this study incidentally addressed the aim of endeavoring to link drought-induced mortality and early warning symptoms observed in the field with RS time series data to describe drought impacts across Subtropical Thicket. Furthermore, the findings of this chapter demonstrate the spatial and temporal heterogeneity in drought impacts on Subtropical Thicket. The recent drought of 2015 till 2021 is the longest documented period for the past 50 years in which there has been no accumulated net positive water availability, this apparently perpetual state of water deficiency has enacted a high cost for vegetation productivity and growth for the study area, exhibited well by average NDVI values of less than -0.5 for over 70% of the research site. The findings of this chapter report, to the contrary of anecdotal suggestions in the literature, on the intrinsic tolerance of Subtropical Thicket and that ii drought has a far more significant role on overall vegetation productivity, growth, and mortality in this region. The second data chapter assess whole-plant physiological functionality during a drought event in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. This is the first study in Subtropical Thicket to quantify in situ hydraulic functional integrity under a natural drought event testing the leading hypothesis describing tree mortality – hydraulic dysfunction. This chapter firstly, investigates hydraulic traits (e.g., turgor loss point) and describe key physiological thresholds (e.g., P50) for maintaining function during drought. Secondly, levels of native embolism were determined under drought conditions and combined with measurements of xylem vulnerability to embolism providing an estimation of degree of hydraulic dysfunction experienced by six dominant woody canopy species in Subtropical Thicket – to quantify interspecific drought tolerance and susceptibility. Subtropical Thicket species exhibited remarkable tolerance towards desiccation (TLP from as low as -3MPa) and hydraulic functional resistance to embolism (P50 value as low as -7.89MPa). The observed unexpected drought resilience of subtropical derived lineages highlights the intrinsic evolutionary role aridification had, selecting for greater embolism resistance and community-level conservatism in drought resistance of Subtropical Thicket. The level of native embolism and hydraulic safety margins identified two species (Schotia latifolia and Polyagla myrtifolia) that were the most vulnerable, and a third (Pappea capensis) moderately vulnerable, then the remaining studied species – this could result in community-level adjustments in species composition and structure under future projected climate change scenarios where, increased frequencies of drought events are anticipated. This retrospective assessment of canopy vigor with physiological functional thresholds evokes hydraulic dysfunction as the principal mechanism of observed Subtropical Thicket dieback to drought. This chapter provides crucial in situ data for predictive assertions around drought-induced mortality risk in a phylogenetically diverse and climatically unique biome of southern Africa; and is the first to identify critical hydraulic thresholds for tree species within this region. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Buttner, Daniel Harry
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55455 , vital:52017
- Description: Water availability is one of largest constraints on plant survival, growth, and species distribution globally. The recent escalation in tree mortality coupled with declining precipitation and amplified temperatures has implicated drought as a major cause behind many large-scale dieback events observed across the world. Raising the question, what makes some species more resistant and persist while others dwindle and vanish from the landscape? The observed variability in species drought susceptibility demonstrates the complexity of physiological responses of plants to changes in water availability. Hydraulic dysfunction in plants has been purported to be the key mechanism behind drought-induced mortality provoking interest in hydraulic traits and critical thresholds of xylem physiological function. The capability of species to maintain hydraulic functionality under drought strongly influences the survival and general productivity towards water deficits. Hence, two core objectives, and subsequently aims, of this thesis are firstly to investigate the effect of drought on Subtropical Thicket vegetation health and productivity, and secondly to examine the underpinning physiological mechanisms and functional thresholds relaying speciesspecific drought vulnerability within this semi-arid biome. In first data chapter, this thesis offers an assessment of vegetation change under drought and its influence on plant physiological function and productivity across a subsection of Subtropical Thicket distribution. Additionally, this chapter provides a regional scale perspective of drought on Subtropical Thicket flora in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. A severe anomalous dieback event, which coincided with extreme, accumulative drought conditions was observed in 2020. Employing a combination of field-based approaches and remote sensing, this chapter aimed to provide a comprehensive report of the extent and severity of crown defoliation and canopy dieback following this event, additionally describing predisposing and compounding factors. Based on Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration and Standardized Precipitation Indices this event began in 2015 and coincided with amplified temperatures, exacerbating evaporative demand. Aerial UAV surveys and field-based investigations were undertaken. Remotely sensed (RS) indices provided an avenue for