An analysis of the internship programme in the Sarah Baartman Health District of the Eastern Cape: a model for effective implementation
- Authors: Feni, Monde Ludick
- Date: 2022-03
- Subjects: Internship programs , Public service employment , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23359 , vital:57617
- Description: The study’s main purpose was to evaluate the processes for Internship Programme Implementation in the Sarah Baartman Health District of the Eastern Cape Department of Health, to determine a Model that can be postulated for improving the Internship Programme Implementation in the Sarah Baartman Health District, wide Public Service and Private Sector. An empirical Study reveals the process for the Internship Programme Implementation has been marred with a significant number of challenges. As part of the recommendations, it was highly stressed that the Sarah Baartman Health District must adopt and embrace the Internship Programme Implementation Model in Figure 6.1 to effectively implement the Internship Programme as a means to deal with the challenges. Data was collected by the investigator from four main groups within the Sarah Baartman Health District. These were Senior Managers, Corporate Services Managers, Mentors, current and past interns. All these groups were directly involved in the internships in the Sarah Baartman Health District Health Department. The investigator got accurate and verified reflections, experiences and understandings of four constructs surrounding the internship programme and they include recruitment and employment of Interns using Best Practices, Training and Development Programmes for Interns Training, Performance Management and Development System for Interns and Mentoring as a Tool to Transfer Knowledge, Skills, Competencies and Attitudes required to Perform Optimally. During interviews, the researcher requested permission from the participants to record their responses digitally. This was done to make sure that no data was lost during the writing of responses from the participants. The questionnaires that were distributed to the interns and mentors had closed-ended questions, but the validity of the questionnaire was ensured by having a space for comments under each question to allow participants to support their answers. An analysis of the questionnaire was done by employing Microsoft Excel and statistics that are descriptive and inferential. The study findings revealed that the recruitment and employment of interns using best practices had a mean score above the required mean of 3, meaning that it is applied acceptably. As much as the construct is acceptable and meets the standard, the item in the construct that pertained to security checks for interns was not done and this is a worrying factor, meaning that the recruitment and employment of interns might be at risk of bringing in interns into the programme who are risky for the organisation. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-03
- Authors: Feni, Monde Ludick
- Date: 2022-03
- Subjects: Internship programs , Public service employment , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23359 , vital:57617
- Description: The study’s main purpose was to evaluate the processes for Internship Programme Implementation in the Sarah Baartman Health District of the Eastern Cape Department of Health, to determine a Model that can be postulated for improving the Internship Programme Implementation in the Sarah Baartman Health District, wide Public Service and Private Sector. An empirical Study reveals the process for the Internship Programme Implementation has been marred with a significant number of challenges. As part of the recommendations, it was highly stressed that the Sarah Baartman Health District must adopt and embrace the Internship Programme Implementation Model in Figure 6.1 to effectively implement the Internship Programme as a means to deal with the challenges. Data was collected by the investigator from four main groups within the Sarah Baartman Health District. These were Senior Managers, Corporate Services Managers, Mentors, current and past interns. All these groups were directly involved in the internships in the Sarah Baartman Health District Health Department. The investigator got accurate and verified reflections, experiences and understandings of four constructs surrounding the internship programme and they include recruitment and employment of Interns using Best Practices, Training and Development Programmes for Interns Training, Performance Management and Development System for Interns and Mentoring as a Tool to Transfer Knowledge, Skills, Competencies and Attitudes required to Perform Optimally. During interviews, the researcher requested permission from the participants to record their responses digitally. This was done to make sure that no data was lost during the writing of responses from the participants. The questionnaires that were distributed to the interns and mentors had closed-ended questions, but the validity of the questionnaire was ensured by having a space for comments under each question to allow participants to support their answers. An analysis of the questionnaire was done by employing Microsoft Excel and statistics that are descriptive and inferential. The study findings revealed that the recruitment and employment of interns using best practices had a mean score above the required mean of 3, meaning that it is applied acceptably. As much as the construct is acceptable and meets the standard, the item in the construct that pertained to security checks for interns was not done and this is a worrying factor, meaning that the recruitment and employment of interns might be at risk of bringing in interns into the programme who are risky for the organisation. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-03
The Effects of Alcohol and Sunstance Abuse on Productivity in the Sundays River Valley Citrus Industry
- Authors: Fick, Gerard Hendrik
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Substance abuse , Citrus fruit industry , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57654 , vital:58191
- Description: COVID-19 has created a new world to conduct business and few industries were fortunate enough to continue to operate as essential services throughout the pandemic. The South African Citrus Industry was one of these industries. During this pandemic, certain amenities were regarded as dangerous and potentially a contributor to the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Alcohol was deemed one of these contributors. During the lockdown regulations implemented in March of 2020, the Sundays River Valley Citrus Industry noticed certain interesting developments concerning labour and productivity. Initial review of the effects of alcohol and substance abuse on the productivity of citrus workers, revealed limited research into the broader South African Citrus Industry, with more focus on the Western Cape and related wine farms. The aim of this research study is to identify the impact of alcohol and substance abuse on productivity within the Sundays River Valley Citrus Industry. Specifically focusing on absenteeism, workers injuries on duty and workplace incidents pertaining to disciplinary processes. The research further aims to add a monetary value to the implication of these events on the Sundays River Valley Citrus Industry and the possible management strategies involved to remediate the potential affects thereof. This study uses the phenomenological and case study research approaches focusing on the workplace of the researcher within the Sundays River Valley Citrus Industry. Using qualitative content analysis during the interview process, the themes and findings were evaluated alongside the research questions and was found to be in agreement with the views flowing from the research data. The analysis further revealed that Sundays River Valley Citrus Industry is in need of adequate management strategies due to the seasonal nature of the industry to improve labourer job satisfaction and in turn productivity and efficiency. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Fick, Gerard Hendrik
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Substance abuse , Citrus fruit industry , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57654 , vital:58191
- Description: COVID-19 has created a new world to conduct business and few industries were fortunate enough to continue to operate as essential services throughout the pandemic. The South African Citrus Industry was one of these industries. During this pandemic, certain amenities were regarded as dangerous and potentially a contributor to the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Alcohol was deemed one of these contributors. During the lockdown regulations implemented in March of 2020, the Sundays River Valley Citrus Industry noticed certain interesting developments concerning labour and productivity. Initial review of the effects of alcohol and substance abuse on the productivity of citrus workers, revealed limited research into the broader South African Citrus Industry, with more focus on the Western Cape and related wine farms. The aim of this research study is to identify the impact of alcohol and substance abuse on productivity within the Sundays River Valley Citrus Industry. Specifically focusing on absenteeism, workers injuries on duty and workplace incidents pertaining to disciplinary processes. The research further aims to add a monetary value to the implication of these events on the Sundays River Valley Citrus Industry and the possible management strategies involved to remediate the potential affects thereof. This study uses the phenomenological and case study research approaches focusing on the workplace of the researcher within the Sundays River Valley Citrus Industry. Using qualitative content analysis during the interview process, the themes and findings were evaluated alongside the research questions and was found to be in agreement with the views flowing from the research data. The analysis further revealed that Sundays River Valley Citrus Industry is in need of adequate management strategies due to the seasonal nature of the industry to improve labourer job satisfaction and in turn productivity and efficiency. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
Exploring the possibility of an Ubuntu-based political philosophy
- Authors: Furman, Katherine Elizabeth
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Ubuntu , Political philosophy , Ethical theories , Law , South Africa , Ubuntu (Philosophy) -- Research -- South Africa , Political science -- Philosophy -- Research , Philosophy, African -- Research , Social values -- Research South Africa , Ethics -- Research -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2756 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002003
- Description: It is typically said that there are two questions that political philosophy seeks to address: ‘who gets what?’ and ‘who decides on who gets what?’ South Africa, along with much of the rest of the world, has answered the second question badly and currently ranks as one of the world’s most unequal societies. Counter-intuitively, South Africa maintains a social-political order that (re)produces this inequality along with great enthusiasm for ubuntu, an African ethic that at a minimum requires that we treat each other humanely. However, due to the view that ubuntu has been co-opted in support of South Africa’s unjust system, ubuntu has largely been ignored by radical thinkers. The aim of this thesis is therefore to explore the possibility of an ubuntu-based political philosophy, with the core assumption that political philosophy is rooted in ethical theory. Three tasks are therefore undertaken in this thesis. Firstly, ubuntu is articulated as an ethic. Secondly, it is compared to similar Western ethical theories in order to determine if there are distinguishing characteristics that make ubuntu a more appropriate founding ethic for South African political philosophy. Finally, whether ubuntu can find real-world applicability will be assessed by looking at the way ubuntu has been used in the law
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Furman, Katherine Elizabeth
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Ubuntu , Political philosophy , Ethical theories , Law , South Africa , Ubuntu (Philosophy) -- Research -- South Africa , Political science -- Philosophy -- Research , Philosophy, African -- Research , Social values -- Research South Africa , Ethics -- Research -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2756 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002003
