An analysis of special needs in a.a. milne’s children’s series, winnie the pooh, and the updated pooh series authored by david benedictus
- Authors: van Tonder, Tarryn
- Date: 2020-09
- Subjects: children’s literature , Children with disabilities--Education , Special education
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21189 , vital:47393
- Description: A. A. Milne was an author that made an impact on the development of children’s literature that continues today. His collection of books, inspired by his own life experiences, has paved the way for the development of recognising individuals that behave in ways that are contrary to societal norms, a topic that had been given little attention before the Winnie the Pooh books were written. These little children’s books were a front runner in the discussion of disabilities and special needs characters in children’s literature and revealed to children that they did not need to be fearful of individuals who were unlike them. Winnie the Pooh books encouraged sensitivity toward those with disabilities and special needs and illustrated how one could show acceptance in a loving and safe environment. The Winnie the Pooh series incorporates captivating and endearing characters with physical or mental aberrations, thus, educating society, enlightening readers and paving the way for literature to incorporate novel characters that have physical barriers or deformities. Each character in the Winnie the Pooh books is unique in his or her own way, displaying various special needs, character ‘flaws’, personalities and disabilities. These special needs characters are depicted honestly and with a wry sense of humour wherein each is accepted despite his or her foibles. This collection of books opposed the norm in children’s literature of shunning differences and disabilities, but addressed this topic in an open, tolerant manner, enabling children around the globe to embrace the characters because of their uniqueness. A. A Milne defied society’s rules and norms and paved the way for child readers to be introduced to individuals with special needs in a fresh, inviting way, encouraging these young readers to envision affirming experiences in their interactions with special needs individuals. These books endeavoured to positively change perceptions concerning special needs and disabilities. As a result, the Winnie the Pooh books have altered mind-sets and inspired this topic to be brought to the forefront. This project seeks to provide an exploration of special needs within the characters of the Winnie the Pooh collection of books authored by A.A Milne, as well as the contemporary renditions of these books authored by David Benedictus, by analysing the characters through a psychoanalytical lens, as well as providing an extensive examination through the medical and social theories of disability. Thus, the study will provide a thorough, text-based literary analysis by discussing three main areas regarding the topic of special needs in Winnie the Pooh. The three focal areas in this study are as follows: firstly, to analyse the manner in which special needs or disabilities had been previously addressed and depicted in children’s literature; secondly, to identify the special needs traits in each of the Winnie the Pooh characters and examine how each of them are depicted or portrayed in the books written by A. A. Milne and David Benedictus; and thirdly, to examine what the other characters do to illustrate their acceptance of the special needs characters and consider how these books can be used as a tool in bibliotherapy. The analysis of The Winnie the Pooh books is important due to the way they address the topics of acceptance, friendship and love for individuals with special needs and disabilities. This study significantly contributes to the literary debates on the topics of special needs characters and their portrayal in children’s literature. The topic of special needs is on the rise in political and social debates and more efforts are made to create inclusion in society. Literature plays a fundamental role in shaping children’s perspectives on acceptance or fear regarding individuals who differ from them, including those that have special needs or a disability. Characters with special needs or disabilities have constantly been identified as villains, malevolent and rejected by society. A.A. Milne’s portrayal of characters with special needs in a friendly, loving and accepting way has made children from around the world fall in love with these characters. This study will contribute to the growing understanding of special needs and disabilities as represented in literature and contribute to the breadth of research on A.A. Milne’s, Winnie the Pooh books. , Thesis (MA) (English) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-09
- Authors: van Tonder, Tarryn
- Date: 2020-09
- Subjects: children’s literature , Children with disabilities--Education , Special education
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21189 , vital:47393
- Description: A. A. Milne was an author that made an impact on the development of children’s literature that continues today. His collection of books, inspired by his own life experiences, has paved the way for the development of recognising individuals that behave in ways that are contrary to societal norms, a topic that had been given little attention before the Winnie the Pooh books were written. These little children’s books were a front runner in the discussion of disabilities and special needs characters in children’s literature and revealed to children that they did not need to be fearful of individuals who were unlike them. Winnie the Pooh books encouraged sensitivity toward those with disabilities and special needs and illustrated how one could show acceptance in a loving and safe environment. The Winnie the Pooh series incorporates captivating and endearing characters with physical or mental aberrations, thus, educating society, enlightening readers and paving the way for literature to incorporate novel characters that have physical barriers or deformities. Each character in the Winnie the Pooh books is unique in his or her own way, displaying various special needs, character ‘flaws’, personalities and disabilities. These special needs characters are depicted honestly and with a wry sense of humour wherein each is accepted despite his or her foibles. This collection of books opposed the norm in children’s literature of shunning differences and disabilities, but addressed this topic in an open, tolerant manner, enabling children around the globe to embrace the characters because of their uniqueness. A. A Milne defied society’s rules and norms and paved the way for child readers to be introduced to individuals with special needs in a fresh, inviting way, encouraging these young readers to envision affirming experiences in their interactions with special needs individuals. These books endeavoured to positively change perceptions concerning special needs and disabilities. As a result, the Winnie the Pooh books have altered mind-sets and inspired this topic to be brought to the forefront. This project seeks to provide an exploration of special needs within the characters of the Winnie the Pooh collection of books authored by A.A Milne, as well as the contemporary renditions of these books authored by David Benedictus, by analysing the characters through a psychoanalytical lens, as well as providing an extensive examination through the medical and social theories of disability. Thus, the study will provide a thorough, text-based literary analysis by discussing three main areas regarding the topic of special needs in Winnie the Pooh. The three focal areas in this study are as follows: firstly, to analyse the manner in which special needs or disabilities had been previously addressed and depicted in children’s literature; secondly, to identify the special needs traits in each of the Winnie the Pooh characters and examine how each of them are depicted or portrayed in the books written by A. A. Milne and David Benedictus; and thirdly, to examine what the other characters do to illustrate their acceptance of the special needs characters and consider how these books can be used as a tool in bibliotherapy. The analysis of The Winnie the Pooh books is important due to the way they address the topics of acceptance, friendship and love for individuals with special needs and disabilities. This study significantly contributes to the literary debates on the topics of special needs characters and their portrayal in children’s literature. The topic of special needs is on the rise in political and social debates and more efforts are made to create inclusion in society. Literature plays a fundamental role in shaping children’s perspectives on acceptance or fear regarding individuals who differ from them, including those that have special needs or a disability. Characters with special needs or disabilities have constantly been identified as villains, malevolent and rejected by society. A.A. Milne’s portrayal of characters with special needs in a friendly, loving and accepting way has made children from around the world fall in love with these characters. This study will contribute to the growing understanding of special needs and disabilities as represented in literature and contribute to the breadth of research on A.A. Milne’s, Winnie the Pooh books. , Thesis (MA) (English) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-09
Contested environmental knowledge: Struggles over meanings and uses of medicinal plants in Kabokweni, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa
- Authors: Mbeng, Emiline Oben Otang
- Date: 2020-09
- Subjects: Medicinal plants , Ethnobiology
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21146 , vital:47143
- Description: The main aim of this study was to examine the meanings attached by locals to medicinal plants in Kabokweni, Mpumalanga and how such meanings tend to shape the character of local struggles over access to, use and even commercial benefits of medicinal plants. This study draws its theoretical schema from political ecology, especially ethnoecology where the goal is to elucidate environmental conflict, most especially in terms of contestations over knowledge, power and practice, as they relate to the meaning and control of medicinal plants in Kabokweni. The study, therefore, recognises the complex interconnections between nature and society through a careful analysis of what one might call the forms of access and control over resources and their consequences for environmental health and sustainable livelihood. In-depth interviews, oral histories and non-participant observation were used to collect data and thematic analysis was used to analyse the data into meaningful themes according to the research questions and objectives of the study. The study found that Swati medicinal plant names are not subjective, but depend on socio-cultural and pragmatic perspectives, and meanings shape local struggles over medicinal plants in Kabokweni. Four underlying discourses were identified from the analysis of local narratives on the meanings and uses of medicinal plants. Each discourse offered a noticeably different concept of medicinal plants and people-plant relationships. Firstly, the ‘sustainability discourse’ referred to the role of foresters and environmentalists in sustainably managing plant resources. Secondly, the ‘livelihood discourse’ was entrenched in the local culture and economy. Thirdly, the ‘knowledge discourse’ conceptualises medicinal plants predominantly in terms of species richness and natural processes, while the ‘economic discourse’ emphasised the economic potential of medicines derived from plants as their major concern. Powerful social actors who influenced decisions about use and management of indigenous medicinal plants controlled these discourses. Finally, the study argues that rural communities would continue harvesting natural resources, even if illegally. Hence, to avert conflicts between indigenous actors and environmental agencies, communities need to be integrated into management programs, so they can be aware of some crucial issues such as sustainable harvesting of medicinal plants. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-09
- Authors: Mbeng, Emiline Oben Otang
- Date: 2020-09
- Subjects: Medicinal plants , Ethnobiology
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21146 , vital:47143
- Description: The main aim of this study was to examine the meanings attached by locals to medicinal plants in Kabokweni, Mpumalanga and how such meanings tend to shape the character of local struggles over access to, use and even commercial benefits of medicinal plants. This study draws its theoretical schema from political ecology, especially ethnoecology where the goal is to elucidate environmental conflict, most especially in terms of contestations over knowledge, power and practice, as they relate to the meaning and control of medicinal plants in Kabokweni. The study, therefore, recognises the complex interconnections between nature and society through a careful analysis of what one might call the forms of access and control over resources and their consequences for environmental health and sustainable livelihood. In-depth interviews, oral histories and non-participant observation were used to collect data and thematic analysis was used to analyse the data into meaningful themes according to the research questions and objectives of the study. The study found that Swati medicinal plant names are not subjective, but depend on socio-cultural and pragmatic perspectives, and meanings shape local struggles over medicinal plants in Kabokweni. Four underlying discourses were identified from the analysis of local narratives on the meanings and uses of medicinal plants. Each discourse offered a noticeably different concept of medicinal plants and people-plant relationships. Firstly, the ‘sustainability discourse’ referred to the role of foresters and environmentalists in sustainably managing plant resources. Secondly, the ‘livelihood discourse’ was entrenched in the local culture and economy. Thirdly, the ‘knowledge discourse’ conceptualises medicinal plants predominantly in terms of species richness and natural processes, while the ‘economic discourse’ emphasised the economic potential of medicines derived from plants as their major concern. Powerful social actors who influenced decisions about use and management of indigenous medicinal plants controlled these discourses. Finally, the study argues that rural communities would continue harvesting natural resources, even if illegally. Hence, to avert conflicts between indigenous actors and environmental agencies, communities need to be integrated into management programs, so they can be aware of some crucial issues such as sustainable harvesting of medicinal plants. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-09
Investigating Architecture Related to Animals in Captivity Through the Design of a Rhino Sanctuary in the Kruger National Park
- Authors: Kaene, Hansen Mark
- Date: 2020-09
- Subjects: Kruger National Park (South Africa) , Rhinoceroses
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59040 , vital:60258
- Description: Throughout history, animals have been domesticated and held captive in the interests of man. Animal captivity dates back to Ancient Egypt, however, as humanity has developed and further understood animals, their nature, importance and habitational needs, we have been able to appreciate and respect the value of each living thing that shares our planet alongside us. Humanity has progressed in its realisation that, our own species, is not so much superior to all living things, as it is one small, but very dominant part, of a larger system. This furthered understanding has altered the nature of animal captivity, no longer serving only the purposes of entertainment and observation, but also the interests of safeguarding and protecting our natural environment and all those that reside within it. The emergence of new technologies has advanced man’s ability to study and observe animals within their natural habitat, allowing study of the animals free of the limitations and impact of captivity on their psychological state. Harmful cultural beliefs and black market trade, have depleted the planet’s animal populations at an alarming rate, to the point that we can no longer sit idle while our rich natural resources and ecosystems are being devastated solely for economic gain. The efforts, interventions and support offered by African governments have fallen short in terms of the protection and rehabilitation of one of our continent’s most iconic large fauna, the rhinoceros. The war against illegal poaching has been taken up by private individuals. The cost of such efforts, however, weighs heavily on those who attempt to tackle the situation. To address these challenges, wildlife sanctuaries have developed safe havens for animals that have fallen victim to the illegal black-market trade. The design, construction and establishment of rhino sanctuaries is subject to specific legislation and prescribed regulations and standards for meeting the habitational requirements of the various sub-species of rhino. From an architectural standpoint, the narrative of an archi-type for ‘sanctuary’ has not yet been fully developed, as the high costs to private owners of game farms keeping rhinos - for those who have taken it upon themselves to provide for their shelter and enclosure - necessitate that such be undertaken using the most cost-effective means and approach through which to attain regulatory compliance. This treatise explores the narratives of the idealistic architectural approach to designing enclosures for the safeguard of wildlife species. Sanctuaries are designed to accommodate species-specific needs. The species of focus is the African black rhinoceros, the numbers of which, alongside its family of other sub-species, have been devastated by poachers and the black market trade to point of near extinction. The treatise explores the narratives of the ‘restrictive’ and ‘non-restrictive’ senses of animals in captivity through the programme of a sanctuary for black rhino. The aim of the treatise is to understand the specific requirements relating to a species’ natural habitat, and to adopt these principles in the design of an enclosure type that provides security and rehabilitation facilities within a non-stressful and safe environment through architectural intervention. The approach finds anchor in the narrative concerned with those conditions idealistic for a ‘cultural environment’ in which man and animal may dwell together in mutual harmony. This narrative focuses on the phenomenon of the natural versus the man-made, in order to understand meaning, identity and place within the programme of architectural design for wildlife. The Kruger National park exists as the largest natural reserve on the African continent and is situated at the frontlines of the illegal black market trade of rhino horn. This provides an ideal context within which the treatise explores the animal enclosure conceptually and towards serving the needs and requirements for the re-release of a rhino back into its natural habitat post-injury. The architectural intervention is to understand place, meaning and identity through the spatial implications of indigenous Sotho patterns and principles – those of a people whose understanding of context and culture have shaped the orientation of traditional settlements within a natural landscape. The physical form of the architectural intervention is derived from the existing natural materials found within the context of the treatise study, and from making use of affordable, eco-friendly methods and modes of construction. The treatise aspires to identify a new strategy and architectural type for the design of a wildlife sanctuary for poached and orphaned black rhino within an African context. II. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-09
- Authors: Kaene, Hansen Mark
- Date: 2020-09
- Subjects: Kruger National Park (South Africa) , Rhinoceroses
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59040 , vital:60258
- Description: Throughout history, animals have been domesticated and held captive in the interests of man. Animal captivity dates back to Ancient Egypt, however, as humanity has developed and further understood animals, their nature, importance and habitational needs, we have been able to appreciate and respect the value of each living thing that shares our planet alongside us. Humanity has progressed in its realisation that, our own species, is not so much superior to all living things, as it is one small, but very dominant part, of a larger system. This furthered understanding has altered the nature of animal captivity, no longer serving only the purposes of entertainment and observation, but also the interests of safeguarding and protecting our natural environment and all those that reside within it. The emergence of new technologies has advanced man’s ability to study and observe animals within their natural habitat, allowing study of the animals free of the limitations and impact of captivity on their psychological state. Harmful cultural beliefs and black market trade, have depleted the planet’s animal populations at an alarming rate, to the point that we can no longer sit idle while our rich natural resources and ecosystems are being devastated solely for economic gain. The efforts, interventions and support offered by African governments have fallen short in terms of the protection and rehabilitation of one of our continent’s most iconic large fauna, the rhinoceros. The war against illegal poaching has been taken up by private individuals. The cost of such efforts, however, weighs heavily on those who attempt to tackle the situation. To address these challenges, wildlife sanctuaries have developed safe havens for animals that have fallen victim to the illegal black-market trade. The design, construction and establishment of rhino sanctuaries is subject to specific legislation and prescribed regulations and standards for meeting the habitational requirements of the various sub-species of rhino. From an architectural standpoint, the narrative of an archi-type for ‘sanctuary’ has not yet been fully developed, as the high costs to private owners of game farms keeping rhinos - for those who have taken it upon themselves to provide for their shelter and enclosure - necessitate that such be undertaken using the most cost-effective means and approach through which to attain regulatory compliance. This treatise explores the narratives of the idealistic architectural approach to designing enclosures for the safeguard of wildlife species. Sanctuaries are designed to accommodate species-specific needs. The species of focus is the African black rhinoceros, the numbers of which, alongside its family of other sub-species, have been devastated by poachers and the black market trade to point of near extinction. The treatise explores the narratives of the ‘restrictive’ and ‘non-restrictive’ senses of animals in captivity through the programme of a sanctuary for black rhino. The aim of the treatise is to understand the specific requirements relating to a species’ natural habitat, and to adopt these principles in the design of an enclosure type that provides security and rehabilitation facilities within a non-stressful and safe environment through architectural intervention. The approach finds anchor in the narrative concerned with those conditions idealistic for a ‘cultural environment’ in which man and animal may dwell together in mutual harmony. This narrative focuses on the phenomenon of the natural versus the man-made, in order to understand meaning, identity and place within the programme of architectural design for wildlife. The Kruger National park exists as the largest natural reserve on the African continent and is situated at the frontlines of the illegal black market trade of rhino horn. This provides an ideal context within which the treatise explores the animal enclosure conceptually and towards serving the needs and requirements for the re-release of a rhino back into its natural habitat post-injury. The architectural intervention is to understand place, meaning and identity through the spatial implications of indigenous Sotho patterns and principles – those of a people whose understanding of context and culture have shaped the orientation of traditional settlements within a natural landscape. The physical form of the architectural intervention is derived from the existing natural materials found within the context of the treatise study, and from making use of affordable, eco-friendly methods and modes of construction. The treatise aspires to identify a new strategy and architectural type for the design of a wildlife sanctuary for poached and orphaned black rhino within an African context. II. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-09
Investigating the Contemporary Role of Traditional Civic Building Types through The Design of a Public Library in Hlotse Town,Leribe,Lesotho
- Authors: Falatsi, Sera E.
- Date: 2020-09
- Subjects: Sustainable architecture -- Hlotse Town -- Lesotho , Industrialized building -- Hlotse Town -- Lesotho
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58983 , vital:60253
- Description: This treatise aims to design a public library in a small town of Hlotse, Leribe, Lesotho and to investigate the role of a public contemporary building in a city. This came after realising that there are no public facilities that act as places of civic entertainment or formal community encores but, rather they perform specific functions while public interactions take place in informal courtyards in town and in open spaces. This treatise explores the issues involved in the desighn of a public library, first by investigating on the transition of public libraries, moving from transitional to relational libraries then exploration of criteria to be a civic icon. The research conducted further touches on how technology impacted the architectural design as well as public libraries’ role. This together with the site context and Hlotse culture ( of sense of collection) has provided a unique response in developing an architectural design. Precedent studies are selected based on the nature of this treatise’s aim and the contexts which they are situated in, relevent to Hlotse. Architectural intervention will focus on creating a public positive urban space connecting the site, informal market and the taxi rank as well as responding to the lack of greenspaces. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-09
- Authors: Falatsi, Sera E.
- Date: 2020-09
- Subjects: Sustainable architecture -- Hlotse Town -- Lesotho , Industrialized building -- Hlotse Town -- Lesotho
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58983 , vital:60253
- Description: This treatise aims to design a public library in a small town of Hlotse, Leribe, Lesotho and to investigate the role of a public contemporary building in a city. This came after realising that there are no public facilities that act as places of civic entertainment or formal community encores but, rather they perform specific functions while public interactions take place in informal courtyards in town and in open spaces. This treatise explores the issues involved in the desighn of a public library, first by investigating on the transition of public libraries, moving from transitional to relational libraries then exploration of criteria to be a civic icon. The research conducted further touches on how technology impacted the architectural design as well as public libraries’ role. This together with the site context and Hlotse culture ( of sense of collection) has provided a unique response in developing an architectural design. Precedent studies are selected based on the nature of this treatise’s aim and the contexts which they are situated in, relevent to Hlotse. Architectural intervention will focus on creating a public positive urban space connecting the site, informal market and the taxi rank as well as responding to the lack of greenspaces. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-09
Investigating the use of Biophilic Principles in Rehabilitative Environments: The Design of a New Correctional Facility for Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: De villiers, Jaun
- Date: 2020-09
- Subjects: Correctional institution -- Nelson Mandela Bay , Rehabilitation technology
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59005 , vital:60255
- Description: South African correctional facilities are riddled with issues such as overcrowding and high recidivism rates. Recidivism refers to the tendency of a convicted criminal to re-offend once released. This is mainly due to the lack of rehabilitative programmes and infrastructure to aid in rehabilitating a convict to not reoffend and to earn an honest living. With unemployment being a significant factor in South Africa, society intentionally makes it more difficult to find employment if one has a criminal record. We should consider the fact that today’s prisoners are tomorrow’s neighbours. Therefore rehabilitation in correctional facilities should be the most important part of the incarceration programme (Cox, 2013). Many South African prisoners experience conditions such as being locked up for 23 hours a day in a cell crammed with two to three times more the number of inmates the facility is capacitated for with little to no access to the natural environment. Thomas Ouard, architect and PhD at the Nantes School of Architecture in France, indicated that there is a direct relationship between a prisoner’s psychological health and the surroundings perceived by the prisoner on a daily basis and that the opportunity to experience landscapes and vegetation, even though large windows, can significantly aid the mental health of inmates (Ouard, 2015). Additionally, Dr Söderlund, the current chairperson of Biophilic Cities Australia, proved through her research that physiological evidence indicates that biophilic principles applied in prisons, through patterns of vegetative areas and organic architectural patterns, can greatly aid in rehabilitating prisoners and can contribute to relaxation, stress relief, and feelings of refuge and peace (Söderlund & Newman, 2017). There are four levels of security in South African prisons: supermaximum, maximum, medium, and minimum-security. Generally, medium- and minimum-security prisons attempt to explore rehabilitative programmes the most. South African prison facilities are often located on the outskirts of a town, which causes difficulties for family and friends to visit inmates. The facilities also struggle with expenses regarding access to essential services, lack of operational medical staff, costly transfers of prisoners, and procurement of supplies and food stock (United Nations Office for Project Services [UNOPS], 2016). However, 21st-century prisons contain modern technologies and advanced security systems that allow modern correctional facilities to be incorporated into an urban environment (Ricci, 2006). This treatise therefore aimed to establish a 21st-century mediumsecurity prison in an urban environment that incorporates principles of biophilia as constituent to rehabilitation. The facility will be focused on rehabilitation in order to reduce recidivism, and, ultimately, in the long run, will lead to a facility that is populated within its capacity. To meet the aim of this study, the following objectives were set: to establish a set of architectural principles and theories that will act as design drivers focused on the rehabilitation of incarcerated individuals, and to reduce the operational costs of the design of a new correctional facility. This can be achieved by amending the facility with an urban agricultural component through biophilic principles to explore horticultural therapeutic activities that will aid in rehabilitating convicts and aid as an additional food supply, which can also be a form of income for the facility. The project includes sustainable and regenerative approaches that respond to the environment and provide additional infrastructure to the facility in terms of water, gas, and electricity. It is important to note that it will be nearly impossible for one new correctional facility to address all the difficulties that South African facilities face. However, the facility intends to act as a new paradigm of knowledge that can be applied to future facilities in South Africa. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-09
- Authors: De villiers, Jaun
- Date: 2020-09
- Subjects: Correctional institution -- Nelson Mandela Bay , Rehabilitation technology
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59005 , vital:60255
- Description: South African correctional facilities are riddled with issues such as overcrowding and high recidivism rates. Recidivism refers to the tendency of a convicted criminal to re-offend once released. This is mainly due to the lack of rehabilitative programmes and infrastructure to aid in rehabilitating a convict to not reoffend and to earn an honest living. With unemployment being a significant factor in South Africa, society intentionally makes it more difficult to find employment if one has a criminal record. We should consider the fact that today’s prisoners are tomorrow’s neighbours. Therefore rehabilitation in correctional facilities should be the most important part of the incarceration programme (Cox, 2013). Many South African prisoners experience conditions such as being locked up for 23 hours a day in a cell crammed with two to three times more the number of inmates the facility is capacitated for with little to no access to the natural environment. Thomas Ouard, architect and PhD at the Nantes School of Architecture in France, indicated that there is a direct relationship between a prisoner’s psychological health and the surroundings perceived by the prisoner on a daily basis and that the opportunity to experience landscapes and vegetation, even though large windows, can significantly aid the mental health of inmates (Ouard, 2015). Additionally, Dr Söderlund, the current chairperson of Biophilic Cities Australia, proved through her research that physiological evidence indicates that biophilic principles applied in prisons, through patterns of vegetative areas and organic architectural patterns, can greatly aid in rehabilitating prisoners and can contribute to relaxation, stress relief, and feelings of refuge and peace (Söderlund & Newman, 2017). There are four levels of security in South African prisons: supermaximum, maximum, medium, and minimum-security. Generally, medium- and minimum-security prisons attempt to explore rehabilitative programmes the most. South African prison facilities are often located on the outskirts of a town, which causes difficulties for family and friends to visit inmates. The facilities also struggle with expenses regarding access to essential services, lack of operational medical staff, costly transfers of prisoners, and procurement of supplies and food stock (United Nations Office for Project Services [UNOPS], 2016). However, 21st-century prisons contain modern technologies and advanced security systems that allow modern correctional facilities to be incorporated into an urban environment (Ricci, 2006). This treatise therefore aimed to establish a 21st-century mediumsecurity prison in an urban environment that incorporates principles of biophilia as constituent to rehabilitation. The facility will be focused on rehabilitation in order to reduce recidivism, and, ultimately, in the long run, will lead to a facility that is populated within its capacity. To meet the aim of this study, the following objectives were set: to establish a set of architectural principles and theories that will act as design drivers focused on the rehabilitation of incarcerated individuals, and to reduce the operational costs of the design of a new correctional facility. This can be achieved by amending the facility with an urban agricultural component through biophilic principles to explore horticultural therapeutic activities that will aid in rehabilitating convicts and aid as an additional food supply, which can also be a form of income for the facility. The project includes sustainable and regenerative approaches that respond to the environment and provide additional infrastructure to the facility in terms of water, gas, and electricity. It is important to note that it will be nearly impossible for one new correctional facility to address all the difficulties that South African facilities face. However, the facility intends to act as a new paradigm of knowledge that can be applied to future facilities in South Africa. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-09
Legitimizing repressed knowledge systems in the post- colonial city through the design of an indigenous afro- pharmacy in central, Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Mlenzana, Mihle
- Date: 2020-09
- Subjects: Traditional ecological knowledge -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59095 , vital:60263
- Description: This thesis explores the possibility of marrying repressed African indigenous knowledge systems with the abrasive, post- colonial environment that is Central, such that an African identity is represented in a built environment that was shaped and formed by European influences. This is aligned with the African renaissance paradigm. Set in the backdrop of Central, Port Elizabeth’s disparaged CBD, the study culminates in a successful and appropriate architectural design for an Afro- indigenous pharmacy and a vernacular architecture for Port Elizabeth. The design process will take cues from the social, economic, political, physical and urban CBD context of the chosen site, such that the final proposal is practical and usable by the public for which it is intended, while simultaneously being environmentally sensitive. Furthermore, the research aims to shed light upon the importance of urban regeneration through the repurposing of an abandoned Brownfield site into a productive landscape and a sustainable enterprise. The qualitative methodological approach is followed to gather primary data, which is obtained by visiting existing herbalist practices and conventional pharmacies in Port Elizabeth, and will be used as case studies from which interpretations and information will be drawn. Secondary data in the way of precedence studies of urban growing facilities that make use of hydroponic systems, along with precedence studies of commercial pharmacies, is also gathered and used as reference material on how they respond to the urban hubs in which they exist. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-09
- Authors: Mlenzana, Mihle
- Date: 2020-09
- Subjects: Traditional ecological knowledge -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59095 , vital:60263
- Description: This thesis explores the possibility of marrying repressed African indigenous knowledge systems with the abrasive, post- colonial environment that is Central, such that an African identity is represented in a built environment that was shaped and formed by European influences. This is aligned with the African renaissance paradigm. Set in the backdrop of Central, Port Elizabeth’s disparaged CBD, the study culminates in a successful and appropriate architectural design for an Afro- indigenous pharmacy and a vernacular architecture for Port Elizabeth. The design process will take cues from the social, economic, political, physical and urban CBD context of the chosen site, such that the final proposal is practical and usable by the public for which it is intended, while simultaneously being environmentally sensitive. Furthermore, the research aims to shed light upon the importance of urban regeneration through the repurposing of an abandoned Brownfield site into a productive landscape and a sustainable enterprise. The qualitative methodological approach is followed to gather primary data, which is obtained by visiting existing herbalist practices and conventional pharmacies in Port Elizabeth, and will be used as case studies from which interpretations and information will be drawn. Secondary data in the way of precedence studies of urban growing facilities that make use of hydroponic systems, along with precedence studies of commercial pharmacies, is also gathered and used as reference material on how they respond to the urban hubs in which they exist. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-09
Memory in the Ecosystem of the City: The Design of a Funerary Landscape in Shark River Valley, Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Ritchie, Brittney
- Date: 2020-09
- Subjects: Archaeological landscape -- Port Elizabeth , Cemeteries , Shark River Valley, Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59139 , vital:60267
- Description: This thesis evolved from an inherent fascination with the architecture of funerary landscapes. Funerary structures can be regarded as the first architectural interventions and provide a fundamental perspective of how societies dealt with death and its meaning. Architecture has manifested in this type for many years, for many reasons and in many different expressions. Monolithic burial mounds of the Neolithic age, the pyramids of Giza and the mausoleums of the classical era are typical examples of funerary landscapes. The architecture of contemporary funerary landscapes, however, does not display characteristics similar to those of their predecessors. Contemporary funerary landscapes appear to be dissociated from their environment and motivated by efficiency rather than any attempt to reflect and embrace the deeper processes of death and mourning. Subsequently, these landscapes lack identity and the notion of meaning, appearing derelict, dull and forgotten by society. There is a common approach, particularly in South Africa, of displacing these landscapes to the peripheries of cities, further exacerbating the divide between society and the roles and rituals of death. This approach is a paradox to the ecological paradigm of our time. In order to address this issue and understand funerary landscapes as type, this study firstly explored various relevant theoretical aspects as well as examples of successful funerary landscapes around the world. The typical cemetery with its inherent problems provided an opportunity for this study to respond constructively through an architectural design, taking into consideration the function of the funeral, the process of grief and the concern of re-integrating the funerary landscape into the ecosystem of the city. Then, an appropriate site was chosen in the city of Port Elizabeth for the design of a funerary landscape. In order to explore the established set of principles, this thesis proposed a funerary landscape as a place of both memorial and recreation within a delicate ecosystem in an underutilised urban park of Port Elizabeth; Shark River Valley. This design aimed to integrate with both the natural environment and the surrounding built fabric, encouraging interaction with the rich cultural and natural heritage the city has to offer. The ambition is for this funerary landscape to become a narrative journey, framing a series of experiences which will bring people together, reconciling society and encourage them to embrace and cope with death in a meaningful way. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-09
- Authors: Ritchie, Brittney
- Date: 2020-09
- Subjects: Archaeological landscape -- Port Elizabeth , Cemeteries , Shark River Valley, Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59139 , vital:60267
- Description: This thesis evolved from an inherent fascination with the architecture of funerary landscapes. Funerary structures can be regarded as the first architectural interventions and provide a fundamental perspective of how societies dealt with death and its meaning. Architecture has manifested in this type for many years, for many reasons and in many different expressions. Monolithic burial mounds of the Neolithic age, the pyramids of Giza and the mausoleums of the classical era are typical examples of funerary landscapes. The architecture of contemporary funerary landscapes, however, does not display characteristics similar to those of their predecessors. Contemporary funerary landscapes appear to be dissociated from their environment and motivated by efficiency rather than any attempt to reflect and embrace the deeper processes of death and mourning. Subsequently, these landscapes lack identity and the notion of meaning, appearing derelict, dull and forgotten by society. There is a common approach, particularly in South Africa, of displacing these landscapes to the peripheries of cities, further exacerbating the divide between society and the roles and rituals of death. This approach is a paradox to the ecological paradigm of our time. In order to address this issue and understand funerary landscapes as type, this study firstly explored various relevant theoretical aspects as well as examples of successful funerary landscapes around the world. The typical cemetery with its inherent problems provided an opportunity for this study to respond constructively through an architectural design, taking into consideration the function of the funeral, the process of grief and the concern of re-integrating the funerary landscape into the ecosystem of the city. Then, an appropriate site was chosen in the city of Port Elizabeth for the design of a funerary landscape. In order to explore the established set of principles, this thesis proposed a funerary landscape as a place of both memorial and recreation within a delicate ecosystem in an underutilised urban park of Port Elizabeth; Shark River Valley. This design aimed to integrate with both the natural environment and the surrounding built fabric, encouraging interaction with the rich cultural and natural heritage the city has to offer. The ambition is for this funerary landscape to become a narrative journey, framing a series of experiences which will bring people together, reconciling society and encourage them to embrace and cope with death in a meaningful way. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-09
Negotiating Coloured identities in conversation with peers in a post-apartheid Eastern Cape rural context
- Authors: Pretorius, Shaida Angelina
- Date: 2020-09
- Subjects: Colored people (South Africa) , Post-apartheid era--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21123 , vital:47115
- Description: The Coloured is a contested identity, and many who see themselves as “Coloured” are grappling with this social identity in a rapidly changing South African context. Therefore this study has sought to investigate how Coloured adolescents construct identities of what it means to be Coloured in conversation with their peers in the post-apartheid context. A qualitative study was conducted which allowed a phenomenon like the identity of Coloured young people to be studied in depth, openness and rich detail. The research sample for this study consisted of young Coloured people in their late adolescence, who either attended secondary school or had matriculated and attained the status of young adults, and had grown up in the rural Eastern Cape setting in which the study was conducted. Focus group discussions were held, three of the groups comprised both White and Coloured Afrikaans-speaking secondary school learners, while the remaining two comprised Coloured young people only (a total of thirty-three participants). Nonetheless, all five of the focus group discussions provided appropriate forums for the young Coloured participants to verbalise their experiences and the ways in which they constructed their identities as young Coloured members of post-apartheid South African society. A discursive and rhetorical analytic approach was utilized to analyze the data obtained from the focus group conversations held. This research project has adopted the perspective of discursive psychology and social constructionist meta-theory in investigating how Coloured adolescents construct ethnic identities in conversation. The analysis revealed that the adolescents in the study appear to negotiate constructive and liberated identities of Colouredness in dialogue with peers regarding the multi-cultural school setting as a social space, relating to peers and building friendships, as well as dealing with multi-cultural love relationships. There are indications that they succeed in transcending the apartheid barriers of the past in terms of relating to fellow South Africans, both Black and White. In contrast, there were also discourses of Colouredness that were more unsettling and pointing to heavy identity struggles. It became evident from the analysis that the narratives of what being Coloured means in the post-apartheid era were also saturated with senses of struggle, uncertainty, dissatisfaction, hopelessness, to mention a few. It appeared that many Coloured voices were trapped in ideologies of the past where Colouredness was equated with not being worthy enough, and being marginalised. The present study showed that Coloured adolescents often recite the discourse of the “inbetween-ness” in the construction of narratives of being Coloured. The sense of Colouredness emerging from these narratives seems to resonate with what was experienced during the Apartheid era. From a dialogical self perspective multivoicedness in terms of constructing identities of being Coloured in conversation emerged. In a cultural context of perceived tensions, contradictions and ambivalence living in the new South Africa as a Coloured young person gave rise to contestation of identities of being Coloured as well as a multiplicity and diversity of voices and identities, including voices that transcend the restrictions and boundaries of the past. The theory developed by Hermans and colleagues of the multi-voiced and dialogical self, allowed for this multiplicity and dynamic complexity of identities to be studied sufficiently. , Thesis (MSoc Sci) (Counselling Psychology) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-09
- Authors: Pretorius, Shaida Angelina
- Date: 2020-09
- Subjects: Colored people (South Africa) , Post-apartheid era--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21123 , vital:47115
- Description: The Coloured is a contested identity, and many who see themselves as “Coloured” are grappling with this social identity in a rapidly changing South African context. Therefore this study has sought to investigate how Coloured adolescents construct identities of what it means to be Coloured in conversation with their peers in the post-apartheid context. A qualitative study was conducted which allowed a phenomenon like the identity of Coloured young people to be studied in depth, openness and rich detail. The research sample for this study consisted of young Coloured people in their late adolescence, who either attended secondary school or had matriculated and attained the status of young adults, and had grown up in the rural Eastern Cape setting in which the study was conducted. Focus group discussions were held, three of the groups comprised both White and Coloured Afrikaans-speaking secondary school learners, while the remaining two comprised Coloured young people only (a total of thirty-three participants). Nonetheless, all five of the focus group discussions provided appropriate forums for the young Coloured participants to verbalise their experiences and the ways in which they constructed their identities as young Coloured members of post-apartheid South African society. A discursive and rhetorical analytic approach was utilized to analyze the data obtained from the focus group conversations held. This research project has adopted the perspective of discursive psychology and social constructionist meta-theory in investigating how Coloured adolescents construct ethnic identities in conversation. The analysis revealed that the adolescents in the study appear to negotiate constructive and liberated identities of Colouredness in dialogue with peers regarding the multi-cultural school setting as a social space, relating to peers and building friendships, as well as dealing with multi-cultural love relationships. There are indications that they succeed in transcending the apartheid barriers of the past in terms of relating to fellow South Africans, both Black and White. In contrast, there were also discourses of Colouredness that were more unsettling and pointing to heavy identity struggles. It became evident from the analysis that the narratives of what being Coloured means in the post-apartheid era were also saturated with senses of struggle, uncertainty, dissatisfaction, hopelessness, to mention a few. It appeared that many Coloured voices were trapped in ideologies of the past where Colouredness was equated with not being worthy enough, and being marginalised. The present study showed that Coloured adolescents often recite the discourse of the “inbetween-ness” in the construction of narratives of being Coloured. The sense of Colouredness emerging from these narratives seems to resonate with what was experienced during the Apartheid era. From a dialogical self perspective multivoicedness in terms of constructing identities of being Coloured in conversation emerged. In a cultural context of perceived tensions, contradictions and ambivalence living in the new South Africa as a Coloured young person gave rise to contestation of identities of being Coloured as well as a multiplicity and diversity of voices and identities, including voices that transcend the restrictions and boundaries of the past. The theory developed by Hermans and colleagues of the multi-voiced and dialogical self, allowed for this multiplicity and dynamic complexity of identities to be studied sufficiently. , Thesis (MSoc Sci) (Counselling Psychology) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-09
Psychological empowerment as a moderator of the relationship between job insecurity and intention to quit among employees at Emalahleni local municipality, Eastern Cape
- Mapete, Siphosethu https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1580-9382
- Authors: Mapete, Siphosethu https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1580-9382
- Date: 2020-09
- Subjects: Employee morale , Municipal officials and employees
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20174 , vital:45405
- Description: Psychological empowerment, job security and retention are important characteristics that all organisations would be happy to have among all their employees. This is because retention and psychological empowerment on their own are characteristics that are linked to many desirable organisational outcomes such as job satisfaction, productivity and employee retention. In other words, a psychologically empowered employee is an engaged and desirable one, and it is therefore extremely important for organisations to know how engagement among employees can be generated or enhanced, especially the case in the public sector that is characterised by high levels of stress among its employees. The main objective of the study is to explore the combined effect of psychological empowerment, job insecurity and intention to quit in the South African public sector where psychological empowerment plays a moderating effect. The study enquires into the effects gender, race, marital status, age and educational level have on the study variables. A quantitative approach is adopted. A structured self – administered questionnaire comprising of four sections: biographical information, Psychological Empowerment Questionnaire (PEQ), Job Insecurity Inventory (JII) and Turnover Intention Scale (TIS) was used to collect the data. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) will be used to analyse data, and both descriptive and inferential statistics were utilized. The results revealed a negative relationship between job insecurity and intention to quit. A negative relationship was also found between the dependent variable psychological empowerment and the independent variable intention to quit. Additionally, a combined effect of psychological empowerment and job insecurity on intention to quit was also found due to the fact that no previous studies found job insecurity to be significantly positively related to intention to quit. Job insecurity was also found to be significantly negatively related to intention to quit, and the two variables combined (psychological empowerment and job insecurity) were found to be even more strongly related to intention to quit than any of the two separately. These are the results the present study found. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-09
- Authors: Mapete, Siphosethu https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1580-9382
- Date: 2020-09
- Subjects: Employee morale , Municipal officials and employees
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20174 , vital:45405
- Description: Psychological empowerment, job security and retention are important characteristics that all organisations would be happy to have among all their employees. This is because retention and psychological empowerment on their own are characteristics that are linked to many desirable organisational outcomes such as job satisfaction, productivity and employee retention. In other words, a psychologically empowered employee is an engaged and desirable one, and it is therefore extremely important for organisations to know how engagement among employees can be generated or enhanced, especially the case in the public sector that is characterised by high levels of stress among its employees. The main objective of the study is to explore the combined effect of psychological empowerment, job insecurity and intention to quit in the South African public sector where psychological empowerment plays a moderating effect. The study enquires into the effects gender, race, marital status, age and educational level have on the study variables. A quantitative approach is adopted. A structured self – administered questionnaire comprising of four sections: biographical information, Psychological Empowerment Questionnaire (PEQ), Job Insecurity Inventory (JII) and Turnover Intention Scale (TIS) was used to collect the data. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) will be used to analyse data, and both descriptive and inferential statistics were utilized. The results revealed a negative relationship between job insecurity and intention to quit. A negative relationship was also found between the dependent variable psychological empowerment and the independent variable intention to quit. Additionally, a combined effect of psychological empowerment and job insecurity on intention to quit was also found due to the fact that no previous studies found job insecurity to be significantly positively related to intention to quit. Job insecurity was also found to be significantly negatively related to intention to quit, and the two variables combined (psychological empowerment and job insecurity) were found to be even more strongly related to intention to quit than any of the two separately. These are the results the present study found. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-09
Teachers’ views of pragmatic strategies to enhance leadership potential for female learners in primary schools at Amathole East Education District
- Authors: Bubulu, Thandiwe
- Date: 2020-09
- Subjects: Educational leadership , School improvement programs
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20024 , vital:44949
- Description: This study examined how the establishment of leadership development programme targeted at female learners in primary schools could promote female learner leaders and motivate more women to take up leadership positions to address concerns of gender and to prepare females for the challenges they may face when assuming leadership roles in future.Whereas adolescent girls may be the future representation of women leaders in society, leadership development of female learners in primary schools has been neglected. Currently, a review of literature on the problem of gender imbalance at leadership level reveals a dearth of research among the youth, less so, among young women. Yet, globally, in Africa and in South Africa, particularly, there is an inequitable balance of leadership positions in society when comparing men and women. The researcher has identified this gap and has decided to dedicated research efforts in adolescent leadership development to enrich the scant existing knowledge on the born-global phenomenon. Because schools play an important role in student development and schools are a key resource for achieving equity goals, understanding how leadership is promoted by school teachers is an important step toward growing the literature on female learners’ leadership development. The study was based on five primary schools in the Amathole District in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The study followed a qualitative research approach where interviews were employed to elicit data from the study’s participants and to help in understanding the phenomenon under study. A non-probability, purposive sampling technique was used where ten participants were selected. The study’s participants were five (5) principals, two (2) HoDs, two (2) post level 1 teachers and one (1) Learner Support Assistant (LSA). The study found that a paradigm shift from the traditional view of leadership, where young people are not given leadership positions because they are regarded as young or quiet is a patriarchal belief system that should be done away with. Instead, role-players should embrace and encourage female children to be transformational and servant leaders. There is need for a change of mind-set from all role-players in South Africa to accept learners as equal participants in school leadership and to prioritise the training and development of female learner leaders. Female learners need to be taught a broader understanding of leadership as a concept including differing leadership theories and styles. Leadership as a concept needs to be taught early in primary school and to all learners. The study recommended leadership development seminars, camps, workshops and guest speakers that could aid in the development of leadership at primary school, and to be prioritised. The study concluded that continuous leadership training from a young age, for all learners in primary schools should be encouraged to ensure that learners chosen to lead assume leadership roles with confidence, skills and experience. Government schools need to allocate budget for leadership development of learners, with special funding for the relatively disadvantaged gender. , Thesis (DPhil) -- Faculty of Education, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-09
- Authors: Bubulu, Thandiwe
- Date: 2020-09
- Subjects: Educational leadership , School improvement programs
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20024 , vital:44949
- Description: This study examined how the establishment of leadership development programme targeted at female learners in primary schools could promote female learner leaders and motivate more women to take up leadership positions to address concerns of gender and to prepare females for the challenges they may face when assuming leadership roles in future.Whereas adolescent girls may be the future representation of women leaders in society, leadership development of female learners in primary schools has been neglected. Currently, a review of literature on the problem of gender imbalance at leadership level reveals a dearth of research among the youth, less so, among young women. Yet, globally, in Africa and in South Africa, particularly, there is an inequitable balance of leadership positions in society when comparing men and women. The researcher has identified this gap and has decided to dedicated research efforts in adolescent leadership development to enrich the scant existing knowledge on the born-global phenomenon. Because schools play an important role in student development and schools are a key resource for achieving equity goals, understanding how leadership is promoted by school teachers is an important step toward growing the literature on female learners’ leadership development. The study was based on five primary schools in the Amathole District in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The study followed a qualitative research approach where interviews were employed to elicit data from the study’s participants and to help in understanding the phenomenon under study. A non-probability, purposive sampling technique was used where ten participants were selected. The study’s participants were five (5) principals, two (2) HoDs, two (2) post level 1 teachers and one (1) Learner Support Assistant (LSA). The study found that a paradigm shift from the traditional view of leadership, where young people are not given leadership positions because they are regarded as young or quiet is a patriarchal belief system that should be done away with. Instead, role-players should embrace and encourage female children to be transformational and servant leaders. There is need for a change of mind-set from all role-players in South Africa to accept learners as equal participants in school leadership and to prioritise the training and development of female learner leaders. Female learners need to be taught a broader understanding of leadership as a concept including differing leadership theories and styles. Leadership as a concept needs to be taught early in primary school and to all learners. The study recommended leadership development seminars, camps, workshops and guest speakers that could aid in the development of leadership at primary school, and to be prioritised. The study concluded that continuous leadership training from a young age, for all learners in primary schools should be encouraged to ensure that learners chosen to lead assume leadership roles with confidence, skills and experience. Government schools need to allocate budget for leadership development of learners, with special funding for the relatively disadvantaged gender. , Thesis (DPhil) -- Faculty of Education, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-09
The design of a waste recycling facility for the waste pickers of Arlington Landfill, Port Elizabeth: recognising the needs of unacknowledged stakeholders in the circular waste economy
- Authors: Blake, Sean Smit
- Date: 2020-09
- Subjects: Recycling (Waste, etc.) -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59150 , vital:60268
- Description: At this very moment, this very second, in the backstreets and upon high, vast wastelands, something is in motion. Often on the periphery of our daily thoughts, or not at all, this very motion never ceases to exist- it simply cannot afford to. Waste, our modern day global issue, has reached a critical point, causing us to now venture into uncharted territories. We produce unspeakable amounts of waste per annum creating compounding social and environmental problems, and in the process we create a particular physical object, an altered landscape known as a landfill. The landfill environment is where this treatise chooses to position itself, but looks further into the existing community of individuals who perform the task of recycling. Waste pickers, an unmatched motion and dynamic within our broad waste landscape, remain largely unacknowledged in the role they play in the circular waste economy, subsequently creating the core concern for this treatise. Hence, the building type responsible, a waste recycling facility, that looks to identify and address the needs that these individuals require to safely carry out their pivotal role within the setting of Arlington Landfill in Port Elizabeth. Therefore, this treatise looks to uncover and bring to light a day in the life of a waste picker, through an architectural intervention seeking to become more than an object on the landscape. The treatise looks to break away from a static architectural object by applying the overall lens guided by ‘Anti-Object’ written by Kengo Kuma, therefore concerning itself with an overarching process of creating an emerging anti-object architecture, embodying the subtitles and characteristics of the waste pickers of Arlington Landfill. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-09
- Authors: Blake, Sean Smit
- Date: 2020-09
- Subjects: Recycling (Waste, etc.) -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59150 , vital:60268
- Description: At this very moment, this very second, in the backstreets and upon high, vast wastelands, something is in motion. Often on the periphery of our daily thoughts, or not at all, this very motion never ceases to exist- it simply cannot afford to. Waste, our modern day global issue, has reached a critical point, causing us to now venture into uncharted territories. We produce unspeakable amounts of waste per annum creating compounding social and environmental problems, and in the process we create a particular physical object, an altered landscape known as a landfill. The landfill environment is where this treatise chooses to position itself, but looks further into the existing community of individuals who perform the task of recycling. Waste pickers, an unmatched motion and dynamic within our broad waste landscape, remain largely unacknowledged in the role they play in the circular waste economy, subsequently creating the core concern for this treatise. Hence, the building type responsible, a waste recycling facility, that looks to identify and address the needs that these individuals require to safely carry out their pivotal role within the setting of Arlington Landfill in Port Elizabeth. Therefore, this treatise looks to uncover and bring to light a day in the life of a waste picker, through an architectural intervention seeking to become more than an object on the landscape. The treatise looks to break away from a static architectural object by applying the overall lens guided by ‘Anti-Object’ written by Kengo Kuma, therefore concerning itself with an overarching process of creating an emerging anti-object architecture, embodying the subtitles and characteristics of the waste pickers of Arlington Landfill. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-09
Usage of traditional medicines and other indigenous practices by childbearing women during pregnancy in Makoni District, Zimbabwe
- Authors: Chituku, Sibongile
- Date: 2020-09
- Subjects: Traditional medicine -- Zimbabwe , Medicinal plants
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20142 , vital:45347
- Description: Use of traditional medicinal plants (TMPs) during pregnancy, labour and delivery is common globally although evidence on their therapeutic effectiveness and safety is scarce. Research relating to indigenous practices and utilisation of traditional medicinal plants by childbearing women during pregnancy in Makoni District, Zimbabwe was carried out. The study included identification of culturally important indigenous knowledge (IK) practices and TMPs used by pregnant women in order to understand how such plants and practices may affect maternal, foetal, labour, and infant outcomes. Four hundred questionnaires were distributed to postnatal mothers in Makoni District, aimed at obtaining information on IK practices associated with utilisation of TMPs by childbearing women during pregnancy. In addition to this, five focused group discussions were carried out between September 2016 and December 2017 with 66 traditional healers from Makoni District. Documented information included names of utilised plants, plant parts used, dosage, methods of preparation and administration, and reasons for use. Voucher specimens of the utilised plant species were collected. Brine shrimp lethality test was used to evaluate potential toxicity of the documented plant species. The collected data were analysed used Epi info version 7.1 and SPSS version 16.5. Quantitative data revealed that 168 (42.0percent) of pregnant women in Makoni District use TMPs and 95 (23.8percent) used traditional practices (including elephant dung) for maternal and childcare. Among the women who used TMPs were those who experienced precipitated and prolonged labour. Correlation was found between demographic factors and utilisation of TMPs. For example, being a Christian was significantly associated with using TMPs with relative risk (RR) value of 8.9. Postnatal mothers who used TMPs during their pregnancy were 82.0percent less likely to have their membranes ruptured artificially, RR = 0.2 and more likely to experience late decelerations during active phase (RR = 2.8) than those who did not use TMPs. The differences between those who used TMPs and those who did not during pregnancy and labour, showed no significant differences in infant outcomes. The ethnobotanical survey revealed that a total of 47 plant species from 27 families and 13 non-plant products were used as herbal, complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) by pregnant women. More than half of all the documented plant species (59.8percent), belonged to the Fabaceae (19.1), Asteraceae, (8.5percent), Convolvulaceae (6.4percent), Asparagaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Malvaceae, Rubiaceae, Vitaceae and Xanthorrhoeaceae (4.3percent each) families. The most used plants were shrubs (40.4percent), trees (27.7percent), climbers (17.0percent), herbs (12.8percent) and a grasses (2.1percent). The most used plant parts were roots (61.7percent), leaves (25.5percent), fruits (12.8percent) and bark (10.6percent). A total of 26 medical conditions were treated with the majority of medicinal plants used to dilate or widen the birth canal (55.3percent) and to augment labour or speed up the delivery process (46.8percent). Interviews with traditional healers revealed that 14.9percent of the documented herbal medicines were used to guard against witchcraft and to prevent the infants’ illnesses. Other major uses of herbal medicines during pregnancy included their use to lower blood pressure or hypertension during pregnancy (12.8percent), to prevent caesarean section (10.6percent) and to loosen or relax muscles during pregnancy (8.5percent). Widely used non-plant products included soil of a burrowing mole (relative frequency citation (RFC) value of 0.61), elephant dung (RFC = 0.59), wasp nest (RFC = 0.32) and soap (RFC = 25). The majority of these non-plant products (22.8percent) were used to dilate birth canal (7.6percent) and augment labour (15.2percent). None of the twenty-five species with (RFC) > 0.05 evaluated for potential toxicity were categorised as toxic, but Albizia amara, Datura stramonium and Ricinus communis were categorised as having medium toxicity levels, nine species as having low toxicity levels while 13 species were categorised as non-toxic. This study provides valuable insights into the use of medicinal plants used by women during pregnancy, labour, delivery and post-delivery in Makoni District, Zimbabwe. Medicinal plants play an integral role in the provision of basic health care in Zimbabwe. However, the brine shrimp lethality test results categorised some of the prescribed species such as Albizia amara, Datura stramonium and Ricinus communis as having medium levels of toxicity and this is a cause of concern regarding utilization of TMPs during pregnancy. Therefore, TMPs used during pregnancy should be subjected to detailed phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological experiments aimed at identifying some of the potential toxic compounds and side effects associated with intake of TMPs and associated herbal products. , Thesis (PhD(Nursing)) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-09
- Authors: Chituku, Sibongile
- Date: 2020-09
- Subjects: Traditional medicine -- Zimbabwe , Medicinal plants
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20142 , vital:45347
- Description: Use of traditional medicinal plants (TMPs) during pregnancy, labour and delivery is common globally although evidence on their therapeutic effectiveness and safety is scarce. Research relating to indigenous practices and utilisation of traditional medicinal plants by childbearing women during pregnancy in Makoni District, Zimbabwe was carried out. The study included identification of culturally important indigenous knowledge (IK) practices and TMPs used by pregnant women in order to understand how such plants and practices may affect maternal, foetal, labour, and infant outcomes. Four hundred questionnaires were distributed to postnatal mothers in Makoni District, aimed at obtaining information on IK practices associated with utilisation of TMPs by childbearing women during pregnancy. In addition to this, five focused group discussions were carried out between September 2016 and December 2017 with 66 traditional healers from Makoni District. Documented information included names of utilised plants, plant parts used, dosage, methods of preparation and administration, and reasons for use. Voucher specimens of the utilised plant species were collected. Brine shrimp lethality test was used to evaluate potential toxicity of the documented plant species. The collected data were analysed used Epi info version 7.1 and SPSS version 16.5. Quantitative data revealed that 168 (42.0percent) of pregnant women in Makoni District use TMPs and 95 (23.8percent) used traditional practices (including elephant dung) for maternal and childcare. Among the women who used TMPs were those who experienced precipitated and prolonged labour. Correlation was found between demographic factors and utilisation of TMPs. For example, being a Christian was significantly associated with using TMPs with relative risk (RR) value of 8.9. Postnatal mothers who used TMPs during their pregnancy were 82.0percent less likely to have their membranes ruptured artificially, RR = 0.2 and more likely to experience late decelerations during active phase (RR = 2.8) than those who did not use TMPs. The differences between those who used TMPs and those who did not during pregnancy and labour, showed no significant differences in infant outcomes. The ethnobotanical survey revealed that a total of 47 plant species from 27 families and 13 non-plant products were used as herbal, complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) by pregnant women. More than half of all the documented plant species (59.8percent), belonged to the Fabaceae (19.1), Asteraceae, (8.5percent), Convolvulaceae (6.4percent), Asparagaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Malvaceae, Rubiaceae, Vitaceae and Xanthorrhoeaceae (4.3percent each) families. The most used plants were shrubs (40.4percent), trees (27.7percent), climbers (17.0percent), herbs (12.8percent) and a grasses (2.1percent). The most used plant parts were roots (61.7percent), leaves (25.5percent), fruits (12.8percent) and bark (10.6percent). A total of 26 medical conditions were treated with the majority of medicinal plants used to dilate or widen the birth canal (55.3percent) and to augment labour or speed up the delivery process (46.8percent). Interviews with traditional healers revealed that 14.9percent of the documented herbal medicines were used to guard against witchcraft and to prevent the infants’ illnesses. Other major uses of herbal medicines during pregnancy included their use to lower blood pressure or hypertension during pregnancy (12.8percent), to prevent caesarean section (10.6percent) and to loosen or relax muscles during pregnancy (8.5percent). Widely used non-plant products included soil of a burrowing mole (relative frequency citation (RFC) value of 0.61), elephant dung (RFC = 0.59), wasp nest (RFC = 0.32) and soap (RFC = 25). The majority of these non-plant products (22.8percent) were used to dilate birth canal (7.6percent) and augment labour (15.2percent). None of the twenty-five species with (RFC) > 0.05 evaluated for potential toxicity were categorised as toxic, but Albizia amara, Datura stramonium and Ricinus communis were categorised as having medium toxicity levels, nine species as having low toxicity levels while 13 species were categorised as non-toxic. This study provides valuable insights into the use of medicinal plants used by women during pregnancy, labour, delivery and post-delivery in Makoni District, Zimbabwe. Medicinal plants play an integral role in the provision of basic health care in Zimbabwe. However, the brine shrimp lethality test results categorised some of the prescribed species such as Albizia amara, Datura stramonium and Ricinus communis as having medium levels of toxicity and this is a cause of concern regarding utilization of TMPs during pregnancy. Therefore, TMPs used during pregnancy should be subjected to detailed phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological experiments aimed at identifying some of the potential toxic compounds and side effects associated with intake of TMPs and associated herbal products. , Thesis (PhD(Nursing)) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-09
Impact of Virtual Laboratory Delivery Environment on Grade 11 Learners’ Learning Outcomes in Physical Sciences: A Case of Two Low Performing Schools in OR Tambo Inland
- Sincuba, Muthandwa Chinamhora
- Authors: Sincuba, Muthandwa Chinamhora
- Date: 2020-08
- Subjects: Physics--Laboratory blanks
- Language: English
- Type: Master's/Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/6627 , vital:47172
- Description: This study sought to evaluate factors affecting the quality of food provided by the school nutrition programme in Mthatha, OR Tambo Inland Education District. This was a qualitative study in the form of case study research design. Two (2) schools were conveniently selected and from these, 2 principals, 2 school nutrition coordinators, 4 food handlers and 10 learners were purposefully selected to form the sample. Thus, 18 participants were selected in total. Interviews were used to collect data. A review of literature demonstrated that the school nutrition programme was valuable and played an important role towards addressing some of challenges prevalent in South Africa due to the history of the country. The literature reviewed also highlighted challenges faced by the school nutrition programme despite its tremendous success. These are some of the findings: the school nutrition programme was successful towards improving learner punctuality and engaging in the classroom. This had the potential to improve learner health overall; however, it was observed that lack of training around food preparation and hygiene could reduce the effectiveness of the programme. The provision for appropriate storage facilities was also noted as an issue that placed the programme at risk. These are some of the recommendations: the government should provide appropriate training and proper storage facilities in schools with nutrition programme; this could contribute meaningfully towards improving the quality of food provided by the school nutrition programme. , Thesis (M.Ed) -- Faculty of Education Sciences, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-08
- Authors: Sincuba, Muthandwa Chinamhora
- Date: 2020-08
- Subjects: Physics--Laboratory blanks
- Language: English
- Type: Master's/Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/6627 , vital:47172
- Description: This study sought to evaluate factors affecting the quality of food provided by the school nutrition programme in Mthatha, OR Tambo Inland Education District. This was a qualitative study in the form of case study research design. Two (2) schools were conveniently selected and from these, 2 principals, 2 school nutrition coordinators, 4 food handlers and 10 learners were purposefully selected to form the sample. Thus, 18 participants were selected in total. Interviews were used to collect data. A review of literature demonstrated that the school nutrition programme was valuable and played an important role towards addressing some of challenges prevalent in South Africa due to the history of the country. The literature reviewed also highlighted challenges faced by the school nutrition programme despite its tremendous success. These are some of the findings: the school nutrition programme was successful towards improving learner punctuality and engaging in the classroom. This had the potential to improve learner health overall; however, it was observed that lack of training around food preparation and hygiene could reduce the effectiveness of the programme. The provision for appropriate storage facilities was also noted as an issue that placed the programme at risk. These are some of the recommendations: the government should provide appropriate training and proper storage facilities in schools with nutrition programme; this could contribute meaningfully towards improving the quality of food provided by the school nutrition programme. , Thesis (M.Ed) -- Faculty of Education Sciences, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-08
The role of funding composition on efficiency in public universities in South Africa
- Nkohla, Tumi Vuyolwethu https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2426-9509
- Authors: Nkohla, Tumi Vuyolwethu https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2426-9509
- Date: 2020-08
- Subjects: Education, Higher -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20373 , vital:45659
- Description: Studies on the relationship between funding and efficiency of public universities in South Africa were triggered mainly by the decline of government spending on public universities while the enrolment of financially needy students is increasing. This increase is a product of government’s initiatives to redress the imbalances in access and success caused by the apartheid regime. However, the government seems to be grappling to strike a balance between its initiatives and funding. While the government’s HE transformation initiatives are appreciated, public universities are caught in a dilemma: their revenue is no longer sufficient for the operations given the increase in the number of unfunded and financially constrained students. It is with this background that the study evaluates the efficiency of public South African universities for the period 2009–2016 and how funding composition affects their efficiency. The study contributes to the existing literature in various ways First, a recent study on this subject matter found a decline in the average technical efficiency (TE) score of the South African public universities from 83percent in 2009 to 78percent in 2013. However, the study did not include non-academic staff among other input variables that are assumed to potentially influence performance outcomes of the universities. We therefore developed an argument that a biased conclusion on the subject matter is likely, if academic staff are assumed to dominate efficiency of public universities in South Africa while the efforts of non-academic staff are not considered. Using a Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model, the findings of this study revealed that over the study period the average TE of public universities in South Africa increased from 91percent to 95percent. These results suggest that academic and non-academic staff can be deemed as mutually inclusive variables and therefore neglecting either of them can lead to biased estimated average TE scores. The efficiency levels provided in this study can be used as performance benchmarks for identifying potential improvements required to reach a satisfactory level of efficiency. Second, the literature argues that different streams of revenue utilised for funding universities’ activities can provide alternative incentives which might have an impact on efficiency. However, none of the studies examined comparatively the impact of different revenue streams on the efficiency of the public universities in South Africa. Using a fixed-effects regression model, this study found that only traditional universities’ efficiency can be affected by student fees and private income, while government funding does not seem to bear a significant impact on the efficiency of all universities irrespective of their category. Precisely, student fees enhance the efficiency of traditional universities while private income is deleterious on the efficiency of the traditional universities. The study concluded that traditional universities use students’ fees efficiently to deliver quality academic services in a bid to safeguard their reputation and image while revenue from private funders is not efficiently utilised due to the principal-agent problem. In terms of state funding, it was concluded that government spending on public universities is yet to reach a minimum threshold level at which it can contribute significantly to the efficiency of the universities. Third, recent literature used Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) efficiency scores to determine the drivers of efficiency of public universities in South Africa. Although SFA can control for the stochastic error component in the econometric estimation, the model imposes several theoretical assumptions in the production function which may lead to biased estimations. As a result, several studies on efficiency analysis of Higher Education Institutions (HIEs) around the globe have reverted to using DEA. Using DEA efficiency scores and a Tobit model, this study found that that quality of staff, government funding, student fees, private income, and GDP per capita are positive factors of efficiency while the share of non-white to white staff was found as the determinant of inefficiency. It was concluded that adequate funding and proper management of income by the universities, economic growth and employment of highly educated academic staff can increase efficiency levels of public universities in South Africa, whereas an increase of non-white to white staff in South African public universities is a threat to the universities’ efficiency. Overall, the findings of this study suggest that a cost-sharing framework is inevitable in the South African higher education (HE) system, particularly now that the government is heavily burdened due to the prevailing economic turmoil in the country. As a results, private funders and parents and/guardians are encouraged to honour their portion of obligations with universities. Due to limited funding across all sources, efforts dedicated to strengthen managerial competencies of public universities in South Africa can eliminate the principle-agent problem and therefore promote managerial efficiency. The South African government is encouraged to support its transformation initiatives on HEIs with adequate funding, otherwise the initiatives need to be revisited and revised to suit the current economic environment. Revision of these initiatives may include adjustment of the education standards such that state funding can be allocated to deserving students in terms of both finances and students’ performance starting from matric. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-08
- Authors: Nkohla, Tumi Vuyolwethu https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2426-9509
- Date: 2020-08
- Subjects: Education, Higher -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20373 , vital:45659
- Description: Studies on the relationship between funding and efficiency of public universities in South Africa were triggered mainly by the decline of government spending on public universities while the enrolment of financially needy students is increasing. This increase is a product of government’s initiatives to redress the imbalances in access and success caused by the apartheid regime. However, the government seems to be grappling to strike a balance between its initiatives and funding. While the government’s HE transformation initiatives are appreciated, public universities are caught in a dilemma: their revenue is no longer sufficient for the operations given the increase in the number of unfunded and financially constrained students. It is with this background that the study evaluates the efficiency of public South African universities for the period 2009–2016 and how funding composition affects their efficiency. The study contributes to the existing literature in various ways First, a recent study on this subject matter found a decline in the average technical efficiency (TE) score of the South African public universities from 83percent in 2009 to 78percent in 2013. However, the study did not include non-academic staff among other input variables that are assumed to potentially influence performance outcomes of the universities. We therefore developed an argument that a biased conclusion on the subject matter is likely, if academic staff are assumed to dominate efficiency of public universities in South Africa while the efforts of non-academic staff are not considered. Using a Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model, the findings of this study revealed that over the study period the average TE of public universities in South Africa increased from 91percent to 95percent. These results suggest that academic and non-academic staff can be deemed as mutually inclusive variables and therefore neglecting either of them can lead to biased estimated average TE scores. The efficiency levels provided in this study can be used as performance benchmarks for identifying potential improvements required to reach a satisfactory level of efficiency. Second, the literature argues that different streams of revenue utilised for funding universities’ activities can provide alternative incentives which might have an impact on efficiency. However, none of the studies examined comparatively the impact of different revenue streams on the efficiency of the public universities in South Africa. Using a fixed-effects regression model, this study found that only traditional universities’ efficiency can be affected by student fees and private income, while government funding does not seem to bear a significant impact on the efficiency of all universities irrespective of their category. Precisely, student fees enhance the efficiency of traditional universities while private income is deleterious on the efficiency of the traditional universities. The study concluded that traditional universities use students’ fees efficiently to deliver quality academic services in a bid to safeguard their reputation and image while revenue from private funders is not efficiently utilised due to the principal-agent problem. In terms of state funding, it was concluded that government spending on public universities is yet to reach a minimum threshold level at which it can contribute significantly to the efficiency of the universities. Third, recent literature used Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) efficiency scores to determine the drivers of efficiency of public universities in South Africa. Although SFA can control for the stochastic error component in the econometric estimation, the model imposes several theoretical assumptions in the production function which may lead to biased estimations. As a result, several studies on efficiency analysis of Higher Education Institutions (HIEs) around the globe have reverted to using DEA. Using DEA efficiency scores and a Tobit model, this study found that that quality of staff, government funding, student fees, private income, and GDP per capita are positive factors of efficiency while the share of non-white to white staff was found as the determinant of inefficiency. It was concluded that adequate funding and proper management of income by the universities, economic growth and employment of highly educated academic staff can increase efficiency levels of public universities in South Africa, whereas an increase of non-white to white staff in South African public universities is a threat to the universities’ efficiency. Overall, the findings of this study suggest that a cost-sharing framework is inevitable in the South African higher education (HE) system, particularly now that the government is heavily burdened due to the prevailing economic turmoil in the country. As a results, private funders and parents and/guardians are encouraged to honour their portion of obligations with universities. Due to limited funding across all sources, efforts dedicated to strengthen managerial competencies of public universities in South Africa can eliminate the principle-agent problem and therefore promote managerial efficiency. The South African government is encouraged to support its transformation initiatives on HEIs with adequate funding, otherwise the initiatives need to be revisited and revised to suit the current economic environment. Revision of these initiatives may include adjustment of the education standards such that state funding can be allocated to deserving students in terms of both finances and students’ performance starting from matric. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-08
Water restriction and vitamin c supplementation on Xhosa goats during summer: Effect on growth performance, blood biochemical profile, nutrient balance, carcass characteristics and meat quality
- Akinmoladun, Oluwakamisi Festus https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6462-374X
- Authors: Akinmoladun, Oluwakamisi Festus https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6462-374X
- Date: 2020-08
- Subjects: Goats -- Nutrition , Goats -- Feeding and feeds
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22710 , vital:52664
- Description: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of single and extra vitamin C (VC) supplementation on water-stressed Xhosa goats during the summer by evaluating their growth performance, blood biochemical profile, nutrient balance, carcass characteristics and meat qualities. The objectives were to assess the effect of water restriction and vitamin C supplementation by evaluating: firstly, growth performance, heat tolerance responses, and blood metabolites; secondly, intake, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen and mineral balance; thirdly, stress indices, carcass characteristics and meat qualities parameters and lastly, fatty acid profile, oxidative stability of lipids and sensory attributes were evaluated. To achieve these objectives, forty-two (42) goats were divided equally into seven treatments (75-day trial); without water restriction (W0, control); water restriction of 70percent of ad libitum water intake WI (W70); water restriction of 50percent ad libitum WI (W50); water restriction of 70percent of ad libitum WI plus 3g VC daily (W70+); water restriction 50percent of ad libitum WI plus 3g VC daily (W50+); water restriction of 70percent of ad libitumWI plus 3g VC and extra 5gVC given every eight-day (70++); water restriction of 50percent of ad libitum WI plus 3g VC and extra 5gVC given every eight-day (W50++). In the first objective, growth performance parameters, body condition scores, rectal temperature, respiratory rate, heat tolerance response parameters and blood metabolites were measured.Weight loss due to water restriction was reduced by VC supplementation in treated groups. The attenuation effect of VC was significant (P<0.05) in responses to respiratory rate (RR), Na+, K+, Mg2+, Cl-, Ca2+ and urea. Supplementation of VC (either single or multiple) did not (P>0.05) improve the effect of water restriction on body condition scores (BCs), FAMACHA©, glucose, globulin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). In the second objective, intake, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen and mineral balance were evaluated. The reduced nutrient intake was similar (P>0.05) irrespective of water restrictions and VC supplementations. Water-restriction levels did not affect nutrient intake/metabolic weight. Retained nitrogen increased with water-restriction levels but not influenced by VC. NH3-N decreased with the levels of water restriction while the pH was similar across the water restricted groups. Supplementation of VC had no effect (P>0.05) on apparent digestibility and digestible nutrients induced by water restriction levels. The amount of Ca, K, Mg retained increased (P<0.05) with water-restriction levels. In the third objective, stress indices, carcass characteristics and meat quality parameters were evaluated. The level of plasma cortisol concentration due to water stress was lessened (P<0.05) by VC. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), Luteinizing hormone (LH) and insulin were not affected (P>0.05) by levels of water restriction. The hot and carcass weights were lower (P<0.05) in W70+ and W50+ compared to W70 and W50 respectively. Vitamin C treated goats had higher redness (a*) compared to W70, W50 and W0. The shear force and cooking loss increased (P<0.05) with water restriction levels, while thaw loss, pH45min and pH24h were not affected by water restriction levels. In the final objective, the treatments did not affect (P>0.05) the oxidative stability of lipids (TBARS). The moisture and fat content in the water restricted groups were lower (P<0.05) than W0. The consumer meat sensory appearance decreased (P<0.05) with levels of water restrictions. Regardless of VC concentration and supplementation, vaccenic, and docosahexaenoic acid increased (P<0.05) while linolenic acid decreased as the water restriction levels increased. Nonetheless, treatment did not affect (P>0.05) the saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. These studies showed that suboptimal water intake negatively affects the growth performance and nutrient intake of Xhosa goats. However, the reduction in body weight loss and decreased plasma cortisol (chief stress hormone) concentration following vitamin C supplementation (especially at a daily single dose [3g/d]) may well reduce the effect of water stress in goats. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-08
- Authors: Akinmoladun, Oluwakamisi Festus https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6462-374X
- Date: 2020-08
- Subjects: Goats -- Nutrition , Goats -- Feeding and feeds
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22710 , vital:52664
- Description: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of single and extra vitamin C (VC) supplementation on water-stressed Xhosa goats during the summer by evaluating their growth performance, blood biochemical profile, nutrient balance, carcass characteristics and meat qualities. The objectives were to assess the effect of water restriction and vitamin C supplementation by evaluating: firstly, growth performance, heat tolerance responses, and blood metabolites; secondly, intake, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen and mineral balance; thirdly, stress indices, carcass characteristics and meat qualities parameters and lastly, fatty acid profile, oxidative stability of lipids and sensory attributes were evaluated. To achieve these objectives, forty-two (42) goats were divided equally into seven treatments (75-day trial); without water restriction (W0, control); water restriction of 70percent of ad libitum water intake WI (W70); water restriction of 50percent ad libitum WI (W50); water restriction of 70percent of ad libitum WI plus 3g VC daily (W70+); water restriction 50percent of ad libitum WI plus 3g VC daily (W50+); water restriction of 70percent of ad libitumWI plus 3g VC and extra 5gVC given every eight-day (70++); water restriction of 50percent of ad libitum WI plus 3g VC and extra 5gVC given every eight-day (W50++). In the first objective, growth performance parameters, body condition scores, rectal temperature, respiratory rate, heat tolerance response parameters and blood metabolites were measured.Weight loss due to water restriction was reduced by VC supplementation in treated groups. The attenuation effect of VC was significant (P<0.05) in responses to respiratory rate (RR), Na+, K+, Mg2+, Cl-, Ca2+ and urea. Supplementation of VC (either single or multiple) did not (P>0.05) improve the effect of water restriction on body condition scores (BCs), FAMACHA©, glucose, globulin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). In the second objective, intake, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen and mineral balance were evaluated. The reduced nutrient intake was similar (P>0.05) irrespective of water restrictions and VC supplementations. Water-restriction levels did not affect nutrient intake/metabolic weight. Retained nitrogen increased with water-restriction levels but not influenced by VC. NH3-N decreased with the levels of water restriction while the pH was similar across the water restricted groups. Supplementation of VC had no effect (P>0.05) on apparent digestibility and digestible nutrients induced by water restriction levels. The amount of Ca, K, Mg retained increased (P<0.05) with water-restriction levels. In the third objective, stress indices, carcass characteristics and meat quality parameters were evaluated. The level of plasma cortisol concentration due to water stress was lessened (P<0.05) by VC. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), Luteinizing hormone (LH) and insulin were not affected (P>0.05) by levels of water restriction. The hot and carcass weights were lower (P<0.05) in W70+ and W50+ compared to W70 and W50 respectively. Vitamin C treated goats had higher redness (a*) compared to W70, W50 and W0. The shear force and cooking loss increased (P<0.05) with water restriction levels, while thaw loss, pH45min and pH24h were not affected by water restriction levels. In the final objective, the treatments did not affect (P>0.05) the oxidative stability of lipids (TBARS). The moisture and fat content in the water restricted groups were lower (P<0.05) than W0. The consumer meat sensory appearance decreased (P<0.05) with levels of water restrictions. Regardless of VC concentration and supplementation, vaccenic, and docosahexaenoic acid increased (P<0.05) while linolenic acid decreased as the water restriction levels increased. Nonetheless, treatment did not affect (P>0.05) the saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. These studies showed that suboptimal water intake negatively affects the growth performance and nutrient intake of Xhosa goats. However, the reduction in body weight loss and decreased plasma cortisol (chief stress hormone) concentration following vitamin C supplementation (especially at a daily single dose [3g/d]) may well reduce the effect of water stress in goats. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-08
Challenges experienced by xhosa single mothers during the traditional circumcision of their adolescent sons
- Authors: Mdunyelwa, Akhona
- Date: 2020-07
- Subjects: Circumcision
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21004 , vital:46891
- Description: Culturally, amongst Amaxhosa, traditional male circumcision is known to be a men subject and that women are supposed to be passive and submissive in the entire process (Kang’ethe & Nomngcoyiya, 2016). Women play a huge role in nurturing children, however, when it comes to traditional male circumcision of their sons, their role is limited to preparing food and traditional beer for the initiation ceremony. These women include single mothers, therefore, the interest of this study is on how Xhosa single mothers encounter challenges in the traditional circumcision of their sons, thus the main purpose of the study was to investigate the challenges experienced by Xhosa single mothers during traditional circumcision of their adolescent sons. The following three objectives were set out to guide the investigation A. To investigate challenges experienced by Xhosa single mothers during the traditional circumcision of their adolescent sons. B. To determine the extent to which Xhosa single mothers participate in the plans and decision making during the circumcision of their adolescent sons. C. To explore the support that Xhosa single mothers require during the process of their sons’ circumcision. A purposive sampling procedure was employed, and ten Xhosa single mothers were interviewed on a one-to-one basis. In addition, a focus group consisting of four men was conducted. The following are the main findings of the study: •Traditional male circumcision is the most respected custom amongst the AmaXhosa nation. Women are in fear of speaking publicly about the challenges they experience in traditional male circumcision processes. • There are various challenges experienced by Xhosa single mothers which include the need for involvement of men to usher their sons into the ritual. • The absence and lack of support from the biological fathers of the sons results in aconsiderable burden for the Xhosa single mothers that includes financial challenges. • The religious orientation or Christian faith of some of the Xhosa single mothers clashes with the request of their sons to participate in traditional male circumcision. • The individuals and societal drop in cultural standards and being stormed by the dominant Western culture as opposed to Ubuntu was identified as the greatest challenge in the Xhosa communities. • There is a clash of cultural norms and values with the current equality lifestyle as well as the enjoyment of constitutional rights by the Xhosa single mothers during traditional circumcision of their sons. There is a lack of support for Xhosa single mothers in relation to traditional circumcision of their adolescent sons from the families, community, and the government. Much of the support is directed to strategies to preserve the custom, improve the procedure and to curb the casualties. • The study proved that, traditional male circumcision is a stressful process for the Xhosa single mothers which inflict strain and anxiety. Some of the concepts from Bowen`s family systems theory were proven and discussed as part of the findings. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-07
- Authors: Mdunyelwa, Akhona
- Date: 2020-07
- Subjects: Circumcision
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21004 , vital:46891
- Description: Culturally, amongst Amaxhosa, traditional male circumcision is known to be a men subject and that women are supposed to be passive and submissive in the entire process (Kang’ethe & Nomngcoyiya, 2016). Women play a huge role in nurturing children, however, when it comes to traditional male circumcision of their sons, their role is limited to preparing food and traditional beer for the initiation ceremony. These women include single mothers, therefore, the interest of this study is on how Xhosa single mothers encounter challenges in the traditional circumcision of their sons, thus the main purpose of the study was to investigate the challenges experienced by Xhosa single mothers during traditional circumcision of their adolescent sons. The following three objectives were set out to guide the investigation A. To investigate challenges experienced by Xhosa single mothers during the traditional circumcision of their adolescent sons. B. To determine the extent to which Xhosa single mothers participate in the plans and decision making during the circumcision of their adolescent sons. C. To explore the support that Xhosa single mothers require during the process of their sons’ circumcision. A purposive sampling procedure was employed, and ten Xhosa single mothers were interviewed on a one-to-one basis. In addition, a focus group consisting of four men was conducted. The following are the main findings of the study: •Traditional male circumcision is the most respected custom amongst the AmaXhosa nation. Women are in fear of speaking publicly about the challenges they experience in traditional male circumcision processes. • There are various challenges experienced by Xhosa single mothers which include the need for involvement of men to usher their sons into the ritual. • The absence and lack of support from the biological fathers of the sons results in aconsiderable burden for the Xhosa single mothers that includes financial challenges. • The religious orientation or Christian faith of some of the Xhosa single mothers clashes with the request of their sons to participate in traditional male circumcision. • The individuals and societal drop in cultural standards and being stormed by the dominant Western culture as opposed to Ubuntu was identified as the greatest challenge in the Xhosa communities. • There is a clash of cultural norms and values with the current equality lifestyle as well as the enjoyment of constitutional rights by the Xhosa single mothers during traditional circumcision of their sons. There is a lack of support for Xhosa single mothers in relation to traditional circumcision of their adolescent sons from the families, community, and the government. Much of the support is directed to strategies to preserve the custom, improve the procedure and to curb the casualties. • The study proved that, traditional male circumcision is a stressful process for the Xhosa single mothers which inflict strain and anxiety. Some of the concepts from Bowen`s family systems theory were proven and discussed as part of the findings. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-07
Knowledge, attitude and behaviors of pregnant women towards pregnancy induced hypertension in Mdantsane Township Buffalo City Health District
- Authors: Peter, Bulelwa Beatrice
- Date: 2020-07
- Subjects: Hypotension in pregnancy , Pregnancy--Complications
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22930 , vital:53221
- Description: The prevalence of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) deaths is high in the Eastern Cape. Anecdotal evidence indicates that most women fall pregnant because of attitudes towards contraceptives and are seemingly unaware of pregnancy-related complications. Hence, the objective of this study was to examine the knowledge, attitudes and behaviour of pregnant women concerning pregnancyinduced hypertension in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey involving 200 pregnant women attending antenatal healthcare clinics in Mdantsane, Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Collected data were managed and analysed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 24. Data analysis involved both descriptive (count, frequency, mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Chi-square and logistics regression). For the inferential statistics, the level of significance was set at 0.05. Results: It was observed that the married women were more likely to be aware of PIH compared to single women (OR=2.4 95%CI (1.17; 4.90)). Of the 45 married women, 73.3% were aware of PIH compared to single women. Out of the women who participated in the study, 43.8% showed attitudes indicating they were not aware of this condition and associated complications from high-pressure during pregnancy. Compared to those in their first pregnancy, those who had previous pregnancy were more likely to be aware of PIH (OR=17.1 95 % CI (9.09; 32.15)). Of the 140 previously pregnant women, 83.6 % were aware of PIH compared to those during their first pregnancy. Conclusion: The results of the study indicate that sociodemographic factors play a role in pregnant women 's understanding of PIH. Improving knowledge of PIH among pregnant women requires context-specific strategies. During an antenatal visit, health care providers should implement focussed health education programmes. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-07
- Authors: Peter, Bulelwa Beatrice
- Date: 2020-07
- Subjects: Hypotension in pregnancy , Pregnancy--Complications
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22930 , vital:53221
- Description: The prevalence of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) deaths is high in the Eastern Cape. Anecdotal evidence indicates that most women fall pregnant because of attitudes towards contraceptives and are seemingly unaware of pregnancy-related complications. Hence, the objective of this study was to examine the knowledge, attitudes and behaviour of pregnant women concerning pregnancyinduced hypertension in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey involving 200 pregnant women attending antenatal healthcare clinics in Mdantsane, Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Collected data were managed and analysed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 24. Data analysis involved both descriptive (count, frequency, mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Chi-square and logistics regression). For the inferential statistics, the level of significance was set at 0.05. Results: It was observed that the married women were more likely to be aware of PIH compared to single women (OR=2.4 95%CI (1.17; 4.90)). Of the 45 married women, 73.3% were aware of PIH compared to single women. Out of the women who participated in the study, 43.8% showed attitudes indicating they were not aware of this condition and associated complications from high-pressure during pregnancy. Compared to those in their first pregnancy, those who had previous pregnancy were more likely to be aware of PIH (OR=17.1 95 % CI (9.09; 32.15)). Of the 140 previously pregnant women, 83.6 % were aware of PIH compared to those during their first pregnancy. Conclusion: The results of the study indicate that sociodemographic factors play a role in pregnant women 's understanding of PIH. Improving knowledge of PIH among pregnant women requires context-specific strategies. During an antenatal visit, health care providers should implement focussed health education programmes. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-07
The Effect of financial sector development on International trade in South Africa
- Authors: Moyo, Ntando T
- Date: 2020-07
- Subjects: South Africa--Economic conditions. , Economic development--South Africa. , Finance--Africa.
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22121 , vital:51986
- Description: Even though improving international trade through financial sector development is one of the preoccupations of countries around the world, the empirical literature on the relationship between finance and trade has not been rigorous in its analysis. The main aim of this study is to explore the effects financial sector development has on international trade in South Africa. The study utilized quarterly data from 2001Q1 to 2018Q4 employing the Johnson cointegration method and Granger causality to analyse the relationship between the variables of interests. Cointegration, the Vector Error Correction Model was also used to capture dynamics of both the short run and the long run effect. The findings show that there is a long-term relationship between the two variables of interest and the causality flows from Financial Development to the international trade. System generalized method of moment’s reveals differential effects of finance on trade. In particular, some variables has a negative impact on trade, whereas others increases trade. These effects are robust to macroeconomic measures as well as to trade measures. , Thesis (MCom) (Economics) -- University of Fort Hare, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-07
- Authors: Moyo, Ntando T
- Date: 2020-07
- Subjects: South Africa--Economic conditions. , Economic development--South Africa. , Finance--Africa.
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22121 , vital:51986
- Description: Even though improving international trade through financial sector development is one of the preoccupations of countries around the world, the empirical literature on the relationship between finance and trade has not been rigorous in its analysis. The main aim of this study is to explore the effects financial sector development has on international trade in South Africa. The study utilized quarterly data from 2001Q1 to 2018Q4 employing the Johnson cointegration method and Granger causality to analyse the relationship between the variables of interests. Cointegration, the Vector Error Correction Model was also used to capture dynamics of both the short run and the long run effect. The findings show that there is a long-term relationship between the two variables of interest and the causality flows from Financial Development to the international trade. System generalized method of moment’s reveals differential effects of finance on trade. In particular, some variables has a negative impact on trade, whereas others increases trade. These effects are robust to macroeconomic measures as well as to trade measures. , Thesis (MCom) (Economics) -- University of Fort Hare, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-07
The experiences of users of the Griffiths III
- Authors: Le Roux, Johan
- Date: 2020-07
- Subjects: Child development -- Testing , Psychological tests
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51287 , vital:43260
- Description: The Griffiths III was published in 2016 and has since then been used internationally by practitioners. The Association for Research in Infant and Child Development (ARICD) is currently planning and reviewing, refining, and improving the 2016 version of this assessment tool. Part of this process is to obtain feedback from all the key role players in the Griffiths III. The purpose of the present study was to explore and describe how users of the Griffiths III experience the measure. A qualitative methodology was utilised, and an exploratory-descriptive design was employed. A questionnaire was created by the ARICD and distributed to all 217 registered users of the Griffiths III. A total of 72 registered Griffiths users, who were using the Griffiths III at that stage, completed and returned the questionnaires to the ARICD. The data were analysed using thematic analysis to extract themes. The findings of the study revealed four overarching themes, namely 1) the purpose and use of the Griffiths III; 2) domains, content, and structure of the Griffiths III; 3) psychometric properties, standardisation, and norms; and 4) merits, limitations, and improvements. Based on the findings, recommendations were made regarding the revision of the Griffiths III. These recommendations relate to a specialised version for children with an autism spectrum disorder, psychometric properties, school readiness elements, universality of the scales, administration time, diagnosis and screening, cost, specific items, and report writing. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciencess, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-07
- Authors: Le Roux, Johan
- Date: 2020-07
- Subjects: Child development -- Testing , Psychological tests
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51287 , vital:43260
- Description: The Griffiths III was published in 2016 and has since then been used internationally by practitioners. The Association for Research in Infant and Child Development (ARICD) is currently planning and reviewing, refining, and improving the 2016 version of this assessment tool. Part of this process is to obtain feedback from all the key role players in the Griffiths III. The purpose of the present study was to explore and describe how users of the Griffiths III experience the measure. A qualitative methodology was utilised, and an exploratory-descriptive design was employed. A questionnaire was created by the ARICD and distributed to all 217 registered users of the Griffiths III. A total of 72 registered Griffiths users, who were using the Griffiths III at that stage, completed and returned the questionnaires to the ARICD. The data were analysed using thematic analysis to extract themes. The findings of the study revealed four overarching themes, namely 1) the purpose and use of the Griffiths III; 2) domains, content, and structure of the Griffiths III; 3) psychometric properties, standardisation, and norms; and 4) merits, limitations, and improvements. Based on the findings, recommendations were made regarding the revision of the Griffiths III. These recommendations relate to a specialised version for children with an autism spectrum disorder, psychometric properties, school readiness elements, universality of the scales, administration time, diagnosis and screening, cost, specific items, and report writing. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciencess, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-07
The perceived socio-environmental impacts of illegal sand mining along the Umvoti River in KwaDukuza Local Municipality, KwaZulu - Natal Province, South Africa
- Authors: Mbiko, Lubabalo
- Date: 2020-07
- Subjects: Ecosystem health , Biodiversity
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20474 , vital:45669
- Description: This study examined and documented the perceptions of local communities towards the socio-environmental impacts associated with illegal sand mining activities along the Umvoti River, in the KwaDukuza Local Municipality in South Africa. It was imperative to elicit the perceptions of both the local people and the government officials to understand the extent of the socio- environmental effects of illegal sand mining in the study area. To this end, a qualitative research approach was designed and used to collect the data. Data collection techniques employed included site observations and a semi-structured interview schedule with key informants. Additionally, 50 questionnaire surveys were administered to the residents of the Nsikeni and Melville communities within the study area. The results of the study revealed that illegal sand mining along the Umvoti River has contributed significantly to the degradation of grazing and farm lands, including diversion of the river and the destruction of the riparian vegetation. Evidence of water pollution, and air pollution in the form of dust, were also reported. The study observed problems in ecosystem functioning, particularly in regard to the flora and fauna, and there was extensive destruction of the aesthetic beauty of the local landscape. In addition, the study indicated that people and livestock drowned in the deep trenches that were not rehabilitated following illegal sand mining practise that was migrating along the river. Furthermore, illegal sand mining was linked with an increase in poverty and prostitution, as well as the destruction of the infrastructure in the nearby communities. Moreover, community conflicts arose from the differing perceptions on the existence of illegal sand mining in these communities. To curb illegal sand mining, the study recommends that the current legislation on the extraction of mineral commodities in South Africa should be stringently and effectively enforced. The research further recommends that community policing forums should be established and work closely with law enforcement agencies to deal with illegal sand mining activities. Accordingly, the research study recommends the elimination of the current tedious and burdensome process of obtaining amining permit. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-07
- Authors: Mbiko, Lubabalo
- Date: 2020-07
- Subjects: Ecosystem health , Biodiversity
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20474 , vital:45669
- Description: This study examined and documented the perceptions of local communities towards the socio-environmental impacts associated with illegal sand mining activities along the Umvoti River, in the KwaDukuza Local Municipality in South Africa. It was imperative to elicit the perceptions of both the local people and the government officials to understand the extent of the socio- environmental effects of illegal sand mining in the study area. To this end, a qualitative research approach was designed and used to collect the data. Data collection techniques employed included site observations and a semi-structured interview schedule with key informants. Additionally, 50 questionnaire surveys were administered to the residents of the Nsikeni and Melville communities within the study area. The results of the study revealed that illegal sand mining along the Umvoti River has contributed significantly to the degradation of grazing and farm lands, including diversion of the river and the destruction of the riparian vegetation. Evidence of water pollution, and air pollution in the form of dust, were also reported. The study observed problems in ecosystem functioning, particularly in regard to the flora and fauna, and there was extensive destruction of the aesthetic beauty of the local landscape. In addition, the study indicated that people and livestock drowned in the deep trenches that were not rehabilitated following illegal sand mining practise that was migrating along the river. Furthermore, illegal sand mining was linked with an increase in poverty and prostitution, as well as the destruction of the infrastructure in the nearby communities. Moreover, community conflicts arose from the differing perceptions on the existence of illegal sand mining in these communities. To curb illegal sand mining, the study recommends that the current legislation on the extraction of mineral commodities in South Africa should be stringently and effectively enforced. The research further recommends that community policing forums should be established and work closely with law enforcement agencies to deal with illegal sand mining activities. Accordingly, the research study recommends the elimination of the current tedious and burdensome process of obtaining amining permit. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-07