Molecular Detection of Antibiotic-Resistant Genes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa from Nonclinical Environment: Public Health Implications in Mthatha, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Mojisola Clara Hosu, Sandeep Vasaikar, Grace Emily Okuthe, Teke Apalata
- Authors: Mojisola Clara Hosu , Sandeep Vasaikar , Grace Emily Okuthe , Teke Apalata
- Date: 5 January 2021
- Subjects: Microbiology
- Language: English
- Type: Journal Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2417 , vital:41877
- Description: Evaluation of resistant profiles and detection of antimicrobial-resistant genes of bacterial pathogens in the nonclinical milieu is imperative to assess the probable risk of dissemination of resistant genes in the environment. .is paper sought to identify antibiotic-resistant genes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa from nonclinical sources in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, and evaluate its public health implications. Samples collected from abattoir wastewater and aquatic environment were processed by membrane filtration and cultured on CHROMagarTM Pseudomonas medium. Species identification was performed by autoSCAN-4 (Dade Behring Inc., IL). Molecular characterization of the isolates was confirmed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (rPCR) and selected isolates were further screened for the possibility of harboring antimicrobial resistance genes. Fifty-one Pseudomonas species were recovered from abattoir wastewater and surface water samples, out of which thirty-six strains were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (70.6%). .e P. aeruginosa isolates demonstrated resistance to aztreonam (86.1%), ceftazidime (63.9%), piperacillin (58.3%), cefepime (55.6%), imipenem (50%), piperacillin/tazobactam (47.2%), meropenem (41.7%), and levofloxacin (30.6%). Twenty out of thirty-six P. aeruginosa displayed multidrug resistance profiles and were classified as multidrug-resistant (MDR) (55.6%). Most of the bacterial isolates exhibited a high Multiple Antibiotic Resistance (MAR) Index ranging from 0.08 to 0.69 with a mean MAR index of 0.38. In the rPCR analysis of fifteen P. aeruginosa isolates, 14 isolates (93.3%) were detected harboring blaSHV, six isolates (40%) harbored blaTEM, and three isolates (20%) harbored blaCTX-M, being the least occurring ESBL. Results of the current study revealed that P. aeruginosa isolates recovered from nonclinical milieu are resistant to frontline clinically relevant antipseudomonal drugs. .is is concerning as it poses a risk to the environment and constitutes a public health threat. Given the public health relevance, the paper recommends monitoring of multidrug-resistant pathogens in effluent environments.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mojisola Clara Hosu , Sandeep Vasaikar , Grace Emily Okuthe , Teke Apalata
- Date: 5 January 2021
- Subjects: Microbiology
- Language: English
- Type: Journal Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2417 , vital:41877
- Description: Evaluation of resistant profiles and detection of antimicrobial-resistant genes of bacterial pathogens in the nonclinical milieu is imperative to assess the probable risk of dissemination of resistant genes in the environment. .is paper sought to identify antibiotic-resistant genes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa from nonclinical sources in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, and evaluate its public health implications. Samples collected from abattoir wastewater and aquatic environment were processed by membrane filtration and cultured on CHROMagarTM Pseudomonas medium. Species identification was performed by autoSCAN-4 (Dade Behring Inc., IL). Molecular characterization of the isolates was confirmed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (rPCR) and selected isolates were further screened for the possibility of harboring antimicrobial resistance genes. Fifty-one Pseudomonas species were recovered from abattoir wastewater and surface water samples, out of which thirty-six strains were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (70.6%). .e P. aeruginosa isolates demonstrated resistance to aztreonam (86.1%), ceftazidime (63.9%), piperacillin (58.3%), cefepime (55.6%), imipenem (50%), piperacillin/tazobactam (47.2%), meropenem (41.7%), and levofloxacin (30.6%). Twenty out of thirty-six P. aeruginosa displayed multidrug resistance profiles and were classified as multidrug-resistant (MDR) (55.6%). Most of the bacterial isolates exhibited a high Multiple Antibiotic Resistance (MAR) Index ranging from 0.08 to 0.69 with a mean MAR index of 0.38. In the rPCR analysis of fifteen P. aeruginosa isolates, 14 isolates (93.3%) were detected harboring blaSHV, six isolates (40%) harbored blaTEM, and three isolates (20%) harbored blaCTX-M, being the least occurring ESBL. Results of the current study revealed that P. aeruginosa isolates recovered from nonclinical milieu are resistant to frontline clinically relevant antipseudomonal drugs. .is is concerning as it poses a risk to the environment and constitutes a public health threat. Given the public health relevance, the paper recommends monitoring of multidrug-resistant pathogens in effluent environments.
- Full Text:
Baja Mexican-Style Poncho
- Rhodes University Drama Department, Mavuka, Nomsa, Xaba, Nosihle
- Authors: Rhodes University Drama Department , Mavuka, Nomsa , Xaba, Nosihle
- Date: 500 B.C
- Subjects: Clothing and dress , Vintage clothing , Coveralls , Ponchos , Shawls , Traditional Attire , Men's clothing , Costume
- Type: three dimensional object , Realia , image
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/467720 , vital:76960 , PSG 94
- Description: The Baja Mexican style poncho is made with jacquard wool which is loomed into various colors and vertical lines, the v-neckline is lined with cotton and the hem of the poncho is fringed. The poncho has the length of 68.5cm making it suitable for all sizes. Did you know ? 'Baja California, estado (state), northwestern Mexico, bounded to the north by the United States (California and Arizona), to the east by the state of Sonora and the Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez), to the west by the Pacific Ocean, and to the south by the state of Baja California Sur'. - Britannica , Condition: Decent with visible staining and tearing , This is an item from the Post-Graduate Wall, meaning item has been bought or made for a Post-Graduate production/project. The item cannot be destroyed or adapted as the costume is meant to be preserved following the project. The item can be signed out of the wardrobe but only for a short amount of time. , This record has been reviewed by the wardrobe staff and library technical team members but may be incomplete. The goal is to ensure that the records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email rhodesdramadepartmentwardrobe@gmail.com.
- Full Text: false
- Authors: Rhodes University Drama Department , Mavuka, Nomsa , Xaba, Nosihle
- Date: 500 B.C
- Subjects: Clothing and dress , Vintage clothing , Coveralls , Ponchos , Shawls , Traditional Attire , Men's clothing , Costume
- Type: three dimensional object , Realia , image
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/467720 , vital:76960 , PSG 94
- Description: The Baja Mexican style poncho is made with jacquard wool which is loomed into various colors and vertical lines, the v-neckline is lined with cotton and the hem of the poncho is fringed. The poncho has the length of 68.5cm making it suitable for all sizes. Did you know ? 'Baja California, estado (state), northwestern Mexico, bounded to the north by the United States (California and Arizona), to the east by the state of Sonora and the Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez), to the west by the Pacific Ocean, and to the south by the state of Baja California Sur'. - Britannica , Condition: Decent with visible staining and tearing , This is an item from the Post-Graduate Wall, meaning item has been bought or made for a Post-Graduate production/project. The item cannot be destroyed or adapted as the costume is meant to be preserved following the project. The item can be signed out of the wardrobe but only for a short amount of time. , This record has been reviewed by the wardrobe staff and library technical team members but may be incomplete. The goal is to ensure that the records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email rhodesdramadepartmentwardrobe@gmail.com.
