In vitro investigation of the anti-hyperglycemic and chemical composition of Heteromorpha arborescens (Spreng.) Cham leaf extracts used in the management of diabetes mellitus
- Abifarin, Taiwo Oluwafunmilola https://orcid.org/00000003-4994-4638
- Authors: Abifarin, Taiwo Oluwafunmilola https://orcid.org/00000003-4994-4638
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Diabetes
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22798 , vital:52760
- Description: Diabetes mellitus is currently a major threat all over the world. It is a chronic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose levels and disturbance in carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism which often times leads to several complications such as, atherosclerosis, diabetic nephropathy, retinopathy and neuropathy. Due to the side effects associated with synthetic oral hypoglycemic drugs, herbal remedies have become the alternative in the management of diabetes mellitus. Heteromorpha arborescens is one of the many plants used as herbal remedies for the management of diabetes mellitus in South Africa. In addition, the roots, barks and leaves are used in other parts of Southern Africa for the treatment of mental problems, asthma, cough, dysentery and tuberculosis. The roots are fed to malnourished children in Botswana and Swaziland. However, despite the high medicinal importance, there is little or no scientificinformation to prove this claim. Therefore, the basis of this study is to determine the chemical composition as well as perform and invitro investigation of the antihyperglycemic potential of H. arborescens leaf extracts to provide information that could validate the ethno-medicinal claims for the use of this plant in the management of diabetes mellitus. Phytochemical contents and antioxidant activity of the leaf extracts were determined. Phytochemical analysis of the acetone, ethanol, aqueous and blanched extracts of H. arborescens leaves indicated that the total phenol content of the extracts ranged between 15.10 mg GAE/g- 42.50 mg QAE/g, proanthocyanidin, 459-8402.1 mg QE/g and the flavonoid content, 109.24- 235.79 mg QE/g. In addition, alkaloids (7.65percent) and saponin (25.33percent) were present in significantamounts. Based on the IC50 values, the ethanol extract exhibited the highest total antioxidant activity (0.0125 mg/mL) with highest inhibition against DPPH and ABTS radicals (0.06 and 0.049 mg/mL respectively). Relatively high antioxidant activity may be attributed to the polyphenolic contents which possess hypoglycemic potentials. Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) of H. arborescens leaf extracts against Bacillus pumilus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Klebselia pneumoniae was also determined and results indicated considerable antibacterial activity in the acetone, ethanol and blanched extracts with MIC values ranging from 1.563-12.5 mg/mL; however, the aqueous extract was inactive against all the bacteria strains. The antibacterial activity of the leaf extracts could be advantageous against diabetic related infections. The cytotoxicity, anti-obesity and antidiabetic potentials of blanched, aqueous and ethanol extracts of Heteromorpha arborescens (Spreng.) Cham leaves were also investigated. The results revealed that both ethanol and aqueous extracts indicated considerable inhibition against α-glucosidase (IC50 of 627.29 ± 4.33 μg/mL and 576.46 ± 3.21 μg/mL respectively) while the blanched extract showed weak α- glucosidase inhibition (IC50; 855.38 ± 4.29 μg/mL). The aqueous extract showed the best α- amylase inhibition (IC50; 583.74 ± 5.87 μg/mL) among the assessed extracts. However, weak α- amylase inhibition was observed in the ethanol (IC50; 724.60 ± 4.33 μg/mL) and blanched extracts (IC50; 791.63 ± 3.76 μg/mL) of H. arborescens leaves. Some level of glucose utilization in both C3A and L6 cells was also observed for the aqueous and ethanol extracts which may be attributed to the relatively lower toxicity levels present in them, however, glucose utilization was very weak for the blanched extract, which may be due to higher level of cytotoxicity it possessed. Relatively weak lipase inhibition was observed for the ethanol (IC50; 699.3 ± 1.33 μg/mL), aqueous (IC50; 811.52 ± 3.52 μg/mL) and blanched extract (IC50; 1152.7 ± 4.61 μg/mL) as compared to orlistat (IC50; 56.88 ± 0.11 μg/mL). However, there was no reasonable reduction in lipid accumulation observed in all the extract treated cells. The results obtained suggest that H.arborescens leaf extracts can serve as a potential tool for the development of new strategies for the treatment of diabetes and obesity. However, further analysis is required to ascertain its anti- obesity potential. Also, caution should be taken in the use of the plant at high concentrations in order to ensure safety and efficacy. Analyses were also carried out to determine the nutritional and antinutritional constituents of the plant for possible inclusion in the diet of diabetic patients. Proximate analysis revealed the presence of 8.5 percent total ash, 4.92 percent crude fat, 8.41 percent moisture, 15.74 percent crude protein, 21.48 percent crude fiber, 40.95 percent carbohydrates and 271.04 kcal/100g energy value. Mineral analysis showed that H. arborescens leaves are very rich in K, Ca, and Fe. Considerable amounts of Mg, Mn, Na, P, Cu and Zn were also present. Vitamin analysis showed that the plant has a high content of vitamins A, C and E. The anti-nutrients evaluated were phytate, oxalate, saponin, and alkaloids, all of which were below toxic levels except for saponin which was observed in moderately high level. This study revealed that H. arborescens leaves are a good source of nutrients and mineral elements, (with low anti-nutrient content) that are highly beneficial to human health especially in diabetic individuals, therefore, encouraging its possible inclusion as a vegetable. Essential oil composition of fresh Heteromorphaarborescens leaves were also determined by Solvent-Free-Microwave-Extraction (SFME) and Hydrodistillation (HD) methods and the compositions of both mehods were compared in terms of their chemical compositions, yield, CO2 emission and energy consumption. Solvent Free Microwave extraction method indicated higher oil yield of 0.7 mL/200 g (0.35 percent) as compared to 0.59 mL/200 g (0.295 percent), lower energy consumption and CO2 emission as compared to the hydrodistillation method. In conclusion, H. arborescens leaves indicated considerable potential efficacy in the management for diabetes mellitus and may require further structural elucidation and characterization in order to identify the bioactive constituents. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Authors: Abifarin, Taiwo Oluwafunmilola https://orcid.org/00000003-4994-4638
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Diabetes
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22798 , vital:52760
- Description: Diabetes mellitus is currently a major threat all over the world. It is a chronic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose levels and disturbance in carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism which often times leads to several complications such as, atherosclerosis, diabetic nephropathy, retinopathy and neuropathy. Due to the side effects associated with synthetic oral hypoglycemic drugs, herbal remedies have become the alternative in the management of diabetes mellitus. Heteromorpha arborescens is one of the many plants used as herbal remedies for the management of diabetes mellitus in South Africa. In addition, the roots, barks and leaves are used in other parts of Southern Africa for the treatment of mental problems, asthma, cough, dysentery and tuberculosis. The roots are fed to malnourished children in Botswana and Swaziland. However, despite the high medicinal importance, there is little or no scientificinformation to prove this claim. Therefore, the basis of this study is to determine the chemical composition as well as perform and invitro investigation of the antihyperglycemic potential of H. arborescens leaf extracts to provide information that could validate the ethno-medicinal claims for the use of this plant in the management of diabetes mellitus. Phytochemical contents and antioxidant activity of the leaf extracts were determined. Phytochemical analysis of the acetone, ethanol, aqueous and blanched extracts of H. arborescens leaves indicated that the total phenol content of the extracts ranged between 15.10 mg GAE/g- 42.50 mg QAE/g, proanthocyanidin, 459-8402.1 mg QE/g and the flavonoid content, 109.24- 235.79 mg QE/g. In addition, alkaloids (7.65percent) and saponin (25.33percent) were present in significantamounts. Based on the IC50 values, the ethanol extract exhibited the highest total antioxidant activity (0.0125 mg/mL) with highest inhibition against DPPH and ABTS radicals (0.06 and 0.049 mg/mL respectively). Relatively high antioxidant activity may be attributed to the polyphenolic contents which possess hypoglycemic potentials. Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) of H. arborescens leaf extracts against Bacillus pumilus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Klebselia pneumoniae was also determined and results indicated considerable antibacterial activity in the acetone, ethanol and blanched extracts with MIC values ranging from 1.563-12.5 mg/mL; however, the aqueous extract was inactive against all the bacteria strains. The antibacterial activity of the leaf extracts could be advantageous against diabetic related infections. The cytotoxicity, anti-obesity and antidiabetic potentials of blanched, aqueous and ethanol extracts of Heteromorpha arborescens (Spreng.) Cham leaves were also investigated. The results revealed that both ethanol and aqueous extracts indicated considerable inhibition against α-glucosidase (IC50 of 627.29 ± 4.33 μg/mL and 576.46 ± 3.21 μg/mL respectively) while the blanched extract showed weak α- glucosidase inhibition (IC50; 855.38 ± 4.29 μg/mL). The aqueous extract showed the best α- amylase inhibition (IC50; 583.74 ± 5.87 μg/mL) among the assessed extracts. However, weak α- amylase inhibition was observed in the ethanol (IC50; 724.60 ± 4.33 μg/mL) and blanched extracts (IC50; 791.63 ± 3.76 μg/mL) of H. arborescens leaves. Some level of glucose utilization in both C3A and L6 cells was also observed for the aqueous and ethanol extracts which may be attributed to the relatively lower toxicity levels present in them, however, glucose utilization was very weak for the blanched extract, which may be due to higher level of cytotoxicity it possessed. Relatively weak lipase inhibition was observed for the ethanol (IC50; 699.3 ± 1.33 μg/mL), aqueous (IC50; 811.52 ± 3.52 μg/mL) and blanched extract (IC50; 1152.7 ± 4.61 μg/mL) as compared to orlistat (IC50; 56.88 ± 0.11 μg/mL). However, there was no reasonable reduction in lipid accumulation observed in all the extract treated cells. The results obtained suggest that H.arborescens leaf extracts can serve as a potential tool for the development of new strategies for the treatment of diabetes and obesity. However, further analysis is required to ascertain its anti- obesity potential. Also, caution should be taken in the use of the plant at high concentrations in order to ensure safety and efficacy. Analyses were also carried out to determine the nutritional and antinutritional constituents of the plant for possible inclusion in the diet of diabetic patients. Proximate analysis revealed the presence of 8.5 percent total ash, 4.92 percent crude fat, 8.41 percent moisture, 15.74 percent crude protein, 21.48 percent crude fiber, 40.95 percent carbohydrates and 271.04 kcal/100g energy value. Mineral analysis showed that H. arborescens leaves are very rich in K, Ca, and Fe. Considerable amounts of Mg, Mn, Na, P, Cu and Zn were also present. Vitamin analysis showed that the plant has a high content of vitamins A, C and E. The anti-nutrients evaluated were phytate, oxalate, saponin, and alkaloids, all of which were below toxic levels except for saponin which was observed in moderately high level. This study revealed that H. arborescens leaves are a good source of nutrients and mineral elements, (with low anti-nutrient content) that are highly beneficial to human health especially in diabetic individuals, therefore, encouraging its possible inclusion as a vegetable. Essential oil composition of fresh Heteromorphaarborescens leaves were also determined by Solvent-Free-Microwave-Extraction (SFME) and Hydrodistillation (HD) methods and the compositions of both mehods were compared in terms of their chemical compositions, yield, CO2 emission and energy consumption. Solvent Free Microwave extraction method indicated higher oil yield of 0.7 mL/200 g (0.35 percent) as compared to 0.59 mL/200 g (0.295 percent), lower energy consumption and CO2 emission as compared to the hydrodistillation method. In conclusion, H. arborescens leaves indicated considerable potential efficacy in the management for diabetes mellitus and may require further structural elucidation and characterization in order to identify the bioactive constituents. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
Investigation of pharmaceutical residues and polybrominated diphenyl ethers in selected river estuaries and canal in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Ohoro, Chinemerem Ruth https://orcid.org/ 0000-0002-8167-6314
- Authors: Ohoro, Chinemerem Ruth https://orcid.org/ 0000-0002-8167-6314
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Marine pharmacology
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21545 , vital:48878
- Description: The increasing global pollution by contaminants of emerging concern due to industrialization, development, and improper handling of industrial and domestic waste is alarming. Some of these emerging contaminants are endocrine disruptors and persistent organic pollutants. Two groups of compounds (pharmaceuticals and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)) were considered for this study. Pharmaceuticals are drugs which we take to cure and nourish human and animal bodies, ranging from antibiotics, stimulants, psychiatric, to hormonal recipes among others. They are potentially toxic and comprise chemicals or active ingredients capable of disrupting hormones. They have been related to human and aquatic organisms' ecological risks, such as feminization and masculinization of fish, cancer, and disruption of the immune system. In recent times, pharmaceuticals are being tested in the Rivers of South Africa. PBDEs are human influential chemicals usually incorporated into products such as flame retardants, which can travel over a long distance. They are hydrophobic, lipophilic, environmentally persistent, and easily absorbed by aquatic organisms. About 209 congeners exist, and BDE- 17, 47, 66, 100, 153, 154, and 183 are frequently detected in the environment. The higher brominated congeners can debrominate to more toxic and lower congeners. Though they have low acute toxicity, their effect of interfering with the thyroid gland is long-term. They pose a risk such as immunological, neurological, carcinogenicity, and reproductive disruption. Water and sediment samples considered for investigation were collected from five different sites (Buffalo River Estuary, Sundays River Estuary, Swartkops River Estuary, Nahoon River Estuary, and Markman Canal stormwater). These sites are located in the two major cities hosting the two major Ports (East London and Port Elizabeth) in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Five sampling points were chosen for the collection of both water and sediment samples across three seasons that span from August to December in each of the mentioned sites. Nahoon River Estuary that was not sampled in winter seasons due to logistics and the global pandemic of year 2020; sediment sample was not collected at point NH5 for the spring season because of inaccessibility and topography of the sampling point. Ultrasonic extraction was utilized for sediment samples while SPE method with C-18 cartridges, was used to extract pharmaceuticals in water samples and for the purification of sediment extracts. A chromatographic column was employed for sediment purification. Analytes considered in this study were carbamazepine, caffeine, trimethoprim, sulfamethoxazole, and testosterone. Nahoon River Estuary and Markman canal were considered for investigation of water and sediments for PBDEs. The samples were processed for analysis immediately on arrival to the laboratory after being stored in an ice chest at 4 oC. Physicochemical properties of water samples were taken on site. The temperature ranges from 15.5-24.5 oC for Markman and 24.5- 26.6 oC. Nahoon River Estuary. There was a correlation among the congeners except for BDE-153, which do not correlate with BDE- 17, 47, and 183 in Markman. However, BDE- 153 correlated with BDE-66 in Markman. The Ʃ5PBDE for water and Ʃ6PBDE sediment for all seasons were BDL – 1357 ng/L and BDL – 408.14 ng/g, respectively. The PBDEs mean concentrations in Nahoon water samples ranges from BDL-247 ng/L (spring). The dominant congeners in Nahoon Estuary and Markman Canal samples were BDE- 17 and BDE – 66. The temperature and pH of Swartkops River Estuary range from 16.66 – 25.15 oC, and 8.1 – 10.4, respectively. The pH of the Estuary was higher than that of the Markman Canal. The concentrations of pharmaceuticals in water samples were below detection limit. However, carbamazepine gave the highest concentration in sediment samples (23.86 μg/kg). SLF was not detected in sediment samples. The range of temperature for Buffalo River Estuary was lower than the other sites (18.10 – 20.22 oC); however, the pH showed no difference. Human and ecotoxicological risks were estimated for Markman Canal, Nahoon, Swartkops, Buffalo and Sundays River estuaries. The concentrations obtained for the two classes of contaminants in this study showed that PBDEs in Markman Canal sediment could pose a potential risk to humans, while Nahoon River Estuary poses no risk from PBDEs. Furthermore, the concentrations of caffeine in surface water of Sundays Estuary indicates low ecotoxicological risk to aquatic organisms (fish). Also, carbamazepine and trimethoprim levels (BDL – 9.50 and 1.39-2.00 μg/kg, respectively) suggest a high risk to aquatic organisms (bacteria, invertebrate, algae) in sediment of Buffalo, Sundays, and Swartkops estuaries, as well as Markman Canal. The situation report shows that the estuaries and canal in East London and Port Elizabeth are polluted by organic pollutants such as pharmaceuticals and polybrominated diphenyl ethers. Measures has to be taken to monitor the pollution of these rivers that are of economic value to South Africa. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ohoro, Chinemerem Ruth https://orcid.org/ 0000-0002-8167-6314
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Marine pharmacology
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21545 , vital:48878
- Description: The increasing global pollution by contaminants of emerging concern due to industrialization, development, and improper handling of industrial and domestic waste is alarming. Some of these emerging contaminants are endocrine disruptors and persistent organic pollutants. Two groups of compounds (pharmaceuticals and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)) were considered for this study. Pharmaceuticals are drugs which we take to cure and nourish human and animal bodies, ranging from antibiotics, stimulants, psychiatric, to hormonal recipes among others. They are potentially toxic and comprise chemicals or active ingredients capable of disrupting hormones. They have been related to human and aquatic organisms' ecological risks, such as feminization and masculinization of fish, cancer, and disruption of the immune system. In recent times, pharmaceuticals are being tested in the Rivers of South Africa. PBDEs are human influential chemicals usually incorporated into products such as flame retardants, which can travel over a long distance. They are hydrophobic, lipophilic, environmentally persistent, and easily absorbed by aquatic organisms. About 209 congeners exist, and BDE- 17, 47, 66, 100, 153, 154, and 183 are frequently detected in the environment. The higher brominated congeners can debrominate to more toxic and lower congeners. Though they have low acute toxicity, their effect of interfering with the thyroid gland is long-term. They pose a risk such as immunological, neurological, carcinogenicity, and reproductive disruption. Water and sediment samples considered for investigation were collected from five different sites (Buffalo River Estuary, Sundays River Estuary, Swartkops River Estuary, Nahoon River Estuary, and Markman Canal stormwater). These sites are located in the two major cities hosting the two major Ports (East London and Port Elizabeth) in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Five sampling points were chosen for the collection of both water and sediment samples across three seasons that span from August to December in each of the mentioned sites. Nahoon River Estuary that was not sampled in winter seasons due to logistics and the global pandemic of year 2020; sediment sample was not collected at point NH5 for the spring season because of inaccessibility and topography of the sampling point. Ultrasonic extraction was utilized for sediment samples while SPE method with C-18 cartridges, was used to extract pharmaceuticals in water samples and for the purification of sediment extracts. A chromatographic column was employed for sediment purification. Analytes considered in this study were carbamazepine, caffeine, trimethoprim, sulfamethoxazole, and testosterone. Nahoon River Estuary and Markman canal were considered for investigation of water and sediments for PBDEs. The samples were processed for analysis immediately on arrival to the laboratory after being stored in an ice chest at 4 oC. Physicochemical properties of water samples were taken on site. The temperature ranges from 15.5-24.5 oC for Markman and 24.5- 26.6 oC. Nahoon River Estuary. There was a correlation among the congeners except for BDE-153, which do not correlate with BDE- 17, 47, and 183 in Markman. However, BDE- 153 correlated with BDE-66 in Markman. The Ʃ5PBDE for water and Ʃ6PBDE sediment for all seasons were BDL – 1357 ng/L and BDL – 408.14 ng/g, respectively. The PBDEs mean concentrations in Nahoon water samples ranges from BDL-247 ng/L (spring). The dominant congeners in Nahoon Estuary and Markman Canal samples were BDE- 17 and BDE – 66. The temperature and pH of Swartkops River Estuary range from 16.66 – 25.15 oC, and 8.1 – 10.4, respectively. The pH of the Estuary was higher than that of the Markman Canal. The concentrations of pharmaceuticals in water samples were below detection limit. However, carbamazepine gave the highest concentration in sediment samples (23.86 μg/kg). SLF was not detected in sediment samples. The range of temperature for Buffalo River Estuary was lower than the other sites (18.10 – 20.22 oC); however, the pH showed no difference. Human and ecotoxicological risks were estimated for Markman Canal, Nahoon, Swartkops, Buffalo and Sundays River estuaries. The concentrations obtained for the two classes of contaminants in this study showed that PBDEs in Markman Canal sediment could pose a potential risk to humans, while Nahoon River Estuary poses no risk from PBDEs. Furthermore, the concentrations of caffeine in surface water of Sundays Estuary indicates low ecotoxicological risk to aquatic organisms (fish). Also, carbamazepine and trimethoprim levels (BDL – 9.50 and 1.39-2.00 μg/kg, respectively) suggest a high risk to aquatic organisms (bacteria, invertebrate, algae) in sediment of Buffalo, Sundays, and Swartkops estuaries, as well as Markman Canal. The situation report shows that the estuaries and canal in East London and Port Elizabeth are polluted by organic pollutants such as pharmaceuticals and polybrominated diphenyl ethers. Measures has to be taken to monitor the pollution of these rivers that are of economic value to South Africa. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
Knowledge and attitude towards mastitis, culling and mortality among dairy farmworkers, and factors associated with culling and mortality among dairy cattle in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Diniso, Yanga Simamkele
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Food security , Dairying--Economic aspects , Milking
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20686 , vital:46425
- Description: Globally, food security is under threat from escalating population growth, new variants of diseases, climate change and livestock loss. Africa is vulnerable to food insecurity, with majority of the estimated 800 million suffering from hunger based in Africa. Intensification of production is a common strategy to counter the increasing demand for nutritional food to maintain and improve food security. The dairy industry is one of the leading agriculture sectors that has adopted intensification of production. The current study had two specific objectives; the first objective was to evaluate the dairy farmworkers’ knowledge and attitude towards mastitis, culling, and mortality in the southern part of the Eastern Cape Province. The data was collected from 106 dairy farm workers of different farm hierarchy in 5 out of 6 districts using questionnaire. In cases whereby a majority correctly answered a question, a point was awarded and a zero for incorrectly answered questions by the majority. A less than 50 percent pass rate was considered a poor level of knowledge, 51-69 percent pass rate was considered an average level of knowledge, and anything higher than that considered a good level of knowledge. The majority of the participants (64.2 percent) indicated that they consume unpasteurised milk even though they know its risks. There was no association (P>0.05) between workplace position, educational level, work experience, and consumption of unpasteurised milk. This study found that participants had a deficient level of knowledge of mastitis causing pathogens by attaining a pass mark of 1.60 out of a possible 10 (16 percent), and educational level was significantly associated with knowledge of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus spp. However, the participants (64.9 percent) showed good knowledge of clinical signs of mastitis, and this was attributed to the regular mastitis detection with California Mastitis Test (CMT, 60.4 percent) and a strip cup (83.0 percent). The participants had varying perceptions and limited knowledge (28.3 percent pass rate) about the major contributing factors of culling and mortality. The lack of dairy training courses and minimal use of other sources of information such as the internet might contribute to this poor knowledge and perceptions. The second objective involved identifying and describing the factors responsible for culling and mortality in dairy farms in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa. The factors were grouped into seven (7) major factors namely lameness and poor growth (2.33 percent), reproduction problems (35.86 percent), health factors (6.72 percent), production factors (7.11 percent), udder-related factors (3.42 percent), voluntary culls (4.86 percent) and miscellaneous factors (26.03 percent). The most frequent reason for culling dairy cows was reproduction problems which was mainly made up of infertility (7.9 percent), reproductive failure (89.9 percent), and dystocia (1 percent). Miscellaneous factors which mainly consisted of indigenous breeds (8.2 percent), and age (2.7 percent) accounted for the second most prevalent factors for the culling of dairy cows. All the farms recorded stock-theft as part of involuntary culling and accounted for 3.6 percent dairy cows that were culled. Poor milk yield and health-related factors such as red-water (33.8 percent), milk-fever (23.3 percent), and heart-water (6.8 percent) were amongst the major factors responsible for the culling of dairy cows. There were 1774 (13.67 percent) dairy cows that died in the study farms from 2015 to 2019 and causes of death were not specified except for drowning (0.01 percent) and snake bite (1 percent). This study exposed a gap in knowledge about the causes of mastitis, culling and mortality among dairy farmworkers in the southern part of the Eastern Cape Province. Furthermore, this study provided with a baseline information on the leading causes of culling and mortality. There is a need for further research on strategies of enhancing the knowledge of dairy farmworkers about pathogens of mastitis and specific causes of culling and mortality to mitigate the challenge they pose to food security. , Thesis (MSc) (Animal Science) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Authors: Diniso, Yanga Simamkele
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Food security , Dairying--Economic aspects , Milking
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20686 , vital:46425
- Description: Globally, food security is under threat from escalating population growth, new variants of diseases, climate change and livestock loss. Africa is vulnerable to food insecurity, with majority of the estimated 800 million suffering from hunger based in Africa. Intensification of production is a common strategy to counter the increasing demand for nutritional food to maintain and improve food security. The dairy industry is one of the leading agriculture sectors that has adopted intensification of production. The current study had two specific objectives; the first objective was to evaluate the dairy farmworkers’ knowledge and attitude towards mastitis, culling, and mortality in the southern part of the Eastern Cape Province. The data was collected from 106 dairy farm workers of different farm hierarchy in 5 out of 6 districts using questionnaire. In cases whereby a majority correctly answered a question, a point was awarded and a zero for incorrectly answered questions by the majority. A less than 50 percent pass rate was considered a poor level of knowledge, 51-69 percent pass rate was considered an average level of knowledge, and anything higher than that considered a good level of knowledge. The majority of the participants (64.2 percent) indicated that they consume unpasteurised milk even though they know its risks. There was no association (P>0.05) between workplace position, educational level, work experience, and consumption of unpasteurised milk. This study found that participants had a deficient level of knowledge of mastitis causing pathogens by attaining a pass mark of 1.60 out of a possible 10 (16 percent), and educational level was significantly associated with knowledge of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus spp. However, the participants (64.9 percent) showed good knowledge of clinical signs of mastitis, and this was attributed to the regular mastitis detection with California Mastitis Test (CMT, 60.4 percent) and a strip cup (83.0 percent). The participants had varying perceptions and limited knowledge (28.3 percent pass rate) about the major contributing factors of culling and mortality. The lack of dairy training courses and minimal use of other sources of information such as the internet might contribute to this poor knowledge and perceptions. The second objective involved identifying and describing the factors responsible for culling and mortality in dairy farms in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa. The factors were grouped into seven (7) major factors namely lameness and poor growth (2.33 percent), reproduction problems (35.86 percent), health factors (6.72 percent), production factors (7.11 percent), udder-related factors (3.42 percent), voluntary culls (4.86 percent) and miscellaneous factors (26.03 percent). The most frequent reason for culling dairy cows was reproduction problems which was mainly made up of infertility (7.9 percent), reproductive failure (89.9 percent), and dystocia (1 percent). Miscellaneous factors which mainly consisted of indigenous breeds (8.2 percent), and age (2.7 percent) accounted for the second most prevalent factors for the culling of dairy cows. All the farms recorded stock-theft as part of involuntary culling and accounted for 3.6 percent dairy cows that were culled. Poor milk yield and health-related factors such as red-water (33.8 percent), milk-fever (23.3 percent), and heart-water (6.8 percent) were amongst the major factors responsible for the culling of dairy cows. There were 1774 (13.67 percent) dairy cows that died in the study farms from 2015 to 2019 and causes of death were not specified except for drowning (0.01 percent) and snake bite (1 percent). This study exposed a gap in knowledge about the causes of mastitis, culling and mortality among dairy farmworkers in the southern part of the Eastern Cape Province. Furthermore, this study provided with a baseline information on the leading causes of culling and mortality. There is a need for further research on strategies of enhancing the knowledge of dairy farmworkers about pathogens of mastitis and specific causes of culling and mortality to mitigate the challenge they pose to food security. , Thesis (MSc) (Animal Science) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
Participation of smallholder farmers in the production of high-value commodities: The case of smallholder tobacco farmers in
- Authors: Mugande, Unity
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Farms, Small -- Zimbabwe , Sustainable development -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21533 , vital:48864
- Description: Participation in the production of high-value export commodities is important in increasing incomes and in enhancing smallholder farmers’ livelihoods. However, the level of their participation may be limited by several factors. Despite the limiting factors, smallholder tobacco farming has gained popularity, especially for the Zimbabwean tobacco industry. Since the Fast Track Land Reform Programme (FTLRP), the tobacco industry in Zimbabwe has seen an influx of smallholder farmers who have since dominated the industry producing over half of the national total tobacco output. The participation by smallholder farmers in tobacco production can be influenced by many factors, the main being income realisation. However, for farmers to realise reasonable incomes, they should be able to produce reasonable levels of good quality tobacco otherwise their farming would be in vain. It has been shown in the literature that smallholder farmers can be constrained by several factors to produce high levels of produce and these factors may include one or more of the following; lack of capital, lack of productive assets, lack of tobacco production skills, lack of financial resources to finance productive activities properly, lack of access to land to expand production among others. Given this background, this study sought to assess the participation of smallholder farmers in tobacco production in terms of quantities and qualities produced given the differences in their productive capacities. The study utilised both primary and secondary data for analysis. Primary data were collected from individual farmers and contract firms’ representatives. The unit of analysis was the smallholder farmer. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires and a semi-structured interview guide for the contract representatives. Secondary data for the 2018 season were obtained from TIMB. Descriptive statistics, binary logistic regression analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were used to analyse the data. The descriptive statistics results showed that; the majority of the tobacco farmers had low levels of education and they relied mainly on farm incomes for survival. Concerning farm assets, the results showed that; on average, farmers own at least one of the following traditional assets; plough, scotch cart, cattle, storage facility, tobacco curing barn, (athough among the farmers some had indicated that they do not own curing facilities but used hired facilities to cure tobacco). Modern assets like tractors, ox-drawn ridgers and truck motor vehicles were owned by only a few farmers. The results further showed that contracted farmers were more productive and produced better quality tobacco than independent tobacco producers. The binary regression results showed that Ox-drawn ridgers, ploughs, having had a contract before, pricing, distance to the market, age of the farmer, type of curing facility, number of extension visits, number of bales produced and access to credit were significant factors influencing farmers’ participation in contract farming. However, four of the tested factors; tractors, cattle, number of hectares utilised for tobacco farming and number of years in tobacco farming were insignificant in influencing participation in contract farming. The results from the multiple linear regression analysis showed that the number of hectares utilised, the number of bales produced, market preferred, household size, tobacco production training, tractors, and type of curing facility were significant factors influencing the quality of tobacco produce. The other four variables that were tested; farmer category, type of energy used, being a member of a peer group and the number of years in tobacco farming; had no significant effect on the quality of tobacco produced by smallholder farmers. The study recommended that farmers should try and invest in commercial assets such as tractors, modern curing facilities, irrigation systems and other modern equipment that have potential to highly boost production rather than traditional assets like ox-drawn ploughs. The study also recommended that farmers should aim at maximising quantity per hectare of tobacco planted rather than planting larger crop areas they are unable to finance properly. Finally, it is recommended that farmers should get training on tobacco grading to avoid product quality loses that come with improper grading. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mugande, Unity
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Farms, Small -- Zimbabwe , Sustainable development -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21533 , vital:48864
- Description: Participation in the production of high-value export commodities is important in increasing incomes and in enhancing smallholder farmers’ livelihoods. However, the level of their participation may be limited by several factors. Despite the limiting factors, smallholder tobacco farming has gained popularity, especially for the Zimbabwean tobacco industry. Since the Fast Track Land Reform Programme (FTLRP), the tobacco industry in Zimbabwe has seen an influx of smallholder farmers who have since dominated the industry producing over half of the national total tobacco output. The participation by smallholder farmers in tobacco production can be influenced by many factors, the main being income realisation. However, for farmers to realise reasonable incomes, they should be able to produce reasonable levels of good quality tobacco otherwise their farming would be in vain. It has been shown in the literature that smallholder farmers can be constrained by several factors to produce high levels of produce and these factors may include one or more of the following; lack of capital, lack of productive assets, lack of tobacco production skills, lack of financial resources to finance productive activities properly, lack of access to land to expand production among others. Given this background, this study sought to assess the participation of smallholder farmers in tobacco production in terms of quantities and qualities produced given the differences in their productive capacities. The study utilised both primary and secondary data for analysis. Primary data were collected from individual farmers and contract firms’ representatives. The unit of analysis was the smallholder farmer. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires and a semi-structured interview guide for the contract representatives. Secondary data for the 2018 season were obtained from TIMB. Descriptive statistics, binary logistic regression analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were used to analyse the data. The descriptive statistics results showed that; the majority of the tobacco farmers had low levels of education and they relied mainly on farm incomes for survival. Concerning farm assets, the results showed that; on average, farmers own at least one of the following traditional assets; plough, scotch cart, cattle, storage facility, tobacco curing barn, (athough among the farmers some had indicated that they do not own curing facilities but used hired facilities to cure tobacco). Modern assets like tractors, ox-drawn ridgers and truck motor vehicles were owned by only a few farmers. The results further showed that contracted farmers were more productive and produced better quality tobacco than independent tobacco producers. The binary regression results showed that Ox-drawn ridgers, ploughs, having had a contract before, pricing, distance to the market, age of the farmer, type of curing facility, number of extension visits, number of bales produced and access to credit were significant factors influencing farmers’ participation in contract farming. However, four of the tested factors; tractors, cattle, number of hectares utilised for tobacco farming and number of years in tobacco farming were insignificant in influencing participation in contract farming. The results from the multiple linear regression analysis showed that the number of hectares utilised, the number of bales produced, market preferred, household size, tobacco production training, tractors, and type of curing facility were significant factors influencing the quality of tobacco produce. The other four variables that were tested; farmer category, type of energy used, being a member of a peer group and the number of years in tobacco farming; had no significant effect on the quality of tobacco produced by smallholder farmers. The study recommended that farmers should try and invest in commercial assets such as tractors, modern curing facilities, irrigation systems and other modern equipment that have potential to highly boost production rather than traditional assets like ox-drawn ploughs. The study also recommended that farmers should aim at maximising quantity per hectare of tobacco planted rather than planting larger crop areas they are unable to finance properly. Finally, it is recommended that farmers should get training on tobacco grading to avoid product quality loses that come with improper grading. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
Prevalence and geo-mapping of livestock disease in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Phingilili, Wanga-Ungeviwa (https://orcid.org/ 0000-0001-7227-6813)
- Authors: Phingilili, Wanga-Ungeviwa (https://orcid.org/ 0000-0001-7227-6813)
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Parasitology , Veterinary medicine , Veterinary tropical medicine
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20959 , vital:46865
- Description: Livestock disease poses a threat to the livestock production industry due to ban on the exportation of live animals and animal by-products. Information on disease surveillance and mapping of disease prevalence and distribution in the Eastern Cape is very scarce. Therefore, two objectives were set to determine the prevalence and distribution of livestock disease in the Eastern Cape Province (ECP) through retrospective investigation. A retrospective data of animal diseases in the ECP from 2013-2018 was obtained from the veterinary unit of the Department of Rural and Agrarian Reform (DrDAR) database, decoded, analysed, and interpreted. The first objective was to determine the prevalence and seasonal distribution of viral and bacterial diseases in ECP from 2013-2018. The second objective was to conduct a spatio-temporal analysis of parasitic diseases of livestock in ECP from 2013-2018. Significant associations (P< 0.05) were found between local municipality, season, year, and livestock species. The highest prevalence of viral disease was found in the Lukhanji (29.4 percent) and Mbhashe (17.5 percent), while bacterial diseases were found in Nelson Mandela Bay (27.7 percent) and Raymond Mhlaba (34.9 percent) municipalities. Viral infections were more common in autumn (53.8 percent), while bacterial infections were more in spring (58. 5 percent). The highest proportions of bacterial and viral diseases were in caprine (97.2 percent) and bovine (41.4 percent) species. Odds of disease occurrence were highest in Intsika yethu local municipality (OR= 3.279; 95 percent CI= 0.043-263.6; P<0.05) in autumn (OR = 2.131; 95 percent CI= 0.815-5.569; P<0.05) and in bovine (OR= 58.825; 95 percent CI= 16.283-205.591; P<0.05). Internal parasites (75 percent) were the highest reported in the year 2015), whereas external parasites (38.1 percent), and fly parasites (30.4 percent) were mostly reported in the year 2016. The highest prevalence of fly parasites and internal parasites was found in autumn (87 percent) and spring (75 percent), respectively. The Local municipality with the highest prevalence was Amahlathi (fly parasites, 91.3 percent), Dr Beyers Naude (external 3 parasite, 43.6 percent), Intsika yethu (internal parasite, 75 percent), Makana (protozoa, 5.8 percent), Mbhashe (haemoparasite, 40 percent percent), Raymond Mhlaba municipality (haemoparasite, 12.5 percent), and Lukhanji (fly parasite, 8.7 percent). Parasitic diseases with the highest prevalence in the province between 2013 to 2018 were babesiosis, anaplasmosis, cowdriosis, Bovine malignant catarrhal fever, and sheep scab. Livestock diseases are prevalent and unevenly distributed in the Eastern Cape Province. The diseases were mostly diagnosed in autumn and spring. , Thesis (MSc) (Animal Production Science) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Authors: Phingilili, Wanga-Ungeviwa (https://orcid.org/ 0000-0001-7227-6813)
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Parasitology , Veterinary medicine , Veterinary tropical medicine
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20959 , vital:46865
- Description: Livestock disease poses a threat to the livestock production industry due to ban on the exportation of live animals and animal by-products. Information on disease surveillance and mapping of disease prevalence and distribution in the Eastern Cape is very scarce. Therefore, two objectives were set to determine the prevalence and distribution of livestock disease in the Eastern Cape Province (ECP) through retrospective investigation. A retrospective data of animal diseases in the ECP from 2013-2018 was obtained from the veterinary unit of the Department of Rural and Agrarian Reform (DrDAR) database, decoded, analysed, and interpreted. The first objective was to determine the prevalence and seasonal distribution of viral and bacterial diseases in ECP from 2013-2018. The second objective was to conduct a spatio-temporal analysis of parasitic diseases of livestock in ECP from 2013-2018. Significant associations (P< 0.05) were found between local municipality, season, year, and livestock species. The highest prevalence of viral disease was found in the Lukhanji (29.4 percent) and Mbhashe (17.5 percent), while bacterial diseases were found in Nelson Mandela Bay (27.7 percent) and Raymond Mhlaba (34.9 percent) municipalities. Viral infections were more common in autumn (53.8 percent), while bacterial infections were more in spring (58. 5 percent). The highest proportions of bacterial and viral diseases were in caprine (97.2 percent) and bovine (41.4 percent) species. Odds of disease occurrence were highest in Intsika yethu local municipality (OR= 3.279; 95 percent CI= 0.043-263.6; P<0.05) in autumn (OR = 2.131; 95 percent CI= 0.815-5.569; P<0.05) and in bovine (OR= 58.825; 95 percent CI= 16.283-205.591; P<0.05). Internal parasites (75 percent) were the highest reported in the year 2015), whereas external parasites (38.1 percent), and fly parasites (30.4 percent) were mostly reported in the year 2016. The highest prevalence of fly parasites and internal parasites was found in autumn (87 percent) and spring (75 percent), respectively. The Local municipality with the highest prevalence was Amahlathi (fly parasites, 91.3 percent), Dr Beyers Naude (external 3 parasite, 43.6 percent), Intsika yethu (internal parasite, 75 percent), Makana (protozoa, 5.8 percent), Mbhashe (haemoparasite, 40 percent percent), Raymond Mhlaba municipality (haemoparasite, 12.5 percent), and Lukhanji (fly parasite, 8.7 percent). Parasitic diseases with the highest prevalence in the province between 2013 to 2018 were babesiosis, anaplasmosis, cowdriosis, Bovine malignant catarrhal fever, and sheep scab. Livestock diseases are prevalent and unevenly distributed in the Eastern Cape Province. The diseases were mostly diagnosed in autumn and spring. , Thesis (MSc) (Animal Production Science) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
Social media influence on graduateness skills and employability: the case of historically disadvantaged institutions.
- Authors: Murire, Obrain T
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Social media--Influence
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20383 , vital:45660
- Description: Orientation: The graduate labour force is increasing as more students are graduating from historically disadvantaged institutions (HDIs). The lack of graduateness attributes amongst final year students has in part contributed to the high rate of graduate unemployment in South Africa. Social media have been identified as a solution as more than 95percent of young adults enrolled at historically disadvantaged institutions in South Africa are using mobile technology. Research Purpose: The purpose of the study was to develop a model to enhance graduateness skills and employability through the use of social media amongst final year students at HDIs in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Motivation for the study: The study is of utmost importance as it has developed an artefact that investigated the influence of social media use on graduateness skills and employability amongst students at HDIs in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Additionally, students at HDIs are an interesting theoretical sample due to them being an under-researched sample. The HDIs context has received scant focus and attention. In theory, the link between psychological constructs (such as graduateness skills and employability) with a technology dimension especially within our South African context and internationally remains unexplored. Research approach/design and method: Social Media Integration and Career EDGE models were used as a theoretical foundation in this study. This study adopted design science as a research method, where a mixed-method technique was used to collect data from final year students and human resource practitioners. The sequential exploratory design was chosen as it offers an iterative process of developing an artefact that can be tested within a larger population. The questionnaire for interviews and the survey were developed after a thorough literature review and pilot study had been conducted. The questionnaire was distributed to all the participants, of which 411 responded, resulting in a response rate of 93percent; and 15 interviews were conducted. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data and correlations test were used to determine associations between variables. Main findings: The study found that there is a significant direct effect of social media use on graduateness skills; there is a significant direct effect of graduateness skills on perceived employability. Graduateness skills have a significant mediating effect on the relationship between social media use and perceived employability. The results also revealed that the direct effect of social media use on perceived employability does not exist. Practical/managerial implications: The study shows that there is a need for the government to devise policies that set guidelines for HR practitioners to follow when recruiting and selecting graduates. Contribution/value-add: The research study contributes to the growing body of research as it utilised a mixed-method approach to explore lived experiences. The Graduate Employability Social Media Model (GESM Model) is the main contribution made by this study to the body of knowledge in both the fields of Information Systems and Business Management. , Thesis (PhD) (Information Systems) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Murire, Obrain T
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Social media--Influence
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20383 , vital:45660
- Description: Orientation: The graduate labour force is increasing as more students are graduating from historically disadvantaged institutions (HDIs). The lack of graduateness attributes amongst final year students has in part contributed to the high rate of graduate unemployment in South Africa. Social media have been identified as a solution as more than 95percent of young adults enrolled at historically disadvantaged institutions in South Africa are using mobile technology. Research Purpose: The purpose of the study was to develop a model to enhance graduateness skills and employability through the use of social media amongst final year students at HDIs in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Motivation for the study: The study is of utmost importance as it has developed an artefact that investigated the influence of social media use on graduateness skills and employability amongst students at HDIs in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Additionally, students at HDIs are an interesting theoretical sample due to them being an under-researched sample. The HDIs context has received scant focus and attention. In theory, the link between psychological constructs (such as graduateness skills and employability) with a technology dimension especially within our South African context and internationally remains unexplored. Research approach/design and method: Social Media Integration and Career EDGE models were used as a theoretical foundation in this study. This study adopted design science as a research method, where a mixed-method technique was used to collect data from final year students and human resource practitioners. The sequential exploratory design was chosen as it offers an iterative process of developing an artefact that can be tested within a larger population. The questionnaire for interviews and the survey were developed after a thorough literature review and pilot study had been conducted. The questionnaire was distributed to all the participants, of which 411 responded, resulting in a response rate of 93percent; and 15 interviews were conducted. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data and correlations test were used to determine associations between variables. Main findings: The study found that there is a significant direct effect of social media use on graduateness skills; there is a significant direct effect of graduateness skills on perceived employability. Graduateness skills have a significant mediating effect on the relationship between social media use and perceived employability. The results also revealed that the direct effect of social media use on perceived employability does not exist. Practical/managerial implications: The study shows that there is a need for the government to devise policies that set guidelines for HR practitioners to follow when recruiting and selecting graduates. Contribution/value-add: The research study contributes to the growing body of research as it utilised a mixed-method approach to explore lived experiences. The Graduate Employability Social Media Model (GESM Model) is the main contribution made by this study to the body of knowledge in both the fields of Information Systems and Business Management. , Thesis (PhD) (Information Systems) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021.
- Full Text:
The adoption of the twin peaks model in the regulation of South African financial markets : a comparative analysis.
- Marange, Patience https://orcid.org/ 0000-0003-4405-2702
- Authors: Marange, Patience https://orcid.org/ 0000-0003-4405-2702
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Financial services industry , Financial services industry--Law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21278 , vital:48175
- Description: Over two decades ago, a number of countries have changed their financial regulatory models. The growing complexity of financial products, the increasing challenge of regulating large financial conglomerates, and the repercussions of the 2008 Global Financial Crisis, amongst other factors, have made regulatory reform a key priority for many economies. A move towards the Twin Peaks model of financial regulation has been one of the trends in recent years. This model sees regulation split into two broad functions which are market conduct regulation and prudential regulation. South Africa adopted the Twin Peaks financial regulatory model in 2017 as a way of strengthening its financial regulatory model. By adopting the Twin Peaks model, South Africa has become the eighth and the first developing country to adopt the financial regulatory model. The adoption of the Twin Peaks financial regulatory model in South Africa was mainly inspired by the effects of the 2008 Global Financial Crisis. This study undertakes a comparison of the Twin Peaks model structure in South Africa with the structure of its counterparts, which are Australia, United Kingdom and the Netherlands. In doing so, the study identifies the strengths and possible weaknesses of the model in South Africa. The study discusses the extent to which the South African Twin Peaks model reflects international experience. The study traces the evolution of the financial markets and its regulation. It also delves into the main models of the regulation of financial services industry including the Twin Peaks model, which is the focus of the study. The rationale of South Africa’s adoption of the Twin Peaks model is also considered. The Twin Peaks model was introduced in South Africa through the enactment of the Financial Sector Regulatory Act. This legislation reveals that South Africa has drawn increasingly on international experience, particularly the structural design and the cooperation and collaboration of the regulators. It also reveals similarities, notable differences as well as characteristics that might be regarded as unique to South Africa. The similarities reveal that the South African Twin Peaks greatly aligns with that of its counterparts. This is exemplified through the cooperation and coordination between the regulators and the relationship between the regulators and the government amongst others. The study explores insights and lessons to South Africa which can be learnt from its counterparts like the need for effective coordination amongst the Twin Peak regulators. Thereafter, the study puts forward recommendations for reform, which can enable the effective implementation of the Twin Peaks financial regulatory architecture. , Thesis (MA) (Laws) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Authors: Marange, Patience https://orcid.org/ 0000-0003-4405-2702
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Financial services industry , Financial services industry--Law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21278 , vital:48175
- Description: Over two decades ago, a number of countries have changed their financial regulatory models. The growing complexity of financial products, the increasing challenge of regulating large financial conglomerates, and the repercussions of the 2008 Global Financial Crisis, amongst other factors, have made regulatory reform a key priority for many economies. A move towards the Twin Peaks model of financial regulation has been one of the trends in recent years. This model sees regulation split into two broad functions which are market conduct regulation and prudential regulation. South Africa adopted the Twin Peaks financial regulatory model in 2017 as a way of strengthening its financial regulatory model. By adopting the Twin Peaks model, South Africa has become the eighth and the first developing country to adopt the financial regulatory model. The adoption of the Twin Peaks financial regulatory model in South Africa was mainly inspired by the effects of the 2008 Global Financial Crisis. This study undertakes a comparison of the Twin Peaks model structure in South Africa with the structure of its counterparts, which are Australia, United Kingdom and the Netherlands. In doing so, the study identifies the strengths and possible weaknesses of the model in South Africa. The study discusses the extent to which the South African Twin Peaks model reflects international experience. The study traces the evolution of the financial markets and its regulation. It also delves into the main models of the regulation of financial services industry including the Twin Peaks model, which is the focus of the study. The rationale of South Africa’s adoption of the Twin Peaks model is also considered. The Twin Peaks model was introduced in South Africa through the enactment of the Financial Sector Regulatory Act. This legislation reveals that South Africa has drawn increasingly on international experience, particularly the structural design and the cooperation and collaboration of the regulators. It also reveals similarities, notable differences as well as characteristics that might be regarded as unique to South Africa. The similarities reveal that the South African Twin Peaks greatly aligns with that of its counterparts. This is exemplified through the cooperation and coordination between the regulators and the relationship between the regulators and the government amongst others. The study explores insights and lessons to South Africa which can be learnt from its counterparts like the need for effective coordination amongst the Twin Peak regulators. Thereafter, the study puts forward recommendations for reform, which can enable the effective implementation of the Twin Peaks financial regulatory architecture. , Thesis (MA) (Laws) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
The effects of household agricultural income on the adoption of electrical appliances and energy security among rural households in Mnquma Local Municipality
- Ntonjane, P https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9432-9031
- Authors: Ntonjane, P https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9432-9031
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Energy security , Sustainable development -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22655 , vital:52617
- Description: Energy security is critical to global economic development and agricultural activities. Electricity is one of the most beneficial types of energy for rural household livelihoods and smallholder producers in South Africa. This study aims to examine the effects of household agricultural income on the adoption of electrical appliances and energy security among agricultural households in Mnquma Local Municipality. The study employed primary data obtained from 224 households using simple random sampling technique across three electrification stages. Descriptive statistics, and binary logistic regression was used to determine the relationship between socio-economic and demographic characteristics of the household and the household agricultural income on the adoption of new electrical appliances and energy security across the three electrification stages. Descriptive statistics results indicated that non-electrified (67.1percent) and recently electrified (54.3percent) villages are dominated by female-headed households, while in electrified households there are more male head households (58.3percent). The results also show that among the households that have the highest total monthly income (greater than R15000), 34.5percent were electrified, 17.1 percent were recently electrified, and 4.3percent were non-electrified. The Binary logistic regression model's findings for the second objective revealed that household head factors such as age, monthly total household income, household size, and household agricultural income have significant effects on energy security. The study's findings revealed that household agricultural income has a significant impact at a 5 percent significant level on the adoption of electrical appliances. Binary logistic regression findings for the third objective revealed that on new electrical appliance adoption there was a significant effect of gender (at 5percent level), household size, energy security, and household agricultural income at a 1percent significance level. Binary logistic regression revealed that the coefficient of household size variable is positive and significant at a 1percent significant level on energy security and electrical appliance adoption. In this study, household agricultural income on the adoption of electrical appliances has been found to be the most critical factor influencing the energy security status of households among the selected rural households in Mnquma Local Municipality. As a result, policies must be put in place to facilitate access to electrical appliances through electrification programs, invention of affordable electric appliances, encourage participation in agricultural production and agricultural market access, that will provide households with social benefits. To improve energy security, electrical appliances should be simple to use and aid in the transition from biomass to electricity. , Thesis (MAgric) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ntonjane, P https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9432-9031
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Energy security , Sustainable development -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22655 , vital:52617
- Description: Energy security is critical to global economic development and agricultural activities. Electricity is one of the most beneficial types of energy for rural household livelihoods and smallholder producers in South Africa. This study aims to examine the effects of household agricultural income on the adoption of electrical appliances and energy security among agricultural households in Mnquma Local Municipality. The study employed primary data obtained from 224 households using simple random sampling technique across three electrification stages. Descriptive statistics, and binary logistic regression was used to determine the relationship between socio-economic and demographic characteristics of the household and the household agricultural income on the adoption of new electrical appliances and energy security across the three electrification stages. Descriptive statistics results indicated that non-electrified (67.1percent) and recently electrified (54.3percent) villages are dominated by female-headed households, while in electrified households there are more male head households (58.3percent). The results also show that among the households that have the highest total monthly income (greater than R15000), 34.5percent were electrified, 17.1 percent were recently electrified, and 4.3percent were non-electrified. The Binary logistic regression model's findings for the second objective revealed that household head factors such as age, monthly total household income, household size, and household agricultural income have significant effects on energy security. The study's findings revealed that household agricultural income has a significant impact at a 5 percent significant level on the adoption of electrical appliances. Binary logistic regression findings for the third objective revealed that on new electrical appliance adoption there was a significant effect of gender (at 5percent level), household size, energy security, and household agricultural income at a 1percent significance level. Binary logistic regression revealed that the coefficient of household size variable is positive and significant at a 1percent significant level on energy security and electrical appliance adoption. In this study, household agricultural income on the adoption of electrical appliances has been found to be the most critical factor influencing the energy security status of households among the selected rural households in Mnquma Local Municipality. As a result, policies must be put in place to facilitate access to electrical appliances through electrification programs, invention of affordable electric appliances, encourage participation in agricultural production and agricultural market access, that will provide households with social benefits. To improve energy security, electrical appliances should be simple to use and aid in the transition from biomass to electricity. , Thesis (MAgric) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
The enforcement of code conduct in local government: the case of O R Tambo District.
- Authors: Tyali, Gcobani Sonwabile
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Public administration--Moral and ethical aspects , Civil service ethics
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21300 , vital:48381
- Description: The post-apartheid transformative agenda for local government in South Africa (SA) was built on a system of new key performance areas for public employees. The problems of accountability and transparency in local government finance management, as well as good governance and the capacity building of those public officials designated to support local development, were among them. Over the years, the conduct of public officials has received more scrutiny in the media as well as in academic research. Ethics management therefore, has garnered more attention as well especially in the fight against corruption. The premise is that, if ethics management can be institutionalised public officials can become more effective and discharge their duties with respect for public resources. The imperative for the implementation of an ethical framework was also based on the need to ensure inclusive development which can be enhanced by ensuring accountability by local government functionaries. In this regard, the conduct of municipal functionaries and its regulation based on the code of conduct takes centre stage. The study contextualises ethics management and its efficacy with specific reference to the code of conduct and its role in the prevalence of unethical conduct. The results reveal glaring inconsistencies in the implementation of the code of conduct and a myriad of challenges rendering ethics management ineffective. , Thesis (MA) (Administration) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Authors: Tyali, Gcobani Sonwabile
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Public administration--Moral and ethical aspects , Civil service ethics
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21300 , vital:48381
- Description: The post-apartheid transformative agenda for local government in South Africa (SA) was built on a system of new key performance areas for public employees. The problems of accountability and transparency in local government finance management, as well as good governance and the capacity building of those public officials designated to support local development, were among them. Over the years, the conduct of public officials has received more scrutiny in the media as well as in academic research. Ethics management therefore, has garnered more attention as well especially in the fight against corruption. The premise is that, if ethics management can be institutionalised public officials can become more effective and discharge their duties with respect for public resources. The imperative for the implementation of an ethical framework was also based on the need to ensure inclusive development which can be enhanced by ensuring accountability by local government functionaries. In this regard, the conduct of municipal functionaries and its regulation based on the code of conduct takes centre stage. The study contextualises ethics management and its efficacy with specific reference to the code of conduct and its role in the prevalence of unethical conduct. The results reveal glaring inconsistencies in the implementation of the code of conduct and a myriad of challenges rendering ethics management ineffective. , Thesis (MA) (Administration) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
The escalation of gender war within post-colonial South African society: an interrogation of beauty’s gift by Sindiwe Magona, happiness is a four-letter word by Cynthia Jele and black widow society by Angela Makholwa
- Authors: Goremusandu, Tania
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Women and literature -- Africa , Women in literature
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21927 , vital:51843
- Description: The critical analysis of gender war in the African context is not a new venture but it is rather a significant discussion to the development of gender and feminist theories. The primary focus of this study is to investigate the limitations to empowerment that African women face at the hands of a post-colonial patriarchal society like South Africa, exacerbated by the oppression and subjugation employed by patriarchal and cultural norms. Thus, the research provides a comparative analysis of three contemporary novels by award winning South African women writers in African literature: Sindiwe Magona, Cynthia Jele and Angela Makholwa. These three dedicated women writers examine the different ways in which African patriarchy and culture oppress professional, educated women. Their work portray gender and / or female oppression and the stereotypes experienced by African women in the context of post-colonial, heavily patriarchal South African society. Therefore, this study interrogates the experience of South African women, as explored in the texts, revealing the literary expressions of gender oppression as well as the possibilities of empowerment. In addition, the texts are analysed through the lens of the Feminist literary criticism theory, Gender studies and African feminism. Through the examination offered by these theories, the study focuses on the experiences of South African women, as expressed by the female characters in the selected texts, through a critical analysis of female oppression and resistance and on the idea that gender is constructed socially and culturally in the African context. As this project reveals, the problem arising within post-colonial South African society is that women are still oppressed and are seen as passive and submissive. As a result, patriarchal perspectives combined with women’s economic dependence on men, make reaching self-actualization a challenging and even terrifying experience, and is often impossible for most women to achieve. Thus, there is a need to understand the experiences of these women so that effective and culturally sensitive interventions can be implemented. The emergence of these renowned female South African writers together with the emancipation of African countries from colonial supremacy has opened a space for women to compensate for and correct the stereotyped female images in African literature and in post-colonial societies. Most contemporary African writers such as Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Tsitsi Dangarembga, Neshani Andreas, Sindiwe Magona, Cynthia Jele and Angela Makholwa have shown that women are seeking empowerment and liberation. Therefore, this study seeks to highlight such experiences through its critical interrogation of the writings of selected South African women writers and the exploration of their gender-based themes in order to inform and or inspire women empowerment. It is intended to broaden and encourage further academic discussion in the fields of Feminism literary criticism, Gender studies and African feminism as well as women’s literature within the African context. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
- Full Text:
- Authors: Goremusandu, Tania
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Women and literature -- Africa , Women in literature
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21927 , vital:51843
- Description: The critical analysis of gender war in the African context is not a new venture but it is rather a significant discussion to the development of gender and feminist theories. The primary focus of this study is to investigate the limitations to empowerment that African women face at the hands of a post-colonial patriarchal society like South Africa, exacerbated by the oppression and subjugation employed by patriarchal and cultural norms. Thus, the research provides a comparative analysis of three contemporary novels by award winning South African women writers in African literature: Sindiwe Magona, Cynthia Jele and Angela Makholwa. These three dedicated women writers examine the different ways in which African patriarchy and culture oppress professional, educated women. Their work portray gender and / or female oppression and the stereotypes experienced by African women in the context of post-colonial, heavily patriarchal South African society. Therefore, this study interrogates the experience of South African women, as explored in the texts, revealing the literary expressions of gender oppression as well as the possibilities of empowerment. In addition, the texts are analysed through the lens of the Feminist literary criticism theory, Gender studies and African feminism. Through the examination offered by these theories, the study focuses on the experiences of South African women, as expressed by the female characters in the selected texts, through a critical analysis of female oppression and resistance and on the idea that gender is constructed socially and culturally in the African context. As this project reveals, the problem arising within post-colonial South African society is that women are still oppressed and are seen as passive and submissive. As a result, patriarchal perspectives combined with women’s economic dependence on men, make reaching self-actualization a challenging and even terrifying experience, and is often impossible for most women to achieve. Thus, there is a need to understand the experiences of these women so that effective and culturally sensitive interventions can be implemented. The emergence of these renowned female South African writers together with the emancipation of African countries from colonial supremacy has opened a space for women to compensate for and correct the stereotyped female images in African literature and in post-colonial societies. Most contemporary African writers such as Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Tsitsi Dangarembga, Neshani Andreas, Sindiwe Magona, Cynthia Jele and Angela Makholwa have shown that women are seeking empowerment and liberation. Therefore, this study seeks to highlight such experiences through its critical interrogation of the writings of selected South African women writers and the exploration of their gender-based themes in order to inform and or inspire women empowerment. It is intended to broaden and encourage further academic discussion in the fields of Feminism literary criticism, Gender studies and African feminism as well as women’s literature within the African context. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
- Full Text:
The impact of export commodity prices on emerging markets economic growth: a case of South Africa’s mineral exports.
- Authors: Moodley, Shiven
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Economic development
- Language: English
- Type: Master's/ theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20462 , vital:45668
- Description: Despite South Africa being a mineral resource-rich country, it has experienced low economic growth post-democracy era. The available literature suggests that fluctuations in global demand for commodities have harmed the production process of tradeable and non-tradable goods. Based on this, this dissertation examines the impact of export commodity price on GDP per capita in South Africa using quarterly data beginning from Q2 (April-June) 1990 to Q4 (Oct-Dec) 2018. The Johansen co-integration technique and the Vector Error Correction Method (VECM) were utilised to examine both the long and short-run relationships between the variables of interest. The outcome of the examination has revealed that export commodity price and government expenditure have a positive relationship with GDP per capita in the long run. However, net capital flows have a negative effect on GDP per capita in South Africa. In the short run, the empirical results also reveal that both net capital flows and government expenditure are negatively related to GDP per capita. Furthermore, policy action should be directed towards structural investment for the development of sustainable infrastructure projects within the commodity export sector based on the long-run relationship between commodity export prices and GDP per capita. , Thesis (MCom) (Economics) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Authors: Moodley, Shiven
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Economic development
- Language: English
- Type: Master's/ theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20462 , vital:45668
- Description: Despite South Africa being a mineral resource-rich country, it has experienced low economic growth post-democracy era. The available literature suggests that fluctuations in global demand for commodities have harmed the production process of tradeable and non-tradable goods. Based on this, this dissertation examines the impact of export commodity price on GDP per capita in South Africa using quarterly data beginning from Q2 (April-June) 1990 to Q4 (Oct-Dec) 2018. The Johansen co-integration technique and the Vector Error Correction Method (VECM) were utilised to examine both the long and short-run relationships between the variables of interest. The outcome of the examination has revealed that export commodity price and government expenditure have a positive relationship with GDP per capita in the long run. However, net capital flows have a negative effect on GDP per capita in South Africa. In the short run, the empirical results also reveal that both net capital flows and government expenditure are negatively related to GDP per capita. Furthermore, policy action should be directed towards structural investment for the development of sustainable infrastructure projects within the commodity export sector based on the long-run relationship between commodity export prices and GDP per capita. , Thesis (MCom) (Economics) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
The impact of financial inclusion on poverty: a case of selected SADC countries.
- Authors: Ndlovu, Nkazimulo Glitter
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Financial services industry , Poverty--Africa , Poverty
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21311 , vital:48393
- Description: Financial inclusion is widely regarded as another conduit through which poverty can be alleviated. However, both theoretical and empirical literature does not reach consensus on the effect of financial inclusion on poverty. Against this background, the study empirically examines the effect of financial inclusion on poverty in selected Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries, which include (Botswana, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zambia). The author employs the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) technique for the period 1980 to 2019. Based on the Financial Intermediation Theory and the Social Justice Theory: Tunnel effect, 5 different models were estimated. Variables used to capture the different dimensions of financial inclusion include ATMs per 1000km and Bank Accounts per 1000 adults as well as Bank’s private Credit to GDP and Commercial Bank branches per 1000 adults’. The control variables used in the study are; GDP per Capita, Government Consumption, Inflation and Education. Empirical results revealed that financial inclusion reduces the level of poverty in the selected SADC states. The results also revealed that GDP per capita and government spending have a negative effect on poverty in the region. An interesting finding, even though not the major focus of the study was the effect of education. The results revealed that lower levels of education may exacerbate the level of poverty in the region. At the same time, tertiary education was found to have a negative and significant effect on poverty. The empirical results imply that policy makers should center their focus on reforms that will ensure that more people are financially included in the region. Also policies promoting high growth levels and acquisition of higher levels of education should be pursued. , Thesis (MCom) (Economics) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ndlovu, Nkazimulo Glitter
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Financial services industry , Poverty--Africa , Poverty
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21311 , vital:48393
- Description: Financial inclusion is widely regarded as another conduit through which poverty can be alleviated. However, both theoretical and empirical literature does not reach consensus on the effect of financial inclusion on poverty. Against this background, the study empirically examines the effect of financial inclusion on poverty in selected Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries, which include (Botswana, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zambia). The author employs the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) technique for the period 1980 to 2019. Based on the Financial Intermediation Theory and the Social Justice Theory: Tunnel effect, 5 different models were estimated. Variables used to capture the different dimensions of financial inclusion include ATMs per 1000km and Bank Accounts per 1000 adults as well as Bank’s private Credit to GDP and Commercial Bank branches per 1000 adults’. The control variables used in the study are; GDP per Capita, Government Consumption, Inflation and Education. Empirical results revealed that financial inclusion reduces the level of poverty in the selected SADC states. The results also revealed that GDP per capita and government spending have a negative effect on poverty in the region. An interesting finding, even though not the major focus of the study was the effect of education. The results revealed that lower levels of education may exacerbate the level of poverty in the region. At the same time, tertiary education was found to have a negative and significant effect on poverty. The empirical results imply that policy makers should center their focus on reforms that will ensure that more people are financially included in the region. Also policies promoting high growth levels and acquisition of higher levels of education should be pursued. , Thesis (MCom) (Economics) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
The investigation of groundwater potential zones in the Neotectonic area of Ntabankulu Local Municipality, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Nonkula, Zenande https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3858-7703
- Authors: Nonkula, Zenande https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3858-7703
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Groundwater , Water-supply , Neotectonics
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22875 , vital:53068
- Description: Ntabankulu extends from latitude 30° 51' 09"S to 31° 09' 10" S and from longitude 29° 06' 51"E to 29° 23' 49"E in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Ntabankulu Local Municipality has 141 villages with 125 976 population size. About 36% of villages do not have water sources, 38% have partial functional water sources, 6% have non-functional water sources, and 20 % have reliable water sources, primarily rivers (Mnceba, Caba and Mzimvubu). Water is scarce in this area, especially in the dry season when perennial rivers and springs become dry. This research investigates groundwater potential zones and identifies suitable aquifers that can be developed to augment the water resources. The study involved: literature review, remote sensing, borehole and springs data, geological, petrographic and geophysical (gravity, magnetic and electrical resistivity) analyses. Each method has its purpose in finding the potential groundwater zones. Ntabankulu Local Municipality is located on the Karoo Supergroup in Ecca and Beaufort Group, Adelaide Subgroup and Balfour Formation. During field analysis, it was observed that this area consists of sandstone, shale and dolerite sills, dykes and complex rings. Fining up sequences, massive bedding, concretions, and spheroidal weathering were observed in sandstone, shale, and dolerite, respectively. Groundwater seepages are found within these structures. Sandstones are yellow due to the presence of limonite because of the continuous seepage. Red coloured laminated shale reflects that the rock has an iron oxidation state with hematite (Fe2O3) on the sediments. The Geographical Information Systems (GIS) method was used to extract lineaments. Lineaments dominate Ntabankulu with an NW-SE direction. Some of the lineaments are due to Karoo igneous intrusions, and others are due to neotectonic activities. Ntabankulu is located on the eastern and northern neotectonic belts. Geological maps and lineament maps were compared; it was observed that sandstones and shales are found on high liinament density areas. High yielding boreholes and springs coincide with lineaments, and some lineaments are faults. Hence areas that have high lineaments density could be groundwater potential zones. There are geological structures (faults, joints, and fractures) that are present. Systematic and non-systematic joints are found on sandstones which are due to extensional stress. These joints have been reactivated and acted as strike-slip faults. All these geological structures increase the porosity and permeability of the rocks. It was observed that the area of Ntabankulu consists of coarse-grained and medium-grained sandstone with quartz and orthoclase minerals. Dolerite consists of labradorite, clinopyroxene, olivine, oxide minerals with twinning formed during cooling and magma crystallisation. The gravity and magnetic methods were used to study the subsurface rock density contrasts and susceptibilities, respectively. The gravity and magnetic maps were generated in Geosoft Oasis 8.3 software. High gravity zones coincide with some of the mapped Karoo intrusions. Unmapped dolerite intrusions, lineaments and faults were inferred. The magnetic method delineated the subsurface structures (lineaments and faults), which are known to control groundwater accumulation. These structures and inferred dolerite intrusions helped in identifying groundwater potential zones. Groundwater potential zones were inferred in sedimentary rocks between dolerite intrusions and areas where sills and dykes intersect. A total of six vertical electrical soundings (VES) were conducted at Mzalwaneni and Tabankulu town areas using the Schlumberger configuration array with a maximum penetration depth of about 25- 33 m. The VES data were modelled in Winresist and Surfer 9 software to obtain 1D models and geoelectric sections, respectively. These 1D models have three layers with response curves of H-type. The top layer is about 0.4 - 0.7 m thick, with resistivity values from 12.3 – 1885.9 Ωm and is topsoil (sand and clay). The second layer of thickness 5.2 – 13.3 m has low resistivity values from 23.1- 44.9 Ωm. This layer is interpreted to be fractured shales and sandstones possibly containing water. The third layer of high resistivity values of 145.9 – 727.4 Ωm is inferred to be sandstone. The simultaneous interpretation of resistivity and normalised chargeability revealed that groundwater potential zones are characterised by low resistivity values and low normalised chargeability values for layers from 0.7 - 13.3 m depth. The groundwatwer in the area of Ntabankulu can be found on unconfined aquifers. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Authors: Nonkula, Zenande https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3858-7703
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Groundwater , Water-supply , Neotectonics
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22875 , vital:53068
- Description: Ntabankulu extends from latitude 30° 51' 09"S to 31° 09' 10" S and from longitude 29° 06' 51"E to 29° 23' 49"E in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Ntabankulu Local Municipality has 141 villages with 125 976 population size. About 36% of villages do not have water sources, 38% have partial functional water sources, 6% have non-functional water sources, and 20 % have reliable water sources, primarily rivers (Mnceba, Caba and Mzimvubu). Water is scarce in this area, especially in the dry season when perennial rivers and springs become dry. This research investigates groundwater potential zones and identifies suitable aquifers that can be developed to augment the water resources. The study involved: literature review, remote sensing, borehole and springs data, geological, petrographic and geophysical (gravity, magnetic and electrical resistivity) analyses. Each method has its purpose in finding the potential groundwater zones. Ntabankulu Local Municipality is located on the Karoo Supergroup in Ecca and Beaufort Group, Adelaide Subgroup and Balfour Formation. During field analysis, it was observed that this area consists of sandstone, shale and dolerite sills, dykes and complex rings. Fining up sequences, massive bedding, concretions, and spheroidal weathering were observed in sandstone, shale, and dolerite, respectively. Groundwater seepages are found within these structures. Sandstones are yellow due to the presence of limonite because of the continuous seepage. Red coloured laminated shale reflects that the rock has an iron oxidation state with hematite (Fe2O3) on the sediments. The Geographical Information Systems (GIS) method was used to extract lineaments. Lineaments dominate Ntabankulu with an NW-SE direction. Some of the lineaments are due to Karoo igneous intrusions, and others are due to neotectonic activities. Ntabankulu is located on the eastern and northern neotectonic belts. Geological maps and lineament maps were compared; it was observed that sandstones and shales are found on high liinament density areas. High yielding boreholes and springs coincide with lineaments, and some lineaments are faults. Hence areas that have high lineaments density could be groundwater potential zones. There are geological structures (faults, joints, and fractures) that are present. Systematic and non-systematic joints are found on sandstones which are due to extensional stress. These joints have been reactivated and acted as strike-slip faults. All these geological structures increase the porosity and permeability of the rocks. It was observed that the area of Ntabankulu consists of coarse-grained and medium-grained sandstone with quartz and orthoclase minerals. Dolerite consists of labradorite, clinopyroxene, olivine, oxide minerals with twinning formed during cooling and magma crystallisation. The gravity and magnetic methods were used to study the subsurface rock density contrasts and susceptibilities, respectively. The gravity and magnetic maps were generated in Geosoft Oasis 8.3 software. High gravity zones coincide with some of the mapped Karoo intrusions. Unmapped dolerite intrusions, lineaments and faults were inferred. The magnetic method delineated the subsurface structures (lineaments and faults), which are known to control groundwater accumulation. These structures and inferred dolerite intrusions helped in identifying groundwater potential zones. Groundwater potential zones were inferred in sedimentary rocks between dolerite intrusions and areas where sills and dykes intersect. A total of six vertical electrical soundings (VES) were conducted at Mzalwaneni and Tabankulu town areas using the Schlumberger configuration array with a maximum penetration depth of about 25- 33 m. The VES data were modelled in Winresist and Surfer 9 software to obtain 1D models and geoelectric sections, respectively. These 1D models have three layers with response curves of H-type. The top layer is about 0.4 - 0.7 m thick, with resistivity values from 12.3 – 1885.9 Ωm and is topsoil (sand and clay). The second layer of thickness 5.2 – 13.3 m has low resistivity values from 23.1- 44.9 Ωm. This layer is interpreted to be fractured shales and sandstones possibly containing water. The third layer of high resistivity values of 145.9 – 727.4 Ωm is inferred to be sandstone. The simultaneous interpretation of resistivity and normalised chargeability revealed that groundwater potential zones are characterised by low resistivity values and low normalised chargeability values for layers from 0.7 - 13.3 m depth. The groundwatwer in the area of Ntabankulu can be found on unconfined aquifers. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
Vulnerability assessment of wetland ecosystems to water demand, climate variability and land-use/cover change: The case of Die Vlei wetland, Eastern Cape province, South Africa
- Gwena, Kudzanai Rosebud https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1032-8937
- Authors: Gwena, Kudzanai Rosebud https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1032-8937
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Water-supply , Climate change mitigation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22688 , vital:52656
- Description: Water scarcity is a major challenge in many different countries, particularly arid and or semi-arid like South Africa. Wetlands are one of the freshwater ecosystems that may assist in alleviating water scarcity because they are valuable not only as a water source for humans but also as an ecosystem of animals and plant species. However, wetlands have been experiencing rapid rates of vulnerability/risk due to alterations by population growth leading to enhanced water demand, climate variability, and human activities leading to land cover/land-use changes. Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) are less financially taxing methods useful in studying water scarcity, as shown in this study. The study begins with a literature review presentation based on a desk study from predominantly academic publications and additional municipal and consultancy reports on the wetland ecosystem’s vulnerability/risk and focuses on applying GIS & RS in related studies. After that, the study conducts a vulnerability assessment using the Ramsar Convention’s wetland vulnerability assessment using the theoretical framework stages using GIS and RS technologies. The study hypothesizes that water demand, climate variability, and land-use/cover changes (LULC) are the tri-factor responsible for wetland vulnerability. It begins the assessment by first quantifying wetland water demand using the wetland water budget, ecosystem services and the Penman-Montheith-FAO (ETo) evapotranspiration index. Secondly, objectively representing climate variability on wetland vulnerability using trend analysis to measure rainfall and temperature variability. Thirdly, reconstructing LULC changes from multi-date remotely sensed SPOT imagery over ten years from 2007 to 2017 to identify and monitor impacts of trends. The vulnerability was assessed through a Principle Component Analysis (PCA) that identified relevant variables and Multi-Criteria Evaluation (MCE) to evaluate the wetland’s exposure. The study concludes that there is evidence of a possible increase in water demand whilst climate variability, which is estimated to have a 39% contribution to the wetland dynamics, is characterised by a decrease in precipitation and an increase in temperatures. Lastly, LULC trends showed a marked increase in domestic and commercial farming, and farming has been identified as a wetland stressor of note. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Authors: Gwena, Kudzanai Rosebud https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1032-8937
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Water-supply , Climate change mitigation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22688 , vital:52656
- Description: Water scarcity is a major challenge in many different countries, particularly arid and or semi-arid like South Africa. Wetlands are one of the freshwater ecosystems that may assist in alleviating water scarcity because they are valuable not only as a water source for humans but also as an ecosystem of animals and plant species. However, wetlands have been experiencing rapid rates of vulnerability/risk due to alterations by population growth leading to enhanced water demand, climate variability, and human activities leading to land cover/land-use changes. Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) are less financially taxing methods useful in studying water scarcity, as shown in this study. The study begins with a literature review presentation based on a desk study from predominantly academic publications and additional municipal and consultancy reports on the wetland ecosystem’s vulnerability/risk and focuses on applying GIS & RS in related studies. After that, the study conducts a vulnerability assessment using the Ramsar Convention’s wetland vulnerability assessment using the theoretical framework stages using GIS and RS technologies. The study hypothesizes that water demand, climate variability, and land-use/cover changes (LULC) are the tri-factor responsible for wetland vulnerability. It begins the assessment by first quantifying wetland water demand using the wetland water budget, ecosystem services and the Penman-Montheith-FAO (ETo) evapotranspiration index. Secondly, objectively representing climate variability on wetland vulnerability using trend analysis to measure rainfall and temperature variability. Thirdly, reconstructing LULC changes from multi-date remotely sensed SPOT imagery over ten years from 2007 to 2017 to identify and monitor impacts of trends. The vulnerability was assessed through a Principle Component Analysis (PCA) that identified relevant variables and Multi-Criteria Evaluation (MCE) to evaluate the wetland’s exposure. The study concludes that there is evidence of a possible increase in water demand whilst climate variability, which is estimated to have a 39% contribution to the wetland dynamics, is characterised by a decrease in precipitation and an increase in temperatures. Lastly, LULC trends showed a marked increase in domestic and commercial farming, and farming has been identified as a wetland stressor of note. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text: