Drivers and consequences of residents' satisfaction with off-campus student housing in South-South, Nigeria
- Authors: Bella-Omunagbe, Ojo Cyprain
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Student housing -- Nigeria , Housing -- Resident satisfaction , Residence and education , Universities and colleges -- Nigeria -- Administration
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9720 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021198
- Description: The student housing system worldwide and South-South Nigeria in particular has witnessed an unprecedented transformation, such that private off-campus student housing facilities (SHFs) are now the primary source of accommodation for students in tertiary institutions. A considerable gap exists between the supply and demand for on-campus student housing and the quest to fill this gap has stimulated the creation of a significant student housing market in the areas where these tertiary institutions are located. The prospect for economic investments in the student housing sector is high and private investors are involved in the provision and management of offcampus student housing. The main consequence of this practice in South-South, Nigeria is the delivery of low-quality buildings that are not able to meet the needs and expectations of residents. SHFs that are constructed without due regard to residents needs are characterised by dissatisfaction with attributes of housing and low investment performance. The implication is that residence users are often not satisfied with the attributes of the residential environment that are provided; thus their behaviours often impose some consequences on investors gains and objectives.Therefore, understanding the dynamics among attributes that are important to students, that give the required satisfaction, and the impact of the availability or lack-of on behaviour such as loyalty, willingness to pay for attributes and word of mouth behaviour are critical to profitability. Most often, the relationship among these attributes are treated as linear and symmetrical with the assumed implication that better attributes produce improved behaviours. However, this may not always be the case. This approach is rarely addressed and is little understood in student housing studies. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify student housing attributes that act as drivers of resident atisfaction and the consequences/effects of these drivers on student behaviour in order to determine appropriate measures that could be used to develop, maintain and upgrade student accommodation. The methodology of the study included an extensive literature review and a field study conducted to obtain the perceptions of students in seven tertiary institutions located in South-South, Nigeria. The main task was to define attributes of student housing facilities based on the symmetric and asymmetric impact of the performance of attributes on satisfaction with residence. The Kano model and importance-performance analysis (IPA) were used to establish sets of criteria that could be used to prioritise attributes that are required in student housing for optimal investor gains. Analysis of the findings lead to the conclusions that different degrees of behaviour were associated to the perception of importance that is attached to attributes by residents and the satisfaction that is derived from the use of such attributes. The implication of the conclusions is that to meet users satisfaction needs, varied improvement strategies are required for different attributes in order to maximise the use of resources for maximum gains. The recommendations for investors in SHFs include among others to segment the SHFs market based on demographic characteristics, prioritise and provide only attributes that add-value to identified groups. Emphasis should also be placed on providing attributes that are not only satisfactory, but with capacity to improve loyalty/retention, willingness to pay and positive word of mouth behaviour. It is also recommended that the local authority should improve critical attributes that are deemed to be outside the scope of the investors.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Bella-Omunagbe, Ojo Cyprain
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Student housing -- Nigeria , Housing -- Resident satisfaction , Residence and education , Universities and colleges -- Nigeria -- Administration
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9720 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021198
- Description: The student housing system worldwide and South-South Nigeria in particular has witnessed an unprecedented transformation, such that private off-campus student housing facilities (SHFs) are now the primary source of accommodation for students in tertiary institutions. A considerable gap exists between the supply and demand for on-campus student housing and the quest to fill this gap has stimulated the creation of a significant student housing market in the areas where these tertiary institutions are located. The prospect for economic investments in the student housing sector is high and private investors are involved in the provision and management of offcampus student housing. The main consequence of this practice in South-South, Nigeria is the delivery of low-quality buildings that are not able to meet the needs and expectations of residents. SHFs that are constructed without due regard to residents needs are characterised by dissatisfaction with attributes of housing and low investment performance. The implication is that residence users are often not satisfied with the attributes of the residential environment that are provided; thus their behaviours often impose some consequences on investors gains and objectives.Therefore, understanding the dynamics among attributes that are important to students, that give the required satisfaction, and the impact of the availability or lack-of on behaviour such as loyalty, willingness to pay for attributes and word of mouth behaviour are critical to profitability. Most often, the relationship among these attributes are treated as linear and symmetrical with the assumed implication that better attributes produce improved behaviours. However, this may not always be the case. This approach is rarely addressed and is little understood in student housing studies. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify student housing attributes that act as drivers of resident atisfaction and the consequences/effects of these drivers on student behaviour in order to determine appropriate measures that could be used to develop, maintain and upgrade student accommodation. The methodology of the study included an extensive literature review and a field study conducted to obtain the perceptions of students in seven tertiary institutions located in South-South, Nigeria. The main task was to define attributes of student housing facilities based on the symmetric and asymmetric impact of the performance of attributes on satisfaction with residence. The Kano model and importance-performance analysis (IPA) were used to establish sets of criteria that could be used to prioritise attributes that are required in student housing for optimal investor gains. Analysis of the findings lead to the conclusions that different degrees of behaviour were associated to the perception of importance that is attached to attributes by residents and the satisfaction that is derived from the use of such attributes. The implication of the conclusions is that to meet users satisfaction needs, varied improvement strategies are required for different attributes in order to maximise the use of resources for maximum gains. The recommendations for investors in SHFs include among others to segment the SHFs market based on demographic characteristics, prioritise and provide only attributes that add-value to identified groups. Emphasis should also be placed on providing attributes that are not only satisfactory, but with capacity to improve loyalty/retention, willingness to pay and positive word of mouth behaviour. It is also recommended that the local authority should improve critical attributes that are deemed to be outside the scope of the investors.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Spatial and temporal variations in trophic connectivity within an estuarine environment : benthic-pelagic and terrestrial-aquatic linkages via invertebrates and fishes
- Authors: Bergamino Roman, Leandro
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Estuarine ecology -- South Africa , Marine invertebrates -- South Africa -- Ecology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5921 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017799
- Description: Estuarine ecosystems are among the most biologically productive areas and they provide important ecosystem services such as erosion control, habitat and refugia for several species. These environments are characterized by the presence of a variety of organic matter sources due to their transitional position between rivers and the sea. The biotic compositions can undergo spatial and seasonal changes along the estuary due to the spatial and temporal fluctuations of environmental factors such as salinity, temperature and seston loads. Therefore, the different combinations of biotic and abiotic factors make each estuary a unique ecosystem. Because of this spatial and temporal complexity, the understanding of estuarine food web structure and which factors affect the trophic relationships within the ecosystem through space and time represent challenging tasks. Furthermore, estuaries are under an increasing number of anthropogenic perturbations because of the growing concentration of human populations in coastal areas. Knowledge of ecosystem structure and functioning is essential for effective conservation and management planning of coastal areas.In this dissertation, I combine the utilization of biological tracers to examine spatial and temporal variability in the food web structure within a small temperate and microtidal estuary located in South Africa. To this end, fatty acid profiles and stable isotope signatures were measured in several primary organic matter sources and consumers (including zooplankton, fishes and benthic invertebrates) during four consecutive seasons and in three different estuarine regions: upper, middle, and lower reaches. The three reaches had distinct habitat features of vegetation type and morphology, and in particular the lower reaches were colonized by the marsh grass Spartina maritima. Isotopic mixing models were used to estimate the relative contribution of each food source to the diets of invertebrates and fishes within the estuarine food web. The isotopic and fatty acid data showed similar results. In general, the lower reaches of the estuary were characterized by a higher deposition and assimilation by brachyuran crabs of carbon derived from marsh grass detritus, whiletowards the upper reaches a mixture of microphytobenthos and particulate organic matter (phytoplankton and detritus) was deposited and sustained the pelagic and benthic fauna. The highest deposition and assimilation of marsh grass detritus in the lower reaches of the estuary occurred during periods of low freshwater discharge (autumn and winter). In the upper reaches, microphytobenthos and suspended particulate organic matter were dominant basal food resources for the food web during all seasons. These results indicated that benthic consumers incorporated mainly local carbon sources from their local habitat.To clarify isotopic and fatty acid patterns I examined the trophic behaviour of the sesarmid crab Sesarma catenata through laboratory feeding experiments. Results from these experiments validated that decomposed leaves of riparian trees and the salt marsh plant S. maritima were the preferred food of the sesarmid crabs, potentially due to high bacterial loads. The remaining leaf material not assimilated by crabs, together with faecal material, are likely important subsidies for adjacent environments, hence representing an important energy pathway involving the microbial food chain. Furthermore, this dissertation showed the importance of mobile top predators as vectors energetically connecting distinct food chains within the estuary (i.e. littoral, benthic and pelagic). I concluded that a combination of physical (i.e. patterns of freshwater discharge and estuary morphology) and biological factors (i.e. organism feeding behaviour, mobility, primary productivity, the local vegetation type) influence the pattern of dominant primary organic matter sources, and therefore the food web structure along the estuarine environment. In particular, marsh grass detritus contributed substantially to the diets of estuarine fauna during periods of low freshwater discharge. Given the importance of the salt marsh habitat in providing trophic resources, it is important to preserve this environment to sustain the natural biota and ecosystem functioning.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Bergamino Roman, Leandro
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Estuarine ecology -- South Africa , Marine invertebrates -- South Africa -- Ecology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5921 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017799
- Description: Estuarine ecosystems are among the most biologically productive areas and they provide important ecosystem services such as erosion control, habitat and refugia for several species. These environments are characterized by the presence of a variety of organic matter sources due to their transitional position between rivers and the sea. The biotic compositions can undergo spatial and seasonal changes along the estuary due to the spatial and temporal fluctuations of environmental factors such as salinity, temperature and seston loads. Therefore, the different combinations of biotic and abiotic factors make each estuary a unique ecosystem. Because of this spatial and temporal complexity, the understanding of estuarine food web structure and which factors affect the trophic relationships within the ecosystem through space and time represent challenging tasks. Furthermore, estuaries are under an increasing number of anthropogenic perturbations because of the growing concentration of human populations in coastal areas. Knowledge of ecosystem structure and functioning is essential for effective conservation and management planning of coastal areas.In this dissertation, I combine the utilization of biological tracers to examine spatial and temporal variability in the food web structure within a small temperate and microtidal estuary located in South Africa. To this end, fatty acid profiles and stable isotope signatures were measured in several primary organic matter sources and consumers (including zooplankton, fishes and benthic invertebrates) during four consecutive seasons and in three different estuarine regions: upper, middle, and lower reaches. The three reaches had distinct habitat features of vegetation type and morphology, and in particular the lower reaches were colonized by the marsh grass Spartina maritima. Isotopic mixing models were used to estimate the relative contribution of each food source to the diets of invertebrates and fishes within the estuarine food web. The isotopic and fatty acid data showed similar results. In general, the lower reaches of the estuary were characterized by a higher deposition and assimilation by brachyuran crabs of carbon derived from marsh grass detritus, whiletowards the upper reaches a mixture of microphytobenthos and particulate organic matter (phytoplankton and detritus) was deposited and sustained the pelagic and benthic fauna. The highest deposition and assimilation of marsh grass detritus in the lower reaches of the estuary occurred during periods of low freshwater discharge (autumn and winter). In the upper reaches, microphytobenthos and suspended particulate organic matter were dominant basal food resources for the food web during all seasons. These results indicated that benthic consumers incorporated mainly local carbon sources from their local habitat.To clarify isotopic and fatty acid patterns I examined the trophic behaviour of the sesarmid crab Sesarma catenata through laboratory feeding experiments. Results from these experiments validated that decomposed leaves of riparian trees and the salt marsh plant S. maritima were the preferred food of the sesarmid crabs, potentially due to high bacterial loads. The remaining leaf material not assimilated by crabs, together with faecal material, are likely important subsidies for adjacent environments, hence representing an important energy pathway involving the microbial food chain. Furthermore, this dissertation showed the importance of mobile top predators as vectors energetically connecting distinct food chains within the estuary (i.e. littoral, benthic and pelagic). I concluded that a combination of physical (i.e. patterns of freshwater discharge and estuary morphology) and biological factors (i.e. organism feeding behaviour, mobility, primary productivity, the local vegetation type) influence the pattern of dominant primary organic matter sources, and therefore the food web structure along the estuarine environment. In particular, marsh grass detritus contributed substantially to the diets of estuarine fauna during periods of low freshwater discharge. Given the importance of the salt marsh habitat in providing trophic resources, it is important to preserve this environment to sustain the natural biota and ecosystem functioning.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Androcentrism and misogyny in late twentieth century rock music
