Optimizing aspects that facilitate skill acquisition in private dialysis units
- Authors: Fourie, Claire
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Nephrology , Kidneys -- Diseases -- Nursing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6106 , vital:21040
- Description: Nephrology nursing requires a specific set of clinical skills and knowledge. When a professional nurse with no previous dialysis experience enters the field of nephrology nursing he or she has no nephrology related paradigms from past experiences to use as a point of reference. As a result of the rapid growth of the private dialysis company experienced over the past 10 years, many management and support service positions became available. Internal promotions resulted in the movement of experienced professional nurses from the clinical field into management and support services positions, resulting in a sudden loss of skilled individuals from the clinical field. To mitigate this effect, a training intervention was started. The newly appointed managers were all required to work in the clinical field for sixteen hours per month to expose the less experienced professional nurses to the more experienced professional nurses in order to assist them with skill acquisition thus enabling the advanced beginner and competent nurse to become a proficient nurse and/or an expert in the field of nephrology nursing. Experiential learning is not a spontaneous process but depends on many factors that could either hinder or facilitate skill acquisition. This study aimed to explore and describe the aspects that facilitate or hinder skill acquisition during the training intervention that was implemented in private chronic haemodialysis units and to write guidelines to optimize skill acquisition during the training intervention. The study followed a quantitative, descriptive, exploratory, contextual, survey design. Data was collected using a tool based on the theory of nursing accompaniment by Kotze, Kolbs theory on experiential nursing, a framework of strategies that facilitate skill acquisition by King and a generalized tool, the Learning Transfer Skills Inventory (LTSI) that was developed by Holton and Bates to measure learning transfer and factors that contribute and hinder training interventions. Data was analysed with the support of a statistician. The findings were reported and discussed in relation to the current literature. Measures were put in place to ensure validity and reliability, and ethical principles were adhered to throughout the study. Guidelines to optimize skill acquisition were developed. The limitations of the study were the sample size and the response rate. There was a paucity in existing research regarding skill acquisition in Nephrology nursing and limited statistical variance amongst the aspects that facilitate or hinder skill acquisition. It is recommended that the guidelines be implemented to measure the impact they have in the organization.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Fourie, Claire
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Nephrology , Kidneys -- Diseases -- Nursing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6106 , vital:21040
- Description: Nephrology nursing requires a specific set of clinical skills and knowledge. When a professional nurse with no previous dialysis experience enters the field of nephrology nursing he or she has no nephrology related paradigms from past experiences to use as a point of reference. As a result of the rapid growth of the private dialysis company experienced over the past 10 years, many management and support service positions became available. Internal promotions resulted in the movement of experienced professional nurses from the clinical field into management and support services positions, resulting in a sudden loss of skilled individuals from the clinical field. To mitigate this effect, a training intervention was started. The newly appointed managers were all required to work in the clinical field for sixteen hours per month to expose the less experienced professional nurses to the more experienced professional nurses in order to assist them with skill acquisition thus enabling the advanced beginner and competent nurse to become a proficient nurse and/or an expert in the field of nephrology nursing. Experiential learning is not a spontaneous process but depends on many factors that could either hinder or facilitate skill acquisition. This study aimed to explore and describe the aspects that facilitate or hinder skill acquisition during the training intervention that was implemented in private chronic haemodialysis units and to write guidelines to optimize skill acquisition during the training intervention. The study followed a quantitative, descriptive, exploratory, contextual, survey design. Data was collected using a tool based on the theory of nursing accompaniment by Kotze, Kolbs theory on experiential nursing, a framework of strategies that facilitate skill acquisition by King and a generalized tool, the Learning Transfer Skills Inventory (LTSI) that was developed by Holton and Bates to measure learning transfer and factors that contribute and hinder training interventions. Data was analysed with the support of a statistician. The findings were reported and discussed in relation to the current literature. Measures were put in place to ensure validity and reliability, and ethical principles were adhered to throughout the study. Guidelines to optimize skill acquisition were developed. The limitations of the study were the sample size and the response rate. There was a paucity in existing research regarding skill acquisition in Nephrology nursing and limited statistical variance amongst the aspects that facilitate or hinder skill acquisition. It is recommended that the guidelines be implemented to measure the impact they have in the organization.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Economic evaluation of water loss saving due to the biological control of water hyacinth at New Year’s Dam, Eastern Cape province, South Africa
- Fraser, Gavin C G, Hill, Martin P, Martin, J A
- Authors: Fraser, Gavin C G , Hill, Martin P , Martin, J A
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/69341 , vital:29502 , https://doi.org/10.2989/16085914.2016.1151765
- Description: Water hyacinth Eichhornia crassipes is considered the most damaging aquatic weed in the world. However, few studies have quantified the impact of this weed economically and ecologically, and even fewer studies have quantified the benefits of its control. This paper focuses on water loss saving as the benefit derived from biological control of this plant between 1990 and 2013 at New Year’s Dam, Alicedale, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Estimates of water loss due to evapotranspiration from water hyacinth vary significantly; therefore, the study used three different rates, high, medium and low. A conservative raw agriculture value of R 0.26 per m3 was used to calculate the benefits derived by the water saved. The present benefit and cost values were determined using 10% and 5% discount rates. The benefit/cost ratio at the low evapotranspiration rate was less than one, implying that biological control was not economically viable but, at the higher evapotranspiration rates, the return justified the costs of biological control. However, at the marginal value product of water, the inclusion of the costs of damage to infrastructure, or the adverse effects of water hyacinth on biodiversity, would justify the use of biological control, even at the low transpiration rate.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Fraser, Gavin C G , Hill, Martin P , Martin, J A
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/69341 , vital:29502 , https://doi.org/10.2989/16085914.2016.1151765
- Description: Water hyacinth Eichhornia crassipes is considered the most damaging aquatic weed in the world. However, few studies have quantified the impact of this weed economically and ecologically, and even fewer studies have quantified the benefits of its control. This paper focuses on water loss saving as the benefit derived from biological control of this plant between 1990 and 2013 at New Year’s Dam, Alicedale, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Estimates of water loss due to evapotranspiration from water hyacinth vary significantly; therefore, the study used three different rates, high, medium and low. A conservative raw agriculture value of R 0.26 per m3 was used to calculate the benefits derived by the water saved. The present benefit and cost values were determined using 10% and 5% discount rates. The benefit/cost ratio at the low evapotranspiration rate was less than one, implying that biological control was not economically viable but, at the higher evapotranspiration rates, the return justified the costs of biological control. However, at the marginal value product of water, the inclusion of the costs of damage to infrastructure, or the adverse effects of water hyacinth on biodiversity, would justify the use of biological control, even at the low transpiration rate.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2016
Utilisation of university health care services by employees of the University of Fort Hare
- Authors: Fritsche, Ntombikayise
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Employee health promotion Health services administration Universities and colleges
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5950 , vital:29449
- Description: Background: University of Fort Hare (UFH) provides health care services to its students and staff; however, whether the health care services are being utilised by the staff is only speculative. Hence, the aim of the study was to determine the level of employees’ awareness regarding availability of University Health Care Services (UHS) and factors responsible for their utilization. wildlife and thereby may constitute a serious risk to public health. Therefore, it is recommended that proper regulation of the use of the compounds and their safe disposal be ensured to protect aquatic resources and the well-being of humans. Methodology: This quantitative descriptive study involved conveniently selected 255 UFH employees who were either permanently employed or on contract employment for two years and above. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. The questionnaire solicited information on demographics variables, awareness of employees regarding the existence of university health services, and factors affecting utilization of university health services (UHS) by employees. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics (frequency and percentages) and inferential statistics (logistic regression analysis). Results: -Two hundred and thirty three (91 percent) of sampled UFH employees in both campuses are aware of the UHS. The longer the duration of employment and the older the employee (above 50 years old) the more likely the employees are aware of UHS. However, the elderly employees displayed poor utilization of health care services. Accessibility of UHS (96 percent), satisfaction with UHS (95 percent), listening to others (word of mouth) (61.2 percent) and having a health concern (51 percent) encourage UHS utilization whereas being unaware (8.6 percent) of the UHS remains the barrier for utilisation. Having medical aid (81 percent) prevent those who are aware of UHS from utilising the university health care services. Operating hours (30 percent), staff attitudes (50 percent) and long waiting time (70 percent) with lack of essential medicines (38 percent) prohibit employees from revisiting. Conclusion: The University of Fort Hare’s health care services are well known by almost every employee through “word of the mouth” though they are not completely aware as to which health service programmes are being offered. The utilization of University of Fort Hare’s health care services is positively and adversely influenced by different factors.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Fritsche, Ntombikayise
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Employee health promotion Health services administration Universities and colleges
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5950 , vital:29449
- Description: Background: University of Fort Hare (UFH) provides health care services to its students and staff; however, whether the health care services are being utilised by the staff is only speculative. Hence, the aim of the study was to determine the level of employees’ awareness regarding availability of University Health Care Services (UHS) and factors responsible for their utilization. wildlife and thereby may constitute a serious risk to public health. Therefore, it is recommended that proper regulation of the use of the compounds and their safe disposal be ensured to protect aquatic resources and the well-being of humans. Methodology: This quantitative descriptive study involved conveniently selected 255 UFH employees who were either permanently employed or on contract employment for two years and above. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. The questionnaire solicited information on demographics variables, awareness of employees regarding the existence of university health services, and factors affecting utilization of university health services (UHS) by employees. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics (frequency and percentages) and inferential statistics (logistic regression analysis). Results: -Two hundred and thirty three (91 percent) of sampled UFH employees in both campuses are aware of the UHS. The longer the duration of employment and the older the employee (above 50 years old) the more likely the employees are aware of UHS. However, the elderly employees displayed poor utilization of health care services. Accessibility of UHS (96 percent), satisfaction with UHS (95 percent), listening to others (word of mouth) (61.2 percent) and having a health concern (51 percent) encourage UHS utilization whereas being unaware (8.6 percent) of the UHS remains the barrier for utilisation. Having medical aid (81 percent) prevent those who are aware of UHS from utilising the university health care services. Operating hours (30 percent), staff attitudes (50 percent) and long waiting time (70 percent) with lack of essential medicines (38 percent) prohibit employees from revisiting. Conclusion: The University of Fort Hare’s health care services are well known by almost every employee through “word of the mouth” though they are not completely aware as to which health service programmes are being offered. The utilization of University of Fort Hare’s health care services is positively and adversely influenced by different factors.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Dating in the dark: a phenomenological study of the lived experience of online relationships
- Authors: Froneman, Carmen Michelle
