The long road to Rhodes University: narratives of African first-generation students whose mothers are/were domestic workers
- Authors: Mapele, Nomonde
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Household employees -- Children -- South Africa , Women household employees , Rhodes University -- Students , Black people -- Education (Higher) -- South Africa , Students, Black -- South Africa -- Personal narratives , First-generation college students
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/150530 , vital:38982
- Description: First-generation African students contend with psychosocial, structural, educational background and financial struggles to gain access to university. The first-generation students exercised their available resources and power, agency and acquired skills to negotiate their journey and entrance to university. They had to figure out for themselves how to navigate a daunting and complex path to university without relying on the knowledge and informative engagement with previous older familial generations who had the experience of attending university. They are a testimony of a generation of young people who have the resilience and grit to compensate for the structural deficits they have and experienced through their disadvantaged educational systems and their financially disadvantaged backgrounds. Although one would expect that teachers would automatically be the first encounter a high school student has of acquiring information on how to gain access to university, many of the previously disadvantaged school teachers are simply too inundated with work to be able to facilitate this process. First-generation students found themselves mostly having to look beyond the parameters of the classroom to acquire these resources. Following a qualitative approach of narrative enquiry, five African students with life experience of being first-generation Rhodes University students whose mothers were or are domestic workers, narrated their personal stories. A first-generation student’s agency, negotiation and navigation through obstacles, struggles and setbacks in the backdrop of having mothers who were/are domestic workers who socialised their children in a specific ideology to value and pursue education are the foundations for this narrative enquiry. This research provides a framework for investigating the concept of adequate and appropriate university preparedness to address the inadequate resources that previously disadvantaged schools have in terms of preparing their students to compete (in often times with more advantaged students) to gain access to university. These first-generation students did not come from educational environments where career counselling or aptitude tests are done to better equip them for entrance into university and appropriate subject and degree choice. Several common traits emerged that give perspective to the narrative of the journey that first-generation students’ had to endure and overcome to gain access to university.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Mapele, Nomonde
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Household employees -- Children -- South Africa , Women household employees , Rhodes University -- Students , Black people -- Education (Higher) -- South Africa , Students, Black -- South Africa -- Personal narratives , First-generation college students
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/150530 , vital:38982
- Description: First-generation African students contend with psychosocial, structural, educational background and financial struggles to gain access to university. The first-generation students exercised their available resources and power, agency and acquired skills to negotiate their journey and entrance to university. They had to figure out for themselves how to navigate a daunting and complex path to university without relying on the knowledge and informative engagement with previous older familial generations who had the experience of attending university. They are a testimony of a generation of young people who have the resilience and grit to compensate for the structural deficits they have and experienced through their disadvantaged educational systems and their financially disadvantaged backgrounds. Although one would expect that teachers would automatically be the first encounter a high school student has of acquiring information on how to gain access to university, many of the previously disadvantaged school teachers are simply too inundated with work to be able to facilitate this process. First-generation students found themselves mostly having to look beyond the parameters of the classroom to acquire these resources. Following a qualitative approach of narrative enquiry, five African students with life experience of being first-generation Rhodes University students whose mothers were or are domestic workers, narrated their personal stories. A first-generation student’s agency, negotiation and navigation through obstacles, struggles and setbacks in the backdrop of having mothers who were/are domestic workers who socialised their children in a specific ideology to value and pursue education are the foundations for this narrative enquiry. This research provides a framework for investigating the concept of adequate and appropriate university preparedness to address the inadequate resources that previously disadvantaged schools have in terms of preparing their students to compete (in often times with more advantaged students) to gain access to university. These first-generation students did not come from educational environments where career counselling or aptitude tests are done to better equip them for entrance into university and appropriate subject and degree choice. Several common traits emerged that give perspective to the narrative of the journey that first-generation students’ had to endure and overcome to gain access to university.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The political thought of Thomas Sankara and its contemporary relevance
- Authors: Kabwato, Levison M
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Sankara, Thomas , Sankara, Thomas -- Influence , Burkina Faso -- Politics and government -- 1960-1987 , Cabral, Amílcar, 1924-1973 , Fanon, Frantz, 1925-1961 , Nkrumah, Kwame, 1909-1972
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/146556 , vital:38536
- Description: On 4 August 1983, a thirty-three year-old army captain seized power in Burkina Faso and embarked on what can be described a revolutionary journey. Over the next four years, until his assassination in 1987 the government, led by Captain Thomas Sankara, attempted to redeem Burkina Faso from the clutches of neo-colonialism. Through popular mobilisation and organisation, infrastructure (schools, hospitals, bridges) was built, millions of children were vaccinated and diseases such as river blindness were eliminated. Women, long-subjugated by patriarchal systems took up space and led their own initiatives in freedom, including holding senior roles in the public service. On the international stage, practical solidarity was extended to countries either fighting or threatened by neo-colonialism despite the fact that Burkina Faso was poor and was itself threatened by France and her lackeys. What Sankara inherited in August 1983, twenty-three years after Burkina Faso’s independence, was a fragile neo-colonial state which was not allowed by dominant imperialist interests to set an example of what true independence means. So, in just four years, it was all over. Sankara was assassinated by his comrades and the revolutionary project he had led came to a halt. The tragedy of Sankara was the tragedy of all those attempts at revolution which occur before mass movements have had the opportunity to develop and organise themselves independently of the state. Despite this, it is apparent today that Sankara has been influential on current political movements and parties in Africa, from Burkina Faso to South Africa. One of these political movements is the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in South Africa. This half-thesis is an investigation of Sankara’s political thought. It also examines the extent to which his answers to questions of nationalism and pan-Africanism both matched and differed from his predecessors. To accomplish the latter, a brief but critical analysis of the writings of Amílcar Cabral, Frantz Fanon, Kwame Nkrumah is made.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Kabwato, Levison M
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Sankara, Thomas , Sankara, Thomas -- Influence , Burkina Faso -- Politics and government -- 1960-1987 , Cabral, Amílcar, 1924-1973 , Fanon, Frantz, 1925-1961 , Nkrumah, Kwame, 1909-1972
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/146556 , vital:38536
- Description: On 4 August 1983, a thirty-three year-old army captain seized power in Burkina Faso and embarked on what can be described a revolutionary journey. Over the next four years, until his assassination in 1987 the government, led by Captain Thomas Sankara, attempted to redeem Burkina Faso from the clutches of neo-colonialism. Through popular mobilisation and organisation, infrastructure (schools, hospitals, bridges) was built, millions of children were vaccinated and diseases such as river blindness were eliminated. Women, long-subjugated by patriarchal systems took up space and led their own initiatives in freedom, including holding senior roles in the public service. On the international stage, practical solidarity was extended to countries either fighting or threatened by neo-colonialism despite the fact that Burkina Faso was poor and was itself threatened by France and her lackeys. What Sankara inherited in August 1983, twenty-three years after Burkina Faso’s independence, was a fragile neo-colonial state which was not allowed by dominant imperialist interests to set an example of what true independence means. So, in just four years, it was all over. Sankara was assassinated by his comrades and the revolutionary project he had led came to a halt. The tragedy of Sankara was the tragedy of all those attempts at revolution which occur before mass movements have had the opportunity to develop and organise themselves independently of the state. Despite this, it is apparent today that Sankara has been influential on current political movements and parties in Africa, from Burkina Faso to South Africa. One of these political movements is the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in South Africa. This half-thesis is an investigation of Sankara’s political thought. It also examines the extent to which his answers to questions of nationalism and pan-Africanism both matched and differed from his predecessors. To accomplish the latter, a brief but critical analysis of the writings of Amílcar Cabral, Frantz Fanon, Kwame Nkrumah is made.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The potential of Geography fieldwork projects to develop action competence in response to social-ecological concerns: a case study of two Grade 10 Geography classes in Northern Namibia
- Authors: Mwiila, Modestus
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Geography -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/126563 , vital:35901
- Description: The study explored the potential of Geography fieldwork projects to develop learners’ action competence in response to social-ecological problems in two schools in the Omusati and Oshana Education Regions. The study investigates ways in which learners’ activities create an opportunity for them to act for the environment. That is, to investigate ways in which learners can be shaped into environmentally literate citizens who act for the environment. A total of 43 grade 10 learners and two grade 10 Geography teachers participated in this qualitative, interpretive case study. Data was generated through document analysis, focus group interview with learners, semi-structured interviews with educators, and participant observations. Such data were analysed into three phases, first inductively and then abductively using Jensen’s (2004) Investigations, Visions, Actions and Change (IVAC) model to produce analytic statements that form the basis of the research findings. The study found that Geography fieldwork projects foster understandings of environmental problems in a local area. Through fieldwork projects, schools initiate indirect environmental actions, however, some environmental problems are too large or complex to be resolved by the actions initiated by learners. Based on these findings, the study identifies Geography fieldwork as an opportunity to create a community of practice in effort to address socioecological concerns. The study further recommends that learners should be allowed to engage with both social investigative actions and technical, scientific investigative actions when doing project work.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Mwiila, Modestus
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Geography -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/126563 , vital:35901
- Description: The study explored the potential of Geography fieldwork projects to develop learners’ action competence in response to social-ecological problems in two schools in the Omusati and Oshana Education Regions. The study investigates ways in which learners’ activities create an opportunity for them to act for the environment. That is, to investigate ways in which learners can be shaped into environmentally literate citizens who act for the environment. A total of 43 grade 10 learners and two grade 10 Geography teachers participated in this qualitative, interpretive case study. Data was generated through document analysis, focus group interview with learners, semi-structured interviews with educators, and participant observations. Such data were analysed into three phases, first inductively and then abductively using Jensen’s (2004) Investigations, Visions, Actions and Change (IVAC) model to produce analytic statements that form the basis of the research findings. The study found that Geography fieldwork projects foster understandings of environmental problems in a local area. Through fieldwork projects, schools initiate indirect environmental actions, however, some environmental problems are too large or complex to be resolved by the actions initiated by learners. Based on these findings, the study identifies Geography fieldwork as an opportunity to create a community of practice in effort to address socioecological concerns. The study further recommends that learners should be allowed to engage with both social investigative actions and technical, scientific investigative actions when doing project work.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The primacy of illicit financial flows (IFFs) in developing countries: a comparative study analysis of South Africa and China
- Authors: Mahlaba, Asande Cikizwa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Money -- Developing countries , Transfer pricing -- South Africa , Developing countries -- Economic conditions , Tax evasion -- China , Tax evasion -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/147435 , vital:38636
- Description: The main objective of this study was to question and investigate the primacy of illicit financial flows (IFFs) in developing countries, specifically focused on two countries namely China and South Africa. Africa is estimated to have lost approximately $1 trillion to IFFs over the last 50 years, which exceeds the financial assistance that these nations needed over the same period. For years. Africa has been the feeding ground for exploitation and resource plunder, and the narrative has always been Africa is underdeveloped because of this crime. Although this statement holds true in most African countries, what this paper seeks to do is to question whether capital flight, IFFs and more specifically tax evasion and tax haven activity are the reason for the deterioration of African economies or are IFFs perpetuated by economies with unsustainable growth paths. IFFs are an important factor when it comes to obstacles of economic growth. But are they the cause or effect? A very strong case can be made that they are the latter however, it is beyond the scope of this article to resolve this question. Its purpose is merely to assert that the question is a valid one and that presuming the answer could divert attention from the real question of economic development. This study contextualized the way in which IFFs are currently viewed in the world economic system according to the two approaches to development finance, and discussed modern monetary theory as an extension off these theories. Due to the nature of the study, the methodology employed is a case study approach between China and South Africa by means of extensive numerical and document analysis. Upon conducting this analysis on the primacy of illicit financial flows in developing countries there was difficulty in measuring IFFs. The reason for this is because IFFs have a range of estimates so it was very difficult to produce precise and accurate results. The key findings of this paper were that there seems to be some kind of parallel between developing countries with large volumes of illicit financial outflows, and a dependency these countries have on external debt. This means it seems that weak economies, that are highly dependent on external debt and have large amounts of this debt, seem to have the largest volumes of illicit financial outflows. Weak regulation, high levels of debt and liberalised trade markets seem to be contributing factors to the degree to which companies evade taxes and partake in tax haven activity in these regions. Another key finding was that in 2012, despite China being ranked number one in the the countries which have the largest amounts of outflows on average, it still managed to achieve large amounts growth in the last 20 years. Indicating that there is some form of indication that IFFs could be viewed as symptomatic of weak financial systems and weak economies, instead of IFFs being the core of the problem.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Mahlaba, Asande Cikizwa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Money -- Developing countries , Transfer pricing -- South Africa , Developing countries -- Economic conditions , Tax evasion -- China , Tax evasion -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/147435 , vital:38636
- Description: The main objective of this study was to question and investigate the primacy of illicit financial flows (IFFs) in developing countries, specifically focused on two countries namely China and South Africa. Africa is estimated to have lost approximately $1 trillion to IFFs over the last 50 years, which exceeds the financial assistance that these nations needed over the same period. For years. Africa has been the feeding ground for exploitation and resource plunder, and the narrative has always been Africa is underdeveloped because of this crime. Although this statement holds true in most African countries, what this paper seeks to do is to question whether capital flight, IFFs and more specifically tax evasion and tax haven activity are the reason for the deterioration of African economies or are IFFs perpetuated by economies with unsustainable growth paths. IFFs are an important factor when it comes to obstacles of economic growth. But are they the cause or effect? A very strong case can be made that they are the latter however, it is beyond the scope of this article to resolve this question. Its purpose is merely to assert that the question is a valid one and that presuming the answer could divert attention from the real question of economic development. This study contextualized the way in which IFFs are currently viewed in the world economic system according to the two approaches to development finance, and discussed modern monetary theory as an extension off these theories. Due to the nature of the study, the methodology employed is a case study approach between China and South Africa by means of extensive numerical and document analysis. Upon conducting this analysis on the primacy of illicit financial flows in developing countries there was difficulty in measuring IFFs. The reason for this is because IFFs have a range of estimates so it was very difficult to produce precise and accurate results. The key findings of this paper were that there seems to be some kind of parallel between developing countries with large volumes of illicit financial outflows, and a dependency these countries have on external debt. This means it seems that weak economies, that are highly dependent on external debt and have large amounts of this debt, seem to have the largest volumes of illicit financial outflows. Weak regulation, high levels of debt and liberalised trade markets seem to be contributing factors to the degree to which companies evade taxes and partake in tax haven activity in these regions. Another key finding was that in 2012, despite China being ranked number one in the the countries which have the largest amounts of outflows on average, it still managed to achieve large amounts growth in the last 20 years. Indicating that there is some form of indication that IFFs could be viewed as symptomatic of weak financial systems and weak economies, instead of IFFs being the core of the problem.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The relevance of industrial/organisational psychology research in “post” colonial/apartheid South Africa : exploring the views of academics
- Authors: Christison, Michael Alan
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Psychology, Industrial -- Research -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/140331 , vital:37880
- Description: This dissertation explored the views of academics who teach and research in the area of Industrial/Organisational Psychology in South Africa about the utility of the field in engaging with the post-1994 South African workplace, thereby remaining relevant. When it emerged as a field of study and practice, Industrial/Organisational Psychology research’s aim was to inform workplace practice and contribute to the betterment of society. It appears as if today this research is deemed irrelevant to the workplace and society, with many practitioners relying on their own knowledge and irrelevant repetitive one size-fit-all Euro-American developed theoretical framework and research evidence to solve the challenges of the post-1994 South African workplace, and to serve its society. The latter propelled the researcher to ask broadly the question of relevancy of the discipline in meeting the demands of the post-1994 South African workplace. Face-to-face, semi-structured interviews were employed to collect data on 8 senior and younger generations of academics in 3 different universities. The collected data was analysed using Braun and Clarke’s 6 steps of thematic analysis. The data and study as a whole was approached with a ‘post’-colonial lens and a Contexualist paradigm in order to contextualise in the present time the past nuances that arose in our country during the colonial and apartheid eras. Themes discussed seemed to indicate a lack of research focus by academics and their students due to limited time and stringent bureaucratic publication structures present both within their universities and outside. When it came to the discipline as seen through the lens of the data and what this suggested in terms of speaking to post-1994 workplace organisational psychological problems, the study found that the findings arising out of the research in I/O psychology appear to be of little relevance to whom they are currently aimed, leading to the idea of these studies acting as a change agent in the workplace and society to fall to the wayside.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Christison, Michael Alan
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Psychology, Industrial -- Research -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/140331 , vital:37880
- Description: This dissertation explored the views of academics who teach and research in the area of Industrial/Organisational Psychology in South Africa about the utility of the field in engaging with the post-1994 South African workplace, thereby remaining relevant. When it emerged as a field of study and practice, Industrial/Organisational Psychology research’s aim was to inform workplace practice and contribute to the betterment of society. It appears as if today this research is deemed irrelevant to the workplace and society, with many practitioners relying on their own knowledge and irrelevant repetitive one size-fit-all Euro-American developed theoretical framework and research evidence to solve the challenges of the post-1994 South African workplace, and to serve its society. The latter propelled the researcher to ask broadly the question of relevancy of the discipline in meeting the demands of the post-1994 South African workplace. Face-to-face, semi-structured interviews were employed to collect data on 8 senior and younger generations of academics in 3 different universities. The collected data was analysed using Braun and Clarke’s 6 steps of thematic analysis. The data and study as a whole was approached with a ‘post’-colonial lens and a Contexualist paradigm in order to contextualise in the present time the past nuances that arose in our country during the colonial and apartheid eras. Themes discussed seemed to indicate a lack of research focus by academics and their students due to limited time and stringent bureaucratic publication structures present both within their universities and outside. When it came to the discipline as seen through the lens of the data and what this suggested in terms of speaking to post-1994 workplace organisational psychological problems, the study found that the findings arising out of the research in I/O psychology appear to be of little relevance to whom they are currently aimed, leading to the idea of these studies acting as a change agent in the workplace and society to fall to the wayside.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The role of flexible working in achieving a work-life balance: a case study of information technology consultants of Kestrel Business Solutions – London, United Kingdom
- Authors: Nyamujara, Tinashe
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Kestrel Business Solutions , Flexible work arrangement -- Case studies , Work-life balance , Flexitime , Telecommunting , Telecommunting -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/167245 , vital:41459
- Description: This research was a Case Study on the role of Flexible Working in achieving a Work – Life Balance, based on the Information Technology Consultants of Kestrel Business Solutions – a company based in London, the United Kingdom. The study set out to determine what aspects of flexible working can reduce work - related stress; home - related stress; improve personal wellbeing; identify the pitfalls of flexible working, and to recommend mitigating actions. The literature review identified five different, but complimentary theories that included: The Spill over Theory; Balanced Theory; Resource Based Theory; Compensation Theory and the Wellness Theory to unpack and explore the concept of Work - Life Balance. The study followed a predominantly qualitative methodology approach and used thematic analysis to identify key ideas from the data. Interviews and questionnaires were used to obtain data from the respondents, in addition to being a data triangulation exercise. From a population of 10 subjects - purposeful sampling was used to select a sample of 10 respondents - made up of 3 males and 7 females. All respondents were employees of Kestrel Business Solutions. 6 respondents were interviewed and given questionnaires to fill out. 6 face to face interviews were conducted, and 6 questionnaires completed until saturation was achieved - indicating a survey response rate of 100%. The results from the data collection generally showed how aspects of flexible working like telecommuting, flexitime and homeworking ultimately helped the employees to achieve a Work-Life Balance - by primarily influencing how they balanced their work, home, and personal commitments. Importantly, the study also identified pitfalls of flexible working; like employees feeling isolated and the pressure to perform. Potential mitigating efforts identified in the study included, providing more company support and education for flexible working initiatives. The study concluded by acknowledging the limitations of the study, which included time constraints and the small population, and sample size of the study. In its conclusion, the study identified recommendations for future studies like: increasing the population and sample size, and devoting more time to the study, for more generalized and conclusive findings.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Nyamujara, Tinashe
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Kestrel Business Solutions , Flexible work arrangement -- Case studies , Work-life balance , Flexitime , Telecommunting , Telecommunting -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/167245 , vital:41459
- Description: This research was a Case Study on the role of Flexible Working in achieving a Work – Life Balance, based on the Information Technology Consultants of Kestrel Business Solutions – a company based in London, the United Kingdom. The study set out to determine what aspects of flexible working can reduce work - related stress; home - related stress; improve personal wellbeing; identify the pitfalls of flexible working, and to recommend mitigating actions. The literature review identified five different, but complimentary theories that included: The Spill over Theory; Balanced Theory; Resource Based Theory; Compensation Theory and the Wellness Theory to unpack and explore the concept of Work - Life Balance. The study followed a predominantly qualitative methodology approach and used thematic analysis to identify key ideas from the data. Interviews and questionnaires were used to obtain data from the respondents, in addition to being a data triangulation exercise. From a population of 10 subjects - purposeful sampling was used to select a sample of 10 respondents - made up of 3 males and 7 females. All respondents were employees of Kestrel Business Solutions. 6 respondents were interviewed and given questionnaires to fill out. 6 face to face interviews were conducted, and 6 questionnaires completed until saturation was achieved - indicating a survey response rate of 100%. The results from the data collection generally showed how aspects of flexible working like telecommuting, flexitime and homeworking ultimately helped the employees to achieve a Work-Life Balance - by primarily influencing how they balanced their work, home, and personal commitments. Importantly, the study also identified pitfalls of flexible working; like employees feeling isolated and the pressure to perform. Potential mitigating efforts identified in the study included, providing more company support and education for flexible working initiatives. The study concluded by acknowledging the limitations of the study, which included time constraints and the small population, and sample size of the study. In its conclusion, the study identified recommendations for future studies like: increasing the population and sample size, and devoting more time to the study, for more generalized and conclusive findings.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The South African income tax implications of a Stokvel
- Authors: Matshego, Katlego
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Rotating credit associations -- South Africa. , Taxation -- South Africa , Tax deductions -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/143094 , vital:38201
- Description: The term “Stokvel” originates from the rotating cattle auctions of English settlers in the Eastern Cape during the nineteen century. A Stokvel is defined as a credit union where a group of people agree to contribute a fixed amount of money to a common pool and is referred to as a rotating savings and credit association, where the contributions to a fund are given in whole or in part to each member. The goal of the thesis was to determine the “gross income” implications of the fund and its members, as well the deductibility of their expenses. An interpretative research approach was used in the research as it sought to understand and describe. No interviews were conducted for this research and the data used for the research are publicly available. The tax implications of five different types of a Stokvel were considered in relation to the research goals through the application of legislation and case law principles. The study established that a collection burial society, where funds are contributed after death, does not beneficially receive funds and it is not entitled to any deductions. The same applies to the member of that society. A contributing burial society, where funds are contributed over time, beneficially receives funds, which are included in “gross income”, and qualifies for deductions. The receipt by the member is exempt and deductions are prohibited by section 23(f). An entertainment Stokvel does not receive the contributions on its own behalf and benefit. No deductions are available to it. However, the member beneficially receives the contributions from the Stokvel, which are included in “gross income”, and qualifies for deductions. A purchasing power group, where items are purchased on behalf of members, does not receive the funds beneficially and no deductions are available to it. The members simply receive the goods they have paid for. Lastly an investment Stokvel, which invests contributions for the members, beneficially receives contributions and qualifies for various deductions. The member receives the share of income from the Stokvel for his/her own benefit. However, no deductions are available in respect of contributions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Matshego, Katlego
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Rotating credit associations -- South Africa. , Taxation -- South Africa , Tax deductions -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/143094 , vital:38201
- Description: The term “Stokvel” originates from the rotating cattle auctions of English settlers in the Eastern Cape during the nineteen century. A Stokvel is defined as a credit union where a group of people agree to contribute a fixed amount of money to a common pool and is referred to as a rotating savings and credit association, where the contributions to a fund are given in whole or in part to each member. The goal of the thesis was to determine the “gross income” implications of the fund and its members, as well the deductibility of their expenses. An interpretative research approach was used in the research as it sought to understand and describe. No interviews were conducted for this research and the data used for the research are publicly available. The tax implications of five different types of a Stokvel were considered in relation to the research goals through the application of legislation and case law principles. The study established that a collection burial society, where funds are contributed after death, does not beneficially receive funds and it is not entitled to any deductions. The same applies to the member of that society. A contributing burial society, where funds are contributed over time, beneficially receives funds, which are included in “gross income”, and qualifies for deductions. The receipt by the member is exempt and deductions are prohibited by section 23(f). An entertainment Stokvel does not receive the contributions on its own behalf and benefit. No deductions are available to it. However, the member beneficially receives the contributions from the Stokvel, which are included in “gross income”, and qualifies for deductions. A purchasing power group, where items are purchased on behalf of members, does not receive the funds beneficially and no deductions are available to it. The members simply receive the goods they have paid for. Lastly an investment Stokvel, which invests contributions for the members, beneficially receives contributions and qualifies for various deductions. The member receives the share of income from the Stokvel for his/her own benefit. However, no deductions are available in respect of contributions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The taxonomy of the topminnows (Teleostei: Cyprinodontiformes) (Procatopodidae: Procatopodinae) of southern Africa
- Authors: Van Zeeventer, Ryan Matthew
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Cyprinodontiformes -- Africa, Southern , Killifishes -- Africa, Southern
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/145559 , vital:38449
- Description: Taxonomy is a tool that plays a crucial role in the implementation of effective management assessments, the ability to identify different fish species and their life stages, and create effective conservation strategies. Recent years have seen an increase in the discovery of cryptic species which could have an effect on how we implement conservation strategies, increasing the importance of accurate taxonomic assessments. The southern African topminnows of the genera Micropanchax and Lacustricola (Family Procatopodidae) include several species of egg-laying fishes that live in the marginal areas of rivers and lakes throughout the river systems of southern Africa in separated and connected populations. It was recently discovered that these populations showed subtle differences in their morphology and colouration, which led to the belief that new and cryptic species may be present. Previous studies of the Procatopodidae relied heavily on phylogenetic analyses that drew on morphological traits without reliance on molecular methods of analysis. A few of the taxonomic issues were resolved through these limited studies but ultimately the taxonomic status of the Procatopodidae remained poorly understood. Furthermore, these studies had not been updated in recent years and hence the benefits of new technology had not been brought to bear on the issues. A multi-gene analysis using standard phylogenetic methods and five molecular markers (mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase (COI), mitochondrial cytochrome b (cytb), mitochondrial 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA), nuclear 28S ribosomal RNA (28S rRNA) and mitochondrial Tyrosine Kinase (X-src) (TyrK)) allowed phylogenetic trees to be made which demonstrated clear relationships within Micropanchax and Lacustricola of southern Africa and the out-groups used in the analysis. The inference trees showed that Micropanchax johnstoni was represented by three clades and was shown to be polyphyletic while Micropanchax hutereaui, which was represented by two clades, and Micropanchax katangae, which was represented by one clade, were monophyletic. The two species of Lacustricola, L. myaposae and L. macrurus showed very close relationships to Micropanchax and it is suggested that these two species be transferred to Micropanchax, leaving Lacustricola to only be found in central Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Van Zeeventer, Ryan Matthew
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Cyprinodontiformes -- Africa, Southern , Killifishes -- Africa, Southern
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/145559 , vital:38449