- Description: It is typically said that there are two questions that political philosophy seeks to address: ‘who gets what?’ and ‘who decides on who gets what?’ South Africa, along with much of the rest of the world, has answered the second question badly and currently ranks as one of the world’s most unequal societies. Counter-intuitively, South Africa maintains a social-political order that (re)produces this inequality along with great enthusiasm for ubuntu, an African ethic that at a minimum requires that we treat each other humanely. However, due to the view that ubuntu has been co-opted in support of South Africa’s unjust system, ubuntu has largely been ignored by radical thinkers. The aim of this thesis is therefore to explore the possibility of an ubuntu-based political philosophy, with the core assumption that political philosophy is rooted in ethical theory. Three tasks are therefore undertaken in this thesis. Firstly, ubuntu is articulated as an ethic. Secondly, it is compared to similar Western ethical theories in order to determine if there are distinguishing characteristics that make ubuntu a more appropriate founding ethic for South African political philosophy. Finally, whether ubuntu can find real-world applicability will be assessed by looking at the way ubuntu has been used in the law
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Ifuthe leelwimi kwimpumelelo yabafundi bebanga leshumi elinambini kwizifundo zejiyografi(sezelizwe) kwizikolo ezibini ezichongiweyo kwisithili saseMonti
- Authors: Gcaki, Nomnqakati
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55342 , vital:51915
- Description: Isahluko sokuqala sixoxa ngengxaki yophando esi siseko kolu phando, nemibuzo yophando kunye neenjongo zokuba isifundo esikhoyo sifuna ukufezekisa ntoni. Ngokunxulumene nengxaki ephandwayo, esi sahluko sigxile kuphononongo loncwadi ukuze kuhlolwe ubudlelwane phakathi kolwimi lokufundisa kunye nempumelelo yabafundi kwiBanga le-12 kwisifundo seJiyografi. Ukuhlolwa koncwadi kuthathwe kwimigaqo-nkqubo yokufundisa kunye neethiyori zophuhliso lokuqonda nenkcubeko. Inkqubo yeethiyori ezikhethiweyo zisetyenziselwa ukwenza ingqiqo yokuba ulwimi lokufundisa luba nefuthe njani ekufundiseni nasekukhuleni kwengqondo nokuqiqa komfundi. Ngophononongo loncwadi, umphandi unqwenela ukufumanisa ubunzima abahlangabezana nabo abafundi ekufundeni iJiyografi ngolwimi lwesiNgesi kwiBanga leshumi elinesibini. Olu phando luza kuphonononga nzulu ifuthe leelwimi kwimpumelelo yabafundi kwisifundo seJiyografi kubafundi besigaba seshumi elinambini kujoliswe kwindlela abaphumelela ngayo kwiimviwo zokuphela konyaka.Olu phando luza kujongwa kwizikolo ezibini kwiphondo leMpuma Koloni kwisithili saseMonti phakathi kweminyaka wama-2016 ukuya kuma-2018.Ngokophando esele lwenziwe, abafundi abalwimi lwabo lwasekhaya lusisiXhosa kufanele ukuba bafundiswa ngolwimi lwabo abazikhethele lona ukutsho oko isiXhosa kwaye bavavanywe kwangalo. Oku akunjalo njengoko amaphepha abo ovavanyo engolwimi lwesiNgesi, lwimi olo olufika lubabeke phantsi konxinzelelo olukhulu olubenza bangabinakho ukuzithemba nokuziva bekhululekile xa bephendula imibuzo emagumbini okufundela. Umphandi olu luvo uluseka ngengxelo ayifumene kumaxwebhu eSebe lezeMfundo (2018 NSC Chief Markers Report) yesifundo seJiyografi iphepha lokuqala. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Language, Media and Communication, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Gcaki, Nomnqakati
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55342 , vital:51915
- Description: Isahluko sokuqala sixoxa ngengxaki yophando esi siseko kolu phando, nemibuzo yophando kunye neenjongo zokuba isifundo esikhoyo sifuna ukufezekisa ntoni. Ngokunxulumene nengxaki ephandwayo, esi sahluko sigxile kuphononongo loncwadi ukuze kuhlolwe ubudlelwane phakathi kolwimi lokufundisa kunye nempumelelo yabafundi kwiBanga le-12 kwisifundo seJiyografi. Ukuhlolwa koncwadi kuthathwe kwimigaqo-nkqubo yokufundisa kunye neethiyori zophuhliso lokuqonda nenkcubeko. Inkqubo yeethiyori ezikhethiweyo zisetyenziselwa ukwenza ingqiqo yokuba ulwimi lokufundisa luba nefuthe njani ekufundiseni nasekukhuleni kwengqondo nokuqiqa komfundi. Ngophononongo loncwadi, umphandi unqwenela ukufumanisa ubunzima abahlangabezana nabo abafundi ekufundeni iJiyografi ngolwimi lwesiNgesi kwiBanga leshumi elinesibini. Olu phando luza kuphonononga nzulu ifuthe leelwimi kwimpumelelo yabafundi kwisifundo seJiyografi kubafundi besigaba seshumi elinambini kujoliswe kwindlela abaphumelela ngayo kwiimviwo zokuphela konyaka.Olu phando luza kujongwa kwizikolo ezibini kwiphondo leMpuma Koloni kwisithili saseMonti phakathi kweminyaka wama-2016 ukuya kuma-2018.Ngokophando esele lwenziwe, abafundi abalwimi lwabo lwasekhaya lusisiXhosa kufanele ukuba bafundiswa ngolwimi lwabo abazikhethele lona ukutsho oko isiXhosa kwaye bavavanywe kwangalo. Oku akunjalo njengoko amaphepha abo ovavanyo engolwimi lwesiNgesi, lwimi olo olufika lubabeke phantsi konxinzelelo olukhulu olubenza bangabinakho ukuzithemba nokuziva bekhululekile xa bephendula imibuzo emagumbini okufundela. Umphandi olu luvo uluseka ngengxelo ayifumene kumaxwebhu eSebe lezeMfundo (2018 NSC Chief Markers Report) yesifundo seJiyografi iphepha lokuqala. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Language, Media and Communication, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
Effect of fire severity on Afrotemperate forest tree survival
- Authors: Giddey, Brandon Louis
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55385 , vital:51988
- Description: Weather patterns have changed globally with increased fire danger weather conditions, along with poor management and fire suppression, likely contributing to the increase in prevalence of large wildfires. Ecosystems such as temperate broadleaved forests, where fire is limited by climatic conditions, are particularly at risk of altered fire regimes related to climate change. It is thus important to monitor the effects of fire in these ecosystems. Satellite remote sensing is a cost-effective way to assess spatial variability of fire effects on a landscape scale and has become an increasingly used tool for studying fire severity. In the southern Cape of South Africa during October-November 2018, a large wildfire burnt patches of Southern Cape Afrotemperate Forest (hereafter ‘Afrotemperate forest’). This provided an opportunity to investigate the accuracy of a satellite index for fire severity and the effect of fire on Afrotemperate forest survival. The first objective was to verify through field observations the accuracy of the differenced Normalised Burn Ratio (dNBR) as an index of fire severity derived from Sentinel 2 images in Afrotemperate forest. The second objective was to investigate the effect of fire severity and tree size on the post-fire survival of Afrotemperate forest tree species. For the first objective, stem fire severity, estimated from observed damage to the main stem, was recorded for 1 648 trees in 87 plots and linear regression used to test whether the observed measure of fire severity was related to dNBR. For the second objective, stem fire severity and tree survival 19-24 months post-fire were recorded for 40 species and 1 378 trees in 88 plots. Trees were considered to have survived if they resprouted from the main stem or had green foliage in the canopy. The survival response was assessed in relation to stem fire severity and tree size for all trees collectively and for 10 species (with sample size > 40) individually, using logistic regression. A strong linear relationship between dNBR and stem fire severity (r2 = 0.69, p < 0.001) confirmed the accuracy of dNBR as a measure of fire severity in Afrotemperate forest. In the fire investigated, 4 628 ha of Afrotemperate forest burnt of which 67% burnt at low severity, 21% at medium severity and 12% at high severity. The dNBR values associated with fire severity categories were comparable between Afrotemperate and North American forests, suggesting that dNBR values are relatively standard across forest types. Information on the distribution of fire severity facilitates investigation of further questions regarding past and future fire regimes and the fire ecology of Afrotemperate forest. The post-fire survival rate of Afrotemperate forest trees was 45% which is comparable to that in coniferous forests of North America but lower than that in temperate forests of Australia and Portugal and the neighbouring dune thicket which shares several species with Afrotemperate forest. Fire severity had a significant negative effect on survival and tree size a significant positive effect. Total variance explained by the model (for species collectively) was 40.8%, of which fire severity and tree size combined explained 13.2%, and species as random factor, 27.6%. Respective tree species showed differential survival responses – four species showed high survival (> 60% of individuals), while five species showed low survival (< 40%). This study was the first post-fire assessment of the resprouting ability of Afrotemperate forest trees and a third of the trees surveyed (for species collectively) resprouted from the stem. This suggested that resprouting from the stem is a primary means of post-fire recovery in Afrotemperate forest trees, in contrast with previous assertions that several common canopy species, including Podocarpus latifolius, Afrocarpus falcatus, Scutia myrtina, Scolopia mundii and Rapanea melanophloeos, are unable to resprout. Varying resilience to fire among species supports previous suggestions that fire affects species’ composition and diversity in these forests and calls for careful management of fire regimes in the face of global change. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2022
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Giddey, Brandon Louis
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55385 , vital:51988
- Description: Weather patterns have changed globally with increased fire danger weather conditions, along with poor management and fire suppression, likely contributing to the increase in prevalence of large wildfires. Ecosystems such as temperate broadleaved forests, where fire is limited by climatic conditions, are particularly at risk of altered fire regimes related to climate change. It is thus important to monitor the effects of fire in these ecosystems. Satellite remote sensing is a cost-effective way to assess spatial variability of fire effects on a landscape scale and has become an increasingly used tool for studying fire severity. In the southern Cape of South Africa during October-November 2018, a large wildfire burnt patches of Southern Cape Afrotemperate Forest (hereafter ‘Afrotemperate forest’). This provided an opportunity to investigate the accuracy of a satellite index for fire severity and the effect of fire on Afrotemperate forest survival. The first objective was to verify through field observations the accuracy of the differenced Normalised Burn Ratio (dNBR) as an index of fire severity derived from Sentinel 2 images in Afrotemperate forest. The second objective was to investigate the effect of fire severity and tree size on the post-fire survival of Afrotemperate forest tree species. For the first objective, stem fire severity, estimated from observed damage to the main stem, was recorded for 1 648 trees in 87 plots and linear regression used to test whether the observed measure of fire severity was related to dNBR. For the second objective, stem fire severity and tree survival 19-24 months post-fire were recorded for 40 species and 1 378 trees in 88 plots. Trees were considered to have survived if they resprouted from the main stem or had green foliage in the canopy. The survival response was assessed in relation to stem fire severity and tree size for all trees collectively and for 10 species (with sample size > 40) individually, using logistic regression. A strong linear relationship between dNBR and stem fire severity (r2 = 0.69, p < 0.001) confirmed the accuracy of dNBR as a measure of fire severity in Afrotemperate forest. In the fire investigated, 4 628 ha of Afrotemperate forest burnt of which 67% burnt at low severity, 21% at medium severity and 12% at high severity. The dNBR values associated with fire severity categories were comparable between Afrotemperate and North American forests, suggesting that dNBR values are relatively standard across forest types. Information on the distribution of fire severity facilitates investigation of further questions regarding past and future fire regimes and the fire ecology of Afrotemperate forest. The post-fire survival rate of Afrotemperate forest trees was 45% which is comparable to that in coniferous forests of North America but lower than that in temperate forests of Australia and Portugal and the neighbouring dune thicket which shares several species with Afrotemperate forest. Fire severity had a significant negative effect on survival and tree size a significant positive effect. Total variance explained by the model (for species collectively) was 40.8%, of which fire severity and tree size combined explained 13.2%, and species as random factor, 27.6%. Respective tree species showed differential survival responses – four species showed high survival (> 60% of individuals), while five species showed low survival (< 40%). This study was the first post-fire assessment of the resprouting ability of Afrotemperate forest trees and a third of the trees surveyed (for species collectively) resprouted from the stem. This suggested that resprouting from the stem is a primary means of post-fire recovery in Afrotemperate forest trees, in contrast with previous assertions that several common canopy species, including Podocarpus latifolius, Afrocarpus falcatus, Scutia myrtina, Scolopia mundii and Rapanea melanophloeos, are unable to resprout. Varying resilience to fire among species supports previous suggestions that fire affects species’ composition and diversity in these forests and calls for careful management of fire regimes in the face of global change. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2022