- Authors: Berkland, Darren Gary
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Music -- Social aspects , Gender identity in music , Music -- Performance -- Psychological aspects , Emotions in music , Rock musicians
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8440 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021199
- Description: Judith Butler’s writings on gender ostensibly changed the way gender is considered with regard to an individual’s subjectivity. Her writings expressed a discursive parameter that changed the theoretical standpoint of gender from that of performance, to that of performativity. In short, the notion of gender became understood as a power mechanism operating within society that compels individuals along the heteronormal binary tracts of male or female, man or woman. Within the strata of popular culture, this binarism is seemingly ritualized and repeated, incessantly. This treatise examines how rock music, as a popular and widespread mode of popular music, exemplifies gender binarism through a notable ndrocentrism. The research will examine how gender performativity operates within the taxonomy of rock music, and how the message communicated by rock music becomes translated into a listener’s subjectivity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Berkland, Darren Gary
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Music -- Social aspects , Gender identity in music , Music -- Performance -- Psychological aspects , Emotions in music , Rock musicians
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8440 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021199
- Description: Judith Butler’s writings on gender ostensibly changed the way gender is considered with regard to an individual’s subjectivity. Her writings expressed a discursive parameter that changed the theoretical standpoint of gender from that of performance, to that of performativity. In short, the notion of gender became understood as a power mechanism operating within society that compels individuals along the heteronormal binary tracts of male or female, man or woman. Within the strata of popular culture, this binarism is seemingly ritualized and repeated, incessantly. This treatise examines how rock music, as a popular and widespread mode of popular music, exemplifies gender binarism through a notable ndrocentrism. The research will examine how gender performativity operates within the taxonomy of rock music, and how the message communicated by rock music becomes translated into a listener’s subjectivity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
An analysis of the risk exposure of adopting IPV6 in enterprise networks
- Authors: Berko, Istvan Sandor
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: International Workshop on Deploying the Future Infrastructure , Computer networks , Computer networks -- Security measures , Computer network protocols
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4722 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018918
- Description: The IPv6 increased address pool presents changes in resource impact to the Enterprise that, if not adequately addressed, can change risks that are locally significant in IPv4 to risks that can impact the Enterprise in its entirety. The expected conclusion is that the IPv6 environment will impose significant changes in the Enterprise environment - which may negatively impact organisational security if the IPv6 nuances are not adequately addressed. This thesis reviews the risks related to the operation of enterprise networks with the introduction of IPv6. The global trends are discussed to provide insight and background to the IPv6 research space. Analysing the current state of readiness in enterprise networks, quantifies the value of developing this thesis. The base controls that should be deployed in enterprise networks to prevent the abuse of IPv6 through tunnelling and the protection of the enterprise access layer are discussed. A series of case studies are presented which identify and analyse the impact of certain changes in the IPv6 protocol on the enterprise networks. The case studies also identify mitigation techniques to reduce risk.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Berko, Istvan Sandor
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: International Workshop on Deploying the Future Infrastructure , Computer networks , Computer networks -- Security measures , Computer network protocols
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4722 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018918
- Description: The IPv6 increased address pool presents changes in resource impact to the Enterprise that, if not adequately addressed, can change risks that are locally significant in IPv4 to risks that can impact the Enterprise in its entirety. The expected conclusion is that the IPv6 environment will impose significant changes in the Enterprise environment - which may negatively impact organisational security if the IPv6 nuances are not adequately addressed. This thesis reviews the risks related to the operation of enterprise networks with the introduction of IPv6. The global trends are discussed to provide insight and background to the IPv6 research space. Analysing the current state of readiness in enterprise networks, quantifies the value of developing this thesis. The base controls that should be deployed in enterprise networks to prevent the abuse of IPv6 through tunnelling and the protection of the enterprise access layer are discussed. A series of case studies are presented which identify and analyse the impact of certain changes in the IPv6 protocol on the enterprise networks. The case studies also identify mitigation techniques to reduce risk.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Exploring Grade 12 biology teachers' perceptions and experiences of the dissemination and utilization of Examiners' reports in the Khomas region of Namibia: a case study
- Authors: Bezuidenhoudt, Anthea
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Biology -- Examinations -- Namibia , Biology -- Study and teaching -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:2021 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017332
- Description: Teachers’ perceptions are that currently dissemination in schools is ineffective and must change. The tensions that surround the dissemination of the reports are late arrival of Examiners’ reports which clash with preparation of learners for the first term examinations. Furthermore, the time the Examiners’ reports get into teachers’ hands are late and thus result in teachers rushing through it to incorporate the recommendations given in it in the second term or in some instances teachers do not attend to it at all. The number of copies of the Examiners’ reports provided to schools appears to be inadequate. HODs still having to duplicate reports before disseminating them add to their work load and further delay dissemination of the reports to individual subject teachers. Although the teaching and learning approach in Namibian classrooms should be based on LCE, dissemination of the actual physical reports are currently restricted to teachers only with them only verbally communicating feedback given in the reports to their learners. Support in dissemination of Examiners’ reports from peers and superiors in the majority of the schools appear to be lacking. Changes would like to be seen in the timing the Examiners’ reports are available at schools, the number of hard copies provided to schools and exploring and embarking on alternative ways of disseminating the reports. The percentage of utilization of the Examiners’ reports is relatively high, yet still not the optimum. A reasonable number of Namibian learners are disadvantaged and not exposed to a source of information that can make their Biology learning more efficient because some of their teachers are not using Examiners’ reports in their teaching. The main reason for non-utilization of the reports by Biology teachers is a result of inefficient dissemination at individual schools. The argument being that if the reports are not given to the teachers they and especially novice teachers will not know about the existence of this useful teaching and learning resource. Examiners’ reports are an important and systematic impartial source of high quality data on learning in the Namibian education system. Therefore, effective dissemination and utilization of the reports must be advocated and strengthened. DNEA and the Khomas regional office should embark on tapping into available development in information technology by doing research into the possibility of disseminating the Examiners’ reports electronically. A pilot in this regard should be conducted in the Khomas region as a measure to ensure dissemination can become more efficient in the future. To ensure that teachers optimally utilize the Examiners’ reports, they should be provided to schools when the school first term commences. The Khomas regional office should strengthen their involvement in utilization by arranging annual workshops where the content of the reports can be discussed to ensure that the feedback given in the reports can aid in developing and strengthening Biology teachers’ subject content knowledge as well as pedagogical content knowledge. Optimal utilization of Examiners’ reports can enable mediation in learners which can ensure effective learning and mastery of Biology by learners which can ultimately lead to an improvement in pass rate in Biology. Therefore, appropriate support to aid teachers’ professional development can enhance maximum utilization. Furthermore, an area for future research could be to give the Examiners’ reports to learners to determine the impact it has on their learning.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Bezuidenhoudt, Anthea
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Biology -- Examinations -- Namibia , Biology -- Study and teaching -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:2021 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017332
- Description: Teachers’ perceptions are that currently dissemination in schools is ineffective and must change. The tensions that surround the dissemination of the reports are late arrival of Examiners’ reports which clash with preparation of learners for the first term examinations. Furthermore, the time the Examiners’ reports get into teachers’ hands are late and thus result in teachers rushing through it to incorporate the recommendations given in it in the second term or in some instances teachers do not attend to it at all. The number of copies of the Examiners’ reports provided to schools appears to be inadequate. HODs still having to duplicate reports before disseminating them add to their work load and further delay dissemination of the reports to individual subject teachers. Although the teaching and learning approach in Namibian classrooms should be based on LCE, dissemination of the actual physical reports are currently restricted to teachers only with them only verbally communicating feedback given in the reports to their learners. Support in dissemination of Examiners’ reports from peers and superiors in the majority of the schools appear to be lacking. Changes would like to be seen in the timing the Examiners’ reports are available at schools, the number of hard copies provided to schools and exploring and embarking on alternative ways of disseminating the reports. The percentage of utilization of the Examiners’ reports is relatively high, yet still not the optimum. A reasonable number of Namibian learners are disadvantaged and not exposed to a source of information that can make their Biology learning more efficient because some of their teachers are not using Examiners’ reports in their teaching. The main reason for non-utilization of the reports by Biology teachers is a result of inefficient dissemination at individual schools. The argument being that if the reports are not given to the teachers they and especially novice teachers will not know about the existence of this useful teaching and learning resource. Examiners’ reports are an important and systematic impartial source of high quality data on learning in the Namibian education system. Therefore, effective dissemination and utilization of the reports must be advocated and strengthened. DNEA and the Khomas regional office should embark on tapping into available development in information technology by doing research into the possibility of disseminating the Examiners’ reports electronically. A pilot in this regard should be conducted in the Khomas region as a measure to ensure dissemination can become more efficient in the future. To ensure that teachers optimally utilize the Examiners’ reports, they should be provided to schools when the school first term commences. The Khomas regional office should strengthen their involvement in utilization by arranging annual workshops where the content of the reports can be discussed to ensure that the feedback given in the reports can aid in developing and strengthening Biology teachers’ subject content knowledge as well as pedagogical content knowledge. Optimal utilization of Examiners’ reports can enable mediation in learners which can ensure effective learning and mastery of Biology by learners which can ultimately lead to an improvement in pass rate in Biology. Therefore, appropriate support to aid teachers’ professional development can enhance maximum utilization. Furthermore, an area for future research could be to give the Examiners’ reports to learners to determine the impact it has on their learning.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
On the characterisation of photovoltaic device parameters using light beam induced current measurements
- Bezuidenhout, Lucian John-Ross
- Authors: Bezuidenhout, Lucian John-Ross
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Solar cells--Materials , Semiconductors
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10551 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020282