- Description: Taxonomy is a tool that plays a crucial role in the implementation of effective management assessments, the ability to identify different fish species and their life stages, and create effective conservation strategies. Recent years have seen an increase in the discovery of cryptic species which could have an effect on how we implement conservation strategies, increasing the importance of accurate taxonomic assessments. The southern African topminnows of the genera Micropanchax and Lacustricola (Family Procatopodidae) include several species of egg-laying fishes that live in the marginal areas of rivers and lakes throughout the river systems of southern Africa in separated and connected populations. It was recently discovered that these populations showed subtle differences in their morphology and colouration, which led to the belief that new and cryptic species may be present. Previous studies of the Procatopodidae relied heavily on phylogenetic analyses that drew on morphological traits without reliance on molecular methods of analysis. A few of the taxonomic issues were resolved through these limited studies but ultimately the taxonomic status of the Procatopodidae remained poorly understood. Furthermore, these studies had not been updated in recent years and hence the benefits of new technology had not been brought to bear on the issues. A multi-gene analysis using standard phylogenetic methods and five molecular markers (mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase (COI), mitochondrial cytochrome b (cytb), mitochondrial 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA), nuclear 28S ribosomal RNA (28S rRNA) and mitochondrial Tyrosine Kinase (X-src) (TyrK)) allowed phylogenetic trees to be made which demonstrated clear relationships within Micropanchax and Lacustricola of southern Africa and the out-groups used in the analysis. The inference trees showed that Micropanchax johnstoni was represented by three clades and was shown to be polyphyletic while Micropanchax hutereaui, which was represented by two clades, and Micropanchax katangae, which was represented by one clade, were monophyletic. The two species of Lacustricola, L. myaposae and L. macrurus showed very close relationships to Micropanchax and it is suggested that these two species be transferred to Micropanchax, leaving Lacustricola to only be found in central Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The use of ritual as physical and spiritual medium and its documentation in Buhlebezwe Siwani’s contemporary visual arts performance
- Authors: Lila, Philiswa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Arts and religion , Ritual -- South Africa , Performance art -- Religious aspects -- South Africa , Women performance artists -- South Africa , Siwani, Buhlebezwe, 1987-
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MFA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/166160 , vital:41334
- Description: This thesis is motivated by my experience of Inzilo: Ngoba ngihlala kwabafileyo, a live performance by South African visual artist Buhlebezwe Siwani. The performance took place at Michaelis Galleries, University of Cape Town (UCT), as part of a group exhibition Between Subject and Object: human remains at the interface of art and science (2014), which accompanied the Medical Humanities in Africa Conference (from 28 – 29 August 2014). As an entry into my discussion, I describe how Siwani’s performance makes use of death and burial ritual in what seems to be an intention to make art that is (re)presenting an activity of reality to invade and control the sphere of feelings, emotions and a sense of ceremony that is dependent on both ritual and rites of the performance. I grapple with the fact that I experienced a ritual performance in a gallery space. Furthermore, I question how walking out of the performance I thought of the lines between art and/or life. The role of ritual in my thesis explores the symbolic meanings, powers and intentions of ritual rites in Africa. This reflection maps out historical locations that are relevant to the major debates, definitions, themes and the experiences of ritual as part of academic research. From Siwani’s practice as an artist and isangoma to other expressions in the fields of history, sociology, religion, feminism, to mention a few, my thesis is an enquiry that engages ritual and performance art theory and scholarship. Through a qualitative analysis, my methodology rejects a chronological, thematic and discipline centered research. Rather, I use a multidisciplinary approach based on critical visual analysis as knowledge creation in the visual arts, for example archives, documentation, performance, text, video, installation, painting, sculpture, etc. The findings suggests that the role of ritual in performance art is not a singular exploration, nor is it based on separating ritual and performance art. The results further reveal that ritual in performance art is not a reenactment of patterns and human behaviours, nor is the notion of reenactment used to denote the myriad meanings and functions of re-performing historical ritual events into performance art. Throughout, my thesis provides a focus that demonstrates the significance of how ritual in performance art has a profound subjective (personal or individual) and collective holistic way of serving human and spiritual needs, and that of creating an environment that is open to the content and context of art as it relates with traditional African religious practices, beliefs and knowledges. Focus is given to three major themes that make up the three chapters of my research: firstly, I reflect on death as personified by Siwani’s performance Inzilo: Ngoba ii ngihlala kwabafileyo and her role as isangoma. Here death is used to draw specific attention to the body in process of embodied presence and absence of physical and spiritual worlds. Secondly, drawing on Siwani’s concept of secrecy and boundaries of concealing and revealing rituals meanings and powers as isangoma, I question the role of secrets, which highlights the significance of bodies (human and natural sites of ritual) in ritual performance. Finally, the idea of a trace is explored. The intersecting use of a trace as the thinking-making-doing of ritual in performance articulates a connected thread that sets in motion the trace of ritual (installation, image and marked space pf ritual) as an afterlife that offers a continued space of processual ceremony for multiple effective encounters and movements..
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Lila, Philiswa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Arts and religion , Ritual -- South Africa , Performance art -- Religious aspects -- South Africa , Women performance artists -- South Africa , Siwani, Buhlebezwe, 1987-
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MFA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/166160 , vital:41334
- Description: This thesis is motivated by my experience of Inzilo: Ngoba ngihlala kwabafileyo, a live performance by South African visual artist Buhlebezwe Siwani. The performance took place at Michaelis Galleries, University of Cape Town (UCT), as part of a group exhibition Between Subject and Object: human remains at the interface of art and science (2014), which accompanied the Medical Humanities in Africa Conference (from 28 – 29 August 2014). As an entry into my discussion, I describe how Siwani’s performance makes use of death and burial ritual in what seems to be an intention to make art that is (re)presenting an activity of reality to invade and control the sphere of feelings, emotions and a sense of ceremony that is dependent on both ritual and rites of the performance. I grapple with the fact that I experienced a ritual performance in a gallery space. Furthermore, I question how walking out of the performance I thought of the lines between art and/or life. The role of ritual in my thesis explores the symbolic meanings, powers and intentions of ritual rites in Africa. This reflection maps out historical locations that are relevant to the major debates, definitions, themes and the experiences of ritual as part of academic research. From Siwani’s practice as an artist and isangoma to other expressions in the fields of history, sociology, religion, feminism, to mention a few, my thesis is an enquiry that engages ritual and performance art theory and scholarship. Through a qualitative analysis, my methodology rejects a chronological, thematic and discipline centered research. Rather, I use a multidisciplinary approach based on critical visual analysis as knowledge creation in the visual arts, for example archives, documentation, performance, text, video, installation, painting, sculpture, etc. The findings suggests that the role of ritual in performance art is not a singular exploration, nor is it based on separating ritual and performance art. The results further reveal that ritual in performance art is not a reenactment of patterns and human behaviours, nor is the notion of reenactment used to denote the myriad meanings and functions of re-performing historical ritual events into performance art. Throughout, my thesis provides a focus that demonstrates the significance of how ritual in performance art has a profound subjective (personal or individual) and collective holistic way of serving human and spiritual needs, and that of creating an environment that is open to the content and context of art as it relates with traditional African religious practices, beliefs and knowledges. Focus is given to three major themes that make up the three chapters of my research: firstly, I reflect on death as personified by Siwani’s performance Inzilo: Ngoba ii ngihlala kwabafileyo and her role as isangoma. Here death is used to draw specific attention to the body in process of embodied presence and absence of physical and spiritual worlds. Secondly, drawing on Siwani’s concept of secrecy and boundaries of concealing and revealing rituals meanings and powers as isangoma, I question the role of secrets, which highlights the significance of bodies (human and natural sites of ritual) in ritual performance. Finally, the idea of a trace is explored. The intersecting use of a trace as the thinking-making-doing of ritual in performance articulates a connected thread that sets in motion the trace of ritual (installation, image and marked space pf ritual) as an afterlife that offers a continued space of processual ceremony for multiple effective encounters and movements..
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The value of economic capital as an indicator to protect prospective and existing ordinary shareholders
- Authors: Chonzi, Tendai Day
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Banks and banking -- Risk management -- South Africa , Financial services industry -- Risk management -- South Africa , ABSA Bank , FirstRand Limited , Nedbank , Standard Bank Limited , Capitec Bank (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/145807 , vital:38468
- Description: South Africans banking sector is one of the most dominating banking sectors in Africa. The banking sector is privately owned and involves a lot of different stakeholders, who risk losing their investments. One of the stakeholders who are the bottom of the repayment chain are existing ordinary shareholders because they risk losing all their investment in the result of bankruptcy, liquidity crises or the inability of the bank to repay their shareholders. Regulators in the banking sector only protect the depositor and the stability of the banking sector but not ordinary shareholders. An internal supervisory measure called economic capital has recently received more attention because of its aim to protect ordinary shareholders and thus, existing and prospective shareholders can use its value as a protective indicator. Economic theory assumes that the higher the value of economic capital (the lower the economic capital shortfall), the lower the return on investment for existing ordinary shareholders. The aforementioned shows a trade-off between protection (economic capital) and returns. Literature by Larsson (2009) further suggests that banks are always reluctant with implementing internal measures to protect themselves because of the good regulatory regime in the sector, some banks think that they are “too big to fail” and the fact that the reserve banks are always on the standby as a bailout. The purpose of this research is to examine which of the top five commercial banks in South African actively protect their existing ordinary shareholders using the value of economic capital and possibly attract prospective ordinary shareholders, locally and internationally. The banks under study are Absa, Capitec, FirstRand, Nedbank and Standard Bank over ten years, starting from June 2009 to May 2019 and in monthly frequency. The observations totalled 120 and two models that are under the Return Series Method were in used, namely; Historical Simulation Model and Variance Covariance Model. Both models, although they were small deviations in the value of economic capital, concluded that Standard Bank protects its existing ordinary shareholders the most, followed by FirstRand, then Absa and last is Nedbank. Capitec was the only bank, after one financial shock that could not protect its existing ordinary shareholders. Moreover, evidence in the study shows a trade-off between economic capital and return on investment in the case of Capitec and Standard Bank. Standard Bank had the highest value of economic capital and second-lowest return on investment, while Capitec had the highest return on investment and lowest value of economic capital. The significant policy implication of the research is that financial institution needs to strike a balance between protection and profits; thus, a way of protecting various stakeholders. Financial shocks have proven that regulatory measures are weak and they are is need for internal measures (economic capital) which indicate how financial institution can sustain in such cases.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Chonzi, Tendai Day
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Banks and banking -- Risk management -- South Africa , Financial services industry -- Risk management -- South Africa , ABSA Bank , FirstRand Limited , Nedbank , Standard Bank Limited , Capitec Bank (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/145807 , vital:38468
- Description: South Africans banking sector is one of the most dominating banking sectors in Africa. The banking sector is privately owned and involves a lot of different stakeholders, who risk losing their investments. One of the stakeholders who are the bottom of the repayment chain are existing ordinary shareholders because they risk losing all their investment in the result of bankruptcy, liquidity crises or the inability of the bank to repay their shareholders. Regulators in the banking sector only protect the depositor and the stability of the banking sector but not ordinary shareholders. An internal supervisory measure called economic capital has recently received more attention because of its aim to protect ordinary shareholders and thus, existing and prospective shareholders can use its value as a protective indicator. Economic theory assumes that the higher the value of economic capital (the lower the economic capital shortfall), the lower the return on investment for existing ordinary shareholders. The aforementioned shows a trade-off between protection (economic capital) and returns. Literature by Larsson (2009) further suggests that banks are always reluctant with implementing internal measures to protect themselves because of the good regulatory regime in the sector, some banks think that they are “too big to fail” and the fact that the reserve banks are always on the standby as a bailout. The purpose of this research is to examine which of the top five commercial banks in South African actively protect their existing ordinary shareholders using the value of economic capital and possibly attract prospective ordinary shareholders, locally and internationally. The banks under study are Absa, Capitec, FirstRand, Nedbank and Standard Bank over ten years, starting from June 2009 to May 2019 and in monthly frequency. The observations totalled 120 and two models that are under the Return Series Method were in used, namely; Historical Simulation Model and Variance Covariance Model. Both models, although they were small deviations in the value of economic capital, concluded that Standard Bank protects its existing ordinary shareholders the most, followed by FirstRand, then Absa and last is Nedbank. Capitec was the only bank, after one financial shock that could not protect its existing ordinary shareholders. Moreover, evidence in the study shows a trade-off between economic capital and return on investment in the case of Capitec and Standard Bank. Standard Bank had the highest value of economic capital and second-lowest return on investment, while Capitec had the highest return on investment and lowest value of economic capital. The significant policy implication of the research is that financial institution needs to strike a balance between protection and profits; thus, a way of protecting various stakeholders. Financial shocks have proven that regulatory measures are weak and they are is need for internal measures (economic capital) which indicate how financial institution can sustain in such cases.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The weight of a tooth
- Authors: Perros, Robyn Helen
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: South African fiction (English) -- 21st century
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/144192 , vital:38319
- Description: My thesis is a fragmented, non-linear novella, comprised predominantly of experimental prose- poetry and fiction short-stories. I have chosen this approach in form to further explore my interest in ancestry and trauma, death and image-making, “reality” and fantasy, and the tension these invisible barriers create between the inner and outer worlds in which we simultaneously navigate, remember and forget. This thesis has been influenced both in form and content by the works of Eduardo Galeano, Osama Alomar, Lidia Yuknavitch, Susan Steinberg, Claudia Rankine, Lance Olsen, and Yasunari Kawabata, among others.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Perros, Robyn Helen
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: South African fiction (English) -- 21st century
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/144192 , vital:38319
- Description: My thesis is a fragmented, non-linear novella, comprised predominantly of experimental prose- poetry and fiction short-stories. I have chosen this approach in form to further explore my interest in ancestry and trauma, death and image-making, “reality” and fantasy, and the tension these invisible barriers create between the inner and outer worlds in which we simultaneously navigate, remember and forget. This thesis has been influenced both in form and content by the works of Eduardo Galeano, Osama Alomar, Lidia Yuknavitch, Susan Steinberg, Claudia Rankine, Lance Olsen, and Yasunari Kawabata, among others.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The workload of flight attendants during short-haul flight operations: a system analysis
- Authors: Bennett, Chloe Kayla
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Flight attendants -- Health and hygiene , Employees -- South Africa -- Workload
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/123431 , vital:35437
- Description: Background and aim: Flight attendants forms a significant part in 24-hour aviation industry. Flight attendant fatigue is a significant problem in the aviation industry as it continues to jeopardize the ability to fulfil important safety and security roles which is critical in performance duty of a flight attendant. However, little attention has been accomplished to the workload, working conditions and fatigue of flight attendants crew in transport aircraft. In addition, there is currently less research that have also embraced the problematic of smaller regional/commercial operation (short-haul flight operations) inducing fatigue among short-haul flight attendants as the nature of this operation are often characterised with high productivity expectations in a demanding environment with high time pressures resulting in high workloads and fatigue. Thus, flight attendant fatigue and workload is a worldwide challenge in this operational environment and less attention has been given to the determining factors. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine the workload factors contributing to flight attendant fatigue during short-haul flight operations. Methods (System analysis): To achieve the research aim, the work system analysis, based on the Smith and Carayon-Sainfort model was chosen as the main research approach which was conducted in two ways; based on existing literature and secondly based on expert interviews. This method provided a systemic aspect to understand the whole work system of flight attendants work during short-haul operations in order to identify all the contributing factors to flight attendant fatigue and workload. Results: The literature analysis and the data from the expert interviews highlighted significant findings to flight attendant fatigue and workload. The reasons for flight attendant fatigue operating short-haul flights can be found at organizational, task, individual, environmental levels and tools and technologies and due to the interaction of the factors. The main factors of flight attendants’ fatigue are thought primarily as a function of scheduling due to irregular, mixed schedules with early starts and late finishes, extended duty days (long working hours), as well as high workload, due to the short turnaround flights, the number of sectors flown in a single duty period and duty length and high jobs demands. In addition, flight duty and rest regulations, confined work space in the cabin, vibrations, noise and lighting, sleeping in an unfamiliar environment, family responsibilities all add to additional stress placed on the body which can influence workload and sleep and consequently influencing fatigue. Conclusion: Overall the study determined that flight attendant fatigue is a significant problem in modern industry of short-haul operations. Using this systematic approach (work system analysis based on the framework of the work system model developed by Smith and Carayon-Sainfort (1989) allowed for an accurate representation of the complexity of flight attendant work environment in short-haul aviation industries, thus contributed to an increased understanding of fatigue and risk factors that span the entire work system and aid in identifying the patterns in combination of work system variables that are associated with increased risk to flight attendant fatigue. Overall flight attendant fatigue is a product of interactions with the short-haul environment. It can have a negative impact on safety, performance and well-being. Therefore, it needs to be managed and dealt with in the near future.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Bennett, Chloe Kayla
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Flight attendants -- Health and hygiene , Employees -- South Africa -- Workload
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/123431 , vital:35437
- Description: Background and aim: Flight attendants forms a significant part in 24-hour aviation industry. Flight attendant fatigue is a significant problem in the aviation industry as it continues to jeopardize the ability to fulfil important safety and security roles which is critical in performance duty of a flight attendant. However, little attention has been accomplished to the workload, working conditions and fatigue of flight attendants crew in transport aircraft. In addition, there is currently less research that have also embraced the problematic of smaller regional/commercial operation (short-haul flight operations) inducing fatigue among short-haul flight attendants as the nature of this operation are often characterised with high productivity expectations in a demanding environment with high time pressures resulting in high workloads and fatigue. Thus, flight attendant fatigue and workload is a worldwide challenge in this operational environment and less attention has been given to the determining factors. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine the workload factors contributing to flight attendant fatigue during short-haul flight operations. Methods (System analysis): To achieve the research aim, the work system analysis, based on the Smith and Carayon-Sainfort model was chosen as the main research approach which was conducted in two ways; based on existing literature and secondly based on expert interviews. This method provided a systemic aspect to understand the whole work system of flight attendants work during short-haul operations in order to identify all the contributing factors to flight attendant fatigue and workload. Results: The literature analysis and the data from the expert interviews highlighted significant findings to flight attendant fatigue and workload. The reasons for flight attendant fatigue operating short-haul flights can be found at organizational, task, individual, environmental levels and tools and technologies and due to the interaction of the factors. The main factors of flight attendants’ fatigue are thought primarily as a function of scheduling due to irregular, mixed schedules with early starts and late finishes, extended duty days (long working hours), as well as high workload, due to the short turnaround flights, the number of sectors flown in a single duty period and duty length and high jobs demands. In addition, flight duty and rest regulations, confined work space in the cabin, vibrations, noise and lighting, sleeping in an unfamiliar environment, family responsibilities all add to additional stress placed on the body which can influence workload and sleep and consequently influencing fatigue. Conclusion: Overall the study determined that flight attendant fatigue is a significant problem in modern industry of short-haul operations. Using this systematic approach (work system analysis based on the framework of the work system model developed by Smith and Carayon-Sainfort (1989) allowed for an accurate representation of the complexity of flight attendant work environment in short-haul aviation industries, thus contributed to an increased understanding of fatigue and risk factors that span the entire work system and aid in identifying the patterns in combination of work system variables that are associated with increased risk to flight attendant fatigue. Overall flight attendant fatigue is a product of interactions with the short-haul environment. It can have a negative impact on safety, performance and well-being. Therefore, it needs to be managed and dealt with in the near future.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Thintitha, Celiwe
- Masombuka, Thobekile Hlobisile
- Authors: Masombuka, Thobekile Hlobisile
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: South African fiction (English) -- 21st century
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/147470 , vital:38639
- Description: This document consists of two (2) parts: Part A: Thesis (Creative Work) Part B: Portfolio
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Masombuka, Thobekile Hlobisile
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: South African fiction (English) -- 21st century
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/147470 , vital:38639
- Description: This document consists of two (2) parts: Part A: Thesis (Creative Work) Part B: Portfolio
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Towards a capability maturity model for a cyber range
- Authors: Aschmann, Michael Joseph
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Computer software -- Development , Computer security
