Educators and learners perceptions on english first additional language speakers use of english as medium of instruction
- Authors: Nqoma, Lungiswa
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: English language -- Study and teaching , English language
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24934 , vital:63678
- Description: This study investigates Educators‟ and learners‟ perceptions on English first additional language speakers‟ use of English as medium of instruction in two primary schools in the East London District. The study made use of a qualitative research method which includes interviews, observation and document analysis (learners‟ books). The uncovered data is analyzed against the background of the socio-economic and historical factors that led to this medium of instruction using content analysis (CA). After the apartheid regime in 1994 and the formation of a new government in 1996, the South African Constitution declared 11 languages in an attempt to encourage multilingualism in the country with each province having its provincial language policy. In the Eastern Cape where the study is conducted the language policy recognizes Xhosa, English, and Afrikaans as the official languages with English as the medium of instruction especially at the intermediate phase. The theoretical and conceptual framework for the study is provided by studies on language policy and planning, English as an international language, and Language as a mediating tool. The findings of the study indicate the crucial role that language of instruction plays in teaching and learning. However, challenges arise when the language of instruction is not the mother tongue. The study indicates dissatisfaction in the use of EMOI as a result of inadequate proficiency in the language of instruction, school environment, lack of resources; and lack of parental support. As a result of the above, some educators resorted to code switching when teaching. Hence, the study sheds light on EFAL learner‟s perspective on both comprehension and the level of educator‟s English skills and whether there is a connection between these two aspects. This resulted to conceivable methods that could be used to improve learner performance, teaching and learning methods and the efficiency of East London District support system. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, 2015
- Full Text:
- Authors: Nqoma, Lungiswa
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: English language -- Study and teaching , English language
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24934 , vital:63678
- Description: This study investigates Educators‟ and learners‟ perceptions on English first additional language speakers‟ use of English as medium of instruction in two primary schools in the East London District. The study made use of a qualitative research method which includes interviews, observation and document analysis (learners‟ books). The uncovered data is analyzed against the background of the socio-economic and historical factors that led to this medium of instruction using content analysis (CA). After the apartheid regime in 1994 and the formation of a new government in 1996, the South African Constitution declared 11 languages in an attempt to encourage multilingualism in the country with each province having its provincial language policy. In the Eastern Cape where the study is conducted the language policy recognizes Xhosa, English, and Afrikaans as the official languages with English as the medium of instruction especially at the intermediate phase. The theoretical and conceptual framework for the study is provided by studies on language policy and planning, English as an international language, and Language as a mediating tool. The findings of the study indicate the crucial role that language of instruction plays in teaching and learning. However, challenges arise when the language of instruction is not the mother tongue. The study indicates dissatisfaction in the use of EMOI as a result of inadequate proficiency in the language of instruction, school environment, lack of resources; and lack of parental support. As a result of the above, some educators resorted to code switching when teaching. Hence, the study sheds light on EFAL learner‟s perspective on both comprehension and the level of educator‟s English skills and whether there is a connection between these two aspects. This resulted to conceivable methods that could be used to improve learner performance, teaching and learning methods and the efficiency of East London District support system. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, 2015
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Evaluation of knowledge and practices of nurses with regard to prevention of nosocomial infection in the intensive care units of Eastern Cape Province
- Mlenzana, Nosiphiwo Priscilla
- Authors: Mlenzana, Nosiphiwo Priscilla
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Nosocomial infections http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85092770 , Cross infection--Prevention http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh2009122612 , Infection http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85066076
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19639 , vital:43154
- Description: Aim: To determine the level of knowledge and practice of the nurses in the prevention and control of nosocomial infection in the intensive care units and make recommendations aiming at bridging the gap identified. In this study, the level of knowledge and practice of nurses in the intensive care units was described and its relationship with the demographic characteristics was examined utilising a quantitative approach. A quantitative descriptive design was used to examine and describe knowledge and practices of intensive care nurses with regards to prevention and control of nosocomial infection. One hundred and thirty (130) nurses participated in the study taken from the intensive care units of the five (5) state hospitals of the Eastern Cape Province. A self-designed questionnaire with close-ended questions was utilised comprising of dichotomous questions, with ‘yes’ or ‘no’ measuring knowledge nurses have and a Likert scale that measured knowledge with regards to clinical practice utilised in the prevention and control of nosocomial infections. The following ethical considerations were addressed by the study: ethical clearance, permission to conduct the study, informed consent from participants, anonymity and confidentiality and respect of individual autonomy. Findings: The respondents showed encouraging agreement with the different practices that should be followed in order to prevent spreading of nosocomial infections in their units. This knowledge suggests that the problem of infection control in ICUs may be related to the individual characteristics of the profession as opposed to being institutional. Limitations: Not all the intensive care units of the Eastern Cape hospitals were included due to challenges of time, finance and geographic factors. Recommendations: The following recommendations were made: Orientation programme to all new staff coming into the ICUs including infection control policies and guidelines; Involvement of the ICU staff in the development of infection control policies so as to ensure ownership and ultimate compliance; The employer must ensure that all resources for infection control and prevention are available and accessible to the health care workers at all times to ensure compliance. , Thesis (MCur) -- University of Fort Hare, 2015
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mlenzana, Nosiphiwo Priscilla
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Nosocomial infections http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85092770 , Cross infection--Prevention http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh2009122612 , Infection http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85066076
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19639 , vital:43154
- Description: Aim: To determine the level of knowledge and practice of the nurses in the prevention and control of nosocomial infection in the intensive care units and make recommendations aiming at bridging the gap identified. In this study, the level of knowledge and practice of nurses in the intensive care units was described and its relationship with the demographic characteristics was examined utilising a quantitative approach. A quantitative descriptive design was used to examine and describe knowledge and practices of intensive care nurses with regards to prevention and control of nosocomial infection. One hundred and thirty (130) nurses participated in the study taken from the intensive care units of the five (5) state hospitals of the Eastern Cape Province. A self-designed questionnaire with close-ended questions was utilised comprising of dichotomous questions, with ‘yes’ or ‘no’ measuring knowledge nurses have and a Likert scale that measured knowledge with regards to clinical practice utilised in the prevention and control of nosocomial infections. The following ethical considerations were addressed by the study: ethical clearance, permission to conduct the study, informed consent from participants, anonymity and confidentiality and respect of individual autonomy. Findings: The respondents showed encouraging agreement with the different practices that should be followed in order to prevent spreading of nosocomial infections in their units. This knowledge suggests that the problem of infection control in ICUs may be related to the individual characteristics of the profession as opposed to being institutional. Limitations: Not all the intensive care units of the Eastern Cape hospitals were included due to challenges of time, finance and geographic factors. Recommendations: The following recommendations were made: Orientation programme to all new staff coming into the ICUs including infection control policies and guidelines; Involvement of the ICU staff in the development of infection control policies so as to ensure ownership and ultimate compliance; The employer must ensure that all resources for infection control and prevention are available and accessible to the health care workers at all times to ensure compliance. , Thesis (MCur) -- University of Fort Hare, 2015
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Evaluation of selected non- governmental organizations (NGOs) in the provision of health , education & housing services in South Africa the study of Alice township Eastern cape province
- Kajiita, Robert Mutemi https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2829-4824
- Authors: Kajiita, Robert Mutemi https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2829-4824
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Non-governmental organizations http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh86007360 , Sustainable development--South Africa http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh2010115191
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19567 , vital:43144
- Description: The dynamism of human needs and the inability of the state and governments to guarantee a satisfactory access to, as well as consumption of private and public goods and services have prompted an up-sprung of alternative institutions such as the Non-Governmental Organizations. This study sought to evaluate selected NGOs in provision of health, education and housing services in Alice Township of the Eastern Cape Province. The study had the following specific objectives: to evaluate the role of selected NGOs in Alice in the provision of health, education and housing services; to examine the successes and possible gaps of selected NGOs in provision of aforementioned services; to examine the relationship between the NGOs and the government in provision of above mentioned services; and finally to establish the strategies that can be adopted to enhance NGOs’ capabilities in services delivery. To achieve these objectives, the study utilized mixed methods research approach, with an explorative and a mini-survey design. Non-probability sampling methodology was used and specifically purposive sampling was used to get a sample of 115 research participants and respondents. Data collection was cross- sectional and was facilitated by the use of in-depth interviews using semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. Data was analysed using both qualitative and quantitative approaches, and the results were triangulated to answer the research problem. The study was premised on the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model of service delivery, and diverse literature was sought to strengthen the findings. The study revealed that: the females were more active in welfare sector than men; the concept NGO posed a conceptual challenge to the research participants; high level of unemployment and low level of tertiary literacy among study participants was reported. Furthermore, NGOs in Alice provided health based services which included creating awareness, control and treatment of communicable and non-communicable diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, diabetes, psychological and palliative care, counselling and old age care services. Educationally, early childhood development services took the lion’s share. This is evidenced by an array of day care centres in Alice. Regrettably, there were no housing services offered by NGOs in the area. The findings also revealed diametrically opposed debates on successes of NGOs in Alice, with some not seeing the success while others indicated some successful milestones. Notably, the NGOs in Alice suffered a paucity of resources which included: lack of funds, unskilled and inadequate staff, infrastructural and technological challenges, lack of transport facilities among others. The study also indicated a sour relationship between the government and the NGOs. Despite this, the NGOs were reported to adhere largely to the policy guidelines postulated by the government. Moreover, the government was the major funder of the most NGOs in the area of study. The findings revealed that fundraising skills were needed to bolster the NGOs financial muscle towards the achievement of project implementation. The state of infrastructure also needed to be addressed as well as scaling up the NGOs services to reach to a greater section of the society, Partnerships, collaborations and networking for NGOs would enable NGOs services delivery. The study also recommended: inclusivity in the welfare sector, establishment of vibrant housing NGOs in Alice, empowerment approaches to service provisioning, proper visibility of the NGOs in the community, systematic and regular promotion of training among the NGOs’ staff, sound and up to date harmonised policies, mutually designed partnerships, collaborations and networks, flexibility of donor funding approaches, intensive and extensive government support to NGOs, periodic scientific inquiry on NGOs operations and finally recommendation is made for further research in the area under the study. Conclusively, it is critical that NGOs in Alice are doing their best compared to their resource base and therefore, the government should study the environment of the NGOs in the area with the hope of coming up with plausible and pragmatic ways of bolstering their operations. , Thesis (M Soc Sc)(Social work) -- University of Fort Hare, 2015
