Consumers' attitudes towards ready-to-eat fast-food products and their relationship with obesity in Mdantsane township in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Matyolo, Pamela
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Obesity -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Obesity
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9022 , vital:34183
- Description: The South African fast-food industry has experienced substantial recent growth. However, as consumers have incorporated more fast food into their daily diets, obesity has become a major problem. The aggressive marketing techniques of fast food firms coupled with the busy urban lifestyle have significant implications for dietary health habits. The study aimed at investigating consumers’ attitudes towards fast food and the relationship between fast food consumption and obesity. The field survey design of the study employed a mixed-methods approach involving the use of a semi-structured questionnaire. The study was limited to the Mdantsane Township located in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. A quota sample of 200 respondents (n = 200) was selected from which data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive results revealed that the participants had positive attitudes towards fast foods. Although they agreed that eating fast foods increased body weight, the participants mostly did not feel overweight or obese. The participants were well aware of the negative health implications of excessive fast food consumption. This knowledge generally did not deter their positive fast food attitudes, although participants expressed their desire for additional healthier fast food options in the market. Regression estimates further revealed that carbohydrate and starchy type of fast foods (𝑃 < 0.01), other sources of fast foods (𝑃 < 0.05), age group, physical appearance and meaty type of fast foods (𝑃 < 0.10) had significant influence on the frequency of fast food consumption. The results further revealed that physical appearance (𝑃 < 0.01), religion (𝑃 < 0.05), age group and supermarkets and source of fast foods (𝑃 < 0.1) had significant influence on respondents’ BMI scores. The study concludes that there exist socio-economic and institutional factors that have considerable bearing on consumers’ fast food consumption and BMI scores. The study advocates for public health policy making concerning awareness of the negative health consequences of fast food consumption targeting mostly young adult females who mainly purchase in franchises and supermarkets with a high meaty diet.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Matyolo, Pamela
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Obesity -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Obesity
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9022 , vital:34183
- Description: The South African fast-food industry has experienced substantial recent growth. However, as consumers have incorporated more fast food into their daily diets, obesity has become a major problem. The aggressive marketing techniques of fast food firms coupled with the busy urban lifestyle have significant implications for dietary health habits. The study aimed at investigating consumers’ attitudes towards fast food and the relationship between fast food consumption and obesity. The field survey design of the study employed a mixed-methods approach involving the use of a semi-structured questionnaire. The study was limited to the Mdantsane Township located in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. A quota sample of 200 respondents (n = 200) was selected from which data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive results revealed that the participants had positive attitudes towards fast foods. Although they agreed that eating fast foods increased body weight, the participants mostly did not feel overweight or obese. The participants were well aware of the negative health implications of excessive fast food consumption. This knowledge generally did not deter their positive fast food attitudes, although participants expressed their desire for additional healthier fast food options in the market. Regression estimates further revealed that carbohydrate and starchy type of fast foods (𝑃 < 0.01), other sources of fast foods (𝑃 < 0.05), age group, physical appearance and meaty type of fast foods (𝑃 < 0.10) had significant influence on the frequency of fast food consumption. The results further revealed that physical appearance (𝑃 < 0.01), religion (𝑃 < 0.05), age group and supermarkets and source of fast foods (𝑃 < 0.1) had significant influence on respondents’ BMI scores. The study concludes that there exist socio-economic and institutional factors that have considerable bearing on consumers’ fast food consumption and BMI scores. The study advocates for public health policy making concerning awareness of the negative health consequences of fast food consumption targeting mostly young adult females who mainly purchase in franchises and supermarkets with a high meaty diet.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Evaluation of the socio-economic performance of smallholder irrigation schemes in Idutywa Village of the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Jiba, Phiwe
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Irrigation farming -- Economic aspects Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Agricultural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4705 , vital:28497
- Description: South Africa and other African countries are faced with high levels of food insecurity and poverty levels as a result of slow growth of the macro economy and weak or sluggish rural development. Irrigation scheme development is seen as an important strategy to address the challenges faced by households in rural areas and restores growth and enhanced livelihoods. While the international experience shows that Irrigation schemes are potentially transformative of poor communities and have been operational for many years now, there is no marked improvement in living conditions of rural households in terms of livelihoods and income. This raises the question as to whether or not the schemes are viable from a socio-economic perspective and whether or not there are reasons for concern and revision of the policy framework for smallholder irrigation schemes. As a result of that, the broad objective of the study was to evaluate the contribution of smallholder irrigation schemes to household income and food security of rural households in Idutywa village of the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. Specifically, this research investigated the major factors that influence their performance, impact of irrigation farming on rural livelihood and household food security as well as identifying the possible opportunities of production that would improve their performance. The study was carried out in Idutywa villages of the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa and employed survey data obtained from 107 households. The study employed a cross-sectional research design and the study employed stratified random sampling. The study made use of descriptive and inferential statistics to estimate the central tendency and dispersion as well as testing the hypothesis that there is a difference in the contribution between irrigators and non-irrigators using STATA and SPSS. Probit regression model was used to estimate factors that influenced the performance of smallholder irrigation schemes. The descriptive statistics employed included means, percentages and frequencies on the socio-economic characteristics of households in the study areas. The results show that females were dominant with a representation of 66.7 percent. The majority of households were aged and the mean age was 65 years. High level of illiteracy in the project area was revealed by the data. The average number of years, households spent in school was between 6 years to 10 years in school. Farming was found to be the major agricultural economic activity. Sixty-three (63 percent) were full time farmers. The results further show that household size ranges between 1 to 5 persons. The households were shown to be mostly dependent on social grant with household income hovering around R 1 000. The results from propensity score matching revealed that irrigation exerts a positive impact on household income. This provides sufficient evidence that irrigation schemes do make a contribution to rural livelihoods through their effect on household income and food security. This implies that government should continue investing in irrigation schemes as part of a strategy to grow the rural economy and improve rural livelihoods. This is in line with the Agricultural Policy Action Plan (APAP) and National Development Plan (NDP) of South Africa. Probit analysis suggests that age of the households, household size and market were some of the key determinants that positively influenced households’ decision to participate in smallholder irrigation schemes while access to credit had significant but negative effect on households’ decision to participate in smallholder irrigation schemes. Based on the findings highlighted above, it is recommended that addressing such barriers may create enabling conditions that would encourage households to access and participate more effectively in smallholder irrigation schemes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Jiba, Phiwe
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Irrigation farming -- Economic aspects Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Agricultural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4705 , vital:28497
- Description: South Africa and other African countries are faced with high levels of food insecurity and poverty levels as a result of slow growth of the macro economy and weak or sluggish rural development. Irrigation scheme development is seen as an important strategy to address the challenges faced by households in rural areas and restores growth and enhanced livelihoods. While the international experience shows that Irrigation schemes are potentially transformative of poor communities and have been operational for many years now, there is no marked improvement in living conditions of rural households in terms of livelihoods and income. This raises the question as to whether or not the schemes are viable from a socio-economic perspective and whether or not there are reasons for concern and revision of the policy framework for smallholder irrigation schemes. As a result of that, the broad objective of the study was to evaluate the contribution of smallholder irrigation schemes to household income and food security of rural households in Idutywa village of the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. Specifically, this research investigated the major factors that influence their performance, impact of irrigation farming on rural livelihood and household food security as well as identifying the possible opportunities of production that would improve their performance. The study was carried out in Idutywa villages of the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa and employed survey data obtained from 107 households. The study employed a cross-sectional research design and the study employed stratified random sampling. The study made use of descriptive and inferential statistics to estimate the central tendency and dispersion as well as testing the hypothesis that there is a difference in the contribution between irrigators and non-irrigators using STATA and SPSS. Probit regression model was used to estimate factors that influenced the performance of smallholder irrigation schemes. The descriptive statistics employed included means, percentages and frequencies on the socio-economic characteristics of households in the study areas. The results show that females were dominant with a representation of 66.7 percent. The majority of households were aged and the mean age was 65 years. High level of illiteracy in the project area was revealed by the data. The average number of years, households spent in school was between 6 years to 10 years in school. Farming was found to be the major agricultural economic activity. Sixty-three (63 percent) were full time farmers. The results further show that household size ranges between 1 to 5 persons. The households were shown to be mostly dependent on social grant with household income hovering around R 1 000. The results from propensity score matching revealed that irrigation exerts a positive impact on household income. This provides sufficient evidence that irrigation schemes do make a contribution to rural livelihoods through their effect on household income and food security. This implies that government should continue investing in irrigation schemes as part of a strategy to grow the rural economy and improve rural livelihoods. This is in line with the Agricultural Policy Action Plan (APAP) and National Development Plan (NDP) of South Africa. Probit analysis suggests that age of the households, household size and market were some of the key determinants that positively influenced households’ decision to participate in smallholder irrigation schemes while access to credit had significant but negative effect on households’ decision to participate in smallholder irrigation schemes. Based on the findings highlighted above, it is recommended that addressing such barriers may create enabling conditions that would encourage households to access and participate more effectively in smallholder irrigation schemes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Transcription, edition, translation and critical analysis of biographical poems contributed by S E K Mqhayi to early IsiXhosa newspapers
- Authors: Mazwi, Ntombomzi R
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Mqhayi, S E K -- Criticism and interpretation , Mqhayi, S E K -- Translations , Xhosa language -- Transcription , Xhosa poetry -- History and criticism , Xhosa poetry -- Translations
- Language: English , Xhosa
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/18570 , vital:22356
- Description: During the nineteenth century secular creative literature produced by missionaries and publishers was designed for the educational market and for school children and there was nothing for adults. Works of isiXhosa literature was controlled in content and freely edited by the missionaries to satisfy the demands of educational syllabuses. As a result, students at universities, scholars of literature and academics in higher education are lacking primary documents on this literature and therefore are forced to study the limited and unavailable literature books. This thesis concentrates on the work of a particular isiXhosa writer, namely that of S.E.K. Mqhayi. The earlier writers like S.E.K. Mqhayi, J.J.R. Jolobe, G.B. Sinxo and others made their mark in South African literature and culture. Their works were published in journals and newspapers in isiXhosa by the missionaries. This means isiXhosa literature can be found in abundance in the earlier newspapers. What needs to be addressed is how the South African community and literature scholars mentioned above could have access to that work. Mqhayi is well known as the father of the isiXhosa language because of his substantial literary and linguistic contribution to the development of the language. As already mentioned he made his contribution through written work which was published in various newspapers of his time and unfortunately most people are unable to access this material, hence the focus of this thesis. The vast majority of his journalism remains as yet uncollected. However, scholars like Opland (1983) and Saule (1989) made some effort to bring this information to the public through their extensive research. S.E.K. Mqhayi’s popular poems have been published and analyzed over the last century and more recently (Qangule 1979; Kuse 1979; Opland 1983; Saule 1989 & 1996; Ntuli & Swanepoel 1993 and Opland 2009). However, in terms of quantity and value, these are negligible compared to what Mqhayi has published. There are still numerous of Mqhayi’s poems that would add value to the study and history of isiXhosa literature. The main aim of this research is to carry on from where these scholars left off and to bring to the fore the legacy Mqhayi left to the South African people. Hence, thirty (30) poems on people by S.E.K. Mqhayi have been transcribed from the old newspapers, re- typed, translated into English and analysed. These poems are largely published in newspapers but have never been subsequently republished, and hence they are almost completely unknown. The thirty (30) poems have been selected with the assistance of Professor Jeff Opland, a retired Professor from the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS). The poems are from his Opland Collection of Xhosa Literature housed in Godalming, United Kingdom. They are presented in the manner in which they appeared originally, that is, in terms of isiXhosa orthography during the times of Mqhayi’s writing (Diplomatic Presentation). The data is analysed and discussed in relation to how Mqhayi’s biographical poems can give insight not only to Mqhayi’s subjects of praise, but into how he uses historical, political and sociocultural contexts in the praises of his subjects, meaning that the discussion revolves around the practice of the Historical-Biographical Criticism. The poems are translated into English to allow for this literature not only to be disseminated among isiXhosa speakers, but also to speakers of other languages who understand English. The translation method chosen is the one believed to produce the originality of the source text and sameness of meaning in the target text which is regarded as equivalence. This thesis therefore is an investigation into 30 poems selected from biographical poems written by S.E.K. Mqhayi in newspapers during the period 1899-1944. In essence this thesis presents an in-depth