Conflict within the church: a theological approach to conflict resolution with special reference to the boundary disputes between the Livingstonia and Nkhoma synods in Malawi
- Authors: Zgambo, Humphreys F C
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Conflict management -- Malawi , Councils and synods -- Malawi
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Th
- Identifier: vital:11801 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/497 , Conflict management -- Malawi , Councils and synods -- Malawi
- Description: The research study acknowledges that life is possibly full of conflict, be it psychological, spiritual or otherwise. Conflict is an inescapable reality that confronts Churches and societies regardless of how loving and caring the people are. Conflict brings both the negative and positive impact on the life of Church and society. Conflict presents us with challenges and choices that reflect and shape our personal identity. Technically the challenge is not to avoid conflict, but rather to deal with it constructively. Conflict could be dangerous and destructive. Conflict could also be an opportunity for self-examination, for growth, service to people and giving glory to God. Hence the serious need for developing a theological approach to conflict resolution within the Church and society. Generally, there are two methods to conflict resolution namely: the Law court and Atonement Models based on human and divine effort to conflict respectively. Using mere psychological and legal experience, the Law court models deal with immediate substantive offenses, injustices and inequity faced by people. The Law court methods are sometimes unproductive, unprofitable and short-lived, while the Atonement methods radically deal with deep rooted matters and sinful motivations of the human heart such as idolatry, lusts and cravings. The Atonement models are reliable, fruitful and long-lasting. The purpose of conflict resolution must be to uproot the negative elements and destructive results of conflict, while at the same time preserving it’s beneficial, life- giving qualities to achieve genuine reconciliation. Therefore this new theology of conflict resolution calls for radical change. Change of the heart and on how to deal with conflict in order to accelerate transformation, growth, maturity and peace. Chapter one will provide a general background to the research study. Chapter two before looking at the case of disputes between the Livingstonia and Nkhoma Synods, it will firstly, cite briefly some conflicts in the history of the Church to get an appreciation of the impact of conflict in the life of the Church. Secondly, the chapter will outline the historical background of the Church of Central Presbyterian (CCAP) Blantyre and Livingstonia Synods, Nkhoma Synod and the General Assembly and how the boundary disputes between the two rival Synods started in Malawi. Chapter three will discuss the question of sin and its effects. Humanity cherishes sin in the heart (Ps 51:3-10, 66:19). Milne (1982:107) asserts that sin causes racial prejudice and antagonisms. The problem of sin is the world’s biggest problem. The study will also define conflict and its root causes using Marxist’s conflict conception. The argument of the study will base on the fact that sin brings conflict and produces great divisions among human beings. Therefore, if sin brings conflict with God, His will and between humans, God has provided a divine means to deal with the problem. Chapter four will discuss the answer to question of sin and conflict. There are two dimensions to conflict resolution namely: the Law court and Atonement Models based on human and divine efforts respectively. Contemporary Christian conflict theories are deficient in the God ward dimensions of conflict and most theories and practices come from within the human legal or political professions. Deep rooted matters and motivations of the human heart such as idolatry, anger, revenge, lusts and cravings in opposition to God are better addressed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The study will review and critique contemporary models of conflict resolution including the atonement with a view to understand the antithesis of conflict. The study will lastly formulate a synthetic model from various aspects of atonement to bring about a better understanding of conflict resolution. Chapter five will discuss the general application of the full concept of atonement. The question for discussion will be: how can the life, sufferings and death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ that occurred almost 2000 years ago affect us today? How can the atonement conception be applied to resolve human conflict? The atonement of Christ will be ineffective unless it is applied to the lives of human beings. The actualization of the atonement could be done through power of the Holy Spirit who unites a person with Jesus Christ and in their close relationship, the penalty for the person’s sin is paid both together, so by Christ (Stott 1986:256ff). As we relate to God in through confession, repentance of sin and sanctification, we relate to each other that removes the cause of conflict between persons. Chapter six will discuss the application of atonement and reconciliation aspects to specific disputes in Malawi. It will also suggest recommendations on how to deal with those disputes. Christianity is not just a creed, it involves action. What is needed in Christian salvation is the practical restoration of broken relationships between God and creation, the removal of rupture within human race in order to facilitate reconciliation. Reconciliation in Malawian context means restoration, amendment, making up, settling an argument of boundary and bringing back lost relationship between the Livingstonia and Nkhoma Synods. Chapter seven will just deal with summary and conclusion. The theology of conflict resolution calls for change. Change of the heart and on how to deal with conflict. All human efforts in conflict are sometimes unproductive, unprofitable, and short-lived while divine efforts radically deal with deep rooted matters and motivations of the human heart. Divine efforts are fruitful and long-lasting.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Zgambo, Humphreys F C
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Conflict management -- Malawi , Councils and synods -- Malawi
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Th
- Identifier: vital:11801 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/497 , Conflict management -- Malawi , Councils and synods -- Malawi
- Description: The research study acknowledges that life is possibly full of conflict, be it psychological, spiritual or otherwise. Conflict is an inescapable reality that confronts Churches and societies regardless of how loving and caring the people are. Conflict brings both the negative and positive impact on the life of Church and society. Conflict presents us with challenges and choices that reflect and shape our personal identity. Technically the challenge is not to avoid conflict, but rather to deal with it constructively. Conflict could be dangerous and destructive. Conflict could also be an opportunity for self-examination, for growth, service to people and giving glory to God. Hence the serious need for developing a theological approach to conflict resolution within the Church and society. Generally, there are two methods to conflict resolution namely: the Law court and Atonement Models based on human and divine effort to conflict respectively. Using mere psychological and legal experience, the Law court models deal with immediate substantive offenses, injustices and inequity faced by people. The Law court methods are sometimes unproductive, unprofitable and short-lived, while the Atonement methods radically deal with deep rooted matters and sinful motivations of the human heart such as idolatry, lusts and cravings. The Atonement models are reliable, fruitful and long-lasting. The purpose of conflict resolution must be to uproot the negative elements and destructive results of conflict, while at the same time preserving it’s beneficial, life- giving qualities to achieve genuine reconciliation. Therefore this new theology of conflict resolution calls for radical change. Change of the heart and on how to deal with conflict in order to accelerate transformation, growth, maturity and peace. Chapter one will provide a general background to the research study. Chapter two before looking at the case of disputes between the Livingstonia and Nkhoma Synods, it will firstly, cite briefly some conflicts in the history of the Church to get an appreciation of the impact of conflict in the life of the Church. Secondly, the chapter will outline the historical background of the Church of Central Presbyterian (CCAP) Blantyre and Livingstonia Synods, Nkhoma Synod and the General Assembly and how the boundary disputes between the two rival Synods started in Malawi. Chapter three will discuss the question of sin and its effects. Humanity cherishes sin in the heart (Ps 51:3-10, 66:19). Milne (1982:107) asserts that sin causes racial prejudice and antagonisms. The problem of sin is the world’s biggest problem. The study will also define conflict and its root causes using Marxist’s conflict conception. The argument of the study will base on the fact that sin brings conflict and produces great divisions among human beings. Therefore, if sin brings conflict with God, His will and between humans, God has provided a divine means to deal with the problem. Chapter four will discuss the answer to question of sin and conflict. There are two dimensions to conflict resolution namely: the Law court and Atonement Models based on human and divine efforts respectively. Contemporary Christian conflict theories are deficient in the God ward dimensions of conflict and most theories and practices come from within the human legal or political professions. Deep rooted matters and motivations of the human heart such as idolatry, anger, revenge, lusts and cravings in opposition to God are better addressed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The study will review and critique contemporary models of conflict resolution including the atonement with a view to understand the antithesis of conflict. The study will lastly formulate a synthetic model from various aspects of atonement to bring about a better understanding of conflict resolution. Chapter five will discuss the general application of the full concept of atonement. The question for discussion will be: how can the life, sufferings and death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ that occurred almost 2000 years ago affect us today? How can the atonement conception be applied to resolve human conflict? The atonement of Christ will be ineffective unless it is applied to the lives of human beings. The actualization of the atonement could be done through power of the Holy Spirit who unites a person with Jesus Christ and in their close relationship, the penalty for the person’s sin is paid both together, so by Christ (Stott 1986:256ff). As we relate to God in through confession, repentance of sin and sanctification, we relate to each other that removes the cause of conflict between persons. Chapter six will discuss the application of atonement and reconciliation aspects to specific disputes in Malawi. It will also suggest recommendations on how to deal with those disputes. Christianity is not just a creed, it involves action. What is needed in Christian salvation is the practical restoration of broken relationships between God and creation, the removal of rupture within human race in order to facilitate reconciliation. Reconciliation in Malawian context means restoration, amendment, making up, settling an argument of boundary and bringing back lost relationship between the Livingstonia and Nkhoma Synods. Chapter seven will just deal with summary and conclusion. The theology of conflict resolution calls for change. Change of the heart and on how to deal with conflict. All human efforts in conflict are sometimes unproductive, unprofitable, and short-lived while divine efforts radically deal with deep rooted matters and motivations of the human heart. Divine efforts are fruitful and long-lasting.
- Full Text:
Measurement of the bulk flow and transport characteristics of selected fractured rock aquifer systems in South Africa: a case study of the Balfour Formation in the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Yu, Liuji
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Aquifers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Groundwater -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water well drilling -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sedimentary structures -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Formations (Geology) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Geology)
- Identifier: vital:11522 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/415 , Aquifers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Groundwater -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water well drilling -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sedimentary structures -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Formations (Geology) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Hydrogeologists have faced serious challenges worldwide in the characterization of fractured rock aquifers due to the heterogeneous nature of the imbedded geology. The bulk flow parameters in the Karoo strata in South Africa are specifically uncertain since most models are based on homogenous block systems. As part of a WRC research project, entitled “Measurement of the bulk flow and transport characteristics of selected fractured rock aquifer systems in South Africa”, this study focuses on the characterization, borehole drilling, flow parameter measurements and groundwater quality assessment of the Balfour Formation in the Beaufort Group of the Karoo Supergroup in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, which is seriously heterogeneous in deposition and has also been largely neglected as drilling targets for groundwater. The Balfour Formation comprises mostly mudstone, shale and sandstone, formed in a braided and meandering river system. In addition to the heterogeneous deposition, the flow pathways in this aquifer system are not fully understood due to lack of actual measurement data. The methods used in this study include field mapping, site characterization, borehole drilling, and pumping and tracer testing in order to obtain the borehole yield, aquifer transmissivity, storativity and groundwater flow velocity. In addition, the groundwater chemistry was also studied to determine quality for use and possible connectivity with the nearby Tyume River and to determine potential sources of groundwater contamination. The results obtained include: 1) The study area is predominantly mudstone/shale with thin layers and lenses of siltstone and sandstone, which are interbedded; 2) Two boreholes were successfully drilled, which had yields in excess of 10 l/s in four water levels (at 7, 22, 54 and 65 m); 3) The estimated average transmissivity is 246 m 2/day according to the recovery test; 4) The estimated seepage velocity is 120 m/day according to tracer tests in the aquifer between the two boreholes which are 5 m apart; and 5) The water chemical type is the combination of HCO3-, Cl-and SO42- , which is distinguishable from that of the Tyume river; 6) There is no evidence for groundwater recharge to the deep aquifers from the Tyume river, based on the differences of the water chemistry; 7) The elements Ca, Cl, Na and C are distributed more than 90% as free ion species in BH2 borehole water; and 8) The groundwater in BH2 borehole is undersaturated (negative SI) with respect to some minerals (for example: anhydrite, fluorite, gypsum and halite), oversaturated (positive SI) with respect to some minerals (for example: aragonite, calcite and dolomite). It is concluded that there is a great potential to obtain drilling targets for high yielding boreholes in the sedimentary rocks of the Balfour Formation in the Karoo Supergroup.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Yu, Liuji
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Aquifers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Groundwater -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water well drilling -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sedimentary structures -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Formations (Geology) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Geology)
- Identifier: vital:11522 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/415 , Aquifers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Groundwater -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water well drilling -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sedimentary structures -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Formations (Geology) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Hydrogeologists have faced serious challenges worldwide in the characterization of fractured rock aquifers due to the heterogeneous nature of the imbedded geology. The bulk flow parameters in the Karoo strata in South Africa are specifically uncertain since most models are based on homogenous block systems. As part of a WRC research project, entitled “Measurement of the bulk flow and transport characteristics of selected fractured rock aquifer systems in South Africa”, this study focuses on the characterization, borehole drilling, flow parameter measurements and groundwater quality assessment of the Balfour Formation in the Beaufort Group of the Karoo Supergroup in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, which is seriously heterogeneous in deposition and has also been largely neglected as drilling targets for groundwater. The Balfour Formation comprises mostly mudstone, shale and sandstone, formed in a braided and meandering river system. In addition to the heterogeneous deposition, the flow pathways in this aquifer system are not fully understood due to lack of actual measurement data. The methods used in this study include field mapping, site characterization, borehole drilling, and pumping and tracer testing in order to obtain the borehole yield, aquifer transmissivity, storativity and groundwater flow velocity. In addition, the groundwater chemistry was also studied to determine quality for use and possible connectivity with the nearby Tyume River and to determine potential sources of groundwater contamination. The results obtained include: 1) The study area is predominantly mudstone/shale with thin layers and lenses of siltstone and sandstone, which are interbedded; 2) Two boreholes were successfully drilled, which had yields in excess of 10 l/s in four water levels (at 7, 22, 54 and 65 m); 3) The estimated average transmissivity is 246 m 2/day according to the recovery test; 4) The estimated seepage velocity is 120 m/day according to tracer tests in the aquifer between the two boreholes which are 5 m apart; and 5) The water chemical type is the combination of HCO3-, Cl-and SO42- , which is distinguishable from that of the Tyume river; 6) There is no evidence for groundwater recharge to the deep aquifers from the Tyume river, based on the differences of the water chemistry; 7) The elements Ca, Cl, Na and C are distributed more than 90% as free ion species in BH2 borehole water; and 8) The groundwater in BH2 borehole is undersaturated (negative SI) with respect to some minerals (for example: anhydrite, fluorite, gypsum and halite), oversaturated (positive SI) with respect to some minerals (for example: aragonite, calcite and dolomite). It is concluded that there is a great potential to obtain drilling targets for high yielding boreholes in the sedimentary rocks of the Balfour Formation in the Karoo Supergroup.