- Full Text:
- Authors: Kajiita, Robert Mutemi https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2829-4824
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Non-governmental organizations http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh86007360 , Sustainable development--South Africa http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh2010115191
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19567 , vital:43144
- Description: The dynamism of human needs and the inability of the state and governments to guarantee a satisfactory access to, as well as consumption of private and public goods and services have prompted an up-sprung of alternative institutions such as the Non-Governmental Organizations. This study sought to evaluate selected NGOs in provision of health, education and housing services in Alice Township of the Eastern Cape Province. The study had the following specific objectives: to evaluate the role of selected NGOs in Alice in the provision of health, education and housing services; to examine the successes and possible gaps of selected NGOs in provision of aforementioned services; to examine the relationship between the NGOs and the government in provision of above mentioned services; and finally to establish the strategies that can be adopted to enhance NGOs’ capabilities in services delivery. To achieve these objectives, the study utilized mixed methods research approach, with an explorative and a mini-survey design. Non-probability sampling methodology was used and specifically purposive sampling was used to get a sample of 115 research participants and respondents. Data collection was cross- sectional and was facilitated by the use of in-depth interviews using semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. Data was analysed using both qualitative and quantitative approaches, and the results were triangulated to answer the research problem. The study was premised on the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model of service delivery, and diverse literature was sought to strengthen the findings. The study revealed that: the females were more active in welfare sector than men; the concept NGO posed a conceptual challenge to the research participants; high level of unemployment and low level of tertiary literacy among study participants was reported. Furthermore, NGOs in Alice provided health based services which included creating awareness, control and treatment of communicable and non-communicable diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, diabetes, psychological and palliative care, counselling and old age care services. Educationally, early childhood development services took the lion’s share. This is evidenced by an array of day care centres in Alice. Regrettably, there were no housing services offered by NGOs in the area. The findings also revealed diametrically opposed debates on successes of NGOs in Alice, with some not seeing the success while others indicated some successful milestones. Notably, the NGOs in Alice suffered a paucity of resources which included: lack of funds, unskilled and inadequate staff, infrastructural and technological challenges, lack of transport facilities among others. The study also indicated a sour relationship between the government and the NGOs. Despite this, the NGOs were reported to adhere largely to the policy guidelines postulated by the government. Moreover, the government was the major funder of the most NGOs in the area of study. The findings revealed that fundraising skills were needed to bolster the NGOs financial muscle towards the achievement of project implementation. The state of infrastructure also needed to be addressed as well as scaling up the NGOs services to reach to a greater section of the society, Partnerships, collaborations and networking for NGOs would enable NGOs services delivery. The study also recommended: inclusivity in the welfare sector, establishment of vibrant housing NGOs in Alice, empowerment approaches to service provisioning, proper visibility of the NGOs in the community, systematic and regular promotion of training among the NGOs’ staff, sound and up to date harmonised policies, mutually designed partnerships, collaborations and networks, flexibility of donor funding approaches, intensive and extensive government support to NGOs, periodic scientific inquiry on NGOs operations and finally recommendation is made for further research in the area under the study. Conclusively, it is critical that NGOs in Alice are doing their best compared to their resource base and therefore, the government should study the environment of the NGOs in the area with the hope of coming up with plausible and pragmatic ways of bolstering their operations. , Thesis (M Soc Sc)(Social work) -- University of Fort Hare, 2015
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Managing the procurement of learner teacher support material (LTSM) in the Eastern Cape Department of Education
- Gobe, Mziwamadoda Chumasande
- Authors: Gobe, Mziwamadoda Chumasande
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Government purchasing , Industrial procurement -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24846 , vital:63616
- Description: The use of learner teacher support material (LTSM) was introduced with the aim of improve the education quality in South Africa. However, the procurement of the learner teacher support material has had several challenges. The study therefore was aimed at assessing the management of the procurement of LTSM in the Eastern Cape which is done by the Eastern Cape Department of Education. The aims of the study therefore were, to provide a full description of the current supply chain management practices of the ECDOE, examine the strengths and weaknesses of the current procurement management model in the acquisition of LTSM and investigate alternative selection, delivery and management models. To attain these aims data was collected using both the quantitative and qualitative methods. The use of the two methods helped to establish a balance in collecting data as the research sought to use both quantitative and qualitative data. The research used a case study design.The research instruments that were used to collected data were questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The data for the study was provided by school principals, district officials and ECDoE officials. These were the best participants for the study as they have information on the current procurement system. The data was analysed in themes. The data was presented and discussed in relation to other studies that have been conducted on similar topics. The study found that the current procurement system is flawed due to several reasons like lack of clarity on roles and responsibilities, training and other factors discussed in the study. The study also found that there are inherent strengths and weaknesses in the current procurement model. The study found that the weaknesses can be addressed. The study also found that improvements and alternatives are possible for procurement. The study suggested several recommendations. Some of the recommendations include training the current staff involved in the supply chain management of the procurement system. The other being clarifying the roles and responsibilities of the stakeholders involved in the procurement process. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce. 2015
- Full Text:
- Authors: Gobe, Mziwamadoda Chumasande
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Government purchasing , Industrial procurement -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24846 , vital:63616
- Description: The use of learner teacher support material (LTSM) was introduced with the aim of improve the education quality in South Africa. However, the procurement of the learner teacher support material has had several challenges. The study therefore was aimed at assessing the management of the procurement of LTSM in the Eastern Cape which is done by the Eastern Cape Department of Education. The aims of the study therefore were, to provide a full description of the current supply chain management practices of the ECDOE, examine the strengths and weaknesses of the current procurement management model in the acquisition of LTSM and investigate alternative selection, delivery and management models. To attain these aims data was collected using both the quantitative and qualitative methods. The use of the two methods helped to establish a balance in collecting data as the research sought to use both quantitative and qualitative data. The research used a case study design.The research instruments that were used to collected data were questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The data for the study was provided by school principals, district officials and ECDoE officials. These were the best participants for the study as they have information on the current procurement system. The data was analysed in themes. The data was presented and discussed in relation to other studies that have been conducted on similar topics. The study found that the current procurement system is flawed due to several reasons like lack of clarity on roles and responsibilities, training and other factors discussed in the study. The study also found that there are inherent strengths and weaknesses in the current procurement model. The study found that the weaknesses can be addressed. The study also found that improvements and alternatives are possible for procurement. The study suggested several recommendations. Some of the recommendations include training the current staff involved in the supply chain management of the procurement system. The other being clarifying the roles and responsibilities of the stakeholders involved in the procurement process. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce. 2015
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Phytochemical analyses, synthesis of silver nanoparticles from Filipendula ulmaria (L.) Maxin and Agathosma betulina (Berg.) Pillans and their bioassays
- Authors: Herbert, Chiguvare
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Phytochemicals , Analgesics , Anti-inflammatory agents
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29289 , vital:77847
- Description: Agathosma betulina (Buchu) and Filipendula ulmaria (Meadowsweet) are popular herbal plants used in South Africa. These plants have been used as herbal medicines for the treatment of several diseases for years but without scientific analysis to validate their claims as herbal remedies. Hydrodistillation was carried out for the two plants and 2.3 g were obtained from buchu representing a yield of 0.8 percent while 0.73 g was obtained from A. betulina representing a yield of 0.73 percent. The two oils were analysed using GC/MS and 41 oil components were obtained from F. ulmaria and 11 oil components were obtained from A. betulina. The major oil components of F. ulmaria oil were found to be Methyl salicylate (17.2 percent), salicaldehyde (10.6 percent), menthol (8.6 percent), Anisaldehyde (8.2 percent), menthone (8.1 percent) Isomenthone (6.3 percent) and A. betulina oil comprised majorly of Isomenthone (26.1 percent), Diosphenol (17.9 percent), Menthone (12.1 percent), p-Diosphenol (12.8 percent) and pulegone (10.5 percent). Diosphenol with its two isomers constitute the biggest component of 30.7 percent of A betulina oil. The ethanolic crude extract of F. ulmaria was subjected to isolation through chromatographic methods. One isolate was obtained and fully elucidated by 2D NMR analysis to be Lupeol. The two plants were further used as agents in plant mediated silver nanoparticle synthesis. Use of medicinal plants for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles is a green synthesis approach because of the use of non hazardous reacting materials, less aggressive reaction conditions such as very low energy requirements, harmless solvents systems among others. F. ulmaria mediated Ag-NPs synthesis was not successful and thus yielded inconclusive results. A. betulina plant mediated biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using the chemical reduction of silver nitrate method was completed in 24 hours at 40 °C, 60⁰C and 75⁰C. UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy and TEM were used to confirm the reduction of silver ions and formation of silver nanoparticles. F. ulmaria mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles yielded inconclusive results. Polydispersed spherical, oblong and irregularly shaped silver nanoparticles ranging from 5-60 nm were produced from the A. betulina extract at synthesised at 60⁰C. This is the first report on the synthesis of silver nanoparticles using A. betulina and F. ulmaria. The Formalin assay, a chemical model for stimulation of pain and the egg albumin paw oedema model were used for testing analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity respectively. The oils, ethanolic crude extracts and the silver nano particles were tested against standard drugs. The oils, ethanolic crude extracts and the silver nano particles were found to have significant ability to inhibit pain and inflammation. Results obtained gave scientific validation for the uses of A. betulina and F.ulmaria extracts in the management of pain and inflammation in traditional medicine. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2015
- Full Text:
- Authors: Herbert, Chiguvare
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Phytochemicals , Analgesics , Anti-inflammatory agents
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29289 , vital:77847
- Description: Agathosma betulina (Buchu) and Filipendula ulmaria (Meadowsweet) are popular herbal plants used in South Africa. These plants have been used as herbal medicines for the treatment of several diseases for years but without scientific analysis to validate their claims as herbal remedies. Hydrodistillation was carried out for the two plants and 2.3 g were obtained from buchu representing a yield of 0.8 percent while 0.73 g was obtained from A. betulina representing a yield of 0.73 percent. The two oils were analysed using GC/MS and 41 oil components were obtained from F. ulmaria and 11 oil components were obtained from A. betulina. The major oil components of F. ulmaria oil were found to be Methyl salicylate (17.2 percent), salicaldehyde (10.6 percent), menthol (8.6 percent), Anisaldehyde (8.2 percent), menthone (8.1 percent) Isomenthone (6.3 percent) and A. betulina oil comprised majorly of Isomenthone (26.1 percent), Diosphenol (17.9 percent), Menthone (12.1 percent), p-Diosphenol (12.8 percent) and pulegone (10.5 percent). Diosphenol with its two isomers constitute the biggest component of 30.7 percent of A betulina oil. The ethanolic crude extract of F. ulmaria was subjected to isolation through chromatographic methods. One isolate was obtained and fully elucidated by 2D NMR analysis to be Lupeol. The two plants were further used as agents in plant mediated silver nanoparticle synthesis. Use of medicinal plants for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles is a green synthesis approach because of the use of non hazardous reacting materials, less aggressive reaction conditions such as very low energy requirements, harmless solvents systems among others. F. ulmaria mediated Ag-NPs synthesis was not successful and thus yielded inconclusive results. A. betulina plant mediated biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using the chemical reduction of silver nitrate method was completed in 24 hours at 40 °C, 60⁰C and 75⁰C. UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy and TEM were used to confirm the reduction of silver ions and formation of silver nanoparticles. F. ulmaria mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles yielded inconclusive results. Polydispersed spherical, oblong and irregularly shaped silver nanoparticles ranging from 5-60 nm were produced from the A. betulina extract at synthesised at 60⁰C. This is the first report on the synthesis of silver nanoparticles using A. betulina and F. ulmaria. The Formalin assay, a chemical model for stimulation of pain and the egg albumin paw oedema model were used for testing analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity respectively. The oils, ethanolic crude extracts and the silver nano particles were tested against standard drugs. The oils, ethanolic crude extracts and the silver nano particles were found to have significant ability to inhibit pain and inflammation. Results obtained gave scientific validation for the uses of A. betulina and F.ulmaria extracts in the management of pain and inflammation in traditional medicine. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2015
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Study of the biotransformations and microbiological properties of cymbopogon citratus
- Ajayi, Emmanuel Olusegun https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0838-4948
- Authors: Ajayi, Emmanuel Olusegun https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0838-4948
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Lemongras , Essences and essential oils
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19737 , vital:43197
- Description: Variations in the essential oil yield, chemical composition and kinetics of chemical transformation, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties of the Cymbopogon citratus cultivated in Alice, Eastern Cape of South Africa, over a period of 12 months using the solvent-free microwave extraction and the modified forms of conventional hydrodistillation methods have been evaluated. The modified forms involve variation in the pH medium to effect extraction and to obtain the whole leaf extracts of Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass). The GC-MS analyses of the essential oils revealed the presence of 10, 11, 13, and 9 principal compounds in the microwave, extraction, hydrodistillation (water-distilled), hydrodistillation (aciddistilled and hydrodistillation (base-distilled), respectively with citral being the prominent compound in all the various extraction methods, with the water-distilled method having the highest cumulative citral content under the period specified. Each of the components of the oils varied in quantity and quality of yield at different points of the year. Different extraction methods produce different compounds. Increase in the amount of citral content was observed during the maturation stage of Cymbopogon citratus in all the extraction methods. Quantitative evaluation of antibacterial activity, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were determined on the oils and extracts of Cymbopogon citratus using agar dilution method. The essential oils obtained using all the methods of extraction showed activity against all the tested bacteria at a concentration of 10 mg mL-1. The minimum inhibitory concentrations for the acid-distilled varied between 1.25 and 5.0 mg mL-1, while those obtained by both water- and base-distilled showed equal activity on the microorganisms with the MIC ranging between 2.5 and 10 mg mL-1. The microwave extraction showed the least activity with the MIC of 10 mg mL-1. This however suggested that the oils obtained through acid-distillation showed the greatest activity than all other methods of extraction. Activity of the various extracts on bacteria showed that the ethanol extract had the highest activity on the tested organisms with MIC ranging between 0.625 and 1.25 mg mL-1. This was closely followed by the acid-extract (1.25 and 5.0 mg mL-1), methanol extract (1.25 and 10 mg mL-1), acetone extract (2.5 and 5.0 mg mL-1), and base extract (5.0 mg mL-1). Both cold water and hot water extracts showed the least activity of MIC, >10 mg mL-1. The antioxidant and free-radical scavenging activity of the obtained oils and extracts were tested by means of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH+) assay, [(2,2ˊ-azino bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)] (ABTS), nitric oxide and ferric reducing power assays. The oils and extracts showed DPPH radical scavenging ability, but not as high as the standard drugs. The base extract showed a higher reducing power than the standard drug, rutin. There were significant differences in the phytochemicals contents of the various leaf extracts. The acetone extract has the highest flavonol, proanthocyanidin, and alkaloid contents. The ethanol extract showed the highest amount of phenolic content with the acid extract, having the least. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) and column chromatography was employed to obtain different fractions of extracts using four eluent solvent systems of varying polarities: toluene, petroleum ether, hexane and ethyl acetate and sprayed with anisaldehyde. A single, visible spot of B-fraction was developed, collected and analyzed as 1-methyl-2,4,5- trinitroimidazole with renown valuable properties. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2015
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ajayi, Emmanuel Olusegun https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0838-4948
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Lemongras , Essences and essential oils
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19737 , vital:43197
- Description: Variations in the essential oil yield, chemical composition and kinetics of chemical transformation, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties of the Cymbopogon citratus cultivated in Alice, Eastern Cape of South Africa, over a period of 12 months using the solvent-free microwave extraction and the modified forms of conventional hydrodistillation methods have been evaluated. The modified forms involve variation in the pH medium to effect extraction and to obtain the whole leaf extracts of Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass). The GC-MS analyses of the essential oils revealed the presence of 10, 11, 13, and 9 principal compounds in the microwave, extraction, hydrodistillation (water-distilled), hydrodistillation (aciddistilled and hydrodistillation (base-distilled), respectively with citral being the prominent compound in all the various extraction methods, with the water-distilled method having the highest cumulative citral content under the period specified. Each of the components of the oils varied in quantity and quality of yield at different points of the year. Different extraction methods produce different compounds. Increase in the amount of citral content was observed during the maturation stage of Cymbopogon citratus in all the extraction methods. Quantitative evaluation of antibacterial activity, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were determined on the oils and extracts of Cymbopogon citratus using agar dilution method. The essential oils obtained using all the methods of extraction showed activity against all the tested bacteria at a concentration of 10 mg mL-1. The minimum inhibitory concentrations for the acid-distilled varied between 1.25 and 5.0 mg mL-1, while those obtained by both water- and base-distilled showed equal activity on the microorganisms with the MIC ranging between 2.5 and 10 mg mL-1. The microwave extraction showed the least activity with the MIC of 10 mg mL-1. This however suggested that the oils obtained through acid-distillation showed the greatest activity than all other methods of extraction. Activity of the various extracts on bacteria showed that the ethanol extract had the highest activity on the tested organisms with MIC ranging between 0.625 and 1.25 mg mL-1. This was closely followed by the acid-extract (1.25 and 5.0 mg mL-1), methanol extract (1.25 and 10 mg mL-1), acetone extract (2.5 and 5.0 mg mL-1), and base extract (5.0 mg mL-1). Both cold water and hot water extracts showed the least activity of MIC, >10 mg mL-1. The antioxidant and free-radical scavenging activity of the obtained oils and extracts were tested by means of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH+) assay, [(2,2ˊ-azino bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)] (ABTS), nitric oxide and ferric reducing power assays. The oils and extracts showed DPPH radical scavenging ability, but not as high as the standard drugs. The base extract showed a higher reducing power than the standard drug, rutin. There were significant differences in the phytochemicals contents of the various leaf extracts. The acetone extract has the highest flavonol, proanthocyanidin, and alkaloid contents. The ethanol extract showed the highest amount of phenolic content with the acid extract, having the least. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) and column chromatography was employed to obtain different fractions of extracts using four eluent solvent systems of varying polarities: toluene, petroleum ether, hexane and ethyl acetate and sprayed with anisaldehyde. A single, visible spot of B-fraction was developed, collected and analyzed as 1-methyl-2,4,5- trinitroimidazole with renown valuable properties. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2015
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The impact of globalization on economic growth in South Africa
- Authors: Maronga, Vimbai Linah
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa , International economic integration , International trade
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25861 , vital:64552
- Description: The dissertation investigated the impact of globalization on the economic growth of South Africa using annual South African data covering the period 1975 to 2011. The study used Johansen cointegration and vector error correction model to determine the impact of globalization on economic growth in South Africa. The VECM model with South African variables was specified and used to assess the effects of globalization on South Africa’s economic growth. Results of the study suggested that the South African economic growth was negatively impacted by globalization in the long run. Using the results conclusions and policy recommendations were made using these results. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2015
- Full Text:
- Authors: Maronga, Vimbai Linah
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa , International economic integration , International trade
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25861 , vital:64552
- Description: The dissertation investigated the impact of globalization on the economic growth of South Africa using annual South African data covering the period 1975 to 2011. The study used Johansen cointegration and vector error correction model to determine the impact of globalization on economic growth in South Africa. The VECM model with South African variables was specified and used to assess the effects of globalization on South Africa’s economic growth. Results of the study suggested that the South African economic growth was negatively impacted by globalization in the long run. Using the results conclusions and policy recommendations were made using these results. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2015
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The impact of unguided animal husbandry on the peripheral and landscape elements: the case of Alice
- Chungag, Anye https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2308-9410
- Authors: Chungag, Anye https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2308-9410
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Livestock , Animal culture , Animal culture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19511 , vital:43134
- Description: This study is based on Unguided Animal Husbandry as practiced in the town of Alice and its surrounding locations. It underscores the fact that though cattle are domesticated animals, they are still migratory in character. Their migratory tendency is prompted by the need of food and water and sometimes convenient rest positions. The search for food, water and rest may lead cattle to travel for many kilometres away from enclosure. This movement allows them to establish eating and drinking preferences and locations which become habitual, hence tracks develop along these paths which greatly compromise the soil, water and vegetation quality of the landscape. This study identifies such tracks and investigates the impact of cattle movement on soil physical properties and vegetation characteristics. However all this is against the back drop of the open access land regime; a mode of exploiting common property to which all have equal rights. It is a system of land management that comes with inherent challenges. Amongst them a selfish inclination of taking decisions that is motivated by egoistic interests and utmost personal gain. Secondly no thought is given to management and sustainability, subjecting common property to Haddins (1968) philosophy ‘The tragedy of the commons’. The results of the study show that when cattle is left to free range in common property they establish feeding, drinking and rest habits that have greater negative consequences on ecosystem elements of soil, vegetation and water than the positive effects they bring. The open access regime under which this farming system operates is appraised and recommendations proposed for its amelioration. , Thesis (MPhil) (Environmental Studies) -- University of Fort Hare, 2015
- Full Text:
- Authors: Chungag, Anye https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2308-9410
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Livestock , Animal culture , Animal culture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19511 , vital:43134
- Description: This study is based on Unguided Animal Husbandry as practiced in the town of Alice and its surrounding locations. It underscores the fact that though cattle are domesticated animals, they are still migratory in character. Their migratory tendency is prompted by the need of food and water and sometimes convenient rest positions. The search for food, water and rest may lead cattle to travel for many kilometres away from enclosure. This movement allows them to establish eating and drinking preferences and locations which become habitual, hence tracks develop along these paths which greatly compromise the soil, water and vegetation quality of the landscape. This study identifies such tracks and investigates the impact of cattle movement on soil physical properties and vegetation characteristics. However all this is against the back drop of the open access land regime; a mode of exploiting common property to which all have equal rights. It is a system of land management that comes with inherent challenges. Amongst them a selfish inclination of taking decisions that is motivated by egoistic interests and utmost personal gain. Secondly no thought is given to management and sustainability, subjecting common property to Haddins (1968) philosophy ‘The tragedy of the commons’. The results of the study show that when cattle is left to free range in common property they establish feeding, drinking and rest habits that have greater negative consequences on ecosystem elements of soil, vegetation and water than the positive effects they bring. The open access regime under which this farming system operates is appraised and recommendations proposed for its amelioration. , Thesis (MPhil) (Environmental Studies) -- University of Fort Hare, 2015
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Unravelling the myths about unplanned pregnancy among female students at University of Fort Hare East London Campus, South Africa
- Authors: Chukwunyere , Amadi P
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Unwanted pregnancy , Women college students , College students
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25415 , vital:64237
- Description: This research study examined: 1. the attitudes and perceptions of female university students towards unplanned pregnancies, their (pregnancies’) associated influences and their social economic consequences on the participants and their family. 2. The level of knowledge, the sources thereof, and the girls’ attitudes and perceptions toward contraception, abortion and their actual use as possible barriers in the prevention of unplanned pregnancies. 3. The possible interventions in curbing the phenomenon of unplanned pregnancies. Data for the study was gathered through in-depth-interviews with ten female undergraduate students at the University of Fort Hare in East London campus, who had the experience of unplanned pregnancy while studying. Selection of participants was done through snowball sampling. A number of factors responsible for the unplanned pregnancy are revealed, including: Inadequate and inconsistent use of contraceptives, ignorance about contraception or rejection of contraceptive use due to religious beliefs. Influential factors regarding unplanned child bearing include: The role of the mother and the boyfriend, traditional and religious beliefs, and the desire for child bearing and motherhood. Although the majority of the girls are knowledgeable about contraception, and their right to abortion, a number of barriers hinder them from putting this knowledge into practical use. Some of the most highlighted consequences of unplanned/unwanted pregnancy are the financial burden on the family and loss of study time. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2015
- Full Text:
- Authors: Chukwunyere , Amadi P
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Unwanted pregnancy , Women college students , College students
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25415 , vital:64237
- Description: This research study examined: 1. the attitudes and perceptions of female university students towards unplanned pregnancies, their (pregnancies’) associated influences and their social economic consequences on the participants and their family. 2. The level of knowledge, the sources thereof, and the girls’ attitudes and perceptions toward contraception, abortion and their actual use as possible barriers in the prevention of unplanned pregnancies. 3. The possible interventions in curbing the phenomenon of unplanned pregnancies. Data for the study was gathered through in-depth-interviews with ten female undergraduate students at the University of Fort Hare in East London campus, who had the experience of unplanned pregnancy while studying. Selection of participants was done through snowball sampling. A number of factors responsible for the unplanned pregnancy are revealed, including: Inadequate and inconsistent use of contraceptives, ignorance about contraception or rejection of contraceptive use due to religious beliefs. Influential factors regarding unplanned child bearing include: The role of the mother and the boyfriend, traditional and religious beliefs, and the desire for child bearing and motherhood. Although the majority of the girls are knowledgeable about contraception, and their right to abortion, a number of barriers hinder them from putting this knowledge into practical use. Some of the most highlighted consequences of unplanned/unwanted pregnancy are the financial burden on the family and loss of study time. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2015
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Using GIS and remote sensing to map suitable sites for wind farms: a case study of Nkonkobe Municipality, Eastern Cape.
- Authors: Gwena, Jay
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Geographic information systems http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh90001880 , Remote sensing http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85112798 , Renewable energy sources http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85112837
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19420 , vital:43082
- Description: Issues relating to energy use, renewable energy introduction and climate change have received a lot of attention from governments throughout the world in the past two decades. Many developing nations like South Africa heavily rely on coal and other non-renewable resources for their production of energy. The processing of the non-renewable resources into secondary energy forms is according to many energy experts a chief contributor to climate change. Climate change is affecting agricultural production in many developing countries that entirely rely on rainfall for their production. The loss in production in South Africa is increasing the level of poverty in low-income earners and unemployed people. Also a lot of households found in rural areas of South Africa have no access to electricity. Electricity in South Africa is generated and distributed by Eskom a state owned company. In April 2008 Eskom failed to meet power demand and started introducing load shedding to maintain and upgrade their power plants. The load shedding stopped for while and was introduced again in 2014 when the power utility faced the challenge of failing to produce power to meet demand again due to problems with their power stations. The ongoing energy provision problems in South Africa can be alleviated by introducing alternative sources like renewable energy. Introduction of renewable energy in poorly developed areas like Nkonkobe Municipality can help households‘ access electricity and reduce load on the national grid. The aim of this study was to locate suitable sites for setting up wind farms in Nkonkobe municipality in South Africa. Wind energy as a resource is abundant in many areas of South Africa and areas to set wind farms for optimum harness of wind power were identified using GIS, remote sensing and multi-criteria decision making techniques. Wind speed, distance from settlements, distance from main roads, distance from national, slope and land use/land cover were chosen as the factors to consider in selecting a suitable site. Data was collected from South Africa Weather Services, University of Fort Hare and online free data sources. Thematic maps for all the factors were developed in ArcGIS and fed into Nkonkobe Municipality database developed for the study. Thematic maps were assigned weights before being overlaid using weighted overlay tool. Weights for the factors were determined using Analytical hierarchy Process‘ pairwise comparison approach. Weighted overlay of the thematic maps produced a map showing suitable areas based on the weight influence of each factor. The output map was compared to results obtained from using Boolean approach and weighted sum method as a way of checking the accuracy of obtained suitable sites. Results showed there are three sites that can be used for setting up wind farms in the study area. , Thesis (MSc) (Applied Remote Sensing and GIS) -- University of Fort Hare, 2015
- Full Text:
- Authors: Gwena, Jay
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Geographic information systems http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh90001880 , Remote sensing http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85112798 , Renewable energy sources http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85112837
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19420 , vital:43082
- Description: Issues relating to energy use, renewable energy introduction and climate change have received a lot of attention from governments throughout the world in the past two decades. Many developing nations like South Africa heavily rely on coal and other non-renewable resources for their production of energy. The processing of the non-renewable resources into secondary energy forms is according to many energy experts a chief contributor to climate change. Climate change is affecting agricultural production in many developing countries that entirely rely on rainfall for their production. The loss in production in South Africa is increasing the level of poverty in low-income earners and unemployed people. Also a lot of households found in rural areas of South Africa have no access to electricity. Electricity in South Africa is generated and distributed by Eskom a state owned company. In April 2008 Eskom failed to meet power demand and started introducing load shedding to maintain and upgrade their power plants. The load shedding stopped for while and was introduced again in 2014 when the power utility faced the challenge of failing to produce power to meet demand again due to problems with their power stations. The ongoing energy provision problems in South Africa can be alleviated by introducing alternative sources like renewable energy. Introduction of renewable energy in poorly developed areas like Nkonkobe Municipality can help households‘ access electricity and reduce load on the national grid. The aim of this study was to locate suitable sites for setting up wind farms in Nkonkobe municipality in South Africa. Wind energy as a resource is abundant in many areas of South Africa and areas to set wind farms for optimum harness of wind power were identified using GIS, remote sensing and multi-criteria decision making techniques. Wind speed, distance from settlements, distance from main roads, distance from national, slope and land use/land cover were chosen as the factors to consider in selecting a suitable site. Data was collected from South Africa Weather Services, University of Fort Hare and online free data sources. Thematic maps for all the factors were developed in ArcGIS and fed into Nkonkobe Municipality database developed for the study. Thematic maps were assigned weights before being overlaid using weighted overlay tool. Weights for the factors were determined using Analytical hierarchy Process‘ pairwise comparison approach. Weighted overlay of the thematic maps produced a map showing suitable areas based on the weight influence of each factor. The output map was compared to results obtained from using Boolean approach and weighted sum method as a way of checking the accuracy of obtained suitable sites. Results showed there are three sites that can be used for setting up wind farms in the study area. , Thesis (MSc) (Applied Remote Sensing and GIS) -- University of Fort Hare, 2015
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A content analysis of readers' comments on political and economic news articles: a study of Zimbabwe online media
- Mathe, Limukani https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6776-0683
- Authors: Mathe, Limukani https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6776-0683
- Date: 2015-01
- Subjects: Journalistic ethics -- Zimbabwe , Electronic journals -- Zimbabwe , Social media -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29267 , vital:77709
- Description: A qualitative content analysis was used to study readers’ comments on political and economic news articles of Zimbabwe online media. The study focused on readers’ comments published on NewZimbabwe.com, Herald.co.zw, Nehandaradio.com and Zimeye.com. Discourse theory, framing theory and network analysis were applied to extend and inform the analysis of the online discursive community. A purposive sampling technique was used to extract 400 comments in a time frame of sixteen weeks. Nvivo 10 was utilised to code these readers’ comments into their political and economic categories. The research findings reflect that readers are more interactive and participative on online public forums, and their political and economic discourse echo political affiliations with either ZANU-PF or MDC. Readers have different perspectives on political and economic matters such as, the economic meltdown, diaspora, and western influence, abuse of power by those in high places, land reform programme, political power struggles, violence and corruption in Zimbabwe. , Thesis (MSoc.Sci) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2015
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mathe, Limukani https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6776-0683
- Date: 2015-01
- Subjects: Journalistic ethics -- Zimbabwe , Electronic journals -- Zimbabwe , Social media -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29267 , vital:77709
- Description: A qualitative content analysis was used to study readers’ comments on political and economic news articles of Zimbabwe online media. The study focused on readers’ comments published on NewZimbabwe.com, Herald.co.zw, Nehandaradio.com and Zimeye.com. Discourse theory, framing theory and network analysis were applied to extend and inform the analysis of the online discursive community. A purposive sampling technique was used to extract 400 comments in a time frame of sixteen weeks. Nvivo 10 was utilised to code these readers’ comments into their political and economic categories. The research findings reflect that readers are more interactive and participative on online public forums, and their political and economic discourse echo political affiliations with either ZANU-PF or MDC. Readers have different perspectives on political and economic matters such as, the economic meltdown, diaspora, and western influence, abuse of power by those in high places, land reform programme, political power struggles, violence and corruption in Zimbabwe. , Thesis (MSoc.Sci) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2015
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A revenue generation model for adoption of voice telephony applications
- Authors: Mazwi, Sekelo P Lusanda
- Date: 2015-01
- Subjects: Internet telephony , Telecommunication systems
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25530 , vital:64331
- Description: Amongst various Voice Telephony Applications discovered, IBM India has developed the Spoken Web which enables voice commerce capabilities that are ideally suitable for underprivileged rural communities. Admittedly, these communities are barred from fully utilising ICT enabled electronic commerce services such as the Internet for business marketing processes as a consequence of poor literacy and financial constraints. The advent of Voice Telephony Applications aids accessibility and participation of the underprivileged rural communities to the ICT world. It should be noted that users are not compelled to be computer savvy to make voice calls, but high voice call costs are the deterrent. Therefore, devising an appropriate Revenue Generation Model would enhance the accessibility and participation of the underprivileged rural communities to the ICT world. As guided by the Design Science Approach, and the Diffusion of Innovations and Social Exchange theories, this research project has discovered and applied five models such as the Freemium, Affiliation, Advertising, Incentives-driven and Subsidy within each development stage of Spoken Web. This research project is of the idea that reimbursing content providers through supporting the proposed Revenue Generation Model as a de facto solution will help in reducing voice call costs to the users of Voice Telephony Applications in future. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2015
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mazwi, Sekelo P Lusanda
- Date: 2015-01
- Subjects: Internet telephony , Telecommunication systems
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25530 , vital:64331
- Description: Amongst various Voice Telephony Applications discovered, IBM India has developed the Spoken Web which enables voice commerce capabilities that are ideally suitable for underprivileged rural communities. Admittedly, these communities are barred from fully utilising ICT enabled electronic commerce services such as the Internet for business marketing processes as a consequence of poor literacy and financial constraints. The advent of Voice Telephony Applications aids accessibility and participation of the underprivileged rural communities to the ICT world. It should be noted that users are not compelled to be computer savvy to make voice calls, but high voice call costs are the deterrent. Therefore, devising an appropriate Revenue Generation Model would enhance the accessibility and participation of the underprivileged rural communities to the ICT world. As guided by the Design Science Approach, and the Diffusion of Innovations and Social Exchange theories, this research project has discovered and applied five models such as the Freemium, Affiliation, Advertising, Incentives-driven and Subsidy within each development stage of Spoken Web. This research project is of the idea that reimbursing content providers through supporting the proposed Revenue Generation Model as a de facto solution will help in reducing voice call costs to the users of Voice Telephony Applications in future. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2015
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An evaluation of the impact of communication on service delivery and customer satisfaction in selected municipalities, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Tyembile, Sandiso
- Date: 2015-01
- Subjects: Community development -- South Africa , Human services , Political participation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26270 , vital:65226
- Description: Local government has a legal obligation and a political responsibility to ensure regular and effective communication with the community. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act 1996 and other statutory enactments all impose an obligation on local government communicators and require high levels of transparency, accountability, openness, participatory democracy and direct communication with the communities to improve service delivery and the lives of all. However, this study was to assess the impact of communication on service delivery and customer satisfaction in the selected municipalities in Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The research involved the collection of qualitative and quantitative data through simple random and convenience samplings. The data were collected using survey questionnaires, focus groups and in-depth interviews at two municipalities namely; Lukhanji local municipality and Intsika Yethu local municipality. Subsequently, data were analysed using descriptive and Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) and through thematic analysis. The findings of this study showed that municipal executive, management, supervisors and the citizens or customers value communication in government because it gives support to service delivery and most of the communication programmes are effective. Nevertheless, the findings showed that a lot still needs to be done to improve municipal communication and also ensure more direct engagements and feedback with the communities. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2015
- Full Text:
- Authors: Tyembile, Sandiso
- Date: 2015-01
- Subjects: Community development -- South Africa , Human services , Political participation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26270 , vital:65226
- Description: Local government has a legal obligation and a political responsibility to ensure regular and effective communication with the community. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act 1996 and other statutory enactments all impose an obligation on local government communicators and require high levels of transparency, accountability, openness, participatory democracy and direct communication with the communities to improve service delivery and the lives of all. However, this study was to assess the impact of communication on service delivery and customer satisfaction in the selected municipalities in Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The research involved the collection of qualitative and quantitative data through simple random and convenience samplings. The data were collected using survey questionnaires, focus groups and in-depth interviews at two municipalities namely; Lukhanji local municipality and Intsika Yethu local municipality. Subsequently, data were analysed using descriptive and Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) and through thematic analysis. The findings of this study showed that municipal executive, management, supervisors and the citizens or customers value communication in government because it gives support to service delivery and most of the communication programmes are effective. Nevertheless, the findings showed that a lot still needs to be done to improve municipal communication and also ensure more direct engagements and feedback with the communities. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2015
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An examination of human resource management strategies and their contribution to effective local government systems in Zimbabwe
- Mutongoreni, Noah Ariel https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6039-6241
- Authors: Mutongoreni, Noah Ariel https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6039-6241
- Date: 2015-01
- Subjects: Personnel management , Local government--Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24024 , vital:62299
- Description: The study sought to examine human resource management strategies and their contributions to effective local government systems in Manicaland, Zimbabwe. Local government in Zimbabwe, though being nearest to the people, is showing evidence of failure to discharge its mandate. Various factors have been used to explain the reasons behind local government‘s failures to provide services. None of these have touched on the role played by people management in ensuring local government performance. This was notwithstanding the fact that towards the last two decades of the twentieth century research emerged glorifying human resources as the source of organizational excellence. Consequently, being motivated by the fact that good people management strategies lead to excellent organizational performance, attention in this study focused on people management strategies in local government in Zimbabwe. The study adopted a mixed approach with a strong inclination towards qualitative methodology. The data was gleaned from documents from local authorities, interviews, focus group interviews and questionnaire surveys. The study focused on local authorities in Manicaland Province. The results of the study confirmed the existence of human resource management strategies in local authorities in Manicaland, Zimbabwe. The human resource management strategies have however not resulted in excellent performance of local authorities. The reason behind this is attributable to severe resource constraints. Excellent people management strategies were found to be on paper as there were no resources to support them. The dearth of resources in local authorities was found to be attributed to the economic, political, legal and social factors engulfing the local government system in Zimbabwe. Consequently, local government in Zimbabwe remain stressed and in dire need of a ―Lazarus moment‖. There is an engineer with skills to construct dams to quench the thirst souls in the city but there are no resources to construct the dams. The fireman‘s truck rushes to quench a fire outbreak only to arrive at the scene with no water. In view of this, the study recommends that the review of the local government legal framework be speeded up and more autonomy be granted to local authorities. Such a review would have a bearing on the notion of decentralization, democratization and consequently economic development. In addition, government must seriously consider setting aside a portion of its budget towards support of local authorities. v Where democratic ethos exists, there is transparency, accountability, the rule of law and responsiveness. The human resource in local government would in turn promote democracy and excellence. Other strategies such as granting of garnishing powers to local authorities as well as giving their police arresting would further nourish their resource base. When this happen people management strategies would contribute to effective local government systems in Zimbabwe. Further studies on the contribution of human resource management strategies in effective local government systems after the complete overhaul of the current legislative regime would nonetheless be of interest to researchers. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2015
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mutongoreni, Noah Ariel https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6039-6241
- Date: 2015-01
- Subjects: Personnel management , Local government--Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24024 , vital:62299
- Description: The study sought to examine human resource management strategies and their contributions to effective local government systems in Manicaland, Zimbabwe. Local government in Zimbabwe, though being nearest to the people, is showing evidence of failure to discharge its mandate. Various factors have been used to explain the reasons behind local government‘s failures to provide services. None of these have touched on the role played by people management in ensuring local government performance. This was notwithstanding the fact that towards the last two decades of the twentieth century research emerged glorifying human resources as the source of organizational excellence. Consequently, being motivated by the fact that good people management strategies lead to excellent organizational performance, attention in this study focused on people management strategies in local government in Zimbabwe. The study adopted a mixed approach with a strong inclination towards qualitative methodology. The data was gleaned from documents from local authorities, interviews, focus group interviews and questionnaire surveys. The study focused on local authorities in Manicaland Province. The results of the study confirmed the existence of human resource management strategies in local authorities in Manicaland, Zimbabwe. The human resource management strategies have however not resulted in excellent performance of local authorities. The reason behind this is attributable to severe resource constraints. Excellent people management strategies were found to be on paper as there were no resources to support them. The dearth of resources in local authorities was found to be attributed to the economic, political, legal and social factors engulfing the local government system in Zimbabwe. Consequently, local government in Zimbabwe remain stressed and in dire need of a ―Lazarus moment‖. There is an engineer with skills to construct dams to quench the thirst souls in the city but there are no resources to construct the dams. The fireman‘s truck rushes to quench a fire outbreak only to arrive at the scene with no water. In view of this, the study recommends that the review of the local government legal framework be speeded up and more autonomy be granted to local authorities. Such a review would have a bearing on the notion of decentralization, democratization and consequently economic development. In addition, government must seriously consider setting aside a portion of its budget towards support of local authorities. v Where democratic ethos exists, there is transparency, accountability, the rule of law and responsiveness. The human resource in local government would in turn promote democracy and excellence. Other strategies such as granting of garnishing powers to local authorities as well as giving their police arresting would further nourish their resource base. When this happen people management strategies would contribute to effective local government systems in Zimbabwe. Further studies on the contribution of human resource management strategies in effective local government systems after the complete overhaul of the current legislative regime would nonetheless be of interest to researchers. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2015
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Assessing the preparation, induction and professional development experiences of teacher educators in Botswana and South Africa: recommendations for an andragogically based model
- Kasozi, Joseph Amooti https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0978-2171
- Authors: Kasozi, Joseph Amooti https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0978-2171
- Date: 2015-01
- Subjects: Teachers -- In-service training , Teachers -- Training of -- South Africa , Education -- Botswana
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24643 , vital:63388
- Description: Research evidence points to the fact that in most countries teacher educators enter the field of teacher education with little or no preparation (Abell, 1997;Ntoyi≤fuka, 2001; Robinson & Macmillan, 2006; Snoek, Swennen and van der Klink, 2009). Yet, it is argued that the teacher is the single most important factor determining the achievement of learners and the quality of education (UNESCO, 2008; Snoek, Swennen and van der Klink, 2009; Smith, 2010). Sadly, however, most countries and teacher education institutions have paid little or no attention to the preparation, induction and professional development of those who train these teachers, that is, the teacher of the teachers or the teacher educators (Martinez, 2008; Santoro, Mayer, Mitchell, & White, 2009; European Commission, 2010; van Velzen, van der Klink, Swennen, Yaffe, 2010). This situation probably arises from the general belief that good school teachers are good teacher educators and therefore there is no need to worry about their preparation, induction and professional development. This is the basis upon which this research is premised. A mixed methods approach was used to research the following questions: • How are teacher educators in Botswana and South Africa inducted and developed as teachers of adults? • How do the teacher educators (in Botswana and South Africa) adjust their teaching practice to cater for the needs of their students who are adults? • What recommendations can be made to improve the preparation, induction and professional development of teacher educators as teachers of adult student teachers? The sites for the study were four institutions (two faculties of education, one located in Botswana and another in South Africa, and two colleges of education located in Botswana). Out of a possible total of 316 teacher educators at the four institutions 128 responded to a close ended questionnaire that required them to indicate their autobiographic details, experiences as teachers and teacher educators, and their preparation, induction and professional development as teacher educators. In addition 12 teacher educators with varying experiences in teacher education were interviewed. The purpose of the interviews was to record the experiences of their preparation, induction and professional development as teacher educators. Furthermore, literature from various sources was consulted about the topic under study. The results confirmed the earlier assertion that there is very little attention paid to the preparation, induction and professional development of teacher educators in the institutions that were studied. Literature also indicated a similar pattern in most teacher education institutions in Botswana and South Africa. Based on the findings, it is recommended that the preparation, induction and professional development of teacher educators be conducted following the andragogical model. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, 2015
- Full Text:
- Authors: Kasozi, Joseph Amooti https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0978-2171
- Date: 2015-01
- Subjects: Teachers -- In-service training , Teachers -- Training of -- South Africa , Education -- Botswana
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24643 , vital:63388
- Description: Research evidence points to the fact that in most countries teacher educators enter the field of teacher education with little or no preparation (Abell, 1997;Ntoyi≤fuka, 2001; Robinson & Macmillan, 2006; Snoek, Swennen and van der Klink, 2009). Yet, it is argued that the teacher is the single most important factor determining the achievement of learners and the quality of education (UNESCO, 2008; Snoek, Swennen and van der Klink, 2009; Smith, 2010). Sadly, however, most countries and teacher education institutions have paid little or no attention to the preparation, induction and professional development of those who train these teachers, that is, the teacher of the teachers or the teacher educators (Martinez, 2008; Santoro, Mayer, Mitchell, & White, 2009; European Commission, 2010; van Velzen, van der Klink, Swennen, Yaffe, 2010). This situation probably arises from the general belief that good school teachers are good teacher educators and therefore there is no need to worry about their preparation, induction and professional development. This is the basis upon which this research is premised. A mixed methods approach was used to research the following questions: • How are teacher educators in Botswana and South Africa inducted and developed as teachers of adults? • How do the teacher educators (in Botswana and South Africa) adjust their teaching practice to cater for the needs of their students who are adults? • What recommendations can be made to improve the preparation, induction and professional development of teacher educators as teachers of adult student teachers? The sites for the study were four institutions (two faculties of education, one located in Botswana and another in South Africa, and two colleges of education located in Botswana). Out of a possible total of 316 teacher educators at the four institutions 128 responded to a close ended questionnaire that required them to indicate their autobiographic details, experiences as teachers and teacher educators, and their preparation, induction and professional development as teacher educators. In addition 12 teacher educators with varying experiences in teacher education were interviewed. The purpose of the interviews was to record the experiences of their preparation, induction and professional development as teacher educators. Furthermore, literature from various sources was consulted about the topic under study. The results confirmed the earlier assertion that there is very little attention paid to the preparation, induction and professional development of teacher educators in the institutions that were studied. Literature also indicated a similar pattern in most teacher education institutions in Botswana and South Africa. Based on the findings, it is recommended that the preparation, induction and professional development of teacher educators be conducted following the andragogical model. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, 2015
- Full Text:
Copper dithiocarbamate complexes and copper sulfide nanoparticles : Synthesis, characterization and antifungal studies
- Botha, Nandipha Loveness https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8353-3512
- Authors: Botha, Nandipha Loveness https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8353-3512
- Date: 2015-01
- Subjects: Copper sulfide , Complex compounds , Nanoparticles
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24283 , vital:62598
- Description: Six dithiocarbamate ligands were synthesized from anisidine, aniline, ethyl aniline, butyl amine, morpholine and piperidine and used to synthesize homoleptic copper(II) dithiocarbamate complexes. The ligands and their corresponding complexes were characterized by conductivity measurement, FTIR and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The ligands were further characterized using NMR spectroscopy. The electronic spectra of the complexes showed that the coordination geometries around the Cu2+ ion is four coordinate square planar. FTIR spectroscopic studies indicated that the dithiocarbamate ligands are bidentately coordinated to the copper ion through the sulfur atoms with the C-S stretching frequencies changing from two peaks in the ligands to single sharp peaks in the corresponding metal complexes. The complexes were used as single source precursors to synthesize copper sulfide nanoparticles. All the six complexes were thermolysed at 180 oC to prepare copper sulfide nanoparticles and three of them were further thermolysed at 120 oC to study the effects of temperature on size and shape of the nanoparticles. All the nanoparticles were characterized with UV-Vis, PL, XRD, TEM, SEM and EDX. The optical properties of the as-prepared CuS nanoparticles showed that they are quantum confined with absorption band edges that are blue shifted compared to bulk CuS and all the as-prepared CuS nanoparticles showed narrow emission curves. The XRD diffraction patterns were indexed to the hexagonal covellite CuS crystalline phase with estimated particle sizes of 15.8-23.24 nm. These sizes are significantly different from the values, 3.02-98.94 nm obtained from TEM studies. The TEM images also showed nanoparticles with varied shapes with some agglomerations. SEM micrographs showed that the morphologies of the nanoparticles are mostly smooth surfaces and EDX spectra analyses confirmed the formation of the nanoparticles. Thermolysis of three of the complexes at 120 oC confirmed that temperature do affect the optical and structural properties of the CuS nanoparticles. Only three complexes soluble in DMSO were screened for their antimicrobial activity. Three complexes C1, C4 and C5 were screened against four fungi organisms, namely: Candida rugosa, Candida neoformans, Candida albicans and Trychophyton mucoides. All the compounds were promising as shown by the minimum inhibitory concentrations determined. C5 was the most active compound against all the organisms. They were also screened against four bacteria organisms and they were all active but not as they were against fungi organisms. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2015
- Full Text:
- Authors: Botha, Nandipha Loveness https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8353-3512
- Date: 2015-01
- Subjects: Copper sulfide , Complex compounds , Nanoparticles
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24283 , vital:62598
- Description: Six dithiocarbamate ligands were synthesized from anisidine, aniline, ethyl aniline, butyl amine, morpholine and piperidine and used to synthesize homoleptic copper(II) dithiocarbamate complexes. The ligands and their corresponding complexes were characterized by conductivity measurement, FTIR and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The ligands were further characterized using NMR spectroscopy. The electronic spectra of the complexes showed that the coordination geometries around the Cu2+ ion is four coordinate square planar. FTIR spectroscopic studies indicated that the dithiocarbamate ligands are bidentately coordinated to the copper ion through the sulfur atoms with the C-S stretching frequencies changing from two peaks in the ligands to single sharp peaks in the corresponding metal complexes. The complexes were used as single source precursors to synthesize copper sulfide nanoparticles. All the six complexes were thermolysed at 180 oC to prepare copper sulfide nanoparticles and three of them were further thermolysed at 120 oC to study the effects of temperature on size and shape of the nanoparticles. All the nanoparticles were characterized with UV-Vis, PL, XRD, TEM, SEM and EDX. The optical properties of the as-prepared CuS nanoparticles showed that they are quantum confined with absorption band edges that are blue shifted compared to bulk CuS and all the as-prepared CuS nanoparticles showed narrow emission curves. The XRD diffraction patterns were indexed to the hexagonal covellite CuS crystalline phase with estimated particle sizes of 15.8-23.24 nm. These sizes are significantly different from the values, 3.02-98.94 nm obtained from TEM studies. The TEM images also showed nanoparticles with varied shapes with some agglomerations. SEM micrographs showed that the morphologies of the nanoparticles are mostly smooth surfaces and EDX spectra analyses confirmed the formation of the nanoparticles. Thermolysis of three of the complexes at 120 oC confirmed that temperature do affect the optical and structural properties of the CuS nanoparticles. Only three complexes soluble in DMSO were screened for their antimicrobial activity. Three complexes C1, C4 and C5 were screened against four fungi organisms, namely: Candida rugosa, Candida neoformans, Candida albicans and Trychophyton mucoides. All the compounds were promising as shown by the minimum inhibitory concentrations determined. C5 was the most active compound against all the organisms. They were also screened against four bacteria organisms and they were all active but not as they were against fungi organisms. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2015
- Full Text:
Implications of the protection of state information bill on government accountability: a critical analysis of governance in post-apartheid South Africa
- Authors: Obi, Maryjane Chukwunyem
- Date: 2015-01
- Subjects: Government accountability , Transparency in government , Post-apartheid era -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25874 , vital:64560
- Description: The study explores the following research questions; the nature of State access to and restriction of information during the apartheid era, the tenets of democratic leadership and good governance in the new dispensation in South Africa and the possible consequences of the Bill in its present form on democratic principles of accountability and transparency in South Africa. In terms of the methodology, the study critically analysed some sections of the Protection of State Information Bill-B6-2010 in relation to the principles of accountability and transparency in a democratic South Africa in accordance to the Bill of Rights enshrined in the Constitution section 32. The study recommends that government could include “public interest clause to the current Bill. This is to ensure that the public are able to play their Constitutional role, in which they are able to hold government accountable for the decisions taken and also help foster a system of government that is accountable, transparent, open, efficient and responsive to the Constitutional needs of the public. In addition, the study also recommends that government should consider the reduction of the period within which information may be declassified. It suggests that it should be reduced from 20 to 10 years in order to ensure that democratic government provides its citizens with information that is timely in making an informed decision in relation to governance. The study further recommends that the appeal process for information before the court of law should be done by an independent judge. This is to ensure that the court of law performs its duties without interference from government representatives and that it carries out its duties in a fair manner as envisaged or enshrined in section 34 of the Constitution in the Bill of Rights. The study further recommends that government should ensure that the current information Bill in the new dispensation should hold the elected delegates appointed by the Head of State accountable. This is to ensure that transparency and accountability is promoted at all level in government. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce , 2015
- Full Text:
- Authors: Obi, Maryjane Chukwunyem
- Date: 2015-01
- Subjects: Government accountability , Transparency in government , Post-apartheid era -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25874 , vital:64560
- Description: The study explores the following research questions; the nature of State access to and restriction of information during the apartheid era, the tenets of democratic leadership and good governance in the new dispensation in South Africa and the possible consequences of the Bill in its present form on democratic principles of accountability and transparency in South Africa. In terms of the methodology, the study critically analysed some sections of the Protection of State Information Bill-B6-2010 in relation to the principles of accountability and transparency in a democratic South Africa in accordance to the Bill of Rights enshrined in the Constitution section 32. The study recommends that government could include “public interest clause to the current Bill. This is to ensure that the public are able to play their Constitutional role, in which they are able to hold government accountable for the decisions taken and also help foster a system of government that is accountable, transparent, open, efficient and responsive to the Constitutional needs of the public. In addition, the study also recommends that government should consider the reduction of the period within which information may be declassified. It suggests that it should be reduced from 20 to 10 years in order to ensure that democratic government provides its citizens with information that is timely in making an informed decision in relation to governance. The study further recommends that the appeal process for information before the court of law should be done by an independent judge. This is to ensure that the court of law performs its duties without interference from government representatives and that it carries out its duties in a fair manner as envisaged or enshrined in section 34 of the Constitution in the Bill of Rights. The study further recommends that government should ensure that the current information Bill in the new dispensation should hold the elected delegates appointed by the Head of State accountable. This is to ensure that transparency and accountability is promoted at all level in government. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce , 2015
- Full Text:
Indigenous knowledge systems and gender relations interface and its implications for food security: the case of Khambashe rural households in the Amathole District, South Africa
- Garutsa, T C https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1904-2764
- Authors: Garutsa, T C https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1904-2764
- Date: 2015-01
- Subjects: Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Indigenous peoples -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26581 , vital:65660
- Description: The aim of this study was to find out about how the intersection of indigenous knowledge systems and gender relations affects food security in the rural households of the Khambashe village in the Eastern Cape. The focus is on food security-related indigenous knowledge utilized by women rather than the general indigenous knowledge of the people in the Eastern Cape. Ample literature exists on food security and gender, food security and indigenous knowledge systems and the role of gender dynamics in the application of indigenous knowledge systems. However, there is dearth of literature on studies on the role of the indigenous knowledge systems-gender relations interface in food security. Hence this study was directed at investigating the indigenous knowledge systems-gender dynamics interplay and its implications for food security and sustainable development with specific reference to the rural households of Khambashe village of the Eastern Cape Province. Furthermore, the study seeks to determine factors accounting for the attrition of women’s indigenous knowledge in food production systems of the Khambashe rural households. The main position advanced in this thesis is that domination coupled with marginalisation of women and indigenous knowledge systems by hegemonic Western power/knowledge and traditional African practices account for challenges faced by rural households with regard to food security and sustainable livelihoods. Put differently, the core argument of this study is that the intersection between gender and indigenous knowledge systems has two opposing possibilities for food security. On the one hand, through the various roles of women in the application of indigenous knowledge systems in rural areas, the indigenous knowledge and gender relations interplay can operate to enhance the likelihood of achieving sustainable rural livelihoods and hence food security. On the other hand, gender oppression, subjugation, exclusion and marginalization through various practices such as the utilization of discriminatory patriarchal cultural values and norms can inhibit the application of the rich folk knowledge reservoir of ideas held by women in food production processes. Key illustrative examples of the constraints imposed by cultural traditions that pose problems for the realization of sustainable rural livelihoods are cultural practices which prohibit women to inter alia own and inherit land. These cultural practices also deprive women the liberty to make their own decisions without the consultation of men despite being sole providers of their own households. In other words, lack of access to assets and other resources owing to the marginalization of local knowledge by the dominant Western-based scientific knowledge systems and culturally-derived gender discriminatory practices make the role of women in the process of utilizing indigenous knowledge systems for the purposes of food security difficult. The theoretical framework of this study is drawn from the post-development discourse derived from Foucault’s archaeology of power and knowledge, ecofeminism and African feminism. Such a framework has a utility to reinvigorate marginalised indigenous knowledge and thereby help women reclaim their leadership in processes of ensuring food security. In a situation where indigenous knowledge systems have been excluded and subjugated by the dominant Western knowledge systems, an extended post-development discourse of this nature is transformative. While Foucault’s theory will provide key insights around power/knowledge dynamics and issues, ecofeminism and African feminism will extend these insights in the exploration of the patterns of power in both the knowledge and gender relations domains. In fact interactions in food production processes are embedded in systematized knowledge and traditional gender relations. Hence, in order to ensure a deep-going analysis of these phenomena, Foucault’s framework on power/knowledge is augmented by the ideas of ecofeminism and African feminism owing to the fact that systems of domination whether in the knowledge arena or gender relations domain are responsible for the challenges relating to food secure households and sustainable rural livelihoods. The rationale for this approach is that subjugation and marginalization of indigenous knowledge systems by Western hegemonic power/knowledge coupled with exclusionary and discriminatory practices of patriarchal cultural values is seen as inhibiting the proper application of indigenous knowledge in food production processes. The extended post-development discourse adopted for this study takes into consideration the fact that oppression and discrimination the world over has taken the Foucauldian power/knowledge dimension in the sense that women in rural African settings are not only prevented by Western science from the application of indigenous knowledge for the development of sustainable livelihoods but that their own cultural traditions are also a hindrance towards them owning land and property, making their own decisions without recourse to men and exercising their own authority. A mixed method approach combining qualitative and quantitative research design was utilized in order to gain a full grasp of nuances of the interface between indigenous knowledge and gender dynamics in food production processes in Khambashe. This methodological triangulation was used for purposes of enhancing the capturing of comprehensive data and a holistic understanding of food security issues in the area. Further, owing to the fact that survey questionnaires as research instruments would have not given a voice to women as key research participants and that the deployment of in-depth interviews alone as research tools would have compromised the generalizability of the findings of the study, each of the two research methods were to confirm, clarify, complement, enhance and elaborate the research results of the other. In other words, in order to counterbalance the limitation of questionnaires with regard to artificiality and not affording a voice to research participants in-depth interviews were conducted. The lack of generalizability of the latter was compensated by the high degree of representativity afforded by the use of the former (that is, questionnaires). As already indicated above, the study setting for the empirical data was the Khambashe village in the Eastern Cape. Information gathered included the more positive effects of the IK-gender relations interplay on food security covered in Chapter 7. This chapter described and analysed the various roles women play inter alia animal husbandry, crop production, creation and utilization of indigenous technology in food production processes and in post-harvesting practices. In contrast, chapter 8 investigated and discusses the various constrains which account for the hindrance in the operationalization of IK in food production processes by women. Chief among the identified constrains in Khambashe are the marginalization of local knowledge by hegemonic Western science and the discriminatory traditional practices. The research results of this study show that despite the key role of women in the application of local knowledge, practices and technologies in food production processes, the penetration, colonization and domination of the African socio-economic and cultural sphere by the West has resulted in the deterioration in the use of indigenous knowledge. Imperialistic Western knowledge masquerading as modern science and technology manifested in inter alia chemical fertilizers and modified food is a constraint to the utility of women’s indigenous knowledge and practices that ensures both food security and sustainable development. In view of the fact that failure to utilize readily available indigenous knowledge, practices and technologies owing to the marginalisation of local epistemes by Western science and the discriminatory African traditional practices and gender relations has led to further impoverishment of rural communities, there is a need to both empower women and to revitalize their indigenous knowledge for purposes of food security and sustainable development in rural areas such as Khambashe. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences & Humanities, 2015
- Full Text:
- Authors: Garutsa, T C https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1904-2764
- Date: 2015-01
- Subjects: Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Indigenous peoples -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26581 , vital:65660
- Description: The aim of this study was to find out about how the intersection of indigenous knowledge systems and gender relations affects food security in the rural households of the Khambashe village in the Eastern Cape. The focus is on food security-related indigenous knowledge utilized by women rather than the general indigenous knowledge of the people in the Eastern Cape. Ample literature exists on food security and gender, food security and indigenous knowledge systems and the role of gender dynamics in the application of indigenous knowledge systems. However, there is dearth of literature on studies on the role of the indigenous knowledge systems-gender relations interface in food security. Hence this study was directed at investigating the indigenous knowledge systems-gender dynamics interplay and its implications for food security and sustainable development with specific reference to the rural households of Khambashe village of the Eastern Cape Province. Furthermore, the study seeks to determine factors accounting for the attrition of women’s indigenous knowledge in food production systems of the Khambashe rural households. The main position advanced in this thesis is that domination coupled with marginalisation of women and indigenous knowledge systems by hegemonic Western power/knowledge and traditional African practices account for challenges faced by rural households with regard to food security and sustainable livelihoods. Put differently, the core argument of this study is that the intersection between gender and indigenous knowledge systems has two opposing possibilities for food security. On the one hand, through the various roles of women in the application of indigenous knowledge systems in rural areas, the indigenous knowledge and gender relations interplay can operate to enhance the likelihood of achieving sustainable rural livelihoods and hence food security. On the other hand, gender oppression, subjugation, exclusion and marginalization through various practices such as the utilization of discriminatory patriarchal cultural values and norms can inhibit the application of the rich folk knowledge reservoir of ideas held by women in food production processes. Key illustrative examples of the constraints imposed by cultural traditions that pose problems for the realization of sustainable rural livelihoods are cultural practices which prohibit women to inter alia own and inherit land. These cultural practices also deprive women the liberty to make their own decisions without the consultation of men despite being sole providers of their own households. In other words, lack of access to assets and other resources owing to the marginalization of local knowledge by the dominant Western-based scientific knowledge systems and culturally-derived gender discriminatory practices make the role of women in the process of utilizing indigenous knowledge systems for the purposes of food security difficult. The theoretical framework of this study is drawn from the post-development discourse derived from Foucault’s archaeology of power and knowledge, ecofeminism and African feminism. Such a framework has a utility to reinvigorate marginalised indigenous knowledge and thereby help women reclaim their leadership in processes of ensuring food security. In a situation where indigenous knowledge systems have been excluded and subjugated by the dominant Western knowledge systems, an extended post-development discourse of this nature is transformative. While Foucault’s theory will provide key insights around power/knowledge dynamics and issues, ecofeminism and African feminism will extend these insights in the exploration of the patterns of power in both the knowledge and gender relations domains. In fact interactions in food production processes are embedded in systematized knowledge and traditional gender relations. Hence, in order to ensure a deep-going analysis of these phenomena, Foucault’s framework on power/knowledge is augmented by the ideas of ecofeminism and African feminism owing to the fact that systems of domination whether in the knowledge arena or gender relations domain are responsible for the challenges relating to food secure households and sustainable rural livelihoods. The rationale for this approach is that subjugation and marginalization of indigenous knowledge systems by Western hegemonic power/knowledge coupled with exclusionary and discriminatory practices of patriarchal cultural values is seen as inhibiting the proper application of indigenous knowledge in food production processes. The extended post-development discourse adopted for this study takes into consideration the fact that oppression and discrimination the world over has taken the Foucauldian power/knowledge dimension in the sense that women in rural African settings are not only prevented by Western science from the application of indigenous knowledge for the development of sustainable livelihoods but that their own cultural traditions are also a hindrance towards them owning land and property, making their own decisions without recourse to men and exercising their own authority. A mixed method approach combining qualitative and quantitative research design was utilized in order to gain a full grasp of nuances of the interface between indigenous knowledge and gender dynamics in food production processes in Khambashe. This methodological triangulation was used for purposes of enhancing the capturing of comprehensive data and a holistic understanding of food security issues in the area. Further, owing to the fact that survey questionnaires as research instruments would have not given a voice to women as key research participants and that the deployment of in-depth interviews alone as research tools would have compromised the generalizability of the findings of the study, each of the two research methods were to confirm, clarify, complement, enhance and elaborate the research results of the other. In other words, in order to counterbalance the limitation of questionnaires with regard to artificiality and not affording a voice to research participants in-depth interviews were conducted. The lack of generalizability of the latter was compensated by the high degree of representativity afforded by the use of the former (that is, questionnaires). As already indicated above, the study setting for the empirical data was the Khambashe village in the Eastern Cape. Information gathered included the more positive effects of the IK-gender relations interplay on food security covered in Chapter 7. This chapter described and analysed the various roles women play inter alia animal husbandry, crop production, creation and utilization of indigenous technology in food production processes and in post-harvesting practices. In contrast, chapter 8 investigated and discusses the various constrains which account for the hindrance in the operationalization of IK in food production processes by women. Chief among the identified constrains in Khambashe are the marginalization of local knowledge by hegemonic Western science and the discriminatory traditional practices. The research results of this study show that despite the key role of women in the application of local knowledge, practices and technologies in food production processes, the penetration, colonization and domination of the African socio-economic and cultural sphere by the West has resulted in the deterioration in the use of indigenous knowledge. Imperialistic Western knowledge masquerading as modern science and technology manifested in inter alia chemical fertilizers and modified food is a constraint to the utility of women’s indigenous knowledge and practices that ensures both food security and sustainable development. In view of the fact that failure to utilize readily available indigenous knowledge, practices and technologies owing to the marginalisation of local epistemes by Western science and the discriminatory African traditional practices and gender relations has led to further impoverishment of rural communities, there is a need to both empower women and to revitalize their indigenous knowledge for purposes of food security and sustainable development in rural areas such as Khambashe. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences & Humanities, 2015
- Full Text:
Municipal governance and the space for meaningful engagement: local government, citizenship and public participation in Amahlati and great Kei Municipalities
- Sokupa, Thabile https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2265-477X
- Authors: Sokupa, Thabile https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2265-477X
- Date: 2015-01
- Subjects: Municipal government--South Africa--Eastern Cape , Local government--South Africa--Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25107 , vital:63978
- Description: Since the dawn of democracy in 1994 and the subsequent adoption of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa in 1996, new forms of “wall to wall” municipalities were created throughout South Africa in 2000 and given a mandate of a local developmental sphere. The founding blocks of this was through the creation of the three spheres of government mechanism, namely national, provincial and local, each sphere of government was regarded as distinctive, interrelated and interdependent from one another. The local government sphere however has since mid-2000’s been marred by persistent service delivery protests throughout the country, in recent years the service delivery protests have been accompanied by violence and intimidation. The Eastern Cape Province has not been spared from this phenomenon, media reports, independent monitoring think tanks and yearly statistical results released by the South African Police Service (SAPS) through the ‘Gatherings Act’ indicates that service delivery protests in the province has been on an upward trend on yearly basis since the mid-2000’s. But much more detail is required in understanding the causes behind what are sometimes termed “civil unrest.” The thesis attempts to highlight trends regarding reasons for protest, methods of protest, and the profiling of areas where the protests occur. The findings would meaningfully contribute to the local government discourse and foster alternative mechanisms of engaging communities through better governance and development mechanism by local authorities. The ultimate goal is to create alternative solutions in addressing communities’ needs at local level for policy makers. Currently there is an existing gap in investigating service delivery protests especialy in rural municipalities, most of the municipal research findings and policies are predominantly urban oriented and are not tailor made in addressing rural community’s needs on governance and development. Although the South African Constitution makes provision on steps to be followed on governance and development at local level both vertical and horizontal integration, the Constitution is however silent on addressing governance and development needs of rural communities. As a result of this silence, rural municipalities are confined to develop policies that are not specific to their local needs. Hence the research was conducted in rural communities of Amahlathi and Great Kei municipalities respectively through mixed methods between quantitative and qualitative research. The thesis primarily sought to assess the actual nature and content of forms of engagement in the current public participation discourse at the two municipalities and perceptions thereof of communities on this matter. The information gathered in this research is intended to provide policy makers and those with interests on local government with a better understanding on the dynamics of public participation involvement and service delivery protests on rural based municipalities. The research also seeks to generate new information, insights and perspectives on service delivery protests in order to develop alternative strategies in addressing and minimising service delivery protests. This would assist local government practitioners on the one hand, with planning and implementing a focused approach on governance and development for communities while on the other, introduce an alternative perspective that is evidence based for policy makers. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2015
- Full Text:
- Authors: Sokupa, Thabile https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2265-477X
- Date: 2015-01
- Subjects: Municipal government--South Africa--Eastern Cape , Local government--South Africa--Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25107 , vital:63978
- Description: Since the dawn of democracy in 1994 and the subsequent adoption of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa in 1996, new forms of “wall to wall” municipalities were created throughout South Africa in 2000 and given a mandate of a local developmental sphere. The founding blocks of this was through the creation of the three spheres of government mechanism, namely national, provincial and local, each sphere of government was regarded as distinctive, interrelated and interdependent from one another. The local government sphere however has since mid-2000’s been marred by persistent service delivery protests throughout the country, in recent years the service delivery protests have been accompanied by violence and intimidation. The Eastern Cape Province has not been spared from this phenomenon, media reports, independent monitoring think tanks and yearly statistical results released by the South African Police Service (SAPS) through the ‘Gatherings Act’ indicates that service delivery protests in the province has been on an upward trend on yearly basis since the mid-2000’s. But much more detail is required in understanding the causes behind what are sometimes termed “civil unrest.” The thesis attempts to highlight trends regarding reasons for protest, methods of protest, and the profiling of areas where the protests occur. The findings would meaningfully contribute to the local government discourse and foster alternative mechanisms of engaging communities through better governance and development mechanism by local authorities. The ultimate goal is to create alternative solutions in addressing communities’ needs at local level for policy makers. Currently there is an existing gap in investigating service delivery protests especialy in rural municipalities, most of the municipal research findings and policies are predominantly urban oriented and are not tailor made in addressing rural community’s needs on governance and development. Although the South African Constitution makes provision on steps to be followed on governance and development at local level both vertical and horizontal integration, the Constitution is however silent on addressing governance and development needs of rural communities. As a result of this silence, rural municipalities are confined to develop policies that are not specific to their local needs. Hence the research was conducted in rural communities of Amahlathi and Great Kei municipalities respectively through mixed methods between quantitative and qualitative research. The thesis primarily sought to assess the actual nature and content of forms of engagement in the current public participation discourse at the two municipalities and perceptions thereof of communities on this matter. The information gathered in this research is intended to provide policy makers and those with interests on local government with a better understanding on the dynamics of public participation involvement and service delivery protests on rural based municipalities. The research also seeks to generate new information, insights and perspectives on service delivery protests in order to develop alternative strategies in addressing and minimising service delivery protests. This would assist local government practitioners on the one hand, with planning and implementing a focused approach on governance and development for communities while on the other, introduce an alternative perspective that is evidence based for policy makers. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2015
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Risk factors associated with developing asthma and tuberculosis: a case study of a hospital, Lagos Nigeria
- Authors: Adeniji, Tolulope Olubunmi.
- Date: 2015-01
- Subjects: Diseases -- Risk factors -- Nigeria , Tuberculosis -- Nigeria -- Epidemiology , Asthma -- Treatment -- Nigeria
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29010 , vital:76454
- Description: The purpose of the study is to assess risk factors associated with developing asthma and tuberculosis. A quantitative study was conducted on 133 randomly selected tuberculosis respondents, 91 of whom were suffering from TB at the time of the study. 120 respondents were also selected randomly for asthma of which 82 were asthmatic. Data were collected by using a self-structured questionnaire. The statistical analysis was done with the statistical package for social sciences SPSS, version 18 using the descriptive statistics and logistic regression model. Findings from the study show that a large percentage of the participants for both diseases were male, and the carriers of the diseases were also mostly male. Amongst the factors assessed, smoking, a weak immune system and a history of contact with tuberculosis infected persons were factors independently associated with developing tuberculosis. In the case of asthma, family history, smoking and exposure to allergen irritants were the factors independently associated with developing the disease.The findings highlight the need for increasing awareness through information, education and communication to address the risk factors of tuberculosis and asthma in order to decrease the rate of outspread. Factors triggering asthma among humans should be avoided. Since tuberculosis can be contracted through person to person contact, proper sanitation and regular medical attention are advocated for safeguarding personal and public health. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2015
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- Authors: Adeniji, Tolulope Olubunmi.
- Date: 2015-01
- Subjects: Diseases -- Risk factors -- Nigeria , Tuberculosis -- Nigeria -- Epidemiology , Asthma -- Treatment -- Nigeria
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29010 , vital:76454
- Description: The purpose of the study is to assess risk factors associated with developing asthma and tuberculosis. A quantitative study was conducted on 133 randomly selected tuberculosis respondents, 91 of whom were suffering from TB at the time of the study. 120 respondents were also selected randomly for asthma of which 82 were asthmatic. Data were collected by using a self-structured questionnaire. The statistical analysis was done with the statistical package for social sciences SPSS, version 18 using the descriptive statistics and logistic regression model. Findings from the study show that a large percentage of the participants for both diseases were male, and the carriers of the diseases were also mostly male. Amongst the factors assessed, smoking, a weak immune system and a history of contact with tuberculosis infected persons were factors independently associated with developing tuberculosis. In the case of asthma, family history, smoking and exposure to allergen irritants were the factors independently associated with developing the disease.The findings highlight the need for increasing awareness through information, education and communication to address the risk factors of tuberculosis and asthma in order to decrease the rate of outspread. Factors triggering asthma among humans should be avoided. Since tuberculosis can be contracted through person to person contact, proper sanitation and regular medical attention are advocated for safeguarding personal and public health. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2015
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