analysis of Mqhayi’s poems against the backdrop of oral literary theory as expounded by theorists who have grappled with the orality-literacy debate, a debate which directly informs Mqhayi’s poetry as he was the first oral poet to transition between orality and literacy. , Uncwadi oluveliswe kwishumi elinesithoba lamakhulu eminyaka ziimishinari nabapapashi lwalwenzelwe izifundiswa kunye nabantwana besikolo kwaye akukho msebenzi mninzi ofumanekayo owawenzelwe abantu basekuhlaleni. Umsebenzi omninzi wokubhaliweyo kuncwadi lwesiXhosa wawulawulwa, uhlelwa kwaye ulungiselelwa uqingqo lwezifundo. Oko ke kuye kwabangela ukuba abafundi abakumaziko emfundo ephakamileyo, iimfundi zoncwadi kunye nabahlohli zingabinawo amaxwebhu okwenene oncwadi lwesiXhosa, kwaye loo nto yenza ukuba kufundwe kwaye kwenziwe uphando ngeencwadi ezimbalwa. Olu phando ke ngoko luza kuqwalasela lugxininise kumsebenzi wombhali wesiXhosa onguS.E.K. Mqhayi. Ababhali bangaphambili abafana noo-S.E.K. Mqhayi, J.J.R. Jolobe, G.B. Sinxo nabanye bashiya ifuthe elikhulu kuncwadi nenkcubeko yoMzantsi Afrika. Imisebenzi yabo yayipapashwe ziimishinari ngesiXhosa kuluhlu lwemibhalo namaphephandaba. Oko ke kuthetha ukuthi le misebenzi yesiXhosa iyafumaneka kumaphepha-ndaba angaphambili. Okufuneka kulungisiwe yindlela abemi boMzantsi Afrika kunye nezi mfundi zoncwadi zikhankanywe ngentla zingathi ziwufumane lo msebenzi waba babhali bangaphambili. UMqhayi waziwa ngokuba yinkcuba- buchopho yolwimi lwesiXhosa kwaye udlale indima enkulu kakhulu ekuphuhliseni ulwimi lwesiXhosa. Njengokuba sele ikhankanyiwe ngentla, umsebenzi wakhe upapashwe kumaphephandaba awohlukeneyo wela xesha wayesaphila kwaye kungelishwa ke ukuba abantu abaninzi abakwazi ukuwufumana loo msebenzi. Eminye yemisebenzi yakhe emininzi ke kodwa ayiqokelelwanga. Iingcali ezifana noo-Opland (1983) noSaule (1989) zaye zenza uphando olukhulu zizama ukuzisa olu lwazi eluntwini, kodwa oko akwanelanga. Kwiminyaka edlulileyo imibongo edumileyo ka-S.E.K. Mqhayi sele yapapashwa (Qangule, 1979; Kuse, 1979; Opland, 1983 & 2009; Saule, 1989 & 1996; Ntuli & Swanepoel, 1993). Nangona kunjalo ke isekhona eminye imibongo kaMqhayi engekaveli nenokuthi ibe nenxaxheba kakhulu ekufundeni nasekufundiseni uncwadi lwesiXhosa. Olu phando ke kukuqhubeka apho aba babhali bakhankanyiweyo bayeke khona ukuzisa phambili umsebenzi nelifa elashiywa nguMqhayi kubemi baseMzantsi Afrika. Kungoko ke imibongo engabantu engama-30 kaMqhayi iza kuthi ikhutshelwe isuka kumaphephandaba akudala, iguqulelwe esiNgesini ze ihlahlelwe. Uninzi lwale mibongo ipapashwe kumaphephandaba akudala kwaye zange iphinde ipapashwe kwenye indawo, kungoko ke ingaziwa kakhulu. Ukukhethwa kwale mibongo ingama-30 kuncediswe nguNjingalwazi uJeff Opland, uNjingalwazi odla umhlala-phantsi weYunivesithi yase-London kwiSikolo seZifundo ngezaseAfrika naseMpumalanga (SOAS). Le mibongo isuka kuluhlu lwakhe athe waluqokelela nolubizwa ngokuba yi-Opland Collection of Xhosa Literature oluse- Godalming, e-United Kingdom. Indlela le mibongo eza kuthi ibhalwe ngayo yileyo uMqhayi wayeyibhale ngayo ngexesha lakhe. Le mibongo ihleliwe kwaye oko kubhaliweyo malunga nayo kuquka indlela apho imibongo kaMqhayi ngobomi babantu kuthi kubonise indlela abonga nabonisa ngayo izinto zoPolitiko, zakudala nezasekuhlaleni ezazisenzeka ngela xesha. Indlela ethi konke oku kuthi kuvele kule mibongo kaMqhayi kwaye kuya kuthi kuvezwe kolu phando. Ukuguqulelwa kwale mibongo esiNgesini kuya kuthi kuncede ukuba nabo bangasithethiyo isiXhosa bakwazi ukufumana le mibongo. Indlela esetyenzisiweyo yoguqulo-lwimi yale mibongo yileyo ivumela ukuba umbhalo uguqulelwe ngokufanayo nombhalo-ntsusa kwaye intsingiselo kumbhalo ekuguqulelwa kuwo ingatshintshi. Lo misebenzi ke ngoko uluphando lwemibongo engabantu ekhethiweyo engama30 ebhalwe nguSEK Mqhayi kumaphephandaba kwimiminyaka u1899 - 1944. Umongo wolu phando kukwenza uhlalutyo - nzulu lwemibongo kaMqhayi eyaleka kuphando - lwazi osele lwenziwe njengoko lucaciswa ziingcali ezithe zazamana nengxoxo yoncwadi lomlomo, ngxoxo leyo ethe yachaphazela ngokumandla umongo wezibongo zikaMqhayi njengembongi yokuqala ukuwela ukusuka kuncwadi lomlomo ukuya kuncwadi olubhaliweyo.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mazwi, Ntombomzi R
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Mqhayi, S E K -- Criticism and interpretation , Mqhayi, S E K -- Translations , Xhosa language -- Transcription , Xhosa poetry -- History and criticism , Xhosa poetry -- Translations
- Language: English , Xhosa
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/18570 , vital:22356
- Description: During the nineteenth century secular creative literature produced by missionaries and publishers was designed for the educational market and for school children and there was nothing for adults. Works of isiXhosa literature was controlled in content and freely edited by the missionaries to satisfy the demands of educational syllabuses. As a result, students at universities, scholars of literature and academics in higher education are lacking primary documents on this literature and therefore are forced to study the limited and unavailable literature books. This thesis concentrates on the work of a particular isiXhosa writer, namely that of S.E.K. Mqhayi. The earlier writers like S.E.K. Mqhayi, J.J.R. Jolobe, G.B. Sinxo and others made their mark in South African literature and culture. Their works were published in journals and newspapers in isiXhosa by the missionaries. This means isiXhosa literature can be found in abundance in the earlier newspapers. What needs to be addressed is how the South African community and literature scholars mentioned above could have access to that work. Mqhayi is well known as the father of the isiXhosa language because of his substantial literary and linguistic contribution to the development of the language. As already mentioned he made his contribution through written work which was published in various newspapers of his time and unfortunately most people are unable to access this material, hence the focus of this thesis. The vast majority of his journalism remains as yet uncollected. However, scholars like Opland (1983) and Saule (1989) made some effort to bring this information to the public through their extensive research. S.E.K. Mqhayi’s popular poems have been published and analyzed over the last century and more recently (Qangule 1979; Kuse 1979; Opland 1983; Saule 1989 & 1996; Ntuli & Swanepoel 1993 and Opland 2009). However, in terms of quantity and value, these are negligible compared to what Mqhayi has published. There are still numerous of Mqhayi’s poems that would add value to the study and history of isiXhosa literature. The main aim of this research is to carry on from where these scholars left off and to bring to the fore the legacy Mqhayi left to the South African people. Hence, thirty (30) poems on people by S.E.K. Mqhayi have been transcribed from the old newspapers, re- typed, translated into English and analysed. These poems are largely published in newspapers but have never been subsequently republished, and hence they are almost completely unknown. The thirty (30) poems have been selected with the assistance of Professor Jeff Opland, a retired Professor from the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS). The poems are from his Opland Collection of Xhosa Literature housed in Godalming, United Kingdom. They are presented in the manner in which they appeared originally, that is, in terms of isiXhosa orthography during the times of Mqhayi’s writing (Diplomatic Presentation). The data is analysed and discussed in relation to how Mqhayi’s biographical poems can give insight not only to Mqhayi’s subjects of praise, but into how he uses historical, political and sociocultural contexts in the praises of his subjects, meaning that the discussion revolves around the practice of the Historical-Biographical Criticism. The poems are translated into English to allow for this literature not only to be disseminated among isiXhosa speakers, but also to speakers of other languages who understand English. The translation method chosen is the one believed to produce the originality of the source text and sameness of meaning in the target text which is regarded as equivalence. This thesis therefore is an investigation into 30 poems selected from biographical poems written by S.E.K. Mqhayi in newspapers during the period 1899-1944. In essence this thesis presents an in-depth analysis of Mqhayi’s poems against the backdrop of oral literary theory as expounded by theorists who have grappled with the orality-literacy debate, a debate which directly informs Mqhayi’s poetry as he was the first oral poet to transition between orality and literacy. , Uncwadi oluveliswe kwishumi elinesithoba lamakhulu eminyaka ziimishinari nabapapashi lwalwenzelwe izifundiswa kunye nabantwana besikolo kwaye akukho msebenzi mninzi ofumanekayo owawenzelwe abantu basekuhlaleni. Umsebenzi omninzi wokubhaliweyo kuncwadi lwesiXhosa wawulawulwa, uhlelwa kwaye ulungiselelwa uqingqo lwezifundo. Oko ke kuye kwabangela ukuba abafundi abakumaziko emfundo ephakamileyo, iimfundi zoncwadi kunye nabahlohli zingabinawo amaxwebhu okwenene oncwadi lwesiXhosa, kwaye loo nto yenza ukuba kufundwe kwaye kwenziwe uphando ngeencwadi ezimbalwa. Olu phando ke ngoko luza kuqwalasela lugxininise kumsebenzi wombhali wesiXhosa onguS.E.K. Mqhayi. Ababhali bangaphambili abafana noo-S.E.K. Mqhayi, J.J.R. Jolobe, G.B. Sinxo nabanye bashiya ifuthe elikhulu kuncwadi nenkcubeko yoMzantsi Afrika. Imisebenzi yabo yayipapashwe ziimishinari ngesiXhosa kuluhlu lwemibhalo namaphephandaba. Oko ke kuthetha ukuthi le misebenzi yesiXhosa iyafumaneka kumaphepha-ndaba angaphambili. Okufuneka kulungisiwe yindlela abemi boMzantsi Afrika kunye nezi mfundi zoncwadi zikhankanywe ngentla zingathi ziwufumane lo msebenzi waba babhali bangaphambili. UMqhayi waziwa ngokuba yinkcuba- buchopho yolwimi lwesiXhosa kwaye udlale indima enkulu kakhulu ekuphuhliseni ulwimi lwesiXhosa. Njengokuba sele ikhankanyiwe ngentla, umsebenzi wakhe upapashwe kumaphephandaba awohlukeneyo wela xesha wayesaphila kwaye kungelishwa ke ukuba abantu abaninzi abakwazi ukuwufumana loo msebenzi. Eminye yemisebenzi yakhe emininzi ke kodwa ayiqokelelwanga. Iingcali ezifana noo-Opland (1983) noSaule (1989) zaye zenza uphando olukhulu zizama ukuzisa olu lwazi eluntwini, kodwa oko akwanelanga. Kwiminyaka edlulileyo imibongo edumileyo ka-S.E.K. Mqhayi sele yapapashwa (Qangule, 1979; Kuse, 1979; Opland, 1983 & 2009; Saule, 1989 & 1996; Ntuli & Swanepoel, 1993). Nangona kunjalo ke isekhona eminye imibongo kaMqhayi engekaveli nenokuthi ibe nenxaxheba kakhulu ekufundeni nasekufundiseni uncwadi lwesiXhosa. Olu phando ke kukuqhubeka apho aba babhali bakhankanyiweyo bayeke khona ukuzisa phambili umsebenzi nelifa elashiywa nguMqhayi kubemi baseMzantsi Afrika. Kungoko ke imibongo engabantu engama-30 kaMqhayi iza kuthi ikhutshelwe isuka kumaphephandaba akudala, iguqulelwe esiNgesini ze ihlahlelwe. Uninzi lwale mibongo ipapashwe kumaphephandaba akudala kwaye zange iphinde ipapashwe kwenye indawo, kungoko ke ingaziwa kakhulu. Ukukhethwa kwale mibongo ingama-30 kuncediswe nguNjingalwazi uJeff Opland, uNjingalwazi odla umhlala-phantsi weYunivesithi yase-London kwiSikolo seZifundo ngezaseAfrika naseMpumalanga (SOAS). Le mibongo isuka kuluhlu lwakhe athe waluqokelela nolubizwa ngokuba yi-Opland Collection of Xhosa Literature oluse- Godalming, e-United Kingdom. Indlela le mibongo eza kuthi ibhalwe ngayo yileyo uMqhayi wayeyibhale ngayo ngexesha lakhe. Le mibongo ihleliwe kwaye oko kubhaliweyo malunga nayo kuquka indlela apho imibongo kaMqhayi ngobomi babantu kuthi kubonise indlela abonga nabonisa ngayo izinto zoPolitiko, zakudala nezasekuhlaleni ezazisenzeka ngela xesha. Indlela ethi konke oku kuthi kuvele kule mibongo kaMqhayi kwaye kuya kuthi kuvezwe kolu phando. Ukuguqulelwa kwale mibongo esiNgesini kuya kuthi kuncede ukuba nabo bangasithethiyo isiXhosa bakwazi ukufumana le mibongo. Indlela esetyenzisiweyo yoguqulo-lwimi yale mibongo yileyo ivumela ukuba umbhalo uguqulelwe ngokufanayo nombhalo-ntsusa kwaye intsingiselo kumbhalo ekuguqulelwa kuwo ingatshintshi. Lo misebenzi ke ngoko uluphando lwemibongo engabantu ekhethiweyo engama30 ebhalwe nguSEK Mqhayi kumaphephandaba kwimiminyaka u1899 - 1944. Umongo wolu phando kukwenza uhlalutyo - nzulu lwemibongo kaMqhayi eyaleka kuphando - lwazi osele lwenziwe njengoko lucaciswa ziingcali ezithe zazamana nengxoxo yoncwadi lomlomo, ngxoxo leyo ethe yachaphazela ngokumandla umongo wezibongo zikaMqhayi njengembongi yokuqala ukuwela ukusuka kuncwadi lomlomo ukuya kuncwadi olubhaliweyo.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Tribocorrosion properties of friction stir welded and laser welded titanium alloy
- Authors: Davoren, Brandon Hilton
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Chemistry, Technical -- Research Materials -- Mechanical properties , Aluminum alloys
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/33250 , vital:32605
- Description: Titanium alloy Ti6Al4V has extensive uses in aerospace, dentistry and the biomedical industry. When used in these applications there is often a need to weld two or more pieces of titanium alloy together. This can be done by either friction stir weld or laser weld methods. These welded regions are often exposed to corrosive environments in addition to factors such as induced additional mechanical wear. Thus to accurately report on the viability of the material in a specific application, the corrosion, wear and their synergistic effects need to be studied. Friction stir welding, which is a well-suited method for joining plates of Ti6Al4V, creates regions in the material that are affected differently. These regions can be described as the parent material, advancing side, retreating side and the weld zone. The tribological properties of the different friction stir weld regions were analysed in air using different loads, frequencies, experimental duration and surrounding environments. When the applied load was increased some of the weld regions showed an increase in the specific wear rate. For example, the weld zone region showed a decrease when compared to the parent material. In this tribology study the effect of the counter material was evaluated. E52100, Si3N4, SS 316 and alumina counter materials were used in the test procedure which was conducted in air on the weld regions. The parent material was found to have the highest average specific wear rates with the four counter materials when compared to the weld zone samples. The regions affected by the friction stir weld process all showed, on average, lower specific wear rates than the parent material. For the various tested samples, the coefficient of friction and material compatibility that was found to be the most stable, was the alumina ball. Owing to this as well as its chemical stability, alumina was determined to be the best material for further tribocorrosion studies. The friction stir welded samples, that were cut from a cross section of a friction stir weld plate, were analyzed in 3.5% NaCl and dilute Harrison’s solution respectively. The effect of wear on the electrochemical properties was studied under open circuit voltage (OCV) and fixed 0.2 V and 0.4 V applied potential conditions respectively. The effect of wear on the corrosion properties was studied using potentiodynamic polarization. From analyzing the friction stir weld regions in both a wear and wear-free environment, the synergistic properties, namely the effect of wear on corrosion and the effect of corrosion on wear, were able to be calculated. The first electrochemical study was performed under OCV conditions. In the presence of applied wear, the open circuit potential of the friction stir weld samples, in both 3.5% NaCl and dilute Harrison’s solution, was found to decrease from the initial stabilized value. Of interest was the rate at which the OCV recovered. It was found to follow a second order repassivation growth model which was explained in terms of an initial film growth stage, followed by a film thickening stage that results in a new OCV. The second synergized electrochemical-wear study was under fixed 0.2 V and 0.4 V applied potential conditions. In both solutions, 3.5% NaCl and dilute Harrison’s solution, a large increase in the current was observed during the applied wear experiment. The samples submerged in 3.5% NaCl were found to have higher average currents during the wear experiment than those in dilute Harrison’s solution. The rapid decrease in the current, after the applied wear ceased, was found to also follow the second order repassivation model. The electrochemical-wear synergism was done by using potentiodynamic polarization tests. The friction stir weld regions as well as the laser samples were analysed in a wear as well as a wear-free environment in order to determine the effect that wear had on the corrosion properties. In both 3.5% NaCl and dilute Harrison’s solution the corrosion rates were found to increase by 100-fold when the wear was present. The effect of the wear process on corrosion could also be described by synergistic factor, where values close to 1 would imply that applied wear had little effect on the corrosion properties and vice versa. The synergistic factors showed that the corrosion rate was greatly affected by the presence of wear with corrosion synergistic factors of 20 and upward for the friction stir welded samples. The results showed that the weld zone region had a lower corrosion rate than the parent material. This implied that the main weld zone was shown to have the least effect of wear on corrosion and would therefore show the lowest likelihood of failure due to corrosion when compared to the parent material. The wear synergistic factor was found to be between 1 and 1.6 for the friction stir weld regions. This implied that the wear rates of the friction stir welded samples were slightly affected by the presence of a corrosive environment and that the wear properties of the laser welded samples were enhanced by the presence of a corrosive environment. Similar studies performed on laser welded samples showed unusually different results due to the small nature of the laser weld region, with inconclusive results when compared to the friction stir welded samples.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Davoren, Brandon Hilton