extensive spatiotemporal investigations to uncover the extent of drought-related impact on vegetation productivity and discuss potential underpinning mechanisms behind drought-induced mortality in Subtropical Thicket. Leveraging long-term time series RS data, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellites as a proxy vegetation physiological status in combination with SPI and SPEI describing drought condition and groundbased surveying defining canopy vitality condition this study incidentally addressed the aim of endeavoring to link drought-induced mortality and early warning symptoms observed in the field with RS time series data to describe drought impacts across Subtropical Thicket. Furthermore, the findings of this chapter demonstrate the spatial and temporal heterogeneity in drought impacts on Subtropical Thicket. The recent drought of 2015 till 2021 is the longest documented period for the past 50 years in which there has been no accumulated net positive water availability, this apparently perpetual state of water deficiency has enacted a high cost for vegetation productivity and growth for the study area, exhibited well by average NDVI values of less than -0.5 for over 70% of the research site. The findings of this chapter report, to the contrary of anecdotal suggestions in the literature, on the intrinsic tolerance of Subtropical Thicket and that ii drought has a far more significant role on overall vegetation productivity, growth, and mortality in this region. The second data chapter assess whole-plant physiological functionality during a drought event in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. This is the first study in Subtropical Thicket to quantify in situ hydraulic functional integrity under a natural drought event testing the leading hypothesis describing tree mortality – hydraulic dysfunction. This chapter firstly, investigates hydraulic traits (e.g., turgor loss point) and describe key physiological thresholds (e.g., P50) for maintaining function during drought. Secondly, levels of native embolism were determined under drought conditions and combined with measurements of xylem vulnerability to embolism providing an estimation of degree of hydraulic dysfunction experienced by six dominant woody canopy species in Subtropical Thicket – to quantify interspecific drought tolerance and susceptibility. Subtropical Thicket species exhibited remarkable tolerance towards desiccation (TLP from as low as -3MPa) and hydraulic functional resistance to embolism (P50 value as low as -7.89MPa). The observed unexpected drought resilience of subtropical derived lineages highlights the intrinsic evolutionary role aridification had, selecting for greater embolism resistance and community-level conservatism in drought resistance of Subtropical Thicket. The level of native embolism and hydraulic safety margins identified two species (Schotia latifolia and Polyagla myrtifolia) that were the most vulnerable, and a third (Pappea capensis) moderately vulnerable, then the remaining studied species – this could result in community-level adjustments in species composition and structure under future projected climate change scenarios where, increased frequencies of drought events are anticipated. This retrospective assessment of canopy vigor with physiological functional thresholds evokes hydraulic dysfunction as the principal mechanism of observed Subtropical Thicket dieback to drought. This chapter provides crucial in situ data for predictive assertions around drought-induced mortality risk in a phylogenetically diverse and climatically unique biome of southern Africa; and is the first to identify critical hydraulic thresholds for tree species within this region. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
Evaluation of the utilisation of game liver and maize meal in the production of liver sausage
- Authors: Cairncross, Kelly Inga
- Date: 2020-02
- Subjects: Meat -- Preservation , Sausages
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23743 , vital:59029
- Description: The study aimed to evaluate the utilisation of game liver and maize meal as a partial fat replacer in the production of liver sausage. Mixed game livers (Blesbok, Impala and Springbok) were purchased and processed into sausages with varying levels of maize meal (6percent, 8percent, 10percent and 12percent). The liver sausages were cooked in a water bath for 2 hours to an internal temperate of 70 °C. Cooked sausages were cooled in ice water before storage at 4 °C before vacuum packed and frozen at -20 °C for 30 days. Proximate and fatty acid composition, pH, water activity, texture, lipid oxidation, and microbial content was determined on both day 0 and 30 days after frozen storage. Of the proximate composition, carbohydrate content had significant differences (P≤0.05) and increased as maize meal inclusion increased. The pH of raw game liver sausage batter differed (P≤0.05) between treatments. The pH of cooked game liver sausage differed (P≤0.05) from the raw batter. Textural parameters showed an increase (P<0.01) for both hardness and chewiness after 30 days of frozen storage. A positive correlation was found between hardness and chewiness with an increase in maize meal inclusion. TBARS values of the 12percent treatment differed (P≤0.05) from the maize meal inclusion treatments, but no differences (P>0.05) were recorded over 30 days of frozen storage. No differences (P>0.05) were recorded for the fatty acid composition between treatments. No growth was observed for microbial quality indicators nor Campylobacter spp. for all treatments. This study showed that frozen storage only had a negative effect on some textural parameters, while the inclusion of maize meal affects most physicochemical characteristics. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-02