- Description: Light Beam Induced Current (LBIC) measurement is a non-destructive technique used to perform localized characterization of solar cells using a light beam as a probe. The technique allows the determination of local photo response of a cell, the electrical parameters and defects that occur in the individual solar cell. The semiconductor materials used to create solar cells are not always defect free and these defects reduce the electrical performance of the device. It is therefore important to use a system that will allow the characterization and extract the solar cell parameters as can be done using the LBIC system. By analysing these parameters and cell defects, further studies can be done to enhance the cell’s lifetime and hence its efficiency. Light beam induced current (LBIC) is a technique that focuses light onto a solar cell device and thus creating a photo-generated current that can be measured in the external circuit for analyses. By scanning this beam probe across a solar cell while measuring the current-voltage characteristics, a map of various parameters can be obtained. This thesis presents the design of the LBIC system, the software interfacing of the data acquisition system and local photo-response within different solar cell technologies. In addition, this thesis represent two curve fitting algorithms namely: the Gradient Descent Optimisation and the Differential Evolution used for the extraction of solar cell device parameters. The algorithms are based on the one-diode solar cell model and make use of the light generated current-voltage (I-V) data obtained from the LBIC system. Different solar cell technologies namely; single crystalline (c-Si) and multicrystalline silicon (mc-Si) was used for analysis. LBIC maps and I-V characteristics of both technologies was obtained. The LBIC maps shows performance degrading defects present in the bulk and the surface of the solar cells as a function of spatial distribution. These localised defects acts as trapping mechanism for the charge carriers and therefore limits recombination within the solar cell and thus decreasing the performance of the solar cell device. The resulting I-V characteristics obtained from the LBIC system were used to determine the performance parameters using the two algorithms. The resultant effect of these parameters on the performance of the solar cells was observed. The overall results showed that LBIC is a useful tool for identifying and characterising defects in solar cells.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Bezuidenhout, Lucian John-Ross
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Solar cells--Materials , Semiconductors
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10551 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020282
- Description: Light Beam Induced Current (LBIC) measurement is a non-destructive technique used to perform localized characterization of solar cells using a light beam as a probe. The technique allows the determination of local photo response of a cell, the electrical parameters and defects that occur in the individual solar cell. The semiconductor materials used to create solar cells are not always defect free and these defects reduce the electrical performance of the device. It is therefore important to use a system that will allow the characterization and extract the solar cell parameters as can be done using the LBIC system. By analysing these parameters and cell defects, further studies can be done to enhance the cell’s lifetime and hence its efficiency. Light beam induced current (LBIC) is a technique that focuses light onto a solar cell device and thus creating a photo-generated current that can be measured in the external circuit for analyses. By scanning this beam probe across a solar cell while measuring the current-voltage characteristics, a map of various parameters can be obtained. This thesis presents the design of the LBIC system, the software interfacing of the data acquisition system and local photo-response within different solar cell technologies. In addition, this thesis represent two curve fitting algorithms namely: the Gradient Descent Optimisation and the Differential Evolution used for the extraction of solar cell device parameters. The algorithms are based on the one-diode solar cell model and make use of the light generated current-voltage (I-V) data obtained from the LBIC system. Different solar cell technologies namely; single crystalline (c-Si) and multicrystalline silicon (mc-Si) was used for analysis. LBIC maps and I-V characteristics of both technologies was obtained. The LBIC maps shows performance degrading defects present in the bulk and the surface of the solar cells as a function of spatial distribution. These localised defects acts as trapping mechanism for the charge carriers and therefore limits recombination within the solar cell and thus decreasing the performance of the solar cell device. The resulting I-V characteristics obtained from the LBIC system were used to determine the performance parameters using the two algorithms. The resultant effect of these parameters on the performance of the solar cells was observed. The overall results showed that LBIC is a useful tool for identifying and characterising defects in solar cells.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Understanding climate variability and livelihoods adaptation in rural Zimbabwe : case of Charewa, Mutoko
- Authors: Bhatasara, Sandra
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Climatic changes -- Zimbabwe -- Mutoko , Sustainable agriculture -- Zimbabwe -- Mutoko , Environmental impact analysis -- Zimbabwe -- Mutoko , Farmers -- Zimbabwe -- Mutoko -- Economic conditions , Food supply -- Zimbabwe -- Mutoko , Farms -- Zimbabwe -- Mutoko , Land use, Rural -- Zimbabwe -- Mutoko , Crops and climate -- Zimbabwe -- Mutoko
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3403 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018928 , Climatic changes -- Zimbabwe -- Mutoko , Sustainable agriculture -- Zimbabwe -- Mutoko , Environmental impact analysis -- Zimbabwe -- Mutoko , Farmers -- Zimbabwe -- Mutoko -- Economic conditions , Food supply -- Zimbabwe -- Mutoko , Farms -- Zimbabwe -- Mutoko , Land use, Rural -- Zimbabwe -- Mutoko , Crops and climate -- Zimbabwe -- Mutoko
- Description: Rural farmers in Zimbabwe have been grappling with various changes and challenges occurring in the country since the early 1990s. Amongst these, climate variability has emerged as one significant aspect. It has introduced new challenges for these farmers who are already facing various difficulties in maintaining their insecure livelihoods. Yet, current adaptation theories and inquiries have failed to sufficiently account for and analyse the capacity of these farmers to adequately respond to changing climatic conditions. In this respect, a number of studies have been heavily embedded in deterministic concepts that regard rural farmers as passive victims who play only a minor part in decisions and actions that affect their own livelihoods and well-being. Similarly, although some studies have acknowledged farmers’ capacity to adapt and build elements of resilience, they have not adequately shown how farmers interpret changes in climate and the structures, processes and conditions underpinning adaptation. Following that, my study uses a case study of a rural community in a semi-arid region of Mutoko district in eastern Zimbabwe and Margaret Archer’s sociological theory to understand and analyse how farmers problematise climate variability and respond to it. The study utilises a qualitative approach to divulge the subtleties on how rural people interpret processes of change and adapt to such changes. The thesis found that farmers are encountering increasingly unpredictable and unreliable rainfall patterns as well as shifting temperature conditions which are inducing labyrinthian livelihoods conundrums. However, these climatic shifts are not being experienced in a discrete manner hence farmers are also discontented with the obtaining socio-economic circumstances in the country. Simultaneously, whilst farmers in large part conceived changes in rainfall and temperature to be caused by natural shifts in climate, they also ascribed them to cultural and religious facets. Importantly, the thesis reveals considerable resourcefulness by farmers in the face of nascent changes in climate variability. Farmers have therefore constructed versatile coping and adaptive strategies. What is crucial to mention here is that climatic and non-climatic challenges are negotiated concurrently. Therein, farmers are adapting to climate variability and at the same time navigating difficult socio-economic landscapes. All the same, the process of adaptation is ostensibly not straightforward but complex. As it evolves, farmers find themselves facing numerous constraining structures and processes. Nonetheless, farmers in this study are able to circumvent the constraints presented to them and at the same time activate the corresponding enabling structures, processes and conditions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Bhatasara, Sandra
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Climatic changes -- Zimbabwe -- Mutoko , Sustainable agriculture -- Zimbabwe -- Mutoko , Environmental impact analysis -- Zimbabwe -- Mutoko , Farmers -- Zimbabwe -- Mutoko -- Economic conditions , Food supply -- Zimbabwe -- Mutoko , Farms -- Zimbabwe -- Mutoko , Land use, Rural -- Zimbabwe -- Mutoko , Crops and climate -- Zimbabwe -- Mutoko
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3403 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018928 , Climatic changes -- Zimbabwe -- Mutoko , Sustainable agriculture -- Zimbabwe -- Mutoko , Environmental impact analysis -- Zimbabwe -- Mutoko , Farmers -- Zimbabwe -- Mutoko -- Economic conditions , Food supply -- Zimbabwe -- Mutoko , Farms -- Zimbabwe -- Mutoko , Land use, Rural -- Zimbabwe -- Mutoko , Crops and climate -- Zimbabwe -- Mutoko
- Description: Rural farmers in Zimbabwe have been grappling with various changes and challenges occurring in the country since the early 1990s. Amongst these, climate variability has emerged as one significant aspect. It has introduced new challenges for these farmers who are already facing various difficulties in maintaining their insecure livelihoods. Yet, current adaptation theories and inquiries have failed to sufficiently account for and analyse the capacity of these farmers to adequately respond to changing climatic conditions. In this respect, a number of studies have been heavily embedded in deterministic concepts that regard rural farmers as passive victims who play only a minor part in decisions and actions that affect their own livelihoods and well-being. Similarly, although some studies have acknowledged farmers’ capacity to adapt and build elements of resilience, they have not adequately shown how farmers interpret changes in climate and the structures, processes and conditions underpinning adaptation. Following that, my study uses a case study of a rural community in a semi-arid region of Mutoko district in eastern Zimbabwe and Margaret Archer’s sociological theory to understand and analyse how farmers problematise climate variability and respond to it. The study utilises a qualitative approach to divulge the subtleties on how rural people interpret processes of change and adapt to such changes. The thesis found that farmers are encountering increasingly unpredictable and unreliable rainfall patterns as well as shifting temperature conditions which are inducing labyrinthian livelihoods conundrums. However, these climatic shifts are not being experienced in a discrete manner hence farmers are also discontented with the obtaining socio-economic circumstances in the country. Simultaneously, whilst farmers in large part conceived changes in rainfall and temperature to be caused by natural shifts in climate, they also ascribed them to cultural and religious facets. Importantly, the thesis reveals considerable resourcefulness by farmers in the face of nascent changes in climate variability. Farmers have therefore constructed versatile coping and adaptive strategies. What is crucial to mention here is that climatic and non-climatic challenges are negotiated concurrently. Therein, farmers are adapting to climate variability and at the same time navigating difficult socio-economic landscapes. All the same, the process of adaptation is ostensibly not straightforward but complex. As it evolves, farmers find themselves facing numerous constraining structures and processes. Nonetheless, farmers in this study are able to circumvent the constraints presented to them and at the same time activate the corresponding enabling structures, processes and conditions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
WISC-IV test performance of grade 3 Xhosa-speaking children : an extension of a prior South African normative database
- Authors: Bickell, Alexa
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children Children -- Intelligence testing -- South Africa Education, Elementary -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5730 , vital:29368
- Description: Introduction. A well-recognized problem exists when commonly employed tests developed in the United States (US) or United Kingdom (UK) are accepted unconditionally for use on local relatively disadvantaged populations, as these tests have questionable validity and therefore incur a high risk of misdiagnosis. Cross-cultural normative research has been conducted in South Africa on some of the Wechsler intelligence scales with respect to participants stratified for level and quality of education, age, race and language, including a study on the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children – Fourth Edition (WISC-IV) for learners with Grade 7 education (age 12 to 23). The aim of the current study was to conduct a partial duplication of the earlier WISC-IV South African norming study that specifically targeted a younger group of educationally disadvantaged children at a lower level of education. Method. Participants were Black Xhosa-speaking Grade 3 learners in the age range 8 to 9 (N =32 ), who were being schooled in the disadvantaged educational setting of the former Department of Education and Training (former-DET) schools. The WISC-IV results of the current study were statistically compared with the WISC-IV results from Shuttleworth-Edwards, Van der Merwe et al. (2013) study. Results. There was a significant lowering of between 20 to 30 IQ points relative to the UK standardisation on WISC-IV scores for this sample of Grade 3 Xhosa-speaking learners, replicating the earlier outcome for Grade 7 Xhosa-speaking learners relative to the UK standardisation. No differences were in evidence within the WISC-IV sample for the female and male participants on any of the indices. There was equivalence between the Grade 3 and Grade 7 Xhosa-speaking learners on all subtest and Index scores with the exception of the Digit Span subtest. Conclusions. The results confirm prior research indications of the negative impact of educational disadvantage on IQ test results and the need for this to be taken into account by the availability of socio- culturally relevant norms.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Bickell, Alexa
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children Children -- Intelligence testing -- South Africa Education, Elementary -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5730 , vital:29368