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2022-04
Youth development: a case study of vision4 mentorship programme for teenage girls in Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Gqabe, Ongeziwe Sharon
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54343 , vital:46477
- Description: Investment in youth development for a country like South Africa, where social issues such as unemployment, lack of quality education, high levels of school dropouts, difficulty in accessing post-secondary education and training are of high prevalence is crucial. There are different strategies that key players in youth development such as the government, private sector and NGOs can implement in advancing the youth. This study sought to examine one of these strategies which is mentorship. Consequently, the purpose of this study was to scrutinize the essential role that a mentorship program can play in progressing youth development. The objectives of this study are as follows: to investigate the key challenges facing the teenage girls that participated on the Vision4 Mentorship Program; to investigate the effectiveness of the strategy of using mentorship programs as a tool in achieving youth development in Motherwell, Port Elizabeth and to come up with the recommendations with the view of addressing some of the problems faced by the youth in Motherwell, Port Elizabeth. The research methodology used in this study include among others, individual interviews of participants that has been previously gone through the Vision4 Mentorship Program. Furthermore, relevant scholarly published work has been consulted to supplement the interviews. Mentorship has been used as a conceptual framework to understand the impact of mentoring to the young girls at Vision4 Mentorship Program. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Gqabe, Ongeziwe Sharon
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54343 , vital:46477
- Description: Investment in youth development for a country like South Africa, where social issues such as unemployment, lack of quality education, high levels of school dropouts, difficulty in accessing post-secondary education and training are of high prevalence is crucial. There are different strategies that key players in youth development such as the government, private sector and NGOs can implement in advancing the youth. This study sought to examine one of these strategies which is mentorship. Consequently, the purpose of this study was to scrutinize the essential role that a mentorship program can play in progressing youth development. The objectives of this study are as follows: to investigate the key challenges facing the teenage girls that participated on the Vision4 Mentorship Program; to investigate the effectiveness of the strategy of using mentorship programs as a tool in achieving youth development in Motherwell, Port Elizabeth and to come up with the recommendations with the view of addressing some of the problems faced by the youth in Motherwell, Port Elizabeth. The research methodology used in this study include among others, individual interviews of participants that has been previously gone through the Vision4 Mentorship Program. Furthermore, relevant scholarly published work has been consulted to supplement the interviews. Mentorship has been used as a conceptual framework to understand the impact of mentoring to the young girls at Vision4 Mentorship Program. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Synthesis and characterization of iron doped sodium and potassium titanates using the pechini sol-gel method
- Authors: Guga, Aluwani
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53646 , vital:45683
- Description: Iron doped (Fe: 5Ti) sodium and potassium titanates were prepared by the Pechini sol-gel method and calcined at 800 °C. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS), FTIR and Raman spectroscopy were used to characterize the structure and morphology of the titanate nanomaterials. A quantitative XRD analysis using Rietveld refinement of the titanates confirmed the powders to consist of crystalline phases with the Na2Ti7O15 and K2Ti8O17 phases predominant for the sodium and potassium titanate, respectively. This was further confirmed using selected area electron diffraction (SAED) in the TEM. SEM and TEM analyses indicated that the titanates are consistent with a nanostructured material exhibiting rod-like morphology. The elemental compositions of the titanites were examined by SEM-EDS and TEM-EDS and found to agree well with the targeted Fe to Ti ratio from synthesis. Limited evidence for the segregation of iron in the titanate regions were found indicating the iron to be incorporated within the titanate lattice. Electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) fine-structure analysis of the Fe L2,3 core-loss edge was successfully used to match the Fe to a 2+ or 3+ valence state, consistent with its occupation at Ti lattice sites. Finally, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy were used to study the vibrational modes of the functional group of the sodium and potassium titanates. Vibrational modes consistent with previously reported findings for the titanate phases identified were found with no evidence of isolated Fe related modes. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Guga, Aluwani
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53646 , vital:45683
- Description: Iron doped (Fe: 5Ti) sodium and potassium titanates were prepared by the Pechini sol-gel method and calcined at 800 °C. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS), FTIR and Raman spectroscopy were used to characterize the structure and morphology of the titanate nanomaterials. A quantitative XRD analysis using Rietveld refinement of the titanates confirmed the powders to consist of crystalline phases with the Na2Ti7O15 and K2Ti8O17 phases predominant for the sodium and potassium titanate, respectively. This was further confirmed using selected area electron diffraction (SAED) in the TEM. SEM and TEM analyses indicated that the titanates are consistent with a nanostructured material exhibiting rod-like morphology. The elemental compositions of the titanites were examined by SEM-EDS and TEM-EDS and found to agree well with the targeted Fe to Ti ratio from synthesis. Limited evidence for the segregation of iron in the titanate regions were found indicating the iron to be incorporated within the titanate lattice. Electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) fine-structure analysis of the Fe L2,3 core-loss edge was successfully used to match the Fe to a 2+ or 3+ valence state, consistent with its occupation at Ti lattice sites. Finally, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy were used to study the vibrational modes of the functional group of the sodium and potassium titanates. Vibrational modes consistent with previously reported findings for the titanate phases identified were found with no evidence of isolated Fe related modes. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-12
An existential-phenomenological explication of being-a-black student at a predominantly white university, with special reference to Rhodes University
- Authors: Harilall, Rehena Ranir
- Date: 1989
- Subjects: Racism , South Africa , Black university students , College , Racism -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects , College students, Black , College students, Black -- South Africa -- Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2903 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002067
- Description: This study attempts to explore, theoretically and empirically, the experience of being black in a predominantly white university. It is more specifically concerned with perceived interaction between members of different cultural and ethnic groups, namely, between black and white. Using the existential-phenomenological method the experience of seven subjects, both male and female, were explicated. This explication revealed that black students become aware of their "difference" during interaction with members of the dominant white group. The black students perceive the behaviour of the white-dominant group to be racist and this creates a great deal of latent hostility, anger, and resentment. It is suggested that a programme be developed to diffuse the conflict situation during intergroup interaction at university.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1989
- Authors: Harilall, Rehena Ranir
- Date: 1989
- Subjects: Racism , South Africa , Black university students , College , Racism -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects , College students, Black , College students, Black -- South Africa -- Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2903 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002067
- Description: This study attempts to explore, theoretically and empirically, the experience of being black in a predominantly white university. It is more specifically concerned with perceived interaction between members of different cultural and ethnic groups, namely, between black and white. Using the existential-phenomenological method the experience of seven subjects, both male and female, were explicated. This explication revealed that black students become aware of their "difference" during interaction with members of the dominant white group. The black students perceive the behaviour of the white-dominant group to be racist and this creates a great deal of latent hostility, anger, and resentment. It is suggested that a programme be developed to diffuse the conflict situation during intergroup interaction at university.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1989
Protean career management of independent music creatives in Gqeberha : narratives of practice
- Authors: Henneberry, Robyn
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54439 , vital:46541
- Description: This study is concerned with the promotion of local music creatives. The literature explores ways to help the independent music creatives successfully navigate in the music industry by adopting a protean career profile. The research question that was explored in the study was whether or not the independent popular female creatives in the city of Gqeberha’s music industry adopted protean career profiles for successful career navigation. These pop music creatives’ profiles were compared to those of classical creatives for further insight. Relevant literature was analysed to collect data about what international authors have discovered about creatives’ successful navigation of their careers. The information that was gleaned from the analysis indicated that numerous individuals have adopted the profile of the protean career to successfully navigate their environment. The rationale for adopting the protean career profile was that it is directly related to one’s employability. Although the working world (including the music industry) is rapidly changing, this notion of employability will enable an individual to remain updated about the latest trends in their work environment and thus successfully navigate that environment. This concept was applied to research among music creatives in the South African (SA) context. Although there was limited research on the protean career profile, the published research findings that were available indicated that employability and information were in alliance with the international research on the protean career (which constitutes one’s employability). Employing qualitative data collection procedures, the researcher interviewed 14 independent female music creatives with different backgrounds, roles and experiences. Interviews were semi-structured one-on-one as well as focus groups. This narrative strategy of inquiry helped determine whether or not these individuals had adopted the protean career for successful navigation of their working environment. After data collection the researcher engaged in a cyclical coding process for deep analysation of the data utilising atlas.ti. The data was reduced from codes to categories, and eventually towards linking categories. The findings from the study revealed that the participants’ environment (surroundings) did not sufficiently support them, the creatives do not have sufficient guidance in their music paths and not all of them had adopted the protean profile. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Visual and Performing Arts, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Henneberry, Robyn
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54439 , vital:46541