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Chemistry, Technical -- Research Materials -- Mechanical properties , Aluminum alloys
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/33250 , vital:32605
- Description: Titanium alloy Ti6Al4V has extensive uses in aerospace, dentistry and the biomedical industry. When used in these applications there is often a need to weld two or more pieces of titanium alloy together. This can be done by either friction stir weld or laser weld methods. These welded regions are often exposed to corrosive environments in addition to factors such as induced additional mechanical wear. Thus to accurately report on the viability of the material in a specific application, the corrosion, wear and their synergistic effects need to be studied. Friction stir welding, which is a well-suited method for joining plates of Ti6Al4V, creates regions in the material that are affected differently. These regions can be described as the parent material, advancing side, retreating side and the weld zone. The tribological properties of the different friction stir weld regions were analysed in air using different loads, frequencies, experimental duration and surrounding environments. When the applied load was increased some of the weld regions showed an increase in the specific wear rate. For example, the weld zone region showed a decrease when compared to the parent material. In this tribology study the effect of the counter material was evaluated. E52100, Si3N4, SS 316 and alumina counter materials were used in the test procedure which was conducted in air on the weld regions. The parent material was found to have the highest average specific wear rates with the four counter materials when compared to the weld zone samples. The regions affected by the friction stir weld process all showed, on average, lower specific wear rates than the parent material. For the various tested samples, the coefficient of friction and material compatibility that was found to be the most stable, was the alumina ball. Owing to this as well as its chemical stability, alumina was determined to be the best material for further tribocorrosion studies. The friction stir welded samples, that were cut from a cross section of a friction stir weld plate, were analyzed in 3.5% NaCl and dilute Harrison’s solution respectively. The effect of wear on the electrochemical properties was studied under open circuit voltage (OCV) and fixed 0.2 V and 0.4 V applied potential conditions respectively. The effect of wear on the corrosion properties was studied using potentiodynamic polarization. From analyzing the friction stir weld regions in both a wear and wear-free environment, the synergistic properties, namely the effect of wear on corrosion and the effect of corrosion on wear, were able to be calculated. The first electrochemical study was performed under OCV conditions. In the presence of applied wear, the open circuit potential of the friction stir weld samples, in both 3.5% NaCl and dilute Harrison’s solution, was found to decrease from the initial stabilized value. Of interest was the rate at which the OCV recovered. It was found to follow a second order repassivation growth model which was explained in terms of an initial film growth stage, followed by a film thickening stage that results in a new OCV. The second synergized electrochemical-wear study was under fixed 0.2 V and 0.4 V applied potential conditions. In both solutions, 3.5% NaCl and dilute Harrison’s solution, a large increase in the current was observed during the applied wear experiment. The samples submerged in 3.5% NaCl were found to have higher average currents during the wear experiment than those in dilute Harrison’s solution. The rapid decrease in the current, after the applied wear ceased, was found to also follow the second order repassivation model. The electrochemical-wear synergism was done by using potentiodynamic polarization tests. The friction stir weld regions as well as the laser samples were analysed in a wear as well as a wear-free environment in order to determine the effect that wear had on the corrosion properties. In both 3.5% NaCl and dilute Harrison’s solution the corrosion rates were found to increase by 100-fold when the wear was present. The effect of the wear process on corrosion could also be described by synergistic factor, where values close to 1 would imply that applied wear had little effect on the corrosion properties and vice versa. The synergistic factors showed that the corrosion rate was greatly affected by the presence of wear with corrosion synergistic factors of 20 and upward for the friction stir welded samples. The results showed that the weld zone region had a lower corrosion rate than the parent material. This implied that the main weld zone was shown to have the least effect of wear on corrosion and would therefore show the lowest likelihood of failure due to corrosion when compared to the parent material. The wear synergistic factor was found to be between 1 and 1.6 for the friction stir weld regions. This implied that the wear rates of the friction stir welded samples were slightly affected by the presence of a corrosive environment and that the wear properties of the laser welded samples were enhanced by the presence of a corrosive environment. Similar studies performed on laser welded samples showed unusually different results due to the small nature of the laser weld region, with inconclusive results when compared to the friction stir welded samples.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Modelling the effect of graphitization on the fracture toughness (JIC) of service exposed ASTM A-515 Gr. 65 material by the small punch test method
- Authors: Grewar, Stephen James
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Graphitization Fracture mechanics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEng
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18849 , vital:28737
- Description: Small Punch Testing is a recent testing methodology with numerous favourable applications in engineering assessments. The advantages of this small specimen method are utilised to derive fracture toughness measurements on service exposed and graphitized steel designated ASTM A-515 Gr. 65. The EPRI-FAA “innovative method”, involving finite element analysis, is applied to obtain fracture toughness estimates and investigate the effect of localised graphitization on localised fracture toughness. The method is described in a stepwise manner and validated favourably against standard fracture toughness testing methods as well as the work of forerunners in this field. Analysis of twenty tested small punch disk specimens extracted from a service exposed welded pipe coupon showed that toughness decreases logarithmically with increased graphitization volumetric percentages in the small samples. Therefore graphitization is found to have a significant influence on local fracture toughness (JIC) of ASTM A-515 Gr. 65 steel under room temperature conditions. The possibility of documenting the effect of microstructural changes on other static properties such as yield strength and strain hardening exists provided that analysis of each disk specimen is performed prior to punch testing. A relationship between percentage graphitization and material toughness has been proposed for ASTM A-515 Gr. 65 at room temperature.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Grewar, Stephen James
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Graphitization Fracture mechanics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEng
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18849 , vital:28737
- Description: Small Punch Testing is a recent testing methodology with numerous favourable applications in engineering assessments. The advantages of this small specimen method are utilised to derive fracture toughness measurements on service exposed and graphitized steel designated ASTM A-515 Gr. 65. The EPRI-FAA “innovative method”, involving finite element analysis, is applied to obtain fracture toughness estimates and investigate the effect of localised graphitization on localised fracture toughness. The method is described in a stepwise manner and validated favourably against standard fracture toughness testing methods as well as the work of forerunners in this field. Analysis of twenty tested small punch disk specimens extracted from a service exposed welded pipe coupon showed that toughness decreases logarithmically with increased graphitization volumetric percentages in the small samples. Therefore graphitization is found to have a significant influence on local fracture toughness (JIC) of ASTM A-515 Gr. 65 steel under room temperature conditions. The possibility of documenting the effect of microstructural changes on other static properties such as yield strength and strain hardening exists provided that analysis of each disk specimen is performed prior to punch testing. A relationship between percentage graphitization and material toughness has been proposed for ASTM A-515 Gr. 65 at room temperature.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Characterisation of human pathogenic vibrios and methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) from wild and tank cultured dusky kob (agyrosomus japonicus) in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Justine, Fri
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Marine microbiology Marine microbiology--South Africa--Eastern Cape Staphylococcus aureus infections--South Africa--Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Microbiology
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16047 , vital:40607
- Description: Introduction: Marine finfish including dusky kob (Agyrosomus japonicus), in addition to its high protein value, is bestowed with numerous health benefits including being heart friendly due to high proportion of omega 3 fatty acids. They are therefore used as powerful preventive measures against cardiovaslcular diseases. They are also important in neurological development during gestation and infancy, thus a regular recommendation by nutritionists. However, fish and its environment may be contaminated by bacteria pathogens. Human infections caused by members of the genus Vibrio, and Staphylococcus especially Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) are of increased concern worldwide especially with increased Vibrio disease outbreaks and rapid spread of MRSA in the community. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is regarded as an emerging zoonotic agent, therefore marine fish may be considered as a reservoir for infection. The emergence of multi-drug resistant organisms in both farm animals and humans has also been a challenge that hurdles chemotherapy worldwide. Methods: We enumerated the bacteria flora of skin, gill and gut of marine dusky kob (Agyrosomus japonicus) raised in a recirculatory aquaculture system using metagenomic sequencing of the 16S rRNA. We further screened 120 dusky kob fishes (skin, gill and gut) and 80 water samples from two fish farms and Kariega estuary collected over a 10 month period for human pathogenic vibrios, and MRSA using standard procedures. Vibrio species were further subjected to species specific PCRs delineating them into V. cholerae, V. parahaemolyticus, V. vulnificus, and V. fluvialis. This was followed by elucidation of the genotypic virulence determinants. The Reverse Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) of the cytotoxin hemolysin (vvhA) gene of V. vulnificus strains was carried out to determine the associated biotypes. A total of 277 Vibrio strains consisting of 126 V. fluvialis, 45 Vibrio vulnificus, 30 V. parahaemolyticus and 76 vibrios belonging to other species were subjected to susceptibility testing to 15 antibiotics by the disc diffusion method and resistant strains were further evaluated for their genotypic antimicrobial resistant determinants by polymerase chain reaction followed by plasmid profiling. For MRSA screening, we evaluated the reliability of cefoxitin disc diffusion, oxacillin screen agar and BrillianceTM MRSA 2 agar tests, in detecting methicillin resistance from fish (environmental) samples using PCR detection of the mecA as the gold standard. A total of 33 mecA positive S. aureus strains (MRSA) were subjected to PCR detection of enterotoxins (Staphylococcal enterotoxin A-E) and Panton Valentine Leucocidin (PVL) encoding genes. The SCCmec types were also investigated by multiplex PCR targeting genes encoding type I-V. The antibiogram profiles of MRSA strains to 12 antibiotics by the disc diffusion method and to vancomycin by broth micro dilution method were elucidated. Polymerase chain reaction was employed to evaluate the presence of antibiotic resistant genes. The nucleotide sequences of the rpoB gene were analysed to determine mutations that could lead to rifampicin resistance. Results: A broad diversity of pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacterial species of different taxonomic groups was observed with Proteobacteria revealed as the most common bacteria phyla. Fifty one families were identified with Enterobacteriaceae the most frequently detected in all the anatomical sites and the gut showing the highest species diversity. A total of 606 (60.23 percent ) presumptive Vibrio isolates were confirmed by PCR of which V. fluvialis was the most predominant, 193 (31.85 percent ). This was followed by Vibrio vulnificus 74 (12.21 percent ), and V. parahaemolyticus 33 (5.45 percent ). No V. cholerae strain was detected. Only one of the V. parahaemolyticus strains possessed the trh virulent gene with no tdh detected. Virulence factors of V. fluvialis detected were stn (13.5 percent ), hupO (10.4 percent ), and vfpA (1.0 percent ). V. vulnificus biotype 3, formerly restricted to Isreal was identified. Generally, resistance among Vibrio isolates varied considerably with highest resistances recorded to amoxicillin (76.2 percent ), ampicillin (67.5 percent ), erythromycin (38.3 percent ), and doxycycline (35.0 percent ) while higher susceptibilities were revealed by gentamicin (100 percent ), norfloxacin (97.8 percent ), florfenicol (90.3 percent ), tetracycline (87.7 percent ), and chloramphenicol (87.4 percent ). Multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) (resistance to ≥ 2 classes of antibiotics) was 58.5 percent . The MAR index did not vary significantly between sites (P>0.05) and values of >0.20 were recorded in 40 percent (108/277) of all the isolates. The resistant genes ampC, blaOXA, tetA, tetM, dfr1, sul1, sul2, ermB, nptII and strA were detected in two or more Vibrio isolates while the SXT intergrase was detected only in one isolate. Seven of the 18 extreme drug resistant isolates possessed 1–3 plasmids of 1.5–10 kb range. A total of 321 presumptive Staphylococcus aureus isolates were recovered by culture out of which 202 (62.9 percent ) were identified as S. aureus by PCR. Of these, 33 (16.3 percent ) strains were mecA positive while the rest, 169 (83.7 percent ) were mecA negative. The sensitivity and specificity of MRSA detection by use of cefoxitin disc (30 μg) test was 93.9 percent and 91.7 percent , that for oxacillin screen agar test (6 μg/mL) was 81.8 percent and 92.3 percent while that of BrillianceTM MRSATM 2 agar was 87.9 percent and 94.1 percent respectively. Staphylococcal enterotoxin SEE was detected in 12.1 percent (4/33) of total strains followed by SEA 3.0 percent (1/33), and SEC 3.0 percent (1/33). SEB and SED were absent. Six of the isolates had the PVL gene, giving a prevalence of 18.2 percent . The most frequently detected SCCmec type was SCCmec type III (17/33; 51.5 percent ), closely followed by SCCmec subtype IVc (10/33; 30.3 percent ) and the least were SCCmec types I and II with only 3.0 percent (1/33) each. The rest four (4/33; 12.1 percent ) did not belong to any of the above types and were therefore considered to belong to other subtypes of SCCmec type IV not tested in the study. For antibiogram patterns, 12 (36.4 percent ) strains were resistant to doxycyline, 10 (30.3 percent ) to trimethroprim-sulfamethoxazole, 9 (27.3 percent ) to tetracycline and only 1 (3.0 percent ) strain was resistant to ciprofloxacin. Nineteen (57.6 percent ) of the MRSA strains had vancomycin MIC of ≤ 2 μg/mL, 4 (12.1 percent ) with MIC range of 4-8 μg/mL, and 10 (30.3 percent ) with values ≥ 16 μg/mL. Overall, 27 (91.percent) isolates showed simultaneous resistance to 3 or more antibiotics. The resistant genes tetM, tetA, ermB, BlaZ femA were detected in two or more strains resistant to various antimicrobials. Resistance to rifampicin was not caused by mutations in the rpoB gene. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first study reporting a broad, and diverse bacteria flora of skin, gill, and gut of the South African dusky kob as well as the first study on human pathogenic vibrios, and MRSA from marine finfish especially those from recirculatory aquaculture systems. Also, our study revealed that Vibrio species with pathogenic potential are present in marine dusky kob and its environs. Dusky kob is contaminated with CA- MRSA and HA- MRSA that may cause difficult to treat infections with regular antibiotics. Some of the MRSA strains contained toxins that can cause food-borne gastroeneteritis. The present study revealed that MRSA and Vibrio species are potential reservoirs for antibiotic resistant genes, which could be disseminated to other bacterial species probably through plasmids, a public health risk.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Justine, Fri
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Marine microbiology Marine microbiology--South Africa--Eastern Cape Staphylococcus aureus infections--South Africa--Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Microbiology