- Full Text: false
Conference eQoboqobo
- Lubabalo, Ntshoko and Dr Mitchell Cox, Student Researcher
- Authors: Lubabalo, Ntshoko and Dr Mitchell Cox , Student Researcher
- Date: 27-02-2014
- Subjects: Oral history Africa , Healers South Africa Interviews
- Language: Xhosa , English
- Type: Oral histories , Sound recordings , Interviews , audio recording
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/458416 , vital:75741 , KHA-008
- Description: uLubabalo Ntshoko nongumphandi uthetha ngokubaluleka komhlaba kunye nemdlela ekutyetywe ngayo eQoboqobo. UDr Michell Cox waseRhodes obhale incwadi ethi Voices for the Forest incwadi le ibhalwe ngemithi yonke esiyibilisayo nokubaluleka kwendalo empilweni yethu , Lubabalo Ntshoko and Dr Mitchell Cox speaks about the importance of nature and natural resources in Qoboqobo at a conference and she references her book titled Voices Of the Forest
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 27-02-2014
- Authors: Lubabalo, Ntshoko and Dr Mitchell Cox , Student Researcher
- Date: 27-02-2014
- Subjects: Oral history Africa , Healers South Africa Interviews
- Language: Xhosa , English
- Type: Oral histories , Sound recordings , Interviews , audio recording
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/458416 , vital:75741 , KHA-008
- Description: uLubabalo Ntshoko nongumphandi uthetha ngokubaluleka komhlaba kunye nemdlela ekutyetywe ngayo eQoboqobo. UDr Michell Cox waseRhodes obhale incwadi ethi Voices for the Forest incwadi le ibhalwe ngemithi yonke esiyibilisayo nokubaluleka kwendalo empilweni yethu , Lubabalo Ntshoko and Dr Mitchell Cox speaks about the importance of nature and natural resources in Qoboqobo at a conference and she references her book titled Voices Of the Forest
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 27-02-2014
VIVA Comrade Moss
- NUMSA
- Authors: NUMSA
- Date: 25 April
- Subjects: NUMSA
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/109640 , vital:33163 , SALHA 14b : NUMSA
- Description: The last 'Trial Update" reported on Comrade Moss’s case until mid-March. This report covers the period from that time up until 25th April.STADLER - "ANC EXPERT" Brigadier Stadler testified that the ANC had made certain calls to organisations within the country which, according to his "research", had been followed by organisations in the country. As examples he gave the ANC’s call for ungovernability, the formation of organs of people’s power and the destruction of town councils. During cross-examination Stadler conceded that he was not able to give examples of any direct link between the ANC and organisations inside the coutry but he said an inference could be drawn by looking at the ANC’s call and the behaviour of organisations inside the country.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 25 April
- Authors: NUMSA
- Date: 25 April
- Subjects: NUMSA
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/109640 , vital:33163 , SALHA 14b : NUMSA
- Description: The last 'Trial Update" reported on Comrade Moss’s case until mid-March. This report covers the period from that time up until 25th April.STADLER - "ANC EXPERT" Brigadier Stadler testified that the ANC had made certain calls to organisations within the country which, according to his "research", had been followed by organisations in the country. As examples he gave the ANC’s call for ungovernability, the formation of organs of people’s power and the destruction of town councils. During cross-examination Stadler conceded that he was not able to give examples of any direct link between the ANC and organisations inside the coutry but he said an inference could be drawn by looking at the ANC’s call and the behaviour of organisations inside the country.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 25 April
Morphology, histology and histochemistry of the digestive tract of the Banded tilapia, Tilapia sparrmanii (Perciformes: Cichlidae)
- Grace E. Okuthe, Bongile Bhomela
- Authors: Grace E. Okuthe , Bongile Bhomela
- Date: December 23, 2020
- Subjects: Fish, gastrointestinal tract, histo-architecture
- Language: English
- Type: Journal Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2425 , vital:41881
- Description: ABSTRACT. This study described anatomical, histological and histochemical features of the mucosal layer of the digestive tract of Tilapia sparrmanii Smith, 1840, an omnivorous freshwater fish endemic to Southern Africa. This species exhibited a short thick oesophagus with long deep longitudinal folds (466.68 ± 16.91 µm), and a thick (173.50 ± 10.92 µm) muscular layer that allow the passage of large food items. The mucosa was lined with stratified secretory epithelium rich in goblet cells that secreted neutral and acid mucins. The stomach was a sac-like structure with simple tubular glands surrounded by connective tissue. The mucosa was lined with simple columnar epithelium and the lamina propria exhibited a well-developed layer of gastric glands that occupied the entire length of the cardio-fundic region. The stomach mucosa consisted of epithelial cells with intense neutral mucin secretion which protects against gastric juice. Neck cells of gastric glands synthesized neutral and acid mucins. The intestine was highly coiled and presented a complex pattern of transversal folds internally (villi). Villi length decreased progressively from the anterior to the posterior intestine (p < 0.0001). Tunica muscularis of the mid-intestine had the thinnest thickness among all parts of the intestine (p < 0.0001). Goblet cells whose numbers increased towards the rectum secreted both acid and neutral mucins. The results indicate structural similarities of T. sparrmanii GIT with other tilapia species and will be useful for understanding the physiology of the digestive systems as well as functional components of the GIT.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Grace E. Okuthe , Bongile Bhomela
- Date: December 23, 2020
- Subjects: Fish, gastrointestinal tract, histo-architecture
- Language: English
- Type: Journal Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2425 , vital:41881
- Description: ABSTRACT. This study described anatomical, histological and histochemical features of the mucosal layer of the digestive tract of Tilapia sparrmanii Smith, 1840, an omnivorous freshwater fish endemic to Southern Africa. This species exhibited a short thick oesophagus with long deep longitudinal folds (466.68 ± 16.91 µm), and a thick (173.50 ± 10.92 µm) muscular layer that allow the passage of large food items. The mucosa was lined with stratified secretory epithelium rich in goblet cells that secreted neutral and acid mucins. The stomach was a sac-like structure with simple tubular glands surrounded by connective tissue. The mucosa was lined with simple columnar epithelium and the lamina propria exhibited a well-developed layer of gastric glands that occupied the entire length of the cardio-fundic region. The stomach mucosa consisted of epithelial cells with intense neutral mucin secretion which protects against gastric juice. Neck cells of gastric glands synthesized neutral and acid mucins. The intestine was highly coiled and presented a complex pattern of transversal folds internally (villi). Villi length decreased progressively from the anterior to the posterior intestine (p < 0.0001). Tunica muscularis of the mid-intestine had the thinnest thickness among all parts of the intestine (p < 0.0001). Goblet cells whose numbers increased towards the rectum secreted both acid and neutral mucins. The results indicate structural similarities of T. sparrmanii GIT with other tilapia species and will be useful for understanding the physiology of the digestive systems as well as functional components of the GIT.
- Full Text:
Erythrina caffra - kaffirboom
- Authors: Skead, C J (Cuthbert John)
- Date: 23-08-1959
- Subjects: Erythrina caffra - South Africa -- Photographs , Trees -- South Africa -- Photographs
- Language: English
- Type: mixed material , photographs , landscape photographs
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/119690 , vital:34772
- Description: Caption "In Woodlands forest between King Williams Town and Stutterheim. 23-09-1959.”
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 23-08-1959
- Authors: Skead, C J (Cuthbert John)
- Date: 23-08-1959
- Subjects: Erythrina caffra - South Africa -- Photographs , Trees -- South Africa -- Photographs
- Language: English
- Type: mixed material , photographs , landscape photographs
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/119690 , vital:34772
- Description: Caption "In Woodlands forest between King Williams Town and Stutterheim. 23-09-1959.”