- Description: This study is concerned with the promotion of local music creatives. The literature explores ways to help the independent music creatives successfully navigate in the music industry by adopting a protean career profile. The research question that was explored in the study was whether or not the independent popular female creatives in the city of Gqeberha’s music industry adopted protean career profiles for successful career navigation. These pop music creatives’ profiles were compared to those of classical creatives for further insight. Relevant literature was analysed to collect data about what international authors have discovered about creatives’ successful navigation of their careers. The information that was gleaned from the analysis indicated that numerous individuals have adopted the profile of the protean career to successfully navigate their environment. The rationale for adopting the protean career profile was that it is directly related to one’s employability. Although the working world (including the music industry) is rapidly changing, this notion of employability will enable an individual to remain updated about the latest trends in their work environment and thus successfully navigate that environment. This concept was applied to research among music creatives in the South African (SA) context. Although there was limited research on the protean career profile, the published research findings that were available indicated that employability and information were in alliance with the international research on the protean career (which constitutes one’s employability). Employing qualitative data collection procedures, the researcher interviewed 14 independent female music creatives with different backgrounds, roles and experiences. Interviews were semi-structured one-on-one as well as focus groups. This narrative strategy of inquiry helped determine whether or not these individuals had adopted the protean career for successful navigation of their working environment. After data collection the researcher engaged in a cyclical coding process for deep analysation of the data utilising atlas.ti. The data was reduced from codes to categories, and eventually towards linking categories. The findings from the study revealed that the participants’ environment (surroundings) did not sufficiently support them, the creatives do not have sufficient guidance in their music paths and not all of them had adopted the protean profile. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Visual and Performing Arts, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Development of a crumb rubber adsorbent for the sorption of lead and copper from waste water: Optimization of sorption in a binary component system
- Authors: Hlabana,Relebohile Gladys
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59688 , vital:62356
- Description: Waste tyre is becoming a global environmental problem due to challenges in its disposal management and the fact that it poses fire hazards and metal leaching risk. Waste tyre can also breed mosquitos if it traps water thereby becoming an environmental health problem. There is also a portion of unused tyre in a waste tyre that is valuable and should be recycled. In South Africa waste tyre recycling is in three industries, one of which is crumb rubber where waste tyre is applied into various sized particles called crumb rubber. Crumb rubber can be applied in environmental remediation as an organic and inorganic pollutants’ adsorbent. Considering the fact that South Africa’s environment is loaded with heavy metal pollutants due to contributions by mining and agriculture as examples, it is postulated that crumb rubber produced in South Africa could be used to remediate the environment of these toxic metals. In this study adsorption of Pb (II) and Cu (II) from the synthetic waste water using waste tyre crumb rubber produced in South Africa was studied. Crumb rubber was activated using aqueous NaOH (0.02%) to make crumb rubber wettable followed by it being treated with 0.02 % acidified KMnO4 for modification of its ability to sorp positively charged metal species. Trial sorption experiments on 50 mg / L Cu (II) were successful with sorption of over 70% in 250 minutes. Final optimization of the sorption of combined Pb (II) and Cu (II) was studied using a full factorial design and optimum conditions of sorption were found to be pH 5.4; [metal] 0.617 mmol / L for Pb (II); and pH 5.4; the optimization of Cu (II) was found to be pH 5.4; [metal] 0.777 mmol / L. In Pb (II) sorptions the mechanism of adsorption on the activated crumb rubber was found to be following the Freundlich model indicating that the adsorption seemed to occur on a multilayer adsorbent, while the mechanism of copper(II) adsorption on to the activated crumb rubber was found to be following Langmuir model, indicating that the adsorption seemed to occur on a monolayer. With adsorption percentages ranging from 98.2 % to 100.0 %, for Pb (II), the crumb rubber produced under the conditions of this study, can be used in South Africa for selective removal of Pb (II). , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
- Authors: Hlabana,Relebohile Gladys
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59688 , vital:62356
- Description: Waste tyre is becoming a global environmental problem due to challenges in its disposal management and the fact that it poses fire hazards and metal leaching risk. Waste tyre can also breed mosquitos if it traps water thereby becoming an environmental health problem. There is also a portion of unused tyre in a waste tyre that is valuable and should be recycled. In South Africa waste tyre recycling is in three industries, one of which is crumb rubber where waste tyre is applied into various sized particles called crumb rubber. Crumb rubber can be applied in environmental remediation as an organic and inorganic pollutants’ adsorbent. Considering the fact that South Africa’s environment is loaded with heavy metal pollutants due to contributions by mining and agriculture as examples, it is postulated that crumb rubber produced in South Africa could be used to remediate the environment of these toxic metals. In this study adsorption of Pb (II) and Cu (II) from the synthetic waste water using waste tyre crumb rubber produced in South Africa was studied. Crumb rubber was activated using aqueous NaOH (0.02%) to make crumb rubber wettable followed by it being treated with 0.02 % acidified KMnO4 for modification of its ability to sorp positively charged metal species. Trial sorption experiments on 50 mg / L Cu (II) were successful with sorption of over 70% in 250 minutes. Final optimization of the sorption of combined Pb (II) and Cu (II) was studied using a full factorial design and optimum conditions of sorption were found to be pH 5.4; [metal] 0.617 mmol / L for Pb (II); and pH 5.4; the optimization of Cu (II) was found to be pH 5.4; [metal] 0.777 mmol / L. In Pb (II) sorptions the mechanism of adsorption on the activated crumb rubber was found to be following the Freundlich model indicating that the adsorption seemed to occur on a multilayer adsorbent, while the mechanism of copper(II) adsorption on to the activated crumb rubber was found to be following Langmuir model, indicating that the adsorption seemed to occur on a monolayer. With adsorption percentages ranging from 98.2 % to 100.0 %, for Pb (II), the crumb rubber produced under the conditions of this study, can be used in South Africa for selective removal of Pb (II). , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
The decision to stay or go: study of generation y chartered accountants in South Africa
- Authors: Hluyo, Fungai
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53031 , vital:44878
- Description: Having deduced from literature that millennials have a very high employee turnover, the purpose of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of what factors would make millennial Chartered Accountants in South Africa, or (CA)s, stay with or leave organisations. This is a case study within a qualitative research paradigm and followed an interpretivistic approach. A purposeful sampling technique was used in selecting a sample of seven millennial CAs for data collection. The sample constituted millennials who had changed jobs at least once in the past five years as these fell within the scope of this study. Semistructured interviews were conducted virtually using an interview guide as a data collecting instrument. Data saturation was reached after the interview of the sixth participant. The interview process provided a good blance of subjective views, opinions, emotions, and values of all participants. Having transcribed the interview transcripts, a manually detailed coding process was completed. Eight main emerging themes were identified which ultimately provided responses to the research questions. The data analysis revealed that millennial CA(SA)s prioritise, and in fact, demand flexibility coupled with a work-life balance. They expect their employers to understand and be supportive of these expectations. Other important retaining factors for this cohort of employees include, amongst others; training and development opportunities, growth, diversity, obtaining performance feedback, and coaching. An important issue that participants highlighted is the importance of ethics at work and or ethical leadership. The researcher could not probe more into this due to time constraints. This is recommended for further research. Having interviewed only six participants, this relatively small number poses a limitation to this study as these findings cannot be generalised to apply to all millennial CAs in South Africa. The data collected however, provided useful recommendations to employers looking for ways to retain millennial Chartered Accountants. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Hluyo, Fungai
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53031 , vital:44878
- Description: Having deduced from literature that millennials have a very high employee turnover, the purpose of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of what factors would make millennial Chartered Accountants in South Africa, or (CA)s, stay with or leave organisations. This is a case study within a qualitative research paradigm and followed an interpretivistic approach. A purposeful sampling technique was used in selecting a sample of seven millennial CAs for data collection. The sample constituted millennials who had changed jobs at least once in the past five years as these fell within the scope of this study. Semistructured interviews were conducted virtually using an interview guide as a data collecting instrument. Data saturation was reached after the interview of the sixth participant. The interview process provided a good blance of subjective views, opinions, emotions, and values of all participants. Having transcribed the interview transcripts, a manually detailed coding process was completed. Eight main emerging themes were identified which ultimately provided responses to the research questions. The data analysis revealed that millennial CA(SA)s prioritise, and in fact, demand flexibility coupled with a work-life balance. They expect their employers to understand and be supportive of these expectations. Other important retaining factors for this cohort of employees include, amongst others; training and development opportunities, growth, diversity, obtaining performance feedback, and coaching. An important issue that participants highlighted is the importance of ethics at work and or ethical leadership. The researcher could not probe more into this due to time constraints. This is recommended for further research. Having interviewed only six participants, this relatively small number poses a limitation to this study as these findings cannot be generalised to apply to all millennial CAs in South Africa. The data collected however, provided useful recommendations to employers looking for ways to retain millennial Chartered Accountants. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
A critical exploration of the attitudes towards and knowledge of natural resource management amongst first-year Natural Resource Management students
- Authors: Jooste, Eileen
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53666 , vital:45688
- Description: Available literature suggests that there is a need to gain more understanding of what students’ environmental attitudes and knowledge are and how they are developed by education systems. Education, in general, plays an important role in students’ attitudes and their knowledge of the world around them. It can shape students’ awareness of their natural environment and contribute to their understanding of environmental issues. Education can also strengthen students’ critical thinking, build awareness, stimulate problem solving, and promote sustainable practices. It has the potential to empower students to address global challenges from their own diverse perspectives and prepare them to uphold the economy. Education can improve and maintain societal wellbeing and can help students to maintain the natural environment, along with achieving sustainable development. Environmental education, specifically, can play a big role in how students deal with the natural environment. The primary aim of this qualitative research study was to examine first-year students’ environmental attitudes and knowledge in the School of Natural Resource Management at the Nelson Mandela University George Campus, South Africa. First-year students’ environmental attitudes and knowledge were examined as they entered the university, and then again at the end of the first semester once they had completed a module in ecology. More specifically, at the outset of the research the objectives were (1) to establish an understanding of the baseline environmental attitudes and knowledge of first-year students who were undertaking three ecological modules being offered by the School of Natural Resource Management; (2) to assess the changes in the first-year students’ environmental attitudes and knowledge, using a post-intervention strategy; (3) to understand what type of teaching approaches were used by the lecturers teaching the ecological modules; and (4) to evaluate how the teaching approaches of the lecturers influenced the baseline environmental attitudes and knowledge of the student group. This research took place in the midst of the Corona Virus pandemic, which had significantly influenced the teaching and learning environment. Multiple education systems, including those of the Nelson Mandela University George Campus, had to rapidly transition to online teaching and learning. So, although unplanned for, this research could not ignore the rapid transition to online teaching and learning and the role it played in shaping the first-year School of Natural Resource Management students’ environmental attitudes and knowledge. It also impacted the teaching approaches of the environmental lecturers. An additional objective in response to the rapid transition to online teaching and learning was, therefore, added: (5) to understand the experiences of the first-year School of Natural Resource Management students and the three environmental lecturers who had to rapidly transition to online teaching and learning. Data was collected via questionnaires and semi-structured interviews with students and staff in the School of Natural Resource Management at Nelson Mandela University George Campus within three different natural resource management programs, namely Agriculture, Nature Conservation, and Forestry. Baseline questionnaires were conducted with 107 students for a baseline assessment as the students entered the university. An online post-intervention questionnaire was conducted with 33 of the initial group of students at the end of the semester for a post-intervention assessment. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with three environmental lectures before they taught their three ecology modules in each of the programs. Additional online semi-structured interviews were also done with the same three environmental lectures after the rapid transition to online teaching and learning took place. The significant findings from this research were analyzed and discussed. This included the baseline environmental attitudes and knowledge of the student body upon arrival at the university and the changes in their environmental attitudes and knowledge after they were exposed to the ecology modules taught in each of the programs. The discussion also included the teaching approaches adopted by the environmental lecturers and the influence their teaching approaches had on the students’ environmental attitudes and knowledge. In addition, the results shed light on the experiences of students and lecturers during the rapid transition to online teaching and learning. The main conclusions reached were that the first-year School of Natural Resource Management students did not have a deep understanding of ecological concepts prior to arriving at university, but they did show a concern for the natural environment. Their lack of understanding was reduced as the students progressed with the ecology module. A greater understanding resulted in a change in students’ perspectives on the ecological module, their program, and the industry they were preparing to enter after being exposed to the ecology module. The environmental lecturers’ teaching approaches contributed to improving the students’ environmental attitudes and knowledge. When it came to the rapid transition to online teaching and learning, both the first-year School of Natural Resource Management students and environmental lecturers experienced benefits and challenges. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Jooste, Eileen
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53666 , vital:45688
- Description: Available literature suggests that there is a need to gain more understanding of what students’ environmental attitudes and knowledge are and how they are developed by education systems. Education, in general, plays an important role in students’ attitudes and their knowledge of the world around them. It can shape students’ awareness of their natural environment and contribute to their understanding of environmental issues. Education can also strengthen students’ critical thinking, build awareness, stimulate problem solving, and promote sustainable practices. It has the potential to empower students to address global challenges from their own diverse perspectives and prepare them to uphold the economy. Education can improve and maintain societal wellbeing and can help students to maintain the natural environment, along with achieving sustainable development. Environmental education, specifically, can play a big role in how students deal with the natural environment. The primary aim of this qualitative research study was to examine first-year students’ environmental attitudes and knowledge in the School of Natural Resource Management at the Nelson Mandela University George Campus, South Africa. First-year students’ environmental attitudes and knowledge were examined as they entered the university, and then again at the end of the first semester once they had completed a module in ecology. More specifically, at the outset of the research the objectives were (1) to establish an understanding of the baseline environmental attitudes and knowledge of first-year students who were undertaking three ecological modules being offered by the School of Natural Resource Management; (2) to assess the changes in the first-year students’ environmental attitudes and knowledge, using a post-intervention strategy; (3) to understand what type of teaching approaches were used by the lecturers teaching the ecological modules; and (4) to evaluate how the teaching approaches of the lecturers influenced the baseline environmental attitudes and knowledge of the student group. This research took place in the midst of the Corona Virus pandemic, which had significantly influenced the teaching and learning environment. Multiple education systems, including those of the Nelson Mandela University George Campus, had to rapidly transition to online teaching and learning. So, although unplanned for, this research could not ignore the rapid transition to online teaching and learning and the role it played in shaping the first-year School of Natural Resource Management students’ environmental attitudes and knowledge. It also impacted the teaching approaches of the environmental lecturers. An additional objective in response to the rapid transition to online teaching and learning was, therefore, added: (5) to understand the experiences of the first-year School of Natural Resource Management students and the three environmental lecturers who had to rapidly transition to online teaching and learning. Data was collected via questionnaires and semi-structured interviews with students and staff in the School of Natural Resource Management at Nelson Mandela University George Campus within three different natural resource management programs, namely Agriculture, Nature Conservation, and Forestry. Baseline questionnaires were conducted with 107 students for a baseline assessment as the students entered the university. An online post-intervention questionnaire was conducted with 33 of the initial group of students at the end of the semester for a post-intervention assessment. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with three environmental lectures before they taught their three ecology modules in each of the programs. Additional online semi-structured interviews were also done with the same three environmental lectures after the rapid transition to online teaching and learning took place. The significant findings from this research were analyzed and discussed. This included the baseline environmental attitudes and knowledge of the student body upon arrival at the university and the changes in their environmental attitudes and knowledge after they were exposed to the ecology modules taught in each of the programs. The discussion also included the teaching approaches adopted by the environmental lecturers and the influence their teaching approaches had on the students’ environmental attitudes and knowledge. In addition, the results shed light on the experiences of students and lecturers during the rapid transition to online teaching and learning. The main conclusions reached were that the first-year School of Natural Resource Management students did not have a deep understanding of ecological concepts prior to arriving at university, but they did show a concern for the natural environment. Their lack of understanding was reduced as the students progressed with the ecology module. A greater understanding resulted in a change in students’ perspectives on the ecological module, their program, and the industry they were preparing to enter after being exposed to the ecology module. The environmental lecturers’ teaching approaches contributed to improving the students’ environmental attitudes and knowledge. When it came to the rapid transition to online teaching and learning, both the first-year School of Natural Resource Management students and environmental lecturers experienced benefits and challenges. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Mangrove response to water level changes at the Nxaxo-Ngqusi and St Lucia Estuaries
- Authors: Julie, Corianna Lauren
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53644 , vital:45689
- Description: Water level variability within an estuary can vary as a function of tides (inundation frequency and duration) and rainfall, acting as one of the main determinants of mangrove growth, diversity, productivity, and distribution. Understanding how mangroves respond in estuaries to water level variability provides baseline information which can be used to predict future changes in mangrove growth and distribution in response to this driver This study measured mangrove characteristics (growth, structure, and areal extent) in two estuaries that differed in tidal setting, and thus water variability; the Nxaxo-Ngqusi and St Lucia estuaries, South Africa. These estuaries are part of a long-term monitoring programme (2010 - 2020) that has recorded mangrove responses to environmental changes. At the Nxaxo-Ngqusi Estuary, long-tem sea-level data (2003 – 2018) collected from the nearest tide gauge, and mangrove growth and areal extent were used to assess mangrove characteristics in a permanently open, micro tidal setting.Additionally, short-term water level data (August 2019 – September 2020), measured with in situ loggers, and sediment input at different sites within the mangrove forest, were also measured. Data was collected along the main channel sites, and at previously set up cattle exclusion plots ( browsed and non-browsed sites set to establish the effect of cattle browsing on mangroves). Similarly, at the St Lucia Estuary, long term water level data (2004 – 2020) collected at the bridge in the lower reaches of the estuary by Ezemvelo KZN-Wildlife, and annual mangrove growth, structure and areal extent data were used to assess mangrove characteristics in an estuarine lake that undergoes cycles between hypersaline and freshwater-dominated states. The results showed that mangrove responses to water level changes are complex and depend on several factors such as estuary mouth dynamics, anthropogenic activities, and site-level environmental conditions. The first objective was to compare water level changes and mangrove structure (mangrove height, and pneumatophore characteristics such as height, density and % aerenchyma) and sediment input between different sites at each estuary. Mangrove growth was higher at sites where longer inundation and higher inundation frequency were recorded at the Nxaxo-Ngqusi Estuary. However,longer inundation periods under closed mouth conditions resulted in stunted growth and mangrove dieback at St Lucia Estuary. At the Nxaxo-Ngqusi Estuary, mangroves at the main channel sites, closer to the water’s edge, had an overall higher growth rate (2.8 – 45.9 cm yr-1) than the mangroves found at the browsed (0 – 25 cm yr-1) and non-browsed sites (0 – 25.3 cm yr-1) on the landward edge of the forest. The effect of cattle browsing at these sites forms part of a long-term monitoring programme and this disturbance could have also influenced the results. Mangrove growth rate was higher in years with more rainfall at all sites within the estuary. At the St Lucia Estuary, mangrove growth rate was highest (0.81 cm yr-1) at a lower mean water level range (0.13 – 1.72 m) between 2010 - 2015, and growth rate was lowest (1.3 cm yr-1) in higher mean water level range conditions (0.34 m – 2.18 m) between 2015 – 2020. When water levels increased by up to 1.1 m due to closed mouth conditions, this led to extensive mangrove dieback further upstream by 2015. The maximum tidal flooding depth and inundation period influenced pneumatophore structure (height, density, and % aerenchyma) at the Nxaxo-Ngqusi Estuary. Sediment accumulation was highest at sites with increased pneumatophore density, but accumulation rates at the Nxaxo-Ngqusi Estuary (0.4 – 0.7 g over a high tide lasting 4-5 hours) were low and did not lead to smothering of the pneumatophores. Total sediment accumulation was highest at sites that experienced greater flooding depths. Increased inundation at the St Lucia Estuary caused inundation stress which led to mangrove mortality. This is because these mangroves are found in a closed estuary where increased water levels lead to prolonged submergence of the pneumatophores. A decrease in mangrove area was recorded at both sites. Low rainfall coupled with cattle browsing caused a decrease in mangrove area of 22% between 2009 and 2019, particularly along the mangrove fringe area at the Nxaxo-Ngqusi Estuary. The mangroves at the St Lucia Estuary, however, experienced mangrove dieback at all sites, with Site 1 recording the greatest percentage decrease in area of 71.7 % (loss of 44.76 ha) between 2010 and 2020. This was related to the progressive increase of freshwater input and water level at St Lucia Estuary under closed mouth conditions. The years leading up to 2019 had peaks in water levels at the St Lucia Estuary, with the highest water level of 2.12 m in 2019 since 2002. As a consequence, there was increased reed growth, where reeds expanded by 58% (177 ha) due to the high influx of freshwater, and no tidal exchange, which occurred in conjunction with a loss of 60.