An evaluation of the harmonised social cash transfer programme on livelihoods in Zimbabwe: the case of Mangwe District
- Authors: Poseni ,Pedzisai
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Economic development -- Social aspects Social integration Social systems
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Development Studies)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13943 , vital:39730
- Description: Poverty and limited livelihood options remains a huge challenge in Africa, particularly in Zimbabwe. The study investigated the effectiveness of the Harmonized Social Cash Transfer programme in improving household economy and strengthening livelihood options in Zimbabwe with a particular focus on Mangwe District. In order to come up with a comprehensive investigation, the researcher grounded the study in sustainable livelihood approach and the capabaility approach. Due to persistent poverty and people adopting precarious coping strategies in Zimbawe, the government and NGOs collectively came up with a comprehensive cash based poverty alleviation strategy to alleviate poverty and build on peoples livelihood options which is the cash transfer programme. The study utilized a qualitative methodology, based on its ability to provide a contextualized description of people’s perspectives, feelings and opinions in terms of how a programme affected them. The evaluation sought to find out whether the cash transfer programme achieved its objective of strengthening household economy. The study established that the Harmonized Social Cash Transfer programme made some positive inroad towards strengthening household economy, however, lack of stakeholders coordination, collapsed economy, pollitically motivated moves from the ruling party caused the programme to fail. As such, the poor Mangwe people are still continuing engaging in precarious coping strategies, such as, selling assets, eating less than one meal per day and venturing into prostitution. The study therefore, calls for the government to review the household size vs cash scale and regularly review the amount of money received to be in line with current prices of commodities
- Full Text:
- Authors: Poseni ,Pedzisai
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Economic development -- Social aspects Social integration Social systems
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Development Studies)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13943 , vital:39730
- Description: Poverty and limited livelihood options remains a huge challenge in Africa, particularly in Zimbabwe. The study investigated the effectiveness of the Harmonized Social Cash Transfer programme in improving household economy and strengthening livelihood options in Zimbabwe with a particular focus on Mangwe District. In order to come up with a comprehensive investigation, the researcher grounded the study in sustainable livelihood approach and the capabaility approach. Due to persistent poverty and people adopting precarious coping strategies in Zimbawe, the government and NGOs collectively came up with a comprehensive cash based poverty alleviation strategy to alleviate poverty and build on peoples livelihood options which is the cash transfer programme. The study utilized a qualitative methodology, based on its ability to provide a contextualized description of people’s perspectives, feelings and opinions in terms of how a programme affected them. The evaluation sought to find out whether the cash transfer programme achieved its objective of strengthening household economy. The study established that the Harmonized Social Cash Transfer programme made some positive inroad towards strengthening household economy, however, lack of stakeholders coordination, collapsed economy, pollitically motivated moves from the ruling party caused the programme to fail. As such, the poor Mangwe people are still continuing engaging in precarious coping strategies, such as, selling assets, eating less than one meal per day and venturing into prostitution. The study therefore, calls for the government to review the household size vs cash scale and regularly review the amount of money received to be in line with current prices of commodities
- Full Text:
An explanatory study on perceptions of factors influencing muthi killings in Butterworth, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Belu, Sinovuyo
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Murder
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc (Criminology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16386 , vital:40715
- Description: This study is premised on explaining perceptions of Nkcunkcuzo and Tholenicommunity members towards factors influencing muthi killings in Butterworth, Eastern Cape (E.C.). The villagers of the two selected areas have recently experienced number of incidents. It is against this background that this study sought to establish the explanations by soliciting direct experiences of community members on incidences of muthi killings.A plethora of research projects have been previously conducted to understand this phenomenon with the Criminal Justice System (CJS) having its own perspective regarding the muthi killings. However, the researcher deemed it imperative to have explanations of community members’ perceptions of the related factors thereof. The objectives that guided this study mainly included: (1) to establish the explanations of Tholeni and Nkcunkcuzo community members on the factors that influence muthi murders, (2) to determine why people in Tholeni and Nkcunkcuzo commit muthi murders and (3) to illustrate the medus operandi of muthi murderers in Tholeni and Nkcunkcuzo. The qualitative research methodology was employed in the study. Purposive sampling was used in the selection of selected participants and respondents of this study and data was collected through self-administered questionnaires and conducted interviews by the researcher. This study established that it is rich people and politicians who are most probably reasons for incidents of muthi murders in Etholeni and in Nkcunkcuzo. Business people want to accumulate their wealth and get rich using muthi. The belief behind this is that when muthi is mixed with human body parts it is bound to be strong eventually attracting more people (customers) to the businesses owned by these people. Ultimately this leads to profit accumulation. On the other hand, the involvement of politicians in the incidents of muthi killings is mainly associated with maintaining political power by remaining as centres of preference to the community members. The participants have echoed the same sentiments on the factors that influence muthi murders in Tholeni and Nkcunkcuzo villages, Butterworth in the Eastern Cape. vi Finally, this study recommended as follows: The Etholeni and Nkcunkcuzo community leaders must work hand in hand with the government to establish centres where children, older persons and people with disabilities, particularly those who are without people to protect them, can be institutionalised in order to guarantee their safety; The chiefs of Tholeni and Nkcunkcuzomust collaborate with the social service professionals in order to address the issues of mistrust among community members through community development programs; The community policing forums of Tholeni and Nkcunkcuzo must be capacitated and their knowledge strengthened by the criminal justice agencies on muthi murders to avoid confusion about muthi murders with other different types of murders; The government of South Africa must formulate an elementary social curriculum on muthi killings in order to educate the villagers on the muthi killings from a criminal justice point of view; The legislative framework must be reviewed in order to impose harsher sentences to the muthi murderers and the accomplices thereof; There must be social welfare organizations in Tholeni and Nkcunkcuzo villages in order to take care of those children that have lost their care-givers due to muthi killings; The traditional leaders of Tholeni and Nkcunkcuzo must formulate a charter for community norms and standards to circumvent the use and selling of drugs in the concerned communities/villages. More research projects must be funded in order to get a full understanding of the causes of muthi killings and to provide a word of scientific reason to the criminal justice system, particularly as it relates to muthi killings in South Africa. Key words: Muthi, Muthi murders/killings, rituals, Modus Operandi (MO), Victims
- Full Text:
- Authors: Belu, Sinovuyo
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Murder
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc (Criminology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16386 , vital:40715
- Description: This study is premised on explaining perceptions of Nkcunkcuzo and Tholenicommunity members towards factors influencing muthi killings in Butterworth, Eastern Cape (E.C.). The villagers of the two selected areas have recently experienced number of incidents. It is against this background that this study sought to establish the explanations by soliciting direct experiences of community members on incidences of muthi killings.A plethora of research projects have been previously conducted to understand this phenomenon with the Criminal Justice System (CJS) having its own perspective regarding the muthi killings. However, the researcher deemed it imperative to have explanations of community members’ perceptions of the related factors thereof. The objectives that guided this study mainly included: (1) to establish the explanations of Tholeni and Nkcunkcuzo community members on the factors that influence muthi murders, (2) to determine why people in Tholeni and Nkcunkcuzo commit muthi murders and (3) to illustrate the medus operandi of muthi murderers in Tholeni and Nkcunkcuzo. The qualitative research methodology was employed in the study. Purposive sampling was used in the selection of selected participants and respondents of this study and data was collected through self-administered questionnaires and conducted interviews by the researcher. This study established that it is rich people and politicians who are most probably reasons for incidents of muthi murders in Etholeni and in Nkcunkcuzo. Business people want to accumulate their wealth and get rich using muthi. The belief behind this is that when muthi is mixed with human body parts it is bound to be strong eventually attracting more people (customers) to the businesses owned by these people. Ultimately this leads to profit accumulation. On the other hand, the involvement of politicians in the incidents of muthi killings is mainly associated with maintaining political power by remaining as centres of preference to the community members. The participants have echoed the same sentiments on the factors that influence muthi murders in Tholeni and Nkcunkcuzo villages, Butterworth in the Eastern Cape. vi Finally, this study recommended as follows: The Etholeni and Nkcunkcuzo community leaders must work hand in hand with the government to establish centres where children, older persons and people with disabilities, particularly those who are without people to protect them, can be institutionalised in order to guarantee their safety; The chiefs of Tholeni and Nkcunkcuzomust collaborate with the social service professionals in order to address the issues of mistrust among community members through community development programs; The community policing forums of Tholeni and Nkcunkcuzo must be capacitated and their knowledge strengthened by the criminal justice agencies on muthi murders to avoid confusion about muthi murders with other different types of murders; The government of South Africa must formulate an elementary social curriculum on muthi killings in order to educate the villagers on the muthi killings from a criminal justice point of view; The legislative framework must be reviewed in order to impose harsher sentences to the muthi murderers and the accomplices thereof; There must be social welfare organizations in Tholeni and Nkcunkcuzo villages in order to take care of those children that have lost their care-givers due to muthi killings; The traditional leaders of Tholeni and Nkcunkcuzo must formulate a charter for community norms and standards to circumvent the use and selling of drugs in the concerned communities/villages. More research projects must be funded in order to get a full understanding of the causes of muthi killings and to provide a word of scientific reason to the criminal justice system, particularly as it relates to muthi killings in South Africa. Key words: Muthi, Muthi murders/killings, rituals, Modus Operandi (MO), Victims
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An Investigation into Social Factors Contributing to Intimate Partner Violence. A Case Study of Tentergate Village, Enoch Mgijima Municipality
- Authors: Ndubane, Masimbonge
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Intimate partner violence
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc (Anthropology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16474 , vital:40723
- Description: This study sought to investigate social factors contributing to intimate partner violence in Tentergate village. Intimate partner violence or intimate personal violence, a matter once considered private, has gained increased attention as a public health crisis. In their efforts to better understand and prevent this behavior, social science researchers have discovered the link between gender inequality, early exposure to violence, spousal abuse and family conflicts. This paper uses social feminist, social learning and family violence theory to explain intimate partner violence. Participants‘ perceptions were assessed through systematic analysis. Quantitative and qualitative analysis was done on data obtained from interviews conducted on 30 women informants. The study revealed that there are several social factors contributing to intimate partner violence. In the final analysis, it argues that effective treatment and prevention should include both criminal justice and public health strategies.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ndubane, Masimbonge
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Intimate partner violence
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc (Anthropology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16474 , vital:40723
- Description: This study sought to investigate social factors contributing to intimate partner violence in Tentergate village. Intimate partner violence or intimate personal violence, a matter once considered private, has gained increased attention as a public health crisis. In their efforts to better understand and prevent this behavior, social science researchers have discovered the link between gender inequality, early exposure to violence, spousal abuse and family conflicts. This paper uses social feminist, social learning and family violence theory to explain intimate partner violence. Participants‘ perceptions were assessed through systematic analysis. Quantitative and qualitative analysis was done on data obtained from interviews conducted on 30 women informants. The study revealed that there are several social factors contributing to intimate partner violence. In the final analysis, it argues that effective treatment and prevention should include both criminal justice and public health strategies.
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An investigation of Raymond Mhlaba municipality indigent policy on water service delivery: a case study of free basic water policy (FBWP) in selected areas of Golf Course and Bhofolo.
- Authors: Ncube, Mary Silibaziso
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Community development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Development Studies)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16974 , vital:40799
- Description: The study was looking at the Free Basic Water policy (FBWP) in the Eastern Cape which was introduced in July 2001 in South Africa. FBWP was introduced to all provinces, however people living in rural areas, poor areas and villages are still suffering from lack of clean and safe drinking water. People lack adequate supplies of water and this creates conditions under which the diseases thrive. The researcher used mixed research methodology which comprises of qualitative (interview) and quantitative (questionnaire) approaches. The reason for the use of mixed methodology was to get adequate information both from the municipality (the provider of water) and the residents (the receivers of the services provided by the municipality) in order to assess how the unreliable water provision affect residents and the challenges being faced by the municipality in providing water. The findings of the study are that both people under Golf course and Bhofolo have little knowledge about FBW and most of the residents are unable to pay their water bills. Residents in the two research areas suffer from medical problems due to unreliable water provision. The study is therefore, of view that South Africa needs to prioritise improvement of access to water in rural areas, poor areas and villages. There is a need to educate people about FBW and on how to save water.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ncube, Mary Silibaziso
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Community development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Development Studies)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16974 , vital:40799
- Description: The study was looking at the Free Basic Water policy (FBWP) in the Eastern Cape which was introduced in July 2001 in South Africa. FBWP was introduced to all provinces, however people living in rural areas, poor areas and villages are still suffering from lack of clean and safe drinking water. People lack adequate supplies of water and this creates conditions under which the diseases thrive. The researcher used mixed research methodology which comprises of qualitative (interview) and quantitative (questionnaire) approaches. The reason for the use of mixed methodology was to get adequate information both from the municipality (the provider of water) and the residents (the receivers of the services provided by the municipality) in order to assess how the unreliable water provision affect residents and the challenges being faced by the municipality in providing water. The findings of the study are that both people under Golf course and Bhofolo have little knowledge about FBW and most of the residents are unable to pay their water bills. Residents in the two research areas suffer from medical problems due to unreliable water provision. The study is therefore, of view that South Africa needs to prioritise improvement of access to water in rural areas, poor areas and villages. There is a need to educate people about FBW and on how to save water.
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An investigation of the effetiveness of correctional centre-based vocational training programmes towards reducing recidivism
- Authors: Mangesi, Nosipho
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Recidivism Social justice
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc (Criminology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16408 , vital:40717
- Description: Since the Department of Correctional Services has been transformed into an institution of rehabilitation and skills development, there is a need for a sound classification system whereby offenders are classified according to their potential for treatment and training programmes that match their risk/needs. The study was conducted in Middledrift Correctional Centre in the Eastern Cape with the aim of examining the effectiveness of correctionally based vocational training programmes towards reducing recidivism. Research towards correctional programmes was necessitated by the extant of recidivism in South Africa. The question is where does the problem lie because offenders are provided with rehabilitation programmes to make them law abiding citizens and reintegrate well into the community up on release but, in many cases it does not become possible as many ex-offenders return to custody either for new offence or parole violation. The study used qualitative design in data collection and in explaining the results. A sample of sixteen recidivists and five correctional officials formed participants for the study selecting using purposive sampling procedures. Involvement in vocational programmes was used as a criteria for selectiong of correctional officials as participants. In-depth interviews were conducted with eight recidivists and all five correctional officials and a focus group interview was held with the other eight set of recidivists. The study examined the impact of vocational programmes on recidivism followed by the factors that hinder effective offender rehabilitation and factors that influence recidivism up on release. The findings of this study were analysed using thematic analysis with the assistance of a voice recorder as a back up for collected data. Findings revealed that a small number of recidivists attend vocational training programmes and these programmes vi (vocational) are short in the centre together with programme facilitators at the time of reporting. Offenders stated that the available vocational programmes are of no interest to them. Participantas stated that vocational training does assist in desisting criminal activities up on release as it provide skills and opportunities for employment to curb unemployment as indicated as a major factor influencing recidivism. Findings also revealed that periodic re-assesment is not adequately conducted and classification for vocational training is not likely to be sufficiently done according to offender risk/needs. The study recommends that, a large number of offenders be provided with vocational training programmes and that offender classification incorporate the principles of RNR model
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mangesi, Nosipho
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Recidivism Social justice
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc (Criminology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16408 , vital:40717
- Description: Since the Department of Correctional Services has been transformed into an institution of rehabilitation and skills development, there is a need for a sound classification system whereby offenders are classified according to their potential for treatment and training programmes that match their risk/needs. The study was conducted in Middledrift Correctional Centre in the Eastern Cape with the aim of examining the effectiveness of correctionally based vocational training programmes towards reducing recidivism. Research towards correctional programmes was necessitated by the extant of recidivism in South Africa. The question is where does the problem lie because offenders are provided with rehabilitation programmes to make them law abiding citizens and reintegrate well into the community up on release but, in many cases it does not become possible as many ex-offenders return to custody either for new offence or parole violation. The study used qualitative design in data collection and in explaining the results. A sample of sixteen recidivists and five correctional officials formed participants for the study selecting using purposive sampling procedures. Involvement in vocational programmes was used as a criteria for selectiong of correctional officials as participants. In-depth interviews were conducted with eight recidivists and all five correctional officials and a focus group interview was held with the other eight set of recidivists. The study examined the impact of vocational programmes on recidivism followed by the factors that hinder effective offender rehabilitation and factors that influence recidivism up on release. The findings of this study were analysed using thematic analysis with the assistance of a voice recorder as a back up for collected data. Findings revealed that a small number of recidivists attend vocational training programmes and these programmes vi (vocational) are short in the centre together with programme facilitators at the time of reporting. Offenders stated that the available vocational programmes are of no interest to them. Participantas stated that vocational training does assist in desisting criminal activities up on release as it provide skills and opportunities for employment to curb unemployment as indicated as a major factor influencing recidivism. Findings also revealed that periodic re-assesment is not adequately conducted and classification for vocational training is not likely to be sufficiently done according to offender risk/needs. The study recommends that, a large number of offenders be provided with vocational training programmes and that offender classification incorporate the principles of RNR model
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An investigation of the extent, effects and impact of Gender-based Violence in Duncan Village, East London
- Authors: Peter, Noma-Afrika
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Violence -- Sex differences Human rights
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M.Phil (Human rights)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16851 , vital:40779
- Description: This research seeks to investigate GBV against women in Duncan Village in the East London area to find out the extent of the prevalence, its effect, and remedial solutions. The study adopted a qualitative method. The data was collected through semi-structured one-to one interviews from 16 participants using systematic random sampling. The findings revealed that GBV is prevalent in Duncan Village. Most of the women residing in Duncan Village are dependent on child support grant and raise their children alone without the support of their biological fathers. The study further revealed that GBV against women often happens during day time and the victims are either married or single women. One of the contributing factors of GBV is unemployment. Therefore, this study recommends that awareness of GBV should be made continuously in communities by the government and stakeholders. In addition, the Commission for Gender Equality and NGOs that deal with GBV should be visible in all wards so that their services are known and utilised. The Department of Women Affairs should be the main driver in ensuring that women from previously disadvantaged communities are economically empowered, for example, by initiating income generating projects. However, they too should first be capacitated on business and financial management skills.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Peter, Noma-Afrika
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Violence -- Sex differences Human rights
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M.Phil (Human rights)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16851 , vital:40779
- Description: This research seeks to investigate GBV against women in Duncan Village in the East London area to find out the extent of the prevalence, its effect, and remedial solutions. The study adopted a qualitative method. The data was collected through semi-structured one-to one interviews from 16 participants using systematic random sampling. The findings revealed that GBV is prevalent in Duncan Village. Most of the women residing in Duncan Village are dependent on child support grant and raise their children alone without the support of their biological fathers. The study further revealed that GBV against women often happens during day time and the victims are either married or single women. One of the contributing factors of GBV is unemployment. Therefore, this study recommends that awareness of GBV should be made continuously in communities by the government and stakeholders. In addition, the Commission for Gender Equality and NGOs that deal with GBV should be visible in all wards so that their services are known and utilised. The Department of Women Affairs should be the main driver in ensuring that women from previously disadvantaged communities are economically empowered, for example, by initiating income generating projects. However, they too should first be capacitated on business and financial management skills.
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An investigation of the Social and Structural basis for the emergence of social movements in Zimbabwe. A Comparative study of the Combined Harare Residents Association and Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association
- Authors: Chaitezvi, Trevour
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Social movements
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc. Sci (Sociology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17564 , vital:41091
- Description: The emergence of urban social movements in the Zimbabwean context is mainly attributed to the political economic crisis, which resulted in the decline of municipal services and other socioeconomic rights central to the ordinary people. In the rural areas many scholars have alluded to the failure of the state to institute a radical transformation of the rural areas as the reason for the emergence of land movement and the subsequent land revolutions that followed in the early 2000s. Within this context, this study sought to investigate the social and structural basis for the emergence of social movements in Zimbabwe. The argument of this study hinges on the central premise of the political opportunity structure approach, which states that the emergence and success of social movements depends on certain political opportunities within the political environment. Building upon the guidance of the qualitative paradigm, whose method of investigation includes in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, the findings illustrate that the emergence of rural social movements in Zimbabwe was mainly to address the land question; such initiatives were to be done through fighting imperialism that hinges upon neo-liberal policies. In addition, one of the objectives for the emergence of rural social movements was to complete the objective of the liberation war, which was to give back the land to the indigenous black people. The tactics of the rural social movement included engaging the state and confronting it in other instances. Further, illegal land occupations were also one of the tactics of this movement. Ideologically, the movement used a Pan-African ideology to confront neo-colonization. On the other hand, the findings of the study illustrate that the emergence of urban social movements was mainly to provide a platform for the marginalized people to voice their discontent of the decline of service delivery in the urban context. Since most of these aspects were linked to the broader economic crisis facing the country, urban social movements also intended to initiate a political transition. The tactics of urban social movements included disruption, the establishment of networks with other social movements and the use of media, while constructing their ideology within the human rights framewo
- Full Text:
- Authors: Chaitezvi, Trevour
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Social movements
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc. Sci (Sociology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17564 , vital:41091
- Description: The emergence of urban social movements in the Zimbabwean context is mainly attributed to the political economic crisis, which resulted in the decline of municipal services and other socioeconomic rights central to the ordinary people. In the rural areas many scholars have alluded to the failure of the state to institute a radical transformation of the rural areas as the reason for the emergence of land movement and the subsequent land revolutions that followed in the early 2000s. Within this context, this study sought to investigate the social and structural basis for the emergence of social movements in Zimbabwe. The argument of this study hinges on the central premise of the political opportunity structure approach, which states that the emergence and success of social movements depends on certain political opportunities within the political environment. Building upon the guidance of the qualitative paradigm, whose method of investigation includes in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, the findings illustrate that the emergence of rural social movements in Zimbabwe was mainly to address the land question; such initiatives were to be done through fighting imperialism that hinges upon neo-liberal policies. In addition, one of the objectives for the emergence of rural social movements was to complete the objective of the liberation war, which was to give back the land to the indigenous black people. The tactics of the rural social movement included engaging the state and confronting it in other instances. Further, illegal land occupations were also one of the tactics of this movement. Ideologically, the movement used a Pan-African ideology to confront neo-colonization. On the other hand, the findings of the study illustrate that the emergence of urban social movements was mainly to provide a platform for the marginalized people to voice their discontent of the decline of service delivery in the urban context. Since most of these aspects were linked to the broader economic crisis facing the country, urban social movements also intended to initiate a political transition. The tactics of urban social movements included disruption, the establishment of networks with other social movements and the use of media, while constructing their ideology within the human rights framewo
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Archives and Records Management Programmes in selected Universities in South Africa: A Study of University of Fort Hare and Rhodes University
- Authors: Somniso, Zoleka
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Records -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc. Sci (Library and information science)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18280 , vital:42248
- Description: The study investigates the Archives and Records Management Programmes (ARMP) in the University of Fort Hare (UFH) and Rhodes University (RU). The task of managing huge quantities of records and archives material is not an easy task when people have to use limited resources. The Research Objectives of the this study was to find out types of records created, received and maintained by university archives and records management programmes at University of Fort Hare and Rhodes University. Establish the available infrastructure for ARMP at the UFH and RU. Find out the legislative and regulatory frameworks that govern the ARMP at the UFH and RU. Identify challenges if there are any facing ARMP at the UFH and Rhodes University. Interviews and questionnaires were two research instruments used in this study to collect data; additional data was collected by reading relevant documents gathered on both institutions and on their website. In this study, the sample was 26 respondents from both universities. The study dealt with administrative staff who deal with records management: Records managers/Officers and Archivists at both institutions. viii Data collected was coded and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and the findings were presented using pie chart , graphs. The triangulation approaches involves using more than one method to collect data and it is a way of assuring the validity of research with variety of methods to collect data. Findings revealed that respondents were unaware of ARMP in the university. And also some of the findings were the infrastructural needs such as the Lack of records storage, space, Records Preservation facilities (RH, Light), Personnel Training and Development. The challenges facing ARMP in universities includes: a lack of programmes to manage records and archives material, absence of policy that regulates archives and records keeping in the universities understudy, the existing infrastructure at hand cannot meet the requirements for regulatory framework on records and archives management. Based on these challenges mentioned above, the study recommended that both institutions should improve their infrastructure as to be able to preserve the archival material. Training and retraining of staff among others should include use of technology, filing, records creation, maintenance and disposition
- Full Text:
- Authors: Somniso, Zoleka
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Records -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc. Sci (Library and information science)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18280 , vital:42248
- Description: The study investigates the Archives and Records Management Programmes (ARMP) in the University of Fort Hare (UFH) and Rhodes University (RU). The task of managing huge quantities of records and archives material is not an easy task when people have to use limited resources. The Research Objectives of the this study was to find out types of records created, received and maintained by university archives and records management programmes at University of Fort Hare and Rhodes University. Establish the available infrastructure for ARMP at the UFH and RU. Find out the legislative and regulatory frameworks that govern the ARMP at the UFH and RU. Identify challenges if there are any facing ARMP at the UFH and Rhodes University. Interviews and questionnaires were two research instruments used in this study to collect data; additional data was collected by reading relevant documents gathered on both institutions and on their website. In this study, the sample was 26 respondents from both universities. The study dealt with administrative staff who deal with records management: Records managers/Officers and Archivists at both institutions. viii Data collected was coded and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and the findings were presented using pie chart , graphs. The triangulation approaches involves using more than one method to collect data and it is a way of assuring the validity of research with variety of methods to collect data. Findings revealed that respondents were unaware of ARMP in the university. And also some of the findings were the infrastructural needs such as the Lack of records storage, space, Records Preservation facilities (RH, Light), Personnel Training and Development. The challenges facing ARMP in universities includes: a lack of programmes to manage records and archives material, absence of policy that regulates archives and records keeping in the universities understudy, the existing infrastructure at hand cannot meet the requirements for regulatory framework on records and archives management. Based on these challenges mentioned above, the study recommended that both institutions should improve their infrastructure as to be able to preserve the archival material. Training and retraining of staff among others should include use of technology, filing, records creation, maintenance and disposition
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Assessing teaching capacity of novice teachers through mentoring in primary schools.
- Authors: Mthi,Tanduxolo Nicholas
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Mentoring in education Teachers -- In-service training
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16566 , vital:40732
- Description: The quality of teacher education seems to have become a crucial point of debate worldwide. However, teaching seems to be one of the careers without a recognised apprenticeship. Therefore, mentoring has been seen as an appropriate way for experienced teachers to guide, assist, coach and motivate teachers in their teaching capacity. Teaching capacity is described as having a broad content which can be related to quality teaching, teacher effectiveness and teacher behaviour in the classroom or in the school. The lens with which the study was viewed was through Lave and Wenger’s (1998) theory, Community of Practice (CoP). Community of Practice is defined as a process of social learning that occurs when people who have a common interest in a subject or area collaborate over an extended period of time, sharing ideas and strategies, determining solutions and building innovations. The study used mixed methods and concurrent triangulation design in sampling 60 participants for quantitative data and 6 participants for qualitative data. The unit of analysis were novice teachers who were randomly and purposively selected. Data gathering methods included questionnaires, classroom observations and document analysis. The focus was on the primary schools, Foundation Phase (FP) novice teachers. The findings revealed utilisation of different mentoring approaches such as one on one; Foundation Phase Team and school- based mentoring. Although the study reveals that the work of the mentor teachers and novice teachers has evolved to include Learning Teams to improve the teaching capacity of teachers; some mentoring approaches were less effective. The study suggests, therefore, that schoolbased and district-based mentoring programmes to be formally organised as part of developing novice teachers’ teaching capacity.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mthi,Tanduxolo Nicholas
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Mentoring in education Teachers -- In-service training
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16566 , vital:40732
- Description: The quality of teacher education seems to have become a crucial point of debate worldwide. However, teaching seems to be one of the careers without a recognised apprenticeship. Therefore, mentoring has been seen as an appropriate way for experienced teachers to guide, assist, coach and motivate teachers in their teaching capacity. Teaching capacity is described as having a broad content which can be related to quality teaching, teacher effectiveness and teacher behaviour in the classroom or in the school. The lens with which the study was viewed was through Lave and Wenger’s (1998) theory, Community of Practice (CoP). Community of Practice is defined as a process of social learning that occurs when people who have a common interest in a subject or area collaborate over an extended period of time, sharing ideas and strategies, determining solutions and building innovations. The study used mixed methods and concurrent triangulation design in sampling 60 participants for quantitative data and 6 participants for qualitative data. The unit of analysis were novice teachers who were randomly and purposively selected. Data gathering methods included questionnaires, classroom observations and document analysis. The focus was on the primary schools, Foundation Phase (FP) novice teachers. The findings revealed utilisation of different mentoring approaches such as one on one; Foundation Phase Team and school- based mentoring. Although the study reveals that the work of the mentor teachers and novice teachers has evolved to include Learning Teams to improve the teaching capacity of teachers; some mentoring approaches were less effective. The study suggests, therefore, that schoolbased and district-based mentoring programmes to be formally organised as part of developing novice teachers’ teaching capacity.
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Assessing the difficulties in teaching and learning of geometry in grade 9 based on the van hiele theory in Komga, East London Education District in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Xakwe, Nomawethu
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Special education Geometry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16588 , vital:40734
- Description: Geometry prepares learners by equipping them with the knowledge to use higher order thinking skills. The purpose of this research was to assess the difficulties in the teaching and learning of geometry in Grade 9 based on the van Hiele theory in a rural education district in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province. van Hiele levels complement each other and therefore, geometry educators need to have good pedagogical content knowledge and apply effective teaching and learning strategies to promote geometry learning. The study adopted the pragmatic paradigm and mixed method approach. Convenient sampling based on proximity to the researcher’s workplace was used to select three schools in Komga education circuit for data collection. The educators’ sample consisted of the Grade 9 mathematics educators from each of the three schools making up a total of 3 educators. The learners’ sample consisted of 27 Grade 9 learners,9 from each of the same three schools from where the educators were selected. Quantitative data were collected from educators and learners using different questionnaires. Qualitative data were collected using different in-depth interview schedules for educators and learners. All members of the sample were interviewed. Observations also were carried out in the classroom during teaching and learning of geometry in order to probe the use of strategies by educators. The quantitative data were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis and tabulated. The qualitative data from interviews were thematically analysed and observation data were transcribed, analysed and tabulated. Final conclusions were drawn through triangulating the different data sets. Findings revealed the strengths and weakenesses of the strategies used by educators and the difficulties faced by the learners. Some of the prominent strengths for educators’ strategies were: ability to promote interactive learning and facilitating a conducive environment, enhancement of critical thinking and development of learners’ confidence through participation. Some of the prominent weakenesses of educators’ strategies were:lack of understanding on how to deal with slow learners and inability to change teaching methods to accommodate all learners, thus inhibiting inclusive education.The prominent strenghts for learners were eagerness to participate in all activities and exhibition of confidence in problem solving. The prominent weakenesses of learners were that the respondents struggled with the P a g e | ii geometrical vocabulary and language needed to express their understanding, deficiency in the understanding of geometric concepts and not having the required understanding of the characteristics of triangles. The study recommends that the geometry educators should plan activities for geometry lessons that will encourage the development of geometric vocabulary among their learners. Geometry educators also need to to include questions in their assessments that test conceptual understanding. In-service workshops should be conducted to equip the educators about how to deal with inclusive education.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Xakwe, Nomawethu
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Special education Geometry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16588 , vital:40734
- Description: Geometry prepares learners by equipping them with the knowledge to use higher order thinking skills. The purpose of this research was to assess the difficulties in the teaching and learning of geometry in Grade 9 based on the van Hiele theory in a rural education district in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province. van Hiele levels complement each other and therefore, geometry educators need to have good pedagogical content knowledge and apply effective teaching and learning strategies to promote geometry learning. The study adopted the pragmatic paradigm and mixed method approach. Convenient sampling based on proximity to the researcher’s workplace was used to select three schools in Komga education circuit for data collection. The educators’ sample consisted of the Grade 9 mathematics educators from each of the three schools making up a total of 3 educators. The learners’ sample consisted of 27 Grade 9 learners,9 from each of the same three schools from where the educators were selected. Quantitative data were collected from educators and learners using different questionnaires. Qualitative data were collected using different in-depth interview schedules for educators and learners. All members of the sample were interviewed. Observations also were carried out in the classroom during teaching and learning of geometry in order to probe the use of strategies by educators. The quantitative data were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis and tabulated. The qualitative data from interviews were thematically analysed and observation data were transcribed, analysed and tabulated. Final conclusions were drawn through triangulating the different data sets. Findings revealed the strengths and weakenesses of the strategies used by educators and the difficulties faced by the learners. Some of the prominent strengths for educators’ strategies were: ability to promote interactive learning and facilitating a conducive environment, enhancement of critical thinking and development of learners’ confidence through participation. Some of the prominent weakenesses of educators’ strategies were:lack of understanding on how to deal with slow learners and inability to change teaching methods to accommodate all learners, thus inhibiting inclusive education.The prominent strenghts for learners were eagerness to participate in all activities and exhibition of confidence in problem solving. The prominent weakenesses of learners were that the respondents struggled with the P a g e | ii geometrical vocabulary and language needed to express their understanding, deficiency in the understanding of geometric concepts and not having the required understanding of the characteristics of triangles. The study recommends that the geometry educators should plan activities for geometry lessons that will encourage the development of geometric vocabulary among their learners. Geometry educators also need to to include questions in their assessments that test conceptual understanding. In-service workshops should be conducted to equip the educators about how to deal with inclusive education.
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Assessing the effects of misplacement of qualified personnel on the implementation of policies: Eastern Cape Department of Basic Education – a case of Head Office, Zone 6- Zwelitsha
- Authors: Ntuni, Zingisa
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Career development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Educational change -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12513 , vital:39270
- Description: This dissertation sought to review literature on the skills underutilisation in the Eastern Cape Department of Education, a case of Head Office –Zone 6-Zwelitsha. The study intended to delve deeper into the depth of this challenge and understand the effects of this misdeed on the policy implementation in the department. This problem was compounded by the lackadaisical approach to the skills development by the department as it seemed to be employing a shotgun approach to the training and education of its labour-force. The consulted literature pointed to the existence and commonness of the skills underutilisation and its occasioning in reduced outputs and low worker-morale in the workplace. This study played a crucial role in terms of its contribution to the body of knowledge, being a reference point not only for the department of education, nonetheless, for other departments and organisations as well. The study could help the department to rectify its weaknesses and deal with their current challenges of personnel underutilisation. Policy makers and consultants could use the results of this study to formulate policies for their institutions. Lastly, students could also benefit from this study by using it as a source of reference. The qualitative method and case study as a research design employed in the study, semi-structured interviews used as a data collection method, snowballing sampling procedure used. The employees of the Department of Education used as the respondents in the study. The empirical findings in the study revealed the multiplicity of challenges associated with misplacement of qualified personnel in the department which entailed, inter alia, poor implementation of policies, programs and projects, low staff morale, poor delivery of services to the departmental clientele.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ntuni, Zingisa
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Career development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Educational change -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12513 , vital:39270
- Description: This dissertation sought to review literature on the skills underutilisation in the Eastern Cape Department of Education, a case of Head Office –Zone 6-Zwelitsha. The study intended to delve deeper into the depth of this challenge and understand the effects of this misdeed on the policy implementation in the department. This problem was compounded by the lackadaisical approach to the skills development by the department as it seemed to be employing a shotgun approach to the training and education of its labour-force. The consulted literature pointed to the existence and commonness of the skills underutilisation and its occasioning in reduced outputs and low worker-morale in the workplace. This study played a crucial role in terms of its contribution to the body of knowledge, being a reference point not only for the department of education, nonetheless, for other departments and organisations as well. The study could help the department to rectify its weaknesses and deal with their current challenges of personnel underutilisation. Policy makers and consultants could use the results of this study to formulate policies for their institutions. Lastly, students could also benefit from this study by using it as a source of reference. The qualitative method and case study as a research design employed in the study, semi-structured interviews used as a data collection method, snowballing sampling procedure used. The employees of the Department of Education used as the respondents in the study. The empirical findings in the study revealed the multiplicity of challenges associated with misplacement of qualified personnel in the department which entailed, inter alia, poor implementation of policies, programs and projects, low staff morale, poor delivery of services to the departmental clientele.
- Full Text:
Assessing the effects of misplacement of qualified personnel on the implementation of policies: Eastern Cape Department of Basic Education – a case of Head Office, Zone 6- Zwelitsha
- Authors: Ntuni, Zingisa
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Education -- Standards Full employment policies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18654 , vital:42703
- Description: This dissertation sought to review literature on the skills underutilisation in the Eastern Cape Department of Education, a case of Head Office –Zone 6-Zwelitsha. The study intended to delve deeper into the depth of this challenge and understand the effects of this misdeed on the policy implementation in the department. This problem was compounded by the lackadaisical approach to the skills development by the department as it seemed to be employing a shotgun approach to the training and education of its labour-force. The consulted literature pointed to the existence and commonness of the skills underutilisation and its occasioning in reduced outputs and low worker-morale in the workplace. This study played a crucial role in terms of its contribution to the body of knowledge, being a reference point not only for the department of education, nonetheless, for other departments and organisations as well. The study could help the department to rectify its weaknesses and deal with their current challenges of personnel underutilisation. Policy makers and consultants could use the results of this study to formulate policies for their institutions. Lastly, students could also benefit from this study by using it as a source of reference. The qualitative method and case study as a research design employed in the study, semi-structured interviews used as a data collection method, snowballing sampling procedure used. The employees of the Department of Education used as the respondents in the study. The empirical findings in the study revealed the multiplicity of challenges associated with misplacement of qualified personnel in the department which entailed, inter alia, poor implementation of policies, programs and projects, low staff morale, poor delivery of services to the departmental clientele.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ntuni, Zingisa
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Education -- Standards Full employment policies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18654 , vital:42703
- Description: This dissertation sought to review literature on the skills underutilisation in the Eastern Cape Department of Education, a case of Head Office –Zone 6-Zwelitsha. The study intended to delve deeper into the depth of this challenge and understand the effects of this misdeed on the policy implementation in the department. This problem was compounded by the lackadaisical approach to the skills development by the department as it seemed to be employing a shotgun approach to the training and education of its labour-force. The consulted literature pointed to the existence and commonness of the skills underutilisation and its occasioning in reduced outputs and low worker-morale in the workplace. This study played a crucial role in terms of its contribution to the body of knowledge, being a reference point not only for the department of education, nonetheless, for other departments and organisations as well. The study could help the department to rectify its weaknesses and deal with their current challenges of personnel underutilisation. Policy makers and consultants could use the results of this study to formulate policies for their institutions. Lastly, students could also benefit from this study by using it as a source of reference. The qualitative method and case study as a research design employed in the study, semi-structured interviews used as a data collection method, snowballing sampling procedure used. The employees of the Department of Education used as the respondents in the study. The empirical findings in the study revealed the multiplicity of challenges associated with misplacement of qualified personnel in the department which entailed, inter alia, poor implementation of policies, programs and projects, low staff morale, poor delivery of services to the departmental clientele.
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Assessment of phytochemical constituents, antioxidant properties and cytotoxicity potentials of Leonutis leonurus and Boophone disticha extracts used in the management of Alzheimer’s disease in Hogsback, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Tonisi, Sipho
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Medicinal plants Alzheimer's disease
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Microbiology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/14726 , vital:40067
- Description: In this present study, the phytochemical compounds, antioxidant activities, and cytotoxicity potentials of solvent extracts (polar solvents) of Leonotis leonurus (L. leonurus) and Boophone disitcha (B. disticha) commonly used in the management of Alzheimer’s diseases in Hogsback, in the Eastern Cape, South Africa were investigated. The phytochemical compounds were determined by standard protocols of Folin–Ciocalteu method, aluminium chloride colorimetric method as well as Mayer’s and Wagner’s method. The antioxidant capabilities were assessed using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydrogen peroxide, 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) and nitric oxide radical scavenging assays. The majority of extracts from both plant species exhibited free radical scavenging potential for oxidants they were tested against viz; DPPH, hydrogen peroxide, ABTS and nitric oxide. They further displayed good reducing potential against ferric iron. The results have shown a concentration-dependent dose of inhibition/scavenging activity (in DPPH, hydrogen peroxide, ABTS and nitric oxide assays) and reducing ability (in ferric reducing assay). However, leaf extracts of L. leonurus displayed ineffective scavenging activity against nitric oxide whereas extracts from L. leonurus flower and B. disticha bulb had higher scavenging potential against the production of nitric oxide radical. The GC-MS profiles of the plants extracts revealed the presence of numerous bioactive compounds that are known to possess excellent anti-inflammatory and most importantly antioxidant properties. Another interesting observation of GC-MS analysis data was the presence of compounds reported to inhibit Acetycholinesterase (AChE), which is a key enzyme targeted in the treatment of Alzheimers’ Disease (AD). The cytotoxicy tests for these extracts were carried out in order to assess the potentential detrimental effects on human health using Alamar Blue assay. It was noted that an increase in the extract concentration of both plant species resulted in a noticeable decline in cell population. These extracts were then declared xix to be quite toxic against HeLa (human cervix adenocarcinoma cells) cells as the cell viability in some extracts was quite low. Hence, toxicity testing of the studied plants’ extracts against normal cells is highly imperative in the future study. The results from this present study scientifically validated the use of the studied plants in folkoric medicine for the management of Alzheimer’s diseases.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Tonisi, Sipho
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Medicinal plants Alzheimer's disease
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Microbiology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/14726 , vital:40067
- Description: In this present study, the phytochemical compounds, antioxidant activities, and cytotoxicity potentials of solvent extracts (polar solvents) of Leonotis leonurus (L. leonurus) and Boophone disitcha (B. disticha) commonly used in the management of Alzheimer’s diseases in Hogsback, in the Eastern Cape, South Africa were investigated. The phytochemical compounds were determined by standard protocols of Folin–Ciocalteu method, aluminium chloride colorimetric method as well as Mayer’s and Wagner’s method. The antioxidant capabilities were assessed using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydrogen peroxide, 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) and nitric oxide radical scavenging assays. The majority of extracts from both plant species exhibited free radical scavenging potential for oxidants they were tested against viz; DPPH, hydrogen peroxide, ABTS and nitric oxide. They further displayed good reducing potential against ferric iron. The results have shown a concentration-dependent dose of inhibition/scavenging activity (in DPPH, hydrogen peroxide, ABTS and nitric oxide assays) and reducing ability (in ferric reducing assay). However, leaf extracts of L. leonurus displayed ineffective scavenging activity against nitric oxide whereas extracts from L. leonurus flower and B. disticha bulb had higher scavenging potential against the production of nitric oxide radical. The GC-MS profiles of the plants extracts revealed the presence of numerous bioactive compounds that are known to possess excellent anti-inflammatory and most importantly antioxidant properties. Another interesting observation of GC-MS analysis data was the presence of compounds reported to inhibit Acetycholinesterase (AChE), which is a key enzyme targeted in the treatment of Alzheimers’ Disease (AD). The cytotoxicy tests for these extracts were carried out in order to assess the potentential detrimental effects on human health using Alamar Blue assay. It was noted that an increase in the extract concentration of both plant species resulted in a noticeable decline in cell population. These extracts were then declared xix to be quite toxic against HeLa (human cervix adenocarcinoma cells) cells as the cell viability in some extracts was quite low. Hence, toxicity testing of the studied plants’ extracts against normal cells is highly imperative in the future study. The results from this present study scientifically validated the use of the studied plants in folkoric medicine for the management of Alzheimer’s diseases.
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Assessment of quality nursing care in healthcare facilities of Mnquma Sub-District
- Authors: Manyela, Nosiphiwo
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Health facilities
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPH
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16747 , vital:40770
- Description: Aim: The purpose of the study was to assess the quality of patient care in the Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities of Mnquma Sub-district with the goal of improving or maintaining quality nursing in the area. Methodology: This study followed a quantitative research approach and it is descriptive in nature. The study involved 561 participants, of whom 406 participants were from urban clinics and 155 were from rural facilities, all these participants were attending clinics at Mnquma Sub-district. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection, since the participants were able to read and write in either English and or IsiXhosa. The data was analyzed with the help of a statistician using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) program, software for windows version 21.0 Results: Results showed that participant’s responses to five of the twelve items on patient safety were found to have significant associations with residential setting. Rural participants were less likely to disagree with statements on availability of signage at the entrance of health establishment that indicates times when various services are offered, availability of the security guards to ensure patient safety, warning signs always put in place when the floors are wet, availability of at least one toilet for disabled patients in the health establishment and the fact that health professionals are always wearing name tags. This means that patient safety and security is practiced and implemented at the rural facilities according to the national core standards. The findings of the study confirmed that 13 items out of 19 under care and attitudes were found to have significant associations with residential setting. The items were patients spending less than 2 hours in the health facility; staff treating patients politely, illness being explained clearly to the patients, and ability of the patients to ask questions about their illness. Other items included nursing attitudes during opening and closing times of the health establishment, staff responding well when requested to assist, patients are being treated with empathy, patients are addressed by names and patients are being given all the treatment that they need, nurses explains the treatment side effects, and explains how to deal with side effects. This means that responses to these items depend on whether the patient is from a rural or urban clinic. Rural communities were found to be vi less likely to disagree with statements as compared to urban communities. This means that nurses are compliant with nursing care and attitudes in rural clinics. Findings of the study with respect to facility cleanliness, shows that there is no significant associations between the responses to the items which are: surroundings of the clinic are free of unpleasant smells, grounds of the clinic are clean, safe and clean grounds, bin waste inside and outside storage poses no health risks, and setting were detected. This means that the facilities are and cleanliness status remains the same across the residential settings. However, the younger age group was found be significantly more likely to disagree that toilets are clean and odorless and that grounds are safe and clean compared to the older age group. This suggests that the environment is clean except the toilets. Conclusion: Staffs at the facilities are at times ignorant and have negative attitudes at the opening and closing times and facilities have been reported to have long waiting times. The study indicated that the safety and security measures in the urban health facilities are not all practiced according to the National Core Standards checklist/Assessment tool, particularly wet warning signs, disabled toilets, and wearing of nametags. Majority of the participants indicated that, the status of cleanliness was on par at the urban and rural facilities.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Manyela, Nosiphiwo
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Health facilities
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPH
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16747 , vital:40770
- Description: Aim: The purpose of the study was to assess the quality of patient care in the Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities of Mnquma Sub-district with the goal of improving or maintaining quality nursing in the area. Methodology: This study followed a quantitative research approach and it is descriptive in nature. The study involved 561 participants, of whom 406 participants were from urban clinics and 155 were from rural facilities, all these participants were attending clinics at Mnquma Sub-district. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection, since the participants were able to read and write in either English and or IsiXhosa. The data was analyzed with the help of a statistician using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) program, software for windows version 21.0 Results: Results showed that participant’s responses to five of the twelve items on patient safety were found to have significant associations with residential setting. Rural participants were less likely to disagree with statements on availability of signage at the entrance of health establishment that indicates times when various services are offered, availability of the security guards to ensure patient safety, warning signs always put in place when the floors are wet, availability of at least one toilet for disabled patients in the health establishment and the fact that health professionals are always wearing name tags. This means that patient safety and security is practiced and implemented at the rural facilities according to the national core standards. The findings of the study confirmed that 13 items out of 19 under care and attitudes were found to have significant associations with residential setting. The items were patients spending less than 2 hours in the health facility; staff treating patients politely, illness being explained clearly to the patients, and ability of the patients to ask questions about their illness. Other items included nursing attitudes during opening and closing times of the health establishment, staff responding well when requested to assist, patients are being treated with empathy, patients are addressed by names and patients are being given all the treatment that they need, nurses explains the treatment side effects, and explains how to deal with side effects. This means that responses to these items depend on whether the patient is from a rural or urban clinic. Rural communities were found to be vi less likely to disagree with statements as compared to urban communities. This means that nurses are compliant with nursing care and attitudes in rural clinics. Findings of the study with respect to facility cleanliness, shows that there is no significant associations between the responses to the items which are: surroundings of the clinic are free of unpleasant smells, grounds of the clinic are clean, safe and clean grounds, bin waste inside and outside storage poses no health risks, and setting were detected. This means that the facilities are and cleanliness status remains the same across the residential settings. However, the younger age group was found be significantly more likely to disagree that toilets are clean and odorless and that grounds are safe and clean compared to the older age group. This suggests that the environment is clean except the toilets. Conclusion: Staffs at the facilities are at times ignorant and have negative attitudes at the opening and closing times and facilities have been reported to have long waiting times. The study indicated that the safety and security measures in the urban health facilities are not all practiced according to the National Core Standards checklist/Assessment tool, particularly wet warning signs, disabled toilets, and wearing of nametags. Majority of the participants indicated that, the status of cleanliness was on par at the urban and rural facilities.
- Full Text:
Assessment of some bacteria species isolated from woodlands of Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality for high activity laccase production
- Authors: Gogotya, Asemahle
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Laccase
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Microbiology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19098 , vital:39879
- Description: The function of enzymes in keeping the earth clean is enormous; being executed in the biodegradation of different natural pollutants and biocatalysis of different responses by substituting the ecologically risky and harmful concoction impetuses offering a situation inviting option, laccases is an example of an enzyme described as it doesn’t produce harmful byproducts. Laccases are employed in several industrial processes that play a key responsibility in transformation of life and making the environment a better place. Bacteria have been described as best producers of laccases with a potential in the industrial scale processes. Laccase was produced from different bacterial isolates identified and named as Bacillus sp. strain GFN1 isolated from soil sample, Bacillus sp. strain GLN and Streptomyces sp. strain LAO both isolated from decaying wood samples in Raymond Mhlaba local municipality with accession numbers MK290988 to MK290990 respectively, as identified by partial sequencing, these were the best producers some of which were positive for Napthol and guaiacol; even upon quantitative screening they were better laccase producers. For quantitative laccase screening, 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6- sulphonic acid) was utilised as the substrate for laccase assays. These laccase producing bacteria were subjected to optimization of growth conditions using submerged fermentation which increased the activity of the produced laccase in great amounts. In optimizing basal medium growth conditions where laccase was harvested after every 72 hours where optimal activity was 16 obtained, studying several factors such as pH which turned out to be pH 5 for all isolates, effect of supplemented carbon and nitrogen sources with the be best being lactose and urea respectively with their effective concentrations using lignin as the main carbon and nitrogen source. Copper sulfate was used as the main inducer and the species preferred guaiacol and ferullic acid and the Fe2+ asthe best supplemented metal ion. The time course was done investigating parameters such as cell growth which was determined by observing the optical density, laccase activity, protein concentration and pH and the presented results suggested that when there was an increase in cell growth, enzyme activity decreased pH had no much effect on the enzyme production as it was almost stable all the time with protein concentration exhibiting no direct effect on enzyme activity also. Characterization of the crude enzyme was done to check the stability of the enzyme produced in various parameters. The enzymes produced by the different strains were thermophilic as they were able to withstand elevated temperatures between 90 and 100 C, with pH stability within an extensive variety of alkaline pH, typical of most bacterial laccases. Various metal ions affected the stability of the enzyme with CuSO4 increasing the stability of two of the bacterial enzyme and appeared to slightly decrease the stability of one enzyme. The studied inhibitors only decreased the stability on the enzyme and couldn’t completely inhibit the enzyme, and the enzymes showed specificity towards varying substrates. The studied bacterial laccases exhibit tremendous characteristics which are of great significance in the industries and will add to the novelty of bacterial laccases and their stability amongst the most studied fungal laccases.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Gogotya, Asemahle
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Laccase
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Microbiology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19098 , vital:39879
- Description: The function of enzymes in keeping the earth clean is enormous; being executed in the biodegradation of different natural pollutants and biocatalysis of different responses by substituting the ecologically risky and harmful concoction impetuses offering a situation inviting option, laccases is an example of an enzyme described as it doesn’t produce harmful byproducts. Laccases are employed in several industrial processes that play a key responsibility in transformation of life and making the environment a better place. Bacteria have been described as best producers of laccases with a potential in the industrial scale processes. Laccase was produced from different bacterial isolates identified and named as Bacillus sp. strain GFN1 isolated from soil sample, Bacillus sp. strain GLN and Streptomyces sp. strain LAO both isolated from decaying wood samples in Raymond Mhlaba local municipality with accession numbers MK290988 to MK290990 respectively, as identified by partial sequencing, these were the best producers some of which were positive for Napthol and guaiacol; even upon quantitative screening they were better laccase producers. For quantitative laccase screening, 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6- sulphonic acid) was utilised as the substrate for laccase assays. These laccase producing bacteria were subjected to optimization of growth conditions using submerged fermentation which increased the activity of the produced laccase in great amounts. In optimizing basal medium growth conditions where laccase was harvested after every 72 hours where optimal activity was 16 obtained, studying several factors such as pH which turned out to be pH 5 for all isolates, effect of supplemented carbon and nitrogen sources with the be best being lactose and urea respectively with their effective concentrations using lignin as the main carbon and nitrogen source. Copper sulfate was used as the main inducer and the species preferred guaiacol and ferullic acid and the Fe2+ asthe best supplemented metal ion. The time course was done investigating parameters such as cell growth which was determined by observing the optical density, laccase activity, protein concentration and pH and the presented results suggested that when there was an increase in cell growth, enzyme activity decreased pH had no much effect on the enzyme production as it was almost stable all the time with protein concentration exhibiting no direct effect on enzyme activity also. Characterization of the crude enzyme was done to check the stability of the enzyme produced in various parameters. The enzymes produced by the different strains were thermophilic as they were able to withstand elevated temperatures between 90 and 100 C, with pH stability within an extensive variety of alkaline pH, typical of most bacterial laccases. Various metal ions affected the stability of the enzyme with CuSO4 increasing the stability of two of the bacterial enzyme and appeared to slightly decrease the stability of one enzyme. The studied inhibitors only decreased the stability on the enzyme and couldn’t completely inhibit the enzyme, and the enzymes showed specificity towards varying substrates. The studied bacterial laccases exhibit tremendous characteristics which are of great significance in the industries and will add to the novelty of bacterial laccases and their stability amongst the most studied fungal laccases.
- Full Text:
Benefits and limitation of informal trading in promoting sustainable local economic development in the Intsika Yethu Municipality
- Authors: Makubalo, Zukiswa
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12425 , vital:39262
- Description: The informal sector refers to all economic activities by workers and economic units that are not covered or insufficiently covered by formal arrangements which can be carried out across all the sectors of the economy both in public and private spaces. The study was conducted to determine the benefits and limitation of informal trading in promoting sustainable local economic development in the Intsika Yethu Municipality. South African municipalities for various reasons fail in providing local economic development friendly environment and more developmental and inclusive informal economy policies and by-laws. The objective of the study was to assess the benefits and challenges which might hinder the maximisation of benefits in the sector. The literature was reviewed with the aim to integrate published academic data on the benefits and limitations of informal trading in promoting sustainable local economic development. Data for the study was sourced from the literature and questionnaires administered to respondents who were selected by means of a purposive sampling technique. The respondents from which data was collected were 18 and a qualitative research approach was used as a main research methodology. The responses obtained were subjected to content analyses. The main findings of the study include; informal traders are uncoordinated, informal traders are faced with challenges which hinder their success, majority of respondents see benefits from informal trading, the informal sector of responds to triple social ills and all respondents started up businesses due to the inability of the formal sector to create job opportunities that are permanent and enough for everyone. In response to the findings about the main recommendation made is the improvement of communication between government and informal trader for the sustainability of municipal programs.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Makubalo, Zukiswa
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12425 , vital:39262
- Description: The informal sector refers to all economic activities by workers and economic units that are not covered or insufficiently covered by formal arrangements which can be carried out across all the sectors of the economy both in public and private spaces. The study was conducted to determine the benefits and limitation of informal trading in promoting sustainable local economic development in the Intsika Yethu Municipality. South African municipalities for various reasons fail in providing local economic development friendly environment and more developmental and inclusive informal economy policies and by-laws. The objective of the study was to assess the benefits and challenges which might hinder the maximisation of benefits in the sector. The literature was reviewed with the aim to integrate published academic data on the benefits and limitations of informal trading in promoting sustainable local economic development. Data for the study was sourced from the literature and questionnaires administered to respondents who were selected by means of a purposive sampling technique. The respondents from which data was collected were 18 and a qualitative research approach was used as a main research methodology. The responses obtained were subjected to content analyses. The main findings of the study include; informal traders are uncoordinated, informal traders are faced with challenges which hinder their success, majority of respondents see benefits from informal trading, the informal sector of responds to triple social ills and all respondents started up businesses due to the inability of the formal sector to create job opportunities that are permanent and enough for everyone. In response to the findings about the main recommendation made is the improvement of communication between government and informal trader for the sustainability of municipal programs.
- Full Text:
Bioavailability of nutrients in a diet enriched with moringa oleifera lam. Leaves using wistar rats
- Authors: Mhlomi, Yanga Nonelela
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Moringa Medicinal plants
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/14594 , vital:40018
- Description: This study investigated the nutritional composition and bioavailability of nutrients in Moringa oleifera leaf meal from South African ecotype. Nutritional evaluation (proximate, mineral, vitamins and antinutrients, amino acids and fatty acids analyses) was performed using AOAC, ICP-OES and GC+MS techniques respectively. Bioavailability of nutrients involved formulation of diets deficient in minerals and vitamins; and proteins supplemented with Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) at 0, 3, 5 and 10% respectively. Growth performance, hematological, biochemical and histopathological evaluations were used to assess the effect of MOLM supplementation. Proximate and mineral evaluation revealed that the leaves were rich in protein (28.72%) and carbohydrate (28.84%), calcium content was (1603.33 mg/100g), potassium (1690 mg/100g), zinc (13.03 mg/100g) and iron (21.13 mg/100g). Vitamin E content was the highest (89.43 mg/100g) followed by vitamic C (24.9 mg/100g) and vitamin A (12.98 mg/100g). Fatty acids analysis detected were fifteen of which polyunsaturated fatty acid linoleic acid (56.36) and alpha-linolenic acid (687.58) were highest and behenic acid (22:0) characteristics of Moringa (4.11%) were detected. Seven of the detected fatty acids were saturated fatty acids, though relatively low, with stearic acid having the highest value. On the other hand fifteen of the amino acids, 7 were essential (valine, leucine, isoleucine, methionine, threonine and phenylalanine) were detected; while alanine, proline, serine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamic acid, asparagine and tyrosine were non- essential amino acid. Moringa oleifera had low quantities of antinutrients in relation to minerals, thus nutrients will easily ne available. Amino and fatty acids profile of nutrient deficient diets supplemented with MOLM revealed that six essential amino acids were detected in the diets. However, the essential amino acid (EAA) in MOLM with the highest value was threonine (500.47±23.03mg/L), while the lowest was methionine (75.65±5.31mg/L). Leucine was highest in PD10 (234.32±27.98 mg/l) 15 and lowest in PD3. Predominant amino acid in VMD diet was glutamic acid (966.76±208.92 mg/l), while methionine was lowest (197.14±35.90). Caproic acid was the most prominent unsaturated fatty acid in the diets and was highest in the PD diet. Palmitoleic acid was highest in the control diet (8.19±0.56 mg/L) and lowest in PD3 but an increase was observed as the levels of MOLM increased in the diets. Linoleic acid values obtained were significantly higher in PD diet, lower in control diet, compared to other diets. Linolenic acid (C18-3n6) was higher in PD10 (63.48±3.84 mg/L) compared to the control diet (6.05±0.14 mg/L). The highest unsaturated fatty acid in all the feed samples was linoleic acids ranging from 54.48±5.61 to 296.26±7.20 mg/L. the highest omega-3 (n-3) fatty acid content (63.48±3.38 mg/L) was in PD10 and was almost 10 times higher than the value recorded for control. Rats treated on vitamin mineral deficient (VMD) diet showed no significant changes in growth performances and blood parameters except in certain indices. Rats on VMD diet had lowest haemoglobin levels, whereas haemoglobin increased with MOLM levels. No significant differences in haematocrit, MCH, MCHC, platelets, RDW and MPV were observed in all treatments and control. However, VMD rats showed decrease in haemoglobin, increase in WBC and platelets. Electrolytes and glucose for all treatments and control were not significantly different, but, control and VMD10 diets rats showed significantly higher values for creatinine compared to MOLM diets; total protein and albumin increased with MOLM and were higher than in VMD and control rats. Serum activities of liver, cardiac, adrenal marker enzymes were significantly lower in MOLM rats compared to VMD and control. Mild congestion in VMD and VMD3 rat’s liver and diffused congestion in the kidney of VMD diet fed rats was observed. Protein deficient diets supplemented with MOLM had a negative impact on feed intake and growth parameters. Rats fed PD and PD5 consumed significantly less diet than those fed PD10, PD3 diets respectively. White blood cells decreased with increasing levels of MOLM 16 supplementation. Differential white cell count (Neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils) followed the same trend though not statistically significant (P>0.05). Furthermore, histopathological evaluation of organs revealed that no abnormalities were in heart and liver and kidney of rats fed on the control diet, while mild congestion in the liver and myocardium (heart) were observed in rats fed with protein deficient diet. No visible abnormalities were observed in the heart, kidney and liver of animals on the PD 10 diet, but myocardial fibres showing intense eosinophilia was detected in heart muscles of rats fed PD and PD3 diets. In this study, MOLM had a negative impact on feed intake and growth performance of animals and haematology. Blood biochemistry and histology suggest that MOLM has the potential of defending the body against infection with hematinic and blood enhancing qualities. Protein deficiency led to a significant elevation in the serum lipid profile of rats especially cholesterol even with increase in MOLM. PD10 had the highest triglycerides content when compared to the control but was lower (p>0.05) to that of PD. There was an increase in crude fat, ADF, NDF and protein in faecal samples of rats supplemented with MOLM diets while a decrease in moisture and ash was observed compared to the control.Vitamin and mineral deficiency resulted in significant decrease in serum cholesterol, triglycerides and HDL-C when compared to the control. There was a slight increase in excretion for all elements with increasing MOLM. Total removal of minerals and vitamins from the VMD experimental diets seemed not to have any visible negative impact on performance of the rats probably because of residual micronutrients present in other ingredients used in the feed formulation. MOLM could not replace protein in protein deficient diets.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mhlomi, Yanga Nonelela
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Moringa Medicinal plants
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/14594 , vital:40018
- Description: This study investigated the nutritional composition and bioavailability of nutrients in Moringa oleifera leaf meal from South African ecotype. Nutritional evaluation (proximate, mineral, vitamins and antinutrients, amino acids and fatty acids analyses) was performed using AOAC, ICP-OES and GC+MS techniques respectively. Bioavailability of nutrients involved formulation of diets deficient in minerals and vitamins; and proteins supplemented with Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) at 0, 3, 5 and 10% respectively. Growth performance, hematological, biochemical and histopathological evaluations were used to assess the effect of MOLM supplementation. Proximate and mineral evaluation revealed that the leaves were rich in protein (28.72%) and carbohydrate (28.84%), calcium content was (1603.33 mg/100g), potassium (1690 mg/100g), zinc (13.03 mg/100g) and iron (21.13 mg/100g). Vitamin E content was the highest (89.43 mg/100g) followed by vitamic C (24.9 mg/100g) and vitamin A (12.98 mg/100g). Fatty acids analysis detected were fifteen of which polyunsaturated fatty acid linoleic acid (56.36) and alpha-linolenic acid (687.58) were highest and behenic acid (22:0) characteristics of Moringa (4.11%) were detected. Seven of the detected fatty acids were saturated fatty acids, though relatively low, with stearic acid having the highest value. On the other hand fifteen of the amino acids, 7 were essential (valine, leucine, isoleucine, methionine, threonine and phenylalanine) were detected; while alanine, proline, serine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamic acid, asparagine and tyrosine were non- essential amino acid. Moringa oleifera had low quantities of antinutrients in relation to minerals, thus nutrients will easily ne available. Amino and fatty acids profile of nutrient deficient diets supplemented with MOLM revealed that six essential amino acids were detected in the diets. However, the essential amino acid (EAA) in MOLM with the highest value was threonine (500.47±23.03mg/L), while the lowest was methionine (75.65±5.31mg/L). Leucine was highest in PD10 (234.32±27.98 mg/l) 15 and lowest in PD3. Predominant amino acid in VMD diet was glutamic acid (966.76±208.92 mg/l), while methionine was lowest (197.14±35.90). Caproic acid was the most prominent unsaturated fatty acid in the diets and was highest in the PD diet. Palmitoleic acid was highest in the control diet (8.19±0.56 mg/L) and lowest in PD3 but an increase was observed as the levels of MOLM increased in the diets. Linoleic acid values obtained were significantly higher in PD diet, lower in control diet, compared to other diets. Linolenic acid (C18-3n6) was higher in PD10 (63.48±3.84 mg/L) compared to the control diet (6.05±0.14 mg/L). The highest unsaturated fatty acid in all the feed samples was linoleic acids ranging from 54.48±5.61 to 296.26±7.20 mg/L. the highest omega-3 (n-3) fatty acid content (63.48±3.38 mg/L) was in PD10 and was almost 10 times higher than the value recorded for control. Rats treated on vitamin mineral deficient (VMD) diet showed no significant changes in growth performances and blood parameters except in certain indices. Rats on VMD diet had lowest haemoglobin levels, whereas haemoglobin increased with MOLM levels. No significant differences in haematocrit, MCH, MCHC, platelets, RDW and MPV were observed in all treatments and control. However, VMD rats showed decrease in haemoglobin, increase in WBC and platelets. Electrolytes and glucose for all treatments and control were not significantly different, but, control and VMD10 diets rats showed significantly higher values for creatinine compared to MOLM diets; total protein and albumin increased with MOLM and were higher than in VMD and control rats. Serum activities of liver, cardiac, adrenal marker enzymes were significantly lower in MOLM rats compared to VMD and control. Mild congestion in VMD and VMD3 rat’s liver and diffused congestion in the kidney of VMD diet fed rats was observed. Protein deficient diets supplemented with MOLM had a negative impact on feed intake and growth parameters. Rats fed PD and PD5 consumed significantly less diet than those fed PD10, PD3 diets respectively. White blood cells decreased with increasing levels of MOLM 16 supplementation. Differential white cell count (Neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils) followed the same trend though not statistically significant (P>0.05). Furthermore, histopathological evaluation of organs revealed that no abnormalities were in heart and liver and kidney of rats fed on the control diet, while mild congestion in the liver and myocardium (heart) were observed in rats fed with protein deficient diet. No visible abnormalities were observed in the heart, kidney and liver of animals on the PD 10 diet, but myocardial fibres showing intense eosinophilia was detected in heart muscles of rats fed PD and PD3 diets. In this study, MOLM had a negative impact on feed intake and growth performance of animals and haematology. Blood biochemistry and histology suggest that MOLM has the potential of defending the body against infection with hematinic and blood enhancing qualities. Protein deficiency led to a significant elevation in the serum lipid profile of rats especially cholesterol even with increase in MOLM. PD10 had the highest triglycerides content when compared to the control but was lower (p>0.05) to that of PD. There was an increase in crude fat, ADF, NDF and protein in faecal samples of rats supplemented with MOLM diets while a decrease in moisture and ash was observed compared to the control.Vitamin and mineral deficiency resulted in significant decrease in serum cholesterol, triglycerides and HDL-C when compared to the control. There was a slight increase in excretion for all elements with increasing MOLM. Total removal of minerals and vitamins from the VMD experimental diets seemed not to have any visible negative impact on performance of the rats probably because of residual micronutrients present in other ingredients used in the feed formulation. MOLM could not replace protein in protein deficient diets.
- Full Text:
Bioinformatic analysis, isolation and kinetic characterisation of red algae (Gelidium capense) dehydrogenases
- Authors: Gogela, Yanga
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Bioinformatics Chondrus crispus
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19164 , vital:39878
- Description: Lactate and alcohol dehydrogenases have attracted much attention in various industries and scientific research for their ability to produce chirally pure compounds and be assayed for activity using more straightforward and reproducible assay methods. These enzymes have been previously isolated and purified from various plants, animals and microorganisms. So far, the molecular and biochemical properties of enzymes from these dehydrogenase families in red algae are mostly unknown. Red macroalgae have been used for centuries for the treatment of various diseases and as a source of ingredients in the food industry. The aim of this study was to identify genes in the sequenced red algae genomes that encode dehydrogenases, to use bioinformatic tools to confirm that the proteins encoded are dehydrogenases and to isolate and kinetically purify alcohol or lactate dehydrogenase from red algae species found along the coastline of the Eastern Cape Province. A combination of bioinformatics tools, molecular and biochemical techniques were used to identify, purify, and characterise ADH and LDH enzymes. Bioinformatics analysis revealed two alcohol dehydrogenase genes and two hypothetical genes encoding functional domains similar to D-lactate dehydrogenases from other species. The ADH and LDH-like genes shared low sequence identity at the protein level with medium-chain dehydrogenases/reductases (MDRs) and 2-hydroxy acid dehydrogenases, respectively. These two dehydrogenase genes showed a highly conserved NAD-binding motif (Rossmann-fold) similar to many other NAD-dependent dehydrogenases. The ADH and LDH proteins contained no signal peptides and may be located in the cytoplasm. The phylogenetic tree analysis showed that the two ADH genes belonged to cinnamyl and class III alcohol dehydrogenases, whereas the LDHlike genes were grouped with D-lactate dehydrogenases from other organisms. The ADH and LDH gene family showed cis-acting regulatory elements that are mostly involved in stress response and hormonal response. Structural analysis showed that the dehydrogenases 3D structure predicted models comprise of two domains, namely the substrate binding and the coenzyme binding domains that are rich in beta-strands secondary structure elements. The LDH from red algae was purified approximately 4-fold with a specific activity of 0.044 U/mg. The purified LDH enzyme had a molecular weight of approximately 37kDa. The LDH was active across a broad pH range from 5-9 with a pH optimum observed at 7.5. The LDH ii enzyme in red algae exhibits a temperature optimum of 40 ⁰C and heat stability up to 40 ⁰C. Above 50 °C the LDH activity rapidly decreased showing that the LDH in red algae is not thermostable. The LDH enzyme showed a Km value of 0.8 mM and Vmax of 0.0067 mM.min-1 when using sodium pyruvate as a substrate.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Gogela, Yanga
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Bioinformatics Chondrus crispus
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19164 , vital:39878
- Description: Lactate and alcohol dehydrogenases have attracted much attention in various industries and scientific research for their ability to produce chirally pure compounds and be assayed for activity using more straightforward and reproducible assay methods. These enzymes have been previously isolated and purified from various plants, animals and microorganisms. So far, the molecular and biochemical properties of enzymes from these dehydrogenase families in red algae are mostly unknown. Red macroalgae have been used for centuries for the treatment of various diseases and as a source of ingredients in the food industry. The aim of this study was to identify genes in the sequenced red algae genomes that encode dehydrogenases, to use bioinformatic tools to confirm that the proteins encoded are dehydrogenases and to isolate and kinetically purify alcohol or lactate dehydrogenase from red algae species found along the coastline of the Eastern Cape Province. A combination of bioinformatics tools, molecular and biochemical techniques were used to identify, purify, and characterise ADH and LDH enzymes. Bioinformatics analysis revealed two alcohol dehydrogenase genes and two hypothetical genes encoding functional domains similar to D-lactate dehydrogenases from other species. The ADH and LDH-like genes shared low sequence identity at the protein level with medium-chain dehydrogenases/reductases (MDRs) and 2-hydroxy acid dehydrogenases, respectively. These two dehydrogenase genes showed a highly conserved NAD-binding motif (Rossmann-fold) similar to many other NAD-dependent dehydrogenases. The ADH and LDH proteins contained no signal peptides and may be located in the cytoplasm. The phylogenetic tree analysis showed that the two ADH genes belonged to cinnamyl and class III alcohol dehydrogenases, whereas the LDHlike genes were grouped with D-lactate dehydrogenases from other organisms. The ADH and LDH gene family showed cis-acting regulatory elements that are mostly involved in stress response and hormonal response. Structural analysis showed that the dehydrogenases 3D structure predicted models comprise of two domains, namely the substrate binding and the coenzyme binding domains that are rich in beta-strands secondary structure elements. The LDH from red algae was purified approximately 4-fold with a specific activity of 0.044 U/mg. The purified LDH enzyme had a molecular weight of approximately 37kDa. The LDH was active across a broad pH range from 5-9 with a pH optimum observed at 7.5. The LDH ii enzyme in red algae exhibits a temperature optimum of 40 ⁰C and heat stability up to 40 ⁰C. Above 50 °C the LDH activity rapidly decreased showing that the LDH in red algae is not thermostable. The LDH enzyme showed a Km value of 0.8 mM and Vmax of 0.0067 mM.min-1 when using sodium pyruvate as a substrate.
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Challenges in the implementation of a community police forum constitution: a case study of the beacon bay community police forum in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Twani, Sydney Vuyisile
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Community policing -- South Africa Crime prevention Police-community relations Police -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11031 , vital:36687
- Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate the extent to which the Beacon Bay Community Police Forum in the East London area has implemented the Community Police Forum (CPF) uniform constitution. The main research question of this study was: To what extent has the Beacon Bay Community Police Forum in the East London area implemented the uniform Community Police Forum (CPF) constitution? The theoretical framework that guided this study was the broken windows theory. The literature review looked into the following: existing knowledge based on the assessment of the implementation of the uniform CPF constitution by the Beacon Bay Community Police Forum, the regulatory framework and an overview of the role and functions of the community police forum (CPF) in South Africa, lack of awareness and representativeness as challenges to community police forums effectiveness, inadequate resources in the implementation of an effective community policing forum, lack of trust between the police and the community and the issue of corruption as challenges in the implementation of CPF. The qualitative research method was used in this study. The case study design was also used. The researcher used the purposive sampling technique to select six community members and four community executives of the Beacon Bay CPF in the East London area. Face-to-face in-depth individual interviews were used to gather in-depth data. The manual method of analysis was used. The researcher analysed the data by capturing the patterns and direct words of the participants who were interviewed through note taking. Themes were drawn from the responses of the participants and analysed. Some of the findings were that: Community members did not know exactly when the CPF was implemented, the CPF was not effective, community members did not attend CPF meetings and had negative attitudes towards CPF, the police worked better with the rich people rather than the poor ones and there were some influences of politics in the CPF. In addition, the resources lacking at the CPF were: SAPS staff, shortage of police stations and insufficient vehicles at the police stations. Furthermore, some police worked hand-iniv hand with the criminals and the repercussions of poor trust between the community and the police included: community members taking the law into their own hands, poor handling of criminal cases, and escalation of crime in the community. Some community members noted the positive effect that the implementation of the community police forum had as they could now engage the police directly on matters relating to crime and how they think such challenges can be addressed. The researcher made some recommendations towards an effective implementation of the Community Police Forum in Beacon Bay in East London.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Twani, Sydney Vuyisile
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Community policing -- South Africa Crime prevention Police-community relations Police -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11031 , vital:36687
- Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate the extent to which the Beacon Bay Community Police Forum in the East London area has implemented the Community Police Forum (CPF) uniform constitution. The main research question of this study was: To what extent has the Beacon Bay Community Police Forum in the East London area implemented the uniform Community Police Forum (CPF) constitution? The theoretical framework that guided this study was the broken windows theory. The literature review looked into the following: existing knowledge based on the assessment of the implementation of the uniform CPF constitution by the Beacon Bay Community Police Forum, the regulatory framework and an overview of the role and functions of the community police forum (CPF) in South Africa, lack of awareness and representativeness as challenges to community police forums effectiveness, inadequate resources in the implementation of an effective community policing forum, lack of trust between the police and the community and the issue of corruption as challenges in the implementation of CPF. The qualitative research method was used in this study. The case study design was also used. The researcher used the purposive sampling technique to select six community members and four community executives of the Beacon Bay CPF in the East London area. Face-to-face in-depth individual interviews were used to gather in-depth data. The manual method of analysis was used. The researcher analysed the data by capturing the patterns and direct words of the participants who were interviewed through note taking. Themes were drawn from the responses of the participants and analysed. Some of the findings were that: Community members did not know exactly when the CPF was implemented, the CPF was not effective, community members did not attend CPF meetings and had negative attitudes towards CPF, the police worked better with the rich people rather than the poor ones and there were some influences of politics in the CPF. In addition, the resources lacking at the CPF were: SAPS staff, shortage of police stations and insufficient vehicles at the police stations. Furthermore, some police worked hand-iniv hand with the criminals and the repercussions of poor trust between the community and the police included: community members taking the law into their own hands, poor handling of criminal cases, and escalation of crime in the community. Some community members noted the positive effect that the implementation of the community police forum had as they could now engage the police directly on matters relating to crime and how they think such challenges can be addressed. The researcher made some recommendations towards an effective implementation of the Community Police Forum in Beacon Bay in East London.
- Full Text:
Challenges of the primigravida’s in accessing antenatal care early and regularly in Buffalo city Metropolitan Municipality, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Seakamela, Khomotso Precious
- Authors: Seakamela, Khomotso Precious
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Maternal health services Prenatal care
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPH
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16803 , vital:40775
- Description: According to National Department of Health (NDOH National :2015), antenatal care is free in South Africa’s public health system and nearly all pregnant women and girls attend an antenatal clinic at least once during their pregnancy. However, most pregnant women do not access antenatal care until the later stage of pregnancy. Such delays have been linked to nearly a quarter of avoidable maternal deaths in South Africa. According to World Health Organisation (WHO, 2016; 11), maternal mortality and morbidity are some of the most important global health issues facing the world today. Worldwide, approximately 1000 women die each day from pregnancy and childbirth related causes (WHO, 2016; 11). In addition, 99% of these maternal deaths occur in the developing world, with sub-Saharan Africa accounting for over half of these deaths. The international community has committed to improving maternal health by 2015 with Millennium Development Goal (MDG) number five, which aimed to reduce maternal mortality by three quarters and reach universal access to reproductive health care (www.worldbank.org/mdgs/). Even with this commitment, many countries like South Africa have failed to implement effective programs to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity, and women around the world continue to die and suffer from the complications of pregnancy and childbirth. According to NDOH (2015; 2), women who suspect that they might be pregnant should schedule a booking and visit to their clinic and begin antenatal care as soon as possible. These visits include a physical examination, which includes blood pressure checks, weight checks, providing a urine sample, testing for sexually transmitted infections and checking for tuberculosis. Depending on the stage of the pregnancy, healthcare providers may also do blood tests and examination, which includes an ultrasound. The purpose of the study was to to investigate the challenges of Primigravida’s in accessing antenatal care early and regularly in Buffalo City Metropolitan (BCM) and to assist in formulating recommendations for improving factors that are perceived as obstacles to the utilisation of antenatal care services in the BCM District. vii The study was conducted in five facilities at BCM (Dimbaza Community Health Centre, Empilweni Gompo Clinic, Moore Street Clinic, Central Clinic and Notyatyambo Clinic). BCM is one of the seven districts of Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The seat of BCM is East London. The data was collected using cross-sectional, self-administered questionnaires that were conducted in selected health facilities of Buffalo City Metropolitan. In this study, the population consisted of primigravida’s between the ages of 18-35 who start clinic attendance in the second trimester of pregnancy at five facilities, Buffalo City Metropolitan. Findings: The biggest challenges, as expressed by the participants, were lack of money, unsuitable clinic times, work commitments, delays at clinic and family control. Most of the participants had good experiences of antenatal care. The timing of antenatal clinic attendance is not influenced by age, education, residential zone, employment status and proximity of clinic
- Full Text:
- Authors: Seakamela, Khomotso Precious
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Maternal health services Prenatal care
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPH
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16803 , vital:40775
- Description: According to National Department of Health (NDOH National :2015), antenatal care is free in South Africa’s public health system and nearly all pregnant women and girls attend an antenatal clinic at least once during their pregnancy. However, most pregnant women do not access antenatal care until the later stage of pregnancy. Such delays have been linked to nearly a quarter of avoidable maternal deaths in South Africa. According to World Health Organisation (WHO, 2016; 11), maternal mortality and morbidity are some of the most important global health issues facing the world today. Worldwide, approximately 1000 women die each day from pregnancy and childbirth related causes (WHO, 2016; 11). In addition, 99% of these maternal deaths occur in the developing world, with sub-Saharan Africa accounting for over half of these deaths. The international community has committed to improving maternal health by 2015 with Millennium Development Goal (MDG) number five, which aimed to reduce maternal mortality by three quarters and reach universal access to reproductive health care (www.worldbank.org/mdgs/). Even with this commitment, many countries like South Africa have failed to implement effective programs to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity, and women around the world continue to die and suffer from the complications of pregnancy and childbirth. According to NDOH (2015; 2), women who suspect that they might be pregnant should schedule a booking and visit to their clinic and begin antenatal care as soon as possible. These visits include a physical examination, which includes blood pressure checks, weight checks, providing a urine sample, testing for sexually transmitted infections and checking for tuberculosis. Depending on the stage of the pregnancy, healthcare providers may also do blood tests and examination, which includes an ultrasound. The purpose of the study was to to investigate the challenges of Primigravida’s in accessing antenatal care early and regularly in Buffalo City Metropolitan (BCM) and to assist in formulating recommendations for improving factors that are perceived as obstacles to the utilisation of antenatal care services in the BCM District. vii The study was conducted in five facilities at BCM (Dimbaza Community Health Centre, Empilweni Gompo Clinic, Moore Street Clinic, Central Clinic and Notyatyambo Clinic). BCM is one of the seven districts of Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The seat of BCM is East London. The data was collected using cross-sectional, self-administered questionnaires that were conducted in selected health facilities of Buffalo City Metropolitan. In this study, the population consisted of primigravida’s between the ages of 18-35 who start clinic attendance in the second trimester of pregnancy at five facilities, Buffalo City Metropolitan. Findings: The biggest challenges, as expressed by the participants, were lack of money, unsuitable clinic times, work commitments, delays at clinic and family control. Most of the participants had good experiences of antenatal care. The timing of antenatal clinic attendance is not influenced by age, education, residential zone, employment status and proximity of clinic
- Full Text: