List of Titles

Constraining the role of carbonate assimilation on spinel stability in oxide ores of the Flatreef, Bushveld Complex, South Africa

- Dyan, Siyasanga

Authors: Dyan, Siyasanga
Date: 2021-04
Subjects: Oxide minerals -- South Africa -- Bushveld Complex , Transvaal Supergroup (South Africa) , Magmas -- South Africa -- Bushveld Complex , Petrogenesis -- South Africa -- Bushveld Complex , Spinel group – South Africa -- South Africa -- Bushveld Complex , Dolomite -- South Africa -- Bushveld Complex
Language: English
Type: thesis , text , Masters , MSc
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/174578 , vital:42490
Description: The northern limb of the Bushveld Complex shows significant evidence for footwall rock- magma interaction, as a result of the emplacement of magmas onto the Transvaal Supergroup sediments. The Platreef of the northern limb is known to have involved extensive contamination of the magma. The lateral extension of the Platreef, the Flatreef, is less contaminated and comprises PGE-mineralization and thick chromitite layers. This enables successful stratigraphic correlation to the Upper Critical Zone of the eastern and western limbs of the Bushveld Complex. This study aims at addressing the influence of dolomitic floor rock contamination on the formation of spinels of the Flatreef and how they may differ to their occurrences in the Bushveld Complex elsewhere. Three main drill cores (UMT-345, UMT-335, and UMT-094) from the deep drilling program by Ivanhoe Mine, north of Turfspruit, were logged and sampled. The drill cores contained rocks contaminated by dolomite in varying degrees, depending on the proportion of carbonate xenoliths present. A total of sixty-two samples were obtained from the UG-2- equivalent chromitite seam, down into the hybrid contaminated units (Footwall Assimilation Zone; FAZ). Petrographic examination of the drill cores revealed that the feldspathic pyroxenite and chromitite layers are the most pristine lithologies in the Flatreef. The chromitite layers occur as a semi-massive to massive ores. The FAZ rocks are mainly dominated by the abundance of Al-rich Cr-spinels (Mg#30-80), clinopyroxenes with a high Ca-Tschermak component (up to 35 mol.%), olivines (Fo72-84), and plagioclase (An31-78). Geochemical characteristics of the feldspathic pyroxenite and chromitite seams include low CaO/Al2O3 and Ca/SiO2 ratios, the low abundance of REE and HFSE. In contrast, the FAZ samples display high CaO/Al2O3 and CaO/SiO2 ratios, suggesting mobilization of CaO-rich fluids derived from the associated dolomite xenoliths. Observations from lithostratigraphic element profiles indicate spikes in CaO within FAZ units relative to the feldspathic pyroxene, indicating a secondary source of CaO linked to proximity to carbonate xenoliths intersected in the core. The assimilation-fractional crystallization model performed with the Upper Critical Zone parental melt and dolomite produced assemblages dominated by spinel, olivine, clinopyroxene, and plagioclase, relating to those of the most contaminated rocks of footwall assimilation zones. The model also showed that large quantities of CO2 were produced during assimilation. High amounts of CO2-fluids mobilized in the melt would have interacted with the melt and increased the overall oxidation conditions. Oxygen fugacity (ƒO2) values were constrained from the spinels in the FAZ and chromites in chromitite seams. Spinels within the most contaminated rocks of the FAZ recorded relatively high ƒO2 values ranging between NNO-0.2 and NNO+1.8 (relative to the Nickel-Nickel-Oxide buffer. High ƒO2 values in spinels from the FAZ suggest that the melt interacted with greater amounts of oxidative CO2-fluids during decarbonation reactions. Such high redox conditions could have triggered the saturation and crystallization of spinels. Comparison of mineral compositions and ƒO2 of UG-2 chromites from the Flatreef with UG-2 from the eastern limb, western limb, chromitites from the Platreef and Uitkomst Complex reveal that Flatreef chromites are of most similar to those of the Platreef Uitkosmt Complex. The northern limb and Uitkomst Complex chromites have high ƒO2 values (NNO+0.3 to NNO+1.2), indicating their apparent link to the Malmani dolomite. Interaction of magma with the Malmani dolomite would have produced high quantities of CO2, triggering an increase in oxidizing conditions. Such an effect is most prominent in the Flatreef chromitites that are in contact with the FAZ. The chromites are characterised by high ƒO2 (NNO+1.2) and distinct compositions (low Cr2O3, high Fe3+/Fetotal, and TiO2). Thus, it is proposed that carbonate assimilation in the Flatreef triggered the precipitation of these distinctive chromites proximal to FAZ, due to liberation of substantial amounts of CO2-rich fluids with a highly oxidative capacity. Carbonate assimilation in layered intrusions can be used as a monitor potential precipitation of chromites. , Thesis (MSc)--Rhodes University, Faculty of Science, Department of Geology, 2021
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The regulation of renewable ocean energy