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/163142 , vital:41013
- Description: This work describes research undertaken towards the development of a Capability Maturity Model (CMM) for Cyber Ranges (CRs) focused on cyber security. Global cyber security needs are on the rise, and the need for attribution within the cyber domain is of particular concern. This has prompted major efforts to enhance cyber capabilities within organisations to increase their total cyber resilience posture. These efforts include, but are not limited to, the testing of computational devices, networks, and applications, and cyber skills training focused on prevention, detection and cyber attack response. A cyber range allows for the testing of the computational environment. By developing cyber events within a confined virtual or sand-boxed cyber environment, a cyber range can prepare the next generation of cyber security specialists to handle a variety of potential cyber attacks. Cyber ranges have different purposes, each designed to fulfil a different computational testing and cyber training goal; consequently, cyber ranges can vary greatly in the level of variety, capability, maturity and complexity. As cyber ranges proliferate and become more and more valued as tools for cyber security, a method to classify or rate them becomes essential. Yet while a universal criteria for measuring cyber ranges in terms of their capability maturity levels becomes more critical, there are currently very limited resources for researchers aiming to perform this kind of work. For this reason, this work proposes and describes a CMM, designed to give organisations the ability to benchmark the capability maturity of a given cyber range. This research adopted a synthesised approach to the development of a CMM, grounded in prior research and focused on the production of a conceptual model that provides a useful level of abstraction. In order to achieve this goal, the core capability elements of a cyber range are defined with their relative importance, allowing for the development of a proposed classification cyber range levels. An analysis of data gathered during the course of an expert review, together with other research, further supported the development of the conceptual model. In the context of cyber range capability, classification will include the ability of the cyber range to perform its functions optimally with different core capability elements, focusing on the Measurement of Capability (MoC) with its elements, namely effect, performance and threat ability. Cyber range maturity can evolve over time and can be defined through the Measurement of Maturity (MoM) with its elements, namely people, processes, technology. The combination of these measurements utilising the CMM for a CR determines the capability maturity level of a CR. The primary outcome of this research is the proposed level-based CMM framework for a cyber range, developed using adopted and synthesised CMMs, the analysis of an expert review, and the mapping of the results.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Aschmann, Michael Joseph
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Computer software -- Development , Computer security
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/163142 , vital:41013
- Description: This work describes research undertaken towards the development of a Capability Maturity Model (CMM) for Cyber Ranges (CRs) focused on cyber security. Global cyber security needs are on the rise, and the need for attribution within the cyber domain is of particular concern. This has prompted major efforts to enhance cyber capabilities within organisations to increase their total cyber resilience posture. These efforts include, but are not limited to, the testing of computational devices, networks, and applications, and cyber skills training focused on prevention, detection and cyber attack response. A cyber range allows for the testing of the computational environment. By developing cyber events within a confined virtual or sand-boxed cyber environment, a cyber range can prepare the next generation of cyber security specialists to handle a variety of potential cyber attacks. Cyber ranges have different purposes, each designed to fulfil a different computational testing and cyber training goal; consequently, cyber ranges can vary greatly in the level of variety, capability, maturity and complexity. As cyber ranges proliferate and become more and more valued as tools for cyber security, a method to classify or rate them becomes essential. Yet while a universal criteria for measuring cyber ranges in terms of their capability maturity levels becomes more critical, there are currently very limited resources for researchers aiming to perform this kind of work. For this reason, this work proposes and describes a CMM, designed to give organisations the ability to benchmark the capability maturity of a given cyber range. This research adopted a synthesised approach to the development of a CMM, grounded in prior research and focused on the production of a conceptual model that provides a useful level of abstraction. In order to achieve this goal, the core capability elements of a cyber range are defined with their relative importance, allowing for the development of a proposed classification cyber range levels. An analysis of data gathered during the course of an expert review, together with other research, further supported the development of the conceptual model. In the context of cyber range capability, classification will include the ability of the cyber range to perform its functions optimally with different core capability elements, focusing on the Measurement of Capability (MoC) with its elements, namely effect, performance and threat ability. Cyber range maturity can evolve over time and can be defined through the Measurement of Maturity (MoM) with its elements, namely people, processes, technology. The combination of these measurements utilising the CMM for a CR determines the capability maturity level of a CR. The primary outcome of this research is the proposed level-based CMM framework for a cyber range, developed using adopted and synthesised CMMs, the analysis of an expert review, and the mapping of the results.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Towards realising the benefits of citizen participation in environmental monitoring: a case study in an Eastern Cape natural resource management programme
- Authors: Mtati, Nosiseko
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Tsitsa Project , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Environmental monitoring -- South Africa -- Tsitsa River , Environmental monitoring -- Citizen participation -- South Africa -- Tsitsa River , Water supply, Agricultural -- South Africa -- Tsitsa River , Environmental education -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/167562 , vital:41492
- Description: The Tsitsa Project focusses on land use management and rural livelihoods in the Tsitsa River catchment in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. It is funded by the Department of Environmental Affairs and the environmental monitoring initiative is implemented by Rhodes University, where I am employed as the catchment coordinator. This study explores the environmental monitoring initiative within the bigger Tsitsa Project. Community members in the catchment monitor sediment transportation in the Tsitsa River and its tributaries, which originally became of interest because it is proposed that a dam (Ntabelanga Dam) be established here. This study aims to understand citizen environmental monitoring in the Tsitsa Project; what the project managers regarded as benefits; and how the monitors themselves perceived benefits of participating as monitors. A realist approach was followed, in order to understand the connections between the context and the mechanisms in the project, and how these combined to result in the outcomes observed. Realist research emphasises the importance of context in shaping outcomes such as the achieved benefits of citizen monitoring. Data was collected using a case study method, where each individual monitor and their particular context, was regarded as a case. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 17 monitors and five Tsitsa Project staff; this was supported by field notes and the reviewing of project documents including field reports. The realist analysis looked at the context of the monitors in general and the mechanisms applied by the project in recruiting, training and managing the monitors. A second layer of mechanisms was identified as those responses from the monitors to what the project was introducing to them. Outcomes were both positive and negative, including how long monitors remained in the initiative, what benefits they derived from the process, and what potential benefits they did not achieve. This included lost opportunities to provide recognition for skills and experience gained. Recommendations are made regarding the recruitment, training and management of monitors, to optimise benefits for the monitors, the host institution and the initiative’s staff. The study is significant because of its particular yet representative characteristics and it will assist both the Tsitsa Project, which aims to expand its citizen environmental monitoring initiative, as well as wider Natural Resource Management Programmes in South Africa. It is also hoped that it will contribute to the literature on environmental monitoring as a little researched form of citizen science globally.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Mtati, Nosiseko
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Tsitsa Project , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Environmental monitoring -- South Africa -- Tsitsa River , Environmental monitoring -- Citizen participation -- South Africa -- Tsitsa River , Water supply, Agricultural -- South Africa -- Tsitsa River , Environmental education -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/167562 , vital:41492
- Description: The Tsitsa Project focusses on land use management and rural livelihoods in the Tsitsa River catchment in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. It is funded by the Department of Environmental Affairs and the environmental monitoring initiative is implemented by Rhodes University, where I am employed as the catchment coordinator. This study explores the environmental monitoring initiative within the bigger Tsitsa Project. Community members in the catchment monitor sediment transportation in the Tsitsa River and its tributaries, which originally became of interest because it is proposed that a dam (Ntabelanga Dam) be established here. This study aims to understand citizen environmental monitoring in the Tsitsa Project; what the project managers regarded as benefits; and how the monitors themselves perceived benefits of participating as monitors. A realist approach was followed, in order to understand the connections between the context and the mechanisms in the project, and how these combined to result in the outcomes observed. Realist research emphasises the importance of context in shaping outcomes such as the achieved benefits of citizen monitoring. Data was collected using a case study method, where each individual monitor and their particular context, was regarded as a case. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 17 monitors and five Tsitsa Project staff; this was supported by field notes and the reviewing of project documents including field reports. The realist analysis looked at the context of the monitors in general and the mechanisms applied by the project in recruiting, training and managing the monitors. A second layer of mechanisms was identified as those responses from the monitors to what the project was introducing to them. Outcomes were both positive and negative, including how long monitors remained in the initiative, what benefits they derived from the process, and what potential benefits they did not achieve. This included lost opportunities to provide recognition for skills and experience gained. Recommendations are made regarding the recruitment, training and management of monitors, to optimise benefits for the monitors, the host institution and the initiative’s staff. The study is significant because of its particular yet representative characteristics and it will assist both the Tsitsa Project, which aims to expand its citizen environmental monitoring initiative, as well as wider Natural Resource Management Programmes in South Africa. It is also hoped that it will contribute to the literature on environmental monitoring as a little researched form of citizen science globally.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Towards the development of a bio-fertiliser using mixed liquor from high rate algal oxidation ponds
- Authors: Masudi, Wiya Léon
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Biofertilizers , Microalgae - Biotechnology , Algae -- Culture
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/142969 , vital:38181