- Full Text:
Adherence to pre-selected infant feeding practices among mothers on the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV/AIDS programme in the Amathole region, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Yako, Elizabeth Matseliso
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Child care -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Child health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mother and infant -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Parenteral feeding of children -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Motherhood -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , HIV infections -- Children -- Transmission -- Prevention , Maternal health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , AIDS (Disease) in pregnancy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Nursing Science)
- Identifier: vital:11891 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001091 , Child care -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Child health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mother and infant -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Parenteral feeding of children -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Motherhood -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , HIV infections -- Children -- Transmission -- Prevention , Maternal health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , AIDS (Disease) in pregnancy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Infant feeding in the context of HIV/AIDS poses a challenge among mothers. The implementation of UNICEF guidelines on infant feeding, which state that “when replacement feeding is acceptable, feasible, affordable, sustainable and safe, avoidance of all breastfeeding by HIV-infected mothers is recommended” (WHO, 2003:12) are not easy to meet. In more developed countries, where these criteria are met, almost all HIV-infected mothers have ceased to breast feed. Consequently, infants of mothers in these countries are less likely to be infected with HIV postnatally. In South Africa, more specifically in the Eastern Cape, infant feeding is a challenge as a number of UNICEF criteria cannot be met. The Eastern Cape is one of the poorest Provinces in South Africa, with a number of rural communities. Earlier studies have shown that, if mothers select either exclusive breast feeding or exclusive formula feeding, this reduces mother-to-child transmission of HIV. A limited number of studies on adherence to the method of infant feeding selected before delivery were found in the literature, hence the need for the current study. The purpose of the study was to explore adherence to exclusive breast feeding and exclusive formula feeding among mothers with HIV infection and to determine the problems that mothers may be facing in implementing their pre-selected methods.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Yako, Elizabeth Matseliso
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Child care -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Child health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mother and infant -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Parenteral feeding of children -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Motherhood -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , HIV infections -- Children -- Transmission -- Prevention , Maternal health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , AIDS (Disease) in pregnancy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Nursing Science)
- Identifier: vital:11891 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001091 , Child care -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Child health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mother and infant -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Parenteral feeding of children -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Motherhood -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , HIV infections -- Children -- Transmission -- Prevention , Maternal health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , AIDS (Disease) in pregnancy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Infant feeding in the context of HIV/AIDS poses a challenge among mothers. The implementation of UNICEF guidelines on infant feeding, which state that “when replacement feeding is acceptable, feasible, affordable, sustainable and safe, avoidance of all breastfeeding by HIV-infected mothers is recommended” (WHO, 2003:12) are not easy to meet. In more developed countries, where these criteria are met, almost all HIV-infected mothers have ceased to breast feed. Consequently, infants of mothers in these countries are less likely to be infected with HIV postnatally. In South Africa, more specifically in the Eastern Cape, infant feeding is a challenge as a number of UNICEF criteria cannot be met. The Eastern Cape is one of the poorest Provinces in South Africa, with a number of rural communities. Earlier studies have shown that, if mothers select either exclusive breast feeding or exclusive formula feeding, this reduces mother-to-child transmission of HIV. A limited number of studies on adherence to the method of infant feeding selected before delivery were found in the literature, hence the need for the current study. The purpose of the study was to explore adherence to exclusive breast feeding and exclusive formula feeding among mothers with HIV infection and to determine the problems that mothers may be facing in implementing their pre-selected methods.
- Full Text:
The efficacy and toxicological effects of aloe ferox mill. used in the management of constipation in Nkonkobe municipality of the Eastern Cape province, South Africa
- Authors: Wintola, Olubunmi Abosede A
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Asphodelaceae -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Aloe -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Herbs -- Therapeutic use -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Constipation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poisonous plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Traditional medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Ethnobotany)
- Identifier: vital:11882 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/485 , Asphodelaceae -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Aloe -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Herbs -- Therapeutic use -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Constipation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poisonous plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Traditional medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Herbal remedies are commonly used in developing countries for the treatment of various diseases, including constipation. The rationale for utilizing medicinal plants for the treatment of diseases rested largely on the belief that they are safe and free of side effects. However, there is limited scientific evidence on the safety and efficacy of these herbal medicines to back up their continued therapeutic application. Aloe ferox Mill. (Aspodelaceae), known as Cape aloe, locally called ikhala is a medicinal plant used by the people of the Eastern Cape Province for the treatment of gastrointestinal problems and constipation. The plant is a perennial shrub with thick succulent leaves bearing brown thorns on the margin and bright orange flowers arranged in oval lanceolate. It occurs in all weather in bush veld, road side, gardens and undisturbed places. According to the ethnomedicinal information, A. ferox is used as purgative. This research project was therefore designed to evaluate its ability in the treatment of constipation and to investigate its possible toxicological property. At the beginning of this programme, a survey of plants used for the treatment of constipation in Nkonkobe Municipality of the Eastern Cape Province was carried out using a questionnaire, which was administered to herbalists, traditional healers and rural dwellers. The study revealed 10 plant species from 8 families that are used for the treatment of constipation in the province. Four plants, Aloe ferox Mill, Boophone distischa L.f Herb, Alepidea amatybica Eckl and Artemisia afra Jacq, were repeatedly mentioned. Based on the frequency of usage, perceived efficacy and availability to the rural dwellers and the traditional healers, Aloe ferox was the most commonly used of the plants for the treatment of constipation. The plant was thus, chosen for the study. The invivo laxative effect of the aqueous extract of Aloe ferox in the treatment of loperamide-induced constipation in Wistar rats was investigated at varying concentrations. The leaf extract at all the dosages investigated (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight) improved intestinal motility, increased fecal volume and normalized body weight in the constipated rats. This was an indication of its laxative properties. However, the laxative property of the herb at 200 mg/kg body weight of the extract showed best efficacy and compares favourably well with senokot, a standard laxative drug. These findings have therefore, lent scientific credence to the folkloric use of the herb by the people of the Eastern Cape of South Africa as a laxative agent. Toxicological evaluation of aqueous leaf extract of Aloe ferox in loperamide-induced constipation was studied at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg body weight. The oral administration of the extracts did not show any significant effect on the liver and kidney body weight ratios as well as the kidney and liver function indices. The extracts, at all the dosages investigated, did not alter the levels of creatinine, uric acid, urea, calcium and potassium ions. Similarly, the levels of total protein, albumin, bilirubin and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) were not significantly different from the control. The plant extract appreciably normalized the elevated activities of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) in the untreated constipated rats following treatment with the extract. The extract did not show a significant effect on the hematological parameters except for the increase in the lymphocyte count in the untreated constipated rats, which was attenuated after administering the herb. ThThe available evidence in this study suggests that A. ferox may be safe as an oral remedy for constipation. Generally, the effect of the extract compared favourably well with senokot, a recommended drug for the treatment of constipation. The antioxidant activities against 1, 1 diphenyl- 2 picrylhydrazl (DPPH), 2,2’ – azinobis [3- ethylbenzothiazoline -6- sulfonic acid] diammonium salt (ABTS), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), Nitric oxide (NO), lipid peroxidation and the ferric reducing agents were investigated spectrophotometrically. Alkaloids, saponins, tannins, total phenols, flavonoids, flavonols and proanthocyanidin were also determined to assess their effects on the antioxidants activity of this plant. The phytochemical content of the ethanol and acetone extracts were consistently high compared to other solvents extracts. The level of tannins was not significant (P > 0.05) as compared with other solvent extracts. The free radical scavenging activity of the extracts was high even at lower concentrations (0.025 mg/ml) except in DPPH and lipid peroxidation. The ferric reducing potential of the extracts was concentration dependent and significantly different from Vitamin C and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) that were used as standard drugs. The present study showed a high level of scavenging activity of the leaf extracts of Aloe ferox in all the solvent extracts. Both ethanol and methanolic extract showed potent antioxidant activities than acetone and aqueous extracts. The study indicated that the leaf extracts of Aloe ferox might be a valuable source of natural antioxidant for both medicine and food industries. A. ferox leaf consists of the gel, latex and mesophyll layer; however, the main active constituents of the latex and the leaf exudate of Aloe ferox are anthraquinones which are believed to be responsible for the laxative property. The laxative compound in Aloe ferox leaf extract was isolated and characterized by extracting the plant material in methanol and extract suspended in distilled water. Partitioning was done with n-hexane, ethyl acetate and butanol respectively and was co-spotted with the over-the-counter (OTC) laxative drugs. This led to the successive column chromatography and thin layer chromatography (TLC) of the most active ethyl acetate fraction on silica gel with benzene/ethanol/ammonia hydroxide (BEA: 90:10:1), ethyl acetate/methanol/water (EMW: 40:5.4:5) and chloroform/ethyl acetate/formic acid (CEF: 50:40:10) as the mobile phase. The successive chromatograph and TLC afforded two compounds of Rf 0.420 (blue) and 0.831 (yellow) with the over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. These compounds were not totally elucidated due to their small quantity and instability. However, hydroxyl (OH) and carboxyl groups (COOH) was established as common to the extracted compounds, which might be responsible for the biological activity recorded for the plant extract.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Wintola, Olubunmi Abosede A
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Asphodelaceae -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Aloe -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Herbs -- Therapeutic use -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Constipation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poisonous plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Traditional medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Ethnobotany)
- Identifier: vital:11882 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/485 , Asphodelaceae -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Aloe -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Herbs -- Therapeutic use -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Constipation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poisonous plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Traditional medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Herbal remedies are commonly used in developing countries for the treatment of various diseases, including constipation. The rationale for utilizing medicinal plants for the treatment of diseases rested largely on the belief that they are safe and free of side effects. However, there is limited scientific evidence on the safety and efficacy of these herbal medicines to back up their continued therapeutic application. Aloe ferox Mill. (Aspodelaceae), known as Cape aloe, locally called ikhala is a medicinal plant used by the people of the Eastern Cape Province for the treatment of gastrointestinal problems and constipation. The plant is a perennial shrub with thick succulent leaves bearing brown thorns on the margin and bright orange flowers arranged in oval lanceolate. It occurs in all weather in bush veld, road side, gardens and undisturbed places. According to the ethnomedicinal information, A. ferox is used as purgative. This research project was therefore designed to evaluate its ability in the treatment of constipation and to investigate its possible toxicological property. At the beginning of this programme, a survey of plants used for the treatment of constipation in Nkonkobe Municipality of the Eastern Cape Province was carried out using a questionnaire, which was administered to herbalists, traditional healers and rural dwellers. The study revealed 10 plant species from 8 families that are used for the treatment of constipation in the province. Four plants, Aloe ferox Mill, Boophone distischa L.f Herb, Alepidea amatybica Eckl and Artemisia afra Jacq, were repeatedly mentioned. Based on the frequency of usage, perceived efficacy and availability to the rural dwellers and the traditional healers, Aloe ferox was the most commonly used of the plants for the treatment of constipation. The plant was thus, chosen for the study. The invivo laxative effect of the aqueous extract of Aloe ferox in the treatment of loperamide-induced constipation in Wistar rats was investigated at varying concentrations. The leaf extract at all the dosages investigated (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight) improved intestinal motility, increased fecal volume and normalized body weight in the constipated rats. This was an indication of its laxative properties. However, the laxative property of the herb at 200 mg/kg body weight of the extract showed best efficacy and compares favourably well with senokot, a standard laxative drug. These findings have therefore, lent scientific credence to the folkloric use of the herb by the people of the Eastern Cape of South Africa as a laxative agent. Toxicological evaluation of aqueous leaf extract of Aloe ferox in loperamide-induced constipation was studied at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg body weight. The oral administration of the extracts did not show any significant effect on the liver and kidney body weight ratios as well as the kidney and liver function indices. The extracts, at all the dosages investigated, did not alter the levels of creatinine, uric acid, urea, calcium and potassium ions. Similarly, the levels of total protein, albumin, bilirubin and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) were not significantly different from the control. The plant extract appreciably normalized the elevated activities of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) in the untreated constipated rats following treatment with the extract. The extract did not show a significant effect on the hematological parameters except for the increase in the lymphocyte count in the untreated constipated rats, which was attenuated after administering the herb. ThThe available evidence in this study suggests that A. ferox may be safe as an oral remedy for constipation. Generally, the effect of the extract compared favourably well with senokot, a recommended drug for the treatment of constipation. The antioxidant activities against 1, 1 diphenyl- 2 picrylhydrazl (DPPH), 2,2’ – azinobis [3- ethylbenzothiazoline -6- sulfonic acid] diammonium salt (ABTS), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), Nitric oxide (NO), lipid peroxidation and the ferric reducing agents were investigated spectrophotometrically. Alkaloids, saponins, tannins, total phenols, flavonoids, flavonols and proanthocyanidin were also determined to assess their effects on the antioxidants activity of this plant. The phytochemical content of the ethanol and acetone extracts were consistently high compared to other solvents extracts. The level of tannins was not significant (P > 0.05) as compared with other solvent extracts. The free radical scavenging activity of the extracts was high even at lower concentrations (0.025 mg/ml) except in DPPH and lipid peroxidation. The ferric reducing potential of the extracts was concentration dependent and significantly different from Vitamin C and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) that were used as standard drugs. The present study showed a high level of scavenging activity of the leaf extracts of Aloe ferox in all the solvent extracts. Both ethanol and methanolic extract showed potent antioxidant activities than acetone and aqueous extracts. The study indicated that the leaf extracts of Aloe ferox might be a valuable source of natural antioxidant for both medicine and food industries. A. ferox leaf consists of the gel, latex and mesophyll layer; however, the main active constituents of the latex and the leaf exudate of Aloe ferox are anthraquinones which are believed to be responsible for the laxative property. The laxative compound in Aloe ferox leaf extract was isolated and characterized by extracting the plant material in methanol and extract suspended in distilled water. Partitioning was done with n-hexane, ethyl acetate and butanol respectively and was co-spotted with the over-the-counter (OTC) laxative drugs. This led to the successive column chromatography and thin layer chromatography (TLC) of the most active ethyl acetate fraction on silica gel with benzene/ethanol/ammonia hydroxide (BEA: 90:10:1), ethyl acetate/methanol/water (EMW: 40:5.4:5) and chloroform/ethyl acetate/formic acid (CEF: 50:40:10) as the mobile phase. The successive chromatograph and TLC afforded two compounds of Rf 0.420 (blue) and 0.831 (yellow) with the over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. These compounds were not totally elucidated due to their small quantity and instability. However, hydroxyl (OH) and carboxyl groups (COOH) was established as common to the extracted compounds, which might be responsible for the biological activity recorded for the plant extract.
