List of Titles

Follow the yellow flag road : advancing the biological control of a global wetland invader, and a case study on ecosystem recovery

Authors: Minuti, Gianmarco
Date: 2025-04-03
Subjects: Aquatic plants , Invasive plants Biological control , Iris pseudacorus , Azolla filiculoides , Aphthona nonstriata , Host specificity
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/479908 , vital:78378 , DOI 10.21504/10962/479908
Description: Global change is accelerating habitat degradation and extinction rates, disproportionately affecting freshwater ecosystems. Biological invasions, a core component of global change, have been recognized as a major driver of this phenomenon. Invasive alien aquatic plants (IAAPs) are a prime example, disrupting ecological dynamics and hindering the economic and social activities that depend upon freshwater ecosystems. The best approach to managing IAAPs is preventing their introduction and taking swift action when infestations are detected. Unfortunately, most IAAPs are only recognized after they have spread, making eradication difficult and requiring expensive, ongoing management through manual, mechanical, or chemical means, which become less effective as infestations grow. In this regard, a sustainable alternative against IAAPs is provided by classical biological control. This method lays on the assumption that invasive species have been introduced in an environment which is free from their natural enemies, and that such release allowed them to redirect their resources towards growth and reproduction. Accordingly, weed biocontrol involves introducing one such enemy - a so-called biocontrol agent - to regulate the population of the plant, ideally reducing its density below a critical threshold, minimizing its impacts. Biocontrol programs must follow stringent protocols in order to a) ensure the selection of the most appropriate agents; b) guarantee their establishment and effectiveness in controlling their target; c) minimize the risks involved with their release; and d) monitor their impacts after they have been released. This thesis is composed of two parts, focusing on pre-release studies (Part I, Chapters 1-4) and post-release evaluations (Part II, Chapter 5), respectively. Part I explores the biological control of Iris pseudacorus L. (Iridaceae) – yellow flag – a Eurasian plant that has invaded temperate wetlands worldwide. The first step consisted of conducting field surveys across the native range of the weed, which led to the selection of three candidate biocontrol agents. As a second step, bioclimatic niche modelling was used to forecast the current and future suitability of the weed and its prospective agents. These models helped to identify areas most at risk of invasion and predict how climate change might affect biocontrol efficacy, showing differing impacts in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Further, a scoring system was developed to prioritize non-target plants for host-specificity testing, focusing on species within the family Iridaceae. Most taxa prioritized are native to the Americas, South Africa and eastern Asia, highlighting the importance of collaboration across regions when dealing with global invaders with complex phylogeographic distributions. Finally, a germination study confirmed that I. pseudacorus seeds from Argentina germinate more than Belgian seeds, especially in absence of cold stratification, suggesting increased performances of invasive populations and an adaptation to warmer temperatures. Nonetheless, impact assessments conducted on one of the three biocontrol agents demonstrated that it could cause juvenile mortality, suggesting it may effectively reduce seedling recruitment, though further research on agents targeting reproductive structures is recommended. Part II of the thesis addresses an often understudied aspect of post-release evaluations: ecosystem recovery following biological control. To do so, a case study is presented, investigating the biological control of water fern, Azolla filiculoides Lamb. (Salviniaceae), in Belgium. The results of this study are used to discuss the shortcomings of different experimental designs, the lack of baseline data in invasion ecology, and the intricacies of defining and quantifying ecosystem recovery in light of legacy effects and context-dependency. , Wereldwijde verandering versnelt de degradatie van habitats en de uitstervingscijfers, met een onevenredige impact op zoetwaterecosystemen. Biologische invasies, een kernonderdeel van klimaatverandering, worden erkend als een belangrijke drijvende kracht achter dit fenomeen. Invasieve uitheemse waterplanten (IAAPs) zijn een duidelijk voorbeeld, omdat ze ecologische dynamiek verstoren en economische en sociale activiteiten belemmeren die afhankelijk zijn van zoetwaterecosystemen. De beste aanpak voor het beheer van IAAPs is het voorkomen van hun introductie en het nemen van snelle maatregelen bij het detecteren van besmettingen. Helaas worden de meeste IAAPs pas herkend nadat ze zich hebben verspreid, wat uitroeiing moeilijk maakt en dure, voortdurende beheersing vereist door handmatige, mechanische of chemische middelen, die minder effectief worden naarmate besmettingen toenemen. In dit opzicht biedt klassieke biologische bestrijding een duurzaam alternatief tegen IAAPs. Deze methode berust op de veronderstelling dat invasieve soorten zijn geïntroduceerd in een omgeving die vrij is van hun natuurlijke vijanden, waardoor ze hun middelen konden richten op groei en reproductie. Bijgevolg omvat onkruidbestrijding het introduceren van een dergelijke vijand - een zogenaamde biocontrole-agent - om de populatie van de plant te reguleren, idealiter door de dichtheid ervan onder een kritische drempel te verlagen en zo de impact ervan te minimaliseren. Biocontroleprogramma's moeten strikte protocollen volgen om a) de selectie van de meest geschikte agens te waarborgen; b) hun vestiging en effectiviteit bij het beheersen van hun doel te garanderen; c) de risico's van hun vrijlating te minimaliseren; en d) hun impact na vrijlating te monitoren. Dit proefschrift bestaat uit twee delen, gericht op respectievelijk pre-release studies (Deel I, Hoofdstukken 1-4) en post-release evaluaties (Deel II, Hoofdstuk 5). Deel I onderzoekt de biologische bestrijding van Iris pseudacorus L. (Iridaceae) - gele lis - een Euraziatische plant die gematigde moeraslanden wereldwijd heeft gekoloniseerd. De eerste stap bestond uit het uitvoeren van veldonderzoeken in het inheemse verspreidingsgebied van het onkruid, wat leidde tot de selectie van drie kandidaat-biocontroleagenten. Als tweede stap werd bioklimatisch nis-modelleren gebruikt om de huidige en toekomstige geschiktheid van het onkruid en zijn potentiële agens te voorspellen. Deze modellen hielpen gebieden met het grootste risico op invasie te identificeren en voorspelden hoe klimaatverandering de effectiviteit van biocontrole zou kunnen beïnvloeden, met verschillende effecten op het noordelijk en zuidelijk halfrond. Daarnaast werd een scoresysteem ontwikkeld om niet-doelplanten te prioriteren voor host-specifieke tests, met de nadruk op soorten binnen de familie Iridaceae. De prioritaire taxa zijn inheems in Amerika, Zuid-Afrika en Oost-Azië, wat het belang van samenwerking tussen regio’s onderstreept bij het omgaan met mondiale invasieve soorten met complexe fylogeografische verspreiding. Ten slotte bevestigde een kiemingsstudie dat I. pseudacorus zaden uit Argentinië meer kiemen dan Belgische zaden, vooral bij afwezigheid van koude stratificatie, wat wijst op verhoogde prestaties van invasieve populaties en aanpassing aan warmere temperaturen. Nochtans toonden effectbeoordelingen van een van de drie biocontroleagens aan dat deze de mortaliteit van juvenielen kon veroorzaken, wat suggereert dat het effectief kan zijn bij het verminderen van de zaailingrekrutering. Toch wordt verder onderzoek naar agenten die zich richten op reproductieve structuren aanbevolen. Deel II van het proefschrift behandelt een vaak onderbelicht aspect van post-release evaluaties: ecosysteemherstel na biologische bestrijding. Om dit te realiseren wordt een casestudy aangeboden over de biologische bestrijding van watervaren, Azolla filiculoides Lamb. (Salviniaceae), in België. De resultaten van deze studie worden gebruikt voor de bespreking van de tekortkomingen van verschillende experimentele ontwerpen, het gebrek aan basisgegevens in invasie-ecologie en de complexiteit van het definiëren en kwantificeren van ecosysteemherstel in het licht van nalatenschapseffecten en contextafhankelijkheid. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2025
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Date Issued: 2025-04-03

Investigating the mainstreaming of inclusive education in Teacher Education Practice for Pedagogical Proficiency through Education for Sustainable Development Change Projects in Southern Africa

Authors: Souza, Ben
Date: 2025-04-03
Subjects: Inclusive education South Africa , Education for sustainable development , Teachers Training of South Africa , Teacher effectiveness , Critical realism , Social learning , Bioecological model
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/480106 , vital:78397 , DOI 10.21504/10962/480106
Description: Globally, there are policy and practice efforts to mainstream inclusive education in different sub-fields of education. Part of the efforts have focused on investigating and finding practical mechanisms for the mainstreaming process in teacher education. Anecdotally, Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), with its focus on transformative education, collaborative learning, the community of practice and the whole institution approach, has the potential to mainstream inclusive education in teacher education practices if grounded in sociocultural realities rather than mere ideological framing. This situation is related to the need for more transformative capabilities for teacher educators to prepare teachers for inclusive pedagogical proficiency. However, in a southern African context, the outlook of the potential of pedagogical proficiency from the nexus of inclusive education, ESD and teacher education is disjointed. As such, this study focused on investigating the mainstreaming of inclusive education in teacher education practice for pedagogical proficiency through ESD Change Projects in Southern Africa, examining cases from Malawi, Tanzania and Eswatini. The study intended to gain an understanding of inclusive education and ESD in these countries, identify areas for strengthening inclusive education in teacher education practice, collaborate with teacher educators to develop strategies for mainstreaming inclusive education, and generate indicators for monitoring and evaluating inclusive education in teacher education contexts. The study used Urie Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological theory of human development and Lev Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory of learning as theoretical and analytical frameworks. The study also employed Roy Bhaskar’s critical realism philosophy as an underlabourer or a meta-theoretical framework. The study further adapted the Vygotsky-informed Engestrom’s expansive learning as a methodological torch. Together, these frameworks were used to analyse selected Change Projects within Sustainability Starts with Teachers (SST) programme, which focused on ESD capacity building in teacher educators from 11 southern African countries. In this regard, the research utilised a qualitative nested case study design. A formative interventionist research approach supported the cases in Malawi, Tanzania and Eswatini, with the study selecting SST Change Projects dealing with inclusive education through an initial scoping questionnaire. Data were generated through 12 in-depth interviews, nine workshops (involving 24 participants), document reviews, observations and reflective journals. Thematic ii analysis, employing a critical realist approach with abductive and retroductive reasoning, guided the reflexive presentation and discussion of research findings. The research findings revealed a common understanding of inclusive education as providing equal educational opportunities, ESD as supporting sustainable development, and teacher education as skill development. The research findings also highlighted the influence of teacher educators’ biopsychosocial characteristics on their perceptions of inclusive education, ESD and teacher education. Areas requiring improvement in teacher education systems included resources, attitude change, financing, cooperation, collaboration and leadership. Strategies for mainstreaming inclusive education in teacher education practice for pedagogical proficiency included curriculum implementation, policy shift, contextualisation and interactive systems. Monitoring and evaluation in all three cases focused on teaching practice, assessment, feedback tools, forums and curriculum implementation, but the absence of specific indicators for monitoring and evaluation was evident. These findings suggest multi-layered and complex implications for policy formulation, implementation practices and future research. Therefore, this thesis argues that, in a southern Africa context, the potential of pedagogical proficiency from the nexus of inclusive education, ESD and teacher education involves considering biopsychosocial characteristics to facilitate the capabilities of teacher educators. This situation necessitates utilising inclusivity mechanisms in pre-service teacher training grounded in biosocial and psychocultural realities of the region’s educational challenges. Consequently, this thesis proffers the Sustainable Inclusive Pedagogical Proficiency Process (SIP3) model as a framework to actualise the nexus of inclusive education, ESD and teacher education, and bring into focus its pedagogical proficiency potential which eventually helps with the mainstreaming process in teacher education practice via ESD. The study reported in this thesis contributes to international theory and practice development for inclusivity and ESD in teacher education practice, provides indicators for monitoring inclusive quality education in teacher education practice, and introduces a contextual dynamics model for comparative education research. The thesis is structured in eight chapters, introducing the study context, addressing literature gaps, presenting the theoretical framework, detailing research design, exploring specific cases in Malawi, Tanzania and Eswatini, discussing the research findings and its implications, and concluding with recommendations for change and future research. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, Secondary and Post School Education, 2025
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Date Issued: 2025-04-03

Mainstreaming equitable decision-making under uncertainty at the Water User Association level using a reallocation model in the Western Cape, South Africa

Authors: Xoxo, Beauten Sinetemba
Date: 2025-04-03
Subjects: Water-supply Management , Water-supply South Africa Western Cape , Right to water South Africa Western Cape , Water Distribution , Water resources development South Africa Western Cape , Uncertainty (Information theory) , Hydrology Statistical methods
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/479963 , vital:78384 , DOI 10.21504/10962/479963
Description: This thesis demonstrates how uncertainty can be explicitly incorporated into equitable decision-making in ungauged basins to support fair water reallocation strategies among conflicting uses and reduce vulnerability to water shortages. First, a methodological framework is developed to collect the required socio-economic data. Second, a role-playing game (RPG) is developed in collaboration with stakeholders to increase awareness and assess the implications of different allocation strategies and stakeholder actions. Thirdly, a reallocation decision-support system (Water-Sharing Tool) with dam storage and uncertainty is tested to inform strategic water planning under dry conditions. The study was carried out in collaboration with stakeholders in the upper reaches of the Koue Bokkeveld, Western Cape, South Africa. The study area is a winter rainfall area with commercial farming activities targeting the domestic and cross-border markets. Irrigation from numerous farm dams and run-of-river extraction compete with in-stream environmental protection targets for streamflow. The study area can be described as resource-poor in terms of institutional capacity, with water management decisions taken individually at a farm level. The key water users are the environment, farmers, lifestyle farmers (residents), and weekenders. The farmer group has three sub-groups: corporate-owned farms, family-owned commercial farms, and downstream less well-resourced farmers. Results from the user risk profiles show that the least influential actors reside downstream and are more vulnerable to water shortages, which could be attributed to upstream developments and their productivity-driven nature. The thesis pulls together the socio-economic data, the information contributed by the stakeholders during the RPG, uncertain natural runoff estimates, and water demands. It evaluates these using the Water Sharing Model to map water users’ vulnerability under four different management strategies and assesses equitable reallocation outcomes of the proposed strategies to different users. The magnitude and frequency of decision risks and the underlying uncertainty in the water supply are quantified. As expected, results suggest peak risks during months with the lowest streamflow, with negative implications for fruit production in the catchment. Results also showed the negative supply effects of upstream infrastructure development on downstream users and ecosystems. Game results with the farmers suggested different crop choices in dry periods between upstream and downstream farmers. Downstream farmers were surprisingly more willing to forego their dry season entitlements under water-sharing strategies that resulted in serious production losses upstream, prioritising social stability over their own profits. Farmers reflected on the game as an educational tool to enhance system understanding. The study confirms that decision-makers' understanding of the implications of water allocation decisions and the surrounding uncertainty is critical to meeting justice/fairness objectives. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Institute for Water Research, 2025
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Date Issued: 2025-04-03

New insights on classical radio galaxies from MeerKAT and uGMRT

Authors: Legodi, Portia Potasi
Date: 2025-04-03
Subjects: Radio galaxies , MeerKAT , Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope , Radio sources (Astronomy) , Radio interferometers
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/479886 , vital:78376 , DOI 10.21504/10962/479886
Description: The morphology of low and high-power sources has been the subject of a classification method for over four decades, leading to a comprehensive understanding of extragalactic radio sources. The morphological classification of radio galaxies is again a hot topic. This project aims to revisit the current classification scheme for classical radio galaxies and investigate the properties and origin of the new filamentary features which are becoming standard within and outside the radio lobes and which are suggestive of so far unexplored interactions between the radio plasma and the external medium. This thesis presents high-resolution and sensitivity studies of the nature of ten known radio galaxies: three FRIs (4C -03.43, 3C 403.1, 3C 198), three FRIIs (3C 105, 3C 227, 3C 445), tailed radio sources (CGCG046-067, NGC7503) and the FR0s (SDSS J 09157+1331, SDSS J 1120+0407). The total sample was selected from the 4C catalogue with well-defined criteria. To this aim, we are using the μJy sensitivity offered by the combination of uGMRT and MeerKAT in a frequency range from 500−1712 MHz. The radio images present several new morphological features in the radio emission at a ∼4′′ −10′′ angular resolution. Our radio maps validate the morphological classification. The sources exhibit remarkable features that raise new questions regarding the complex interaction between radio plasma emitted by host galaxies and the surrounding medium through which the jet propagates. The wealth of morphological details includes, for example, the detection of filaments in the emission from the lobes, the existence of diffuse emission beyond the hotspots, and multiple knot-like structures along the jet spine in some sources in the sample. Detailed descriptions of the overall radio structures are presented. We derived the equipartition parameters for each source in the sample, and after fitting their integrated spectrum, we estimated their global radiative ages. We find a broad range of radiative ages, i.e. 40.19−242.85 Myr. We derived in-band spectral index imaging for a few radio galaxies in the sample. This allowed us to make some preliminary considerations on the origin of the various radio features. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Physics and Electronics, 2025
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Date Issued: 2025-04-03

Scholar-activist transdisciplinary research praxis for blue justice in South Africa: perspectives from the South African Coastal Justice Network scholar-activist archive

Authors: Pereira-Kaplan, Taryn Leigh
Date: 2025-04-03
Subjects: Student movements South Africa , Environmental justice , Ocean governance , Blue justice , Small-scale fisheries South Africa , Interdisciplinary research
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/480095 , vital:78396 , DOI 10.21504/10962/480095
Description: This PhD thesis is an applied study on the research praxis of transdisciplinary (TD) scholar-activists contributing to social movements for environmental justice on the coasts and in the oceans (‘blue justice’). I wrote this thesis from my position as the coordinator of the Coastal Justice Network (CJN), which is a component of the Global Challenge Research Fund One Ocean Hub’s TD ocean governance programme. The CJN is a grouping of South African TD scholar-activists working collaboratively in processes of knowledge co-production with small-scale fishers (SSFs) and other coastal communities. These SSFs are leading resistances to blue injustice from the margins of ocean governance. Within a solidarity and environmental justice orientation to TD ocean research, CJN researchers and SSFs have responded together to a wide range of blue justice issues between 2020 and 2024 and, in doing so, have co-generated an activist archive. This thesis draws on the activist archive to surface core practices and priorities for research that contribute to movements for blue justice. The study was developed as a PhD portfolio through five papers, with an introduction and conclusion. The main aim of this study was to explore dimensions of scholar-activist TD research praxis and associated contributions to advancing blue justice in transformative ocean governance. In doing this, it sought to address some of the gaps in blue justice TD research, most notably the need for a deeper understanding of how to centre the voices and contributions of those most affected by environmental justice concerns. It also addresses the role of scholar-activist researchers practised as a form of political solidarity and reflexive co-engagement. The main research question is: How can scholar-activist transdisciplinary research praxis contribute to advancing blue justice in transformative ocean governance in South Africa? Methodologically, the study uses a form of activist ethnography, which is a scholar-activist methodology that includes an explicit political commitment to engagement and to generating knowledge for activism purposes. Methods within activist ethnographic research include participant and self-observation, critically reflexive “thick” descriptions of context and practice, interviews and conversations, direct political actions with activist partners and facilitation of mutual learning. At the centre of this work is the co-constructed scholar-activist archive, which offers a record of four years of such TD scholar-activist praxis. This thesis and the papers presented as part of the thesis all draw on the co-produced scholar-activist archive constructed out of the social movement work of the SSFs in collaboration with CJN researcher’s TD scholar-activist research praxis over four years, representing the type of activist ethnography referred to above. Compiling and organising the archive was one important level of analytical/synthesis work I undertook. I also drew on the archive to make visible key facets of blue justice work and reflected on this, making up three different levels of analytical work with the archive: 1) Constructing and organising the archive, 2) Selection of key foci in the archive, and 3) Meta-reflections. Through this approach, I address the main research question via four sub-questions, each the focus of a paper in this PhD by publication. Why is there a need to advance scholar-activist TD practice in transformative ocean governance research? This question is addressed in Paper 1 (Chapter 2 of this thesis). How can scholar-activists in blue justice support just and inclusive views of ocean governance? This question is addressed in Paper 2 (Chapter 3 of the thesis). What methods in blue justice research enable plural knowledges and perspectives for co-engagement? This question is addressed in Paper 3 (Chapter 4 of the thesis). How is blue justice resistance expressed and acknowledged as a key feature of inclusive ocean governance? This question is addressed in Paper 4 (Chapter 5 of the thesis). What emerges as key lessons for scholar-activist TD researchers in blue justice? This question is addressed in Paper 5 (Chapter 6 of the thesis) and in the meta-reflection in Chapter 7. The thesis as a whole offers: 1. Identification of a core practice, centred on “transformative space making” for care- ful, responsive and reflexive solidarity networks – ‘net-work’ – that allows community-based activists and social movements to leverage the kinds of research support they need when they need it. 2. Insight into participatory ocean governance and socially just ocean protection, practised through an ‘agonistic’ and counter-hegemonic knowledge co-production emergent from this form of TD scholar-activism. 3. Methods and guidance for these practices, with specific emphasis on agonistically plural and inclusive methods of blue resistance. 4. Insights into the positionality and ethical tensions of TD scholar-activist researchers. The study offers an empirical case of how a CJN, through TD scholar-activist praxis, can contribute to blue resistance and blue justice. The reflective chapter (Chapter 7) shows that this type of TD scholar-activist praxis is not without challenges and limitations; through a reflexive review of these, the study offers direction for further research. It also points to the roles of scholar-activists working in solidarity with SSFs in pursuit of blue justice. Overall, the thesis offers an orientation for TD researchers interested in aligning their research praxis with social movements working in counter-hegemonic ways for environmental justice. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, Secondary and Post School Education, 2025
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Date Issued: 2025-04-03

Stimulating Namibian learners’ democratic participation and leadership in a senior primary rural school: a participatory action research study

Authors: Kaongo, Trofimus Shipena
Date: 2025-04-03
Subjects: Student participation in administration Namibia , Democratic participation , Participatory action research , Education, Elementary Namibia , Agent (Philosophy)
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/479974 , vital:78385
Description: This study investigates the democratic participation and leadership opportunities of primary school learners within the Namibian education system, as outlined in the Basic Education Act. 3 of 2020. While the Act emphasises the involvement of secondary school learners in decision making, primary school learners are largely overlooked. Despite policies recognising children as democratic participants in education, implementation remains inconsistent, with secondary school learners often restricted to tokenistic leadership roles. To address this imbalance, the study explores leadership opportunities for primary school learners, seeking to understand the underlying factors contributing to the gap in democratic leadership at the primary school level. Grounded in a critical paradigm, this qualitative research draws upon Kurt Lewin's field theory and theory of change, using participatory action research (PAR) to promote transformation. The research followed a two-phase design. In phase 1, data was collected through individual interviews with teachers and focus group discussions with learners. Phase 2 adopted PAR to assess how engaging learners in the research process stimulated democratic participation and leadership development. Data were gathered through reflective journals maintained by both the learners and the researcher. Abductive analysis of the data, informed by Lewin’s theoretical framework, the Lundy model of participation, Hart’s ladder of participation and leadership theory, revealed varying understandings of democratic participation among participants. For many, it was equated with learners' freedom of expression, collective decision making and leadership autonomy. However, while learners were afforded opportunities to lead school-initiated activities such as cleaning campaigns, sports events and class monitoring, their involvement in the initiation of these activities remained limited. The study found that learner leadership could be significantly enhanced through greater involvement in collective decision making, motivation and recognition by teachers, and increased leadership autonomy. Nonetheless, barriers such as age differences, peer pressure, limited time and teachers’ negative attitudes impeded the realisation of these objectives. The study contributes significant insights into learner leadership in Africa, particularly in the under-researched context of senior primary school leadership. It highlights the need for greater equity in leadership opportunities between primary and secondary learners and advocates a transformative school environment that fosters multiple leadership pathways based on individual cognitive development. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Secondary and Post School Education, 2025
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Date Issued: 2025-04-03

Three decades of change: exploring colonial legacies and shifts within processes of admission at South African Universities of Technology

Authors: Kemm-Stols, Lyndall Elizabeth
Date: 2025-04-03
Subjects: Education, Higher South Africa , Technical education South Africa , Universities and colleges Admission , Decolonization , Social realism , Educational equalization South Africa
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/480040 , vital:78391 , DOI 10.21504/10962/480040
Description: Given South Africa’s complex legacy of inequality, access to higher education remains a priority for the government, higher education institutions and the public. And while significant progress has been made in terms of increased participation and expanded opportunities, particularly at Universities of Technology (UoTs), disparities remain. This particular type of institution has played a key role in contributing to the redress agenda through their less stringent admission requirements, but they remain underexamined in broader higher education literature. Despite these contributions, marginalised or working-class communities in rural and impoverished areas continue to face significant challenges in accessing higher education. Set against a global backdrop where similar patterns of admission have emerged, it becomes important to understand how and why the processes of admission in UoTs have emerged through the last three decades. In so doing, this study seeks to contribute to the conversation around social justice in higher education, offering insights that could reshape the understanding of why things are the way they are. This study draws on Critical Realism more broadly and the tools of Social Realism specifically to explore how South Africa’s particular colonial legacy remains one of many hidden mechanisms on which we build our reality. Using various documentation and qualitative data generated through interviews, which was analysed using Social Realism’s morphogenetic framework, I have endeavoured to tell the story of how, Universities of Technologies and their processes of admission have changed over the last three decades. In so doing I have shown, through using a metaphor of ‘The House Modernity Built’ how although much change has happened, hidden structures and cultures have worked to maintain a certain status quo, thereby constraining redress. This study has outlined the emergence of UoTs and their processes of admission as we understand them today. Through this I have presented an argument which suggests that the higher education sector continues to be structured in a hierarchical manner with UoTs located at the bottom. Mechanisms manifesting from a broader neoliberal environment, such as the higher education funding formula and global university ranking systems have placed UoTs in a position where they need to ‘catch up’, having consequences on the way in which processes of admission have been conceptualised. This has seen English becoming a marker of quality, and diploma offerings being replaced with degree equivalents carrying higher admission criteria, all of which work to compromise the redress needed in South African higher education. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, Centre for Higher Education Research, Teaching and Learning, 2025
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Date Issued: 2025-04-03

