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Representations of everyday life in post-2000 Zimbabwean short fiction

  • Authors: Barure, Walter Kudzai
  • Date: 2025-04-02
  • Subjects: Zimbabwean fiction History and criticism , Zimbabwe Social conditions 21st century , Representation (Philosophy) , Everyday life , Digital storytelling Zimbabwe , Zimbabwean periodicals , Popular magazine
  • Language: English
  • Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/478478 , vital:78190 , DOI 10.21504/10962/478478
  • Description: This dissertation explores the dynamic nature of cultural productions and the perpetual flux in everyday experiences within Zimbabwean social and cultural spaces over the past two decades. Amid Zimbabwe’s contemporary techno-economic milieu, there has been a remarkable surge in literary works initially tailored for print readership, then adapted for digital platforms. This shift reflects broader changes in the country’s cultural production, where the interplay between traditional publishing and digital innovation has opened new avenues for literary expression and access. The overarching goal is to investigate the connection between contemporary short fiction in Zimbabwe and the material processes of transformation and reproduction across various historical periods, forms, contexts, and platforms. It focuses on print and digital archives characterised by ephemerality, aesthetic disobedience to established norms, and the deconstruction of conventional narrative structures, motifs, and characters. These creative processes thrive on borrowing, sampling, and remixing elements from orature, novels, short stories, music, and films. The study argues that these adaptive modifications empower writers to experiment flexibly and capitalise on their literary content. It includes an interpretive analysis of short stories written in English by marginalised writers, published in print magazines such as Parade, Moto, and The Sunday Mail Magazine, as well as on digital platforms like blogs and Facebook. The primary objective is to illustrate how contemporary writers use fictional depictions of everyday life to interrogate prevalent themes like survival, circular migration, venality, occultism, and sexuality. The theoretical framework draws on the concepts of everyday living by De Certeau (1984), Newell and Okome (2013), and Adesokan’s (2023) technologies of reuse. These theories underpin the analysis of textual and interpretive practices in print and digital publications. Ultimately, this dissertation underscores the mutable nature of contemporary literary developments in Zimbabwe, ii highlighting their profound implications for writers and readers in an era marked by technological advancements and shifting paradigms of literary consumption. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Literary Studies in English, 2024
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  • Date Issued: 2025-04-02

Rethinking development in post-colonial Zimbabwe: the case of the CAMPFIRE Programme in Kanyemba

  • Authors: Maheve, Neil Batsirai
  • Date: 2025-04-02
  • Subjects: CAMPFIRE (Program) , Postdevelopment theory , Rethinking , Kanyemba/Chapoto Ward (Zimbabwe) , Natural resources Management , Community development Zimbabwe Kanyemba/Chapoto Ward
  • Language: English
  • Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/478537 , vital:78195 , DOI 10.21504/10962/478537
  • Description: This study is concerned with people’s attitudes towards the Communal Areas Management Programme for Indigenous Resources (CAMPFIRE). This study is situated in Kanyemba, a ward in Mbire District, Mashonaland Central, Zimbabwe. CAMPFIRE is a community-based natural resource management programme that aims at empowering local communities to sustainably manage and benefit from wildlife and other natural resources within their confines. This study explores people’s attitudes towards development (and CAMPFIRE as a development programme) and how they perceive, engage with, and contest development. There are two subgroups living in Kanyemba: the Chikunda, which is the majority group, and the Tembo Mvura. Rooted in post-development thinking, this study highlights the nuances and ambiguities in people’s attitudes towards development. The study relies on interviews, participant observation, and archival material. The study has three guiding objectives. Firstly, I set out to explore how the Tembo Mvura and Chikunda community members living in Kanyemba perceive and interact with the CAMPFIRE programme and how their views coincide with or diverge from mainstream development discourse. The study discusses the Tembo Mvura and Chikunda definitions and descriptions of development and the two groups’ perspectives and experiences of the CAMPFIRE programme. While the Tembo Mvura have mostly negative attitudes towards CAMPFIRE, their Chikunda neighbours exude both positive and negative attitudes towards development, projecting a sense of joy and appreciation but also disillusionment with development. Secondly, I highlight how Tembo Mvura and Chikunda actively participate in and challenge the CAMPFIRE project and how these interactions can be interpreted within the framework of post-development theory. As I explore these attitudes, I portray the ambivalence evident in people’s simultaneous desire for and dismissal of development. While the people dismiss some aspects of development, they still want some development, hence the ambivalence. Finally, I explore how the residents of Kanyemba have responded to the limitations of CAMPFIRE, what alternatives to development they propose, and what role cultural, historical, economic, and environmental factors play in shaping the communities’ alternatives to development. The residents of Kanyemba have different historical and cultural backgrounds, and I highlight how these have influenced the different alternatives to development proposed by Tembo Mvura and Chikunda. In this regard, I explore the nuanced critiques of development held by residents of Kanyemba, examining how cultural and historical factors influence their selective engagement with different aspects of the CAMPFIRE initiative. This thesis contributes to post-development thinking by arguing that the ambivalence evident in people’s attitudes towards development in Kanyemba makes dismissing development more complicated than some post-development theorists suggest. The findings of the study show that people’s ambivalence towards development emanates from CAMPFIRE’s approach that strips individuals of agency, stifles their voices, and curtails democratic participation in determining their preferences and how they desire to progress. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Political and International Studies, 2025
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  • Date Issued: 2025-04-02

Stamping ground: investigating the walkability of Rhodes University students in Makhanda, South Africa