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Adoption and sustained use of M-Commerce to improve efficacy of construction SMMEs
- Authors: Williams, Zenande
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Construction industry , Mobile commerce , Small business , Computer-assisted instruction , Interactive videos
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Information Systems)
- Identifier: vital:11125 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/528 , Construction industry , Mobile commerce , Small business , Computer-assisted instruction , Interactive videos
- Description: E-commerce has been said to bring value to businesses by improving business efficiency and effectiveness and thus providing business with a competitive advantage through the potential benefits that it offers (Cloete, Courtney & Fintz, 2002). However, despite the potential benefits that e-commerce can offer, the adoption of B2C e-commerce in South African construction SMMEs is low and this is due to the challenges associated with e-commerce (Vaithanathan, 2010; Uzoka, Shemi & Seleka, 2007; Love & Irani, 2004; Anumba & Ruikar, 2002). These e-commerce challenges include: high implementation costs, lack or poor infrastructure, inadequate resources, low use of e-commerce by suppliers and consumers, lack of access to e-commerce, computer illiteracy, deficiency in understanding the potential benefits of e-commerce and security concerns (Vaithanathan, 2010; Uzoka, Shemi, & Seleka, 2007; Mensah, Bahta, & Mhlanga, 2005; Cloete, Courtney, & Fintz, 2002). Therefore, due to these e-commerce challenges, construction SMMEs do not exploit the business advantages that e-commerce offers. In order to assist South African construction SMMEs in their efforts to improve their business effectiveness and efficiency through commercial technologies.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Williams, Zenande
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Construction industry , Mobile commerce , Small business , Computer-assisted instruction , Interactive videos
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Information Systems)
- Identifier: vital:11125 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/528 , Construction industry , Mobile commerce , Small business , Computer-assisted instruction , Interactive videos
- Description: E-commerce has been said to bring value to businesses by improving business efficiency and effectiveness and thus providing business with a competitive advantage through the potential benefits that it offers (Cloete, Courtney & Fintz, 2002). However, despite the potential benefits that e-commerce can offer, the adoption of B2C e-commerce in South African construction SMMEs is low and this is due to the challenges associated with e-commerce (Vaithanathan, 2010; Uzoka, Shemi & Seleka, 2007; Love & Irani, 2004; Anumba & Ruikar, 2002). These e-commerce challenges include: high implementation costs, lack or poor infrastructure, inadequate resources, low use of e-commerce by suppliers and consumers, lack of access to e-commerce, computer illiteracy, deficiency in understanding the potential benefits of e-commerce and security concerns (Vaithanathan, 2010; Uzoka, Shemi, & Seleka, 2007; Mensah, Bahta, & Mhlanga, 2005; Cloete, Courtney, & Fintz, 2002). Therefore, due to these e-commerce challenges, construction SMMEs do not exploit the business advantages that e-commerce offers. In order to assist South African construction SMMEs in their efforts to improve their business effectiveness and efficiency through commercial technologies.
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A study of mathematics instructional practices in foundation phase grade three classrooms in East London
- Authors: Williams, Beverley Diana
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Mathematics--Study and teaching (Primary) http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85082164 , Mathematics--Study and teaching (Elementary) http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85082163
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19585 , vital:43146
- Description: This study describes the instructional practices of grade three teachers in their attempt to facilitate mathematical learning. The teachers’ practices are described in relation to the requirements of the revised National Curriculum Statement. In order to demarcate the field of investigation, the researcher provides an overview of the historical background of the study and draws attention to the knowledge interest of the investigation. The problem, the research questions, the assumptions of the study, the significance of the study, the rationale and the delimitation of the study are all set out in this chapter. A list of the major terms used in the study is also given. In concluding the chapter and outline of the issues discussed in each of the five chapters is given. , Thesis (MEd) -- University of Fort Hare, 2011
- Full Text:
- Authors: Williams, Beverley Diana
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Mathematics--Study and teaching (Primary) http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85082164 , Mathematics--Study and teaching (Elementary) http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85082163
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19585 , vital:43146
- Description: This study describes the instructional practices of grade three teachers in their attempt to facilitate mathematical learning. The teachers’ practices are described in relation to the requirements of the revised National Curriculum Statement. In order to demarcate the field of investigation, the researcher provides an overview of the historical background of the study and draws attention to the knowledge interest of the investigation. The problem, the research questions, the assumptions of the study, the significance of the study, the rationale and the delimitation of the study are all set out in this chapter. A list of the major terms used in the study is also given. In concluding the chapter and outline of the issues discussed in each of the five chapters is given. , Thesis (MEd) -- University of Fort Hare, 2011
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A participatory communication approach of rural cattle project: a case study of Nguni cattle project in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Usadolo, Sam Erevbenagie
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Communication in community development -- South Africa , Nguni cattle -- South Africa , Participatory rural appraisal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Com)
- Identifier: vital:11370 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015407 , Communication in community development -- South Africa , Nguni cattle -- South Africa , Participatory rural appraisal
- Description: project. It did this by reviewing relevant literature in development communication. The review done showed that literature is replete with arguments critical of the dominant paradigm due to its top-down nature of communication. Scholars critical of dominant paradigm argue that participatory communication should be given a prominent role to ensure that stakeholders work in concert to realise the stated objectives of their development project. The study highlighted many contentious issues surrounding the nature and practices of participatory communication. It pointed out that the issues have played themselves out in literature in the form of different typologies of participatory practices, which were dealt with extensively in this study. The discussion of participatory communication in literature is also mindful of different models of communication and the space they occupy in participatory communication practices. In this study, there was a discussion of transactional communication models as depicted by Nair and White (1993:52) and Steinberg (1997:19). Both scholars emphasise that participatory communication will not achieve its stated purpose without mutual agreement of the parties in communication. They equally stress the recognition of the possible effects of some contextual factors which may have bearing on the prevailing nature of communication. A review of different communication tools used by participatory development communicator was given in the study. These different communication tools were discussed in view of how these tools can be used to advance participatory practice in a development project, especially with reference to the project examined in this study. Using qualitative research method, different and appropriate interview methods such as semi-structured, focus group and post-survey interviews were used to collect data from the respondents in this study. The analysis and discussion of the data revealed that different challenges on the ground could affect participatory communication practices in a development project. With regard to the project examined in this study, the analysis showed that there is a weak stakeholder relationship, especially stakeholders identified in this study as field officers. The study highlighted that stakeholders such as the agricultural extension officers and animal health technicians are not very active in the implementation process of the project. Some of the reasons pointed out is the fact that the secondary stakeholder such as the Provincial Department of Agricultural (PDoA) to which these field officers belong is not playing active role in ensuring that they complement the efforts of other field officers such as the IDC representatives. The second reason is the fact that the participatory focus of the project was not properly communicated to the beneficiaries. This also transpired in their inability to reflect participatory practice in their relationship with the beneficiaries and other stakeholders of the project. Other challenges, among others, as pointed out in the analysis showed that participatory communication practice requires expert personnel to be successful. In the case of the project examined, apart from the fact that there is shortage of manpower to handle the challenges mentioned in the study, there is no communication expert among the few active personnel in the field. The findings of this study showed that there was no clear role and identification of responsibilities let alone coordination of all actors involved in the project. Through the selected case study, this study has not only provided avenue to explore both theoretically and practically participatory communication, but has added to participatory communication discourse that there is no easy answer to challenges field officers encounter in practice. This is the reason the different participatory practices characterising nature of the project this study has investigated was given.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Usadolo, Sam Erevbenagie
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Communication in community development -- South Africa , Nguni cattle -- South Africa , Participatory rural appraisal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Com)
- Identifier: vital:11370 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015407 , Communication in community development -- South Africa , Nguni cattle -- South Africa , Participatory rural appraisal
- Description: project. It did this by reviewing relevant literature in development communication. The review done showed that literature is replete with arguments critical of the dominant paradigm due to its top-down nature of communication. Scholars critical of dominant paradigm argue that participatory communication should be given a prominent role to ensure that stakeholders work in concert to realise the stated objectives of their development project. The study highlighted many contentious issues surrounding the nature and practices of participatory communication. It pointed out that the issues have played themselves out in literature in the form of different typologies of participatory practices, which were dealt with extensively in this study. The discussion of participatory communication in literature is also mindful of different models of communication and the space they occupy in participatory communication practices. In this study, there was a discussion of transactional communication models as depicted by Nair and White (1993:52) and Steinberg (1997:19). Both scholars emphasise that participatory communication will not achieve its stated purpose without mutual agreement of the parties in communication. They equally stress the recognition of the possible effects of some contextual factors which may have bearing on the prevailing nature of communication. A review of different communication tools used by participatory development communicator was given in the study. These different communication tools were discussed in view of how these tools can be used to advance participatory practice in a development project, especially with reference to the project examined in this study. Using qualitative research method, different and appropriate interview methods such as semi-structured, focus group and post-survey interviews were used to collect data from the respondents in this study. The analysis and discussion of the data revealed that different challenges on the ground could affect participatory communication practices in a development project. With regard to the project examined in this study, the analysis showed that there is a weak stakeholder relationship, especially stakeholders identified in this study as field officers. The study highlighted that stakeholders such as the agricultural extension officers and animal health technicians are not very active in the implementation process of the project. Some of the reasons pointed out is the fact that the secondary stakeholder such as the Provincial Department of Agricultural (PDoA) to which these field officers belong is not playing active role in ensuring that they complement the efforts of other field officers such as the IDC representatives. The second reason is the fact that the participatory focus of the project was not properly communicated to the beneficiaries. This also transpired in their inability to reflect participatory practice in their relationship with the beneficiaries and other stakeholders of the project. Other challenges, among others, as pointed out in the analysis showed that participatory communication practice requires expert personnel to be successful. In the case of the project examined, apart from the fact that there is shortage of manpower to handle the challenges mentioned in the study, there is no communication expert among the few active personnel in the field. The findings of this study showed that there was no clear role and identification of responsibilities let alone coordination of all actors involved in the project. Through the selected case study, this study has not only provided avenue to explore both theoretically and practically participatory communication, but has added to participatory communication discourse that there is no easy answer to challenges field officers encounter in practice. This is the reason the different participatory practices characterising nature of the project this study has investigated was given.