- Authors: Cairncross, Kelly Inga
- Date: 2020-02
- Subjects: Meat -- Preservation , Sausages
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23743 , vital:59029
- Description: The study aimed to evaluate the utilisation of game liver and maize meal as a partial fat replacer in the production of liver sausage. Mixed game livers (Blesbok, Impala and Springbok) were purchased and processed into sausages with varying levels of maize meal (6percent, 8percent, 10percent and 12percent). The liver sausages were cooked in a water bath for 2 hours to an internal temperate of 70 °C. Cooked sausages were cooled in ice water before storage at 4 °C before vacuum packed and frozen at -20 °C for 30 days. Proximate and fatty acid composition, pH, water activity, texture, lipid oxidation, and microbial content was determined on both day 0 and 30 days after frozen storage. Of the proximate composition, carbohydrate content had significant differences (P≤0.05) and increased as maize meal inclusion increased. The pH of raw game liver sausage batter differed (P≤0.05) between treatments. The pH of cooked game liver sausage differed (P≤0.05) from the raw batter. Textural parameters showed an increase (P<0.01) for both hardness and chewiness after 30 days of frozen storage. A positive correlation was found between hardness and chewiness with an increase in maize meal inclusion. TBARS values of the 12percent treatment differed (P≤0.05) from the maize meal inclusion treatments, but no differences (P>0.05) were recorded over 30 days of frozen storage. No differences (P>0.05) were recorded for the fatty acid composition between treatments. No growth was observed for microbial quality indicators nor Campylobacter spp. for all treatments. This study showed that frozen storage only had a negative effect on some textural parameters, while the inclusion of maize meal affects most physicochemical characteristics. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-02
The influence of socially constructed masculinities on gender-based violence: A content analysis of published academic literature
- Authors: Cajee, Mumtaaz
- Date: 2021-06
- Subjects: Family violence , Sex (Psychology)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23688 , vital:58304
- Description: Gender-based violence is a global epidemic. Masculinities-focused interventions have a positive influence on behaviour and contribute toward positive attitudes and gender equality (Das et al., 2012). These interventions have a positive influence on factors associated with gender-based violence. However, some studies found that this influence is behavioural and does not influence patriarchal beliefs (Jewkes et al., 2010; Roy & Das, 2014). Highlighting that intervention on gender-based violence requires redress. This research sought to establish what has been published in academic literature on the influence of masculinities on gender-based violence. The research was addressed through the social constructionist paradigm; it used a mixed methods approach to research. A content-analysis was applied to 100 published academic articles that were sampled from the University of Fort Hare’s online library database using purposive sampling. The research method and design is appropriately suited to the theoretical framework – social constructionism. Qualitative Data Analysis (QDA) software was used to code the quantitative and qualitative data through deductive and inductive means. The quantitative results were interpreted using descriptive statistics. The qualitative findings were analysed using thematic analysis (Braun and Clarke, 2006). The research in this sample is mostly qualitative, majority of the research within the sample was published between 2007 and 2018, and male participants are primarily focused on within research on this topic. Majority of the research within the sample was conducted using North American Participants. The findings support previous literature. They indicated that masculine norms, compensatory masculinity, and victimization of gender non-conforming individuals are the most prominent themes within the sample. The results indicated various gaps within the research. There is an indication that different dimensions of masculinity are associated with different forms of gender-based violence. It is recommended that future research focus on the different dimensions of masculinity and their association with various forms of genderbased violence in order to appropriately inform preventative strategies and intervention. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-06
- Authors: Cajee, Mumtaaz
- Date: 2021-06
- Subjects: Family violence , Sex (Psychology)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23688 , vital:58304
- Description: Gender-based violence is a global epidemic. Masculinities-focused interventions have a positive influence on behaviour and contribute toward positive attitudes and gender equality (Das et al., 2012). These interventions have a positive influence on factors associated with gender-based violence. However, some studies found that this influence is behavioural and does not influence patriarchal beliefs (Jewkes et al., 2010; Roy & Das, 2014). Highlighting that intervention on gender-based violence requires redress. This research sought to establish what has been published in academic literature on the influence of masculinities on gender-based violence. The research was addressed through the social constructionist paradigm; it used a mixed methods approach to research. A content-analysis was applied to 100 published academic articles that were sampled from the University of Fort Hare’s online library database using purposive sampling. The research method and design is appropriately suited to the theoretical framework – social constructionism. Qualitative Data Analysis (QDA) software was used to code the quantitative and qualitative data through deductive and inductive means. The quantitative results were interpreted using descriptive statistics. The qualitative findings were analysed using thematic analysis (Braun and Clarke, 2006). The research in this sample is mostly qualitative, majority of the research within the sample was published between 2007 and 2018, and male participants are primarily focused on within research on this topic. Majority of the research within the sample was conducted using North American Participants. The findings support previous literature. They indicated that masculine norms, compensatory masculinity, and victimization of gender non-conforming individuals are the most prominent themes within the sample. The results indicated various gaps within the research. There is an indication that different dimensions of masculinity are associated with different forms of gender-based violence. It is recommended that future research focus on the different dimensions of masculinity and their association with various forms of genderbased violence in order to appropriately inform preventative strategies and intervention. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-06
An exploration of attrition of sexual crime cases of child victims from the perspectives of the police officers, prosecutors and advocates in Kouga District, Eastern Cape (SA)
- Authors: Calitz, Karen
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Sex crimes -- Investigation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Criminal justice, Administration of -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51010 , vital:43200
- Description: The successful prosecution of a sex crime case is dependent on the testimony of the victim. Due to the concealed nature of a sexual crime, it is notoriously difficult to prosecute effectively. With child victims, a number of additional obstacles present themselves when it comes to children giving evidence. Attrition is the rate at which cases do not proceed to court. Statistics in South Africa has revealed that rape has one of the lowest conviction rates of all serious crimes. This study is aimed at analysing the factors that cause attrition during the investigation stage in cases where children were victims of any form of sexual crime. In order to obtain the unscripted view of the investigation process, the qualitative study comprises of interviews with investigating officers who investigate these cases and the prosecutors who present these cases to court. The multi-disciplinary team-approach during investigation and its varying limits and challenges, were the main focus. A purposive non-probability sampling technique was utilised, focusing on the Kouga district municipality of the Eastern Cape. Through this study, the factors causing attrition were analysed and presented in such a manner so that change can be conceptualised in order to strive for the rights of children to receive justice for crimes committed against them. Key findings of the study yielded three significant factors which plague the progress of these cases. A significant finding illuminated the lack of required capacity professionals have in working and understanding children throughout the criminal justice process. A further vital finding is the complexities of inter-departmental functioning on implementation level, indicating challenges in collaboration. An integral finding is the measure of time taken to investigate cases of child victims, which the criminal process flow is delayed to its own detriment in aiming for convictions. In general it was found that services to child victims are neglected. Collaborative approaches which are already in place are to be strengthened through capacity building and collaborative knowledge integration in all sectors of professionals. Victim services legislation must include specialized services for the child victim. , Thesis (MSW) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Calitz, Karen
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Sex crimes -- Investigation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Criminal justice, Administration of -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51010 , vital:43200
- Description: The successful prosecution of a sex crime case is dependent on the testimony of the victim. Due to the concealed nature of a sexual crime, it is notoriously difficult to prosecute effectively. With child victims, a number of additional obstacles present themselves when it comes to children giving evidence. Attrition is the rate at which cases do not proceed to court. Statistics in South Africa has revealed that rape has one of the lowest conviction rates of all serious crimes. This study is aimed at analysing the factors that cause attrition during the investigation stage in cases where children were victims of any form of sexual crime. In order to obtain the unscripted view of the investigation process, the qualitative study comprises of interviews with investigating officers who investigate these cases and the prosecutors who present these cases to court. The multi-disciplinary team-approach during investigation and its varying limits and challenges, were the main focus. A purposive non-probability sampling technique was utilised, focusing on the Kouga district municipality of the Eastern Cape. Through this study, the factors causing attrition were analysed and presented in such a manner so that change can be conceptualised in order to strive for the rights of children to receive justice for crimes committed against them. Key findings of the study yielded three significant factors which plague the progress of these cases. A significant