- Kekana, Lerato Caroline

Authors: Kekana, Lerato Caroline
Date: 2021-04
Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Renewable energy sources -- South Africa
Language: English
Type: Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51211 , vital:43217
Description: Energy is one of the vital natural resources that contribute towards an improvement in social and economic development. Environmental issues such as climate change have resulted in the exploitation of renewable energy gaining momentum. Renewable ocean energy is one of the renewable sources that have the potential to assist South Africa to achieve its energy policy goals, which include economic development and the management of energy-related environmental and health impacts. The exploitation and exploration of renewable ocean energy in South Africa raise legal concerns. These concerns are the lack of appropriate legal and regulatory frameworks and the possible conflicts among users in the marine environment that may occur as a result of the exploitation and exploration of renewable ocean energy. This dissertation, therefore, addresses these concerns by providing a critical assessment of the regulation of renewable ocean energy in South Africa. Firstly, it provides an introduction and legal background of renewable ocean energy. It proceeds by critically assessing the international requirements with which South Africa needs to comply regarding renewable ocean energy. Following that, the dissertation provides an analysis of the environment and energy legislation and the extent to which they regulate renewable ocean energy. Lastly, taking into account other existing and future activities in the marine environment, there is a discussion of the marine spatial planning (MSP) and other regulatory measures in so far as they relate to the resolution of the conflict in the context of renewable ocean energy. The conclusion is that the existing legislation does not appropriately regulate renewable ocean energy. As a result, the dissertation proposes how the existing legislation may adequately include renewable ocean energy. Furthermore, it makes recommendations. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Public Law, 2021
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Date Issued: 2021-04

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Fragmentation of the Albany Thicket Biome: consequences for the biodiversity and health of thicket vegetation

- Carvalho, Shandon Luke

Authors: Carvalho, Shandon Luke
Date: 2021-04
Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Fragmented landscapes
Language: English
Type: Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52344 , vital:43599
Description: The dense impenetrable vegetation of the Albany Thicket Biome is highly resistant to a wide variety of disturbances but, once disturbed, lacks the regenerative qualities that allow it to return to a stable state. Agricultural development is the main cause of degradation in this biome, creating a landscape consisting of patches of thicket vegetation scattered throughout land cleared for crops or transformed through grazing by domestic livestock. The main objective of this study is to determine the health, status and biodiversity of thicket fragments as it relates to elephant impacts. The level of fragmentation and the remaining extent of intact thicket were investigated as its current status is unknown. The findings suggest that the Thicket Biome is highly fragmented as almost 50% of solid thicket has been cleared, transformed or degraded by agricultural or urban development. For Arid Thicket, the level of fragmentation and the remaining extent of intact thicket could not be determined and both could potentially be greater. For the intact thicket of Dune, Mesic and Valley Thicket types, patch sizes ranged between almost 6 and 876 km2 while the weighted mean was between 2 and 251 km2 . Remote sensing methods (NDVI) were used to determine whether the health of thicket could be remotely assessed. The thicket within and beyond the extent of piospheres around watering holes is subjected to different levels of herbivory. These different levels were compared to corresponding NDVI values with the latter accurately measuring the impact of herbivores along a gradient and providing a method to assess the health of thicket vegetation. Ground surveys of the edge effect, along thicket fragments adjacent to open pastures and separated by cut lines, were conducted. Based on these surveys, the extent of the edge effect was established at a distance of 7 m into thicket fragments separated by cut lines but could not be determined for thicket fragments adjacent to open pastures. Ground surveys were also conducted to assess the health of thicket vegetation exposed to different levels of herbivory, including the impact of elephants (Loxodonta africana). Results showed that different elephant densities produced different levels of impact that could be described in terms of changes in species richness, species diversity, plant height and cover, and growth form composition. Lastly, the findings of the health-based assessments were combined with elephant densities to develop a model that could assess the health of thicket vegetation using a range of ecological variables and relate it to an ideal range of elephant densities. This assessment method was tested at the Addo Elephant National Park and results showed that an elephant density of 1 elephant/km2 would maintain the appropriate diversity, structure and composition of thicket. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Department of Botany, 2021
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Date Issued: 2021-04

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Using narratives to understand consumer behaviour, nutrition knowledge perceptions and experiences amongst women at Thembeni Location

- Ben, Sive https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4186-924X

Authors: Ben, Sive https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4186-924X
Date: 2021-04
Subjects: Women -- Nutrition
Language: English
Type: Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20164 , vital:45381
Description: Orientation: Nutrition knowledge is an important aspect which shapes the lived experiences of women when they are making a purchase. South Africa, being a developing country, is faced with many challenges that have in turn subjected rural women to various challenges in approaching nutrition. These challenges include but are not limited to low economic status, low levels of education, and lack of developmental programmes that are structured to cater for rural women. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to understand the experiences and the perceptions of rural women concerning nutrition knowledge. Motivation for the study: This study was conducted with a motivation to understand how a sample of women in a rural area approach issues of nutrition. In understanding this, women can be empowered in asserting the approach to consumer behaviour. Research design: A phenomenological philosophy was adopted using a qualitative tradition in pursuit of the research objective. A judgemental sampling technique was utilised to sample 20 women and semi-structured interviews were undertaken and the gathered data on the experiences and perceptions of women was analysed by way of narrative analysis. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2021
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Date Issued: 2021-04

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Indigenous knowledge of ecosystem services in rural communities of the Eastern Cape, South Africa

