The impact of the BBB-EE policy instrument on wealth inequality : A case study on the banking sector of South Africa
- Moshikaro, Kei Kgaogelo Felia
- Authors: Moshikaro, Kei Kgaogelo Felia
- Date: 2021-10
- Subjects: Black Economic Empowerment (Program : South Africa) , Income distribution South Africa , South Africa Economic policy , South Africa Economic conditions 1991- , Banks and banking South Africa , South Africa. Financial Sector Regulation Act, 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/191035 , vital:45052
- Description: It has been recognised that, whether measured in terms of income or wealth, South Africa remains as one of the most unequal societies in the world. Reducing these high levels of inequalities has been an important area of focus through the formulation of policy instruments by South African policy makers. Within a specific focus on the South African banking sector, the objective of this research is to ascertaining the extent to which addressing inequalities was in fact achieved through the changing of wealth ownerships under the Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment policy instrument. To contextualise, the thesis surveys literature on two stylised economic hypotheses on both income and wealth to understand the potential causes of their respective inequalities. An exploration of both income, wealth measurements and their distributions in South Africa are presented, in addition to policy instruments designed to ameliorate income and wealth inequalities in South Africa. The thesis further presents brief case studies from the literature on Brazil’s success in reducing its high income inequality and the Malaysian National Economic Policy empowerment program to effect wealth economic transformation, as comparatives to the South African experience. The thesis findings indicate that contrary to the objectives of the BBB-EE instrument and wealth transfers, the program within the banking sector resulted in highly unequal wealth shares and equally high concentration levels. The richest top one per cent of individuals participating in the BEE transactions in the banking sector captured 79 per cent of the total wealth transfers, this providing indications of extremely high concentrations of wealth. Further, wealth meaningfully cumulates at only the 50 percentage level of the wealth distribution, this additionally suggesting that wealth transfers featured less in the bottom half of the wealth distribution. The banking BBB-EE wealth Gini coefficient of 0.88 is evidence of the extremely high levels of inequality that resulted from the BBB-EE program within the banking sector. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10
- Authors: Moshikaro, Kei Kgaogelo Felia
- Date: 2021-10
- Subjects: Black Economic Empowerment (Program : South Africa) , Income distribution South Africa , South Africa Economic policy , South Africa Economic conditions 1991- , Banks and banking South Africa , South Africa. Financial Sector Regulation Act, 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/191035 , vital:45052
- Description: It has been recognised that, whether measured in terms of income or wealth, South Africa remains as one of the most unequal societies in the world. Reducing these high levels of inequalities has been an important area of focus through the formulation of policy instruments by South African policy makers. Within a specific focus on the South African banking sector, the objective of this research is to ascertaining the extent to which addressing inequalities was in fact achieved through the changing of wealth ownerships under the Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment policy instrument. To contextualise, the thesis surveys literature on two stylised economic hypotheses on both income and wealth to understand the potential causes of their respective inequalities. An exploration of both income, wealth measurements and their distributions in South Africa are presented, in addition to policy instruments designed to ameliorate income and wealth inequalities in South Africa. The thesis further presents brief case studies from the literature on Brazil’s success in reducing its high income inequality and the Malaysian National Economic Policy empowerment program to effect wealth economic transformation, as comparatives to the South African experience. The thesis findings indicate that contrary to the objectives of the BBB-EE instrument and wealth transfers, the program within the banking sector resulted in highly unequal wealth shares and equally high concentration levels. The richest top one per cent of individuals participating in the BEE transactions in the banking sector captured 79 per cent of the total wealth transfers, this providing indications of extremely high concentrations of wealth. Further, wealth meaningfully cumulates at only the 50 percentage level of the wealth distribution, this additionally suggesting that wealth transfers featured less in the bottom half of the wealth distribution. The banking BBB-EE wealth Gini coefficient of 0.88 is evidence of the extremely high levels of inequality that resulted from the BBB-EE program within the banking sector. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10
A sustainability practices educational intervention in response to environmental matters of concern amongst Makhanda youth
- Authors: Musiyiwa, Fungayi Lona
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Sustainable living South Africa Makhanda , Social learning South Africa Makhanda , Eco clubs South Africa Makhanda , Environmental education Activity programs South Africa Makhanda , Youth in development South Africa Makhanda , Youth Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/188364 , vital:44747
- Description: This study responded to urbanisation as one of the challenges affecting youths’ lifestyles in this century. Children and youth around the world are living in overpopulated, polluted and unsafe environments which fail to produce opportunities for learning, play and recreation (World Health Organisation [WHO], 2017). This study explored these issues in the context of Makhanda with an intervention to engage youth in sustainability practices, to help them to strengthen sustainable lifestyles. The participants in this research were members of two eco-clubs from two schools in Makhanda ranging in age from 12-14 years (primary school) and 15-17 years (high school). The study explored how learning processes within a club intervention contributed to the well- being of participating youth and their capacity to live sustainable and fulfilling lives. The research explored (with participants) eight themes as matters of concern namely, ‘education’, ‘home-life’, ‘energy use’, ‘mobility’, ‘leisure and communication’, ‘waste’, ‘water’ and ‘food’. Detailed case narratives exploring Wals’ social learning stages were used to explore the themes. These themes were explored through photo narratives of the youths’ lives and matters of concern in sustainability issues, risks and practices emanating from the Makhanda context. The pedagogical framework for the intervention was guided by Wals’ social learning framework for mobilizing sustainability practices. Social learning interaction took place through all the stages of the framework and the challenges and potentials of the educational intervention were explored in relation to each stage. From the six themes suggested above the youth chose food and water as themes to take forward as a response project. The project pursued was a vegetable garden in which the youth were actively engaged in order to seek and try out sustainable ways of living. An interpretive approach was used within the interpretive paradigm. Qualitative data were generated through focus group discussions, observations, individual interviews and document analysis. Practice architectures theory was used analytically to explore the dynamics of the emergent sustainability practices initiated by the eco-club youth. I used it as a change method and a tool for initiating social learning actions for ‘sustainability practices’ projects. The study indicated that the youth’s key challenges affecting sustainability of their lifestyles are: lack of access to basic infrastructure, recreational facilities, electricity supply, transport, security and water. In this study, it was clear that much of the youth’s involvement in these matters of concern and sustainability issues was at the level of participating in the six themes through Wals’ social learning processes. This allowed youths to develop their knowledge and skills on how to participate in the gardening project rather than simply focusing on the environmental matters of concern in question. The Handprint Resource Books have been designed for educators who are looking for practical ideas to work with in the learning areas of the National Curriculum. The focus is on sustainability practices that can be taken up within the perspective that each learning area brings to environment and sustainability concerns. The use of the Handprint Resource Books promoted active youth participation and interaction encouraging youth to be reflective thinkers, which led to understanding of the issues and the sustainability practices that emerged during the discussions. The Handprint Resource Books focused on sustainability practices within the learning area of environment and sustainability concerns. Due to her facilitation skills, an environmental expert’s presentation on a sustainability topic enabled youths to select the intended project. The involvement of youth in the implementation of the vegetable garden as a sustainability practice empowered youth to be more confident in engaging in a collective action for change as they developed the capability to share and start their own vegetable gardens at their homes. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Environmental Learning Research Centre, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Musiyiwa, Fungayi Lona
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Sustainable living South Africa Makhanda , Social learning South Africa Makhanda , Eco clubs South Africa Makhanda , Environmental education Activity programs South Africa Makhanda , Youth in development South Africa Makhanda , Youth Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/188364 , vital:44747
- Description: This study responded to urbanisation as one of the challenges affecting youths’ lifestyles in this century. Children and youth around the world are living in overpopulated, polluted and unsafe environments which fail to produce opportunities for learning, play and recreation (World Health Organisation [WHO], 2017). This study explored these issues in the context of Makhanda with an intervention to engage youth in sustainability practices, to help them to strengthen sustainable lifestyles. The participants in this research were members of two eco-clubs from two schools in Makhanda ranging in age from 12-14 years (primary school) and 15-17 years (high school). The study explored how learning processes within a club intervention contributed to the well- being of participating youth and their capacity to live sustainable and fulfilling lives. The research explored (with participants) eight themes as matters of concern namely, ‘education’, ‘home-life’, ‘energy use’, ‘mobility’, ‘leisure and communication’, ‘waste’, ‘water’ and ‘food’. Detailed case narratives exploring Wals’ social learning stages were used to explore the themes. These themes were explored through photo narratives of the youths’ lives and matters of concern in sustainability issues, risks and practices emanating from the Makhanda context. The pedagogical framework for the intervention was guided by Wals’ social learning framework for mobilizing sustainability practices. Social learning interaction took place through all the stages of the framework and the challenges and potentials of the educational intervention were explored in relation to each stage. From the six themes suggested above the youth chose food and water as themes to take forward as a response project. The project pursued was a vegetable garden in which the youth were actively engaged in order to seek and try out sustainable ways of living. An interpretive approach was used within the interpretive paradigm. Qualitative data were generated through focus group discussions, observations, individual interviews and document analysis. Practice architectures theory was used analytically to explore the dynamics of the emergent sustainability practices initiated by the eco-club youth. I used it as a change method and a tool for initiating social learning actions for ‘sustainability practices’ projects. The study indicated that the youth’s key challenges affecting sustainability of their lifestyles are: lack of access to basic infrastructure, recreational facilities, electricity supply, transport, security and water. In this study, it was clear that much of the youth’s involvement in these matters of concern and sustainability issues was at the level of participating in the six themes through Wals’ social learning processes. This allowed youths to develop their knowledge and skills on how to participate in the gardening project rather than simply focusing on the environmental matters of concern in question. The Handprint Resource Books have been designed for educators who are looking for practical ideas to work with in the learning areas of the National Curriculum. The focus is on sustainability practices that can be taken up within the perspective that each learning area brings to environment and sustainability concerns. The use of the Handprint Resource Books promoted active youth participation and interaction encouraging youth to be reflective thinkers, which led to understanding of the issues and the sustainability practices that emerged during the discussions. The Handprint Resource Books focused on sustainability practices within the learning area of environment and sustainability concerns. Due to her facilitation skills, an environmental expert’s presentation on a sustainability topic enabled youths to select the intended project. The involvement of youth in the implementation of the vegetable garden as a sustainability practice empowered youth to be more confident in engaging in a collective action for change as they developed the capability to share and start their own vegetable gardens at their homes. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Environmental Learning Research Centre, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Exploring visual probability teaching strategies for enhancing mathematical thinking in grade 11 classrooms
- Nghidinwa, Lavinia Tangi-Jehova
- Authors: Nghidinwa, Lavinia Tangi-Jehova
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Mathematics Study and teaching (Secondary) Namibia , Probabilities , Visualization , Learning models (Stochastic processes) , VIPROMaths project
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192002 , vital:45187
- Description: This Namibian case study aimed to explore the use of visualisation tools associated with different teaching strategies in the teaching of probability concepts in Grade 11 by selected teachers, to promote mathematical thinking. This research project is an integral component of the VIPROMaths project whose goal is to research the effective use of visualisation strategies in the mathematics classroom in the Southern African region. As a mathematics teacher, I have observed that mathematics teaching practices in our classrooms have relatively little connection with actual mathematics and as a result, teaching misses opportunities to promote mathematical thinking. This qualitative case study is underpinned by an interpretive paradigm and it is informed by the dual coding theory. Data was collected through survey questionnaires, reflective journals, field notes, observation schedules and stimulus-recall interviews. Firstly, I piloted my study by conducting a survey with the Grade 10-12 mathematics teachers in the Khomas region. The aim of this survey was to understand and explore how teachers in the Khomas region taught probability prior to the intervention programme. The data was analysed quantitatively using descriptive statistics such as tables and bar graphs. The findings from the survey necessitated the need for an intervention programme with some teachers in the region, focused on the use of visual tools to promote mathematical thinking. Lastly, three schools were selected from which three Grade 11 mathematics teachers were chosen to take part in an intervention programme. The goal was to observe how these three teachers use visual probability teaching strategies to enhance mathematical thinking after participating in an intervention programme. Lesson observations showed that all observed teachers used visual models to generate images and used models to develop a probability idea as well as to create platforms for classroom discussions. Interviews revealed that teachers’ views towards probability have shifted from that of being the centre of knowledge to that of a facilitator. As a result, teachers used different models to build on learners’ prior knowledge, to assess whether they grasped the probability concept and extend their teaching to real-life situations. This study concluded that the teachers need to consider using mathematical models for creating a platform for discussion to ensure that their verbal explanations are in line with the visuals incorporated. Coupled with that, the teachers’ correct use of visual probability teaching strategies has the potential of enhancing learners’ mathematical thinking. Therefore, teachers need to teach the learners how to create visuals for enhancing maximise understanding of probability concepts in mathematics. Furthermore, it is hoped that the findings will be useful to mathematics teachers, scholars and educators to improve the teaching of probability. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Nghidinwa, Lavinia Tangi-Jehova
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Mathematics Study and teaching (Secondary) Namibia , Probabilities , Visualization , Learning models (Stochastic processes) , VIPROMaths project
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192002 , vital:45187
- Description: This Namibian case study aimed to explore the use of visualisation tools associated with different teaching strategies in the teaching of probability concepts in Grade 11 by selected teachers, to promote mathematical thinking. This research project is an integral component of the VIPROMaths project whose goal is to research the effective use of visualisation strategies in the mathematics classroom in the Southern African region. As a mathematics teacher, I have observed that mathematics teaching practices in our classrooms have relatively little connection with actual mathematics and as a result, teaching misses opportunities to promote mathematical thinking. This qualitative case study is underpinned by an interpretive paradigm and it is informed by the dual coding theory. Data was collected through survey questionnaires, reflective journals, field notes, observation schedules and stimulus-recall interviews. Firstly, I piloted my study by conducting a survey with the Grade 10-12 mathematics teachers in the Khomas region. The aim of this survey was to understand and explore how teachers in the Khomas region taught probability prior to the intervention programme. The data was analysed quantitatively using descriptive statistics such as tables and bar graphs. The findings from the survey necessitated the need for an intervention programme with some teachers in the region, focused on the use of visual tools to promote mathematical thinking. Lastly, three schools were selected from which three Grade 11 mathematics teachers were chosen to take part in an intervention programme. The goal was to observe how these three teachers use visual probability teaching strategies to enhance mathematical thinking after participating in an intervention programme. Lesson observations showed that all observed teachers used visual models to generate images and used models to develop a probability idea as well as to create platforms for classroom discussions. Interviews revealed that teachers’ views towards probability have shifted from that of being the centre of knowledge to that of a facilitator. As a result, teachers used different models to build on learners’ prior knowledge, to assess whether they grasped the probability concept and extend their teaching to real-life situations. This study concluded that the teachers need to consider using mathematical models for creating a platform for discussion to ensure that their verbal explanations are in line with the visuals incorporated. Coupled with that, the teachers’ correct use of visual probability teaching strategies has the potential of enhancing learners’ mathematical thinking. Therefore, teachers need to teach the learners how to create visuals for enhancing maximise understanding of probability concepts in mathematics. Furthermore, it is hoped that the findings will be useful to mathematics teachers, scholars and educators to improve the teaching of probability. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Mobilising stories about cultural beliefs and practices on traditional foods to contextualise the topic on nutrition in a Grade 6 township class
- Authors: Nuntsu, Sipho Nimrod
- Date: 2021-10
- Subjects: Culturally relevant pedagogy South Africa , Science Study and teaching (Elementary) South Africa , Nutrition Study and teaching (Elementary) South Africa , Traditional ecological knowledge South Africa , Storytelling , Reasoning , Contiguity Argumentation Theory (CAT) , South African Curriculum Assessment and Policy Statement (CAPS) , Socio-cultural theory
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/190940 , vital:45043
- Description: The South African Curriculum Assessment and Policy Statement (CAPS) document stipulates that science teachers should integrate indigenous knowledge (IK) into their science teaching. The rationale for this is to contextualise the content and make science accessible and relevant to learners. Despite these ideals, however, CAPS seems to be silent on how science teachers should go about doing this. Instead, it assumes that all teachers know how to integrate IK in their science teaching. As a result, many teachers are still not sure of how to integrate IK into their science classrooms. Such rhetoric and tension between curriculum formulation and implementation triggered my interest to do a study on how to mobilise stories about cultural beliefs and practices of traditional foods to mediate learning of nutrition in a Grade 6 Natural Sciences township class. The study was underpinned by an interprevist paradigm complemented with an Ubuntu paradigm to enhance explanations. Within these paradigms, a qualitative case study research design was adopted. It was conducted at Mdoko Primary school (pseudonym) in a semi-urban community in the Amathole West district of the Eastern Cape. The participants were 34 Grade 6 learners (15 boys and 19 girls), a Grade 6 Natural Sciences teacher who was my critical friend, and two expert community members. To generate data, I used a focus group discussion, group activities, classroom observations, and learners’ reflective journals. Vygotsky’s socio-cultural theory and Ogunniyi’s Contiguity Argumentation Theory (CAT) were used as theoretical and analytical frameworks, respectively. A thematic approach to data analysis was employed. That is, data were analysed inductively to identify sub-themes and subsequently similar sub-themes were grouped together to form themes. The two expert community members’ presentations equipped my learners with stories on cultural beliefs and practices that were used in the olden days (past) and how such stories are used in our days (present). For instance, the findings of this study revealed that women during menstruation must not drink amasi as it is believed that it would prolong the menstruation time. The findings also revealed that eating of amaqanda and inside meat by youths should be minimised as it is believed that it can stimulate their sex hormones. It also revealed that there is no relevance to science that men eating imifino would be weak among other men who do not eat them. The implications for this study is that science teachers should make some efforts to integrate IK in their teaching to make science accessible and relevant to their learners. To achieve this, the study thus recommends that science teachers should find ways of tapping into the cultural heritage and wisdom that is possessed by the expert community members to enable learners to cross the bridge from home to school. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10
- Authors: Nuntsu, Sipho Nimrod
- Date: 2021-10
- Subjects: Culturally relevant pedagogy South Africa , Science Study and teaching (Elementary) South Africa , Nutrition Study and teaching (Elementary) South Africa , Traditional ecological knowledge South Africa , Storytelling , Reasoning , Contiguity Argumentation Theory (CAT) , South African Curriculum Assessment and Policy Statement (CAPS) , Socio-cultural theory
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/190940 , vital:45043
- Description: The South African Curriculum Assessment and Policy Statement (CAPS) document stipulates that science teachers should integrate indigenous knowledge (IK) into their science teaching. The rationale for this is to contextualise the content and make science accessible and relevant to learners. Despite these ideals, however, CAPS seems to be silent on how science teachers should go about doing this. Instead, it assumes that all teachers know how to integrate IK in their science teaching. As a result, many teachers are still not sure of how to integrate IK into their science classrooms. Such rhetoric and tension between curriculum formulation and implementation triggered my interest to do a study on how to mobilise stories about cultural beliefs and practices of traditional foods to mediate learning of nutrition in a Grade 6 Natural Sciences township class. The study was underpinned by an interprevist paradigm complemented with an Ubuntu paradigm to enhance explanations. Within these paradigms, a qualitative case study research design was adopted. It was conducted at Mdoko Primary school (pseudonym) in a semi-urban community in the Amathole West district of the Eastern Cape. The participants were 34 Grade 6 learners (15 boys and 19 girls), a Grade 6 Natural Sciences teacher who was my critical friend, and two expert community members. To generate data, I used a focus group discussion, group activities, classroom observations, and learners’ reflective journals. Vygotsky’s socio-cultural theory and Ogunniyi’s Contiguity Argumentation Theory (CAT) were used as theoretical and analytical frameworks, respectively. A thematic approach to data analysis was employed. That is, data were analysed inductively to identify sub-themes and subsequently similar sub-themes were grouped together to form themes. The two expert community members’ presentations equipped my learners with stories on cultural beliefs and practices that were used in the olden days (past) and how such stories are used in our days (present). For instance, the findings of this study revealed that women during menstruation must not drink amasi as it is believed that it would prolong the menstruation time. The findings also revealed that eating of amaqanda and inside meat by youths should be minimised as it is believed that it can stimulate their sex hormones. It also revealed that there is no relevance to science that men eating imifino would be weak among other men who do not eat them. The implications for this study is that science teachers should make some efforts to integrate IK in their teaching to make science accessible and relevant to their learners. To achieve this, the study thus recommends that science teachers should find ways of tapping into the cultural heritage and wisdom that is possessed by the expert community members to enable learners to cross the bridge from home to school. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10
What is political corruption?: A philosophical analysis
- Authors: Onah, Gideon Owogeka
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Political corruption , Political ethics , Political science Philosophy , Philp, Mark , Thompson, Dennis F (Dennis Frank), 1940- , Miller, Seumas
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192298 , vital:45213
- Description: The concept of political corruption is crucial in political discourses. Since the 1990s, there has been a massive resurgence of focus on political corruption. Definitional accounts of the concept have been proposed. This work is a critique of the accounts that have since been provided. I argue that these definitions are inadequate, offering an alternative. The predominant definition of the concept is that it refers to public officials’ violations of public office rules due to their respective interests in private gain. I consider this wrong for three reasons. First, politics includes more than the activities of public officials. Second, that is not the only behaviour that is contrary to the moral imperatives of politics. Third, the lack of political integrity is not just about acting wrongly. It also includes the possession of political vices. Observing the inadequacy of the dominant perspective, Seumas Miller offers a more comprehensive definition. He defines political corruption as any act that despoils the moral character of political actors and undermines the processes and purposes of legitimate political institutions. However, his definition is also insufficient. First, he includes some immoral non-political acts as examples of political corruption, although he agrees that political corruption entails immorality in politics. Second, he unjustifiably excludes some immoral political actions as denoting political corruption. In contrast, I define political corruption as possessing political vices or acting contrary to moral, political imperatives. This definition is a comprehensive reflection of what it means to lack political integrity. My thesis begins with a critical account of politics and its moral imperatives. That is the criteria for determining what political corruption is. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Philosophy, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Onah, Gideon Owogeka
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Political corruption , Political ethics , Political science Philosophy , Philp, Mark , Thompson, Dennis F (Dennis Frank), 1940- , Miller, Seumas
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192298 , vital:45213
- Description: The concept of political corruption is crucial in political discourses. Since the 1990s, there has been a massive resurgence of focus on political corruption. Definitional accounts of the concept have been proposed. This work is a critique of the accounts that have since been provided. I argue that these definitions are inadequate, offering an alternative. The predominant definition of the concept is that it refers to public officials’ violations of public office rules due to their respective interests in private gain. I consider this wrong for three reasons. First, politics includes more than the activities of public officials. Second, that is not the only behaviour that is contrary to the moral imperatives of politics. Third, the lack of political integrity is not just about acting wrongly. It also includes the possession of political vices. Observing the inadequacy of the dominant perspective, Seumas Miller offers a more comprehensive definition. He defines political corruption as any act that despoils the moral character of political actors and undermines the processes and purposes of legitimate political institutions. However, his definition is also insufficient. First, he includes some immoral non-political acts as examples of political corruption, although he agrees that political corruption entails immorality in politics. Second, he unjustifiably excludes some immoral political actions as denoting political corruption. In contrast, I define political corruption as possessing political vices or acting contrary to moral, political imperatives. This definition is a comprehensive reflection of what it means to lack political integrity. My thesis begins with a critical account of politics and its moral imperatives. That is the criteria for determining what political corruption is. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Philosophy, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Is there an inverse-u relationship between financialisation and investment?: South Africa’s stock market capitalisation in comparative perspective
- Authors: Owen, Michael Robert
- Date: 2021-10
- Subjects: Monetary policy South Africa , Globalization , Economics South Africa , Capital movements South Africa , Stock exchanges South Africa , Investments South Africa , Economic development South Africa , South Africa Economic conditions 1991-
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/191084 , vital:45058
- Description: In recent decades, the growth and fluctuations in the financial sector have become increasingly disjointed from events in the real economy. There has been a dramatic increase in global market integration and globalisation since the 2008 financial crisis. The argument presented in the thesis shows perspective from the two general debates in Economics. The Orthodox view, which suggests there is an efficient flow of resources between people and institutions over time, supports the argument that there is a positive relationship between financialisation and economic growth. Alternatively, the Heterodox view argues that financial liberalisation fails to anticipate market effects and requires intervention in order to limit negative consequences. More recent studies have proposed an inverse-U theory between financialisation and investment, which suggests that there is a threshold, above which further financial development and financial globalisation has detrimental effects on the real economy. With South Africa being a developing country that is highly reliant on capital inflows to finance the economy, there is space for more acute research to investigate whether South Africa has surpassed this threshold. This study focusses on one aspect of this relationship, namely the relationship between Stock Market Capitalisation and Investment. It uses panel data analysis and other methods to explore whether such an inverse-U relationship exists internationally, and whether South Africa is suffering from the effects of financialisation. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10
- Authors: Owen, Michael Robert
- Date: 2021-10
- Subjects: Monetary policy South Africa , Globalization , Economics South Africa , Capital movements South Africa , Stock exchanges South Africa , Investments South Africa , Economic development South Africa , South Africa Economic conditions 1991-
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/191084 , vital:45058
- Description: In recent decades, the growth and fluctuations in the financial sector have become increasingly disjointed from events in the real economy. There has been a dramatic increase in global market integration and globalisation since the 2008 financial crisis. The argument presented in the thesis shows perspective from the two general debates in Economics. The Orthodox view, which suggests there is an efficient flow of resources between people and institutions over time, supports the argument that there is a positive relationship between financialisation and economic growth. Alternatively, the Heterodox view argues that financial liberalisation fails to anticipate market effects and requires intervention in order to limit negative consequences. More recent studies have proposed an inverse-U theory between financialisation and investment, which suggests that there is a threshold, above which further financial development and financial globalisation has detrimental effects on the real economy. With South Africa being a developing country that is highly reliant on capital inflows to finance the economy, there is space for more acute research to investigate whether South Africa has surpassed this threshold. This study focusses on one aspect of this relationship, namely the relationship between Stock Market Capitalisation and Investment. It uses panel data analysis and other methods to explore whether such an inverse-U relationship exists internationally, and whether South Africa is suffering from the effects of financialisation. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10
Investigation of sediment buffering function of the Gatberg Floodplain Wetland in the upper Tsitsa River Catchment, South Africa
- Pakati, Sibuyisele Sweetness
- Authors: Pakati, Sibuyisele Sweetness
- Date: 2021-10
- Subjects: Sedimentation and deposition South Africa Eastern Cape , Sediment transport South Africa Eastern Cape , Floodplain morphology South Africa Eastern Cape , Wetlands South Africa Eastern Cape , Suspended sediments South Africa Eastern Cape , Floods South Africa Eastern Cape , Fluvial geomorphology South Africa Eastern Cape , Floodplain plants South Africa Eastern Cape , Inundation depth
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/190792 , vital:45028
- Description: Floodplain wetlands are important components of river systems that provide various ecosystem services such as sediment buffering. These wide and often expansive storage areas have a substantial impact on downstream water quality by trapping sediment and storing ‘contaminants’ adhered to sediment thus improving water quality. The planned construction of the Ntabelanga and Lalini Dams in the Tsitsa River Catchment has been proposed; however, due to the steep landscapes and erodible soils, this promotes high erosion rates that can potentially reduce the lifespan of the proposed dams. The existing wetlands in the Tsitsa River Catchment have therefore been identified as key sediment buffers that can reduce sediment transport, but the effectiveness of these buffers is poorly researched. This study attempts to investigate the current sediment buffering function of the Gatberg Floodplain Wetland over one wet season (August 2019 to August 2020). Time integrated samplers were installed above and below the wetland to determine relative sediment volume and character coming in and out of the wetland. Five transects were surveyed across the wetland width to evaluate the topography and vegetation characteristics. Surface sediment samples on the floodplain were taken at key morphological features along each transect and along the river longitudinal profile to determine organic content, particle size, and type of stored sediment. Astro turf mats were deployed on targeted transects and on key floodplain features to determine sediment accumulation rates. Field measurements of vegetation parameters (height, density, and stem diameter) were taken to calculate vegetation-induced hydraulic roughness to understand possible sedimentation feedbacks. The relative sediment volume coming into the wetland was greater than that leaving the wetland. This implies that some of the sediment is buffered within the wetland. An approximate proportion of 73% trapping efficiency of the incoming sediment was buffered within the floodplain wetland during the wet season. This accumulated approximately 4 tons within the wetland over the monitoring frame. Bed particle size in the longitudinal profile increased with distance downstream, this was due to localized tributary and hillslope inputs. Inundation depth varied across the floodplain wetland with deeper inundation depths at the head of the wetland than at the bottom; where particle size was larger with an increase in water level depth. This may be linked to both high stream velocities and variability of the floodplain topography. However, the observed trends were inconclusive and uncertain. Stronger correlations with particle size were shown by vegetation roughness (b* = 0.41) and distance from the channel (b* = -0.38). Flood benches and banks had a coarser D50 particle size than back swamps and oxbows. Coarser sediment in flood benches are associated with proximity to the sediment-laden water that experiences abrupt flow velocity changes, while finer material in oxbows are due to minimal flow velocities which reduce with distance from the channel. Finer particles remain in suspension and are carried aloft for longer periods at very low velocities. Therefore, particle size decreased with distance from the channel due to longer travel distances and high surface area relative to weight. Further results showed that finer surface sediment particle size was associated with high vegetation roughness whilst coarser material was associated with low roughness. This was due to vegetation geometry and type or changes in flow velocity and energy. Grassy vegetation induced finer particle size than shrubby vegetation that has a greater line spacing. Furthermore, vegetation roughness varied over the wet season; roughness was highest in late summer and low in early summer. Low roughness was due to fire occurrence in the study area which resulted in a decrease in biomass. Increasing vegetation roughness can be due to increased flood events, and the introduction of non-perennial species; which can increase sediment accumulation rates. Although studies have shown that vegetation density is the most essential factor affecting flow resistance and sedimentation processes; vegetation height and stem diameter for this study area seem to contrast these observations and rather may be the most significant contributing factors in sedimentation. This concluded that vegetation density may not always be the most essential component in sedimentation processes. Sediment particle size was inversely proportional to organic content; finer particle size are more cohesive and more capable of carrying organics. Regions further away from the channel such as oxbows with stable moisture conditions favour plant growth and soil formation thus are susceptible to high organic content. Flood benches are closer to the channel, thus have coarser material and fluctuating moisture conditions that have unstable high water flow velocities. High sediment accumulation rates on flood benches and oxbows is due to high connectivity to sediment-laden water and high hydroperiods or high residence time for sediment accumulation in oxbows. Sediment accumulation rate was shown to be a function of particle size itself (b* = 0.67) rather than the expected vegetation roughness. Although a true representation of sediment accumulation rates in the Gatberg Wetland was limited by the disturbance of astro turf mats by animals and possibly by high flooding events; the wetland can be regarded as a good sediment buffer as some sediment was stored (e.g. up to 48,04 kg/m2 in flood benches) within the wetland over the monitoring period. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Geography, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10
- Authors: Pakati, Sibuyisele Sweetness
- Date: 2021-10
- Subjects: Sedimentation and deposition South Africa Eastern Cape , Sediment transport South Africa Eastern Cape , Floodplain morphology South Africa Eastern Cape , Wetlands South Africa Eastern Cape , Suspended sediments South Africa Eastern Cape , Floods South Africa Eastern Cape , Fluvial geomorphology South Africa Eastern Cape , Floodplain plants South Africa Eastern Cape , Inundation depth
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/190792 , vital:45028