finding illuminated the lack of required capacity professionals have in working and understanding children throughout the criminal justice process. A further vital finding is the complexities of inter-departmental functioning on implementation level, indicating challenges in collaboration. An integral finding is the measure of time taken to investigate cases of child victims, which the criminal process flow is delayed to its own detriment in aiming for convictions. In general it was found that services to child victims are neglected. Collaborative approaches which are already in place are to be strengthened through capacity building and collaborative knowledge integration in all sectors of professionals. Victim services legislation must include specialized services for the child victim. , Thesis (MSW) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Exploring socio-economic factors influencing incidences and outcome of multidrug resistance tuberculosis among patients and facility staffs in Makana Sub-District, Eastern Cape
- Cannon, Lesley-Ann https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7635-277X
- Authors: Cannon, Lesley-Ann https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7635-277X
- Date: 2022-02
- Subjects: Multidrug resistance , Tuberculosis
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26706 , vital:65958
- Description: Background Drug-resistant Tuberculosis (DR-TB) is one of the main causes of global public health crisis, due to the morbidity and mortality rates associated with the disease. This DR TB is a complex illness having direct and indirect impact on finances, social functioning, and quality of life of infected individuals. Major research advances have been made in the diagnosis and treatment of DR-TB. However, minimal information exists on the socio-economic factors influencing the incidence and outcomes. This study aims to fill the gap by exploring the socio-economic factors from both the health care professional and patient perspective in particular settings to gain insights into developing context-specific strategies against the burden of DR-TB. Methodology The study applied a qualitative method to explore the socio-economic factors influencing MDR-TB through key-in-depth interviews (KIIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs). The study enrolled a total of thirty-two (32) consenting participants. The KIIs was conducted for ten (10) healthcare workers and nine (9) MDR-TB patients. Two focus group discussions were done involving seven (7) MDR TB patients and six (6) MDR-TB patients, respectively. The study targeted healthcare workers working in the MDR-TB field and TB patients with the following: GeneXpert Rifampicin resistance and patient confirmed as MDR TB. Eligible participants were selected using a purposive sampling technique from the hospitals` routine data electronic records (EDR-WEB database) and hardcopy registers (drug-resistant TB register) on MDR-TB patients enrolled in care at the study site. Informed consent was obtained from all study participants after thoroughly explaining the purpose. No personal information of participants was used. All responses from respondents were coded during analysis for autonomy and the respondents were not identifiable in any published or unpublished work following this research. The interviews were transcribed, some translated into English, where necessary, and analysed until saturation was reached. Data was coded and analysed using both thematic and content analysis technique. Results There were 3 main themes identified in the study: social factors, economic factors, and other contributing factors. 7 sub- themes were recorded under social factors and 2 subthemes under economic factors. Two independent factors that were also considered to impact MDR-TB were the attitude of healthcare workers, as well as the current COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion MDR-TB is a major public health concern in the Makana Sub-district of the Eastern Cape. The findings of this study highlight the impact of socio- economic factors on the incidence, spread, defaulter rate and outcomes of MDR-TB. The social areas highlighted by the study participants as affecting the incidence and outcomes of MDR TB were housing and relocation, decreased immunity, stigma, patients’ attitude and lack of support, alcohol and other substance usage and prison/ incarceration. The economic factors identified by the participants were unemployment and job loss and health related expenses. Other factors are those factors contributing to the increased incidence and possible poor outcomes of MDR TB. Healthcare workers impact and attitude and the effects of the covid-19 pandemic were highlighted as additional factors influencing the incidence and outcomes of MDR TB. The management of MDR-TB requires rigorous efforts that should be directed at addressing the socio-economic factors. Therefore, future quantitative studies and important programmatic strategies should be considered to tackle the socio-economic challenges that contribute to the burden of MDR-TB infection in the Makana community. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-02
- Authors: Cannon, Lesley-Ann https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7635-277X
- Date: 2022-02
- Subjects: Multidrug resistance , Tuberculosis
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26706 , vital:65958