- Description: Introduction. A well-recognized problem exists when commonly employed tests developed in the United States (US) or United Kingdom (UK) are accepted unconditionally for use on local relatively disadvantaged populations, as these tests have questionable validity and therefore incur a high risk of misdiagnosis. Cross-cultural normative research has been conducted in South Africa on some of the Wechsler intelligence scales with respect to participants stratified for level and quality of education, age, race and language, including a study on the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children – Fourth Edition (WISC-IV) for learners with Grade 7 education (age 12 to 23). The aim of the current study was to conduct a partial duplication of the earlier WISC-IV South African norming study that specifically targeted a younger group of educationally disadvantaged children at a lower level of education. Method. Participants were Black Xhosa-speaking Grade 3 learners in the age range 8 to 9 (N =32 ), who were being schooled in the disadvantaged educational setting of the former Department of Education and Training (former-DET) schools. The WISC-IV results of the current study were statistically compared with the WISC-IV results from Shuttleworth-Edwards, Van der Merwe et al. (2013) study. Results. There was a significant lowering of between 20 to 30 IQ points relative to the UK standardisation on WISC-IV scores for this sample of Grade 3 Xhosa-speaking learners, replicating the earlier outcome for Grade 7 Xhosa-speaking learners relative to the UK standardisation. No differences were in evidence within the WISC-IV sample for the female and male participants on any of the indices. There was equivalence between the Grade 3 and Grade 7 Xhosa-speaking learners on all subtest and Index scores with the exception of the Digit Span subtest. Conclusions. The results confirm prior research indications of the negative impact of educational disadvantage on IQ test results and the need for this to be taken into account by the availability of socio- culturally relevant norms.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Invariant control systems and sub-Riemannian structures on lie groups: equivalence and isometries
- Authors: Biggs, Rory
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/64815 , vital:28607
- Description: In this thesis we consider invariant optimal control problems and invariant sub-Riemannian structures on Lie groups. Primarily, we are concerned with the equivalence and classification of problems (resp. structures). In the first chapter, both the class of invariant optimal control problems and the class of invariant sub-Riemannian structures are organised as categories. The latter category is shown to be functorially equivalent to a subcategory of the former category. Via the Pontryagin Maximum Principle, we associate to each invariant optimal control problem (resp. invariant sub-Riemannian structure) a quadratic Hamilton-Poisson system on the associated Lie-Poisson space. These Hamiltonian systems are also organised as a category and hence the Pontryagin lift is realised as a contravariant functor. Basic properties of these categories are investigated. The rest of this thesis is concerned with the classification (and investigation) of certain subclasses of structures and systems. In the second chapter, the homogeneous positive semidefinite quadratic Hamilton-Poisson systems on three-dimensional Lie-Poisson spaces are classified up to compatibility with a linear isomorphism; a list of 23 normal forms is exhibited. In the third chapter, we classify the invariant sub-Riemannian structures in three dimensions and calculate the isometry group for each normal form. By comparing our results with known results, we show that most isometries (in three dimensions) are in fact the composition of a left translation and a Lie group isomorphism. In the fourth and last chapter of this thesis, we classify the sub-Riemannian and Riemannian structures on the (2n + 1)-dimensional Heisenberg groups. Furthermore, we find the isometry group and geodesics of each normal form.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Biggs, Rory
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/64815 , vital:28607
- Description: In this thesis we consider invariant optimal control problems and invariant sub-Riemannian structures on Lie groups. Primarily, we are concerned with the equivalence and classification of problems (resp. structures). In the first chapter, both the class of invariant optimal control problems and the class of invariant sub-Riemannian structures are organised as categories. The latter category is shown to be functorially equivalent to a subcategory of the former category. Via the Pontryagin Maximum Principle, we associate to each invariant optimal control problem (resp. invariant sub-Riemannian structure) a quadratic Hamilton-Poisson system on the associated Lie-Poisson space. These Hamiltonian systems are also organised as a category and hence the Pontryagin lift is realised as a contravariant functor. Basic properties of these categories are investigated. The rest of this thesis is concerned with the classification (and investigation) of certain subclasses of structures and systems. In the second chapter, the homogeneous positive semidefinite quadratic Hamilton-Poisson systems on three-dimensional Lie-Poisson spaces are classified up to compatibility with a linear isomorphism; a list of 23 normal forms is exhibited. In the third chapter, we classify the invariant sub-Riemannian structures in three dimensions and calculate the isometry group for each normal form. By comparing our results with known results, we show that most isometries (in three dimensions) are in fact the composition of a left translation and a Lie group isomorphism. In the fourth and last chapter of this thesis, we classify the sub-Riemannian and Riemannian structures on the (2n + 1)-dimensional Heisenberg groups. Furthermore, we find the isometry group and geodesics of each normal form.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Teachers' perceptions on the non- implementation of the alternatives to corporal punishment policy : a case study
- Authors: Billie, Sikelelwa khuthala
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Corporal punishment of children Children's rights School discipline
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/${Handle} , vital:29494
- Description: This study aims to identify the perceptions that teachers have regarding the nonimplementation of the Alternatives to Corporal Punishment Policy (ATCP). Using a qualitative research approach, data was collected from teachers in a high school in Mdantsane that is still using corporal punishment. The main tools of data collection used were semi-structured interviews and document analysis. The findings from this study revealed a range of factors that influence teachers not to implement the alternatives to corporal punishment policy. These include: culture, religion, lack of parental involvement, violence in schools and lack of capacitation in teachers on the policy. Moreover the findings of this study revealed that if new policies are imposed on implementers there is bound to be resistance. This study therefore recommends that new policies need to be discussed and agreed upon by both the policy makers and policy implementers. The study also recommends that teachers need capacity building workshops so that they understand the need and the benefits of implementing the ATCP.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Billie, Sikelelwa khuthala
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Corporal punishment of children Children's rights School discipline
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/${Handle} , vital:29494
- Description: This study aims to identify the perceptions that teachers have regarding the nonimplementation of the Alternatives to Corporal Punishment Policy (ATCP). Using a qualitative research approach, data was collected from teachers in a high school in Mdantsane that is still using corporal punishment. The main tools of data collection used were semi-structured interviews and document analysis. The findings from this study revealed a range of factors that influence teachers not to implement the alternatives to corporal punishment policy. These include: culture, religion, lack of parental involvement, violence in schools and lack of capacitation in teachers on the policy. Moreover the findings of this study revealed that if new policies are imposed on implementers there is bound to be resistance. This study therefore recommends that new policies need to be discussed and agreed upon by both the policy makers and policy implementers. The study also recommends that teachers need capacity building workshops so that they understand the need and the benefits of implementing the ATCP.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Studies on flax/polypropylene-reinforced composites for automotive applications
- Authors: Biyana, Nobuhle Yvonne
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Polypropylene fibers , Fibrous composites , Reinforced plastics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10456 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021150
- Description: The use of natural fibers as reinforcement in thermoplastics presents an interesting alternative for the production of low cost and ecologically friendly composites. One of the advantages of using natural fibres is their low specific weight, resulting in higher specific strength and stiffness when compared to glass reinforced composites. Natural fibres also present safer handling and working conditions. They are non-abrasive to mixing and can contribute to significant cost reduction. This work is divided into two phases: Phase 1 deals with developing nonwoven mats composites from flax/polypropylene (PP) and evaluating their properties. Flax/polypropylene fibres (at different weight ratios) were processed by needle-punching technique in order to form nonwoven mats. The mats were compression-molded at a temperature of 180oC to form composite materials. The mechanical, thermal and viscoelastic properties of the composites were analyzed. Composites (untreated and silane-treated) were also subjected to varying conditions of temperature and humidity and the tensile properties of the conditioned and unconditioned composites were investigated. The mechanical properties (tensile, flexural and impact) of flax/PP composites were found to increase and reach maximum values at 30 per cent fibre loading and then decrease at higher fibre content. Thermal studies revealed that the composites were stable up to 320oC and samples containing 40 per cent flax fibres were found to exhibit greater thermal stability than neat PP. The dynamic mechanical analyses of the composites showed that the incorporation of flax in the composites resulted in an increase of the storage modulus with a maximum value exhibited by composite containing 40 per cent fibre loading. Composites containing chemically modified fibres exhibited low tensile modulus after conditioning. Phase 2 is based on the investigation of the effect of nano-calcium carbonate (CaCO3) on the properties of two types of polymer matrices: recycled PP and virgin PP. In this case, composites were prepared by melt-mixing and injection molding. The mechanical and thermal properties of the composites were characterized. The tensile modulus of the nano-CaCO3 filled PP (virgin and recycled) composites were found to increase and reach maximum at 30 per cent nano-CaCO3 loading, while the tensile strength decreased with increasing filler content. Thermal studies showed that the nano-CaCO3 filled PP samples exhibited a one-step degradation pattern and are thermally stable up to 450oC. The thermal stability of the samples was found to decrease following the addition of nano-CaCO3. SEM micrographs of the tensile fractured surfaces of composites of the nano-CaCO3 filled virgin and recycled PP revealed the presence of nano-CaCO3 agglomeration.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Biyana, Nobuhle Yvonne
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Polypropylene fibers , Fibrous composites , Reinforced plastics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10456 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021150
- Description: The use of natural fibers as reinforcement in thermoplastics presents an interesting alternative for the production of low cost and ecologically friendly composites. One of the advantages of using natural fibres is their low specific weight, resulting in higher specific strength and stiffness when compared to glass reinforced composites. Natural fibres also present safer handling and working conditions. They are non-abrasive to mixing and can contribute to significant cost reduction. This work is divided into two phases: Phase 1 deals with developing nonwoven mats composites from flax/polypropylene (PP) and evaluating their properties. Flax/polypropylene fibres (at different weight ratios) were processed by needle-punching technique in order to form nonwoven mats. The mats were compression-molded at a temperature of 180oC to form composite materials. The mechanical, thermal and viscoelastic properties of the composites were analyzed. Composites (untreated and silane-treated) were also subjected to varying conditions of temperature and humidity and the tensile properties of the conditioned and unconditioned composites were investigated. The mechanical properties (tensile, flexural and impact) of flax/PP composites were found to increase and reach maximum values at 30 per cent fibre loading and then decrease at higher fibre content. Thermal studies revealed that the composites were stable up to 320oC and samples containing 40 per cent flax fibres were found to exhibit greater thermal stability than neat PP. The dynamic mechanical analyses of the composites showed that the incorporation of flax in the composites resulted in an increase of the storage modulus with a maximum value exhibited by composite containing 40 per cent fibre loading. Composites containing chemically modified fibres exhibited low tensile modulus after conditioning. Phase 2 is based on the investigation of the effect of nano-calcium carbonate (CaCO3) on the properties of two types of polymer matrices: recycled PP and virgin PP. In this case, composites were prepared by melt-mixing and injection molding. The mechanical and thermal properties of the composites were characterized. The tensile modulus of the nano-CaCO3 filled PP (virgin and recycled) composites were found to increase and reach maximum at 30 per cent nano-CaCO3 loading, while the tensile strength decreased with increasing filler content. Thermal studies showed that the nano-CaCO3 filled PP samples exhibited a one-step degradation pattern and are thermally stable up to 450oC. The thermal stability of the samples was found to decrease following the addition of nano-CaCO3. SEM micrographs of the tensile fractured surfaces of composites of the nano-CaCO3 filled virgin and recycled PP revealed the presence of nano-CaCO3 agglomeration.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The diversity of root fungi associated with Erica species occurring in the Albany Centre of Endemism
- Authors: Bizabani, Christine
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Ericaceae , Ericas , Roots (Botany) -- Diseases and pests , Mycorrhizal fungi , Polymerase chain reaction , Fungi -- Classification
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4160 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018575