- Murata, Chenai

Authors: Murata, Chenai
Date: 2021-04
Subjects: Ethnoscience -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Ecosystem management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nature -- Effect of human beings on -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human beings -- Effect of environment on -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Rural conditions
Language: English
Type: thesis , text , Doctoral , PhD
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/177929 , vital:42891 , 10.21504/10962/177929
Description: This thesis is on indigenous knowledge of ecosystem services. The ecosystem service framework and its associated concepts are fairly young, having been introduced in the ecological discipline in the 1980s. The ecosystem service framework posits that the wellbeing of humans and their communities is dependent on services supplied by ecosystems. It emphasises that for the ecosystems to be able to supply the services, they need to be in a well-functioning state. This idea of well-functioning is predicated on the argument that the ecosystem service framework enjoins resource users to exercise responsible stewardship to prevent degradation and overharvesting. Moreover, the concept of dependence suggests that ecosystem services are of value to humans. The dominant means of measuring the value of ecosystem services has been the economic valuation method in which the contribution that each service makes to human wellbeing is quantified into monetary units. The framework disaggregates the services into four groups, namely provisioning, cultural, supporting and regulatory and seeks to all the pillars of human wellbeing including health, subsistence and spirituality into each of these groups. In doing all this, the framework significantly reconfigures the way we look at and present human-nature relations. This change has the potential to influence significant shifts in how ecological research and intervention programmes are conducted in the foreseeable future. However, the reality that the ecosystem service framework was formulated within, and is informed by the scientific epistemology begs the question: what do traditional rural communities who depend mainly on indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) for shaping and interoperating their relations with nature know of the ecosystem service concept? Rural communities are the ones who interact directly with nature on a day-to-day basis. This makes them a very critical component in the ecosystem service framework. Although South Africa has had studies in the ecosystem service theme, little has been done to attempt to investigate and document indigenous knowledge of ecosystem services that rural communities possess. By focusing only on scientific knowledge of ecosystem services, the South African literature does not do justice to the plural epistemologies of the ecosystem service users in the country. More importantly, the continued dearth of public information on indigenous knowledge of ecosystem services can potentially obstruct implementation of locally sensitive intervention programmes because nothing is known about how the local communities conceptualise the ecosystem service framework. All this presents a crucial gap in the South African research; one that unless effort is made to contribute towards filling it, our knowledge of how communities experience the ecosystem service framework in South Africa will remain skewed. This study set out to investigate and document indigenous knowledge of ecosystem services in order to contribute towards filling this gap. Indigenous knowledge system is an umbrella epistemic system that includes lay ecological knowledge (LEK), traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) and many other related organized systems of knowing. Although the thesis has a chapter on LEK, its primary focus was TEK because the thesis was interested in unravelling how aspects of tradition including taboos, customs, traditional rules and belief in ancestral forces influence local communities’ knowledge of some key aspects of the ecosystem service framework including knowledge of various ecosystem services, valuation of ecosystem services, management of ecosystem services and perceptions of the management practices. The decision to focus on TEK was based on the reasoning that rural communities of the Eastern Cape boast a strong reputation of being traditional, recognizing ancestral spirits, legends and taboos as critical tools of knowledge generation and transmission. Using both mixed methods in some chapters and the qualitative approach alone in others, the study collected data in five villages of Mgwalana, Mahlungulu, Colana, Gogela and Nozitshena located in the north eastern part of Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, a region formerly called Transkei. The data were collected not on ecosystem services; but on the local people’s knowledge of ecosystem services. Although literature was consulted, the study regarded respondents as the primary source of data, hence the findings and conclusions presented in this thesis are about what local people know about ecosystem services. The study uses critical realist theoretical lenses to interpret respondents’ reports. The lenses included the principle of the separation between ontology and epistemology, the iceberg metaphor of ontology, epistemological pluralism and the hermeneutic dimension. These lenses were used to make sense of both the knowledge system of local people and the things about which their knowledge was. As part of discussing the local people’s knowledge, the study sometimes refers to science. This is not because I expected them to demonstrate knowledge similar to science. Instead, it was a critical realist dialectical way of explaining what something is by demonstrating what it is not. The study made a couple of key findings that can potentially enhance the growth of the South African ecosystem service discipline. First, respondents demonstrated knowledge of ecosystem services by mentioning a range of them such as drinking water, medicinal plants, cultural plants and fuelwood and how they affect the wellbeing of humans. However, what they did not have good knowledge of is that nature services can be classified into the four groups of supporting, regulatory, cultural and provisioning. Among the four ecosystem services groups, respondents could identify two only; provisional and cultural. Second, local communities depend heavily on ecosystem services for their well-being. The services include fuelwood, construction timber, medicinal plants, wild fruits, wild fish, cultural services and thatch grass. Although they appreciate that ecosystem services have value to their wellbeing, local people found it difficult to represent the value in monetary units. The conditions that make it difficult for local people to perceive ecosystem services as commodities include the absence of well-defined property system, lack of a quantitative consumer tradition and absence of an economic conception of nature. Third, local people understand the need to keep ecosystems in a well-functioning state hence they implement several traditional practices to manage ecosystem services. These practices include taboos, designating certain resources as sacred, legends, customary law, as well as some secular practices including gelesha and stone terracing. However, it is not easy to understand how traditional management practices work because they are not empirically observable. Fourth, local people possess knowledge of the reality that if not well managed, ecosystems can undergo degradation and hence fail to supply the services needed for human wellbeing. However, they explain the causes of degradation in terms of changes observable at the empirical level and the invisible causal power of supernatural forces. The inclusion of natural forces in degradation explanations marks a departure from the scientific explanations that revolve around biophysical processes. Fifth, the use of traditional management practices such as taboos to management ecosystems is under threat at the local communities. The threat can be attributed to three groups of causes, namely changes in worldviews due to adoption of formal education and Christianity, institutional disharmony playing out between the state and local traditional leadership, and lifestyle changes. These challenges constrain the opportunity for local people to apply traditional management practices to prevent the degradation of ecosystems. The net implication of this is that it renders it difficult for researchers and policy makers to assess the effectiveness of traditional management practices because they are not being implemented in full. In light of all these findings, the thesis concludes that TEK is underlabouring for the ecosystem service framework in the sense that it is used by local communities to generate knowledge of ecological concepts and phenomena. This means that TEK does not exist for the sake of its own self. Drawing from this finding, the study proposes a framework of analysing TEK as an underlabourer for social-ecological triggers or issues. Nonetheless, there are few factors that can be sources of limitation to the study. These include the reality that it was difficult to access pure traditional knowledge because over the years the local communities have received many state-sponsored ecological intervention programmes and a possible personal bias given the reality that I grew up in a traditional household and my father was a key holder or TEK. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Environmental Science, 2021 , Thesis chapter to be published in 'Green and Low-Carbon Economy'. Journal available: https://ojs.bonviewpress.com/index.php/GLCE/index
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Date Issued: 2021-04