- Description: Background Drug-resistant Tuberculosis (DR-TB) is one of the main causes of global public health crisis, due to the morbidity and mortality rates associated with the disease. This DR TB is a complex illness having direct and indirect impact on finances, social functioning, and quality of life of infected individuals. Major research advances have been made in the diagnosis and treatment of DR-TB. However, minimal information exists on the socio-economic factors influencing the incidence and outcomes. This study aims to fill the gap by exploring the socio-economic factors from both the health care professional and patient perspective in particular settings to gain insights into developing context-specific strategies against the burden of DR-TB. Methodology The study applied a qualitative method to explore the socio-economic factors influencing MDR-TB through key-in-depth interviews (KIIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs). The study enrolled a total of thirty-two (32) consenting participants. The KIIs was conducted for ten (10) healthcare workers and nine (9) MDR-TB patients. Two focus group discussions were done involving seven (7) MDR TB patients and six (6) MDR-TB patients, respectively. The study targeted healthcare workers working in the MDR-TB field and TB patients with the following: GeneXpert Rifampicin resistance and patient confirmed as MDR TB. Eligible participants were selected using a purposive sampling technique from the hospitals` routine data electronic records (EDR-WEB database) and hardcopy registers (drug-resistant TB register) on MDR-TB patients enrolled in care at the study site. Informed consent was obtained from all study participants after thoroughly explaining the purpose. No personal information of participants was used. All responses from respondents were coded during analysis for autonomy and the respondents were not identifiable in any published or unpublished work following this research. The interviews were transcribed, some translated into English, where necessary, and analysed until saturation was reached. Data was coded and analysed using both thematic and content analysis technique. Results There were 3 main themes identified in the study: social factors, economic factors, and other contributing factors. 7 sub- themes were recorded under social factors and 2 subthemes under economic factors. Two independent factors that were also considered to impact MDR-TB were the attitude of healthcare workers, as well as the current COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion MDR-TB is a major public health concern in the Makana Sub-district of the Eastern Cape. The findings of this study highlight the impact of socio- economic factors on the incidence, spread, defaulter rate and outcomes of MDR-TB. The social areas highlighted by the study participants as affecting the incidence and outcomes of MDR TB were housing and relocation, decreased immunity, stigma, patients’ attitude and lack of support, alcohol and other substance usage and prison/ incarceration. The economic factors identified by the participants were unemployment and job loss and health related expenses. Other factors are those factors contributing to the increased incidence and possible poor outcomes of MDR TB. Healthcare workers impact and attitude and the effects of the covid-19 pandemic were highlighted as additional factors influencing the incidence and outcomes of MDR TB. The management of MDR-TB requires rigorous efforts that should be directed at addressing the socio-economic factors. Therefore, future quantitative studies and important programmatic strategies should be considered to tackle the socio-economic challenges that contribute to the burden of MDR-TB infection in the Makana community. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-02
Exploring socio-economic factors influencing incidences and outcome of multidrug resistance tuberculosis among patients and facility staffs in Makana Sub-District, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Cannon, Lesley-Ann Lynnath
- Date: 2022-02
- Subjects: Multidrug resistance , Multidrug-resistant -- tuberculosis
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23471 , vital:57896
- Description: Drug-resistant Tuberculosis (DR-TB) is one of the main causes of global public health crisis, due to the morbidity and mortality rates associated with the disease. This DR-TB is a complex illness having direct and indirect impact on finances, social functioning, and quality of life of infected individuals. Major research advances have been made in the diagnosis and treatment of DR-TB. However, minimal information exists on the socio-economic factors influencing the incidence and outcomes. This study aims to fill the gap by exploring the socio-economic factors from both the health care professional and patient perspective in particular settings to gain insights into developing context-specific strategies against the burden of DR-TB. The study applied a qualitative method to explore the socio-economic factors influencing MDR-TB through key-in-depth interviews (KIIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs). The study enrolled a total of thirty-two (32) consenting participants. The KIIs was conducted for ten (10) healthcare workers and nine (9) MDR-TB patients. Two focus group discussions were done involving seven (7) MDR-TB patients and six (6) MDR-TB patients, respectively. The study targeted healthcare workers working in the MDR-TB field and TB patients with the following: GeneXpert Rifampicin resistance and patient confirmed as MDR TB. Eligible participants were selected using a purposive sampling technique from the hospitals` routine data electronic records (EDR-WEB database) and hardcopy registers (drug-resistant TB register) on MDR-TB patients enrolled in care at the study site. Informed consent was obtained from all study participants after thoroughly explaining the purpose. No personal information of participants was used. All responses from respondents were coded during analysis for autonomy and the respondents were not identifiable in any published or unpublished work following this research. The interviews were transcribed, some translated into English, where necessary, and analysed until saturation was reached. Data was coded and analysed using both thematic and content analysis technique. There were 3 main themes identified in the study: social factors, economic factors, and other contributing factors. 