- Description: South Africa has the highest species diversity of ericaceous plants belonging to the Erica genus. There are over 850 identified species in the Cape Floral Region. The Albany Centre of Endemism (ACOE) is located within this region and is a hotspot of diversity consisting of various plant genera. The success of Erica plants is ubiquitously attributed to mycorrhizal relationships they engage in with a diverse group of fungi. This symbiosis is known as the ericoid mycorrhizal (ERM) association. The overall aim of this study was to establish the diversity of root fungi associated with Erica plants using morphological, molecular and 454 pyrosequencing techniques. Six Erica species were identified using leaf and flower morphology according to taxonomic keys. The identified plants were Erica cerinthoides, Erica demissa, Erica chamissonis, Erica glumiflora, Erica caffra and Erica nemorosa. Roots from sampled plants were stained and examined microscopically to determine their mycorrhizal status. Ericoid mycorrhizal associations together with dark septate endophyte (DSE) structures and hyphae that did not form any specific structure were observed in all the roots. In addition arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) structures in the form of vesicles were detected in E. glumiflora and E. cerinthoides. In order to identify the culturable fungi associated with the respective hosts, sterilised roots were placed on various culture media for cultivation. Thereafter isolated fungi were morphologically classified into 67 morphotypes. These were mostly sterile and darkly pigmented. Non-sporulating mycelia of variable colouration such as white, cream-yellowish, beige, green and brown were also observed. Further identification was carried out using molecular techniques. DNA was extracted separately from pure cultures and amplified using ITS1 and ITS4 primers in a polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Thereafter sequencing and Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) were used to identify the isolates to generic level. The fungi were taxonomically classified into 54 operational taxonomic units and 94 percent were Ascomycetes and Helotiales was the dominant order. Unclassified Helotiales with affinities to fungi currently identified as Epacrid root fungus was common in all hosts. Other isolates that were identified included Oidiodendron, Meliniomyces, Phialocephala, Cadophora, Lachnum, Leohumicola Cryptosporiopsis, Chaetomium, Acremonium and Epicoccum species. Basidiomycetes were represented by two OTUs belonging to the genus Mycena. Four OTUs comprised fungi that had no significant alignments in the reference databases. Direct root DNA extraction together with 454 pyrosequencing was used to detect the diversity of culturable and unculturable fungi associated with the identified hosts. The ITS2 region was targeted for sequencing. Although Ascomycetes remained the dominant phyla, Basidiomycetes were also detected in all host plants. Glomeromycota was present in E. caffra and E. cerinthoides. Helotiales was dominant in all Erica plants with the exception of E. cerinthoides and E. chamissonis which were dominated by the order Chaetothyriales. The OTUs identified to genus level included Epacris pulchella root fungus, Oidiodendron cf. maius, Acremonium implicatum, Leohumicola, Lachnum, Capronia and Mycena species. Culture-based techniques and pyrosequencing detected similar fungal composition comprising Ascomycetes, while, pyrosequencing was able to detect Glomeromycetes and Basidiomycetes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The diversity of root fungi associated with Erica species occurring in the Albany Centre of Endemism
- Authors: Bizabani, Christine
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Ericaceae , Ericas , Roots (Botany) -- Diseases and pests , Mycorrhizal fungi , Polymerase chain reaction , Fungi -- Classification
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4160 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018575
- Description: South Africa has the highest species diversity of ericaceous plants belonging to the Erica genus. There are over 850 identified species in the Cape Floral Region. The Albany Centre of Endemism (ACOE) is located within this region and is a hotspot of diversity consisting of various plant genera. The success of Erica plants is ubiquitously attributed to mycorrhizal relationships they engage in with a diverse group of fungi. This symbiosis is known as the ericoid mycorrhizal (ERM) association. The overall aim of this study was to establish the diversity of root fungi associated with Erica plants using morphological, molecular and 454 pyrosequencing techniques. Six Erica species were identified using leaf and flower morphology according to taxonomic keys. The identified plants were Erica cerinthoides, Erica demissa, Erica chamissonis, Erica glumiflora, Erica caffra and Erica nemorosa. Roots from sampled plants were stained and examined microscopically to determine their mycorrhizal status. Ericoid mycorrhizal associations together with dark septate endophyte (DSE) structures and hyphae that did not form any specific structure were observed in all the roots. In addition arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) structures in the form of vesicles were detected in E. glumiflora and E. cerinthoides. In order to identify the culturable fungi associated with the respective hosts, sterilised roots were placed on various culture media for cultivation. Thereafter isolated fungi were morphologically classified into 67 morphotypes. These were mostly sterile and darkly pigmented. Non-sporulating mycelia of variable colouration such as white, cream-yellowish, beige, green and brown were also observed. Further identification was carried out using molecular techniques. DNA was extracted separately from pure cultures and amplified using ITS1 and ITS4 primers in a polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Thereafter sequencing and Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) were used to identify the isolates to generic level. The fungi were taxonomically classified into 54 operational taxonomic units and 94 percent were Ascomycetes and Helotiales was the dominant order. Unclassified Helotiales with affinities to fungi currently identified as Epacrid root fungus was common in all hosts. Other isolates that were identified included Oidiodendron, Meliniomyces, Phialocephala, Cadophora, Lachnum, Leohumicola Cryptosporiopsis, Chaetomium, Acremonium and Epicoccum species. Basidiomycetes were represented by two OTUs belonging to the genus Mycena. Four OTUs comprised fungi that had no significant alignments in the reference databases. Direct root DNA extraction together with 454 pyrosequencing was used to detect the diversity of culturable and unculturable fungi associated with the identified hosts. The ITS2 region was targeted for sequencing. Although Ascomycetes remained the dominant phyla, Basidiomycetes were also detected in all host plants. Glomeromycota was present in E. caffra and E. cerinthoides. Helotiales was dominant in all Erica plants with the exception of E. cerinthoides and E. chamissonis which were dominated by the order Chaetothyriales. The OTUs identified to genus level included Epacris pulchella root fungus, Oidiodendron cf. maius, Acremonium implicatum, Leohumicola, Lachnum, Capronia and Mycena species. Culture-based techniques and pyrosequencing detected similar fungal composition comprising Ascomycetes, while, pyrosequencing was able to detect Glomeromycetes and Basidiomycetes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Stratigraphic characterisation of the Collingham formation in the context of shale gas from a borehole (SFT 2) near Jansenville, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Black, Dawn Ebony
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Geology, Stratigraphic , Formations (Geology) -- South Africa , Collingham formation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10676 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021148
- Description: This study is an extensive lithological, petrographical, mineralogical and geochemical description of fresh Collingham Formation core samples collected from borehole SFT 2, located on the farm Slangfontein, south of Jansenville in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The borehole, drilled to 295 m on the northerly limb of a shallow westerly plunging syncline, intersected the lower Ecca Group rocks of the Ripon, Collingham, Whitehill and Prince Albert Formations and terminated in the upper Dwyka Group. A comprehensive log and stratigraphic column were compiled for the Collingham Formation and fresh core samples were analysed using X-Ray Diffraction (“XRD”), X-Ray Fluorescence (“XRF”), mercury porosimetry, and Total Organic Carbon (“TOC”). Thin section microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (“SEM”) analyses were carried out on selected samples of core from borehole SFT 2. The matrix supported, massive to laminated lithological units of the Collingham Formation are interpreted as detrital, terrigenous sediments. These sediments are composed of intercalated fine-grained, poorly sorted, non-fissile mudstone; fine- to very fine-grained, predominantly pyroclastic airfall tephra; and less common fine-grained sandstones. Sediments of the Collingham Formation are considered to be immature, composed primarily of clay and aluminosilicates. The predominance of a clay fraction and aluminosilicates in mudstone samples is indicated by elevated K2O/Al2O3 ratio values, and the relationship of Zr, Al2O3 and TiO2. The presence of glauconite within the Collingham Formation indicates deposition in a mildly alkaline, slightly reducing marine environment. Rb/K ratio values (1.9 – 2.3 x 10-3) indicate brackish to slightly marine conditions, while low Zr/Rb ratio values indicate a low hydro-energy environment, with stable bottom water conditions. Hf and Nb concentrations indicate that detrital input was greatest during the deposition of tuffaceous units; while stable mineral assemblages and a low Fe2O3/K2O ratio values indicate deposition close to the source. A variation in Si/Ca values indicate times when sediments were affected by turbidity, interspersed with times of relative quiescence. The predominance of K2O over Na2O indicates that the Collingham Formation is alkali-rich, while SiO2/Al2O3 ratio values and the relationship of Zr, Al2O3 and TiO2 indicate that sediments are immature. In the lower portion of the formation, non-sulphidic, anoxic conditions are indicated by Mn/Al, V/(V+Ni), V/Cr ratio values, the Fe-Mn- V content, and the correlation between V and TOC. The upper portion of the formation is considered dysoxic, due to the presence and distribution of pyrite framboids, which indicate a fluctuating O2 level, likely indicating deposition at the interface between anoxic and slightly more oxic conditions. V/Cr ratio values indicate that the O2 regime was lowest during the deposition of the mudstones. The Chemical Index of Alteration (“CIA”) indicates a consistent weathering regime throughout the deposition of the Collingham Formation, associated with a temperate climate on the interface between glacial and tropical conditions. Although an anoxic and low hydro-energy environment is generally favourable for hydrocarbon accumulation, the Collingham Formation contains low levels of Total Organic Carbon (well below 0.9 per cent) and low porosities (ranging from 0.35 per cent to a maximum of 2.22 per cent), both of which are characteristic of a poor source for gas accumulation. Due to the laminate nature, permeability and fracturability of the Collingham Formation, there is the potential that the formation may form a good sealing sequence to the potentially gas-rich Whitehill Formation below. The metamorphic impact related to the Cape Orogeny (± 250 Ma), and reflected in the textures of the minerals making up the sediments of the Collingham Formation, suggests the enhancement in the sealing efficiency of this formation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Black, Dawn Ebony
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Geology, Stratigraphic , Formations (Geology) -- South Africa , Collingham formation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10676 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021148
- Description: This study is an extensive lithological, petrographical, mineralogical and geochemical description of fresh Collingham Formation core samples collected from borehole SFT 2, located on the farm Slangfontein, south of Jansenville in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The borehole, drilled to 295 m on the northerly limb of a shallow westerly plunging syncline, intersected the lower Ecca Group rocks of the Ripon, Collingham, Whitehill and Prince Albert Formations and terminated in the upper Dwyka Group. A comprehensive log and stratigraphic column were compiled for the Collingham Formation and fresh core samples were analysed using X-Ray Diffraction (“XRD”), X-Ray Fluorescence (“XRF”), mercury porosimetry, and Total Organic Carbon (“TOC”). Thin section microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (“SEM”) analyses were carried out on selected samples of core from borehole SFT 2. The matrix supported, massive to laminated lithological units of the Collingham Formation are interpreted as detrital, terrigenous sediments. These sediments are composed of intercalated fine-grained, poorly sorted, non-fissile mudstone; fine- to very fine-grained, predominantly pyroclastic airfall tephra; and less common fine-grained sandstones. Sediments of the Collingham Formation are considered to be immature, composed primarily of clay and aluminosilicates. The predominance of a clay fraction and aluminosilicates in mudstone samples is indicated by elevated K2O/Al2O3 ratio values, and the relationship of Zr, Al2O3 and TiO2. The presence of glauconite within the Collingham Formation indicates deposition in a mildly alkaline, slightly reducing marine environment. Rb/K ratio values (1.9 – 2.3 x 10-3) indicate brackish to slightly marine conditions, while low Zr/Rb ratio values indicate a low hydro-energy environment, with stable bottom water conditions. Hf and Nb concentrations indicate that detrital input was greatest during the deposition of tuffaceous units; while stable mineral assemblages and a low Fe2O3/K2O ratio values indicate deposition close to the source. A variation in Si/Ca values indicate times when sediments were affected by turbidity, interspersed with times of relative quiescence. The predominance of K2O over Na2O indicates that the Collingham Formation is alkali-rich, while SiO2/Al2O3 ratio values and the relationship of Zr, Al2O3 and TiO2 indicate that sediments are immature. In the lower portion of the formation, non-sulphidic, anoxic conditions are indicated by Mn/Al, V/(V+Ni), V/Cr ratio values, the Fe-Mn- V content, and the correlation between V and TOC. The upper portion of the formation is considered dysoxic, due to the presence and distribution of pyrite framboids, which indicate a fluctuating O2 level, likely indicating deposition at the interface between anoxic and slightly more oxic conditions. V/Cr ratio values indicate that the O2 regime was lowest during the deposition of the mudstones. The Chemical Index of Alteration (“CIA”) indicates a consistent weathering regime throughout the deposition of the Collingham Formation, associated with a temperate climate on the interface between glacial and tropical conditions. Although an anoxic and low hydro-energy environment is generally favourable for hydrocarbon accumulation, the Collingham Formation contains low levels of Total Organic Carbon (well below 0.9 per cent) and low porosities (ranging from 0.35 per cent to a maximum of 2.22 per cent), both of which are characteristic of a poor source for gas accumulation. Due to the laminate nature, permeability and fracturability of the Collingham Formation, there is the potential that the formation may form a good sealing sequence to the potentially gas-rich Whitehill Formation below. The metamorphic impact related to the Cape Orogeny (± 250 Ma), and reflected in the textures of the minerals making up the sediments of the Collingham Formation, suggests the enhancement in the sealing efficiency of this formation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
A multiscale remote sensing assessment of subtropical indigenous forests along the wild coast, South Africa
- Authors: Blessing, Sithole Vhusomuzi
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Forests and forestry -- South Africa -- Remote sensing , Forest conservation , Remote sensing , Geographic information systems
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:10677 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021169
- Description: The subtropical forests located along South Africa’s Wild Coast region, declared as one of the biodiversity hotspots, provide benefits to the local and national economy. However, there is evidence of increased pressure exerted on the forests by growing population and reduced income from activities not related to forest products. The ability of remote sensing to quantify subtropical forest changes over time, perform species discrimination (using field spectroscopy) and integrating field spectral and multispectral data were all assessed in this study. Investigations were conducted at pixel, leaf and sub-pixel levels. Both per-pixel and sub-pixel classification methods were used for improved forest characterisation. Using SPOT 6 imagery for 2013, the study determined the best classification algorithm for mapping sub-tropical forest and other land cover types to be the maximum likelihood classifier. Maximum likelihood outperformed minimum distance, spectral angle mapper and spectral information divergence algorithms, based on overall accuracy and Kappa coefficient values. Forest change analysis was made based on spectral measurements made at top of the atmosphere (TOC) level. When applied to the 2005 and 2009 SPOT 5 images, subtropical forest changes between 2005-2009 and 2009-2013 were quantified. A temporal analysis of forest cover trends in the periods 2005-2009 and 2009-2013 identified a decreasing trend of -3648.42 and -946.98 ha respectively, which translated to 7.81 percent and 2.20 percent decrease. Although there is evidence of a trend towards decreased rates of forest loss, more conservation efforts are required to protect the Wild Coast ecosystem. Using field spectral measurements data, the hierarchical method (comprising One-way ANOVA with Bonferroni correction, Classification and Regression Trees (CART) and Jeffries Matusita method) successfully selected optimal wavelengths for species discrimination at leaf level. Only 17 out of 2150 wavelengths were identified, thereby reducing the complexities related to data dimensionality. The optimal 17 wavelength bands were noted in the visible (438, 442, 512 and 695 nm), near infrared (724, 729, 750, 758, 856, 936, 1179, 1507 and 1673 nm) and mid-infrared (2220, 2465, 2469 and 2482 nm) portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. The Jeffries-Matusita (JM) distance method confirmed the separability of the selected wavelength bands. Using these 17 wavelengths, linear discriminant analysis (LDA) classified subtropical species at leaf level more accurately than partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLSDA) and random forest (RF). In addition, the study integrated field-collected canopy spectral and multispectral data to discriminate proportions of semi-deciduous and evergreen subtropical forests at sub-pixel level. By using the 2013 land cover (using MLC) to mask non-forested portions before sub-pixel classification (using MTMF), the proportional maps were a product of two classifiers. The proportional maps show higher proportions of evergreen forests along the coast while semi-deciduous subtropical forest species were mainly on inland parts of the Wild Coast. These maps had high accuracy, thereby proving the ability of an integration of field spectral and multispectral data in mapping semi-deciduous and evergreen forest species. Overall, the study has demonstrated the importance of the MLC and LDA and served to integrate field spectral and multispectral data in subtropical forest characterisation at both leaf and top-of-atmosphere levels. The success of both the MLC and LDA further highlighted how essential parametric classifiers are in remote sensing forestry applications. Main subtropical characteristics highlighted in this study were species discrimination at leaf level, quantifying forest change at pixel level and discriminating semi-deciduous and evergreen forests at sub-pixel level.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Blessing, Sithole Vhusomuzi
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Forests and forestry -- South Africa -- Remote sensing , Forest conservation , Remote sensing , Geographic information systems
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:10677 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021169
- Description: The subtropical forests located along South Africa’s Wild Coast region, declared as one of the biodiversity hotspots, provide benefits to the local and national economy. However, there is evidence of increased pressure exerted on the forests by growing population and reduced income from activities not related to forest products. The ability of remote sensing to quantify subtropical forest changes over time, perform species discrimination (using field spectroscopy) and integrating field spectral and multispectral data were all assessed in this study. Investigations were conducted at pixel, leaf and sub-pixel levels. Both per-pixel and sub-pixel classification methods were used for improved forest characterisation. Using SPOT 6 imagery for 2013, the study determined the best classification algorithm for mapping sub-tropical forest and other land cover types to be the maximum likelihood classifier. Maximum likelihood outperformed minimum distance, spectral angle mapper and spectral information divergence algorithms, based on overall accuracy and Kappa coefficient values. Forest change analysis was made based on spectral measurements made at top of the atmosphere (TOC) level. When applied to the 2005 and 2009 SPOT 5 images, subtropical forest changes between 2005-2009 and 2009-2013 were quantified. A temporal analysis of forest cover trends in the periods 2005-2009 and 2009-2013 identified a decreasing trend of -3648.42 and -946.98 ha respectively, which translated to 7.81 percent and 2.20 percent decrease. Although there is evidence of a trend towards decreased rates of forest loss, more conservation efforts are required to protect the Wild Coast ecosystem. Using field spectral measurements data, the hierarchical method (comprising One-way ANOVA with Bonferroni correction, Classification and Regression Trees (CART) and Jeffries Matusita method) successfully selected optimal wavelengths for species discrimination at leaf level. Only 17 out of 2150 wavelengths were identified, thereby reducing the complexities related to data dimensionality. The optimal 17 wavelength bands were noted in the visible (438, 442, 512 and 695 nm), near infrared (724, 729, 750, 758, 856, 936, 1179, 1507 and 1673 nm) and mid-infrared (2220, 2465, 2469 and 2482 nm) portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. The Jeffries-Matusita (JM) distance method confirmed the separability of the selected wavelength bands. Using these 17 wavelengths, linear discriminant analysis (LDA) classified subtropical species at leaf level more accurately than partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLSDA) and random forest (RF). In addition, the study integrated field-collected canopy spectral and multispectral data to discriminate proportions of semi-deciduous and evergreen subtropical forests at sub-pixel level. By using the 2013 land cover (using MLC) to mask non-forested portions before sub-pixel classification (using MTMF), the proportional maps were a product of two classifiers. The proportional maps show higher proportions of evergreen forests along the coast while semi-deciduous subtropical forest species were mainly on inland parts of the Wild Coast. These maps had high accuracy, thereby proving the ability of an integration of field spectral and multispectral data in mapping semi-deciduous and evergreen forest species. Overall, the study has demonstrated the importance of the MLC and LDA and served to integrate field spectral and multispectral data in subtropical forest characterisation at both leaf and top-of-atmosphere levels. The success of both the MLC and LDA further highlighted how essential parametric classifiers are in remote sensing forestry applications. Main subtropical characteristics highlighted in this study were species discrimination at leaf level, quantifying forest change at pixel level and discriminating semi-deciduous and evergreen forests at sub-pixel level.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Improving staff turnover in a purchasing department
- Authors: Blignaut, Fredrika Joan
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Labor turnover -- South Africa Human capital , Employees -- Recruiting Employee motivation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50110 , vital:42044
- Description: The value of employees has been established as the best asset a company can have and managers/leaders plays an important role in optimising the value addition of the employee. Retaining employees and attracting them is a challenge due to skill shortages and staff turnover. The costs of staff turnover include but are not limited to recruiting, testing, selecting, training the new staff member, and mandatory overtime due to staff shortages. The indirect costs associated with such turnover are caused by the loss of valued employees, the stress of additional workloads, the loss of the social relationship and the tension of integrating new employees into the team. The objective of the study was to identify the factors that increase voluntary and involuntary turnover intent in the selected purchasing department. These factors were manager /leader’s influence, stress and satisfaction with quality of work life on turnover intent. Convenience sampling was used to distribute sixty-four questionnaires in three departments of the selected firm, namely production purchasing, general purchasing and projects. Only fifty usable questionnaires were received. The results from the descriptive statistics revealed that the participants were generally not happy with manager relations in the firm. The results however showed that this does not motivate employees to stay or leave the firm. The statistics showed that bullying is evident in the selected firm, however the mean score does not reflect high levels thereof. The Pearson correlations show a significantly positive relationship between bullying and employees leaving. The participants generally work in a stressful environment and this affected some employees negatively however Pearson’s correlations showed that work stress is not significantly related to intent to leave.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Blignaut, Fredrika Joan
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Labor turnover -- South Africa Human capital , Employees -- Recruiting Employee motivation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50110 , vital:42044
- Description: The value of employees has been established as the best asset a company can have and managers/leaders plays an important role in optimising the value addition of the employee. Retaining employees and attracting them is a challenge due to skill shortages and staff turnover. The costs of staff turnover include but are not limited to recruiting, testing, selecting, training the new staff member, and mandatory overtime due to staff shortages. The indirect costs associated with such turnover are caused by the loss of valued employees, the stress of additional workloads, the loss of the social relationship and the tension of integrating new employees into the team. The objective of the study was to identify the factors that increase voluntary and involuntary turnover intent in the selected purchasing department. These factors were manager /leader’s influence, stress and satisfaction with quality of work life on turnover intent. Convenience sampling was used to distribute sixty-four questionnaires in three departments of the selected firm, namely production purchasing, general purchasing and projects. Only fifty usable questionnaires were received. The results from the descriptive statistics revealed that the participants were generally not happy with manager relations in the firm. The results however showed that this does not motivate employees to stay or leave the firm. The statistics showed that bullying is evident in the selected firm, however the mean score does not reflect high levels thereof. The Pearson correlations show a significantly positive relationship between bullying and employees leaving. The participants generally work in a stressful environment and this affected some employees negatively however Pearson’s correlations showed that work stress is not significantly related to intent to leave.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Application of bacteriocins in the preservation of fruit juice
- Authors: Bodley, Mark David
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Bacteriocins , Fruit juices -- Preservation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:10345 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020188
- Description: Bacteriocins (BCNs) are ribosomally synthesized polypeptides or proteins with antimicrobial activity, produced by different groups of bacteria. Many lactic acid bacteria (LAB) produce BCNs with broad spectra of inhibition. The antimicrobial activity of BCNs against spoilage organisms (SPOs) has raised considerable interest in their application in juice preservation. The objectives of the study were to: (i) isolate, identify and screen BCN producing bacteria for antimicrobial activity against spoilage bacteria and fungi, (ii) optimize production of BCN from selected producers and (iii) investigate the industrial application of the BCN as a preservative in fruit juice. Eleven LAB strains of BCN producers were screened for antimicrobial activity. BCNs from Lactobacillus plantarum and Pediococcus pentosaceus 34 were the most effective against juice spoilage bacteria and fungi. The effect of medium components on bacteriocin production in L. plantarum and P. pentosaceus 34 was also determined. Clementine:Valencia (1:1) juice was used for the first time as the growth medium for L. plantarum and P. pentosaceus 34. The BCN from L. plantarum showed the highest activity and was, therefore, chosen for juice fermentation studies. The identification of L. plantarum was confirmed by biochemical tests, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing of the recA gene. The highest BCN activity was observed for L. plantarum grown in De Man-Rogosa-Sharpe (MRS) and a combination of all supplements (i.e. peptone, MnSO4.H2O, Tween 80, glucose and whey), followed by MRS and Tween 80, peptone, MnSO4.H2O and MRS alone. MRS was a better medium for BCN production than juice [Clementine:Valencia (1:1)]. Size exclusion chromatography (SEC) was used to isolate the active L. plantarum BCN fraction which corresponded to an approximate molecular weight of 3.2 kDa and was proteinaceous in nature. Plantaricin structural genes (plnEF, plnJ, plnK, plnN) were detected in the L. plantarum strain by PCR and sequenced, and were chromosomally encoded as no plasmids could be detected. This implies that the BCN from L. plantarum is most likely a type of class IIa plantaricin which is responsible for the broad inhibitory activity observed. For the industrial application studies, L. plantarum BCN-containing cell free supernatant (BCNsup) added to “Ready to Drink” (RTD) Clementine:Valencia (1:1) juice at concentrations of 3 600 - 500 000 ppm decreased growth of SPOs, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Streptococcus thermophilus. At 250 000 ppm, the L. plantarum BCNsup achieved 5.3 and 6.8 log reductions of the L. acidophilus, after 24 and 48 h, respectively, which is larger than the USFDA (2001) requirement of a 5 log reduction in SPO activity, for preservation of fruit juices. However, there was a decrease in the activity when the BCNsup was applied to industrial (Valor) RTD juice (mango-orange) at decreasing concentrations of 100 000, 50 000 and 25 000 ppm. Organoleptic tests showed that the BCN did not alter flavor or taste of the juice and did not cause toxicity or allergic reactions. A food safety risk assessment was conducted in order to determine the Critical Control Point(s) [CCP(s)] at which the BCN could be applied to control identified microbiological hazards, and a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan was developed. This is the first report on the optimisation of L. plantarum BCN production in juice [Clementine:Valencia (1:1)], followed by inoculation into RTD juice (mango-orange), including a HACCP plan for the application of the BCN as a preservative in juice.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Bodley, Mark David
