Integrative systematic structuring of the widespread psammophiid snakes (Psammophiidae): a multi-evidence species delineation approach
- Authors: Keates, Chad
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Psammophis South Africa , Herpetology , Herpetology Africa , Molecular biology , Psammophis Classification , Psammophis Genetics , Psammophis Morphology , Psammophis Phylogeny , Morphology Mathematics , Psammophylax
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/295077 , vital:57288 , DOI 10.21504/10962/295079
- Description: Species form the foundations upon which we build our understanding of the natural world. Although a focus of much scientific attention, our understanding of species is stunted by the intrinsic ‘fuzziness’ of boundaries within nature. Due to the complexity of the evolutionary process, coupled with an ever-changing abiotic landscape, species are hard to delineate, even at the best of times. Whilst various species concepts and sophisticated delimitation methods have helped scientists tease apart species, many species complexes persist. This is because taxonomy is a discrete ordering system imposed upon the continuous and intercalated structure of life. To improve our understanding of a wide-ranging family of snakes, I investigated the taxonomy and evolutionary structuring within Psammophiidae using both molecular and morphological approaches, employing phylogenetic, phylogeographic, and morphometric analyses on the group. The systematic complexity of the family (as evidenced by past research) coupled with the group’s widespread distribution and ecological importance, made the taxon an ideal candidate for a broad-sweeping multi-level systematic analysis using multiple species delimitation methods. Additionally, in this thesis I attempted to build on the ground-breaking work of Christopher Kelly by addressing several knowledge gaps identified within the family, and in so doing, produce the most thorough evolutionary and taxonomic study of Psammophiidae possible. Given the taxonomic uncertainty associated with the family, Chapter Two used a representative sampling from every available species (near complete taxon sampling approach) in the family. The chapter used both standard and time-calibrated phylogenetic modelling and distance/threshold-based species delimitation, to elucidate the finer-level structuring within the family. Geometric morphometrics was used to determine whether there were diagnosable differences in head structure between the different genera. The final phylogenetic tree incorporated 320 samples, representing the most comprehensive phylogenetic reconstruction of the family to date. By using a near-complete taxon sampling approach, I was able to resolve previously unsupported relationships within the family whilst also identifying several novel instances of an under- and over-appreciation of species diversity within the family. Geometric morphometrics also identified clear distinctions between genera based on head shape (head width and ‘beakedness’). This chapter showcased the importance of complete taxon sampling and robust methodology for species delimitation and the deleterious effect of species concepts when implemented in isolation. In Chapter Three, I narrowed the scope of the study to focus on the genus level. Psammophylax (Fitzinger 1843) is an abundant, yet poorly studied genus of grass snakes, endemic to Africa. The generalist nature of the genus and wide-spanning distributions of the constituent species has given rise to several subspecies and a poor understanding of the taxonomic structuring within the genus. The overlapping distributions (sympatry) of many of Psammophylax species, coupled with the potential for cryptic speciation via mechanisms such as convergent evolution, made the group the ideal candidate for a broad-sweeping systematic study (as evidenced in Chapter Two). By applying the suite of analyses used in Chapter Two to the generic level, we aimed to determine the effectiveness of a multi-evidence species delineation approach when tackling systematic problems at lower taxonomic levels. A genetic phylogeny of six of the seven species was estimated using multiple phylogenetic and distance/ threshold-based species delimitation methods. To support the molecular analyses, we conducted morphological analyses on the body (traditional morphology) and head (geometric morphometrics) separately. Phylogenetic analyses recovered a similar topology to past studies, but with better resolution and node support. I found substantial genetic structuring within the genus, supported by significantly different head shapes between Ps. a. acutus and other Psammophylax species. Psammophylax a. acutus was recovered as sister to its congeners, and sequence divergence values and morphometrics supported its recognition as a new genus. Increased sampling in East Africa (Tanzania, Kenya, and Ethiopia) revealed that Psammophylax multisquamis is polyphyletic, necessitating the description of a new, morphologically cryptic, species from northern Tanzania. The distribution of Ps. multisquamis sensu stricto is likely restricted to Kenya and Ethiopia. Within this chapter, taxon-specific phylogenetic analyses yielded stronger intrageneric support as compared to Chapter Two, allowing for more defensible conclusions about taxonomical amendments. Geometric morphometrics proved similarly useful (as compared to Chapter Two) in teasing apart genera within the family but lacked the robustness to delineate species within Psammophylax with confidence, highlighting the apparent convergence of form within the genus. In Chapter Four, I investigated the evolutionary structuring within the Southern African endemic Psammophylax rhombeatus. The structural and environmental heterogeneity within the region has given rise to many morphological forms distributed throughout the country, with previous studies neglecting the associated molecular significance of these forms. Irrespective of their small sample sizes, both Chapter Two and Three identified substantial phylogenetic structuring within the species, making Ps. rhombeatus the ideal candidate for a multi-faceted systematic review, using a combination of phylogenetics, geometric morphometrics and, for the first time in this species, phylogeographic analyses. By investigating a single species, in detail, I was able to assess the effectiveness of the methodologies implemented in previous chapters on systematic sorting using the multi-evidence species delineation approach. Phylogenetic and haplotype analysis retrieved four well-supported clades: southeast South Africa (SESA), southwest South Africa (SWSA), north-eastern South Africa (NESA) and western South Africa (WSA). Although not variable enough to warrant taxonomic re-evaluation, the clades represented important genetic hotspots, with relatively high intraspecific genetic divergence values separating them, irrespective of the small geographic distances separating populations. This is likely a product of the taxon’s habitat-generalist lifestyle, enabling them to bypass vicariant barriers that might otherwise cause speciation in less versatile species. The clades are also geographically distinct, with little overlap, indicating previous vicariance, a finding that is supported by the split of Ps. rhombeatus from Ps. ocellatus in the mid-Pliocene, followed by the diversification of Ps. rhombeatus into four clades throughout the Pleistocene. The genetic structuring observed in Ps. rhombeatus may be a product of population expansion following ancient refugial isolation (potentially Last Glacial Maximum [LGM]). The molecular distinctiveness of the clades was not replicated in the morphological component of this chapter, with neither dorsal nor lateral geometric morphometric analyses of head shape showing any discernible distinctiveness based on geography. Whilst head shape has not been shown to be an effective delineator of evolutionary units at the species level (within this taxon), body colour, scalation, and snout-vent length has been linked to morphotypes within the species based on the work of Broadley (1966). These morphological groupings are loosely attributable to the molecular clades identified in the phylogenetic analyses, highlighting the complex interplay of genetic and morphological characteristics in the process of speciation, and their representation in systematic accounts. This thesis represents the most thorough evolutionary and systematic study of the family currently possible. In addition to identifying and describing both a new genus and species, this thesis also highlighted several instances of an over- and under-appreciation of species diversity within Psammophiidae. By applying a multi-evidence species delineation approach to this thesis, I show the intricacy of the evolutionary process (at various taxonomic levels) and showcase the ease to which species boundaries can be confounded when species concepts are implemented in isolation. These findings also highlighted the importance of sample size, sample range, species delimitation method on the outcome of taxonomic analyses, and their interpretation. Lastly, this thesis addressed the knowledge gaps left by Christopher Kelly’s PhD work and investigated the findings of recent papers that attempted to do the same. Whilst this study answers the questions of old, the taxon-intensive focus revealed several new knowledge gaps within the family, highlighting how much we know about snake systematics, and furthermore, how much we still need to learn about evolutionary structuring. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Environmental Science, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Keates, Chad
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Psammophis South Africa , Herpetology , Herpetology Africa , Molecular biology , Psammophis Classification , Psammophis Genetics , Psammophis Morphology , Psammophis Phylogeny , Morphology Mathematics , Psammophylax
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/295077 , vital:57288 , DOI 10.21504/10962/295079
- Description: Species form the foundations upon which we build our understanding of the natural world. Although a focus of much scientific attention, our understanding of species is stunted by the intrinsic ‘fuzziness’ of boundaries within nature. Due to the complexity of the evolutionary process, coupled with an ever-changing abiotic landscape, species are hard to delineate, even at the best of times. Whilst various species concepts and sophisticated delimitation methods have helped scientists tease apart species, many species complexes persist. This is because taxonomy is a discrete ordering system imposed upon the continuous and intercalated structure of life. To improve our understanding of a wide-ranging family of snakes, I investigated the taxonomy and evolutionary structuring within Psammophiidae using both molecular and morphological approaches, employing phylogenetic, phylogeographic, and morphometric analyses on the group. The systematic complexity of the family (as evidenced by past research) coupled with the group’s widespread distribution and ecological importance, made the taxon an ideal candidate for a broad-sweeping multi-level systematic analysis using multiple species delimitation methods. Additionally, in this thesis I attempted to build on the ground-breaking work of Christopher Kelly by addressing several knowledge gaps identified within the family, and in so doing, produce the most thorough evolutionary and taxonomic study of Psammophiidae possible. Given the taxonomic uncertainty associated with the family, Chapter Two used a representative sampling from every available species (near complete taxon sampling approach) in the family. The chapter used both standard and time-calibrated phylogenetic modelling and distance/threshold-based species delimitation, to elucidate the finer-level structuring within the family. Geometric morphometrics was used to determine whether there were diagnosable differences in head structure between the different genera. The final phylogenetic tree incorporated 320 samples, representing the most comprehensive phylogenetic reconstruction of the family to date. By using a near-complete taxon sampling approach, I was able to resolve previously unsupported relationships within the family whilst also identifying several novel instances of an under- and over-appreciation of species diversity within the family. Geometric morphometrics also identified clear distinctions between genera based on head shape (head width and ‘beakedness’). This chapter showcased the importance of complete taxon sampling and robust methodology for species delimitation and the deleterious effect of species concepts when implemented in isolation. In Chapter Three, I narrowed the scope of the study to focus on the genus level. Psammophylax (Fitzinger 1843) is an abundant, yet poorly studied genus of grass snakes, endemic to Africa. The generalist nature of the genus and wide-spanning distributions of the constituent species has given rise to several subspecies and a poor understanding of the taxonomic structuring within the genus. The overlapping distributions (sympatry) of many of Psammophylax species, coupled with the potential for cryptic speciation via mechanisms such as convergent evolution, made the group the ideal candidate for a broad-sweeping systematic study (as evidenced in Chapter Two). By applying the suite of analyses used in Chapter Two to the generic level, we aimed to determine the effectiveness of a multi-evidence species delineation approach when tackling systematic problems at lower taxonomic levels. A genetic phylogeny of six of the seven species was estimated using multiple phylogenetic and distance/ threshold-based species delimitation methods. To support the molecular analyses, we conducted morphological analyses on the body (traditional morphology) and head (geometric morphometrics) separately. Phylogenetic analyses recovered a similar topology to past studies, but with better resolution and node support. I found substantial genetic structuring within the genus, supported by significantly different head shapes between Ps. a. acutus and other Psammophylax species. Psammophylax a. acutus was recovered as sister to its congeners, and sequence divergence values and morphometrics supported its recognition as a new genus. Increased sampling in East Africa (Tanzania, Kenya, and Ethiopia) revealed that Psammophylax multisquamis is polyphyletic, necessitating the description of a new, morphologically cryptic, species from northern Tanzania. The distribution of Ps. multisquamis sensu stricto is likely restricted to Kenya and Ethiopia. Within this chapter, taxon-specific phylogenetic analyses yielded stronger intrageneric support as compared to Chapter Two, allowing for more defensible conclusions about taxonomical amendments. Geometric morphometrics proved similarly useful (as compared to Chapter Two) in teasing apart genera within the family but lacked the robustness to delineate species within Psammophylax with confidence, highlighting the apparent convergence of form within the genus. In Chapter Four, I investigated the evolutionary structuring within the Southern African endemic Psammophylax rhombeatus. The structural and environmental heterogeneity within the region has given rise to many morphological forms distributed throughout the country, with previous studies neglecting the associated molecular significance of these forms. Irrespective of their small sample sizes, both Chapter Two and Three identified substantial phylogenetic structuring within the species, making Ps. rhombeatus the ideal candidate for a multi-faceted systematic review, using a combination of phylogenetics, geometric morphometrics and, for the first time in this species, phylogeographic analyses. By investigating a single species, in detail, I was able to assess the effectiveness of the methodologies implemented in previous chapters on systematic sorting using the multi-evidence species delineation approach. Phylogenetic and haplotype analysis retrieved four well-supported clades: southeast South Africa (SESA), southwest South Africa (SWSA), north-eastern South Africa (NESA) and western South Africa (WSA). Although not variable enough to warrant taxonomic re-evaluation, the clades represented important genetic hotspots, with relatively high intraspecific genetic divergence values separating them, irrespective of the small geographic distances separating populations. This is likely a product of the taxon’s habitat-generalist lifestyle, enabling them to bypass vicariant barriers that might otherwise cause speciation in less versatile species. The clades are also geographically distinct, with little overlap, indicating previous vicariance, a finding that is supported by the split of Ps. rhombeatus from Ps. ocellatus in the mid-Pliocene, followed by the diversification of Ps. rhombeatus into four clades throughout the Pleistocene. The genetic structuring observed in Ps. rhombeatus may be a product of population expansion following ancient refugial isolation (potentially Last Glacial Maximum [LGM]). The molecular distinctiveness of the clades was not replicated in the morphological component of this chapter, with neither dorsal nor lateral geometric morphometric analyses of head shape showing any discernible distinctiveness based on geography. Whilst head shape has not been shown to be an effective delineator of evolutionary units at the species level (within this taxon), body colour, scalation, and snout-vent length has been linked to morphotypes within the species based on the work of Broadley (1966). These morphological groupings are loosely attributable to the molecular clades identified in the phylogenetic analyses, highlighting the complex interplay of genetic and morphological characteristics in the process of speciation, and their representation in systematic accounts. This thesis represents the most thorough evolutionary and systematic study of the family currently possible. In addition to identifying and describing both a new genus and species, this thesis also highlighted several instances of an over- and under-appreciation of species diversity within Psammophiidae. By applying a multi-evidence species delineation approach to this thesis, I show the intricacy of the evolutionary process (at various taxonomic levels) and showcase the ease to which species boundaries can be confounded when species concepts are implemented in isolation. These findings also highlighted the importance of sample size, sample range, species delimitation method on the outcome of taxonomic analyses, and their interpretation. Lastly, this thesis addressed the knowledge gaps left by Christopher Kelly’s PhD work and investigated the findings of recent papers that attempted to do the same. Whilst this study answers the questions of old, the taxon-intensive focus revealed several new knowledge gaps within the family, highlighting how much we know about snake systematics, and furthermore, how much we still need to learn about evolutionary structuring. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Environmental Science, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Composition Portfolio
