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Satchmo and 20th century jazz

- Thomas, Cornelius

  • Authors: Thomas, Cornelius
  • Date: 2000
  • Subjects: Standard Bank Jazz Festival -- South Africa Tshomela, Don Armstrong, Louis Jazz musicians -- South Africa
  • Type: article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/32906 , vital:24093 , This image is held at the Cory Library for Humanities Research at Rhodes University. For further information contact cory@ru.ac.za. The digitisation of this image was made possible through a generous grant received from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation 2014-2017. , MS 20 020
  • Description: Photocopied article from the newspaper The Daily Dispatch about Jazz musicians at the Standard Bank Jazz Festival in Grahamstown
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  • Date Issued: 2000

Searching for new relevance in the 1990s: the Organization of African Unity as an instrument of conflict resolution

- Dlamini, Thandeka Lungile

  • Authors: Dlamini, Thandeka Lungile
  • Date: 2000
  • Subjects: Organization of African Unity , Africa -- Foreign relations , Conflict management -- Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:2770 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002980 , Organization of African Unity , Africa -- Foreign relations , Conflict management -- Africa
  • Description: The 1960's and the 1970's marked a great Pan-African movement in Africa, that saw the liberation of most African states. This Pan-African movement, was spearheaded by a quest to unite Africa, and to abate foreign occupation. Amidst the spirit of unity, lay a promise of an organization that would embody the hopes and aspirations of a continent undergoing a re-birth; a progression towards self-determination, economic development and integration, and the maintenance of peace. Therefore, the inception ofthe Organization of African Unity (OAD) was not only a symbol of a unifying force for Africans, but a diplomatic platform that would promote African needs on the international arena. In effect the OAU, at its inception, was for specific ideals that would guarantee liberation and unity of African states. The outcome of these ideals would be greater regional economic integration and the achievement of peace and stability. These ideals mirrored the structural definition of regional organization, with the inclusion of a Commission for Mediation Arbitration and Conciliation under the OAU Charter, to handle disputes among member states. However, the mere fact that this commission lacked the political wherewithal to resolve conflicts, by its sheer lack of a standing peacekeeping force, contributed to the inefficiency of the organization to play an effective role in conflict management. This study attempts to examine the role ofthe OAU in settling disputes. The study sought to accomplish this, in the following manner. Firstly, an investigation into the nature of conflict and why it persists in Africa was conducted. Further, an examination ofthe tools that practitioners utilize not only to study conflict, but to prevent, manage and resolve it, was done. During the investigation it was found that, although the OAU's greatest successes have come from preventive diplomacy, its structural foundations limit the capabilities of the organization to become more relevant. The Charter of the OAU alludes vaguely to the settlement of disputes, but without an executive political decision-making body able to deploy peacekeepers, its principles are largely meaningless. Amidst the growing concerns, the OAU as a matter of survival, developed initiatives it hopes will make it more effective and relevant. The focus ofthe study was the evolving role ofthe OAU, from its inception to its new role as an instrument of conflict resolution. Most of the scholarly work conducted on the OAU, is concerned with depicting a terminal organization, with little or no hope of surviving. Little emphasis is placed on prescribing remedies on how to improve and restructure the organization. The findings included, inter alia, that the organization is faced with enormous challenges, as the sources of conflict are varied and complex. Africa is now the landscape of collapsed states, economic stagnation, environmental degradation, disease and chronic conflicts. The OAU shoulders much ofthe responsibility for not sanctioning governments that contribute to the decay and suffering of the African peoples. Most ofthe criticism of the OAU, stem from the inability of the organization to play an effective role in resolving conflicts in Africa. Most of Africa's conflicts stem from a lack of political legitimacy, lack of democratic institutions, uneven distribution of resources, ethnic tensions and economic stagnation. Until such problems are addressed, Africa will continue to host the world's deadliest conflicts.
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  • Date Issued: 2000

Seey

- Vieux Marius Seck (composer, lead singer, rhythm guitar, accoustic guitar, chorus), Racine Ly (solo guitar), Ousmane Wade (keyboard), Youssou Camara (drums), Moussa Traore (percussions), Sam Thiam (tama), Fama Lo (chorus), Samba Laobe Ndiaye (bass guitar, arranger, recorded by), Studio 2000

Sentu Na

- Badou Boy (lead vocal, accoustic guitar, harmonica), Mbaye Dieye Feye (Sabar and Percussions), Badou Boy and Pape Armand (composers), Ndiaga Ndour, Ouzin NDoye

Serotonin-melatonin interactions in acetaminophen and N,N-dimethylformamide toxicity

- Anoopkumar-Dukie, Shailendra

  • Authors: Anoopkumar-Dukie, Shailendra
  • Date: 2000
  • Subjects: Serotonin , Acetaminophen , Melatonin
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: vital:3898 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003957 , Serotonin , Acetaminophen , Melatonin
  • Description: Acetaminophen and N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) are compounds which are extremely toxic to the liver. Acetaminophen is a drug which is well known for its analgesic and antipyretic properties. However, the abuse potential of this agent as a non-narcotic analgesic in alcoholics is well known. It is also the leading cause of overdose in England. DMF toxicity results mainly from occupational exposure. At present there are no known reports of an antidote for DMF poisoning, while N-acetylcysteine, the antidote for acetaminophen poisoning, is known to produce adverse effects. The present study evaluates the potential of melatonin as an antidote for acetaminophen and DMF poisoning. This study also investigates the mechanism underlying acetaminophen addiction and abuse. Initial studies involved in vitro techniques in an attempt to remove the complexities of organ interactions. The photodegradation studies, using ultraviolet (UV) light, revealed that melatonin accelerates the rate of acetaminophen degradation in the presence of air, and reduces the rate of degradation in the presence of nitrogen. This study also revealed that melatonin is rapidly degraded in the presence of air, following UV irradiation. The effect of DMF on hydroxyl radical generation was also determined. DMF was shown to act as a free radical scavenger, rather that a generator of free radicals. The in vitro studies were followed by lipid peroxidation determination. DMF (0.4ml/kg and 0.8ml/kg) did not produce any significant increases in lipid peroxidation in the liver. Three different doses of acetaminophen (30mg/kg, 100mg/kg, and 500mg/kg) were administered to rats for seven days. Acetaminophen (500mg/kg) was shown to significantly increase (p<0.05) lipid peroxidation in the liver. Melatonin (2.5mg/kg) was not able to significantly reduce the damage. The lower doses of acetaminophen (30mg/kg and 100mg/kg) did not increase lipid peroxidation. Electron microscopy studies showed that DMF adversely affects the liver, and in particular, the endoplasmic reticulum. Co administration of melatonin (2.5mg/kg) was able to reduce the damage. Further experiments need to be performed before an accurate assessment can be made on the ability of melatonin as an antidote for DMF and acetaminophen poisoning. Several experiments were done in an attempt to uncover the biochemical mechanism underlying acetaminophen addiction and abuse. The first experiment targeted the liver enzyme tryptophan-2,3-dioxygenase (TDO). This enzyme is the major determinant of tryptophan levels in vivo. Acetaminophen administration (100mg/kg for three hours) was shown to significantly inhibit (p<0.05) the activity of TDO, indicating increased peripheral levels of tryptophan. This experiment was followed up with determination of brain serotonin and pineal melatonin. Brain serotonin was determined using the ELISA technique. Melatonin was estimated using this technique as well as with pineal organ culture. Acetaminophen administration (100mg/kg for three hours) significantly increased (p<0.05) brain serotonin levels. Using organ culture where exogenous (3H) tryptophan is metabolised to (3H) melatonin, acetaminophen (100mg/kg for three hours) was shown to significantly increase (p<0.05) pineal melatonin concentrations. However, the ELISA technique did not reveal any changes in endogenous pineal melatonin levels. The final experiment was the determination of urinary 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5- HIAA), the major metabolite of serotonin, following acetaminophen administration (100mg/kg for three hours). Acetaminophen was shown to significantly reduce 5-HIAA levels (p<0.05) suggesting reduced catabolism of serotonin. The findings of this study indicate that acetaminophen mimics the actions of an antidepressant. This compelling finding has important clinical implications, and needs to be examined further.
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  • Date Issued: 2000

Settler women's experiences of fear, illness and isolation, with particular reference to the Eastern Cape Frontier, 1820-1890

- Dampier, Helen

  • Authors: Dampier, Helen
  • Date: 2000
  • Subjects: Women -- South Africa -- History , Women -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Social conditions , Women -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- History , British settlers of 1820 (South Africa) , Frontier and pioneer life -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:2537 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002389 , Women -- South Africa -- History , Women -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Social conditions , Women -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- History , British settlers of 1820 (South Africa) , Frontier and pioneer life -- South Africa
  • Description: This thesis is an exploration of diaries and letters written by middle-class English-speaking settler women living on the Eastern Cape frontier between 1820 and 1890. By according primacy to these women’s experiences and perceptions, it aims for a greater understanding of women’s encounters with the frontier, and how these were articulated in their personal writing. An emphasis on the recurrent themes of ill-health, fearfulness and solitude undermines the popular myth of the brave, conquering, invincible pioneers which dominates settler historiography to date. The tensions felt by white women living on the frontier disrupted their identities as middle-class Victorian ‘ladies’, and as a result these women either constantly re-established a sense of self, or absorbed some aspects of the Eastern Cape, and thus redefined themselves. Settler women’s experiences of the frontier changed little during the seventy year period spanned by this study, indicating that frontier life led to a rigidification and reinforcement of old, familiar values and behaviours. Rather than adapting to and embracing their new surroundings, settler women sought to duplicate accepted, conventional Victorian ideals and customs. White Victorian women identified themselves as refined, civilized, moral and respectable, and perceived Africa and Africans as untamed, immoral, uncivilized and threatening. To keep these menacing, destabilizing forces at bay, settler women attempted to recreate ‘home’ in the Eastern Cape; to domesticate the frontier by rendering it as familiar and predictable as possible. The fear, illness and solitariness that characterise settler women’s personal writings manifest their attempts to eliminate alienating difference, and record their refusal to truly engage with the frontier landscape and its inhabitants.
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  • Date Issued: 2000

She doesn't need to fall

- Boubacar N'Dour, Prince Charles Alexander, Youssou N'Dour (written by), Youssou N'Dour (vocal), Habib Faye (bass), Manu Katche (drums), Jimi Mbaye, Pape Oumar Ngom (guitar), Babacar Faye (Senegalese percussion), Jerome Lemmier (keyboards, arranger, programmer), Assane Thiam (sabar talking drum), Pierre Bianchi

Significance of corporate social investment within the field of public relations with specific reference to selected Kwazulu Natal corporations

- Rampersad, Renitha

  • Authors: Rampersad, Renitha
  • Date: 2000
  • Subjects: Investments -- Moral and ethical aspects -- South Africa , Public relations -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
  • Identifier: vital:10779 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/35 , Investments -- Moral and ethical aspects -- South Africa , Public relations -- South Africa
  • Description: This study is a qualitative investigation into the areas of corporate social investment and public relations. The study examines the significance of corporate social investment within the field of public relations with specific reference to selected KwaZulu Natal corporations. The study looks at the corporate social investment and public relations departments of five corporations in the KwaZulu Natal region. The corporations that were interviewed were selected based on their location, and the number of years of experience in the field. The five companies, namely, The South African Sugar Association, NBS Boland Bank, Hillside Aluminium (Alusaf), McCarthy Retail and Richards Bay Minerals received immense coverage on their corporate social investment initiatives, in the Mail and Guardian’s April 1998 issue, ‘Investing in the future, special focus on social investment.’ The report presents an in-depth literature review, which examines the history of both corporate social investment and public relations. It thereafter examines the current practices of public relations and corporate social investment from a South African perspective. The prevalent approach to corporate social investment is also addressed. Apart from the study of the five corporations, the report also comments on other dedicated corporate social investment programmes. The programmes of each of the five companies are contrasted with current and relevant documentation from the 1999 Business and Marketing Intelligence report. Graphs and tables complement this information. The findings reveal that there is little public relations involvement in corporate social investment initiatives because corporate social investment practitioners do not see the need for the involvement of public relations practitioners in all areas of their corporate social investment initiatives. The results of the interviews gives the reader a broad perspective of corporate social investment and public relations within each company. The findings suggest that the role of public relations needs to be re-examined in the new millennium.
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  • Date Issued: 2000

Sing Hosanna (a medley of Praise)

- Peter Gabriels Muonagor (written, arranged, produced and composed by), Tosia Alesh (arranged and produced by), Studio 2000

Social change and shifting paradigms: the choice of healer among black South Africans in psychological counselling