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Motivation to learn science and make sense of the concept of malleability through the traditional blast furnace in a grade 9 Physical Science class

- Kudumo, Wilfred Peter

Authors: Kudumo, Wilfred Peter
Date: 2021-04
Subjects: Science -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia -- Kavango West , Metals -- Effect of high temperatures on , Blast furnaces , Ethnoscience -- Namibia -- Kavango West , Ubuntu (Philosophy) , Culturally relevant pedagogy , Motivation in education -- Namibia -- Kavango West , Continuity Argumentative Theory (CAT)
Language: English
Type: thesis , text , Masters , MEd
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/177262 , vital:42804
Description: The current situation of teaching and learning science in Namibia is of great concern since it does not seem to take into consideration learners’ socio-cultural backgrounds. As a result, learners are finding that science is not relevant to their everyday life experiences and hence are not motivated to learn it. This is compounded in part by the fact that the Namibian curriculum seems to be silent on how science teachers should include learners’ socio-cultural backgrounds, for example, local or indigenous knowledge in their teaching repertoires. It is against this background that in this study I explored how mobilising the cultural practice of a traditional blast furnace (mudukuto) as an approach enables and/or constrains learners’ motivation to learn science and make sense of the concept of malleability. This is a qualitative case study underpinned by a combination of interpretive and Ubuntu paradigms. It was carried out in a rural school in Namibia, Kavango West Region, where I am currently teaching. The participants in the study were grade 9 learners and one expert community member. Focus group interviews, participatory observation, learners’ reflections, and stimulated recall interviews were used to gather qualitative data. Vygotsky’s socio-cultural theory was used as a theoretical framework and Ogunniyi`s Continuity Argumentative Theory (CAT) was used as analytical framework or lens to analyse the data. A thematic approach to analyse data was employed. That is, qualitative data were analysed inductively to come up with sub-themes and themes. The findings of the study revealed that the traditional furnace motivated the learners involved in this study to learn science and learners were able to extract science concepts on malleability from the traditional practice. The implication for this study is that when science is related to learners’ daily life or real-world experiences, they are enabled to bridge the gap from what they learn at home or in the community with school science. The study thus recommends that teachers should make an effort to integrate local or indigenous knowledge and practices to make science accessible and relevant in their classrooms. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2021
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Date Issued: 2021-04

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Fisher’s hypothesis from a disaggregated perspective for South Africa: an asymmetric approach

- Mbekeni, Lutho

Authors: Mbekeni, Lutho
Date: 2021-04
Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
Language: English
Type: Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52978 , vital:44863
Description: In this study, we re-examine Fisher’s hypothesis for the South African economy during the post-inflation targeting era of 2002:Q1 to 2019:Q4, and in doing so, we present four noteworthy empirical contributions. Firstly, we employ two nonlinear frameworks to carry out our empirical analysis, i.e. i) Flexible Fourier Function (FFF) unit root tests, and ii) Nonlinear Autoregressive Distributed Lag model (NARDL). Secondly, we take the disaggregated approach in examining Fisher’s hypothesis by making use of survey-based inflation expectations data for financial analysts, the business sector, trade unions representatives, and household participants. Thirdly, we capture our inflation expectations using three different forecast horizons (i.e. current, 12-month ahead, and 24-month ahead). Lastly, we conduct a sensitivity analysis. After employing our FFF based tests, the empirical results highlighted the Reserve Bank’s success of stabilizing real interest rates for periods subsequent to the 2008 Subprime crisis, as compared to periods before the crisis. Furthermore, after employing the NARDL model, we observed that nominal interest rates are more responsive to the falling inflation expectations across all economic agents except for trade unions during the pre-crisis period. On the other hand, nominal interest rates were found to be more responsive to rising expectations of all economic agents in the post-crisis period. Essentially, our findings have important policy implications for monetary policy. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2021
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Date Issued: 2021-04

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A theoretical study of alkoxyl radical and radical cation mediated cyclisation reactions in unsaturated alkanols