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An evaluation of impact of co-operative societies on poverty alleviation among the urban poor in Harare, Zimbabwe during the period 2008-2010
- Authors: Tukuta, Marian
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Poor -- Services for -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Human services -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Urban poor -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Poverty -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Cooperative societies -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Commercial associations -- Zimbabwe -- Harare
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Social Science Dev)
- Identifier: vital:11422 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/506 , Poor -- Services for -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Human services -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Urban poor -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Poverty -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Cooperative societies -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Commercial associations -- Zimbabwe -- Harare
- Description: The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of co-operative societies on poverty alleviation among the urban poor in Zimbabwe with particular reference to consumer co-operative societies in areas of agriculture, housing and micro- finance. The co-operative sector plays an important role in poverty alleviation since many unemployed people have turned to co-operative activities as a way of earning a lawful and decent living during a period in which Zimbabwe generally suffered immense impoverishment in the midst of the national economic meltdown that was characterised by hyper-inflation, de-industrialisation and mass unemployment. The period of study was as from January 2008 to August 2010. This period is significant in that many co-operative societies were formed with the following broad objectives: (a) economic power and through this power; (b) control of socio-economic institution, to eliminate exploitation of man by man to make the people of Zimbabwe self reliant; (c) skills management, goods and services and establish in themselves a sense of confidence, initiative and high development aspirations; (d) to provide an opportunity to develop the community; and a (e) collective way of living that provides a sound base for socialism and national solidarity ix In this study, two hundred and seventy four respondents were used as research subjects. This consisted of one hundred and sixty respondents from housing, twenty four from micro- finance, and eighty eight from agricultural co-operative societies which covered dairy, poultry and fishing co-operative societies. This also included the Registrar of Co-operatives and the Harare City Council Co-operative officer. The research instruments that were used for the purpose of this research study were questionnaires, field visits, interviews and observations. Use was also made of secondary data that was obtained from the offices of Registrar of Co-operatives and the Town clerk of the Harare City Council as well as from the various co-operative societies that constitute the research study’s sample. The key factors that account for the failure of co-operative societies included the lack of adequate funding, lack of relevant knowledge and experience about co-operative activities, conflict among co-operative society members, failure to follow co-operative principles, mixing politics with co-operative activities and lack of education and training. The study also found out that the key to the success of any co-operative venture includes some of the following factors: Proper application of co-operative principles, the provision of co-operative education to both the membership and management of co-operative societies and proper keeping of institutional records. Most important of which include membership, financial and asset registers. x The study recommends that the government should give adequate administrative and financial support to co-operative societies since they have a potential of alleviating poverty if properly managed. It is also further recommended that research be done in order to enhance the strategic management of co-operative societies since empirical evidence tends to suggest that they are a viable tool for broad –based participatory and democratic sustainable livelihoods development. The study also recommended further studies to be carried out on the applicability of cooperative principles in all environments since some co-operative societies that have followed these principles especially in the developed countries have proved to be suitable instruments for poverty alleviation.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Tukuta, Marian
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Poor -- Services for -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Human services -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Urban poor -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Poverty -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Cooperative societies -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Commercial associations -- Zimbabwe -- Harare
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Social Science Dev)
- Identifier: vital:11422 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/506 , Poor -- Services for -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Human services -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Urban poor -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Poverty -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Cooperative societies -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Commercial associations -- Zimbabwe -- Harare
- Description: The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of co-operative societies on poverty alleviation among the urban poor in Zimbabwe with particular reference to consumer co-operative societies in areas of agriculture, housing and micro- finance. The co-operative sector plays an important role in poverty alleviation since many unemployed people have turned to co-operative activities as a way of earning a lawful and decent living during a period in which Zimbabwe generally suffered immense impoverishment in the midst of the national economic meltdown that was characterised by hyper-inflation, de-industrialisation and mass unemployment. The period of study was as from January 2008 to August 2010. This period is significant in that many co-operative societies were formed with the following broad objectives: (a) economic power and through this power; (b) control of socio-economic institution, to eliminate exploitation of man by man to make the people of Zimbabwe self reliant; (c) skills management, goods and services and establish in themselves a sense of confidence, initiative and high development aspirations; (d) to provide an opportunity to develop the community; and a (e) collective way of living that provides a sound base for socialism and national solidarity ix In this study, two hundred and seventy four respondents were used as research subjects. This consisted of one hundred and sixty respondents from housing, twenty four from micro- finance, and eighty eight from agricultural co-operative societies which covered dairy, poultry and fishing co-operative societies. This also included the Registrar of Co-operatives and the Harare City Council Co-operative officer. The research instruments that were used for the purpose of this research study were questionnaires, field visits, interviews and observations. Use was also made of secondary data that was obtained from the offices of Registrar of Co-operatives and the Town clerk of the Harare City Council as well as from the various co-operative societies that constitute the research study’s sample. The key factors that account for the failure of co-operative societies included the lack of adequate funding, lack of relevant knowledge and experience about co-operative activities, conflict among co-operative society members, failure to follow co-operative principles, mixing politics with co-operative activities and lack of education and training. The study also found out that the key to the success of any co-operative venture includes some of the following factors: Proper application of co-operative principles, the provision of co-operative education to both the membership and management of co-operative societies and proper keeping of institutional records. Most important of which include membership, financial and asset registers. x The study recommends that the government should give adequate administrative and financial support to co-operative societies since they have a potential of alleviating poverty if properly managed. It is also further recommended that research be done in order to enhance the strategic management of co-operative societies since empirical evidence tends to suggest that they are a viable tool for broad –based participatory and democratic sustainable livelihoods development. The study also recommended further studies to be carried out on the applicability of cooperative principles in all environments since some co-operative societies that have followed these principles especially in the developed countries have proved to be suitable instruments for poverty alleviation.
- Full Text:
Adaptation choices, community perceptions, livelihood linkages and income dynamics for district producer communities surrounding Nyatana Game Park in Zimbabwe
- Authors: Taruvinga, Amon
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Game reserves -- Zimbabwe , Wildlife conservation -- Zimbabwe , Wildlife management -- Zimbabwe , Sustainable development -- Zimbabwe , Game farms -- Zimbabwe , Rural poor -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11154 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/476 , Game reserves -- Zimbabwe , Wildlife conservation -- Zimbabwe , Wildlife management -- Zimbabwe , Sustainable development -- Zimbabwe , Game farms -- Zimbabwe , Rural poor -- Zimbabwe
- Description: This thesis explores human-wildlife interactions under community managed game parks. The thesis consists of an introductory chapter, study location chapter and four self-contained studies based on different samples from created clusters surrounding Nyatana Game Park, which make up the rest of the thesis chapters. Chapter one presents an introductory overview of wildlife management in Zimbabwe, specifically looking at human-wildlife interactions under CAMPFIRE projects, welfare dynamics and conservation implications for the surrounding communities who share boundaries with community-managed game parks. The chapter concludes by highlighting the challenges facing community-based wildlife conservation in Zimbabwe as well as the key concepts that will be the subject of the rest of the thesis. Chapter two presents the study location; it highlights the road map to the study area, starting with the provincial location, and indicates the specific districts from which respondents were selected. A brief agro-ecological summary of the study area is also presented; it looks specifically at climate, vegetation and a demographic data of the study area. Chapter three: Can game parks be trusted as livelihood sources? To answer this topical question, Chapter three explores livelihood adaptation strategies for households who share boundaries with Nyatana Game Park. Most of the community managed game parks, under CAMPFIRE principles in Zimbabwe, were established with the primary objective of generating revenue for the surrounding communities; this was done in the hope of using positive returns from game farming to promote the conservation of wildlife. Has this materialised in practice? Descriptive results from this study seem to suggest otherwise, where mixed farming and gold panning were the major livelihood adaptation choices reported by most households. The revenue from game farming was reported to be too low and inconsistent, to such an extent that the majority of the community regarded it as risky and unreliable. A multinomial logistic regression model for correlates of adaptation choices indicated that access to credit, markets, and extension may be some of the current institutional constraints inhibiting households from accessing off-farm sources for their livelihoods. In addition, household size, gender and age may enhance the adaptive capacity of households to move out of risky crop faming into other off-farm portfolio diversifications. The study, therefore, suggests that game parks, according to the evidence uncovered by the study, may not be trusted as a reliable and sustainable livelihood source. If local communities who share boundaries with game parks do not view them as reliable and sustainable livelihood sources, as concluded in Chapter three, how can they (local communities) be trusted to conserve them? To assess their perceptions of game parks, Chapter four presents a multinomial logistic regression model for perceptions of society on game parks using the African elephant as a typical example. The results suggest that Problem Animal Control (PAC) perceptions, livestock predation and issues of low and poor revenue distribution may be some of the critical perceptions capable of influencing surrounding communities to negatively participate in the conservation of wildlife. The results further suggest that using wildlife proceeds to finance observable local common pool infrastructure may positively influence the surrounding communities to conserve wildlife. The chief conclusion regarding game parks, therefore, was that the surrounding communities were in favour of the obliteration pathway, although minimal conservation perceptions were also available. Given the negative conclusions regarding game parks, as suggested in Chapters three and four, citizens would then wonder if any meaningful hope for community managed game parks exists. Chapter five probes the buffer zone livelihood link under community managed game parks, using evidence from the Nyatana Game Park. The binary logistic regression model results, for buffer zone participation and resource extraction combinations by surrounding communities, suggest that resource extraction may be market driven rather than focussing on domestic consumption. The study therefore concludes that the buffer zone livelihood link as currently practiced, though potential, may fail to address the livelihood expectations of the sub-district producer communities. The study therefore calls for extreme caution whenever the buffer zone livelihood link is considered, because several institutional and design conflicts exist within this dynamic. In Chapter six, the study further probed the buffer zone income dynamics for the sub-district producer community. The results of descriptive statistics suggest that the contribution of buffer zone activities to household income may be significant with a positive correlation to household agricultural income for communities who reside inside or close to the park (primary sub-district producer community). Using the Gini decomposition approach and Lorenz curves, the study concluded that a buffer zone income may be capable of contributing to more equally distributed incomes for rural communities who share boundaries with game parks. With respect to the correlates of household income, the results suggest that household size and age may negatively influence income from buffer zone activities, while gender may have a positive effect. This was also true for education and Livestock Units (LUs) with respect to income from self employment; the former positively and the latter negatively related. The results further suggest that land size may also be positively significant in order to explain income from agriculture as well as total income. With regard to the distance from the buffer zone, the results suggest a negative influence with respect to the buffer zone, agriculture and total income. The implied message therefore suggests that buffer zones may provide active livelihood sources which are capable of financing rural household agriculture. The income equalizing effect which is portrayed may also further imply that, if correctly targeted and promoted, a buffer zone income could possibly address the current income inequality which is generic in rural areas. However, this potential may not be realized due to the current buffer zone design status (created for local secondary use as opposed to commercial primary use), restrictive policies and poor institutional support. With this dilemma facing community managed game parks (threats as summarised in Chapters three and four amid the potential hope summarized in Chapters five and six), Chapter 7 concludes the study by suggesting that the human-wildlife interaction model, though currently theoretical, may have significant practical potential in addressing the livelihoods of the surrounding communities as well as promoting the conservation of wildlife. This could be possible if available challenges that range from low revenue, insecure property rights, high human-elephant conflict and institutional design conflict for buffer zone utilization are corrected by means of the free market system. This would allow market forces to deliver on the expectations of the ―human-wildlife interactions model‖ – sustainable livelihoods for the former and intergenerational conservation for the latter.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Taruvinga, Amon
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Game reserves -- Zimbabwe , Wildlife conservation -- Zimbabwe , Wildlife management -- Zimbabwe , Sustainable development -- Zimbabwe , Game farms -- Zimbabwe , Rural poor -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11154 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/476 , Game reserves -- Zimbabwe , Wildlife conservation -- Zimbabwe , Wildlife management -- Zimbabwe , Sustainable development -- Zimbabwe , Game farms -- Zimbabwe , Rural poor -- Zimbabwe