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Bacteriocins , Fruit juices -- Preservation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:10345 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020188
- Description: Bacteriocins (BCNs) are ribosomally synthesized polypeptides or proteins with antimicrobial activity, produced by different groups of bacteria. Many lactic acid bacteria (LAB) produce BCNs with broad spectra of inhibition. The antimicrobial activity of BCNs against spoilage organisms (SPOs) has raised considerable interest in their application in juice preservation. The objectives of the study were to: (i) isolate, identify and screen BCN producing bacteria for antimicrobial activity against spoilage bacteria and fungi, (ii) optimize production of BCN from selected producers and (iii) investigate the industrial application of the BCN as a preservative in fruit juice. Eleven LAB strains of BCN producers were screened for antimicrobial activity. BCNs from Lactobacillus plantarum and Pediococcus pentosaceus 34 were the most effective against juice spoilage bacteria and fungi. The effect of medium components on bacteriocin production in L. plantarum and P. pentosaceus 34 was also determined. Clementine:Valencia (1:1) juice was used for the first time as the growth medium for L. plantarum and P. pentosaceus 34. The BCN from L. plantarum showed the highest activity and was, therefore, chosen for juice fermentation studies. The identification of L. plantarum was confirmed by biochemical tests, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing of the recA gene. The highest BCN activity was observed for L. plantarum grown in De Man-Rogosa-Sharpe (MRS) and a combination of all supplements (i.e. peptone, MnSO4.H2O, Tween 80, glucose and whey), followed by MRS and Tween 80, peptone, MnSO4.H2O and MRS alone. MRS was a better medium for BCN production than juice [Clementine:Valencia (1:1)]. Size exclusion chromatography (SEC) was used to isolate the active L. plantarum BCN fraction which corresponded to an approximate molecular weight of 3.2 kDa and was proteinaceous in nature. Plantaricin structural genes (plnEF, plnJ, plnK, plnN) were detected in the L. plantarum strain by PCR and sequenced, and were chromosomally encoded as no plasmids could be detected. This implies that the BCN from L. plantarum is most likely a type of class IIa plantaricin which is responsible for the broad inhibitory activity observed. For the industrial application studies, L. plantarum BCN-containing cell free supernatant (BCNsup) added to “Ready to Drink” (RTD) Clementine:Valencia (1:1) juice at concentrations of 3 600 - 500 000 ppm decreased growth of SPOs, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Streptococcus thermophilus. At 250 000 ppm, the L. plantarum BCNsup achieved 5.3 and 6.8 log reductions of the L. acidophilus, after 24 and 48 h, respectively, which is larger than the USFDA (2001) requirement of a 5 log reduction in SPO activity, for preservation of fruit juices. However, there was a decrease in the activity when the BCNsup was applied to industrial (Valor) RTD juice (mango-orange) at decreasing concentrations of 100 000, 50 000 and 25 000 ppm. Organoleptic tests showed that the BCN did not alter flavor or taste of the juice and did not cause toxicity or allergic reactions. A food safety risk assessment was conducted in order to determine the Critical Control Point(s) [CCP(s)] at which the BCN could be applied to control identified microbiological hazards, and a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan was developed. This is the first report on the optimisation of L. plantarum BCN production in juice [Clementine:Valencia (1:1)], followed by inoculation into RTD juice (mango-orange), including a HACCP plan for the application of the BCN as a preservative in juice.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The interrelationships between foreign direct investment and economic growth in Africa
- Authors: Bolani, Lindelwa Mandisa
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Investments, Foreign -- Africa , Economic development -- Africa , Africa -- Economic conditions -- 1960- , Africa -- Foreign economic relations , Gross domestic product -- Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1123 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1019885
- Description: There has been a long search for the keys to development and economic growth in Africa. This study investigates the relationship between FDI and economic growth over the period 2000-2012 using data from 48 African countries. On the aggregate regional level FDI and economic growth were found to be positively correlated during this period. Using panel data econometric techniques and the Panel Granger Causality test, results revealed that a bi-directional causality relationship existed between FDI and GDP. Thus, the results suggest that GDP is a requirement for increased investment, and at the same time is the result of increased foreign investment. Thus, the conclusion is that African policy makers are justified in increasing their attempts to create an attractive business environment for foreign investors, as it is beneficial for economic growth.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Bolani, Lindelwa Mandisa
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Investments, Foreign -- Africa , Economic development -- Africa , Africa -- Economic conditions -- 1960- , Africa -- Foreign economic relations , Gross domestic product -- Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1123 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1019885
- Description: There has been a long search for the keys to development and economic growth in Africa. This study investigates the relationship between FDI and economic growth over the period 2000-2012 using data from 48 African countries. On the aggregate regional level FDI and economic growth were found to be positively correlated during this period. Using panel data econometric techniques and the Panel Granger Causality test, results revealed that a bi-directional causality relationship existed between FDI and GDP. Thus, the results suggest that GDP is a requirement for increased investment, and at the same time is the result of increased foreign investment. Thus, the conclusion is that African policy makers are justified in increasing their attempts to create an attractive business environment for foreign investors, as it is beneficial for economic growth.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Performance management of health professionals : an evaluation research study of health services in the subdistrict of Buffalo City in the Provincial Department of Health in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Booi, Mlungisi Wellington
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: South Africa -- Department of Health , Batho Pele (Program) , Public health personnel -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Employees -- Rating of -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Public health -- South Africa -- Buffalo City -- Evaluation , Customer services -- South Africa -- Buffalo City -- Evaluation , Employees -- Training of -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Employee-management relations in government -- South Africa -- Buffalo City
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:859 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020017
- Description: Integrative Summary In 1997 the Minister of Public Service and Administration of South Africa, Zola Skweyiya, introduced the White Paper on Transforming Public Service Delivery(Department of Public Service and Administration(DPSA,1997: 1). It was premised on what was called Batho Pele (DPSA, 1997: 9), giving effect to Section 197 of the Constitution, Act 108 of 1996 as amended. A linkage to performance management can be found from the assertion made in the White Paper that in future the Batho Pele would form the basis of any assessment of the performance of individual staff and that would contribute to improving the delivery of service (DPSA, 1997:16). Another factor that contributed to the utilisation of a performance management system was the recommendation put forward by the Public Service Commission of South Africa( PSC,2004: 16),that called for public institutions to adopt a clear, comprehensive performance management and evaluation framework for the delivery of public service. That was expected to turn around the ailing public institutions whose record of serving the public with pride and dignity was on the decline. The research aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of the performance management system in creating and resolving role conflict with health professionals employed by the Buffalo City sub-district. The research goal was divided into three objectives, namely: evaluation of the effectiveness of the performance management system as a managerial tool for health managers to manage their subordinates including both professional and support staff, evaluation of the effectiveness of the performance system from the perspective of the health professional as a subordinate and to analyze the functioning and effectiveness of the system in creating and resolving role conflict between professional conduct and organisational requirements. The respondents noted that the implementation of the system was not matched with appointment at managerial level with officials having relevant managerial capacity. Further to that resources at the coal face of service delivery continued to deteriorate and became very scarce and there is no documented proof that has been found of an effort made to check the compatibility of the system to health professionals. The literature identified negative effects that have emanated from the implementation of the performance management system. The study was conducted by interviewing health professionals from the entry level to the management level within the Buffalo City sub-district from three mini hospitals or Health Care Centres. The respondents indicated that there are positives that have been achieved by the implementation of the system, such as the skills gap identification as well as specific targets contained in annual performance contracts. These targets help motivate health professional to focus on that particular direction of activities. Unfortunately it has been clearly documented that the performance management system has also contributed to the development of role conflict in a number of professionals. It has been documented that the system has not been crafted with a health professional in mind and, as such, appears to favour quantity rather than quality of health services as advocated by the codes of practice of different health professionals. There are a number of recommendations that were put forward by the respondents to try to salvage the system and in mitigation of the identified negative factors. For the improvement of the system, the Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Health has to firstly customise the annual contracts to contain only the fundamental information. Secondly need to improve the transparency pertaining to financial pressures facing the Health Department. Thirdly the provision of essential enablers, need to be prioritised. Fourthly there is a need to upgrade the system to incorporate 360 degree feedback. Further research recommendations include a bigger sample incorporating different research methods and to also incorporate searches for measures that can be implemented to improve the system to be more relevant to health professionals. This document is organised and presented in three sections. The first section is the evaluation report with a review of literature, research methodology, findings, discussion and conclusion. The second section is where an indepth literature review is located and the last section details the research methodology.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Booi, Mlungisi Wellington
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: South Africa -- Department of Health , Batho Pele (Program) , Public health personnel -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Employees -- Rating of -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Public health -- South Africa -- Buffalo City -- Evaluation , Customer services -- South Africa -- Buffalo City -- Evaluation , Employees -- Training of -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Employee-management relations in government -- South Africa -- Buffalo City
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:859 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020017
- Description: Integrative Summary In 1997 the Minister of Public Service and Administration of South Africa, Zola Skweyiya, introduced the White Paper on Transforming Public Service Delivery(Department of Public Service and Administration(DPSA,1997: 1). It was premised on what was called Batho Pele (DPSA, 1997: 9), giving effect to Section 197 of the Constitution, Act 108 of 1996 as amended. A linkage to performance management can be found from the assertion made in the White Paper that in future the Batho Pele would form the basis of any assessment of the performance of individual staff and that would contribute to improving the delivery of service (DPSA, 1997:16). Another factor that contributed to the utilisation of a performance management system was the recommendation put forward by the Public Service Commission of South Africa( PSC,2004: 16),that called for public institutions to adopt a clear, comprehensive performance management and evaluation framework for the delivery of public service. That was expected to turn around the ailing public institutions whose record of serving the public with pride and dignity was on the decline. The research aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of the performance management system in creating and resolving role conflict with health professionals employed by the Buffalo City sub-district. The research goal was divided into three objectives, namely: evaluation of the effectiveness of the performance management system as a managerial tool for health managers to manage their subordinates including both professional and support staff, evaluation of the effectiveness of the performance system from the perspective of the health professional as a subordinate and to analyze the functioning and effectiveness of the system in creating and resolving role conflict between professional conduct and organisational requirements. The respondents noted that the implementation of the system was not matched with appointment at managerial level with officials having relevant managerial capacity. Further to that resources at the coal face of service delivery continued to deteriorate and became very scarce and there is no documented proof that has been found of an effort made to check the compatibility of the system to health professionals. The literature identified negative effects that have emanated from the implementation of the performance management system. The study was conducted by interviewing health professionals from the entry level to the management level within the Buffalo City sub-district from three mini hospitals or Health Care Centres. The respondents indicated that there are positives that have been achieved by the implementation of the system, such as the skills gap identification as well as specific targets contained in annual performance contracts. These targets help motivate health professional to focus on that particular direction of activities. Unfortunately it has been clearly documented that the performance management system has also contributed to the development of role conflict in a number of professionals. It has been documented that the system has not been crafted with a health professional in mind and, as such, appears to favour quantity rather than quality of health services as advocated by the codes of practice of different health professionals. There are a number of recommendations that were put forward by the respondents to try to salvage the system and in mitigation of the identified negative factors. For the improvement of the system, the Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Health has to firstly customise the annual contracts to contain only the fundamental information. Secondly need to improve the transparency pertaining to financial pressures facing the Health Department. Thirdly the provision of essential enablers, need to be prioritised. Fourthly there is a need to upgrade the system to incorporate 360 degree feedback. Further research recommendations include a bigger sample incorporating different research methods and to also incorporate searches for measures that can be implemented to improve the system to be more relevant to health professionals. This document is organised and presented in three sections. The first section is the evaluation report with a review of literature, research methodology, findings, discussion and conclusion. The second section is where an indepth literature review is located and the last section details the research methodology.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Sidumo revisited
- Authors: Boyens, Marthinus Johannes
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Judicial review -- South Africa , Judgments -- South Africa , Labor courts -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10249 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020117
- Description: The primary purpose of this treatise is to revisit and reconsider the development of the review test set out in the Constitutional Court judgment of Sidumo & another v Rustenburg Platinum Mines Ltd & Others (2007) 28 ILJ 2405 (CC) and consequently ascertain the correct approach to be adopted by our Labour Courts in the application of such test. The secondary purpose, entail the determination of the extent to which Labour Court judges interfere with the merits of awards and the resulting impact on the distinction between appeal and review. In order to establish whether the test for review was correctly developed and to determine whether our review proceedings deter recurrent interference by our judges, an edifying consideration of judicial review in South Africa, an extensive analysis of various judgements pertaining to such development, followed by a comprehensive comparison with the United Kingdom`s application of review proceedings and judicial composition are made. The research methodology is based on a contour of Sidumo, commencing with the Sidumo judgment, followed by three contentious Labour Appeal Court judgments and concluding with a Supreme Court of Appeal judgement, which clarifies the operation of the review test. The contour is interlinked with the notion of reasonableness. The primary research findings are identified in the judgment of Herholdt v Nedbank Ltd (2013) 34 ILJ 2795 (SCA). The judgment, concluding the Sidumo contour, underlines the current position in our law and consequent narrower approach. A comparison made with the United Kingdom, differentiate between such approach implemented by our courts and the strict gross unreasonableness approach applied by Employment Appeal Tribunals, recognising the finding, that our Labour Court judges ardently interfere with the merits of awards. In the conclusion it is submitted that our labour law jurisprudence will constantly evolve, dictated by our courts interpretation of lawfulness, reasonableness and fairness.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Boyens, Marthinus Johannes
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Judicial review -- South Africa , Judgments -- South Africa , Labor courts -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10249 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020117
- Description: The primary purpose of this treatise is to revisit and reconsider the development of the review test set out in the Constitutional Court judgment of Sidumo & another v Rustenburg Platinum Mines Ltd & Others (2007) 28 ILJ 2405 (CC) and consequently ascertain the correct approach to be adopted by our Labour Courts in the application of such test. The secondary purpose, entail the determination of the extent to which Labour Court judges interfere with the merits of awards and the resulting impact on the distinction between appeal and review. In order to establish whether the test for review was correctly developed and to determine whether our review proceedings deter recurrent interference by our judges, an edifying consideration of judicial review in South Africa, an extensive analysis of various judgements pertaining to such development, followed by a comprehensive comparison with the United Kingdom`s application of review proceedings and judicial composition are made. The research methodology is based on a contour of Sidumo, commencing with the Sidumo judgment, followed by three contentious Labour Appeal Court judgments and concluding with a Supreme Court of Appeal judgement, which clarifies the operation of the review test. The contour is interlinked with the notion of reasonableness. The primary research findings are identified in the judgment of Herholdt v Nedbank Ltd (2013) 34 ILJ 2795 (SCA). The judgment, concluding the Sidumo contour, underlines the current position in our law and consequent narrower approach. A comparison made with the United Kingdom, differentiate between such approach implemented by our courts and the strict gross unreasonableness approach applied by Employment Appeal Tribunals, recognising the finding, that our Labour Court judges ardently interfere with the merits of awards. In the conclusion it is submitted that our labour law jurisprudence will constantly evolve, dictated by our courts interpretation of lawfulness, reasonableness and fairness.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Unfair discrimination in recruitment practices
- Authors: Brand, Hugo
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa , Employment interviewing , Discrimination in employment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10260 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021197
- Description: The focus of this paper is to emphasize the importance for every employer to avoid unfair discrimination during the recruitment process and to value diversity in the workplace. This is not only a legal requirement, but also gives an employer the best chance of getting the right person for the job. It is crucial to understand that job applicants are mostly people that employer’s do not actually employ, but might be able to make an unfair discrimination claim against the employer if the claimant believes he/she was not selected for a job because the employer discriminated against them unlawfully in the recruitment process. When writing the job description and a person specification, the employer should state clearly what tasks the person will have to execute and what skills will be needed for the job. Job descriptions should accurately describe the genuine essential duties and inherent requirements of the job. Personnel specifications should accurately describe the relevant, non-discriminatory and objectively justifiable requirements to be met by the post-holder. Specifications should not have any requirements that are not directly related to the job and it is important for employers to provide evidence that each recruitment and screening practice is job-related and consistent with business necessity. Employers are advised to devise and implement recruitment procedures and guidelines for all staff and applicants involved in the process of recruitment and to ensure that these incorporate the principles of the organisation’s equal opportunity principles. Employers should administer recruitment and other selection procedures without regard to race, colour, national origin, sex, religion, age and disability. Even though South Africa is now governed by a new democratic order, historical workplace inequalities still need to be addressed. Not only compelled to redress inequalities by the Constitution, the South African government was motivated by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to enact laws that would prohibit discrimination and promote the economic advancement of the majority. Recruitment tests or selection procedures must be job-related and its results appropriate for the employer’s purpose. If a recruitment procedure screens out a protected group, the employer should determine whether there is an equally effective alternative selection procedure that has less adverse impact and, if so, adopt the alternative procedure. The justification of discrimination in recruitment practices and affirmative action is only meaningful if it is targeted towards particular aims. One of the more important defences against unfair discrimination in the workplace is the general fairness defence. The general fairness defence is considered to be an applicable defence based on fairness in situations where the two statutory exceptions do not apply. This means than when one looks at the concept of unfair discrimination it implies that discrimination may be justified in certain circumstances Legislation prohibits discrimination on various grounds especially throughout the process of recruitment and selection. There are limited exceptions to the general principle that it is unlawful to use gender, race, religion or sexual orientation as a criterion in the recruitment process. These exceptions are known as genuine occupational qualifications and the specifications for jobs should be carefully examined to ensure that there are no factors contained that are indirectly discriminatory. Focus must be placed on avoiding indirect discrimination in job factors. In the early stages of the recruitment process, an employee specification should be written that describes the type of person the employer seeks to be appointed in terms of qualifications, experience, skills and personal attributes. The imposition of inappropriate or unsuccessfully high standards or criteria may indirectly discriminate against people from a particular minority or racial group or religion. Employees must have the necessary skills to demand employment equity status especially where a designated employer does not have sufficient affirmative action employees and is obliged to rectify the situation. However, this does not mean that affirmative action applicants must be chosen above non-affirmative action employees. The principle of reversed discrimination stands firm if the motivation for appointing a particular person is based on a genuine desire to promote diversity, to apply affirmative action and to increase the numbers of people from a disadvantaged group in employment, or to create a more balanced workforce.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Brand, Hugo
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa , Employment interviewing , Discrimination in employment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10260 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021197
- Description: The focus of this paper is to emphasize the importance for every employer to avoid unfair discrimination during the recruitment process and to value diversity in the workplace. This is not only a legal requirement, but also gives an employer the best chance of getting the right person for the job. It is crucial to understand that job applicants are mostly people that employer’s do not actually employ, but might be able to make an unfair discrimination claim against the employer if the claimant believes he/she was not selected for a job because the employer discriminated against them unlawfully in the recruitment process. When writing the job description and a person specification, the employer should state clearly what tasks the person will have to execute and what skills will be needed for the job. Job descriptions should accurately describe the genuine essential duties and inherent requirements of the job. Personnel specifications should accurately describe the relevant, non-discriminatory and objectively justifiable requirements to be met by the post-holder. Specifications should not have any requirements that are not directly related to the job and it is important for employers to provide evidence that each recruitment and screening practice is job-related and consistent with business necessity. Employers are advised to devise and implement recruitment procedures and guidelines for all staff and applicants involved in the process of recruitment and to ensure that these incorporate the principles of the organisation’s equal opportunity principles. Employers should administer recruitment and other selection procedures without regard to race, colour, national origin, sex, religion, age and disability. Even though South Africa is now governed by a new democratic order, historical workplace inequalities still need to be addressed. Not only compelled to redress inequalities by the Constitution, the South African government was motivated by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to enact laws that would prohibit discrimination and promote the economic advancement of the majority. Recruitment tests or selection procedures must be job-related and its results appropriate for the employer’s purpose. If a recruitment procedure screens out a protected group, the employer should determine whether there is an equally effective alternative selection procedure that has less adverse impact and, if so, adopt the alternative procedure. The justification of discrimination in recruitment practices and affirmative action is only meaningful if it is targeted towards particular aims. One of the more important defences against unfair discrimination in the workplace is the general fairness defence. The general fairness defence is considered to be an applicable defence based on fairness in situations where the two statutory exceptions do not apply. This means than when one looks at the concept of unfair discrimination it implies that discrimination may be justified in certain circumstances Legislation prohibits discrimination on various grounds especially throughout the process of recruitment and selection. There are limited exceptions to the general principle that it is unlawful to use gender, race, religion or sexual orientation as a criterion in the recruitment process. These exceptions are known as genuine occupational qualifications and the specifications for jobs should be carefully examined to ensure that there are no factors contained that are indirectly discriminatory. Focus must be placed on avoiding indirect discrimination in job factors. In the early stages of the recruitment process, an employee specification should be written that describes the type of person the employer seeks to be appointed in terms of qualifications, experience, skills and personal attributes. The imposition of inappropriate or unsuccessfully high standards or criteria may indirectly discriminate against people from a particular minority or racial group or religion. Employees must have the necessary skills to demand employment equity status especially where a designated employer does not have sufficient affirmative action employees and is obliged to rectify the situation. However, this does not mean that affirmative action applicants must be chosen above non-affirmative action employees. The principle of reversed discrimination stands firm if the motivation for appointing a particular person is based on a genuine desire to promote diversity, to apply affirmative action and to increase the numbers of people from a disadvantaged group in employment, or to create a more balanced workforce.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015