A large multiscale detailed modelling of aptamers as anticancer therapeutics

Authors: Mokgopa, Kabelo Phuti
Date: 2025-04-02
Subjects: Aptamer , MicroRNA , Drug discovery , Python (Computer program language) , Molecular dynamics , Cheminformatics , Bioinformatics
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/479174 , vital:78267
Description: Cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide, characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and spread. The challenge of effectively treating cancer has spurred interest in novel therapeutic strategies that target specific biological or biochemical mechanisms involved in cancer progression. Although many enzymes have been labelled as inducers of cancer development, microRNAs (miRNAs) are also emerging as significant contributors to cancer progression. This is because miRNAs play a crucial role in regulating gene expression, while cancer develops and grows due to genetic mutations, variations, and alterations. Among these miRNAs, miRNA-10b is notable for its involvement in promoting cancer cell proliferation, migration, and metastasis across various cancers, including breast cancer, glioblastoma, and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. For this reason, we propose inhibiting miRNA-10b using RNA aptamers as a novel and promising approach for developing new anti-cancer therapeutics. RNA aptamers are short, non-coded, synthetic, and single-stranded nucleic acid molecules capable of binding to a wide range of targets, including metal ions, chemical compounds, proteins, cells, and microorganisms. They are used for a range of applications due to their well-known specificity and selectivity, starting from drug delivery to diagnostics. In this project we aimed to design and discover novel RNA aptamers that can effectively inhibit miRNA-10b using advanced computational methods. However, major challenges were encountered due to the lack of databases or tools available to design and predict secondary and tertiary structures of RNA aptamers at a large scale. Furthermore, no tools were available to perform high throughput virtual screening of these aptamers against macromolecular targets at a large scale. Prompted by that, we developed the T_SELEX program, which encompasses the various algorithms and tools dedicated to designing RNA aptamer sequences, predicting their secondary and tertiary structures, and, lastly, virtually screening aptamers. These algorithms and advanced tools are designed to handle the complexities of aptamer selection and virtual screening. By employing virtual screening methods, the aptamer discovery process was streamlined, offering a cost-effective and efficient alternative to traditional SELEX techniques. Prior to the main purpose application, the T_SELEX program was tested by designing aptamers for targeting HIV-1 protease, and a few applications were also done to assess its aptamer design approach. The study explored RNA aptamer sequences, revealing important insights into nucleotide composition, sequence patterns, and their role in aptamer efficacy and design. Analysis of secondary and tertiary structure predictions showed that Minimum Free Energy (MFE) values do not always correlate with structural compactness or complexity, with aptamers of similar MFE values exhibiting variations in attributes like loop size and guanine content. A novel Sequence Similarity Check (SSC) algorithm is introduced focused on internal sequence comparisons and secondary structures, revealing that aptamers with similar base compositions could have distinct folding states and stability. The Base Randomization Algorithm (BRA) generated RNA aptamer libraries was further benchmarked, highlighting a critical threshold for aptamer length and demonstrating Gaussian distribution in base compositions. Virtual screening of aptamers using the T_SELEX program against pre-miRNA-10b and their mature 5p and 3p arm, identified aptamers557 and 899 as effective binders for the 3p and 5p arms, respectively. Extensive quantum mechanical and molecular dynamics simulations confirmed the stability of the aptamer-RNA complexes. Due to the understanding of the flexibility of these RNA-RNA complexes, we further proposed the stability matrices method as a calculus-based method to evaluate the relative stability of the complexes without being biased during MD analysis. MM-GBSA calculations supported docking results, identifying aptamers like aptamers557, aptamer274 and aptamer734 as strong inhibitors of the 3p arm. Overall, this project has proposed novel approaches for aptamer in silico design and validation, particularly in targeting miRNA-10b for cancer therapy. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Chemistry, 2025
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Date Issued: 2025-04-02

An investigation on the effects of Afrocentric missense variations on the structure and function of CYP2A6 protein

Authors: Makombe, Chipo Perpetual
Date: 2025-04-02
Subjects: Missense mutation , Structural dynamics , Enzyme activity , Drugs Metabolism , CYP2A6
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/479119 , vital:78262
Description: Pharmacogenomics, the foundation of personalized medicine distinguishes patients into different categories based on their response to the risk of a disease. Cytochrome P450 (CYPs) proteins are a family of enzymes critical in the metabolism of drugs and other substances. Genetic polymorphisms in CYPs can result in different enzymatic activity in individuals influencing the efficacy and toxicity of drugs. One of the CYPs which primarily metabolizes nicotine and other pharmaceutical drugs such as Artemisinin and Artesunate, Pilocarpine, Valproic Acid and Letrozole is CYP2A6. The gene encoding the protein is highly polymorphic and this can affect the rate of metabolism of drugs in individuals. Previously most studies unveiled connections between CYP2A6 variants and nicotine. Implications concerning the effects of specific missense variations in CYP2A6 drug metabolism have deficiencies. This study aimed to critically examine the structural and functional implications of 13 CYP2A6 allele variations on CYP2A6 protein using Bioinformatics techniques. Methods used were template selection, mutagenesis, parameter assignment and protonation. Molecular Dynamics to get insights regarding protein behavior at an atomic level, clustering to identify conformations during a simulation and DSSP for secondary structure analysis to monitor how secondary structures evolve. Berendsen and Parinello-Rahman barostats at production run were used for comparison. A global analysis was conducted to identify structural transitions (RMSD, RMSF, and Rg), clustering, and secondary structure prediction. Results from Berendsen barostat were inconsistent compared to Parrinello-Rahman barostat implying that CYP2A6 is sensitive to the pressure coupling parameter for precise and accurate results. Our clustering results showed each system in one conformation, fluctuations and shifts on the C-D, H-I loops and F, G, and L helices on variants I149M, F118l, K476R, and E390K_N418D_E419D. This indicated a potential loss of function limiting the protein’s ability to conformational flexibility for catalysis and substrate recognition. Certain regions of CYP2A6 became more rigid due to variations, which could have a negative impact on the catalytic activity, regulatory interactions, and general function of the enzyme in metabolism. Globally the variations did not cause large changes to the protein, there is need for a local analysis using Dynamic Residue Networks to study how residue interactions affect the function of CYP2A6. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Biochemistry, Microbiology and Bioinformatics, 2025
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Date Issued: 2025-04-02

Applying human factors and ergonomics to a healthcare clinic record-keeping process using a community-based participatory research approach in Makhanda

Authors: Kingwill, Kirsten Rosemary
Date: 2025-04-02
Subjects: Human engineering , Clinics Records and correspondence , Community-engaged research , Community-based research , Records management
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/479152 , vital:78265
Description: Background: Healthcare record-keeping is an important process. However, several challenges associated with taking, storing and maintaining accurate records have been identified as a barrier to the quality and safety of care globally and locally in primary healthcare clinics in Makhanda, Eastern Cape, South Africa. In this context, local healthcare providers argue that this stems from the hybrid nature of the system (paper and electronic) and the impact of several systemic challenges. Poor records can result in negative outcomes for patients, healthcare workers and the greater public healthcare system. For example, if patient files are not adequately completed, poor patient care and medico-legal litigation costs may emerge. Furthermore, given that HFE promotes the participation of stakeholders in identifying and resolving workplace challenges, this study adopted a participatory research approach, more specifically a Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) approach. This research project, therefore, aimed to explore the barriers and facilitators to record-keeping in a primary healthcare clinic in Makhanda, the adequacy of patient file completeness and reasons as to why files may or may not have been adequately completed, following a CBPR approach. Methods: Following a period of pre-data collection embedding in the clinic to become familiar with the system and the staff and to form a relationship with a community collaborator from the clinic, this study was completed in two broad phases. During Phase 1, observations, informal discussions and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 clinic staff members to understand the clinic and record-keeping systems through the work system components and barriers of both systems. Phase 1 data was analysed through thematic analysis and presented by work system components, selected SEIPS 101 tools and a Hierarchical Task Analysis to detail the tasks involved in the record-keeping process. During Phase 2, a comparative assessment of a sample of patient files (n=55) was conducted against a local standard checklist, detailing what was to be completed in patient files. This was done to assess the completeness of different file sections which were analysed through a frequency count. This was followed by three interviews with clinicians, which explored their perceptions on why sections of the records may have been better completed than others. The interviews were then thematically analysed. Results: Administrative staff shortages, a lack of file storage space, limited access to technology such as computers, lost files, and the amount of information to complete in files were identified as the major challenges associated with the record-keeping system and influencing the completion of patient files. Through the analysis of patient files, it was found that some patient file sections were completed more adequately than others. For example, administrative details were the most well-completed section, and the Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) initiation section was the most poorly completed. The findings also revealed reasons as to why these sections may or may not have been adequately completed. These included the need for the duplication of information, particularly for antenatal care clinicians. Time pressure for clinicians to see and complete patient records and work ethic and accountability were additional emergent themes. Lastly, clinicians argued that having a lack of access to, a shortage of or broken medical and record-keeping equipment that inhibited clinicians from obtaining and recording patient information, were additional reasons for poorly taken records. Conclusions: As the findings revealed, the primary healthcare clinic and its hybrid record-keeping system and process were influenced by a variety of clinic and record-keeping challenges that interacted and ultimately influenced the record-keeping process and completeness of patient files. The system constraints are important considerations as understanding how the clinic functions under them is a starting point for future system improvement. Furthermore, barriers impacting the record-keeping system influence several key steps in the record-keeping process, including the completion of details within patient files. Here it was found that some sections and information details were more adequately completed than others, which impacted the continuity, quality and safety of patient care. Additionally, the discrepancies found between the standard checklist and patient files were highlighted as a point of concern for the Department of Health (DoH) as clinics were being assessed based on a checklist that did not match the patient files, incorrectly representing the completeness of files to the DoH. Throughout the research project, the application and implementation of HFE and CBPR have been shown to be important in the local healthcare record-keeping system in that real-world challenges were identified through the perspective of community members facing the challenges. Therefore, HFE researchers should adopt a CBPR approach and apply these complementary domains in other complex systems and varying contexts to comprehensively understand the barriers, facilitators and opportunities for human-system interaction improvements. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Human Kinetics and Ergonomics, 2025
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Date Issued: 2025-04-02

Assessing how bird diversity of urban golf courses is influenced by course and landscape connectivity

Authors: Benjamin, Jonathan
Date: 2025-04-02
Subjects: Birds , Biodiversity , Connectivity , Golf courses South Africa , Green space , Urban ecology (Biology)
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/478969 , vital:78245
Description: With increasing urbanisation and corresponding environmental impacts, urban green infrastructure (UGI) and the services it provides are of high importance. However, the degree to which these spaces are beneficial and provide ecological services are influenced by the extent to which patches of UGI are connected to each other. Varying levels of connectivity may enhance or lower the resilience of the UGI and the biodiversity it houses. Although not considered as UGI, golf courses are prominent green spaces in many urban landscapes occupying vast areas of land, and therefore hold potential to aid biodiversity and facilitate species movement. However, the extent which golf courses are able to do so is a function of both the structure and availability of resources on the golf courses, as well as in the surroundings areas or landscape in which they are situated. This notion of connectivity of golf courses to their surroundings UGI (in its many forms) and landscapes has not been adequately explored in the literature as much of the present literature has addressed golf courses’ biodiversity in isolation of other UGI, or where it has been considered, only the context in which golf courses were situated has been acknowledged (i.e. urban or rural landscapes). Moreover, as golf courses occupy large areas of lands forms of UGI, they may also be able to enhance the connectivity of the landscapes in which they are situated through increasing land cover, and lowering fragmentation through connecting patches. This however, is also context specific, as seen in natural settings were golf courses would in fact fragment the landscape. This study therefore sought to assess the extent to which urban golf courses are connected to other forms of UGI in the South African context, and illustrate the importance of paying attention to connectivity in an avifaunal diversity study. It also aimed to investigate the potential of urban golf courses to foster avifaunal diversity in comparison to a reference landscape, the direct surrounding urban and residential areas. To analyse the extent to which golf courses in three South African cities were connected to the wider landscape a connectivity analysis was undertaken using GIS software. This analysis indicated that all golf courses were to some extent connected to a range of different UGI. Whilst the level of connectivity fluctuated between golf courses and cities, there was however no significant difference noted. Urban golf courses in the South African context are thus not isolated habitats but connected to other land uses and therefore potentially provide valuable resources that aid biodiversity. Despite being physically connected to surrounding UGI illustrating that both the golf courses benefit from the surrounding UGI and vice versa, at a larger landscape there was not sufficient evidence of the ability of golf courses to enhance connectivity. Although there was little evidence of golf courses’ ability to aid connectivity at the larger landscape scale, the observed extent to which golf courses were connected to their directly surrounding landscape and the high presence UGI within the larger landscape, informed the more refined investigation of avian biodiversity of golf courses in comparison to surrounding urban areas in the city of Cape Town. This biodiversity analysis indicated that there was significantly higher bird diversity on golf courses in comparison to the surrounding urban areas. However, the high level of connectivity to directly surrounding UGI that was obtained in the former part of the study proved to have no impact on the diversity noted. In contrast, the connectivity at the landscape scale, a scale addressing the broader landscape, provided valuable insight into factors determining the levels of avifaunal diversity noted. This dissertation therefore provides evidence of the biodiversity supporting function of urban golf courses and highlights the importance of landscape context in ecological assessment. These findings are a starting point for future research about the capacity of golf courses to support biodiversity in conjunction with other UGI. In the Global South context, which is complex and dynamic in nature, this information is vital, as these dynamic and changing landscapes provide opportunities to incorporate, and preserve already existing biodiversity. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Environmental Science, 2025
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Date Issued: 2025-04-02

Assessing land use and land cover change dynamics of wildlife ranches in South Africa

Authors: Moon, Lisa
Date: 2025-04-02
Subjects: Wildlife refuges South Africa , Biodiversity conservation South Africa , Land use Planning , Social ecology , Business model , Land cover
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/478980 , vital:78246
Description: With increasing urbanisation and corresponding environmental impacts, urban green infrastructure (UGI) and the services it provides are of high importance. However, the degree to which these spaces are beneficial and provide ecological services are influenced by the extent to which patches of UGI are connected to each other. Varying levels of connectivity may enhance or lower the resilience of the UGI and the biodiversity it houses. Although not considered as UGI, golf courses are prominent green spaces in many urban landscapes occupying vast areas of land, and therefore hold potential to aid biodiversity and facilitate species movement. However, the extent which golf courses are able to do so is a function of both the structure and availability of resources on the golf courses, as well as in the surroundings areas or landscape in which they are situated. This notion of connectivity of golf courses to their surroundings UGI (in its many forms) and landscapes has not been adequately explored in the literature as much of the present literature has addressed golf courses’ biodiversity in isolation of other UGI, or where it has been considered, only the context in which golf courses were situated has been acknowledged (i.e. urban or rural landscapes). Moreover, as golf courses occupy large areas of lands forms of UGI, they may also be able to enhance the connectivity of the landscapes in which they are situated through increasing land cover, and lowering fragmentation through connecting patches. This however, is also context specific, as seen in natural settings were golf courses would in fact fragment the landscape. This study therefore sought to assess the extent to which urban golf courses are connected to other forms of UGI in the South African context, and illustrate the importance of paying attention to connectivity in an avifaunal diversity study. It also aimed to investigate the potential of urban golf courses to foster avifaunal diversity in comparison to a reference landscape, the direct surrounding urban and residential areas. To analyse the extent to which golf courses in three South African cities were connected to the wider landscape a connectivity analysis was undertaken using GIS software. This analysis indicated that all golf courses were to some extent connected to a range of different UGI. Whilst the level of connectivity fluctuated between golf courses and cities, there was however no significant difference noted. Urban golf courses in the South African context are thus not isolated habitats but connected to other land uses and therefore potentially provide valuable resources that aid biodiversity. Despite being physically connected to surrounding UGI illustrating that both the golf courses benefit from the surrounding UGI and vice versa, at a larger landscape there was not sufficient evidence of the ability of golf courses to enhance connectivity. Although there was little evidence of golf courses’ ability to aid connectivity at the larger landscape scale, the observed extent to which golf courses were connected to their directly surrounding landscape and the high presence UGI within the larger landscape, informed the more refined investigation of avian biodiversity of golf courses in comparison to surrounding urban areas in the city of Cape Town. This biodiversity analysis indicated that there was significantly higher bird diversity on golf courses in comparison to the surrounding urban areas. However, the high level of connectivity to directly surrounding UGI that was obtained in the former part of the study proved to have no impact on the diversity noted. In contrast, the connectivity at the landscape scale, a scale addressing the broader landscape, provided valuable insight into factors determining the levels of avifaunal diversity noted. This dissertation therefore provides evidence of the biodiversity supporting function of urban golf courses and highlights the importance of landscape context in ecological assessment. These findings are a starting point for future research about the capacity of golf courses to support biodiversity in conjunction with other UGI. In the Global South context, which is complex and dynamic in nature, this information is vital, as these dynamic and changing landscapes provide opportunities to incorporate, and preserve already existing biodiversity. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Environmental Science, 2025
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Date Issued: 2025-04-02