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Online dating , Online dating -- Case studies , Internet -- Social aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5462 , vital:20847
- Description: Online relationships are becoming increasingly popular due to the availability, accessibility, and affordability of online social networking and dating sites. Individuals are progressively moving from meeting romantic partners face to face to meeting and engaging with individuals online. There is ample evidence to support the view that individuals do initiate romantic relationships online and often these relationships progress offline. The primary focus of online research had been conducted by communication and linguistic scholars while very little research has been conducted into the psychological conceptualisation of online relationships. In addition, there is a lack of available research pertaining to the development of romantic relationships online and more so in South Africa. The current study utilised Sternberg’s Triangular model of love and the Johari window as a framework for understanding the concepts involved in online romantic relationships. The study specifically aimed to explore and describe the lived experiences of individuals who engage in online dating. The parameters of the study included the elements that comprise the online relationship, the subjective meaning attached to the relationships, and the processes these relationships encompass. The study moreover aimed to explore the progression of the online relationship. The study used a qualitative, phenomenological approach using snowball sampling and semi structured interviews to collect data. Tesch’s model of content analysis was used during data analysis while incorporating the four major processes in phenomenological research, namely (1) epoche, (2) phenomenological reduction, (3) imaginative variation and, (4) synthesis. The findings of the study generated a greater understanding of the complexities of online dating. Themes including online relationship development, the dynamics of online relationships, how love, according to the triangular model of love, is perceived online and, self-disclosure online were identified through the participants narratives. These findings ultimately can be used for future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Froneman, Carmen Michelle
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Online dating , Online dating -- Case studies , Internet -- Social aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5462 , vital:20847
- Description: Online relationships are becoming increasingly popular due to the availability, accessibility, and affordability of online social networking and dating sites. Individuals are progressively moving from meeting romantic partners face to face to meeting and engaging with individuals online. There is ample evidence to support the view that individuals do initiate romantic relationships online and often these relationships progress offline. The primary focus of online research had been conducted by communication and linguistic scholars while very little research has been conducted into the psychological conceptualisation of online relationships. In addition, there is a lack of available research pertaining to the development of romantic relationships online and more so in South Africa. The current study utilised Sternberg’s Triangular model of love and the Johari window as a framework for understanding the concepts involved in online romantic relationships. The study specifically aimed to explore and describe the lived experiences of individuals who engage in online dating. The parameters of the study included the elements that comprise the online relationship, the subjective meaning attached to the relationships, and the processes these relationships encompass. The study moreover aimed to explore the progression of the online relationship. The study used a qualitative, phenomenological approach using snowball sampling and semi structured interviews to collect data. Tesch’s model of content analysis was used during data analysis while incorporating the four major processes in phenomenological research, namely (1) epoche, (2) phenomenological reduction, (3) imaginative variation and, (4) synthesis. The findings of the study generated a greater understanding of the complexities of online dating. Themes including online relationship development, the dynamics of online relationships, how love, according to the triangular model of love, is perceived online and, self-disclosure online were identified through the participants narratives. These findings ultimately can be used for future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Controls on the distribution of manganese in banded iron-formations (BIF) of the palaeoproterozoic transvaal supergroup, South Africa
- Authors: Fryer, Lindi
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/2926 , vital:20343
- Description: The 2.65 to 2.05 Ga Transvaal Supergroup comprises one of the best-preserved and largely continuous successions in the world of Banded Iron-Formation (BIF), a chemical sedimentary rock composed of fine (mm to cm scale) interbanded iron-rich and iron-poor bands, developed atop the Archaean Kaapvaal Craton of southern Africa. The Transvaal BIF sequence contains at its upper stratigraphic part, an intriguing interlayered BIF-Mn association, namely the Hotazel Formation in the Kalahari Manganese Field, which constitutes the largest land-based manganese deposit on record. The genesis of the Hotazel deposits, and their exact significance in terms of atmosphere-hydrosphere-biosphere evolution, remain as elusive as they are challenging. In this thesis, an attempt is made to illuminate the origin and diagenesis of the Hotazel Formation and its post-depositional hydrothermal modification, through a highresolution geochemical study of the narrowest of the three BIF-Mn sedimentary cycles present in the Hotazel stratigraphy. This approach is coupled with a preliminary geochemical study of the distribution of Mn in older BIF of the Transvaal Supergroup as well (Kuruman and Griquatown Formations), so as to test recent models that causally link all BIFs in the Transvaal Supergroup under a common and evolving palaeo-environment of deposition. The results indicate that the cyclic deposition of the Hotazel BIF and enveloped Mn-rich sediments would have taken place in a stratified basin with a well-developed chemocline in terms of the vertical distributions of Mn and Fe, much like recent anoxic stratified basins such as the Orca Basin in the Gulf of Mexico. The increased Mn abundances as Mn-bearing ferrous carbonates in the upper part of the Griquatown BIF predating the Hotazel strata, also seems to lend support to the notion that the two BIFs are temporally interlinked as part of a broader sedimentary continuum. Finally, the largely conservative behaviour of Mn and associated elements during hydrothermal alteration of the Hotazel rocks is re-assessed, and renewed emphasis is placed on the possibility that brine metasomatism may have been a key factor in Mn redistribution and residual enrichment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Fryer, Lindi
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/2926 , vital:20343
- Description: The 2.65 to 2.05 Ga Transvaal Supergroup comprises one of the best-preserved and largely continuous successions in the world of Banded Iron-Formation (BIF), a chemical sedimentary rock composed of fine (mm to cm scale) interbanded iron-rich and iron-poor bands, developed atop the Archaean Kaapvaal Craton of southern Africa. The Transvaal BIF sequence contains at its upper stratigraphic part, an intriguing interlayered BIF-Mn association, namely the Hotazel Formation in the Kalahari Manganese Field, which constitutes the largest land-based manganese deposit on record. The genesis of the Hotazel deposits, and their exact significance in terms of atmosphere-hydrosphere-biosphere evolution, remain as elusive as they are challenging. In this thesis, an attempt is made to illuminate the origin and diagenesis of the Hotazel Formation and its post-depositional hydrothermal modification, through a highresolution geochemical study of the narrowest of the three BIF-Mn sedimentary cycles present in the Hotazel stratigraphy. This approach is coupled with a preliminary geochemical study of the distribution of Mn in older BIF of the Transvaal Supergroup as well (Kuruman and Griquatown Formations), so as to test recent models that causally link all BIFs in the Transvaal Supergroup under a common and evolving palaeo-environment of deposition. The results indicate that the cyclic deposition of the Hotazel BIF and enveloped Mn-rich sediments would have taken place in a stratified basin with a well-developed chemocline in terms of the vertical distributions of Mn and Fe, much like recent anoxic stratified basins such as the Orca Basin in the Gulf of Mexico. The increased Mn abundances as Mn-bearing ferrous carbonates in the upper part of the Griquatown BIF predating the Hotazel strata, also seems to lend support to the notion that the two BIFs are temporally interlinked as part of a broader sedimentary continuum. Finally, the largely conservative behaviour of Mn and associated elements during hydrothermal alteration of the Hotazel rocks is re-assessed, and renewed emphasis is placed on the possibility that brine metasomatism may have been a key factor in Mn redistribution and residual enrichment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Investigating soil microbial interactions of Portulacaria afra
- Authors: Fulmaka, Aviwe
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/54598 , vital:26592
- Description: Portulacaria afra commonly known as Spekboom contributes significantly to carbon sequestration and has been widely planted in degraded areas of the Eastern Cape. Approximately 50% of planted cuttings do not survive although the cause of this decline is unknown. Like many indigenous plants, Spekboom forms a symbiotic relationship with mycorrhizal fungi and the interaction with rhizobacteria may enhance and improve plant growth and establishment. This study aims to investigate these relationships which will include a survey of the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal populations associated with Spekboom, determination of the causal agent of Spekboom decline, isolation and identification of the associated rhizobacteria and investigation of their plant growth promotion properties and assessing the ability of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and selected rhizobacteria to enhance establishment and growth of Spekboom. Soil and root samples from selected trial sites were used to assess AM fungal spore abundance and colonisation; isolation, characterization, and identification of rhizobacteria and determine the interaction of the microbes on Spekboom growth and tolerance to Fusarium. AM spore abundance and percentage root colonisation did not differ between the three Spekboom plots. Molecular analyses of the SSU region from the plots showed 4 families of AM fungi and were identified as Ambisporaceae, Glomeraceae, Claroideoglomeraceae and Paraglomeraceae. A suspected Fusarium pathogen was isolated and molecularly identified. Pathogenicity tests indicated reduced Spekboom growth with poor root development. Thirty four rhizobacterial isolates were tested for various plant growth promoting abilities. Of these, 6 were able to produce IAA which may promote plant root growth, 27 siderophores and 23 were phosphate solubilisers. Bacterial isolates were molecularly identified to be from various species of Bacillus, with some Arthrobacter, Enterobacter, Pseudomonas and Microbacterium. Inoculation of Spekboom cuttings with mycorrhizal fungi and selected rhizobacterial isolates significantly improved shoot height. Spekboom cuttings challenged with Fusarium and inoculated with mycorrhizal fungi and two rhizobacterial isolates significantly improved growth. The inoculation of cuttings in the nursery with mycorrhizal fungi and selected rhizobacteria is recommended prior to establishing Spekboom in the field.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Fulmaka, Aviwe
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/54598 , vital:26592
- Description: Portulacaria afra commonly known as Spekboom contributes significantly to carbon sequestration and has been widely planted in degraded areas of the Eastern Cape. Approximately 50% of planted cuttings do not survive although the cause of this decline is unknown. Like many indigenous plants, Spekboom forms a symbiotic relationship with mycorrhizal fungi and the interaction with rhizobacteria may enhance and improve plant growth and establishment. This study aims to investigate these relationships which will include a survey of the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal populations associated with Spekboom, determination of the causal agent of Spekboom decline, isolation and identification of the associated rhizobacteria and investigation of their plant growth promotion properties and assessing the ability of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and selected rhizobacteria to enhance establishment and growth of Spekboom. Soil and root samples from selected trial sites were used to assess AM fungal spore abundance and colonisation; isolation, characterization, and identification of rhizobacteria and determine the interaction of the microbes on Spekboom growth and tolerance to Fusarium. AM spore abundance and percentage root colonisation did not differ between the three Spekboom plots. Molecular analyses of the SSU region from the plots showed 4 families of AM fungi and were identified as Ambisporaceae, Glomeraceae, Claroideoglomeraceae and Paraglomeraceae. A suspected Fusarium pathogen was isolated and molecularly identified. Pathogenicity tests indicated reduced Spekboom growth with poor root development. Thirty four rhizobacterial isolates were tested for various plant growth promoting abilities. Of these, 6 were able to produce IAA which may promote plant root growth, 27 siderophores and 23 were phosphate solubilisers. Bacterial isolates were molecularly identified to be from various species of Bacillus, with some Arthrobacter, Enterobacter, Pseudomonas and Microbacterium. Inoculation of Spekboom cuttings with mycorrhizal fungi and selected rhizobacterial isolates significantly improved shoot height. Spekboom cuttings challenged with Fusarium and inoculated with mycorrhizal fungi and two rhizobacterial isolates significantly improved growth. The inoculation of cuttings in the nursery with mycorrhizal fungi and selected rhizobacteria is recommended prior to establishing Spekboom in the field.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Industrial policy, institutions and industrial financing in South Africa: the role of the IDC and DBSA, and lessons from Brazil’s BNDES
- Authors: Fumbata, Nandipha
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1132 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1021278
- Description: Institutions, particularly development finance institutions (DFIs) have been instrumental in economic development and the implementation of industrial policy throughout history. In 2007, the South African government identified the country’s DFIs as key to the implementation of its new industrial policy framework with the main objective of job creation. This thesis examines the impact that South Africa’s DFIs, particularly the IDC and the DBSA, have had on employment creation from 2010 to 2014. A comparative institutional approach is adopted in a case study analysis examining the role of the state in industrial financing. The financing activities of Brazil’s BNDES are explored by comparison to determine if there are possible lessons for South Africa. An analysis of the DFIs’ financial and annual reports and government policy documents is conducted. The political settlements framework is used as a basis for understanding the balance of power within the country and the impact this has had on the country’s industrial policy and industrial finance. The thesis finds that the financing activities of South Africa’s DFIs, particularly the IDC, have been directed at large scale capital intensive projects, with a large portion of disbursements channelled towards mining and mineral beneficiation. These sectors have also facilitated the most number of jobs. Even though the activities of the country’s DFIs are consistent with South Africa’s industrial policy and have facilitated job creation, it is evident that these efforts have not been on a scale that is large enough to reduce unemployment. Despite the DFIs’ efforts, there has been an increase in the number of unemployed South Africans between 2010 and 2014.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Fumbata, Nandipha
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1132 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1021278
- Description: Institutions, particularly development finance institutions (DFIs) have been instrumental in economic development and the implementation of industrial policy throughout history. In 2007, the South African government identified the country’s DFIs as key to the implementation of its new industrial policy framework with the main objective of job creation. This thesis examines the impact that South Africa’s DFIs, particularly the IDC and the DBSA, have had on employment creation from 2010 to 2014. A comparative institutional approach is adopted in a case study analysis examining the role of the state in industrial financing. The financing activities of Brazil’s BNDES are explored by comparison to determine if there are possible lessons for South Africa. An analysis of the DFIs’ financial and annual reports and government policy documents is conducted. The political settlements framework is used as a basis for understanding the balance of power within the country and the impact this has had on the country’s industrial policy and industrial finance. The thesis finds that the financing activities of South Africa’s DFIs, particularly the IDC, have been directed at large scale capital intensive projects, with a large portion of disbursements channelled towards mining and mineral beneficiation. These sectors have also facilitated the most number of jobs. Even though the activities of the country’s DFIs are consistent with South Africa’s industrial policy and have facilitated job creation, it is evident that these efforts have not been on a scale that is large enough to reduce unemployment. Despite the DFIs’ efforts, there has been an increase in the number of unemployed South Africans between 2010 and 2014.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Cosmological structure formation using spectral methods
- Authors: Funcke, Michelle
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/2969 , vital:20348
- Description: Numerical simulations are becoming an increasingly important tool for understanding the growth and development of structure in the universe. Common practice is to discretize the space-time using physical variables. The discreteness is embodied by considering the dynamical variables as fields on a fixed spatial and time resolution, or by constructing the matter fields by a large number of particles which interact gravitationally (N-body methods). Recognizing that the physical quantities of interest are related to the spectrum of perturbations, we propose an alternate discretization in the frequency domain, using standard spectral methods. This approach is further aided by periodic boundary conditions which allows a straightforward decomposition of variables in a Fourier basis. Fixed resources require a high-frequency cut-off which lead to aliasing effects in non-linear equations, such as the ones considered here. This thesis describes the implementation of a 3D cosmological model based on Newtonian hydrodynamic equations in an expanding background. Initial data is constructed as a spectrum of perturbations, and evolved in the frequency domain using a pseudo-spectral evolution scheme and an explicit Runge-Kutta time integrator. The code is found to converge for both linear and non-linear evolutions, and the convergence rate is determined. The correct growth rates expected from analytical calculations are recovered in the linear case. In the non-linear model, we observe close correspondence with linear growth and are able to monitor the growth on features associated with the non-linearity. High-frequency aliasing effects were evident in the non-linear evolutions, leading to a study of two potential resolutions to this problem: a boxcar filter which adheres to“Orszag’s two thirds rule” and an exponential window function, the exponential filter suggested by Hou and Li [1], and a shifted version of the exponential filter suggested, which has the potential to alleviate high frequency- ripples resulting from the Gibbs’ phenomenon. We found that the filters were somewhat successful at reducing aliasing effects but that the Gibbs’ phenomenon could not be entirely removed by the choice of filters.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Funcke, Michelle
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/2969 , vital:20348
- Description: Numerical simulations are becoming an increasingly important tool for understanding the growth and development of structure in the universe. Common practice is to discretize the space-time using physical variables. The discreteness is embodied by considering the dynamical variables as fields on a fixed spatial and time resolution, or by constructing the matter fields by a large number of particles which interact gravitationally (N-body methods). Recognizing that the physical quantities of interest are related to the spectrum of perturbations, we propose an alternate discretization in the frequency domain, using standard spectral methods. This approach is further aided by periodic boundary conditions which allows a straightforward decomposition of variables in a Fourier basis. Fixed resources require a high-frequency cut-off which lead to aliasing effects in non-linear equations, such as the ones considered here. This thesis describes the implementation of a 3D cosmological model based on Newtonian hydrodynamic equations in an expanding background. Initial data is constructed as a spectrum of perturbations, and evolved in the frequency domain using a pseudo-spectral evolution scheme and an explicit Runge-Kutta time integrator. The code is found to converge for both linear and non-linear evolutions, and the convergence rate is determined. The correct growth rates expected from analytical calculations are recovered in the linear case. In the non-linear model, we observe close correspondence with linear growth and are able to monitor the growth on features associated with the non-linearity. High-frequency aliasing effects were evident in the non-linear evolutions, leading to a study of two potential resolutions to this problem: a boxcar filter which adheres to“Orszag’s two thirds rule” and an exponential window function, the exponential filter suggested by Hou and Li [1], and a shifted version of the exponential filter suggested, which has the potential to alleviate high frequency- ripples resulting from the Gibbs’ phenomenon. We found that the filters were somewhat successful at reducing aliasing effects but that the Gibbs’ phenomenon could not be entirely removed by the choice of filters.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Spatio-temporal analyses of woody vegetation cover using remote sensing techniques: the case of Alice - King Williams Town route, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Fundisi, Emmanuel
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Woody plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Vegetation classification -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1830 , vital:27564
- Description: Expansion of woody vegetation results in the transformation of a grass-dominated ecosystem to a tree-dominated ecosystem causing land degradation in most semi-arid areas. The imbalance in the natural ecosystem between herbaceous plants and woody vegetation poses a threat to the natural environment. Such changes alter the flow, availability and quality of nutrient resources in the biogeochemical cycle. Most of the dominating woody plants are often unpalatable to domestic livestock. Therefore, the objective is to assess the spatial extent of woody vegetation over time. Knowledge of the spatial and temporal characteristics of woody vegetation dynamics will enable the development of management plans. These characteristics can be derived using remote sensing techniques which have become efficient in such studies. This study aimed to characterize woody vegetation dynamics along the route between Alice and King Williams’s town in Eastern Cape Province South Africa using Landsat data. This aim was achieved by focussing on three specific objectives. The first objective was to compare the performance of multispectral data and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data of Landsat imagery in mapping woody vegetation cover. The second objective was to investigate the effect of the spatial resolution of remotely-sensed data on discrimination of woody vegetation from other land cover types. The third objective characterised woody vegetation dynamics between 1986 and 2013/2014 using the results from the first objective. The study used Landsat imagery acquired in November or February of 1986, 1994/1995, 2002/2003 and 2013/2014. Due to lack of data which covered the study area two separate dates (November and February) where used for the study resulting in naming the study area western and eastern parts. Unsupervised classification was performed on the multispectral, NDVI and pan-sharpened images to generate four generic land cover classes, namely water, bare land, grassland and woodland. Accuracy assessments of the classified images was done using error matrix. The results showed that the classification based on NDVI images yielded a better overall accuracy than the classification based on multispectral images for the western (83 percent and 75 percent, respectively) and eastern (82 percent and 76 percent, respectively) parts of the study area. Similarly, pan-sharpening resulted in better overall classification accuracy than multispectral, but comparable to the classification of the NDVI images for both the western (82 percent) and eastern (83 percent) parts of the study area. Remote sensing is an effective tool in assessing changes in the physical environment. Landsat imagery is suitable in assessing land cover dynamics given the long-term and free availability of the image. In addition, the large spatial coverage it provides, enables Landsat data to be used on studies that have wide spatial coverage. Classification for the purpose of time-series analysis was then performed on the NDVI images of each date (1986, 1994/1995, 2002/2003 and 2013/2014). Both woody vegetation and grassland experienced changes from 1986 to 2013/2014 with grassland occupying (75 percent) compared to woodland (17 percent) in 1986. In the year 2013/14 grassland occupied 32 percent and woodland occupied 51 percent of the study area. The increase in woody vegetation in the study area can be attributed to livestock rearing and migration of people from the rural to urban areas post-Apartheid. The study output will aid in the development of a database on land cover distribution of the area between King William’s town and Alice town, providing useful information to decision-making and further studies on woody vegetation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Fundisi, Emmanuel
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Woody plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Vegetation classification -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1830 , vital:27564
- Description: Expansion of woody vegetation results in the transformation of a grass-dominated ecosystem to a tree-dominated ecosystem causing land degradation in most semi-arid areas. The imbalance in the natural ecosystem between herbaceous plants and woody vegetation poses a threat to the natural environment. Such changes alter the flow, availability and quality of nutrient resources in the biogeochemical cycle. Most of the dominating woody plants are often unpalatable to domestic livestock. Therefore, the objective is to assess the spatial extent of woody vegetation over time. Knowledge of the spatial and temporal characteristics of woody vegetation dynamics will enable the development of management plans. These characteristics can be derived using remote sensing techniques which have become efficient in such studies. This study aimed to characterize woody vegetation dynamics along the route between Alice and King Williams’s town in Eastern Cape Province South Africa using Landsat data. This aim was achieved by focussing on three specific objectives. The first objective was to compare the performance of multispectral data and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data of Landsat imagery in mapping woody vegetation cover. The second objective was to investigate the effect of the spatial resolution of remotely-sensed data on discrimination of woody vegetation from other land cover types. The third objective characterised woody vegetation dynamics between 1986 and 2013/2014 using the results from the first objective. The study used Landsat imagery acquired in November or February of 1986, 1994/1995, 2002/2003 and 2013/2014. Due to lack of data which covered the study area two separate dates (November and February) where used for the study resulting in naming the study area western and eastern parts. Unsupervised classification was performed on the multispectral, NDVI and pan-sharpened images to generate four generic land cover classes, namely water, bare land, grassland and woodland. Accuracy assessments of the classified images was done using error matrix. The results showed that the classification based on NDVI images yielded a better overall accuracy than the classification based on multispectral images for the western (83 percent and 75 percent, respectively) and eastern (82 percent and 76 percent, respectively) parts of the study area. Similarly, pan-sharpening resulted in better overall classification accuracy than multispectral, but comparable to the classification of the NDVI images for both the western (82 percent) and eastern (83 percent) parts of the study area. Remote sensing is an effective tool in assessing changes in the physical environment. Landsat imagery is suitable in assessing land cover dynamics given the long-term and free availability of the image. In addition, the large spatial coverage it provides, enables Landsat data to be used on studies that have wide spatial coverage. Classification for the purpose of time-series analysis was then performed on the NDVI images of each date (1986, 1994/1995, 2002/2003 and 2013/2014). Both woody vegetation and grassland experienced changes from 1986 to 2013/2014 with grassland occupying (75 percent) compared to woodland (17 percent) in 1986. In the year 2013/14 grassland occupied 32 percent and woodland occupied 51 percent of the study area. The increase in woody vegetation in the study area can be attributed to livestock rearing and migration of people from the rural to urban areas post-Apartheid. The study output will aid in the development of a database on land cover distribution of the area between King William’s town and Alice town, providing useful information to decision-making and further studies on woody vegetation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Weak form market efficiency of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange : pre during and post the 2008 global financial crisis