- Lee, Peter Mattison Clarke

Authors: Lee, Peter Mattison Clarke
Date: 2021-04
Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Density functionals
Language: English
Type: Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52130 , vital:43430
Description: A large part of this computational study focussed on selectivity patterns for 4-penten- 1-oxyl radical 1,5- and 1,6-cyclisations and for those of analogous 5-hexenyl, 4- penten-1-aminyl, 4-penten-1-iminyl and 3-phenylpropan-1-oxyl radicals. The study furthermore included cyclisation reactions of the radical cations of 4-penten-1-ol and 3-phenylpropan-1-ol. Calculations were performed for all applicable species involved in the two cyclisation modes studied, i.e. 1,5- and 1,6-cyclisation. These species included radical and radical cation precursors, as well as relevant radical transition state structures and radical adducts. All cyclisation systems investigated used the Density Functional Theory (DFT) functional B3LYP with a combination of eight basis sets. Each basis set used was a progressively higher level of theory than B3LYP/6-31G* which was used as a starting point. Cyclisations for unsubstituted species, e.g. the 4-penten-1-oxyl radical 1,5- and 1,6-cyclisations, were also simulated using the ωB97X-D and ωB97X-V functionals which account for dispersive effects. The same set of eight basis sets were used with these two functionals. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2021
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Date Issued: 2021-04

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Antibiotics combination therapy option for the control of antimicrobial-resistant non-cholera causing Vibrio species recovered from environmental niches of Eastern Cape, South Africa

- Ayodele, Oluwakemi Victoria

Authors: Ayodele, Oluwakemi Victoria
Date: 2021-04
Subjects: Drug resistance in microorganisms , Vibrio cholerae
Language: English
Type: Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20396 , vital:45661
Description: Increased rate of antibiotic resistance (AR) poses a serious threat with a resultant notion of a possible end of the antibiotics era, making it a problem of concern to public health and a great implication on the world economy and human society. Despite many approaches developed to curb this menace, antibiotics resistance is still a challenge worldwide. This has made the use of combined therapy as one of the options in many cases. This study was conducted to assess antibiotics combination therapy as an option for the control of antimicrobial-resistant non-cholera causing Vibrio species that were recovered from the environment in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Two hundred and twenty-eight Vibrio species were recovered from the environment in the Province, and these were deposited in the archive of AEMREG. PCR was used to identify target Vibrio species. Disc diffusion method was used to evaluate the antibiotic susceptibility profile of the confirmed isolates against 11 antibiotics commonly used against infections. MIC and MBC were determined using antibiotics (imipenem, tetracycline, and nalidixic acid) that high resistance was discovered. Checkerboard assay was used to carry out antibiotics combination assay, and the FICI was calculated. Rate of kill was also determined using ½ × MIC, 1 × MIC, and 2 × MIC concentrations of the combined antibiotics at 2 hr intervals. One hundred of the isolates were confirmed to be Vibrio parahaemolyticus, 82 were Vibrio vulnificus and 46 were Vibrio fluvialis. Twenty-two (22) percent of the Vibrio parahaemolyticus isolates showed resistance against tetracycline and their resistance against other antimicrobials is as follows; nalidixic acid (16 percent), ampicillin (14 percent), cefotaxime (14 percent), chloramphenicol (12 percent) and amikacin (11 percent). For Vibrio vulnificus, prevalence of resistance was as follows: imipenem (40 percent), tetracycline (22 percent), ampicillin (18 percent), meropenem (15 percent), and chloramphenicol (11 percent). Vibrio fluvialis showed the following resistance profile: nalidixic acid (28 percent), tetracycline (28percent), ampicillin (20 percent), chloramphenicol (15 percent), amikacin (11 percent) and cefotaxime (11 percent). About 38 multiple antibiotic resistance phenotypes (MARP) were recorded in all species that were evaluated. About 23 percent were resistant to over 3 antibiotics used. The multiple antibiotic resistant indices (MARI) ranged between 0.3 and 0.8. MIC and MBC were carried against isolates that were resistant to the two most common antibiotics tested. MIC and MBC were determined in the following order: tetracycline and nalidixic acid at concentrations ranging from 16 μg/ml to 1024 μg/ml for Vibrio parahaemolyticus and 32 μg/ml to 2048 μg/ml for Vibrio fluvialis. Also, the MIC and MBC of imipenem and tetracycline at concentrations ranging from 8 μg/ml to 256 μg/ml for Vibrio vulnificus were determined. Antibiotics combination therapy was carried out and synergistic activity was observed in 3 of the 16 resistant V. parahaemolyticus isolates, 3 of the16 resistant V. vulnificus isolates and 2 of the 13 resistant V. fluvialis isolates. Antagonism was not observed across all the drug combinations. Rate of kill was also determined and at 6 hr exposure time, the highest concentration (2 × MIC) exhibited bactericidal effect across all three Vibrio species. The result derived in this research, therefore, propose that combination therapy is a promising solution to antimicrobial resistance in Vibrio species. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
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Date Issued: 2021-04

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Presidential accountability for cabinet appointments in South Africa

