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Gender, rock and the electrical guitar : A post -structural reading

  • Authors: Fourie, Jeandre , Potgieter, Zelda
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Rock Music -- History -- Criticism , Gender identity in Music
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MMus
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46880 , vital:39721
  • Description: Rock ‘n’ roll and, by extension, the electric guitar, is widely considered as a “gendered field of practice” (Leonard 2015: 184), governed by the hyper-masculine ideal (Hartman and Schmid 2014: 60). Both function as extensions of masculinity, representing an ideological binary of male superiority and female inferiority. This manifests concretely in the perceived disparity regarding gender representation amongst rock musicians, particularly guitarists, and often leads to somewhat one-dimensional views about the misogyny associated with the genre (Gracyk 2001: 182-183). However, by applying a post-structural reading and deconstructing the binary according to a theoretical framework inspired by the works of Julia Kristeva -- presented in a Hegelian dialectical model, with additional insight drawn from the works of Jacques Lacan and Sigmund Freud- it becomes apparent that the male claim to, and overrepresentation within,the genre is a multifaceted issue, born of a combination of natural and social constructionist factors.
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  • Date Issued: 2020

Resisting the ‘Native Informant’ trope in examples of African Diaspora art and literature

  • Authors: Nuen, Tinika
  • Date: 2020
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/131657 , vital:36708
  • Description: This thesis draws attention to the existence of the ‘native informant’ trope in the African Diaspora. It argues that a strong emphasis towards studying diasporic groups in relation to their African origin revives, consequently, the colonial politics that underpin the continent as an unknown mythical place. In response to this issue, I introduce multidisciplinary case studies that highlight various artists and authors who resist and challenge the diasporic individual as the ‘native informant’. Their works reinterpret and redefine the relationship between African communities, their connection to the continent and their experiences of living abroad. Analysing the exhibitions Looking Both Ways, Africa Remix and Flow, I investigate their visual art discourses that interpret diasporic artists and their works as cultural embodiments of their African background. As a result, the three art shows marginalise other potential readings to view diasporic experiences. This thesis introduces three resistant themes that reconceive the diasporic person’s relationship to the African Diaspora based on language, spatial interaction and self-identification opposed to a geographic tie. The first theme (language) references Victor Ekpuk’s drawings and Isidore Okpewho’s novel Call Me By My Rightful Name to suggest a language based diasporic experience. The second theme (spatial interaction) looks at Emeka Ogboh’s sound installations and Teju Cole’s novel Open City. Both works examine a diasporic individual’s conflicted engagement with her place of origin. The third theme (self-identification) considers the individual-community relationship in Wura-Natasha Ogunji’s performance art and Chika Unigwe’s novel On Black Sisters’ Street. Each of these visual-literary pairs focus on various components that shape the African diasporic lifestyle. My research re-interprets the continent’s significance in the diaspora from a geographic construct to a socio-spiritual connection to a community. Firstly, it outlines the persistent issue of a colonial residue in Africa’s definition as a physical-cultural space, and secondly, it offers three alternative discourses to read diasporic identities outside a geographic framework. I argue that belonging is a social individual-collective effort rather than an anchor to a tangible environment.
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  • Date Issued: 2020

The effect of feeding varying inclusion levels of velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens) seed meal on growth performance and physicochemical attributes of broiler chicken

  • Authors: Mthana, Makiwa Simeon
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Legumes Broilers (Chickens) Chickens -- Feeding and feeds
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters/Doctoral , MSc (Animal Science )
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12032 , vital:39129
  • Description: This study was conducted to determine the effect of feeding varying inclusion levels of velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens) seed meal (VBSM) on growth performance and physicochemical attributes of broiler chicken. Mucuna pruriens seed is an indigenous legume seed commonly found in tropical and sub-tropical areas; however, it can also be planted and cultivated. It is a viable source of dietary protein with an average concentration of 33.4%. Soybean is expensive. In addition, the South African production levels do not meet the current demand; hence the majority of soybean oilcake is imported. Recently, consumers have been conscious of the quality of chicken meat from both local and international producers. Therefore, there is a need to explore velvet bean that can grow in poorly fertilised and low rainfall areas. The study was conducted at Fort Cox Agriculture and Forestry Training Institute. One hundred and twelve (112) Cobb broilers were used, with an average weight of 45.2g. Four diets were formulated to be iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous comprising velvet beans at 0, 10, 15 and 20 % (T1, T2, T3 and T4). The broilers were reared for 42 days with 35 days on experimental diets. Feed intake, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, mortality, final body weight, carcass weight, and dressing percentage were determined. At day 42, twenty birds per treatment were randomly selected and fasted for five hours with water offered ad libitum. After slaughter the meat pH24, colour (L*, a*, b*), Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF), thawing loss (TL), and cooking loss (CL) measurements were performed on 80 breast and 80 thigh muscles. The data for growth performance and physicochemical parameters was analysed using General Linear Model (GLM) procedure of SAS (SAS, 2006), mean separation was done using LSD test option of SAS. Daily feed intake, body weight gain, final weight and carcass weight of broilers from T1 were significantly higher (P < 0.05) from other iii treatments. Daily feed intake (DFI), and body weight gain (BWG) in T1 were also higher (P < 0.05) in both phase 1 and phase 2 compared to other treatments. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was not influenced by diets (P > 0.05). High (P < 0.05) mortality was observed on broilers fed diet with 0% VBSM compared to those fed diets comprising of VBSM. The diets did not have an effect (P > 0.05) on thigh meat pH24, lightness, redness, and WBSF. Cooking loss (25.69%) was higher (P < 0.05) in thigh meat of broilers fed the control diet. Breasts shear force (14.20) was higher in T4. Cooking loss of breast meat from broilers on T1 and T2 was higher (P < 0.05) than those from other treatments. Breast meat colour (P > 0.05) was not influenced by diets. It can be concluded that the VBSM has an effect on feed intake, growth performance and mortality of broilers, except on FCR and dressing percentage. It was also concluded that the VBSM can be included in broiler diets up to the level of 15% without negatively affecting the quality of meat.
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  • Date Issued: 2020