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 23-08-1959
The prevalence of insufficient iodine intake in pregnancy in Africa: Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
- Charles Bitamazire Businge, Benjamin Longo-Mbenza, Andre Pascal Kengne
- Authors: Charles Bitamazire Businge , Benjamin Longo-Mbenza , Andre Pascal Kengne
- Date: 22-8-2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/3387 , vital:43338 , https://systematicreviewsjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13643-019-1092-7#citeas
- Description: Background: Insufficient iodine intake in pregnancy is associated with many adverse pregnancy outcomes. About 90% of African countries are at risk of iodine deficiency due to poor soils and dietary goitrogens. Pregnancy predisposes to insufficient iodine nutrition secondary to increased physiological demand and increased renal loss. Iodine deficiency is re-emerging in countries thought to be replete with pregnant women being the most affected. This review seeks to identify the degree of iodine nutrition in pregnancy on the entire African continent before and after the implementation of national iodization programmes. Methods: A systematic search of published literature will be conducted for observational studies that directly determined the prevalence of insufficient iodine intake among pregnant women in Africa. Electronic databases and grey literature will be searched for baseline data before the implementation of population-based iodine supplementation and for follow-up data up to December 2018. Screening of identified articles and data extraction will be conducted independently by two investigators. Risk of bias and methodological quality of the included studies will be assessed using a risk of bias tool. Appropriate meta-analytic techniques will be used to pool prevalence estimates from studies with similar features, overall and by major characteristics including the region of the study, time period (before and after implementation of iodization programmes), sample size and age. Heterogeneity of the estimates across studies will be quantified and publication bias investigated. This protocol is reported according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis protocols (PRISMA-P) 2015 guidelines. Discussion This review will help ascertain the impact of national iodization programmes on the iodine nutrition status in pregnancy in Africa and advise policy on the necessity for monitoring and mitigating iodine deficiency in pregnancy in Africa. This review is part of a thesis that will be submitted to the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, for the award of a PhD in Medicine whose protocol has been granted ethics approval (UCT HREC 135/2018). In addition, the results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 22-8-2019
- Authors: Charles Bitamazire Businge , Benjamin Longo-Mbenza , Andre Pascal Kengne
- Date: 22-8-2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/3387 , vital:43338 , https://systematicreviewsjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13643-019-1092-7#citeas
- Description: Background: Insufficient iodine intake in pregnancy is associated with many adverse pregnancy outcomes. About 90% of African countries are at risk of iodine deficiency due to poor soils and dietary goitrogens. Pregnancy predisposes to insufficient iodine nutrition secondary to increased physiological demand and increased renal loss. Iodine deficiency is re-emerging in countries thought to be replete with pregnant women being the most affected. This review seeks to identify the degree of iodine nutrition in pregnancy on the entire African continent before and after the implementation of national iodization programmes. Methods: A systematic search of published literature will be conducted for observational studies that directly determined the prevalence of insufficient iodine intake among pregnant women in Africa. Electronic databases and grey literature will be searched for baseline data before the implementation of population-based iodine supplementation and for follow-up data up to December 2018. Screening of identified articles and data extraction will be conducted independently by two investigators. Risk of bias and methodological quality of the included studies will be assessed using a risk of bias tool. Appropriate meta-analytic techniques will be used to pool prevalence estimates from studies with similar features, overall and by major characteristics including the region of the study, time period (before and after implementation of iodization programmes), sample size and age. Heterogeneity of the estimates across studies will be quantified and publication bias investigated. This protocol is reported according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis protocols (PRISMA-P) 2015 guidelines. Discussion This review will help ascertain the impact of national iodization programmes on the iodine nutrition status in pregnancy in Africa and advise policy on the necessity for monitoring and mitigating iodine deficiency in pregnancy in Africa. This review is part of a thesis that will be submitted to the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, for the award of a PhD in Medicine whose protocol has been granted ethics approval (UCT HREC 135/2018). In addition, the results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 22-8-2019
Analysing role transitioning from functional specialist to leadership: A case study of a media development agency
- Authors: Nompumza, Sisanda, James
- Date: 2025-10-10
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: vital:80670
- Description: The study explored the role transition experiences of media development agency employees transitioning from functional specialists to leadership roles. Role transitions can pose significant challenges, which can adversely affect individual performance and organisational effectiveness. Challenges included identity transformation, role conflict, role ambiguity, and role overload. The study used a qualitative case study design, collecting data through semi-structured interviews from eight managers who transitioned from functional specialist roles to leadership roles. Thematic analysis was conducted to organise the data and identify thematic patterns and themes that emerged from their experiences. The results indicated that participants faced challenges associated with competing priorities; balancing the responsibilities of their former responsibilities and new role as a leader; ambiguous expectations in the new role; and ambiguity connected to a fast-paced and overwhelming workload. Organisational supports, such as mentorship programs, onboarding and continual development programs, the provision of mentors for professional development, and security provisions, were essential for managing transitions. Participants were able to create adaptive coping mechanisms, including self-directed learning and personal networks, to engage with peers in leadership roles. The research provided theoretical and practical insight into role transitions, which were beneficial in generating new actionable recommendations for the public sector organisations looking to improve their leadership development initiatives. While the study is exploratory with limitations for generalisability, it has opened space for future research in role transitions, which could include a longitudinal study of leadership transitions into new roles, comparative studies of public sector institutions, and an exploration of female and male issues in role transition experiences. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-10-10
- Authors: Nompumza, Sisanda, James
- Date: 2025-10-10
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: vital:80670
- Description: The study explored the role transition experiences of media development agency employees transitioning from functional specialists to leadership roles. Role transitions can pose significant challenges, which can adversely affect individual performance and organisational effectiveness. Challenges included identity transformation, role conflict, role ambiguity, and role overload. The study used a qualitative case study design, collecting data through semi-structured interviews from eight managers who transitioned from functional specialist roles to leadership roles. Thematic analysis was conducted to organise the data and identify thematic patterns and themes that emerged from their experiences. The results indicated that participants faced challenges associated with competing priorities; balancing the responsibilities of their former responsibilities and new role as a leader; ambiguous expectations in the new role; and ambiguity connected to a fast-paced and overwhelming workload. Organisational supports, such as mentorship programs, onboarding and continual development programs, the provision of mentors for professional development, and security provisions, were essential for managing transitions. Participants were able to create adaptive coping mechanisms, including self-directed learning and personal networks, to engage with peers in leadership roles. The research provided theoretical and practical insight into role transitions, which were beneficial in generating new actionable recommendations for the public sector organisations looking to improve their leadership development initiatives. While the study is exploratory with limitations for generalisability, it has opened space for future research in role transitions, which could include a longitudinal study of leadership transitions into new roles, comparative studies of public sector institutions, and an exploration of female and male issues in role transition experiences. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-10-10
Evaluating the impact of the biological control agent, Megamelus scutellaris Berg (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), on Pontederia crassipes Mart. (Pontederiaceae) (water hyacinth) senescence and detritus formation at Hartbeespoort Dam
- Authors: Bessinger, Rochelle
- Date: 2025-10-10
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/492792 , vital:80658