- Phorego, Molefhi Solomon

Authors: Phorego, Molefhi Solomon
Date: 2021-04
Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Executive power--South Africa
Language: English
Type: Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51212 , vital:43228
Description: The President’s power to appoint cabinet members in South Africa constitutes an essential part of the country’s constitutional framework. It is a discretionary power exercised by the President in his capacity as Head of State bestowed on him by the Constitution, which underpins cabinet appointments.The underlying debates in relation to the President’s power to make cabinet appointments lie between justiciability and non-justiciability. In this respect, there are two schools of thought regarding the question whether the exercise of such a power may be the subject of a judicial inquiry, and if so, to what extent. This thesis provides insight into the nature and origin of the President’s power to appoint cabinet members. It also delves deeply into issues raised by the doctrine of separation of powers surrounding the exercise of this power. The core focus of the thesis is on the extent to which the President can be held accountable for making cabinet appointments. The main argument advanced is that because South Africa is a country founded on the principles of constitutional supremacy and the rule of law, every exercise of public power should be subject to the Constitution, including the President’s power to appoint cabinet members. The determination of whether public power is in line with the dictates of the Constitution calls for an independent judiciary, with the power to rule on any aspect of societal disputes. In pursuit of the above, the thesis analyses the constitutional provisions and case law relevant to the President’s powers as Head of State. The research highlights, amongst others, the President’s duty to give reasons for cabinet appointments. On this point it is submitted that the President does have the constitutional obligation to give reasons for cabinet appointments. Comparisons with other jurisdictions on cabinet appointment processes and oversight mechanisms regarding the exercise of that power form the backdrop against which recommendations are made in the thesis. Proposals are advanced for increased legislative oversight in cabinet appointments. Such oversight should focus on inter alia, the President’s duty to furnish reasons for cabinet appointments. The thesis also proposes a constitutional framework in terms of which Parliament plays a role in the selection of appointees to cabinet. The rationale behind this recommendation is the minimising of instances in which the judiciary is accused of overreaching on the powers of the political organs of government. The courts should, however, still retain the power to pronounce whether both the President and Parliament have fulfilled their relevant constitutional obligations in relation to the process of cabinet appointments. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Law, Public Law, 2021
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Date Issued: 2021-04

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Assessing community engagement programmes to mitigate uncontrolled, deliberately ignited fires in forestry plantation-communal land interface, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa

- Ramantswana, Nontethelelo

Authors: Ramantswana, Nontethelelo
Date: 2021-04
Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Forest fires -- South Africa
Language: English
Type: Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52008 , vital:43439
Description: Forestry plantations in South Africa are surrounded by poor local communities that normally depend on the forestry resources for subsistence. This interface area is faced with human induced uncontrolled fires. There is a lack of understanding regarding the reasons for deliberate ignition of uncontrolled fires. There is also lack of information on the success of community engagement programs (CEPs) as fire protection intervention and / or their implementation barriers. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2021
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Date Issued: 2021-04

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Factors affecting the performance of the wooden furniture manufacturing industry in the Southern Cape

- Vheriwa, Prayer

Authors: Vheriwa, Prayer
Date: 2021-04
Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Furniture making -- South Africa
Language: English
Type: Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52017 , vital:43449
Description: The furniture manufacturing industry in South Africa is facing several challenges that affect the performance of firms in this sector. A literature review indicates several factors such as availability of resources; location; access to local markets; access to export markets; and development programmes that may affect the performance of wooden furniture manufacturing firms in the Southern Cape. The purpose of the current study was to fill the knowledge gap on why the performance of wooden furniture manufacturing firms in the Southern Cape has declined. The study intends to contribute to the limited formal information resources on the Southern Cape furniture manufacturing industry. A conceptual framework was developed and employed for investigating factors hypothesised to affect the performance of furniture manufacturing firms in the Southern Cape. The research conducted was explorative. An interpretive paradigm was selected to collect and interpret qualitative data and a positivist paradigm was used for the quantitative component of the study. The quantitative data was subjected to a chi-square test using IBM SPSS statistics software and qualitative data was analysed for meanings and context using ATLAS.ti software. Statistical tests on qualitative and quantitative data were conducted to determine whether sufficient evidence existed to make conclusions on the hypotheses, relating to significant relationships between the selected independent variables for the study and the performance of wooden furniture manufacturing firms in the Southern Cape. The results show that existing development programmes and availability of resources, namely: timber, skilled human resources and availability of finance, influence the performance of furniture manufacturing firms in the Southern Cape. Results further reveal that location; access to local market; and access to export market have a partial influence on the performance of the furniture manufacturing firms in the Southern Cape. The study presents information which serves to improve the capacity for growth of wooden furniture manufacturing firms. Based on the results, recommendations were made to overcome the factors affecting the performance of the furniture manufacturing firms in the Southern Cape. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2021
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Date Issued: 2021-04

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The Dragon in the News : how Malawian journalists perceive the political influence of China on news reporting in Malawi

- Nyirongo, Mwaona

Authors: Nyirongo, Mwaona
Date: 2021-04
Subjects: Journalists -- Malawi , Journalism -- Malawi , Journalism -- Political aspects -- Malawi , Journalism -- Objectivity -- Malawi , China -- Foreign economic relations -- Malawi , Malawi -- Economic conditions , Malawi -- Politics and government
Language: English
Type: thesis , text , Masters , MA
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/177907 , vital:42889
Description: The arrival of China in Malawi has been characterised by a growing sense of uncertainty where academics and social commentators at large have expressed concern over the intentions of the super power in the country. There are fears that China would like to extend its influence to Malawi as part of a broader push, to have greater influence in global politics and economics. That push is in part exercised through the media. The thesis examined the perception of Malawian journalists on how news media reports on Chinese activities in Malawi. It used content analysis to understand how the mediascape had changed from 2001 – 2007 when China had not established diplomatic relations with Malawi, and January 2008 – 2020 when China had established diplomatic relations. The thesis examined these shifts in journalistic representations of China in Malawi and developed prompts and probes from which journalist interviews were conducted. From the content analysis, it appears there is a remarkable change in the way China has been covered from 2001 – 2020. From 2001 – 2007, Malawian media, especially The Daily Times, was very harsh on China, uncritically reproducing Western representations of China as an aggressive country with no respect for human rights and dignity. This changed after January 2008 when the media leaned towards tolerance and acknowledgement of Chinese activities. Through interviews, journalists have indicated that the Chinese government offers opportunities, such as scholarships, fellowships, and exchange visits to journalists, making it difficult for them to bite the finger that is feeding them. This ‘soft power’ is backed up by the repressive power of the Malawi government, which uses intimidation to force journalists to report in their favour, thereby helping create a positive picture for China in Malawi. Journalists report that the significant shifts in journalistic representations of China have been mirrored by changes in the conceptualisation of journalistic roles in Malawi’s mediascape. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Journalsim and Media Studies, 2021
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Date Issued: 2021-04