- Description: This thesis explores human-wildlife interactions under community managed game parks. The thesis consists of an introductory chapter, study location chapter and four self-contained studies based on different samples from created clusters surrounding Nyatana Game Park, which make up the rest of the thesis chapters. Chapter one presents an introductory overview of wildlife management in Zimbabwe, specifically looking at human-wildlife interactions under CAMPFIRE projects, welfare dynamics and conservation implications for the surrounding communities who share boundaries with community-managed game parks. The chapter concludes by highlighting the challenges facing community-based wildlife conservation in Zimbabwe as well as the key concepts that will be the subject of the rest of the thesis. Chapter two presents the study location; it highlights the road map to the study area, starting with the provincial location, and indicates the specific districts from which respondents were selected. A brief agro-ecological summary of the study area is also presented; it looks specifically at climate, vegetation and a demographic data of the study area. Chapter three: Can game parks be trusted as livelihood sources? To answer this topical question, Chapter three explores livelihood adaptation strategies for households who share boundaries with Nyatana Game Park. Most of the community managed game parks, under CAMPFIRE principles in Zimbabwe, were established with the primary objective of generating revenue for the surrounding communities; this was done in the hope of using positive returns from game farming to promote the conservation of wildlife. Has this materialised in practice? Descriptive results from this study seem to suggest otherwise, where mixed farming and gold panning were the major livelihood adaptation choices reported by most households. The revenue from game farming was reported to be too low and inconsistent, to such an extent that the majority of the community regarded it as risky and unreliable. A multinomial logistic regression model for correlates of adaptation choices indicated that access to credit, markets, and extension may be some of the current institutional constraints inhibiting households from accessing off-farm sources for their livelihoods. In addition, household size, gender and age may enhance the adaptive capacity of households to move out of risky crop faming into other off-farm portfolio diversifications. The study, therefore, suggests that game parks, according to the evidence uncovered by the study, may not be trusted as a reliable and sustainable livelihood source. If local communities who share boundaries with game parks do not view them as reliable and sustainable livelihood sources, as concluded in Chapter three, how can they (local communities) be trusted to conserve them? To assess their perceptions of game parks, Chapter four presents a multinomial logistic regression model for perceptions of society on game parks using the African elephant as a typical example. The results suggest that Problem Animal Control (PAC) perceptions, livestock predation and issues of low and poor revenue distribution may be some of the critical perceptions capable of influencing surrounding communities to negatively participate in the conservation of wildlife. The results further suggest that using wildlife proceeds to finance observable local common pool infrastructure may positively influence the surrounding communities to conserve wildlife. The chief conclusion regarding game parks, therefore, was that the surrounding communities were in favour of the obliteration pathway, although minimal conservation perceptions were also available. Given the negative conclusions regarding game parks, as suggested in Chapters three and four, citizens would then wonder if any meaningful hope for community managed game parks exists. Chapter five probes the buffer zone livelihood link under community managed game parks, using evidence from the Nyatana Game Park. The binary logistic regression model results, for buffer zone participation and resource extraction combinations by surrounding communities, suggest that resource extraction may be market driven rather than focussing on domestic consumption. The study therefore concludes that the buffer zone livelihood link as currently practiced, though potential, may fail to address the livelihood expectations of the sub-district producer communities. The study therefore calls for extreme caution whenever the buffer zone livelihood link is considered, because several institutional and design conflicts exist within this dynamic. In Chapter six, the study further probed the buffer zone income dynamics for the sub-district producer community. The results of descriptive statistics suggest that the contribution of buffer zone activities to household income may be significant with a positive correlation to household agricultural income for communities who reside inside or close to the park (primary sub-district producer community). Using the Gini decomposition approach and Lorenz curves, the study concluded that a buffer zone income may be capable of contributing to more equally distributed incomes for rural communities who share boundaries with game parks. With respect to the correlates of household income, the results suggest that household size and age may negatively influence income from buffer zone activities, while gender may have a positive effect. This was also true for education and Livestock Units (LUs) with respect to income from self employment; the former positively and the latter negatively related. The results further suggest that land size may also be positively significant in order to explain income from agriculture as well as total income. With regard to the distance from the buffer zone, the results suggest a negative influence with respect to the buffer zone, agriculture and total income. The implied message therefore suggests that buffer zones may provide active livelihood sources which are capable of financing rural household agriculture. The income equalizing effect which is portrayed may also further imply that, if correctly targeted and promoted, a buffer zone income could possibly address the current income inequality which is generic in rural areas. However, this potential may not be realized due to the current buffer zone design status (created for local secondary use as opposed to commercial primary use), restrictive policies and poor institutional support. With this dilemma facing community managed game parks (threats as summarised in Chapters three and four amid the potential hope summarized in Chapters five and six), Chapter 7 concludes the study by suggesting that the human-wildlife interaction model, though currently theoretical, may have significant practical potential in addressing the livelihoods of the surrounding communities as well as promoting the conservation of wildlife. This could be possible if available challenges that range from low revenue, insecure property rights, high human-elephant conflict and institutional design conflict for buffer zone utilization are corrected by means of the free market system. This would allow market forces to deliver on the expectations of the ―human-wildlife interactions model‖ – sustainable livelihoods for the former and intergenerational conservation for the latter.
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Community participation and food security in rural Zimbabwe: the case of Marange area in Mutare district
- Authors: Swikepi, Chiedzwa
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Community development , Rural development projects -- Zimbabwe -- Citizen participation , Community development -- Zimbabwe -- Citizen participation , Rural development -- Zimbabwe , Food security -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Dev)
- Identifier: vital:11845 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007303 , Community development , Rural development projects -- Zimbabwe -- Citizen participation , Community development -- Zimbabwe -- Citizen participation , Rural development -- Zimbabwe , Food security -- Zimbabwe
- Description: The chief purpose of this study was to determine the role of the rural communities in the food security initiatives of the government in alleviating food shortages in the Marange communal area of Mutare district in Zimbabwe. The focus was on local community empowerment; ownership of food security initiatives by the communities; communities‟ independent analysis of needs and priorities; their involvement in designing food security programmes and the role of the government in linking with the communities. The data was gathered using a case study research design with the qualitative method being the main research approach. The primary data was obtained from focus group discussions held in three wards of Marange area and some in-depth interviews conducted with selected key informants. The findings indicate that the government designs food security strategies without considering the input of communities. The communities are introduced and expected to adopt these pre-conceived food security plans at the implementation stage. The results also show that poor community participation in the food security initiatives of the government, specifically during the initial stages, is a significant contributing factor to the continual shortages of food in the communal lands of Marange. It is the view of this study that unless community input in decision making at the planning and designing phases is given preference in the food security interventions of the government in rural Zimbabwe, food security will seldom be achieved. While the government has a significant role to play in food security measures, such interventions can make an important contribution if the use and development of community participation is made central to food shortage alleviation strategies. The principal conclusion of this study is that if food security is an intended ultimate goal in rural Zimbabwe, the communities must participate fully in the conceptualisation, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the government-initiated food security programmes.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Swikepi, Chiedzwa
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Community development , Rural development projects -- Zimbabwe -- Citizen participation , Community development -- Zimbabwe -- Citizen participation , Rural development -- Zimbabwe , Food security -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Dev)
- Identifier: vital:11845 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007303 , Community development , Rural development projects -- Zimbabwe -- Citizen participation , Community development -- Zimbabwe -- Citizen participation , Rural development -- Zimbabwe , Food security -- Zimbabwe
- Description: The chief purpose of this study was to determine the role of the rural communities in the food security initiatives of the government in alleviating food shortages in the Marange communal area of Mutare district in Zimbabwe. The focus was on local community empowerment; ownership of food security initiatives by the communities; communities‟ independent analysis of needs and priorities; their involvement in designing food security programmes and the role of the government in linking with the communities. The data was gathered using a case study research design with the qualitative method being the main research approach. The primary data was obtained from focus group discussions held in three wards of Marange area and some in-depth interviews conducted with selected key informants. The findings indicate that the government designs food security strategies without considering the input of communities. The communities are introduced and expected to adopt these pre-conceived food security plans at the implementation stage. The results also show that poor community participation in the food security initiatives of the government, specifically during the initial stages, is a significant contributing factor to the continual shortages of food in the communal lands of Marange. It is the view of this study that unless community input in decision making at the planning and designing phases is given preference in the food security interventions of the government in rural Zimbabwe, food security will seldom be achieved. While the government has a significant role to play in food security measures, such interventions can make an important contribution if the use and development of community participation is made central to food shortage alleviation strategies. The principal conclusion of this study is that if food security is an intended ultimate goal in rural Zimbabwe, the communities must participate fully in the conceptualisation, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the government-initiated food security programmes.
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Assessment of capacity development through public-private partnership: a case study of the Department of Economic Development and Environmental Affairs in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Sogoni, Mbulelo
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Human capital -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public-private sector cooperation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11619 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/327 , Human capital -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public-private sector cooperation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a capacity development programme initiated by the Department of Economic Development and Environmental Affairs (DEDEA) as a mechanism to enhance the performance of the employees in order to improve service delivery to the people of the Eastern Cape. The public service is enjoined by the Constitution to provide services that citizens need, and for this reason it is in need of educated, trained and professional public servants, especially in the technical, professional and managerial categories. The department also recognized the potential of public–private partnerships (PPPs) to improve performance in the areas of transformation and service delivery, and that it required investments aimed at developing and strengthening public management capacity. However, the effectiveness of the PPP as a mechanism for capacity development, remained unknown. The literature reviewed overwhelmingly supported the assertion that human capital development is critical for performance in the public service. The review also highlighted the importance of partnerships, especially the role of the private sector in the area of capacity development, advancing the argument that PPPs should be pursued in order to leverage ideas, resources, and capabilities to achieve public service goals. Various research tools, namely interviews, questionnaires and document analysis were used to conduct the study. Data collected and analysed provided empirical evidence of improved performance of both the individual managers and the department in the functional areas of financial governance and management; programme and project management; as well as ethics and professionalism. It suggested a strong correlation between training, capacity development and service delivery. This research found the DEDEA/National Business Initiative (NBI) PPP initiative, as a capacity development mechanism to enhance the performance of the department‟s employees, effective. On strength of the overwhelming evidence gathered through this research, it strongly recommends that the programme be rolled out to other employees.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Sogoni, Mbulelo
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Human capital -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public-private sector cooperation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11619 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/327 , Human capital -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public-private sector cooperation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a capacity development programme initiated by the Department of Economic Development and Environmental Affairs (DEDEA) as a mechanism to enhance the performance of the employees in order to improve service delivery to the people of the Eastern Cape. The public service is enjoined by the Constitution to provide services that citizens need, and for this reason it is in need of educated, trained and professional public servants, especially in the technical, professional and managerial categories. The department also recognized the potential of public–private partnerships (PPPs) to improve performance in the areas of transformation and service delivery, and that it required investments aimed at developing and strengthening public management capacity. However, the effectiveness of the PPP as a mechanism for capacity development, remained unknown. The literature reviewed overwhelmingly supported the assertion that human capital development is critical for performance in the public service. The review also highlighted the importance of partnerships, especially the role of the private sector in the area of capacity development, advancing the argument that PPPs should be pursued in order to leverage ideas, resources, and capabilities to achieve public service goals. Various research tools, namely interviews, questionnaires and document analysis were used to conduct the study. Data collected and analysed provided empirical evidence of improved performance of both the individual managers and the department in the functional areas of financial governance and management; programme and project management; as well as ethics and professionalism. It suggested a strong correlation between training, capacity development and service delivery. This research found the DEDEA/National Business Initiative (NBI) PPP initiative, as a capacity development mechanism to enhance the performance of the department‟s employees, effective. On strength of the overwhelming evidence gathered through this research, it strongly recommends that the programme be rolled out to other employees.
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Identity-related decision-making among multicultural adolescents
- Authors: Siwundla, Lundi
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Identity (Psychology) , Multiculturalism , Decision making , Teenagers -- Social networks , Social intelligence , Adolescence
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (C Psy)
- Identifier: vital:11855 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/319 , Identity (Psychology) , Multiculturalism , Decision making , Teenagers -- Social networks , Social intelligence , Adolescence
- Description: This present study investigated South African Afrikaans-, English- and Xhosa-speaking male and female urban secondary school adolescents‟ (N = 1301) perception of the relative importance of identity-related domains by investigating the choices that they carried out in relation to meaningful identity-related areas of their lives. Consequently a structured questionnaire consisting of 14 domain particular areas was used. In Eriksonian terms, one could say that the South African society is in a psychosocial crisis. Almost all the domain-specific items were regarded as relevant “Very important” or “Fairly important” by a notable or significant majority of participants. All fourteen of the domains were regarded as “Very important” by at least 35 percent of the participants from two cultural groups, namely African and Coloured sub cultural groups; while twelve of the domains were regarded as “Very important” by at least 50 percent of the African subgroup and thirteen domains were regarded as “Very important” by 40 percent of the Coloured subgroup. “Leisure and recreational activities”, “Friendships with members of the same sex peer group”, “My political views and convictions” and “Friendships with members of the opposite sex peer group” were however, still regarded as “Fairly important” by 56 percent, 53 percent, 58 percent and 52 percent of the total research group respectively. It should also be noted that generally females in the sample were more inclined to evaluate domains that had a bearing on interpersonal relationships as significantly more important than the males namely: Friendship with members of the same-sex peer group, What kind of person I want a permanent relationship with, What kind of person I want to marry, and How I should act as husband or wife. The males tended to evaluate the domains, Sexual matters and Friendship with members of the opposite sex more significantly important than the females did.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Siwundla, Lundi
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Identity (Psychology) , Multiculturalism , Decision making , Teenagers -- Social networks , Social intelligence , Adolescence
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (C Psy)
- Identifier: vital:11855 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/319 , Identity (Psychology) , Multiculturalism , Decision making , Teenagers -- Social networks , Social intelligence , Adolescence
- Description: This present study investigated South African Afrikaans-, English- and Xhosa-speaking male and female urban secondary school adolescents‟ (N = 1301) perception of the relative importance of identity-related domains by investigating the choices that they carried out in relation to meaningful identity-related areas of their lives. Consequently a structured questionnaire consisting of 14 domain particular areas was used. In Eriksonian terms, one could say that the South African society is in a psychosocial crisis. Almost all the domain-specific items were regarded as relevant “Very important” or “Fairly important” by a notable or significant majority of participants. All fourteen of the domains were regarded as “Very important” by at least 35 percent of the participants from two cultural groups, namely African and Coloured sub cultural groups; while twelve of the domains were regarded as “Very important” by at least 50 percent of the African subgroup and thirteen domains were regarded as “Very important” by 40 percent of the Coloured subgroup. “Leisure and recreational activities”, “Friendships with members of the same sex peer group”, “My political views and convictions” and “Friendships with members of the opposite sex peer group” were however, still regarded as “Fairly important” by 56 percent, 53 percent, 58 percent and 52 percent of the total research group respectively. It should also be noted that generally females in the sample were more inclined to evaluate domains that had a bearing on interpersonal relationships as significantly more important than the males namely: Friendship with members of the same-sex peer group, What kind of person I want a permanent relationship with, What kind of person I want to marry, and How I should act as husband or wife. The males tended to evaluate the domains, Sexual matters and Friendship with members of the opposite sex more significantly important than the females did.
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Assessing education's relevance to industry needs and the impact on graduate employability: a case study of UFH communication graduates
- Authors: Siwela, Ntandokazulu
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Graduate students -- South Africa , Curriculum-based assessment -- South Africa , Educational evaluation , Employability -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Dev)
- Identifier: vital:11425 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/571 , Graduate students -- South Africa , Curriculum-based assessment -- South Africa , Educational evaluation , Employability -- South Africa
- Description: The 21st century has seen nations becoming more competitive yet ironically more interdependent as their future becomes even more dependent on the knowledge, skills, and resourcefulness of its people, creating new opportunities and difficulties for education, (Power, 2000). The education-work-society interdependency has therefore become more important now than ever. It is also because of this triad-interdependency that tertiary education‟s relevance to industry needs has become a crucial issue in societal development. The ever changing needs of South Africa, the unemployment rate, introduction of new technologies and many other ripple effects of globalization have seen more and more pressure mounting on the South African education system as more and more people try to ensure that the education system answers the crucial challenges of the country today and tomorrow.The discussion below provides a detailed account of the context, in which this discourse on curriculum relevance takes place, highlighting some relevant cornerstones of the Reconstruction and Development Programme, (RDP, 1994). Furthermore, this chapter exposes the key research questions and significance of the study. The subsequent chapter 2 gives an account of what other scholars have said on issues of curriculum relevance, development and the South African Higher Education system. Chapter 3 explains the research methodology as a research process used to investigate the problem in question. In this research study the researcher uses both quantitative and qualitative design (online surveys of three groups, these are the graduates, prospective employers and the lecturers). The analysis is based on quantitative data and further substantiated through qualitative data analysis. The subsequent chapter tabulates and lays out the results according to the surveys. The final chapter discusses the findings and makes future recommendations.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Siwela, Ntandokazulu
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Graduate students -- South Africa , Curriculum-based assessment -- South Africa , Educational evaluation , Employability -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Dev)
- Identifier: vital:11425 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/571 , Graduate students -- South Africa , Curriculum-based assessment -- South Africa , Educational evaluation , Employability -- South Africa
- Description: The 21st century has seen nations becoming more competitive yet ironically more interdependent as their future becomes even more dependent on the knowledge, skills, and resourcefulness of its people, creating new opportunities and difficulties for education, (Power, 2000). The education-work-society interdependency has therefore become more important now than ever. It is also because of this triad-interdependency that tertiary education‟s relevance to industry needs has become a crucial issue in societal development. The ever changing needs of South Africa, the unemployment rate, introduction of new technologies and many other ripple effects of globalization have seen more and more pressure mounting on the South African education system as more and more people try to ensure that the education system answers the crucial challenges of the country today and tomorrow.The discussion below provides a detailed account of the context, in which this discourse on curriculum relevance takes place, highlighting some relevant cornerstones of the Reconstruction and Development Programme, (RDP, 1994). Furthermore, this chapter exposes the key research questions and significance of the study. The subsequent chapter 2 gives an account of what other scholars have said on issues of curriculum relevance, development and the South African Higher Education system. Chapter 3 explains the research methodology as a research process used to investigate the problem in question. In this research study the researcher uses both quantitative and qualitative design (online surveys of three groups, these are the graduates, prospective employers and the lecturers). The analysis is based on quantitative data and further substantiated through qualitative data analysis. The subsequent chapter tabulates and lays out the results according to the surveys. The final chapter discusses the findings and makes future recommendations.
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An investigation into the demand for money in South Africa during the period (1990-2009)
- Simawu, Moreblessing https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4413-4660
- Authors: Simawu, Moreblessing https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4413-4660
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Demand for money -- South Africa , Monetary policy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24421 , vital:62789
- Description: A stable money demand function plays a vital role in the analysis of macroeconomics, especially in the planning and implementation of monetary policy. With the use of Johansen cointegration and error correction model estimates, this study examines the existence of a stable long-run relationship between real money demand (RM2 and RM3) and its explanatory variables, in South Africa, for the period 1990-2009. The explanatory variables used in this study are selected on the basis of different monetary theories and empirical works, including the Keynesian, Classical and Friedman’s modern quantity theory of money. Based on these theories, the explanatory variables used in this thesis are real income, an interest rate, the inflation rate ,the exchange rate and foreign interest rate. The signs of the coefficients of the variables are as expected from economic theory. The coefficients of real income, the exchange rate and foreign interest rate are positive, while the coefficients of the interest rate and inflation rate are negative. This study augments the cointegration and vector autoregression (VAR) analysis with impulse response and variance decomposition analyses to provide robust long run effects and short run dynamic effects on the real money demand. In addition a foreign interest rate to capture the impact of capital mobility on money demand in South Africa was used. Results from the Johansen test suggest that real money demand (RM2 and RM3) and its all explanatory variables are cointegrated. Hence, there is a long-run equilibrium relationship between the real quantity of money demanded and five broadly defined macroeconomic components namely, real income, an interest rate, the inflation rate, foreign interest rate and the exchange rate in South Africa. Overall, the study finds that the coefficients of the equilibrium error terms are negative, as expected, and significantly different from zero, implying that 0.16 and 0.1 of the discrepancy between money demand and its explanatory variables is eliminated in the following quarter. Application of CUSUM and CUSUMSQ stability test showed that real money demand (M2 and M3) is stable in South Africa. The impulse response analysis provided evidence that the real M3 money, national income, rate of inflation and the foreign interest rate have a significant impact on the real M3 money demand in the short run. However, remaining variables (the real exchange rate and prime overdraft rate), have only a transitory effect on the real M3 money demand. There was further evidence that real exchange rate, the rate of inflation and the foreign interest rate, have a significant impact on the real M2 money demand in the short run. However, remaining variables (the national income and prime overdraft rate), have only a transitory effect on the real M2 money demand. Results from the variance decompositions of the real money demand are basically similar to those from the impulse response analysis and reveal that the fundamentals explain some, but not all, of the variations of the real money demand. The results showed that the national income explains the largest component of the variation in the real M2 money demand followed by the exchange rate and foreign interest rate. Shocks to the other variables continued to explain an insignificant proportion of the variation in the real M2 money demand. The national income also explains the largest component of the variation in the real M3 money demand followed by the foreign interest rate and exchange rate. Shocks to the other variables continued to explain a less significant proportion of the variation in the real M3 money demand.The study finds that both real M2 and M3 are stable which makes monetary targeting a viable policy option for the SARB. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2011
- Full Text:
- Authors: Simawu, Moreblessing https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4413-4660
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Demand for money -- South Africa , Monetary policy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24421 , vital:62789
- Description: A stable money demand function plays a vital role in the analysis of macroeconomics, especially in the planning and implementation of monetary policy. With the use of Johansen cointegration and error correction model estimates, this study examines the existence of a stable long-run relationship between real money demand (RM2 and RM3) and its explanatory variables, in South Africa, for the period 1990-2009. The explanatory variables used in this study are selected on the basis of different monetary theories and empirical works, including the Keynesian, Classical and Friedman’s modern quantity theory of money. Based on these theories, the explanatory variables used in this thesis are real income, an interest rate, the inflation rate ,the exchange rate and foreign interest rate. The signs of the coefficients of the variables are as expected from economic theory. The coefficients of real income, the exchange rate and foreign interest rate are positive, while the coefficients of the interest rate and inflation rate are negative. This study augments the cointegration and vector autoregression (VAR) analysis with impulse response and variance decomposition analyses to provide robust long run effects and short run dynamic effects on the real money demand. In addition a foreign interest rate to capture the impact of capital mobility on money demand in South Africa was used. Results from the Johansen test suggest that real money demand (RM2 and RM3) and its all explanatory variables are cointegrated. Hence, there is a long-run equilibrium relationship between the real quantity of money demanded and five broadly defined macroeconomic components namely, real income, an interest rate, the inflation rate, foreign interest rate and the exchange rate in South Africa. Overall, the study finds that the coefficients of the equilibrium error terms are negative, as expected, and significantly different from zero, implying that 0.16 and 0.1 of the discrepancy between money demand and its explanatory variables is eliminated in the following quarter. Application of CUSUM and CUSUMSQ stability test showed that real money demand (M2 and M3) is stable in South Africa. The impulse response analysis provided evidence that the real M3 money, national income, rate of inflation and the foreign interest rate have a significant impact on the real M3 money demand in the short run. However, remaining variables (the real exchange rate and prime overdraft rate), have only a transitory effect on the real M3 money demand. There was further evidence that real exchange rate, the rate of inflation and the foreign interest rate, have a significant impact on the real M2 money demand in the short run. However, remaining variables (the national income and prime overdraft rate), have only a transitory effect on the real M2 money demand. Results from the variance decompositions of the real money demand are basically similar to those from the impulse response analysis and reveal that the fundamentals explain some, but not all, of the variations of the real money demand. The results showed that the national income explains the largest component of the variation in the real M2 money demand followed by the exchange rate and foreign interest rate. Shocks to the other variables continued to explain an insignificant proportion of the variation in the real M2 money demand. The national income also explains the largest component of the variation in the real M3 money demand followed by the foreign interest rate and exchange rate. Shocks to the other variables continued to explain a less significant proportion of the variation in the real M3 money demand.The study finds that both real M2 and M3 are stable which makes monetary targeting a viable policy option for the SARB. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2011
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Secondary school children's experiences of bereavement: implications for school counselling in Harare Metropolitan Province
- Authors: Shumba, Jenn
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Bereavement , Counseling in secondary education -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Schools -- Zimbabwe -- Harare -- Social conditions , Teachers -- Zimbabwe -- Harare -- Attitudes , Teachers -- Training -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , School children -- Zimbabwe -- Harare
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Education)
- Identifier: vital:16196 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007237 , Bereavement , Counseling in secondary education -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Schools -- Zimbabwe -- Harare -- Social conditions , Teachers -- Zimbabwe -- Harare -- Attitudes , Teachers -- Training -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , School children -- Zimbabwe -- Harare
- Description: Death and bereavement are prevalent in Zimbabwe due to HIV/AIDS and other illnesses. It is estimated that a large population of school going learners have lost one or both parents and have become orphans. The aim of the study was two-fold: to understand the bereavement experiences of orphaned learners and to examine how such experiences can inform school counselling services. A multiple case study involving 13 school children and four school counsellors from two secondary schools in Harare Metropolitan Region was conducted. Each of the 17 participants was viewed as a bounded case due to his or her individual unique experiences. An interpretive phenomenological approach was employed to collect and analyse the data. All the cases were purposively selected as they were bearers of crucial information on bereavement experiences and bereavement counselling. The study established nine (9) key findings. First, it was found that the type of attachments and support systems the child had were contributory to the way the child experienced bereavement. Second, it was established that although learners manifested emotional pain, they found it difficult to verbalise it. Third, the study found that cultural practices either exacerbate or work for the better for bereaved children as some were seen to enhance their livelihood whilst some were detrimental and oppressive. Fourth, it was established that bereavement triggered philosophical and reflexive reactions on the part of bereaved children. The deaths of the parents resulted in them reflecting on the three phases of their life trajectories: life before death; at the time of death; and after death. Fifth, it was also established in the study that there was a mismatch in what children and counsellors claimed to be happening in secondary schools pertaining bereavement counselling provisioning. Sixth, the study found that most children did not receive any bereavement counselling in schools. Only three out of the 13 learner cases interviewed in this study had a teacher in the school talk to them about loss of their parents. In some instances, a child’s bereavement was only discovered through the grapevine or when this researcher got to the school. Seventh, it was established that although counsellors were qualified as both teachers and counsellors, they lacked confidence in dealing with sensitive issues such as bereavement. Eighth, the study also found that although there is a lot of death in Zimbabwe the counselling syllabi lacked focus on bereavement counselling. Ninth, it was also discovered that teachers who were not assigned to counselling duties had negative attitudes towards counselling, a matter which has serious consequences for the bereaved learners. Based on the above findings, the study concludes that bereaved children experienced a variety of circumstances that impacted both positively and negatively on their schooling and rendered them in need of bereavement counselling. It also concludes that bereaved learners in selected Harare schools were not receiving adequate bereavement counselling; schools neither had policies nor laid down procedures on bereavement counselling. For further research, the study recommends that there should be research focusing on methodologies designed to access children’s innermost feelings of emotional pain. There should be further research on the nature of the relationship between a child’s bereavement and educational experiences. Studies involving other bereaved populations, such as, children from rural areas and primary school children should be carried out in order to gain insights on how the phenomenon is experienced by different age groups in different contexts. To improve counselling practice in schools, the study recommends that there should be capacity building programmes aimed at assisting teachers to deal with bereavement counselling. School bereavement counselling should explore collaboration with other stakeholders such as peers, care givers and government as well as non-governmental organisations. Above all, the study recommends that schools should be proactive and have school bereavement policies and procedures on bereavement counselling.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Shumba, Jenn