The role of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) in the livelihoods of communities in Alfred Nzo District Municipality, Eastern Cape Province

  • Authors: Thinyane, Zingisa
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Non-timber forest products
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/14737 , vital:40077
  • Description: Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) are renewable natural resources which are harvested by local communities from the surrounding homesteads, fields, grazing lands, woodlands, grasslands and natural habitats. The term NTFP may be used in reference to biological products collected from the domesticated land, semidomesticated land or from the wild. This study examined the use of NTFPs in Alfred Nzo District Municipality, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa, assessing their consumption patterns and contribution to the household well-being. Data on NTFP identity and utilization in the study area were gathered through community focus group discussions and household surveys using semi-structured questionnaires between April 2017 and May 2018. A sample of 124 participants selected via snowball-sampling technique provided detailed accounts on diversity and utilization of NTFPs in the study area. A total of 59 species and eight extractable NTFPs were utilized by the communities in Alfred Nzo District Municipality. The identified eight use categories were herbal medicine (39.0%), edible plants and mushroom (18.0%), firewood (11%), bushmeat (10.0%), forage (9.0%), construction material (6.0%), ceremonial uses (2.0%) and others with miscellaneous uses (5.0%). Popular NTFPs with use values exceeding 0.50 include Agapanthus africanus (L.) Hoffmanns, Bulbine latifolia (L.f.) Spreng., Centella asiatica (L.) Urb, Elephantorrhiza elephantina (Burch.) Skeels, Hypoxis hemerocallidea Fisch., C.A. Mey & Avé-Lall and Leonotis leonurus (L.) R. Br., all used as herbal medicines, Agapanthus africanus (L.) (herbal medicine and ornamental), Datura stromonium L. (herbal medicine, forage and firewood), Dicerothamnus rhinocerotis (L.f) Koekemoer (herbal medicine and fumigant), Aepyceros melampus Lichtenstein, Pavo cristatus L., Struthio camelus L. and Xerus inauris Hemprich & Ehnrenberg as bushmeat. Information on diversity, consumption ii patterns and contribution of NTFPs to livelihood needs of households may enable policy makers and government officers to draft policies required for sustainable management of NTFPs.
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  • Date Issued: 2019

Biological children's experiences and perceptions about having foster children in their households: a case study of Zwelitsha township

  • Authors: Ntshongwana, Zintle
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Foster children -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Social work with teenagers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Foster parents -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/3033 , vital:28240
  • Description: Most research studies focus on foster children or foster parents, there is dearth of research on the impact of fostering on biological children. This aim of this study was to fill the gap in the literature regarding the experiences of biological children sharing a home with foster children. It also investigated how biological children perceive foster care and challenges encountered by children under foster care. This was achieved through a qualitative research approach. The study was conducted at Zwelitsha Township in King Williams Town. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with thirty biological children of foster parents and ten social workers in practice. Two focus group discussions were held with twenty foster parents. A focus group discussion guide was used in collecting information during the discussions. Purposive sampling was used in the study and data was analysed according to themes. The major findings revealed that fostering has both positive and negative impacts on biological children and the foster family. Biological children find foster care placement as helpful to children whose parents cannot provide care and protection for children. They gain and learn new knowledge through fostering and are happy about their new siblings in the family since they have companionship. On the other hand, minority of biological children were ambivalent about foster care as they were uncertain between altruistic feelings of making a difference in the lives of needy children against the negative outcomes of fostering. One biological child was negative about foster care. This participant did not like the idea of fostering and did not describe any personal positive outcomes resulting from his fostering experiences. The findings revealed that biological children are unable to voice out their views and ideas regarding foster care placement. The findings also revealed that biological children are not passive observers on how fostering influences their daily lives. Instead, they use strategies to influence fostering processes, especially to protect their foster siblings for the fostering process to be successful, while also having feelings of responsibility for their foster siblings. The findings further suggest that despite the complex nature of the fostering task, professionals should recognise and acknowledge the input of biological children to fostering. It is, therefore, suggested more training should be provided to foster parents to continually include the opinions of their own children in fostering decisions.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

Characterization of Staphylococcus aureus and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in selected recreational marine waters and beach sand in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

  • Authors: Ankabi, Olufemi Emmanuel
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Marine microbiology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Staphylococcus aureus infections -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Pathogenic microorganisms
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4992 , vital:28915
  • Description: Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive bacterium predominantly found on human skin and in nasal passages with 20 to 40 percent of the population carrying this organism. Although S. aureus is an unspectacular, non-motile coccoid bacterium, it is a perilous human pathogen associated with both nosocomial and community-acquired infections and it is increasingly becoming virulent and resistant to most antibiotics. It is responsible for several infections such as osteomyelitis, toxin-mediated diseases and bacteraemia, with severe infections arising from strains harbouring antibiotic resistance genes together with virulence genes. S. aureus has been largely confined to hospitals and long-term care facilities, but it is now emerging in the community in places such as recreational beach waters, and occurring in healthy individuals with no associated risk factors. This organism has been reported to be released by swimmers in beaches, suggesting that recreational waters are a potential source of community-acquired S. aureus infections. It is possibly the pathogen of greatest concern due to its intrinsic virulence, its capacity to cause various life-threatening infections, and its ability to adapt to varying environmental conditions. This study was aimed at characterizing S. aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) in Port Elizabeth, Port Alfred, Kenton-on-sea and East London beaches of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. This was done by investigating the occurrence, antibiotic susceptibilities, antibiotic-resistant genes and virulence genes profiles of S. aureus in the selected beaches. To achieve this aim, 249 beach sand and water samples were obtained from the beaches during the period of April 2015 to April 2016. Physico-chemical parameters of beach water was investigated on site using a multi-parameter ion specific meter during sample collection. Samples were filtered and inoculated on m-Endo agar, m-FC agar and bile aesculin azide agar for total and faecal coliform as well as Enterococci respectively. For isolation of S. aureus and MRSA, samples were cultured on Mannitol salt agar and Staph 24 agar. S. aureus was identified using morphological, Gram staining and molecular (PCR) methods. The isolates were further characterized by determining their antimicrobial resistance profiles, antibiotic resistant genes (mecA, rpoB, blaZ, ermB and tetK genes) and detection of virulent genes encoding intracellular adhesion (icaA), enterotoxin (seaA) and cytolytic toxins (PVL). The majority of study sites passed the directives of physico-chemical standards levels set by WHO during the study period. A total of 143 presumptive isolates were obtained of which 30 (30 percent) were confirmed as S. aureus with 22 (73.3 percent) of these confirmed isolates from marine water and 8 (26.7 percent) from marine sand. Upon culturing on MRSA 2 agar, 15 (50 percent) of isolates showed phonotypic resistance to methicillin. Based on Antimicrobial susceptibility tests, (22/30) 73.3 percent of the isolates showed phonotypic resistance to oxacillin. Out of the 30 isolates, 16 (53.3 percent) were mecA positive and were considered methicillin-resistant S. aureus. S. aureus showed high susceptibility to gentamycin, cefoxithin, levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, imipenem, and chloramphenicol. A large proportion (36.67 percent to 96.7 percent) of the S. aureus isolates was resistant to penicillin G, ampicillin, oxacillin, tetracycline, clindamycin, rifampicin, vancomycin, sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim and erythromycin. Multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) phenotypes were generated from 7 S. aureus isolates showing resistance to three or more antibiotics. The mecA, rpoB, blaZ, ermB and tetM genes coding for methicillin, rifampicin, βeta-lactam, erythromycin and tetracycline antibiotics resistance was detected in 5 (22.7 percent), 11 (45.8 percent), 16 (55.2 percent), 15 (71.4 percent) and 8 (72.7 percent) respectively. The PVL, icaA and seaA genes coding for virulent determinants were detected in 50, 20 and 13.3 percent of the confirmed isolates respectively. Physico-chemical and faecal indicator bacteria results obtained from this study can assist municipal authorities in developing appropriate management strategies for beaches in the study area. The findings of this study showed that the investigated beaches were contaminated with toxigenic and multi-drug resistant S. aureus strains. This emphasizes the need for the implementation of better control measures to reduce the occurrence of antibiotic resistant S. aureus and of virulent S. aureus strains in recreational waters. In our study it was established that the potential of recreational waters to be reservoirs of S. aureus should not be taken for granted, and it is important that beach goers be educated about this organism as well as other related pathogens that could affect human health, especially immuno-compromised individuals. The community should be educated on antibiotic stewardship and the detrimental effects of antibiotics abuse.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

Deterrents to continued blood donation among regular blood donors

  • Authors: Harris, Maryke
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Marketing -- Decision making -- Health aspects -- South Africa Blood donors -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Blood -- Collection and preservation -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15934 , vital:28292
  • Description: Collecting blood from repeat blood donors is cost effective and safer compared to other donor types. At the end of 2012, 84% of the SANBS donor panel were inactive or lapsed. There is a lack of research available on lapsed donors in the South African context and available research is mostly quantitative with subtle contradictions. Donors who donated blood in 2012 at fixed site donor centres in Port Elizabeth, and did not return in 2013, were studied. A descriptive analysis was done and a random sample of 78 lapsed donors were selected to participate in a face-to-face interview. Interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed. A grounded model was developed from various existing theories to seek out and conceptualise social patterns and structures of lapsed blood donors through a process of comparison. There were 10 062 donors who donated blood in 2012 and 4 923 became lapsed during 2013. Analysis of sub groups showed a higher proportion of donors who became lapsed in the following sub-categories: new donors (95%), re-joined donors (64%), black donors (63%), donors younger than 40 (61%), female donors (52%). The feedback received from the 11 participants highlighted peer pressure as the biggest motivator. Of the six communication theories applied, The Social Penetration Theory highlighted the cost-minus-benefit ratio which played a big role in a donor’s motivation and decision to return. The AIDA Marketing Model application described lapsed donor behaviour most comprehensively and it highlighted a missing step which was created as part of a Grounded Model and is called the AIDAA Model. The role and existence of peer pressure is directly linked to donor motivation and is categorised as an Action Motivator in the AIDAA Model. The new model creates additional recruitment opportunities which has not been explored and applied strategically before.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

The Daily Dispatch's political coverage of the Eastern Cape Provincial government: 1 January 2013 – 31 December 2013

  • Authors: Ramncwana, Ayanda
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Journalism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Mass media -- Political aspects -- South Africa , Press -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19905 , vital:29004
  • Description: The Daily Dispatch, a newspaper based in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, has a long history of political reporting. Arguably, it reached the zenith of its prominence during the era of political activism of the Black Consciousness Movement (BCM), under the leadership of Bantu Steve Biko, who was martyred by the apartheid government in 1977. Biko was at the time based in King William’s Town, in the Eastern Cape. The newspaper, at the time edited by Donald Woods, held the view that Biko was preaching a doctrine of hatred against White people, and Woods took it upon himself to challenge Biko. This saw Woods gaining a better understanding of the BCM and Biko, and hiring into the Daily Dispatch’s newsroom a number of pro-Black Consciousness journalists. The newspaper then proceeded to cover not only the BCM, but also other pro-democracy movements until the demise of apartheid and the emergence of the African National Congress-led government under the presidency of Nelson Mandela. With the emergence of the ANC-led government, there was an expectation that newspapers and journalists that had opposed apartheid and supported the liberation struggle would continue supporting the freedom fighters-turned-career-politicians. This was especially so because some pro-ANC politicians-turned-businessmen acquired a stake in media ownership. It is against this background that this study investigated the political coverage by the Daily Dispatch of the Eastern Cape Provincial Government during the period 1 January – 30 December 2013. Taking into cognisance the changing hands of the ownership of the Daily Dispatch, the Political Economy theory, which focuses on the link between ownership of the media and its role in society, was employed as a theoretical framework. The study utilised the qualitative research methodology, specifically interviews and content analysis, as research techniques (methods). The research found that despite the changes in the ownership of the Daily Dispatch, the newspaper provided independent political coverage of the ANC-led government in the Eastern Cape during the research period.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

Electrode surface modification using iron(II) phthalocyanine immobilized via electrografting and click chemistry and clicked onto azide-functionalized quantum dots: applications in electrocatalysis

  • Authors: Nxele, Siphesihle Robin
  • Date: 2016
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/3464 , vital:20501
  • Description: Tetrakis(5-hexynoxy)Fe(II) phthalocyanine was used alone and in combination with quantum dots (QDs) in order to test the electrocatalytic ability with hydrazine and paraquat as the analytes of interest. This novel phthalocaynine was successfully synthesised and characterized using various characterisation techniques. The QDs used were the well-known core-shell CdSe/ZnS nanostructures. The fabrication of glassy carbon electrodes involved covalent attachment by electrochemical grafting and click chemistry for the first part of the work and the second part involved the conjugation of the synthesised QDs and the phthalocyanine by click chemistry. This approach of conjugating these nanostructures introduced another aspect of novelty to the work reported in this thesis. The immobilisation of this conjugate on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was achieved by adsorption. Characterisation techniques such as infrared spectroscopy, x-ray diffractometry, UV/vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to characterise the molecules and conjugates of interest. With respect to the electrocatalytic part of the work, electrode surface characterisation involved scanning electrochemical microscopy and cyclic voltammetry to determine changes in the nature of the surface as well as reactivity of the surface at different modification steps. Detection limits and the sensitivity determined for the electrocatalysts fabricated here proved to be an improvement compared to other reported work involving phthalocyanines and the test analytes chosen for application. With respect to the conjugate, the electrocatalytic ability was improved when the QDs and phthalocyanine were combined using click chemistry compared to using the phthalocyanine alone.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

Foundation phase male student-teacher’s experiences during teaching practice: implications for initial teacher training

  • Authors: Makeleni, Sive
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Student teaching -- South Africa Teachers -- Training of -- South Africa Teaching -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4780 , vital:28519
  • Description: The aim of this study was to explore experiences of Foundation Phase male student teachers during teaching practice. Four Bachelor of Education Foundation Phase male student-teachers were selected for the purpose of this study. Venturing of males in Foundation Phase specialisation is phenomenon. Foundation Phase has been viewed as a female territory for many years. As a result, there are few males teaching in FP. The study employed the qualitative approach as a suitable approach. As the study sought to explore experiences, a phenomenological design was followed. In a true phenomenological design, unstructured interviews and personal diaries are used for data collection. In this study data were collected through unstructured interviews and personal diaries of the participants. I employed interpretivism as a research paradigm.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

Assessment of the effects of stream channel incision on soil water levels, soil morphology and vegetation in a wetland in the Hogsback area, Eastern Cape, South Africa

  • Authors: Omar, Mohamed Yussuf
  • Date: 2015
  • Subjects: Hydrology Wetland Soil Formation
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/3132 , vital:28264
  • Description: Wetland degradation in the form of channel incisioning can significantly alter the hydrological functioning of a wetland. In this study in a small headwater wetland in the Hogsback area, Eastern Cape Province, the impact of channel incisioning on soil water levels and soil morphology was examined. A good correlation (R2 = 0.89) exists between the depth of channel incisioning and average water table depths in most of the 21 installed piezometers. In localised cases the upslope supply of water was in equilibrium with drainage from the piezometers. Although all the studied soils show hydromorphic characteristics, those continuously saturated close to the surface exhibit redox accumulations in oxygen supplying macropores, whereas gleyic colour patterns occur deeper in soils where the water table has been lowered by channel incision. The nature and occurrence of different hydromorphic soil indicators observed confirm the contribution of soil morphology as a valuable indicator of long-term average soil water conditions. The study evaluates the effects of hydrological processes on plant species composition and distribution in a Hogsback wetland. Twenty-four circular plots with a radius of 2 m were established between March and August 2013. Within each sample plot, the habitat information and species present were recorded including Braun-Blanquet cover-abundance value for each and every species present in the plot. Plant species were identified in the field and the unknown plant species were collected, pressed, oven-dried and identified at the National Herbarium, South African Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), Pretoria and Schonland Herbarium, Rhodes University, Grahamstown. A total of 39 taxa belonging to 19 families and 34 genera were recorded from the Hogsback wetland. Of the documented taxa, three were exotic and three endemic to South Africa, indicating diversity and dynamic nature of Hogsback wetland flora. Plant families with the highest number of species were: Poaceae (11 species), Asteraceae (5 species), Onagraceae and Cyperaceae with 3 taxa each. The low number of exotic plant species in Hogsback wetland (three taxa in total) indicates limited anthropogenic influence. Unique species recorded in Hogsback wetlands are three species that are endemic to South Africa, namely, Alchemilla capensis, Helichrysum rosum and Lysimachia nutans. Five main floristic associations were identified from the Hierarchical Cluster Analysis whilst Detrenched .Correspondence Analysis (DCA) identified four groups. The Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) indicates that edaphic factors, particularly in an area covered with water, erosion category, organic matter content and water table depth were the most important environmental variables measured accounting for the vegetation pattern present in the Hogsback wetland.
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  • Date Issued: 2015

Isolation and structure elucidation of halogenated metabolites from Portieria hornemannii and Portieria tripinnata

  • Authors: Adam, Mohammed
  • Date: 2015
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/64674 , vital:28591
  • Description: The red marine algal genus, Portieria, is known to produce a number of potent cytotoxic compounds with anticancer potential. The most important anticancer lead produced by this genus is the compound halomon. Unfortunately, the lack of sufficient quantities of this compound hampered its further development. Two Portieria species, Portieria hornemannii and Portieria tripinnata, are found along the South African coastline. Recent studies, based on DNA analysis, suggest that Portieria hornemannii may in fact be divided into several cryptic species. The current project is part of a larger study designed to investigate the use of secondary metabolites to identify new marine algal species. In this study 1H NMR profiles of the organic extracts of selected Portieria spp were compared in order to identify new species. Selected compounds were then isolated and characterised as potential chemotaxonomic markers. Four halogenated monoterpenes were isolated from Portieria hornemannii. Two of these were new compounds 4-(3-bromo-4-chloro-4-methylpentyl)-3-chlorofuran-2(5H)-one, which were isomers of each other. The two known compounds had been previously isolated from Portieria hornemannii samples off the Madagascar coast. These compounds could prove to be useful as chemotaxonomic marker compounds, as they have never been isolated from any other species of marine algae. Three known halogenated monoterpenes were isolated from Portieria tripinnata. These compounds had been previously isolated from different species of marine algae and therefore, could not serve as chemotaxonomic marker compounds for this species of marine alga. Further work needs to be done on Portieria tripinnata, with regards to its chemistry, as it is a species of marine algae that has not been previously researched.
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  • Date Issued: 2015

An investigation into the prevalence and use of code switching practices in grade 8 mathematics classrooms in the Ohangwena region of Namibia: a case study

  • Authors: Shilamba, Julia Ndinoshisho
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia -- Ohangwena Mathematics teachers -- Education (Secondary) -- Namibia -- Ohangwena Code switching (Linguistics) -- Research -- Namibia -- Ohangwena Education, Secondary -- Namibia -- Ohangwena
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
  • Identifier: vital:1392 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001683
  • Description: This research report focuses on an investigation of the prevalence and nature of code switching practices in grade 8 mathematics classrooms in the Ohangwena region of Namibia. The existence of code switching in these classrooms was established by administering a survey to all grade 8 teachers in the region, while the nature of these practices was explored by interviewing and observing selected teachers using a case study research methodology. The data from the survey was analysed quantitatively using descriptive statistics, while the qualitative data from the case study which comprised of audio and video transcripts was analysed within the framework of Probyn’s (2006) code switching categories. These categories looked at code switching in terms of: explaining concepts; clarifying statements or questions; emphasising points; making connections with learners’ own contexts and experiences; maintaining the learners’ attention with question tags; classroom management and maintaining discipline; and affective purposes. The study found that code switching is widespread in most of the grade 8 mathematics classrooms in the Ohangwena region. It also revealed that the teachers’ code switching practices aligned well with most of Probyn’s framework. The criterion of maintaining learner’s attention with question tags was however not found in this study. The results of the study showed that teachers code switch because the majority of the learners’ language proficiency is not good. Code switching is mostly used as a strategy to support and promote learners understanding in mathematics. The study recommends that it is high time that code switching is acknowledged as a legitimate practice and recognised as an important and meaningful teaching strategy to assist learners who are learning mathematics in their second language. Code switching needs to be de-stigmatised and teachers should be supported in using this practice effectively and efficiently.
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  • Date Issued: 2013

Spiritual rituals and competitive sport outcomes: a study of South African coaches’ and elite players’ perceptions of spirituality in soccer

  • Authors: Dodo, Emmanuel Oluwafemi
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Sports -- Psychological aspects , Sports -- Religious aspects , Sports medicine -- South Africa , Sports rivalries -- South Africa , Coaches (Athletics) -- South Africa , Soccer players -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (HMS)
  • Identifier: vital:11541 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1006780 , Sports -- Psychological aspects , Sports -- Religious aspects , Sports medicine -- South Africa , Sports rivalries -- South Africa , Coaches (Athletics) -- South Africa , Soccer players -- South Africa
  • Description: During sports competitions, especially soccer many players and coaches would pray before, during and after the game. Sometimes they would pray when they score a goal. The behaviour has attracted a research interest wanting to know why they do what they do often. The purpose of the study was to understand and evaluate the perceptions of coaches and elite players who continuously use spiritual rituals before, during and after soccer games to influence competitive outcomes. This study was carried out under the guidance of the following key questions; (a) Do spiritual perceptions of elite players influence outcomes of soccer competitions? (b) Does a divergence in spiritual perception between coaches and players influence competitive outcomes? and (c) Are spiritual (ritual) perceptions of soccer coaches and elite players related to religiosity/psychological interventions? In this study, a mixed method of data collection was used to eliminate the biases inherent in single method research. Specifically, qualitative and quantitative methods involving questionnaire, interview and observation supported by secondary and primary literature were used to gather information that would provide answers to the raised key questions. The results show that spiritual ritual practices would not influence the outcome of soccer competitions. Secondly, the spiritual ritual divergence among players and coaches would not influence outcomes of soccer competitions. Thirdly, the results showed that the use of spiritual rituals among players was purely for personal reasons, while the coaches used spiritual rituals as psychological intervention strategy to prepare the team before a given competitive. The overall results show that coaches and players agreed that spiritual rituals interventions are used for psychological interventions more than spiritual interventions. The implications of these findings to the players and coaches are discussed linked with future research focus.
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  • Date Issued: 2013

An investigation into the management implications of double-shift schooling in the Khomas Region in Namibia

  • Authors: Katjaita, Maria Uendjiundja
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Double shifts (Public schools) School management and organization -- Namibia Education, Elementary -- Namibia
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
  • Identifier: vital:1609 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003491
  • Description: This study seeks to help fill the gap that exists in our knowledge of double‐shift schooling. The goal of this study is to critically investigate the experiences and perceptions of headmasters who are managing and leading double‐shift schools. The focus is on how double‐shift schooling is perceived as a management phenomenon by the principals of two schools in Namibia. This research is a case study of two schools, working in the interpretive paradigm. I used semistructured interviews and focus groups to explore participants’ perceptions of the management of double‐shift schooling. Findings suggest that managing double‐shift schools is more complex than managing single shift schools. For example, decision‐making in the double‐shift system is more complex due to the delay in decision‐making that is caused by the two separate sessions. The division of the school day into two sessions also results in less teaching time for the implementation of the official curriculum. This furthermore impacts negatively on the teacherlearner interaction time. These challenges are also experienced in all the other management tasks such as facilities, communication, planning, control and monitoring, human resource management as well as resource management and allocation. The findings of the study will hopefully inform policy‐makers in general but more specifically in Namibia so that they are in a better position when considering the educational and social factors when choosing double‐shift schools as an alternative intervention. The study may assist leaders in double‐shift schools to work against the negativity that surrounds double‐shift schooling.
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  • Date Issued: 2012

An investigation of teachers', learners' and parents' understanding and perceptions of a whole school approach to environmental learning in selected schools in the Oshana Region, Namibia

  • Authors: Nashilongo, Onesmus
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Environmental education -- Namibia -- Oshana Environmental education -- Curricula -- Namibia -- Oshana Environmental education -- Parent participation -- Namibia -- Oshana Environmental education -- Study and teaching -- Namibia -- Oshana Supporting Environmental Education in Namibia (SEEN) Sustainable development -- Study and teaching -- Namibia -- Oshana
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
  • Identifier: vital:1646 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003528
  • Description: This study sought to investigate teacher, learner and parental perceptions and understanding of a whole school approach in environmental education (EE). There were five schools piloting environmental education through a whole school development approach in the Oshana Region of Namibia. The study was conducted in two rural schools in the Oshana Region. The schools were selected because they participated and piloted the infusion of environmental education themes in the curriculum through the whole school approach during the Supporting Environmental Education in Namibia (SEEN) project piloting phase from 2001 to 2005. This study was shaped and informed by international theories, practices and perspectives of a whole school approach as cited in chapter two of this study. In other words a whole school approach has provided theoretical background information and a practical framework on which this study was built. A whole school approach provides a theoretical understanding of how the school community, the biophysical environment, as well as the curriculum can benefit from EE projects through a whole school development approach. The whole school approach, discussed in this study, provides an opportunity to see the link between the whole school approach and ESD in order to understand the role a whole school approach plays in the implementation of ESD in Namibia. The research took the form of an interpretive case study focusing on a study of two teachers, two learners, and two members of the community. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, document analysis and site observations. This study was undertaken two years later after the Supporting Environmental Education Namibia (SEEN) pilot project phased out. The findings indicate that despite the training and support received by the schools during the operation of the Supporting Environmental Education Namibia (SEEN) pilot project, schools are still experiencing problems with the application of a whole school approach. The findings revealed that the curriculum should provide guidelines and examples to support teachers on how to integrate environmental education in the teaching and learning process. The results of the study indicate that teachers, learners and members of the community have a limited understanding about how a whole school development approach in environmental education is linked to Education Sustainable Development (ESD) and the four dimensions of the environment.
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  • Date Issued: 2012

Interest rate pass-through in Cameroon and Nigeria: a comparative analysis

  • Authors: Tita, Anthanasius Fomum
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Interest rates -- Cameroon Interest rates -- Nigeria Interest rates -- Effect of inflation on -- Cameroon Interest rates -- Effect of inflation on -- Nigeria Interest rates -- Econometric models Cointegration Monetary policy -- Cameroon Monetary policy -- Nigeria Banque des états de l'Afrique centrale Banks and banking -- Cameroon Banks and banking -- Nigeria
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
  • Identifier: vital:1005 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002740
  • Description: One of the most important aspects of monetary policy is an understanding of the transmission process: the mechanism through which the monetary policy actions of the Central Bank impact on aggregate demand and prices by influencing the investment and consumption decisions of households and firms. Thus, commercial banks are regarded as conveyers of monetary policy shocks and are expected to adjust retail interest rates in response to policy shocks one-to-one. In practice, commercial banks adjust their retail rates in response to changes in monetary policy with a lag of several months and this delay is often viewed as an impediment on the ability of the Central Bank to steer the economy. Several reasons, such as credit rationing and adverse selection, switching costs, risk sharing, consumer irrationality, structure of the financial system, menu costs and asymmetric information are some of the causes advanced for commercial banks retail rates being sticky. In spite of the important role of pass-through analysis in the monetary policy transmission process, it has received very little attention in Sub-Saharan Africa, especially in Cameroon and Nigeria, which have implemented a series of reforms. To this end, this study gives a comparative analysis of interest rate pass-through in Nigeria and Cameroon using retail rates (lending and deposit) and a discount rate (policy rate) from January 1990 to December 2010 for Nigeria and from January 1990 to June 2008 for Cameroon. The study examines the magnitude and speed of retail rate adjustments to changes in the Central Bank policy rate as well as examining the possibility of symmetric and asymmetric pass-through in both countries. In addition, the study also investigates whether there is pass-through of monetary policy from one country to the other. The empirical analysis employs four different types of co-integration techniques to test the presence of a long run co-integrating relationship between retail and the policy rates in order to ensure that the relationship detected is robust. Three sets of analyses are carried out in the study. Following Cottarelli and Kourelis (1994), the study employed a co-integration technique, firstly, to analyse pass-through for the entire sample, secondly, to analyse symmetric and asymmetric pass-through using a ten year rolling window analysis in an error correction framework. Finally, the policy rates were swapped around to investigate if there are transmissions of impulses from one country to the other. Overall, evidence from the entire sample and rolling window analysis suggests that monetary policy in Cameroon is less effective. This is perhaps one of the reasons why the Banque Des Etats De L’Afrique Centrale (BEAC) is unable to sterilise the excess liquidity of the banking sector in Cameroon. The long run pass-through of 0.72 and 0.71 for the entire sample, and the average long run pass-through for the rolling window of 0.78 and 0.76 for the lending and deposit rates, suggest that monetary policy is highly effective in Nigeria compared to Cameroon. The empirical evidence confirmed asymmetric adjustment in six rolling windows in the lending rate in Nigeria. Three rolling windows indicated that the direction of rigidity is downward, supporting Scholnick’s (1996) collusive pricing arrangement between banks, and the other three suggested that the lending rate is rigid in the upward direction, corroborating Scholnick’s (1996) customer reaction hypothesis. The deposit rate in Cameroon was also found to adjust asymmetrically and the direction of rigidity is downward, supporting Hannan and Berger’s (1991) customer reaction hypothesis. The investigation of impulse transmission between the two countries revealed that only the policy rate in Nigeria exerts some influence on the deposit rate in Cameroon. Policy recommendations are also discussed.
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  • Date Issued: 2012

"I don't think it's the whole story!": a case study of the linguistic face management strategies of dyslexic adults

  • Authors: Henderson, Layle
  • Date: 2010
  • Subjects: Dyslexia Case studies Dyslexia -- Social aspects Dyslexia -- Psychological aspects Politeness (Linguistics) Sociolinguistics
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:2347 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002629
  • Description: Dyslexia is primarily a neurobiological disorder and much research has been conducted on this (see for example Coltheart 1996; Shaywitz and Shaywitz 2000 and 2004). However, little has been done which investigates the social construction of dyslexia. Because dyslexia affects reading, writing and spelling to varying degrees, although it may originate from genetic inheritance, it manifests itself in social spheres. Brown and Levinson‟s (1987) Face Theory states that people use strategies to minimise the damage to the positive face of others. My research focuses on how dyslexic individuals use linguistic strategies to minimise potential face-threatening acts or FTAs against themselves and in so doing preserve their own positive face. Using elements of Face Theory and APPRAISAL I constructed a typology reflecting these linguistic face management devices of adults with dyslexia. With this research I hope to contribute to the field in an innovative and meaningful manner through an exploration of the linguistic face management strategies used in the management of positive face.
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  • Date Issued: 2010

An investigation of prior knowledge about amphibians amongst Grade 7 learners : towards the development of a resource pack

  • Authors: Gordon, Louise
  • Date: 2010
  • Subjects: Amphibians -- Study and teaching -- South Africa Environmental education -- South Africa Natural sciences -- Study and teaching -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
  • Identifier: vital:1641 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003523
  • Description: The value of frogs is compared to the value of canaries used in coalmines: they are indicators of the environmental status of our environments, thus crucial to our survival. One third of all frogs worldwide are threatened with extinction. Frogs are found in our immediate environment. Are our Natural Science educators, teaching the Life and Living curriculum aware of this threat, the possible impact that the extinction of frogs will have on our welfare? Are our educators making use of the resources in their immediate environment? This study aimed to investigate the prior knowledge in both the horizontal and vertical discourse, in Grade7 learners and their educators, to inform the design of an amphibian resource pack. By investigating their prior knowledge an insight would be gained in their knowledge of Natural Science concepts as well as their everyday knowledge of their immediate natural environment. It would also highlight any misconceptions formed as well as alternative concepts within both educator and learner groups. These insights would be used to inform the contents of said resource pack.
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  • Date Issued: 2010

Investigation and development of an e judiciary service for a citizen oriented judiciary system for rural communities

  • Authors: Scott, Mfundo Shakes
  • Date: 2010
  • Subjects: Digital divide -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , User interfaces (Computer systems)
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science)
  • Identifier: vital:11390 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/275 , Digital divide -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , User interfaces (Computer systems)
  • Description: One of the factors that contribute towards slow rural development is the presence of the digital divide. An area where the digital divide is still prevalent is the administration of justice within traditional contexts. One of the areas affected by this problem is the Dwesa rural community, situated on the Wild Coast of the former homeland of Transkei, in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. To address this problem for the Dwesa community, a research project on developing and implementing an e-Judiciary service was undertaken. The primary objective of this project was to develop a web application to support traditional justice administration in the Dwesa community. Due to the lack of a proper legal environment in this community, the e-Judiciary service acts as a portal for safe-keeping of judicial information. Such a system also serves as a platform for the administration of minor offences that are solved by the traditional courts. Furthermore, it provides a better working environment for traditional judicial leaders and eliminates the difficulty of accessing legal information by the rest of the community. Through the availability and use of the service, community members are provided with understanding and knowledge about judiciary operations and services in their community.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2010
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