List of Titles

Development of an evidence-based framework for the prevention and management of musculoskeletal disorders in South Africa

- De Bruyn, Elrico

Authors: De Bruyn, Elrico
Date: 2023-10-13
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424232 , vital:72135
Description: Background: Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are multi-causal soft tissue disorders that result in disability, discomfort, and pain. MSDs are prevalent in 21.5% of the world’s population and carry a great financial and personal burden to individuals, businesses and countries alike. The multi-casual nature of MSDs has resulted in a vast amount of literature being published on how to prevent and manage the disorders, to the extent that navigating through the literature to find effective and context-specific interventions has become time-consuming and difficult. This is the case in South Africa, where ergonomists have no guide or framework to navigate MSD literature, and context-specific literature is limited. Aims: This study aimed to assist ergonomists in South Africa navigate the MSD literature to identify and select appropriate MSD prevention and management interventions. To do so, three objectives of the study were identified: 1. Review MSD literature to identify effective MSD prevention and management interventions. 2. Create a framework to act as a guide for ergonomists to navigate MSD prevention and management studies. 3. To verify the suitability of the framework in the South African context. To achieve these objectives, the study took a two-phased approach. Phase 1: A scoping review of MSD literature was conducted to identify effective MSD prevention and management approaches. Sixteen (n=16) prevention strategies and fourteen (n=14) management strategies were identified. The information from the review was analysed and grouped into five hierarchical levels of interventions (“Law”, “Organisational Policies”, “Management Systems”, Workplace Interventions”, and “Individual”). This information, along with a conceptual model created for the navigation of the literature, was used to create a draft framework for musculoskeletal disorder prevention and management. It was concluded that although there were many effective MSD interventions, there was a lack of South African-specific literature. Phase 2: Interviews with five certified ergonomists working in the South African context were conducted to verify the framework’s suitability for a South African working environment. The interviews identified two MSD prevention and three MSD management themes as effective in South Africa. Both prevention themes (“training and education” and “workplace interventions”) were also mentioned to be part of the stakeholders’ ideal MSD prevention programme, further reinforcing their usefulness. The use of “workplace interventions” was also identified to be effective in MSD management, alongside interventions at the management level and the use of alternative tools and equipment. However, the lack of managerial buy-in was identified as a barrier to MSD prevention. Stakeholders also highlighted that job specification and work hardening was an MSD strategy missing from the framework that was effective in South Africa's MSD management. The use of surveillance practices was found to be ineffective in South Africa, with lots of resistance towards it from workers. Conclusion: The framework presented in Phase 1 identified many effective MSD interventions; however, only a few were found to be applicable to the South African working context during Phase 2. Future research should focus on identifying the success of different MSD interventions in South Africa with participation from the ergonomists involved in the implementation to create an even more suitable guide that matches the South African ergonomist’s needs. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Human Kinetics and Ergonomics, 2023
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Date Issued: 2023-10-13

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Distribution and habitat preferences of marine megafauna in Nosy Be, Madagascar

