Being Indian, being MK: an exploration of the experiences and ethnic identities of Indian South African Umkhonto we Sizwe members
- Authors: Lalla, Varsha
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Umkhonto we Sizwe (South Africa) -- Research Political activists -- Research -- South Africa East Indians -- Politics and government -- Research -- South Africa Ethnicity -- Political aspects -- South Africa -- Research
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2792 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003002
- Description: Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) was a military organization dominated by black Africans. Although it is not generally associated with Indian South Africans, who form a minority in the country, there were Indian MK members. This thesis explores the way in which Indian MK members reconciled aspects of their ethnic identity with their membership of MK. It explores the experiences of two generations of members: those born between 1929 and 1944 and those born between 1960 and 1969. In particular it looks at whether they experienced tensions between their ethnic and political identities. It explores what set these Indian South Africans apart from the rest of the Indian South African community that did not join MK. It also looks at what significant differences there were between different generations of Indian MK members. The research results show that the first generation MK members believe that their MK activities were „the highest form of passive resistance‟. An explanation for this way of referring to their activities could be that this was a way of reconciling tensions between their ethnic and political identities. The first generation was also very critical of the Indian SA community. This could be because they still feel part of this community despite having a strong political consciousness that is different from most of the community. It was found that some of the features that set Indian MK members apart from other Indian South Africans were that they were not raised in very religious households and occupied a fairly low rather than „middle man‟ economic position. In addition, members of the first generation of MK members were raised in comparatively multi-racial areas. Both generations made the decision to join MK because of Indian role models. There were some marked differences between the two generations of MK veterans. Most notably, the younger did not see their activities as in line with passive resistance and they also displayed more ambivalence about their ethnic identities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Lalla, Varsha
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Umkhonto we Sizwe (South Africa) -- Research Political activists -- Research -- South Africa East Indians -- Politics and government -- Research -- South Africa Ethnicity -- Political aspects -- South Africa -- Research
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2792 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003002
- Description: Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) was a military organization dominated by black Africans. Although it is not generally associated with Indian South Africans, who form a minority in the country, there were Indian MK members. This thesis explores the way in which Indian MK members reconciled aspects of their ethnic identity with their membership of MK. It explores the experiences of two generations of members: those born between 1929 and 1944 and those born between 1960 and 1969. In particular it looks at whether they experienced tensions between their ethnic and political identities. It explores what set these Indian South Africans apart from the rest of the Indian South African community that did not join MK. It also looks at what significant differences there were between different generations of Indian MK members. The research results show that the first generation MK members believe that their MK activities were „the highest form of passive resistance‟. An explanation for this way of referring to their activities could be that this was a way of reconciling tensions between their ethnic and political identities. The first generation was also very critical of the Indian SA community. This could be because they still feel part of this community despite having a strong political consciousness that is different from most of the community. It was found that some of the features that set Indian MK members apart from other Indian South Africans were that they were not raised in very religious households and occupied a fairly low rather than „middle man‟ economic position. In addition, members of the first generation of MK members were raised in comparatively multi-racial areas. Both generations made the decision to join MK because of Indian role models. There were some marked differences between the two generations of MK veterans. Most notably, the younger did not see their activities as in line with passive resistance and they also displayed more ambivalence about their ethnic identities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Marine anti-malarial isonitriles : a synthetic and computational study
- Authors: Adendorff, Matthew Ralph
- Date: 2011 , 2010-05-17
- Subjects: Isocyanides , Isocyanates , Marine pharmacology , Antimalarials , Antimalarials -- Development , Drug development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4398 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006674 , Isocyanides , Isocyanates , Marine pharmacology , Antimalarials , Antimalarials -- Development , Drug development
- Description: The development of Plasmodium falciparum malarial resistance to the current armoury of anti-malarial drugs requires the development of new treatments to help combat this disease. The marine environment is a well established source of potential pharmaceuticals. Of interest to us are isonitrile, isocyanate and isothiocyanate compounds isolated from marine sponges and molluscs which have exhibited nano-molar anti-plasmodial activities. Through quantitative structure-activity relation studies (QSAR), a literature precedent exists for a pseudoreceptor model from which a pharmacophore for the design of novel anti-malarial agents was proposed. The current theory suggests that these marine compounds exert their inhibitory action through interfering with the heme detoxification pathway in P. falciparum. We propose that the computational methods used to draw detailed conclusions about the mode of action of these marine compounds were inadequate. This thesis addresses this problem using contemporary computational methodologies and seeks to propose a more robust method for the rational design of new anti-malarial drug compounds that inhibit heme polymerization to hemozoin. In order to investigate the interactions of the marine compounds with their heme targets, a series of modern computational procedures were formulated, validated and then applied to theoretical systems. The validations of these algorithms, before their application to the marine compound-heme systems, were achieved through two case studies. The first was used to investigate the applicability of the statistical docking algorithm AutoDock to be used for the exploration of conformational space around the heme target. A theoretical P. falciparum 1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate reductoisomerase (PfDXR) enzyme model, constructed by the Biochemistry Department at Rhodes University, provided the ideal model to validate the AutoDock program. The protein model was accordingly subjected to rigorous docking simulations with over 30 different ligand molecules using the AutoDock algorithm which allowed for the docking algorithm’s limitations to be ascertained and improved upon. This investigation facilitated the successful validation of the protein model, which can now be used for the rational design of new PfDXR-inhibiting anti-plasmodial compounds, as well as enabling us to propose an improvement of the docking algorithm for application to the heme systems. The second case study was used to investigate the applicability of an ab initio molecular dynamics algorithm for simulation of bond breaking/forming events between the marine compounds and their heme target. This validation involved the exploration of intermolecular interactions in a naturally occurring nonoligomeric zipper using the Car-Parrinello Molecular Dynamics (CPMD) method. This study allowed us to propose a model for the intermolecular forces responsible for zipper self-assembly and showcased the CPMD method’s abilities to simulate and predict bond forming/breaking events. Data from the computational analyses suggested that the interactions between marine isonitriles, isocyanates and isothiocyanates occur through bond-less electrostatic attractions rather than through formal intermolecular bonds as had been previously suggested. Accordingly, a simple bicyclic tertiary isonitrile (5.14) was synthesized using Kitano et al’s relatively underutilized isonitrile synthetic method for the conversion of tertiary alcohols to their corresponding isonitriles. This compound’s potential for heme detoxification inhibition was then explored in vitro via the pyridine-hemochrome assay. The assay data suggested that the synthesized isonitrile was capable of inhibiting heme polymerization in a similar fashion to the known inhibitor chloroquine. Attempts to synthesize tricyclic analogues of 5.14 were unsuccessful and highlighted the limitation of Kitano et al’s isonitrile synthetic methodology.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Adendorff, Matthew Ralph
- Date: 2011 , 2010-05-17
- Subjects: Isocyanides , Isocyanates , Marine pharmacology , Antimalarials , Antimalarials -- Development , Drug development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4398 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006674 , Isocyanides , Isocyanates , Marine pharmacology , Antimalarials , Antimalarials -- Development , Drug development
- Description: The development of Plasmodium falciparum malarial resistance to the current armoury of anti-malarial drugs requires the development of new treatments to help combat this disease. The marine environment is a well established source of potential pharmaceuticals. Of interest to us are isonitrile, isocyanate and isothiocyanate compounds isolated from marine sponges and molluscs which have exhibited nano-molar anti-plasmodial activities. Through quantitative structure-activity relation studies (QSAR), a literature precedent exists for a pseudoreceptor model from which a pharmacophore for the design of novel anti-malarial agents was proposed. The current theory suggests that these marine compounds exert their inhibitory action through interfering with the heme detoxification pathway in P. falciparum. We propose that the computational methods used to draw detailed conclusions about the mode of action of these marine compounds were inadequate. This thesis addresses this problem using contemporary computational methodologies and seeks to propose a more robust method for the rational design of new anti-malarial drug compounds that inhibit heme polymerization to hemozoin. In order to investigate the interactions of the marine compounds with their heme targets, a series of modern computational procedures were formulated, validated and then applied to theoretical systems. The validations of these algorithms, before their application to the marine compound-heme systems, were achieved through two case studies. The first was used to investigate the applicability of the statistical docking algorithm AutoDock to be used for the exploration of conformational space around the heme target. A theoretical P. falciparum 1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate reductoisomerase (PfDXR) enzyme model, constructed by the Biochemistry Department at Rhodes University, provided the ideal model to validate the AutoDock program. The protein model was accordingly subjected to rigorous docking simulations with over 30 different ligand molecules using the AutoDock algorithm which allowed for the docking algorithm’s limitations to be ascertained and improved upon. This investigation facilitated the successful validation of the protein model, which can now be used for the rational design of new PfDXR-inhibiting anti-plasmodial compounds, as well as enabling us to propose an improvement of the docking algorithm for application to the heme systems. The second case study was used to investigate the applicability of an ab initio molecular dynamics algorithm for simulation of bond breaking/forming events between the marine compounds and their heme target. This validation involved the exploration of intermolecular interactions in a naturally occurring nonoligomeric zipper using the Car-Parrinello Molecular Dynamics (CPMD) method. This study allowed us to propose a model for the intermolecular forces responsible for zipper self-assembly and showcased the CPMD method’s abilities to simulate and predict bond forming/breaking events. Data from the computational analyses suggested that the interactions between marine isonitriles, isocyanates and isothiocyanates occur through bond-less electrostatic attractions rather than through formal intermolecular bonds as had been previously suggested. Accordingly, a simple bicyclic tertiary isonitrile (5.14) was synthesized using Kitano et al’s relatively underutilized isonitrile synthetic method for the conversion of tertiary alcohols to their corresponding isonitriles. This compound’s potential for heme detoxification inhibition was then explored in vitro via the pyridine-hemochrome assay. The assay data suggested that the synthesized isonitrile was capable of inhibiting heme polymerization in a similar fashion to the known inhibitor chloroquine. Attempts to synthesize tricyclic analogues of 5.14 were unsuccessful and highlighted the limitation of Kitano et al’s isonitrile synthetic methodology.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
The teaching of mathematics in multigrade classrooms at the upper primary phase in selected Namibian schools
- Authors: Kapenda, Loide Ndakondjelwa
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching -- Namibia Education, Elementary -- Namibia Combination of grades -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1796 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003681
- Description: The Namibian curriculum favours knowledge with understanding and application of knowledge and skills, because facts that are learned with understanding are easier to remember. This made learners to be able to represent mathematical situations in different ways and for different purposes. It also motivates teachers to contextualise the content to make mathematics teaching and learning more interesting and enjoyable to teachers and learners. However, some mathematics teachers are challenged by being required to teach multigrade classes, due to a massive response to improved access to education.Multigrade teaching is seen as a difficult practice especially when teachers are not well prepared to teach combined grades. This case study focused on the teaching of mathematics at Upper Primary Phase. An Interpretive paradigm was used to understand the teachers’ experiences and their teaching ethods. Hence the study aimed to investigate how teachers deliver their mathematics lessons in multigrade classrooms, considering the good practices and challenges that may occur. The findings revealed that teachers mostly use their monograde pedagogical knowledge,resulting in using quasi-monograde with a common timetable approach when teaching mathematics in multigrade settings. Although learners have access to the common mathematics syllabus, the quality of teaching the subject in multigrade classrooms seems to be affected due to the lack of teacher training in multigrade teaching. Also, equity and democracy need to be considered more than it currently is in terms of resource distribution to multigrade schools. Good practice of multigrade teaching existed in building on lower grade competencies, introducing lessons with common activities, as well as the concentration on lower grades which make learners independent. However, insufficient time, lack of knowledge in multigrade and curriculum knowledge in particular seem to challenge teachers and learners. Therefore, multigrade teachers need to be part of curriculum development for them to master the syllabus. These teachers will assist in developing multigrade resources for integration, contextualisation and more enrichment activities for high achievers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Kapenda, Loide Ndakondjelwa
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching -- Namibia Education, Elementary -- Namibia Combination of grades -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1796 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003681
- Description: The Namibian curriculum favours knowledge with understanding and application of knowledge and skills, because facts that are learned with understanding are easier to remember. This made learners to be able to represent mathematical situations in different ways and for different purposes. It also motivates teachers to contextualise the content to make mathematics teaching and learning more interesting and enjoyable to teachers and learners. However, some mathematics teachers are challenged by being required to teach multigrade classes, due to a massive response to improved access to education.Multigrade teaching is seen as a difficult practice especially when teachers are not well prepared to teach combined grades. This case study focused on the teaching of mathematics at Upper Primary Phase. An Interpretive paradigm was used to understand the teachers’ experiences and their teaching ethods. Hence the study aimed to investigate how teachers deliver their mathematics lessons in multigrade classrooms, considering the good practices and challenges that may occur. The findings revealed that teachers mostly use their monograde pedagogical knowledge,resulting in using quasi-monograde with a common timetable approach when teaching mathematics in multigrade settings. Although learners have access to the common mathematics syllabus, the quality of teaching the subject in multigrade classrooms seems to be affected due to the lack of teacher training in multigrade teaching. Also, equity and democracy need to be considered more than it currently is in terms of resource distribution to multigrade schools. Good practice of multigrade teaching existed in building on lower grade competencies, introducing lessons with common activities, as well as the concentration on lower grades which make learners independent. However, insufficient time, lack of knowledge in multigrade and curriculum knowledge in particular seem to challenge teachers and learners. Therefore, multigrade teachers need to be part of curriculum development for them to master the syllabus. These teachers will assist in developing multigrade resources for integration, contextualisation and more enrichment activities for high achievers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
a pH-metric speciation and anti-diabetic study of oxovanadium (IV) amino acid derivatives
- Authors: Gundhla, Isaac Zvikomborero
- Date: 2011 , 2011-03-15
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4399 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006691
- Description: Novel oxovanadium(IV) complexes of glycine, ʟ-alanine, 1-methylimidazole-2-carboxylic acid, imidazole-2-caboxylic acid and imidazole-4-carboxylic acid were synthesized and isolated in the solid state. The ligands and complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, melting point, NMR, IR and UV-vis spectroscopy. The IR studies showed that glycine and ʟ-alanine coordinate monodentately through the amine nitrogen whilst the imidazole-carboxylic acid derivatives assume a bidentate chelation. The electronic spectroscopic studies indicate distorted octahedral geometry for the oxovanadium complexes of amino acids and a square pyramidal geometry for oxovanadium(IV) complexes of imidazole carboxylic acid derivatives. The reaction of vanadyl (VO2+) with glycine, ʟ-alanine, imidazole-2-cabrboxylic acid, imidazole-4-carboxylic acid and 1-methylimidazole-2-carboxylic acid was studied in aqueous solution by pH-potentiometry under oxygen and carbon dioxide-free conditions. The data obtained from these titrations were used to calculate the protonation and stability constants. The results showed that all ligands are suitable for bidentate coordination in the formation of monomeric species although the solid state studies of the oxovanadium(IV) complexes of amino acids showed a monodentate coordination. The overall stability constants for the (VIVO)-ʟ-alanine system (log β120 = 18.27(6)), (VIVO)-glycine system (β120 = 17.22(6)), (VIVO)-imidazole-4-carboxyic acid (β120 = 11.38(8)), (VIVO)-imidazole-2-carboxylic acid (β120 = 11.62(6)) and (VIVO)-1-methylimidazole-2-carboxylic acid (β120 = 15.49(9)) were obtained. The calculations for the species distribution in the experimental pH range showed that the neutral bis-coordinated complexes are dominant over the biological pH range. The glucose uptake effect of oxovanadium(IV) complex of ʟ-alanine, imidazole-4-carboxylic acid, imidazole-2-carboxylic acid and 1-methylimidazole-2-carboxylic acid was investigated using 3T3-L1 adipocytes, Chang liver and C2C12 muscle cells at various concentrations. The compounds had significant glucose uptake on Chang liver cells only at a concentration of 0.1-10 μM whilst in the C2C12 muscle and 3T3-L1 cells the compounds showed little to no activity probably due to the lower concentrations employed as a result of the cytotoxicity of these compounds on these two cell lines.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Gundhla, Isaac Zvikomborero
- Date: 2011 , 2011-03-15
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4399 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006691
- Description: Novel oxovanadium(IV) complexes of glycine, ʟ-alanine, 1-methylimidazole-2-carboxylic acid, imidazole-2-caboxylic acid and imidazole-4-carboxylic acid were synthesized and isolated in the solid state. The ligands and complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, melting point, NMR, IR and UV-vis spectroscopy. The IR studies showed that glycine and ʟ-alanine coordinate monodentately through the amine nitrogen whilst the imidazole-carboxylic acid derivatives assume a bidentate chelation. The electronic spectroscopic studies indicate distorted octahedral geometry for the oxovanadium complexes of amino acids and a square pyramidal geometry for oxovanadium(IV) complexes of imidazole carboxylic acid derivatives. The reaction of vanadyl (VO2+) with glycine, ʟ-alanine, imidazole-2-cabrboxylic acid, imidazole-4-carboxylic acid and 1-methylimidazole-2-carboxylic acid was studied in aqueous solution by pH-potentiometry under oxygen and carbon dioxide-free conditions. The data obtained from these titrations were used to calculate the protonation and stability constants. The results showed that all ligands are suitable for bidentate coordination in the formation of monomeric species although the solid state studies of the oxovanadium(IV) complexes of amino acids showed a monodentate coordination. The overall stability constants for the (VIVO)-ʟ-alanine system (log β120 = 18.27(6)), (VIVO)-glycine system (β120 = 17.22(6)), (VIVO)-imidazole-4-carboxyic acid (β120 = 11.38(8)), (VIVO)-imidazole-2-carboxylic acid (β120 = 11.62(6)) and (VIVO)-1-methylimidazole-2-carboxylic acid (β120 = 15.49(9)) were obtained. The calculations for the species distribution in the experimental pH range showed that the neutral bis-coordinated complexes are dominant over the biological pH range. The glucose uptake effect of oxovanadium(IV) complex of ʟ-alanine, imidazole-4-carboxylic acid, imidazole-2-carboxylic acid and 1-methylimidazole-2-carboxylic acid was investigated using 3T3-L1 adipocytes, Chang liver and C2C12 muscle cells at various concentrations. The compounds had significant glucose uptake on Chang liver cells only at a concentration of 0.1-10 μM whilst in the C2C12 muscle and 3T3-L1 cells the compounds showed little to no activity probably due to the lower concentrations employed as a result of the cytotoxicity of these compounds on these two cell lines.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Analysis of volatility spillover effects between the South African, regional and world equity markets
- Authors: Mumba, Mabvuto
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Financial crises International finance Stocks -- Prices -- Africa Stocks -- Prices -- South Africa Capital market -- Africa Capital market -- South Africa Foreign exchange rates Africa -- Economic conditions South Africa -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:957 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002691
- Description: The current study examines the extent and magnitude by which global and regional shocks are transmitted to the volatility of returns in the stock markets of South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria, Botswana, Mauritius and Egypt. This is done so as to make inferences on the level of the domestic market‟s integration into the regional and world capital markets. By applying multivariate and univariate GARCH models, using weekly data from June 1995 to May 2010, the main empirical findings are threefold. Firstly, the volatility analytical framework finds statistically significant and time-varying volatility spillover effects from the regional and global markets to the South African market. Global shocks are generally stronger and account for up to 23.9 percent of the volatility of South Africa‟s equity market compared to weaker regional factors which account for less than 1 percent of domestic variance. Only in countries with strong bilateral trade and economic links with South Africa, such as Botswana and Namibia, is it found that regional factors are more dominant than global factors for domestic volatility. Compared to the other African markets, the joint influence of foreign shocks on domestic volatility is highest in South Africa and Egypt, two of Africa‟s largest and most developed markets. The results further demonstrate that for all the African markets the explanatory power of both regional and global factors for domestic volatility is not constant over time and tends to increase during turbulent market periods. Secondly, the analysis of the determinants of South frica‟s second moment linkages with the global market suggests that the volatility of the exchange rate plays a cardinal role in influencing the magnitude by which global shocks affect domestic volatility. The increased global integration in the second moments cannot be attributed to either increased trade integration, convergence in inflation rates or to convergence in interest rates between South Africa and the global markets. Lastly, tests were conducted to examine whether there have been contagion effects from the regional and global markets to South Africa from the 1997 Asian crisis and the 2007/8 global financial crisis. The results show no evidence of contagion during either the East Asian currency crisis or the recent global financial crisis to South Africa, while some African markets, such as Egypt, Mauritius and Botswana, exhibit contagion effects from either crisis. Overall, the empirical findings generally support the view that African markets are segmented both at the regional and global levels as domestic volatility is more influenced by local idiosyncratic shocks (the proportion not attributable to either global and regional factors). However, the volatility of South Africa, and to a lesser extent Egypt, remains relatively more open to global influence. This implies that the potential for gains from international portfolio diversification and the scope for success of policies aimed at the stabilisation of equity markets in these markets exist.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Mumba, Mabvuto
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Financial crises International finance Stocks -- Prices -- Africa Stocks -- Prices -- South Africa Capital market -- Africa Capital market -- South Africa Foreign exchange rates Africa -- Economic conditions South Africa -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:957 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002691
- Description: The current study examines the extent and magnitude by which global and regional shocks are transmitted to the volatility of returns in the stock markets of South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria, Botswana, Mauritius and Egypt. This is done so as to make inferences on the level of the domestic market‟s integration into the regional and world capital markets. By applying multivariate and univariate GARCH models, using weekly data from June 1995 to May 2010, the main empirical findings are threefold. Firstly, the volatility analytical framework finds statistically significant and time-varying volatility spillover effects from the regional and global markets to the South African market. Global shocks are generally stronger and account for up to 23.9 percent of the volatility of South Africa‟s equity market compared to weaker regional factors which account for less than 1 percent of domestic variance. Only in countries with strong bilateral trade and economic links with South Africa, such as Botswana and Namibia, is it found that regional factors are more dominant than global factors for domestic volatility. Compared to the other African markets, the joint influence of foreign shocks on domestic volatility is highest in South Africa and Egypt, two of Africa‟s largest and most developed markets. The results further demonstrate that for all the African markets the explanatory power of both regional and global factors for domestic volatility is not constant over time and tends to increase during turbulent market periods. Secondly, the analysis of the determinants of South frica‟s second moment linkages with the global market suggests that the volatility of the exchange rate plays a cardinal role in influencing the magnitude by which global shocks affect domestic volatility. The increased global integration in the second moments cannot be attributed to either increased trade integration, convergence in inflation rates or to convergence in interest rates between South Africa and the global markets. Lastly, tests were conducted to examine whether there have been contagion effects from the regional and global markets to South Africa from the 1997 Asian crisis and the 2007/8 global financial crisis. The results show no evidence of contagion during either the East Asian currency crisis or the recent global financial crisis to South Africa, while some African markets, such as Egypt, Mauritius and Botswana, exhibit contagion effects from either crisis. Overall, the empirical findings generally support the view that African markets are segmented both at the regional and global levels as domestic volatility is more influenced by local idiosyncratic shocks (the proportion not attributable to either global and regional factors). However, the volatility of South Africa, and to a lesser extent Egypt, remains relatively more open to global influence. This implies that the potential for gains from international portfolio diversification and the scope for success of policies aimed at the stabilisation of equity markets in these markets exist.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
The development and technologizing of selected Sepedi ICT terminology
- Authors: Magagane, Raesetja Linah
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Northern Sotho language -- Terms and phrases Northern Sotho language -- Terminology Northern Sotho language -- Computer-assisted instruction Communication -- Technological innovations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3581 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002156
- Description: It is my wish that the Sepedi language speakers, through the development and technologization of certain Sepedi ICT terminology, are able to operate a computer in their own language, and implement the new developed and technologized ICT terminology (technologization). The pupils and students at their various institutions should be made comfortable in using the developed and technologized Sepedi language terminology. In the long run the Sepedi language speakers should be ensured access to the web in order to find information about Sepedi language, culture and terms in disciplines such as ICT. It is recommended in this thesis that higher learning institutions offer bursaries to students to develop all South African languages in such a manner that they can be used in all high status functions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Magagane, Raesetja Linah
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Northern Sotho language -- Terms and phrases Northern Sotho language -- Terminology Northern Sotho language -- Computer-assisted instruction Communication -- Technological innovations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3581 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002156
- Description: It is my wish that the Sepedi language speakers, through the development and technologization of certain Sepedi ICT terminology, are able to operate a computer in their own language, and implement the new developed and technologized ICT terminology (technologization). The pupils and students at their various institutions should be made comfortable in using the developed and technologized Sepedi language terminology. In the long run the Sepedi language speakers should be ensured access to the web in order to find information about Sepedi language, culture and terms in disciplines such as ICT. It is recommended in this thesis that higher learning institutions offer bursaries to students to develop all South African languages in such a manner that they can be used in all high status functions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Towards a sustainable bioprocess for the remediation of acid mine drainage
- Authors: Mambo, Mutsa Prudence
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Acid mine drainage , Algae culture , Reduction (Chemistry) , Hydrolysis , ASPAM model (Acid mine drainage) , Water -- Purification
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5955 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006167 , Acid mine drainage , Algae culture , Reduction (Chemistry) , Hydrolysis , ASPAM model (Acid mine drainage) , Water -- Purification
- Description: Acid mine drainage is of growing concern for both developing and developed economies. Thus there is increasing pressure to develop alternative remediation strategies. Biological sulphidogenic mechanisms have long since been studied but, very few have been implemented on a large scale. Limitations are due to the inability to acquire a suitable, low cost, environmentally friendly, renewable carbon source. The present study investigated the use of an algae biomass generated by the HRAOP of an IAPS as a carbon source for the EBRU 00AB/06 SRB consortium. The algae biomass and consortium were utilized together to remediate simulated AMD. Remediation involved decreasing the sulphate and metal concentrations in solution and decreasing the acidity of a simulated AMD. Experiments were carried out to investigate the capability of the EBRU 00AB/06 SRB consortium for sulphate reduction and sulphide generation. The consortium produced colonies when grown under anaerobic conditions in Petri dishes containing modified lactate SRB medium. The SRB consortium reduced the sulphate concentration of modified Postgates medium B and generated sulphide. Further analysis of the EBRU 00AB/06 SRB consortium revealed that the consortium was minimally impacted at pH 5 and by sulphate and iron at 3 g.L-1 and 0.5 g.L-1 respectively. The EBRU 00AB/06 SRB consortium was exposed to Actinomycin D and Ethidium Bromide to determine whether transcription and translation of proteins was required for sulphate reduction. Results indicated that sulphide generation and sulphate reduction were inducible. Analysis of the algae biomass used in this study revealed the empirical formula C1.0H1.91N0.084S0.003O0.36 indicating a carbon source rich in the nutrients required to sustain microbial development. Light microscopy revealed that algae cell walls and in particular those of Pediastrum were susceptible to acid hydrolysis. Dinitrosalicylic acid, Nile red, Bradford and Ninhydrin assays were used to determine the reducing sugar, lipid, protein and amino acid content respectively, of the mixed algae biomass. Results showed that upon exposure of the biomass to simulated AMD at pH 1 and pH 3, the concentration of reducing sugars and amino acids in solution increased. Whereas levels of lipids remained unchanged while the protein concentration decreased, indicating that, upon exposure of algae biomass to AMD, simulated or otherwise, cells ruptured, proteins were hydrolyzed and polysaccharides were broken down to sugars which are immediately available for SRB utilization. Exposure of biomass to simulated AMD revealed further that the presence of algae biomass increased the pH of simulated AMD (pH 3) to pH 7.67 after 4 d. Likewise, the pH of simulated AMD at 1 increased to 1.77 after 2 d while pH of the neutral control increased to 8.1 after 4 d. A direct comparison between lactate and algae biomass revealed 94 % sulphate removal after 23 d in the presence of algae biomass while 82 % sulphate removal was measured in the presence of lactate. Thus the EBRU 00AB/06 SRB consortium successfully utilized algae biomass for sulphate reduction and sulphide generation. In another experiment to establish if the consortium could remediate simulated AMD (pH 5) containing 0.5 g.L-1 iron and 3 g.L-1 sulphate while utilizing an algae biomass as the carbon source no residual iron was detected after 14 d and by day 23, an 89.07 % reduction in sulphate was measured. The results of this investigation are discussed in terms of utilizing a readily available and renewable biomass in the form of microalgae produced in HRAOPs as an effective carbon source in the SRB catalysed remediation of AMD.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Mambo, Mutsa Prudence
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Acid mine drainage , Algae culture , Reduction (Chemistry) , Hydrolysis , ASPAM model (Acid mine drainage) , Water -- Purification
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5955 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006167 , Acid mine drainage , Algae culture , Reduction (Chemistry) , Hydrolysis , ASPAM model (Acid mine drainage) , Water -- Purification
- Description: Acid mine drainage is of growing concern for both developing and developed economies. Thus there is increasing pressure to develop alternative remediation strategies. Biological sulphidogenic mechanisms have long since been studied but, very few have been implemented on a large scale. Limitations are due to the inability to acquire a suitable, low cost, environmentally friendly, renewable carbon source. The present study investigated the use of an algae biomass generated by the HRAOP of an IAPS as a carbon source for the EBRU 00AB/06 SRB consortium. The algae biomass and consortium were utilized together to remediate simulated AMD. Remediation involved decreasing the sulphate and metal concentrations in solution and decreasing the acidity of a simulated AMD. Experiments were carried out to investigate the capability of the EBRU 00AB/06 SRB consortium for sulphate reduction and sulphide generation. The consortium produced colonies when grown under anaerobic conditions in Petri dishes containing modified lactate SRB medium. The SRB consortium reduced the sulphate concentration of modified Postgates medium B and generated sulphide. Further analysis of the EBRU 00AB/06 SRB consortium revealed that the consortium was minimally impacted at pH 5 and by sulphate and iron at 3 g.L-1 and 0.5 g.L-1 respectively. The EBRU 00AB/06 SRB consortium was exposed to Actinomycin D and Ethidium Bromide to determine whether transcription and translation of proteins was required for sulphate reduction. Results indicated that sulphide generation and sulphate reduction were inducible. Analysis of the algae biomass used in this study revealed the empirical formula C1.0H1.91N0.084S0.003O0.36 indicating a carbon source rich in the nutrients required to sustain microbial development. Light microscopy revealed that algae cell walls and in particular those of Pediastrum were susceptible to acid hydrolysis. Dinitrosalicylic acid, Nile red, Bradford and Ninhydrin assays were used to determine the reducing sugar, lipid, protein and amino acid content respectively, of the mixed algae biomass. Results showed that upon exposure of the biomass to simulated AMD at pH 1 and pH 3, the concentration of reducing sugars and amino acids in solution increased. Whereas levels of lipids remained unchanged while the protein concentration decreased, indicating that, upon exposure of algae biomass to AMD, simulated or otherwise, cells ruptured, proteins were hydrolyzed and polysaccharides were broken down to sugars which are immediately available for SRB utilization. Exposure of biomass to simulated AMD revealed further that the presence of algae biomass increased the pH of simulated AMD (pH 3) to pH 7.67 after 4 d. Likewise, the pH of simulated AMD at 1 increased to 1.77 after 2 d while pH of the neutral control increased to 8.1 after 4 d. A direct comparison between lactate and algae biomass revealed 94 % sulphate removal after 23 d in the presence of algae biomass while 82 % sulphate removal was measured in the presence of lactate. Thus the EBRU 00AB/06 SRB consortium successfully utilized algae biomass for sulphate reduction and sulphide generation. In another experiment to establish if the consortium could remediate simulated AMD (pH 5) containing 0.5 g.L-1 iron and 3 g.L-1 sulphate while utilizing an algae biomass as the carbon source no residual iron was detected after 14 d and by day 23, an 89.07 % reduction in sulphate was measured. The results of this investigation are discussed in terms of utilizing a readily available and renewable biomass in the form of microalgae produced in HRAOPs as an effective carbon source in the SRB catalysed remediation of AMD.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Development of techniques for the isolation of a granulovirus from potato tuber moth, phthorimaea operculella (Zeller)
- Authors: King, Shirley Anne
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Potato tuberworm -- Larvae , Agricultural pests -- Biological control , Potato tuberworm , Baculoviruses
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5910 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015202
- Description: Phthorimaea operculella, commonly known as the Potato Tuber Moth, is an economically important agricultural pest worldwide. The baculovirus, Phthorimaea operculella granulovirus (PhoGV) has been considered as a means of control alternative to chemical control because of its host specificity and harmless impact on other organisms and ecosystems. An isolate of PhoGV obtained from a South African PTM population would be beneficial in the production of a biopesticide, which is not yet available. An efficient and cost-effective rearing method would be advantageous for potential commercial production. Commercial table and seed potato plantations and storage facilities located in Patensie, Bathurst, Howick and Ivanhoe were surveyed for PTM infestations. Patensie was the only site where milky discoloured larvae were found, a potential symptom of PhoGV infection. TEM analysis revealed no virus in these samples. Since no virus was found in the field-collected samples, PTM insects were collected to initiate rearing in the laboratory. PTM was raised by three different methods in the laboratory. A cost/benefit analysis, survival rate, fertility and sex ratio were recorded for each rearing method. Rearing method one was deemed unsuccessful for efficient commercial rearing, as survival percentage and fertility were low. Rearing methods two and three had high survival rates and high fertility, and were efficient and less labour intensive than rearing method one. Rearing method three was the most productive technique, but for commercial production rearing method two was considered the most manageable and efficient. The sex ratio was 1:1 for all three cultures. The cost analysis revealed that rearing methods two and three were less expensive than rearing method one because less labour was required to monitor insects. The success of rearing PTM for 19 months will enable these cultures to be up-scaled to a large production facility for mass rearing. Virus was not found in the field surveys or in laboratory cultures, therefore chemical, temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide stressors were used in an attempt to initiate a baculoviral infection. Symptoms were exhibited in larvae subjected to chemical, temperature and humidity treatments, but these were confirmed by TEM analysis not to be a result of PhoGV infection. The success of rearing PTM in the laboratory suggests that the method could be used in the commercial rearing of the insects in a large mass-rearing facility. The data obtained from induction protocols have allowed for better understanding for future induction for PhoGV and other baculoviruses in other insect species. The failure to isolate a South African PhoGV strain for developing a biopesticide against PTM has motivated further studies in obtaining a baculovirus in order for South Africa to develop a commercial product against this pest.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: King, Shirley Anne
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Potato tuberworm -- Larvae , Agricultural pests -- Biological control , Potato tuberworm , Baculoviruses
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5910 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015202
- Description: Phthorimaea operculella, commonly known as the Potato Tuber Moth, is an economically important agricultural pest worldwide. The baculovirus, Phthorimaea operculella granulovirus (PhoGV) has been considered as a means of control alternative to chemical control because of its host specificity and harmless impact on other organisms and ecosystems. An isolate of PhoGV obtained from a South African PTM population would be beneficial in the production of a biopesticide, which is not yet available. An efficient and cost-effective rearing method would be advantageous for potential commercial production. Commercial table and seed potato plantations and storage facilities located in Patensie, Bathurst, Howick and Ivanhoe were surveyed for PTM infestations. Patensie was the only site where milky discoloured larvae were found, a potential symptom of PhoGV infection. TEM analysis revealed no virus in these samples. Since no virus was found in the field-collected samples, PTM insects were collected to initiate rearing in the laboratory. PTM was raised by three different methods in the laboratory. A cost/benefit analysis, survival rate, fertility and sex ratio were recorded for each rearing method. Rearing method one was deemed unsuccessful for efficient commercial rearing, as survival percentage and fertility were low. Rearing methods two and three had high survival rates and high fertility, and were efficient and less labour intensive than rearing method one. Rearing method three was the most productive technique, but for commercial production rearing method two was considered the most manageable and efficient. The sex ratio was 1:1 for all three cultures. The cost analysis revealed that rearing methods two and three were less expensive than rearing method one because less labour was required to monitor insects. The success of rearing PTM for 19 months will enable these cultures to be up-scaled to a large production facility for mass rearing. Virus was not found in the field surveys or in laboratory cultures, therefore chemical, temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide stressors were used in an attempt to initiate a baculoviral infection. Symptoms were exhibited in larvae subjected to chemical, temperature and humidity treatments, but these were confirmed by TEM analysis not to be a result of PhoGV infection. The success of rearing PTM in the laboratory suggests that the method could be used in the commercial rearing of the insects in a large mass-rearing facility. The data obtained from induction protocols have allowed for better understanding for future induction for PhoGV and other baculoviruses in other insect species. The failure to isolate a South African PhoGV strain for developing a biopesticide against PTM has motivated further studies in obtaining a baculovirus in order for South Africa to develop a commercial product against this pest.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Stewardship as an educational process of social learning and change: two case studies conducted in the Western Cape
- Authors: Walker, Clara Isabella
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Environmental education -- South Africa -- Western Cape Conservation of natural resources -- South Africa -- Western Cape Natural resources -- South Africa -- Western Cape -- Management Social learning -- South Africa -- Western Cape Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Western Cape Cape Nature Stewardship Programme (South Africa) Biodiversity Stewardship Programme (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1772 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003657
- Description: Stewardship in South Africa, as it is being implemented within the framework of the Biodiversity Stewardship Programme (BSP), is an attempt by conservation agencies to engage landowners in the voluntary securing of parcels of biodiverse land, through signing a contract for a certain time period, not to develop the landscape in ways that will impact negatively on the biodiversity of the area in question. The focus of this study is the relationship between biodiversity stewardship and social learning, as I hope to ascertain how stewardship practices are helping to resolve the current problems of biodiversity loss in the Western Cape. The overall aim of this research is to gain an understanding of how, in its capacity as a conservation education process, the Cape Nature Stewardship Programme can foster social learning amongst the landowners involved in its implementation, by leading them to a better understanding of their environmental responsibilities. Data was generated through the use of interviews and informal discussions with participants together with document analysis, such as brochures, pamphlets and presentations. My approach to the analysis of my data was two-phased. In the first phase, I analysed the data generated from the interview process and from reviewing the documents the stewardship officials supplied me with. The second phase involved looking into the results of the two case studies, and formulating analytical statements which were then used to review the case evidence within a social learning perspective, derived from Wals (2007). In constructing an analytical framework for the interpretation of my data, I drew heavily on Wals' (2007) notion of social learning occurring in sequential activities. I used this insight as a lens through which to trace the educational effects of the implementation of the CNSP in the two case study areas.The research highlighted evidence that Stewardship initiatives should be based on the foundation of social learning and invest time and effort in building an environmental knowledge capital amongst the landowners involved. By equipping them with these necessary conservation skills, one creates a 'community of practice' where those individuals adopt a sustainability habitus contributing towards a change and environmental understanding and practises in field.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Walker, Clara Isabella
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Environmental education -- South Africa -- Western Cape Conservation of natural resources -- South Africa -- Western Cape Natural resources -- South Africa -- Western Cape -- Management Social learning -- South Africa -- Western Cape Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Western Cape Cape Nature Stewardship Programme (South Africa) Biodiversity Stewardship Programme (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1772 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003657
- Description: Stewardship in South Africa, as it is being implemented within the framework of the Biodiversity Stewardship Programme (BSP), is an attempt by conservation agencies to engage landowners in the voluntary securing of parcels of biodiverse land, through signing a contract for a certain time period, not to develop the landscape in ways that will impact negatively on the biodiversity of the area in question. The focus of this study is the relationship between biodiversity stewardship and social learning, as I hope to ascertain how stewardship practices are helping to resolve the current problems of biodiversity loss in the Western Cape. The overall aim of this research is to gain an understanding of how, in its capacity as a conservation education process, the Cape Nature Stewardship Programme can foster social learning amongst the landowners involved in its implementation, by leading them to a better understanding of their environmental responsibilities. Data was generated through the use of interviews and informal discussions with participants together with document analysis, such as brochures, pamphlets and presentations. My approach to the analysis of my data was two-phased. In the first phase, I analysed the data generated from the interview process and from reviewing the documents the stewardship officials supplied me with. The second phase involved looking into the results of the two case studies, and formulating analytical statements which were then used to review the case evidence within a social learning perspective, derived from Wals (2007). In constructing an analytical framework for the interpretation of my data, I drew heavily on Wals' (2007) notion of social learning occurring in sequential activities. I used this insight as a lens through which to trace the educational effects of the implementation of the CNSP in the two case study areas.The research highlighted evidence that Stewardship initiatives should be based on the foundation of social learning and invest time and effort in building an environmental knowledge capital amongst the landowners involved. By equipping them with these necessary conservation skills, one creates a 'community of practice' where those individuals adopt a sustainability habitus contributing towards a change and environmental understanding and practises in field.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
The genetic diversity and conservation biology of the rare terrestrial snail genus Prestonella
- Authors: Fearon, Janine Lee
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Snails -- South Africa , Snails -- Conservation -- South Africa , Snails -- Variation -- South Africa , Biodiversity -- South Africa , Snails -- Genetics -- South Africa , Snails -- Habitat -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4191 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003760 , Snails -- South Africa , Snails -- Conservation -- South Africa , Snails -- Variation -- South Africa , Biodiversity -- South Africa , Snails -- Genetics -- South Africa , Snails -- Habitat -- South Africa
- Description: Prestonella bowkeri and Prestonella nuptialis are montane specialists endemic to the southern Great Escarpment of South Africa. Phylogeographic analyses of these species based on mitochondrial markers CO1 and 16S reveal extremely high levels of divergence between populations indicating a lack of gene flow between populations. This is not surprising, because P. nuptialis and P. bowkeri have limited dispersal capacity, low vagility, a highly fragmented distribution and are habitat specialists that are restricted to isolated mesic refugia associated with waterfalls and montane seepages. A relaxed Bayesian clock estimate suggests that populations diverged from one another during the mid-late Miocene (12.5-7 MYA) which coincides with the modern trends of seasonal aridity which began during the Miocene. This result should be viewed with caution because the rates used are at best imprecise estimates of mutation rates in snails. There is no clear dichotomy between the two species and P. bowkeri is paraphyletic with respect to P. nuptialis, as a consequence the taxonomy is unclear. Due to the high levels of sequence divergence between populations they may be considered as evolutionary significant units (ESU’s). An assessment of haplotype diversity (h) and nucleotide diversity (π) reveals that populations in the western part of the Great Escarpment are more genetically depauperate than populations in the east. Correlations between genetic diversity and climatic variables show that genetically depauperate populations are found in areas that have lower annual rainfall, less reliable rainfall and higher potential evaporation, all factors associated with a drier, less mesic environment that increases the chances of a population bottleneck. This indicates that a shift towards a more arid environment may be a driver of genetic erosion. Historical climate change may thus have affected the amount and distribution of genetic diversity across the Great Escarpment since the Miocene. This has serious future implications for the survival of Prestonella. With predicted increase in global temperatures, climate change in South Africa is likely to result in range contraction and an eastward range shift for many species in the drier central and western areas (Erasmus et al. 2002) and regions along the Great Escarpment are likely to become more arid. Prestonella populations found living on inselbergs along the Great Escarpment are already restricted to site specific watercourses and seepages. An increase in the periods between stream flow, and increasing rainfall variability and mean annual potential evaporation are likely to have an adverse affect on species living in these habitats, resulting in further bottlenecks and possibly local extinction. An IUCN assessment of P. nuptialis and P. bowkeri suggests that these two species are probably endangered. The issue surrounding the conservation of Prestonella species is that they are threatened by global climate change, which cannot be simply restricted or prevented, which makes dealing with the threat of climate change difficult. Assisted migration (MA) may be considered as a method to prevent possible future extinctions of Prestonella populations, but will only be considered as a last resort. The thermal tolerance (Arrhenius breaking temperature and flat-line temperature) of individual snails from three Prestonella populations (one forest population and two thicket populations) were assessed using infrared sensors that detected changes in heart rate with increasing temperature. The forest population had a significantly lower Arrhenius breaking temperature (ABT) and flat-line temperature (FLT) than the two thicket population (p<0.05). Our results do not show a correlation between upper thermal limits and maximum habitat temperatures or other climatic variables in Prestonella populations. Although no correlation is found between ABT and maximum habitat temperature, it is likely that the differences seen between these populations are due to local micro-climate adaptation. The climatic variables used in this experiment are coarse estimates from GIS data and do not reflect actual microhabitat conditions. Forest environments are less heat stressed than thicket environments due to the forest canopy which may explain the lower ABT and FLT of the forest population.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Fearon, Janine Lee
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Snails -- South Africa , Snails -- Conservation -- South Africa , Snails -- Variation -- South Africa , Biodiversity -- South Africa , Snails -- Genetics -- South Africa , Snails -- Habitat -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4191 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003760 , Snails -- South Africa , Snails -- Conservation -- South Africa , Snails -- Variation -- South Africa , Biodiversity -- South Africa , Snails -- Genetics -- South Africa , Snails -- Habitat -- South Africa
- Description: Prestonella bowkeri and Prestonella nuptialis are montane specialists endemic to the southern Great Escarpment of South Africa. Phylogeographic analyses of these species based on mitochondrial markers CO1 and 16S reveal extremely high levels of divergence between populations indicating a lack of gene flow between populations. This is not surprising, because P. nuptialis and P. bowkeri have limited dispersal capacity, low vagility, a highly fragmented distribution and are habitat specialists that are restricted to isolated mesic refugia associated with waterfalls and montane seepages. A relaxed Bayesian clock estimate suggests that populations diverged from one another during the mid-late Miocene (12.5-7 MYA) which coincides with the modern trends of seasonal aridity which began during the Miocene. This result should be viewed with caution because the rates used are at best imprecise estimates of mutation rates in snails. There is no clear dichotomy between the two species and P. bowkeri is paraphyletic with respect to P. nuptialis, as a consequence the taxonomy is unclear. Due to the high levels of sequence divergence between populations they may be considered as evolutionary significant units (ESU’s). An assessment of haplotype diversity (h) and nucleotide diversity (π) reveals that populations in the western part of the Great Escarpment are more genetically depauperate than populations in the east. Correlations between genetic diversity and climatic variables show that genetically depauperate populations are found in areas that have lower annual rainfall, less reliable rainfall and higher potential evaporation, all factors associated with a drier, less mesic environment that increases the chances of a population bottleneck. This indicates that a shift towards a more arid environment may be a driver of genetic erosion. Historical climate change may thus have affected the amount and distribution of genetic diversity across the Great Escarpment since the Miocene. This has serious future implications for the survival of Prestonella. With predicted increase in global temperatures, climate change in South Africa is likely to result in range contraction and an eastward range shift for many species in the drier central and western areas (Erasmus et al. 2002) and regions along the Great Escarpment are likely to become more arid. Prestonella populations found living on inselbergs along the Great Escarpment are already restricted to site specific watercourses and seepages. An increase in the periods between stream flow, and increasing rainfall variability and mean annual potential evaporation are likely to have an adverse affect on species living in these habitats, resulting in further bottlenecks and possibly local extinction. An IUCN assessment of P. nuptialis and P. bowkeri suggests that these two species are probably endangered. The issue surrounding the conservation of Prestonella species is that they are threatened by global climate change, which cannot be simply restricted or prevented, which makes dealing with the threat of climate change difficult. Assisted migration (MA) may be considered as a method to prevent possible future extinctions of Prestonella populations, but will only be considered as a last resort. The thermal tolerance (Arrhenius breaking temperature and flat-line temperature) of individual snails from three Prestonella populations (one forest population and two thicket populations) were assessed using infrared sensors that detected changes in heart rate with increasing temperature. The forest population had a significantly lower Arrhenius breaking temperature (ABT) and flat-line temperature (FLT) than the two thicket population (p<0.05). Our results do not show a correlation between upper thermal limits and maximum habitat temperatures or other climatic variables in Prestonella populations. Although no correlation is found between ABT and maximum habitat temperature, it is likely that the differences seen between these populations are due to local micro-climate adaptation. The climatic variables used in this experiment are coarse estimates from GIS data and do not reflect actual microhabitat conditions. Forest environments are less heat stressed than thicket environments due to the forest canopy which may explain the lower ABT and FLT of the forest population.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Ericoid mycorrhizal fungi and potential for inoculation of commercial berry species (Vaccinium corymbosium L.)
- Authors: Bizabani, Christine
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Ericaceae , Mycorrhizas , Fynbos
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4136 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1016127
- Description: Ericaceous plants are the richest growth form of the fynbos vegetation of South Africa. The fynbos is characterized by highly leached acidic soils, low mineral nutrients and climatically it is a winter rainfall and dry summer region. Ericoid mycorrhizal fungi associate with Erica species enhancing their ability to access essential nutrients for survival under unfavourable growth conditions. The aim of this study was to select local Ericaceae plant species and to isolate, identify and characterize the ericoid endophytes and assess these isolates as potential inocula for commercial berry species. Two ericaceous plants Erica cerinthoides L. and Erica demmissa Klotzsch ex Benth. were identified from the Mountain Drive area of Grahamstown, Eastern Cape. Root staining was used to confirm the mycorrhizal status of both plants. Hyphal coils typical of ericoid association were observed within the epidermal cells of the hair roots under a light microscope. The endophytes were successfully isolated in pure culture on 2% malt extract agar (MEA) and modified Fontana medium. Cultural morphology and microscopy were used for initial identification. Two slow growing isolates were selected. These isolates were further subjected to molecular identification; extracted DNA was amplified using ITS1 and ITS4 fungal primers. The rDNA gene internal transcriber spacer (ITS) was then sequenced and analyzed by comparison to sequences in the GenBank. On the basis of percentage sequence identity Lachnum Retz. species and Cadophora Lagerb. & Melin species were identified as the ericoid endophytes of E. cerinthoides and E. demmissa respectively. The optimum growth parameters of the fungal isolates were determined in 2% MEA incubated at varying temperatures and pH. It was established that both species had optimum growth at 27⁰C and pH 5. The Ericaceae species are sometimes found in metal contaminated sites were ericoid fungi have been proved to alleviate toxicity of their host. The fungal isolates were grown in increasing concentration of Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺ in 2% MEA. The growth of Lachnum species decreased with increasing Zn²⁺ ions above 2.7 mM while Cadophora species showed a change in morphology and also decreased in growth with increased ion concentration. However there were no significant differences recorded in the growth of Cadophora and Lachnum species on increasing Cu²⁺ concentration. Lachnum and Cadophora isolates were formulated into a semi solid inoculum and inoculated onto micropropagated Vaccinni corymbosum L. plantlets of 5 different varieties. Colonization was low for all varieties, Elliott and Brightwell varieties recorded the highest colonization of 35% and 31% respectively. Lachnum species infected roots showed potential ericoid structures while the Cadophora inoculated plantlets had hyphal coils within the cortical cells typical of ericoid mycorrhizas. Inoculation significantly enhanced the shoot growth of Brightwell and Elliott varieties. The Chandler variety inoculated with Lachnum species showed improved shoot dry weight. The Bluecrop and Elliott varieties inoculated with Cadophora and Lachnum accumulated more root biomass. All inoculated Bluecrop plantlets had an improved canopy growth index. Brightwell plantlets inoculated with Lachnum species also had an enhanced canopy growth index. The growth responses were variable within varieties and between varieties. Treatments with the Cadophora and Lachnum have shown potential in the promotion of growth of the Blueberry species. The findings indicate the need to conduct trials under conditions which simulate the commercial growth conditions so as explore the optimum potential of the isolates.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Bizabani, Christine
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Ericaceae , Mycorrhizas , Fynbos
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4136 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1016127
- Description: Ericaceous plants are the richest growth form of the fynbos vegetation of South Africa. The fynbos is characterized by highly leached acidic soils, low mineral nutrients and climatically it is a winter rainfall and dry summer region. Ericoid mycorrhizal fungi associate with Erica species enhancing their ability to access essential nutrients for survival under unfavourable growth conditions. The aim of this study was to select local Ericaceae plant species and to isolate, identify and characterize the ericoid endophytes and assess these isolates as potential inocula for commercial berry species. Two ericaceous plants Erica cerinthoides L. and Erica demmissa Klotzsch ex Benth. were identified from the Mountain Drive area of Grahamstown, Eastern Cape. Root staining was used to confirm the mycorrhizal status of both plants. Hyphal coils typical of ericoid association were observed within the epidermal cells of the hair roots under a light microscope. The endophytes were successfully isolated in pure culture on 2% malt extract agar (MEA) and modified Fontana medium. Cultural morphology and microscopy were used for initial identification. Two slow growing isolates were selected. These isolates were further subjected to molecular identification; extracted DNA was amplified using ITS1 and ITS4 fungal primers. The rDNA gene internal transcriber spacer (ITS) was then sequenced and analyzed by comparison to sequences in the GenBank. On the basis of percentage sequence identity Lachnum Retz. species and Cadophora Lagerb. & Melin species were identified as the ericoid endophytes of E. cerinthoides and E. demmissa respectively. The optimum growth parameters of the fungal isolates were determined in 2% MEA incubated at varying temperatures and pH. It was established that both species had optimum growth at 27⁰C and pH 5. The Ericaceae species are sometimes found in metal contaminated sites were ericoid fungi have been proved to alleviate toxicity of their host. The fungal isolates were grown in increasing concentration of Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺ in 2% MEA. The growth of Lachnum species decreased with increasing Zn²⁺ ions above 2.7 mM while Cadophora species showed a change in morphology and also decreased in growth with increased ion concentration. However there were no significant differences recorded in the growth of Cadophora and Lachnum species on increasing Cu²⁺ concentration. Lachnum and Cadophora isolates were formulated into a semi solid inoculum and inoculated onto micropropagated Vaccinni corymbosum L. plantlets of 5 different varieties. Colonization was low for all varieties, Elliott and Brightwell varieties recorded the highest colonization of 35% and 31% respectively. Lachnum species infected roots showed potential ericoid structures while the Cadophora inoculated plantlets had hyphal coils within the cortical cells typical of ericoid mycorrhizas. Inoculation significantly enhanced the shoot growth of Brightwell and Elliott varieties. The Chandler variety inoculated with Lachnum species showed improved shoot dry weight. The Bluecrop and Elliott varieties inoculated with Cadophora and Lachnum accumulated more root biomass. All inoculated Bluecrop plantlets had an improved canopy growth index. Brightwell plantlets inoculated with Lachnum species also had an enhanced canopy growth index. The growth responses were variable within varieties and between varieties. Treatments with the Cadophora and Lachnum have shown potential in the promotion of growth of the Blueberry species. The findings indicate the need to conduct trials under conditions which simulate the commercial growth conditions so as explore the optimum potential of the isolates.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
The development and implementation of a mental toughness training programme for young cricketers
- Authors: Pattison, Stuart
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Cricket -- Psychological aspects -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Cricket -- Training -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Cricket players -- Mental health -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Mental discipline , Toughness (Personality trait) , Success -- Psychological aspects , Personal coaching -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , School sports -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3037 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002546 , Cricket -- Psychological aspects -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Cricket -- Training -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Cricket players -- Mental health -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Mental discipline , Toughness (Personality trait) , Success -- Psychological aspects , Personal coaching -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , School sports -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Description: Modern research being conducted on Mental Toughness is now shifting away from efforts aimed at developing definitions for the construct and instead moving toward efforts at understanding its development. This particular research study focuses on the development and implementation of a Mental Toughness programme designed specifically for, and tailored exclusively to, the needs of schoolboy cricket at Kingswood College in Grahamstown, Eastern Cape. The programme development was an intricate process and the research procedure was guided by the Organisational Development Process model. Data from a focus group as well as various individual interviews were integrated with currently existing Mental Toughness literature and theory to devise this particular Mental Toughness programme. The programme entails educating the athletes on six specific mental skills and incorporates elements of practical application as well as awareness of the importance and influence of Mental Toughness and mental training in a sporting sphere. The programme took the form of mental skills workshops held over a three week period. An analysis was conducted post-programme to document the experience of the athletes as a result of exposure to the programme. Results drawn from the array of analysis procedures were used to help identify the level of success of the Mental Toughness intervention as well as help validify current Mental Toughness models. In addition to highlighting the benefits as a result of the programme experience, various recommendations were drawn in order to shed light on the programme limitations and assist future researchers with understanding the intricacies behind better and more efficient programme implementation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Pattison, Stuart
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Cricket -- Psychological aspects -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Cricket -- Training -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Cricket players -- Mental health -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Mental discipline , Toughness (Personality trait) , Success -- Psychological aspects , Personal coaching -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , School sports -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3037 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002546 , Cricket -- Psychological aspects -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Cricket -- Training -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Cricket players -- Mental health -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Mental discipline , Toughness (Personality trait) , Success -- Psychological aspects , Personal coaching -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , School sports -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Description: Modern research being conducted on Mental Toughness is now shifting away from efforts aimed at developing definitions for the construct and instead moving toward efforts at understanding its development. This particular research study focuses on the development and implementation of a Mental Toughness programme designed specifically for, and tailored exclusively to, the needs of schoolboy cricket at Kingswood College in Grahamstown, Eastern Cape. The programme development was an intricate process and the research procedure was guided by the Organisational Development Process model. Data from a focus group as well as various individual interviews were integrated with currently existing Mental Toughness literature and theory to devise this particular Mental Toughness programme. The programme entails educating the athletes on six specific mental skills and incorporates elements of practical application as well as awareness of the importance and influence of Mental Toughness and mental training in a sporting sphere. The programme took the form of mental skills workshops held over a three week period. An analysis was conducted post-programme to document the experience of the athletes as a result of exposure to the programme. Results drawn from the array of analysis procedures were used to help identify the level of success of the Mental Toughness intervention as well as help validify current Mental Toughness models. In addition to highlighting the benefits as a result of the programme experience, various recommendations were drawn in order to shed light on the programme limitations and assist future researchers with understanding the intricacies behind better and more efficient programme implementation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Queer transgressions : the choreographing of a male homosexual presence with reference to selected choreographers
- Authors: De Boer, Kyle Dylan
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Queer theory , Gender identity in dance , Homosexuality in dance , Homosexuality and dance , Male homosexuality , Dance -- South Africa , Choreographers -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2161 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1009442
- Description: Queer Transgressions: The choreographing of a male homosexual presence with reference to selected choreographers explores queer identity and in particular representations of a male homosexual presence in dance. Within the methodological framework of dance studies and queer theory I explore the ―self fashioning‖ of my male homosexual presence in dance. This is achieved by critically deconstructing my choreographic process when making choreography. Therefore this thesis is informed by both academic research and my self-reflexive experience of choreography and dance performance. The deconstruction of my autobiography and choreographic process is discussed with reference to both international and South African queer choreographers. This means that by accounting for my own experiences and approaches toward representing a male homosexual presence in dance, I explore the history and engagements of other queer choreographers also creating such representations. I therefore examine the works of selected choreographers and chart the development of the representation of a male homosexual presence in dance. By exploring the choreographic process of other queer choreographers I identify choreographic tactics that queer choreographers are using when making work. From this point of departure I shift the focus away from international queer choreographers and provide insight into the choreographic processes of South African queer choreographers. By accounting for the works and choreographic processes of South African choreographers, I provide a context in which my choreographic explorations on the subject matter can take place. This choreographic exploration manifests itself through a self-reflexive/autobiographic account on the research and practice of my choreographic process. During my choreographic exploration I set the challenge to both engage with and explore further, established ―queering tactics. This is done with the intention to reveal and create representations of a male homosexual presence in dance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: De Boer, Kyle Dylan
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Queer theory , Gender identity in dance , Homosexuality in dance , Homosexuality and dance , Male homosexuality , Dance -- South Africa , Choreographers -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2161 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1009442
- Description: Queer Transgressions: The choreographing of a male homosexual presence with reference to selected choreographers explores queer identity and in particular representations of a male homosexual presence in dance. Within the methodological framework of dance studies and queer theory I explore the ―self fashioning‖ of my male homosexual presence in dance. This is achieved by critically deconstructing my choreographic process when making choreography. Therefore this thesis is informed by both academic research and my self-reflexive experience of choreography and dance performance. The deconstruction of my autobiography and choreographic process is discussed with reference to both international and South African queer choreographers. This means that by accounting for my own experiences and approaches toward representing a male homosexual presence in dance, I explore the history and engagements of other queer choreographers also creating such representations. I therefore examine the works of selected choreographers and chart the development of the representation of a male homosexual presence in dance. By exploring the choreographic process of other queer choreographers I identify choreographic tactics that queer choreographers are using when making work. From this point of departure I shift the focus away from international queer choreographers and provide insight into the choreographic processes of South African queer choreographers. By accounting for the works and choreographic processes of South African choreographers, I provide a context in which my choreographic explorations on the subject matter can take place. This choreographic exploration manifests itself through a self-reflexive/autobiographic account on the research and practice of my choreographic process. During my choreographic exploration I set the challenge to both engage with and explore further, established ―queering tactics. This is done with the intention to reveal and create representations of a male homosexual presence in dance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Monetary policy transmission in South Africa: a comparative analysis of credit and exchange rate channels
- Authors: Sebitso, Nathaniel Maemu
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Monetary policy -- South Africa , Foreign exchange market -- South Africa , Financial crises -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic conditions , South Africa -- Economic policy , Banks and banking -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1129 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020851
- Description: This thesis focuses on monetary policy transmission and particularly seeks to examine the impact of credit and exchange rate channels of monetary policy transmission in the South African economy. South Africa's monetary policy has gone through several changes over the past thirty years. In this respect, there is a need for robust empirical evidence on the effects of these channels on inflation and output. The thesis employs a structural vector autoregressive (SVAR) model to identify monetary transmission in South Africa for the period 1994:q4 - 2008:q2. The form of the SVAR used in this thesis is based on the fact that South Africa is a small open economy, which means that external shocks are an important driver of domestic activity. The impulse responses and variance decomposition results show that the repo rate, credit and exchange rate play a role in terms of their impact on inflation and output. The dynamic responses to the identified monetary policy shock are consistent with standard theory and highlight the importance of the interest rate channel. A shock to the interest rate, increasing it by one standard deviation, results in a persistent fall in credit. The response of output is immediate as it falls and bottoms out within the second year. Inflation shows a lagged response, it is positive within the first year as the exchange rate depreciates but in subsequent quarters inflation responds negatively as expected. Inflation falls and reaches a minimum by approximately eight quarters then moves towards baseline. The exchange rate shows delayed appreciation. The shock to the repo interest rate leads to an immediate depreciation of the exchange rate in the first two quarters as output declines, followed by an appreciation in the third and sixth quarter. Due to larger error bounds the impact of the repo rate on the exchange rate could be less effective within the first two years. The impulse responses suggest that monetary policy plays an effective role in stabilising the economy in response to a credit shock, notwithstanding large standard error bounds. Hence, the monetary authority reacts by increasing the repo rate as a result of inflation. The impact of credit on output is positive but is offset to some extent by the rising repo rate. In response to the rand appreciation, the monetary authority reduces the repo rate significantly during the first year with the maximum impact in the second year and then returns to baseline thereafter. Therefore the monetary authority reduces the repo rate, probably to stabilise falling inflation. The result shows that inflation falls as a result of the rand appreciation. A shock to the exchange rate causes a rise in output, though small in magnitude, which is persistent but reaches baseline at the end of the period. This result could reflect the effects of the resultant fall in the repo rate and a persistent rise in credit over the whole period, which tends to increase output. The exchange rate shows an obvious and stronger immediate impact on inflation compared to credit impact on inflation. However, the credit shock has an obvious and stronger impact on output compared to an exchange rate impact on output. However, the large standard error bounds may imply that credit and exchange rate channels are not as effective in the short run. It is important to note that the results are based on the SVAR model estimated with percentage growth rate of the variables. The variance decomposition result is in line with the impulse responses and shows that the exchange rate and credit channels could be important transmission channels in South Africa over the chosen sample period. The exchange rate and credit shocks show a stronger effect on inflation than on output, looking at both the impulse responses and variance decomposition results. The reaction of the repo interest rate to the credit and exchange rate shocks comes out as expected. The repo rate increases as a result of an increase in the credit and falls as a result of the currency appreciation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Sebitso, Nathaniel Maemu
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Monetary policy -- South Africa , Foreign exchange market -- South Africa , Financial crises -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic conditions , South Africa -- Economic policy , Banks and banking -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1129 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020851
- Description: This thesis focuses on monetary policy transmission and particularly seeks to examine the impact of credit and exchange rate channels of monetary policy transmission in the South African economy. South Africa's monetary policy has gone through several changes over the past thirty years. In this respect, there is a need for robust empirical evidence on the effects of these channels on inflation and output. The thesis employs a structural vector autoregressive (SVAR) model to identify monetary transmission in South Africa for the period 1994:q4 - 2008:q2. The form of the SVAR used in this thesis is based on the fact that South Africa is a small open economy, which means that external shocks are an important driver of domestic activity. The impulse responses and variance decomposition results show that the repo rate, credit and exchange rate play a role in terms of their impact on inflation and output. The dynamic responses to the identified monetary policy shock are consistent with standard theory and highlight the importance of the interest rate channel. A shock to the interest rate, increasing it by one standard deviation, results in a persistent fall in credit. The response of output is immediate as it falls and bottoms out within the second year. Inflation shows a lagged response, it is positive within the first year as the exchange rate depreciates but in subsequent quarters inflation responds negatively as expected. Inflation falls and reaches a minimum by approximately eight quarters then moves towards baseline. The exchange rate shows delayed appreciation. The shock to the repo interest rate leads to an immediate depreciation of the exchange rate in the first two quarters as output declines, followed by an appreciation in the third and sixth quarter. Due to larger error bounds the impact of the repo rate on the exchange rate could be less effective within the first two years. The impulse responses suggest that monetary policy plays an effective role in stabilising the economy in response to a credit shock, notwithstanding large standard error bounds. Hence, the monetary authority reacts by increasing the repo rate as a result of inflation. The impact of credit on output is positive but is offset to some extent by the rising repo rate. In response to the rand appreciation, the monetary authority reduces the repo rate significantly during the first year with the maximum impact in the second year and then returns to baseline thereafter. Therefore the monetary authority reduces the repo rate, probably to stabilise falling inflation. The result shows that inflation falls as a result of the rand appreciation. A shock to the exchange rate causes a rise in output, though small in magnitude, which is persistent but reaches baseline at the end of the period. This result could reflect the effects of the resultant fall in the repo rate and a persistent rise in credit over the whole period, which tends to increase output. The exchange rate shows an obvious and stronger immediate impact on inflation compared to credit impact on inflation. However, the credit shock has an obvious and stronger impact on output compared to an exchange rate impact on output. However, the large standard error bounds may imply that credit and exchange rate channels are not as effective in the short run. It is important to note that the results are based on the SVAR model estimated with percentage growth rate of the variables. The variance decomposition result is in line with the impulse responses and shows that the exchange rate and credit channels could be important transmission channels in South Africa over the chosen sample period. The exchange rate and credit shocks show a stronger effect on inflation than on output, looking at both the impulse responses and variance decomposition results. The reaction of the repo interest rate to the credit and exchange rate shocks comes out as expected. The repo rate increases as a result of an increase in the credit and falls as a result of the currency appreciation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
A case study of the strategic leadership displayed by Kevin Hedderwick at Famous Brands between 2004-2009
- Authors: Tom, Lubabalo Alexander
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Hedderwick, Kevin Famous Brands Leadership -- South Africa Case studies Strategic planning -- South Africa Case studies Corporate culture -- South Africa Case studies Organizational behavior -- South Africa Case studies Financial management -- South Africa Case studies Food industry and trade -- South Africa Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:772 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003893
- Description: Research studies and the review of academic literature has found that strategic leadership had a direct impact on organisational climate, and that climate in turn accounted for nearly one third of the financial results of organisations (Goleman, 2000). The conclusion from research conducted across 13 industries established that over a 20 year period, leadership accounted for more variations in performance than any other variable (Northouse, 2006). This thesis confines its research to a case study on Famous Brands. Famous Brands is currently one of Africa’s leading Quick Service Restaurant and Casual Dining franchisors and is also represented in the United Kingdom. The Group also has a manufacturing arm and supplies its franchisees, the retail trade and the broader hospitality industry with a wide range of meat, sauce, bakery, ice cream, fruit juice and mineral water products. At the time when the company’s name changed from Steers Holdings to Famous Brand in 2004, Kevin Hedderwick was appointed as Chief Operating Officer. The research examines how Kevin Hedderwick has exercised strategic leadership and thereby influenced Famous Brands’ performance. Hedderwick displays qualities, attributes and behaviours that are characterized by the phenomenon of “strategic leadership”. A quantitative analysis of Famous Brands financial performance (between 2005 and 2009) was undertaken. Further qualitative descriptions were used to further give meaning to the financial results. The success experienced by Famous Brands since Hedderwick’s appointment, seem to suggest that strategic choices and initiatives have been met with great success. The research is presented in the form of a case study that can be developed into a teaching case to be used in the classroom to illustrate the exercise of strategic leadership. The researcher explored a qualitative research framework by collecting and assimilating data from available documentation, and from a formal interview that was conducted with Mr Hedderwick. Information was also obtained from interviews that were conducted with other senior executives and influential personnel. This research concludes that the success of organisations is dependent on the interventions of a strategic leader who displays a specialist set of skills and behaviours. These strategic leaders have the ability to successfully influence their employees, thereby creating an enabling environment for the implementation of their strategic choices.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Tom, Lubabalo Alexander
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Hedderwick, Kevin Famous Brands Leadership -- South Africa Case studies Strategic planning -- South Africa Case studies Corporate culture -- South Africa Case studies Organizational behavior -- South Africa Case studies Financial management -- South Africa Case studies Food industry and trade -- South Africa Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:772 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003893
- Description: Research studies and the review of academic literature has found that strategic leadership had a direct impact on organisational climate, and that climate in turn accounted for nearly one third of the financial results of organisations (Goleman, 2000). The conclusion from research conducted across 13 industries established that over a 20 year period, leadership accounted for more variations in performance than any other variable (Northouse, 2006). This thesis confines its research to a case study on Famous Brands. Famous Brands is currently one of Africa’s leading Quick Service Restaurant and Casual Dining franchisors and is also represented in the United Kingdom. The Group also has a manufacturing arm and supplies its franchisees, the retail trade and the broader hospitality industry with a wide range of meat, sauce, bakery, ice cream, fruit juice and mineral water products. At the time when the company’s name changed from Steers Holdings to Famous Brand in 2004, Kevin Hedderwick was appointed as Chief Operating Officer. The research examines how Kevin Hedderwick has exercised strategic leadership and thereby influenced Famous Brands’ performance. Hedderwick displays qualities, attributes and behaviours that are characterized by the phenomenon of “strategic leadership”. A quantitative analysis of Famous Brands financial performance (between 2005 and 2009) was undertaken. Further qualitative descriptions were used to further give meaning to the financial results. The success experienced by Famous Brands since Hedderwick’s appointment, seem to suggest that strategic choices and initiatives have been met with great success. The research is presented in the form of a case study that can be developed into a teaching case to be used in the classroom to illustrate the exercise of strategic leadership. The researcher explored a qualitative research framework by collecting and assimilating data from available documentation, and from a formal interview that was conducted with Mr Hedderwick. Information was also obtained from interviews that were conducted with other senior executives and influential personnel. This research concludes that the success of organisations is dependent on the interventions of a strategic leader who displays a specialist set of skills and behaviours. These strategic leaders have the ability to successfully influence their employees, thereby creating an enabling environment for the implementation of their strategic choices.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Biomechanical, physiological and perceptual responses of three different athlete groups to the cycle-run transition
- Authors: Cripwell, Devin Matthew
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Biomechanics -- Research , Human mechanics -- Research , Cycling -- Physiological aspects -- Research , Running -- Physiological aspects -- Research , Exercise -- Physiological aspects -- Research
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5106 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005184 , Biomechanics -- Research , Human mechanics -- Research , Cycling -- Physiological aspects -- Research , Running -- Physiological aspects -- Research , Exercise -- Physiological aspects -- Research
- Description: The transition from cycling to running has been identified as one of the key determinants of success in triathlon, as it has been suggested that the cycle may affect subsequent running efficiency such that running performance is significantly altered or reduced. It is also suggested that athletes more adapted to the transition itself, rather than purely running or cycling, may be more efficient during the post-cycle running bout. The current study sought to investigate the effects of prior cycling on subsequent selected biomechanical, physiological and perceptual responses of three different athlete groups. Subjects were selected on the basis of their sporting background, and were divided into three groups – triathletes, cyclists and runners. Experimentation required subjects to perform a seven minute treadmill running protocol at 15km.h⁻¹, during which biomechanical (EMG, Stride rate, Stride length, Vertical acceleration), physiological (HR, VO₂, EE) and perceptual (RPE) responses were recorded. After resting, subjects were required to perform a twenty minute stationary cycle at 70% of maximal aerobic power (previously determined), immediately followed by a second seven minute treadmill running protocol during which the same data were collected and compared to those collected during the first run. Biomechanical responses indicate that the cycle protocol had no effect on the muscle activity or vertical acceleration responses of any of the three subject groups, while the triathlete group significantly altered their gait responses in order to preserve running economy. The triathlete group was the least affected when considering the physiological responses, as running economy was preserved for this group. The runner and cyclist groups were significantly affected by the transition, as running economy decreased significantly for these groups. Perceptual responses indicate that athletes more experienced with the transition may find the transition from cycling to running to be easier than those inexperienced in this transition. It is apparent that a high intensity cycle protocol has limited statistical impact on selected biomechanical responses, while physiological and perceptual responses were altered, during a subsequent run, regardless of athlete type. That said, the ability of transition-trained athletes to transition comfortably between disciplines was highlighted, which may have important performance implications.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Cripwell, Devin Matthew
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Biomechanics -- Research , Human mechanics -- Research , Cycling -- Physiological aspects -- Research , Running -- Physiological aspects -- Research , Exercise -- Physiological aspects -- Research
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5106 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005184 , Biomechanics -- Research , Human mechanics -- Research , Cycling -- Physiological aspects -- Research , Running -- Physiological aspects -- Research , Exercise -- Physiological aspects -- Research
- Description: The transition from cycling to running has been identified as one of the key determinants of success in triathlon, as it has been suggested that the cycle may affect subsequent running efficiency such that running performance is significantly altered or reduced. It is also suggested that athletes more adapted to the transition itself, rather than purely running or cycling, may be more efficient during the post-cycle running bout. The current study sought to investigate the effects of prior cycling on subsequent selected biomechanical, physiological and perceptual responses of three different athlete groups. Subjects were selected on the basis of their sporting background, and were divided into three groups – triathletes, cyclists and runners. Experimentation required subjects to perform a seven minute treadmill running protocol at 15km.h⁻¹, during which biomechanical (EMG, Stride rate, Stride length, Vertical acceleration), physiological (HR, VO₂, EE) and perceptual (RPE) responses were recorded. After resting, subjects were required to perform a twenty minute stationary cycle at 70% of maximal aerobic power (previously determined), immediately followed by a second seven minute treadmill running protocol during which the same data were collected and compared to those collected during the first run. Biomechanical responses indicate that the cycle protocol had no effect on the muscle activity or vertical acceleration responses of any of the three subject groups, while the triathlete group significantly altered their gait responses in order to preserve running economy. The triathlete group was the least affected when considering the physiological responses, as running economy was preserved for this group. The runner and cyclist groups were significantly affected by the transition, as running economy decreased significantly for these groups. Perceptual responses indicate that athletes more experienced with the transition may find the transition from cycling to running to be easier than those inexperienced in this transition. It is apparent that a high intensity cycle protocol has limited statistical impact on selected biomechanical responses, while physiological and perceptual responses were altered, during a subsequent run, regardless of athlete type. That said, the ability of transition-trained athletes to transition comfortably between disciplines was highlighted, which may have important performance implications.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
An evaluation of the feasibility of obtaining payment for ecosystem services for the Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve
- Authors: Erlank, Wayne Michael
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Ecosystem services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Ecology -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Environmental economics -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Water-supply -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Water-supply -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management Water resources development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Nature conservation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:742 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003862
- Description: Cities must go further and further away to find new, more costly sources of water for human consumption while industries and agriculture continue to compete for increasingly scarce water resources. This may already be seen occurring within the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro where the severe drought being experienced during the past 18 months has severely depleted water supply dams. One of the main supply dams to the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality is situated within the Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve and World Heritage Site. The potential of funding the Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve and World Heritage Site with payments for ecosystem services (water) obtained for water services supplied to the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipalities and agriculture in the Gamtoos River Valley will ensure financial sustainable for the Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve and World Heritage Site in the long term. This ability to become financially independent and generate its own income will place the Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve and World Heritage Site in a unique position within the conservation community in South Africa as only a very few protected areas are self sustaining through payment for an ecosystem service.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Erlank, Wayne Michael
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Ecosystem services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Ecology -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Environmental economics -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Water-supply -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Water-supply -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management Water resources development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Nature conservation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:742 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003862
- Description: Cities must go further and further away to find new, more costly sources of water for human consumption while industries and agriculture continue to compete for increasingly scarce water resources. This may already be seen occurring within the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro where the severe drought being experienced during the past 18 months has severely depleted water supply dams. One of the main supply dams to the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality is situated within the Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve and World Heritage Site. The potential of funding the Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve and World Heritage Site with payments for ecosystem services (water) obtained for water services supplied to the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipalities and agriculture in the Gamtoos River Valley will ensure financial sustainable for the Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve and World Heritage Site in the long term. This ability to become financially independent and generate its own income will place the Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve and World Heritage Site in a unique position within the conservation community in South Africa as only a very few protected areas are self sustaining through payment for an ecosystem service.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Where leaders learn: constructions of leadership and leadership development at Rhodes University
- Authors: Andrews, Rushda Ruth
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Leadership -- Education (Higher) -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Leadership -- Research -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Development leadership -- Education (Higher) -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Rhodes University -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:782 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003903
- Description: This thesis explores the Where Leaders Learn slogan of Rhodes University. It does this by means of an analysis of discourses constructing leadership and leadership development within the institutional context. The discourse analysis was made possible as a result of interviews with a range of people involved in leadership and leadership development at the University. The analysis revealed that leadership development is constructed as taking place within a highly structured system that enables instructional and managerial leadership but constrains transformational leadership. The discourses that give meaning and understanding to the construct of leadership draw heavily on position within a hierarchy. The discourse of functional efficiency is enabled through practices related to reward, recognition, succession planning and mentorship which all serve to replicate the existing leadership structures creating more of the same and in essence stifling the potential for emancipatory leadership. The analysis also shows that a discourse of collegiality serves to create a false sense of a common understanding of leadership in the light of evidence of uncertainty and contestation around the meaning of the slogan Where Leaders Learn and, by association, the very construct of leadership. The discursive process of understanding leadership and developing an institutional theory for the purposes of infusing this into a curriculum poses many challenges. Barriers to new ways of thinking reside within the researchers' ontological and epistemological commitments. This amplifies the need for a more reflective ontology towards leadership and its consequences, especially so in a multidisciplinary environment such as Rhodes University.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Andrews, Rushda Ruth
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Leadership -- Education (Higher) -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Leadership -- Research -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Development leadership -- Education (Higher) -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Rhodes University -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:782 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003903
- Description: This thesis explores the Where Leaders Learn slogan of Rhodes University. It does this by means of an analysis of discourses constructing leadership and leadership development within the institutional context. The discourse analysis was made possible as a result of interviews with a range of people involved in leadership and leadership development at the University. The analysis revealed that leadership development is constructed as taking place within a highly structured system that enables instructional and managerial leadership but constrains transformational leadership. The discourses that give meaning and understanding to the construct of leadership draw heavily on position within a hierarchy. The discourse of functional efficiency is enabled through practices related to reward, recognition, succession planning and mentorship which all serve to replicate the existing leadership structures creating more of the same and in essence stifling the potential for emancipatory leadership. The analysis also shows that a discourse of collegiality serves to create a false sense of a common understanding of leadership in the light of evidence of uncertainty and contestation around the meaning of the slogan Where Leaders Learn and, by association, the very construct of leadership. The discursive process of understanding leadership and developing an institutional theory for the purposes of infusing this into a curriculum poses many challenges. Barriers to new ways of thinking reside within the researchers' ontological and epistemological commitments. This amplifies the need for a more reflective ontology towards leadership and its consequences, especially so in a multidisciplinary environment such as Rhodes University.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
My other - my self: post-Cartesian ontological possibilities in the fiction of J M Coetzee
- Authors: Mfune, Damazio Laston
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Coetzee, J. M., 1940- -- Criticism and interpretation Self in literature Identity (Psychology) in literature Consciousness in literature Intersubjectivity in literature Ontology in literature Metaphysics in literature South African fiction (English) -- 20th century -- History and criticism
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:2246 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002289
- Description: The central argument of my study is that, among other matters, in his works, J.M. Coetzee could be said to demonstrate that the known Self is an embodied being and is not autonomous. With regard to the latter contention, Coetzee intimates that any two Subjects are implicated in each other’s subjectivities in a reciprocal process that involves what Derek Attridge has called “irruptions of otherness” (2005: xii) into the Subject’s subjectivity. These irruptions, which happen during the encounter, lead to a double loss of autonomy for each Subject and this phenomenon renders the relationship between Subjects non-dichotomus or non-binaric. In other words, the Subject does not produce the contents of his or her consciousness in a sui generis and ex nihilo fashion, and his or her ontological indebtedness to the Other constitutes his or her first loss of autonomy. As for those Others that do possess consciousness, the Subject is implicated in their consciousness and this constitutes the Subject’s second loss of autonomy. These losses counter the near solipsistic Nagelian neo-Cartesianism and paves the way for imagining both intra- and inter-species “intersubjectivity”. It is my view that this double loss of autonomy accounts for the sympathetic and empathetic imagination that we encounter in Coetzee’s fiction. Following Coetzee’s intimations of intersubjectivity through irruptions of otherness, what I see as my contribution to studies on this author’s work through this study is the link I have established between the physicalist strain within the philosophy of mind (whose central thesis is that consciousness is an embodied phenomenon) and a modified Kantian “metaphysics”, especially Immanuel Kant’s conception of concepts as comprising form and content. I have deployed this conception in demonstrating the Subject’s ontological indebtedness to external sources of the content part of consciousness. And, through the Husserlian concept of intentionality, and Kant’s (1929: 27) observation that we cannot have appearances without something that appears, I have linked the Subject to the sources of his or her content and thereby also demonstrated that the Subject is not eternally separated or alienated from those sources. Instead, the Subject is not simply contiguous but coterminous and co-extensive, albeit in a mediated way, with the external sources of the content part of his or her consciousness. Thus, while accepting the thesis of the Other’s radical otherness, I modify the thesis of the Other’s radical exteriority. Ultimately, then, ontologically speaking, the Coetzeean project could be described as one of embodying and grounding the supposedly autonomous, solipsistic and freefloating/disembodied Cartesian Subject. This he does by alerting this Subject, first and foremost, to its embodiedness and, further to that, pointing out its ontological indebtedness to its Others and its implication in the Others’s consciousnesses and so prevent it from continuing with its imperialistic and ecological barbarities. However, ethically speaking, beyond the reciprocal ethics that arises from mutual ontological indebtedness and implication, it is the selflessness that characterises a cruciform logic that comes across as the epitome of Coetzeean ethics.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Mfune, Damazio Laston
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Coetzee, J. M., 1940- -- Criticism and interpretation Self in literature Identity (Psychology) in literature Consciousness in literature Intersubjectivity in literature Ontology in literature Metaphysics in literature South African fiction (English) -- 20th century -- History and criticism
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:2246 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002289
- Description: The central argument of my study is that, among other matters, in his works, J.M. Coetzee could be said to demonstrate that the known Self is an embodied being and is not autonomous. With regard to the latter contention, Coetzee intimates that any two Subjects are implicated in each other’s subjectivities in a reciprocal process that involves what Derek Attridge has called “irruptions of otherness” (2005: xii) into the Subject’s subjectivity. These irruptions, which happen during the encounter, lead to a double loss of autonomy for each Subject and this phenomenon renders the relationship between Subjects non-dichotomus or non-binaric. In other words, the Subject does not produce the contents of his or her consciousness in a sui generis and ex nihilo fashion, and his or her ontological indebtedness to the Other constitutes his or her first loss of autonomy. As for those Others that do possess consciousness, the Subject is implicated in their consciousness and this constitutes the Subject’s second loss of autonomy. These losses counter the near solipsistic Nagelian neo-Cartesianism and paves the way for imagining both intra- and inter-species “intersubjectivity”. It is my view that this double loss of autonomy accounts for the sympathetic and empathetic imagination that we encounter in Coetzee’s fiction. Following Coetzee’s intimations of intersubjectivity through irruptions of otherness, what I see as my contribution to studies on this author’s work through this study is the link I have established between the physicalist strain within the philosophy of mind (whose central thesis is that consciousness is an embodied phenomenon) and a modified Kantian “metaphysics”, especially Immanuel Kant’s conception of concepts as comprising form and content. I have deployed this conception in demonstrating the Subject’s ontological indebtedness to external sources of the content part of consciousness. And, through the Husserlian concept of intentionality, and Kant’s (1929: 27) observation that we cannot have appearances without something that appears, I have linked the Subject to the sources of his or her content and thereby also demonstrated that the Subject is not eternally separated or alienated from those sources. Instead, the Subject is not simply contiguous but coterminous and co-extensive, albeit in a mediated way, with the external sources of the content part of his or her consciousness. Thus, while accepting the thesis of the Other’s radical otherness, I modify the thesis of the Other’s radical exteriority. Ultimately, then, ontologically speaking, the Coetzeean project could be described as one of embodying and grounding the supposedly autonomous, solipsistic and freefloating/disembodied Cartesian Subject. This he does by alerting this Subject, first and foremost, to its embodiedness and, further to that, pointing out its ontological indebtedness to its Others and its implication in the Others’s consciousnesses and so prevent it from continuing with its imperialistic and ecological barbarities. However, ethically speaking, beyond the reciprocal ethics that arises from mutual ontological indebtedness and implication, it is the selflessness that characterises a cruciform logic that comes across as the epitome of Coetzeean ethics.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
The short-term effect on shareholder wealth of banking mergers and acquisitions during periods of real economic expansion and contraction
- Authors: Kerr, Gordon Roy
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Bank mergers , Consolidation and merger of corporations , Business cycles , Corporations -- Investor relations , Stockholder wealth , Rate of return
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1108 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013442
- Description: Controversy currently exists over whether abnormal returns (ARs) are earned by shareholders of bidder and target banks through a Merger and Acquisition (M&A). The state of the economy in which the firms operate is often mentioned as a reason for firms engaging in M&As, however, the extent to which economies influence the ARs of shareholders is unknown. Following MacKinlay (1997), the aim of this study is to determine the average ARs earned or lost by shareholders of several banks around the world during an M&A. The results obtained may indicate that shareholders of bidding firms consider an M&A to be a wealth-destroying event irrespective of the state of the economy. It would seem that target firms’ shareholders consider M&As to be wealth-creating events when they occur during a period of real economic expansion. However, during periods of real economic contraction, target firms’ shareholders consider M&As to be wealth-destroying events. Thus, the state of an economy during an M&A can affect average ARs considerably.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Kerr, Gordon Roy
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Bank mergers , Consolidation and merger of corporations , Business cycles , Corporations -- Investor relations , Stockholder wealth , Rate of return
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1108 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013442
- Description: Controversy currently exists over whether abnormal returns (ARs) are earned by shareholders of bidder and target banks through a Merger and Acquisition (M&A). The state of the economy in which the firms operate is often mentioned as a reason for firms engaging in M&As, however, the extent to which economies influence the ARs of shareholders is unknown. Following MacKinlay (1997), the aim of this study is to determine the average ARs earned or lost by shareholders of several banks around the world during an M&A. The results obtained may indicate that shareholders of bidding firms consider an M&A to be a wealth-destroying event irrespective of the state of the economy. It would seem that target firms’ shareholders consider M&As to be wealth-creating events when they occur during a period of real economic expansion. However, during periods of real economic contraction, target firms’ shareholders consider M&As to be wealth-destroying events. Thus, the state of an economy during an M&A can affect average ARs considerably.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011