7 sub- themes were recorded under social factors and 2 subthemes under economic factors. Two independent factors that were also considered to impact MDR-TB were the attitude of healthcare workers, as well as the current COVID-19 pandemic. MDR-TB is a major public health concern in the Makana Sub-district of the Eastern Cape. The findings of this study highlight the impact of socio- economic factors on the incidence, spread, defaulter rate and outcomes of MDR-TB. The social areas highlighted by the study participants as affecting the incidence and outcomes of MDR TB were housing and relocation, decreased immunity, stigma, patients’ attitude and lack of support, alcohol and other substance usage and prison/ incarceration. The economic factors identified by the participants were unemployment and job loss and health related expenses. Other factors are those factors contributing to the increased incidence and possible poor outcomes of MDR TB. Healthcare workers impact and attitude and the effects of the covid-19 pandemic were highlighted as additional factors influencing the incidence and outcomes of MDR TB. The management of MDR-TB requires rigorous efforts that should be directed at addressing the socio-economic factors. Therefore, future quantitative studies and important programmatic strategies should be considered to tackle the socio-economic challenges that contribute to the burden of MDR-TB infection in the Makana community. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-02
- Authors: Cannon, Lesley-Ann Lynnath
- Date: 2022-02
- Subjects: Multidrug resistance , Multidrug-resistant -- tuberculosis
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23471 , vital:57896
- Description: Drug-resistant Tuberculosis (DR-TB) is one of the main causes of global public health crisis, due to the morbidity and mortality rates associated with the disease. This DR-TB is a complex illness having direct and indirect impact on finances, social functioning, and quality of life of infected individuals. Major research advances have been made in the diagnosis and treatment of DR-TB. However, minimal information exists on the socio-economic factors influencing the incidence and outcomes. This study aims to fill the gap by exploring the socio-economic factors from both the health care professional and patient perspective in particular settings to gain insights into developing context-specific strategies against the burden of DR-TB. The study applied a qualitative method to explore the socio-economic factors influencing MDR-TB through key-in-depth interviews (KIIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs). The study enrolled a total of thirty-two (32) consenting participants. The KIIs was conducted for ten (10) healthcare workers and nine (9) MDR-TB patients. Two focus group discussions were done involving seven (7) MDR-TB patients and six (6) MDR-TB patients, respectively. The study targeted healthcare workers working in the MDR-TB field and TB patients with the following: GeneXpert Rifampicin resistance and patient confirmed as MDR TB. Eligible participants were selected using a purposive sampling technique from the hospitals` routine data electronic records (EDR-WEB database) and hardcopy registers (drug-resistant TB register) on MDR-TB patients enrolled in care at the study site. Informed consent was obtained from all study participants after thoroughly explaining the purpose. No personal information of participants was used. All responses from respondents were coded during analysis for autonomy and the respondents were not identifiable in any published or unpublished work following this research. The interviews were transcribed, some translated into English, where necessary, and analysed until saturation was reached. Data was coded and analysed using both thematic and content analysis technique. There were 3 main themes identified in the study: social factors, economic factors, and other contributing factors. 7 sub- themes were recorded under social factors and 2 subthemes under economic factors. Two independent factors that were also considered to impact MDR-TB were the attitude of healthcare workers, as well as the current COVID-19 pandemic. MDR-TB is a major public health concern in the Makana Sub-district of the Eastern Cape. The findings of this study highlight the impact of socio- economic factors on the incidence, spread, defaulter rate and outcomes of MDR-TB. The social areas highlighted by the study participants as affecting the incidence and outcomes of MDR TB were housing and relocation, decreased immunity, stigma, patients’ attitude and lack of support, alcohol and other substance usage and prison/ incarceration. The economic factors identified by the participants were unemployment and job loss and health related expenses. Other factors are those factors contributing to the increased incidence and possible poor outcomes of MDR TB. Healthcare workers impact and attitude and the effects of the covid-19 pandemic were highlighted as additional factors influencing the incidence and outcomes of MDR TB. The management of MDR-TB requires rigorous efforts that should be directed at addressing the socio-economic factors. Therefore, future quantitative studies and important programmatic strategies should be considered to tackle the socio-economic challenges that contribute to the burden of MDR-TB infection in the Makana community. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-02