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Antifungal activity of silver nanoparticles on Cryptococcus species

- Roman, Nasstasja

Authors: Roman, Nasstasja
Date: 2021-04
Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Cryptococcus
Language: English
Type: Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52089 , vital:43445
Description: Cryptococcus neoformans is responsible for cryptococcal infections, which have become a great concern particularly in immunocompromised patients. This pulmonary disease causes damage to lung tissue and is presumed to be responsible for approximately 650,000 deaths annually. There is a major need for novel antimicrobial agents to avoid the emergence of resistant strains due to extended use of known antifungal drugs. Silver has become an important antimicrobial agent used in medical devices, cosmetics and even house-hold or clothing products. It is highly toxic and has a reduced risk of resistance. Silver nanoparticles have been broadly explored as an antimicrobial agent due to its high reactivity, large surface area and small size. They have been reported to display antimicrobial activity towards bacteria, viruses and fungi. C. neoformans is a pathogenic microorganism that possesses a number of virulence factors which increases the infectivity of the microorganism in immunocompromised individuals. Some of these include the presence of a polysaccharide capsule, melanin, urease and phospholipase production. Owing to limited availability of antifungal drugs and the possibility of drug resistance, this study focused on an alternative antimicrobial agent, namely silver nanoparticles, and the effects that silver nanoparticles had on fungal β-glucan, chitin and urease, phospholipase and melanin virulence factors. Results from our study show that silver nanoparticles inhibited the growth of C. neoformans at concentrations between 3.125 ƒM and 25 ƒM. Both 26.4 nm and 28.4 nm nanoparticles displayed growth inhibition, but were unable to kill the organism at concentrations of 200 ƒM and above. The silver nanoparticles caused a reduction in βglucan content. There was also an accumulation of intracellular ROS, and phospholipase activity, was reduced. In contrast, the organism displayed an increase in chitin content, melanin and urease activity upon exposure to the nanoparticles. This study shows that chemically synthesized silver nanoparticles are an effective antifungal alternative that greatly reduces or inhibits C. neoformans growth at very low concentrations (ƒM). For future studies it may be feasible to investigate the use of these nanoparticles in combination with known antifungal agents, to prevent the emergence of resistance and inhibit possible defense mechanisms displayed by the organism. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2021
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Date Issued: 2021-04

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Incidence of parasitic trematodes effects on the energetics and behaviour of Coryogalops sordidus (Family: Gobiidae) resident in microbialite pools, warm temperate South Africa

- Du Toit, Hendrik Daniël

Authors: Du Toit, Hendrik Daniël
Date: 2021-04
Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Gobiidae -- South Africa
Language: English
Type: Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52458 , vital:43666
Description: Coryogalops sordidus(Epaulette goby), is a cryptobenthic species of the Family Gobiidae that iscommonly foundoccupying turbulent surf zones, calm rock pools, and sand and mud flats, where they are generally carnivorous predators. The distribution of C. sordidushas been recorded for Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, and South Africa. The species is also resident in the microbialite pools on the temperate south east coast of South Africa. Recent reports indicated these gobies to be covered in numerous dark lesions, possibly suggesting that the microbialite pools are a sub-optimal habitat. Preliminary analyses have indicated that the dark lesions are a result of encysted metacercaria of a digenetic trematode (fluke). There werehowever,no current recorded parasiticspecies occurring within microbialite pool nor any records of any parasitic species utilizingC. sordidus as a host in South Africa. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate parasite-host interactions and parasite presence in and around themicrobialite pool systems of Algoa Bay using C. sordidusas a study species. Coryogalops sordiduswas identified to be parasitised by digenetic trematode metacercaria of the Family Diplostomidae Poirier, 1886, localised primarily to the host musculature, fins, eyes, and integument with no settlement on any of the visceral organs. Furthermore, C. sordidus was found additionally parasitised by a green leech (Class: Hirundinea) of the Family Piscicolidae Johnston, 1865, localised exclusively to the ventral body surface, underneath the pelvic fin of the host. Further investigation into the life cycle of the trematode, suggested that the most probable final hosts wereherons,namely Ardea cinereaand Egretta garzetta garzetta, and intermediate host likely being the freshwater gastropod Assimineacf.capensis, present inthe upper microbialite pools. In both the microbialite and neighbouring rock pools trematode prevalence was found to oscillate in response to seasonal chemical and climatic conditions, whereas the secondary piscicolid leech parasite was influencedmoreby host presence than environmental conditions. Greater prevalence and intensity were measured in the microbialite pools suggesting that these systems likely contained a suit of favourable conditions that allowed for greater trematode loads to be maintained as compared to neighbouring rock pools. As parasites often have deleterious effects on their hosts, the response can manifest as an altered host behaviour or an increased energetic debt due to elevated immune response activity and the associated cost of tissue repair at sites of parasite aggregation.This study further investigatedifgobies (C. sordidus) infected with metacercarial cysts display higher metabolic ratesordifferent swimming behaviour compared to non-infected individuals. The results indicated that the metacercarial load carried by infected hosts had on average no significant impact on energetics, swimming ability, or swimming behaviour, concluding that the average metacercarial intensity present on the gobies is therefore below the threshold of an altered host response. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2021
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Date Issued: 2021-04

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An analysis of employee retention : a study of selected local municipalities in the Sarah Baartman District Municipality

- Maholo, Lisa

Authors: Maholo, Lisa
Date: 2021-04
Subjects: Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee retention -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal officials and employees -- Job satisfaction , Career development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Personnel management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal officials and employees -- Salaries, etc. -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Affiliation (Psychology)
Language: English
Type: thesis , text , Masters , MCom
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/177349 , vital:42813
Description: The success of municipalities largely depends on the quality (skills, knowledge and experience) of individuals employed at those institutions. As key role players in the delivery of services, municipalities struggle to retain a high calibre of employees who essentially form the backbone of the public sector due to their skills, knowledge and experiences. There is a need for municipalities to create and foster an environment that encourages existing employees to remain employed. This study adopted an interpretivist research paradigm, given the study’s primary aim of gaining an in-depth understanding of employee retention as experienced by employees in the selected municipalities, together with the key influencing factors of employee retention. The qualitative research approach used a case study methodology within the Sarah Baartman District Municipality, with two category B3 and B4 municipalities selected for the study. The retention factors framework for existing employees by Munsamy and Bosch-Venter (2009) was used as the supporting theoretical structure. Respondents were selected through purposive sampling, and 16 in-depth semi-structured interviews were used to collect qualitative data. Through various content analysis techniques employed, this study identified seven employee retention factors (affiliation, career, work content, direct financial factors, external forces, work–life balance and indirect financial factors) with their associated themes. Affiliation, career and work content were identified as the three key factors which influence employee retention. Management style (relationship and interaction between employees and manager), organisational commitment and work environment were the main themes giving meaning to the affiliation factor. Training, personal growth and advancement emerged as themes related to the career factor. The work content factor was defined in terms of meaningfulness, challenges and autonomy themes. Direct and indirect financial factors, external forces, and work–life balance also emerged as factors that play a role in the retention of employees within a municipal context. Base salary and incentives were the associated themes underlying the direct financial factor. However, base salary has short-term effects on retention. Political climate and organisational reputation, municipal category and organisational structure were interrelated external forces. Flexible work arrangements, access to family, and childcare facilities give meaning to the work–life balance, while the only indirect financial factor to arise was benefits. Although some of the retention factors are clearly more influential than others, key employees attach most importance to a combination of employee retention factors that cater to their holistic needs and desires and generational differences. Therefore, the recommendations need to be implemented simultaneously. Having managers who engage employees in decisions-making and offer guidance and support, together with work environments where the physical and behavioural aspects are attended to, encourages employees to feel valued and appreciated. Municipalities should effectively communicate their mandate of ensuring adequate service delivery, which will allow employees to align their personal values to municipal objectives. Offering on-the-job training, access to career developmental programmes, evaluating job characteristics to include challenging and stimulating work and additional incentives as financial support will foster a conducive working environment for employees. Overall, municipalities face unique challenges depending on a variety of external elements such as political influence and climate. They operate in a challenging environment where they are also accountable to the community. Ultimately, municipalities must create and develop ways to acknowledge, develop and retain key employees in order to adequately deliver services. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Management, 2021
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Date Issued: 2021-04

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Contract compliance in procuring and disposing entities (PDES) in state departments in Uganda: subtitle if needed. If no subtitle follow instructions in manual

- Babirye, Hamidah

Authors: Babirye, Hamidah
Date: 2021-04
Subjects: Communication , Records -- Management , Public contracts -- Uganda
Language: English
Type: Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50933 , vital:43173
Description: Contract compliance has continuously played a vital role in the development of nations globally. It is important, because it enhances the efficiency and success of projects; ensures value for money; mitigates risks and saves a considerable amount of time and resources. Despite its importance, projects continue to fail due to poor communication, untimely deliveries, poor quality deliveries and the lack of a suitable compliance environment. This study helped to address the aforementioned challenges by creating an enabling environment for contract compliance in procuring and disposing entities (PDEs) in state departments in Uganda. The purpose of this study was to determine the enabling factors necessary for contract compliance and how it can be effectively used to assist PDEs in the Ugandan context. This purpose was achieved through a qualitative research approach that provided insights into the need for contract compliance among PDEs and the perceptions thereof; the contract compliance processes; challenges associated with contract compliance and the factors to be considered when creating an enabling environment for contract compliance. Data was gathered from telephonic interviews with twenty one participants and focus group discussions via the Zoom online platform with eight participants, bringing the total number of participants to twenty nine. Participants included auditors, accounting officers, heads of finance departments, heads of procurement departments and procurement officers. Data was collected using an interview guide and analysed by means of content and thematic analyses. A conceptual framework for creating a suitable environment for contract compliance in PDEs was developed. Findings indicate that the critical factors for creating an enabling environment include: communication; reporting; records management; institutional structure; compliance checks; enforcement; a legal and regulatory framework; and evaluation. Other factors include: stakeholder involvement; contract management; funding; openness; ethical orientation; and capacity building. The proposed conceptual framework serves as a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners, especially those involved in public procurement. , Thesis (DPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business Management, 2021
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Date Issued: 2021-04

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