  • Authors: Padayachee, Huresha
  • Date: 2025-04-02
  • Subjects: Walkability , Rhodes University , Campus size South Africa Makhanda , Small cities South Africa Makhanda , College students Social conditions
  • Language: English
  • Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/479197 , vital:78269
  • Description: Walkability is an important research topic in the Global South where many people in urban settlements walk because of transport poverty. University students are a subset of the urban population in Makhanda who experience transport poverty and largely rely on walking to navigate the city. The purpose of this study is to measure and spatially analyse walkability and walking patterns in the student community of Makhanda, South Africa. This study has a specific focus on students who reside in the Rhodes University campus, Central Business District (Central), Sunnyside, and Westhill. These specific areas were chosen because, in terms of student residents, these are the most densely populated residential areas in the city, but are also the epicentre of student activity. This research intends to explore the existing walkability within these four study sites through a visual survey using common measures of walkability, digital mapping as well as student perceptions of walkability. The quantitative data collected through visual surveys, digital mapping and participatory mapping will be spatially analysed using GIS (Geographic Information Systems). Results show that walking is the main mode of transportation and students do not have affordable alternatives to walking. The Rhodes University campus is the most walkable area with Central being the second, Westhill being the third, and Sunnyside being the least walkable area. Sidewalk conditions (sidewalk presence, evenness and maintenance) and pedestrian safety and security (pedestrian crossings, crime, security features, lighting, the presence of people, and pedestrian visibility) were rated as the most important walkability factors. Additionally, the more walkable roads are mainly found within the Rhodes University campus and Sunnyside while the less walkable roads are mainly found within Central. Furthermore, the epicentre of student activity is focused on the Rhodes University campus during the week and as the week progresses, the epicentre shifts along with a shift in activity. The Rhodes University campus and Central are where students spent most of their time because the main amenities that student use are found within these areas. This research offers insights into walkability that can be directly applied to urban planning and policy-making. Planners should focus their resources on improving walkability, particularly in sidewalk conditions and pedestrian safety and security. By applying the findings of this research, planners can create more conducive, safer, and comfortable walking environments. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Geography, 2025
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  • Date Issued: 2025-04-02

Statistical analysis of travelling ionospheric disturbances during geomagnetic storms

  • Authors: Mothibi, Matsobane Alex
  • Date: 2025-04-02
  • Subjects: Sudden ionospheric disturbances , Geomagnetic storm , Solar flares , Global Positioning System , Gravity waves
  • Language: English
  • Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/479138 , vital:78264
  • Description: This thesis presents observations of medium to large-scale traveling ionospheric disturbances (TIDs) originating from high latitudes, and propagating towards the equator and TIDs originating from the equator with a poleward propagation in the African-European sector during geomagnetically disturbed conditions between 2006 and 2022. 196 TID activities propagating over the African-European sector were observed, of these TID activities, 161 and 33 were observed during geomagnetic storms, and simultaneous occurrence of geomagnetic storms and solar flares, respectively. Total electron content perturbations derived from Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) observations within a latitude range of 40°S–60°N and longitude ranges of 20°-40°E representing the African-European sector were analysed based on the storm criteria of Dst ≤ -30 nT. The GNSS total electron content (TEC) data were used to obtain the two dimensional (2d) TEC perturbations. The northern hemispheric part of the African sector has limited data coverage which is visualized by a gap around 20°, where there were no data coverage can be observed in the 2d TEC maps. An important result is that large-scale TIDs (LSTIDs) and medium-scale TIDs (MSTIDs) were found to occur predominantly during the main and recovery phases of geomagnetic storms respectively, at least over the African-European sector. During the main phase of storms equatorward LSTID activity was relatively consistent across both hemispheres, with years of solar maximum, between 2013 and 2015, showing higher frequencies of events. Equatorward MSTID activity appeared less frequent overall, particularly in the southern hemisphere (SH), suggesting that equatorward LSTID activity are more prominent during the main phase of geomagnetic storms. Poleward TID activity were more predominant in the recovery phase than the main phase of geomagnetic storms. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Physics and Electronics, 2025
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  • Date Issued: 2025-04-02

The effect of Afrocentric missense variations on the structural dynamics of CYP2B6

  • Authors: Govender, Shaylyn Ashley
  • Date: 2025-04-02
  • Subjects: CYP2B6 , Structural dynamics , Metabolism , Missense mutation , Molecular dynamics
  • Language: English
  • Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/479108 , vital:78261
  • Description: Cytochrome P450s are a superfamily of enzymes with over 50 members involved in metabolizing 90% of xenobiotics. Among the these, families 1, 2, and 3 are responsible for approximately 80% of clinical drug metabolism. This study investigates the effect of Afrocentric missense variants on the structural dynamics of CYP2B6. Molecular dynamic simulations reveal that specific variants affect the enzyme’s flexibility and stability, potentially altering catalytic activity and drug binding properties. These findings highlight the importance of considering genetic variants in personalized medicine and drug development. By investigating CYP2B6’s function and structural changes induced by missense variants, this research advances our understanding of the enzyme’s role in drug metabolism. The study utilized computational tools such as GROMACS and AMBER for pre- and post-simulation analysis, with clustering and DSSP used to assess protein structures. Variants I328T, K282R, P428T and R140Q exhibited significant deviations in enzyme dynamics, while other variants caused minor shifts. Overall, the findings provide insight into the relationship between genetic variants and enzyme function, contributing to bioinformatics and molecular modelling approaches in drug discovery. Future studies could explore the structural and fuctional impacts of CYP2B6 bound to substrates such as antimalarials, expanding the investigation to a broader range of missense variants. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Biochemistry, Microbiology and Bioinformatics, 2025
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  • Date Issued: 2025-04-02

The emergence of classical worlds from a quantum universe

  • Authors: Hjul, Karl Iver Hansen
  • Date: 2025-04-02
  • Subjects: Quantum Darwinism , Quantum theory , Science Philosophy , Physics Philosophy , Hilbert space
  • Language: English
  • Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/479130 , vital:78263
  • Description: How does a classical world emerge from a quantum world? Can this emergence occur without invoking non-unitary processes such as measurements? Recently, an approach that makes use of just a Hilbert space and the associated Hamiltonian to explain the emergence of a classical world has been proposed. To understand this approach, we will require a clear understanding of the nature of measurements in quantum theory and the different interpretations of it. We then progress onto discussions regarding quantum Darwinism and related _elds of knowledge and how they \bypass" the problem of measurement in quantum theory. Then, we discuss how, using the appropriate choice of factorization of a Hilbert space into a system and an environment and using an acceptable basis observable, we can obtain a quasi-classical state of a system. This approach has previously been applied to study one limit (when interactions dominate the Hamiltonian), but we generalize by applying it to the opposite limit (when interactions are minimal) and suggest a method for the general case (when interactions are neither minimal nor dominant). We then look at Hilbert space fundamentalism, which is the idea that a vector in Hilbert space is the fundamental nature of reality. Hilbert space fundamentalism is a generalized application that takes the idea of the emergence of a classical world from a quantum one and applies it to the Universe as a whole. This leads to the question: could Hilbert space fundamentalism be a candidate for the fundamental theory? Before we evaluate Hilbert space fundamentalism as a candidate fundamental theory, we analyze the theory and inquire as to what makes something a fundamental theory. To understand Hilbert space fundamentalism, we see what a model of the world it predicts looks like. This is done by proposing a mapping from a fundamental Hilbert space to emergent space times utilizing entanglement and the aforementioned recently proposed approach that makes use of Hilbert spaces and Hamiltonians to explain the emergence of classical worlds. To determine if Hilbert space fundamentalism could be a fundamental theory, a set of criteria (completeness in all domains, self-contained, and that speci_c theories emerge from it) is noted. We find that Hilbert space fundamentalism, when viewed through these criteria, cannot be the fundamental theory. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Physics and Electronics, 2025
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  • Date Issued: 2025-04-02

The impact of Ghana's entrepreneurial ecosystem on women's entrepreneurial performance: the moderating role of entrepreneurial identity

  • Authors: Akuamoah Boateng, Irene
  • Date: 2025-04-02
  • Subjects: Entrepreneurship Ghana , Businesswomen Ghana , Identity (Psychology) , Entrepreneurial ecosystem , Women Economic conditions , Women Social conditions
  • Language: English
  • Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/479559 , vital:78324 , DOI 10.21504/10962/479559
  • Description: Women business leaders are generating a tremendous impact in their markets, industries and communities through innovation, job creation and economic growth. However, their contributions are often lost in the prevailing narrative that women are over-represented among the poorest and most vulnerable entrepreneurs globally. A review of the extant literature has postulated challenges that women entrepreneurs faced several challenges in the ecosystem in which it operates. Women entrepreneurs have access to limited capital as compared to its men counterparts, fewer opportunities to network and build relationships with other entrepreneurs, investors, and mentors, which affects their access to resources and knowledge. Due to the issue of gender-based stereotypes and biases that women entrepreneurs constantly face, they are unable to meet mentors who can provide them with guidance and support to grow their business. These women-specific challenges have become barriers limiting the growth of women entrepreneurs, however insufficient reports highlight how these hindering factors can create opportunities for the growth of women entrepreneurs. Dwelling on the Process theory, the study explored the impact of Ghana’s entrepreneurial ecosystem on women’s entrepreneurial performance with the moderating role of entrepreneurial identity. The study was a cross-sectional quantitative research design with data collected from 413 women entrepreneurs in the Greater Accra Region using structured questionnaire collected using the survey monkey online tool. The data was analyzed using IBM SPSS v.25 and the PLS-SEM v.4.0. The first objective was examined through 12 hypotheses, while the second was analyzed using 2.The study finds that access to finance has positive and insignificant effect on the entrepreneurial performance of women in Ghana. Likewise, education and training have a negative and insignificant effect on the market and operational performance of women entrepreneurs in Ghana. The results of the study postulated that the availability of infrastructure and resources has a negative but significant effect on both the market and operational performance of Ghanaian women entrepreneurs. The results of the study further reported a positive but insignificant impact of network and social capital on the market performance and operational performance of women entrepreneurs in Ghana. The results of the study in relations to the regulatory environment and women entrepreneurial performance indicates an insignificant relationship between regulatory environment and market performance and regulatory performance whilst cultural and social factors within the Ghanaian ecosystem negatively but significantly influence the entrepreneurial performance of women in Ghana but innovation and knowledge spillover have a positive and significant impact on both the market performance and operational performance. Furthermore, the findings of the study suggest that Ghana's entrepreneurial ecosystem may not have a substantial direct impact on women's entrepreneurial performance in Ghana. Further practical and theoretical implications of the study are discussed in the thesis. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2025
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  • Date Issued: 2025-04-02

The isolation and characterisation of secondary metabolites from Brachylaena ilicifolia

  • Authors: West, Hugan Davian
  • Date: 2025-04-02
  • Subjects: Uncatalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/478840 , vital:78228
  • Description: Access restricted. Expected release date 2027. , Thesis (MSc (Pharm)) -- Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmacy, 2025
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  • Date Issued: 2025-04-02

Umntu ngumntu ngabantu – Uhlalutyo nzulu lwefilosofi yobuntu kuluncwadi lukaJ.J.R. Jolobe, uJ. Solilo noW.W. Gqoba

  • Authors: Benayo, Xolela
  • Date: 2025-04-02
  • Subjects: Ubuntu (Philosophy) , Afrocentrism , Ethnoscience , Oral tradition , Pan-Africanism , Education, Higher South Africa , Jolobe, James J R Criticism and interpretation , Solilo, John Criticism and interpretation , Gqoba, William Wellington Criticism and interpretation
  • Language: Xhosa
  • Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/478489 , vital:78191 , DOI 10.21504/10962/478489
  • Description: Ubuntu njengefilosofi yamaAfrika egxile kwindlela yokuziphatha nokuphilisana kumzi oNtsundu kudala yaba yingxoxo kwiinkalo ezahlukileyo ezifana nezopolitiko, ezemfundo, ezolawulo ukubala nje ezimbalwa. Njengoko Ubuntu buyingxoxo ekhula mihla le, kubabhali abafana noW.W. Gqoba, uJ. Solilo kunye noJ.J.R. Jolobe lushokoxekile uncwadi oluphanda ngendlela aba babhali abathe babonakalisa ngayo Ubuntu bekwahlaba ikhwelo ngeendlela zokulondoloza Ubuntu kwiimbalo zabo. Le thisisi iza kushukuxa indlela abathe aba babhali bahlaba ngayo ikhwelo ekubonakaliseni Ubuntu nendlela obunokuthi Ubuntu busetyenziswe ngayo ukuqinisekisa ukuba umzi oNtsundu awubonwa njengalowo ungaphucukanga, ungenakho ukusebenzisa iingcamango zobuntu ukuwuphuhlisa. Uphando luza kugocagoca ezi ncwadi zilandelayo: Umyezo ngokubhalwe nguJ.J.R. Jolobe ; Ilitha (isihobe) ngokubhalwe nguJ.J.R. Jolobe ; Elundini loThukela (iprozi) ngokubhalwe nguJ.J.R. Jolobe ; Isizwe esinembali: Xhosa histories and poetry (1837-1888) ngokubhalwe nguW.W. Gqoba ; Umoya wembongi: Collected Poems (1922-1935) ngokubhalwe nguJ. Solilo Uphando lukhethe ezi ncwadi zikhankanywe apha ngentla kuba zona ziyibalisa ngokucacileyo imbali yamaAfrika. Ezi ncwadi zinembali etyebileyo nezithi zisebenze njengokubhebhetha indlela amakoloniyali athi ayibhala ngayo imbali yamaAfrika eyayijolise ukuwajongela phantsi. Kwakhona olu ncwadi lwabhalwa ngexesha apho kwakukho imingeni ekunikeni inkcazo evakalayo ngokuba kuthetha ukuthini ukuphucuka, nokuba amaAfrika ayezibandakanya njani ukulwa nokuphikisa ingcaciso yendlela yokuphila kwamaAfrika yempi yaseNtshona. Ezi mbalo kungaxoxwa ngelithi, zithi zibe zezo zinike ngcaciso yimbi ngomba wempucuko leyo ingenokoyanyaniswa neengcamangco zaseNtshona. Apha kwezi ncwadi kuza kuhlutywa indlela Ubuntu obuthe baphuhla baze baphinda badodobala ngayo phantsi kolawulo lwempi yaseNtshona. Ekwenzeni oko, umphandi akayibethisanga ngoyaba imbali yoMzantsi Afrika neAfrika nje ngokubanzi, imbali yobukoloniyali. Yile mbali yobukoloniyali ethe yabangela ukuba aba babhali bezi ncwadi eziza kuphicothwa luphando bayithathele kubo ezandleni indima yokuqinisekisa ukuba iingcamango nemimiselo yobuntu yileyo bathi babhale ngayo ngeenjongo zokwenza uluntu lungaphulukani nokuxabisa Ubuntu njengefilosofi. Uphando lubone kubalulekile ukuba lulandele iingcamango zeAfrocentricity nezo zomanyan lwamaAfrika (Pan Africanism) ekubhentsiseni obu buntu bubonakaliswa ngaba babhali. Uphando luchonge ezi thiyori zimbini, eyeAfrocentricity kwakunye neyomanyano lwamaAfrika (Pan Africanism) kuba zombini ezi thiyori zikhokelisa phambili ukuxatyiswa kwamaAfrika njengabantu ekukudala benazo iifilosofi ezijolise ekuphuhliseni umzi oNtsundu. Kubonakele kufanelekile ukuba iphulo lokuphanda ngendlela Ubuntu obubonakaliswe ngayo ngaba babhali lenziwe ukukhumbula imisebenzi emikhulu eyenziwe ngamaqhawe abantu abaNtsundu nabathe banegalelo elikhulu ekuphakanyisweni koncwadi lwemveli kwakunye nenkqubela phambili kwimfundo yabantu abangamaAfrika. Ngokuphandle uncwadi lwaba babhali lubonakele luyinxalenye yobomi babo. Kukwakufumaniseka ukuba babhale bandululwe zizinto ezithe azabaphatha kakuhle ebomini babo zaze ezo zinto zawuphazamisa umoya wabo nentlalo yabo bada baqonda ukuba mababhale, baphokoze oku kuphuphuma kweengcinga zabo ukuthuthuzela kwanokuphilisa abanye abantu abathe badibana neenzima ezinjalo zobomi. Phakathi kwezo meko singabala iimeko zopolitiko zeli lizwe ezithe zabuchaphazela ubomi babo, imeko yezemfundo ethe yabonakala inomkhethe, iinqobo zenkcubeko ekuthe kwaphawuleka ukuba zibethiswe ngoyaba ngabo basemagunyeni de zenza noluntu lungazithatheli ngqalelo. Ezi meko zazibonwa njengezo zingelolutho ekuphuhliseni ubomi boluntu nje ngokubanzi. Oku kunyhashwa kwamalungelo abantu kwakunye neemeko ezimbi abathubeleze kuzo zibe sisizekabani sokwenziwa kolu phando ngobuntu nokuvuselela izazela zoluntu. Ezi mbalo zihlalutyiweyo ziquka nogxekoncomo lwazo zenza kanye le nto ichazwe kuphando, ukudakanca indlela Ubuntu obungasetyenziswa ngayo ukuphuhlisa isizwe esiNtsundu. Ziimbalo ezi ezigqithisa umyalezo neembono zaba bahlali ngokulondolozwa kwenkcubeko igcinwe encwadini njengamabali anika umdla erhwebesha uthando loncwadi kwanobuzwe babafundi abaNtsundu ngokubanzi, ingakumbi abafundi abangamaXhosa kuba babhalele bona ikakhulu. Ngababhali aba ababhale ngesiXhosa esiphakamisa inkcubeko yabo. Okuphawulekayo ngokukodwa kuJolobe yinto yokuba kwinoveli yakhe ethi, Elundini loThukela (1959) ude wasebenzisa iilwimi ezimbini isiHlubi kunye nesiXhosa eziqulethe iinkcubeko zazo. Ukongeza, ekubhaleni ngolwimi lwabo lwenkobe, aba babhali balandela ikhondo nesikhokelo sabantu abafana noMqhayi, noWa Thiong’o abazimvo ngokulondolozwa kolwimi noncwadi zikwasetyenzisiwe ukubonakalisa ukubaluleka kweelwimi zamaAfrika kuncwadi. Ekuhlalutyeni ezi mbalo zikhethiweyo, umphandi ukhethe ukulandela indlela yophando eyikwalitheyithuvu ngokugxininisa kuhlalutyo lomxholo. Isizathu sokuba indlela enjalo ibe iyasetyenziswa kukuba idatha ehlalutyiweyo ivela kwidatha esele yapapashwa, iincwadi ukutsho. Le ndlela yindlela eya kuba sisikhokelo esiphambili somphandi ukuqinisekisa ukuba iinjongo zophando ziyafezekiswa. Uphando lufumanise ukuba aba babhali bakhethiweyo bathe ngokwenene banendima abayenzayo ukuqinisekisa ukuba iziseko zobuntu ziyalondolozwa. Oku kuqala kwimiba engenkcubeko apho kuxoxwe ngelithi, umntu oNtsundu kuyafuneka ukuba angayibethisi ngoyaba into yokuzingca ngobuni bakhe. Kananjalo njengababhali ababe bhala beqwalasela yonke imiba yentlalo, into engokuzilanda ngokobuzwe yinto ebonakala isembindini kwiimbalo zabo njengoko besenza ikhwelo ebantwini abaNtsundu ukuba baze bangayilibali imvelaphi yabo. Kumba wezemfundo ingakumbi uGqoba ubalula ukubaluleka kwemfundo yemveli. Kolu phando kufumaniseke ukuba kwiimbalo zabo ababhali bayilwela ngamandla into yokumanyaniswa kwemfundo yaseNtshona naleyo yemveli yamaAfrika. Oku ingasisakhelo sokuqinisekisa ukuba umntwana womgquba uyafikelela kwimfundo ekwaziyo ukuthetha ngeengxaki ezihlangabezana nabantu abaNtsundu gabalala. , Ubuntu as an African philosophy with its focus on issues of good behavior and welfare of black Africans has forever been an unending debate on various spheres of life: those of politics, education, and governance, to name a few. Even though it is a debate with new avenues daily, there is limited research on the works of W.W. Gqoba, J. Solilo, and J.J.R. Jolobe on how they have argued on ways in which the values of Ubuntu may be preserved. This study is therefore undertaken to investigate exactly how these writers maintained in their writings ways in which Ubuntu can be used to ensure black Africans are not seen as a society that is ‘backward’, a society that cannot use Ubuntu principles for development. The research will examine the following books: Umyezo (poems) by J.J.R. Jolobe ; Ilitha (poems) by J.J.R. Jolobe ; Elundini loThukela (prose) by J.J.R. Jolobe ; Isizwe esinembali: Xhosa histories and poetry (1837-1888) by W.W. Gqoba ; Umoya wembongi: Collected Poems (1922-1935) by J. Solilo. In short, it is argued in the study that the selected texts are fine literary products and that their narratives were created following African history. They form part of negating the negative element that has been created by the accounts of colonial masters, as such an account of history was meant to undermine Africans: rich literature and history. Moreover, they were written at a time when there were challenges associated with civilization: what was meant by it and how Africans related to the idea as per Western standards. These texts, it could be argued, present an alternative on this matter by removing Western thoughts on what really are the elements of cultural civilization. In an in-depth analysis of selected writers’ texts, it was important to examine the ways in which Ubuntu has developed and evolved over the years under the administration of Western powers. In the analysis, the researcher did not turn a blind eye to the colonial history of South Africa and that of Africa in general. In that history, an argument is as follows: the thoughts and values of Ubuntu as captured by these writers are to remind people to appreciate Ubuntu as a philisophy. In my analysis, it was important to use theories such as Afrocentricity and Pan-Africanism in understanding and decoding Ubuntu as depicted in the writings of the selected writers. In choosing these theories, it is due to their main argument emphasizing the value of being African and the fact that Africans have long had their philosophies meant for the betterment of the society. It seemed appropriate to investigate how Ubuntu, as shown by these writers, is recorded to act as a reminder of the great works done by Africans who contributed greatly to the promotion of African literature as well as progress in the education of African people. The literature of these writers should be seen as an integral part of their lives. It is also found that they wrote because of the ills that affected their lives and disturbed their spirit and well-being until they realized that they should write and express their thoughts to comfort and heal other people who have encountered such hardships in life. Among those are the political conditions of this country that have affected their lives, the educational situation that has been shown to be biased, and cultural things that have been noticed to be ignored by those in power as they made the public not pay attention to them. This is because they were seen as having little value in the development of human life in general. That is why this research on Ubuntu could be seen as an initiative aimed precisely at those ideas that can be 'revitalized’ by conscientious people. The analysis of literary texts includes criticism to address the main question in this research: how Ubuntu can be used to develop the Africans. This is the kind of literature that conveys the message and ideas on the preservation of culture as preserved in the books with interesting stories that appeal to the love of literature and the nationalism of Africans in general, especially Xhosa people because they wrote mainly for them. It is these writers who wrote in Xhosa that promote their culture. What is particularly remarkable about Jolobe is the fact that in his novel, Elundini loThukela (1959), he used two languages, isiHlubi and isiXhosa, which contain their own cultures. In addition, in writing in their mother tongue, these writers follow the path and guidance of people like Mqhayi and Wa Thiong'o, whose views on the preservation of language and literature have also been used to show the importance of African languages in literary analysis. In the analysis of these selected texts, I have opted to follow a qualitative research approach with a focus on content analysis. The reason behing such an approach is the fact that the data so analysed is from existing data, books. This approach is one that will be a key guide for the researcher to ensure that the aims of the study are achieved. In this research, it was found that these selected writers really have played to ensure that the fundamental values of Ubuntu are preserved. This starts with non-cultural issues: it has been argued that the Africans should not ignore the pride of their identity. Also, as writers who wrote considering all social issues, the issue of national identity is something that appears at the centre of their writings as they call upon Africans not to forget their origins. In terms of education, Gqoba especially mentions the importance of African traditional education. In this research, it has been found that in their writings, the writers are strongly advocating for the integration of Western education with that of African traditional education. This could be taken as framework to make sure that the African child has access to an education that addresses the problems faced by Africans at large. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Languages and Literatures, 2025
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  • Date Issued: 2025-04-02

A data governance framework to promote data trust within Nelson Mandela University

  • Authors: van Leeve, Garreth
  • Date: 2025-04
  • Subjects: Data protection , Information resources management , Knowledge management
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/74281 , vital:79683
  • Description: Data governance (DG) is a developing field that has garnered significant attention in recent years. DG includes persons accountable for data quality (the stewards), policies and processes related to data collection, management, storage, security, and reporting, regulatory compliance, and the information technology platforms and support that ensure efficient infrastructure. Higher education institutions are increasingly prioritising digital governance as we enter a stringent financial landscape that emphasises performance metrics, objectives, cost reduction, and accountability. Effective DG can help universities manage their institutional data by establishing frameworks, accountabilities, policies, procedures, guidelines and processes that leverage technology tools. In universities, data management issues regarding their information systems are a common problem, leading to erroneous and inconsistent data that hampers the effectiveness of these institutions. Insufficient handling of data content, records administration, quality, care, and governance contributes to these data management challenges. Additionally, previous studies have shown that many universities struggle to derive value from their data assets. This study attempts to bridge the gap by exploring the literature, common standards, comparative frameworks, challenges, and critical success factors pertaining to DG practices. By so doing, it provides a suggested data governance framework (DGF) drawn from the literature which focuses on elements of data governance to meet the objectives of the study. This research adopted a mixed-methods approach with a design science research methodology to gain a deep understanding of the subject area. Data collection involved a DG maturity assessment questionnaire and a focus group with key staff to determine the current level of data governance at Nelson Mandela University. Outputs from the data collections instruments were analysed and provide input to the model and the final DGF. This DGF aims to effectively guide, control, and manage the university’s DG efforts, mitigating risks, promoting effective data trust and management. This can aid universities to work towards ensuring that data is accurate, reliable, and consistent. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, School of Information Technology, 2025
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  • Date Issued: 2025-04

A field of rooms and doors: exploring unbelonging in the works of queer poets and my artistic practice

  • Authors: Human, Micaela
  • Date: 2025-04
  • Subjects: Homosexuality in art , Homosexuality and art , Art, Modern -- 20th century
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72264 , vital:79203
  • Description: This practice as research study, comprising a thesis and installation, explores the queer experience of unbelonging using liminality and the uncanny as key concepts. Losing one’s sense of belonging is something that many queer individuals experience after coming out. This unseen threshold between belonging and losing belonging is where unbelonging takes place. It will be argued that it is a liminal process, one in which queer individuals are continuously fluctuating within heteronormative society. Furthermore, this paper explores the way queer individuals both experience and embody the uncanny. On one level, within heteronormative society, queer individuals are perceived through an uncanny lens, as familiar and recognisable, yet strange and unsettling. Additionally, there is a dichotomy that occurs within queerness and the concept of the closet. When an individual is in the closet, their identity occupies the tenuous space of the ‘open secret’, thereby evoking a feeling of the uncanny within themselves. Due to its visuality and other sympathetic attributes, poetry will be considered as a valuable medium to express the nuances within the queer experience of unbelonging. The work of three queer poets will be analysed, namely Ocean Vuong, Richard Siken and Chen Chen. Finally, Dan Nadaner’s concept of ‘crossover’ (1993) will also be addressed to explain how my own work has been informed by the works of these poets, as well as underpin the relationship between poetry and the visual arts in general. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Visual and Performing Arts, 2025
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  • Date Issued: 2025-04

A food list for persons diagnosed with TB and/or HIV

  • Authors: van Willing, Monique
  • Date: 2025-04
  • Subjects: Nutrition -- South Africa , Tuberculosis , HIV infections
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/75044 , vital:79877
  • Description: Tuberculosis and HIV are among the leading causes of death in South Africa. These conditions are also associated with poor nutritional status and food insecurity and exacerbated by rising food prices. The researcher’s personal experiences in counselling patients with these diagnoses, highlighted the significant challenges these patients face, following nutritional education due to financial constraints. Despite understanding the importance of dietary diversity, poverty often limits their ability to implement recommended nutritional changes. To address this issue, a practical and affordable food list, designed to empower individuals to make informed choices within their financial means, was developed. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine the dietary preferences as well as the dietary diversity among patients diagnosed with tuberculosis and/or HIV with the view to compile and assess the usefulness and relevance of a practical, feasible, and scientifically justifiable food list. A quantitative approach with a descriptive cross-sectional study design, and a small qualitative component, was used. The study setting was three rural towns in the Eastern Cape namely Somerset East, Cookhouse, and Pearston. Data was collected by means of a data collection instrument, consisting of a biographical information questionnaire, a food preference questionnaire and collecting the diet history of participants with a 24-hour recall and a food frequency questionnaire. The food list was developed and tested with a questionnaire. Data was captured using a Microsoft Office 2016 Excel Spreadsheet and was analysed with Stata Version 18. The significance level was set at p=<0.05 and was determined by the Pearson Chi-Square Test and Fisher’s Exact Test. Results and recommendations: Poverty was a major concern as 62.50% of study participants lived below the food poverty line, facing difficulties in affording nutritious food. A large proportion (42.11% to 62.02%) had a low dietary diversity score. This study is one of the first to explore the potential of a food list as a tool to improve dietary diversity among rural populations, and while it did not significantly impact dietary diversity in this study, the majority of participants (85.47%) found the food list valuable for informed food choices and expressed intent to continue using it. To enhance effectiveness, more extensive training and repeated exposure are recommended. Longitudinal studies and studies into the combined use of the food list with behaviour change models could be done to further investigate the effect of the food list on various populations. This research contributes to the field of nutrition by providing a practical tool for improving the dietary diversity of vulnerable populations at community level, particularly those with tuberculosis and/or HIV. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Behavioural & Lifestyle Sciences, 2025
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  • Date Issued: 2025-04

A framework for cultivating gen-z leadership at a software development organisation in Gqeberha

  • Authors: Smith, Michael
  • Date: 2025-04
  • Subjects: Generation Z -- South Africa , Leadership -- South Africa , Employee retention
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/73684 , vital:79494
  • Description: As Generation Z (Gen Z) continues to enter the global job market, organisations encounter the significant challenge of comprehending and integrating this latest group of employees. Often misinterpreted, Gen Z offers distinct viewpoints, technological proficiency and varying expectations compared to earlier generations. Acknowledging that these individuals will become future leaders, organisations must invest effectively in their training and development of this cohort. Neglecting to do so could lead to challenges in retaining Gen Z employees and may adversely affect organisational performance, as strong leadership is a crucial element of success. A positivistic quantitative research methodology was employed, utilising a structured survey to collect data from Gen Z employees within the organisation. The survey garnered responses from 125 participants, providing a substantial dataset for analysis. Statistical techniques were used to examine the relationships between the identified factors and leadership development, including exploratory factor analysis, correlation analysis and regression modelling. The study developed a model for cultivating leadership among Gen Z employees through a comprehensive literature review and empirical investigation. The model integrates key factors such as leader engagement, career advancement opportunities, mentorship, leadership style and leadership skill acquisition methods. Each component addresses specific aspects of leadership development that are particularly relevant to Gen Z employees. For example, leader engagement highlights the importance of active involvement and support from current leaders, while mentorship highlights the value Gen Z places on personalised guidance and feedback. The model also considers preferred leadership styles that resonate with Gen Z, such as transformational and ethical leadership. It incorporates modern, technology-driven skill acquisition methods that align with their digital fluency. The proposed model acts as a strategic tool for organisations aiming to improve their leadership development programs. By customising initiatives to align with Gen Z's expectations and capitalising on their strengths, organisations can adequately equip these employees for leadership positions in the future. This forward-thinking strategy not only helps in retaining talent but also guarantees a strong pipeline of qualified leaders who can enhance organisational performance in a competitive and ever-changing market. The research stresses the necessity for organisations to modify their leadership development strategies in response to the changing workforce dynamics. By recognising and applying the elements outlined in the model, organisations can effectively cultivate Gen Z employees into competent leaders, thus ensuring their ongoing success and sustainability. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2025
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  • Date Issued: 2025-04

A framework for information technology governance auditing in the South African local government: a case of Nkangala District Municipality

  • Authors: Mathabathe, Mpaku Goodwill
  • Date: 2025-04
  • Subjects: Information technology -- Management , Corporate governance , Service delivery -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/74061 , vital:79620
  • Description: Service delivery in a municipal environment relies on correct information and the whole IT infrastructure that records, stores and distributes information. IT plays an imperative role in organisations and, over the years, IT has evolved such that it does not only make provision for transactional support, but it is also an enabler of competitive advantage for organisations. Advances in the utilisation of IT in different organisations has created a need for robust governance structures and processes. Information currently plays a critical part in the survival of organisations through their transition into the industrial economy. Therefore, the importance of Information Technology in organisations, including in municipalities, requires that it be governed appropriately through robust IT governance frameworks. Auditors are required to provide reasonable assurance on the IT governance processes and practices. However, the frameworks that can be utilised by auditors are generic and require adaptation for specific organisations. A certain degree of customisation is required to apply the IT governance audit framework. The objective of this study was to develop an IT governance audit framework (ITGAF) that will assist assurance providers in conducting assurance on the Nkangala District Municipality’s governance processes. Data was collected through a single questionnaire. The research study found that there were gaps in the IT value delivery as there were no requirements for development of business cases for IT investments and it was also not covered in the audit of IT governance. The study identified several good practices that were implemented for the IT strategic alignment aspect. The research study contributes to an improved audit coverage of IT governance through the ITGAF that clearly outlines aspects and sub-aspects that should be covered in an IT governance audit, furthermore it provides for a framework that can be used by other municipalities with little or no adaptation. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, School of Information Technology, 2025
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  • Date Issued: 2025-04

A framework of digital marketing for small businesses in the retail sector

  • Authors: Nkula, Asiphumeze
  • Date: 2025-04
  • Subjects: Internet marketing , Retail trade -- Management , Small businesses -- Management
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/73396 , vital:79433
  • Description: Small businesses play an essential role in the South African economy, driving economic growth, job creation and community development, while significantly impacting national wealth, investment and trade. Comprising 79% of small businesses, the retail sector is a major contributor to employment in the country. However, small businesses face challenges such as limited financial resources, poor marketing skills, and complex government regulations, leading to high failure rates and minimal digital marketing efforts. Furthermore, there is limited research on digital marketing and small businesses in the retail sector. Against this background, the primary objective of this study was to build a framework for small businesses in the retail sector to implement digital marketing practices optimally. This study aimed to address the research gap by conducting an in-depth discussion of digital marketing compared to previous studies. It aimed not only to identify but also to explore and deepen the understanding of how small retail businesses can optimally implement digital marketing by examining the challenges and enablers they faced, ultimately, creating a framework to guide optimal digital marketing implementation. The current study adopted an interpretivist philosophy and descriptive research method as well as an inductive approach for theory development. It also utilised a mono-qualitative methodology, employing a survey research strategy to gather perceptions on digital marketing from small business owners/managers. A cross-sectional time horizon was adopted, with data collected from a single point in time. The secondary data was sourced from books, journals and articles for the literature review, while primary data was obtained through semi-structured interviews for the empirical investigation from participants who were all owners of small businesses. A thematic content analysis was employed to analyse the collected data. The main findings were presented as challenges and enablers of digital marketing. Four themes emerged as challenges and three themes emerged as enablers of digital marketing. These were also discussed by means of sub-themes, where applicable. Following the discussion on the challenges and enablers of digital marketing, to attain the study’s primary objective, the study presented a framework for small businesses in the retail sector to implement digital marketing practices optimally. The framework highlighted the most relevant digital marketing practices for small retailers and revealed the importance of knowledge, trust and communication when implementing and using digital marketing practices and tools. The study presents recommendations, based on the challenges, enablers and the framework, to ensure the optimal implementation of digital marketing. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Management Sciences, 2025
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  • Date Issued: 2025-04

A framework to assess ICT adoption among small-scale farmers in Amathole District Municipality Of South Africa

  • Authors: Fosu, Agyei
  • Date: 2025-04
  • Subjects: Technological innovations -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Information technology -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/74017 , vital:79611
  • Description: Information is a critical component of the farming system. Farmers need the information to make essential decisions such as farm inputs and markets to sell farm produce. This positions farmers as active information seekers and users. The dawn of the digital era, catapulted by ever-evolving technologies, has postulated ICT application as the essential and reliable means of disseminating information. Providers of agricultural information, developmental agencies, information and communication scholars, and policymakers have affirmed this in the farming sector. With climate challenges like drought facing farmers, small-scale farmers in developing nations' rural areas constantly require information, for instance, on new seed varieties and best farming practices to deal with the challenge. Thus, models or framework development that will give acumens of small-scale farmers in developing nations rural areas information exchange processes and ICT linked to the process is vital. Such models could provide knowledge in predicting information exchange processes of target small-scale farmers in developing nations' rural communities. Guiding information providers, stakeholders, and policy developers ultimately design communication and information dissemination strategies that improve the usage of ICT-based tools to meet the information needs of small-scale farmers in developing nations’ rural areas. In this study, a framework combining the Communicative Ecology and Technology Acceptance Model is designed to evaluate ICT adoption among small-scale farmers found in the rural areas of the Amahlathi Local Municipality and Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality in Amathole District Municipality of South Africa. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, School of Information Technology, 2025
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  • Date Issued: 2025-04

A multimethod exploration of collaborative healthcare for osteoarthritis and its alignment to interprofessional educational strategies in South Africa

  • Authors: Gilchrist-Park, Robynne Claire
  • Date: 2025-04
  • Subjects: Medicine -- Study and teaching (Continuing education) , Patient-centered health care , Interprofessional relations
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/74556 , vital:79755
  • Description: Collaborative healthcare is fundamental to osteoarthritis management, yet healthcare systems in South Africa require significant improvements to support collaborative practice. This study explored patients’ and healthcare professionals’ experiences of collaborative osteoarthritis management and its alignment with interprofessional educational strategies in South Africa. Using a multimethod design, focus group discussions explored osteoarthritis patients’ experiences of collaborative healthcare; interviews captured healthcare professionals’ perspectives on interprofessional collaboration; and cross-sectional surveys assessed interprofessional education representatives’ viewpoints on strategies within health sciences faculties and final-year students’ attitudes towards interprofessional education. Findings underscored the importance of holistic, person-centered care in osteoarthritis management, where different healthcare professionals collaborate to meet patients’ healthcare goals. Patients and professionals emphasised that successful collaboration relies on effective communication, mutual respect, and receptiveness, which improves trust, shared decision-making, and healthcare quality. Barriers, such as role ambiguity, professional individualism, and poor communication, disrupted care continuity which left patients feeling disconnected. From an educational perspective, the implementation of interprofessional education across higher education institutions varied considerably. While interprofessional education is increasingly recognised as critical for preparing future healthcare professionals for collaboration, some faculties lacked dedicated interprofessional education units, placed insufficient emphasis on non-technical collaborative skills, and reported reduced exposure to interprofessional education during clinical training, particularly in disciplines like psychology and biokinetics. These findings revealed misalignment between collaborative needs and current interprofessional educational strategies. Aligning interprofessional educational strategies more closely with the demands of collaborative person-centred care will prepare future healthcare professionals to deliver high-quality, coordinated care for osteoarthritis patients in South Africa. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Behavioural & Lifestyle Sciences, 2025
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  • Date Issued: 2025-04

A psychobiographical study of Charles Manson: an Eriksonian view

  • Authors: Mokoka, Salome Lerato
  • Date: 2025-04
  • Subjects: Manson, Charles, -- 1934-2017 , Psychology -- Biographical methods , Serial murderers -- United States -- Psychology
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/74930 , vital:79844
  • Description: Charles Miles Manson was a cult leader whose life became of interest to the world after his followers committed several murders on his demand. The instabilities and inconsistencies that Manson experienced in childhood supported progressive delinquent behaviour, that eventually led to several convictions. After release from incarceration, Manson gathered a cult following known as the “Manson family”, and ultimately ordered members to murder several people. The personality that orchestrated these events continues to intrigue members of the public. This study aims to explore Manson’s life experiences in order to gain an understanding of his personality development. This is accomplished by applying Erikson’s Theory of Psychosocial Development to his life experiences. This is a qualitative, psychobiographical study, and Manson was selected using non- probability purposive sampling. Multiple sources of evidence were used to collect data on Manson’s life. Miles Huberman and Saldana’s (2014) three step process of data analysis was utilised to analyse the data, and they include data reduction, data display and conclusion drawing and verification. The study found that Manson unsuccessfully completed each stage of development, with no evidence for the formation of the ego strengths associated with the stages. Evidence points to him having either developed a maladaptive or malignant tendency within many of the stages. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Behavioural & Lifestyle Sciences, 2025
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  • Date Issued: 2025-04

A psychobiography of J.R.R Tolkien: exploring his psychological development and creativity

  • Authors: Chant, Tanya Louise
  • Date: 2025-04
  • Subjects: Tolkien, J. R. R. -- (John Ronald Reuel), -- 1892-1973 , Psychology -- Biographical methods , Artists -- Psychology -- Case studies
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/74378 , vital:79702
  • Description: Through taking a psychobiographical approach, the researcher unpacked the life of John (J.R.R) Tolkien. He is considered an influential wordsmith of the twentieth century whose bestselling creative works have significantly influenced the field of literature and fantasy art. His life and mythology continue to captivate people from across the globe with many readers claiming on public forums that reading his books helped them through hardships and improved their mental health. A wealth of hundreds of letters, poetry, papers, and creative literature reflect Tolkien’s worldview, which provides insight into his personality development when unpacked through the lens of psychological theory. Erikson’s Psychosocial Theory (1950, 1968) provides the framework for the analysis of various facets of Tolkien’s personality development within his sociocultural context. The research aimed to provide a detail-rich account of the subject’s whole lifespan and to foster a greater understanding of applied psychological theory. In this way, contributing to the field by unpacking ego strength development within a unique and creative individual, adding to the growing body of psychological research and improving the researcher’s professional and self-development. The findings confirm the applicability of Erikson’s theory to Tolkien’s life, yielding one perspective on his psychological development. Specific attention was given to Erikson’s eight stages and ego strength development, in which it was found that John developed virtues of hope, willpower, purpose, competence, fidelity, love and care. Evidence suggests that play, imagination, and the process of shared creativity offered an opportunity for stage conflict revisitation and resolution. The study of this unique life has proven meaningful in understanding individual factors and development, which hold clinical relevance in terms of theoretical case conceptualisation, perspective taking and professional growth. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Behavioural & Lifestyle Sciences, 2025
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  • Date Issued: 2025-04

A reverse logistics strategy to foster independent schools’ sustainable E-waste management

  • Authors: Agbavor, Joseph Kofi
  • Date: 2025-04
  • Subjects: Business logistics , Electronic waste -- Management , Strategic planning
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/71926 , vital:79154
  • Description: The primary aim of this study was to propose a reverse logistics strategy to foster sustainable e-waste management implementation in independent schools in South Africa. The study followed a quantitative research approach and targeted key stakeholders in independent schools, including directors and principals. Using an expert purposive sampling technique to select a final sample of 306 respondents, primary data was collected through a QuestionPro web-based questionnaire. Of the 315 email invites sent to the potential respondents, only 306 usable questionnaires were returned and included in the data analysis. The study found an insignificant effect of sustainable e-waste management key drivers on sustainable e-waste management practices. The study also reported a positive and significant effect of sustainable e-waste management key drivers on sustainable e-waste management approaches, and corporate competitiveness. However, this does not significantly influence e-waste management approaches. The primary results also revealed that sustainable e-waste management practices positively and significantly enhance sustainable e-waste management approaches. The results further showed a positive and significant effect of sustainable e-waste management practices on corporate competitiveness as well as a positive and significant effect of sustainable e-waste management approaches on corporate competitiveness. The results also reported a partial mediation effect of sustainable e-waste management key drivers on the relationship between sustainable e-waste management practices and approaches but revealed no evidence of mediation of sustainable e-waste management key drivers in the relationship between sustainable e-waste management practices and corporate competitiveness. The results furthershowed a partial mediation effect of sustainable e-waste management approaches on the relationship between sustainable e-waste management key drivers and corporate competitiveness. Evidence also revealed no mediation effect of sustainable e-waste management approaches on the relationship between sustainable e-waste management practices and corporate competitiveness. Finally, the results reported a full mediation effect of sustainable e-waste management practices on the relationship between sustainable e-waste management key drivers and corporate , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Management Sciences, 2025
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  • Date Issued: 2025-04
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