- Description: This study evaluated the biological control of Pontederia crassipes (water hyacinth) at Hartbeespoort Dam, South Africa, focusing on the impacts of plant senescence on water chemistry and detritus formation. Two studies were conducted, the first under laboratory conditions where the amount of detritus formed from senescing water hyacinth plants under biological and chemical control, as well as changes in water chemistry could be compared. This study found that water hyacinth produced increased amounts of detritus over time, compared to healthy plants across all treatments, indicating that senescing plants add to the sediment load of the water. Additionally, pH was found to decrease over time in the presence of senescing plants, restoring the acidity of water compared to alkaline water when water hyacinth plants are healthy. The second study was conducted in situ at Hartbeespoort Dam and monitored the effects of density of the biological control agent, Megamelus scutellaris, water hyacinth cover and eutrophic water on detritus formation. It was found that biological control effectively decreases water hyacinth abundance leading to the senescence of the plants, ultimately increasing the amount of detritus produced. Detritus production was significantly correlated to water hyacinth root length, plant abundance and root biomass. Findings indicate that while biological control effectively decreases plant abundance, it may influence nutrient concentrations in the eutrophic dam waters. This research suggests that the senescence of water hyacinth mats impacts sediment loading and nutrient water chemistry, these impacts are no different to water hyacinth under biological, chemical or no control at all. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-10-10
- Authors: Bessinger, Rochelle
- Date: 2025-10-10
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/492792 , vital:80658
- Description: This study evaluated the biological control of Pontederia crassipes (water hyacinth) at Hartbeespoort Dam, South Africa, focusing on the impacts of plant senescence on water chemistry and detritus formation. Two studies were conducted, the first under laboratory conditions where the amount of detritus formed from senescing water hyacinth plants under biological and chemical control, as well as changes in water chemistry could be compared. This study found that water hyacinth produced increased amounts of detritus over time, compared to healthy plants across all treatments, indicating that senescing plants add to the sediment load of the water. Additionally, pH was found to decrease over time in the presence of senescing plants, restoring the acidity of water compared to alkaline water when water hyacinth plants are healthy. The second study was conducted in situ at Hartbeespoort Dam and monitored the effects of density of the biological control agent, Megamelus scutellaris, water hyacinth cover and eutrophic water on detritus formation. It was found that biological control effectively decreases water hyacinth abundance leading to the senescence of the plants, ultimately increasing the amount of detritus produced. Detritus production was significantly correlated to water hyacinth root length, plant abundance and root biomass. Findings indicate that while biological control effectively decreases plant abundance, it may influence nutrient concentrations in the eutrophic dam waters. This research suggests that the senescence of water hyacinth mats impacts sediment loading and nutrient water chemistry, these impacts are no different to water hyacinth under biological, chemical or no control at all. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-10-10
The impact of whistleblowing in reducing corruption in the private sector
- Mayekiso, Christopher Melumzi
- Authors: Mayekiso, Christopher Melumzi
- Date: 2025-10-10
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: vital:80669
- Description: The research investigated the impact of whistleblowing in reducing corruption in the private sector. In addition to determining whistleblowing's impact in reducing corruption in the private sector, the study also aimed to examine barriers faced by potential whistleblowers and analyse whistleblowing's moral motivation and impact on organisational reputation and stakeholder trust in the private sector. The research outlined the background of the research which highlighted that South Africa's private sector has faced numerous corruption scandals, which have undermined public trust and investor confidence. The background also underscored that whistleblowing, which may be internal or external, is a strategy that has been useful in exposing corruption scandals in many organisations. However, even though there is presence of legal protections enshrined in the constitution, presidential encouragement and mechanisms to encourage whistleblowing, corruption continues to plague the private sector in South Africa. This problem motivated the research to find out about the impact of whistleblowing in reducing corruption, barriers that might be hindering the impact and moral motivation for whistleblowing as well as the impact thereof. To achieve these objectives, the study employed a post-positivist research which provides reality based on socially constructed views around whistleblowing and its impact on reducing corruption within the private sector. The research subsequently utilised a qualitative research approach which provided a suitable approach of exploring issues and understanding underlying reasons and motives in the impact of whistleblowing in reducing corruption within the private sector. A non-probability convenience sampling technique was used to collect purposeful secondary data regarding issues on whistleblowing's impact in the South African private sector. Through thematic content analysis, secondary data collected from court cases, whistle-blower reports, and government reports was analysed to test the study’s propositions. The main themes of this study were structured around barriers, motivations, and impacts. The study’s findings revealed that the deterrence of potential whistleblowers affects the ability of whistleblowing to reduce corruption in the private sector as some cases of corruption are exposed or dealt with due to fear of job loss, harassment or physical harm. The impact of whistleblowing in reducing corruption is lessened by weak legal and managerial safeguards that are supposed to protect whistleblowers. The findings show how the interplay of retaliation, inadequate protections and institutional distrust creates a hostile environment for whistleblowers undermining the whistleblowing’s impact in reducing corruption in the private sector. Leveraging the opportunities presented by these components of ethical conduct, reputational damage and stakeholder trust, there is a potential to improve the impact of whistleblowing in reducing corruption in the private sector. The study discussion also highlighted the critical need for organisations to reform, cultural changes in the corporate environment and legal enforcement that is stronger to support whistleblowing to ensure that it has a positive impact on reducing corruption. , Thesis (MBA) -- Rhodes Business School, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-10-10
- Authors: Mayekiso, Christopher Melumzi
- Date: 2025-10-10
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: vital:80669
- Description: The research investigated the impact of whistleblowing in reducing corruption in the private sector. In addition to determining whistleblowing's impact in reducing corruption in the private sector, the study also aimed to examine barriers faced by potential whistleblowers and analyse whistleblowing's moral motivation and impact on organisational reputation and stakeholder trust in the private sector. The research outlined the background of the research which highlighted that South Africa's private sector has faced numerous corruption scandals, which have undermined public trust and investor confidence. The background also underscored that whistleblowing, which may be internal or external, is a strategy that has been useful in exposing corruption scandals in many organisations. However, even though there is presence of legal protections enshrined in the constitution, presidential encouragement and mechanisms to encourage whistleblowing, corruption continues to plague the private sector in South Africa. This problem motivated the research to find out about the impact of whistleblowing in reducing corruption, barriers that might be hindering the impact and moral motivation for whistleblowing as well as the impact thereof. To achieve these objectives, the study employed a post-positivist research which provides reality based on socially constructed views around whistleblowing and its impact on reducing corruption within the private sector. The research subsequently utilised a qualitative research approach which provided a suitable approach of exploring issues and understanding underlying reasons and motives in the impact of whistleblowing in reducing corruption within the private sector. A non-probability convenience sampling technique was used to collect purposeful secondary data regarding issues on whistleblowing's impact in the South African private sector. Through thematic content analysis, secondary data collected from court cases, whistle-blower reports, and government reports was analysed to test the study’s propositions. The main themes of this study were structured around barriers, motivations, and impacts. The study’s findings revealed that the deterrence of potential whistleblowers affects the ability of whistleblowing to reduce corruption in the private sector as some cases of corruption are exposed or dealt with due to fear of job loss, harassment or physical harm. The impact of whistleblowing in reducing corruption is lessened by weak legal and managerial safeguards that are supposed to protect whistleblowers. The findings show how the interplay of retaliation, inadequate protections and institutional distrust creates a hostile environment for whistleblowers undermining the whistleblowing’s impact in reducing corruption in the private sector. Leveraging the opportunities presented by these components of ethical conduct, reputational damage and stakeholder trust, there is a potential to improve the impact of whistleblowing in reducing corruption in the private sector. The study discussion also highlighted the critical need for organisations to reform, cultural changes in the corporate environment and legal enforcement that is stronger to support whistleblowing to ensure that it has a positive impact on reducing corruption. , Thesis (MBA) -- Rhodes Business School, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-10-10
The promotion of IsiXhosa in mainstream media: a case study on the strategies used by media practitioners to promote IsiXhosa
- Authors: Dyasi, Siviwe
- Date: 2025-10-10
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/492803 , vital:80659
- Description: As diverse languages mark South Africa’s linguistics, the dominance of English often marginalises indigenous languages, including isiXhosa. This dominance of English is the result of the colonial and apartheid legacies as English and Afrikaans were prioritised over indigenous languages in the media industry during these eras. This study highlights the critical role of media in language promotion. Through the use of qualitative case study approach, four media practitioners were interviewed. In this study, the necessity of including audiences in the interviews was observed. Thus, 10 participants were further interviewed from different backgrounds. The findings on employed strategies included bilingual programming, community-driven content creation, and the incorporation of traditional storytelling techniques that resonate with isiXhosa-speaking audiences. Furthermore, the research identifies partnerships with educational institutions and cultural organisations that aim to promote isiXhosa through workshops, documentaries, and social media campaigns. The study also addresses challenges media practitioners face, including resource limitations, audience engagement, and the need for language training. This study further investigates the competition between isiXhosa and other indigenous languages such as isiZulu. Despite these obstacles, the commitment to promoting isiXhosa reflects a broader movement towards linguistic equity and recognising the cultural heritage embedded in indigenous languages. This study contributes to the discourse on media representation and the promotion of indigenous languages, offering practical recommendations for enhancing the role of mainstream media in promoting isiXhosa. Documenting encourages a more inclusive media landscape, honouring South Africa’s rich linguistic diversity. The study also looked at the effect of the colonia and apartheid eras on indigenous languages, not neglecting the long dominance of English and Afrikaans in South African television. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Journalism and Media Studies, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-10-10
- Authors: Dyasi, Siviwe
- Date: 2025-10-10
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/492803 , vital:80659
- Description: As diverse languages mark South Africa’s linguistics, the dominance of English often marginalises indigenous languages, including isiXhosa. This dominance of English is the result of the colonial and apartheid legacies as English and Afrikaans were prioritised over indigenous languages in the media industry during these eras. This study highlights the critical role of media in language promotion. Through the use of qualitative case study approach, four media practitioners were interviewed. In this study, the necessity of including audiences in the interviews was observed. Thus, 10 participants were further interviewed from different backgrounds. The findings on employed strategies included bilingual programming, community-driven content creation, and the incorporation of traditional storytelling techniques that resonate with isiXhosa-speaking audiences. Furthermore, the research identifies partnerships with educational institutions and cultural organisations that aim to promote isiXhosa through workshops, documentaries, and social media campaigns. The study also addresses challenges media practitioners face, including resource limitations, audience engagement, and the need for language training. This study further investigates the competition between isiXhosa and other indigenous languages such as isiZulu. Despite these obstacles, the commitment to promoting isiXhosa reflects a broader movement towards linguistic equity and recognising the cultural heritage embedded in indigenous languages. This study contributes to the discourse on media representation and the promotion of indigenous languages, offering practical recommendations for enhancing the role of mainstream media in promoting isiXhosa. Documenting encourages a more inclusive media landscape, honouring South Africa’s rich linguistic diversity. The study also looked at the effect of the colonia and apartheid eras on indigenous languages, not neglecting the long dominance of English and Afrikaans in South African television. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Journalism and Media Studies, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-10-10
To what extent is climate change included in South African District Municipality Integrated Development Plans: A review of IDPS between 2011 and 2021
- Authors: Windell, Warwick Neville
- Date: 2025-10-10
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/493112 , vital:80668
- Description: Embargo applied. Embargo period to expire in October of 2027. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Pharmacy, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-10-10
- Authors: Windell, Warwick Neville
- Date: 2025-10-10
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/493112 , vital:80668
- Description: Embargo applied. Embargo period to expire in October of 2027. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Pharmacy, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-10-10
A systematic review of mental health care access in disadvantaged communities in South Africa
- Authors: Dube, Nkosingiphile Zama
- Date: 2025-04-25
- Subjects: Mental health services South Africa , Rural mental health services South Africa , Social psychiatry South Africa , Healers South Africa , Help-seeking , Systematic reviews (Medical research)
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/478295 , vital:78174
- Description: Background: Access to mental healthcare in disadvantaged rural communities in South Africa faces numerous challenges, particularly due to cultural beliefs that impact help-seeking behaviours. Systematic reviews provide critical insights into the barriers and facilitators of healthcare access in such contexts. This review aims to evaluate the available literature on mental healthcare access in rural South African communities, with a specific focus on the influence of cultural beliefs on help-seeking behaviours. Methods: A systematic search was conducted across databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, to identify studies published between 2010 and 2023. Studies were included if they examined barriers to mental healthcare access in rural South African settings and involved culturally relevant factors. Screening, selection, and appraisal of studies were carried out using PRISMA guidelines, with data extracted and synthesized through qualitative thematic analysis. Results: A total of 24 studies met the inclusion criteria. Key findings identified barriers such as financial constraints, scarcity of mental health facilities, stigma, long distances to services, language barriers, and cultural beliefs. Cultural practices, such as attributing mental distress to witchcraft or ancestral displeasure, were found to influence perceptions of mental health and discourage professional intervention, with traditional healers and community elders frequently being the preferred resource. Some community members, despite limited knowledge, utilized smartphones for mental health applications, while others relied on traditional practices and community support networks. Conclusion: This review underscores the need for a culturally sensitive, integrated approach to mental healthcare in rural South Africa, blending traditional and modern practices. Recommendations include conducting rural needs assessments, fostering collaboration between mental health practitioners and traditional healers, and enhancing teacher training. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04-25
- Authors: Dube, Nkosingiphile Zama
- Date: 2025-04-25
- Subjects: Mental health services South Africa , Rural mental health services South Africa , Social psychiatry South Africa , Healers South Africa , Help-seeking , Systematic reviews (Medical research)
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/478295 , vital:78174
- Description: Background: Access to mental healthcare in disadvantaged rural communities in South Africa faces numerous challenges, particularly due to cultural beliefs that impact help-seeking behaviours. Systematic reviews provide critical insights into the barriers and facilitators of healthcare access in such contexts. This review aims to evaluate the available literature on mental healthcare access in rural South African communities, with a specific focus on the influence of cultural beliefs on help-seeking behaviours. Methods: A systematic search was conducted across databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, to identify studies published between 2010 and 2023. Studies were included if they examined barriers to mental healthcare access in rural South African settings and involved culturally relevant factors. Screening, selection, and appraisal of studies were carried out using PRISMA guidelines, with data extracted and synthesized through qualitative thematic analysis. Results: A total of 24 studies met the inclusion criteria. Key findings identified barriers such as financial constraints, scarcity of mental health facilities, stigma, long distances to services, language barriers, and cultural beliefs. Cultural practices, such as attributing mental distress to witchcraft or ancestral displeasure, were found to influence perceptions of mental health and discourage professional intervention, with traditional healers and community elders frequently being the preferred resource. Some community members, despite limited knowledge, utilized smartphones for mental health applications, while others relied on traditional practices and community support networks. Conclusion: This review underscores the need for a culturally sensitive, integrated approach to mental healthcare in rural South Africa, blending traditional and modern practices. Recommendations include conducting rural needs assessments, fostering collaboration between mental health practitioners and traditional healers, and enhancing teacher training. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04-25
Decoding #BlackGirlMagic: an analysis of how Black women at a South African university construct and celebrate their identities through the hashtag
- Authors: Kayumba, Urielle Ngoie
- Date: 2025-04-25
- Subjects: Black Girl Magic , Identity formation , Identity (Psychology) , Empowerment , Women, Black , Representation (Philosophy)
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/478394 , vital:78183
- Description: The emergence of the Black Girl Magic hashtag in 2013 marked a pivotal moment in the realm of social media, igniting a powerful movement that resonated far beyond the digital sphere. This hashtag, which initially gained traction on platforms like X/Twitter and Instagram, served as a catalyst for celebrating the multifaceted achievements and resilience of Black women. The profound impact of this movement on an individual level became the focal point of my personal journey, delving into the transformative effects of #BlackGirlMagic within the context of a media landscape historically characterised by a lack of diverse representation. The study takes a closer look at the significance of the hashtag in fostering a sense of acceptance among Black women. In a world where mainstream media has perpetuated narrow beauty standards and marginalised narratives, #BlackGirlMagic emerged as a beacon of empowerment (Mason, 2021). This research does not shy away from acknowledging the complex and nuanced dimensions inherent in this movement. It explores how factors such as featurism, colourism, texturism, body types, and nationalities intersect with the celebration, recognising that while #BlackGirlMagic champions empowerment, it also grapples with inherent limitations that need to be addressed (Sinon, 2020). The study explores how Black women students at Rhodes University use and understand the hashtag #BlackGirlMagic in their lives. The research considers the experiences and cultural practices of Black women in online spaces (Bevins, 2020). By delving into the ways in which they engage with #BlackGirlMagic, the study explores the digital landscape as a dynamic and evolving arena where identity, empowerment, and representation intersect. This approach allows for a deeper comprehension of the lived experiences of Black women in the online realm, shedding light on how Black women students at Rhodes University use #BlackGirlMagic and the challenges they face in seeking to be included and represented. By focusing on the experiences of Black women students at Rhodes University, the research can contribute to the broader discourse on digital activism and the role of social media in shaping contemporary feminist movements. This localised perspective offers valuable insights into how global movements like #BlackGirlMagic are adapted and reinterpreted within specific cultural and institutional contexts, highlighting the importance of digital spaces as sites of both empowerment and contestation for Black women. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Journalism and Media Studies, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04-25
- Authors: Kayumba, Urielle Ngoie
- Date: 2025-04-25
- Subjects: Black Girl Magic , Identity formation , Identity (Psychology) , Empowerment , Women, Black , Representation (Philosophy)
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/478394 , vital:78183
- Description: The emergence of the Black Girl Magic hashtag in 2013 marked a pivotal moment in the realm of social media, igniting a powerful movement that resonated far beyond the digital sphere. This hashtag, which initially gained traction on platforms like X/Twitter and Instagram, served as a catalyst for celebrating the multifaceted achievements and resilience of Black women. The profound impact of this movement on an individual level became the focal point of my personal journey, delving into the transformative effects of #BlackGirlMagic within the context of a media landscape historically characterised by a lack of diverse representation. The study takes a closer look at the significance of the hashtag in fostering a sense of acceptance among Black women. In a world where mainstream media has perpetuated narrow beauty standards and marginalised narratives, #BlackGirlMagic emerged as a beacon of empowerment (Mason, 2021). This research does not shy away from acknowledging the complex and nuanced dimensions inherent in this movement. It explores how factors such as featurism, colourism, texturism, body types, and nationalities intersect with the celebration, recognising that while #BlackGirlMagic champions empowerment, it also grapples with inherent limitations that need to be addressed (Sinon, 2020). The study explores how Black women students at Rhodes University use and understand the hashtag #BlackGirlMagic in their lives. The research considers the experiences and cultural practices of Black women in online spaces (Bevins, 2020). By delving into the ways in which they engage with #BlackGirlMagic, the study explores the digital landscape as a dynamic and evolving arena where identity, empowerment, and representation intersect. This approach allows for a deeper comprehension of the lived experiences of Black women in the online realm, shedding light on how Black women students at Rhodes University use #BlackGirlMagic and the challenges they face in seeking to be included and represented. By focusing on the experiences of Black women students at Rhodes University, the research can contribute to the broader discourse on digital activism and the role of social media in shaping contemporary feminist movements. This localised perspective offers valuable insights into how global movements like #BlackGirlMagic are adapted and reinterpreted within specific cultural and institutional contexts, highlighting the importance of digital spaces as sites of both empowerment and contestation for Black women. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Journalism and Media Studies, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04-25
Exploring interventions for South African pregnant women with alcohol use disorder: a scoping review
- Authors: Majoe, Mono Onalenna
- Date: 2025-04-25
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/478316 , vital:78176
- Description: Access restricted. Expected enbargo release date in 2026. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04-25
Exploring interventions for South African pregnant women with alcohol use disorder: a scoping review
- Authors: Majoe, Mono Onalenna
- Date: 2025-04-25
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/478316 , vital:78176
- Description: Access restricted. Expected enbargo release date in 2026. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04-25
Interpretations of a contemporary transgender representation as encountered in the South African soap opera, Generations: The Legacy by Ndakane’s rural audience
- Authors: Thuku, Sinalo Vincent
- Date: 2025-04-25
- Subjects: LGBT activism , Representation (Philosophy) , Sexual minorities in mass media South Africa , Television soap operas South Africa , Television viewers Attitudes
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/478405 , vital:78184
- Description: The study investigates how people from Ndakane, a rural community in the Eastern Cape, interpret a transgender narrative in the soap opera Generations: The Legacy. Located within the theoretical framework of cultural studies and drawing on audience reception theories, the study focuses on how Ndakane residents bring their understanding of gender and sexuality, derived from their lived sociocultural experiences, to their decoding of the transgender narrative. The study is contextualised against the backdrop of prevalent hate crimes against LGBTQ+ individuals in South Africa, particularly in rural and township areas, where such violence is reported to be more severe. This study contributes to the broader discourse on media representation, audience reception, and the role of cultural narratives in shaping societal attitudes toward marginalised identities. The research highlights the significance of media representations of LGBTQ+ individuals, especially in soap operas like Generations: The Legacy, in fostering visibility and potentially enhancing acceptance and support for LGBTQ+ communities. By examining the sociocultural factors that influence audience interpretations, the study investigates how the portrayal of a transgender character offers viewers an opportunity to challenge and rethink their preconceived notions of gender and sexuality. Using Stuart Hall's (1980) Encoding/Decoding model, the study analyses the audience's dominant, negotiated, and oppositional reading positions when engaging with the transgender narrative. A qualitative research approach was employed to gather and analyse data. The findings reveal that the interpretation of the transgender storyline among Ndakane residents aligns with Hall’s (1980) concept of polysemy, indicating that viewers derived varied meanings from the narrative. While some viewers embraced the storyline as an opportunity to explore new perspectives on gender and sexuality, others adopted negotiated readings. Although these viewers did not entirely align with the ideological stance of the producers, they nonetheless accepted the narrative and its implications to some extent, acknowledging it as an acceptable representation. These findings underline the critical role of media in shaping public discourse on LGBTQ+ issues, especially in culturally conservative spaces. By offering a nuanced exploration of audience interpretations, the study underscores the transformative potential of media to challenge deeply rooted social biases and foster inclusivity in communities that may otherwise remain resistant to change. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Journalism and Media Studies, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04-25
- Authors: Thuku, Sinalo Vincent
- Date: 2025-04-25
- Subjects: LGBT activism , Representation (Philosophy) , Sexual minorities in mass media South Africa , Television soap operas South Africa , Television viewers Attitudes
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/478405 , vital:78184
- Description: The study investigates how people from Ndakane, a rural community in the Eastern Cape, interpret a transgender narrative in the soap opera Generations: The Legacy. Located within the theoretical framework of cultural studies and drawing on audience reception theories, the study focuses on how Ndakane residents bring their understanding of gender and sexuality, derived from their lived sociocultural experiences, to their decoding of the transgender narrative. The study is contextualised against the backdrop of prevalent hate crimes against LGBTQ+ individuals in South Africa, particularly in rural and township areas, where such violence is reported to be more severe. This study contributes to the broader discourse on media representation, audience reception, and the role of cultural narratives in shaping societal attitudes toward marginalised identities. The research highlights the significance of media representations of LGBTQ+ individuals, especially in soap operas like Generations: The Legacy, in fostering visibility and potentially enhancing acceptance and support for LGBTQ+ communities. By examining the sociocultural factors that influence audience interpretations, the study investigates how the portrayal of a transgender character offers viewers an opportunity to challenge and rethink their preconceived notions of gender and sexuality. Using Stuart Hall's (1980) Encoding/Decoding model, the study analyses the audience's dominant, negotiated, and oppositional reading positions when engaging with the transgender narrative. A qualitative research approach was employed to gather and analyse data. The findings reveal that the interpretation of the transgender storyline among Ndakane residents aligns with Hall’s (1980) concept of polysemy, indicating that viewers derived varied meanings from the narrative. While some viewers embraced the storyline as an opportunity to explore new perspectives on gender and sexuality, others adopted negotiated readings. Although these viewers did not entirely align with the ideological stance of the producers, they nonetheless accepted the narrative and its implications to some extent, acknowledging it as an acceptable representation. These findings underline the critical role of media in shaping public discourse on LGBTQ+ issues, especially in culturally conservative spaces. By offering a nuanced exploration of audience interpretations, the study underscores the transformative potential of media to challenge deeply rooted social biases and foster inclusivity in communities that may otherwise remain resistant to change. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Journalism and Media Studies, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04-25
Massed prolonged exposure therapy for PTSD and alcohol use: a single case experimental study of a university student
- Authors: Abrahams, Sherwin Owen
- Date: 2025-04-25
- Subjects: Prolonged exposure therapy , Post-traumatic stress disorder , Alcoholism , Flooding , College students Alcohol use South Africa , College students Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/478284 , vital:78173
- Description: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) are common among university students in South Africa. Bantjies et al. (2023) found a PTSD prevalence of 21.0% (n=28,268), and McGowan and Kagee (2013) reported that 90% (n=1337) had experienced at least one traumatic event. There is a high comorbidity between PTSD and AUD, especially in hazardous drinkers (Peltzer & Pengpid, 2015). Despite the prevalence, research on effective trauma-focused therapies (TFTs) in low-resource settings is limited (Booysen & Kagee, 2021). This study evaluates the effectiveness of massed-prolonged exposure (MPE) therapy for comorbid PTSD and AUD among South African university students, using a Single-Case Experimental Design (SCED). The participant (n=1) underwent comprehensive assessments using CAPS-5, AUDIT, PDS-5, and PCL-5, confirming PTSD and AUD diagnoses. Regular PCL-5 assessments during the intervention showed significant symptom improvement, and post-intervention assessments indicated the participant no longer met PTSD criteria. AUDIT scores also improved from 11 (harmful/hazardous drinking) to 6. The participant found MPE therapy to be feasible, acceptable, and appropriate. This study supports the effectiveness, feasibility and acceptability of MPE therapy and highlights the importance of evidence-based interventions to improve PTSD outcomes within university settings and in low-to-middle-income countries. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04-25
- Authors: Abrahams, Sherwin Owen
- Date: 2025-04-25
- Subjects: Prolonged exposure therapy , Post-traumatic stress disorder , Alcoholism , Flooding , College students Alcohol use South Africa , College students Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/478284 , vital:78173
- Description: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) are common among university students in South Africa. Bantjies et al. (2023) found a PTSD prevalence of 21.0% (n=28,268), and McGowan and Kagee (2013) reported that 90% (n=1337) had experienced at least one traumatic event. There is a high comorbidity between PTSD and AUD, especially in hazardous drinkers (Peltzer & Pengpid, 2015). Despite the prevalence, research on effective trauma-focused therapies (TFTs) in low-resource settings is limited (Booysen & Kagee, 2021). This study evaluates the effectiveness of massed-prolonged exposure (MPE) therapy for comorbid PTSD and AUD among South African university students, using a Single-Case Experimental Design (SCED). The participant (n=1) underwent comprehensive assessments using CAPS-5, AUDIT, PDS-5, and PCL-5, confirming PTSD and AUD diagnoses. Regular PCL-5 assessments during the intervention showed significant symptom improvement, and post-intervention assessments indicated the participant no longer met PTSD criteria. AUDIT scores also improved from 11 (harmful/hazardous drinking) to 6. The participant found MPE therapy to be feasible, acceptable, and appropriate. This study supports the effectiveness, feasibility and acceptability of MPE therapy and highlights the importance of evidence-based interventions to improve PTSD outcomes within university settings and in low-to-middle-income countries. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04-25
Mbonalelo kha vhurangaphanda ha vhafumakadzi: young Vhavenḓa women’s views on their traditional leadership roles historically and post-1994
- Authors: Nengwekhulu, Omphulusa
- Date: 2025-04-25
- Subjects: Chiefdoms South Africa , South Africa Politics and government 1994- , Colonialism , Apartheid South Africa , Primogeniture South Africa , Patriarchy South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/478427 , vital:78186
- Description: This is a qualitative research study that examines how young Vhavenḓa women in post-apartheid South Africa views different traditional leadership roles that Vhavenḓa women have historically played and continue to play in Venḓa society. Therefore, the research question that this Master of Arts (MA) research study sought to research is the following: How do young, 21st-century Vhavenḓa women view the traditional leadership roles historically and currently held by Vhavenḓa women in Vhavenḓa society? To grapple with this research question, this study employed a combination of purposive and snowball sampling strategies to recruit seven research participants. Research participants were interviewed using a semi-structured interview approach, which allowed the researcher to build rapport with research participants. Data was manually coded into five themes, namely: 1) The Role of Makhadzi in Traditional Leadership Among the Venḓa Community, 2) The Role of Vhakoma in Traditional Leadership Among the Venḓa Community, 3) The Role of Vhakololo in Traditional Leadership Among the Venḓa Community, 4) The customary practice of male primogeniture and how it contradicts the South African Constitution post-1994, and 5) The socialisation process that puts boys and men on a leadership pedestal. The data was then analysed and discussed in Chapters Four and Five through an Africana Womanist theoretical framework. An important finding in this study is that makhadzi, the father’s sister and also a woman who is a custodian of traditional leadership, is the traditional role that all the participants recognised as the leadership role that Vhavenḓa women have historically played and continue to play. Another role identified by participants as significant within the Venḓa leadership structure is Vhakoma, the Queen Mother and the chief's mother. However, there was limited familiarity with the role of Vhakololo, the royal members or people born into the royal family, as only one participant identified it as a leadership role traditionally occupied by Vhavenḓa women. Research participants suggested that colonial modernity contributes to a lack of knowledge about their culture. Another important finding of this study is that in post-1994 South Africa, there has been a tension between customary practices such as male primogeniture and the South African Constitution. Consequently, some women leaders have used the courts to challenge this practice. Ultimately, this study contributes to the discourse about women’s empowerment and the dismantling of patriarchal structures that undermine women's potential as leaders in the Venḓa context. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Political and International Studies, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04-25
- Authors: Nengwekhulu, Omphulusa
- Date: 2025-04-25
- Subjects: Chiefdoms South Africa , South Africa Politics and government 1994- , Colonialism , Apartheid South Africa , Primogeniture South Africa , Patriarchy South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/478427 , vital:78186
- Description: This is a qualitative research study that examines how young Vhavenḓa women in post-apartheid South Africa views different traditional leadership roles that Vhavenḓa women have historically played and continue to play in Venḓa society. Therefore, the research question that this Master of Arts (MA) research study sought to research is the following: How do young, 21st-century Vhavenḓa women view the traditional leadership roles historically and currently held by Vhavenḓa women in Vhavenḓa society? To grapple with this research question, this study employed a combination of purposive and snowball sampling strategies to recruit seven research participants. Research participants were interviewed using a semi-structured interview approach, which allowed the researcher to build rapport with research participants. Data was manually coded into five themes, namely: 1) The Role of Makhadzi in Traditional Leadership Among the Venḓa Community, 2) The Role of Vhakoma in Traditional Leadership Among the Venḓa Community, 3) The Role of Vhakololo in Traditional Leadership Among the Venḓa Community, 4) The customary practice of male primogeniture and how it contradicts the South African Constitution post-1994, and 5) The socialisation process that puts boys and men on a leadership pedestal. The data was then analysed and discussed in Chapters Four and Five through an Africana Womanist theoretical framework. An important finding in this study is that makhadzi, the father’s sister and also a woman who is a custodian of traditional leadership, is the traditional role that all the participants recognised as the leadership role that Vhavenḓa women have historically played and continue to play. Another role identified by participants as significant within the Venḓa leadership structure is Vhakoma, the Queen Mother and the chief's mother. However, there was limited familiarity with the role of Vhakololo, the royal members or people born into the royal family, as only one participant identified it as a leadership role traditionally occupied by Vhavenḓa women. Research participants suggested that colonial modernity contributes to a lack of knowledge about their culture. Another important finding of this study is that in post-1994 South Africa, there has been a tension between customary practices such as male primogeniture and the South African Constitution. Consequently, some women leaders have used the courts to challenge this practice. Ultimately, this study contributes to the discourse about women’s empowerment and the dismantling of patriarchal structures that undermine women's potential as leaders in the Venḓa context. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Political and International Studies, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04-25
Mental healthcare users’ perceptions of mental health services at a primary healthcare level
- Authors: Zwane, Siphelele
- Date: 2025-04-25
- Subjects: Mental health services South Africa Makhanda , Primary care (Medicine) , Mental health consumer , Mental health education South Africa , Help-seeking
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/478372 , vital:78181
- Description: This study interrogates the complexities of mental healthcare in primary healthcare settings, focusing on the experiences and perceptions of participants within the Makana municipality in the Eastern Cape Province, which is characterised by a low socio-economic status. The matter of mental healthcare is of great significance within the context of South Africa, a country grappling with multifaceted challenges. Over the years, mental health has progressed from being marginalised to being more widely acknowledged. While the integration into tertiary and urban healthcare settings has become smoother, primary healthcare has encountered numerous obstacles. This presents a concern, due to the socioeconomic difficulties faced by individuals accessing primary care, which predispose them to mental health issues. Consequently, it is imperative to conduct research focusing on the experiences and perspectives of mental healthcare users within primary healthcare, a relatively underexplored area. The primary objective of the current research study was to contribute to the existing knowledge base, providing valuable insights for relevant stakeholders and policymakers, such as the National Mental Health Policy Framework 2023-2030, to reference when formulating strategies to enhance the integration of mental healthcare into primary healthcare. The study used purposive sampling to interview mental healthcare users within the Makana municipality. Employing a qualitative design facilitated in-depth dialogue between the participants and the researcher, generating valuable data. Thematic Analysis was employed to analyse and present meaningful data, providing an overview of the participants' shared experiences. The study identified four significant themes: the utility of primary health clinic; the urgent need for mental health education; socioeconomics, and mental health, and the complex dynamics of help-seeking behaviours. The findings underscore the pressing need to integrate quality mental health into PHC, emphasising the importance of mental health education, increased resources, task-sharing, and the prioritisation of both physical and mental illnesses. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04-25
- Authors: Zwane, Siphelele
- Date: 2025-04-25
- Subjects: Mental health services South Africa Makhanda , Primary care (Medicine) , Mental health consumer , Mental health education South Africa , Help-seeking
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/478372 , vital:78181
- Description: This study interrogates the complexities of mental healthcare in primary healthcare settings, focusing on the experiences and perceptions of participants within the Makana municipality in the Eastern Cape Province, which is characterised by a low socio-economic status. The matter of mental healthcare is of great significance within the context of South Africa, a country grappling with multifaceted challenges. Over the years, mental health has progressed from being marginalised to being more widely acknowledged. While the integration into tertiary and urban healthcare settings has become smoother, primary healthcare has encountered numerous obstacles. This presents a concern, due to the socioeconomic difficulties faced by individuals accessing primary care, which predispose them to mental health issues. Consequently, it is imperative to conduct research focusing on the experiences and perspectives of mental healthcare users within primary healthcare, a relatively underexplored area. The primary objective of the current research study was to contribute to the existing knowledge base, providing valuable insights for relevant stakeholders and policymakers, such as the National Mental Health Policy Framework 2023-2030, to reference when formulating strategies to enhance the integration of mental healthcare into primary healthcare. The study used purposive sampling to interview mental healthcare users within the Makana municipality. Employing a qualitative design facilitated in-depth dialogue between the participants and the researcher, generating valuable data. Thematic Analysis was employed to analyse and present meaningful data, providing an overview of the participants' shared experiences. The study identified four significant themes: the utility of primary health clinic; the urgent need for mental health education; socioeconomics, and mental health, and the complex dynamics of help-seeking behaviours. The findings underscore the pressing need to integrate quality mental health into PHC, emphasising the importance of mental health education, increased resources, task-sharing, and the prioritisation of both physical and mental illnesses. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04-25
Municipal demarcation: an exploration of ethnic conflict and violence in the 2015 Malamulele and 2016 Vuwani protests
- Authors: Shivambu, Matimu
- Date: 2025-04-25
- Subjects: Municipal boundary , Apartheid , Territorial dispute , Demonstrations South Africa , Tribalism , Political corruption , Municipal services South Africa Limpopo
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/478438 , vital:78187
- Description: In 2015, communities in Malamulele, located in the Vhembe District of Limpopo Province, South Africa, protested against the Thulamela Local Government Municipality, citing inadequate service delivery and favouritism toward Venda-speaking areas. The protesters demanded the establishment of a new municipality for Tsonga-speaking residents, disrupting daily life through road blockades and shutdowns of schools, transportation, and commercial activities. In response, the government demarcated the Thulamela Municipality and created the Collins Chabane Local Government Municipality, which included Vuwani and other Venda-speaking communities. However, this inclusion sparked violent protests in Vuwani in 2016, fueled by claims of insufficient consultation and a desire to remain within the Makhado Local Government Municipality. This study utilised qualitative research methods, specifically semi-structured interviews, to capture the experiences and perspectives of participants from Vuwani and Malamulele. It applied conflict and territory theories to analyse the underlying issues. The findings reveal that colonial policies of divide and rule, along with apartheid-era Bantustan policies, significantly influenced these protests. The study underscores the importance of public participation in community matters, highlighting the unequal provision of services among different groups and emphasising the need for reconciliation. The protests were deeply rooted in the legacy of colonial and apartheid histories and cannot be understood in isolation from these historical contexts and their enduring impacts. This research addresses a gap in the academic literature by exploring the ethnic dynamics and sequence of events in the 2015 Malamulele and 2016 Vuwani protests. It provides insights into the decisions of the government, Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB), and community stakeholders that fueled these conflicts, contributing to a broader understanding of post-1994 ethnic violence and conflict in South Africa. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Political and International Studies, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04-25
- Authors: Shivambu, Matimu
- Date: 2025-04-25
- Subjects: Municipal boundary , Apartheid , Territorial dispute , Demonstrations South Africa , Tribalism , Political corruption , Municipal services South Africa Limpopo
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/478438 , vital:78187
- Description: In 2015, communities in Malamulele, located in the Vhembe District of Limpopo Province, South Africa, protested against the Thulamela Local Government Municipality, citing inadequate service delivery and favouritism toward Venda-speaking areas. The protesters demanded the establishment of a new municipality for Tsonga-speaking residents, disrupting daily life through road blockades and shutdowns of schools, transportation, and commercial activities. In response, the government demarcated the Thulamela Municipality and created the Collins Chabane Local Government Municipality, which included Vuwani and other Venda-speaking communities. However, this inclusion sparked violent protests in Vuwani in 2016, fueled by claims of insufficient consultation and a desire to remain within the Makhado Local Government Municipality. This study utilised qualitative research methods, specifically semi-structured interviews, to capture the experiences and perspectives of participants from Vuwani and Malamulele. It applied conflict and territory theories to analyse the underlying issues. The findings reveal that colonial policies of divide and rule, along with apartheid-era Bantustan policies, significantly influenced these protests. The study underscores the importance of public participation in community matters, highlighting the unequal provision of services among different groups and emphasising the need for reconciliation. The protests were deeply rooted in the legacy of colonial and apartheid histories and cannot be understood in isolation from these historical contexts and their enduring impacts. This research addresses a gap in the academic literature by exploring the ethnic dynamics and sequence of events in the 2015 Malamulele and 2016 Vuwani protests. It provides insights into the decisions of the government, Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB), and community stakeholders that fueled these conflicts, contributing to a broader understanding of post-1994 ethnic violence and conflict in South Africa. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Political and International Studies, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04-25