% (42 ha) of the original mangrove extent at the St Lucia Estuary. This study shows that increased water level changes (inundation frequency and duration) at the Nxaxo-Ngqusi Estuary maintain healthy mangrove stands. This is in contrast to the St Lucia Estuary, where there was a loss of mangroves as a result of high water levels under closed mouth conditions. Mangrove growth and extent at the Nxaxo-Ngqusi Estuary fluctuated in response to drought, and trampling and browsing by livestock. Extensive inundation and lack of tidal exchange reduced mangrove growth and extent at the St Lucia Estuary, with mangrove dieback occurring at all sites. These two systems are representative of the dynamic conditions found in South African estuaries. These research findings suggest that the continuous effects of climate change on estuarine habitats could result in changes in estuary mouth dynamics, which could impact mangrove growth, structure, and extent. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Julie, Corianna Lauren
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53644 , vital:45689
- Description: Water level variability within an estuary can vary as a function of tides (inundation frequency and duration) and rainfall, acting as one of the main determinants of mangrove growth, diversity, productivity, and distribution. Understanding how mangroves respond in estuaries to water level variability provides baseline information which can be used to predict future changes in mangrove growth and distribution in response to this driver This study measured mangrove characteristics (growth, structure, and areal extent) in two estuaries that differed in tidal setting, and thus water variability; the Nxaxo-Ngqusi and St Lucia estuaries, South Africa. These estuaries are part of a long-term monitoring programme (2010 - 2020) that has recorded mangrove responses to environmental changes. At the Nxaxo-Ngqusi Estuary, long-tem sea-level data (2003 – 2018) collected from the nearest tide gauge, and mangrove growth and areal extent were used to assess mangrove characteristics in a permanently open, micro tidal setting.Additionally, short-term water level data (August 2019 – September 2020), measured with in situ loggers, and sediment input at different sites within the mangrove forest, were also measured. Data was collected along the main channel sites, and at previously set up cattle exclusion plots ( browsed and non-browsed sites set to establish the effect of cattle browsing on mangroves). Similarly, at the St Lucia Estuary, long term water level data (2004 – 2020) collected at the bridge in the lower reaches of the estuary by Ezemvelo KZN-Wildlife, and annual mangrove growth, structure and areal extent data were used to assess mangrove characteristics in an estuarine lake that undergoes cycles between hypersaline and freshwater-dominated states. The results showed that mangrove responses to water level changes are complex and depend on several factors such as estuary mouth dynamics, anthropogenic activities, and site-level environmental conditions. The first objective was to compare water level changes and mangrove structure (mangrove height, and pneumatophore characteristics such as height, density and % aerenchyma) and sediment input between different sites at each estuary. Mangrove growth was higher at sites where longer inundation and higher inundation frequency were recorded at the Nxaxo-Ngqusi Estuary. However,longer inundation periods under closed mouth conditions resulted in stunted growth and mangrove dieback at St Lucia Estuary. At the Nxaxo-Ngqusi Estuary, mangroves at the main channel sites, closer to the water’s edge, had an overall higher growth rate (2.8 – 45.9 cm yr-1) than the mangroves found at the browsed (0 – 25 cm yr-1) and non-browsed sites (0 – 25.3 cm yr-1) on the landward edge of the forest. The effect of cattle browsing at these sites forms part of a long-term monitoring programme and this disturbance could have also influenced the results. Mangrove growth rate was higher in years with more rainfall at all sites within the estuary. At the St Lucia Estuary, mangrove growth rate was highest (0.81 cm yr-1) at a lower mean water level range (0.13 – 1.72 m) between 2010 - 2015, and growth rate was lowest (1.3 cm yr-1) in higher mean water level range conditions (0.34 m – 2.18 m) between 2015 – 2020. When water levels increased by up to 1.1 m due to closed mouth conditions, this led to extensive mangrove dieback further upstream by 2015. The maximum tidal flooding depth and inundation period influenced pneumatophore structure (height, density, and % aerenchyma) at the Nxaxo-Ngqusi Estuary. Sediment accumulation was highest at sites with increased pneumatophore density, but accumulation rates at the Nxaxo-Ngqusi Estuary (0.4 – 0.7 g over a high tide lasting 4-5 hours) were low and did not lead to smothering of the pneumatophores. Total sediment accumulation was highest at sites that experienced greater flooding depths. Increased inundation at the St Lucia Estuary caused inundation stress which led to mangrove mortality. This is because these mangroves are found in a closed estuary where increased water levels lead to prolonged submergence of the pneumatophores. A decrease in mangrove area was recorded at both sites. Low rainfall coupled with cattle browsing caused a decrease in mangrove area of 22% between 2009 and 2019, particularly along the mangrove fringe area at the Nxaxo-Ngqusi Estuary. The mangroves at the St Lucia Estuary, however, experienced mangrove dieback at all sites, with Site 1 recording the greatest percentage decrease in area of 71.7 % (loss of 44.76 ha) between 2010 and 2020. This was related to the progressive increase of freshwater input and water level at St Lucia Estuary under closed mouth conditions. The years leading up to 2019 had peaks in water levels at the St Lucia Estuary, with the highest water level of 2.12 m in 2019 since 2002. As a consequence, there was increased reed growth, where reeds expanded by 58% (177 ha) due to the high influx of freshwater, and no tidal exchange, which occurred in conjunction with a loss of 60.% (42 ha) of the original mangrove extent at the St Lucia Estuary. This study shows that increased water level changes (inundation frequency and duration) at the Nxaxo-Ngqusi Estuary maintain healthy mangrove stands. This is in contrast to the St Lucia Estuary, where there was a loss of mangroves as a result of high water levels under closed mouth conditions. Mangrove growth and extent at the Nxaxo-Ngqusi Estuary fluctuated in response to drought, and trampling and browsing by livestock. Extensive inundation and lack of tidal exchange reduced mangrove growth and extent at the St Lucia Estuary, with mangrove dieback occurring at all sites. These two systems are representative of the dynamic conditions found in South African estuaries. These research findings suggest that the continuous effects of climate change on estuarine habitats could result in changes in estuary mouth dynamics, which could impact mangrove growth, structure, and extent. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Real-time feedback model for supporting individualised learning of programming students
- Authors: Keen, Charne
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53624 , vital:45691
- Description: Feedback is crucial to the enhancement of the learning and teaching environment, especially in those environments that suffer from a number of extrinsic challenges. The growing demands for educators to provide academic interventions throughout the lecture session and the need for continuous improvement of the quality of university education make it necessary to find and apply more effective and efficient educational technologies and practices based on the correlation of teaching with a student’s conceptual understanding and individual learning preference. Following a combination of Design Science Research (DSR) and Case Study Methodology, this research addresses this problem by designing a technology based real-time feedback (TBRTF) model that can easily be implemented in a South African University. The model designed followed a layered architecture pattern. The architecture describes the data, technology and user support layers of the model. The data support layer incorporates the collection of student academic data and learning preferences. The technology incorporates a machine learning component. The machine learning component covers two technological aspects: the prediction component and the clustering component. This TBRTF model provides the guidelines needed to develop a system that supports individualised real-time feedback in the learning and teaching environment of programming students. The aim of the model is that as the students partake in learning activities where the student data is updated, the monitoring component will fire, updating the probability of failure prediction and in turn the student clusters are regenerated. This will notify the educator of a change and provide decision making support. The student will be allocated individualised feedback in the form of learning materials based on the cluster that the student is allocated to. Through a demonstration and evaluation, this study showed that by following the proposed architecture of the TBRTF model, a model that supports individualised realtime feedback in the learning and teaching environment of programming students can be developed. The validation used an artificial neural network as the prediction component and a k-means clustering algorithm as the clustering component. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Keen, Charne
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53624 , vital:45691
- Description: Feedback is crucial to the enhancement of the learning and teaching environment, especially in those environments that suffer from a number of extrinsic challenges. The growing demands for educators to provide academic interventions throughout the lecture session and the need for continuous improvement of the quality of university education make it necessary to find and apply more effective and efficient educational technologies and practices based on the correlation of teaching with a student’s conceptual understanding and individual learning preference. Following a combination of Design Science Research (DSR) and Case Study Methodology, this research addresses this problem by designing a technology based real-time feedback (TBRTF) model that can easily be implemented in a South African University. The model designed followed a layered architecture pattern. The architecture describes the data, technology and user support layers of the model. The data support layer incorporates the collection of student academic data and learning preferences. The technology incorporates a machine learning component. The machine learning component covers two technological aspects: the prediction component and the clustering component. This TBRTF model provides the guidelines needed to develop a system that supports individualised real-time feedback in the learning and teaching environment of programming students. The aim of the model is that as the students partake in learning activities where the student data is updated, the monitoring component will fire, updating the probability of failure prediction and in turn the student clusters are regenerated. This will notify the educator of a change and provide decision making support. The student will be allocated individualised feedback in the form of learning materials based on the cluster that the student is allocated to. Through a demonstration and evaluation, this study showed that by following the proposed architecture of the TBRTF model, a model that supports individualised realtime feedback in the learning and teaching environment of programming students can be developed. The validation used an artificial neural network as the prediction component and a k-means clustering algorithm as the clustering component. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Collegial leadership roles of teachers to manage curriculum reform in primary schools In Limpopo, South Africa