- Authors: Bessey, Warren Gregory
- Date: 2023-04-10
- Subjects: Composition (Music) , Zulu (African people) Songs and music , Music Cross-cultural studies , uMkabayi kaJama , Nandi , Nobility South Africa Zululand History
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/404940 , vital:70123
- Description: Excerpt from Introduction: My interest in the Zulu royal family intensified as I began to read many stories and have lengthy conversations with members of the Zulu royal family and others, including Dr Maxwell Shamase (University of Zululand), about Zulu history. I was struck by the power and prowess of Princess Mkabayi (1750-1843). The elders were said to be speechless when she spoke. According to Shamase, a common Zulu expression which references Mkabayi’s well-known verbal skill is Umuntu ukhuluma kome umlomo, and translates as [like Mkabayi] the speaker speaks clearly and leaves no room for misunderstandings and misinterpretations. I found her to be a brilliant strategist with a servant heart and one whom history had not given due credit, and I was inspired to bring her story to life by setting it to music. I wanted to explore whether or not the events surrounding Mkabayi led to a change of consciousness among the Zulu nation, and I used this as a theme for my symphonic work about her. The lives of Queen Nandi (King Shaka’s mother) and Princess Mkabayi (King Shaka’s aunt) made for fascinating stories I had been privileged to discover, and I felt they were South African treasures to be elevated and shared with the world. The two works listed above form part of my repertoire based on Zulu royal history which are collectively known as “The Royal Trilogy,” and I have come to think of them as part of a developing “urban classical repertoire”. The Royal Trilogy is a set of three compositions with 33 independent scenes linking historical events and people. It includes the following entitled symphonic works for full orchestra: Nandi iNdlovukazi yezi Ndlovukazi (hereinafter “Queen Nandi”), Inkosazane Mkabayi (hereinafter “Princess Mkabayi”), and iNkosi uShaka: Umbono, Isizwe, Isiphetho - King Shaka: A Vision, A Nation, A Destiny (hereinafter “King Shaka”). Nandi premiered on 22 September 2016 as part of “A Musical Tribute Celebrating 200 Years of the Zulu Monarchy,” and “Mkabayi” premiered on 6 September 2018 under a programme titled “Princess Mkabayi: Celebrating Heritage Month”. Both pieces were performed at the Durban City Hall by the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra with a mass Zulu choir (combination of the Clermont Community Choir, Prince Mshiyeni Choir, and Thokozani Choral Society) for socio-economic and ethnically diverse audiences. The final work, “King Shaka,” is expected to premiere in 2023. A future adaption of the Royal Trilogy is envisioned as an Afro Fusion Contemporary Ballet. , Thesis (MMus) -- Faculty of Humanities, Music & Musicology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04-10
- Authors: Bessey, Warren Gregory
- Date: 2023-04-10
- Subjects: Composition (Music) , Zulu (African people) Songs and music , Music Cross-cultural studies , uMkabayi kaJama , Nandi , Nobility South Africa Zululand History
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/404940 , vital:70123
- Description: Excerpt from Introduction: My interest in the Zulu royal family intensified as I began to read many stories and have lengthy conversations with members of the Zulu royal family and others, including Dr Maxwell Shamase (University of Zululand), about Zulu history. I was struck by the power and prowess of Princess Mkabayi (1750-1843). The elders were said to be speechless when she spoke. According to Shamase, a common Zulu expression which references Mkabayi’s well-known verbal skill is Umuntu ukhuluma kome umlomo, and translates as [like Mkabayi] the speaker speaks clearly and leaves no room for misunderstandings and misinterpretations. I found her to be a brilliant strategist with a servant heart and one whom history had not given due credit, and I was inspired to bring her story to life by setting it to music. I wanted to explore whether or not the events surrounding Mkabayi led to a change of consciousness among the Zulu nation, and I used this as a theme for my symphonic work about her. The lives of Queen Nandi (King Shaka’s mother) and Princess Mkabayi (King Shaka’s aunt) made for fascinating stories I had been privileged to discover, and I felt they were South African treasures to be elevated and shared with the world. The two works listed above form part of my repertoire based on Zulu royal history which are collectively known as “The Royal Trilogy,” and I have come to think of them as part of a developing “urban classical repertoire”. The Royal Trilogy is a set of three compositions with 33 independent scenes linking historical events and people. It includes the following entitled symphonic works for full orchestra: Nandi iNdlovukazi yezi Ndlovukazi (hereinafter “Queen Nandi”), Inkosazane Mkabayi (hereinafter “Princess Mkabayi”), and iNkosi uShaka: Umbono, Isizwe, Isiphetho - King Shaka: A Vision, A Nation, A Destiny (hereinafter “King Shaka”). Nandi premiered on 22 September 2016 as part of “A Musical Tribute Celebrating 200 Years of the Zulu Monarchy,” and “Mkabayi” premiered on 6 September 2018 under a programme titled “Princess Mkabayi: Celebrating Heritage Month”. Both pieces were performed at the Durban City Hall by the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra with a mass Zulu choir (combination of the Clermont Community Choir, Prince Mshiyeni Choir, and Thokozani Choral Society) for socio-economic and ethnically diverse audiences. The final work, “King Shaka,” is expected to premiere in 2023. A future adaption of the Royal Trilogy is envisioned as an Afro Fusion Contemporary Ballet. , Thesis (MMus) -- Faculty of Humanities, Music & Musicology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04-10
Towards an improved understanding of episodic benthic turbidity events (Benthic Nepheloid Layer) on the Eastern Agulhas Bank, South Africa
- Authors: Johnstone, Brett Mordaunt
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Nepheloid layer , Turbidity , Loligo reynaudii , Fisheries South Africa , Oceanography , Remote sensing , Altimetry , Climatic changes
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/362883 , vital:65371
- Description: The harvest of Loligo reynaudii, or "chokka," represents a critical source of revenue and job creation in the historically impoverished Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Due to the importance of visual stimuli in the reproductive processes, it has been hypothesized that a primary driver of successful reproduction is the clarity of the water column. The presence of increased particulate matter concentrations within the water column generates turbid conditions near the seafloor (visibility < 1m), that are proposed to restrict spawning activity. This benthic nepheloid layer (BNL) contains both organic and inorganic components, with the BNL intensity a function of bottom turbulence, substratum type, and detritus level. However, the spatial and temporal resolution of BNL intensity on the Eastern Agulhas Bank (EAB) and the environmental drivers thereof remain unknown. Here we show that benthic turbidity events are a common but highly variable occurrence on the EAB. Results from a 17-month time-series of in-situ and remote sensing data between 2002 – 2004 in Algoa Bay, supplemented by experiments in other bays important for spawning, show that turbid conditions existed for ∼ 30 % of the sample period. Exploration of environmental drivers, including the influence of wind, altimeter-derived significant wave height (Hs), sea surface temperature (SST), and chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) concentrations indicate that BNL intensity does not conform to a "one-size-fits-all" approach. Rather, complex local hydrological and physiochemical parameters control the BNL characteristics on the EAB. Global warming is likely to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme westerly-wind and storm events, promoting BNL events on the Eastern Agulhas Bank and possibly causing a shift in the reproductive strategy of chokka squid to the cooler mid shelf region. This is likely to have consequences for both the species in terms of reproductive success and the fishery, which is concentrated on inshore spawning aggregations. Future research needs to quantify and characterize the constituents, source particles and spatial-temporal variability of BNL events in order to build a predictive capacity. Through incorporating the qualitative analysis of the dynamics of nepheloid layers on the EAB into Regional Oceanographic Models (ROMS), General Linear Models (GLM) and particle distribution models such as DELFT-3D, it is possible to move toward predicting the timing and intensity of these events. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Johnstone, Brett Mordaunt
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Nepheloid layer , Turbidity , Loligo reynaudii , Fisheries South Africa , Oceanography , Remote sensing , Altimetry , Climatic changes
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/362883 , vital:65371
- Description: The harvest of Loligo reynaudii, or "chokka," represents a critical source of revenue and job creation in the historically impoverished Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Due to the importance of visual stimuli in the reproductive processes, it has been hypothesized that a primary driver of successful reproduction is the clarity of the water column. The presence of increased particulate matter concentrations within the water column generates turbid conditions near the seafloor (visibility < 1m), that are proposed to restrict spawning activity. This benthic nepheloid layer (BNL) contains both organic and inorganic components, with the BNL intensity a function of bottom turbulence, substratum type, and detritus level. However, the spatial and temporal resolution of BNL intensity on the Eastern Agulhas Bank (EAB) and the environmental drivers thereof remain unknown. Here we show that benthic turbidity events are a common but highly variable occurrence on the EAB. Results from a 17-month time-series of in-situ and remote sensing data between 2002 – 2004 in Algoa Bay, supplemented by experiments in other bays important for spawning, show that turbid conditions existed for ∼ 30 % of the sample period. Exploration of environmental drivers, including the influence of wind, altimeter-derived significant wave height (Hs), sea surface temperature (SST), and chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) concentrations indicate that BNL intensity does not conform to a "one-size-fits-all" approach. Rather, complex local hydrological and physiochemical parameters control the BNL characteristics on the EAB. Global warming is likely to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme westerly-wind and storm events, promoting BNL events on the Eastern Agulhas Bank and possibly causing a shift in the reproductive strategy of chokka squid to the cooler mid shelf region. This is likely to have consequences for both the species in terms of reproductive success and the fishery, which is concentrated on inshore spawning aggregations. Future research needs to quantify and characterize the constituents, source particles and spatial-temporal variability of BNL events in order to build a predictive capacity. Through incorporating the qualitative analysis of the dynamics of nepheloid layers on the EAB into Regional Oceanographic Models (ROMS), General Linear Models (GLM) and particle distribution models such as DELFT-3D, it is possible to move toward predicting the timing and intensity of these events. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
The host specificity and efficacy of Phenrica guerini (Bechyné) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), a candidate biological control agent of Pereskia aculeata Miller (Cactaceae) in Australia
- Authors: Dixon, Elizabeth Anne
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Chrysomelidae Australia , Pereskia Australia , Pereskia Biological control Australia , Invasive plants Biological control Australia , Insects as biological pest control agents Australia , Cactus Biological control Australia
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/290826 , vital:56789
- Description: Pereskia aculeata Miller (Cactaceae) is a primitive creeping cactus that originated from South America and has become an invasive alien plant in South Africa and Australia. Due to its vine-like growth form mechanical and chemical control are not feasible options for its control, therefore biological control is the best option for controlling this plant. Phenrica guerini (Bechyné) (Chrysomelidae) is a leaf-feeding flea beetle that has been released as a biological control agent against Pe. aculeata in South Africa and has been shown to be damaging at some sites in the country. In this thesis, further studies into the use of Ph. guerini as a biological control agent against Pe. aculeata were conducted to determine whether the beetle should be released as an agent against the target weed in Australia. The host range of a potential biological control agent is important to determine as only monophagous agents, or agents with suitably restricted host ranges, should be considered for release. Host specificity testing was conducted to determine if Ph. guerini was suitably specific for release in Australia. Phenrica guerini larvae only fed and partially developed on three out of 25 test plants, but failed to pupate on any plants besides Pe. aculeata. Adult beetles did not feed on any test plants and only oviposited on one test plant species. Phenrica guerini did not develop on any plant other than the target weed and is therefore suitably host specific for release in Australia. The efficacy of a potential agent is also important to consider as the release of an ineffective agent can reduce the success of a biological control programme. A laboratory based pre-release efficacy assessment was done to determine the impact that Ph. guerini could have on Pe. aculeata. There was a significant difference between the control plants and those with larvae, with an average of 72 (S.E. ± 12.33) less leaves on plants with feeding and the main stem of the plant being 11.1 cm (S.E. ± 7.17) shorter. Although there were no significant differences observed in the number of additional stems, and weights of the different plant parts, this was not a long term study and many of these differences would not have been observed in a short period. Based on the impact observed on the leaves and the main stem, and various field studies that have been done to assess the impact of Ph. guerini on Pe. aculeata in the field in South Africa, Ph. guerini appears to be a potentially damaging agent. As Pe. aculeata is still in its early stages of invasion in Australia the beetle has the potential to be damaging and reduce the invasion trajectory of the plant. This study showed that the beetle is suitably host specific and potentially damaging enough to be recommended for release as a biological control agent against Pe. aculeata in Australia. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
- Authors: Dixon, Elizabeth Anne
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Chrysomelidae Australia , Pereskia Australia , Pereskia Biological control Australia , Invasive plants Biological control Australia , Insects as biological pest control agents Australia , Cactus Biological control Australia
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/290826 , vital:56789
- Description: Pereskia aculeata Miller (Cactaceae) is a primitive creeping cactus that originated from South America and has become an invasive alien plant in South Africa and Australia. Due to its vine-like growth form mechanical and chemical control are not feasible options for its control, therefore biological control is the best option for controlling this plant. Phenrica guerini (Bechyné) (Chrysomelidae) is a leaf-feeding flea beetle that has been released as a biological control agent against Pe. aculeata in South Africa and has been shown to be damaging at some sites in the country. In this thesis, further studies into the use of Ph. guerini as a biological control agent against Pe. aculeata were conducted to determine whether the beetle should be released as an agent against the target weed in Australia. The host range of a potential biological control agent is important to determine as only monophagous agents, or agents with suitably restricted host ranges, should be considered for release. Host specificity testing was conducted to determine if Ph. guerini was suitably specific for release in Australia. Phenrica guerini larvae only fed and partially developed on three out of 25 test plants, but failed to pupate on any plants besides Pe. aculeata. Adult beetles did not feed on any test plants and only oviposited on one test plant species. Phenrica guerini did not develop on any plant other than the target weed and is therefore suitably host specific for release in Australia. The efficacy of a potential agent is also important to consider as the release of an ineffective agent can reduce the success of a biological control programme. A laboratory based pre-release efficacy assessment was done to determine the impact that Ph. guerini could have on Pe. aculeata. There was a significant difference between the control plants and those with larvae, with an average of 72 (S.E. ± 12.33) less leaves on plants with feeding and the main stem of the plant being 11.1 cm (S.E. ± 7.17) shorter. Although there were no significant differences observed in the number of additional stems, and weights of the different plant parts, this was not a long term study and many of these differences would not have been observed in a short period. Based on the impact observed on the leaves and the main stem, and various field studies that have been done to assess the impact of Ph. guerini on Pe. aculeata in the field in South Africa, Ph. guerini appears to be a potentially damaging agent. As Pe. aculeata is still in its early stages of invasion in Australia the beetle has the potential to be damaging and reduce the invasion trajectory of the plant. This study showed that the beetle is suitably host specific and potentially damaging enough to be recommended for release as a biological control agent against Pe. aculeata in Australia. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
Institutional self-deception
- Jacot-Guillarmod, Genevieve Nicole
- Authors: Jacot-Guillarmod, Genevieve Nicole
- Date: 2022-04-07
- Subjects: Self-deception , Business ethics , Social responsibility of business , Responsibility , Collective behavior Moral and ethical aspects , Attribution (Social psychology)
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/294548 , vital:57231 , DOI https://doi.org/10.21504/10962/294548
- Description: There are many examples of institutions which have made false claims, or performed certain acts, that have had, to varying degrees, a negative impact on their societies. For example, many corporations go to great lengths to present themselves as being environmentally friendly when in fact they are not. Many corporations have also been forced to recall dangerous products which they at one time or another insisted were safe. Research teams have misled participants with regard to what they can expect from their participation in studies, with grave consequences. Governments throughout the world are mired in corruption, and yet deny that this is so. One possible explanation is that in such situations these institutions are simply lying. However, another possible explanation is that these institutions are self-deceived, or lying to themselves. Recently it has been suggested that self-deception is something that affects certain groups as well as individuals. Given that institutions can wield a great deal of political, social and economic power, if institutions are capable of self-deception there is room for things to go awry on a very large scale with potentially dire consequences. Yet the explanations currently on offer for group-level self-deception appear to amount to instances of individual self-deception (either to certain key individual members of those groups being self-deceived, or to all or most members of a group sharing the same self-deceptive belief), and as such I do not regard the explanations currently on offer as satisfactory. I propose that there are certain situations in which we ought to see institutions themselves as self-deceived or lying to themselves. While the terms ‘self-deception’ and ‘lying to oneself’ are often used interchangeably, I differentiate between the two and argue that both institutional self-deception and an institution lying to itself are institution-level phenomena, and do not rely on any individual within the institution being self-deceived or lying to themselves. That this is so is of relevance to our attributions of accountability, and makes changes to institutional structure and procedures the focus of concern when it comes to preventing an institution succumbing to self-deception or lying to itself. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Philosophy, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-07
- Authors: Jacot-Guillarmod, Genevieve Nicole
- Date: 2022-04-07
- Subjects: Self-deception , Business ethics , Social responsibility of business , Responsibility , Collective behavior Moral and ethical aspects , Attribution (Social psychology)
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/294548 , vital:57231 , DOI https://doi.org/10.21504/10962/294548
- Description: There are many examples of institutions which have made false claims, or performed certain acts, that have had, to varying degrees, a negative impact on their societies. For example, many corporations go to great lengths to present themselves as being environmentally friendly when in fact they are not. Many corporations have also been forced to recall dangerous products which they at one time or another insisted were safe. Research teams have misled participants with regard to what they can expect from their participation in studies, with grave consequences. Governments throughout the world are mired in corruption, and yet deny that this is so. One possible explanation is that in such situations these institutions are simply lying. However, another possible explanation is that these institutions are self-deceived, or lying to themselves. Recently it has been suggested that self-deception is something that affects certain groups as well as individuals. Given that institutions can wield a great deal of political, social and economic power, if institutions are capable of self-deception there is room for things to go awry on a very large scale with potentially dire consequences. Yet the explanations currently on offer for group-level self-deception appear to amount to instances of individual self-deception (either to certain key individual members of those groups being self-deceived, or to all or most members of a group sharing the same self-deceptive belief), and as such I do not regard the explanations currently on offer as satisfactory. I propose that there are certain situations in which we ought to see institutions themselves as self-deceived or lying to themselves. While the terms ‘self-deception’ and ‘lying to oneself’ are often used interchangeably, I differentiate between the two and argue that both institutional self-deception and an institution lying to itself are institution-level phenomena, and do not rely on any individual within the institution being self-deceived or lying to themselves. That this is so is of relevance to our attributions of accountability, and makes changes to institutional structure and procedures the focus of concern when it comes to preventing an institution succumbing to self-deception or lying to itself. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Philosophy, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-07
Babantu ababomvu entliziyweni(People who are ‘Red’ in their hearts) and the myth of ‘modernity’
- Authors: Haynes, Duncan Robert
- Date: 2023-03-30
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/408897 , vital:70535
- Description: This study examines a history of urban research on ancestral belief of amaXhosa within the Greater East London region, Eastern Cape, South Africa which spanned much of the 20th century (1934–2002). Through extensive textual and literary investigation, this thesis offers new perspectives on this topic. Current theoretical explorations offer the tools to reassess the positionality of the researchers and in light of findings of these previous studies, highlighting above all, the presence of certain academic ‘blind-spots’. These ‘blind-spots’ are argued to have been caused by theoretical and methodological constraints, particularly around Western-centric definitions of the nature of 'modernity' that rely on the positivist notion of a singular unilinear path of time as a universal standard (and which thus defines 'progressiveness' and 'backwardness'). (These ‘blind spots’ were notably further strengthened by a Eurocentric interpretation of identity and a trend of Neo-Marxist scholarship between the 1970s and the 2010s1 which created a ‘taboo’ on addressing issues of culture, and especially of ancestral spirituality, as this was taken to be portraying Africans as culturally ‘static’ and backward and therefore supporting Apartheid ideologies of ‘separate development’). Through these textual investigations this thesis brings to light the, largely unrecognised, core of the issue or driving factor behind the difficulties in all of these previous studies. This is posited as the existence of a prevailing culture of ‘silence’ in Xhosa spaces (stretching from 1840–2000) regarding the sustained importance of 'Redness' (ancestral spirituality and traditional dimensions of identity due to the notion that it was 'backward'). This self-censoring is unpacked as having been an expedient response by many to the requirements for Xhosa pagans to wash off the symbolic red cosmetic clay at baptism, put on ‘decent’ Western clothing and shoes and take on Christian first names (‘shedding’ their previous names and identities) as processes deemed necessary to properly convert to Christianity (Frescura, 2015). More significantly however, it has been argued by scholars that adopting Christianity was the only way to be able to harness the power of education at a time of starvation related to the famine of the millennial Cattle Killing movement (1856–7) and the Xhosa military defeat at the end of the 100-year period of the British Xhosa Frontier Wars (1779–1879). This thesis uses perspectives offered by Queer theory to unpack the pain of this 'veiling' of aspects of identity as a necessary strategy for achieving economic 'success' amid the structural and epistemological violence of colonialism and apartheid. It is suggested that a combination of the ‘silence’ and ‘taboo’ area of the ‘blind-spot’ could completely ‘veil’ these epistemological realities from the view of many earlier researchers of urban Xhosa identity (whose cultural and linguistic backgrounds as well as etic positioning caused them to be unable to 'knock' to gain access into this normally ‘veiled’ world). This thesis combines these historical perspectives with contemporary scholarship and literary works to propose that these ‘Red’ aspects of identity and spirituality have always and still ‘continue’ to form a core, or crux, of Xhosa identity for a previously widely unrecognised and overwhelming majority of urban amaXhosa. This thesis uses the perspective offered by a Xhosa translation of the title of Mda's English language novel, 'A Heart of Redness’ (2000), to explore the importance of ancestral spirituality and clan identities to amaXhosa as a [previously invisible/veiled] ‘Redness of one's Heart’ for a high proportion of contemporary amaXhosa. In this way, this thesis agrees with scholars such as Latour (1993) and Mignolo (2007) in their 'jarring' expose regarding the epistemic violence of euro-normative notions of ‘modernity’. Here they call for a disruption of the pervasive idea of the West as being at the 'forefront' of human experience and even a challenge to the western reading of time. Finally, through exploring critique of the 'Secularisation Thesis' of the Western world, this thesis poses the implicit question contained in its title: ‘Is the western world now perhaps able to embrace a 'modernity' and integrative-cosmology that has been safe-guarded by Xhosa pagans since the 1840s?’ This study documented numerical indicators on the presence of ancestral belief and traditional dimensions of Xhosa identity from fieldwork conducted in an urban locality King William’s Town (Qonce) within the Buffalo City Municipality, Eastern Cape of South Africa from September 2018 to December 2019. In-depth quantitative and qualitative data were collected from lengthy interactions with 305 consenting Xhosa participants. These interactions comprised 129 semi-structured and 176 structured interviews, 61 of the latter formed the sample for numerical data analysis with which to give clarity on the abiding importance of ancestral spirituality for a vast majority of urban amaXhosa. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Anthropology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-03-30
- Authors: Haynes, Duncan Robert
- Date: 2023-03-30
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/408897 , vital:70535
- Description: This study examines a history of urban research on ancestral belief of amaXhosa within the Greater East London region, Eastern Cape, South Africa which spanned much of the 20th century (1934–2002). Through extensive textual and literary investigation, this thesis offers new perspectives on this topic. Current theoretical explorations offer the tools to reassess the positionality of the researchers and in light of findings of these previous studies, highlighting above all, the presence of certain academic ‘blind-spots’. These ‘blind-spots’ are argued to have been caused by theoretical and methodological constraints, particularly around Western-centric definitions of the nature of 'modernity' that rely on the positivist notion of a singular unilinear path of time as a universal standard (and which thus defines 'progressiveness' and 'backwardness'). (These ‘blind spots’ were notably further strengthened by a Eurocentric interpretation of identity and a trend of Neo-Marxist scholarship between the 1970s and the 2010s1 which created a ‘taboo’ on addressing issues of culture, and especially of ancestral spirituality, as this was taken to be portraying Africans as culturally ‘static’ and backward and therefore supporting Apartheid ideologies of ‘separate development’). Through these textual investigations this thesis brings to light the, largely unrecognised, core of the issue or driving factor behind the difficulties in all of these previous studies. This is posited as the existence of a prevailing culture of ‘silence’ in Xhosa spaces (stretching from 1840–2000) regarding the sustained importance of 'Redness' (ancestral spirituality and traditional dimensions of identity due to the notion that it was 'backward'). This self-censoring is unpacked as having been an expedient response by many to the requirements for Xhosa pagans to wash off the symbolic red cosmetic clay at baptism, put on ‘decent’ Western clothing and shoes and take on Christian first names (‘shedding’ their previous names and identities) as processes deemed necessary to properly convert to Christianity (Frescura, 2015). More significantly however, it has been argued by scholars that adopting Christianity was the only way to be able to harness the power of education at a time of starvation related to the famine of the millennial Cattle Killing movement (1856–7) and the Xhosa military defeat at the end of the 100-year period of the British Xhosa Frontier Wars (1779–1879). This thesis uses perspectives offered by Queer theory to unpack the pain of this 'veiling' of aspects of identity as a necessary strategy for achieving economic 'success' amid the structural and epistemological violence of colonialism and apartheid. It is suggested that a combination of the ‘silence’ and ‘taboo’ area of the ‘blind-spot’ could completely ‘veil’ these epistemological realities from the view of many earlier researchers of urban Xhosa identity (whose cultural and linguistic backgrounds as well as etic positioning caused them to be unable to 'knock' to gain access into this normally ‘veiled’ world). This thesis combines these historical perspectives with contemporary scholarship and literary works to propose that these ‘Red’ aspects of identity and spirituality have always and still ‘continue’ to form a core, or crux, of Xhosa identity for a previously widely unrecognised and overwhelming majority of urban amaXhosa. This thesis uses the perspective offered by a Xhosa translation of the title of Mda's English language novel, 'A Heart of Redness’ (2000), to explore the importance of ancestral spirituality and clan identities to amaXhosa as a [previously invisible/veiled] ‘Redness of one's Heart’ for a high proportion of contemporary amaXhosa. In this way, this thesis agrees with scholars such as Latour (1993) and Mignolo (2007) in their 'jarring' expose regarding the epistemic violence of euro-normative notions of ‘modernity’. Here they call for a disruption of the pervasive idea of the West as being at the 'forefront' of human experience and even a challenge to the western reading of time. Finally, through exploring critique of the 'Secularisation Thesis' of the Western world, this thesis poses the implicit question contained in its title: ‘Is the western world now perhaps able to embrace a 'modernity' and integrative-cosmology that has been safe-guarded by Xhosa pagans since the 1840s?’ This study documented numerical indicators on the presence of ancestral belief and traditional dimensions of Xhosa identity from fieldwork conducted in an urban locality King William’s Town (Qonce) within the Buffalo City Municipality, Eastern Cape of South Africa from September 2018 to December 2019. In-depth quantitative and qualitative data were collected from lengthy interactions with 305 consenting Xhosa participants. These interactions comprised 129 semi-structured and 176 structured interviews, 61 of the latter formed the sample for numerical data analysis with which to give clarity on the abiding importance of ancestral spirituality for a vast majority of urban amaXhosa. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Anthropology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-03-30
Experiences of men vlogging about substance use disorder recovery on YouTube
- Authors: Chele, Palesa Shené
- Date: 2023-03-30
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/408829 , vital:70529
- Description: The journey of substance use recovery is an inherently dynamic and on-going process. It is advanced through secure social support systems. Furthermore, requiring the explicit practice of self-advancement and self-efficacy. However, in South Africa, despite the continued upsurge of substance abuse, there remains a substantial gap between the high demand for treatment and the limited capacity to provide state-funded treatment. In addition, various psychosocial and socio-economic factors further impede access to treatment or recovery support. Thus, within communities facing SUD treatment barriers the exploration of individual lived experiences may deepen understandings of how men experience the journey of substance use recovery. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-03-30
- Authors: Chele, Palesa Shené
- Date: 2023-03-30
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/408829 , vital:70529
- Description: The journey of substance use recovery is an inherently dynamic and on-going process. It is advanced through secure social support systems. Furthermore, requiring the explicit practice of self-advancement and self-efficacy. However, in South Africa, despite the continued upsurge of substance abuse, there remains a substantial gap between the high demand for treatment and the limited capacity to provide state-funded treatment. In addition, various psychosocial and socio-economic factors further impede access to treatment or recovery support. Thus, within communities facing SUD treatment barriers the exploration of individual lived experiences may deepen understandings of how men experience the journey of substance use recovery. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-03-30
Drive for show: putt for dough? The value of performance measures for professional golfers on the sunshine tour and the relationship with earnings
- Authors: Heathfield, Cameron Spencer
- Date: 2023-03-31
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419499 , vital:71649
- Description: “Drive for show, putt for dough”. This controversial adage has been a prominent sentiment in the game of golf for decades. Empirical evidence investigating its robustness through determinant of earnings inquiries have identified that the most valuable measure of performance in golf is in fact putting. However, with the ever-perpetuating state of golf equipment and the technologies thereof, the distance debate in golf has thus gained traction. Recent investigations and evidence into the adage had identified a trend-shift with regards to the value associated with distance achievable and putting ability in golf. Therefore questioning the relevance of the adage in the modern form of the game. In conducting a determinant of earnings inquiry through the engagement of engineering “pure” performance measures as empirically identified, this investigation is aimed at recognising a similar trend in a South African perspective, on the Sunshine Tour. Utilising a generalised least square regression methodology, the analysis identifies how the value of the marginal product as-sociated with both player and non-player explanatory measures influence real earnings on the Sun-shine Tour. This determination is observed through the means of a comprehensive scenario analysis, demonstrating the effect of marginal performance differences to the degree of 1% and 5% increase in performance. A trend was therefore identified in which the value of the marginal product, and growth in real earnings associated to driving distance at the 5% level were in fact greater than the that of putting ability. The results further denote the robustness of the adage and the inherent value associated to putting vs. driving distance at the 1% level. The conclusion to this investigation demonstrates the importance of opportunistic positions player’s put themselves in within tournaments to encourage earnings accumulation. Identified through balanced return on investments for all performance measures to “drive for dough to putt for dough”. , Thesis (MEcon) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economics History, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-03-31
- Authors: Heathfield, Cameron Spencer
- Date: 2023-03-31
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419499 , vital:71649
- Description: “Drive for show, putt for dough”. This controversial adage has been a prominent sentiment in the game of golf for decades. Empirical evidence investigating its robustness through determinant of earnings inquiries have identified that the most valuable measure of performance in golf is in fact putting. However, with the ever-perpetuating state of golf equipment and the technologies thereof, the distance debate in golf has thus gained traction. Recent investigations and evidence into the adage had identified a trend-shift with regards to the value associated with distance achievable and putting ability in golf. Therefore questioning the relevance of the adage in the modern form of the game. In conducting a determinant of earnings inquiry through the engagement of engineering “pure” performance measures as empirically identified, this investigation is aimed at recognising a similar trend in a South African perspective, on the Sunshine Tour. Utilising a generalised least square regression methodology, the analysis identifies how the value of the marginal product as-sociated with both player and non-player explanatory measures influence real earnings on the Sun-shine Tour. This determination is observed through the means of a comprehensive scenario analysis, demonstrating the effect of marginal performance differences to the degree of 1% and 5% increase in performance. A trend was therefore identified in which the value of the marginal product, and growth in real earnings associated to driving distance at the 5% level were in fact greater than the that of putting ability. The results further denote the robustness of the adage and the inherent value associated to putting vs. driving distance at the 1% level. The conclusion to this investigation demonstrates the importance of opportunistic positions player’s put themselves in within tournaments to encourage earnings accumulation. Identified through balanced return on investments for all performance measures to “drive for dough to putt for dough”. , Thesis (MEcon) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economics History, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-03-31
Developing taxonomic and trait-based approaches for assessing and predicting macroinvertebrate responses to elevated fine sediments in the Tsitsa River and its tributaries, South Africa
- Authors: Ntloko, Pindiwe
- Date: 2022-04-08
- Subjects: Water quality South Africa Mzimvubu River Watershed , Sedimentation and deposition South Africa Mzimvubu River Watershed , Aquatic invertebrates Effect of sediments on South Africa Mzimvubu River Watershed , Aquatic invertebrates Classification , Environmental monitoring South Africa Mzimvubu River Watershed , Analysis of variance , Multivariate analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/294692 , vital:57245 , DOI 10.21504/10962/294692
- Description: Sedimentation of freshwater systems is one of the leading causes of water quality deterioration. The Mzimvubu River catchment, which includes the Tsitsa River and its tributaries, in the Eastern Cape is prone to elevated sediment impact due to dispersive soils that are easily erodible. In this study, taxonomy and trait-based approaches were used to assess the responses of macroinvertebrates to fine sediments in the Tsitsa River and its tributaries. Macroinvertebrates and environmental variables were sampled seasonally in winter, spring, summer and autumn of 2016 to 2018 in six selected sites, using the South African Scoring System version 5 as a collecting protocol. The sites were selected to represent a decreasing gradient of sediment influence from the highly impacted Sites 1 (Tsitsa upstream) 2 (Tsitsa downstream), and 3 (Qurana River) to moderately impacted Sites 4 (Millstream upstream) and 5 (Millstream downstream) and the least impacted Sites 6 (Pot River upstream), 7 (Little Pot River) and 8 (Pot River downstream), which were collectively referred to as the control sites. Analysis of basic physico-chemical variables, dissolved oxygen, pH, electrical conductivity, turbidity, total suspended solids, temperature and nutrients were undertaken seasonally over the study period. Sediments grain sizes were also analysed. All collected data were subjected to appropriate statistical tests – univariate and multivariate techniques. A fine-sediment-specific multimetric index was developed to monitor the impact of fine sediments on macroinvertebrate assemblages of the Tsitsa River and its tributaries. A total of 12 traits, resolved into 48 trait attributes, were selected to explore their distribution in relation to a fine-sediment stress gradient, and identify the trait-based signature of fine-sediment impact. A trait-based approach was then developed to classify South African macroinvertebrates into two groups: taxa that are potentially vulnerable to fine-sediment impact and those potentially resilient, based on the combination of traits possessed. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated that electrical conductivity, turbidity, embeddedness and total suspended solids were statistically significantly different between the sites. Apart from Dissolved oxygen, the remaining variables were statistically significantly lower at the control sites (P < 0.05). The two-way multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) indicated global significant differences between sites and seasons. The two-way MANOVA also revealed that the interaction between the sites and seasons were statistically significant. The MANOVA indicated global combined interactive effects across the sites for suspended fine-sediment grain sizes, two-way ANOVA, followed by a Tukey’s post-hoc test, was carried out to indicate where the significant differences lay. The one-way ANOVA results indicated that very fine sand, very coarse silt, medium silt, and fine silt were significantly higher at Tsitsa upstream, Tsitsa downstream, Qurana tributary that is at Millstream upstream, Millstream downstream and Control sites. The rest of the grain sizes did not differ statistically between the sites. In terms of the settled sediment grain sizes, the volumetric analysis did not show considerable differences across the sites. Settled fine-sediment grain sizes were evenly distributed across the sites. Statistically, MANOVA results indicated no significant differences across sites or across seasons. The developed Sediment Multimetric Index indicated that the sites in the Tsitsa River and those in the Qurana River were highly sedimented during the wet season, but became moderately sedimented during the dry season, indicating that the index responded to seasonality. The sediment multimetric index indicated that the control sites were less sedimented during both the wet season and dry seasons, suggesting minimal seasonal effects at the control sites. Traits such as an exposed and soft body, collector-filterers, shredding, feeding on coarse particulate organic matter and a high sensitivity to dissolved oxygen were identified as fine- sediment-sensitive indicator traits. Identified fine-sediment-tolerant traits and ecological preferences included complete sclerotisation, a cased/tubed body, a preference for fine particulate organic matter, a high tolerance to dissolved oxygen depletion, and climbing and skating behaviours. Regarding the trait-based approach followed for classifying macroinvertebrates into vulnerable taxa and resilient taxa, the results revealed that the relative abundance and richness of the vulnerable taxa decreased predictably along the increasing gradient of sediment impact. However, the relative abundance and richness of resilient taxa showed no marked response to the impact of an increasing gradient of fine sediments. Overall, the present study makes a contribution to the complementary application of trait-and taxonomy-based approaches to freshwater biomonitoring. The trait-based approach enables predictions to be made and tested based on the mechanistic understanding of the mediating roles of traits in organism- environment interaction. A fundamental challenge, which showcases the limitation of the current study, is the sparse trait data on Afrotropical macroinvertebrates at the species or generic levels. In this regard, the iv trait-based approaches developed here were the family level instead of species or genus. This is the first study in South Africa to develop explicit trait-based indicators of elevated fine sediments as well as an approach for predicting macroinvertebrate vulnerability and resilience to fine-sediment effects, thus advancing the science and practice of freshwater biomonitoring. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Institute for Water Research, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-08
- Authors: Ntloko, Pindiwe
- Date: 2022-04-08
- Subjects: Water quality South Africa Mzimvubu River Watershed , Sedimentation and deposition South Africa Mzimvubu River Watershed , Aquatic invertebrates Effect of sediments on South Africa Mzimvubu River Watershed , Aquatic invertebrates Classification , Environmental monitoring South Africa Mzimvubu River Watershed , Analysis of variance , Multivariate analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/294692 , vital:57245 , DOI 10.21504/10962/294692
- Description: Sedimentation of freshwater systems is one of the leading causes of water quality deterioration. The Mzimvubu River catchment, which includes the Tsitsa River and its tributaries, in the Eastern Cape is prone to elevated sediment impact due to dispersive soils that are easily erodible. In this study, taxonomy and trait-based approaches were used to assess the responses of macroinvertebrates to fine sediments in the Tsitsa River and its tributaries. Macroinvertebrates and environmental variables were sampled seasonally in winter, spring, summer and autumn of 2016 to 2018 in six selected sites, using the South African Scoring System version 5 as a collecting protocol. The sites were selected to represent a decreasing gradient of sediment influence from the highly impacted Sites 1 (Tsitsa upstream) 2 (Tsitsa downstream), and 3 (Qurana River) to moderately impacted Sites 4 (Millstream upstream) and 5 (Millstream downstream) and the least impacted Sites 6 (Pot River upstream), 7 (Little Pot River) and 8 (Pot River downstream), which were collectively referred to as the control sites. Analysis of basic physico-chemical variables, dissolved oxygen, pH, electrical conductivity, turbidity, total suspended solids, temperature and nutrients were undertaken seasonally over the study period. Sediments grain sizes were also analysed. All collected data were subjected to appropriate statistical tests – univariate and multivariate techniques. A fine-sediment-specific multimetric index was developed to monitor the impact of fine sediments on macroinvertebrate assemblages of the Tsitsa River and its tributaries. A total of 12 traits, resolved into 48 trait attributes, were selected to explore their distribution in relation to a fine-sediment stress gradient, and identify the trait-based signature of fine-sediment impact. A trait-based approach was then developed to classify South African macroinvertebrates into two groups: taxa that are potentially vulnerable to fine-sediment impact and those potentially resilient, based on the combination of traits possessed. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated that electrical conductivity, turbidity, embeddedness and total suspended solids were statistically significantly different between the sites. Apart from Dissolved oxygen, the remaining variables were statistically significantly lower at the control sites (P < 0.05). The two-way multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) indicated global significant differences between sites and seasons. The two-way MANOVA also revealed that the interaction between the sites and seasons were statistically significant. The MANOVA indicated global combined interactive effects across the sites for suspended fine-sediment grain sizes, two-way ANOVA, followed by a Tukey’s post-hoc test, was carried out to indicate where the significant differences lay. The one-way ANOVA results indicated that very fine sand, very coarse silt, medium silt, and fine silt were significantly higher at Tsitsa upstream, Tsitsa downstream, Qurana tributary that is at Millstream upstream, Millstream downstream and Control sites. The rest of the grain sizes did not differ statistically between the sites. In terms of the settled sediment grain sizes, the volumetric analysis did not show considerable differences across the sites. Settled fine-sediment grain sizes were evenly distributed across the sites. Statistically, MANOVA results indicated no significant differences across sites or across seasons. The developed Sediment Multimetric Index indicated that the sites in the Tsitsa River and those in the Qurana River were highly sedimented during the wet season, but became moderately sedimented during the dry season, indicating that the index responded to seasonality. The sediment multimetric index indicated that the control sites were less sedimented during both the wet season and dry seasons, suggesting minimal seasonal effects at the control sites. Traits such as an exposed and soft body, collector-filterers, shredding, feeding on coarse particulate organic matter and a high sensitivity to dissolved oxygen were identified as fine- sediment-sensitive indicator traits. Identified fine-sediment-tolerant traits and ecological preferences included complete sclerotisation, a cased/tubed body, a preference for fine particulate organic matter, a high tolerance to dissolved oxygen depletion, and climbing and skating behaviours. Regarding the trait-based approach followed for classifying macroinvertebrates into vulnerable taxa and resilient taxa, the results revealed that the relative abundance and richness of the vulnerable taxa decreased predictably along the increasing gradient of sediment impact. However, the relative abundance and richness of resilient taxa showed no marked response to the impact of an increasing gradient of fine sediments. Overall, the present study makes a contribution to the complementary application of trait-and taxonomy-based approaches to freshwater biomonitoring. The trait-based approach enables predictions to be made and tested based on the mechanistic understanding of the mediating roles of traits in organism- environment interaction. A fundamental challenge, which showcases the limitation of the current study, is the sparse trait data on Afrotropical macroinvertebrates at the species or generic levels. In this regard, the iv trait-based approaches developed here were the family level instead of species or genus. This is the first study in South Africa to develop explicit trait-based indicators of elevated fine sediments as well as an approach for predicting macroinvertebrate vulnerability and resilience to fine-sediment effects, thus advancing the science and practice of freshwater biomonitoring. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Institute for Water Research, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-08
Understanding human‐wildlife conflict: a geographic study of the Pringle Bay chacma baboon troop
- Authors: Parsons, Wendy Jennifer
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Chacma baboon South Africa Pringle Bay , Human-animal relationships South Africa Pringle Bay , Radio collars , Geographic information systems , Chacma baboon South Africa Pringle Bay Geographical distribution , Chacma baboon Behavior South Africa Pringle Bay , Chacma baboon Effect of human beings on South Africa Pringle Bay , Geospatial data , User-generated content
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/294828 , vital:57259
- Description: A better appreciation of the physical geography and environmental factors that play a role in the movement of the Chacma baboon troop in and around Pringle Bay (Overberg Municipality) and part of the Kogelberg Biosphere could lead to a better understanding of their movement. In turn, this insight may contribute to reducing the human‐wildlife conflict that has arisen in the town. Humanwildlife conflict escalated after the rapid urban development that followed the introduction of electricity in 1993. The baboon‐human conflict in Pringle Bay is, in part, due to habitat loss caused by urban development and the easy availability of food in the urban area. The wild animal’s natural behaviour (seeking food and fresh water) and the human way of living (food and waste management) has led to baboon habituation and increased raiding in the village. The objective of this geographic study was to understand the baboon troops spatial and temporal movements. Two methods are being used to track the baboon troop. The first method entails collection of data from GPS tracking collars which record the location of the baboons at 30 minute intervals. This is considered a reliable, but invasive and expensive method where the alpha male and female baboon had to be captured and fitted with tracking collars. The second method entails using volunteered geographic data, in this case, information from a WhatsApp baboon alert group. While this provided data at no real cost, the mining of the information was challenging and building a geodatabase was time consuming. However, this citizen science approach added valuable data and was able to identify human‐wildlife conflict sites in the urban area. The baboon location data was mapped using GIS. Primary and secondary spatial data was sourced and added to the geodatabase created in ArcMap 10.7. Various ArcMap tools were used in analysing the environmental factors (climate, vegetation, water sources and topography) together with the location data. Analysis of this data allowed the range of the baboons to be mapped, showing the maximum extent of the territory the baboons move in. The was refined by mapping their home range (defined as the area in which they spend 95% of the time) and their core area (in which they spend 50% of the time). High activity areas ‐ or hotspots ‐ were identified, as were the baboon sleep sites. The data allowed for habitat use and seasonal patterns of movement to be explored. A key finding of the research was that the baboons were observed outside of the urban area for 82% of the time. The baboons spent the majority of their time in mountain fynbos vegetation. Hotspot areas showing significant baboon activity were identified within the town and close correlation with their sleep sites and wetland areas was evident. No definitive seasonal or weather patterns were found that influence the baboon distribution. Baboon management is complex and difficult. The sustainability of the baboon troop is important for the biodiversity of the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve. While the baboons should not be encouraged to enter the urban area, the residents should play a role in reducing the availability of food and baboonproofing their properties. The Overstrand Municipality also needs to address waste management and waste collection in the town. Understanding the biogeography of the baboons and implementing the above‐mentioned mitigating management measures would encourage human‐wildlife coexistence and inform future baboon management plans. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Geography, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Parsons, Wendy Jennifer
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Chacma baboon South Africa Pringle Bay , Human-animal relationships South Africa Pringle Bay , Radio collars , Geographic information systems , Chacma baboon South Africa Pringle Bay Geographical distribution , Chacma baboon Behavior South Africa Pringle Bay , Chacma baboon Effect of human beings on South Africa Pringle Bay , Geospatial data , User-generated content
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/294828 , vital:57259
- Description: A better appreciation of the physical geography and environmental factors that play a role in the movement of the Chacma baboon troop in and around Pringle Bay (Overberg Municipality) and part of the Kogelberg Biosphere could lead to a better understanding of their movement. In turn, this insight may contribute to reducing the human‐wildlife conflict that has arisen in the town. Humanwildlife conflict escalated after the rapid urban development that followed the introduction of electricity in 1993. The baboon‐human conflict in Pringle Bay is, in part, due to habitat loss caused by urban development and the easy availability of food in the urban area. The wild animal’s natural behaviour (seeking food and fresh water) and the human way of living (food and waste management) has led to baboon habituation and increased raiding in the village. The objective of this geographic study was to understand the baboon troops spatial and temporal movements. Two methods are being used to track the baboon troop. The first method entails collection of data from GPS tracking collars which record the location of the baboons at 30 minute intervals. This is considered a reliable, but invasive and expensive method where the alpha male and female baboon had to be captured and fitted with tracking collars. The second method entails using volunteered geographic data, in this case, information from a WhatsApp baboon alert group. While this provided data at no real cost, the mining of the information was challenging and building a geodatabase was time consuming. However, this citizen science approach added valuable data and was able to identify human‐wildlife conflict sites in the urban area. The baboon location data was mapped using GIS. Primary and secondary spatial data was sourced and added to the geodatabase created in ArcMap 10.7. Various ArcMap tools were used in analysing the environmental factors (climate, vegetation, water sources and topography) together with the location data. Analysis of this data allowed the range of the baboons to be mapped, showing the maximum extent of the territory the baboons move in. The was refined by mapping their home range (defined as the area in which they spend 95% of the time) and their core area (in which they spend 50% of the time). High activity areas ‐ or hotspots ‐ were identified, as were the baboon sleep sites. The data allowed for habitat use and seasonal patterns of movement to be explored. A key finding of the research was that the baboons were observed outside of the urban area for 82% of the time. The baboons spent the majority of their time in mountain fynbos vegetation. Hotspot areas showing significant baboon activity were identified within the town and close correlation with their sleep sites and wetland areas was evident. No definitive seasonal or weather patterns were found that influence the baboon distribution. Baboon management is complex and difficult. The sustainability of the baboon troop is important for the biodiversity of the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve. While the baboons should not be encouraged to enter the urban area, the residents should play a role in reducing the availability of food and baboonproofing their properties. The Overstrand Municipality also needs to address waste management and waste collection in the town. Understanding the biogeography of the baboons and implementing the above‐mentioned mitigating management measures would encourage human‐wildlife coexistence and inform future baboon management plans. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Geography, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
A grounded theory study of the identity and career decisions of artistic creative entrepreneurs
- Gibson-Tessendorf, Jacoba Cornelia
- Authors: Gibson-Tessendorf, Jacoba Cornelia
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship , Creative entrepreneurship , Personality and creative ability , Career choice , Creative industries , Identity (Psychology)
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419208 , vital:71625 , DOI 10.21504/10962/419208
- Description: This research, in the field of creative careers, identity and entrepreneurship, aims to develop a grounded theory to explain the interaction between the phenomena of identity and career decision-making, focusing on Artistic Creative entrepreneurs in the creative industries. Artistic Creatives have unique characteristics and creative identities, presenting unique career opportunities. This research is interested in the different values of Artistic Creatives compared to those of Artistic Creative Entrepreneurs, who often experience a tension between their creative identity and their entrepreneurial identities The methodology used is the Straussian Grounded Theory. A Qualitative Research Approach used interviews to collect data on the careers and identity of Artistic Creative entrepreneurs in an area in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Creative entrepreneurs work in the fields of fine art, design and crafts. The research procedure was recorded in detail, which enhances dependability. Ethics approval was obtained prior to the data collection. The data was analysed through open coding, axial coding and using a Straussian paradigm model. The findings present the values and identity of the Artistic Creative with Artistic Creative Archetypes and the entrepreneurial identities as Artistic Creative Entrepreneur Profiles. The Thesis by JC Gibson-Tessendorf effects of identity and contextual factors on their career patterns, especially as entrepreneurs, are analysed. The contribution that this study makes towards the creation of new knowledge is through, firstly, presenting aspiring creatives with career opportunities that relate to individual values. Secondly, it provides a model of Career Stage Options and Strategies that Artistic Creative Entrepreneurs may follow to either become part-time creative entrepreneurs or use the model as a guide for career planning. The study also developed a substantial theory proposing that the identities of Artistic Creative Entrepreneurs are 1) firstly multiple, 2) flexible and open to change, 2) driven by their values, 3) enacting across the tripartite identity framework, being personal identity, role identity and social identity. The concept of a tripartite of identities was taken from Brewer and Gardner (1996). , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
- Authors: Gibson-Tessendorf, Jacoba Cornelia
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship , Creative entrepreneurship , Personality and creative ability , Career choice , Creative industries , Identity (Psychology)
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419208 , vital:71625 , DOI 10.21504/10962/419208
- Description: This research, in the field of creative careers, identity and entrepreneurship, aims to develop a grounded theory to explain the interaction between the phenomena of identity and career decision-making, focusing on Artistic Creative entrepreneurs in the creative industries. Artistic Creatives have unique characteristics and creative identities, presenting unique career opportunities. This research is interested in the different values of Artistic Creatives compared to those of Artistic Creative Entrepreneurs, who often experience a tension between their creative identity and their entrepreneurial identities The methodology used is the Straussian Grounded Theory. A Qualitative Research Approach used interviews to collect data on the careers and identity of Artistic Creative entrepreneurs in an area in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Creative entrepreneurs work in the fields of fine art, design and crafts. The research procedure was recorded in detail, which enhances dependability. Ethics approval was obtained prior to the data collection. The data was analysed through open coding, axial coding and using a Straussian paradigm model. The findings present the values and identity of the Artistic Creative with Artistic Creative Archetypes and the entrepreneurial identities as Artistic Creative Entrepreneur Profiles. The Thesis by JC Gibson-Tessendorf effects of identity and contextual factors on their career patterns, especially as entrepreneurs, are analysed. The contribution that this study makes towards the creation of new knowledge is through, firstly, presenting aspiring creatives with career opportunities that relate to individual values. Secondly, it provides a model of Career Stage Options and Strategies that Artistic Creative Entrepreneurs may follow to either become part-time creative entrepreneurs or use the model as a guide for career planning. The study also developed a substantial theory proposing that the identities of Artistic Creative Entrepreneurs are 1) firstly multiple, 2) flexible and open to change, 2) driven by their values, 3) enacting across the tripartite identity framework, being personal identity, role identity and social identity. The concept of a tripartite of identities was taken from Brewer and Gardner (1996). , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
An exploratory study of King IV™: The effect of Principle Four and its practices in achieving good performance by selected JSE-listed companies
- Authors: Rohlandt, John
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Corporate governance South Africa , Organizational performance , value creation , Business planning , Social responsibility of business South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/403047 , vital:69917
- Description: The research conducted for the dissertation entitled “An exploratory study of King IVTM: The effect of principle four and its practices in achieving good performance by selected JSE-listed companies”, aimed to determine whether principle four, namely the creation of value, and the application by an organisation of the recommended practices as set out in King IVTM, contribute to the achievement of good performance. The research outlined the background to the research by describing the history of the development of corporate governance internationally and in South Africa, dating back to 1932 and culminating with the King IV™ report. It described the problem statement, defined the aims and objectives of the study, and demonstrated that the significance of the study lies in its exploration of the relationship between the King IV™ practices and good performance. The research also provided a review of the related literature, describing the theoretical background for the research, which includes the conceptual framework and propositions of the research. The research was situated in the post-positivist paradigm, the methodology was qualitative, and the method adopted was a theory-based evaluation, based on a deductive thematic analysis with pattern matching. From a detailed reading of the integrated reports and the King IVTM compliance registers of the fifteen selected listed companies for the years 2017 to 2019, hits and misses in relation to the six capitals and the eight associated practices were recorded. From this, the resulting descriptive statistics were calculated and set out in the form of tables, and a regression analysis was used to support the findings. The research revealed, based on the descriptive statistics data that there is a moderate relationship between good performance and the application of the eight practices set out in King IVTM, that contribute to the achievement of good performance. It was, therefore, concluded that the adoption of corporate governance principles and practices has an effect on performance, although it may not be significant. It is also concluded that the application of the practices in terms of principle four as set out in King IVTM is achieving its intended outcome - the creation of value. The research also concluded that good performance constitutes more than just a company performing financially and that all companies need to comply with the requirements of King IVTM, as the Code is designed to guide organisations in achieving good corporate governance. Governance principles and practices should be adopted in a way that does not unduly constrain them and is appropriate to a company’s particular circumstances. Complying with corporate governance principles and implementing the recommended practices might not guarantee positive outcomes (good performance), but it will guide the board of directors in the pursuit of ethical and effective leadership, and that of sustainable development in order to meet the needs of all stakeholders. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Rohlandt, John
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Corporate governance South Africa , Organizational performance , value creation , Business planning , Social responsibility of business South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/403047 , vital:69917
- Description: The research conducted for the dissertation entitled “An exploratory study of King IVTM: The effect of principle four and its practices in achieving good performance by selected JSE-listed companies”, aimed to determine whether principle four, namely the creation of value, and the application by an organisation of the recommended practices as set out in King IVTM, contribute to the achievement of good performance. The research outlined the background to the research by describing the history of the development of corporate governance internationally and in South Africa, dating back to 1932 and culminating with the King IV™ report. It described the problem statement, defined the aims and objectives of the study, and demonstrated that the significance of the study lies in its exploration of the relationship between the King IV™ practices and good performance. The research also provided a review of the related literature, describing the theoretical background for the research, which includes the conceptual framework and propositions of the research. The research was situated in the post-positivist paradigm, the methodology was qualitative, and the method adopted was a theory-based evaluation, based on a deductive thematic analysis with pattern matching. From a detailed reading of the integrated reports and the King IVTM compliance registers of the fifteen selected listed companies for the years 2017 to 2019, hits and misses in relation to the six capitals and the eight associated practices were recorded. From this, the resulting descriptive statistics were calculated and set out in the form of tables, and a regression analysis was used to support the findings. The research revealed, based on the descriptive statistics data that there is a moderate relationship between good performance and the application of the eight practices set out in King IVTM, that contribute to the achievement of good performance. It was, therefore, concluded that the adoption of corporate governance principles and practices has an effect on performance, although it may not be significant. It is also concluded that the application of the practices in terms of principle four as set out in King IVTM is achieving its intended outcome - the creation of value. The research also concluded that good performance constitutes more than just a company performing financially and that all companies need to comply with the requirements of King IVTM, as the Code is designed to guide organisations in achieving good corporate governance. Governance principles and practices should be adopted in a way that does not unduly constrain them and is appropriate to a company’s particular circumstances. Complying with corporate governance principles and implementing the recommended practices might not guarantee positive outcomes (good performance), but it will guide the board of directors in the pursuit of ethical and effective leadership, and that of sustainable development in order to meet the needs of all stakeholders. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
Teachers’ practice in developing visually impaired learners’ reading skills in the junior primary phase in northern Namibia
- Authors: Nuugonya, Elizabeth Nangula
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Children with visual disabilities Education Namibia Oshana , Reading (Elementary) Namibia Oshana , Inclusive education Namibia Oshana , Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Optional Protocol (2007 March 30) , Braille Study and teaching (Elementary) Namibia Oshana , Teachers of the blind Namibia Oshana
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/405379 , vital:70166
- Description: Namibia has adopted, ratified and followed several international policies on disability and inclusive education including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). Since 2014, the Namibian education system has been working towards the implementation of the Sector Policy on Inclusive Education to promote an education system that is accessible, inclusive, equitable and of good quality (Namibia. Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture: Sector Policy on Inclusive Education, 2013). The policy aims to address barriers faced by learners with disabilities and how teachers develop ways of teaching that respond to the individual differences. Reading in a second language tends to develop more slowly by visually impaired learners, although the Junior Primary Phase syllabus promotes equal opportunity for all learners to participate in reading equally irrespective of learners’ disabilities. Teachers should understand how to teach and accommodate learners who are visually impaired and all reading materials should be fit for purpose and support these learners appropriately. Thus, this study explores how Junior Primary teachers develop visually impaired learners’ reading skills to provide accessible education to them. Learning to read is challenging for most learners, but even more for learners who are visually impaired. Learning to read braille is a complex process, far more than reading print texts. This study seeks to examine how learners are taught to read using braille in a school for visually impaired learners in Namibia, Oshana region. The motivation for this research study was twofold - firstly, my interest in the development of reading skills with visually impaired learners was aroused by my teaching experience. Secondly, due to my realisation that the area was under-researched in Namibia; I wanted to fill the existing gap in the development of reading skills in braille and print. The study critically engaged teachers to help me obtain an understanding of how they develop reading instructions with visually impaired learners and the factors that enabled the development of braille literacy and the challenges that hampered the development of reading skills. The study took the qualitative case study approach underpinned by an interpretivist orientation. Data was collected using semi-structured observation during reading lessons and focus group interviews. The Theory of Practice Architectures (ToPA) was used as a lens to analyse the promoting and constraining factors in teaching visually impaired learners reading skills. The study found that teachers used different reading methods to promote the development of reading skills such as reading aloud, tactile methods and phonics. The study further noted that teachers mostly created their own reading materials due to the lack of reading materials and reading books printed in braille. Although learners were supported during reading, the challenge of developing reading skills with visually impaired learners remains a challenge. I hope that the findings from this research study strengthen the development of reading skills in all special schools and contribute to the creation of knowledge on the development of reading skills with visually impaired learners in Namibia. As a means to further support learners who experience visual impairments, this study recommends that more formative research studies on the notion of teachers’ practice in developing reading skills with visually impaired learners should be conducted to bring about change. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Nuugonya, Elizabeth Nangula
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Children with visual disabilities Education Namibia Oshana , Reading (Elementary) Namibia Oshana , Inclusive education Namibia Oshana , Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Optional Protocol (2007 March 30) , Braille Study and teaching (Elementary) Namibia Oshana , Teachers of the blind Namibia Oshana
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/405379 , vital:70166
- Description: Namibia has adopted, ratified and followed several international policies on disability and inclusive education including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). Since 2014, the Namibian education system has been working towards the implementation of the Sector Policy on Inclusive Education to promote an education system that is accessible, inclusive, equitable and of good quality (Namibia. Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture: Sector Policy on Inclusive Education, 2013). The policy aims to address barriers faced by learners with disabilities and how teachers develop ways of teaching that respond to the individual differences. Reading in a second language tends to develop more slowly by visually impaired learners, although the Junior Primary Phase syllabus promotes equal opportunity for all learners to participate in reading equally irrespective of learners’ disabilities. Teachers should understand how to teach and accommodate learners who are visually impaired and all reading materials should be fit for purpose and support these learners appropriately. Thus, this study explores how Junior Primary teachers develop visually impaired learners’ reading skills to provide accessible education to them. Learning to read is challenging for most learners, but even more for learners who are visually impaired. Learning to read braille is a complex process, far more than reading print texts. This study seeks to examine how learners are taught to read using braille in a school for visually impaired learners in Namibia, Oshana region. The motivation for this research study was twofold - firstly, my interest in the development of reading skills with visually impaired learners was aroused by my teaching experience. Secondly, due to my realisation that the area was under-researched in Namibia; I wanted to fill the existing gap in the development of reading skills in braille and print. The study critically engaged teachers to help me obtain an understanding of how they develop reading instructions with visually impaired learners and the factors that enabled the development of braille literacy and the challenges that hampered the development of reading skills. The study took the qualitative case study approach underpinned by an interpretivist orientation. Data was collected using semi-structured observation during reading lessons and focus group interviews. The Theory of Practice Architectures (ToPA) was used as a lens to analyse the promoting and constraining factors in teaching visually impaired learners reading skills. The study found that teachers used different reading methods to promote the development of reading skills such as reading aloud, tactile methods and phonics. The study further noted that teachers mostly created their own reading materials due to the lack of reading materials and reading books printed in braille. Although learners were supported during reading, the challenge of developing reading skills with visually impaired learners remains a challenge. I hope that the findings from this research study strengthen the development of reading skills in all special schools and contribute to the creation of knowledge on the development of reading skills with visually impaired learners in Namibia. As a means to further support learners who experience visual impairments, this study recommends that more formative research studies on the notion of teachers’ practice in developing reading skills with visually impaired learners should be conducted to bring about change. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
The economic contribution of the tourism accommodation sector in the Karoo
- Authors: Chandler, Biddy Lee
- Date: 2013-04-06
- Subjects: Hospitality industry South Africa Karoo , Karoo (South Africa) Economic conditions , Small cities South Africa Karoo , Tourism South Africa Karoo
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/366169 , vital:65838
- Description: Tourism is not only the world’s largest traded commodity in which many countries have gained economic advantage and stability, it is also a phenomenon of great economic and social significance. Tourism’s contribution, especially within developing countries and within emerging markets like South Africa, has become increasingly significant as it has created major economic growth and has highlighted areas of potential new sustainable development. The ultimate goal of achieving an increase in GDP and the creation of new employment opportunities is enhanced through the development of tourism. Considering the importance of the above and because the impact of tourism development in small towns is of significant economic benefit, research into this field is of value. This is the core of this study. As a result of tourism demand continually changing in small towns, mostly due to globalisation, demographic changes and agricultural changes, the need to continually update tourism data to ensure that tourism products remain highly rated is vital. This requires identifying tourists’ needs and supplying exactly what tourists demand. More specifically, evaluating tourist satisfaction and dissatisfaction will give accurate indications of a destination’s ability to satisfy its tourists, which is what will encourage repeat visits. The first objective of this dissertation was to qualitatively evaluate, through determining 27 product owners’ and 206 tourists’, opinions/perceptions of the tourism product offering in the Karoo. This study examined the accommodation sector of the tourism industry within 13 small towns in the Karoo. This is a fast growing and maturing industry. The study revealed that product owners and tourists expressed a positive attitude towards the growth of tourism in the Karoo, which they said was due to its heritage and authenticity, climate, desert tourism, natural beauty, ecotourism, remoteness, peace and quiet and acting as a refuge in an unspoilt natural environment. Amongst other recommendations, this result highlighted the importance of keeping closed the ‘gap’ between the expected product/level of service and the customer’s perception of the actual product/service received, by paying special attention to each of the identified tourist benefits. Most importantly, product owners, local tourism organisations (LTOs), municipalities, the government and all tourism stakeholders need to ensure that they work efficiently and effectively through transparent and collaborative relationships to ensure that they generate the highest possible returns from tourism investment through strategies that take cognizance of the above. The second objective of this dissertation was to quantitatively evaluate the economic impact of tourism through gathering and calculating 107 tourists’ spending data and 15 product owners’ expenditure data over a six month period between December 2010 and May 2011 in Graaff-Reinet. It was found that there was an increase over time in tourist spending, which led to an increase in direct income (net injection of visitor spending) and thus there was an increase in indirect income(affecting the level of product owners’ income)in the Graaff-Reinet economy. The key calculations in this study reflected a high multiplier of 1.2and a small amount of leakage (21%);and the final tourism economic impact of the accommodation sector in Graaff-Reinet wasR8940 982.00. This implies a positive economic contribution to this town. A focus on growing the tourist market is therefore a goal worth pursuing. This study provides up-to-date, statistically valid numerical/quantitative data as well as current qualitative data. However, gathering data for a longitudinal study would be highly beneficial to determine trends of how the tourism market in small towns is developing. This field has been given minimal attention, specifically within small towns. This dissertation was thus an attempt to initiate and motivate further ongoing efforts with regards to gathering, specifically economic, tourism data. Showing the positive economic contribution, and the multiple ripple effects that attracting tourists to an area can have, and the ultimate measurable economic benefit created through having a strong multiplier effect, will hopefully encourage all stakeholders to be confident and take the tourism industry more seriously. This highlights the need to recognise the economic impact potential of the tourism sector and to use the positive results identified in this study as a tool to lobby for tourism investment, which is unfortunately not reflected currently in many governmental programmes. Developing greater co-operation and co-ordination between the private and public sectors is needed: the most appropriate development model for the tourism industry being government led, private sector driven, community based and labour conscious in order for it to reap the benefits reflected in this tourism study. , Thesis (MEcon) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2013
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013-04-06
- Authors: Chandler, Biddy Lee
- Date: 2013-04-06
- Subjects: Hospitality industry South Africa Karoo , Karoo (South Africa) Economic conditions , Small cities South Africa Karoo , Tourism South Africa Karoo
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/366169 , vital:65838
- Description: Tourism is not only the world’s largest traded commodity in which many countries have gained economic advantage and stability, it is also a phenomenon of great economic and social significance. Tourism’s contribution, especially within developing countries and within emerging markets like South Africa, has become increasingly significant as it has created major economic growth and has highlighted areas of potential new sustainable development. The ultimate goal of achieving an increase in GDP and the creation of new employment opportunities is enhanced through the development of tourism. Considering the importance of the above and because the impact of tourism development in small towns is of significant economic benefit, research into this field is of value. This is the core of this study. As a result of tourism demand continually changing in small towns, mostly due to globalisation, demographic changes and agricultural changes, the need to continually update tourism data to ensure that tourism products remain highly rated is vital. This requires identifying tourists’ needs and supplying exactly what tourists demand. More specifically, evaluating tourist satisfaction and dissatisfaction will give accurate indications of a destination’s ability to satisfy its tourists, which is what will encourage repeat visits. The first objective of this dissertation was to qualitatively evaluate, through determining 27 product owners’ and 206 tourists’, opinions/perceptions of the tourism product offering in the Karoo. This study examined the accommodation sector of the tourism industry within 13 small towns in the Karoo. This is a fast growing and maturing industry. The study revealed that product owners and tourists expressed a positive attitude towards the growth of tourism in the Karoo, which they said was due to its heritage and authenticity, climate, desert tourism, natural beauty, ecotourism, remoteness, peace and quiet and acting as a refuge in an unspoilt natural environment. Amongst other recommendations, this result highlighted the importance of keeping closed the ‘gap’ between the expected product/level of service and the customer’s perception of the actual product/service received, by paying special attention to each of the identified tourist benefits. Most importantly, product owners, local tourism organisations (LTOs), municipalities, the government and all tourism stakeholders need to ensure that they work efficiently and effectively through transparent and collaborative relationships to ensure that they generate the highest possible returns from tourism investment through strategies that take cognizance of the above. The second objective of this dissertation was to quantitatively evaluate the economic impact of tourism through gathering and calculating 107 tourists’ spending data and 15 product owners’ expenditure data over a six month period between December 2010 and May 2011 in Graaff-Reinet. It was found that there was an increase over time in tourist spending, which led to an increase in direct income (net injection of visitor spending) and thus there was an increase in indirect income(affecting the level of product owners’ income)in the Graaff-Reinet economy. The key calculations in this study reflected a high multiplier of 1.2and a small amount of leakage (21%);and the final tourism economic impact of the accommodation sector in Graaff-Reinet wasR8940 982.00. This implies a positive economic contribution to this town. A focus on growing the tourist market is therefore a goal worth pursuing. This study provides up-to-date, statistically valid numerical/quantitative data as well as current qualitative data. However, gathering data for a longitudinal study would be highly beneficial to determine trends of how the tourism market in small towns is developing. This field has been given minimal attention, specifically within small towns. This dissertation was thus an attempt to initiate and motivate further ongoing efforts with regards to gathering, specifically economic, tourism data. Showing the positive economic contribution, and the multiple ripple effects that attracting tourists to an area can have, and the ultimate measurable economic benefit created through having a strong multiplier effect, will hopefully encourage all stakeholders to be confident and take the tourism industry more seriously. This highlights the need to recognise the economic impact potential of the tourism sector and to use the positive results identified in this study as a tool to lobby for tourism investment, which is unfortunately not reflected currently in many governmental programmes. Developing greater co-operation and co-ordination between the private and public sectors is needed: the most appropriate development model for the tourism industry being government led, private sector driven, community based and labour conscious in order for it to reap the benefits reflected in this tourism study. , Thesis (MEcon) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2013
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013-04-06
An ethnomedical study of the role and impact of cannabidiol (CBD) treatment of women living with endometriosis and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
- Authors: Norman, Paige Sarah
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Polycystic ovary syndrome Alternative treatment , Endometriosis Alternative treatment , Cannabidiol , Cannabis , Pain management , Traditional medicine , Feminist anthropology , Women's health services
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/408652 , vital:70513
- Description: Over the last few years, there has been a notable increase in popularity in the use of cannabidiol (CBD) as a form of alternative medicinal treatment for various illnesses. CBD, a by-product of the cannabis plant, is an isolate and does not contain the psychoactive agent, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Endometriosis and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) are chronic reproductive health sicknesses that are increasingly experienced by women. In the absence of cures, biomedical treatment for these diseases aim to manage symptoms, for example; heavy bleeding, heightened levels of pain, and insomnia. CBD offers an alternative to women who feel that biomedical interventions are no longer able to maintain their health and well-being. CBD positions itself as a natural remedy claiming to be safe and effective. This research study, mainly through qualitative data collection, focused on experiences of Zimbabwean and South African women living with endometriosis and/ or PCOS, who have turned to CBD to manage their symptoms. The importance of this study was to position itself within patients’ lived experiences. The research study found that CBD indeed has numerous benefits, including pain management, alleviating stress, and anxiety. Through the emergent themes from the data, it became clear that women are marginalised and treated unequally in the biomedical healthcare sphere. Feminist Anthropology and Structural Violence was applied to analyse the data collected to explore the patriarchal nature of the biomedical healthcare system and the experiences that women have, which has led them to turn to alternative treatments. , Thesis (MSocSci) -- Faculty of Humanities, Anthropology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Norman, Paige Sarah
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Polycystic ovary syndrome Alternative treatment , Endometriosis Alternative treatment , Cannabidiol , Cannabis , Pain management , Traditional medicine , Feminist anthropology , Women's health services
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/408652 , vital:70513
- Description: Over the last few years, there has been a notable increase in popularity in the use of cannabidiol (CBD) as a form of alternative medicinal treatment for various illnesses. CBD, a by-product of the cannabis plant, is an isolate and does not contain the psychoactive agent, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Endometriosis and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) are chronic reproductive health sicknesses that are increasingly experienced by women. In the absence of cures, biomedical treatment for these diseases aim to manage symptoms, for example; heavy bleeding, heightened levels of pain, and insomnia. CBD offers an alternative to women who feel that biomedical interventions are no longer able to maintain their health and well-being. CBD positions itself as a natural remedy claiming to be safe and effective. This research study, mainly through qualitative data collection, focused on experiences of Zimbabwean and South African women living with endometriosis and/ or PCOS, who have turned to CBD to manage their symptoms. The importance of this study was to position itself within patients’ lived experiences. The research study found that CBD indeed has numerous benefits, including pain management, alleviating stress, and anxiety. Through the emergent themes from the data, it became clear that women are marginalised and treated unequally in the biomedical healthcare sphere. Feminist Anthropology and Structural Violence was applied to analyse the data collected to explore the patriarchal nature of the biomedical healthcare system and the experiences that women have, which has led them to turn to alternative treatments. , Thesis (MSocSci) -- Faculty of Humanities, Anthropology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
The use of smartphones and visualisation processes for conceptual understanding of mensuration: a case study of the Mathcitymap Project in Namibia
- Authors: Shimakeleni, Liina
- Date: 2022-04-08
- Subjects: Mathematics Study and teaching (Secondary) Namibia Oshana , Smartphones , Visual learning , Measurement , Concept learning , MathCityMap (MCM) project
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/290649 , vital:56771
- Description: The aim of this study was to investigate and analyse the potential use of smartphones as visualisation tools by learners to enhance conceptual understanding through mathematics trails developed using the MathCityMap (MCM) project. This research study is part of the VIPROmaths project which seeks to research the effective use of visualisation processes in mathematics classrooms in South Africa, Namibia, Zambia, Switzerland and Germany. This study adopted a case of twelve purposively selected Grade 9 learners from a school in the Eheke circuit of the Oshana region, Namibia. This study was framed within a social constructivist perspective and sought to investigate visualisation processes as well as conceptual understanding of learners as they conceptualised the MCM tasks in new, outdoor and collaborative learning situations. The MCM app was installed on selected learners’ smartphones to access and to walk the MCM trails located in various places in the schoolyard. Three MCM trails based on three key themes of mensuration (perimeter, area and volume) were created. Each consisted of four tasks that were sourced and developed in line with the Grade 9 Namibian mathematics syllabus. This study is oriented in an interpretive paradigm and employed video-recorded observations and focus group interviews as qualitative data collection methods. Data collected were analysed first using the themes developed from Ho’s (2010) work on visualisation processes and Kilpatrick, Swafford, and Findell’s (2001) conceptual understanding. During analysis, some themes emerged from the data and were considered. Findings from this study revealed that smartphones afforded learners ample opportunities to enhance the visualisation processes that they went through as they learned the concepts of measurement. In addition to this, some learners were initially pessimistic regarding the use of smartphones for learning purposes. This study recommends that resources such as MCM be effectively be used in formal school settings. The learning of measurement can be advanced in outdoor settings where learners have physical and spatial access to the learning content. Smartphone technology can be used as an additional tool to integrate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in learning mathematics within the Namibian context. , Thesis (MED) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-08
- Authors: Shimakeleni, Liina
- Date: 2022-04-08
- Subjects: Mathematics Study and teaching (Secondary) Namibia Oshana , Smartphones , Visual learning , Measurement , Concept learning , MathCityMap (MCM) project
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/290649 , vital:56771
- Description: The aim of this study was to investigate and analyse the potential use of smartphones as visualisation tools by learners to enhance conceptual understanding through mathematics trails developed using the MathCityMap (MCM) project. This research study is part of the VIPROmaths project which seeks to research the effective use of visualisation processes in mathematics classrooms in South Africa, Namibia, Zambia, Switzerland and Germany. This study adopted a case of twelve purposively selected Grade 9 learners from a school in the Eheke circuit of the Oshana region, Namibia. This study was framed within a social constructivist perspective and sought to investigate visualisation processes as well as conceptual understanding of learners as they conceptualised the MCM tasks in new, outdoor and collaborative learning situations. The MCM app was installed on selected learners’ smartphones to access and to walk the MCM trails located in various places in the schoolyard. Three MCM trails based on three key themes of mensuration (perimeter, area and volume) were created. Each consisted of four tasks that were sourced and developed in line with the Grade 9 Namibian mathematics syllabus. This study is oriented in an interpretive paradigm and employed video-recorded observations and focus group interviews as qualitative data collection methods. Data collected were analysed first using the themes developed from Ho’s (2010) work on visualisation processes and Kilpatrick, Swafford, and Findell’s (2001) conceptual understanding. During analysis, some themes emerged from the data and were considered. Findings from this study revealed that smartphones afforded learners ample opportunities to enhance the visualisation processes that they went through as they learned the concepts of measurement. In addition to this, some learners were initially pessimistic regarding the use of smartphones for learning purposes. This study recommends that resources such as MCM be effectively be used in formal school settings. The learning of measurement can be advanced in outdoor settings where learners have physical and spatial access to the learning content. Smartphone technology can be used as an additional tool to integrate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in learning mathematics within the Namibian context. , Thesis (MED) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-08
The transformative potential of intersecting arts-based inquiry and environmental learning in urban South Africa: a focus on socio-ecological water pedagogies
- Authors: James, Anna Katharine
- Date: 2022-04-08
- Subjects: Environmental education South Africa , Water conservation Study and teaching South Africa , Art in environmental education South Africa , Social learning South Africa , Educational sociology South Africa , Water-supply Social aspects South Africa , Critical realism , Socio-ecological education
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/290660 , vital:56772 , DOI 10.21504/10962/290660
- Description: In this study I explore and explain transformative potential in arts-based environmental learning with a focus on water pedagogy. The study took place over a period of four years, where approximately 40 school pupils between the ages of 10 and 17 years-old were engaged in participatory arts-based inquiries into water located across unequal neighbourhoods in Cape Town, South Africa. Educators, school learners, citizens and decision-makers hold different historical, cultural, political and spiritual perspectives on water. These play a role in shaping what is termed in this research the ‘hydro-social cycle’. Yet, due to dominant ideas of what counts as knowing and truth, educators in educational settings struggle to account for the complexity of water, limiting educational encounters to a partial knowing leading mostly to limited unimaginative framings of problems and solutions. My focus on transformative potential in learning is derived from a concern for how environmental education encounters and the sense-making they enable, are infused by socio-economic, political, and historical elements, specifically colonialism, capitalism, and white supremacist racism. The connections between the multiple layers of capitalist crisis and the ever-urgent environmental crisis are not adequately made in mainstream forms of water education. The research explores how arts-based pedagogy could enable a productive meeting of critical environmental education with ecological literacies. Within this positioning, transformative potential considers how educational engagements position questions about water within the social life of participants/learners and inform learning that leads to fuller and more nuanced greater knowledge. Theoretically, I work with an interrogation of critical education theory, underlaboured by critical realism which enabled me to rigorously consider how claims to knowing are shaped by their accompanying assumptions of what is real. Drawing on recent debates in critical education theory, I resist the notion of critique as ideology and engage instead in the craftsmanship of contextual and responsive inquiry practice. This has enabled me to articulate processes and relationships in water education encounters with meaningful understandings of the effects of simultaneous crises rooted in racial capitalism and environmental crisis. My methodological approach is arts-based educational research with a directive to reflect upon educational encounters in an integrated way. It includes two parts informing the facilitation and analysis of open-ended learning processes. One component was arts-based inquiry practice developed for exploring complexity, drawing on the thinking of Norris (2009, 2011) and Finley (2016, 2017). The second part holds reflective space for these encounters guided by the practice of pedagogical narration inspired by the Reggio Amelia approach, demonstrated by Pacini-Ketchabaw, Nxumalo, Kocher, Elliot and Sanchez (2014). Clarifying the intellectual work of a responsive educator-researcher, pedagogical narration brings multiple theoretical lenses into conversation with emergent dimensions of educational process. In practice, in order to transgress the dominance of colonial white supremacist knowledge frames of water, I needed to be curious, to be confounded, to expect the unexpected in the educational encounters with participants and this mirroring of practice was emulated by the participants as they followed their own questions about water in Mzansi (South Africa). In our work together we came up against assumptions we had previously not questioned as individuals. Together we explored the implications of this by, for example, questioning who is responsible for saving water. These explorations required bringing together science knowledge and everyday knowledge at multiple scales: the household, catchment, government and global. It required us to be critical of how language and images are mobilized in public communication and school curriculums; for example, representations of water are infused with history and power in a way that impacts how we know and teach about water. The transformative potential of this pedagogical space is generated through acts of creative expression which are seen as acts of absenting absence, for example exhibiting through play how water use in the household interconnects with gender and age relationships. As such, creative expression through multiple mediums or more-than-text enables a deeper understanding of water as well as openings for interdisciplinary engagement with learning about water. My research found that in bringing together the contributions of critical education and environmental education in practice, two shifts are needed: environmental educators need to view ecological literacy as inseparable from the social and political. The knowledge that is shared about water in the classroom has social and political implications. On the other hand, critical educators need to better locate justice concerns in the material and ecological world at scale. Arts-based inquiry, as a kind of scaffolding for pedagogical process, has the potential to enable these shifts by opening up fixed analytical frames. Making these shifts requires a reflective practice on the part of the educator to navigate the inherited blind spots in environmental learning and critical education, such as dualities. One way to do this is for the educator to identify absences, as articulated in the Critical Realist tradition, and consider how these absences might be absented. This differs from a simplistic process of critique in the possibilities it opens up for collaboration between different schools of thought rather than further polarisation and alienation between educators and knowledge keepers on social ecologies. These insights have relevance for many sites of environmental education practice, such as natural science lecturers, school teachers or community activists. It is knowledge-learning work emergent from and responsive to complex ecological crisis, which requires everyone to rethink and open up to new ways of being, seeing and doing around these issues. The transformative potential of this work is that the thinking and transforming at all scales can be catalysed and grounded through the arts based educational encounters with the participants. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-08
- Authors: James, Anna Katharine
- Date: 2022-04-08
- Subjects: Environmental education South Africa , Water conservation Study and teaching South Africa , Art in environmental education South Africa , Social learning South Africa , Educational sociology South Africa , Water-supply Social aspects South Africa , Critical realism , Socio-ecological education
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/290660 , vital:56772 , DOI 10.21504/10962/290660
- Description: In this study I explore and explain transformative potential in arts-based environmental learning with a focus on water pedagogy. The study took place over a period of four years, where approximately 40 school pupils between the ages of 10 and 17 years-old were engaged in participatory arts-based inquiries into water located across unequal neighbourhoods in Cape Town, South Africa. Educators, school learners, citizens and decision-makers hold different historical, cultural, political and spiritual perspectives on water. These play a role in shaping what is termed in this research the ‘hydro-social cycle’. Yet, due to dominant ideas of what counts as knowing and truth, educators in educational settings struggle to account for the complexity of water, limiting educational encounters to a partial knowing leading mostly to limited unimaginative framings of problems and solutions. My focus on transformative potential in learning is derived from a concern for how environmental education encounters and the sense-making they enable, are infused by socio-economic, political, and historical elements, specifically colonialism, capitalism, and white supremacist racism. The connections between the multiple layers of capitalist crisis and the ever-urgent environmental crisis are not adequately made in mainstream forms of water education. The research explores how arts-based pedagogy could enable a productive meeting of critical environmental education with ecological literacies. Within this positioning, transformative potential considers how educational engagements position questions about water within the social life of participants/learners and inform learning that leads to fuller and more nuanced greater knowledge. Theoretically, I work with an interrogation of critical education theory, underlaboured by critical realism which enabled me to rigorously consider how claims to knowing are shaped by their accompanying assumptions of what is real. Drawing on recent debates in critical education theory, I resist the notion of critique as ideology and engage instead in the craftsmanship of contextual and responsive inquiry practice. This has enabled me to articulate processes and relationships in water education encounters with meaningful understandings of the effects of simultaneous crises rooted in racial capitalism and environmental crisis. My methodological approach is arts-based educational research with a directive to reflect upon educational encounters in an integrated way. It includes two parts informing the facilitation and analysis of open-ended learning processes. One component was arts-based inquiry practice developed for exploring complexity, drawing on the thinking of Norris (2009, 2011) and Finley (2016, 2017). The second part holds reflective space for these encounters guided by the practice of pedagogical narration inspired by the Reggio Amelia approach, demonstrated by Pacini-Ketchabaw, Nxumalo, Kocher, Elliot and Sanchez (2014). Clarifying the intellectual work of a responsive educator-researcher, pedagogical narration brings multiple theoretical lenses into conversation with emergent dimensions of educational process. In practice, in order to transgress the dominance of colonial white supremacist knowledge frames of water, I needed to be curious, to be confounded, to expect the unexpected in the educational encounters with participants and this mirroring of practice was emulated by the participants as they followed their own questions about water in Mzansi (South Africa). In our work together we came up against assumptions we had previously not questioned as individuals. Together we explored the implications of this by, for example, questioning who is responsible for saving water. These explorations required bringing together science knowledge and everyday knowledge at multiple scales: the household, catchment, government and global. It required us to be critical of how language and images are mobilized in public communication and school curriculums; for example, representations of water are infused with history and power in a way that impacts how we know and teach about water. The transformative potential of this pedagogical space is generated through acts of creative expression which are seen as acts of absenting absence, for example exhibiting through play how water use in the household interconnects with gender and age relationships. As such, creative expression through multiple mediums or more-than-text enables a deeper understanding of water as well as openings for interdisciplinary engagement with learning about water. My research found that in bringing together the contributions of critical education and environmental education in practice, two shifts are needed: environmental educators need to view ecological literacy as inseparable from the social and political. The knowledge that is shared about water in the classroom has social and political implications. On the other hand, critical educators need to better locate justice concerns in the material and ecological world at scale. Arts-based inquiry, as a kind of scaffolding for pedagogical process, has the potential to enable these shifts by opening up fixed analytical frames. Making these shifts requires a reflective practice on the part of the educator to navigate the inherited blind spots in environmental learning and critical education, such as dualities. One way to do this is for the educator to identify absences, as articulated in the Critical Realist tradition, and consider how these absences might be absented. This differs from a simplistic process of critique in the possibilities it opens up for collaboration between different schools of thought rather than further polarisation and alienation between educators and knowledge keepers on social ecologies. These insights have relevance for many sites of environmental education practice, such as natural science lecturers, school teachers or community activists. It is knowledge-learning work emergent from and responsive to complex ecological crisis, which requires everyone to rethink and open up to new ways of being, seeing and doing around these issues. The transformative potential of this work is that the thinking and transforming at all scales can be catalysed and grounded through the arts based educational encounters with the participants. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-08
The practical implications of taxing the informal sector in Zimbabwe
- Authors: Mashate, Fredy
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Informal sector (Economics) Taxation Zimbabwe , Small business Taxation Law and legislation Zimbabwe , Tax administration and procedure Zimbabwe , Taxpayer compliance Zimbabwe , Taxation Public opinion , Zimbabwe. Revenue Authority , Informal sector (Economics) Taxation Tanzania , Informal sector (Economics) Taxation Ghana
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/357594 , vital:64758
- Description: The taxation of informal sector business is increasingly becoming a topical issue in many developing countries, and Zimbabwe is no exception. The Zimbabwean government has been experiencing shrinking revenue in the wake of an increased informal sector and a declining formal sector. In an effort to broaden the tax base and increase revenue for government in Zimbabwe, presumptive tax levied against certain informal sector activities was first introduced in 2005 and later expanded to other sectors. Despite the effort, the informal sector has responded with low tax morale and non-compliance, which creates the need to reassess the current administrative strategies in a bid to build a successful tax system for the informal sector. The main goal of the research is to establish clear, innovative and practical administrative strategies that can be adopted by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority in taxing the informal sector in Zimbabwe. An initial investigation was done to identify the current state of affairs in relation to informal sector taxation in Zimbabwe. A number of challenges were recorded and the research the sought to learn from examples of recent innovation in administrative strategies successfully applied in taxing the informal sector in other jurisdictions like Tanzania and Ghana. Learning from these examples, a number of practical administrative strategies that are mindful of the Zimbabwean economic context were proposed. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Accounting, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Mashate, Fredy
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Informal sector (Economics) Taxation Zimbabwe , Small business Taxation Law and legislation Zimbabwe , Tax administration and procedure Zimbabwe , Taxpayer compliance Zimbabwe , Taxation Public opinion , Zimbabwe. Revenue Authority , Informal sector (Economics) Taxation Tanzania , Informal sector (Economics) Taxation Ghana
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/357594 , vital:64758
- Description: The taxation of informal sector business is increasingly becoming a topical issue in many developing countries, and Zimbabwe is no exception. The Zimbabwean government has been experiencing shrinking revenue in the wake of an increased informal sector and a declining formal sector. In an effort to broaden the tax base and increase revenue for government in Zimbabwe, presumptive tax levied against certain informal sector activities was first introduced in 2005 and later expanded to other sectors. Despite the effort, the informal sector has responded with low tax morale and non-compliance, which creates the need to reassess the current administrative strategies in a bid to build a successful tax system for the informal sector. The main goal of the research is to establish clear, innovative and practical administrative strategies that can be adopted by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority in taxing the informal sector in Zimbabwe. An initial investigation was done to identify the current state of affairs in relation to informal sector taxation in Zimbabwe. A number of challenges were recorded and the research the sought to learn from examples of recent innovation in administrative strategies successfully applied in taxing the informal sector in other jurisdictions like Tanzania and Ghana. Learning from these examples, a number of practical administrative strategies that are mindful of the Zimbabwean economic context were proposed. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Accounting, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
An appraisal analysis of a selection of Zapiro’s political cartoons
- Authors: Hussey, Thomas Davey
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/406725 , vital:70302
- Description: Thesis embargoed. To be released in 2025. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Linguistics and Applied Language Studies, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Hussey, Thomas Davey
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/406725 , vital:70302
- Description: Thesis embargoed. To be released in 2025. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Linguistics and Applied Language Studies, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
Mobilising the indigenous technology of making soap to mediate learning of saponification in organic chemistry
- Authors: Neporo, Johannes Kanyetu
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Chemistry Study and teaching (Secondary) Social aspects Namibia , Culturally relevant pedagogy Namibia , Ethnoscience Namibia , Saponification , Ubuntu (Philosophy) , Pedagogical content knowledge
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/405368 , vital:70165
- Description: Scholars across the world are advocating for culturally responsive pedagogies that allow for the integration of indigenous knowledge (IK) in science teaching. This is in the hope of making science accessibleand relevant to learners from different social, economic and cultural backgrounds. Although the Namibian curriculum welcomes the integration of IK in teaching, it, however, does not stipulate how it should be implemented. It is against this backdrop that this interventionist study aimed to mobilise the indigenous technology of making soap to mediate the learning of saponification in organic chemistry. This study is underpinned by the interpretive and indigenous research paradigms. Within these paradigms, it employed a qualitative case study research design. The study was conducted in Walvis Bay in Namibia with four Grade 11 chemistry teachers, two expert community members and a critical friend who were purposively and conveniently sampled. Data were gathered using semi-structured interviews, semi-structured questionnaires, workshop discussions, participatory observation, stimulated recall interviews and journal reflections. Vygotsky’s Socio-Cultural Theory (SCT) and Shulman’s Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) were used as theoretical frameworks. Within PCK, Mavhunga and Rollnick’s Topic-Specific Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TSPCK) served as an analytical framework. A thematic approach to data analysis was employed. That is, data were analysed inductively to come up with sub-themes. Thereafter, common sub-themes were combined to form themes. The findings of the study revealed that the Grade 11 chemistry teachers demonstrated positive attitudes toward the integration of IK in their teaching. However, they seemed not tohave pedagogical insights on how to do it. Despite this, they learnt, interacted and participated actively during the two expert community members’ presentation workshops on making soap. That subsequently enabled them to co-developan exemplar lesson plan on saponification that integrated IK. This study implies that there is a need for Chemistry teachers to be empowered on how to make science accessible and relevant to learners’ socio-cultural backgrounds. The study thus recommends that higher education institutions and educational authorities reform and amend the curriculum to cater for the integration of IK. The study further recommends that Chemistry teachers should tap into the cultural heritage of expert community members in mediating the learning of science concepts. Lastly, Chemistry teachers are encouraged to form professional learning communities to develop themselves professionally. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Neporo, Johannes Kanyetu
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Chemistry Study and teaching (Secondary) Social aspects Namibia , Culturally relevant pedagogy Namibia , Ethnoscience Namibia , Saponification , Ubuntu (Philosophy) , Pedagogical content knowledge
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/405368 , vital:70165
- Description: Scholars across the world are advocating for culturally responsive pedagogies that allow for the integration of indigenous knowledge (IK) in science teaching. This is in the hope of making science accessibleand relevant to learners from different social, economic and cultural backgrounds. Although the Namibian curriculum welcomes the integration of IK in teaching, it, however, does not stipulate how it should be implemented. It is against this backdrop that this interventionist study aimed to mobilise the indigenous technology of making soap to mediate the learning of saponification in organic chemistry. This study is underpinned by the interpretive and indigenous research paradigms. Within these paradigms, it employed a qualitative case study research design. The study was conducted in Walvis Bay in Namibia with four Grade 11 chemistry teachers, two expert community members and a critical friend who were purposively and conveniently sampled. Data were gathered using semi-structured interviews, semi-structured questionnaires, workshop discussions, participatory observation, stimulated recall interviews and journal reflections. Vygotsky’s Socio-Cultural Theory (SCT) and Shulman’s Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) were used as theoretical frameworks. Within PCK, Mavhunga and Rollnick’s Topic-Specific Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TSPCK) served as an analytical framework. A thematic approach to data analysis was employed. That is, data were analysed inductively to come up with sub-themes. Thereafter, common sub-themes were combined to form themes. The findings of the study revealed that the Grade 11 chemistry teachers demonstrated positive attitudes toward the integration of IK in their teaching. However, they seemed not tohave pedagogical insights on how to do it. Despite this, they learnt, interacted and participated actively during the two expert community members’ presentation workshops on making soap. That subsequently enabled them to co-developan exemplar lesson plan on saponification that integrated IK. This study implies that there is a need for Chemistry teachers to be empowered on how to make science accessible and relevant to learners’ socio-cultural backgrounds. The study thus recommends that higher education institutions and educational authorities reform and amend the curriculum to cater for the integration of IK. The study further recommends that Chemistry teachers should tap into the cultural heritage of expert community members in mediating the learning of science concepts. Lastly, Chemistry teachers are encouraged to form professional learning communities to develop themselves professionally. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-10-14