Enablements and constraints of articulation arrangements and agreements between technical and vocational education and training colleges and one Comprehensive University in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Mantashe, Lunga Xolisa https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1711-8358
- Date: 2020-01
- Subjects: Articulation (Education) , Technical education , Vocational education
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21624 , vital:51736
- Description: This study explored enablements and constraints of Articulation Arrangements and Agreements (AAAs) between Technical and Vocational Education and Training Colleges (TVETs) and one Comprehensive University (CU) in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The constructs of structure, culture, and agency as propounded by Margaret Archer were employed as the theoretical lens of the study. Each of Archer’s constructs is independent and their dynamic interplay has causal influence on whether AAAs are facilitated or hindered. A qualitative single embedded case study design was applied, owing to the interpretivist paradigm the research chose. To this end, seven participants were purposively chosen and interviewed, and two university documents were analyzed, namely the draft University Articulation Guidelines (UAGs) and the university general prospectus. It was found that there were no formal, written, or even verbal TVET-CU agreements. Articulation happened on an ad hoc basis. The change of role-players in the institutional role array played a role in the non-existence and collapse of AAAs. On admissions, challenges included disparate requirements between National Senior Certificate and National Certificate Vocational. Nevertheless, articulation-enabling practices manifested themselves in the credit transfer decisions of participants. However, the Work Integrated Learning (WIL) component of a TVET national diploma programme enjoyed no parity with non-TVET and university cosrordinated experiential learning in some departments. In addition, there were nuanced views over the (inherent) value of WIL which affected its ultimate treatment. Finally, the study found that though TVET-university national diploma programmes were somewhat similar and enabled AAAs, they were still misaligned at the level of design and interface, resulting in duplication of content, waste of time, and state resources. The university also did not have TVET programmes in mind in the design and review of programmes. The researcher deduced a conceptual framework for understanding and explaining how and why TVET-university AAAs succeed or fail. The framework touts the importance of having knowledgeable, articulation- cultured and acculturated leadership and officials (responsible for admissions, credit transfer, and RPL) as crucial for exploiting structural enablements and creatively circumventing inherent structural constraints, including challenging subtle ideas which may wittingly or unwittingly harbor views of TVET programmes as inferior. To this end, it is suggested that there be an establishment of an articulation office to coordinate AAAs that take a form of a hybrid model whereby there would be a combination of multilateral, direct in-house, and franchise TVET-CCU AAAs. The framework should also resolve programme design alignment issues by incorporating CAT and RPL principles, including other articulation instruments during curriculum analysis. RPL should equally be applied in the treatment of TVET WIL. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, 2020
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Integration of nanostructured metal sulfides into titanium (iv) oxide for high performance dye sensitized solar cell
- Authors: Agoro, Adedoyin Mojeed
- Date: 2020-01
- Subjects: Nanostructured materials , Sulfur compounds
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21523 , vital:48857
- Description: The work in this thesis describes synthesis, characterization and integration of nanostructured metal sulfides into titanium (IV) oxide for high performance dye sensitized solar cell. The synthesised single source precursors were evaluated using TGA, FTIR, , UV-Vis, PL,1H and 13CNMR, SEM, EDS, HRTEM, XRD, AFM, Raman, I-V, CV, Bode plot and EIS. TGA revealed the thermal degradation and quantified the mass percentage of metal sulphides as 33percent, 45percent and 27percent for CuS, PbS and SnS nanoparticles, respectively. FTIR analysis showed bands at 1580-1450 cm-1, and 1060-940 cm-1 tentatively assigned to C-N and C-S stretching frequencies correspondingly. The (M-S) stretching was observed at 577-406 cm-1 for the complexes using bis(N-di-isopropyl-N-octyldithiocarbamato) as primary ligands. IR spectra of bis(N-1,4-phenyl-N-(4-morpholinedithiocarbamato) as secondary ligands suggested the presence of (C-N) vibrations at 1508-1513 cm-1 for the complexes and 1507-1584 cm-1 for the ligands. The bands in the region of 973-1030 cm-1 were assigned to the complexes and 974- 983 cm-1 were attributed to the ligands, whereas vibration frequencies at 416-625 cm-1 were Nelson's Choice were included in these preliminary variety trials (PVTs) as checks. Twenty-five hybrids expressing high values for the Smith – Hazel selection index were identified across sites over years. Among those hybrids were two checks, namely Q16 (PAN5Q649R) and Q33 (Phb31MO7BR). The top five high – yielding hybrids selected based on the selection index were considered to be the most productive, stable and adaptable based on the GGE biplot and AMMI stability values. None of these single cross hybrids over yielded the best hybrid check (Q16) in the current study. A high potential environment, Centane, was the ideal environments for evaluating genotypes in the present study. The studies showed inbred lines L22, L23, L26, L28, L25, L29 and L31 to be low N stress tolerant at 0 kg N ha-1 based on the low N stress tolerance indices under glasshouse and the field conditions; they were also among the top ten grain-yielders under field conditions at 0 kg N ha-1. Also, in the NUE study, they were found to be among the top ten most N-efficient inbred lines under low N soils, under 30 kg N ha-1, and were among the top twenty-four inbred lines with high NUE values across the N levels in the study. Inbred lines L29 and L22 also produced testcross hybrids that were among the top twenty based on GY under 0 kg N ha-1. The testcross hybrids produced from these inbred lines were also among the top twenty-five with outstanding SCA effects for GY. These inbred lines were also parental lines of some of the top twenty- five best hybrids selected based on the Smith – Hazel selection index in the PVT study. Inbred lines L22, L23, L26, L28, L25, L29 and L31 can therefore further be evaluated and used as sources of N-tolerance genes in QPM breeding programs. tentatively assigned to M-S bond in the complexes. UV-Vis spectroscopy analysis for the complexes and from primary and secondary ligands are between within the range of 338 – 340 nm. PL studies of the primary ligands with metal complexes indicated emissions at 464 nm, 462 nm, 462 nm for Pb(II) and Sn(II), and Cu(II). The presence of secondary ligands was revealed by the absorption peaks at 455, 456 and 457 nm, exhibiting both the signals and chemical constituents of the respective ligands and their corresponding complexes. The electrochemistry in chapters 3 and 4 reveals that phase angle in the Bode plots changes with frequencies for Sn(II) complexes at 58, 57 and 8 respectively. Bode plots showed remarkable electronics of Cu(II) and Pb(II) complex interfaces. The CV curves exhibit two kinds of redox peaks indicating reduction at the negative potentials and oxidation at the positive potentials. The EIS, electrodes produced Rct for Pb(II), Cu(II) and Sn(II) electrodes in chapter 3. Moreover The EIS revealed that Sn(II) sensitizer displaced a stronger chemical capacitance and improved efficiency which could lead to better electron lifetime yield. The obtained CV exhibited anodic and cathodic peaks for Pb(II), connoting a reduction in Pb2+ and oxidation in Pb2-. Bode plot phase angle displayed Sn(II) and Pb(II) with maxima phase, indicating the presence of time constants of the electrode processes in Bis(N-1,4-Phenyl-N-Morhpo-dithiocarbamato bis(Mo/1,4-PHDTC) complexes. From the results in chapter 4, the XRD patterns exhibited good crystalline nature of CuS as a result of sharp and strong diffraction peaks obtained. There are eight peaks of 2θ angle between 26° and 79° relating to orthorhombic structure of SnS. While PbS has a cubic structure with polycrystalline nature, PbS/HDA and PbS both correspond to their crystalline planes of (200), (111), (220), (311), (222), (400), (331), (420) and (422) affirming to PbS QDs structure. SnS/HDA and SnS photosensitizers displayed eleven peaks between the values of 27.02° to 66.05° for SnS/HDA and 26.03° to 66.04° for SnS, in confirming the orthorhombic structure. SEM analysis revealed hexagonal structure for CuS, while PbS and SnS exhibited mesoporous nanostructures with spherical nanoparticles. HRTEM images indicated spherical nano-particles with particle sizes in the range of 3.14 - 44.39 nm. The outcome of HRTEM analysis revealed crystallite sizes varying as 10.90 – 11.57 nm, 3.14 – 5.95 nm and 14.96 – 44.39 nm for the CuS, PbS and SnS, originated from the primary ligands. HRTEM images originating from the Bis(N-1,4-Phenyl-N-Morhpo-dithiocarbamato bis(Mo/1,4-PHDTC) complexes indicated spherical nano-particles with particle sizes of 3.14 - 44.39 nm. Raman images in chapter 5 revealed the presence of Raman active modes of E2g 66 cm-1 and 304, cm-1 and E1g 627 cm-1 and 706 cm-1 for CuS, the active modes of TO 65 cm-1 and 2LO 626 cm-1 for PbS, active modes of B1g 69 cm-1 for SnS and 266 cm-1 for Ag. From the AFM results in chapter 5, CuS photosensitizer displayed a smooth surface and particle estimated to be 0.50 μm and height profile of 12percent. The PbS photosensitizer exhibited particle size of 1.82 μm and 0.654 μm for PbS/HDA, depicting a regular crystal growth rate. The size distribution of SnS nanoparticle at 357 nm connotes smooth surface and good compactness on the substrate. However, SnS/HDA at 122 nm displayed shape and size of non-symmetrical particles. AFM analysis in chapter 8 revealed good size roughness for CuS film. PbS exhibited particle size of 365 nm and size height of 18percent as the smoothest film, while PbS/HDA revealed 1.22 um size with 9percent size height. The evaluated particle sizes varied as 0.11- 1.18 um for SnS/HDA and 0.054 – 0.54 um for SnS films grown at 360 ℃ with size height of 16.8 and 8.4percent. The I-V efficiency obtained indicated that the CuS exhibited a much better efficiency in the QDSCs with higher Voc and the highest η being 2.85percent compared to CuS/HDA and Cu(II). High JSC of 11 mA/cm has been observed in the PbS/HDA QDSSCs, compared to the PbS and Pb(II) cells. The SnS/HDA exhibited a better performance compared to SnS and Sn(II) sensitizers due to the presence of HDA capping agent. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2020
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Cultivation, nutritional and pharmacological evaluation of Celosia argentea (L) Kuntze: an endangered wild vegetable in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
- Authors: Adegbaju, Oluwafunmilayo Dorcas
- Date: 2019-09
- Subjects: Celosia , Edible greens
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19806 , vital:43250
- Description: Green leafy vegetables are important in human nutrition, but their cultivation is limited to a few staple ones. These vegetables possess high nutritious and therapeutic properties that could help in achieving nutritional security and alleviating the burden of some diseases. A typical example is Celosia argentea, which in South Africa, is little known and grossly under-utilized despite its numerous nutritional and pharmacological values. The present study investigated the cultivation, nutritional and pharmacological potentials of C. argentea at three stages of maturity of two trials. Evaluation of cultivation in the greenhouse towards possible domestication of C. argentea included seed viability test, seed germination under varying temperatures (5, 10, 15, 20 25 30, 35, 40°C), light conditions (continuous light, continuous darkness, alternating light and dark (12h light/12 dark photoperiod) and sowing depths (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5cm). The nutritional evaluation assessed the proximal, mineral, vitamins and antinutrient content of the plant; while pharmacological potentials of C. argentea were evaluated by investigating the ultramorphology, phytochemical content, anti-oxidant, antimicrobial, toxicity and cell-based anti-inflammatory properties of the plant at different stages of growth. Germination experiment revealed that optimum seed germination requirements for C. argentea were 25°C, alternating light and dark regime and a sowing depth of 1cm. Microrphological assessment of C. argentea revealed that the leaves were amphistomatic; with the abaxial surface having higher stomata density. Characteristic, distinguishing protuberances were observed at the polar ends of the stomata on the adaxial surface of the plant epidermis, and the major elements on the foliar epidermis were beryllium, carbon, oxygen and potassium; while pigmentation and colouration, showing localization of bioactive compounds were mostly at the site where trichomes were abundant. Growth parameters and yield potential (plant height, stem girth, leaf area, number of leaves, number of branches, number of days to flowering, number of flowers as well as dry and fresh weight) of C. argentea showed that for agricultural practices on the field, increase in growth parameters should be expected around 4-5 weeks after transplanting while higher yield should be expected around 7-9 weeks after transplanting. The results encouraged cultivation during summer or late spring for best farm management. Proximal, mineral, vitamins and anti-nutrients content of C. argentea at three different maturity stages of two trials were performed using AOAC, ALASA and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer techniques. Results revealed that the pre-flowering stage of growth had the highest ash (28.15± 0.10 percent) and crude protein (25.80 ± 0.20 percent) contents. While post-flowering stage had the highest carbohydrate (28.51± 0.20 percent and 36.16± 0.22 percent), crude fibre (33.41± 0.87 percent) and energy (435.28± 27.6 percent) with low fat and moisture (8.43± 0.15 percent and 6.35±0.09 percent) contents respectively; while no marked demarcation in most mineral contents in all the growth stages was observed. Zinc was highest at the flowering stage of growth, while vitamin contents decreased as the plant approached maturation. Antinutrients content of the plant was not dependent on growth stage. Total phenols, flavonoids and proanthocyanidin content of C. argentea were evaluated colourimetrically, while the antioxidant potency of the aqueous, acetone and methanolic extracts was measured using 2,2 diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) models. All the solvent extracts of the flowering stage had the highest total phenolic (80.75±4.21GAE/g), flavonoids (946.19±7.87QE/mg) and proanthocyanidin contents (100.90±1.29 CE/g); with the acetone extracts showing significantly higher phytochemical content. The flowering stage exhibited the best radical inhibitory activity, with the methanol extract having the highest scavenging power for ABTS and DPPH radicals, while acetone extract showed the highest inhibition against FRAP and highest total antioxidant capacity. The antimicrobial potential of the aqueous acetone and methanolic extracts of C. argentea evaluated using agar dilution method against six bacteria (Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus cereus) and four fungal strains (Candida glabarata, Candida albicans and Penicillium aurantiogriseum and Penicillium chrysogenum) showed that Streptococcus pyrogenes and P. aeruginosa were susceptible to the methanol extracts of all the growing phases of both trials at 10 mg/mL; while Klebsiella pneumoniae was susceptible at 10 mg/mL to only the methanol post-flowering extracts of both trials. C. albicans and P. aurantiogriseum were highly susceptible to all the extracts. Possible toxicity evaluated using brine shrimp lethality assay and calculation of LC50 against brine shrimp nauplii revealed that C. argentea was not toxic at any stage of maturity at all concentrations evaluated. Anti-inflammatory activities and cytotoxicity of C. argentea extracts evaluated using RAW 264.7 macrophages and 3T3-L1 cell lines revealed that the acetone extract of the flowering stage had moderate anti-inflammatory activity with no significant toxicity against activated macrophages. Findings from this study indicate that C. argentea is a safe functional leafy vegetable of high nutritional and pharmacological importance which can easily be cultivated and domesticated in South Africa. This could significantly alleviate the burden of micronutrient deficiencies among pre-school children in rural communities. , Thesis (PhD) (Botany) -- University of Fort Hare, 2019
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Studies on vine storage methods, planting techniques, paclobutrazol treatment, planting density and weevil management on sweetpotato (ipomoea batatas l.lam) cultivars promoted in South Africa
- Authors: Hlerema, Igenicious Nicholas https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6111-404X
- Date: 2019-09
- Subjects: Sweet potatoes , Seed treatment
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21580 , vital:49336
- Description: Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L. LAM) is a major world staple food. It is a versatile, nutrient-rich crop well suited for production by emerging farmers, and thus a popular crop in subtropical parts of South Africa. The crop has several advantages such as producing more bioweight and nutrients per unit land area and per unit time than most other staple crops such as maize; adaptation to a broad range of agro-ecological conditions; and ability to compete and crowd out weeds, and affected by a relatively small number of pests and diseases. Root and vine yields achieved by emerging farmers are low and cultivation systems need to be optimized. The general objective of the research was to develop nursery practices that ensure a sustainable supply of sweetpotato planting materials and cultural practices that maximize yield, eating and nutritional quality of sweetpotato roots. The specific objectives were (i) to evaluate the effect of polyethylene and hessian bags on vine quality and vine survival period; (ii) to compare planting techniques and vine length; (iii) to determine the effect of paclobutrazol on storage root yield; and (iv) to evaluate the effect of Beauveria bassiana as biological control for sweetpotato weevil. The vine storage experiment aimed at identifying the best type of storage bags that keep the vines of “Bophelo”, an orange-fleshed sweetpotato cultivar in good quality for a longer period of time. The study involved two factors, viz storage bag type and storage period. The experiment tried to address (1) a sustainable seed system in sweetpotato and (2) production stimulated by cultural practises. Vines were stored in polyethylene bag without holes, polyethylene bag with 12 holes and dry hessian bag over 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 days at an ambient temperature of 250C. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was calculated to determine the cost-effectiveness of using the polyethylene bags with holes or without and the hessian bags. The results of the study showed that hessian bags store vines over a longer period (12 days) compared to the polyethylene bags without holes (6 days); however, hessian bags are more expensive. Polyethylene bags can still be used for transporting and storing vines if the farmer is within a short distance from the seed source and plants the vines within the 6 day period. Polyethylene bags with 12 holes are recommended since they allow maximum air circulation and extend storage period (9 days). Optimum planting techniques can help sweetpotato farmers to achieve optimal yields. Newly developed cultivars from the Agricultural Research Council have not been tested to determine the best planting techniques. A trial was conducted to investigate the effect of two planting orientations (horizontal and vertical) and different vine length (2, 3 and 4 subterranean nodes) of 3 released varieties, Blesbock, Bophelo and Ndou on storage root yield of sweetpotato. A factorial experiment was laid out in a randomised complete block design with three replications during two cropping seasons (2014/15 and 2015/16). The data collected in both experiments included total storage root yield, marketable storage root yield, and number of storage roots per size class. Significant differences were detected for the interaction of all factors on the number roots per size class, total storage root yield, and total average root weight. Vertical and horizontal planting per se showed no significance differences for all the sweetpotato root growth parameters such as total yield. However, the more the number of subterainian node the more yield we got for the commercial cultivar Blesbok. Paclobutrazol (PBZ) is a plant growth retardant hormone. This hormone might, therefore, be useful for sweetpotato growers to achieve higher plant populations per hectare because it would reduce the plant canopy. However, it should also be checked if the PBZ application does not affect nutrient content of roots and leaves, especially the beta-carotene content of the orange-fleshed cultivars. The objective of this study was, therefore, to determine the effect of PBZ on sweetpotato shoot growth, storage root yield and beta-carotene content of sweetpotato leaves and storage roots. The field trial was repeated over two seasons, namely 2014/15 and 2015/16 crop seasons. These field experiments were arranged as a split plot experiment. The main plots were allocated to four PBZ levels, laid-out as randomised complete block design, and treatment combinations of two cultivars (Bophelo and Blesbok) and two plants spacing (20 cm and 30 cm) were randomly allocated into the subplots. The PBZ levels applied were 0, 100, 200 and 300 mg of active ingredient per litre of water, sprayed 4 weeks after planting. Root yield and bioweight accumulation were recorded. In addition, a pot experiment was set up using cultivar Bophelo and 0 mg, 100 mg and 200 mg/l active ingredient of PBZ sprayed 4 weeks after planting. Leaf and root samples (150g and 400g of a composite sample respectively) were collected and analysed for total phenols, total flavonoids, vitamin C and beta-carotene. The field trial results revealed significant differences (P<0.05) in leaf and stem weight of the plants treated with different PBZ levels applied. The control (0 mg PBZ rate) had the highest leaf and stem weight. There were no significant differences in root yield among the PBZ levels. The results of leaf and root analysis for the Bophelo cultivar showed significant differences (P<0.05) in total phenols, total flavonoids, vitamin C and beta-carotene in leaf samples of the three levels of PBZ applied. The beta-carotene for the leaf increased at the 100 mg/l PBZ level. As the paclobutrazol level increased there was a reduction in the beta-carotene content for the roots from 18,91 to 13,97 to 10,77 mg/100g dry weight for 0 mg/l, 100 mg/l and 200mg/l, respectively. Application of PBZ to sweetpotato reduces the bioweight yield but does not have an effect on the root yield. Thus a higher plant density can be used to achieve higher yield and returns on investment. The leaves can be used as a relish and can be sold to supplement income. However, PBZ further reduces the beta-carotene content of the roots and is not recommended for use with orange-fleshed cultivars, where the objective is to enrich food with vitamin A. Sweetpotato weevils (Cylas puncticollis and C. formicarius) are notorious pests of sweetpotato. It causes severe losses in marketable root yield. The study tested the use of Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo Vuillemin) (Deuteromycota: Hyphomycetes) for controlling sweetpotato weevils. Experiments were conducted over two cropping seasons using four treatments: 1) dipping sweetpotato cuttings in solution of 1 g/litre B. bassiana before planting, 2) spraying with a registered chemical (Deltametrin) at 50 ml/100 litre of water starting 2 weeks after panting at biweekly basis for four months after planting, 3) spraying the leaves with B. bassiana (10 g/100 litre) starting 2 weeks on biweekly basis for four months after planting; and 4) control (sprayed with water). The research was arranged as split plot experiment, where the pest management treatments assigned to the main plots as per Latin square design and the three sweetpotato cultivars (Bophelo, Ndou and Blesbok) were randomly put in the subplot in each main plot. Spraying with B. bassiana significantly reduced the percentage of insect-damaged roots (9.95percent) compared to the control (22.48percent). Dipping sweetpotato cuttings in solution of 1 g/litre B. bassiana before planting did not significantly reduce the number of insect damaged roots (18.63percent insect damage). There was no significant difference between the chemical spray (8.2percent insect damage) and spraying with B. bassiana (9.95percent insect damage). The investigation indicated that B. bassiana can be considered as an alternative control method for the sweetpotato weevil. Use of biological control is less expensive and beneficial to reduce adverse effects on the environment and human health. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2019
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Surveillance study on pathogenic Acinetobacter species in freshwater environment of the Amathole and Chris Hani District Municipalities, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Adewoyin, Mary Ayobami
- Date: 2019-09
- Subjects: Acinetobacter infections , Acinetobacter , Nosocomial infections
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19836 , vital:43257
- Description: This study evaluates the occurrence of medically relevant Acinetobacter species in three rivers, namely; Keiskamma, Tyhume and Great Fish in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa in one year sampling regime (April 2017 - March 2018). The physicochemical parameters (pH, temperature (TEM), electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), salinity (SAL), total suspended solids (TSS), turbidity (TBS), dissolved oxygen (DO) and biological oxygen demand (BOD)) of the water bodies were measured. The presumptive Acinetobacter species recovered from the freshwater resources were recorded and further confirmed using molecular techniques. Similarly, confirmed isolates were subjected to speciation using species-specific primer sets for A. baumannii and A. nosocomialis. Also, virulence genes namely; afa/draBC, epsA, fimH, OmpA, PAI, sfa/focDE, and traT in the two Acinetobacter species were also determined using molecular method. In addition, the antibiogram characteristics of A. baumannii and A. nosocomialis isolated from the water samples were determined using standard methods. The antibiotic susceptibility test was performed using a panel of 12 antibiotics belonging to the aminoglycosides (amikacin, AK and gentamicin, GM), β-lactam/β-lactamase-inhibitor combinations (piperacillin-tazobactam, PTZ), cephems (ceftazidime, CAZ, cefotaxime, CTX, and cefepime, CPM), carbapenems (imipenem, IMI and meropenem, MEM), fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, CIP), folate pathway inhibitors (Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, TS), lipopeptides (Polymyxin B, PB) and tetracyclines (tetracycline, TET). Similarly, antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) present in the Acinetobacter isolates were investigated including aminoglycoside resistance genes (aacC2, aphA1 and aphA2), β-lactamases resistance genes (blaTEM, blaSHV, blaOXA-1-like, blaCTX-M(GROUP 1), blaCTX-M(GROUP 2), blaCTX-M(GROUP 9), blaVEB, blaGES, blaPER, blaCTX-M-8/-25, blaOXA-48-like, blaVIM, blaIMP and blaKPC), fluoroquinolones resistance genes (qnrA, qnrB, qnrC, qnrD and qnrS), sulfonamide resistance genes (sul1 and sul2), and tetracycline resistance genes (tetA, tetB, tetC, tetM, tetL and tetO). The pH, EC, TDS, SAL, TEMP, TSS, TBS, DO, and BOD for Tyhume River ranged as follows: 7.2-7.7, 125-141 μS/cm, 62-71mg/L, 0.06- 0.07 PSU, 11.3-20.2oC, 30.0-89.6 mg/L, 35.0-96.0 NTU, 8.2-9.8 mg/L, 2.0-4.2 mg/L, while for Great Fish River, the parameters were 8.0-8.2, 274-369 μS/cm, 137-184mg/L, 0.13-0.18PSU, 12.7-22.3oC, 44.3-99.4 mg/L, 48.0-214.0 NTU, 7.8-9.9 mg/L, 3.1- 4.9 mg/L, and at Keiskamma River they were 7.5-7.9, 153.2-285.0 μS/cm, 86-143 mg/L, 0.07-0.14 PSU, 11.0-21.4oC, 27.0- 55.6 mg/L, 31-61 NTU, 8.3-9.8 mg/L, 3.0-6.0 mg/L. A total of 1107 presumptive Acinetobacter spp. were recovered from the rivers sampled of which 428, 370 and 309 isolates were recovered from Tyhume, Great Fish and Keiskamma rivers respectively. However, only 844 was confirmed positive for the genus Acinetobacter and are recovered in the proportions 285 (77 percent), 219 (70.9 percent) and 340 (79 percent) from Great Fish, Keiskemma and Tyhume rivers respectively. Our finding revealed that 410 (48.58 percent) and 23 (2.7 percent) of the isolates were confirmed to be A. baumannii and A. nosocomalis respectively. Also, 308 (75.12 percent percent) A. baumannii and 3 (13.04 percent) A. nosocomialis isolates exhibited one or more virulence genes out of the seven tested, whereas 102 (24.88 percent) and 20 (86.95 percent) of the A. baumannii and A. nosocomialis isolates did not harbour any virulence gene. Additionally, OmpA was the most prevalent (p<0.05) virulence gene found in A. baumannii with 69 (45.10 percent), 52 (50.98 percent) and 77 (49.68 percent) isolates from Great Fish, Keiskamma and Tyhume rivers respectively. The rates of susceptibilities of A. baumannii and A. nosocomialis to the antibiotics followed the order; Piperacillin-tazobactam (72.8 percent ; 73.9 percent), Ceftazidime (70.5 percent ; 91.3 percent), Cefotaxime (16.8 percent ; 17.4 percent), Cefepime (88.5 percent ; 95.7 percent), Imipenem (95.9 percent ; 100 percent ), Meropenem (92.7 percent ; 91.3 percent), Amikacin (97.6 percent ; 91.3 percent), Gentamicin (89.8 percent ; 87 percent), Polymyxin B (84.4 percent ; 91.3 percent), Tetracycline (74.7 percent ; 78.3 percent), Ciprofloxacin (75.9 percent ; 78.3 percent) and Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (74.0 percent ; 73.9 percent) respectively. Both A. baumannii and A. nosocomialis were highly susceptible to all the antimicrobials tested except cefotaxime where 64 percent and 78 percent intermediate responses were observed in the species. At least 10 isolates of A. baumannii were resistant against each of the antibiotics used. The modal multiple antibiotics resistance phenotypes (MARPs) for Acinetobacter spp. was MARP 3 (29.87 percent) and the least was MARP 10 and 11 (2.6 percent each). The antimicrobial resistance index (ARI) was higher at two sampling sites KE2 (0.33) and TY1 (0.22). Similarly, MARI showed that sampling sites KE2 was a hotspot for multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter spp. Of the five classes of ARGs studied, there was a widespread of β-lactamases (blaTEM) in the two Acinetobacter species, followed by sul2, which were detected in 67 (63.2 percent) and 44 (49.4 percent) isolates respectively, across the rivers studied. We conclude that aquatic resources of the study community are important reservoirs of pathogenic Acinetobacter species and antibiotic resistance determinants. The occurrence of clinically-important Acinetobacter species suggests possible contamination of these selected rivers which are consumed by humans and livestock, as well as being used for irrigation system, and this constitutes a risk to public health. It also shows that A. baumannii and A. nosocomialis can thrive in the aquatic environment. This study suggests that direct utilization of water from these sources for domestic and other purposes without any form of pre-treatment should be avoided. It is, therefore, necessary for regulatory authorities to monitor the release of domestic and industrial wastewater into these water bodies in order to prevent outbreaks of epidemics. , Thesis (PhD) (Microbiology) -- University of Fort Hare, 2019
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Post-conflict reconstruction and development in South Sudan
- Authors: Annan, David https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9199-102X
- Date: 2019-08
- Subjects: Peace-building , Conflict management , South Sudan -- Politics and government -- 2011-
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19925 , vital:44486
- Description: The primary goal of this study was to identify possibilities for a common ground for reconciliation and restoring law and order through internally driven post-conflict reconstruction and development (PCRD) in South Sudan to prevent the recurrence of violent conflict and to attain peace, socio-economic and sustainable development. The existing literature about PCRD is mainly written by authors, policymakers and scholars who mostly support externally driven interventions and operations of ready-made ‘solutions’ to complex problems in war-torn countries without exploring internally driven approval to solve these conflicts. It is because of the failure of these externally driven approaches and the absence of a common goal for reconciliation that this study has been conceived to explore alternative approaches for reconciliation and post-conflict settlement to restore responsible law and order, build resilient good governance and to build legitimate state institutions in South Sudan. To better understand in-conflict and post-conflict societies and their needs, the study uses a qualitative methodology approach through explorative and interpretative mechanisms to purposely put together face-to-face interviews of people’s opinions on the current civil conflict in South Sudan. The findings indicate that for peace to be restored there is a need for an internally national dialogue and reconciliation and external actors must support locally driven initiation to enable lasting peace to prevail in South Sudan. The research uses cosmopolitan conflict transformation resolution (CCTR) to demonstrate perspective and knowledge of the South Sudanese on peace-building to provide an alternative contribution to efficient intervention in the South Sudan conflict. Without peace there cannot be effective lasting development and without development, it is almost impossible to establish lasting peace. Hence, the study views PCRD more as a sustainable development intervention through an internally driven approach than a market-biased political process to prevent relapse of violent conflict in South Sudan. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2019
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Profitability and technical efficiency of small-scale organic crop farmers’ in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
- Authors: Eyinade, Gabriel A https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8851-7255
- Date: 2019-08
- Subjects: Organic farming , Farms, Small
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23633 , vital:58229
- Description: Organic farming is growing gradually in South Africa. Its contribution to economic growth and poverty mitigation is notably in the pastoral areas in terms of providing adequate and affordable food for the incessantly growing population. Organic farming is also known for provision of employment and source of livelihoods for the rural populace as well as supply of raw materials to the country’s agro-allied industrial sector. For the purposes of this research, focus was only on profitability and technical efficiency because it is an essential subject in developing agriculture where resources are limited, but high population growth is very common. As a result, increased output will rely more on efficiency enhancements which will further intensify farmers’ income. As such, evaluating the extent for such efficiency enhancements within the system is a crucial prerequisite. The objective of the study was to assess the profitability and technical efficiency; and to identify socio-economic, institutional and farm characteristics that influence profitability and the technical efficiency of the small-scale organic crop farmers in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM). A purposive sampling technique was used to collect primary data from 160 small-scale organic crop farmers in BCMM. The gross margin estimation was used to estimate profitability, while multivariate Ordinary Least Square (OLS) was used to assess socio-demographic factors influencing profitability. The stochastic frontier model was used to determine the level of technical efficiency as well as the determinants of technical inefficiency of the farmers. The results of the gross margin estimation show that the small-scale organic maize (GM= R392 417.00) and cabbage (R196 489.00) farms were profitable. Similarly, the results of the OLS showed that one out of the eight variables namely, farming experience influences organic maize producers’ profitability, while factors such as gender, household size, and educational level emerged as the major significant factors influencing organic cabbage producers’ profitability. The stochastic results revealed that small-scale organic crop farmers in the study area are technically efficient at 86percent in maize production and 93percent in cabbage production respectively; and experienced unity return to scale (1.0) in maize and increasing return to scale (1.2) in cabbage. The results suggested that an increase in the use of input, would also intensify their productivity and efficiency. The results from the inefficiecncy model of the stochastic frontier further show that age and farming experience are the major determinants of organic maize producers’ technical inefficiency, while, factors such as age, years of schooling, farming experience, and household size were the significant determinants of organic cabbage producers’ technical inefficiency. To enhance the farming potential of these farmers, it is recommended that government and other several stakeholders such as researchers, entrepreneurs should invest more in organic crop farms since it is profitable and efficient in improving farmers’ livelihoods. There is also need for government to organise on-going workshops and extension training through the help of extension officers on how farmers can improve their production which will further enhance their income. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2019
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The implementation of national health strategy (2009-2013) in Vungu District clinics, Midlands Province in Zimbabwe
- Authors: Mangwanya, M G https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0362-5546
- Date: 2019-08
- Subjects: Medical care -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19914 , vital:44454
- Description: The practice of strategy implementation is key to the public sector in Zimbabwe because it helps the government to be up to speed in providing services to the public. This research focused on the National Health Strategy 2009-2013 and its impact on health service delivery in Vungu Rural District Council Clinics. The research was based on qualitative desk study design which made use of existing data and semi structured interviews to understand the effect of the National Health Strategy on health service delivery in Vungu Rural Districts Council Clinics. From the literature reviewed and the data collected, it can be noted that lack of resources has had a huge effect on the execution of the strategy. The findings from the study show that the National Health Strategy was a good initiative. However, it lacked financial resources which posed challenges to the health workers in Vungu Rural District Council Clinics. The health workers were not very familiar with the National Health Strategy and this had a negative impact on its execution because they cannot execute a strategy that they are not familiar with. The study highlighted the importance of resources for the execution of the National Health Strategy. The study therefore sought to find ways the Zimbabwean Health System may formulate the health strategy with the limited resources in order to achieve desired goals. The Health Workers echoed the same sentiments that they needed resources for the implementation of the strategy. It is hoped that the findings would provide guidelines for the formulation and implementation of future health strategies. Recommendations given would ensure that there is utilisation of available resources, which would help in the execution of other health strategies to ensure efficient and effective health care service delivery. The recommendations are also intended to enhance the performance of health workers. Though the study was limited to Vungu Rural District Council Clinics the findings and recommendations would provide guidelines for other rural clinics as they use the National Health Strategy. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2019
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Part-time Bachelor of Education students’ cognitive shutdown in research methods and statistics in one institution in Eswatini: Towards a framework for epistemological access
- Authors: Mukarombwa, Percy
- Date: 2019-02
- Subjects: Research -- Methodology , Education, Higher -- South Africa , Education -- Research -- Methodology
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21689 , vital:51742
- Description: The study was on part-time Bachelor of Education students’ cognitive shutdown in Research Methods and Statistics. It had a view to develop a framework for Epistemological Access. The thesis argued that cognitive shutdown and epistemological access in Research Methods and Statistics can be understood better by looking at the ‘knowledge’ and the ‘knower’ and the relationship between these two. Informed by concepts selected from the Threshold Concepts Theory, Legitimation Code Theory and Self-directed Learning Theory, it developed a conceptual framework for making sense of B.Ed. students’ epistemological access challenges, such as cognitive shutdown, inaccessibility and lack of interest in the course. The study was informed by Post-positivism, and the research approach adopted was a mixed method, with a sequential explanatory mixed method research design. Thirty (30) part-time B. Ed. students were the population and the sample as well, meaning all took part in the study. Two lecturers who teach Research Methods and Statistics (RM & S) also constituted the population and sample. The questionnaire and the interview tools were used to collect data. Data from the questionnaire were presented in tables, bar graphs, pie-charts and doughnuts and analyzed in percentages. That from the interview schedule was presented in descriptions and narratives (themes), and analyzed by thematic analysis. The major findings of the study were as follows: Being a part-time student affected performance. Age does not affect the students’ performance in RM & S. Splitting RM & S makes it easier for the students to understand the various concepts. Students enjoyed Statistics more. RM & S is one of the difficult courses. Time was a major factor influencing the performance of the students. Lecturers do not vary their teaching strategies. Mathematics phobia affected the performance of students. Lack of a base in RM & S from previous studies affected students’ performance. Mathematics phobia affected performance. RM & S knowledge typologies comprised the following specialization codes: Everyday knowledge, Content discipline, General academic knowledge and Scientific Literature. There are code matches and code clashes in terms of the course outline and there are more code clashes than matches. Conclusions reached were: The module is very difficult to some students. Most students prefer an examination on each component, that is, RM, & S, separately. Splitting RM & S makes it easier for the students to understand the various concepts. Being a part-time student affected performance in RM & S. Mathematics phobia as well as lack of a base in RM & S from previous studies affected the performance of the students. There are difficult concepts noted by both staff and students as troublesome knowledge. These affected the performance of the students. From the analysis of the RM & S course outline using the LCT, it was further concluded that there are aspects which constitute everyday knowledge, which are content discipline, general academic knowledge and scientific literacy as knowledge typologies. A further analysis of the B.Ed. course outline using the LCT came up with code matches and code clashes, and the RM &S curriculum has more code clashes than code matches. Recommendations were that the module should be split into RM & S and taught separately. Lecturers should device ways to make sure that troublesome concepts do not affect the performance of the learners. Lecturers should vary their teaching methods to cater for all the different types of part-time B. Ed. students. Mechanisms to demystify that Mathematics is a difficult subject should be employed to curb the phobia. Time should be made available for effective delivery of instruction, as lack of such results in students not understanding the discipline. Finally, educators should understand the knowledge typologies making up RM & S curriculum and that the curriculum has both code lashes and code matches. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, 2019
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Indigenisation and participatory development in Zimbabwe: the case of the indigenisation and empowerment policy
- Authors: Musasa, Gabriel https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1906-5624
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Community development -- Zimbabwe , Zimbabwe -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20359 , vital:45657
- Description: The study analysed the Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Programme (IEEP) with regard to majority participation and its implementation, given the unfriendly macroeconomic and international environment the country is currently facing. The IEEP is claimed to be addressing poverty and seeking to promote economic participation of indigenous Zimbabweans, particularly targeting women, youth and disabled sections of society. The main aim of the study was to analyse the outcomes of the IEEP with regard to creating space for participation and to promote social justice of Zimbabwean nationals in the main economic sectors of the country, which are agriculture, manufacturing, mining and tourism. Using a qualitative approach, this study analysed the perspectives of government, non-governmental organisations, academics and the marginalised groups of women, disabled and youth in Zimbabwe through interviews and focus group discussions. The data from the fieldwork was analysed using the thematic approach. The findings revealed that a new elite of black entrepreneurs has emerged and foreign capital is diminishing, with limited success being attributed to policy outputs, particularly the community share ownership schemes and employee share ownership scheme. However, the policy did not produce positive outcomes as expected, owing to lack of policy clarity, heavy politicisation and political manoeuvring, as well as lack of information, education and training. Further problems were corruption, lack of support for beneficiaries, lack of funding, the unfavourable macro-economic environment, the liquidity crisis, limited access to credit facilities, broken internal politics and exclusion, lack of monitoring and evaluation, economic sanctions and international isolation. The programme fell victim to improper association and some institutional inertia. Participation in the IEEP, as implied in the social justice approach, does not fully embrace attainment of basic liberties and equality of opportunity, mainly because of the patterns of accumulation, dispossession, economic structures and social relations that are politicised. Elite capture, ethnic and regional segregation, the macro-economic environment and the narrow focus on the formal sector that led to the collapse of industry are the major hurdles to participation. Efforts to facilitate equality of opportunity for women and people with disabilities are heavily subdued by the lack of good institutional support that may enable meaningful participation and possibly yield better outcomes for the worst off in society. The IEEP has failed to redress the inequalities inherent in Zimbabwean economy, with evidence from the findings that the majority cannot take the opportunities that are offered by the programme. The study identified a way forward on how participation can be incorporated in the comprehensive framework for socio-economic development in Zimbabwe through a menu of intervention, giving direction to what needs to be done for individuals and communities to participate in the IEEP in a meaningful way. In particular, this will involve land entitlement, promoting innovation in global value chains, a hybridised two-pathway model of indigenisation, a disability intervention model, and a sustainable model of community share ownership schemes. These interventions are ideal for bringing about the desired aspiration of transformation in a sustainable way in Zimbabwe, as well as fostering social justice for people with disabilities. , Thesis (DPhil) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2020
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Genetic diversity, resistance profile of HIV and risk assessment of mother-to-child transmission in pregnant women on anti-retroviral therapy in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Adeniyi, Oladele Vincent
- Date: 2018-12
- Subjects: Antiretroviral agents , AIDS (Disease) in infants
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19817 , vital:43254
- Description: Despite the initiation of life-long ART in HIV-infected pregnant women, the rate and determinants of infant HIV transmission are not known, especially in the poor resource settings of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Maternal anti-retroviral therapy (ART) is crucial for elimination of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV. However, the inevitable risks of emergence of HIV drug resistance poses significant threat to achieving this goal of HIV-free generation and keeping mothers alive. Also, it is unclear if women with high viral load at delivery have acquired clinically relevant mutations, which could confer resistance to the ART, thus, further increasing the risks of motherto- child transmission of HIV-drug resistance strains. In addition to the gaps identified in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) context, the understanding of regional epidemics is crucial to the broader epidemiological profiling of HIV infections in the country. Despite the rapid influx of foreign nationals to South African and Eastern Cape Province, there has not been any molecular epidemiological studies profiling the HIV diversity in the Eastern Cape. , Thesis (PhD) (Microbiology) -- University of Fort Hare, 2018
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Assessment of the role of continuing professional development on the transformation of practice: a case study of the Advanced Diploma in District Health Management and Leadership curriculum
- Authors: Ndawule, Luvuyo
- Date: 2018-06
- Subjects: Continuing education , Teachers -- Training of -- South Africa , Active learning
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26672 , vital:65848
- Description: This study is located in the field of education, within the domain of Continuing Professional Development CPD and curriculum. The study sought to assess the role of CPD in the transformation of health practice. The media’s complaints about poor service delivery within spheres of government, from local up to national level, triggered interest in a study of this nature. Since the Department of Health falls amongst the essential services, research on current public healthcare with the intention of transforming its practice was seen as imperative. An Advanced Diploma in District Health Management and Leadership ADDHM & L offered by Health Sciences at the University of Fort was used as a case. The healthcare practitioners who attended the stated programme were studied as a second case. The setting is in the public health care centres in the Department of Health within the Amathole region and Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality. An interpretive paradigm was used to ordain the study, the three sets of data were collected from various categories of participants such as graduates of the ADDHM & L programme, their workplace supervisors, as well as the facilitators of the programme. The last set of data was collected from the ADDHM & L documents. Interviews and questionnaires were used as data collection tools and thematic analysis was used for data analysis. The findings revealed that curriculum development and design has a strong bearing on formal continuing professional development programmes. For such programmes to be able to transform practice, the curriculum pedagogies should be designed and developed in such a way that the learning taking place is authentic in nature. It is this type of learning that will influence reflective practice and translation of knowledge. The findings also revealed that institutions of higher learning do play a crucial role in closing the gap that exists between theory and practice through designing programmes that are pedagogically aligned towards authentic learning. The learning instructions, the experiences, the expectations of the learner, the assessment forms that influence the nature of tasks and activities given by facilitators can either enable or hinder the ability to transform practice. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, 2018
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Assessment of the human health implications of climate variability in East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Orimoloye, Israel Ropo https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5058-2799
- Date: 2018-05
- Subjects: Climatic changes , Global temperature changes
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25360 , vital:64224
- Description: Impacts associated with climate variability and extreme heat are already obvious in varying degrees and expected to be disruptive in the near future across the globe especially in the urban regions. Urban areas have distinctive features that leave their residents and properties vulnerable to extreme climate events. Global temperatures continue to change, reaching new levels almost every year for the past two decades. However, even though the causes are debated it is evident that climate variability is real. Climate variability and disaster risk are threats to human health that adversely reinforce each other. Better knowledge on the association between climate change, variability and extreme weather-related illness is needed and can aid strategies to reduce vulnerabilities. The impacts of climate variability on the health of residents in East London (EL) area in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa were explored through four interdependent research segments. The first section examined the climate variability and urban surface thermal characteristics implication on human health using Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques. Remote sensing was used to assess the Land Surface Temperature (LST) and estimated Radiation (R) of East London area from Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) images for 1986, 1996, 2006 as well as from Operational Land Imager (OLI) and Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS) for 2016 spanning a period of 30 years. Rapid urbanization and land cover changes in this area have contributed significantly to this drastic change in the natural land surface characteristics (increased land surface temperature and surface solar radiation). For instance, vegetation cover declined by about 358.812km2 while built-up areas increased by 175.473km2 during this period which correlates with the area thermal characteristics changes. Radiation levels also increased over the years with values exceeding the global solar radiation index. Exposure to increased surface radiation poses risks of heat stroke, skin cancer and heart disease to the local population. Consequently, this study provides pertinent information on human health sustainability and epidemiological case management. The second part explored past temperature and humidity trends (1986-2016) and projects future trends (2017-2030). The historical data of meteorological variables were obtained from the archives of the South African Weather Service and analyzed using the ordinary least square regression model in GRETL (GNU Regression Econometric and Time-series Library) statistical software. This study discovered a local consistency between models and the observations add to existing knowledge and this is crucial in knowing the shifts in climatic change as well as recognizing variability and its conflicting effects on human health, environment, agriculture, ecological sustainability and socioeconomic status in the region. The third segment assessed the potential impacts of climate variability on health using existing heat indices during the study period. The results demonstrated that in East London from 1986 to 2016 during summer and autumn (December to May) of various years exceeded high heat index values. It is obvious that summer and autumn months are more vulnerable to heat extreme and humidex. The humidex and Heat Index (HI) increased annually by 0.03percent and 0.9percent respectively throughout the study period. The increment in the various indices showed highly significant ill-health and environmental impacts on humans especially with prolonged exposure. The last segment appraised the association between climatic elements and epidemiological incidences of the study area between 2012 and 2016. The epidemiology incidences data were obtained from the archives of the Cecilia Makiwane Hospital in East London area and National Tertiary Service Grant (NTSG) database for the period. The results have showed that there exists significant effects of climate variability on the health of East London residents and these have been identified to have negative impacts on health of the people in the area. This study also revealed noticeable impacts of extreme heat on human health and a positive correlation between meteorological components (HI and temperature) and epidemiological cases (cardiovascular, skin cancer and diarrhea) during the study period. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2018
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Assessment of the human health implications of climate variability in East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Orimoloye, Israel Ropo https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5058-2799
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Climatic changes http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85027037
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19715 , vital:43171
- Description: Impacts associated with climate variability and extreme heat are already obvious in varying degrees and expected to be disruptive in the near future across the globe especially in the urban regions. Urban areas have distinctive features that leave their residents and properties vulnerable to extreme climate events. Global temperatures continue to change, reaching new levels almost every year for the past two decades. However, even though the causes are debated it is evident that climate variability is real. Climate variability and disaster risk are threats to human health that adversely reinforce each other. Better knowledge on the association between climate change, variability and extreme weather-related illness is needed and can aid strategies to reduce vulnerabilities. The impacts of climate variability on the health of residents in East London (EL) area in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa were explored through four interdependent research segments. The first section examined the climate variability and urban surface thermal characteristics implication on human health using Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques. Remote sensing was used to assess the Land Surface Temperature (LST) and estimated Radiation (R) of East London area from Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) images for 1986, 1996, 2006 as well as from Operational Land Imager (OLI) and Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS) for 2016 spanning a period of 30 years. Rapid urbanization and land cover changes in this area have contributed significantly to this drastic change in the natural land surface characteristics (increased land surface temperature and surface solar radiation). For instance, vegetation cover declined by about 358.812km2 while built-up areas increased by 175.473km2 during this period which correlates with the area thermal characteristics changes. Radiation levels also increased over the years with values exceeding the global solar radiation index. Exposure to increased surface radiation poses risks of heat stroke, skin cancer and heart disease to the local population. Consequently, this study provides pertinent information on human health sustainability and epidemiological case management. The second part explored past temperature and humidity trends (1986-2016) and projects future trends (2017-2030). The historical data of meteorological variables were obtained from the archives of the South African Weather Service and analyzed using the ordinary least square regression model in GRETL (GNU Regression Econometric and Time-series Library) statistical software. This study discovered a local consistency between models and the observations add to existing knowledge and this is crucial in knowing the shifts in climatic change as well as recognizing variability and its conflicting effects on human health, environment, agriculture, ecological sustainability and socioeconomic status in the region. The third segment assessed the potential impacts of climate variability on health using existing heat indices during the study period. The results demonstrated that in East London from 1986 to 2016 during summer and autumn (December to May) of various years exceeded high heat index values. It is obvious that summer and autumn months are more vulnerable to heat extreme and humidex. The humidex and Heat Index (HI) increased annually by 0.03 percent and 0.9 percent respectively throughout the study period. The increment in the various indices showed highly significant ill-health and environmental impacts on humans especially with prolonged exposure. The last segment appraised the association between climatic elements and epidemiological incidences of the study area between 2012 and 2016. The epidemiology incidences data were obtained from the archives of the Cecilia Makiwane Hospital in East London area and National Tertiary Service Grant (NTSG) database for the period. The results have showed that there exists significant effects of climate variability on the health of East London residents and these have been identified to have negative impacts on health of the people in the area. This study also revealed noticeable impacts of extreme heat on human health and a positive correlation between meteorological components (HI and temperature) and epidemiological cases (cardiovascular, skin cancer and diarrhea) during the study period. , Thesis (PhD) (Geography) -- University of Fort Hare, 2018
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Media portrayal of gender based violence: a perception study in Uitenhage, Eastern Cape South Africa 2
- Authors: Oladimeji Olawumi Kate https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6577-0140
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Abused women , Mass media -- Eastern Cape -- South Africa , Mass media criticism -- Eastern Cape -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19476 , vital:43131
- Description: Gender based violence (GBV) has become a global menace. The prevalence of this violence against women and children in South Africa reveals that the country is plagued by this horror called GBV. According to the South African police crime statistics, with regards to sexual offences, the SAPS reported 64 419 (2012), 66 197 (2014), 62 226 (2013) and 53 617 (2015) cases. A government survey conducted revealed that men were the main perpetrators of this violence. For example, 76 percent of men in Gauteng, 48 percent in Limpopo and 41 percent in KwaZulu-Natal admitted to perpetrating GBV. These alarming statistics calls for the attention of the media. The media is known to be a powerful tool of influence, however in the process, the media has been criticised to portray violence in ways which can have varying effect on the behaviour of those exposed to it. This study was therefore conducted to investigate the perception of the residents of Uitenhage on the media‘s portrayal of gender based violence against women and children. The mixed method of research was used to obtain data from the participants and respondents which were residents of Uitenhage, in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Non-probability sampling in the form of purposive sampling was used to select the focus group participants while probability sampling in the form of simple random probability sampling was used to select the respondents with whom the questionnaires were administered to. Quantitative data analysis for questionnaires was done using descriptive statistics and findings were presented in form of tables and pie charts while qualitative data analysis for the focus group discussions was done using thematic analysis. A final sample of 257 valid responses were analysed, representing 80 percent response rate, three focus group discussions were also analysed. The study revealed that all the participants and respondents are exposed to more than one medium of mass communication, however participants and respondents opined that the media has both positive and negative effect on different individuals. The study also demonstrated that there is an association between people‘s exposure to the media and their violent behaviour which is attributed to the messages conveyed by the media. The study recommends amongst others that the media should take a more proactive approach to the issue of VAW. , Thesis (PhD) (Communication) -- University of Fort Hare, 2018
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The role of the liberation movements’ archives in shaping history writing in a post-apartheid South Africa
- Authors: Maamoe, Mosoabuli
- Date: 2017-07
- Subjects: Archives , Apartheid , National liberation movements--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23045 , vital:55287
- Description: This study offers a comprehensive examination of the Role of the Liberation Movements’ Archives in Shaping History Writing in a Post-Apartheid South Africa. It is based on the Liberation Archives housed at the National Heritage and Cultural Studies (NAHECS) at the University of Fort Hare, near the town of Alice in the Eastern Cape Province. A new narrative, grounded in the exploration and advantages of the use of these materials in their totality, given the new environment of research created under the new dispensation, has now become possible. The first chapter begins with an overview of the nature of archives in general and proceeds from there to consider the unique circumstances under which the different liberation movements of South Africa constructed their archives, and how these circumstances affected the nature of the materials preserved therein. One key point made here is that the liberation movement, as it spearheaded the struggle against apartheid, had already positioned itself as a “Government in Waiting,” convinced of the justness of its cause, and of the ultimate defeat of apartheid leading to he political seizure of power by the people. Hence, it created struggle materials seen as vehicles for the realisation and attainment of this objective. For this purpose, the appropriate housekeeping, viewing, consultation and access is absolutely relevant. The second chapter looks at the changing environment in which the repatriation of the struggle archives was implemented, and the decision to place them specifically at the University of Fort Hare and challenges. The third chapter narrates the difficulties encountered following the location of documents at Fort Hare, contestations, and contradictions between the stakeholders and the ultimate resolutions. The fourth and longest chapter goes to the heart of this thesis which dispel the myths created by the colonists and their historians intended to obscure the oppressed into embracing a historiography of South Africa that crossly flawed and distorted, silent and ignorant of reflecting early African societal developments which were evolving undisturbed at their own rate under socio-cultural and geographical conditions prior the advent of colonialism and the consequences. Therefore, based on these circumstances one can see that the installation of the new dispensation was not the end of the struggle, but the opening of a new chapter, the struggle against the conceptual legacy of apartheid and its vestiges. An evaluation of the consultation and exploitation of the archival collections comprises this subject in the last chapter of this study. Perusing them, one learns and realizes that the objective of the liberation movements was immense, to reconnect the marginalised of their once trampled and vilified history in order to inspire and empower them to reclaim their lost sense of belonging, identity, pride and to restore their humanity. This has been vindicated by the wide range of researchers and viewers from home and afar who have turned out to consult the archives in order to unpack the complexities of the South African history and that of the struggle. The information they contain serve as guides of addressing such complexities to arrest current transitional challenges, and offer solutions for some in articulating a need of building a new cohesive nation in a post-apartheid era. This is precisely what the liberation movement had in mind when it took a decision to gather together the struggle materials and have them repatriated for preservation and access purposes. It was not just generosity on its part, but also a display of the patriotic and passionate responsibility to the oppressed in particular and humanity in general to fathom and unpack the complexities of the South African historiography. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Science and Humanities,2021
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Forest resources income, poverty and income inequality: evidence from rural households in South-western Nigeria.