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16047 , vital:40607
- Description: Introduction: Marine finfish including dusky kob (Agyrosomus japonicus), in addition to its high protein value, is bestowed with numerous health benefits including being heart friendly due to high proportion of omega 3 fatty acids. They are therefore used as powerful preventive measures against cardiovaslcular diseases. They are also important in neurological development during gestation and infancy, thus a regular recommendation by nutritionists. However, fish and its environment may be contaminated by bacteria pathogens. Human infections caused by members of the genus Vibrio, and Staphylococcus especially Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) are of increased concern worldwide especially with increased Vibrio disease outbreaks and rapid spread of MRSA in the community. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is regarded as an emerging zoonotic agent, therefore marine fish may be considered as a reservoir for infection. The emergence of multi-drug resistant organisms in both farm animals and humans has also been a challenge that hurdles chemotherapy worldwide. Methods: We enumerated the bacteria flora of skin, gill and gut of marine dusky kob (Agyrosomus japonicus) raised in a recirculatory aquaculture system using metagenomic sequencing of the 16S rRNA. We further screened 120 dusky kob fishes (skin, gill and gut) and 80 water samples from two fish farms and Kariega estuary collected over a 10 month period for human pathogenic vibrios, and MRSA using standard procedures. Vibrio species were further subjected to species specific PCRs delineating them into V. cholerae, V. parahaemolyticus, V. vulnificus, and V. fluvialis. This was followed by elucidation of the genotypic virulence determinants. The Reverse Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) of the cytotoxin hemolysin (vvhA) gene of V. vulnificus strains was carried out to determine the associated biotypes. A total of 277 Vibrio strains consisting of 126 V. fluvialis, 45 Vibrio vulnificus, 30 V. parahaemolyticus and 76 vibrios belonging to other species were subjected to susceptibility testing to 15 antibiotics by the disc diffusion method and resistant strains were further evaluated for their genotypic antimicrobial resistant determinants by polymerase chain reaction followed by plasmid profiling. For MRSA screening, we evaluated the reliability of cefoxitin disc diffusion, oxacillin screen agar and BrillianceTM MRSA 2 agar tests, in detecting methicillin resistance from fish (environmental) samples using PCR detection of the mecA as the gold standard. A total of 33 mecA positive S. aureus strains (MRSA) were subjected to PCR detection of enterotoxins (Staphylococcal enterotoxin A-E) and Panton Valentine Leucocidin (PVL) encoding genes. The SCCmec types were also investigated by multiplex PCR targeting genes encoding type I-V. The antibiogram profiles of MRSA strains to 12 antibiotics by the disc diffusion method and to vancomycin by broth micro dilution method were elucidated. Polymerase chain reaction was employed to evaluate the presence of antibiotic resistant genes. The nucleotide sequences of the rpoB gene were analysed to determine mutations that could lead to rifampicin resistance. Results: A broad diversity of pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacterial species of different taxonomic groups was observed with Proteobacteria revealed as the most common bacteria phyla. Fifty one families were identified with Enterobacteriaceae the most frequently detected in all the anatomical sites and the gut showing the highest species diversity. A total of 606 (60.23 percent ) presumptive Vibrio isolates were confirmed by PCR of which V. fluvialis was the most predominant, 193 (31.85 percent ). This was followed by Vibrio vulnificus 74 (12.21 percent ), and V. parahaemolyticus 33 (5.45 percent ). No V. cholerae strain was detected. Only one of the V. parahaemolyticus strains possessed the trh virulent gene with no tdh detected. Virulence factors of V. fluvialis detected were stn (13.5 percent ), hupO (10.4 percent ), and vfpA (1.0 percent ). V. vulnificus biotype 3, formerly restricted to Isreal was identified. Generally, resistance among Vibrio isolates varied considerably with highest resistances recorded to amoxicillin (76.2 percent ), ampicillin (67.5 percent ), erythromycin (38.3 percent ), and doxycycline (35.0 percent ) while higher susceptibilities were revealed by gentamicin (100 percent ), norfloxacin (97.8 percent ), florfenicol (90.3 percent ), tetracycline (87.7 percent ), and chloramphenicol (87.4 percent ). Multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) (resistance to ≥ 2 classes of antibiotics) was 58.5 percent . The MAR index did not vary significantly between sites (P>0.05) and values of >0.20 were recorded in 40 percent (108/277) of all the isolates. The resistant genes ampC, blaOXA, tetA, tetM, dfr1, sul1, sul2, ermB, nptII and strA were detected in two or more Vibrio isolates while the SXT intergrase was detected only in one isolate. Seven of the 18 extreme drug resistant isolates possessed 1–3 plasmids of 1.5–10 kb range. A total of 321 presumptive Staphylococcus aureus isolates were recovered by culture out of which 202 (62.9 percent ) were identified as S. aureus by PCR. Of these, 33 (16.3 percent ) strains were mecA positive while the rest, 169 (83.7 percent ) were mecA negative. The sensitivity and specificity of MRSA detection by use of cefoxitin disc (30 μg) test was 93.9 percent and 91.7 percent , that for oxacillin screen agar test (6 μg/mL) was 81.8 percent and 92.3 percent while that of BrillianceTM MRSATM 2 agar was 87.9 percent and 94.1 percent respectively. Staphylococcal enterotoxin SEE was detected in 12.1 percent (4/33) of total strains followed by SEA 3.0 percent (1/33), and SEC 3.0 percent (1/33). SEB and SED were absent. Six of the isolates had the PVL gene, giving a prevalence of 18.2 percent . The most frequently detected SCCmec type was SCCmec type III (17/33; 51.5 percent ), closely followed by SCCmec subtype IVc (10/33; 30.3 percent ) and the least were SCCmec types I and II with only 3.0 percent (1/33) each. The rest four (4/33; 12.1 percent ) did not belong to any of the above types and were therefore considered to belong to other subtypes of SCCmec type IV not tested in the study. For antibiogram patterns, 12 (36.4 percent ) strains were resistant to doxycyline, 10 (30.3 percent ) to trimethroprim-sulfamethoxazole, 9 (27.3 percent ) to tetracycline and only 1 (3.0 percent ) strain was resistant to ciprofloxacin. Nineteen (57.6 percent ) of the MRSA strains had vancomycin MIC of ≤ 2 μg/mL, 4 (12.1 percent ) with MIC range of 4-8 μg/mL, and 10 (30.3 percent ) with values ≥ 16 μg/mL. Overall, 27 (91.percent) isolates showed simultaneous resistance to 3 or more antibiotics. The resistant genes tetM, tetA, ermB, BlaZ femA were detected in two or more strains resistant to various antimicrobials. Resistance to rifampicin was not caused by mutations in the rpoB gene. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first study reporting a broad, and diverse bacteria flora of skin, gill, and gut of the South African dusky kob as well as the first study on human pathogenic vibrios, and MRSA from marine finfish especially those from recirculatory aquaculture systems. Also, our study revealed that Vibrio species with pathogenic potential are present in marine dusky kob and its environs. Dusky kob is contaminated with CA- MRSA and HA- MRSA that may cause difficult to treat infections with regular antibiotics. Some of the MRSA strains contained toxins that can cause food-borne gastroeneteritis. The present study revealed that MRSA and Vibrio species are potential reservoirs for antibiotic resistant genes, which could be disseminated to other bacterial species probably through plasmids, a public health risk.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Identification and classification of micro-estuaries using selected abiotic and biotic characteristics along the Eastern Cape coast, South Africa
- Authors: Naidoo, Lyndle Sherae
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Estuarine ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Estuaries -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11920 , vital:27007
- Description: Many of the larger estuaries along the South African coastline are highly degraded due to human impacts, highlighting the need to conserve pristine systems. There are approximately 100 micro-estuaries along our coastline which have not yet been identified or classified and hence their ecological functioning is unknown. The aim of this study was to identify and classify micro-estuaries along the Eastern Cape coast. Specific objectives of the study were to: 1) map the distribution of estuarine habitats in a selection of micro-estuaries and assess changes over time; 2) measure the physico-chemical characteristics of the micro-estuaries in the field; 3) investigate the distribution of vegetation, identify macrophyte species and habitat integrity and classify the micro-estuaries sampled using abiotic and botanical characteristics. A total of 30 systems were identified of which 10 were selected for sampling which took place seasonally (2015-2016). A relationship between open water surface area and short term rainfall was only evident in Cunge, Sandy Bottom and Ichabana. In the field it was observed that after heavy rainfall, open water surface area increased and mouth breaching occurred. Salinity was the only water column characteristic that showed differences; salinity increased in response to over wash events. Sand was dominant in all systems and there were no differences in sediment characteristics. A total of 8 macroalgal species, 16 estuarine macrophyte species, six freshwater species and 72 riparian plant species were found. Seed bank reserves were low in all systems despite them being vegetated. Only abiotic characteristics were used for classification using Principle Components Analysis since there were no botanical differences between systems. Micro-estuaries were larger (> 0.03 ha), had a higher salinity (oligohaline, mesohaline and polyhaline conditions) and a constant water body. Micro-outlets were smaller (< 0.03 ha), had a lower salinity (oligohaline conditions were most common) and showed periods of drying. Five micro-estuaries (Shelbertsstroom, Kwesani, Cunge, Mtwendwe and Mtendwe) and five micro-outlets (Stromatolite, Sandy Bottom, Ichabana, Palm Tree and Black Rock) were classified. This study has shown that the micro-estuaries along the Eastern Cape coast are pristine (i.e. intact riparian zone and catchment), untouched and highly dynamic systems (i.e. great variation in water surface area and mouth condition) highlighting their need for protection.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Naidoo, Lyndle Sherae
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Estuarine ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Estuaries -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11920 , vital:27007
- Description: Many of the larger estuaries along the South African coastline are highly degraded due to human impacts, highlighting the need to conserve pristine systems. There are approximately 100 micro-estuaries along our coastline which have not yet been identified or classified and hence their ecological functioning is unknown. The aim of this study was to identify and classify micro-estuaries along the Eastern Cape coast. Specific objectives of the study were to: 1) map the distribution of estuarine habitats in a selection of micro-estuaries and assess changes over time; 2) measure the physico-chemical characteristics of the micro-estuaries in the field; 3) investigate the distribution of vegetation, identify macrophyte species and habitat integrity and classify the micro-estuaries sampled using abiotic and botanical characteristics. A total of 30 systems were identified of which 10 were selected for sampling which took place seasonally (2015-2016). A relationship between open water surface area and short term rainfall was only evident in Cunge, Sandy Bottom and Ichabana. In the field it was observed that after heavy rainfall, open water surface area increased and mouth breaching occurred. Salinity was the only water column characteristic that showed differences; salinity increased in response to over wash events. Sand was dominant in all systems and there were no differences in sediment characteristics. A total of 8 macroalgal species, 16 estuarine macrophyte species, six freshwater species and 72 riparian plant species were found. Seed bank reserves were low in all systems despite them being vegetated. Only abiotic characteristics were used for classification using Principle Components Analysis since there were no botanical differences between systems. Micro-estuaries were larger (> 0.03 ha), had a higher salinity (oligohaline, mesohaline and polyhaline conditions) and a constant water body. Micro-outlets were smaller (< 0.03 ha), had a lower salinity (oligohaline conditions were most common) and showed periods of drying. Five micro-estuaries (Shelbertsstroom, Kwesani, Cunge, Mtwendwe and Mtendwe) and five micro-outlets (Stromatolite, Sandy Bottom, Ichabana, Palm Tree and Black Rock) were classified. This study has shown that the micro-estuaries along the Eastern Cape coast are pristine (i.e. intact riparian zone and catchment), untouched and highly dynamic systems (i.e. great variation in water surface area and mouth condition) highlighting their need for protection.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Household socio-economic characteristics and their effect on livelihood strategy preferences in Shawbury, Qumbu
- Authors: Nongalo, Mwezi Bongile
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Household surveys -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12065 , vital:39132
- Description: At the centre of rural development are household livelihood strategies. The livelihoods of South Africa’s rural African poor have long been characterized by diverse activities, and intertwined with urban opportunities. This study describes the livelihood strategies of rural households, identifies the determinants of these livelihood strategies and seeks to identify the role of preferences and household characteristics in changing livelihood strategies in Shawbury in the small town in Qumbu. It also identifies the relationships between household and individual characteristics and livelihood strategies. A random sampling technique was used to select 100 households in Shawbury. Descriptive analysis techniques were used to describe the characteristics of the households and livelihood strategies and to identify the relationships between household characteristics and livelihood strategy preferences, a multinomial logit regression model was used. The livelihood strategies used for the multinomial logit regression were commercial agricultural production/ production for selling; subsistence agricultural production/ production for consumption; non-farm employment; social grants and remittances. For much of the research available for livelihood strategies, tools such as the sustainable livelihoods framework have been the focus for studying the determinants of livelihood strategies; however, these tools have little to no consideration for the aspirations and preferences of the individuals in question. This study highlights some possible tools that could be used to examine the influence of aspirations and preferences on changing livelihood strategies including the consumer choice framework, the domestic development cycle, the social network framework for decision-making, the social systems approach and conjoint analysis. For this study, the actual preferences of livelihood strategies among the households are presented using conjoint analysis. This study finds that households in the same area have different characteristics and that livelihood strategies of Shawbury’s households are primarily non- farm, that include dependency on remittances, social grants and formal employment. It finds that households that generate income from wage employment (non-farm) and farm activities are better off than other households. Analysis of the characteristics of rural households also revealed that age, labour endowment, education, and land size holding are some of the barriers that poor households in rural areas face when attempting to enter into high-return livelihood strategies. The multinomial logit regression model has helped to identify some of the factors that influence the preference of certain livelihood strategies by households, are gender of the household head, age of the household head, size of the land owned, and educational level of the household head, household size, and livestock value. This analysis presents evidence about the relationship between household characteristics contributing to the adoption of certain livelihood strategies by people of Shawbury. The conjoint analysis has helped to identify that the most preferred to the least preferred livelihood activities are non-farm labour activities, crop production, animal production, contact with family/leisure and other natural resource based activities respectively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Nongalo, Mwezi Bongile
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Household surveys -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12065 , vital:39132
- Description: At the centre of rural development are household livelihood strategies. The livelihoods of South Africa’s rural African poor have long been characterized by diverse activities, and intertwined with urban opportunities. This study describes the livelihood strategies of rural households, identifies the determinants of these livelihood strategies and seeks to identify the role of preferences and household characteristics in changing livelihood strategies in Shawbury in the small town in Qumbu. It also identifies the relationships between household and individual characteristics and livelihood strategies. A random sampling technique was used to select 100 households in Shawbury. Descriptive analysis techniques were used to describe the characteristics of the households and livelihood strategies and to identify the relationships between household characteristics and livelihood strategy preferences, a multinomial logit regression model was used. The livelihood strategies used for the multinomial logit regression were commercial agricultural production/ production for selling; subsistence agricultural production/ production for consumption; non-farm employment; social grants and remittances. For much of the research available for livelihood strategies, tools such as the sustainable livelihoods framework have been the focus for studying the determinants of livelihood strategies; however, these tools have little to no consideration for the aspirations and preferences of the individuals in question. This study highlights some possible tools that could be used to examine the influence of aspirations and preferences on changing livelihood strategies including the consumer choice framework, the domestic development cycle, the social network framework for decision-making, the social systems approach and conjoint analysis. For this study, the actual preferences of livelihood strategies among the households are presented using conjoint analysis. This study finds that households in the same area have different characteristics and that livelihood strategies of Shawbury’s households are primarily non- farm, that include dependency on remittances, social grants and formal employment. It finds that households that generate income from wage employment (non-farm) and farm activities are better off than other households. Analysis of the characteristics of rural households also revealed that age, labour endowment, education, and land size holding are some of the barriers that poor households in rural areas face when attempting to enter into high-return livelihood strategies. The multinomial logit regression model has helped to identify some of the factors that influence the preference of certain livelihood strategies by households, are gender of the household head, age of the household head, size of the land owned, and educational level of the household head, household size, and livestock value. This analysis presents evidence about the relationship between household characteristics contributing to the adoption of certain livelihood strategies by people of Shawbury. The conjoint analysis has helped to identify that the most preferred to the least preferred livelihood activities are non-farm labour activities, crop production, animal production, contact with family/leisure and other natural resource based activities respectively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Spatial and seasonal distribution of selected persistent organic pollutants and phenolic derivatives along the course of the Buffalo River in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
- Authors: Yahaya, Abdulrazaq
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Organic water pollutants Water -- Purification -- Organic compounds removal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5939 , vital:29448
- Description:
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) fall under a group of synthetic chemicals known for their persistence in environmental matrices such as soil and water, and are used in industrial, domestic and agricultural applications. Because of their volatility and lipophilicity, POPs can be transported far away from their point sources and bio-accumulate in food and in fatty tissues of humans and animals. In view of their toxicity and carcinogenicity some organic pollutants such as polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and phenolic derivatives (chlorophenol and nitrophenol) have been classified by United State Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and World Health Organization (WHO) as priority pollutants. The present work evaluated the distribution patterns of 19 polychlorinated biphenyls congeners, 17 organochlorine pesticides and selected phenolic derivatives (USEPA 11-priority pollutants) in the Buffalo River, in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa between December 2015 and May 2016. The Liquid-liquid extraction technique was used for PCBs, OCPs and phenolic derivatives in the river water samples. Silica gel and florisil clean up were carried out for PCBs and OCPs samples respectively and analyzed with gas chromatography electron capture detector (GC/ECD). Phenolic compounds were derivatized and analyzed by gas chromatography mass spectrometer (GC/MS). Limits of detection (LOD), limit of quantitation (LOQ) and relative standard deviation (RSD) for the PCBs were 10 to 330 ng/L, 20 to 1,060 ng/L and 1.18 to 14.1 percent respectively. The LOD, LOQ and RSD for the OCPs were from 20 - 60 ng/L, 110 - 530 ng/L and 0.02 - 0.06 percent, while the corresponding values for the phenolic derivatives were 10 to 70 ng/L, 33 to 222 ng/L and 1.99 - 10.86 percent. In summer, the concentrations of PCBs, OCPs and phenolic derivatives ranged from
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Yahaya, Abdulrazaq
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Organic water pollutants Water -- Purification -- Organic compounds removal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5939 , vital:29448
- Description:
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) fall under a group of synthetic chemicals known for their persistence in environmental matrices such as soil and water, and are used in industrial, domestic and agricultural applications. Because of their volatility and lipophilicity, POPs can be transported far away from their point sources and bio-accumulate in food and in fatty tissues of humans and animals. In view of their toxicity and carcinogenicity some organic pollutants such as polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and phenolic derivatives (chlorophenol and nitrophenol) have been classified by United State Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and World Health Organization (WHO) as priority pollutants. The present work evaluated the distribution patterns of 19 polychlorinated biphenyls congeners, 17 organochlorine pesticides and selected phenolic derivatives (USEPA 11-priority pollutants) in the Buffalo River, in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa between December 2015 and May 2016. The Liquid-liquid extraction technique was used for PCBs, OCPs and phenolic derivatives in the river water samples. Silica gel and florisil clean up were carried out for PCBs and OCPs samples respectively and analyzed with gas chromatography electron capture detector (GC/ECD). Phenolic compounds were derivatized and analyzed by gas chromatography mass spectrometer (GC/MS). Limits of detection (LOD), limit of quantitation (LOQ) and relative standard deviation (RSD) for the PCBs were 10 to 330 ng/L, 20 to 1,060 ng/L and 1.18 to 14.1 percent respectively. The LOD, LOQ and RSD for the OCPs were from 20 - 60 ng/L, 110 - 530 ng/L and 0.02 - 0.06 percent, while the corresponding values for the phenolic derivatives were 10 to 70 ng/L, 33 to 222 ng/L and 1.99 - 10.86 percent. In summer, the concentrations of PCBs, OCPs and phenolic derivatives ranged from
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Exploring how teachers mediate learning of experimental techniques using fermentation and distillation of a traditional brew
- Authors: Paulus, Demetria
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/17637 , vital:22266
- Description: Physical Science is one of the subjects in which learners perform poorly in most Namibian schools. For instance, in ║Kharas region where the study was conducted, from 2010 to 2016, the overall performance has ranged between 20-40%. Furthermore, according to the results analysis report from the Directorate of National, Examination and Assessments (DNEA), from 2012 to 2016, the ||Kharas region was ranked 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th and 10th in the regional rankings. From the Examiner’s reports, the most poorly answered questions in the National Senior Certificate examinations are those that require learners to explain and show understanding. Additionally, the reports highlighted that learners lack practical skills or lack exposure to experiments and demonstrations to enhance their understanding (Namibia, 20142015). It is against this background that this study sought to explore how teachers mediate learning of experimental techniques using fermentation and distillation of a traditional brew. In particular, the study addressed the following sub-questions:1) what are Grade 11 Physical Science teachers’ perceptions and experiences on the inclusion of indigenous knowledge during Science lessons? 2) What factors influence Grade 11 Physical Science teachers’ perceptions and experiences on the inclusion of indigenous knowledge? 3) How do Grade 11 Physical Science teachers teach experimental techniques conventionally- fermentation and distillation? 4) How does the inclusion of a practical demonstration on making Ombike enable or constrain Grade 11 Physical Science teachers when explaining concepts on experimental techniques - fermentation and distillation? Thus, the focus was on conceptual understanding through linking content to the context of the learners. The study was underpinned by an interpretive paradigm whose focus is on understanding people’s worldviews. Within the interpretive paradigm, a mixed methods (Quant-QUAL methods) case study approach was employed in two sequential phases with Physical Science teachers at one secondary school in Keetmanshoop. Data were collected using document analysis (to strengthen my context). In the first phase, a questionnaire with closed-ended and open-ended questions was used to gather quantitative and qualitative data from 17 Physical Science teachers. Additionally, I conducted interviews with two Physical Science teachers from one Secondary School in Keetmanshoop who were selected based on their expertise, teaching experience and their qualifications. Quantitative data were analysed using frequency tables and graphs. For phase two, lesson and the practical demonstration observations were videotaped and transcribed inductively. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data. The study was informed by Vygotsky’s (1978) socio-cultural theory with a focus on the mediation of learning, social interactions and learner engagement within the learners’ Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) in conjunction with Shulman’s (1987) theory on pedagogical content knowledge (PCK). The findings of the study indicated that the majority of the Physical Science teachers were aware of and supported the inclusion of IK; on the other hand the teachers indicated some challenges that come with IK integration. Some teachers acknowledged the importance of IK, such as the enhancement of understanding, proving of theories, and arousal of interest and context relevance. However, some teachers felt that there are misconceptions in IK that can be carried into the classroom, IK resources like textbooks are not available, and IK is not integrated in the syllabus and examinations and lack of teacher training inter alia.The study recommends that the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture especially the Division of Curriculum Planning and Development (NIED) needs to explicitly include IK in the Syllabus documents and suggest the inclusion of IK in the textbooks to the publishers to address these challenges. In order to enhance the teaching and learning with IK in Science, it is critical that teachers’ training workshops are conducted and IK resources are designed so that IK integration can be successfully implemented. For that to happen, it is recognized that the teachers’ PCK should be regularly upgraded through Continuous Professional Development (CPD) by the Subject Advisors (SA) so that the teachers are consistently guided on appropriate teaching methodologies and pedagogies about the inclusion of IK.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Paulus, Demetria
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/17637 , vital:22266
- Description: Physical Science is one of the subjects in which learners perform poorly in most Namibian schools. For instance, in ║Kharas region where the study was conducted, from 2010 to 2016, the overall performance has ranged between 20-40%. Furthermore, according to the results analysis report from the Directorate of National, Examination and Assessments (DNEA), from 2012 to 2016, the ||Kharas region was ranked 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th and 10th in the regional rankings. From the Examiner’s reports, the most poorly answered questions in the National Senior Certificate examinations are those that require learners to explain and show understanding. Additionally, the reports highlighted that learners lack practical skills or lack exposure to experiments and demonstrations to enhance their understanding (Namibia, 20142015). It is against this background that this study sought to explore how teachers mediate learning of experimental techniques using fermentation and distillation of a traditional brew. In particular, the study addressed the following sub-questions:1) what are Grade 11 Physical Science teachers’ perceptions and experiences on the inclusion of indigenous knowledge during Science lessons? 2) What factors influence Grade 11 Physical Science teachers’ perceptions and experiences on the inclusion of indigenous knowledge? 3) How do Grade 11 Physical Science teachers teach experimental techniques conventionally- fermentation and distillation? 4) How does the inclusion of a practical demonstration on making Ombike enable or constrain Grade 11 Physical Science teachers when explaining concepts on experimental techniques - fermentation and distillation? Thus, the focus was on conceptual understanding through linking content to the context of the learners. The study was underpinned by an interpretive paradigm whose focus is on understanding people’s worldviews. Within the interpretive paradigm, a mixed methods (Quant-QUAL methods) case study approach was employed in two sequential phases with Physical Science teachers at one secondary school in Keetmanshoop. Data were collected using document analysis (to strengthen my context). In the first phase, a questionnaire with closed-ended and open-ended questions was used to gather quantitative and qualitative data from 17 Physical Science teachers. Additionally, I conducted interviews with two Physical Science teachers from one Secondary School in Keetmanshoop who were selected based on their expertise, teaching experience and their qualifications. Quantitative data were analysed using frequency tables and graphs. For phase two, lesson and the practical demonstration observations were videotaped and transcribed inductively. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data. The study was informed by Vygotsky’s (1978) socio-cultural theory with a focus on the mediation of learning, social interactions and learner engagement within the learners’ Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) in conjunction with Shulman’s (1987) theory on pedagogical content knowledge (PCK). The findings of the study indicated that the majority of the Physical Science teachers were aware of and supported the inclusion of IK; on the other hand the teachers indicated some challenges that come with IK integration. Some teachers acknowledged the importance of IK, such as the enhancement of understanding, proving of theories, and arousal of interest and context relevance. However, some teachers felt that there are misconceptions in IK that can be carried into the classroom, IK resources like textbooks are not available, and IK is not integrated in the syllabus and examinations and lack of teacher training inter alia.The study recommends that the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture especially the Division of Curriculum Planning and Development (NIED) needs to explicitly include IK in the Syllabus documents and suggest the inclusion of IK in the textbooks to the publishers to address these challenges. In order to enhance the teaching and learning with IK in Science, it is critical that teachers’ training workshops are conducted and IK resources are designed so that IK integration can be successfully implemented. For that to happen, it is recognized that the teachers’ PCK should be regularly upgraded through Continuous Professional Development (CPD) by the Subject Advisors (SA) so that the teachers are consistently guided on appropriate teaching methodologies and pedagogies about the inclusion of IK.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Gang and gang related incidents in selected correctional centres in the Eastern Cape : a behaviour analysis
- Authors: Fitz, Lincoln Gustav
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Prison gangs -- South Africa Corrections -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Prisons -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9297 , vital:34319
- Description: Institutional gangs, also known as the numbers gangs, have become a serious threat to the effective administration of correctional facilities in South Africa. Prior the 1980s, these gangs were active only in correctional centres, but due to modern trends in criminal activity and the gangs’ extensive drug operations, they have become active within communities too. The numbers gangs have a national network that controls activities in all correctional centres across South Africa; this network operates effectively and independently of geographical areas. The numbers gangs contribute a large proportion of all disciplinary offences (e.g., assault, smuggling, escape, sodomy, etc.) that take place in South African correctional centres. The purpose of this study was to explore the social and cultural dynamics of selected correctional centres, in order to understand the extent to which institutional gangs control and manipulate the correctional environment. The study also focussed on the individual-level characteristics of inmates as a contributing factor for deviant behaviour. The social processes that manifest in institutional misconduct and violence in correctional centres have been explained in the literature according to three theoretical perspectives; namely, the importation, deprivation and situational contextual perspectives. To develop a better understanding of the phenomenon of gang activities in correctional centres, this study is grounded in the Social Structure and Social Learning theory to explore the individual, social and cultural dynamics of the centre, making reference to these three perspectives. A mixed research design, comprising both qualitative and quantitative aspects, characterised the methodology used in this study. The data informing the study consisted of primary data (observations, interviews and questionnaires) and secondary data (source documents), with 151 inmates and several centre officials in three Eastern Cape correctional centres participating. This study was substantial for several reasons. It confirmed the findings of prior studies with respect to personal and social characteristics that inmates import into correctional centres, and, in addition, it expanded the existing literature with respect to how and why inmates import their deviant behaviour into correctional centres. It further brought a new element to the field of criminology, in identifying the demographic characteristics of inmates that contribute towards institutional gang membership and violence in correctional centres. The study also expanded upon prior findings regarding risk factors associated with institutional gang membership by developing a prediction model to predict possible gang membership prior to and after incarceration. Finally, this is the first known empirical study to examine the social and cultural contexts of gang membership in correctional centres in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Fitz, Lincoln Gustav
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Prison gangs -- South Africa Corrections -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Prisons -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9297 , vital:34319
- Description: Institutional gangs, also known as the numbers gangs, have become a serious threat to the effective administration of correctional facilities in South Africa. Prior the 1980s, these gangs were active only in correctional centres, but due to modern trends in criminal activity and the gangs’ extensive drug operations, they have become active within communities too. The numbers gangs have a national network that controls activities in all correctional centres across South Africa; this network operates effectively and independently of geographical areas. The numbers gangs contribute a large proportion of all disciplinary offences (e.g., assault, smuggling, escape, sodomy, etc.) that take place in South African correctional centres. The purpose of this study was to explore the social and cultural dynamics of selected correctional centres, in order to understand the extent to which institutional gangs control and manipulate the correctional environment. The study also focussed on the individual-level characteristics of inmates as a contributing factor for deviant behaviour. The social processes that manifest in institutional misconduct and violence in correctional centres have been explained in the literature according to three theoretical perspectives; namely, the importation, deprivation and situational contextual perspectives. To develop a better understanding of the phenomenon of gang activities in correctional centres, this study is grounded in the Social Structure and Social Learning theory to explore the individual, social and cultural dynamics of the centre, making reference to these three perspectives. A mixed research design, comprising both qualitative and quantitative aspects, characterised the methodology used in this study. The data informing the study consisted of primary data (observations, interviews and questionnaires) and secondary data (source documents), with 151 inmates and several centre officials in three Eastern Cape correctional centres participating. This study was substantial for several reasons. It confirmed the findings of prior studies with respect to personal and social characteristics that inmates import into correctional centres, and, in addition, it expanded the existing literature with respect to how and why inmates import their deviant behaviour into correctional centres. It further brought a new element to the field of criminology, in identifying the demographic characteristics of inmates that contribute towards institutional gang membership and violence in correctional centres. The study also expanded upon prior findings regarding risk factors associated with institutional gang membership by developing a prediction model to predict possible gang membership prior to and after incarceration. Finally, this is the first known empirical study to examine the social and cultural contexts of gang membership in correctional centres in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Thermoluminescence of synthetic quartz annealed beyond its second phase inversion temperature
- Authors: Mthwesi, Zuko
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/46077 , vital:25577
- Description: Thermoluminescence of synthetic quartz annealed at 1000 ºC for 10 minutes has been studied. The aim was to study mechanisms of thermoluminescence in annealed synthetic quartz and to discuss the results in terms of the physics of point defects. The sample was irradiated with a beta dose of 10 Gy of beta radiation and then heated at a linear heating rate of 1 ºC.s-1 up to 500 ºC. The thermoluminescence (TL) glow curve consists of three glow peaks. Peak I at 74 0C (main peak) with high intensity as compared to the other two peaks. Peak II at 144 ºC is more intense than peak III at 180 ºC. This study was on the main peak (MP) at 74 ºC and peak III at 180 ºC. Kinetic analysis was carried out to determine the trap depth E, frequency factor s and the order of kinetics b of both peaks using the initial rise, peak shape, variable heating rate, glow curve deconvolution and isothermal TL methods. The values of kinetic parameters obtained were around 0.7 to 1.0 eV for trap depth and in the interval of 108 to 1015 s-¹ for frequency factor for both peaks. The effect of heating rate from 0.5 to 5 ºC.s-¹ on the TL peak intensity and peak temperature was observed. Also the effect of thermal quenching was observed at high heating rates. Since the TL glow curve has overlapping TL peaks, the Tm-Tstop method from 54 ºC up to 64 ºC and E -Tstop methods were introduced where a first order single peak was observed. Phototransfered thermoluminescence (PTTL) was investigated and characterized by three peaks. First PTTL peak I at 72 ºC, peak II at 134 ºC and peak III at 176 ºC. Analysis was carried out on peaks I and III for the effect of dose dependence from 20-200 Gy. Thermal fading was observed on PTTL peaks I and III, after storage time of 30 minutes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mthwesi, Zuko
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/46077 , vital:25577
- Description: Thermoluminescence of synthetic quartz annealed at 1000 ºC for 10 minutes has been studied. The aim was to study mechanisms of thermoluminescence in annealed synthetic quartz and to discuss the results in terms of the physics of point defects. The sample was irradiated with a beta dose of 10 Gy of beta radiation and then heated at a linear heating rate of 1 ºC.s-1 up to 500 ºC. The thermoluminescence (TL) glow curve consists of three glow peaks. Peak I at 74 0C (main peak) with high intensity as compared to the other two peaks. Peak II at 144 ºC is more intense than peak III at 180 ºC. This study was on the main peak (MP) at 74 ºC and peak III at 180 ºC. Kinetic analysis was carried out to determine the trap depth E, frequency factor s and the order of kinetics b of both peaks using the initial rise, peak shape, variable heating rate, glow curve deconvolution and isothermal TL methods. The values of kinetic parameters obtained were around 0.7 to 1.0 eV for trap depth and in the interval of 108 to 1015 s-¹ for frequency factor for both peaks. The effect of heating rate from 0.5 to 5 ºC.s-¹ on the TL peak intensity and peak temperature was observed. Also the effect of thermal quenching was observed at high heating rates. Since the TL glow curve has overlapping TL peaks, the Tm-Tstop method from 54 ºC up to 64 ºC and E -Tstop methods were introduced where a first order single peak was observed. Phototransfered thermoluminescence (PTTL) was investigated and characterized by three peaks. First PTTL peak I at 72 ºC, peak II at 134 ºC and peak III at 176 ºC. Analysis was carried out on peaks I and III for the effect of dose dependence from 20-200 Gy. Thermal fading was observed on PTTL peaks I and III, after storage time of 30 minutes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Experiences of analogue-trained radiographers utilising digital imaging in projection radiography
- Authors: Campbell, Sydney
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Radiography, Medical -- Digital techniques Angiography , Image processing -- Digital techniques Radiography
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14796 , vital:27851
- Description: The professional work of a radiographer encompasses both patient care and the use of technology. The technology employed could either be analogue or digital technology. Since 1973, the analogue imaging system has slowly been replaced by digital radiography imaging systems. Despite the many advantages of digital imaging it does present the radiographer with added responsibilities. Furthermore, analogue-trained radiographers have found adjusting to digital imaging especially challenging. The aim of the study was to explore and describe the experiences of analogue-trained radiographers utilising digital imaging in projection radiography with the intention of developing guidelines to equip radiography managers to assist analogue-trained radiographers to better utilise digital imaging. The researcher used Schlossberg’s Transition Theory as a lens to look at the experiences of analogue-trained radiographers using digital imaging to produce radiographs. The research study used a qualitative design which was explorative, descriptive and contextual in nature. The target population included all diagnostic radiographers (public and private) in the local municipality who were registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa. Purposive sampling was employed to select the radiographers that represented all radiographers in the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District. The sample included all radiographers who fulfilled the identified selection criteria. The selected participants were recruited to take part in in-depth, semi-structured individual interviews. The data was analysed using a computer-aided qualitative data analysis software package, ATLAS.ti. The trustworthiness of this study was ensured by applying Guba’s model of trustworthiness that includes credibility, transferability, dependability and confirmability. The ethical principles of respect for persons, beneficence and justice, as espoused by the Belmont Report, were adhered to in order to ensure that the study was conducted in an ethical manner. Two themes emanated from the data, namely the evolution of the radiographer when faced with the advances in technology as well the role that the work environment played in the manner that the participants experienced the change. The experiences of the participants were described using direct quotations from the interviews and a literature control was used to verify the participants’ experiences. Evidence was found of radiographer indifference towards exposure selection, dose optimisation and placement of anatomical side markers when utilising digital imaging. Finally, guidelines were developed to equip radiography managers to assist analogue-trained radiographers to better utilise digital imaging. In addition, the guidelines will assist all other radiographers to better utilise digital imaging.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Campbell, Sydney
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Radiography, Medical -- Digital techniques Angiography , Image processing -- Digital techniques Radiography
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14796 , vital:27851
- Description: The professional work of a radiographer encompasses both patient care and the use of technology. The technology employed could either be analogue or digital technology. Since 1973, the analogue imaging system has slowly been replaced by digital radiography imaging systems. Despite the many advantages of digital imaging it does present the radiographer with added responsibilities. Furthermore, analogue-trained radiographers have found adjusting to digital imaging especially challenging. The aim of the study was to explore and describe the experiences of analogue-trained radiographers utilising digital imaging in projection radiography with the intention of developing guidelines to equip radiography managers to assist analogue-trained radiographers to better utilise digital imaging. The researcher used Schlossberg’s Transition Theory as a lens to look at the experiences of analogue-trained radiographers using digital imaging to produce radiographs. The research study used a qualitative design which was explorative, descriptive and contextual in nature. The target population included all diagnostic radiographers (public and private) in the local municipality who were registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa. Purposive sampling was employed to select the radiographers that represented all radiographers in the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District. The sample included all radiographers who fulfilled the identified selection criteria. The selected participants were recruited to take part in in-depth, semi-structured individual interviews. The data was analysed using a computer-aided qualitative data analysis software package, ATLAS.ti. The trustworthiness of this study was ensured by applying Guba’s model of trustworthiness that includes credibility, transferability, dependability and confirmability. The ethical principles of respect for persons, beneficence and justice, as espoused by the Belmont Report, were adhered to in order to ensure that the study was conducted in an ethical manner. Two themes emanated from the data, namely the evolution of the radiographer when faced with the advances in technology as well the role that the work environment played in the manner that the participants experienced the change. The experiences of the participants were described using direct quotations from the interviews and a literature control was used to verify the participants’ experiences. Evidence was found of radiographer indifference towards exposure selection, dose optimisation and placement of anatomical side markers when utilising digital imaging. Finally, guidelines were developed to equip radiography managers to assist analogue-trained radiographers to better utilise digital imaging. In addition, the guidelines will assist all other radiographers to better utilise digital imaging.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
A customer retention framework for the port of Ngqura container commodity
- Authors: Myoli, Chuma
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Customer loyalty -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Customer relations -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Harbors -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Shipping -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14179 , vital:27440
- Description: The maritime sector plays an important role in economies across the globe. Ports in particular are the backbone of the economy of countries endowed with shorelines as they facilitate foreign trade through the importation and exportation of goods to and from their domestic markets. South Africa’s latest addition to its complimentary ports system, the Port of Ngqura, is positioned as a container transshipment hub and a gateway port to Africa with its world-class infrastructure and deep-water container berths at 18 metres, the deepest on the African continent. Ports, whose main mandate is the container commodity, struggle to retain customers as the container industry is a fickle one. As a result, the retention of transshipment container cargo customers remain a challenge for ports. In recent years, ports have to compete more aggressively for their participation in major logistics networks and these days, the ports of the same region are increasingly competing with each other. There are clusters of ports with the same type of supply located within a region competing with other clusters of ports in other regions. The main objective of this study was to propose a customer retention framework for the Port of Ngqura to be used as part of the marketing strategy to possibly retain customers, grow market share and to increase profits. The study focused on the effect of components such as value proposition, customer service quality, customer satisfaction, customer relationship management and customer loyalty on customer retention. After the exercise of testing statistical reliability, the researcher established that the measuring instrument for the component of value proposition was deemed unreliable and therefore, does not necessarily lead to customer retention for the Port of Ngqura. Nunnally (1978) recommends that instruments used in basic research have reliability of 0.70 or higher. The Cronbach Alpha score for the value proposition measuring scale was 0.41, which is below the recommended 0.70. The measuring instruments of the remaining four components of customer service quality, customer satisfaction, customer relationship management and customer loyalty as influencers of customer retention proved to be reliable due to the Cronbach Alpha score being above the recommended 0.70 for all four measuring instruments. In conclusion, this study showed the importance of customer retention and more importantly, how the mentioned reliable four components affect customer retention at the Port of Ngqura. Recommendations were presented by the author on how to integrate the components of customer retention into a retention framework that can contribute to the profitability of the port. The findings of this study led to the recommendation of the need for the Port of Ngqura to firstly, incorporate customer retention into overall marketing strategy and to thus be aggressive as customer relationship building is crucial in retaining customers and growing market share in today’s competitive port environment. Secondly, the port needs to segment its target customers, it is recommended that the target market be well defined, understood and segmented based on industry (shipping line, clearing and forwarding agency, fruit, automotive or wool) and amount of volumes and revenue brought to the Port of Ngqura. Thirdly, leadership involvement as at the strategic level of Transnet Group and Transnet National Ports Authority, executive leaders need to be involved in the implementation of customer retention for marketing of the port as they are the ones that have a high delegation of authority when it comes to decision making. It is also recommended that the measurement of success be clearly defined and linked to the objectives for the implementation of customer retention. The marketers and the Port of Ngqura, using customer relationship strategies, should devise ways of measuring loyalty to the port and the brand, the reputation of the port, service quality and customer satisfaction. Employee training is the most critical recommendation as they must be well trained and equipped to execute their duties, they must be knowledgeable about the maritime industry as well as the business of their customers, fully understand their customers’ needs and have customer empathy. Ports can also improve service quality by focusing on port and terminal efficiency by conducting benchmark studies with high ranked ports like the Port of Singapore as they are known for high levels of efficiency in the market. By improving service quality, the port will improve customer satisfaction and achieve customer loyalty and ultimately, retention.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Myoli, Chuma
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Customer loyalty -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Customer relations -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Harbors -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Shipping -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14179 , vital:27440
- Description: The maritime sector plays an important role in economies across the globe. Ports in particular are the backbone of the economy of countries endowed with shorelines as they facilitate foreign trade through the importation and exportation of goods to and from their domestic markets. South Africa’s latest addition to its complimentary ports system, the Port of Ngqura, is positioned as a container transshipment hub and a gateway port to Africa with its world-class infrastructure and deep-water container berths at 18 metres, the deepest on the African continent. Ports, whose main mandate is the container commodity, struggle to retain customers as the container industry is a fickle one. As a result, the retention of transshipment container cargo customers remain a challenge for ports. In recent years, ports have to compete more aggressively for their participation in major logistics networks and these days, the ports of the same region are increasingly competing with each other. There are clusters of ports with the same type of supply located within a region competing with other clusters of ports in other regions. The main objective of this study was to propose a customer retention framework for the Port of Ngqura to be used as part of the marketing strategy to possibly retain customers, grow market share and to increase profits. The study focused on the effect of components such as value proposition, customer service quality, customer satisfaction, customer relationship management and customer loyalty on customer retention. After the exercise of testing statistical reliability, the researcher established that the measuring instrument for the component of value proposition was deemed unreliable and therefore, does not necessarily lead to customer retention for the Port of Ngqura. Nunnally (1978) recommends that instruments used in basic research have reliability of 0.70 or higher. The Cronbach Alpha score for the value proposition measuring scale was 0.41, which is below the recommended 0.70. The measuring instruments of the remaining four components of customer service quality, customer satisfaction, customer relationship management and customer loyalty as influencers of customer retention proved to be reliable due to the Cronbach Alpha score being above the recommended 0.70 for all four measuring instruments. In conclusion, this study showed the importance of customer retention and more importantly, how the mentioned reliable four components affect customer retention at the Port of Ngqura. Recommendations were presented by the author on how to integrate the components of customer retention into a retention framework that can contribute to the profitability of the port. The findings of this study led to the recommendation of the need for the Port of Ngqura to firstly, incorporate customer retention into overall marketing strategy and to thus be aggressive as customer relationship building is crucial in retaining customers and growing market share in today’s competitive port environment. Secondly, the port needs to segment its target customers, it is recommended that the target market be well defined, understood and segmented based on industry (shipping line, clearing and forwarding agency, fruit, automotive or wool) and amount of volumes and revenue brought to the Port of Ngqura. Thirdly, leadership involvement as at the strategic level of Transnet Group and Transnet National Ports Authority, executive leaders need to be involved in the implementation of customer retention for marketing of the port as they are the ones that have a high delegation of authority when it comes to decision making. It is also recommended that the measurement of success be clearly defined and linked to the objectives for the implementation of customer retention. The marketers and the Port of Ngqura, using customer relationship strategies, should devise ways of measuring loyalty to the port and the brand, the reputation of the port, service quality and customer satisfaction. Employee training is the most critical recommendation as they must be well trained and equipped to execute their duties, they must be knowledgeable about the maritime industry as well as the business of their customers, fully understand their customers’ needs and have customer empathy. Ports can also improve service quality by focusing on port and terminal efficiency by conducting benchmark studies with high ranked ports like the Port of Singapore as they are known for high levels of efficiency in the market. By improving service quality, the port will improve customer satisfaction and achieve customer loyalty and ultimately, retention.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Buchu and Bobotie in the Boland : culinary heritage in Franschhoek, Western Cape
- Authors: Deavin, Candace
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Food habits -- South Africa -- Franschhoek -- Cross-cultural studies Plants, Edible -- South Africa -- Franschhoek
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22254 , vital:29923
- Description: From a confit tomato and potato tumbleweed with buchu to a cured snoek terrine rolled in wilde kruie and Cape bobotie puff pastry with blatjang, chefs that mix indigenous plants and local cuisine with European inspiration and training have proved popular in Franschhoek’s restaurants. In this boland town, the particular constructions of heritage through food, not only showcases regional flavours, but gestures towards the search for an elusive place-based ‘South African’ cuisine that is seen to be rooted in the land. Harkening back to old culinary practices and drawing from their own heritages, Franschhoek’s chefs are foraging, butchering, gathering, growing, fermenting, pickling and cooking over open fires with renewed vigour as they attempt to ground their cuisine, and indeed, themselves, in the soil around them. This thesis considers how, through the culinary repertoire of chefs in Franschhoek, food is constructed as heritage. Within this I look at what heritages are considered desirable, how food’s sensory and symbolic properties are used to their full potential, and who is behind these constructions of culinary heritage. Following on from this, I explore postcolonial and post-apartheid anxieties of place and belonging, as well as desired and emergent identities that are expressed through this culinary heritage.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Deavin, Candace
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Food habits -- South Africa -- Franschhoek -- Cross-cultural studies Plants, Edible -- South Africa -- Franschhoek
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22254 , vital:29923
- Description: From a confit tomato and potato tumbleweed with buchu to a cured snoek terrine rolled in wilde kruie and Cape bobotie puff pastry with blatjang, chefs that mix indigenous plants and local cuisine with European inspiration and training have proved popular in Franschhoek’s restaurants. In this boland town, the particular constructions of heritage through food, not only showcases regional flavours, but gestures towards the search for an elusive place-based ‘South African’ cuisine that is seen to be rooted in the land. Harkening back to old culinary practices and drawing from their own heritages, Franschhoek’s chefs are foraging, butchering, gathering, growing, fermenting, pickling and cooking over open fires with renewed vigour as they attempt to ground their cuisine, and indeed, themselves, in the soil around them. This thesis considers how, through the culinary repertoire of chefs in Franschhoek, food is constructed as heritage. Within this I look at what heritages are considered desirable, how food’s sensory and symbolic properties are used to their full potential, and who is behind these constructions of culinary heritage. Following on from this, I explore postcolonial and post-apartheid anxieties of place and belonging, as well as desired and emergent identities that are expressed through this culinary heritage.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Treatment of anaerobically digested brewery effluent in high rate algal ponds: an understanding of the microbial community structure in the ponds and the underlying mechanisms responsible for nutrient removal from the effluent
- Authors: Mogane, Mmathabo Lucretia
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Brewing industry -- Waste disposal -- South Africa , Breweries -- Waste displosal -- South Africa , Algae culture -- South Africa , Water -- Purification -- South Africa , Sewage lagoons -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/5026 , vital:20754
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mogane, Mmathabo Lucretia
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Brewing industry -- Waste disposal -- South Africa , Breweries -- Waste displosal -- South Africa , Algae culture -- South Africa , Water -- Purification -- South Africa , Sewage lagoons -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/5026 , vital:20754
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Bush clumps as indicators of thresholds of change in Arid Thicket mosaic piospheres
- Authors: Schmidt, Anton George
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Biodiversity conservation Ecological processes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20811 , vital:29403
- Description: In the literature, Arid Thicket transformation by domestic meso-herbivores is purported to follow a state-and-transition model, whereby the ecosystem is initially resilient to herbivory until some threshold is crossed, where after there is a rapid shift to a new alternative stable state. My study represents a first attempt to verify this hypothesis by searching for evidence of stable ecosystem states separated by structural, functional and degradation thresholds in Pruim-Spekboomveld, a variation of Arid Thicket found in the southern Cape of South Africa. In this variation, thicket bush clumps ranging in size from approximately 1 m2 to 100 m2 are interspersed in a matrix of Succulent Karoo vegetation. I correlate structural and functional attributes of the thicket bush clumps and the soil environment beneath them (indicators of ecosystem function) to distance from artificial watering points in four piosphere treatments that have had a different rangeland management history. I mostly fit linear, exponential and sigmoid regression models to my data and use Akaike’s Information Criterion to select the best fitting model. When analysing data on changes in the variation of vegetation production with distance from water using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, I additionally fit Generalized Additive Models to the data to take into account more complex predicted patterns of change. Furthermore, I compare the end regions of my data in the piosphere treatments to each other and to similar data collected in a transformed and untransformed reference site. I use both the pattern and extent of transformation within and between the treatments and the reference sites, to verify the existence of stable states and structural, functional and degradation thresholds. I also subject my entire dataset to multivariate analysis using ordination and permutation procedures, in an attempt to corroborate my results from the univariate analysis and to assess the response of bush clump community composition to herbivory. My results indicate that at the scale of a bush clump, a threshold reduction in species richness, functional type diversity, succulent shrub redundancy and cover, palatable shrub cover and bush clump leaf mass below 1.5 m occurs in regions intensively used by domestic meso-herbivores. Furthermore, at the landscape scale there is a threshold reduction in canopy tree cover and bush clump density. In addition to these structural threshold changes, results from a Landscape Function Analysis indicate that soil nutrient cycling, soil water infiltration and soil stability thresholds are crossed at the landscape scale. The soil nutrient cycling threshold is affirmed by soil chemical analyses which indicate that the most rested treatment in the study area has low carbon and nitrogen levels. Furthermore, the keystone species, Portulacaria afra, is unable to re-establish itself in any of the treatments. High pH and potassium levels in all the treatments, relative to the untransformed reference site, indicate that Portulacaria afra (which prefers moderate soil conditions) is unlikely to re-establish in the study area. This finding suggests that all my treatments have crossed a degradation threshold and therefore represent an alternative stable state to the untransformed reference site. My multivariate analysis supports this finding and further indicates that the sampling zones within 25 m of the watering points in the most utilized treatments have crossed a second degradation threshold. This finding is supported by my results that indicate that structural and function thresholds (related to the size, density and ability of bush clumps to capture and retain soil resources) have been crossed. Furthermore, excessively high concentrations of base cations in these sampling zones, relative to the untransformed reference site, affirm the crossing of a degradation threshold. My results on the changes in the variation of vegetation production with distance from water using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, support the growing body of evidence in the literature that suggests that increases in the variance of ecosystem processes and services are important indicators of impending ecological thresholds. In general, my findings support the prediction in the literature that domestic meso-herbivore induced transformation of Arid Mosaic Thicket will follow a state-andtransition model.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Schmidt, Anton George
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Biodiversity conservation Ecological processes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20811 , vital:29403
- Description: In the literature, Arid Thicket transformation by domestic meso-herbivores is purported to follow a state-and-transition model, whereby the ecosystem is initially resilient to herbivory until some threshold is crossed, where after there is a rapid shift to a new alternative stable state. My study represents a first attempt to verify this hypothesis by searching for evidence of stable ecosystem states separated by structural, functional and degradation thresholds in Pruim-Spekboomveld, a variation of Arid Thicket found in the southern Cape of South Africa. In this variation, thicket bush clumps ranging in size from approximately 1 m2 to 100 m2 are interspersed in a matrix of Succulent Karoo vegetation. I correlate structural and functional attributes of the thicket bush clumps and the soil environment beneath them (indicators of ecosystem function) to distance from artificial watering points in four piosphere treatments that have had a different rangeland management history. I mostly fit linear, exponential and sigmoid regression models to my data and use Akaike’s Information Criterion to select the best fitting model. When analysing data on changes in the variation of vegetation production with distance from water using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, I additionally fit Generalized Additive Models to the data to take into account more complex predicted patterns of change. Furthermore, I compare the end regions of my data in the piosphere treatments to each other and to similar data collected in a transformed and untransformed reference site. I use both the pattern and extent of transformation within and between the treatments and the reference sites, to verify the existence of stable states and structural, functional and degradation thresholds. I also subject my entire dataset to multivariate analysis using ordination and permutation procedures, in an attempt to corroborate my results from the univariate analysis and to assess the response of bush clump community composition to herbivory. My results indicate that at the scale of a bush clump, a threshold reduction in species richness, functional type diversity, succulent shrub redundancy and cover, palatable shrub cover and bush clump leaf mass below 1.5 m occurs in regions intensively used by domestic meso-herbivores. Furthermore, at the landscape scale there is a threshold reduction in canopy tree cover and bush clump density. In addition to these structural threshold changes, results from a Landscape Function Analysis indicate that soil nutrient cycling, soil water infiltration and soil stability thresholds are crossed at the landscape scale. The soil nutrient cycling threshold is affirmed by soil chemical analyses which indicate that the most rested treatment in the study area has low carbon and nitrogen levels. Furthermore, the keystone species, Portulacaria afra, is unable to re-establish itself in any of the treatments. High pH and potassium levels in all the treatments, relative to the untransformed reference site, indicate that Portulacaria afra (which prefers moderate soil conditions) is unlikely to re-establish in the study area. This finding suggests that all my treatments have crossed a degradation threshold and therefore represent an alternative stable state to the untransformed reference site. My multivariate analysis supports this finding and further indicates that the sampling zones within 25 m of the watering points in the most utilized treatments have crossed a second degradation threshold. This finding is supported by my results that indicate that structural and function thresholds (related to the size, density and ability of bush clumps to capture and retain soil resources) have been crossed. Furthermore, excessively high concentrations of base cations in these sampling zones, relative to the untransformed reference site, affirm the crossing of a degradation threshold. My results on the changes in the variation of vegetation production with distance from water using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, support the growing body of evidence in the literature that suggests that increases in the variance of ecosystem processes and services are important indicators of impending ecological thresholds. In general, my findings support the prediction in the literature that domestic meso-herbivore induced transformation of Arid Mosaic Thicket will follow a state-andtransition model.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Growth strategies for black township entrepreneurs
- Authors: Boniwe, Sihlangule
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship -- South Africa , Small business -- South Africa -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14598 , vital:27800
- Description: The situation in South Africa throws up a trickier and more unconventional challenge. The country has symptoms of a spatial realm that is not fully connected with the urban systems (spatially, socially, or structurally) and is certainly disconnected from the rural economy. This is the realm of the country’s townships and informal settlements. Conceptually, they are relics of the country’s special past, but the policies of post-apartheid South Africa have inadvertently kept their contemporary reality alive. In many ways, the townships and especially the informal settlements are similar to the slums in much of the developing world, although never was a slum formed with as much central planning and purpose as were some of the larger South African townships. This paper undertakes to understand the growth strategies of black township entrepreneurs in South Africa. This paper also undertakes to investigate the perceived influence of education, government policies, access to funding, market constraints, crime and social norms on the development or perceived growth strategies for black township entrepreneurs. Propositions are made and tested through conducting interviews with individuals involved with the dynamics presented by this subject on a day to day basis. Evidence collected is interpreted into knowledge and finally recommendations are made.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Boniwe, Sihlangule
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship -- South Africa , Small business -- South Africa -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14598 , vital:27800
- Description: The situation in South Africa throws up a trickier and more unconventional challenge. The country has symptoms of a spatial realm that is not fully connected with the urban systems (spatially, socially, or structurally) and is certainly disconnected from the rural economy. This is the realm of the country’s townships and informal settlements. Conceptually, they are relics of the country’s special past, but the policies of post-apartheid South Africa have inadvertently kept their contemporary reality alive. In many ways, the townships and especially the informal settlements are similar to the slums in much of the developing world, although never was a slum formed with as much central planning and purpose as were some of the larger South African townships. This paper undertakes to understand the growth strategies of black township entrepreneurs in South Africa. This paper also undertakes to investigate the perceived influence of education, government policies, access to funding, market constraints, crime and social norms on the development or perceived growth strategies for black township entrepreneurs. Propositions are made and tested through conducting interviews with individuals involved with the dynamics presented by this subject on a day to day basis. Evidence collected is interpreted into knowledge and finally recommendations are made.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Guidelines for secure cloud-based personal health records
- Authors: Mxoli, Ncedisa Avuya Mercia
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Cloud computing -- Security measures , Computer security Data mining Medical records -- Data processing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14134 , vital:27433
- Description: Traditionally, health records have been stored in paper folders at the physician’s consulting rooms – or at the patient’s home. Some people stored the health records of their family members, so as to keep a running history of all the medical procedures they went through, and what medications they were given by different physicians at different stages of their lives. Technology has introduced better and safer ways of storing these records, namely, through the use of Personal Health Records (PHRs). With time, different types of PHRs have emerged, i.e. local, remote server-based, and hybrid PHRs. Web-based PHRs fall under the remote server-based PHRs; and recently, a new market in storing PHRs has emerged. Cloud computing has become a trend in storing PHRs in a more accessible and efficient manner. Despite its many benefits, cloud computing has many privacy and security concerns. As a result, the adoption rate of cloud services is not yet very high. A qualitative and exploratory research design approach was followed in this study, in order to reach the objective of proposing guidelines that could assist PHR providers in selecting a secure Cloud Service Provider (CSP) to store their customers’ health data. The research methods that were used include a literature review, systematic literature review, qualitative content analysis, reasoning, argumentation and elite interviews. A systematic literature review and qualitative content analysis were conducted to examine those risks in the cloud environment that could have a negative impact on the secure storing of PHRs. PHRs must satisfy certain dimensions, in order for them to be meaningful for use. While these were highlighted in the research, it also emerged that certain risks affect the PHR dimensions directly, thus threatening the meaningfulness and usability of cloud-based PHRs. The literature review revealed that specific control measures can be adopted to mitigate the identified risks. These control measures form part of the material used in this study to identify the guidelines for secure cloud-based PHRs. The guidelines were formulated through the use of reasoning and argumentation. After the guidelines were formulated, elite interviews were conducted, in order to validate and finalize the main research output: i.e. guidelines. The results of this study may alert PHR providers to the risks that exist in the cloud environment; so that they can make informed decisions when choosing a CSP for storing their customers’ health data.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mxoli, Ncedisa Avuya Mercia
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Cloud computing -- Security measures , Computer security Data mining Medical records -- Data processing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14134 , vital:27433
- Description: Traditionally, health records have been stored in paper folders at the physician’s consulting rooms – or at the patient’s home. Some people stored the health records of their family members, so as to keep a running history of all the medical procedures they went through, and what medications they were given by different physicians at different stages of their lives. Technology has introduced better and safer ways of storing these records, namely, through the use of Personal Health Records (PHRs). With time, different types of PHRs have emerged, i.e. local, remote server-based, and hybrid PHRs. Web-based PHRs fall under the remote server-based PHRs; and recently, a new market in storing PHRs has emerged. Cloud computing has become a trend in storing PHRs in a more accessible and efficient manner. Despite its many benefits, cloud computing has many privacy and security concerns. As a result, the adoption rate of cloud services is not yet very high. A qualitative and exploratory research design approach was followed in this study, in order to reach the objective of proposing guidelines that could assist PHR providers in selecting a secure Cloud Service Provider (CSP) to store their customers’ health data. The research methods that were used include a literature review, systematic literature review, qualitative content analysis, reasoning, argumentation and elite interviews. A systematic literature review and qualitative content analysis were conducted to examine those risks in the cloud environment that could have a negative impact on the secure storing of PHRs. PHRs must satisfy certain dimensions, in order for them to be meaningful for use. While these were highlighted in the research, it also emerged that certain risks affect the PHR dimensions directly, thus threatening the meaningfulness and usability of cloud-based PHRs. The literature review revealed that specific control measures can be adopted to mitigate the identified risks. These control measures form part of the material used in this study to identify the guidelines for secure cloud-based PHRs. The guidelines were formulated through the use of reasoning and argumentation. After the guidelines were formulated, elite interviews were conducted, in order to validate and finalize the main research output: i.e. guidelines. The results of this study may alert PHR providers to the risks that exist in the cloud environment; so that they can make informed decisions when choosing a CSP for storing their customers’ health data.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The role of local economic development in job creation in Dimbaza Township
- Authors: Mabece, Victor Nkosabantu
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Job creation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18069 , vital:28573
- Description: The study investigated the role of local economic development in job creation in the Dimbaza Township. Despite a plethora of policy provisions to give strategic direction for the implementation of local economic development in the Republic of South Africa, in the general and local government spheres in particular, local economic development has not benefited local people in terms of creating job opportunities as envisaged. The study consulted the legislative framework governing local economic development (LED) in the Republic of South Africa, investigated the implementation of LED and how it benefited local citizens as well as the cause of failure of the LED intervention strategies, and also provided recommendation to enhance the implementation of local economic development. Scholarly articles provided valuable insights on the centrality of local economic development in socio-economic development. A qualitative approach was used to enable the researcher to explain local economic development and show how it influenced job creation and well-being of the local citizens of the Dimbaza Township. Purposive sampling was chosen as the method to select cases that were informative for this study and to create an understanding of the research problem. Respondents mainly included the ward committee members and ward councillors, who are instrumental in the implementation of local economic development in their respective wards. Self-administered interviewing schedules were used to glean information and to obtain the views, opinions and ideas about the extent of the challenges regarding the topic of discussion. The study found that, despite policy interventions on LED, unemployment levels remained persistently high due to the poor conceptualisation and understanding of LED, the lack of adequate funding and support and the reduction of LED stature from job creation to poverty alleviation projects. Based on the above findings, the study recommended the following: (a) institutionalisation of LED, (b) strengthening intergovernmental cooperation and partnerships, (c) development of a coherent LED strategy, (d) improving stakeholder capacity and participation so that intervention strategies are not externally imposed, (e) strengthening accountability and responsibility, (f) provision of adequate funding for LED interventions, and (g) the establishment of a local economic development agency (LEDA).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mabece, Victor Nkosabantu
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Job creation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18069 , vital:28573
- Description: The study investigated the role of local economic development in job creation in the Dimbaza Township. Despite a plethora of policy provisions to give strategic direction for the implementation of local economic development in the Republic of South Africa, in the general and local government spheres in particular, local economic development has not benefited local people in terms of creating job opportunities as envisaged. The study consulted the legislative framework governing local economic development (LED) in the Republic of South Africa, investigated the implementation of LED and how it benefited local citizens as well as the cause of failure of the LED intervention strategies, and also provided recommendation to enhance the implementation of local economic development. Scholarly articles provided valuable insights on the centrality of local economic development in socio-economic development. A qualitative approach was used to enable the researcher to explain local economic development and show how it influenced job creation and well-being of the local citizens of the Dimbaza Township. Purposive sampling was chosen as the method to select cases that were informative for this study and to create an understanding of the research problem. Respondents mainly included the ward committee members and ward councillors, who are instrumental in the implementation of local economic development in their respective wards. Self-administered interviewing schedules were used to glean information and to obtain the views, opinions and ideas about the extent of the challenges regarding the topic of discussion. The study found that, despite policy interventions on LED, unemployment levels remained persistently high due to the poor conceptualisation and understanding of LED, the lack of adequate funding and support and the reduction of LED stature from job creation to poverty alleviation projects. Based on the above findings, the study recommended the following: (a) institutionalisation of LED, (b) strengthening intergovernmental cooperation and partnerships, (c) development of a coherent LED strategy, (d) improving stakeholder capacity and participation so that intervention strategies are not externally imposed, (e) strengthening accountability and responsibility, (f) provision of adequate funding for LED interventions, and (g) the establishment of a local economic development agency (LEDA).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017