- Authors: Kgohlo, Piet Maphodisa
- Date: 2015-01
- Subjects: Limpompo (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53349 , vital:45143
- Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate the collegial leadership roles of teachers in managing the challenges of the implementation of the CAPS curriculum in primary schools in Limpopo. Four hundred and ninety-two teachers participated in this quantitative study. The findings of this study revealed that the majority of teachers in the intermediate phase of primary schooling in Limpopo lack competence in content subjects such as mathematics, NSTECH and English as the language of teaching and learning. The findings further revealed that the lack of facilities such as libraries, media centres and computers, teacher development and support and infrastructure such as classrooms contributed to teachers’ low competencies in the use of resources to manage the challenges of the implementation of CAPS. In addition, the findings revealed that the majority of teachers experienced high levels of tobephobia. Furthermore, the findings revealed that teachers showed symptoms of stress, anxiety, tension, unhappiness, depression, pessimism and uncertainty in managing the challenges of the implementation of CAPS. However, the findings also revealed that collegial teaming is a potent strategy that could be used to reinforce the in-service training that fails to equip teachers with the requisite knowledge and skills to face up to the challenges of managing the implementation of CAPS. This research explored a new area of managing curriculum change by making use of collegial teaming to develop teachers’ professional competencies. It makes a significant contribution to the existing body of knowledge of implementing curriculum reforms in disadvantaged schools. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Primary School Education: Intermediate Phase, 2015.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015-01
- Authors: Kgohlo, Piet Maphodisa
- Date: 2015-01
- Subjects: Limpompo (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53349 , vital:45143
- Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate the collegial leadership roles of teachers in managing the challenges of the implementation of the CAPS curriculum in primary schools in Limpopo. Four hundred and ninety-two teachers participated in this quantitative study. The findings of this study revealed that the majority of teachers in the intermediate phase of primary schooling in Limpopo lack competence in content subjects such as mathematics, NSTECH and English as the language of teaching and learning. The findings further revealed that the lack of facilities such as libraries, media centres and computers, teacher development and support and infrastructure such as classrooms contributed to teachers’ low competencies in the use of resources to manage the challenges of the implementation of CAPS. In addition, the findings revealed that the majority of teachers experienced high levels of tobephobia. Furthermore, the findings revealed that teachers showed symptoms of stress, anxiety, tension, unhappiness, depression, pessimism and uncertainty in managing the challenges of the implementation of CAPS. However, the findings also revealed that collegial teaming is a potent strategy that could be used to reinforce the in-service training that fails to equip teachers with the requisite knowledge and skills to face up to the challenges of managing the implementation of CAPS. This research explored a new area of managing curriculum change by making use of collegial teaming to develop teachers’ professional competencies. It makes a significant contribution to the existing body of knowledge of implementing curriculum reforms in disadvantaged schools. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Primary School Education: Intermediate Phase, 2015.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015-01
Normative Indicators for the Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration on clinically unimpaired isiXhosa speaking adults with disadvantaged education
- Authors: Kili, Ziphozakhe
- Date: 2022-07
- Subjects: Grahamstown (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27569 , vital:69316
- Description: This study aimed to develop normative indicators for the Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration (Beery VMI) for Xhosa speaking adults in the Eastern Cape with a grade 11 or 12 qualification from a previously disadvantaged educational background. Method: the sample size was 40 participants between the ages of 19 to 40 years old. The study used participants that had no cognitive impairments. This study used independent t-test analysis to compare test performance between the following categories: urban versus rural, males versus females, age group 19-29 versus 30-40. The Kruskall Wallis test was used to establish whether classroom size would have an impact on test performance. Results: This study revealed that there was a no statistical difference in performance between urban and rural participants, males and females, and classroom size. There was no statistical significance between the age categories 19-29 versus 30-40 on the visual perception and motor coordination supplementary tests. However, there was a statistical significance noted, between the age categories on the visual-motor integration test performance. Conclusions: it was concluded that the Beery VMI can be used with more confidence when assessing the Xhosa speaking population from disadvantaged educational backgrounds. The norms in this study cannot be generalized to other ethnic groups or populations. It was further recommended that more studies like this take place, and more norms are created for the South Africans using the Beery VMI. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-07
- Authors: Kili, Ziphozakhe
- Date: 2022-07
- Subjects: Grahamstown (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27569 , vital:69316
- Description: This study aimed to develop normative indicators for the Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration (Beery VMI) for Xhosa speaking adults in the Eastern Cape with a grade 11 or 12 qualification from a previously disadvantaged educational background. Method: the sample size was 40 participants between the ages of 19 to 40 years old. The study used participants that had no cognitive impairments. This study used independent t-test analysis to compare test performance between the following categories: urban versus rural, males versus females, age group 19-29 versus 30-40. The Kruskall Wallis test was used to establish whether classroom size would have an impact on test performance. Results: This study revealed that there was a no statistical difference in performance between urban and rural participants, males and females, and classroom size. There was no statistical significance between the age categories 19-29 versus 30-40 on the visual perception and motor coordination supplementary tests. However, there was a statistical significance noted, between the age categories on the visual-motor integration test performance. Conclusions: it was concluded that the Beery VMI can be used with more confidence when assessing the Xhosa speaking population from disadvantaged educational backgrounds. The norms in this study cannot be generalized to other ethnic groups or populations. It was further recommended that more studies like this take place, and more norms are created for the South Africans using the Beery VMI. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-07
An aesthetic exploration of skin as the abject other
- Knickelbein, Jonel, Wentzel, Andrieta
- Authors: Knickelbein, Jonel , Wentzel, Andrieta
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55341 , vital:51913
- Description: The purpose of this dissertation is to explore the notion of skin, its functions, and dysfunctions as the basis for the conceptual as well as theoretical output of this work. The problem statement aims to establish whether cathartic relief can be achieved through the process of visualizing skin as the abject other. Every human and animal is born with skin. The epidermis is the outermost of three layers that make up the skin. This layer provides a barrier to infection from environmental pathogens and regulates the amount of water released from the body into the atmosphere through trans epidermal water loss (Bouwstra, 2003:34). Although the human skin serves as a protective barrier, the skin itself can be a source of physical as well as emotional pain. I was born with Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), a rare and genetic skin condition that results in extensive blistering and wounding of the skin caused by mechanical trauma. The process of friction, wounding and healing has been a part of my physical being and daily affairs since I can remember. According to Cervero, ―Pain is our most powerful emotion, an essential learning tool, a major factor in our relationship with the world, and the source of much of our social behavior‖ (2012:34).I believe that my personal experience with EB has affected how I view the functions and importance of skin. In this study I explore the purposes and functions of skin through both a physical and psychological lense I also investigate the role skin plays in forming identity. The works of artists such as Frida Kahlo, Eva Hesse and Alina Szapocznikow are carefully considered in understanding different approaches and mediums used in engaging with the experience of catharsis. Investigations are made into theories on Abjection, the Skin-Ego, Materiality and Catharsis in order to sufficiently inform and shape the outcomes of the creative process. The creative and research processes have resulted in the body of artwork, entitled Skin- deep: transforming dysfunction into function, which is presented as a narrative installation and exhibition of abstract sculptural work. Ultimately, the body of work and research attempts to validate that the notion of skin (as the abject other skin) can be artistically explored to achieve cathartic relief. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Visual and Performing Arts, 2022
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Knickelbein, Jonel , Wentzel, Andrieta
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55341 , vital:51913
- Description: The purpose of this dissertation is to explore the notion of skin, its functions, and dysfunctions as the basis for the conceptual as well as theoretical output of this work. The problem statement aims to establish whether cathartic relief can be achieved through the process of visualizing skin as the abject other. Every human and animal is born with skin. The epidermis is the outermost of three layers that make up the skin. This layer provides a barrier to infection from environmental pathogens and regulates the amount of water released from the body into the atmosphere through trans epidermal water loss (Bouwstra, 2003:34). Although the human skin serves as a protective barrier, the skin itself can be a source of physical as well as emotional pain. I was born with Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), a rare and genetic skin condition that results in extensive blistering and wounding of the skin caused by mechanical trauma. The process of friction, wounding and healing has been a part of my physical being and daily affairs since I can remember. According to Cervero, ―Pain is our most powerful emotion, an essential learning tool, a major factor in our relationship with the world, and the source of much of our social behavior‖ (2012:34).I believe that my personal experience with EB has affected how I view the functions and importance of skin. In this study I explore the purposes and functions of skin through both a physical and psychological lense I also investigate the role skin plays in forming identity. The works of artists such as Frida Kahlo, Eva Hesse and Alina Szapocznikow are carefully considered in understanding different approaches and mediums used in engaging with the experience of catharsis. Investigations are made into theories on Abjection, the Skin-Ego, Materiality and Catharsis in order to sufficiently inform and shape the outcomes of the creative process. The creative and research processes have resulted in the body of artwork, entitled Skin- deep: transforming dysfunction into function, which is presented as a narrative installation and exhibition of abstract sculptural work. Ultimately, the body of work and research attempts to validate that the notion of skin (as the abject other skin) can be artistically explored to achieve cathartic relief. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Visual and Performing Arts, 2022
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2022-04
Rheology behaviour of slurries as a function of particle size and ion concentration
- Authors: Kondlo, Princess Kholiwe
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53333 , vital:45141
- Description: In this work, the rheological properties of alumina slurries milled to different particle sizes were investigated. Viscosity increases as the particle size decreases. When increasing amounts of calcium hydroxide, strontium hydroxide or barium hydroxide are added, the viscosity first goes down and then goes up. This can be explained in terms of changes in pH and changes in ionic strength impacting on the surface potential of the particles in suspension. Adding the same concentration of different cations results in different viscosities, with the order being (from high to low viscosity) Ba>Sr>Ca. Effects of partial dissolution of and structural changes to the alumina particles at high pH cannot be excluded. In order to better understanding the different effects, it was attempted to measure the zeta potential of the slurries at different pH values. This resulted in highly positive zeta potential values over the complete pH range, without the observationof an iso-electric point. This does not fit to the observed changes in rheology and contrasts withliterature data. One explanation would be that the measurement system used is unsuitable to yield correct zeta potential values for the materials under investigation. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Kondlo, Princess Kholiwe
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53333 , vital:45141
- Description: In this work, the rheological properties of alumina slurries milled to different particle sizes were investigated. Viscosity increases as the particle size decreases. When increasing amounts of calcium hydroxide, strontium hydroxide or barium hydroxide are added, the viscosity first goes down and then goes up. This can be explained in terms of changes in pH and changes in ionic strength impacting on the surface potential of the particles in suspension. Adding the same concentration of different cations results in different viscosities, with the order being (from high to low viscosity) Ba>Sr>Ca. Effects of partial dissolution of and structural changes to the alumina particles at high pH cannot be excluded. In order to better understanding the different effects, it was attempted to measure the zeta potential of the slurries at different pH values. This resulted in highly positive zeta potential values over the complete pH range, without the observationof an iso-electric point. This does not fit to the observed changes in rheology and contrasts withliterature data. One explanation would be that the measurement system used is unsuitable to yield correct zeta potential values for the materials under investigation. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Exploring the nature and scope of food insecurity among postgraduate students: a case of Nelson Mandela University
- Authors: Kuguyo, Yeukai T
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55348 , vital:51916
- Description: This study explores the nature and scope of food insecurity among postgraduate students at Nelson Mandela University, South Africa. The study employed a mixed method approach to access postgraduate students and university officials to investigate the prevalence of food insecurity. The approach also assesses the demographic factors; academic and mental implications along with the coping mechanisms associated with the experiences of food insecurity in higher education South Africa. The study incorporates an adapted conceptual framework from Alaimo’s food insecurity socio-economic risk models (2005) to understand the higher education context. Alaimo’s model seeks to connect the household conditions and broader systematic socio-economic mechanisms that households adopt to secure food. This model was adapted and employed in understanding the data collected while using a mixed-method approach between June and August 2021. The study employed an online survey for only postgraduate students enrolled at Nelson Mandela University (NMU) during the time of the study. This was supplemented by semi-structured interviews with student affairs officials that are directly involved in the formulation of strategies used to alleviate food insecurity at NMU. With 78 postgraduate students responding to the online survey, the study seems to confirm some of the studies done in this field on the inadequacy of food banks and food gardens in addressing food challenges effectively on campus. Similarly, the study found that the experiences of food insecurity were prevalent amongst postgraduate students that identified as black, low-income, and making access of the campus clinic for food relief. The study concluded by recommending a collaborative and a multi-level systematic approach in alleviating food insecurity in higher education. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Kuguyo, Yeukai T
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55348 , vital:51916
- Description: This study explores the nature and scope of food insecurity among postgraduate students at Nelson Mandela University, South Africa. The study employed a mixed method approach to access postgraduate students and university officials to investigate the prevalence of food insecurity. The approach also assesses the demographic factors; academic and mental implications along with the coping mechanisms associated with the experiences of food insecurity in higher education South Africa. The study incorporates an adapted conceptual framework from Alaimo’s food insecurity socio-economic risk models (2005) to understand the higher education context. Alaimo’s model seeks to connect the household conditions and broader systematic socio-economic mechanisms that households adopt to secure food. This model was adapted and employed in understanding the data collected while using a mixed-method approach between June and August 2021. The study employed an online survey for only postgraduate students enrolled at Nelson Mandela University (NMU) during the time of the study. This was supplemented by semi-structured interviews with student affairs officials that are directly involved in the formulation of strategies used to alleviate food insecurity at NMU. With 78 postgraduate students responding to the online survey, the study seems to confirm some of the studies done in this field on the inadequacy of food banks and food gardens in addressing food challenges effectively on campus. Similarly, the study found that the experiences of food insecurity were prevalent amongst postgraduate students that identified as black, low-income, and making access of the campus clinic for food relief. The study concluded by recommending a collaborative and a multi-level systematic approach in alleviating food insecurity in higher education. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
The use of ambient seismic noise to investigate internal changes in a tailings storage facility and to image the subsurface geology in the Cradock area of the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Kunjwa, Thulisile
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53642 , vital:45690
- Description: Passive seismic interferometry is a process by which ambient noise data recorded at different seismic stations can be cross-correlated to estimate Green's functions. In the past, both surface waves and body waves have successfully been extracted by cross-correlation of ambient noise data on both regional and global scales. Recent advancements in ambient seismic noise techniques have the potential to provide new methods for subsurface imaging and monitoring. The ambient noise data processing procedure divides into four principal phases: (1) single station data preparation, (2) cross-correlation and temporal stacking, (3) measurement of dispersion curves and (4) inversion of dispersion curves to obtain 1-D shear wave profiles and computation of 2-D shear wave velocity cross-section. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether ambient seismic noise can be used to image and detect internal changes within a mine tailings dam wall and to image the subsurface geology of part of the Eastern Cape Karoo near Cradock. In the first experiment, the investigation consisted of continuous ambient noise data recordings over a period of 3 days with 20 three-component short period geophones. The geophones were deployed over a survey wall of roughly 100 m in length at the Harmony Gold mine tailings dam in Welkom. In the second experiment, the investigation consisted of data recordings over a period of 35 days. The geophones were deployed in Cradock. The first phase of the data processing procedure included de-trending, de-meaning and band-pass filtering the data. This was done to ensure that any long period trends associated with instrument glitches are removed from the data. A spectrogram was then computed to view the spectrum of frequencies in the signal and to check if the filter that was designed was able to cut off the unwanted frequencies. The horizontal and vertical components of the ambient noise data were cross-correlated and picked between sensor pairs to create surface wave dispersion curves. Subsequently, the dispersion curves were inverted to estimate the shear wave velocity of the dam wall and subsurface as a function of depth. The computed cross sections of shear wave velocity indicated a low-velocity zone between 2 and 10 m below the surface on the dam wall, this suggested that the phreatic surface is much closer to surface in this area. In the second experiment, the interpolated shear wave velocity profiles indicated that there is a layer of low velocity zone between depths 250 to 300 m below the surface. The cross-correlations were also used to compute group velocity maps from periods 1.5 seconds to 30 seconds. The group velocity maps showed various high and low velocity anomalies. The high velocity zones observed on the eastern section of the map were interpreted as evidence of dolerite intrusions. The low velocity zones observed in the western and southern sections of the map interpreted as Karoo sediments that belong to the Adelaide Subgroup which is dominated by mudstones. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Department of Geosciences (Geology and Geography), 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Kunjwa, Thulisile
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53642 , vital:45690
- Description: Passive seismic interferometry is a process by which ambient noise data recorded at different seismic stations can be cross-correlated to estimate Green's functions. In the past, both surface waves and body waves have successfully been extracted by cross-correlation of ambient noise data on both regional and global scales. Recent advancements in ambient seismic noise techniques have the potential to provide new methods for subsurface imaging and monitoring. The ambient noise data processing procedure divides into four principal phases: (1) single station data preparation, (2) cross-correlation and temporal stacking, (3) measurement of dispersion curves and (4) inversion of dispersion curves to obtain 1-D shear wave profiles and computation of 2-D shear wave velocity cross-section. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether ambient seismic noise can be used to image and detect internal changes within a mine tailings dam wall and to image the subsurface geology of part of the Eastern Cape Karoo near Cradock. In the first experiment, the investigation consisted of continuous ambient noise data recordings over a period of 3 days with 20 three-component short period geophones. The geophones were deployed over a survey wall of roughly 100 m in length at the Harmony Gold mine tailings dam in Welkom. In the second experiment, the investigation consisted of data recordings over a period of 35 days. The geophones were deployed in Cradock. The first phase of the data processing procedure included de-trending, de-meaning and band-pass filtering the data. This was done to ensure that any long period trends associated with instrument glitches are removed from the data. A spectrogram was then computed to view the spectrum of frequencies in the signal and to check if the filter that was designed was able to cut off the unwanted frequencies. The horizontal and vertical components of the ambient noise data were cross-correlated and picked between sensor pairs to create surface wave dispersion curves. Subsequently, the dispersion curves were inverted to estimate the shear wave velocity of the dam wall and subsurface as a function of depth. The computed cross sections of shear wave velocity indicated a low-velocity zone between 2 and 10 m below the surface on the dam wall, this suggested that the phreatic surface is much closer to surface in this area. In the second experiment, the interpolated shear wave velocity profiles indicated that there is a layer of low velocity zone between depths 250 to 300 m below the surface. The cross-correlations were also used to compute group velocity maps from periods 1.5 seconds to 30 seconds. The group velocity maps showed various high and low velocity anomalies. The high velocity zones observed on the eastern section of the map were interpreted as evidence of dolerite intrusions. The low velocity zones observed in the western and southern sections of the map interpreted as Karoo sediments that belong to the Adelaide Subgroup which is dominated by mudstones. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Department of Geosciences (Geology and Geography), 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-12