- Description: Floodplain wetlands are important components of river systems that provide various ecosystem services such as sediment buffering. These wide and often expansive storage areas have a substantial impact on downstream water quality by trapping sediment and storing ‘contaminants’ adhered to sediment thus improving water quality. The planned construction of the Ntabelanga and Lalini Dams in the Tsitsa River Catchment has been proposed; however, due to the steep landscapes and erodible soils, this promotes high erosion rates that can potentially reduce the lifespan of the proposed dams. The existing wetlands in the Tsitsa River Catchment have therefore been identified as key sediment buffers that can reduce sediment transport, but the effectiveness of these buffers is poorly researched. This study attempts to investigate the current sediment buffering function of the Gatberg Floodplain Wetland over one wet season (August 2019 to August 2020). Time integrated samplers were installed above and below the wetland to determine relative sediment volume and character coming in and out of the wetland. Five transects were surveyed across the wetland width to evaluate the topography and vegetation characteristics. Surface sediment samples on the floodplain were taken at key morphological features along each transect and along the river longitudinal profile to determine organic content, particle size, and type of stored sediment. Astro turf mats were deployed on targeted transects and on key floodplain features to determine sediment accumulation rates. Field measurements of vegetation parameters (height, density, and stem diameter) were taken to calculate vegetation-induced hydraulic roughness to understand possible sedimentation feedbacks. The relative sediment volume coming into the wetland was greater than that leaving the wetland. This implies that some of the sediment is buffered within the wetland. An approximate proportion of 73% trapping efficiency of the incoming sediment was buffered within the floodplain wetland during the wet season. This accumulated approximately 4 tons within the wetland over the monitoring frame. Bed particle size in the longitudinal profile increased with distance downstream, this was due to localized tributary and hillslope inputs. Inundation depth varied across the floodplain wetland with deeper inundation depths at the head of the wetland than at the bottom; where particle size was larger with an increase in water level depth. This may be linked to both high stream velocities and variability of the floodplain topography. However, the observed trends were inconclusive and uncertain. Stronger correlations with particle size were shown by vegetation roughness (b* = 0.41) and distance from the channel (b* = -0.38). Flood benches and banks had a coarser D50 particle size than back swamps and oxbows. Coarser sediment in flood benches are associated with proximity to the sediment-laden water that experiences abrupt flow velocity changes, while finer material in oxbows are due to minimal flow velocities which reduce with distance from the channel. Finer particles remain in suspension and are carried aloft for longer periods at very low velocities. Therefore, particle size decreased with distance from the channel due to longer travel distances and high surface area relative to weight. Further results showed that finer surface sediment particle size was associated with high vegetation roughness whilst coarser material was associated with low roughness. This was due to vegetation geometry and type or changes in flow velocity and energy. Grassy vegetation induced finer particle size than shrubby vegetation that has a greater line spacing. Furthermore, vegetation roughness varied over the wet season; roughness was highest in late summer and low in early summer. Low roughness was due to fire occurrence in the study area which resulted in a decrease in biomass. Increasing vegetation roughness can be due to increased flood events, and the introduction of non-perennial species; which can increase sediment accumulation rates. Although studies have shown that vegetation density is the most essential factor affecting flow resistance and sedimentation processes; vegetation height and stem diameter for this study area seem to contrast these observations and rather may be the most significant contributing factors in sedimentation. This concluded that vegetation density may not always be the most essential component in sedimentation processes. Sediment particle size was inversely proportional to organic content; finer particle size are more cohesive and more capable of carrying organics. Regions further away from the channel such as oxbows with stable moisture conditions favour plant growth and soil formation thus are susceptible to high organic content. Flood benches are closer to the channel, thus have coarser material and fluctuating moisture conditions that have unstable high water flow velocities. High sediment accumulation rates on flood benches and oxbows is due to high connectivity to sediment-laden water and high hydroperiods or high residence time for sediment accumulation in oxbows. Sediment accumulation rate was shown to be a function of particle size itself (b* = 0.67) rather than the expected vegetation roughness. Although a true representation of sediment accumulation rates in the Gatberg Wetland was limited by the disturbance of astro turf mats by animals and possibly by high flooding events; the wetland can be regarded as a good sediment buffer as some sediment was stored (e.g. up to 48,04 kg/m2 in flood benches) within the wetland over the monitoring period. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Geography, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10
The geology, mineralogy, structure and economic aspects of the pegmatite-hosted Swanson Tantalum Deposit, Tantalite Valley area, southern Namibia
- Authors: Pepler, Laubser
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Pegmatites South Africa Pofadder (Region) , Tantalum South Africa Pofadder (Region) , Geology South Africa Pofadder (Region) , Mineralogy South Africa Pofadder (Region) , Pegmatites South Africa Pofadder (Region) Structure , Pegmatites Economic aspects South Africa Pofadder (Region) , Pofadder Shear Zone , Tantalite Valley Complex , Orange River Pegmatite Belt , Lower Fish River/Onseepkans Thrust Zone
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/291303 , vital:56843
- Description: This study presents the geology, mineralogy, structure, and economic aspects of the recently explored Swanson Tantalum Deposit occurring within the Namaqua Sector of the Namaqua Natal Metamorphic Province, Tantalite Valley area, southern Namibia. It is an LCT-type pegmatite hosted (microlitetantalite- tapiolite ± spodumene – lepidolite - zinnwaldite) tantalum deposit forming part of a highly localised sill-and-dyke swarm comprised of 15 shallow dipping and significantly mineralised pegmatites. This deposit forms part of the western portions of the regionally developed∼ 1040 – 950 Ma Orange River Pegmatite Belt (ORPB) which was locally emplaced syn-tectonically into competent host rocks in the core zone of the late-stage crustal scale transcurrent dextral, ductile to brittle-ductile D4 Marshall Rocks – Pofadder Shear Zone (MRPSZ), where it crosscuts the rocks of the D2 Lower Fish River - Onseepkans Thrust Zone (LFROTZ). A JORC Maiden Mineral Resource of 1.2 Mt @ 412 ppm Ta2O5 + 76 ppm Nb2O5 + 0.29 wt. % Li2O (with an applied cut-off grade of 236 ppm Ta2O5 and a minimum thickness of 1 m) has recently been estimated for the deposit. The deposit is currently being advanced to feasibility stage with the aim of outlining economic Mineral Reserves. It currently hosts a globally significant and market-relevant “high grade – low tonnage” tantalum Mineral Resource. Recent litho-structural mapping of this deposit has shown that its structural setting encompasses a locally developed lower strain extensional quadrant associated with the mega-scale shear zone bound competent mantle porphyroclast: the mafic-ultramafic Tantalite Valley Complex (TVC), or TVC megaclast. A succession of syn-D4 MRPSZ-hosted granitic melts comprising earlier leucogranite intrusions and later mineralised pegmatites of the Swanson Tantalum Deposit have variably utilised this extensional structure. The earlier leucogranites have clearly exploited mylonitic foliations associated with the development of core zone of the MRPSZ, while the mineralised pegmatites have utilised later-stage shallow-dipping Riedel fractures developed within more competent host rock. The tantalum tenor of pegmatites comprising the Swanson Tantalum Deposit is clearly structurally controlled, with tantalum tenor increasing from NW towards the SE over relatively short distances, toward the TVC megaclast. Although highly speculative without robust geochronological and petrographic investigation, field observations from this study highlights that the host rocks to the Swanson Tantalum Deposit, namely the mottled hybrid metagabbro (HMG), usually described as being syn-D2 in age (∼ 1200 – 1100 Ma), may possibly be syn-D4 in age (∼ 1040 – 950 Ma). If this is proven to be true, it may represent the earliest syn-D4 melt known for the MRPSZ. The Swanson Tantalum Deposit area therefore represents a prime area for studying and potentially constraining the upper and lower age limits of the MRPSZ. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Geology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
- Authors: Pepler, Laubser
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Pegmatites South Africa Pofadder (Region) , Tantalum South Africa Pofadder (Region) , Geology South Africa Pofadder (Region) , Mineralogy South Africa Pofadder (Region) , Pegmatites South Africa Pofadder (Region) Structure , Pegmatites Economic aspects South Africa Pofadder (Region) , Pofadder Shear Zone , Tantalite Valley Complex , Orange River Pegmatite Belt , Lower Fish River/Onseepkans Thrust Zone
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/291303 , vital:56843
- Description: This study presents the geology, mineralogy, structure, and economic aspects of the recently explored Swanson Tantalum Deposit occurring within the Namaqua Sector of the Namaqua Natal Metamorphic Province, Tantalite Valley area, southern Namibia. It is an LCT-type pegmatite hosted (microlitetantalite- tapiolite ± spodumene – lepidolite - zinnwaldite) tantalum deposit forming part of a highly localised sill-and-dyke swarm comprised of 15 shallow dipping and significantly mineralised pegmatites. This deposit forms part of the western portions of the regionally developed∼ 1040 – 950 Ma Orange River Pegmatite Belt (ORPB) which was locally emplaced syn-tectonically into competent host rocks in the core zone of the late-stage crustal scale transcurrent dextral, ductile to brittle-ductile D4 Marshall Rocks – Pofadder Shear Zone (MRPSZ), where it crosscuts the rocks of the D2 Lower Fish River - Onseepkans Thrust Zone (LFROTZ). A JORC Maiden Mineral Resource of 1.2 Mt @ 412 ppm Ta2O5 + 76 ppm Nb2O5 + 0.29 wt. % Li2O (with an applied cut-off grade of 236 ppm Ta2O5 and a minimum thickness of 1 m) has recently been estimated for the deposit. The deposit is currently being advanced to feasibility stage with the aim of outlining economic Mineral Reserves. It currently hosts a globally significant and market-relevant “high grade – low tonnage” tantalum Mineral Resource. Recent litho-structural mapping of this deposit has shown that its structural setting encompasses a locally developed lower strain extensional quadrant associated with the mega-scale shear zone bound competent mantle porphyroclast: the mafic-ultramafic Tantalite Valley Complex (TVC), or TVC megaclast. A succession of syn-D4 MRPSZ-hosted granitic melts comprising earlier leucogranite intrusions and later mineralised pegmatites of the Swanson Tantalum Deposit have variably utilised this extensional structure. The earlier leucogranites have clearly exploited mylonitic foliations associated with the development of core zone of the MRPSZ, while the mineralised pegmatites have utilised later-stage shallow-dipping Riedel fractures developed within more competent host rock. The tantalum tenor of pegmatites comprising the Swanson Tantalum Deposit is clearly structurally controlled, with tantalum tenor increasing from NW towards the SE over relatively short distances, toward the TVC megaclast. Although highly speculative without robust geochronological and petrographic investigation, field observations from this study highlights that the host rocks to the Swanson Tantalum Deposit, namely the mottled hybrid metagabbro (HMG), usually described as being syn-D2 in age (∼ 1200 – 1100 Ma), may possibly be syn-D4 in age (∼ 1040 – 950 Ma). If this is proven to be true, it may represent the earliest syn-D4 melt known for the MRPSZ. The Swanson Tantalum Deposit area therefore represents a prime area for studying and potentially constraining the upper and lower age limits of the MRPSZ. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Geology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
Building the field component of a smart irrigation system: A detailed experience of a computer science graduate
- Authors: Pipile, Yamnkelani Yonela
- Date: 2021-10
- Subjects: Irrigation efficiency Computer-aided design South Africa , Irrigation projects Computer-aided design South Africa , Internet of things , Machine-to-machine communications , Smart water grids South Africa , Raspberry Pi (Computer) , Arduino (Programmable controller) , ZigBee , MQTT (MQ Telemetry Transport) , MQTT-SN , XBee
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/191814 , vital:45167
- Description: South Africa is a semi-arid area with an average annual rainfall of approximately 450mm, 60 per cent of which goes towards irrigation. Current irrigation systems generally apply water in a uniform manner across a field, which is both inefficient and can kill the plants. The Internet of Things (IoT), an emerging technology involving the utilization of sensors and actuators to build complex feedback systems, present an opportunity to build a smart irrigation solution. This research project illustrates the development of the field components of a water monitoring system using off the shelf and inexpensive components, exploring at the same time how easy or difficult it would be for a general Computer Science graduate to use hardware components and associated tools within the IoT area. The problem was initially broken down through a classical top-down process, in order to identify the components such as micro-computers, micro- controllers, sensors and network connections, that would be needed to build the solution. I then selected the Raspberry Pi 3, the Arduino Arduino Uno, the MH-Sensor-Series hygrometer, the MQTT messaging protocol, and the ZigBee communication protocol as implemented in the XBee S2C. Once the components were identified, the work followed a bottom-up approach: I studied the components in isolation and relative to each other, through a structured series of experiments, with each experiment addressing a specific component and examining how easy was to use the component. While each experiment allowed the author to acquire and deepen her understanding of each component, and progressively built a more sophisticated prototype, towards the complete solution. I found the vast majority of the identified components and tools to be easy to use, well documented, and most importantly, mature for consumption by our target user, until I encountered the MQTT-SN (MQTT-Sensor Network) implementation, not as mature as the rest. This resulted in us designing and implementing a light-weight, general ZigBee/MQTT gateway, named “yoGa” (Yonella's Gateway) from the author. At the end of the research, I was able to build the field components of a smart irrigation system using the selected tools, including the yoGa gateway, proving practically that a Computer Science graduate from a South African University can become productive in the emerging IoT area. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Computer Science, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10
- Authors: Pipile, Yamnkelani Yonela
- Date: 2021-10
- Subjects: Irrigation efficiency Computer-aided design South Africa , Irrigation projects Computer-aided design South Africa , Internet of things , Machine-to-machine communications , Smart water grids South Africa , Raspberry Pi (Computer) , Arduino (Programmable controller) , ZigBee , MQTT (MQ Telemetry Transport) , MQTT-SN , XBee
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/191814 , vital:45167
- Description: South Africa is a semi-arid area with an average annual rainfall of approximately 450mm, 60 per cent of which goes towards irrigation. Current irrigation systems generally apply water in a uniform manner across a field, which is both inefficient and can kill the plants. The Internet of Things (IoT), an emerging technology involving the utilization of sensors and actuators to build complex feedback systems, present an opportunity to build a smart irrigation solution. This research project illustrates the development of the field components of a water monitoring system using off the shelf and inexpensive components, exploring at the same time how easy or difficult it would be for a general Computer Science graduate to use hardware components and associated tools within the IoT area. The problem was initially broken down through a classical top-down process, in order to identify the components such as micro-computers, micro- controllers, sensors and network connections, that would be needed to build the solution. I then selected the Raspberry Pi 3, the Arduino Arduino Uno, the MH-Sensor-Series hygrometer, the MQTT messaging protocol, and the ZigBee communication protocol as implemented in the XBee S2C. Once the components were identified, the work followed a bottom-up approach: I studied the components in isolation and relative to each other, through a structured series of experiments, with each experiment addressing a specific component and examining how easy was to use the component. While each experiment allowed the author to acquire and deepen her understanding of each component, and progressively built a more sophisticated prototype, towards the complete solution. I found the vast majority of the identified components and tools to be easy to use, well documented, and most importantly, mature for consumption by our target user, until I encountered the MQTT-SN (MQTT-Sensor Network) implementation, not as mature as the rest. This resulted in us designing and implementing a light-weight, general ZigBee/MQTT gateway, named “yoGa” (Yonella's Gateway) from the author. At the end of the research, I was able to build the field components of a smart irrigation system using the selected tools, including the yoGa gateway, proving practically that a Computer Science graduate from a South African University can become productive in the emerging IoT area. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Computer Science, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10
The Relationship between capital adequacy and profitability under Basel III in the Namibian banking sector
- Authors: Pomuti, Esther Kaulinawa
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Banks and banking Namibia , Banks and banking, International Law and legislation , Bank capital Law and legislation Namibia , Rate of return Namibia , Basle Committee on Banking Supervision , Ratio analysis , Basel III (2010)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/191909 , vital:45178
- Description: Globally, capital adequacy is one of the most central topics for both regulatory authorities and banks. It promotes stability and intends to reduce bank insolvency. It also represents the most important element of banks’ profitability (Profits are the first line of defense against losses from credit loss in a bank). After the collapse of Bretton Woods in 1973, many banks incurred large foreign currency losses, with Banks outside Germany having taken heavy losses on their unsettled trades with Herstatt Bank in Cologne, West Germany, when it collapsed in June 1974. This study empirically tests the relationship between changes in the capital adequacy ratio under Basel III and return on equity (ROE) of the Namibian banking sector and whether such relationships exist in the short run or long run. The study used panel quarterly data for a sample of three Namibian commercial banks from the year 1999 to 2019.It employed one panel unit root tests namely: Im, Pesaran and Shin W-stat (IPS). To test the existence of a long-run relationship (equilibrium) or effect between the dependent and independent variables, the study employed the Panel Co-integration methods using Pedroni and Kao (Engle-Granger based) tests. The study carried out the Hausman test to determine the best approach for analysis and determined the PMG approach to be the preferable model for analysis. Various diagnostic tests such as multicollinearity through the correlation analysis, autocorrelation, and heteroscedasticity and cross-sectional dependence tests were carried out to determine if the data set is well-modelled and if the results can be taken seriously. The study’s results under the PMG model showed that ROE and CAR have a positive significant relationship in the short run. A dummy variable to capture the connection between ROE and CAR before and after BASEL III shows that the relationship is positive and significant indicating that ROE increases more when there is capital regulation than when there is no capital regulation. The study also concluded that there is no long run relationship between CAR and ROE. Finally, the interaction effect between the dummy variable and CAR is negative but significant and thus indicating that the positive relationship does not persist post Basel III. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Pomuti, Esther Kaulinawa
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Banks and banking Namibia , Banks and banking, International Law and legislation , Bank capital Law and legislation Namibia , Rate of return Namibia , Basle Committee on Banking Supervision , Ratio analysis , Basel III (2010)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/191909 , vital:45178
- Description: Globally, capital adequacy is one of the most central topics for both regulatory authorities and banks. It promotes stability and intends to reduce bank insolvency. It also represents the most important element of banks’ profitability (Profits are the first line of defense against losses from credit loss in a bank). After the collapse of Bretton Woods in 1973, many banks incurred large foreign currency losses, with Banks outside Germany having taken heavy losses on their unsettled trades with Herstatt Bank in Cologne, West Germany, when it collapsed in June 1974. This study empirically tests the relationship between changes in the capital adequacy ratio under Basel III and return on equity (ROE) of the Namibian banking sector and whether such relationships exist in the short run or long run. The study used panel quarterly data for a sample of three Namibian commercial banks from the year 1999 to 2019.It employed one panel unit root tests namely: Im, Pesaran and Shin W-stat (IPS). To test the existence of a long-run relationship (equilibrium) or effect between the dependent and independent variables, the study employed the Panel Co-integration methods using Pedroni and Kao (Engle-Granger based) tests. The study carried out the Hausman test to determine the best approach for analysis and determined the PMG approach to be the preferable model for analysis. Various diagnostic tests such as multicollinearity through the correlation analysis, autocorrelation, and heteroscedasticity and cross-sectional dependence tests were carried out to determine if the data set is well-modelled and if the results can be taken seriously. The study’s results under the PMG model showed that ROE and CAR have a positive significant relationship in the short run. A dummy variable to capture the connection between ROE and CAR before and after BASEL III shows that the relationship is positive and significant indicating that ROE increases more when there is capital regulation than when there is no capital regulation. The study also concluded that there is no long run relationship between CAR and ROE. Finally, the interaction effect between the dummy variable and CAR is negative but significant and thus indicating that the positive relationship does not persist post Basel III. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
The tuber-feeding weevil Listronotus frontalis as a candidate biological control agent for the invasive semi-aquatic plant Sagittaria platyphylla within South Africa
- Authors: Rogers, Daniel James
- Date: 2021-10
- Subjects: Listronotus South Africa , Arrowhead (Plants) South Africa , Arrowhead (Plants) Biological control South Africa , Invasive plants Biological control South Africa , Insects as biological pest control agents South Africa , Plant populations South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/190731 , vital:45023
- Description: Sagittaria platyphylla (Engelm.) J.G.Sm. (Alismataceae) is an invasive, aquatic macrophyte originating in the southern United States of America. In South Africa, the plant was first detected in Krantzkloof Nature Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal Province in 2008, and due to its known impact in other countries, it was listed as a Category 1a invader species under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act 2004 (NEM:BA). This invasive plant has proved difficult to manage due to its varied growth forms and reproductive strategies, such as prolific seed and below ground tuber production. Due to the limitations of conventional control mechanisms, biological control is currently being considered as a potential control option. The tuber feeding weevil Listronotus frontalis LeConte (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) has been identified as a candidate biological control agent for this invasive species. The aims of this study were twofold; to firstly determine the importance of tubers to S. platyphylla populations growing in South Africa; and secondly, to determine the biology and suitability of L. frontalis, a tuber feeder, as a candidate biological control agent. Surveys of S. platyphylla populations in South Africa showed that tubers were found in all sampled sites, except for Krantzkloof Nature reserve in KwaZulu-Natal Province. The highest number of tubers was 97.75 ± 10.62 (SE) m-2 recorded at Jonkershoek in the Western Cape Province. Monthly sampling from two sites in the Eastern Cape Province, the Makana Botanical Gardens and Maden Dam showed that neither season nor water depth affected tuber production. However, the mean number of tubers as well as mass of tubers sampled, were consistently higher (F(1,179) = 20.9542, P < 0.0001) and heavier (F(1, 857) = 585.7293, P < 0.0001) at the Botanical Gardens than at Maden Dam, respectively. The study showed that tubers are an important life stage of S. platyphylla populations and may vary in size and abundance between and within sites. The tuber feeding weevil was shown to develop from egg to ovipositing adult within just over 40 days. Females were recorded to lay up to 48 eggs within a period of one week. Impact studies showed that adult feeding led to a reduction in all but one of the 11 measured plant growth and developmental measurements, including a reduction in the mean mass of the above-ground plant material (F(2,2743) = 12.05, P = 0.002) as well as a reduction in size and abundance of tubers (F(2,58.47) = 9.756, P = 0.0006) and stolons(F(14.943) = 8.7577, P = 0.003). These results are encouraging and suggest that if the insect is released in South Africa, it may prove to be a valuable biocontrol agent. It is concluded that, until suitable biological control options become available in South Africa, the chemical and mechanical control measures currently implemented should continue, however, controlling tubers should be considered during the planning and implementation of these strategies. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10
- Authors: Rogers, Daniel James
- Date: 2021-10
- Subjects: Listronotus South Africa , Arrowhead (Plants) South Africa , Arrowhead (Plants) Biological control South Africa , Invasive plants Biological control South Africa , Insects as biological pest control agents South Africa , Plant populations South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/190731 , vital:45023
- Description: Sagittaria platyphylla (Engelm.) J.G.Sm. (Alismataceae) is an invasive, aquatic macrophyte originating in the southern United States of America. In South Africa, the plant was first detected in Krantzkloof Nature Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal Province in 2008, and due to its known impact in other countries, it was listed as a Category 1a invader species under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act 2004 (NEM:BA). This invasive plant has proved difficult to manage due to its varied growth forms and reproductive strategies, such as prolific seed and below ground tuber production. Due to the limitations of conventional control mechanisms, biological control is currently being considered as a potential control option. The tuber feeding weevil Listronotus frontalis LeConte (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) has been identified as a candidate biological control agent for this invasive species. The aims of this study were twofold; to firstly determine the importance of tubers to S. platyphylla populations growing in South Africa; and secondly, to determine the biology and suitability of L. frontalis, a tuber feeder, as a candidate biological control agent. Surveys of S. platyphylla populations in South Africa showed that tubers were found in all sampled sites, except for Krantzkloof Nature reserve in KwaZulu-Natal Province. The highest number of tubers was 97.75 ± 10.62 (SE) m-2 recorded at Jonkershoek in the Western Cape Province. Monthly sampling from two sites in the Eastern Cape Province, the Makana Botanical Gardens and Maden Dam showed that neither season nor water depth affected tuber production. However, the mean number of tubers as well as mass of tubers sampled, were consistently higher (F(1,179) = 20.9542, P < 0.0001) and heavier (F(1, 857) = 585.7293, P < 0.0001) at the Botanical Gardens than at Maden Dam, respectively. The study showed that tubers are an important life stage of S. platyphylla populations and may vary in size and abundance between and within sites. The tuber feeding weevil was shown to develop from egg to ovipositing adult within just over 40 days. Females were recorded to lay up to 48 eggs within a period of one week. Impact studies showed that adult feeding led to a reduction in all but one of the 11 measured plant growth and developmental measurements, including a reduction in the mean mass of the above-ground plant material (F(2,2743) = 12.05, P = 0.002) as well as a reduction in size and abundance of tubers (F(2,58.47) = 9.756, P = 0.0006) and stolons(F(14.943) = 8.7577, P = 0.003). These results are encouraging and suggest that if the insect is released in South Africa, it may prove to be a valuable biocontrol agent. It is concluded that, until suitable biological control options become available in South Africa, the chemical and mechanical control measures currently implemented should continue, however, controlling tubers should be considered during the planning and implementation of these strategies. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10
Evaluation of Megabruchidius tonkineus (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae), a candidate biological control agent for Gleditsia triacanthos L. (Fabaceae) in South Africa
- Salgado Astudillo, Sara Elizabeth
- Authors: Salgado Astudillo, Sara Elizabeth
- Date: 2021-10
- Subjects: Honey locust South Africa , Honey locust Biological control South Africa , Invasive plants Biological control South Africa , Biogeography South Africa , Biogeography Climatic factors South Africa , Megabruchidius tonkineus South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/188386 , vital:44749
- Description: Gleditsia triacanthos L. (Fabaceae) (honey locust) is a fast-growing, deciduous tree indigenous to the United States of America. Introduced around the world as an ornamental tree, it has become invasive in a number of countries. Where it is invasive, G. triacanthos competes and replaces indigenous species; it creates dense stands along watercourses, posing a significant environmental threat. In South Africa, G. triacanthos is regarded as one of the country’s fastest spreading weeds. Gleditsia triacanthos produces numerous seeds contained in large hanging pods. Once dislodged from the pods, the seeds are dispersed by birds and mammals, including livestock, which eat the pods. It has been suggested that the seeds should be the target for biological control programme. Some invasive alien plant species are characterised by their ability to spread and establish in new ecosystems because they tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions. In order to predict areas of likely invasion, species distribution models (SDMs) are used to identify areas climatically suitable for their invasion, so enabling better targeted control of the plant species. Gleditsia triacanthos adapts to a wide range of climates and soil types, and tolerates salinity, drought and frost. Currently primarily restricted to the Grassland Biome of South Africa, G. triacanthos has doubled its distribution area in the past 15 years, and it is not known how far the species will spread. In this study we used two different modelling programmes, CLIMEX and MaxEnt, to predict areas where G. triacanthos could find favourable growing conditions; both SDMs showed that most of the country is suitable for G. triacanthos and that it will probably continue to spread, if left unmanaged, into new bioregions, such as the Karoo. In South Africa, the Asian seed-feeding bruchid, Megabruchidius tonkineus (Pic, 1914) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae) has been recorded in the plant’s seed pods and has been considered as a biological control agent. The insect was not released as part of a formal biological control programme and neither host-specificity nor impact studies were conducted on the species prior to its discovery. In 2017 a decision was made to re-consider its status as a Abstract biological control agent until further details of its biology, host specificity, and impact on the seeds of G. triacanthos in South Africa were available. This study shows that Megabruchidius tonkineus has established across the entire G. triacanthos population in South Africa damaging approximately 9% of seeds. Laboratory studies show that, Megabruchidius tonkineus completes its larval development in the seeds of G. triacanthos in about 66.80 ± 0.6880 SE days before eclosing. In addition, the adult females oviposit on the following Fabaceae species: Arachis hypogaea, Albizia, julibrissin, Cicer arietinum, Pisum sativum, Dipogon lignosus, Peltophorum africanum, Podalyria buxifolia Senegalia burkei, Umtiza listerina and Vachellia sieberiana. However, larval development was limited to G. triacanthos. It is concluded that the seed-feeding beetle is not a threat to native Fabaceae species in South Africa, however, it does not damage enough G. triacanthos seeds to be considered a valuable biological control agent at this stage, and additional seed-feeding biological control agents should be considered to reduce the number of G. triacanthos seeds entering the environment. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10
- Authors: Salgado Astudillo, Sara Elizabeth
- Date: 2021-10
- Subjects: Honey locust South Africa , Honey locust Biological control South Africa , Invasive plants Biological control South Africa , Biogeography South Africa , Biogeography Climatic factors South Africa , Megabruchidius tonkineus South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/188386 , vital:44749
- Description: Gleditsia triacanthos L. (Fabaceae) (honey locust) is a fast-growing, deciduous tree indigenous to the United States of America. Introduced around the world as an ornamental tree, it has become invasive in a number of countries. Where it is invasive, G. triacanthos competes and replaces indigenous species; it creates dense stands along watercourses, posing a significant environmental threat. In South Africa, G. triacanthos is regarded as one of the country’s fastest spreading weeds. Gleditsia triacanthos produces numerous seeds contained in large hanging pods. Once dislodged from the pods, the seeds are dispersed by birds and mammals, including livestock, which eat the pods. It has been suggested that the seeds should be the target for biological control programme. Some invasive alien plant species are characterised by their ability to spread and establish in new ecosystems because they tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions. In order to predict areas of likely invasion, species distribution models (SDMs) are used to identify areas climatically suitable for their invasion, so enabling better targeted control of the plant species. Gleditsia triacanthos adapts to a wide range of climates and soil types, and tolerates salinity, drought and frost. Currently primarily restricted to the Grassland Biome of South Africa, G. triacanthos has doubled its distribution area in the past 15 years, and it is not known how far the species will spread. In this study we used two different modelling programmes, CLIMEX and MaxEnt, to predict areas where G. triacanthos could find favourable growing conditions; both SDMs showed that most of the country is suitable for G. triacanthos and that it will probably continue to spread, if left unmanaged, into new bioregions, such as the Karoo. In South Africa, the Asian seed-feeding bruchid, Megabruchidius tonkineus (Pic, 1914) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae) has been recorded in the plant’s seed pods and has been considered as a biological control agent. The insect was not released as part of a formal biological control programme and neither host-specificity nor impact studies were conducted on the species prior to its discovery. In 2017 a decision was made to re-consider its status as a Abstract biological control agent until further details of its biology, host specificity, and impact on the seeds of G. triacanthos in South Africa were available. This study shows that Megabruchidius tonkineus has established across the entire G. triacanthos population in South Africa damaging approximately 9% of seeds. Laboratory studies show that, Megabruchidius tonkineus completes its larval development in the seeds of G. triacanthos in about 66.80 ± 0.6880 SE days before eclosing. In addition, the adult females oviposit on the following Fabaceae species: Arachis hypogaea, Albizia, julibrissin, Cicer arietinum, Pisum sativum, Dipogon lignosus, Peltophorum africanum, Podalyria buxifolia Senegalia burkei, Umtiza listerina and Vachellia sieberiana. However, larval development was limited to G. triacanthos. It is concluded that the seed-feeding beetle is not a threat to native Fabaceae species in South Africa, however, it does not damage enough G. triacanthos seeds to be considered a valuable biological control agent at this stage, and additional seed-feeding biological control agents should be considered to reduce the number of G. triacanthos seeds entering the environment. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10
Exploring affordances and hindrances when using Grade 8 Physical Science learners’ home language to mediate learning of chemical bonding
- Shilongo, Wilhelm Nghidiputate
- Authors: Shilongo, Wilhelm Nghidiputate
- Date: 2021-10
- Subjects: Science Study and teaching (Secondary) Namibia , Code switching (Linguistics) , Chemical bonds , Education, Bilingual Namibia , Native language and education Namibia , Socio-cultural theory
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/191079 , vital:45056
- Description: It seems code-switching from English to learners’ home language is a regular practice in Namibian schools. That is, science teachers mediate specific challenging science topics such as chemical bonding through code-switching from English to learners’ home languages. Based on anecdotal evidence and on Grade 10 Examiners’ Reports for previous years, chemical bonding is one of the challenging key concepts in Physical Science, and yet it is an important concept in the study of chemistry. Therefore, the purpose of this interventionist study was to investigate how the use of learners’ home language enables and/or constrains Grade 8 Physical Science learners’ sense making of the topic, chemical bonding. The study is a convergent parallel mixed method case study and was underpinned by an interpretive paradigm. It was conducted with 17 Grade 8 learners in a rural school, where I teach, in the Oshana region. I used a diagnostic test to elicit learners’ prior knowledge on this topic, a post-intervention test, observation, reflections, focus group interview and stimulated recall interviews as my data collection methods. I used Vygotsky’s (1978) Socio-Cultural Theory as my theoretical framework to help explain how learners make sense of the concept of chemical bonding when learners’ home language is used in a Physical Science class. To analyse the quantitative data obtained, I used a descriptive statistics and inferential statistics method. In the descriptive statistics, data were compiled into graphs, tables, and other visual representations, while for the inferential statistics, a t-test was used to establish the significant difference of the data collected. On the other hand, a thematic approach to analyse the qualitative data was employed to come up with sub-themes and themes. The findings of the study revealed that learners’ home language stimulates learners’ interest to learn new concepts, and enhances learners’ understanding and participation during the science lessons. Another finding of the study revealed that learners’ prior knowledge in chemical bonding contained some misconceptions. Furthermore, the findings of the study also revealed that learners learn best when their prior knowledge are elicited before they are introduced to new concepts in their science classrooms. The study recommends that learners’ home language should be incorporated into Physical Science lessons, especially when the teachers are teaching challenging concepts such as chemical bonding. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10
- Authors: Shilongo, Wilhelm Nghidiputate
- Date: 2021-10
- Subjects: Science Study and teaching (Secondary) Namibia , Code switching (Linguistics) , Chemical bonds , Education, Bilingual Namibia , Native language and education Namibia , Socio-cultural theory
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/191079 , vital:45056
- Description: It seems code-switching from English to learners’ home language is a regular practice in Namibian schools. That is, science teachers mediate specific challenging science topics such as chemical bonding through code-switching from English to learners’ home languages. Based on anecdotal evidence and on Grade 10 Examiners’ Reports for previous years, chemical bonding is one of the challenging key concepts in Physical Science, and yet it is an important concept in the study of chemistry. Therefore, the purpose of this interventionist study was to investigate how the use of learners’ home language enables and/or constrains Grade 8 Physical Science learners’ sense making of the topic, chemical bonding. The study is a convergent parallel mixed method case study and was underpinned by an interpretive paradigm. It was conducted with 17 Grade 8 learners in a rural school, where I teach, in the Oshana region. I used a diagnostic test to elicit learners’ prior knowledge on this topic, a post-intervention test, observation, reflections, focus group interview and stimulated recall interviews as my data collection methods. I used Vygotsky’s (1978) Socio-Cultural Theory as my theoretical framework to help explain how learners make sense of the concept of chemical bonding when learners’ home language is used in a Physical Science class. To analyse the quantitative data obtained, I used a descriptive statistics and inferential statistics method. In the descriptive statistics, data were compiled into graphs, tables, and other visual representations, while for the inferential statistics, a t-test was used to establish the significant difference of the data collected. On the other hand, a thematic approach to analyse the qualitative data was employed to come up with sub-themes and themes. The findings of the study revealed that learners’ home language stimulates learners’ interest to learn new concepts, and enhances learners’ understanding and participation during the science lessons. Another finding of the study revealed that learners’ prior knowledge in chemical bonding contained some misconceptions. Furthermore, the findings of the study also revealed that learners learn best when their prior knowledge are elicited before they are introduced to new concepts in their science classrooms. The study recommends that learners’ home language should be incorporated into Physical Science lessons, especially when the teachers are teaching challenging concepts such as chemical bonding. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10
Queer as Africa: Representations of queer lives in selected Nigerian, Kenyan, and South African literature and film
- Authors: Wilson, Jon Stephen Edward
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Africans in literature , Africans in motion pictures , Homosexuality in literature , Homosexuality in motion pictures , Sexual minorities in literature , Sexual minorities in motion pictures , African literature History and criticism , Motion pictures, African History and criticism , Sexual minorities South Africa Public opinion , Sexual minorities Kenya Public opinion , Sexual minorities Nigeria Public opinion , Sexual minorities South Africa Social conditions , Sexual minorities Kenya Social conditions , Sexual minorities Nigeria Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/187428 , vital:44651
- Description: This thesis contests the notion that nonnormative sexualities are ‘un-African’ by examining a range of representations of queer African lives on film and in literature, produced by Africans for Africans, as a means to interrogate the role played by the interconnected histories of colonialism, religion, and the policing of queer intimacy, specifically in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa. Through a close reading of a selection of texts from these three countries, this thesis takes a cultural-historical approach to exploring the complex struggles engaged in by queer people in Africa to protections under the law, and to represent themselves in literary and cinematic narratives. The first chapter is focused on the Kenyan film Rafiki (2018), directed by Wanuri Kahiu, which tells the story of queer love between two young Kenyan women who face the vehement condemnation of their relationship from their homophobic community. The film was banned in Kenya, but the director was granted a temporary injunction by Kenya’s high court in order for it to be screened in Nairobi. This made Rafiki the first queer film ever to be screened in Kenya, and viable for an Academy Award nomination. The second chapter focuses on the bold assertion of a queer African identity through the short story collections Queer Africa: New and Collected Fiction (2013) and Queer Africa 2: New Stories (2017). Written by various authors from the African continent, and compiled and edited by Karen Martin and Makhosazana Xaba, both collections offer a wide variety of fictional narratives focused on queer experiences in Africa. The second chapter has a focus on stories from Kenyan and Nigerian authors and explores notions of home, queer belonging, and visibility. The third chapter presents a close reading of the South African film Inxeba (2017), also known as The Wound, directed by John Trengove and adapted by Trengove and Thando Mgqolozana from Mgqolozana’s novel, A Man Who Is Not A Man (2009). The film depicts the traditional Xhosa initiation ritual, ulwaluko, and is set in the rural Eastern Cape. Inxeba is an important case study in the history of queer representation in Africa, as the film hit a nerve with many, interrogating what South Africans believe about culture, traditions, masculinity, and the right of artists to represent sacred ritual in art. This thesis pays attention to the historical entanglements between homophobia, imperialism, and Christianity – relationships that continue to affect the experiences of queer people in Africa and attitudes towards them and interrogates why queer individuals are still being left out of efforts towards creating a new normal in postcolonial Africa. This thesis suggests that increased visibility is a key aspect of queer activism in Africa – through the act of representation, sharing lived experiences, and telling queer stories. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Literary Studies in English, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Wilson, Jon Stephen Edward
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Africans in literature , Africans in motion pictures , Homosexuality in literature , Homosexuality in motion pictures , Sexual minorities in literature , Sexual minorities in motion pictures , African literature History and criticism , Motion pictures, African History and criticism , Sexual minorities South Africa Public opinion , Sexual minorities Kenya Public opinion , Sexual minorities Nigeria Public opinion , Sexual minorities South Africa Social conditions , Sexual minorities Kenya Social conditions , Sexual minorities Nigeria Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/187428 , vital:44651
- Description: This thesis contests the notion that nonnormative sexualities are ‘un-African’ by examining a range of representations of queer African lives on film and in literature, produced by Africans for Africans, as a means to interrogate the role played by the interconnected histories of colonialism, religion, and the policing of queer intimacy, specifically in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa. Through a close reading of a selection of texts from these three countries, this thesis takes a cultural-historical approach to exploring the complex struggles engaged in by queer people in Africa to protections under the law, and to represent themselves in literary and cinematic narratives. The first chapter is focused on the Kenyan film Rafiki (2018), directed by Wanuri Kahiu, which tells the story of queer love between two young Kenyan women who face the vehement condemnation of their relationship from their homophobic community. The film was banned in Kenya, but the director was granted a temporary injunction by Kenya’s high court in order for it to be screened in Nairobi. This made Rafiki the first queer film ever to be screened in Kenya, and viable for an Academy Award nomination. The second chapter focuses on the bold assertion of a queer African identity through the short story collections Queer Africa: New and Collected Fiction (2013) and Queer Africa 2: New Stories (2017). Written by various authors from the African continent, and compiled and edited by Karen Martin and Makhosazana Xaba, both collections offer a wide variety of fictional narratives focused on queer experiences in Africa. The second chapter has a focus on stories from Kenyan and Nigerian authors and explores notions of home, queer belonging, and visibility. The third chapter presents a close reading of the South African film Inxeba (2017), also known as The Wound, directed by John Trengove and adapted by Trengove and Thando Mgqolozana from Mgqolozana’s novel, A Man Who Is Not A Man (2009). The film depicts the traditional Xhosa initiation ritual, ulwaluko, and is set in the rural Eastern Cape. Inxeba is an important case study in the history of queer representation in Africa, as the film hit a nerve with many, interrogating what South Africans believe about culture, traditions, masculinity, and the right of artists to represent sacred ritual in art. This thesis pays attention to the historical entanglements between homophobia, imperialism, and Christianity – relationships that continue to affect the experiences of queer people in Africa and attitudes towards them and interrogates why queer individuals are still being left out of efforts towards creating a new normal in postcolonial Africa. This thesis suggests that increased visibility is a key aspect of queer activism in Africa – through the act of representation, sharing lived experiences, and telling queer stories. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Literary Studies in English, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Ecological infrastructure importance for drought mitigation in rural South African catchments: the Cacadu Catchment case example
- Authors: Xoxo, Beauten Sinetemba
- Date: 2021-10
- Subjects: Sustainable Development Goals , Water security South Africa , Remote sensing , Watershed restoration South Africa , Restoration ecology South Africa , Ecosystem services South Africa , SDG 15.3.1
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/191203 , vital:45070
- Description: Water scarcity is recognised as one of the significant challenges facing many countries, including South Africa. The threat of water scarcity is exacerbated by the coupled impacts of climate and anthropogenic drivers. Ongoing droughts and continued land cover change and degradation influence the ability of catchments to partition rainwater runoff, thereby affecting streamflow returns. However, quantifying land degradation accurately remains a challenge. This thesis used the theoretical lens of investing in ecological infrastructure to improve the drought mitigation function in rural catchments. This theoretical framework allows for a social-ecological systems approach to understand and facilitate science-based strategies for promoting ecosystem recovery. Specifically, this study aimed to explore the role and benefit of ecological infrastructure for improving drought mitigation, and consequently, water security for rural communities. Thus, this study sought to assess the consequences of human actions to catchment health status using the 15th Sustainable Development Goal indicator for the proportion of degraded land over the total land area as a surrogate. Secondly, hydrological modelling was used to describe how different land covers influence catchment hydrology, which related to how ecological infrastructure enables drought risk-reduction for mitigation regulation. Finally, this study developed a spatial prioritisation plan for restoration to improve drought mitigation for four focal ecological infrastructure (EI) categories (i.e. wetlands, riparian margins, abandoned agricultural fields and grasslands). The focal EI categories were selected for their importance in delivering water-related ecosystem services when sustainably managed. Chapter 1 sets the scene (i.e. provides the study background) and Chapter 2 provides a review of the literature. In Chapter 3, the recently released global GIS toolbox (TRENDS.EARTH) was used for tracking land change and for assessing the SDG 15.3.1 degradation indicator of i.e. Cacadu catchment over 15 years at a 300 m resolution. The results showed a declining trend in biomass productivity within the Cacadu catchment led to moderate degradation, with 16.79% of the total landscape degraded, which was determined by the pugin using the one-out, all-out rule. The incidence of degradation was detected in middle reaches of the catchment (i.e. S10F-J), while some improvement was detected in upper reaches (S10A-C) and lower reaches (S10J). In Chapter 4, a GIS-based Analytic Hierarchical Process (AHP) based on community stakeholder priorities, open-access spatial datasets and expert opinions, was used to identify EI focal areas that are best suitable for restoration to increase the drought mitigation capacity of the Cacadu catchment. The collected datasets provided three broad criteria (ecosystem health, water provision and social benefit) for establishing the AHP model using 12 spatial attributes. Prioritisation results show that up to 89% of the Cacadu catchment is suitable for restoration to improve drought mitigation. Catchments S10B-D, and S10F, S10G and S10J were highly prioritised while S10A, S10E and S10H received low priority, due to improving environmental conditions and low hydrological potential. Areas that were prioritised with consideration for local livelihoods overlap the areas for drought mitigation and form a network of villages from the middle to lower catchment reaches. Prioritised restoration areas with a consideration of societal benefit made up 0.56% of wetlands, 4.27% of riparian margins, 92.06% of abandoned croplands, and 51.86% of grasslands. Chapter 5 reports on use of the Pitman groundwater model to help understand the influence of land modification on catchment hydrology, and highlight the role of restoration interventions. The Cacadu catchment is ungauged, therefore the neighbouring Indwe catchment was used for parameter transfer through a spatial regionalisation technique. Results suggest that degradation increases surface runoff and aggravates recharge reduction, thereby reducing streamflow during low flow periods. In areas where there is natural land cover recovery, the Pitman Model simulated similar dry season streamflow to the natural land cover. Combining the outcomes from the three assessments allowed the study to highlight the role and benefits of ecological infrastructure in terms of drought mitigation. Study findings were interpreted to make recommendations for the role and benefit of ecological infrastructure for drought mitigation at a landscape scale and tertiary catchment level, within the context of available management options. The results support the notion that multiple science data sources can promote investments in ecological infrastructure. However, better spatial and temporal resolution datasets at a national level are still needed to improve the accuracy of studies such as the one outlined in this thesis. The study recommends adopting better ecosystem protection approaches and collaborative governance at multiple levels to reduce the vulnerability of rural communities to drought impacts. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Institute for Water Research, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10
- Authors: Xoxo, Beauten Sinetemba
- Date: 2021-10
- Subjects: Sustainable Development Goals , Water security South Africa , Remote sensing , Watershed restoration South Africa , Restoration ecology South Africa , Ecosystem services South Africa , SDG 15.3.1
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/191203 , vital:45070
- Description: Water scarcity is recognised as one of the significant challenges facing many countries, including South Africa. The threat of water scarcity is exacerbated by the coupled impacts of climate and anthropogenic drivers. Ongoing droughts and continued land cover change and degradation influence the ability of catchments to partition rainwater runoff, thereby affecting streamflow returns. However, quantifying land degradation accurately remains a challenge. This thesis used the theoretical lens of investing in ecological infrastructure to improve the drought mitigation function in rural catchments. This theoretical framework allows for a social-ecological systems approach to understand and facilitate science-based strategies for promoting ecosystem recovery. Specifically, this study aimed to explore the role and benefit of ecological infrastructure for improving drought mitigation, and consequently, water security for rural communities. Thus, this study sought to assess the consequences of human actions to catchment health status using the 15th Sustainable Development Goal indicator for the proportion of degraded land over the total land area as a surrogate. Secondly, hydrological modelling was used to describe how different land covers influence catchment hydrology, which related to how ecological infrastructure enables drought risk-reduction for mitigation regulation. Finally, this study developed a spatial prioritisation plan for restoration to improve drought mitigation for four focal ecological infrastructure (EI) categories (i.e. wetlands, riparian margins, abandoned agricultural fields and grasslands). The focal EI categories were selected for their importance in delivering water-related ecosystem services when sustainably managed. Chapter 1 sets the scene (i.e. provides the study background) and Chapter 2 provides a review of the literature. In Chapter 3, the recently released global GIS toolbox (TRENDS.EARTH) was used for tracking land change and for assessing the SDG 15.3.1 degradation indicator of i.e. Cacadu catchment over 15 years at a 300 m resolution. The results showed a declining trend in biomass productivity within the Cacadu catchment led to moderate degradation, with 16.79% of the total landscape degraded, which was determined by the pugin using the one-out, all-out rule. The incidence of degradation was detected in middle reaches of the catchment (i.e. S10F-J), while some improvement was detected in upper reaches (S10A-C) and lower reaches (S10J). In Chapter 4, a GIS-based Analytic Hierarchical Process (AHP) based on community stakeholder priorities, open-access spatial datasets and expert opinions, was used to identify EI focal areas that are best suitable for restoration to increase the drought mitigation capacity of the Cacadu catchment. The collected datasets provided three broad criteria (ecosystem health, water provision and social benefit) for establishing the AHP model using 12 spatial attributes. Prioritisation results show that up to 89% of the Cacadu catchment is suitable for restoration to improve drought mitigation. Catchments S10B-D, and S10F, S10G and S10J were highly prioritised while S10A, S10E and S10H received low priority, due to improving environmental conditions and low hydrological potential. Areas that were prioritised with consideration for local livelihoods overlap the areas for drought mitigation and form a network of villages from the middle to lower catchment reaches. Prioritised restoration areas with a consideration of societal benefit made up 0.56% of wetlands, 4.27% of riparian margins, 92.06% of abandoned croplands, and 51.86% of grasslands. Chapter 5 reports on use of the Pitman groundwater model to help understand the influence of land modification on catchment hydrology, and highlight the role of restoration interventions. The Cacadu catchment is ungauged, therefore the neighbouring Indwe catchment was used for parameter transfer through a spatial regionalisation technique. Results suggest that degradation increases surface runoff and aggravates recharge reduction, thereby reducing streamflow during low flow periods. In areas where there is natural land cover recovery, the Pitman Model simulated similar dry season streamflow to the natural land cover. Combining the outcomes from the three assessments allowed the study to highlight the role and benefits of ecological infrastructure in terms of drought mitigation. Study findings were interpreted to make recommendations for the role and benefit of ecological infrastructure for drought mitigation at a landscape scale and tertiary catchment level, within the context of available management options. The results support the notion that multiple science data sources can promote investments in ecological infrastructure. However, better spatial and temporal resolution datasets at a national level are still needed to improve the accuracy of studies such as the one outlined in this thesis. The study recommends adopting better ecosystem protection approaches and collaborative governance at multiple levels to reduce the vulnerability of rural communities to drought impacts. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Institute for Water Research, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10
The physical activity status and the impact of lifestyle behaviours on workplace productivity and absenteeism of Transnet employees
- Authors: Zimmermann, Sharnae Vanessa
- Date: 2021-10
- Subjects: Transnet (Firm : South Africa) Employees , Absenteeism (Labor) South Africa Durban , Labor productivity South Africa Durban , Exercise , Sedentary behavior , Lifestyles
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/190077 , vital:44961
- Description: Increased sitting time, insufficient physical activity and sub-optimal body composition are all contributing to the global disease burden. This is made evident by increases in obesity, type II diabetes, cardiovascular diseases (i.e. hypertension and strokes), cancer and other non-communicable diseases resulting in absenteeism and reduced productivity in the workplace. The global rise in sitting time and physical inactivity is caused, in part, by changes in transport convenience, work roles and technological advancements. Employees working in office environments or driving trains sit for prolonged periods; something which is evident in the industry that Transnet operates in. Sitting time and physical inactivity are independent risk factors for non-communicable diseases with poor nutrition, smoking, alcohol consumption and psychological wellbeing, being separate constructs. The purpose of the study is to determine the levels of sedentary behaviour, physical inactivity, obesity, nutrition, alcohol consumption, smoking, non-communicable disease risk, mental wellbeing and their association with productivity and absenteeism in office workers and train drivers at Transnet Freight Rail, Durban. A cross-sectional study was done with 40 participants, 20 office workers and 20 train drivers. Stature (175.80 ± 9.43 ±cm) and body mass (83.85 ± 20.31 kg) were measured; and body mass index calculated (26.98 ± 5.37 kg.m2). Physical activity levels, sedentary behaviour, body mass index and other lifestyle factors were explored using an amended version of The Health and Wellbeing survey, a self-report measure. The results revealed that there was a high prevalence of sedentary behaviour (train drivers = 7.85 ± 2.21 and office workers = 8.3 ± 1.03), particularly among office workers. Most of the participants had a relatively high body mass index, placing in the overweight and obese category, particularly among train drivers. The prevalence of physical inactivity was marginally higher for office workers compared to train drivers. There were significantly (p<0.05) higher levels of physical activity within train drivers with a moderate effect size. There were limited associations found between lifestyle factors and sickness absenteeism and worker productivity. Obesity had the most prominent relationship with noncommunicable diseases, followed by high levels of sedentary behaviour, not meeting physical activity guidelines, obesity, overweight, and prolonged sitting time at work. A significant and moderate correlation was found between obesity and absenteeism (train drivers: r = 0.32 and office workers: r= 0.46), however, no associations were found between sedentary behaviour, physical activity and fruit and vegetable intake and absenteeism. Lastly, the association between physical activity and productivity among the train drivers was low negative (r=-0.15) which was not significant (p>0.05). The associations between physical activity and productivity among office workers, however, was both significant (p<0.05) and moderate positive (r=0.39). The vegetable intake among the office workers showed a significant (p<0.05) moderate positive association with productivity (r=0.49). The association between vegetable intake and productivity among the train drivers was not significant (p>0.05) and low positive (r=0.16). There was a significant (p<0.05) and moderate positive association between fruit intake and productivity among both train drivers (r=0.43) and office workers (r=0.47). No significant associations between sedentary behaviour and obesity and productivity were found. The current study provided new insight into the risks associated with lifestyle factors of office workers and train drivers in the transportation sector. The poor lifestyle factors, together with the high prevalence of sedentary behaviour and physical inactivity, provide ideal opportunities for future interventions to focus on workers productivity and overall wellbeing. The job design of train drivers and office workers does not place significant importance on employee health and wellness. Essentially they are not “healthy” but they work productively, giving reason as to why employee wellness is not a priority for employers. The current findings of the study suggest that adopting regular physical activity, healthy dietary patterns and reduced sitting time should be promoted as key components of lifestyle interventions for the prevention of non-communicable diseases in office workers and train drivers. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Human Kinetics and Ergonomics, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10
- Authors: Zimmermann, Sharnae Vanessa
- Date: 2021-10
- Subjects: Transnet (Firm : South Africa) Employees , Absenteeism (Labor) South Africa Durban , Labor productivity South Africa Durban , Exercise , Sedentary behavior , Lifestyles
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/190077 , vital:44961
- Description: Increased sitting time, insufficient physical activity and sub-optimal body composition are all contributing to the global disease burden. This is made evident by increases in obesity, type II diabetes, cardiovascular diseases (i.e. hypertension and strokes), cancer and other non-communicable diseases resulting in absenteeism and reduced productivity in the workplace. The global rise in sitting time and physical inactivity is caused, in part, by changes in transport convenience, work roles and technological advancements. Employees working in office environments or driving trains sit for prolonged periods; something which is evident in the industry that Transnet operates in. Sitting time and physical inactivity are independent risk factors for non-communicable diseases with poor nutrition, smoking, alcohol consumption and psychological wellbeing, being separate constructs. The purpose of the study is to determine the levels of sedentary behaviour, physical inactivity, obesity, nutrition, alcohol consumption, smoking, non-communicable disease risk, mental wellbeing and their association with productivity and absenteeism in office workers and train drivers at Transnet Freight Rail, Durban. A cross-sectional study was done with 40 participants, 20 office workers and 20 train drivers. Stature (175.80 ± 9.43 ±cm) and body mass (83.85 ± 20.31 kg) were measured; and body mass index calculated (26.98 ± 5.37 kg.m2). Physical activity levels, sedentary behaviour, body mass index and other lifestyle factors were explored using an amended version of The Health and Wellbeing survey, a self-report measure. The results revealed that there was a high prevalence of sedentary behaviour (train drivers = 7.85 ± 2.21 and office workers = 8.3 ± 1.03), particularly among office workers. Most of the participants had a relatively high body mass index, placing in the overweight and obese category, particularly among train drivers. The prevalence of physical inactivity was marginally higher for office workers compared to train drivers. There were significantly (p<0.05) higher levels of physical activity within train drivers with a moderate effect size. There were limited associations found between lifestyle factors and sickness absenteeism and worker productivity. Obesity had the most prominent relationship with noncommunicable diseases, followed by high levels of sedentary behaviour, not meeting physical activity guidelines, obesity, overweight, and prolonged sitting time at work. A significant and moderate correlation was found between obesity and absenteeism (train drivers: r = 0.32 and office workers: r= 0.46), however, no associations were found between sedentary behaviour, physical activity and fruit and vegetable intake and absenteeism. Lastly, the association between physical activity and productivity among the train drivers was low negative (r=-0.15) which was not significant (p>0.05). The associations between physical activity and productivity among office workers, however, was both significant (p<0.05) and moderate positive (r=0.39). The vegetable intake among the office workers showed a significant (p<0.05) moderate positive association with productivity (r=0.49). The association between vegetable intake and productivity among the train drivers was not significant (p>0.05) and low positive (r=0.16). There was a significant (p<0.05) and moderate positive association between fruit intake and productivity among both train drivers (r=0.43) and office workers (r=0.47). No significant associations between sedentary behaviour and obesity and productivity were found. The current study provided new insight into the risks associated with lifestyle factors of office workers and train drivers in the transportation sector. The poor lifestyle factors, together with the high prevalence of sedentary behaviour and physical inactivity, provide ideal opportunities for future interventions to focus on workers productivity and overall wellbeing. The job design of train drivers and office workers does not place significant importance on employee health and wellness. Essentially they are not “healthy” but they work productively, giving reason as to why employee wellness is not a priority for employers. The current findings of the study suggest that adopting regular physical activity, healthy dietary patterns and reduced sitting time should be promoted as key components of lifestyle interventions for the prevention of non-communicable diseases in office workers and train drivers. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Human Kinetics and Ergonomics, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10