- Description: Mixed liquor includes consortia of microalgae and bacteria produced in high rate algal oxidation ponds (HRAOPs). The consortia of microalgae and bacteria occur as flocs called microalgae-bacterial flocs (MaB-flocs). This study aimed to source bacteria from MaB-flocs generated in HRAOPs and, after isolation and identification, evaluate their potential as plant growth promoting (PGP) microorganisms. Twelve bacterial strains namely ECCN 1b, ECCN 2b, ECCN 3b, ECCN 4b, ECCN 5b, ECCN 6b, ECCN 7b, ECCN 8b, ECCN 9b, ECCN 10b, ECCN 11b, and ECCN 12b were successfully isolated and their molecular identity established using amplified 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis that was compared to sequences deposited in the NCBI gene database. Blast analysis identified these isolates at the genus level as Bacillus strain ECCN 1b, Fictibacillus strain ECCN 2b, Bacillus strain ECCN 3b, Aeromonas strain ECCN 4b, Exiguobacterium strain ECCN 5b, Arthrobacter strain ECCN 6b, Enterobacter strain ECCN 7b, Exiguobacterium strain ECCN 8b, Microbacterium strain ECCN 9b, Pseudomonas ECCN strain 10b, Ancylobacter strain ECCN 11b and Microbacterium strain ECCN 12b. These isolates were able to grow in nutrient broth in a pH range between 6 and 10, with the best growth achieved at pH 8 to 9. The results on the use of carbon substrate revealed that 5 strains including Arthrobacter strain ECCN 6b, Aeromonas strain ECCN 4b, Pseudomonas strain ECCN 10b, Enterobacter strain ECCN 7b and Bacillus strain ECCN 3b were capable of using glucose, sucrose and mannitol. No faecal coliforms were found. However, of the 12 isolates screened for bio-fertilisation potential, Bacillus strain ECCN 1b, Fictibacillus strain ECCN 2b, Bacillus strain ECCN 3b, Aeromonas strain ECCN 4b, Exiguobacterium strain ECCN 5b, Arthrobacter strain ECCN 6b, Enterobacter ECCN strain 7b, Exiguobacterium strain ECCN 8b and Pseudomonas strain ECCN 10b showed multifunctional plant growth promoting (PGP) potential. The potential for PGP included the production of ammonium-N, solubilisation of phosphate-P and potassium-K, oxidation of Mn and production of auxin, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). Results are discussed in terms of the amount or concentration (mg L-1) of plant essential nutrient and growth regulator produced by these isolated bacteria. Even so, further studies are needed to test and confirm the bio-fertiliser and plant growth promoting activity of these strains in pot trials and field experiments, or both.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Masudi, Wiya Léon
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Biofertilizers , Microalgae - Biotechnology , Algae -- Culture
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/142969 , vital:38181
- Description: Mixed liquor includes consortia of microalgae and bacteria produced in high rate algal oxidation ponds (HRAOPs). The consortia of microalgae and bacteria occur as flocs called microalgae-bacterial flocs (MaB-flocs). This study aimed to source bacteria from MaB-flocs generated in HRAOPs and, after isolation and identification, evaluate their potential as plant growth promoting (PGP) microorganisms. Twelve bacterial strains namely ECCN 1b, ECCN 2b, ECCN 3b, ECCN 4b, ECCN 5b, ECCN 6b, ECCN 7b, ECCN 8b, ECCN 9b, ECCN 10b, ECCN 11b, and ECCN 12b were successfully isolated and their molecular identity established using amplified 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis that was compared to sequences deposited in the NCBI gene database. Blast analysis identified these isolates at the genus level as Bacillus strain ECCN 1b, Fictibacillus strain ECCN 2b, Bacillus strain ECCN 3b, Aeromonas strain ECCN 4b, Exiguobacterium strain ECCN 5b, Arthrobacter strain ECCN 6b, Enterobacter strain ECCN 7b, Exiguobacterium strain ECCN 8b, Microbacterium strain ECCN 9b, Pseudomonas ECCN strain 10b, Ancylobacter strain ECCN 11b and Microbacterium strain ECCN 12b. These isolates were able to grow in nutrient broth in a pH range between 6 and 10, with the best growth achieved at pH 8 to 9. The results on the use of carbon substrate revealed that 5 strains including Arthrobacter strain ECCN 6b, Aeromonas strain ECCN 4b, Pseudomonas strain ECCN 10b, Enterobacter strain ECCN 7b and Bacillus strain ECCN 3b were capable of using glucose, sucrose and mannitol. No faecal coliforms were found. However, of the 12 isolates screened for bio-fertilisation potential, Bacillus strain ECCN 1b, Fictibacillus strain ECCN 2b, Bacillus strain ECCN 3b, Aeromonas strain ECCN 4b, Exiguobacterium strain ECCN 5b, Arthrobacter strain ECCN 6b, Enterobacter ECCN strain 7b, Exiguobacterium strain ECCN 8b and Pseudomonas strain ECCN 10b showed multifunctional plant growth promoting (PGP) potential. The potential for PGP included the production of ammonium-N, solubilisation of phosphate-P and potassium-K, oxidation of Mn and production of auxin, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). Results are discussed in terms of the amount or concentration (mg L-1) of plant essential nutrient and growth regulator produced by these isolated bacteria. Even so, further studies are needed to test and confirm the bio-fertiliser and plant growth promoting activity of these strains in pot trials and field experiments, or both.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Towards understanding how exploitation influences the wild energetic response of marine fish to temperature variability
- Authors: Skeeles, Michael Richard
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Chrysoblepus laticeps -- Climatic factors , Sparidae -- Genetics , Sparidae -- South Africa -- Climatic factors
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/145133 , vital:38411
- Description: Exploitation of fish populations can exacerbate the effects of climate change, yet our understanding of their synergistic effects remains limited. As fish are increasingly exposed to temperatures on the edges of their optimal thermal performance window, their physiological response is expected to shape their future performance. It is therefore concerning that exploitation can select for specific physiological phenotypes, as this may affect fished populations’ physiological response to temperature change. A recent laboratory study revealed fewer high-performance metabolic-scope phenotypes in an exploited population of the marine Sparid Chrysoblepus laticeps across a range of experimental temperatures in comparison to an unexploited population. This suggested that individuals in exploited populations may have less available energy for aerobic performance at thermal extremes, which may reduce the resilience of the population to changes in temperature. However, since laboratory experiments exclude numerous other variables that fish encounter in the wild, it was necessary to test this finding in a natural setting. This thesis aimed to further develop the laboratory study by assessing whether exploitation effects the wild energetic response of C. laticeps to thermal variability. To achieve this, the field metabolic rate of C. laticeps, a resident and endemic South African fish, from a near-pristine population (Tsitsikamma National Park) and a heavily exploited population (Port Elizabeth) was compared using acoustic accelerometry. A laboratory-based study using a swim-tunnel respirometer and accelerometer transmitters was conducted to develop a model to predict metabolic rate from acceleration data at temperatures from 10 to 22⁰C. Acceleration, temperature, mass and population (exploited/unexploited) were found to be the best predictors of the metabolic rate of C. laticeps and were incorporated into the model to estimate the field metabolic rate of fish tagged with acoustic accelerometers in the wild. To examine the combined effects of temperature and exploitation on the field metabolic rate of C. laticeps in their natural state, two fine-scale telemetry arrays with temperature loggers were used to assess the acceleration of the fish across different temperatures in the wild for three months during a period of high thermal variability. Ten fish from the exploited and unexploited populations were caught, surgically implanted with accelerometer transmitters and released back into the wild. Close to 500 000 and 400 000 acceleration estimates were recorded from wild exploited and unexploited fish, respectively. The field metabolic rate of both populations was estimated by combining the field acceleration and temperature data with the laboratory calibration model. The field metabolic rate of C. laticeps from the exploited population was constrained near cold and warm extremes compared to no constraints observed in the unexploited population. This was attributed to reduced inter-individual variability in the field metabolic rate-temperature relationship within the exploited population. There appeared to be a greater proportion of individuals that maintained a high field metabolic rate at extreme temperatures in the unexploited population. In contrast, all but one fish from the exploited population did not maintain a high field metabolic rate at extreme temperatures. These findings aligned with the laboratory-based metabolic-scope study on both populations of C. laticeps and demonstrate that passive-fishing may be removing thermally tolerant individuals and rendering exploited populations less resilient to thermal change. These findings are discussed in the context of fisheries management and particularly on the role that marine protected areas could play in maintaining physiological diversity, and therefore the resilience of fish in the Anthropocene. This study highlights the importance of applied conservation physiology in understanding the consequences of fisheries-induced evolution in an increasingly variable climate.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Skeeles, Michael Richard
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Chrysoblepus laticeps -- Climatic factors , Sparidae -- Genetics , Sparidae -- South Africa -- Climatic factors
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/145133 , vital:38411
- Description: Exploitation of fish populations can exacerbate the effects of climate change, yet our understanding of their synergistic effects remains limited. As fish are increasingly exposed to temperatures on the edges of their optimal thermal performance window, their physiological response is expected to shape their future performance. It is therefore concerning that exploitation can select for specific physiological phenotypes, as this may affect fished populations’ physiological response to temperature change. A recent laboratory study revealed fewer high-performance metabolic-scope phenotypes in an exploited population of the marine Sparid Chrysoblepus laticeps across a range of experimental temperatures in comparison to an unexploited population. This suggested that individuals in exploited populations may have less available energy for aerobic performance at thermal extremes, which may reduce the resilience of the population to changes in temperature. However, since laboratory experiments exclude numerous other variables that fish encounter in the wild, it was necessary to test this finding in a natural setting. This thesis aimed to further develop the laboratory study by assessing whether exploitation effects the wild energetic response of C. laticeps to thermal variability. To achieve this, the field metabolic rate of C. laticeps, a resident and endemic South African fish, from a near-pristine population (Tsitsikamma National Park) and a heavily exploited population (Port Elizabeth) was compared using acoustic accelerometry. A laboratory-based study using a swim-tunnel respirometer and accelerometer transmitters was conducted to develop a model to predict metabolic rate from acceleration data at temperatures from 10 to 22⁰C. Acceleration, temperature, mass and population (exploited/unexploited) were found to be the best predictors of the metabolic rate of C. laticeps and were incorporated into the model to estimate the field metabolic rate of fish tagged with acoustic accelerometers in the wild. To examine the combined effects of temperature and exploitation on the field metabolic rate of C. laticeps in their natural state, two fine-scale telemetry arrays with temperature loggers were used to assess the acceleration of the fish across different temperatures in the wild for three months during a period of high thermal variability. Ten fish from the exploited and unexploited populations were caught, surgically implanted with accelerometer transmitters and released back into the wild. Close to 500 000 and 400 000 acceleration estimates were recorded from wild exploited and unexploited fish, respectively. The field metabolic rate of both populations was estimated by combining the field acceleration and temperature data with the laboratory calibration model. The field metabolic rate of C. laticeps from the exploited population was constrained near cold and warm extremes compared to no constraints observed in the unexploited population. This was attributed to reduced inter-individual variability in the field metabolic rate-temperature relationship within the exploited population. There appeared to be a greater proportion of individuals that maintained a high field metabolic rate at extreme temperatures in the unexploited population. In contrast, all but one fish from the exploited population did not maintain a high field metabolic rate at extreme temperatures. These findings aligned with the laboratory-based metabolic-scope study on both populations of C. laticeps and demonstrate that passive-fishing may be removing thermally tolerant individuals and rendering exploited populations less resilient to thermal change. These findings are discussed in the context of fisheries management and particularly on the role that marine protected areas could play in maintaining physiological diversity, and therefore the resilience of fish in the Anthropocene. This study highlights the importance of applied conservation physiology in understanding the consequences of fisheries-induced evolution in an increasingly variable climate.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Ukuchichimala kwechweba
- Authors: Mbungwana, Mthunzikzi
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Xhosa poetry
- Language: Xhosa
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/168512 , vital:41590
- Description: iThisisi nepotifoliyo. It is a collection of poems relating to women and society and gender related issues including gender based violence. It also focuses on how Christianity and Xhosa culture has violated women's rights and how they both believe that men and women should have different roles in society.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Mbungwana, Mthunzikzi
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Xhosa poetry
- Language: Xhosa
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/168512 , vital:41590
- Description: iThisisi nepotifoliyo. It is a collection of poems relating to women and society and gender related issues including gender based violence. It also focuses on how Christianity and Xhosa culture has violated women's rights and how they both believe that men and women should have different roles in society.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Understanding of biological teleology from a naturalistic perspective
- Authors: Abrahams, Sanaa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Teleology , Biology -- Philosophy , Evolution (Biology) -- Philosophy
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/140534 , vital:37896
- Description: To the extent that teleological thinking is metaphysically suspect, many theorists attempt to shift the stigma of functional explanations by reducing function ascriptions, and aim thus to de-legitimise an appeal to teleological causal relations in an analysis of function. The point is to dispel the mystery which envelops the application of function concepts by reformulating biological functional explanations so as to dispense with teleology. My project is to interrogate the success with which teleological explanations have thus been eliminated in the biological sciences, and, over the course of this thesis, I conclude that a kind of teleological causation nevertheless remains the most adequate explanatory ground of natural products. My proposal is that functional explanations are causal explanations for the presence and maintenance of self-reproducing systems. I contend that, insofar as the attribution of function presupposes the valuation of a function-bearing system as a causal necessity for its constituent parts, functional explanation references distinct and irreducible holistic properties. Using Kantian metaphysics to frame the discussion, this thesis aims first to explore critically the subject of functional characterisations of biological phenomena, and second, the metaphysical basis of modern science. Its chief contributions to the philosophical function debate reside in proposing novel arguments in justification of what I consider is an improved formulation of an attempted definition of biological function, in which teleological causal powers are explicitly recognised and accommodated in functional explanation. Moreover, this thesis attempts a naturalistic reconstruction of the metaphysical entailments of the real causality of a whole
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Abrahams, Sanaa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Teleology , Biology -- Philosophy , Evolution (Biology) -- Philosophy
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/140534 , vital:37896
- Description: To the extent that teleological thinking is metaphysically suspect, many theorists attempt to shift the stigma of functional explanations by reducing function ascriptions, and aim thus to de-legitimise an appeal to teleological causal relations in an analysis of function. The point is to dispel the mystery which envelops the application of function concepts by reformulating biological functional explanations so as to dispense with teleology. My project is to interrogate the success with which teleological explanations have thus been eliminated in the biological sciences, and, over the course of this thesis, I conclude that a kind of teleological causation nevertheless remains the most adequate explanatory ground of natural products. My proposal is that functional explanations are causal explanations for the presence and maintenance of self-reproducing systems. I contend that, insofar as the attribution of function presupposes the valuation of a function-bearing system as a causal necessity for its constituent parts, functional explanation references distinct and irreducible holistic properties. Using Kantian metaphysics to frame the discussion, this thesis aims first to explore critically the subject of functional characterisations of biological phenomena, and second, the metaphysical basis of modern science. Its chief contributions to the philosophical function debate reside in proposing novel arguments in justification of what I consider is an improved formulation of an attempted definition of biological function, in which teleological causal powers are explicitly recognised and accommodated in functional explanation. Moreover, this thesis attempts a naturalistic reconstruction of the metaphysical entailments of the real causality of a whole
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Understanding of the underlying resistance mechanism of the Kat-G protein against isoniazid in Mycobacterium tuberculosis using bioinformatics approaches
- Authors: Barozi, Victor
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Mycobacterium tuberculosis , Isoniazid , Drug resistance in microorganisms , Proteins -- Microbiology
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/146592 , vital:38540
- Description: Tuberculosis (TB) is a multi-organ infection caused by rod-shaped acid-fast Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The World Health Organization (WHO) ranks TB among the top 10 fatal infections and the leading the cause of death from a single infection. In 2017, TB was responsible for an estimated 1.3 million deaths among both the HIV negative and positive populations worldwide (WHO, 2018). Approximately 23% (roughly 1.7 billion) of the world’s population is estimated to have latent TB with a high risk of reverting to active TB infection. In 2017, an estimated 558,000 people developed drug resistant TB worldwide with 82% of the cases being multi-drug resistant TB (WHO, 2018). South Africa is ranked among the 30 high TB burdened countries with a TB incidence of 322,000 cases in 2017 accounting for 3% of the world’s TB cases. TB is curable and is clinically managed through a combination of intensive and continuation phases of first-line drugs (isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide). Second-line drugs which include fluoroquinolones, injectable aminoglycoside and injectable polypeptides are used in cases of first line drug resistance. The third-line drugs include amoxicillin, clofazimine, linezolid and imipenem. These have variable but unproven efficacy to TB and are the last resort in cases of total drug resistance (Jilani et al., 2019). TB drug resistance to first-line drugs especially isoniazid in M. tuberculosis has been attributed to single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the catalase peroxidase enzyme (katG), a protein important in the activation of the pro-drug isoniazid. The SNPs especially at position 315 of the katG enzyme are believed to reduce the sensitivity of the M. tuberculosis to isoniazid while still maintaining the enzyme’s catalytic activity - a mechanism not completely understood. KatG protein is important for protecting the bacteria from hydro peroxides and hydroxyl radicals present in an aerobic environment. This study focused on understanding the mechanism of isoniazid drug resistance in M. tuberculosis as a result of high confidence mutations in the katG through modelling the enzyme with its respective variants, performing MD simulations to explore the protein behaviour, calculating the dynamic residue network analysis (DRN) of the variants in respect to the wild type katG and finally performing alanine scanning. From the MD simulations, it was observed that the high confidence mutations i.e. S140R, S140N, G279D, G285D, S315T, S315I, S315R, S315N, G316D, S457I and G593D were not only reducing the backbone flexibility of the protein but also reducing the protein’s conformational variation and space. All the variant protein structures were observed to be more compact compared to the wild type. Residue fluctuation results indicated reduced residue flexibility across all variants in the loop region (position 26-110) responsible for katG dimerization. In addition, mutation S315T is believed to reduce the size of the active site access channel in the protein. From the DRN data, residues in the interface region between the N and C-terminal domains were observed to gain importance in the variants irrespective of the mutation location indicating an allosteric effect of the mutations on the interface region. Alanine scanning results established that residue Leucine at position 48 was not only important in the protein communication but also a destabilizing residue across all the variants. The study not only demonstrated change in the protein behaviour but also showed allosteric effect of the mutations in the katG protein.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Barozi, Victor
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Mycobacterium tuberculosis , Isoniazid , Drug resistance in microorganisms , Proteins -- Microbiology
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/146592 , vital:38540
- Description: Tuberculosis (TB) is a multi-organ infection caused by rod-shaped acid-fast Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The World Health Organization (WHO) ranks TB among the top 10 fatal infections and the leading the cause of death from a single infection. In 2017, TB was responsible for an estimated 1.3 million deaths among both the HIV negative and positive populations worldwide (WHO, 2018). Approximately 23% (roughly 1.7 billion) of the world’s population is estimated to have latent TB with a high risk of reverting to active TB infection. In 2017, an estimated 558,000 people developed drug resistant TB worldwide with 82% of the cases being multi-drug resistant TB (WHO, 2018). South Africa is ranked among the 30 high TB burdened countries with a TB incidence of 322,000 cases in 2017 accounting for 3% of the world’s TB cases. TB is curable and is clinically managed through a combination of intensive and continuation phases of first-line drugs (isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide). Second-line drugs which include fluoroquinolones, injectable aminoglycoside and injectable polypeptides are used in cases of first line drug resistance. The third-line drugs include amoxicillin, clofazimine, linezolid and imipenem. These have variable but unproven efficacy to TB and are the last resort in cases of total drug resistance (Jilani et al., 2019). TB drug resistance to first-line drugs especially isoniazid in M. tuberculosis has been attributed to single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the catalase peroxidase enzyme (katG), a protein important in the activation of the pro-drug isoniazid. The SNPs especially at position 315 of the katG enzyme are believed to reduce the sensitivity of the M. tuberculosis to isoniazid while still maintaining the enzyme’s catalytic activity - a mechanism not completely understood. KatG protein is important for protecting the bacteria from hydro peroxides and hydroxyl radicals present in an aerobic environment. This study focused on understanding the mechanism of isoniazid drug resistance in M. tuberculosis as a result of high confidence mutations in the katG through modelling the enzyme with its respective variants, performing MD simulations to explore the protein behaviour, calculating the dynamic residue network analysis (DRN) of the variants in respect to the wild type katG and finally performing alanine scanning. From the MD simulations, it was observed that the high confidence mutations i.e. S140R, S140N, G279D, G285D, S315T, S315I, S315R, S315N, G316D, S457I and G593D were not only reducing the backbone flexibility of the protein but also reducing the protein’s conformational variation and space. All the variant protein structures were observed to be more compact compared to the wild type. Residue fluctuation results indicated reduced residue flexibility across all variants in the loop region (position 26-110) responsible for katG dimerization. In addition, mutation S315T is believed to reduce the size of the active site access channel in the protein. From the DRN data, residues in the interface region between the N and C-terminal domains were observed to gain importance in the variants irrespective of the mutation location indicating an allosteric effect of the mutations on the interface region. Alanine scanning results established that residue Leucine at position 48 was not only important in the protein communication but also a destabilizing residue across all the variants. The study not only demonstrated change in the protein behaviour but also showed allosteric effect of the mutations in the katG protein.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020