- Authors: Futshane, Olwetu
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Global Financial Crisis, 2008-2009 Efficient market theory Random walks (Mathematics)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11895 , vital:39116
- Description: The importance of the efficiency of the stock market cannot be underestimated, given that it brings together those who demand and supply development finance. It is against this background that this study focused on analysing the weak form efficiency of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange for the period 2005 to 2016. The study reviewed the theoretical and empirical literatures which have tried to examine the market efficiency of the Johannesburg stock exchange and whether the JSE follows that random walk. Based on the review of literature, several methodologies such as (unit root tests, autocorrelation test) were employed in the study obtaining robust results that the JSE price indices (All Share, Resources and Financials) follow the random walk process. To further confirm the findings in this research, the variance ratio test is conducted under heteroscedasticity and homoscedasticity it also strongly verified that the existence of a random walk process cannot be rejected in the JSE. The empirical results from all the various tests reveal that the null hypothesis of random walk cannot be rejected. These results thus suggest that the JSE is efficient in its weak form. This commends all the measures which have been carried out to ensure that the market is efficient.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Futshane, Olwetu
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Global Financial Crisis, 2008-2009 Efficient market theory Random walks (Mathematics)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11895 , vital:39116
- Description: The importance of the efficiency of the stock market cannot be underestimated, given that it brings together those who demand and supply development finance. It is against this background that this study focused on analysing the weak form efficiency of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange for the period 2005 to 2016. The study reviewed the theoretical and empirical literatures which have tried to examine the market efficiency of the Johannesburg stock exchange and whether the JSE follows that random walk. Based on the review of literature, several methodologies such as (unit root tests, autocorrelation test) were employed in the study obtaining robust results that the JSE price indices (All Share, Resources and Financials) follow the random walk process. To further confirm the findings in this research, the variance ratio test is conducted under heteroscedasticity and homoscedasticity it also strongly verified that the existence of a random walk process cannot be rejected in the JSE. The empirical results from all the various tests reveal that the null hypothesis of random walk cannot be rejected. These results thus suggest that the JSE is efficient in its weak form. This commends all the measures which have been carried out to ensure that the market is efficient.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Remittances as an external source of finance for investments in developing countries
- Authors: Gadzikwa, Francis
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Emigrant remittances -- Developing countries Economic development -- Developing countries , Economic development -- Developing countries Developing countries -- Economic policy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7664 , vital:22785
- Description: A number of studies by academics, scholars and researchers have been conducted on the subject of remittances. The focus of these studies has been on developing countries where remittance corridors have long been established. These studies have focused more on the effects of remittances at micro level, in other words poverty alleviation as result of the decline of FDI; PI and ODA. Established remittance corridors are found in Asia, the Pacific Rim, the Middle East, South America, the Caribbean, West Africa as well as North Africa. Few studies have been conducted into new emerging corridors that are still being established, such as the South Africa-Zimbabwe, Botswana-Zimbabwe and the Namibian-Zimbabwe corridors where a large number of Zimbabweans have migrated to. Economic growth and development are major challenges facing developing countries due to lack of finance. With the decline of FDI, PI, ODA as well as credit since the global financial crisis in 2008, there is a need for research to determine other alternative sustainable sources of finance to enable economic growth and development. Available literature and empirical evidence on the subject matter suggest remittances as a complementary source not a substitute of FDI, PI, ODA and credit. This means that governments in developing countries should not neglect their duty to collect revenue, should promote FDI and PI and not be dependant solely on remittances. Like FDI, PI and ODA, the flow of remittances is also determined by the socio-economic and political factors. Any negative effect on the socio-economic and political factors may also lead to the decline of remittance flows. Whilst other developing countries in established remittance corridors have put policies and systems in place to harness and ensure maximum benefits of remittances, countries such as Zimbabwe have not done much to realise potential and the impact that remittances can make. This is evidenced from the lack of reliable data which according to Chami et al. (2008:21) places severe constraints on the types of questions that can be asked and conclusions that can be drawn from statistical analyses. Secondly, emigration from Zimbabwe can be regarded to be in its infancy stage compared countries like Nigeria and Egypt where migration to developed countries has reached maturity stage. The evidence of this is seen on the volume of remittances currently being received by these two countries. Therefore, this study will complement existing data and literature available particularly on this corridor. Remittances are channelled either through formal or informal channels. The literature available and empirical evidence suggests that the bulk of remittances are channelled through informal channels as opposed to formal channels (Crush et al.,2012:20). Within the South Africa-Zimbabwe corridor, 85 percent of remittances to Zimbabwe are channelled informally (von Burgsdorff, 2012: 17) and are not captured in the official statistics such as the Balance of Payments. The drawback of this is lack of accurate data which precludes more rigorous statistical analysis in this field (von Burgsdorff, 2010:12). This study will endeavour to capture valuable statistics with regards to remittances. Most developing countries that have relied on aid are also burdened with huge unsustainable external debts (Obasanjo, 2000). The external debts continue to have an adverse effect of slowing down economic growth and development as these countries have an obligation to pay back the debts. Settling of external debts has been one of the biggest challenges facing developing countries. With the rise of remittances, Olubiyi (2013:1) sees them as a replacement to credit to a country that is constrained. Instead of borrowing finance for growth and development, remittances can be used instead. Apart from substituting credit with remittances, countries which are not burdened with external debts are able to use remittances as a leverage to obtain foreign loans (Taylor, 1999:69). The loans acquired can used for supplementing revenue derived from the fiscus and other sources of external finance such as FDI, PI and ODA.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Gadzikwa, Francis
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Emigrant remittances -- Developing countries Economic development -- Developing countries , Economic development -- Developing countries Developing countries -- Economic policy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7664 , vital:22785
- Description: A number of studies by academics, scholars and researchers have been conducted on the subject of remittances. The focus of these studies has been on developing countries where remittance corridors have long been established. These studies have focused more on the effects of remittances at micro level, in other words poverty alleviation as result of the decline of FDI; PI and ODA. Established remittance corridors are found in Asia, the Pacific Rim, the Middle East, South America, the Caribbean, West Africa as well as North Africa. Few studies have been conducted into new emerging corridors that are still being established, such as the South Africa-Zimbabwe, Botswana-Zimbabwe and the Namibian-Zimbabwe corridors where a large number of Zimbabweans have migrated to. Economic growth and development are major challenges facing developing countries due to lack of finance. With the decline of FDI, PI, ODA as well as credit since the global financial crisis in 2008, there is a need for research to determine other alternative sustainable sources of finance to enable economic growth and development. Available literature and empirical evidence on the subject matter suggest remittances as a complementary source not a substitute of FDI, PI, ODA and credit. This means that governments in developing countries should not neglect their duty to collect revenue, should promote FDI and PI and not be dependant solely on remittances. Like FDI, PI and ODA, the flow of remittances is also determined by the socio-economic and political factors. Any negative effect on the socio-economic and political factors may also lead to the decline of remittance flows. Whilst other developing countries in established remittance corridors have put policies and systems in place to harness and ensure maximum benefits of remittances, countries such as Zimbabwe have not done much to realise potential and the impact that remittances can make. This is evidenced from the lack of reliable data which according to Chami et al. (2008:21) places severe constraints on the types of questions that can be asked and conclusions that can be drawn from statistical analyses. Secondly, emigration from Zimbabwe can be regarded to be in its infancy stage compared countries like Nigeria and Egypt where migration to developed countries has reached maturity stage. The evidence of this is seen on the volume of remittances currently being received by these two countries. Therefore, this study will complement existing data and literature available particularly on this corridor. Remittances are channelled either through formal or informal channels. The literature available and empirical evidence suggests that the bulk of remittances are channelled through informal channels as opposed to formal channels (Crush et al.,2012:20). Within the South Africa-Zimbabwe corridor, 85 percent of remittances to Zimbabwe are channelled informally (von Burgsdorff, 2012: 17) and are not captured in the official statistics such as the Balance of Payments. The drawback of this is lack of accurate data which precludes more rigorous statistical analysis in this field (von Burgsdorff, 2010:12). This study will endeavour to capture valuable statistics with regards to remittances. Most developing countries that have relied on aid are also burdened with huge unsustainable external debts (Obasanjo, 2000). The external debts continue to have an adverse effect of slowing down economic growth and development as these countries have an obligation to pay back the debts. Settling of external debts has been one of the biggest challenges facing developing countries. With the rise of remittances, Olubiyi (2013:1) sees them as a replacement to credit to a country that is constrained. Instead of borrowing finance for growth and development, remittances can be used instead. Apart from substituting credit with remittances, countries which are not burdened with external debts are able to use remittances as a leverage to obtain foreign loans (Taylor, 1999:69). The loans acquired can used for supplementing revenue derived from the fiscus and other sources of external finance such as FDI, PI and ODA.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
A cytotoxic pentadecapeptide from a South African Didemnid tunicate
- Gallegos, D, Serrill, J, Parker-Nance, Shirley, Dorrington, Rosemary A, Ishmael, J, McPhail, Kerry L
- Authors: Gallegos, D , Serrill, J , Parker-Nance, Shirley , Dorrington, Rosemary A , Ishmael, J , McPhail, Kerry L
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/65935 , vital:28863 , https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0036-1596683
- Description: publisher version , The rate of discovery of new natural product chemical entities has plateaued, and unique populations of endemic, biologically diverse sessile marine organisms represent increasingly critical opportunities to discover new chemistry. Discovery of the mandelalides [1] as potent inhibitors of cancer cell growth from the new South African tunicate Lissoclinum mandelai is an example of the diverse suites of metabolites with potent biological activities that have been isolated from tunicates and other filter-feeding sessile marine organisms that house complex microbial consortia. Further investigation of archived and new tunicate collections from Algoa Bay, South Africa, has revealed a group of didemnid tunicates with an unusual gelatinous morphology similar to Lissoclinum mandelai. Using a bioassay-guided isolation approach, a new “gelatinous” species of the genus Didemnum has yielded a cytotoxic pentadecapeptide with a molecular mass of 1603.7688 Da, comprising fifteen residues including both proteinogenic and non-proteinogenic amino acids. The pure compound inhibited both HeLa cervical cancer and NCI-H460 non-small cell lung cancer cell lines when tested at 30 nM in preliminary assays against cells seeded at low densities. Inhibition of cancer cells at low starting density may be indicative of an anti-proliferative mechanism of action. The compound did not show antibacterial activity against Vibrio cholera. Didemnin B and its clinically approved analogue dehydrodidemnin B (plitidepsin, Aplidin®) [2, 3] are important macrocyclic depsipeptides from a didemnid tunicate. The pentadecapeptide reported here provides justification for our continued investigation of unique, endemic didemnid tunicates from South Africa as a source of new macrocyclic natural products with cytotoxic, anti-viral or antimicrobial activity. , We acknowledge the South African government for permission to collect the subject tunicate (Collection Permit No. 278 RES2013/43)
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Gallegos, D , Serrill, J , Parker-Nance, Shirley , Dorrington, Rosemary A , Ishmael, J , McPhail, Kerry L
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/65935 , vital:28863 , https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0036-1596683
- Description: publisher version , The rate of discovery of new natural product chemical entities has plateaued, and unique populations of endemic, biologically diverse sessile marine organisms represent increasingly critical opportunities to discover new chemistry. Discovery of the mandelalides [1] as potent inhibitors of cancer cell growth from the new South African tunicate Lissoclinum mandelai is an example of the diverse suites of metabolites with potent biological activities that have been isolated from tunicates and other filter-feeding sessile marine organisms that house complex microbial consortia. Further investigation of archived and new tunicate collections from Algoa Bay, South Africa, has revealed a group of didemnid tunicates with an unusual gelatinous morphology similar to Lissoclinum mandelai. Using a bioassay-guided isolation approach, a new “gelatinous” species of the genus Didemnum has yielded a cytotoxic pentadecapeptide with a molecular mass of 1603.7688 Da, comprising fifteen residues including both proteinogenic and non-proteinogenic amino acids. The pure compound inhibited both HeLa cervical cancer and NCI-H460 non-small cell lung cancer cell lines when tested at 30 nM in preliminary assays against cells seeded at low densities. Inhibition of cancer cells at low starting density may be indicative of an anti-proliferative mechanism of action. The compound did not show antibacterial activity against Vibrio cholera. Didemnin B and its clinically approved analogue dehydrodidemnin B (plitidepsin, Aplidin®) [2, 3] are important macrocyclic depsipeptides from a didemnid tunicate. The pentadecapeptide reported here provides justification for our continued investigation of unique, endemic didemnid tunicates from South Africa as a source of new macrocyclic natural products with cytotoxic, anti-viral or antimicrobial activity. , We acknowledge the South African government for permission to collect the subject tunicate (Collection Permit No. 278 RES2013/43)
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2016
Assessing Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality's urban resilience
- Authors: Gatang'i, Rebecca Nyangige
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , City planning -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7637 , vital:22273
- Description: The quest for resilient cities has emerged as a strategy to mitigate and adapt the problems created by urban population growth and rapid urbanisation. Resilience has increasingly become an important urban policy discourse that challenge cities to reflect on their adaptive capacity to function in the face of adversity. Urban resilience in particular, amplifies the concern that urban spaces are the hub of heightened complexities of diverse risks. Across the globe, the concept of resilience is gaining momentum with many academic researchers discussing this phenomenon. In South Africa, the concept has been sparingly incorporated in a number of literatures with little focus on local government entities such as municipalities. In order to close this gap in the literature, and in response to the increasing use of the concept locally, this study explores the extent to which factors of resilience resonate within the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality urban management practices. Based on the exploration of a wide array of literature from various disciplinary areas, this study examines the concept of urbanisation and the related challenges. It also critically explores the concept of resilience, its application in urban management as well as the attributes of the adaptive capacities that enable urban resilience. This research adopts the City Resilience Framework and Index developed by Arup in partnership with the Rockefeller Foundation to assess the levels of resilience in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. The framework identifies four main dimensions used to measure resilience: People’s health and wellbeing, Organisation of the economy and society, Place of urban systems and services and Knowledge inherent in leadership and strategy. These dimensions form the basis of an integrative framework that provides an alternative lense through which cities can understand their unique attributes that contribute to their resilience. This research highlights the levels of resilience within the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and outlines practical implications for Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s management which can also be applied in other cities. This research adopts a positivist approach and applies statistical empirical measures using a quantitative analysis process. The research instrument in the form of a questionnaire was administered to the target population for data collection. Using the conceptual framework, the researcher applied statistical analysis to derive relationships amongst the variables to determine the degree of resilience in Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality using the four main dimensions of the framework. The findings of the study show the varying levels of resilience within NMBM’s practices. NMBM’s principal success areas include; providing basic houses, ensuring water and sanitation facilities, instituting effective labour policies, providing skills development and training facilities especially to the youth, enabling a conducive atmosphere for business development and the presence of an integrated development strategy. However, not much has been done in providing sufficient public health facilities, alternative energy sources, access to financial services, ensuring food security, enabling continuity of projects and activities through a funded budget, providing emergency medical services in the event of a disaster, high levels of corruption and insufficient deterrents to crime. Overall, the results show that NMBM has made good strides in enabling high level of resilience in its day to day operations. The findings of this study suggest that urban resilience is a continuous process that facilitates engagement leading to a dialogue and deeper understanding of a city.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Gatang'i, Rebecca Nyangige
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , City planning -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7637 , vital:22273
- Description: The quest for resilient cities has emerged as a strategy to mitigate and adapt the problems created by urban population growth and rapid urbanisation. Resilience has increasingly become an important urban policy discourse that challenge cities to reflect on their adaptive capacity to function in the face of adversity. Urban resilience in particular, amplifies the concern that urban spaces are the hub of heightened complexities of diverse risks. Across the globe, the concept of resilience is gaining momentum with many academic researchers discussing this phenomenon. In South Africa, the concept has been sparingly incorporated in a number of literatures with little focus on local government entities such as municipalities. In order to close this gap in the literature, and in response to the increasing use of the concept locally, this study explores the extent to which factors of resilience resonate within the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality urban management practices. Based on the exploration of a wide array of literature from various disciplinary areas, this study examines the concept of urbanisation and the related challenges. It also critically explores the concept of resilience, its application in urban management as well as the attributes of the adaptive capacities that enable urban resilience. This research adopts the City Resilience Framework and Index developed by Arup in partnership with the Rockefeller Foundation to assess the levels of resilience in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. The framework identifies four main dimensions used to measure resilience: People’s health and wellbeing, Organisation of the economy and society, Place of urban systems and services and Knowledge inherent in leadership and strategy. These dimensions form the basis of an integrative framework that provides an alternative lense through which cities can understand their unique attributes that contribute to their resilience. This research highlights the levels of resilience within the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and outlines practical implications for Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s management which can also be applied in other cities. This research adopts a positivist approach and applies statistical empirical measures using a quantitative analysis process. The research instrument in the form of a questionnaire was administered to the target population for data collection. Using the conceptual framework, the researcher applied statistical analysis to derive relationships amongst the variables to determine the degree of resilience in Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality using the four main dimensions of the framework. The findings of the study show the varying levels of resilience within NMBM’s practices. NMBM’s principal success areas include; providing basic houses, ensuring water and sanitation facilities, instituting effective labour policies, providing skills development and training facilities especially to the youth, enabling a conducive atmosphere for business development and the presence of an integrated development strategy. However, not much has been done in providing sufficient public health facilities, alternative energy sources, access to financial services, ensuring food security, enabling continuity of projects and activities through a funded budget, providing emergency medical services in the event of a disaster, high levels of corruption and insufficient deterrents to crime. Overall, the results show that NMBM has made good strides in enabling high level of resilience in its day to day operations. The findings of this study suggest that urban resilience is a continuous process that facilitates engagement leading to a dialogue and deeper understanding of a city.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Assessing Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality's urban resilience
- Authors: Gatang'i, Rebecca Nyangige
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: City planning -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7639 , vital:22272
- Description: The quest for resilient cities has emerged as a strategy to mitigate and adapt the problems created by urban population growth and rapid urbanisation. Resilience has increasingly become an important urban policy discourse that challenge cities to reflect on their adaptive capacity to function in the face of adversity. Urban resilience in particular, amplifies the concern that urban spaces are the hub of heightened complexities of diverse risks. Across the globe, the concept of resilience is gaining momentum with many academic researchers discussing this phenomenon. In South Africa, the concept has been sparingly incorporated in a number of literatures with little focus on local government entities such as municipalities. In order to close this gap in the literature, and in response to the increasing use of the concept locally, this study explores the extent to which factors of resilience resonate within the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality urban management practices. Based on the exploration of a wide array of literature from various disciplinary areas, this study examines the concept of urbanisation and the related challenges. It also critically explores the concept of resilience, its application in urban management as well as the attributes of the adaptive capacities that enable urban resilience. This research adopts the City Resilience Framework and Index developed by Arup in partnership with the Rockefeller Foundation to assess the levels of resilience in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. The framework identifies four main dimensions used to measure resilience: People’s health and wellbeing, Organisation of the economy and society, Place of urban systems and services and Knowledge inherent in leadership and strategy. These dimensions form the basis of an integrative framework that provides an alternative lense through which cities can understand their unique attributes that contribute to their resilience. This research highlights the levels of resilience within the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and outlines practical implications for Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s management which can also be applied in other cities. This research adopts a positivist approach and applies statistical empirical measures using a quantitative analysis process. The research instrument in the form of a questionnaire was administered to the target population for data collection. Using the conceptual framework, the researcher applied statistical analysis to derive relationships amongst the variables to determine the degree of resilience in Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality using the four main dimensions of the framework. The findings of the study show the varying levels of resilience within NMBM’s practices. NMBM’s principal success areas include; providing basic houses, ensuring water and sanitation facilities, instituting effective labour policies, providing skills development and training facilities especially to the youth, enabling a conducive atmosphere for business development and the presence of an integrated development strategy. However, not much has been done in providing sufficient public health facilities, alternative energy sources, access to financial services, ensuring food security, enabling continuity of projects and activities through a funded budget, providing emergency medical services in the event of a disaster, high levels of corruption and insufficient deterrents to crime. Overall, the results show that NMBM has made good strides in enabling high level of resilience in its day to day operations. The findings of this study suggest that urban resilience is a continuous process that facilitates engagement leading to a dialogue and deeper understanding of a city.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Gatang'i, Rebecca Nyangige
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: City planning -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7639 , vital:22272
- Description: The quest for resilient cities has emerged as a strategy to mitigate and adapt the problems created by urban population growth and rapid urbanisation. Resilience has increasingly become an important urban policy discourse that challenge cities to reflect on their adaptive capacity to function in the face of adversity. Urban resilience in particular, amplifies the concern that urban spaces are the hub of heightened complexities of diverse risks. Across the globe, the concept of resilience is gaining momentum with many academic researchers discussing this phenomenon. In South Africa, the concept has been sparingly incorporated in a number of literatures with little focus on local government entities such as municipalities. In order to close this gap in the literature, and in response to the increasing use of the concept locally, this study explores the extent to which factors of resilience resonate within the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality urban management practices. Based on the exploration of a wide array of literature from various disciplinary areas, this study examines the concept of urbanisation and the related challenges. It also critically explores the concept of resilience, its application in urban management as well as the attributes of the adaptive capacities that enable urban resilience. This research adopts the City Resilience Framework and Index developed by Arup in partnership with the Rockefeller Foundation to assess the levels of resilience in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. The framework identifies four main dimensions used to measure resilience: People’s health and wellbeing, Organisation of the economy and society, Place of urban systems and services and Knowledge inherent in leadership and strategy. These dimensions form the basis of an integrative framework that provides an alternative lense through which cities can understand their unique attributes that contribute to their resilience. This research highlights the levels of resilience within the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and outlines practical implications for Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s management which can also be applied in other cities. This research adopts a positivist approach and applies statistical empirical measures using a quantitative analysis process. The research instrument in the form of a questionnaire was administered to the target population for data collection. Using the conceptual framework, the researcher applied statistical analysis to derive relationships amongst the variables to determine the degree of resilience in Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality using the four main dimensions of the framework. The findings of the study show the varying levels of resilience within NMBM’s practices. NMBM’s principal success areas include; providing basic houses, ensuring water and sanitation facilities, instituting effective labour policies, providing skills development and training facilities especially to the youth, enabling a conducive atmosphere for business development and the presence of an integrated development strategy. However, not much has been done in providing sufficient public health facilities, alternative energy sources, access to financial services, ensuring food security, enabling continuity of projects and activities through a funded budget, providing emergency medical services in the event of a disaster, high levels of corruption and insufficient deterrents to crime. Overall, the results show that NMBM has made good strides in enabling high level of resilience in its day to day operations. The findings of this study suggest that urban resilience is a continuous process that facilitates engagement leading to a dialogue and deeper understanding of a city.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
A model to enhance the perceived trustworthiness of Eastern Cape essential oil producers selling through electronic marketplaces
- Authors: Gcora, Nozibele
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Electronic commerce -- Security measures -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Essences and essential oils -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Essences and essential oils -- Marketing , Internet marketing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2194 , vital:27672
- Description: Eastern Cape Province farmers in the natural essential oils industry are yet to fully realise the use of electronic commerce (e-commerce) platforms, such as electronic marketplaces (e-marketplaces) for business purposes. This is due to the issues that include lack of awareness, poor product quality, untrusted payment gateways and unsuccessful delivery that are associated with e-marketplaces. As a result, farmers do not trust e-marketplaces and therefore hesitate to engage in e-marketplaces for business purposes. This is further complicated by natural essential oils buyers‟ tendency of preferring face-to-face interaction with a supplier rather than online interaction as they need quality assurance. As such, this research proposes a model to enhance the perceived trustworthiness of natural essential oil producers in the Eastern Cape Province selling through e-marketplaces. The model constitutes the factors that could be considered in assisting essential oil producers to create a perception of trustworthiness to buyers in e-marketplaces. These factors were evaluated amongst five organisations involved in the production, retail or processing of essential oils using a multiple-case study methodology. The study‟s use of multiple-case study was applied within the interpretivist paradigm and five cases were considered. Interviews, document analysis and observations were used for data collection. Data analysis was done using within-case analysis followed by cross-case analysis to establish factors of trust. The essential oil producers based in the Gauteng, Kwazulu-Natal and Western Cape provinces were cases that had been successfully using e-marketplaces for a notable period of time. Accordingly, factors that contributed to the successful use of e-marketplaces informed the proposed model of this research. The model proposes that perceived trustworthiness of enterprises in e-marketplaces can be achieved through following the uncertainty reduction stages (Entry, Personal and Exit) and applying uncertainty reduction strategies (passive, active and interactive).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Gcora, Nozibele
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Electronic commerce -- Security measures -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Essences and essential oils -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Essences and essential oils -- Marketing , Internet marketing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2194 , vital:27672
- Description: Eastern Cape Province farmers in the natural essential oils industry are yet to fully realise the use of electronic commerce (e-commerce) platforms, such as electronic marketplaces (e-marketplaces) for business purposes. This is due to the issues that include lack of awareness, poor product quality, untrusted payment gateways and unsuccessful delivery that are associated with e-marketplaces. As a result, farmers do not trust e-marketplaces and therefore hesitate to engage in e-marketplaces for business purposes. This is further complicated by natural essential oils buyers‟ tendency of preferring face-to-face interaction with a supplier rather than online interaction as they need quality assurance. As such, this research proposes a model to enhance the perceived trustworthiness of natural essential oil producers in the Eastern Cape Province selling through e-marketplaces. The model constitutes the factors that could be considered in assisting essential oil producers to create a perception of trustworthiness to buyers in e-marketplaces. These factors were evaluated amongst five organisations involved in the production, retail or processing of essential oils using a multiple-case study methodology. The study‟s use of multiple-case study was applied within the interpretivist paradigm and five cases were considered. Interviews, document analysis and observations were used for data collection. Data analysis was done using within-case analysis followed by cross-case analysis to establish factors of trust. The essential oil producers based in the Gauteng, Kwazulu-Natal and Western Cape provinces were cases that had been successfully using e-marketplaces for a notable period of time. Accordingly, factors that contributed to the successful use of e-marketplaces informed the proposed model of this research. The model proposes that perceived trustworthiness of enterprises in e-marketplaces can be achieved through following the uncertainty reduction stages (Entry, Personal and Exit) and applying uncertainty reduction strategies (passive, active and interactive).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Shifting identities: An exploration of the possibilities for a syncretic Afrikaans theatre by means of three case studies – Hex (2003), Lady Anne (2007), Ekspedisies (2008)
- Authors: Gehring, Heike
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:2165 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1021269
- Description: This thesis investigates the possibilities for syncretic Afrikaans language theatre within a post-1994 South African society. The research sets out to explore in what manner theatre can be language-specific, while at the same time being able to cross language contexts. This exploration is driven by the wish to develop strategies for creating Afrikaans theatre that is able to reflect on a society “united in diversity”. In this regard it is argued that for theatre to be able to both retain and cross language barriers, processes of bonding and bridging are necessary. The thesis sets out first to explain why these processes are required and then to suggest ways in which such processes can be implemented in practice. A triangular approach is used, in which conceptual and theoretical frameworks are developed to reflect on actual theatre practices. Three of my own productions are used as case studies, namely Hex (2000; 2003), Lady Anne (2007) and Ekspedisies (2008). These productions can be understood to be “boundary objects” in Henk Borgdorff’s (2012: 177) sense of the word, in that they fulfil a dual function: they are artistic productions that can also be reconstituted to serve a research purpose beyond the productions themselves. All three works were first created for public consumption before becoming cases for this thesis. Many of the strategies that were developed and tested in creating these productions are examples of ways in which bonding and bridging in Afrikaans language theatre can be understood. Chapter One of the thesis contextualises the political currents and events that necessitated the impulse towards “bonding and bridging”. In this case the political and ethical impetus behind the practical explorations has been related predominantly to the democratisation of South African society, in which a paradigm shift happened from viewing the Afrikaans language as one over many to one amongst many. Within a multilingual South Africa, concerns are raised about ways in which to create theatre in South African languages other than English (often understood to be the only possible bridging language) that are able to cross language divides. Following this introduction to language-related concerns, Chapter Two explains how the shift from apartheid to democracy made space for shifts in identity – on personal as well as institutional levels: a progression from essentialised notions of culture to the celebration of plurality. This progression is then related to theatre, with an explanation of how the post-1994 theatre landscape demanded a reimagining of the form and function of theatre. In this re-imagination the notion of a “third space” is important; something that is introduced in this chapter as an alternative to polarised identity constructions. The function of the “third space” as an in-between space and a meeting point for diverse people and entities is a strong underlying theme of this thesis and it serves as a reoccurring touchstone to the ideas put forward. Chapter Three discusses the South African arts festival culture and its contribution to the South African theatre landscape. Particular focus is placed on the Klein Karoo National Arts festival (KKNK) as a platform for the development of the Afrikaans language within a post-1994 context. What is emphasized in particular is the attempt by the KKNK festival to be linguistically and culturally exploratory and inclusive in the face of language protectionism. After the contextual background of the first three chapters, the thesis shifts to an analysis of theories related to “hybridity” and “syncretism”. In Chapter Four the argument is put forward that of the various inclusive performance and theatre models that represent a multicultural society, the most responsive forms are those that are syncretic and hybrid. Principles that can contribute to the unification and merging of diverse and polarized societal groups are described, and suggestions are made for possible ways to bring about bonding and bridging within cultural practices. Having introduced these principles, examples are offered of how these theories might be understood in other disciplines, namely, religious studies, anthropology, history and a range of cultural practices. Following this broad discussion, Chapter Five describes syncretism and hybridity more specifically in theatre by means of relevant examples. Taking the discussion further into the realm of application, Chapter Six offers an overview of “workshop theatre”, “translation” and “collage making” as strategies for putting theories of hybridity and syncretism into practice. This is followed (in Chapters Seven, Eight and Nine) by a discussion of the three productions (Hex, Lady Anne and Ekspedisies) as case studies that demonstrate how these theories can be understood in practice. Practical strategies for bridging language divides are foregrounded, such as code switching as an approach for enabling a “co-habitation” of languages; physical theatre as a means for crossing language divides; and the creation of more than one language version of a production as a tactic to accommodate shifting contexts. Following on from the discoveries made in the foregoing chapters, I conclude that theories and practices related to notions of “third space”, “hybridity” and “syncretism” are ideal for creating theatre forms (in the Afrikaans language in particular) that can truly reflect a South African society which is “united in diversity”. The thesis ends by offering suggestions for ways in which new, future identities, can be developed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Gehring, Heike
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:2165 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1021269
- Description: This thesis investigates the possibilities for syncretic Afrikaans language theatre within a post-1994 South African society. The research sets out to explore in what manner theatre can be language-specific, while at the same time being able to cross language contexts. This exploration is driven by the wish to develop strategies for creating Afrikaans theatre that is able to reflect on a society “united in diversity”. In this regard it is argued that for theatre to be able to both retain and cross language barriers, processes of bonding and bridging are necessary. The thesis sets out first to explain why these processes are required and then to suggest ways in which such processes can be implemented in practice. A triangular approach is used, in which conceptual and theoretical frameworks are developed to reflect on actual theatre practices. Three of my own productions are used as case studies, namely Hex (2000; 2003), Lady Anne (2007) and Ekspedisies (2008). These productions can be understood to be “boundary objects” in Henk Borgdorff’s (2012: 177) sense of the word, in that they fulfil a dual function: they are artistic productions that can also be reconstituted to serve a research purpose beyond the productions themselves. All three works were first created for public consumption before becoming cases for this thesis. Many of the strategies that were developed and tested in creating these productions are examples of ways in which bonding and bridging in Afrikaans language theatre can be understood. Chapter One of the thesis contextualises the political currents and events that necessitated the impulse towards “bonding and bridging”. In this case the political and ethical impetus behind the practical explorations has been related predominantly to the democratisation of South African society, in which a paradigm shift happened from viewing the Afrikaans language as one over many to one amongst many. Within a multilingual South Africa, concerns are raised about ways in which to create theatre in South African languages other than English (often understood to be the only possible bridging language) that are able to cross language divides. Following this introduction to language-related concerns, Chapter Two explains how the shift from apartheid to democracy made space for shifts in identity – on personal as well as institutional levels: a progression from essentialised notions of culture to the celebration of plurality. This progression is then related to theatre, with an explanation of how the post-1994 theatre landscape demanded a reimagining of the form and function of theatre. In this re-imagination the notion of a “third space” is important; something that is introduced in this chapter as an alternative to polarised identity constructions. The function of the “third space” as an in-between space and a meeting point for diverse people and entities is a strong underlying theme of this thesis and it serves as a reoccurring touchstone to the ideas put forward. Chapter Three discusses the South African arts festival culture and its contribution to the South African theatre landscape. Particular focus is placed on the Klein Karoo National Arts festival (KKNK) as a platform for the development of the Afrikaans language within a post-1994 context. What is emphasized in particular is the attempt by the KKNK festival to be linguistically and culturally exploratory and inclusive in the face of language protectionism. After the contextual background of the first three chapters, the thesis shifts to an analysis of theories related to “hybridity” and “syncretism”. In Chapter Four the argument is put forward that of the various inclusive performance and theatre models that represent a multicultural society, the most responsive forms are those that are syncretic and hybrid. Principles that can contribute to the unification and merging of diverse and polarized societal groups are described, and suggestions are made for possible ways to bring about bonding and bridging within cultural practices. Having introduced these principles, examples are offered of how these theories might be understood in other disciplines, namely, religious studies, anthropology, history and a range of cultural practices. Following this broad discussion, Chapter Five describes syncretism and hybridity more specifically in theatre by means of relevant examples. Taking the discussion further into the realm of application, Chapter Six offers an overview of “workshop theatre”, “translation” and “collage making” as strategies for putting theories of hybridity and syncretism into practice. This is followed (in Chapters Seven, Eight and Nine) by a discussion of the three productions (Hex, Lady Anne and Ekspedisies) as case studies that demonstrate how these theories can be understood in practice. Practical strategies for bridging language divides are foregrounded, such as code switching as an approach for enabling a “co-habitation” of languages; physical theatre as a means for crossing language divides; and the creation of more than one language version of a production as a tactic to accommodate shifting contexts. Following on from the discoveries made in the foregoing chapters, I conclude that theories and practices related to notions of “third space”, “hybridity” and “syncretism” are ideal for creating theatre forms (in the Afrikaans language in particular) that can truly reflect a South African society which is “united in diversity”. The thesis ends by offering suggestions for ways in which new, future identities, can be developed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Addressing gender-based violence in the age of Aids: rural youth engaging peers through social media
- Authors: Geldenhuys, Martha Maria
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) in adolescence -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal -- Attitudes , Violence -- Sex differences , Digital storytelling , Social media -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12469 , vital:27069
- Description: This study responds to the following research question: How might rural school youth engage peers using social media in a participatory cultures framework to contribute to addressing gender-based violence in their community? This question is supported by the following secondary questions: How do rural school youth understand gender-based violence in their community. how might rural school youth use social media within a participatory cultures framework to engage peers in addressing GBV How can rural school youth engage with their peers via social media to facilitate youth agency in a participatory cultures framework This qualitative study is positioned in a critical paradigm and employs a visual participatory research methodology to contribute to addressing gender-based violence in the age of HIV and AIDS. The participants in this study are five learners (3 boys and 2 girls) with five of their peers (3 boys and 2 girls) from a secondary school in rural Vulindlela in KwaZulu-Natal, purposively selected from Grade 9 classes. Digital storytelling was employed as the main visual method of data generation to express the participants’ understanding of, and solutions to, genderbased violence. The stories were used by the participants to engage their peers around the topic via social media and to enable them to reflect on their own agency. The study draws on Jenkins’ theory of participatory cultures as a heoretical framework. Thematic analysis was applied to make meaning of the findings. The findings show that rural school youth understand gender-based violence (GBV) as a complex problem. Youthful learners are able to competently apply social media to address GBV and engage their peers through social media – hifting the power to participate as agents of change.The findings have implications for youth, the school, and the community. The youth are seen as knowledgeable actors who should inform intervention programmes aimed at social change. Social media can offer an engaging environment for peer learning and support. For digital participation, the youth need to acquire digital skills at school which could be integrated throughout the curriculum, drawing on participatory cultures. In the community, youth as knowledge producers are competent in leading, guiding, and instructing community members using social media spaces as more people have access to inexpensive digital technology that allows them to participate in community intervention programmes aimed at social change. I conclude by arguing that youth can express lived realties on GBV and solutions to GBV through visual methods such as digital storytelling. Their engagement on social media such as Facebook can be viewed as intervention by assuming agency through a guided process of solving community problems collaboratively with peers through the process of participatory cultures. This democratic process strengthens agency for community benefit and highlights a new youth and peer culture where youth circulate new and self-made content aimed at social action through their continuous reflection – a shift in power as the voices and actions of youth are acknowledged.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Addressing gender-based violence in the age of Aids: rural youth engaging peers through social media
- Authors: Geldenhuys, Martha Maria
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) in adolescence -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal -- Attitudes , Violence -- Sex differences , Digital storytelling , Social media -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12469 , vital:27069
- Description: This study responds to the following research question: How might rural school youth engage peers using social media in a participatory cultures framework to contribute to addressing gender-based violence in their community? This question is supported by the following secondary questions: How do rural school youth understand gender-based violence in their community. how might rural school youth use social media within a participatory cultures framework to engage peers in addressing GBV How can rural school youth engage with their peers via social media to facilitate youth agency in a participatory cultures framework This qualitative study is positioned in a critical paradigm and employs a visual participatory research methodology to contribute to addressing gender-based violence in the age of HIV and AIDS. The participants in this study are five learners (3 boys and 2 girls) with five of their peers (3 boys and 2 girls) from a secondary school in rural Vulindlela in KwaZulu-Natal, purposively selected from Grade 9 classes. Digital storytelling was employed as the main visual method of data generation to express the participants’ understanding of, and solutions to, genderbased violence. The stories were used by the participants to engage their peers around the topic via social media and to enable them to reflect on their own agency. The study draws on Jenkins’ theory of participatory cultures as a heoretical framework. Thematic analysis was applied to make meaning of the findings. The findings show that rural school youth understand gender-based violence (GBV) as a complex problem. Youthful learners are able to competently apply social media to address GBV and engage their peers through social media – hifting the power to participate as agents of change.The findings have implications for youth, the school, and the community. The youth are seen as knowledgeable actors who should inform intervention programmes aimed at social change. Social media can offer an engaging environment for peer learning and support. For digital participation, the youth need to acquire digital skills at school which could be integrated throughout the curriculum, drawing on participatory cultures. In the community, youth as knowledge producers are competent in leading, guiding, and instructing community members using social media spaces as more people have access to inexpensive digital technology that allows them to participate in community intervention programmes aimed at social change. I conclude by arguing that youth can express lived realties on GBV and solutions to GBV through visual methods such as digital storytelling. Their engagement on social media such as Facebook can be viewed as intervention by assuming agency through a guided process of solving community problems collaboratively with peers through the process of participatory cultures. This democratic process strengthens agency for community benefit and highlights a new youth and peer culture where youth circulate new and self-made content aimed at social action through their continuous reflection – a shift in power as the voices and actions of youth are acknowledged.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Optimising the work integrated learning of student nurses
- Authors: Gerber, Karin
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Nursing -- Study and teaching , Nursing students Education, Cooperative -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7721 , vital:23415
- Description: According to the Council on Higher Education (CHE, 2011:78) the term Work Integrated Learning (WIL) refers to an educational approach that aligns academic and workplace practices for the mutual benefit of students and workplaces. The CHE (2011:4) further describes WIL as an approach to career-focussed education that includes classroom-based and workplace-based forms of learning that are appropriate for the professional qualifications. WIL forms part of many training programmes for professions across the globe and is considered an important aspect of preparing the trainee or student to integrate theoretical learning into the clinical environment in which he or she will be building his or her career. WIL is considered crucial for the development of professional attributes and competencies needed to perform duties within the chosen profession once the trainee is qualified. Health care professions across the world employ WIL in clinical areas as an integral part of their curricula and nursing specifically is one of the health care professions that utilise a large component of WIL for clinical development of the student nurses. In South Africa, student nurses are currently placed in a variety of clinical settings in order to obtain the required and regulated clinical experience that work integrated learning should offer them. However, anecdotal evidence indicated that student nurses from the various Nursing Education Institutions in Nelson Mandela Bay experienced difficulty in finding adequate opportunities to develop their newly acquired skills when in the clinical areas and reported great difficulties in achieving their WIL outcomes. The aim of this study was to explore and describe the student nurses’ experiences of work integrated learning in various clinical areas in the Nelson Mandela Bay. This study followed a qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual design with two phases. Thirty-five student nurses in their third and fourth-year were purposely sampled. In phase one data was collected using two steps, where the first step comprised using naïve sketches. During the second step interviews were done by means of focus groups using semi-structured questions and responsive interviewing. Data was transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically using Tesch’s method of analysis. In phase two recommendations for nurse educators to optimise WIL were formulated. The following three themes and related sub-themes emerged from the analysis: 1) Student nurses experienced a multitude of challenges in the clinical placement areas (CPA) and at the nursing education institution (NEI) that negatively impact on their morale and hinder WIL, namely lack of resources, unsupportive learning environments, a lack of belonging and workplace violence. 2) Positive experiences resulted in motivated and enthusiastic students, namely being inspired by role models, enhanced learning when support was offered and personal growth. 3) Students offered recommendations for enabling their WIL, namely adequate mentoring and clinical support, adequate financial support related to WIL and adjusting the nursing programmes to better incorporate the students’ needs. Relevant literature and recommendations offered by the student nurses were used to formulate recommendations with action steps for nurse educators to optimise work integrated learning of student nurses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Gerber, Karin
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Nursing -- Study and teaching , Nursing students Education, Cooperative -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7721 , vital:23415
- Description: According to the Council on Higher Education (CHE, 2011:78) the term Work Integrated Learning (WIL) refers to an educational approach that aligns academic and workplace practices for the mutual benefit of students and workplaces. The CHE (2011:4) further describes WIL as an approach to career-focussed education that includes classroom-based and workplace-based forms of learning that are appropriate for the professional qualifications. WIL forms part of many training programmes for professions across the globe and is considered an important aspect of preparing the trainee or student to integrate theoretical learning into the clinical environment in which he or she will be building his or her career. WIL is considered crucial for the development of professional attributes and competencies needed to perform duties within the chosen profession once the trainee is qualified. Health care professions across the world employ WIL in clinical areas as an integral part of their curricula and nursing specifically is one of the health care professions that utilise a large component of WIL for clinical development of the student nurses. In South Africa, student nurses are currently placed in a variety of clinical settings in order to obtain the required and regulated clinical experience that work integrated learning should offer them. However, anecdotal evidence indicated that student nurses from the various Nursing Education Institutions in Nelson Mandela Bay experienced difficulty in finding adequate opportunities to develop their newly acquired skills when in the clinical areas and reported great difficulties in achieving their WIL outcomes. The aim of this study was to explore and describe the student nurses’ experiences of work integrated learning in various clinical areas in the Nelson Mandela Bay. This study followed a qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual design with two phases. Thirty-five student nurses in their third and fourth-year were purposely sampled. In phase one data was collected using two steps, where the first step comprised using naïve sketches. During the second step interviews were done by means of focus groups using semi-structured questions and responsive interviewing. Data was transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically using Tesch’s method of analysis. In phase two recommendations for nurse educators to optimise WIL were formulated. The following three themes and related sub-themes emerged from the analysis: 1) Student nurses experienced a multitude of challenges in the clinical placement areas (CPA) and at the nursing education institution (NEI) that negatively impact on their morale and hinder WIL, namely lack of resources, unsupportive learning environments, a lack of belonging and workplace violence. 2) Positive experiences resulted in motivated and enthusiastic students, namely being inspired by role models, enhanced learning when support was offered and personal growth. 3) Students offered recommendations for enabling their WIL, namely adequate mentoring and clinical support, adequate financial support related to WIL and adjusting the nursing programmes to better incorporate the students’ needs. Relevant literature and recommendations offered by the student nurses were used to formulate recommendations with action steps for nurse educators to optimise work integrated learning of student nurses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Vertebrate Biostratigraphy of the Witteberg Group and the Devonian-Carboniferous boundary in South Africa
- Authors: Gess, Robert W
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , boook chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/73987 , vital:30248 , https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-40859-0_13
- Description: Witteberg Group rocks are Late Devonian to Early Carboniferous in age. Comparison with Laurasian sea-level curves has correlated the earliest Carboniferous Tournasian transgression, with the argillaceous Kweekvlei Formation, overlying the arenaceous Witpoort Formation. The Devonian/Carboniferous boundary is globally characterised by a Mass Extinction which extinguished the entire grade of placoderm fish and radically reduced sarcopterygian and acanthodian diversity, preluding an Early Carboniferous radiation of actinopterygians. Analysis of Cape Supergroup biostratigraphy reveals that a fauna preservationally dominated by placoderms, sharks, and gyracanthid acanthodians may be traced from the Upper Bokkeveld Group through the Wagondrift Formation (Witteberg Group) to the Witpoort Formation, wherein it displays an increased diversity of placoderms, as well as sarcopterygians. Overlying strata contain no placoderms or sarcopterygians, but present are some relict sharks and acanthodians, and an increasing abundance of actinopterygians. This congruence confirms sea-level curve based age estimates of the Witteberg Group and the position of the Devonian/Carboniferous boundary.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Gess, Robert W
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , boook chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/73987 , vital:30248 , https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-40859-0_13
- Description: Witteberg Group rocks are Late Devonian to Early Carboniferous in age. Comparison with Laurasian sea-level curves has correlated the earliest Carboniferous Tournasian transgression, with the argillaceous Kweekvlei Formation, overlying the arenaceous Witpoort Formation. The Devonian/Carboniferous boundary is globally characterised by a Mass Extinction which extinguished the entire grade of placoderm fish and radically reduced sarcopterygian and acanthodian diversity, preluding an Early Carboniferous radiation of actinopterygians. Analysis of Cape Supergroup biostratigraphy reveals that a fauna preservationally dominated by placoderms, sharks, and gyracanthid acanthodians may be traced from the Upper Bokkeveld Group through the Wagondrift Formation (Witteberg Group) to the Witpoort Formation, wherein it displays an increased diversity of placoderms, as well as sarcopterygians. Overlying strata contain no placoderms or sarcopterygians, but present are some relict sharks and acanthodians, and an increasing abundance of actinopterygians. This congruence confirms sea-level curve based age estimates of the Witteberg Group and the position of the Devonian/Carboniferous boundary.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2016
An investigation into the discursive contructions of childhood masculinity and femininity in BEN 10
- Authors: Gharbaharan, Leah
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/3384 , vital:20477
- Description: This thesis investigates the representation of gendered childhood in popular children’s television series Ben 10. The series focuses on ten year old Ben who is granted alien powers, deciding to use them to protect innocent people from danger. Alongside Ben is his ten year old female cousin, Gwen, presented as his foil and guide throughout the series. As the characters develop the series presents particular gendered ways of performing childhood and adolescence and responses to the challenges of growing up. Before charting the trajectories of masculinity and femininity of the series I provide a theoretical framework drawing on the work of Foucault for his conceptualisation of discourse, discursive regimes and discursive subjects. The discursive approach is further explored by outlining particular concepts posited by Connell and Butler who argue for the discursive construction and performativity of gender. Similarly, I employ a social constructionist approach to childhood, arguing for children as active meaning makers – albeit constrained by broader discourses. They are constantly learning behaviours which shape their social practice, indicating the significance of studies on children’s media. Consistent with a constructivist approach, this study employs a qualitative methodology to undertake a Critical Discourse Analysis of select episodes, also informed by narrative theories. These ideas underpin the textual analysis of each purposively sampled episode of the three series to present the progression of masculinity and femininity from childhood through early and later adolescence through the characters Ben and Gwen. The analysis serves to demonstrate that Rousseau’s gendered notions of childhood still have considerable purchase in the twenty-first century, particularly in relation to the female character. This study’s findings propose a shift in children’s televisual representations to espousing more liberal views of masculinity, wherein boys are permitted space to feel fear and anxiety. Unsurprisingly, the series continues to uphold traditional ideals of heteronormativity and a hegemonic masculinity which uses physicality to demonstrate dominance. Furthermore, despite the modern conception of self-actualising females the series expects its female characters to work doubly hard without fundamentally challenging patriarchal ideals. That conventional, patriarchal gender roles are rehearsed and privileged in this popular series has implications in terms of persistent gender inequalities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Gharbaharan, Leah
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/3384 , vital:20477
- Description: This thesis investigates the representation of gendered childhood in popular children’s television series Ben 10. The series focuses on ten year old Ben who is granted alien powers, deciding to use them to protect innocent people from danger. Alongside Ben is his ten year old female cousin, Gwen, presented as his foil and guide throughout the series. As the characters develop the series presents particular gendered ways of performing childhood and adolescence and responses to the challenges of growing up. Before charting the trajectories of masculinity and femininity of the series I provide a theoretical framework drawing on the work of Foucault for his conceptualisation of discourse, discursive regimes and discursive subjects. The discursive approach is further explored by outlining particular concepts posited by Connell and Butler who argue for the discursive construction and performativity of gender. Similarly, I employ a social constructionist approach to childhood, arguing for children as active meaning makers – albeit constrained by broader discourses. They are constantly learning behaviours which shape their social practice, indicating the significance of studies on children’s media. Consistent with a constructivist approach, this study employs a qualitative methodology to undertake a Critical Discourse Analysis of select episodes, also informed by narrative theories. These ideas underpin the textual analysis of each purposively sampled episode of the three series to present the progression of masculinity and femininity from childhood through early and later adolescence through the characters Ben and Gwen. The analysis serves to demonstrate that Rousseau’s gendered notions of childhood still have considerable purchase in the twenty-first century, particularly in relation to the female character. This study’s findings propose a shift in children’s televisual representations to espousing more liberal views of masculinity, wherein boys are permitted space to feel fear and anxiety. Unsurprisingly, the series continues to uphold traditional ideals of heteronormativity and a hegemonic masculinity which uses physicality to demonstrate dominance. Furthermore, despite the modern conception of self-actualising females the series expects its female characters to work doubly hard without fundamentally challenging patriarchal ideals. That conventional, patriarchal gender roles are rehearsed and privileged in this popular series has implications in terms of persistent gender inequalities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016