- Johnson, Alexandra Blythe

  • Authors: Johnson, Alexandra Blythe
  • Date: 2000
  • Subjects: Healers -- South Africa , Psychotherapy Cross-cultural studies , Xhosa (African people) -- Psychology
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:2998 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002507 , Healers -- South Africa , Psychotherapy Cross-cultural studies , Xhosa (African people) -- Psychology
  • Description: Social change in South Africa brings to light the multiplicity of world-views operating in our society, which individuals encountering a variety of social contexts are faced with. This raises questions about the choices black South Africans face in response to influences from Western and traditional African culture. This issue was approached through examining helpseeking choices made between different health care sectors that stem from different world-views. This would indicate whether individuals are drawing on a variety of belief systems. The sources of their beliefs are put into context by looking at the communities of practice that influence their local knowledge. Help-seeking is also influenced by the identities the individual may ascribe to, which are derived from the multiple positions held by them in different social contexts. In this research the use of health-care sectors by four black women attending psychotherapy is examined. Their use of these sectors reflects a potential multiplicity of world views. Semistructured interviews were conducted, focusing on participants' prior experience of different help options, and their current perceptions of traditional African healing and psychology. The texts were analysed using a qualitative hermeneutic method, the reading guide. Data was looked at through three main themes, the individual's relationship to the health care sectors, their knowledge of different world views, and the identities they adopted which may be influential in their choice of a healer. It was found that in two participants there was some movement away from traditional beliefs, with one rejecting the traditional healers who did not help her, once she has discovered therapy, and another identifying herself completely with Western medicine. In contrast, one participant illustrated a rediscovery of traditional healing, whilst still attending psychotherapy. This suggests that shifts in knowledge are not necessarily away from traditional beliefs. It was also found that the two participants who had experienced a broader variety of social contexts and identified with multiple belief systems, tended to use a variety of Western and traditional healing sources and selected the healing option they felt was most appropriate to a particular problem. It is argued therefore that having a variety of knowledge and beliefs places individuals in a more powerful position to determine their choice of action than those with a limited range of knowledge.
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  • Date Issued: 2000

Social workers perceptions on unionisation and collective bargaining : an exploratory study of the central region of the Eastern Cape

- Dyakala, Tumeka

  • Authors: Dyakala, Tumeka
  • Date: 2000
  • Subjects: Social workers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Attitudes , Labor unions -- South Africa , Collective bargaining -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
  • Identifier: vital:695 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006405 , Social workers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Attitudes , Labor unions -- South Africa , Collective bargaining -- South Africa
  • Description: This study explores primarily the views of social workers in the Central region of the Eastern Cape on unionisation and collective bargaining, and at a secondary level the views of their employers and of the trade unions organising social workers, regarding social workers' involvement and non-involvement in these processes. It examines the paradox of compatibility of professionalism and unionism. There are two schools of thought regarding compatibility of professionalism and unionisation one views these concepts as antagonistic whilst the other views these concepts as complementary. Some social workers have been reluctant to participate in trade unions in the past until recently. Reasons advanced for their recent accelerated involvement in trade unions are explored in this study. Social workers views on the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 as the source of the legal framework, within which trade unions and employers interact, through the process of collective bargaining are explored. Proposed alternative mechanisms to these processes as perceived by social workers are closely examined. Semi-structured, self administered questionnaires were distributed to social workers whilst semi-structured interviews were conducted with employer representatives and trade union officials. This helped the researcher to have a broader view of the situation. Findings point to a scenario of disunity of both employers and employees in the social work profession. The study is a pioneering effort in the Central region and sets a way forward for further exploration of this subject. It is hoped that this study will make a worthwhile contribution to the social work profession's industrial relations field
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  • Date Issued: 2000

Souleymaan

- Fatou Laobe (performer, composer), Mareme Ndiaye, Kouna Sow, Aissata Sow, Law Kouyate (chorus), Mbeya Samb (bass guitar), Assana Aldara (guitar), Azizi Diallo (piano), Beydi Thior (pianos), Law Kouyate (kora), Amadou Athiel (xalam), Moussa Gningue (drums), Elle Mbaye, Mbaye Thiam (sabar), Jololi

South Africa's growth, employment and redistribution strategy in the context of structural adjustment programmes in the South

- Lehloesa, Thembinkosi L

  • Authors: Lehloesa, Thembinkosi L
  • Date: 2000
  • Subjects: Growth, Employment And Redistribution Programme (South Africa) , South Africa -- Economic policy , South Africa -- Politics and government -- 1989-1994
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:2794 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003004 , Growth, Employment And Redistribution Programme (South Africa) , South Africa -- Economic policy , South Africa -- Politics and government -- 1989-1994
  • Description: This study is a contribution to the ongoing debate concerning the future of South Africa’s macro-economic policy known as the Growth, Employment and Redistribution (GEAR) strategy. The study attempts to draw parallels between the GEAR macro-economic policy framework and structural adjustment programmes in the South. By making use of this comparison, the study argues that the outcome of the GEAR will be no different from structural adjustment programmes in that it will fail to reduce poverty and cause government to meet the basic needs of the people. These conclusions are drawn from the fact that the GEAR policy is premised on the faith that the market is capable of redistributing income and wealth, and providing people with their basic needs.
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  • Date Issued: 2000

Southern African Development Community foreign policy behaviour: the case of trade with external actors

- Tebu, Perminus Waithaka

  • Authors: Tebu, Perminus Waithaka
  • Date: 2000
  • Subjects: Southern African Development Community , International trade , Africa, Southern -- Foreign relations
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:2834 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003044 , Southern African Development Community , International trade , Africa, Southern -- Foreign relations
  • Description: This thesis is structured around two main and interwoven assumptions operating at two levels. On the one level the external dimension of security threat in Southern Africa is assumed to be the most critical factor for regional renewal and stability. It hinges on pertinent regional issues such as negative trade balances, economic dependence, poverty, unemployment, poor economic growth rates and so forth. The corollary of this assumption is that within the operative framework of SADC, Southern African states are assumed capable of effectively integrating their economies through trade and related arrangements with dominant external actors in the highly competitive global economy. The European Union (EU) and the United States (US) are used as the focal points for illumination. A structured interaction between SADC and the EU within a revised North-South framework of interaction is hypothesized and critically examined. On the other hand, SADC-US interactions are assessed within the context of the new US Africa policy. At another level, the assumption is also made that the post-apartheid democratic state possesses both the political will and the wherewithal to provide regiol].al Leadership. This latter assumption is put to test within the framework of South Africa's regional foreign policy. Adopting an explicit regional unit of analysis, the study utilizes international regime theory as the theoretical and conceptual point of departure. The realist conception of the international system and the underlying assumptions usually considered as obstacles to international cooperation are critically examined in the context of the post-Cold War expanded security agenda. Regime theory is used to provide insight on the motivations that lead states to cooperate in situations of mutual dilemma by institutionalizing patterns of interaction at the regional and international systemic levels. Interstate economic relations at these levels are explained as state actions that are influenced by certain norms and that such norm-governed behaviour is wholly consistent with the pursuit of national interest. Application of the theory explains why such foreign policy behaviour of states is particularly relevant in the post-Cold War era. The thesis has argued that SADC states are capable of conducting a coordinated trade foreign policy in which regional positions are elaborated and adopted. It is argued further that a regional capacity to institute trade and economic policies that reflect local circumstances (necessary for effective integration with the world economy) calls for strong regional developmental democracies in the tradition of social market economy. Regional leadership by South Africa is considered indispensable where Sbuth Africa must find a sustainable balance between its national and regional interests.
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  • Date Issued: 2000

Southern African Journal of Gerontology 1992-2000: Content pages

- Ferreira, Monica (editor)

  • Authors: Ferreira, Monica (editor)
  • Date: 2000
  • Subjects: Gerontology
  • Language: English
  • Type: Text
  • Identifier: vital:8064 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012657
  • Description: Southern African Journal of Gerontology 1992-2000: Content pages compiled by Monica Ferreira
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  • Date Issued: 2000

Southern African Journal of Gerontology, volume 9, number 1, April 2000

- Ferreira, Monica (editor), Moller, Valerie, HSRC/UCT Centre for Gerontology

  • Authors: Ferreira, Monica (editor) , Moller, Valerie , HSRC/UCT Centre for Gerontology
  • Date: 2000
  • Subjects: Gerontology -- South Africa , Older people -- Care -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Text
  • Identifier: vital:8080 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012914
  • Description: [From Editorial] Four of the five articles in this issue either deal explicitly with or refer to the effects of the AIDS epidemics in the authors' countries. The fifth paper deals with late-life chronic diseases of life-style. In the first paper, Akinsola examines effects of the epidemic on older Batswana and evaluates the effectiveness of his country's Community Home-Based Care programme against the programme's objectives, with special reference to the situation of older persons as primary caregivers to PWAs and AIDS orphans. He concludes that the situation of older carers calls for strong and urgent policy action to assist this highly vulnerable and marginalized group in its critical and valuable role and function as carers. In her paper on the provision of housing and care for older persons in Zambia, Sichingabula considers implications of the anticipated increases in AIDS morbidity and mortality, in the form of an increased demand for formal housing and care by older Zambians in the face of diminished traditional support. Given effects of the country's Structural Adjustment Programme and the Zambian government's inability to expand provision of formal support for the older population, the author makes recommendations for initiatives which NGOs can undertake towards meeting the needs and improving the quality of life of older persons. Next, Shaibu examines the experiences of caregivers to older persons in Botswana within a context of pervasive, abject poverty and multiple, unmet basic needs. The author notes how the HIV I AIDS epidemic, in addition to other social forces, impacts family structures and the capacity of Batswana to care for older relatives. In their paper, authors Patel, Steyn, Charlton, Bourne, Laubscher, Fourie and Jooste describe the risk-factor profile for chronic diseases of life-style, such as hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia and obesity, in the older black population of Cape Town and compare it with risk profiles in other South African ethnic groups. The authors note that although the study population is still at low risk of cardiovascular disease - for example, demographic changes, including urbanisation and the adoption of urban life-styles, are likely to lead to an increase in chronic morbidity in future older cohorts in this population. In a second paper, Sichingabula assesses the physical and social environment of Divine Providence Home, a residential care facility for destitute older persons in Lusaka, Zambia. She draws practitioners' attention to the prudence of incorporating design features in facilities built for older persons which enhance the users' mobility, independence and quality of life. She also highlights a lack of social stimulation and the inactivity of the residents at the home. The author makes the point that given an anticipated increased demand for admission to residential care facilities as a result of AIDS-related deaths and loss of traditional support for older persons, living environments in these facilities must be optimized. In sum, the AIDS-related research papers in this number highlight a need to identify and to strengthen social and care systems which can assist older persons in Africa, as traditional systems are increasingly affected by demographic forces, particularly the effects of the HIV/AIDS epidemics. Finally, Moller reviews a recent, landmark Help Age International report (1999), which is a compilation of 15 papers on ageing in developing countries and challenges facing research, policy and practice.
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  • Date Issued: 2000

Southern African Journal of Gerontology, volume 9, number 2, October 2000

- Ferreira, Monica (editor), Moller, Valerie, HSRC/UCT Centre for Gerontology

  • Authors: Ferreira, Monica (editor) , Moller, Valerie , HSRC/UCT Centre for Gerontology
  • Date: 2000
  • Subjects: Gerontology -- South Africa , Older people -- Care -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Text
  • Identifier: vital:8081 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012915
  • Description: [From Editorial] In this special issue of SAJG, an attempt is made to demonstrate how a selection of studies were conducted and how the research outcomes have been translated into action. Heslop, Agyarko, Adjetey-Sorsey and Mapetla give us a paper in which they have evaluated the methodology used in studies in Ghana and South Africa to determine the contributions of older people. After long periods of implementation and learning, this participatory-research methodology has become synonymous with HAl's research work. The authors take us through the methodology, describe the studies carried out in the two countries, and provide us with a vivid picture of not only the problems which older people in the countries face, but also the immense contribution which they make to the well-being of other people. The impact which this work has had in both countries is notable. Older participants in the studies have taken it upon themselves to advocate their rights, and the governments in the two countries have started to put measures in place to address some of the problems identified in the studies. The paper by Van Vuuren and Groenewald examines the pattern of expenditure of pension income by black pension beneficiaries in the Free State Province of South Africa, against a backdrop of these persons' living circumstances. It goes into detail about issues regarding the payment of pensions, pension sharing within households and expenditure of pension money on specific items, and challenges allegations that pensioners are frequently robbed of their pension money and that they lose this income to loan sharks. Some of the findings of this paper contrast with the findings of the HAl studies conducted with partners in the Northem, Gauteng and Kwazulu-Natal provinces of South Africa (see the first paper in this issue by Heslop and colleagues). In their paper, Kowal, Wolfson and Dowd point out that there is a dearth of empirical and credible data on older people in Africa. Although some research has been conducted on this population, the authors note that by and large the available data derive from small samples, are scattered, and have neither been widely disseminated nor shared. The authors further note a lack of common approaches to data collection. Realising these gaps, the World Health Organisation arranged a workshop in Harare, Zimbabwe in January 2000, to begin a process to develop a minimum data set (MDS) for use by researchers in Africa. An overall aim of the MDS project is to provide data to influence policy and decision makers in various areas which affect older persons. , Needs-driven research on nutrition and ageing, carried out by HAl in collaboration with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, is reported by Busolo, Ismail and Peachey in their paper. Nutrition and ageing in developing countries is an area which bas received scant attention. The nutritional requirements of older persons in these countries have not only been inadequately investigated but as a result, nutrition practitioners in various settings simply shoot in the dark. The authors take us down the path which the research took, from bow the needs were identified, to how the research was conducted, to how an intervention programme was set up. They give us some key findings of the research, describe the dissemination process and the application of the findings, and suggest a way forward. An Africa-wide programme currently being implemented as a direct result of this work is aimed at providing knowledge and information on the nutritional requirements of older people to key nutrition institutes, older people's organisations, N GOs (particularly those working in emergency situations), donors and governments. HelpAge International earlier conducted research in the Magu district of Tanzania on the plight of older women who are victimised on suspicion of their being witches (cf. Forrester Kibuga, 1999). Forrester Kibuga and Dianga now draw on this work in their paper. The authors take us through facts pertaining to the witchcraft-related killings, some of the problems which older people in the district face, the changing roles of older people in that area, beliefs and customs of the communities, and the stance of the government and the church on witchcraft. The dynamics of gender issues are also discussed. Following on this research, HAl designed and is now implementing a programme aimed at addressing some of the factors which lead up to these killings and developing sustainable structures to protect older people from violence. In his paper, Gorman draws on the work of HAl in various parts of the world, particularly in Africa - including Tanzania, Ghana, South Africa and Kenya. He argues that violence against older women and men in Africa cannot be attributed to a single, straight-forward problem but must be understood within a complex web that touches on history, family structures, and social and economic factors. He makes practical suggestions on what needs to be done to deal with the problem of violence. HelpAge International will soon be implementing an Africa-wide programme as a response to some of the issues which have been raised in its research on violence. While there is a clear need for more research on ageing in Africa, the research should not be done in a vacuum. There is a simultaneous need for greater collaboration and sharing of research results, and perhaps most importantly, for more action based on research outcomes. At the end of the day researchers should never forget that they have an ethical commitment to their subjects, to society and to their colleagues. , Thanks are due to Karen Peachey and Alex Dianga in the HAl Africa Regional Development Centre for the co-ordination of this special issue. Special thanks are due to Monica Ferreira for dedicating the issue to the experience and work of HAl, and for her commitment to addressing issues pertaining to ageing in Africa. She has worked tirelessly to ensure the success of not only this issue of SAJG but of previous issues as well. I have found her a pillar of support and a pleasure to work with. Tavengwa M. Nhongo.
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  • Date Issued: 2000

Spirulina as a bioremediation agent : interaction with metals and involvement of carbonic anhydrase

- Payne, Rosemary Anne

  • Authors: Payne, Rosemary Anne
  • Date: 2000
  • Subjects: Spirulina , Bioremediation , Carbonic anhydrase
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: vital:3909 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003968 , Spirulina , Bioremediation , Carbonic anhydrase
  • Description: Heavy metal contamination from mining and other industrial operations is becoming an increasing problem with regards to the depleting water resources in South Africa. This study involved the investigation of the use of an algal biomass as a possible alternative to the traditional chemical means of removing these metals. When the toxic effects of metals were investigated, Spirulina was found to have a threshold level of about 30 μM for copper, zinc and lead. Copper and zinc appeared to have a direct effect on the photosynthetic pathway, thereby causing a rapid decline in cell growth. Lead on the other hand seemed to affect surface properties and hence took longer to cause deterioration in growth. Although relatively low concentrations of metal may have a toxic effect on the cyanobacterium, Spirulina may have potential as a precipitation agent. The role of Spirulina in the precipitation of heavy metals appears to be through its ability to maintain a high pH in the surrounding medium, possibly through the enzyme carbonic anhydrase. Subsequent studies therefore focused on the assay and isolation of this enzyme. Two different radiotracer assays, in which carbonic anhydrase converts radiolabelled bicarbonate to carbon dioxide, were investigated, but were found to have several problems. Results were insensitive and could not be reproduced. The standard Wilbur-Anderson method subsequently investigated also proved to be insensitive with a tremendous degree of variability. Although not quantitative, SDS-PAGE proved to be the most reliable method of detection, and was therefore used in subsequent procedures. Chlamydomonas reinhardtii was the subject of initial enzyme isolation studies as these procedures are well documented. Although the published protocols proved unsuccessful, affinity chromatography of a membrane stock solution from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii yielded two relatively pure protein bands. These bands were presumed to represent two subunits of carbonic anhydrase, although Western blot analysis would be required to confirm their identity. Purification of carbonic anhydrase from Spirulina, however, proved unsuccessful and results obtained were very inconclusive. Hence, further analysis of Spirulina is required. The possibility of cloning CA from a genomic library was also considered, but suitable primers could not be designed from the aligned sequences.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2000

Stability of prochlorperazine in solution and in the solid-state

- Antunes, Edith Martins

  • Authors: Antunes, Edith Martins
  • Date: 2000
  • Subjects: Phenothiazine
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: vital:4536 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1016399
  • Description: Prochlorperazine, a member of the piperazine subclass of phenothiazines, widely used as an anti-emetic, is susceptible to oxidation to sulfoxides. These are main metabolites and degradants of all phenothiazines which are found to be inactive at the dopamine receptors. Prochlorperazine causes photosensitivity effects in patients attributed to dechlorination at C2 with the release of HCI (Huang and Sands, 1967; Nejmeh and Pilpel, 1978; Moore and Tamat, 1980). The aim of this study is to investigate the thermal and photostability of prochlorperazine edisylate and mesylate salts in the solid state and in solution. Prochlorperazine is available as a fine chemical and in a variety of dosage forms, including injectables and tablets. According to ICH guidelines, any degradants greater than 0.1 % are required to be isolated and identified. In order to assess the photostability of the two salts, an HPLC method was developed and validated for linearity, accuracy and precision, selectivity, limit of detection, quantitation and ruggedness. Sulfoxides were synthesised for use as standards in the rate studies according to the well-known hydrogen peroxide method (Owens et al., 1989). The rate of prochlorperazine degradation in solution under various light sources (254 nm UV light, diffuse light and sunlight) was studied. The light sources used abovF were quantified using potassium ferrioxalate as a chemical actinometer). The photodegradation rate was found to be greater in ampoules sealed under nitrogen than air, but the thermal degradation was faster in ampoules sealed with air than those purged with nitrogen. Amber ampoules retarded the rate of degradation under all photolytic conditions. This is a vital consideration for the packaging and storage of prochlorperazine in injectables. Degradation was found to occur mainly by first-order kinetics and the degradation rate decreased in the following order: sunlight » UV light 254 nm > fluorescent I diffuse light. Solid state samples, however, were found to be relatively stable to the various light / heat conditions over a 6 month period when compared to prochlorperazine solutions, but still considerably unstable. Thus both storage and packaging is a vital consideration for prochlorperazine injectables. The thermal behaviour of mixtures of prochlorperazine with standard excipients, was assessed for potential interactions, using differential scanning calorimetry. For most of the excipients (magnesium stearate, stearic acid, Explotab®, AC-Di-Sol®, Encompress® and Ludipress®, lactose and Starch 1500®) disappearance or broadening of the melting endotherm of the drug indicated interactions. Lubritab®, however, was the only 'inert' excipient tested. Liquid chromatography - mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used to determine the nature of the degradation products. The major degradation pathways included dechlorination and demethylation of the parent drug, as well as sulfoxidation and Noxidation. Prochlorperazine underwent dechlorination and sulfoxidation with subsequent photosubstitution to yield the 2-hydroxy derivative. The solid state photostudies showed the formation of dealkylated, oxidised and hydroxylated products, sulfoxides and dimers. Since N-demethylation, N-oxidation, sulfoxidation and aromatic hydroxylation are reported to occur in the in vitro metabolism of perazine derivatives, it does appear that there is some relationship between metabolites and photoproducts (Breyer, 1974). This study has been successful in providing understanding of the photolytic and thermal degradation pathways of prochlorperazine.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2000

Strategic analysis of the South African motor manufacturing industry's changing business environment

- Stockwell, Cecil

  • Authors: Stockwell, Cecil
  • Date: 2000
  • Subjects: Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Automobile industry and trade -- Management
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
  • Identifier: vital:10840 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36 , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Automobile industry and trade -- Management
  • Description: Introduction: The South African economy has shown very little economic growth and car sales declined steadily from 1988 till they increased slightly in 1999. 2000 saw the economy recovering from a recession, and motor vehicle sales increasing. In order for the South African motor manufacturing industry to remain viable, the manufacturers, who must operate within the framework of the Motor Industry Development Plan, face increasing international competition as the large motor firms from around the world strive to gain a foothold in Africa in anticipation of an “African Renaissance.” South African manufacturers have to develop appropriate strategies to ensure profitability and survival in the new millennium. This entails a thorough analysis of the changing business environment the industry finds itself trading in.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2000
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