Bioprospecting for entomopathogenic fungi against a foliar citrus pest

Authors: Boon, Erin Ashley
Date: 2025-04-02
Subjects: Citrus Diseases and pests South Africa , Entomopathogenic fungi , Pests Integrated control , Biological assay , Cryptophlebia leucotreta , Ultraviolet radiation Physiological effect
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/478991 , vital:78247
Description: Historically, pest management was highly dependent on the use of chemical insecticides for the control of agriculturally important pests. However, more recently, key export markets have imposed stringent chemical residue restrictions for citrus export. This deterring factor for chemical use has been coupled with the fact that these economically important pests are experiencing insecticidal resistance. As a result, the use of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) has been explored as a complementary control option in integrated pest management (IPM) regimes. Previous research in South Africa identified several strains of Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium spp. (including isolate M. pinghaense FCM Ar 23 B3). Laboratory bioassays evaluating the virulence of these isolates against major pests such as the false codling moth (FCM) (Thaumatotibia leucotreta, Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), citrus thrips (Scirtothrips aurantii, Thysanoptera: Thripidae), and citrus mealybugs (Planococcus citri, Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) highlighted the potential of these EPF. While field trials targeting FCM with soil-applied treatments yielded encouraging results, foliar applications aimed at controlling citrus thrips and mealybugs showed limited success. These findings highlighted the need to assess the biological traits of the recovered isolates. Varying temperature ranges and humidity levels were found to not hinder the isolates' efficacy in the field. Conidial inactivation induced by ultraviolet (UV) radiation however, was. As these strains were recovered from the soil environment, it stood to reason that EPF isolates recovered from the foliar environment may be more suited for foliar application. Thus, bioprospecting for isolates from the aboveground environment was initiated and was the focal point of this thesis. Following the isolation and identification, the pathogenic ability and virulence, as well as the UV tolerance of these novel strains were established. Of the isolates recovered from the aboveground environment and identified using morphological and molecular techniques, four were B. bassiana (Px LM 4, Ha LM 11, Ha LM 12, Coe 18), one M. anisopliae (Hu LM 14), one Fusarium oxysporum (Pc HV 9), and one Geotrichum candidum yeast (Ha LM 2). The majority were isolated from insect cadavers, but one (Coe 18) was isolated as a foliar endophyte from an organically managed citrus farm in the Eastern Cape. Using standard protocols and conidial doses, the virulence of the recovered isolates was established against a common foliar pest of citrus, citrus mealybug. Isolate FCM Ar 23 B3 was included as a comparative control in this study as the virulence against citrus mealybug has previously been established. The initial screening of the isolates ranged between 15 and 90 % mortality. Isolates Px LM 4 and FCM Ar 23 B3 both induced an average mortality of 90 %. Isolates Ha LM 11, Ha LM 12, Hu LM 14, and Coe 18 caused mortalities greater than 60 % and were further investigated under dose-response assays. Of the six isolates measured for LC50, FCM Ar 23 B3 was the most virulent (5.25 × 105 conidia/ml), followed by Px LM 4 (1.09 × 106 conidia/ml) and Hu LM 14 (1.32 × 106 conidia/ml). The UV susceptibility to simulated sunlight of the six most virulent isolates was investigated. Whilst UV radiation certainly delayed the conidial germination of all the isolates, all the strains isolated from the aboveground environment demonstrated significant initial tolerance to UV radiation compared to the most virulent M. pinghaense FCM Ar 23 B3, which was recovered from the soil environment. Even though the B. bassiana Coe 18, which was recovered as an endophytic EPF, was not the most virulent, it stood out with strong initial UV tolerance and sustained a relatively high germination rate over time, establishing it as the most UV-tolerant isolate. Although formulation for development as a microbial biocontrol programme should not be overlooked for these isolates, the initial UV and sustained tolerance demonstrated by these aboveground isolates warrants further investigation under field conditions. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2025
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Date Issued: 2025-04-02

Enculturation and adaptation: a practice-led investigation into the history and contemporary transformation of the Bahananwa harepa

Authors: Madiba, Elijah Moleseng
Date: 2025-04-02
Subjects: Enculturation , Gananwa (African people) , Gananwa dialect , Northern Sotho language , Stringed instruments South Africa Limpopo , Cultural identity , Pedi (African people)
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/479607 , vital:78328 , DOI 10.21504/10962/479607
Description: This thesis investigates the cultural and musical transformations of the harepa, a stringed instrument initially introduced as the autoharp by Christian missionaries in the late nineteenth century, now deeply embedded within the Basotho ba Lebowa community in Limpopo, South Africa. Through an interdisciplinary approach that blends historical ethnography with practice-led research, this thesis explores the harepa's negotiation of identity amidst the cultural shifts and modernisation affecting the community. The musical output of the harepa showcases a unique hybridity that fuses Basotho ba Lebowa traditions with Western musical influences. The aim of this research is to document the harepa instrument, analyse its music and transformation processes, highlight the musical history of research partners and emphasise the unique tunings which are distinct from Western standards. Employing methodologies that integrate participant observation, ethnographic interviews, and direct musical practice, the research engages with local musicians to understand the contemporary relevance of the harepa and its role in sustaining cultural heritage. It examines shifts in musical practices, the decline of traditional uses of the harepa, and efforts towards its revitalisation, including documenting musical repertoires and analysing performance practices. The findings highlight a complex narrative of enculturation, adaptation, and resistance, revealing the resilience of cultural identity through unique tuning systems that contrast sharply with Western musical paradigms. African tuning practices, characterised by their flexibility and reliance on auditory perception, challenge the adequacy of Western tuning methodologies. This study also investigates the potential of sampling as a method for the sonic representation of African music, advocating for a more culturally sensitive framework that respects the diversity of global musical traditions. By focusing on this localised musical phenomenon, the study illustrates broader cultural preservation and innovation dynamics within Limpopo's Basotho ba Lebowa community. It calls for ongoing dialogue and research to develop methodologies that reflect the unique cultural contexts of musical traditions worldwide. Ultimately, this work underscores the importance of engaged, practice-led research in documenting and revitalising endangered musical cultures in the face of globalisation and cultural homogenisation. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Music and Musicology, 2025
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Date Issued: 2025-04-02

Examining the effects of small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors on glucose metabolism in skeletal muscle and liver cell lines in vitro

Authors: Mugiya, Takudzwa Cleophas
Date: 2025-04-02
Subjects: Diabetes , Blood glucose , Cancer , Insulin , Protein kinase B , Glucose transporters
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/478829 , vital:78227
Description: Diabetes mellitus is rising due to aging, sedentary lifestyles, obesity, and unhealthy diets, posing a global health threat. Due to increase in prevalence together with shortfalls associated with current treatment options, there is still a necessity for a continuous search of new pharmacotherapies. Small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors are drugs, used in cancer chemotherapy and have been shown to affect glycaemic control and metabolism variably. Studies have shown that tyrosine kinase inhibitors can alter glycaemic control and glucose metabolism, with some demonstrating hypoglycaemic activities whilst others showing hyperglycaemic properties. The mechanism by which tyrosine kinase inhibitors cause glycaemic dysregulation is not well understood, therefore, the clinical significance of these chemotherapeutic agents on glucose handling is also poorly documented. Aims and objectives: This study aims to elucidate how small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors affect glucose metabolism in C2C12 and HepG2 cells in vitro, including their impact on glucose uptake, AKT, GLUT-4, and IL-6 expression, GLUT-4 translocation, and alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase activity. Methods: In this study, C2C12 and HepG2 cells were seeded in well plates and the initial media glucose concentration was recorded. Cells were then treated with small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors; imatinib, dasatinib, axitinib, and erlotinib for 24 hours. Thereafter, the effect of the test drugs was assessed on cell viability, glucose uptake, expression of AKT GLUT-4 and IL-6, and translocation of GLUT-4. Furthermore, effects of the drugs were assessed on the activities of alpha amylase and glucosidase using calometric assays. Results and Discussion: Cells treated with small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors were viable after 24 hours. A concentration-dependent increase in glucose uptake in C2C12 cells treated with imatinib was observed as the concentration of imatinib increased. Axitinib, dasatinib, and erlotinib demonstrated glucose uptake levels comparable to the control across all concentrations. Small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors demonstrated an increase in GLUT4 translocation in the absence of insulin. GLUT4 expression was comparable in cells treated with small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors and the control. Small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors showed an increase in AKT expression. C2C12 cells treated with small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors were observed to have elevated IL-6 expression compared to the control. The HepG2 cells treated with erlotinib and imatinib demonstrated elevated glucose uptake while cells treated with axitinib and dasatinib were observed to have a lower glucose uptake. Treatment with dasatinib led to a decrease in Akt expression as concentration increased. Small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors demonstrated inhibition of alpha-amylase, while only dasatinib and axitinib showed inhibition of alpha-glucosidase. Conclusion: The results show that small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors impact glucose metabolism in C2C12 and HepG2 cells via their effect on GLUT-4 translocation and expression and AKT expression. Dasatinib showed promising potential with regard to antidiabetic capabilities. Further research is needed to better understand these mechanisms' effects on metabolic homeostasis and inform future therapeutic strategies. , Thesis (MSc (Pharm)) -- Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmacy, 2025
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Date Issued: 2025-04-02

Filling the language gap: the feasibility of communication resources used in the provision of healthcare for HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

Authors: Lourenço, Nathalia Jane
Date: 2025-04-02
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/478504 , vital:78192 , DOI 10.21504/10962/478504
Description: South Africa has the largest number of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-positive people in the world, the third-highest rate of Tuberculosis (TB) infections, and the second-highest rate of Multi-Drug Resistant TB (MDR-TB) globally, with up to 60% of HIV-positive healthcare users (HCUs) infected with TB as a co-infection. Both HIV/AIDS and TB require strict medicines adherence for disease management or treatment respectively; however, this is often not attained, and as such these statistics also represent lives affected by or lives lost to these diseases. Moreover, in South Africa, up to 80% of healthcare consultations are conducted through a second language. Despite language policies suggesting the contrary, African languages are neglected in healthcare provision in South Africa. This perpetuates inequalities within the South African healthcare system by limiting HCUs understanding of and agency in their own healthcare and maintaining a barrier to more effective treatment. Such language barriers may also result in HCUs defaulting on treatment. Added to this, the fear and mistrust arising from language power dynamics contributes to high rates of avoidance behaviour. This research therefore aimed to (a) explore how healthcare professionals (HCPs) and HCUs communicate when they are not fluent in the same language in care for HIV/AIDS and TB patients; (b) develop practical and feasible strategies that would enable HCPs to address language barriers in their consultations for HIV and TB and (c) to empirically evaluate these strategies in a pilot feasibility trial in the Eastern Cape. The first aim (a) concerning the problem of language barriers in healthcare consultations was addressed through identifying communication barriers experienced by HCPs in South Africa, exploring the strategies used to navigate or alleviate these barriers, creating and implementing communication resources, and analysing the effects of these resources on HCPs’ communication. A selective narrative review was conducted (Chapter 2) to identify the main communication problems experienced by HCPs and HCUs, as well as the main communication strategies and resources used by HCPs to reduce these communication problems. This was further explored by conducting two needs analyses with HCPs (n=31) in South Africa, and specifically in the Eastern Cape, which revealed differing perspectives on health communication and confirmed HCPs’ need for communication resources. For the second aim (b), existing communication resources were reviewed and selected or further developed following a Participatory Action Research approach, and then (c) empirically evaluated in a pilot feasibility trial with six healthcare sites in the Eastern Cape. Both the needs analyses and the pilot feasibility trial were adapted to employ an online or blended approach due to COVID-19-related limitations. The feasibility and acceptability of both the study protocol and the proposed communication resources were evaluated. Three major findings emerged from this research. First, this research echoed existing literature confirming that HCPs do not have the support they need at a structural level. Second, while it was found that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for resources and training to improve HCP-HCU communication, it was noted that the most appropriate resources are those that are flexible, and those that support HCPs’ language learning. HCPs who were already sensitive to communication barriers and were already taking steps to improve their second language (L2) proficiency also took initiative to use the resources in ways other than those suggested in order to best support the communication needs of them and the HCUs they consulted. Third, and linked to the second finding, it was found that communication resources that covered conditions including, but not limited to, HIV and TB were more appropriate. HCPs who used the resources showed a small, although not statistically significant, increase in communication satisfaction, satisfaction with resource support, and trust after using the resources for one month. Although implementation problems were encountered in some settings of the intervention, it was found that this intervention has the potential to be further evaluated in a larger, multi-site randomised controlled trial (RCT). These findings inform recommendations which are made to improve the feasibility of such a study in order to conduct an RCT; to further develop the resources in order to enhance communication between HCPs and HCUs both in HIV and TB consultations and in other fields of healthcare; and to implement a similar intervention at the university level and as Continuing Medical Education. The insights gained into HCPs’ support for language support resources, which resources were used, and particularly how they were used, are significant for taking actionable steps in supporting HCPs’ provision of more equitable healthcare in multilingual South Africa. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Languages and Literatures, 2025
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Date Issued: 2025-04-02

Leveraging visualizations with systems for operational and strategic decision-making

Authors: Cuthbert, Carol Elaine
Date: 2025-04-02
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/479570 , vital:78325 , DOI 10.21504/10962/479570
Description: Dynamic capability-enhancing technology, Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), System Experts (SEs) in planning and forecasting, and big data used for sensemaking combine to enable knowledge-based management decisions in interdisciplinary teams, increasing competitive advantage. This research extended Contingent Resource-based Theory CRBT by focusing on visualization’s role in this process. SMEs and SEs configure assumptions, with visualizations, in an interdisciplinary team to enable planning within the context of legal practice management systems. The study employed a mixed-method sequential explanatory design. An initial quantitative component determining which types of decision-making information technology contribute to the competitiveness of a firm was undertaken. Niche systems were found to increase technological dynamic capability through their highly configurable workflow tools, which provide customization capabilities and the ability to react to a changing environment quickly. Niche systems differentiated through process automation were found to be the aspect to focus on in a qualitative research study. A knowledge-sharing process model was developed from the literature, and this was overlayed with visualization as the new knowledge-sharing enabler. Then, a thematic qualitative study of interviews focusing on SMEs' and SEs' use of visualization in legal and financial system implementation was employed to establish the extent to which this process occurs in legal financial transformation projects. Seven subject matter experts and four system experts in legal transformation implementations were interviewed regarding using visualization to facilitate communication, verification, and process configuration during the knowledge-sharing process. The research illustrated how (1) low code systems data, (2) people, and (3) data enable the creation, sharing, and configuration of knowledge in practice in the legal practice management context. Recommendations for further research were made to automate refining budgeting and forecasting assumptions. This enables management to arrive at more accurate forecasts by refining assumptions and producing the resultant profit and loss reports visually in heat maps depicting variance between the forecast and actual profit and loss reports. The SMEs provide feedback, and the system cycles between multiple assumption iterations, reducing the variance and enhancing management decision-making. Visualization was found to assist the knowledge-sharing process through (1) verification, (2) process enablement, and (3) communication for decision-making. This research highlighted the value of variance heat maps and other visualizations and workflows in making planning assumptions explicit, thereby enhancing forecasting accuracy. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2025
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Date Issued: 2025-04-02

Listening otherwise in the face of gender-based violence in South Africa: a critical exploration of the listening deficiencies in public narratives and a listening-based framework for healing and social change

Authors: Bombi, Thandi
Date: 2025-04-02
Subjects: Gender-based violence , Rhetoric Social aspects , Interviewing in journalism , Facilitation , Social change
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/478515 , vital:78193 , DOI 10.21504/10962/478515
Description: South Africa has one of the highest rates of gender-based violence (GBV) in the world. This includes femicide, rape and intimate partner violence. Scholars and activists in the space of GBV have challenged society to alter the way we have been taught to engage with rape and gender-based violence. Despite many interventions, gender-based violence remains an intractable social problem. This study uses Lipari’s (2014) concept of “listening otherwise” to respond to the challenge. By interrogating how South Africa’s violent history and patriarchal society has been normalised, the study attempts to see beyond the narrow ideas prescribed by the country’s history and violent cultures. This study uses the grounded theory approach (Glaser & Strauss 1967) to investigate the relationship between listening and gender-based violence in South Africa. The concept of “listening otherwise” is explored alongside the concepts “voice”, “speak out” and “break the silence” that are the most visible and codified strategies in the fight against gender-based violence. Following the exploration, the study then develops a theoretical and methodological framework for “listening otherwise” in the spaces, fields, and engagements that deal with gender-based violence in South Africa. The two central questions of the study ask; how do we reshape the collective emotional response to patriarchal structural violence? And furthermore, how do we listen otherwise when faced with experiences of gender-based violence in South Africa? The data used to construct the framework includes in-depth interviews, studies of actual cases, academic literature, news interviews and newspaper articles. There are a multitude of ways in which people are talking about gender-based violence, exposing perpetrators and “breaking the silence”. There is, in fact, no silence around rape, gender-based violence and femicide. The silence exists around engagements about gender, misogyny and patriarchy when discussing the causes of gendered violence in the country. This research found that the public’s listening practices around gender-based violence are shaped by patriarchal cultures and rape myths which are endemic in media discourses, legal discourses and in general social talk. Building a caring society, in which people play and use restorative justice practices, may alter the communal listening practices and have an impact on the public response to gender-based violence. The framework for listening otherwise, that emerged as a result of the research, is a contribution to listening scholarship and the activism against gender-based violence. The framework considered various aspects of listening and the field of gender-based violence and arrived at six conceptual considerations and six actions for listening otherwise. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Journalism and Media Studies, 2025
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Date Issued: 2025-04-02

Managing operational uncertainty in manufacturing with industry 4.0 and 5.0 technologies: a modified neo-configurational perspective

Authors: Mtotywa, Matolwandile Mzuvukile
Date: 2025-04-02
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/479584 , vital:78326 , DOI 10.21504/10962/479584
Description: The manufacturing sector is a significant economic multiplier due to its strong connections to the economy's downstream and upstream output sectors. It supports the notion that manufacturing drives industrialisation and can serve as the primary engine for growth and employment creation. Despite its importance, the manufacturing sector has challenges associated with diminishing size and lack of competitiveness, especially in countries such as South Africa. These challenges are exacerbated by prevailing operational uncertainties that negatively impact manufacturing firms. Literature on operational uncertainty, fourth and fifth industrial revolution technologies and organisational learning show several interrelated theoretical and methodological gaps, highlighting three empirical and theoretical gaps as well as two methodological gaps. Six propositions were developed to investigate the research objectives. This was done using a multi-method quantitative design based on the post-positivist paradigm, with data collected from 22 experts (expert survey) and 262 firm representatives (firm survey). The results of the study confirmed that operational uncertainty is a multi-dimensional construct with a reflective model for dimensions and reflective-reflective for higher-order construct. This means that for the dimensions, the indicators can be added or excluded in the formation of the dimension. The same is also true for construct, operational uncertainty. The results of the present study also confirm that operational uncertainty is a norm in the manufacturing industry with a Manufacturing Operational Uncertainty Index (MOUI) = 0.752, indicating the range of futures. This posits that it is difficult to divide these futures into a discrete and exhaustive set of possibilities due to the complexity of conditions (variables) at play. Industry 4.0 and 5.0 technologies and their capabilities can manage the operational uncertainty dimensions with these technologies capable of scenario planning and supply chain integration (SPSI), flexible production and mass customisation (FPMC), real-time system and process monitoring and response (RPMR), root cause analysis and sustainable solutions (RCAS). These technologies are mainly artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), big data analytics (BDA) and to a less extent advanced robotics (ARB), blockchain and augmented and virtual reality (ARVR). Organisation learning is also an effective causal condition to incorporate in managing operational uncertainty with Industry 4.0 and 5.0 technologies. The study has both theoretical and methodological contributions. In theory, it advanced the modified neo-configuration theory, while the methodology provided an Manufacturing Operational Uncertainty Index and integrated fsQCA with fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL), and structural equation modelling partial least square (PLS-SEM). This research study is important since the recognition and dissemination of subjects within the field of operations management hold great significance for firms, which is contingent upon their sector of operation. This research offers valuable insights for academia, policymakers, and the manufacturing sector. It helps with their activities to effect meaningful change in day-to-day business operations, allowing for more effective progress in the subject area, and promoting practical, real-world issue-solving. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2025
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Date Issued: 2025-04-02

Pre-release evaluation of stem-galling and seed-feeding midges (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) from South Africa as biological control agents for Guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus) in Texas, United States

Authors: De la Fontaine, Benjamin
Date: 2025-04-02
Subjects: Guinea grass Biological control Texas , Gall midges , Invasive plants Biological control Texas , Maxent , Phylogeny , Grasses Texas
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/479002 , vital:78248
Description: Guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus) is a tall-statured C4 grass with a native range spanning sub-Saharan Africa. Intentionally exported for centuries for its grazing value, it has become a near-global invasive. Texas, USA is the first territory to initiate a biological control program for Guinea grass, targeting an invasive population with genetic origins that have been traced to South Africa. This study focuses on the identification and evaluation of biological control agents for Guinea grass. Native-range natural enemy surveys were performed in South Africa, resulting in the identification of several undescribed species of phytophagous midges (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) on Guinea grass, including stem-galling taxa (gall midges) and seed-feeding taxa (seed midges). These taxa are expected to be highly host-specific based on the known biology of this family of insects, but the difficulty of rearing them in the laboratory necessitated field-based assessments. Field host range assessments of stem gall midges resulted in the rejection of one candidate (the horn gall midge, undescribed sp.) due to feeding on a relative of the target plant, Batochloa deusta, and the prioritization of another candidate (the blister gall midge, Arabukodiplosis vesicaria) that feeds only on Megathyrsus maximus. Combined field host range evaluations and phylogenetic analysis of a cryptic species complex of seed midges resolved this as a new genus containing up to seven species, with five species that are likely to be specific to their respective Panicoideae grass hosts, including Megathyrsus maximus and Cenchrus ciliaris (buffelgrass – also invasive in the USA). Climate matching models for the blister gall midge and seed midge on Guinea grass predicted high likelihood of establishment and nearly complete coverage of invaded sites in Texas, and identified northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa as an ideal source region for Guinea grass biocontrol agents. The nascent sub-field of grass biocontrol research has developed slowly because of inaccurate perceptions that grasses lack host-specific herbivores, and faces a severe taxonomic impediment given the large number of undescribed insect species feeding on grasses, especially in Africa. This study has contributed to resolving both challenges by identifying several new host-specific insect species, showing that the prospects for future success and discovery in grass biological control are promising. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2025
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Date Issued: 2025-04-02

Showing items 41 - 60 of 24862

Follow the yellow flag road : advancing the biological control of a global wetland invader, and a case study on ecosystem recovery

Investigating the mainstreaming of inclusive education in Teacher Education Practice for Pedagogical Proficiency through Education for Sustainable Development Change Projects in Southern Africa

Mainstreaming equitable decision-making under uncertainty at the Water User Association level using a reallocation model in the Western Cape, South Africa

New insights on classical radio galaxies from MeerKAT and uGMRT

Scholar-activist transdisciplinary research praxis for blue justice in South Africa: perspectives from the South African Coastal Justice Network scholar-activist archive

Stimulating Namibian learners’ democratic participation and leadership in a senior primary rural school: a participatory action research study

Three decades of change: exploring colonial legacies and shifts within processes of admission at South African Universities of Technology

A large multiscale detailed modelling of aptamers as anticancer therapeutics

An investigation on the effects of Afrocentric missense variations on the structure and function of CYP2A6 protein

Applying human factors and ergonomics to a healthcare clinic record-keeping process using a community-based participatory research approach in Makhanda

Assessing how bird diversity of urban golf courses is influenced by course and landscape connectivity

Assessing land use and land cover change dynamics of wildlife ranches in South Africa

Bioprospecting for entomopathogenic fungi against a foliar citrus pest

Enculturation and adaptation: a practice-led investigation into the history and contemporary transformation of the Bahananwa harepa

Examining the effects of small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors on glucose metabolism in skeletal muscle and liver cell lines in vitro

Filling the language gap: the feasibility of communication resources used in the provision of healthcare for HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

Leveraging visualizations with systems for operational and strategic decision-making

Listening otherwise in the face of gender-based violence in South Africa: a critical exploration of the listening deficiencies in public narratives and a listening-based framework for healing and social change

Managing operational uncertainty in manufacturing with industry 4.0 and 5.0 technologies: a modified neo-configurational perspective

Pre-release evaluation of stem-galling and seed-feeding midges (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) from South Africa as biological control agents for Guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus) in Texas, United States