- Authors: Azeez, Fatai Abiola
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Poverty--Nigeria http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh2010107919 , Rural poor--Nigeria , Income distribution--Nigeria
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19454 , vital:43119
- Description: This thesis explores economic contributions of forest resources in relation to rural households’ welfare and inequality as well as forest resources management. The thesis consists of an introductory chapter, study locations, literature review on major concepts of the study and findings on different forest extraction activities impacts on rural households livelihood in South-western region Nigeria, which make up the rest of the thesis chapters. , Thesis (PhD) (Agric Econs) -- University of Fort Hare, 2017
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The impact of preventive family-strengthening programmes on family cohesion in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
- Authors: Nyanhoto, Rumbidzai https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8505-9890
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Family social work http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85047068 , Social service http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85124049 , Social problems http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85123988
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19487 , vital:43132
- Description: This study focused on the impact which specific selected preventive family-strengthening programmes in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa have on improving family cohesion. A mixed methods approach was used to collect and analyse the data. The quantitative approach was the dominant one, while a qualitative approach was used to corroborate the quantitative findings. The quantitative data was collected through a survey. One hundred questionnaires were distributed among the beneficiaries of selected preventive family-strengthening programmes, which were parenting and marriage enrichment programmes. The beneficiaries of the programmes were selected through simple random sampling from the databases of the NGOs which had agreed to participate in the study. The qualitative component of the study produced results which supported the quantitative findings. This data was collected through in-depth interviews which were conducted with fifteen purposively selected social workers who were involved in the implementation of the selected preventive family-strengthening programmes. The findings of the study indicated that although both of the parenting and marriage enrichment programmes do cater for the common problems which affect families, in many cases they do not appear to meet the expectations of their intended beneficiaries. The study found that of the 10 objectives of the parenting programme, only 6 were being met. The programme was found to have achieved its objective of helping parents to understand the behaviour of their children, to be sensitive to their feelings, to develop their self-esteem, to communicate effectively with them, to build the family and to understand their rights with respect to grants. However, the beneficiaries who attended the programme were still unable to encourage self-discipline, to talk to their children about sexuality, to prevent instances of violence in their families or to deal with problems pertaining to child abuse, which represents a failure to meet four of the specific objectives of the programme. The marriage enrichment programme was found to have met its objectives to help couples to assess strength and growth areas, to strengthen their communication skills and to develop personal goals, goals for themselves as couples and goals for their families. The objectives of helping couples to resolve conflicts constructively, to resolve problems pertaining to their families of origin and develop workable budgets or financial plans between spouses were not being met, as the findings indicated that most of the beneficiaries were still struggling to meet these three specific objectives. Their failures in these domains could be attributed to the perceptions which their African culture had instilled in the beneficiaries. The results of the study also indicated that attending the preventive family-strengthening programmes had strengthened the cohesion of families. The discernible evidence of cohesion in the families of most of the beneficiaries who had attended the programmes was expressed through shared affection, a sense of loyalty, reciprocity, solidarity within families and shared decision making. On the basis of the findings, it is recommended that the government should provide adequate means to facilitate the implementation of the programmes, to facilitate partnerships among stakeholders and to ensure the continuous monitoring and evaluation of the programmes. It is also recommended that in order to meet the vii expectations of the beneficiaries of the programmes, needs assessments which engage the communities in the reviewing of the content of the programmes should be performed. In social work practice, the indigenisation of the programmes and the incorporation of the spill over hypothesis will promote their effective implementation. , Thesis (PhD) (Social Work) -- University of Fort Hare, 2017
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An exploration of knowledge sharing as a means of improving municipal governance in selected Limpopo municipalities
- Authors: Dikotla, Maoka Andries https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6699-6782
- Date: 2016-08
- Subjects: Knowledge management , Information services , Organizational learning
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24750 , vital:63548
- Description: The aim of this study was to underscore the role of knowledge sharing in improving the municipal governance in the local government sector of South Africa. The objectives of the study were to find out the kind of knowledge management programmes which are in place in the municipalities of Limpopo Province; establish the extent to which municipalities in Limpopo encourage knowledge sharing for improvement of municipal governance; determine factors which affect knowledge sharing among employees of municipalities of Limpopo Province, and propose recommendations and strategies on how to optimally share knowledge in Limpopo municipalities. The nature of this study warranted the use of two research paradigms, namely positivist and interpretivist approaches. The study employed an integrated research method which covered both the qualitative and quantitative approach. In collecting data, data instruments were triangulated. In this regard, the researcher mostly used a questionnaire with little employment of interviews and observation. The researcher sampled 438 employees and 21 managers from the selected municipalities. Quantitative data was analysed using IBM Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 23. Qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis. The major findings of the study are the following: poor knowledge management programmes in Limpopo municipalities, knowledge sharing among the employees and across the municipalities is not encouraged, knowledge sharing in Limpopo municipalities is affected by both individual and organisational barriers and under-utilisation of information communication technology tools to support knowledge management programmes and practices. Comparatively, the findings of this study to a large extent support what has been recorded in literature. However, the study contradicts a typical mind set of many people that “knowledge is power” and cannot be shared freely. The study recommended to Limpopo municipalities to develop Knowledge sharing strategies that need to be linked to municipal strategic plans; involvement of top management in knowledge management activities; development of knowledge-friendly culture and utilisation of information communication technology tools in support of knowledge sharing. Some recommendations for further study were also provided. Among others, the study recommended that a study on the use of incentive systems as a means of encouraging knowledge sharing be conducted in selected municipalities. This was because studies on the use of incentive systems for motivating knowledge sharing yielded contradictory findings in many organisations. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2016
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Entrepreneurial development paths and livelihood strategies in smallholder irrigation schemes in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa
- Authors: Gidi, Lungile Sivuyile https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2896-2709
- Date: 2016-07
- Subjects: Farms, Small , Irrigation farming -- Economic aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24906 , vital:63670
- Description: South Africa has implemented several successful rural poverty relief initiatives; however, poverty continues to strain rural development efforts. The aim of the study was to analyse the entrepreneurial development paths and livelihood strategies in smallholder irrigation schemes in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study has outlined five hypothesizes for the basis of concrete scientific research. Initially the study hypothesizes that a smallholder’s socio-cultural contexts such as village level institutions especially village governance as well as household circumstances including age, education and gender compositions of the household membership as well as household income can determine a smallholder’s transformation ability. The second hypothesis was that alternative economic activities especially farming activities such as livestock and crop production as well as off-farm economic opportunities which were open to a household could influence a smallholder’s willingness to change from homestead gardening to food crop production under government irrigation programme. The third hypothesis was on the smallholder’s assessment of available market for the products of his or her food crop irrigation farming which could be an important consideration in his or her willingness to change. The fourth assumption was that entrepreneurial skills are lacking, in particular the ability to search for opportunities and willingness to do something different than the masses and take risks in that process. Finally, the study hypothesized that the government irrigation scheme governance could determine the attractiveness of the scheme and thereby influencing the willingness of a smallholder to participate. Specifically, the legal and regulatory environments are very restrictive and they are not conducive to effective value and job creation in the villages and for the principal crop and livestock enterprises. The study used cross-sectional data collected from both scheme farmers and non-scheme farmers. There were 107 smallholder farmers administered. Cobb-Douglass production and Multiple Regression Models were used. The results indicated 62 percent were male household head and 38 percent were female household head. The majority of the farmers were above middle age for both men and women households head. Specifically, about 80percent were above 51 years of age. Wage employment on the other hand contributed 8percent for both scheme and non-scheme farmers. The majority of the family members were dominated by students and pensioners indicating 27percent of the respondents who were unemployed, among them students were included and pensioners were indicated by 9percent. The overall findings were that there are important differences in behavior regarding the transition from homestead gardening to irrigation farming. Smallholder farmers of Mnquma and Mbhashe municipalities have a great potential in maize, beans, potatoes, pumpkin, butternut production, as well as cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and poultry production. Lastly, the study has highlighted various factors affecting livelihoods sources. Therefore, there is a need for these smallholder farmers to engage consistently with the market to enhance information flow. Extension officers must play a role using the recent extension approach of participatory rural appraisal through discussions with farmers and empower them for marketing problems and solutions. Smallholder farmers must ensure frequent consultation with extension or agricultural advisors for financial and production input support. Government need to strengthen agricultural activities in the rural areas in order to sustain rural livelihoods for rural dwellers. Once the rural economy becomes transformed through agricultural activities then rural dwellers can achieve good standard of living in line with a key macroeconomic objective the South African government. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2016
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