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Bereavement , Counseling in secondary education -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Schools -- Zimbabwe -- Harare -- Social conditions , Teachers -- Zimbabwe -- Harare -- Attitudes , Teachers -- Training -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , School children -- Zimbabwe -- Harare
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Education)
- Identifier: vital:16196 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007237 , Bereavement , Counseling in secondary education -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Schools -- Zimbabwe -- Harare -- Social conditions , Teachers -- Zimbabwe -- Harare -- Attitudes , Teachers -- Training -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , School children -- Zimbabwe -- Harare
- Description: Death and bereavement are prevalent in Zimbabwe due to HIV/AIDS and other illnesses. It is estimated that a large population of school going learners have lost one or both parents and have become orphans. The aim of the study was two-fold: to understand the bereavement experiences of orphaned learners and to examine how such experiences can inform school counselling services. A multiple case study involving 13 school children and four school counsellors from two secondary schools in Harare Metropolitan Region was conducted. Each of the 17 participants was viewed as a bounded case due to his or her individual unique experiences. An interpretive phenomenological approach was employed to collect and analyse the data. All the cases were purposively selected as they were bearers of crucial information on bereavement experiences and bereavement counselling. The study established nine (9) key findings. First, it was found that the type of attachments and support systems the child had were contributory to the way the child experienced bereavement. Second, it was established that although learners manifested emotional pain, they found it difficult to verbalise it. Third, the study found that cultural practices either exacerbate or work for the better for bereaved children as some were seen to enhance their livelihood whilst some were detrimental and oppressive. Fourth, it was established that bereavement triggered philosophical and reflexive reactions on the part of bereaved children. The deaths of the parents resulted in them reflecting on the three phases of their life trajectories: life before death; at the time of death; and after death. Fifth, it was also established in the study that there was a mismatch in what children and counsellors claimed to be happening in secondary schools pertaining bereavement counselling provisioning. Sixth, the study found that most children did not receive any bereavement counselling in schools. Only three out of the 13 learner cases interviewed in this study had a teacher in the school talk to them about loss of their parents. In some instances, a child’s bereavement was only discovered through the grapevine or when this researcher got to the school. Seventh, it was established that although counsellors were qualified as both teachers and counsellors, they lacked confidence in dealing with sensitive issues such as bereavement. Eighth, the study also found that although there is a lot of death in Zimbabwe the counselling syllabi lacked focus on bereavement counselling. Ninth, it was also discovered that teachers who were not assigned to counselling duties had negative attitudes towards counselling, a matter which has serious consequences for the bereaved learners. Based on the above findings, the study concludes that bereaved children experienced a variety of circumstances that impacted both positively and negatively on their schooling and rendered them in need of bereavement counselling. It also concludes that bereaved learners in selected Harare schools were not receiving adequate bereavement counselling; schools neither had policies nor laid down procedures on bereavement counselling. For further research, the study recommends that there should be research focusing on methodologies designed to access children’s innermost feelings of emotional pain. There should be further research on the nature of the relationship between a child’s bereavement and educational experiences. Studies involving other bereaved populations, such as, children from rural areas and primary school children should be carried out in order to gain insights on how the phenomenon is experienced by different age groups in different contexts. To improve counselling practice in schools, the study recommends that there should be capacity building programmes aimed at assisting teachers to deal with bereavement counselling. School bereavement counselling should explore collaboration with other stakeholders such as peers, care givers and government as well as non-governmental organisations. Above all, the study recommends that schools should be proactive and have school bereavement policies and procedures on bereavement counselling.
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An assessment of the implementation of continuing professional development programmes for primary school teachers in Malawi: a case of Zomba rural education district
- Authors: Selemani-Meke, Elizabeth
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Primary school teachers -- Malawi , Teachers -- Vocational guidance -- Malawi , Teachers -- Development -- Zimbabwe , Teachers -- Education (Primary) -- Malawi , Teachers -- Economic conditions , Teachers -- In-service training -- Malawi , Teachers -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Education)
- Identifier: vital:16178 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/501 , Primary school teachers -- Malawi , Teachers -- Vocational guidance -- Malawi , Teachers -- Development -- Zimbabwe , Teachers -- Education (Primary) -- Malawi , Teachers -- Economic conditions , Teachers -- In-service training -- Malawi , Teachers -- Social conditions
- Description: This study assessed the implementation of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Programmes for primary school teachers in Zomba Rural Education District in Malawi. The study arose from a concern that, despite the Government of Malawi putting in place structures to facilitate the implementation of CPD for primary school teachers, research has shown that teachers have not improved their classroom practice. As a result, there has been poor learner performance at all levels of the primary education system to the extent that learners scored the lowest in the 2005 international examinations for the Southern Africa Development Community. From the literature, it appears that no thorough and conclusive studies to look into the issues behind the implementation of CPD programmes in Malawi have been conducted. Hence the researcher was motivated to assess how the CPD programmes are implemented with the view to explore better ways of implementing CPD programmes for teachers that can result in teacher change. The study was placed within the post-positivism paradigm and used a mixed method research design that incorporated concurrent procedures in the collection, analysis and interpretation of the data. Questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data while qualitative data were collected through interviews, focus group discussions, CPD observations and document analysis. A total of 798 teachers filled the questionnaires. This figure represented 47% of the total number of teachers in the district. The researcher conducted 34 focus group discussions with teachers from various schools. She also held interviews with 34 head teachers and CPD programme facilitators (12 Primary Education Advisors and 3 CPD facilitators from organizations). Other interviews were held with the District Education Manager, the Coordinating Primary Education Advisor, the Coordinator of the New Curriculum, and the Coordinator for the Department of Teacher Education and Development. Further, the researcher made 3 CPD observations. The study revealed weaknesses in the implementation of CPD programmes for teachers in the district. Generally the study noted that there was much emphasis on the transmissive model of CPD implementation, to the neglect of transitional and transformative models such that the personal, social and occupational aspects of professional learning were not holistically considered in the programme designs. Specifically, the duration of the programmes was found to be inadequate for meaningful assimilation of new knowledge and skills; the expertise of facilitators was sometimes questionable; and the use of the cascade mode left teachers unsure and with knowledge gaps. Further, the study noted that the monitoring and support mechanisms for the programmes were weak; the consultation processes for teacher inputs in the CPD programme designs were dismal; and the welfare of teachers at the CPD venues was poorly handled.. At school level the study revealed that the teaching and learning environment compounded the problem of teachers’ difficulty in implementing what they learnt from CPD training. Large classes, inadequate teachers, lack of teaching and learning resources, limited infrastructure, lack of accommodation for teachers, lack of support from colleagues and learner absenteeism were some of the factors hindering implementation of CPD programmes at school level. The study has put forth recommendations for the effective implementation of CPD programmes for teachers in the district. Furthermore, based on the findings of the study and an extensive literature search, the researcher has suggested an alternative model for CPD implementation that can result in teacher change. Overall there is need for collaborative effort among stakeholders in education to ensure effective delivery of CPDs and their subsequent translation into practice at classroom level.
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- Authors: Selemani-Meke, Elizabeth
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Primary school teachers -- Malawi , Teachers -- Vocational guidance -- Malawi , Teachers -- Development -- Zimbabwe , Teachers -- Education (Primary) -- Malawi , Teachers -- Economic conditions , Teachers -- In-service training -- Malawi , Teachers -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Education)
- Identifier: vital:16178 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/501 , Primary school teachers -- Malawi , Teachers -- Vocational guidance -- Malawi , Teachers -- Development -- Zimbabwe , Teachers -- Education (Primary) -- Malawi , Teachers -- Economic conditions , Teachers -- In-service training -- Malawi , Teachers -- Social conditions
- Description: This study assessed the implementation of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Programmes for primary school teachers in Zomba Rural Education District in Malawi. The study arose from a concern that, despite the Government of Malawi putting in place structures to facilitate the implementation of CPD for primary school teachers, research has shown that teachers have not improved their classroom practice. As a result, there has been poor learner performance at all levels of the primary education system to the extent that learners scored the lowest in the 2005 international examinations for the Southern Africa Development Community. From the literature, it appears that no thorough and conclusive studies to look into the issues behind the implementation of CPD programmes in Malawi have been conducted. Hence the researcher was motivated to assess how the CPD programmes are implemented with the view to explore better ways of implementing CPD programmes for teachers that can result in teacher change. The study was placed within the post-positivism paradigm and used a mixed method research design that incorporated concurrent procedures in the collection, analysis and interpretation of the data. Questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data while qualitative data were collected through interviews, focus group discussions, CPD observations and document analysis. A total of 798 teachers filled the questionnaires. This figure represented 47% of the total number of teachers in the district. The researcher conducted 34 focus group discussions with teachers from various schools. She also held interviews with 34 head teachers and CPD programme facilitators (12 Primary Education Advisors and 3 CPD facilitators from organizations). Other interviews were held with the District Education Manager, the Coordinating Primary Education Advisor, the Coordinator of the New Curriculum, and the Coordinator for the Department of Teacher Education and Development. Further, the researcher made 3 CPD observations. The study revealed weaknesses in the implementation of CPD programmes for teachers in the district. Generally the study noted that there was much emphasis on the transmissive model of CPD implementation, to the neglect of transitional and transformative models such that the personal, social and occupational aspects of professional learning were not holistically considered in the programme designs. Specifically, the duration of the programmes was found to be inadequate for meaningful assimilation of new knowledge and skills; the expertise of facilitators was sometimes questionable; and the use of the cascade mode left teachers unsure and with knowledge gaps. Further, the study noted that the monitoring and support mechanisms for the programmes were weak; the consultation processes for teacher inputs in the CPD programme designs were dismal; and the welfare of teachers at the CPD venues was poorly handled.. At school level the study revealed that the teaching and learning environment compounded the problem of teachers’ difficulty in implementing what they learnt from CPD training. Large classes, inadequate teachers, lack of teaching and learning resources, limited infrastructure, lack of accommodation for teachers, lack of support from colleagues and learner absenteeism were some of the factors hindering implementation of CPD programmes at school level. The study has put forth recommendations for the effective implementation of CPD programmes for teachers in the district. Furthermore, based on the findings of the study and an extensive literature search, the researcher has suggested an alternative model for CPD implementation that can result in teacher change. Overall there is need for collaborative effort among stakeholders in education to ensure effective delivery of CPDs and their subsequent translation into practice at classroom level.
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Digital forensic model for computer networks
- Authors: Sanyamahwe, Tendai
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Computer crimes -- Investigation , Evidence, Criminal , Computer networks -- Security measures , Electronic evidence , Forensic sciences , Internet -- Security measures
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Information Systems)
- Identifier: vital:11127 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1000968 , Computer crimes -- Investigation , Evidence, Criminal , Computer networks -- Security measures , Electronic evidence , Forensic sciences , Internet -- Security measures
- Description: The Internet has become important since information is now stored in digital form and is transported both within and between organisations in large amounts through computer networks. Nevertheless, there are those individuals or groups of people who utilise the Internet to harm other businesses because they can remain relatively anonymous. To prosecute such criminals, forensic practitioners have to follow a well-defined procedure to convict responsible cyber-criminals in a court of law. Log files provide significant digital evidence in computer networks when tracing cyber-criminals. Network log mining is an evolution of typical digital forensics utilising evidence from network devices such as firewalls, switches and routers. Network log mining is a process supported by presiding South African laws such as the Computer Evidence Act, 57 of 1983; the Electronic Communications and Transactions (ECT) Act, 25 of 2002; and the Electronic Communications Act, 36 of 2005. Nevertheless, international laws and regulations supporting network log mining include the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and the Bribery Act of the USA. A digital forensic model for computer networks focusing on network log mining has been developed based on the literature reviewed and critical thought. The development of the model followed the Design Science methodology. However, this research project argues that there are some important aspects which are not fully addressed by South African presiding legislation supporting digital forensic investigations. With that in mind, this research project proposes some Forensic Investigation Precautions. These precautions were developed as part of the proposed model. The Diffusion of Innovations (DOI) Theory is the framework underpinning the development of the model and how it can be assimilated into the community. The model was sent to IT experts for validation and this provided the qualitative element and the primary data of this research project. From these experts, this study found out that the proposed model is very unique, very comprehensive and has added new knowledge into the field of Information Technology. Also, a paper was written out of this research project.
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- Authors: Sanyamahwe, Tendai
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Computer crimes -- Investigation , Evidence, Criminal , Computer networks -- Security measures , Electronic evidence , Forensic sciences , Internet -- Security measures
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Information Systems)
- Identifier: vital:11127 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1000968 , Computer crimes -- Investigation , Evidence, Criminal , Computer networks -- Security measures , Electronic evidence , Forensic sciences , Internet -- Security measures
- Description: The Internet has become important since information is now stored in digital form and is transported both within and between organisations in large amounts through computer networks. Nevertheless, there are those individuals or groups of people who utilise the Internet to harm other businesses because they can remain relatively anonymous. To prosecute such criminals, forensic practitioners have to follow a well-defined procedure to convict responsible cyber-criminals in a court of law. Log files provide significant digital evidence in computer networks when tracing cyber-criminals. Network log mining is an evolution of typical digital forensics utilising evidence from network devices such as firewalls, switches and routers. Network log mining is a process supported by presiding South African laws such as the Computer Evidence Act, 57 of 1983; the Electronic Communications and Transactions (ECT) Act, 25 of 2002; and the Electronic Communications Act, 36 of 2005. Nevertheless, international laws and regulations supporting network log mining include the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and the Bribery Act of the USA. A digital forensic model for computer networks focusing on network log mining has been developed based on the literature reviewed and critical thought. The development of the model followed the Design Science methodology. However, this research project argues that there are some important aspects which are not fully addressed by South African presiding legislation supporting digital forensic investigations. With that in mind, this research project proposes some Forensic Investigation Precautions. These precautions were developed as part of the proposed model. The Diffusion of Innovations (DOI) Theory is the framework underpinning the development of the model and how it can be assimilated into the community. The model was sent to IT experts for validation and this provided the qualitative element and the primary data of this research project. From these experts, this study found out that the proposed model is very unique, very comprehensive and has added new knowledge into the field of Information Technology. Also, a paper was written out of this research project.
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Improving the robustness and effectiveness of rural telecommunication infrastructures in Dwesa South Africa
- Authors: Ranga, Memory Munashe
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Information technology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Information networks -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Computer networks -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science)
- Identifier: vital:11382 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001113 , Information technology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Information networks -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Computer networks -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: In recent years, immense effort has been channelled towards the Information and Technological development of rural areas. To support this development, telecommunication networks have been deployed. The availability of these telecommunication networks is expected to improve the way people share ideas and communicate locally and globally, reducing limiting factors like distance through the use of the Internet. The major problem for these networks is that very few of them have managed to stay in operation over long periods of time. One of the major causes of this failure is the lack of proper monitoring and management as, in some cases, administrators are located far away from the network site. Other factors that contribute to the frequent failure of these networks are lack of proper infrastructure, lack of a constant power supply and other environmental issues. A telecommunication network was deployed for the people of Dwesa by the Siyakhula Living Lab project. During this research project, frequent visits were made to the site and network users were informally interviewed in order to gain insight into the network challenges. Based on the challenges, different network monitoring systems and other solutions were deployed on the network. This thesis analyses the problems encountered and presents possible and affordable solutions that were implemented on the network. This was done to improve the network‟s reliability, availability and manageability whilst exploring possible and practical ways in which the connectivity of the deployed telecommunication network can be maintained. As part of these solutions, a GPRS redundant link, Nagios and Cacti monitoring systems as well as Simple backup systems were deployed. v Acronyms AC Access Concentrators AMANDA Automatic Marylyn Network Disk Archiver CDMA Code Divison Multiple Access CGI Common Gateway Interface.
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- Authors: Ranga, Memory Munashe
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Information technology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Information networks -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Computer networks -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science)
- Identifier: vital:11382 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001113 , Information technology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Information networks -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Computer networks -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: In recent years, immense effort has been channelled towards the Information and Technological development of rural areas. To support this development, telecommunication networks have been deployed. The availability of these telecommunication networks is expected to improve the way people share ideas and communicate locally and globally, reducing limiting factors like distance through the use of the Internet. The major problem for these networks is that very few of them have managed to stay in operation over long periods of time. One of the major causes of this failure is the lack of proper monitoring and management as, in some cases, administrators are located far away from the network site. Other factors that contribute to the frequent failure of these networks are lack of proper infrastructure, lack of a constant power supply and other environmental issues. A telecommunication network was deployed for the people of Dwesa by the Siyakhula Living Lab project. During this research project, frequent visits were made to the site and network users were informally interviewed in order to gain insight into the network challenges. Based on the challenges, different network monitoring systems and other solutions were deployed on the network. This thesis analyses the problems encountered and presents possible and affordable solutions that were implemented on the network. This was done to improve the network‟s reliability, availability and manageability whilst exploring possible and practical ways in which the connectivity of the deployed telecommunication network can be maintained. As part of these solutions, a GPRS redundant link, Nagios and Cacti monitoring systems as well as Simple backup systems were deployed. v Acronyms AC Access Concentrators AMANDA Automatic Marylyn Network Disk Archiver CDMA Code Divison Multiple Access CGI Common Gateway Interface.
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Antioxidant activity and the quality of meat from goats and broilers supplemented with Moringa (Moringa Oleifera) leaves
- Authors: Qwele, Kumnandi
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Goats -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Chickens -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Meat -- Quality , Moringa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11803 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/469 , Goats -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Chickens -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Meat -- Quality , Moringa
- Description: The objective of the study was to determine the antioxidant activity (AA) and the quality of meat from goats and chickens supplemented with Moringa (Moringa oleifera) leaves. For the first experimental chapter, eighteen 9 months old Xhosa lop-eared, castrated goats with an average body weight of 14 kg were used. There were three supplements namely, Moringa oleifera leaves, sunflower cake and grass hay. There were six goats per supplement. The goats were slaughtered after 60 days of supplementation and the Muscularis longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) of the right side of each goat was used to determine fatty acid composition, total phenolic content (TPC), diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, 2, 2 azino-bis (3- ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic diammonium salt (ABTS) assay and reducing power assay of meat. Glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, TBARS) were taken as parameters to evaluate in vivo AA of the meat. For the second experiment, twelve male broilers were used in four groups of dietary supplementation. Three broilers were allocated per group. After slaughter, the breast muscle was sampled for total phenols, flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, TPC, ABTS, GSH, CAT, SOD, lipid peroxidation, ultimate pH (pH24), colour (L* (lightness), a* (redness), b* (yellowness)), WB-shear force and cooking loss. In both chapters Moringa leaves exhibited the highest AA. Meat from goats supplement with Moringa exhibited the highest AA. Meat from broilers supplemented with a mixture of Moringa leaves, broiler finisher and crushed maize, had the highest (P < 0.05) pH24 and L* values. Moringa can therefore be used to preserve meat without changing the quality of meat.
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- Authors: Qwele, Kumnandi
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Goats -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Chickens -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Meat -- Quality , Moringa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11803 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/469 , Goats -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Chickens -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Meat -- Quality , Moringa
- Description: The objective of the study was to determine the antioxidant activity (AA) and the quality of meat from goats and chickens supplemented with Moringa (Moringa oleifera) leaves. For the first experimental chapter, eighteen 9 months old Xhosa lop-eared, castrated goats with an average body weight of 14 kg were used. There were three supplements namely, Moringa oleifera leaves, sunflower cake and grass hay. There were six goats per supplement. The goats were slaughtered after 60 days of supplementation and the Muscularis longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) of the right side of each goat was used to determine fatty acid composition, total phenolic content (TPC), diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, 2, 2 azino-bis (3- ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic diammonium salt (ABTS) assay and reducing power assay of meat. Glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, TBARS) were taken as parameters to evaluate in vivo AA of the meat. For the second experiment, twelve male broilers were used in four groups of dietary supplementation. Three broilers were allocated per group. After slaughter, the breast muscle was sampled for total phenols, flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, TPC, ABTS, GSH, CAT, SOD, lipid peroxidation, ultimate pH (pH24), colour (L* (lightness), a* (redness), b* (yellowness)), WB-shear force and cooking loss. In both chapters Moringa leaves exhibited the highest AA. Meat from goats supplement with Moringa exhibited the highest AA. Meat from broilers supplemented with a mixture of Moringa leaves, broiler finisher and crushed maize, had the highest (P < 0.05) pH24 and L* values. Moringa can therefore be used to preserve meat without changing the quality of meat.
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Effects of genetically modified maize (MON810) and its residues on the functional diversity of microorganisms in two South African soils
- Authors: Puta, Usanda
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Genetically modified foods -- South Africa , Transgenic plants -- South Africa , Crops -- Genetic engineering -- South Africa , Soil microbiology -- South Africa , Microorganisms , Microbial ecology , Rhizosphere -- Microbiology , Vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizas , Corn -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Microbiology)
- Identifier: vital:11250 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/419 , Genetically modified foods -- South Africa , Transgenic plants -- South Africa , Crops -- Genetic engineering -- South Africa , Soil microbiology -- South Africa , Microorganisms , Microbial ecology , Rhizosphere -- Microbiology , Vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizas , Corn -- South Africa
- Description: Genetically modified (GM) crops are commercially cultivated worldwide but there are concerns on their possible negative impacts on soil biodiversity. A glasshouse study was conducted to determine effects of Bt maize residues on soil microbial diversity. Residues of Bt maize (PAN 6Q-308B) and non-Bt maize (PAN 6Q-121) were incorporated into the soil and corresponding maize seeds planted. The treatments were replicated three times. Fertilizer and water application were similar for both treatments. Rhizosphere and bulk soil was destructively sampled from each treatment and analyzed for microbial community level physiological profiles using Biolog plates with 31 different carbon substrates. Absorbance in the Biolog plates was recorded after 72 h of incubation at 20oC. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi spore counts were also determined. Field studies were conducted at the University of Free State and University of Fort Hare Research Farms to determine the effects of growing Bt maize on soil microbial diversity. One Bt maize cultivar (PAN6Q-308B) and non-Bt maize (PAN6Q-121) were grown in a paired experiment at University of Free State farm, while two Bt maize (DKC61-25B and PAN6Q-321B) and their near-isogenic non-Bt maize lines (DKC61-24 and PAN6777) were grown in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Fertilization, weed control and water application, were similar for both Bt maize cultivars and their non-Bt maize counterparts. Rhizosphere soil samples were collected by uprooting whole plants and collecting the soil attached to the roots. The samples were analysed for microbial diversity and for arbuscular mycorrhizae fungal spore counts. Principal component analysis showed that soil microbial diversity was affected more by sampling time whereas genetic modification had minimal effects. Presence of residues also increased the diversity of microorganisms. Mycorrhizal fungal spores were not affected by the presence of Bt maize residues. Growing Bt maize had no effect on the soil microbial diversity in the rhizosphere.
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- Authors: Puta, Usanda
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Genetically modified foods -- South Africa , Transgenic plants -- South Africa , Crops -- Genetic engineering -- South Africa , Soil microbiology -- South Africa , Microorganisms , Microbial ecology , Rhizosphere -- Microbiology , Vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizas , Corn -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Microbiology)
- Identifier: vital:11250 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/419 , Genetically modified foods -- South Africa , Transgenic plants -- South Africa , Crops -- Genetic engineering -- South Africa , Soil microbiology -- South Africa , Microorganisms , Microbial ecology , Rhizosphere -- Microbiology , Vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizas , Corn -- South Africa
- Description: Genetically modified (GM) crops are commercially cultivated worldwide but there are concerns on their possible negative impacts on soil biodiversity. A glasshouse study was conducted to determine effects of Bt maize residues on soil microbial diversity. Residues of Bt maize (PAN 6Q-308B) and non-Bt maize (PAN 6Q-121) were incorporated into the soil and corresponding maize seeds planted. The treatments were replicated three times. Fertilizer and water application were similar for both treatments. Rhizosphere and bulk soil was destructively sampled from each treatment and analyzed for microbial community level physiological profiles using Biolog plates with 31 different carbon substrates. Absorbance in the Biolog plates was recorded after 72 h of incubation at 20oC. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi spore counts were also determined. Field studies were conducted at the University of Free State and University of Fort Hare Research Farms to determine the effects of growing Bt maize on soil microbial diversity. One Bt maize cultivar (PAN6Q-308B) and non-Bt maize (PAN6Q-121) were grown in a paired experiment at University of Free State farm, while two Bt maize (DKC61-25B and PAN6Q-321B) and their near-isogenic non-Bt maize lines (DKC61-24 and PAN6777) were grown in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Fertilization, weed control and water application, were similar for both Bt maize cultivars and their non-Bt maize counterparts. Rhizosphere soil samples were collected by uprooting whole plants and collecting the soil attached to the roots. The samples were analysed for microbial diversity and for arbuscular mycorrhizae fungal spore counts. Principal component analysis showed that soil microbial diversity was affected more by sampling time whereas genetic modification had minimal effects. Presence of residues also increased the diversity of microorganisms. Mycorrhizal fungal spores were not affected by the presence of Bt maize residues. Growing Bt maize had no effect on the soil microbial diversity in the rhizosphere.
- Full Text: