Laccase production by selected bacteria species isolated from some aquatic and terrestrial milieu of the Eastern Cape : applications in wastewater treatment
- Authors: Unuofin, John Onolame
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Laccase Sewage -- Purification -- Biological treatment Water -- Purification
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9626 , vital:34810
- Description: Aromatic pollutants are a diverse group of chemicals which are continuously produced from industrialization, urbanization and sophistication in technological advancement. Pristine water source polluted by these chemicls makes the water unsafe for human consumption, and as well disrupts the trophic structure of the aquatic milieu. Physico-chemical treatment techniques employed so far have been accompanied by major drawbacks which have overriden the relative successes recorded, hence, greener, simpler and more efficient methods of pollutant transformation is imperative. The prospect of enzymatic treatment of pollutants has gradually been receiving growing attention in contemporary times due to the their environmental friendliness and production economic feasiblity. Laccase, a multicopper oxidase has heightened its appeal towards environmental and biotechnological applications due to its broad substrate specificity and its requirement of atmospheric molecular oxygen as a cosubstrate and the discharge of water as the byproduct. Hence, this present study was designed to evaluate the biotechnological potentials of laccases produced by some bacteria species from some aquatic biomes of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The laccase-producing bacteria were isolated from selected environmental samples by selective enrichment using selective aromatic compounds as sole carbon source and subsequently, laccase-screening phenolic substrates. The laccase-producing bacteria were identified by molecular techniques as proteobacteria belonging to the following genera: Achromobacter, Bordetella, Citrobacter, Pseudomonas and Stenotrophomonas. Optimisation of laccase production in a submerged fermentation was by traditional and statistical methods, where four isolates (Hb9c; Achromobacter xylosoxidans HWN16, Hb16c; Bordetella bronchisepta HSO16, Berl11b2; Stenotrophomonas maltophilia BIJ16, Ie1c; Citrobacter freundii LLJ16) were evaluated for the fermentative production of laccase from lignocellulosic agroindustrial residues. Predictions from statistical optimisation showed that weakly acidic conditions (pH 5) and low agitation speed (100 rpm) were required for maximum laccase production from mandarin peelings (0.5 g/200 mL) and NaNO3 (0.25 g/200 mL) in Hb9c, maize stover (0.50 g/200 mL) and NaNO3 (0.050 g/200mL) in Berl11b2 while a lower agitation speed (50 rpm) was required for maximum laccase output from 2.0 g/200 mL maize stover and 0.050 g/200 mL KNO3 in Ie1c. However, 2.50 g/200 mL wheat bran, 0.050 g/200 mL yeast extract and 50 rpm agitiation under acidic conditions (pH3) yielded maximum laccase titres in Hb16c. Further characterisation of Hb9c and Ie1c laccase secretions portrayed their polyextremotolerant capacities. They were active at a broad range of tempertaure (0-90 degreesC); with optima at 70°C (Hb9c) and 60°C (Ie1c), pH (3-11); with optima at pH 6 (Ie1c) and pH 8 (Hb9c), respectively, and were equally thermo- and pH-stable. Their activities were either improved or left unabated by high concentrations of cations, detergents, and chloride. In addition, catalytic activities of Hb9c and Ie1c laccase secretions increased when they were preincubated with 2 – 20 percent of fluoride, a potent inhibitor. Consequently, a molecular perspective depicted the isolates to have multiple homologous laccase encoding genes. The enzymes were successfully immobilised on solid supports comprising gelatin and Na-alginate with a recovery of cca. 85 percent residual activity after 8 cycles of oprertional stability experiments. The immobilised laccases were remarkable in the decolourisation of synthetic dyes, albeit, free forms also elicited satisfactory performances. Ultimately, the application of free laccases in denim bleaching, individually or with a blend of a mediator, ABTS, showed that denim colours could be bleached without the need for chemical bleaching agents. The results obtained suggest the bacteria laccases produced from lignocellulosic wastes may serve as potent degraders of phenolic pollutants in water and, may also contribute to the bioeconomy and promote greener techniques for industrial applications.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Unuofin, John Onolame
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Laccase Sewage -- Purification -- Biological treatment Water -- Purification
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9626 , vital:34810
- Description: Aromatic pollutants are a diverse group of chemicals which are continuously produced from industrialization, urbanization and sophistication in technological advancement. Pristine water source polluted by these chemicls makes the water unsafe for human consumption, and as well disrupts the trophic structure of the aquatic milieu. Physico-chemical treatment techniques employed so far have been accompanied by major drawbacks which have overriden the relative successes recorded, hence, greener, simpler and more efficient methods of pollutant transformation is imperative. The prospect of enzymatic treatment of pollutants has gradually been receiving growing attention in contemporary times due to the their environmental friendliness and production economic feasiblity. Laccase, a multicopper oxidase has heightened its appeal towards environmental and biotechnological applications due to its broad substrate specificity and its requirement of atmospheric molecular oxygen as a cosubstrate and the discharge of water as the byproduct. Hence, this present study was designed to evaluate the biotechnological potentials of laccases produced by some bacteria species from some aquatic biomes of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The laccase-producing bacteria were isolated from selected environmental samples by selective enrichment using selective aromatic compounds as sole carbon source and subsequently, laccase-screening phenolic substrates. The laccase-producing bacteria were identified by molecular techniques as proteobacteria belonging to the following genera: Achromobacter, Bordetella, Citrobacter, Pseudomonas and Stenotrophomonas. Optimisation of laccase production in a submerged fermentation was by traditional and statistical methods, where four isolates (Hb9c; Achromobacter xylosoxidans HWN16, Hb16c; Bordetella bronchisepta HSO16, Berl11b2; Stenotrophomonas maltophilia BIJ16, Ie1c; Citrobacter freundii LLJ16) were evaluated for the fermentative production of laccase from lignocellulosic agroindustrial residues. Predictions from statistical optimisation showed that weakly acidic conditions (pH 5) and low agitation speed (100 rpm) were required for maximum laccase production from mandarin peelings (0.5 g/200 mL) and NaNO3 (0.25 g/200 mL) in Hb9c, maize stover (0.50 g/200 mL) and NaNO3 (0.050 g/200mL) in Berl11b2 while a lower agitation speed (50 rpm) was required for maximum laccase output from 2.0 g/200 mL maize stover and 0.050 g/200 mL KNO3 in Ie1c. However, 2.50 g/200 mL wheat bran, 0.050 g/200 mL yeast extract and 50 rpm agitiation under acidic conditions (pH3) yielded maximum laccase titres in Hb16c. Further characterisation of Hb9c and Ie1c laccase secretions portrayed their polyextremotolerant capacities. They were active at a broad range of tempertaure (0-90 degreesC); with optima at 70°C (Hb9c) and 60°C (Ie1c), pH (3-11); with optima at pH 6 (Ie1c) and pH 8 (Hb9c), respectively, and were equally thermo- and pH-stable. Their activities were either improved or left unabated by high concentrations of cations, detergents, and chloride. In addition, catalytic activities of Hb9c and Ie1c laccase secretions increased when they were preincubated with 2 – 20 percent of fluoride, a potent inhibitor. Consequently, a molecular perspective depicted the isolates to have multiple homologous laccase encoding genes. The enzymes were successfully immobilised on solid supports comprising gelatin and Na-alginate with a recovery of cca. 85 percent residual activity after 8 cycles of oprertional stability experiments. The immobilised laccases were remarkable in the decolourisation of synthetic dyes, albeit, free forms also elicited satisfactory performances. Ultimately, the application of free laccases in denim bleaching, individually or with a blend of a mediator, ABTS, showed that denim colours could be bleached without the need for chemical bleaching agents. The results obtained suggest the bacteria laccases produced from lignocellulosic wastes may serve as potent degraders of phenolic pollutants in water and, may also contribute to the bioeconomy and promote greener techniques for industrial applications.
- Full Text:
Land reform and livelihood among subsistence farmers in Great Kei local municipality, South Africa
- Authors: Bani, Tida Witness
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Land reform Subsistence farming Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12870 , vital:39386
- Description: Land reform, as enshrined in the constitution of the Republic of South Africa, aims to foster conditions which enable citizens to gain access to land on equitable basis. Section 25(6) of the constitution states that ‘a person or community whose tenure of land is legally insecure as a result of past racially discriminatory laws or practice is entitled, to the extent provided by an Act of Parliament, either to tenure, which is legally secure, or comparable redress. In addition, section 25(7) states that a person or community dispossessed of property after 19 June 1913 as a result of past racially discriminatory laws or practices is entitled to the extent provided by an Act of Parliament, either to restitution of that property or to equitable redress. Within this context, this study assessed the impact of land reform on the livelihoods of subsistence farmers in Great Kei Local Municipality. The study adopted a qualitative approach in order to get an in-depth understanding of the farming activities of land reform beneficiaries, the contribution of farming activities to agro-based sustainable livelihoods and the general challenges faced by subsistence farmers. The sample comprised of thirty (30) farmers, two focus group discussions which comprised of six (6) farmers each and five key informants from the Department of Rural development and Agrarian Reform, a councillor and a community leader from the local municipality. The study found that most farmers who were allocated land were from different disadvantaged backgrounds. Many of the farmers came from farming backgrounds hence they had the requisite skills and knowledge. Those with relatively limited knowledge and skills were technically supported and subsequently improved their production and livelihoods. Those farmers that were trained in various farming aspects did well as they improved production. However, it was found that those farmers that did not receive training and adequate support yielded negative results in both crop and animal production. Drought has been another major contributor in the decline of the production. It was also found that the post settlement grants, such as Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme and Recapitalization and Agricultural Development, are not enough and regular for infrastructural development on the farms.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Bani, Tida Witness
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Land reform Subsistence farming Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12870 , vital:39386
- Description: Land reform, as enshrined in the constitution of the Republic of South Africa, aims to foster conditions which enable citizens to gain access to land on equitable basis. Section 25(6) of the constitution states that ‘a person or community whose tenure of land is legally insecure as a result of past racially discriminatory laws or practice is entitled, to the extent provided by an Act of Parliament, either to tenure, which is legally secure, or comparable redress. In addition, section 25(7) states that a person or community dispossessed of property after 19 June 1913 as a result of past racially discriminatory laws or practices is entitled to the extent provided by an Act of Parliament, either to restitution of that property or to equitable redress. Within this context, this study assessed the impact of land reform on the livelihoods of subsistence farmers in Great Kei Local Municipality. The study adopted a qualitative approach in order to get an in-depth understanding of the farming activities of land reform beneficiaries, the contribution of farming activities to agro-based sustainable livelihoods and the general challenges faced by subsistence farmers. The sample comprised of thirty (30) farmers, two focus group discussions which comprised of six (6) farmers each and five key informants from the Department of Rural development and Agrarian Reform, a councillor and a community leader from the local municipality. The study found that most farmers who were allocated land were from different disadvantaged backgrounds. Many of the farmers came from farming backgrounds hence they had the requisite skills and knowledge. Those with relatively limited knowledge and skills were technically supported and subsequently improved their production and livelihoods. Those farmers that were trained in various farming aspects did well as they improved production. However, it was found that those farmers that did not receive training and adequate support yielded negative results in both crop and animal production. Drought has been another major contributor in the decline of the production. It was also found that the post settlement grants, such as Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme and Recapitalization and Agricultural Development, are not enough and regular for infrastructural development on the farms.
- Full Text:
Livelihood and unemployment transitions : drivers and effects on welfare in Nigeria
- Authors: Fashogbon, Ayodele Emmanuel
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Social service -- Nigeria Social problems -- Nigeria Nigeria -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9176 , vital:34302
- Description: Hunger, unemployment and social crisis are increasing in Nigeria. Statistics supports it that most of the able-bodied youth, both male and female, are not in employment, school or training in Nigeria while poverty rate is as high as a decade ago. A number of research efforts have looked at the micro and macroeconomic paths of the problem with less attention on dynamism of unemployment vis-a-vis the labour market transition, hence this study. This study investigates dynamism of labour market by assessing pattern and transition in labour market and out of labour, as well as determining the effect size of households head’s unemployment on household welfare. To achieve this objective, the General Household Survey (GHS) panel data for 2010/211 and 2012/2013 for Nigeria was used coupled with panel regression analyses to identify determinants of transitions from unemployment to productive sectors, and determinants of transition from productive sectors to unemployment, as well as effect of unemployment on household welfare while controlling for potential endogeneity in unemployment. Across the productive sectors and between 2010 and 2013, the descriptive results of transition show that workforce in the services sector (68 percent) are the most persistent, followed by agriculture (59 percent) and least is mining and manufacturing (44 percent). Transition from nonemployment occurred the most to services sector (22 percent), followed by out-of-labour force (18 percent), agriculture (15 percent) and least to mining and manufacturing (5 percent). Further, the results show that there are both locations and gender differences in the extent of transitions in the labour market. The econometric analyses reveal that job search characteristics, age, educational levels, gender, family ties, locations and time significantly determine transition from unemployment to productive sectors (agriculture or non-agriculture). Likewise, job characteristics, demographic variables, social network, location and time significantly determine switch from one productive sector to another or to unemployment. Moreover, it explicitly reveals as well from the analysis that household head month of unemployment reduces household total consumption and food consumption by 6.4 percent with gender and sectorial differences. The study recommends a combined and swift intervention on three sides: one, there is a need to stimulate education either through scholarship, or adult education from both public and private sectors; two, need to create jobs for youth to reduce potential social and economic crisis; and lastly there is a need to provide social support either in terms of public workfare, skills for jobs and unemployment benefits.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Fashogbon, Ayodele Emmanuel
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Social service -- Nigeria Social problems -- Nigeria Nigeria -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9176 , vital:34302
- Description: Hunger, unemployment and social crisis are increasing in Nigeria. Statistics supports it that most of the able-bodied youth, both male and female, are not in employment, school or training in Nigeria while poverty rate is as high as a decade ago. A number of research efforts have looked at the micro and macroeconomic paths of the problem with less attention on dynamism of unemployment vis-a-vis the labour market transition, hence this study. This study investigates dynamism of labour market by assessing pattern and transition in labour market and out of labour, as well as determining the effect size of households head’s unemployment on household welfare. To achieve this objective, the General Household Survey (GHS) panel data for 2010/211 and 2012/2013 for Nigeria was used coupled with panel regression analyses to identify determinants of transitions from unemployment to productive sectors, and determinants of transition from productive sectors to unemployment, as well as effect of unemployment on household welfare while controlling for potential endogeneity in unemployment. Across the productive sectors and between 2010 and 2013, the descriptive results of transition show that workforce in the services sector (68 percent) are the most persistent, followed by agriculture (59 percent) and least is mining and manufacturing (44 percent). Transition from nonemployment occurred the most to services sector (22 percent), followed by out-of-labour force (18 percent), agriculture (15 percent) and least to mining and manufacturing (5 percent). Further, the results show that there are both locations and gender differences in the extent of transitions in the labour market. The econometric analyses reveal that job search characteristics, age, educational levels, gender, family ties, locations and time significantly determine transition from unemployment to productive sectors (agriculture or non-agriculture). Likewise, job characteristics, demographic variables, social network, location and time significantly determine switch from one productive sector to another or to unemployment. Moreover, it explicitly reveals as well from the analysis that household head month of unemployment reduces household total consumption and food consumption by 6.4 percent with gender and sectorial differences. The study recommends a combined and swift intervention on three sides: one, there is a need to stimulate education either through scholarship, or adult education from both public and private sectors; two, need to create jobs for youth to reduce potential social and economic crisis; and lastly there is a need to provide social support either in terms of public workfare, skills for jobs and unemployment benefits.
- Full Text:
Livelihood strategies determinants and ranking across times : evidence from Eastern Cape
- Authors: Sikhunyana, Zintle
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Households Rural development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15079 , vital:40161
- Description: The existing literature has acknowledged that analysis of livelihood strategies is more important for rural development policy and also that livelihood strategies are at the centre of development. Persistent challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality have called for a need to understand livelihood patterns of poor households as to effectively address these socio-economic issues in rural areas. The study aimed to identify determinants of livelihood strategies and to identify livelihood strategies that are superior to others in the rural Eastern Cape province of South Africa for the years 2002-2014. The study used multinomial logistic regression to identify the determinants of livelihood strategies. The findings showed that: age of household head, gender of household head, dwelling type, household size, number of economically active members, size of land that the household uses, and access to electricity statistically determine livelihood strategies of the poor in rural Eastern Cape. With regards to ranking, the study used dominance tests such as the Kruskal-Wallis test and also used one way between groups ANOVA with the post hoc test for additional information. The results from the Kruskal-Wallis test showed that remittances are superior livelihood strategies, and the results from one-way between groups ANOVA with post hoc showed that sales of farm products and services dominate other strategies. Restrictions on land conservation, and promotion of sustainable development have constrained rural households from freely using land in pursuit of their goals. The government needs to reconcile the policy amendments for land use. Furthermore, social grants alone are not sufficient to meet the needs of the poor; there should be alternative strategies on how to take the poor out of poverty.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Sikhunyana, Zintle
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Households Rural development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15079 , vital:40161
- Description: The existing literature has acknowledged that analysis of livelihood strategies is more important for rural development policy and also that livelihood strategies are at the centre of development. Persistent challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality have called for a need to understand livelihood patterns of poor households as to effectively address these socio-economic issues in rural areas. The study aimed to identify determinants of livelihood strategies and to identify livelihood strategies that are superior to others in the rural Eastern Cape province of South Africa for the years 2002-2014. The study used multinomial logistic regression to identify the determinants of livelihood strategies. The findings showed that: age of household head, gender of household head, dwelling type, household size, number of economically active members, size of land that the household uses, and access to electricity statistically determine livelihood strategies of the poor in rural Eastern Cape. With regards to ranking, the study used dominance tests such as the Kruskal-Wallis test and also used one way between groups ANOVA with the post hoc test for additional information. The results from the Kruskal-Wallis test showed that remittances are superior livelihood strategies, and the results from one-way between groups ANOVA with post hoc showed that sales of farm products and services dominate other strategies. Restrictions on land conservation, and promotion of sustainable development have constrained rural households from freely using land in pursuit of their goals. The government needs to reconcile the policy amendments for land use. Furthermore, social grants alone are not sufficient to meet the needs of the poor; there should be alternative strategies on how to take the poor out of poverty.
- Full Text:
Macro-prudential banking regulation, interest rate spread and the conduct of monetary policy in South Africa
- Shayanewako,Varaidzo Batsirai
- Authors: Shayanewako,Varaidzo Batsirai
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Monetary policy Economic stabilization
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , D.Com
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/14093 , vital:39843
- Description: The joint implementation of macro-prudential regulatory and monetary policies is necessary for modern banking systems not only to achieve optimal interest rate spread but to cushion the economy against the catastrophic effects of systemic risk. Therefore, the understanding of the interconnection between macroprudential regulation, interest rate spread and monetary policy, supported with empirical evidence, enables economies to build health and sound financial systems and achieve desirable growth rates. Thus, this study utilises the Vector Error Correction (VEC) mechanism to empirically investigate the interconnection between macro-prudential regulation, interest rate spread and monetary policy in South Africa. Quarterly time series data for the period from 1994 to 2016 was employed with the New Keynesian Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium (NKDSGE) model as the framework for analysis. The findings of this study suggest that a negative relationship exists between interest rate spread, macro-prudential regulation and monetary policy in South Africa. Moreover, the systems equation provided evidence that a short run causality running from macroprudential regulation to monetary policy is prevalent in South Africa. The empirical model of the study was found to be desirable as evidence of no serial correlation, no ARCH effect and non-normality in residuals was detected. Evidence from this study further suggest that interest rate spread has a dampening effect on monetary policy, but in the long-run this effect seems reversible in South Africa. As a result, this study recommends that caution should be taken on the appropriate selection of measures of macro-prudential regulation and its tool-kit as it can be used to disguise the symptoms of a lax monetary policy. This implies that the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) should sternly supervise and regulate the extension of credit by commercial banks in line with its inflation targeting monetary policy rule in order to achieve financial stability and ensure optimal interest rate spread that can stimulate the economy to growth.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Shayanewako,Varaidzo Batsirai
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Monetary policy Economic stabilization
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , D.Com
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/14093 , vital:39843
- Description: The joint implementation of macro-prudential regulatory and monetary policies is necessary for modern banking systems not only to achieve optimal interest rate spread but to cushion the economy against the catastrophic effects of systemic risk. Therefore, the understanding of the interconnection between macroprudential regulation, interest rate spread and monetary policy, supported with empirical evidence, enables economies to build health and sound financial systems and achieve desirable growth rates. Thus, this study utilises the Vector Error Correction (VEC) mechanism to empirically investigate the interconnection between macro-prudential regulation, interest rate spread and monetary policy in South Africa. Quarterly time series data for the period from 1994 to 2016 was employed with the New Keynesian Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium (NKDSGE) model as the framework for analysis. The findings of this study suggest that a negative relationship exists between interest rate spread, macro-prudential regulation and monetary policy in South Africa. Moreover, the systems equation provided evidence that a short run causality running from macroprudential regulation to monetary policy is prevalent in South Africa. The empirical model of the study was found to be desirable as evidence of no serial correlation, no ARCH effect and non-normality in residuals was detected. Evidence from this study further suggest that interest rate spread has a dampening effect on monetary policy, but in the long-run this effect seems reversible in South Africa. As a result, this study recommends that caution should be taken on the appropriate selection of measures of macro-prudential regulation and its tool-kit as it can be used to disguise the symptoms of a lax monetary policy. This implies that the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) should sternly supervise and regulate the extension of credit by commercial banks in line with its inflation targeting monetary policy rule in order to achieve financial stability and ensure optimal interest rate spread that can stimulate the economy to growth.
- Full Text:
Metabolic Systems Biology: Uncovering operations of cell and metabolism
- Authors: Marange , Israel Yeukai
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Systems biology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19120 , vital:39881
- Description: The aim of this work is to analyse the technique for formulating cellular metabolism in living organisms. It also focuses on developing models of cellular metabolic systems. A sequence of biochemical reactions termed metabolic branched pathways that occur inside a cell, are of particular interest.Mathematical modelling is used as a tool to examine and analyse the metabolism of viral dynamics for the ends of this research. Dynamic mathematical models provide an important means with which to investigate the cell cycle control system. The derivation of the ordinary differential equations (ODEs) is useful in describing and analysing the metabolic network structures of branched flux pathways, as well as enzyme-substrate,reciprocal-action networks which control the cell cycle. Different general and specific factors affecting metabolic rate are identified and explained
- Full Text:
- Authors: Marange , Israel Yeukai
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Systems biology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19120 , vital:39881
- Description: The aim of this work is to analyse the technique for formulating cellular metabolism in living organisms. It also focuses on developing models of cellular metabolic systems. A sequence of biochemical reactions termed metabolic branched pathways that occur inside a cell, are of particular interest.Mathematical modelling is used as a tool to examine and analyse the metabolism of viral dynamics for the ends of this research. Dynamic mathematical models provide an important means with which to investigate the cell cycle control system. The derivation of the ordinary differential equations (ODEs) is useful in describing and analysing the metabolic network structures of branched flux pathways, as well as enzyme-substrate,reciprocal-action networks which control the cell cycle. Different general and specific factors affecting metabolic rate are identified and explained
- Full Text:
Molecular characterization of streptococcus agalactiae isolated from pregnant women in the Eastern Cape, South Africa and Windhoek, Namibia and antibacterial activities of some medicinal plant extracts on the isolates
- Authors: Mukesi, Munyaradzi
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Streptococcus Medicinal plants Pregnant women
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13034 , vital:39437
- Description: Streptococcus agalactiae (S. agalactiae) also known as group B Streptococcus (GBS) is one of the leading causes of bacterial morbidity and mortality among neonates worldwide. It is the cause of invasive Early Onset Disease (EOD), which occurs in the first 7 days of life and characterised by sepsis, pneumonia and meningitis and Late Onset Disease (LOD) occurring between 7 and 89 days of life. Late onset disease is characterised by meningitis and long term neurological sequelae such as cerebral palsy, hearing impairment and cognitive challenges. S. agalactiae does not only infect neonates, it also infects the elderly, immunocompromised individuals and pregnant and non-pregnant women, causing invasive disease. In the world, 10-40 percent of healthy women are rectally or vaginally colonised with GBS and they face the risk of passing it to their babies during the process of childbirth. During parturition, a GBS colonized pregnant woman transfers the bacterium to her new-born as the baby passes through the ruptured membrane, thus infecting the child. However, GBS has been reported to be transferred even without rupture of membranes. Once it infects the membranes, it is transferred into the amniotic fluid and subsequently infects the baby. It can be aspirated into the lungs causing pneumonia or it can infect the blood stream and disseminated round the body causing septicaemia, meningitis and other infections. Once in the neonate’s body, the bacteria is able to evade the immune system as the host immune system is not yet fully developed. Bacterial evasion of the immune system is enhanced by its various virulence factors which are deployed to help it escape the immune system. These include the polysaccharide capsule, haemolysin and the release of complement inactivating factors such C5a peptidase. The World Health Organisation (WHO) (2010) recommends universal screening of pregnant women to identify those colonised and who are at risk of passing the bacterium to their babies during birth. WHO also recommends identification of at risk women and providing Intrapartum Antibiotic Prophylaxis (IAP) using penicillin. However, problems arise in penicillin allergic women and while alternatives for IAP include erythromycin and clindamycin, there is increasing resistance to these drugs thereby limiting therapeutic options. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing is also not always possible in most resource constrained countries due to poor infrastructure, limited access to health care and the logistical problems in implementing the WHO guidelines. Alternative therapeutic options to GBS infection include developing new and potent antibiotics, development of a vaccine, use of medicinal plants and the use of bacteriophage therapy. While these look like better alternatives there is massive scientific work to be carried out to ensure proper characterisation and efficiency of such alternatives. This process should be followed by in vitro diagnostic testing, experiments with animal models and clinical trials. The problems encountered during vaccine development to curtail GBS infection are compounded by the multiplicity of S. agalactiae capsular types which vary in different geographic locations. Medicinal plants are a cheap and convenient option since they are widely used in communities but the phytochemical components of the plants have to be identified and subjected to in vitro testing to evaluate their therapeutic efficacy as antimicrobial agents. This study therefore sought to isolate GBS from pregnant women between 35 and 37 weeks gestation in Windhoek (Namibia) and the Eastern Cape (South Africa), to determine the prevalence of GBS colonisation in the vagina and rectum of the pregnant women, characterise the isolates by molecular techniques, determine the antimicrobial resistance profiles and genes of the isolates and explore the efficacies of medicinal plant extracts as possible candidates for therapeutic options.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mukesi, Munyaradzi
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Streptococcus Medicinal plants Pregnant women
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13034 , vital:39437
- Description: Streptococcus agalactiae (S. agalactiae) also known as group B Streptococcus (GBS) is one of the leading causes of bacterial morbidity and mortality among neonates worldwide. It is the cause of invasive Early Onset Disease (EOD), which occurs in the first 7 days of life and characterised by sepsis, pneumonia and meningitis and Late Onset Disease (LOD) occurring between 7 and 89 days of life. Late onset disease is characterised by meningitis and long term neurological sequelae such as cerebral palsy, hearing impairment and cognitive challenges. S. agalactiae does not only infect neonates, it also infects the elderly, immunocompromised individuals and pregnant and non-pregnant women, causing invasive disease. In the world, 10-40 percent of healthy women are rectally or vaginally colonised with GBS and they face the risk of passing it to their babies during the process of childbirth. During parturition, a GBS colonized pregnant woman transfers the bacterium to her new-born as the baby passes through the ruptured membrane, thus infecting the child. However, GBS has been reported to be transferred even without rupture of membranes. Once it infects the membranes, it is transferred into the amniotic fluid and subsequently infects the baby. It can be aspirated into the lungs causing pneumonia or it can infect the blood stream and disseminated round the body causing septicaemia, meningitis and other infections. Once in the neonate’s body, the bacteria is able to evade the immune system as the host immune system is not yet fully developed. Bacterial evasion of the immune system is enhanced by its various virulence factors which are deployed to help it escape the immune system. These include the polysaccharide capsule, haemolysin and the release of complement inactivating factors such C5a peptidase. The World Health Organisation (WHO) (2010) recommends universal screening of pregnant women to identify those colonised and who are at risk of passing the bacterium to their babies during birth. WHO also recommends identification of at risk women and providing Intrapartum Antibiotic Prophylaxis (IAP) using penicillin. However, problems arise in penicillin allergic women and while alternatives for IAP include erythromycin and clindamycin, there is increasing resistance to these drugs thereby limiting therapeutic options. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing is also not always possible in most resource constrained countries due to poor infrastructure, limited access to health care and the logistical problems in implementing the WHO guidelines. Alternative therapeutic options to GBS infection include developing new and potent antibiotics, development of a vaccine, use of medicinal plants and the use of bacteriophage therapy. While these look like better alternatives there is massive scientific work to be carried out to ensure proper characterisation and efficiency of such alternatives. This process should be followed by in vitro diagnostic testing, experiments with animal models and clinical trials. The problems encountered during vaccine development to curtail GBS infection are compounded by the multiplicity of S. agalactiae capsular types which vary in different geographic locations. Medicinal plants are a cheap and convenient option since they are widely used in communities but the phytochemical components of the plants have to be identified and subjected to in vitro testing to evaluate their therapeutic efficacy as antimicrobial agents. This study therefore sought to isolate GBS from pregnant women between 35 and 37 weeks gestation in Windhoek (Namibia) and the Eastern Cape (South Africa), to determine the prevalence of GBS colonisation in the vagina and rectum of the pregnant women, characterise the isolates by molecular techniques, determine the antimicrobial resistance profiles and genes of the isolates and explore the efficacies of medicinal plant extracts as possible candidates for therapeutic options.
- Full Text:
Molecular epidemiology of vibrio pathogens in selected surface waters and treated final effluents of wastewater treatment plants in Chris Hani District Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Ayodeji, Onsula Charles
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Sewage disposal plants Sewage -- Purification Water -- Purification -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Microbiology
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10464 , vital:35478
- Description: Access to clean and safe water is essential for the survival of human beings. Nevertheless pollution from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) effluents often impacts the microbiological qualities of surface waters. Availability of freshwater resources is indispensable for preventing waterborne diseases. The current study evaluated the physicochemical properties and abundance of Vibrio species in selected rivers and WWTPs in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, over a one year sampling regime (December, 2016 to November, 2017). Water samples were collected monthly at designated locations along the banks of two rivers, treated effluents from 500 m upstream and downstream discharge points of two WWTPs and examined for physicochemical qualities, prevalence of Vibrio pathogens and their antibiogram profiles using both cultural and molecular techniques. The findings reveal the qualities of Tsomo and Great Fish river qualities with respect to electrical conductivity (EC) (137.75 – 377.69 mg/l), total suspended solids (TSS) (52.00 – 725.19 mg/l) and temperature (12.7 – 23 oC) and the treated effluents of WW-AD and WW-CR WWTPs with respect to EC (525.73 – 1071.89 mg/l), free chlorine (0.00 mg/l – 0.68 mg/l), temperature (12.4 – 28.8 oC), TSS (14.67 – 276.44 mg/l) exceeds the permissible limits set for effluent discharged to freshwater by South Africa guidelines. Other physicochemical qualities such as turbidity (63.11 – 797.17 NTU), BOD (3.30 – 5.26 mg/l) and TDS (68.88 – 148.14 mg/l) for Tsomo and Great Fish river and turbidity (20.33 – 310 NTU), biological oxygen demand (BOD) (1.28 – 4.96 mg/l), and total dissolve solid (TDS) (262.89 – 534.89 mg/l) for WWTPs WW-AD and WW-CR did not comply with WHO and EU standards as no regulation is set for them in the South African guidelines for domestic water usage. Statistical analysis revealed that pH, electrical conductivities, dissolved oxygen and total dissolved solid were significantly different whereas temperature did not differ significantly with respect to the four seasons (P < 0.05). The Vibrio densities for Great Fish river ranged between 0 and 3.29 log10 CFU/ml with the highest obtained in the spring. The Tsomo River Vibrio densities varied between 0 to 3.56 log10 CFU/ml and the maximum densities recorded during summer. The presumptive Vibrio densities in WW-AD and WW-CR WWTPs ranged from 0 to 3.67 log10 CFU/ml and 0 to 4.42 log10 CFU/ml with autumn and spring having the highest loads respectively. Molecular identification of the presumptive Vibrio species revealed 424 positive for the Vibrio genus. Of these, 21.69 percent, 11.79 percent, 8.25 percent and 2.12 percent were confirmed as V. cholerae, V. mimicus, V. parahaemolyticus and V. fluvialis respectively. The presence of potentially Vibrio pathogens in the rivers and treated effluents suggests potential public health threat to the communities relying on receiving watersheds where the effluents are discharged. Results of antibiotic sensitivity testing revealed high sensitivities against Ofloxacin (85.54 percent), Cefuroxime (81.93 percent), and Ciprofloxacin (74.70 percent), whereas resistance against other antibiotics follow this order: Imipenem (42.17 percent), Amoxicillin-Clavulanic Acid (54.17 percent), Ampicillin (63.54 percent), Nitrofurantoin (71.79 percent) and Polymyxin B (97.44 percent). Surprisingly, the resistance of Vibrio species against the known effective Carbapenems was relatively high (Meropenem (38.54 percent) and Imipenem (58.88 percent). Multiple antibiotic resistance phenotypes (MARP) of the isolates were resistant to two or more antibiotics whereas the calculated multiple antibiotic resistance index (MARI) ranged from 0.2 to 0.7. The observed high multiple antibiotics index suggest the recovered Vibrio pathogens are of high antimicrobial usage origin. Increase in antimicrobial resistance profiles towards conventionally used antibiotics as indicated in this study calls for adequate sanitation facilities and proper surveillance programs towards monitoring of antimicrobial resistance determinants in wastewater treatment effluents and receiving watersheds. This will in turn enhance early detection of resistant strains of public health importance, and supports the prompt notification and investigation of outbreaks. It further advocates the need for constant monitoring programme by the relevant regulatory agencies to ensure total compliance of the wastewater treatment facilities to the stipulated standards.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ayodeji, Onsula Charles
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Sewage disposal plants Sewage -- Purification Water -- Purification -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Microbiology
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10464 , vital:35478
- Description: Access to clean and safe water is essential for the survival of human beings. Nevertheless pollution from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) effluents often impacts the microbiological qualities of surface waters. Availability of freshwater resources is indispensable for preventing waterborne diseases. The current study evaluated the physicochemical properties and abundance of Vibrio species in selected rivers and WWTPs in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, over a one year sampling regime (December, 2016 to November, 2017). Water samples were collected monthly at designated locations along the banks of two rivers, treated effluents from 500 m upstream and downstream discharge points of two WWTPs and examined for physicochemical qualities, prevalence of Vibrio pathogens and their antibiogram profiles using both cultural and molecular techniques. The findings reveal the qualities of Tsomo and Great Fish river qualities with respect to electrical conductivity (EC) (137.75 – 377.69 mg/l), total suspended solids (TSS) (52.00 – 725.19 mg/l) and temperature (12.7 – 23 oC) and the treated effluents of WW-AD and WW-CR WWTPs with respect to EC (525.73 – 1071.89 mg/l), free chlorine (0.00 mg/l – 0.68 mg/l), temperature (12.4 – 28.8 oC), TSS (14.67 – 276.44 mg/l) exceeds the permissible limits set for effluent discharged to freshwater by South Africa guidelines. Other physicochemical qualities such as turbidity (63.11 – 797.17 NTU), BOD (3.30 – 5.26 mg/l) and TDS (68.88 – 148.14 mg/l) for Tsomo and Great Fish river and turbidity (20.33 – 310 NTU), biological oxygen demand (BOD) (1.28 – 4.96 mg/l), and total dissolve solid (TDS) (262.89 – 534.89 mg/l) for WWTPs WW-AD and WW-CR did not comply with WHO and EU standards as no regulation is set for them in the South African guidelines for domestic water usage. Statistical analysis revealed that pH, electrical conductivities, dissolved oxygen and total dissolved solid were significantly different whereas temperature did not differ significantly with respect to the four seasons (P < 0.05). The Vibrio densities for Great Fish river ranged between 0 and 3.29 log10 CFU/ml with the highest obtained in the spring. The Tsomo River Vibrio densities varied between 0 to 3.56 log10 CFU/ml and the maximum densities recorded during summer. The presumptive Vibrio densities in WW-AD and WW-CR WWTPs ranged from 0 to 3.67 log10 CFU/ml and 0 to 4.42 log10 CFU/ml with autumn and spring having the highest loads respectively. Molecular identification of the presumptive Vibrio species revealed 424 positive for the Vibrio genus. Of these, 21.69 percent, 11.79 percent, 8.25 percent and 2.12 percent were confirmed as V. cholerae, V. mimicus, V. parahaemolyticus and V. fluvialis respectively. The presence of potentially Vibrio pathogens in the rivers and treated effluents suggests potential public health threat to the communities relying on receiving watersheds where the effluents are discharged. Results of antibiotic sensitivity testing revealed high sensitivities against Ofloxacin (85.54 percent), Cefuroxime (81.93 percent), and Ciprofloxacin (74.70 percent), whereas resistance against other antibiotics follow this order: Imipenem (42.17 percent), Amoxicillin-Clavulanic Acid (54.17 percent), Ampicillin (63.54 percent), Nitrofurantoin (71.79 percent) and Polymyxin B (97.44 percent). Surprisingly, the resistance of Vibrio species against the known effective Carbapenems was relatively high (Meropenem (38.54 percent) and Imipenem (58.88 percent). Multiple antibiotic resistance phenotypes (MARP) of the isolates were resistant to two or more antibiotics whereas the calculated multiple antibiotic resistance index (MARI) ranged from 0.2 to 0.7. The observed high multiple antibiotics index suggest the recovered Vibrio pathogens are of high antimicrobial usage origin. Increase in antimicrobial resistance profiles towards conventionally used antibiotics as indicated in this study calls for adequate sanitation facilities and proper surveillance programs towards monitoring of antimicrobial resistance determinants in wastewater treatment effluents and receiving watersheds. This will in turn enhance early detection of resistant strains of public health importance, and supports the prompt notification and investigation of outbreaks. It further advocates the need for constant monitoring programme by the relevant regulatory agencies to ensure total compliance of the wastewater treatment facilities to the stipulated standards.
- Full Text:
Molecular studies on cholera and non-cholera causing vibrio pathogens isolated from some water resources and aquatic animals in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Abioye, Oluwatayo Emmanuel
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Vibrio cholerae -- Pathogens Vibrio cholerae
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9154 , vital:34283
- Description: The global socioeconomic and disease burdens of cholera; a disease caused by Vibrio cholerae have been ongoing since it was first reported in India in 1563. Unfortunately, emerging non-cholera causing Vibrio pathogens have been contributing to the malady of Vibrio genus globally in the recent years. The history of cholera outbreaks in South Africa have been well documented but information regarding other non-cholera Vibrio pathogens, is deficient in the literature. This study evaluated the statuses of aquatic animals including crustaceans, molluscs, and fish as important reservoirs of six key pathogenic Vibrio spp. in some important water resources and fish markets in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, between December 2016 and November 2017. Physiochemical parameters that are vital for water quality assessment were determined for all the water sampling points using standard methods. The parameters include pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), salinity, temperature, total dissolved solids, turbidity and biological oxygen demand (BOD5). Vibrio spp. densities in water and aquatic animal samples were determined using membrane filtration and Most Probable NumberPolymerase chain reaction (MPN-PCR) methods respectively. Presumptive Vibrio spp. were recovered from the samples by direct plating of water samples and aliquots of aquatic animal homogenates on thiosulfate-citrate-bile salts-sucrose (TCBS) agar. Where necessary, samples were enriched using alkaline peptone water (APW) for optimum isolation of the targeted Vibrio spp. Presumptive isolates were identified and delineated into the six targeted pathogenic Vibrio spp. using PCR method. The antibiogram fingerprint of selected Vibrio spp. against a panel 18 panels of antibacterial agents were also carried out. Multiple antibiotic resistance phenotypes (MARPs) per set of isolates from water sampling sites and aquatic animal types were determined. Finally, multiple antibiotic resistance indices (MARI) for isolates recovered from the samples were determined. All experiments were done in replicate and data compared using one-way analysis of variance and one-tail t-test as appropriate. Correlation and regression analysis were also carried out as appropriate. Uncontrolled agricultural, industrial and domestic wastewater influxes, as well as run-off intrusions into the water resources investigated, were observed throughout the sampling season. The physicochemical qualities of the water resources varied with seasons. While pH observed for all the water sampling sites complied with South Africa and international standards, most sampling sites did not comply with set standards for one or more of the remaining physicochemical parameters. The parameters that frequently exhibited significant correlation and regression with Vibrio spp. densities were TDS, TSS, turbidity and temperature. The densities of Vibrio spp. in the samples studied varied with season and the highest density per sample types were observed in the summer. The prevalence of Vibrio spp. in freshwater, brackish water and aquatic animal samples were 79 percent, 78 percent and 86 percent respectively. The respective prevalence of V. cholerae, V. mimicus, V. fluvialis, V.alginolyticus, V. vulnificus and V. parahaemolyticus in freshwater samples (18 percent, 3 percent, ~1 percent, ~1 percent, <1 percent, < percent), brackish water(12 percent, 3 percent, 28 percent,~1 percent, ~1 percent, 9 percent) and aquatic animals (9 percent, 1 percent, 17 percent, 1 percent, 1 percent, 17 percent) were observed. All isolates from all the sample types showed very high antibiotic resistance against ampicillin and polymyxin B. Furthermore, MARPs were observed among isolates from the three sample types. Multiple antibiotic resistance indices (MARI) above 0.2 was observed at one site on Kowie River, three on Kubusi River and one on Buffalo River. The findings of this study suggest that most South Africa water-bodies especially freshwater resources are not well protected. This need to be addressed in a country like South Africa where availability of the freshwater resource for human activities is a critical issue. Base on the prevalence of pathogenic Vibrio spp. especially MARPs and sites that exhibited above 0.2 threshold for MARI, environmental base Vibrio species monitoring programs are recommended.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Abioye, Oluwatayo Emmanuel
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Vibrio cholerae -- Pathogens Vibrio cholerae
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9154 , vital:34283
- Description: The global socioeconomic and disease burdens of cholera; a disease caused by Vibrio cholerae have been ongoing since it was first reported in India in 1563. Unfortunately, emerging non-cholera causing Vibrio pathogens have been contributing to the malady of Vibrio genus globally in the recent years. The history of cholera outbreaks in South Africa have been well documented but information regarding other non-cholera Vibrio pathogens, is deficient in the literature. This study evaluated the statuses of aquatic animals including crustaceans, molluscs, and fish as important reservoirs of six key pathogenic Vibrio spp. in some important water resources and fish markets in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, between December 2016 and November 2017. Physiochemical parameters that are vital for water quality assessment were determined for all the water sampling points using standard methods. The parameters include pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), salinity, temperature, total dissolved solids, turbidity and biological oxygen demand (BOD5). Vibrio spp. densities in water and aquatic animal samples were determined using membrane filtration and Most Probable NumberPolymerase chain reaction (MPN-PCR) methods respectively. Presumptive Vibrio spp. were recovered from the samples by direct plating of water samples and aliquots of aquatic animal homogenates on thiosulfate-citrate-bile salts-sucrose (TCBS) agar. Where necessary, samples were enriched using alkaline peptone water (APW) for optimum isolation of the targeted Vibrio spp. Presumptive isolates were identified and delineated into the six targeted pathogenic Vibrio spp. using PCR method. The antibiogram fingerprint of selected Vibrio spp. against a panel 18 panels of antibacterial agents were also carried out. Multiple antibiotic resistance phenotypes (MARPs) per set of isolates from water sampling sites and aquatic animal types were determined. Finally, multiple antibiotic resistance indices (MARI) for isolates recovered from the samples were determined. All experiments were done in replicate and data compared using one-way analysis of variance and one-tail t-test as appropriate. Correlation and regression analysis were also carried out as appropriate. Uncontrolled agricultural, industrial and domestic wastewater influxes, as well as run-off intrusions into the water resources investigated, were observed throughout the sampling season. The physicochemical qualities of the water resources varied with seasons. While pH observed for all the water sampling sites complied with South Africa and international standards, most sampling sites did not comply with set standards for one or more of the remaining physicochemical parameters. The parameters that frequently exhibited significant correlation and regression with Vibrio spp. densities were TDS, TSS, turbidity and temperature. The densities of Vibrio spp. in the samples studied varied with season and the highest density per sample types were observed in the summer. The prevalence of Vibrio spp. in freshwater, brackish water and aquatic animal samples were 79 percent, 78 percent and 86 percent respectively. The respective prevalence of V. cholerae, V. mimicus, V. fluvialis, V.alginolyticus, V. vulnificus and V. parahaemolyticus in freshwater samples (18 percent, 3 percent, ~1 percent, ~1 percent, <1 percent, < percent), brackish water(12 percent, 3 percent, 28 percent,~1 percent, ~1 percent, 9 percent) and aquatic animals (9 percent, 1 percent, 17 percent, 1 percent, 1 percent, 17 percent) were observed. All isolates from all the sample types showed very high antibiotic resistance against ampicillin and polymyxin B. Furthermore, MARPs were observed among isolates from the three sample types. Multiple antibiotic resistance indices (MARI) above 0.2 was observed at one site on Kowie River, three on Kubusi River and one on Buffalo River. The findings of this study suggest that most South Africa water-bodies especially freshwater resources are not well protected. This need to be addressed in a country like South Africa where availability of the freshwater resource for human activities is a critical issue. Base on the prevalence of pathogenic Vibrio spp. especially MARPs and sites that exhibited above 0.2 threshold for MARI, environmental base Vibrio species monitoring programs are recommended.
- Full Text:
Monetary policy credibility, exchange rate pass through and inflation in South Africa
- Authors: Bom, Sandisiwe Abongile
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa Monetary policy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Economics)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13303 , vital:39632
- Description: The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) implemented inflation targeting as a monetary policy framework in 2000 with the aim of achieving low and stable price associated with economic growth. However, the period in which the framework was implemented is characterised by periods of price instability and low economic growth. This contradicts the view of different views in the literature that indicates that inflation targeting ensures low inflation rates. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the nexus between monetary policy credibility, exchange rate pass-through and inflation in South Africa. The study employed the Johansen co-integration test, Vector error correction modelling (VECM) techniques, impulse response and variance decomposition for the period from 2000 to 2017 using quarterly data. The Johansen cointegration indicated that there was a long-term relationship between the variables of interest. The VECM was estimated together with the impulse response and variance decomposition. The empirical results indicated that the variables utilised in the study are positively related. Impulse response functions also proved that in the long run, changes in consumer prices are a result of fluctuations in oil prices and the repo rate. It is evident that consumer prices (inflation) are positively related to changes in exchange rates and monetary policy credibility. Thus, the study recommends that changes in the exchange rate must be considered when implementing the monetary policy as the prices move in the same direction as changes in the NEER. Further, the lack of monetary policy credibility seems to be an issue for monetary authorities as there is supposed to be an inverse relationship among the CPI and MPCRED, which is opposed by the study. Additionally, the results also indicate that the repo rate is positively related to the consumer price and this opposes previous literature. Thus, recommending that the SARB needs to evaluate the monetary policy or the inflation targeting framework to ensure they achieve credibility
- Full Text:
- Authors: Bom, Sandisiwe Abongile
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa Monetary policy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Economics)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13303 , vital:39632
- Description: The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) implemented inflation targeting as a monetary policy framework in 2000 with the aim of achieving low and stable price associated with economic growth. However, the period in which the framework was implemented is characterised by periods of price instability and low economic growth. This contradicts the view of different views in the literature that indicates that inflation targeting ensures low inflation rates. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the nexus between monetary policy credibility, exchange rate pass-through and inflation in South Africa. The study employed the Johansen co-integration test, Vector error correction modelling (VECM) techniques, impulse response and variance decomposition for the period from 2000 to 2017 using quarterly data. The Johansen cointegration indicated that there was a long-term relationship between the variables of interest. The VECM was estimated together with the impulse response and variance decomposition. The empirical results indicated that the variables utilised in the study are positively related. Impulse response functions also proved that in the long run, changes in consumer prices are a result of fluctuations in oil prices and the repo rate. It is evident that consumer prices (inflation) are positively related to changes in exchange rates and monetary policy credibility. Thus, the study recommends that changes in the exchange rate must be considered when implementing the monetary policy as the prices move in the same direction as changes in the NEER. Further, the lack of monetary policy credibility seems to be an issue for monetary authorities as there is supposed to be an inverse relationship among the CPI and MPCRED, which is opposed by the study. Additionally, the results also indicate that the repo rate is positively related to the consumer price and this opposes previous literature. Thus, recommending that the SARB needs to evaluate the monetary policy or the inflation targeting framework to ensure they achieve credibility
- Full Text:
Motherhood narratives by women who access support services from an Non-Governmental Organisation in East London
- Authors: Du Preez, Jaydene
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Motherhood--South Africa Motherhood--Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Counselling Psychology
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16842 , vital:40778
- Description: Motherhood comes with little guidance or direction and the experience itself is often one that is saturated with mixed feelings and realities. Yet the ideologies and narratives that exist about the experience of motherhood often point to the idea that motherhood is a natural, easy and all-fulfilling position for a woman to have. Such contradictions between the thoughts and ideas about motherhood versus actual experiences of motherhood have resulted in a great deal of discomfort and difficulty for women. This is possibly as a result of the way in which motherhood has been studied in the past. But feminist, sociological and social psychological perspectives have sought to research the experiences of motherhood differently and in recent years through a growing interest in women-centred psychological research, there has been a shift in focus to the actual experiences of women as mothers. This research aims to be a continuing and contributing study of the experiences of mothers. Six mothers were interviewed through a semi-structured interviewing process. A narrative form of inquiry was used to facilitate the telling of the mothers’ stories. The aim of the research was to discover the experiences of motherhood by the mothers who made use of the services at a chosen NGO in East London. The findings suggest that the mothers experienced a number of contradictions between the dominant narratives of motherhood and their actual experiences. What also became evident was that many, if not all the mothers, were not as affected or concerned about these contradictions as mothers in other studies have been. It was thought that this was either a result of the personal characteristics of the mothers – their race, class and socioeconomic status (as suggested in other studies) or that the NGO itself was acting as a protective factor, allowing the mothers to fulfil their ideas about good mothering, thus contributing to their ideas and views of themselves, as mothers.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Du Preez, Jaydene
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Motherhood--South Africa Motherhood--Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Counselling Psychology
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16842 , vital:40778
- Description: Motherhood comes with little guidance or direction and the experience itself is often one that is saturated with mixed feelings and realities. Yet the ideologies and narratives that exist about the experience of motherhood often point to the idea that motherhood is a natural, easy and all-fulfilling position for a woman to have. Such contradictions between the thoughts and ideas about motherhood versus actual experiences of motherhood have resulted in a great deal of discomfort and difficulty for women. This is possibly as a result of the way in which motherhood has been studied in the past. But feminist, sociological and social psychological perspectives have sought to research the experiences of motherhood differently and in recent years through a growing interest in women-centred psychological research, there has been a shift in focus to the actual experiences of women as mothers. This research aims to be a continuing and contributing study of the experiences of mothers. Six mothers were interviewed through a semi-structured interviewing process. A narrative form of inquiry was used to facilitate the telling of the mothers’ stories. The aim of the research was to discover the experiences of motherhood by the mothers who made use of the services at a chosen NGO in East London. The findings suggest that the mothers experienced a number of contradictions between the dominant narratives of motherhood and their actual experiences. What also became evident was that many, if not all the mothers, were not as affected or concerned about these contradictions as mothers in other studies have been. It was thought that this was either a result of the personal characteristics of the mothers – their race, class and socioeconomic status (as suggested in other studies) or that the NGO itself was acting as a protective factor, allowing the mothers to fulfil their ideas about good mothering, thus contributing to their ideas and views of themselves, as mothers.
- Full Text:
Multi-temporal analysis of changes in vegetation distribution in the Great Fish River Game Reserve, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa :1982-2012
- Authors: Dikweni, Sipho
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Climatic changes -- South Africa|zEastern Cape Biodiversity conservation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10511 , vital:35550
- Description: Great Fish River Game Reserve plays an important role in curtailing the ever-increasing biodiversity declines in Eastern Cape Province and South Africa at large. Though this area plays an important role in the conservation of natural biodiversity, it has been observed that it is undergoing considerable changes with regards to conditions and composition of vegetation cover. These changes signal a decline in the capacity of the Great Fish River Game Reserve to support wildlife population. In this study, remote sensing was used to investigate multi-temporal changes in vegetation distribution in this particular reserve over a period of 30 years (1982-2012). A supervised classification was carried out to classify four Landsat images including; Landsat TM, Landsat ETM and Landsat 8 imagery of 1984, 1992, 2002 and 2013 respectively to map historical and present vegetation conditions and distribution in the Great Fish River Game Reserve. A comparative examination of the classified images showed that there were significant changes in the composition and structure of vegetation with much of the palatable plant species being driven to extinction. The results showed that herbivory pressure inconjuction with climate variability has subsequently resulted in a decrease of the supporting potential of the reserve to sustain wildlife due to mortality of the most preferred plant species and abundant increase of non-palatable plant species. As grazing and browsing intensity increased, there was a decline in regenerative potential of the selected plant species by wild herbivores and successful increase in abundance of the non-palatable plant species. The results of this investigation suggest that the current increase in wildlife population will facilitate the deterioration of habitat condition to support wildlife up to the point of no recovery.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Dikweni, Sipho
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Climatic changes -- South Africa|zEastern Cape Biodiversity conservation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10511 , vital:35550
- Description: Great Fish River Game Reserve plays an important role in curtailing the ever-increasing biodiversity declines in Eastern Cape Province and South Africa at large. Though this area plays an important role in the conservation of natural biodiversity, it has been observed that it is undergoing considerable changes with regards to conditions and composition of vegetation cover. These changes signal a decline in the capacity of the Great Fish River Game Reserve to support wildlife population. In this study, remote sensing was used to investigate multi-temporal changes in vegetation distribution in this particular reserve over a period of 30 years (1982-2012). A supervised classification was carried out to classify four Landsat images including; Landsat TM, Landsat ETM and Landsat 8 imagery of 1984, 1992, 2002 and 2013 respectively to map historical and present vegetation conditions and distribution in the Great Fish River Game Reserve. A comparative examination of the classified images showed that there were significant changes in the composition and structure of vegetation with much of the palatable plant species being driven to extinction. The results showed that herbivory pressure inconjuction with climate variability has subsequently resulted in a decrease of the supporting potential of the reserve to sustain wildlife due to mortality of the most preferred plant species and abundant increase of non-palatable plant species. As grazing and browsing intensity increased, there was a decline in regenerative potential of the selected plant species by wild herbivores and successful increase in abundance of the non-palatable plant species. The results of this investigation suggest that the current increase in wildlife population will facilitate the deterioration of habitat condition to support wildlife up to the point of no recovery.
- Full Text:
Newspaper coverage of the 2016 #feesmustfall students' protests in Eastern Cape universities : a content analysis of daily dispatch
- Ayodeji-Falade, Monisola Bolajoko
- Authors: Ayodeji-Falade, Monisola Bolajoko
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Journalism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Mass media -- Political aspects -- South Africa Press -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Communication
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9894 , vital:35115
- Description: This study evaluated the coverage of the 2016 #FeeMustFall students’ protests in Eastern Cape Universities by the Daily Dispatch, which is a daily newspaper published in the Eastern Cape Province. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Quantitative data were collected and analyzed through content analysis of the Daily Dispatch Newspaper while the qualitative data collected through focus group discussions among selected students of the University of Fort Hare were analyzed using thematic analysis. The study revealed that 31 stories were published by the Daily Dispatch Newspaper during the period of the protest. The tone of the stories suggested that the Daily Dispatch Newspaper was objective in its reportage. Furthermore, framing analysis of the stories showed that conflict news frame was most prominent in the #FeeMustFall students’ protest stories followed by the attribution of responsibility and human-interest frames. Thematic analysis of the focus group discussions revealed that the type of news frame used for the #FeeMustFall student’s protest stories influenced the thoughts and perceptions of readers as the news frames generated similar audience frames. These findings confirm the views highlighted by the agenda setting and framing theories, which underpin this study. This study indicates that news framing plays a significant role in readers’ perception and as well, defines the way information is presented by readers.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ayodeji-Falade, Monisola Bolajoko
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Journalism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Mass media -- Political aspects -- South Africa Press -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Communication
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9894 , vital:35115
- Description: This study evaluated the coverage of the 2016 #FeeMustFall students’ protests in Eastern Cape Universities by the Daily Dispatch, which is a daily newspaper published in the Eastern Cape Province. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Quantitative data were collected and analyzed through content analysis of the Daily Dispatch Newspaper while the qualitative data collected through focus group discussions among selected students of the University of Fort Hare were analyzed using thematic analysis. The study revealed that 31 stories were published by the Daily Dispatch Newspaper during the period of the protest. The tone of the stories suggested that the Daily Dispatch Newspaper was objective in its reportage. Furthermore, framing analysis of the stories showed that conflict news frame was most prominent in the #FeeMustFall students’ protest stories followed by the attribution of responsibility and human-interest frames. Thematic analysis of the focus group discussions revealed that the type of news frame used for the #FeeMustFall student’s protest stories influenced the thoughts and perceptions of readers as the news frames generated similar audience frames. These findings confirm the views highlighted by the agenda setting and framing theories, which underpin this study. This study indicates that news framing plays a significant role in readers’ perception and as well, defines the way information is presented by readers.
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Non-farm enterprises and rural development in South Africa : a case of the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Dapira, Clarah
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Rural development--South Africa--Eastern Cape--Case studies Rural development--South Africa South Africa--Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Development Studies
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15463 , vital:40410
- Description: There is growing recognition that the limited success in rural development policies in many developing countries, including South Africa, is mainly a result of the failure to conceptualize such interventions beyond agriculture and incorporate non-farm enterprises into the mix. Non-farm enterprises are increasingly viewed as having the potential to become one of the drivers of rural development. However, it is an area that remains poorly documented and dimly understood as it has received limited scholarly attention in recent years. The study was carried out in the rural areas of Port St John’s Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study was premised on the assumption that non-farm enterprises have the potential to become one of the drivers of rural development in terms of employment creation, income generation and diversification of the rural economy. The thesis demonstrates that the hope that non-farm enterprises can add value to the rural economy in terms of creating the much needed employment opportunities is still a goal to be realised. Nevertheless, the income generated by these enterprises is contributing immensely to household welfare, especially improving accessibility to food by poor households. The study recommends the implementation of tailor made capacity building and training programmes aimed at enhancing the skills of rural artisans. This is an area that requires state-mediated intervention to augment the rural economy in order to redress the uneven development of the past.
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- Authors: Dapira, Clarah
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Rural development--South Africa--Eastern Cape--Case studies Rural development--South Africa South Africa--Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Development Studies
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15463 , vital:40410
- Description: There is growing recognition that the limited success in rural development policies in many developing countries, including South Africa, is mainly a result of the failure to conceptualize such interventions beyond agriculture and incorporate non-farm enterprises into the mix. Non-farm enterprises are increasingly viewed as having the potential to become one of the drivers of rural development. However, it is an area that remains poorly documented and dimly understood as it has received limited scholarly attention in recent years. The study was carried out in the rural areas of Port St John’s Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study was premised on the assumption that non-farm enterprises have the potential to become one of the drivers of rural development in terms of employment creation, income generation and diversification of the rural economy. The thesis demonstrates that the hope that non-farm enterprises can add value to the rural economy in terms of creating the much needed employment opportunities is still a goal to be realised. Nevertheless, the income generated by these enterprises is contributing immensely to household welfare, especially improving accessibility to food by poor households. The study recommends the implementation of tailor made capacity building and training programmes aimed at enhancing the skills of rural artisans. This is an area that requires state-mediated intervention to augment the rural economy in order to redress the uneven development of the past.
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Parental involvement and grade 8 learners' academic achievement in mathematics : a study of selected schools in East London, South Africa
- Authors: Eesuola, Omobola Foluke
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Education -- Parent participation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Education
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10497 , vital:35497
- Description: This investigation springs from the realization that academic achievement is influenced by different environmental factors. The influence of parental involvement on learners’ academic achievement has been recognized globally by experts in the education industry. As integral as parental involvement is, education industry is yet to come to terms on the best type of parental involvement needed for the teaching and learning of Mathematics in high schools especially at the transition phase. The aim of this study was to establish the relationship between parental involvement and grade 8 learners’ academic achievement in Mathematics. Quantitative research method was used for data collection. The data was collected with the use of parental involvement questionnaire for learners (PIQL) and learners Mathematics academic achievement scores. The research was conducted in six schools (public and private) within the East London Education District. The total sample size was 460 Grade 8 learners who were randomly selected across the board. The outcomes of the investigation revealed that parental involvement enhances the academic achievement of grade 8 learners irrespective of a definition of it or the measure of achievement. Furthermore, the results of this findings indicate that good parenting styles, parental support and parental educational background (r = 0.54; P < 0.05), (r =0.20; P< 0.05), (r = 0.68; P < 0.05) respectively are prerequisite for learners’ academic achievement in mathematics, showing that the variables are significantly related to learners academic achievement in mathematics; while parental involvement in the area of communication and family structure were very weak (r = 0.05; P > 0.05), (R=0.09; R2=.005; P < 0.05). This study therefore, recommended that parental involvement should be beefed up especially in areas of communication and family structure, by both the parents and teachers in order to enhance learners’ academic achievement in Mathematics.
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- Authors: Eesuola, Omobola Foluke
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Education -- Parent participation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Education
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10497 , vital:35497
- Description: This investigation springs from the realization that academic achievement is influenced by different environmental factors. The influence of parental involvement on learners’ academic achievement has been recognized globally by experts in the education industry. As integral as parental involvement is, education industry is yet to come to terms on the best type of parental involvement needed for the teaching and learning of Mathematics in high schools especially at the transition phase. The aim of this study was to establish the relationship between parental involvement and grade 8 learners’ academic achievement in Mathematics. Quantitative research method was used for data collection. The data was collected with the use of parental involvement questionnaire for learners (PIQL) and learners Mathematics academic achievement scores. The research was conducted in six schools (public and private) within the East London Education District. The total sample size was 460 Grade 8 learners who were randomly selected across the board. The outcomes of the investigation revealed that parental involvement enhances the academic achievement of grade 8 learners irrespective of a definition of it or the measure of achievement. Furthermore, the results of this findings indicate that good parenting styles, parental support and parental educational background (r = 0.54; P < 0.05), (r =0.20; P< 0.05), (r = 0.68; P < 0.05) respectively are prerequisite for learners’ academic achievement in mathematics, showing that the variables are significantly related to learners academic achievement in mathematics; while parental involvement in the area of communication and family structure were very weak (r = 0.05; P > 0.05), (R=0.09; R2=.005; P < 0.05). This study therefore, recommended that parental involvement should be beefed up especially in areas of communication and family structure, by both the parents and teachers in order to enhance learners’ academic achievement in Mathematics.
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Parental involvement in homework of rural combined schools in the King William's Town Education District
- Authors: Mbembeni, Malixole Ivan
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Education -- Parent participation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Education
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9940 , vital:35152
- Description: While parental involvement in homework is significant, few parents are able to assist in rural communities. The purpose of this study was to investigate the way parents and/or caregivers in rural communities are involved in the homework of their children. The main question was to find how parents in rural communities get involved in homework. The study adopted an interpretive paradigm, a qualitative approach, and a case study design to guide data collection and interpretation. Data was collected in two public combined schools in the King William’s Town District of the Eastern Cape Department of Education (ECDoE). One-on-one semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from parents, educators and principals whilst focus group interviews were used with learners. Documents were collected for background context of the schools. Documents collected include the school journals, learner portfolios, staff establishment, and school timetable. Schools were chosen purposefully because of their rural context and convenience to the researcher. Purposive sampling was also used in the selection of participants. To enhance the trustworthiness of the study, data sources were triangulated, participants were allowed to use their own language, data was mechanically recorded and transcribed and verbatim quotes were used in analysing data. The study found that all participants in both schools supported the need for parents to be involved in homework. Educators, largely, had a pessimistic view about parents; they felt that the parents do not meet their expectations in terms of assisting learners with homework. The study found that although parents see the need for their involvement in homework, in reality they are not always involved. Those parents who are able to assist with homework use a variety of strategies like assisting with the actual homework, referring their children to those who can assist, monitoring and supervising, assisting financially, and organising infrastructure. The study also found that there are several challenges facing parents in rural communities that hinder them from assisting optimally. These include negative attitude towards homework, lack of subject knowledge, irresponsibility, lack of finances and material resources, community commitments, not having enough time, family responsibilities, lack of commitment by learners, and homework overload. These challenges suggest that many parents in rural communities may not be able to provide the necessary leadership for modelling purposes to learners. This can be attributed to several exogenous and exogenous factors that have an impact on homework completion by learners. This study, in addition, found that participants have a good sense of what can be done to improve parental involvement in homework. These include the revival of Adult Basic Education (ABET), the need for integrated efforts by Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOS), government departments, schools, and community organizations to improve infrastructure in rural communities, have awareness campaigns on the significance of parental involvement, provision of access to Information Communication Technology (ICT), establishment of homework support groups and quiz clubs, provision of incentives for parental assistance, and reduction of child labour.
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- Authors: Mbembeni, Malixole Ivan
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Education -- Parent participation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Education
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9940 , vital:35152
- Description: While parental involvement in homework is significant, few parents are able to assist in rural communities. The purpose of this study was to investigate the way parents and/or caregivers in rural communities are involved in the homework of their children. The main question was to find how parents in rural communities get involved in homework. The study adopted an interpretive paradigm, a qualitative approach, and a case study design to guide data collection and interpretation. Data was collected in two public combined schools in the King William’s Town District of the Eastern Cape Department of Education (ECDoE). One-on-one semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from parents, educators and principals whilst focus group interviews were used with learners. Documents were collected for background context of the schools. Documents collected include the school journals, learner portfolios, staff establishment, and school timetable. Schools were chosen purposefully because of their rural context and convenience to the researcher. Purposive sampling was also used in the selection of participants. To enhance the trustworthiness of the study, data sources were triangulated, participants were allowed to use their own language, data was mechanically recorded and transcribed and verbatim quotes were used in analysing data. The study found that all participants in both schools supported the need for parents to be involved in homework. Educators, largely, had a pessimistic view about parents; they felt that the parents do not meet their expectations in terms of assisting learners with homework. The study found that although parents see the need for their involvement in homework, in reality they are not always involved. Those parents who are able to assist with homework use a variety of strategies like assisting with the actual homework, referring their children to those who can assist, monitoring and supervising, assisting financially, and organising infrastructure. The study also found that there are several challenges facing parents in rural communities that hinder them from assisting optimally. These include negative attitude towards homework, lack of subject knowledge, irresponsibility, lack of finances and material resources, community commitments, not having enough time, family responsibilities, lack of commitment by learners, and homework overload. These challenges suggest that many parents in rural communities may not be able to provide the necessary leadership for modelling purposes to learners. This can be attributed to several exogenous and exogenous factors that have an impact on homework completion by learners. This study, in addition, found that participants have a good sense of what can be done to improve parental involvement in homework. These include the revival of Adult Basic Education (ABET), the need for integrated efforts by Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOS), government departments, schools, and community organizations to improve infrastructure in rural communities, have awareness campaigns on the significance of parental involvement, provision of access to Information Communication Technology (ICT), establishment of homework support groups and quiz clubs, provision of incentives for parental assistance, and reduction of child labour.
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Parents' experiences with involvement in the education development of children under six years in the Bubi District of Zimbabwe
- Authors: Mhlanga, Sibonginkosi
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Education -- Parent participation -- Zimbabwe Education, Elementary -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9467 , vital:34354
- Description: This study on parental involvement in Early Childhood Development in the Bubi district of Zimbabwe investigates parents’ experiences with involvement in the education development of children under six years. Early Childhood Development in Zimbabwe is a community based programme, hence the interest on parents in their involvement in the education and development. To investigate this phenomenon a thorough background of the Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory was employed. The theory is based on the principles of interconnectedness within settings and the linkages between settings that affect individual development. The study focused on the immediate, being the microsystems. The interpretive paradigm and the qualitative approach were employed to explore the parents’ experiences with involvement in the education development of children under six years. Purposive sampling was used to select a small sample of two Heads of schools, four Early Childhood Development teachers and sixteen parents; these were from two schools in the Bubi district of Matabeleland, North Province of Zimbabwe. Obtained results reveal that all the stakeholders involved in the study seem to have limited knowledge of parental involvement. It also emerged that the involvement in the district is biased towards the physical needs of the school only. The results also revealed that there are so many factors that contribute to the non-involvement of parents in their children’s education and development such as poverty, lack of knowledge, culture and attitude, just to mention a few. In view of the findings the study recommends that the Government should provide statutory instruments that clearly state the role of the parents, especially because of the fact that, currently, the programme in the country is community based. The colleges should also empower student teachers during their training on parental involvement.
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- Authors: Mhlanga, Sibonginkosi
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Education -- Parent participation -- Zimbabwe Education, Elementary -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9467 , vital:34354
- Description: This study on parental involvement in Early Childhood Development in the Bubi district of Zimbabwe investigates parents’ experiences with involvement in the education development of children under six years. Early Childhood Development in Zimbabwe is a community based programme, hence the interest on parents in their involvement in the education and development. To investigate this phenomenon a thorough background of the Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory was employed. The theory is based on the principles of interconnectedness within settings and the linkages between settings that affect individual development. The study focused on the immediate, being the microsystems. The interpretive paradigm and the qualitative approach were employed to explore the parents’ experiences with involvement in the education development of children under six years. Purposive sampling was used to select a small sample of two Heads of schools, four Early Childhood Development teachers and sixteen parents; these were from two schools in the Bubi district of Matabeleland, North Province of Zimbabwe. Obtained results reveal that all the stakeholders involved in the study seem to have limited knowledge of parental involvement. It also emerged that the involvement in the district is biased towards the physical needs of the school only. The results also revealed that there are so many factors that contribute to the non-involvement of parents in their children’s education and development such as poverty, lack of knowledge, culture and attitude, just to mention a few. In view of the findings the study recommends that the Government should provide statutory instruments that clearly state the role of the parents, especially because of the fact that, currently, the programme in the country is community based. The colleges should also empower student teachers during their training on parental involvement.
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Parents’ perceptions about male teachers’ underpresentation in the foundation phase : a study in the East London Education District
- Authors: Kewuti, Nomfihlakalo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Male preschool teachers
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15914 , vital:40563
- Description: Foundation Phase in many schools is dominated by females and there are no or few male teachers in these grades. Foundation Phase comprises both boys and girls and if girls need female teachers to teach them, so the boys also need male teachers. One of the reasons why males do not want to teach in the Foundation Phase is the gender stereotype that Foundation Phase is a woman’s job, which deprive young learners the benefits that they could enjoy by having male teachers in their early years. The objectives of this study were to establish the parents’ perceptions about male teachers’ underrepresentation in the Foundation Phase; to determine how parents and their children can benefit from being taught by male teachers in the FP; to ascertain what challenges parents perceive are experienced by male teachers in the FP and to ascertain how SGB parent component can attract male teachers for FP teaching in their schools. The study was conducted in the East London Education District from three primary schools in urban, semi-urban and rural school settings. The schools selected were those that have male teachers in the FP in Grade R, 1, 2 and 3. A purposeful sample of nine parents who have children in male teacher classes in the Foundation Phase were used; three parents from each school. Qualitative data were generated through semi-structured interviews and observations, using phenomenology design. Thematic analysis was conducted on the basis of the themes that emerged from the participants’ responses to the research questions. This study adopted an interpretive paradigm to get an understanding of parents’ perceptions about male teachers’ underrepresentation in the FP from parents who have children in the male teacher classes in the FP. The findings indicated that parents feel a need for male teachers in the FP to act as disciplinarians. They also noted that their children who are taught by male teachers have good behaviours. Benefits like gender equality, improvement in sports, confidence of learners in doing their work and grooming and balancing for higher levels. It has appeared that parents also understand that male teachers experience challenges of being unaccepted by the parents of learners and also by their female colleagues. These challenges stem from the fact that teaching in FP is associated with being nannies which is a female duty; males are associated with child abuse and are thought to be paedophiles and there a great lack of trust due to these associations pointed at them. Parents in their responses have shown that they are for the view that the SGB parent component should ensure that male teachers are employed in the FP by recommending them (male teachers) in the posts at Foundation Phase level and that it should be adopted in their schools.
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- Authors: Kewuti, Nomfihlakalo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Male preschool teachers
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15914 , vital:40563
- Description: Foundation Phase in many schools is dominated by females and there are no or few male teachers in these grades. Foundation Phase comprises both boys and girls and if girls need female teachers to teach them, so the boys also need male teachers. One of the reasons why males do not want to teach in the Foundation Phase is the gender stereotype that Foundation Phase is a woman’s job, which deprive young learners the benefits that they could enjoy by having male teachers in their early years. The objectives of this study were to establish the parents’ perceptions about male teachers’ underrepresentation in the Foundation Phase; to determine how parents and their children can benefit from being taught by male teachers in the FP; to ascertain what challenges parents perceive are experienced by male teachers in the FP and to ascertain how SGB parent component can attract male teachers for FP teaching in their schools. The study was conducted in the East London Education District from three primary schools in urban, semi-urban and rural school settings. The schools selected were those that have male teachers in the FP in Grade R, 1, 2 and 3. A purposeful sample of nine parents who have children in male teacher classes in the Foundation Phase were used; three parents from each school. Qualitative data were generated through semi-structured interviews and observations, using phenomenology design. Thematic analysis was conducted on the basis of the themes that emerged from the participants’ responses to the research questions. This study adopted an interpretive paradigm to get an understanding of parents’ perceptions about male teachers’ underrepresentation in the FP from parents who have children in the male teacher classes in the FP. The findings indicated that parents feel a need for male teachers in the FP to act as disciplinarians. They also noted that their children who are taught by male teachers have good behaviours. Benefits like gender equality, improvement in sports, confidence of learners in doing their work and grooming and balancing for higher levels. It has appeared that parents also understand that male teachers experience challenges of being unaccepted by the parents of learners and also by their female colleagues. These challenges stem from the fact that teaching in FP is associated with being nannies which is a female duty; males are associated with child abuse and are thought to be paedophiles and there a great lack of trust due to these associations pointed at them. Parents in their responses have shown that they are for the view that the SGB parent component should ensure that male teachers are employed in the FP by recommending them (male teachers) in the posts at Foundation Phase level and that it should be adopted in their schools.
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Participatory development communication and the sustainability of poverty alleviation projects in Lesotho : a case of Lifajaneng
- Authors: Ntobo-Letsie, Hlompho
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Communication in economic development Communication in rural development Economic assistance, Domestic
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10244 , vital:35384
- Description: This study aimed at assessing the impact of communication on the sustainability of poverty alleviation programmes established for selected beneficiaries in the rural community of Lifajaneng. This is conducted with the purpose of understanding how the Mafeteng community engages in the poverty alleviation projects carried out within their area of residence, so as to encourage more commitment in participation. The conceptual framework for this study is the empowerment approach and the study is informed by two theories; the participatory communication theory and the diffusion of innovation theory. The study employed the mixed method approach to gather and analyze the data; that is using questionnaires, focus group discussions and face to face interviews to solicit for information from project participants and project managers. The quantitative data was presented and analyzed through charts and graphs buttressed with themes that emerged in the qualitative data. The study revealed that the sustainability of the poverty alleviation projects remains questionable due to a number of challenges. The results reflect that communities are more comfortable when the mother language (Sesotho) is used predominantly as the medium of communication. The results also reflected that meetings had a higher attendance rate if called for by local leaders through word of mouth followed by communications done telephonically. Mainstream media such as radio and newspapers were the least effective when mobilizing the communities for meetings related to the poverty alleviation projects in the poor community. The study also unfolded the following issues; lack of full participation and commitment of the beneficiaries, inadequate funding to allow sufficient training of the beneficiaries. This is because the funds had some strings attached and the beneficiaries had their own expectations of the funds, therefore the objectives and the limits of the funder did not match the objectives and the limitations of the beneficiaries. Hence, the end results are lack of motivation for the beneficiaries.
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- Authors: Ntobo-Letsie, Hlompho
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Communication in economic development Communication in rural development Economic assistance, Domestic
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10244 , vital:35384
- Description: This study aimed at assessing the impact of communication on the sustainability of poverty alleviation programmes established for selected beneficiaries in the rural community of Lifajaneng. This is conducted with the purpose of understanding how the Mafeteng community engages in the poverty alleviation projects carried out within their area of residence, so as to encourage more commitment in participation. The conceptual framework for this study is the empowerment approach and the study is informed by two theories; the participatory communication theory and the diffusion of innovation theory. The study employed the mixed method approach to gather and analyze the data; that is using questionnaires, focus group discussions and face to face interviews to solicit for information from project participants and project managers. The quantitative data was presented and analyzed through charts and graphs buttressed with themes that emerged in the qualitative data. The study revealed that the sustainability of the poverty alleviation projects remains questionable due to a number of challenges. The results reflect that communities are more comfortable when the mother language (Sesotho) is used predominantly as the medium of communication. The results also reflected that meetings had a higher attendance rate if called for by local leaders through word of mouth followed by communications done telephonically. Mainstream media such as radio and newspapers were the least effective when mobilizing the communities for meetings related to the poverty alleviation projects in the poor community. The study also unfolded the following issues; lack of full participation and commitment of the beneficiaries, inadequate funding to allow sufficient training of the beneficiaries. This is because the funds had some strings attached and the beneficiaries had their own expectations of the funds, therefore the objectives and the limits of the funder did not match the objectives and the limitations of the beneficiaries. Hence, the end results are lack of motivation for the beneficiaries.
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Partnerships and silos in municipal development : a study of Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM)
- Authors: Siqoko, Kolisa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Public-private sector cooperation Local government Municipal services
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Rural Development
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16124 , vital:40668
- Description: Infrastructural deficit-non-existent or derelict- especially at municipal level is a major challenge in post 1994 South Africa. The inability of municipalities to develop new infrastructure or maintain existing ones, such as roads, portable water facilities, drainage and refuse collection facilities, has often resulted to social unrest and associated economic hardship for citizens. While the municipal governments have usually blamed budgetary constraints for their infrastructural dilemma, there is yet no clear sustainable plan towards a multi-actor approach as a way of leveraging stakeholder resources to solve this nagging problem. In Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM), the local government seems to maintain a ‘hierachist’ and exclusivist role in infrastructural provisioning even though the Metro boasts of a pool of vibrant stakeholders – private sector, universities and non-governmental organisations. This study, therefore, examines the development model adopted by BCMM in its infrastructural development program, and also explores the extent to which this model has included or excluded other stakeholders in the city. The main aim of the study is to explore the resource capacity of different actors in the manucipality, and how these resources intersect with the infrastructural development program of the Metro Municipality. An insight into the findings reveals a ‘dis-configured relationship’ among the stakeholders which manifests in lack of stakeholder engagement among actors in project implementation, while at the same time maintaining a level of engagement in policy design for the purposes of validation. The study adopts a qualitative research design. It also draws on cultural theory of plural rationality.
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- Authors: Siqoko, Kolisa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Public-private sector cooperation Local government Municipal services
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Rural Development
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16124 , vital:40668
- Description: Infrastructural deficit-non-existent or derelict- especially at municipal level is a major challenge in post 1994 South Africa. The inability of municipalities to develop new infrastructure or maintain existing ones, such as roads, portable water facilities, drainage and refuse collection facilities, has often resulted to social unrest and associated economic hardship for citizens. While the municipal governments have usually blamed budgetary constraints for their infrastructural dilemma, there is yet no clear sustainable plan towards a multi-actor approach as a way of leveraging stakeholder resources to solve this nagging problem. In Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM), the local government seems to maintain a ‘hierachist’ and exclusivist role in infrastructural provisioning even though the Metro boasts of a pool of vibrant stakeholders – private sector, universities and non-governmental organisations. This study, therefore, examines the development model adopted by BCMM in its infrastructural development program, and also explores the extent to which this model has included or excluded other stakeholders in the city. The main aim of the study is to explore the resource capacity of different actors in the manucipality, and how these resources intersect with the infrastructural development program of the Metro Municipality. An insight into the findings reveals a ‘dis-configured relationship’ among the stakeholders which manifests in lack of stakeholder engagement among actors in project implementation, while at the same time maintaining a level of engagement in policy design for the purposes of validation. The study adopts a qualitative research design. It also draws on cultural theory of plural rationality.
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