- Lubbé, Alicea

Authors: Lubbé, Alicea
Date: 2023-10-13
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424710 , vital:72177
Description: Marine megafauna have important ecological roles including the top-down regulation of lower trophic levels and the transport of nutrients. They are also charismatic species of socioeconomic importance, due to their public appeal and focus for ecotourism. However, these taxa face numerous anthropogenic threats including bycatch, habitat-loss, noise disturbance, prey reductions, pollution, and vessel traffic. Northwest Madagascar has been identified as an important marine mammal area and whale shark aggregation site, yet limited information on megafauna within Madagascar exists. In this thesis, I investigated the community structure, distribution trends, related environmental factors (Chapter 2) and predicted habitat suitability (Chapter 3) using a species distribution modelling approach for marine megafauna around Nosy Be, North-west Madagascar. Data collection consisted of opportunistic boatbased surveys conducted while looking for whale sharks, mobulid rays and cetaceans. These activities were performed by dedicated ‘swim with whale shark’ tourism operators, Les Baleines Rand'eau and Safari Baleine during tourism activities directed by the Madagascar Whale Shark Project over four years (2016-2019). A total of 1792 sightings were reported with 13 identified species, including elasmobranchs: whale shark, Rhincodon typus; spinetail mobula ray, Mobula japonica; giant oceanic manta ray, Manta birostris; shortfin devil ray, Mobula kuhlii; balaenids: humpback whale, Megaptera novaeangliae; Omura's whale, Balaenoptera omurai, delphinids: Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops aduncus; spinner dolphin, Stenella longirostris; pantropical spotted dolphin, Stenella attenuata; Indian ocean humpback dolphin, Sousa plumbea; false killer whale, Pseudorca crassidens; melonheaded whale, Peponocephala electra and one cheloniid species: leatherback sea turtle, Dermochelys coriacea. Sightings were spatially analysed at a community level according to feeding guilds (i.e., filter feeders vs. predators), and distribution of the megafauna groups v were compared to selected remotely sensed physico-chemical data (sea surface temperature and chlorophyll-a concentration) and bathymetry charts (depth and slope) using generalized linear models (Chapter 2). All four variables had a significant effect on filter feeder distribution. Spatial distribution of filter feeder sightings peaked at an area of steep underwater topography (18-50m; x slope=0.5%) located on the west coast of Nosy Be, where foraging aggregations of large filter feeders (primarily R. typus and B. omurai) were frequently observed. Only SST had a significant effect on the relative abundance of animals in the predator feeding guild, which demonstrated a more longitudinal distribution along the continental shelf. The maximum entropy model (Maxent) was used for predicting habitat preference for the most frequently sighted species (Chapter 3). The distribution of whale sharks, mobulid rays and Omura’s whales were significantly overlapped as they were abundant in two main hotspots, Grand banc de l’entrée (~10 km of the west coast) and near Nosy Mitsio island, (~50 km northeast of Nosy Be). Suitable habitat for the dolphins was in relatively shallow waters in temperatures <28ºC near areas of steep changes in bathymetry. Bottlenose and spinner dolphins had a more widespread distribution across the continental shelf and humpback dolphin was closely associated with inshore reefs and occur in waters <10m. The coastal and inshore region of Nosy Be is an important habitat for a variety of megafaunal species, and the continental shelf provided essential areas for feeding and breeding. The results were similar to those presented for these species in other regions of the Indian Ocean (i.e., Eastern and Southern Africa; Western Australia; Seychelles) as well as outside of the Indian Ocean (i.e., Indonesia; Caribbean; North Atlantic). Thus the results from this thesis could be considered for management recommendations for marine conservation in the region. The value and limitations of data collected by citizen science were outlined (Chapter 4). , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2023
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Date Issued: 2023-10-13

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Drought impacts on livestock and crop production along an urban-rural gradient: perceptions and response strategies in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa

- Pamla, Avela

Authors: Pamla, Avela
Date: 2023-10-13
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424732 , vital:72179
Description: Drought is a major challenge threatening agricultural productivity in urban and rural areas across southern Africa. Drought events are expected to be more frequent, severe, last longer, and, impact land-based livelihoods in the coming decades. Despite the growing literature on the impacts of drought on livelihoods, there is limited focus on the impacts of droughts across rural-urban gradients. The study examined small-scale farmers’ perceptions of drought impacts and response strategies in the contexts of persistent droughts in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. A total of 163 respondents, practicing livestock and/or crop farming across six towns, in urban and rural contexts were purposively identified. The study used snowball sampling approach to identify the relevant respondents. Data were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire survey, exploring the respondents' socio-demographic profiles, agricultural activities, perceptions of drought impacts, and drought response strategies. Qualitative data were coded and analyzed using descriptive statistics, thematic analysis, t-tests, and chi-square tests to identify patterns, themes, and relationships within the data. Nearly all (>95%) respondents owned livestock while substantially more rural farmers (81%) than urban farmers (35%) engaged in crop production. Drought was perceived by a sizeable proportion (>70%) of small-scale farmers as a very serious environmental challenge with adverse socio-economic repercussions on land-based activities. Livestock losses and crop failure were the key impacts reported by small-scale farmers in both rural and urban settings. About 86% of respondents across the sample reported declines in crop yields, with significantly more farmers in rural sites (45%) than urban sites (31%) reporting so. A substantial proportion of farmers across the sample (93%) reported drought response strategies relating to livestock and crop production, such as changing of farming practices, use of drought-resistant crops and government support, with slight differences in the proportion of farmers reporting so between urban (89 %) and rural (95 %) sites. Concerning government support, most respondents (>70%) stated that they were dissatisfied, with slightly more respondents in urban areas (77%) than in rural (70%) areas reporting so. Overall, the results of this study suggest a minimal response capacity of small-scale farmers to droughts in both rural and urban settings due to socio-economic and administrative factors, which calls for the need for drought-response strategies to build adaptive capacity for small-scale farmers. Turning to close cooperation between different stakeholders, such as local farmers, government officials, practitioners, and scientists might allow co-production of knowledge needed to inform drought response strategies. In some instances, attention needs to be given to farmers who are more vulnerable than others. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Environmental Science, 2023
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Date Issued: 2023-10-13

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Enhancement of the electrocatalytic activity of phthalocyanines through the reduction in symmetry and conjugation to detonation nanodiamonds

- Ncwane, Lunathi

Authors: Ncwane, Lunathi
Date: 2023-10-13
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424541 , vital:72162
Description: This thesis reports on the synthesis of novel phthalocynines tetrakis[(benzo[d]thiazol-2ylthio)phthalocyaninato]cobalt(II)chloride (complex 1) and tris(2-(ethylthio)benzo[d]thiazole)2-(phthalocyanine-9-ylthio)propionate cobalt(II) chloride (complex 2). The complexes are combined with DNDs via different techniques such as π-π stacking, covalent linkage and sequential modification on glassy carbon electrode. The synthesized MPcs and conjugates were characterized using UV-visible, mass, Fourier transform infrared, and Raman spectroscopies as well as transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. Combining MPcs with DNDs sought to improve electrooxidation of hydrazine. The electrochemical studies were conducted using cyclic voltammetry, chronocoloumetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and chronoamperometry. Hydrazine was utilized as an analyte of interest, due to its mutagenic and carcinogenic effects. Glassy carbon electrodes (GCE) were modified using drop and dry method. The conjugation via covalent linkage proved to be the best way of enhancing electrocatalytic properties. Since it performed better in terms of limit of detection (0.33 μM), even though catalytic rate and sensitivity are not the highest. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Chemistry, 2023
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Date Issued: 2023-10-13

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Enhancing the electrocatalytic activity of phthalocyanines through finding the ideal combination of substituents in push-pull phthalocyanine-based systems

- Nkhahle, Reitumetse Precious

Authors: Nkhahle, Reitumetse Precious
Date: 2023-10-13
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/432578 , vital:72882 , DOI 10.21504/10962/432578
Description: Phthalocyanines (Pcs) are a class of synthetic pigments with a similar structure to porphyrins. The work presented in this thesis is centred around these electron-rich macrocycles and their use in electrocatalysis. This body of work provides a more rigorous analysis on asymmetric Pcs, focusing on finding the “ideal” combination of substituents in the synthesis of A3B-type Pcs and how these asymmetric structures compare with their symmetric counterparts (A4) in the electrocatalysis of hydrazine and nitrite. The choice in substituents in the syntheses of the Pcs was such that there is both electron-donating and electron-withdrawing groups to induce a push-pull effect. In the studies involving the electrocatalysis of hydrazine, asymmetric cobalt Pcs (CoPcs) possessing alkyl groups as the primary substituents, with variations in the acid-containing group, along with their symmetric counterparts, probes with potential for further improvement were identified. Using voltammetric and amperometric techniques, the analyte-electrode kinetics, mechanism in which the electrochemical reaction proceeds along with the limits of detection (LoD) were determined. In the general sense, the pentadecylphenoxy-derived CoPcs performed better than those containing the tert-butyl substituent as the dominant substituent with the asymmetric CoPcs producing more favourable results than their symmetric analogues. With respect to the probes designed for nitrite, a multi-dimensional approach was undertaken in that acetaminophen was chosen as the primary substituent whilst multiple changes in the asymmetric component were made. In addition to varying the carboxylic acid-containing substituent, alkyne- and amine-based substituents were also explored in which the alkyne-containing Pc was anchored onto the electrode surface through click chemistry while the amine-bearing Pc was covalently linked (and π-stacked) to nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots (NGQDs). Another component that was altered was the central metal where CoPcs were compared to manganese Pcs (MnPcs). The most desirable peak oxidation potential for nitrite was observed in the MnPcs as it was the lowest with adsorption sometimes being a better suited method of electrode modification relative to clicking. The inclusion of NGQDs was found to be beneficial when combined with the symmetric CoPc whilst in the presence of an asymmetric Pc complex, less desirable results were observed. Overall, there were variations in the results with the symmetric CoPc sometimes being better than some of the asymmetric CoPcs demonstrating that a blanket-approach in terms of synthesizing and applying asymmetric Pcs is not always viable. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Chemistry, 2023
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Date Issued: 2023-10-13

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Esibelekweni: Ingqokelela Yemibongo ngesiXhosa nangesiNgesi

- Busakwe, Yenzokuhle

Authors: Busakwe, Yenzokuhle
Date: 2023-10-13
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English , Xhosa
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424917 , vital:72193
Description: My thesis is a collection of poems that is written in isiXhosa and English. It explores African spirituality, my relationship with God, heartache from romantic and platonic relationships. I make use of dual languages because some themes that I write about such as African spirituality I find words that capture their truest emotion in my Xhosa vocabulary, and I cannot find them in English. My poems use the narrative form because it allows me to tell stories through poetry without having to commit my writing to musicality or rhyming that a lyric poetry normally has. My work is shaped by writers such as Kate Beinhemer, Mangaliso Buzani, Amy Saul Zerby, Nontsizi Mgqwethio, Simphiwe Nolutshungu and Oiu Miaojin. Buzani makes use of images and few lines in his writing but still manages to capture a story with brevity. Saul-Zerby makes use of text lingo in some of her poems, and I make use of it to close a gap that I have identified with the books that I was reading that are all written in a formal and serious format. Mgqwetho’s poems explore Christianity and African Spirituality which is one of the subjects that my work is exploring too but in a manner that differs. I talk about how they have been my guidance instead of praising their powers like Nontsizi normally does in her poems. Simphiwe Nolutshungu’s poems has influenced the structure of my poems. Fairy tales written by writers like Kate helps my writing to bring to life issues that sound too dreamy to be true but have manifested as visions and memories that I cannot wipe out from my conscience. Oiu Miaojin’s novel “Last words from Montmantre” I am fascinated by how the writer detail emotions such as vulnerability and heartbreak in his storytelling. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Languages and Literatures, 2023
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Date Issued: 2023-10-13

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Evaluating liberal and hybrid approaches to peacebuilding : the case of Sierra Leone

- Sitole, Sivuyile

Authors: Sitole, Sivuyile
Date: 2023-10-13
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425278 , vital:72225
Description: This thesis explores liberal and hybrid approaches to peacebuilding and their decisiveness in building sustainable peace in Sierra Leone. Contemporary peacebuilding interventions have been dominated by liberal peacebuilding, also known as liberal state-building. Post-conflict states have been transforming to replicate liberal states due to assumptions of liberal states being more peaceful and less likely to fall into conflict again than non-liberal states. There is growing criticism regarding the effectiveness of this approach as its initiatives have not always translated to sustainable peace. This failure is attributed to its minimal inclusion or exclusion of local actors in the peacebuilding process as well as its application of standardised approaches in complex contexts. In response to these shortfalls, international peacebuilding scholars propose an alternative approach that would combine the liberal and the local to produce a hybrid peace, which is inclusive and context-specific. This thesis tests the decisiveness of these approaches by examining the successful peacebuilding process in Sierra Leone. It then concludes that the peacebuilding interventions of Sierra Leone demonstrate how liberal peacebuilding initiatives have little or limited success when conducted without the inclusion of local actors. However, when local actors are included in the peace-building process to make meaningful contributions (hybrid peacebuilding), peacebuilding initiatives can have a much larger impact on society. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Political and International Studies, 2023
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Date Issued: 2023-10-13

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Evaluating the potential effects of microplastics at environmentally realistic concentrations in South African freshwater systems

- Mtintsilana, Zintle

Authors: Mtintsilana, Zintle
Date: 2023-10-13
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424160 , vital:72129
Description: Microplastic pollution is spatially broad, microplastics can be found in various habitats including freshwater systems. Microplastic exposure to aquatic organisms has been associated with several physical impacts on aquatic organisms from multiple trophic levels such as; increased immune response, a decrease in food intake, excessive loss of weight, reduced growth rate, reduced energy and adverse effects on successive generations. However, these significant effects of microplastics exposure have been observed mostly in studies that use concentrations of microplastics that exceed environmental concentrations. Therefore, there is an overall lack of research on the effects of microplastics on freshwater organisms using environmentally realistic concentrations, especially in the Southern Hemisphere. A series of toxicity tests were used to expose a range of taxa including Tilapia sparrmanii, Caridina nilotica, and Melanoides tuberculata to different environmentally realistic concentrations of microplastics of different polymers. The study results show that the environmentally realistic concentrations had no statistically significant effects on most of the chosen test organisms and selected study endpoints, except for T. sparrmanii microplastic particle egestion and growth in polyethylene exposures which produced significant results. Although this study showed that at environmentally realistic concentrations and 21 days of exposure, minute effects on the test taxa were detected, various studies have proven that with longer exposure to microplastics, significant effects on freshwater organisms can be detected. Additionally, studies using concentrations higher than the current environmental concentrations have recorded significant effects on organisms and therefore, with increasing concentrations in the environment, more significant effects may be observed. Therefore, plastic pollution in the environment should be reduced as microplastics are in continuous production and circulation, and microplastic concentrations in freshwater environments are predicted to increase. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Institute for Water Research, 2023
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Date Issued: 2023-10-13

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Evaluation of potential oviposition deterrents for false codling moth, Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

- Dambuza, Khalipha

Authors: Dambuza, Khalipha
Date: 2023-10-13
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424479 , vital:72157
Description: There has been extensive research on the use of semiochemicals as deterrents or true repellents in insect pest management, particularly in push-pull strategies. Much of this research has focused on pests of medical and veterinary importance and has been limited for agricultural pests. This means there is an opportunity to study use of deterrents to manage pests of agricultural importance. No study has been conducted on deterrents for false codling moth (FCM), Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), a key phytosanitary pest in citrus orchards across South Africa. This study assessed FCM oviposition deterrence in botanicals (plants (n = 11) and essential oils (n = 15)), and some commercial pesticides (n = 7) used for FCM control in South Africa. All tested botanicals were selected based on an extensive literature review of plant compounds that have been reported to deter or repel lepidopteran pests. Choice and no-choice oviposition bioassays were conducted in complete darkness in a controlled environment room. Oranges treated with solutions/suspensions of potential oviposition deterrents were placed into a cage with gravid FCM females for four hours, with oviposition being recorded every hour. Of the 33 tested compounds, only eight significantly reduced FCM oviposition (P < 0.05) compared to the control in oviposition bioassays i.e. two essential oils (lavender and peppermint), two plant crude extracts (garlic and marigold), one fruit (Mango), and three commercial FCM insecticides (Delegate, Coragen, and Warlock). All identified oviposition deterrents, except for Mango, were further investigated for their ovicidal properties in concentration response bioassays, where all botanicals were identified to have dual action (both deterrent and ovicidal properties), as they significantly (P < 0.05) reduced FCM oviposition and egg hatch. Garlic was the most efficacious botanical whilst Warlock was the only commercial insecticide that did not show ovicidal activity (F = 41.17, P = 0.0622). Larval penetration of the host fruit was less than egg hatch for all tested compounds in concentration response bioassays. Oviposition, egg hatch, and larval penetration were all affected by concentration, with the higher concentrations being the most effective. The efficacy of these deterrent compounds should be further tested in semi-field and/or field trials, and they may have potential in FCM management as allomone dispensers or sprays. They can also be implemented in push-pull strategies where they can be used in conjunction with FCM attractants. Lastly, repellence studies should be conducted in absentia of the host fruit to determine whether oviposition deterrence was a result of true repellence or odour masking. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2023
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Date Issued: 2023-10-13

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Exploring grade 8 teachers’ code-switching in teaching orthographic drawing in the Khomas Educational Region, Namibia

- Iita, Gabriel

Authors: Iita, Gabriel
Date: 2023-10-13
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424041 , vital:72118
Description: Studies in learner English proficiency in Namibia have shown that a considerable number of learners in primary and high schools have low proficiency. Naturally, this will be problematic for both learners and teachers who operate under a policy that dictates that from Grade 4 upwards, English is the medium of instruction in government schools. Literature has shown a general bias towards English as a medium of instruction from both the Namibian government and Namibian parents, despite the broader level of low English proficiency among learners. Research reviewed within this study has outlined the multiple benefits of code-switching for both learners and teachers. In fact, a recent study on the perceptions of code-switching in classrooms among Namibian learners indicated a positive attitude towards code-switching as a learning tool. Grade 8 Technical Drawing classes tend to be challenging due to the complexity and novelty of some of the concepts and terminologies used when teaching the subject. This makes it particularly difficult for learners whose first language is not English. Learners struggle to understand and make meaning of the concepts and objects used in Orthographic Drawing. Code-switching has been seen as a beneficial pedagogical tool. The study was therefore conducted to explore the Grade 8 teachers’ code-switching when teaching Orthographic Drawing in the Khomas educational region, Namibia. The study used the Matrix Language Frame Model by Myers-Scotton as the theoretical framework which focuses on two crucial language aspects of participating in code-switching and the matrix and embedded language, which guided this study. The qualitative approach employed a case study design which was used to gain first-hand experience in the Technical Drawing classrooms. Semi-structured interviews and an observation checklist were the research instruments that were used to generate data on the use of code-switching in Orthographic Drawing. Two schools, two Technical Drawing classes with 40 learners and two teachers in the Khomas region, Namibia were conveniently and purposively sampled. The data were analysed using coding, descriptive statistics and thematic data analysis. The primary and secondary results indicate that code-switching occurrence has constructive effects. Consequently, recommendations have been made on the effective use of code-switching along with other pedagogical tools based on the research insights into code-switching when teaching and learning Orthographic Drawing. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Humanities, Study of Englishes of Africa, 2023
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Date Issued: 2023-10-13

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Exploring how Grade 11 Chemistry teachers mediate learning of the topic redox reactions in their classrooms in Namibia

- Iindombo, Junilla Inamudhimbwa

Authors: Iindombo, Junilla Inamudhimbwa
Date: 2023-10-13
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424030 , vital:72117
Description: The Namibian Chemistry ordinary level syllabus requires learners to study the topic of redox reactions. This topic has proven to be one of the most difficult for Namibian learners as reflected by their poor responses to questions in the Grade 11 and 12 Namibian Senior Secondary Certificate ‘O’ examinations. Teaching abstract concepts such as redox reactions requires higher cognitive thinking skills and thus presents a challenge. Against this background, this study sought to explore how teachers mediate learning of redox reactions in their classrooms. The focus was on conceptual understanding through linking content to the context of the learners. The study was underpinned by an interpretivist paradigm, within which a qualitative case study approach was adopted. Two Grade 11 Chemistry teachers from the Ohangwena and Oshana regions in Namibia were the research participants. I used semi-structured interviews, lesson observations and stimulated recall interviews to collect data. I used Shulman’s Pedagogical Content Knowledge as a theoretical framework in this study and the data sets were analysed using the Topic-Specific Pedagogical Content Knowledge components. Qualitative data were analysed inductively-deductively. The study’s findings revealed that teachers used various mediation tools such as analogies and prior knowledge. The results further illuminated that teachers should develop strong subject content knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge to have the best strategies in place to mediate learning of this topic. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Secondary and Post-School Education, 2023
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Date Issued: 2023-10-13

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Exploring rural youth livelihood opportunities: a case study of a youth centre in Bizana

- Mtwa, Zikhona Asanda

Authors: Mtwa, Zikhona Asanda
Date: 2023-10-13
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/431485 , vital:72776
Description: Throughout South Africa, youth that are not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET) continue to face many socio-economic challenges, including unemployment. Bizana, a small rural town in the Eastern Cape, is no exception. This study explores rural youth livelihood opportunities for youth NEET in Bizana. There is limited research done to understand the role of youth centres in providing accessing to rural youth livelihood opportunities. As a result, this study sought to understand the role of youth centres in re-integrating youth NEET into the labour market, as well as into education and training institutions. It utilizes the case study of the Bizana Love Life youth centre by looking at the programmes they offer, and whether they enhance livelihood opportunities for youth NEET. The Sustainable Livelihoods Approach (SLA) was used as a theoretical lens in understanding rural youth livelihood opportunities for youth NEET in Bizana, by identifying the challenges they face and the assets they use to enhance their livelihoods. Against this backdrop, the study adopted a qualitative research approach and an explorative case study design and was supplemented by purposive and snowball sampling methods. Data was obtained using semi-structured interviews with twelve youth NEET participants who are part of the programmes of the youth centre, and two staff members of the youth centre. Findings were analysed using open coding and thematic analysis in line with the objectives of the study. The findings of the study revealed that in attempting to gain employment, extended family support, parenthood, financial reasons, household chores, poor academic performance and lack of work experience were some of the challenges facing rural youth NEET in Bizana. The findings indicate that a combination of human and social capital can be used to support youth NEET in gaining confidence and in preparing them for the workplace. With these findings, the study indicates the need to strengthen existing youth programmes that cater for youth NEET, who are the most vulnerable in the labour market, through skills development and broadening of their social networks. As a policy recommendation, the national and provincial government must work with youth centres and other stakeholders to establish policies that cater for the development of youth NEET. , Thesis (MSocSci) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2023
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Date Issued: 2023-10-13

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Exploring the drivers of co-occurring multiple non-native fish assemblages within an invaded and flow-modified African river system

- Mpopetsi, Pule Peter

Authors: Mpopetsi, Pule Peter
Date: 2023-10-13
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/431871 , vital:72810 , DOI 10.21504/10962/431871
Description: Globally, there is growing concern on the negative impacts of species invasions and habitat disturbance because these have been shown to have the potential to disrupt native community structure and function. In some instances, these two stressors can occur in concert, such as in river systems associated with inter-basin water transfer (IBWT) schemes. The Great Fish River in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, is an example of a system affected by both habitat modification and multiple fish invasions largely because of an IBWT scheme. The opening of the Orange-Fish IBWT, which transfers water from the Orange River to the Great Fish River, modified the latter’s natural flow regime from irregular seasonal to perennial. In addition, the IBWT facilitated translocations of five fish species from the Gariep Dam (Orange River system) into the Great Fish River system. Proliferation of these non-native fish species, along with that of other fish species introduced for angling and biological control, raise questions on the mechanisms facilitating their existence within this highly modified river system. This thesis explored mechanisms associated with co-occurrences of these multiple non-native fishes within the Great Fish River. A comparison of historical and contemporary records on the ichthyofauna of the Great Fish River revealed that, of the 11 non-native fishes reported in this system, seven have established successfully, three have failed to establish and the status of one was uncertain. The Orange-Fish IBWT and angling were the main vectors of these invasions, accounting for 36% and 46%, respectively. The study also found that most established non-native fish species were large sized, had high longevity and wide habitat tolerance. Trait-based approaches were employed to investigate the role of functional diversity of non-native and native fishes in relation to their composition, distribution and environmental relationships. Although considerable interspecific variation in body morphology-related functional traits among species were observed, there was no clear distinction in these traits between native and non-native fish assemblages on a trait-ordination space. Furthermore, there were weak species-trait-environment relationships, suggesting that environmental filtering was less plausible in explaining the occurrence patterns of these fishes. Stable isotope-based trophic relationships were evaluated in three invaded sections: the upper (UGFR) mainstem sections of the Great Fish River; and lower (LGFR) mainstem sections of the Great Fish River; and its tributary, the Koonap River. It was observed that native and non-native fish assemblages exhibited variation in isotopic diversity typified by low isotopic diversity overlaps in UGFR and Koonap River, whereas the LGFR was characterised by high isotopic diversity overlap. Within the invaded sections, non-native fishes were found to have isotopic niches characterised by variable isotopic niche sizes and were more isotopically dissimilar with propensity towards trophic differentiation within the UGFR and Koonap River but were mostly characterised by high isotope niche overlaps in the LGFR. Overall, these results provided evidence of trophic niche differentiation as a probable mechanism associated with the co-occurrences of the non-native fishes. However, mechanisms facilitating these co-occurrences within the invaded sections appears to be complex, context-specific and, in some cases, unclear. Lastly, machine learning techniques, boosted (BRT) and multivariate (MRT) regression trees, revealed that the flow-disturbed habitats were invaded by multiple non-native species, whereas the non-disturbed headwaters remained invasion free. In addition, non-native species were predicted to co-occur with native species within the mainstem and large tributary sections of the Great Fish River system. Thus, the IBWT-disturbed mainstem sections were predicted to be more prone to multiple invasions compared to undisturbed headwater tributaries. , Tlhaselo ka mefuta ya diphoofolo-tsa-matswantle (non-native species), ha mmoho le phetolo/tsenyehelo ya bodulo ba diphoofolo-tsa-lehae (native species), di nkuwa ele tse pedi tsa tse kgolo ka ho fetisisa hara ditshoso tse kgahlanong le paballo kapa tshireletso ya diphoofolo-tsa-lehae tse phelang dinokeng kapa metsing. Maemong a mang, dikgatello tsena tse pedi dika etsahala ka nako e le nngwe, jwalo ka dinokeng tseo di amanang le maano a ho fetisa/tsamaisa metsi pakeng tsa dinoka tse fapa-fapaneng (IBWT). Enngwe ya dinoka tse jwalo, ke noka e bitswang ka Great Fish River, e fumanehang Kapa-Botjabela (Eastern Cape) ka hara naha ya Afrika Borwa (South Africa). Noka ena ya Great Fish River e angwa ke tshenyehelo ya bodulo ba ditlhapi-tsa-lehae, ha mmoho le tlhaselo ya tsona ka ditlhapi-tsa-matswantle. Tsena di etsahala hahololo ka lebaka la morero kapa leano la phepelo ya metsi le bitswang Orange-Fish IBWT, leo lona le ileng la fetola phallo ya tlhaho ya metsi a Great Fish River. Ho feta moo, leano lena la phephelo yametsi, Orange-Fish IBWT, le entse hore ho be bonolo ho fetisetswa ha mefuta e mehlano ya ditlhapi-tsa-matswantle ho tloha letamong le bitswang Gariep Dam, hoya kena ka hara noka ya Great Fish River. Ditla morao tsa tsena tsohle, ebile ho ata ha mefuta e mengata ya ditlhapi-tsa-matswantle ka hara noka ya Great Fish River. Ho ata hona ha ditlapi-tsa-matswantle ka hara noka ena ya Great Fish River, ho hlahisa dipotso mabapi le mekgwa e bebofatsang ho phela ha ditlhapi tsena tsa matswantle ka hara noka ena; hore ana ebe diphela jwang ka hara noka ya Great Fish River? Ka hona, sepheo le merero wa thuto ena ke ho phuputsa mekgwa e bebofatsang ho phela ha mefuta ena e fapaneng ya ditlhapi-tsa-matswantle ka hara noka ya Great Fish River. Dipheto tsa diphuputso di hlalosa hore, ha jwale, ka hara noka ena ya Great Fish River, hona le ditlhapi-tsa-matswantle tse leshome le motso o mong (11). Bosupa (7) ba tsona di phela ka katleho, ha tse tharo di hlolehile ho theha (3), mme e le nngwe (1) boemo ba teng ha bo hlake. Hare lekola hore ke efeng mekgwa e amanang le ho ata ha ditlhapi-tsa-matswantle ka hara Great Fish River, re fumana hore leano la phephelo ya metsi la Orange-Fish IBWT ka 36%, ha mmoho le boithapollo ba ho tshwasa ditlhapi (angling) ka 46%, ene ele tsona tsela tsa ho kena ha ditlhapi-tsa-matswantle ka hara Great Fish River, tse ka sehlohong. Re fumantsha hape hore katleho ya ditlhapi-tsa-matswantle e amahangwa le hore di boholo bo bokae, le hore diphela nako e ka kang. Mohlala, ditlhapi tse kgolo tse phelang nako etelele ka tlhaho ya tsona, di amahangwa le katleho ya ho theha ka hara noka ena. Ha tseo tse phelang nako e kgutshwanyane tsona disa amahangwe leho atleha ka hara noka ena. Tse ding tsa dipheto di hlalosa hore, ditlhapi-tsa-lehae le ditlhapi-tsa-matswantle, ka karolelano, hadi fapane haholo ka dibopeho tsa mmele, dihlopa tsena tse pedi diya tshwana. Re fumantsha hape hore dihlopa tsena tse pedi tsa ditlapi dija mefuta e fapaneng ya dijo. Eleng engwe ya dintho tse netefatsang katleho ya ditlhapi-tsa-matswantle ka hara noka ena ya Great fish river. Hona keka lebaka la hore, dihlopa tsena tse pedi hadi bakisane dijo, empa di phela ka mefuta e fapaneng ya dijo. Hare phethela, re fumantsha hore mefuta e fapafapaneng ya ditlhapi-tsa-matswantle e fumaneha feela ka hara madulo a amahangwang le phethoho ya phallo ya metsi (flow alteration), madulo asa amahangwang le phetoho ya phallo ya metsi ona ane a hloka ditlhapi-tsa-matswantle. Sena se bolela hore phetolo ya phallo ya metsi ya Great Fish River, ka lebaka la Orange-Fish IBWT, e fokoditse matla a noka ena ho lwantsha tlhaselo ya ditlhapi-tsa-matswantle. Ka hona, ho bobebe hore ditlhapi-tsa-matswantle di thehe ka katleho ka hara noka ena. Tsena tsohle keka baka la phetolo ya phallo ya metsi a Great Fish River e bakilweng ke leano la phephelo ya metsi la Orange-Fish IBWT. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Faculty of Science, Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, 2023
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Date Issued: 2023-10-13

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Exploring the interplay between foundation phase learners’ home and school literacy practices

- Magxala, Xoliswa Patience

Authors: Magxala, Xoliswa Patience
Date: 2023-10-13
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/431587 , vital:72788 , DOI 10.21504/10962/431587
Description: The thesis looked at Foundation Phase children’s early home literacy practices and examined how these literacy practices are adopted at school in Libode, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa, a rural area. The purpose of the study was to determine how early literacy practices at home are adopted in classrooms. The study aimed to determine the relationship between home and school literacy. To understand the literacy practices used at home and school by four Foundation Phase children and four Foundation Phase teachers, an interpretive ethnographic study design was used. Participants who spoke isiXhosa as their first language participated in data collection using structured observations, video and audio recordings, field notes, and unstructured interviews. The study’s framework, the Cultural Historical Activity Theory, was used as a tool to collect, examine, and interpret data through its various components. Themes were identified, arranged, and categorized. The findings revealed children from low socioeconomic backgrounds have rich literacy practices. Teachers do not acknowledge or recognize the contributions that these children’s cultural backgrounds make. The study recommends that schools start acknowledging the advantages that children’s environments have for them. It also suggests that teachers build on the knowledge that children bring from home, as this will have an impact on how they behave in class because students bring their family’s literacy habits, which serve as the foundation for their academic literacy habits, to school. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, Institute for the Study of Englishes in Africa, 2023
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Date Issued: 2023-10-13

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