The role of local level agency in a just green transition: the case of Rhodes University
- Authors: Nel, Vanray
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419643 , vital:71662
- Description: The research uses a richly contextualised case study of Rhodes University to explore the role of local level agency in a just green transition. The central concept of the thesis is mainstreaming sustainability. Sustainability has become a core objective both at the macro and micro levels. The just green transition and triple bottom line are shorthand for these macro and micro concepts. At the macro level, there is increasing evidence suggesting that transitioning to a sustainable economy can be a key driver of economic development. At the micro level, the elements of the triple bottom line increasingly overlap, with sustainability no longer a separate goal, or a ‘nice to have’, but integral to organisational success. However, this potential is clearly not being realised, and sustainability often remains ‘niche’. Lack of progress at the macro-level reinforces the importance of bottom-up, local level agency. In keeping with the broader micro-level literature, the case study strongly suggests that mainstreaming sustainability would have multiple benefits. These include reducing dependence on unreliable state-provided services and enhancing Rhodes University’s standing as a genuinely transformative institution. The evidence suggests that there is a pure financial case for green investments, such as the construction of a solar farm at Rhodes University, even before accounting for the social and environmental benefits of such an initiative. This shifts the focus to why institutions like Rhodes University have not been proactive in mainstreaming sustainability. The document analysis and the interviews showed that there is an awareness of the importance and potential of mainstreaming sustainability. However, the funding squeeze is often misperceived as a binding constraint, and there is an absence of innovative thinking about how to finance projects with high returns, such as a solar farm. A theme amongst several of the interviewees was that the university should embrace a policy of enhancing small changes as a way of mainstreaming sustainability gradually. Even here, there are doubts about whether the organisational structure of the university will allow this. On the other hand, there are positive signs that the increasing sense of crisis means management and other key stakeholders are gradually shifting towards seeing the crucial importance of the university embracing a more proactive stance. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
- Authors: Nel, Vanray
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419643 , vital:71662
- Description: The research uses a richly contextualised case study of Rhodes University to explore the role of local level agency in a just green transition. The central concept of the thesis is mainstreaming sustainability. Sustainability has become a core objective both at the macro and micro levels. The just green transition and triple bottom line are shorthand for these macro and micro concepts. At the macro level, there is increasing evidence suggesting that transitioning to a sustainable economy can be a key driver of economic development. At the micro level, the elements of the triple bottom line increasingly overlap, with sustainability no longer a separate goal, or a ‘nice to have’, but integral to organisational success. However, this potential is clearly not being realised, and sustainability often remains ‘niche’. Lack of progress at the macro-level reinforces the importance of bottom-up, local level agency. In keeping with the broader micro-level literature, the case study strongly suggests that mainstreaming sustainability would have multiple benefits. These include reducing dependence on unreliable state-provided services and enhancing Rhodes University’s standing as a genuinely transformative institution. The evidence suggests that there is a pure financial case for green investments, such as the construction of a solar farm at Rhodes University, even before accounting for the social and environmental benefits of such an initiative. This shifts the focus to why institutions like Rhodes University have not been proactive in mainstreaming sustainability. The document analysis and the interviews showed that there is an awareness of the importance and potential of mainstreaming sustainability. However, the funding squeeze is often misperceived as a binding constraint, and there is an absence of innovative thinking about how to finance projects with high returns, such as a solar farm. A theme amongst several of the interviewees was that the university should embrace a policy of enhancing small changes as a way of mainstreaming sustainability gradually. Even here, there are doubts about whether the organisational structure of the university will allow this. On the other hand, there are positive signs that the increasing sense of crisis means management and other key stakeholders are gradually shifting towards seeing the crucial importance of the university embracing a more proactive stance. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
The Role of the courts in the interpretation and implementation of the Right to Basic Education in Section 29(1)(a) of the South African Constitution
- Authors: Ngubane, Kwanele Nhlanhla
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424141 , vital:72127
- Description: The right to education in section 29(1)(a) of the Constitution was meant to signal a break between an education system divided along racial lines, and a new democratic education system based on equity, equality, and opportunity for all learners. In reality, the South African education system still remains deeply divided along racial lines, with poor, mostly black learners, being under-resourced by the state, while their richer, mostly white, counterparts are being taught in schools that have access to all the resources necessary to realise the right to basic education. As a result, the right to education in section 29(1)(a) of the Constitution has been heavily debated, and between 2010 and 2022, the South African courts have often been called on to interpret the right. In the process, a rich jurisprudence has developed on the core content of the right to basic education, with findings by the courts that the right includes an entitlement to a number of educational resources. These include access to school infrastructure, learner-teacher support materials, desks and chairs, scholar transport, teaching and non-teaching staff, and nutrition. This study examines the way South African courts, between 2010 and 2022, have interpreted and implemented the right to basic education to give effect to section 29(1)(a) of the Constitution. While South African courts have historically shied away from interpreting socio-economic rights to contain a minimum core content and have rather opted for a reasonableness approach, the same is not entirely true for section 29(1)(a). As stated above, courts have been willing to find that the right entails a minimum basket of goods and services without which the right cannot be realised. By examining some of the most important education rights cases during this period, the study proposes that there are five factors that have guided the courts’ interpretation of the right and has assisted in the courts finding that the right contains a minimum core content. These factors are the historical context of the right to basic education; the textual formulation of the right to basic education in section 29(1)(a) of the Constitution; the interrelatedness of the right to basic education and other rights within the Bill of Rights; subsidiary education policies, legislation, and regulations, and lastly, the role of international law. This study seeks to consider the extent to which each of these factors have played a role in courts’ interpretation of section 29(1)(a). The study also considers the implementation of these judgments and the role that the courts have played in realising the right to education for learners on ground-level. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Law, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
- Authors: Ngubane, Kwanele Nhlanhla
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424141 , vital:72127
- Description: The right to education in section 29(1)(a) of the Constitution was meant to signal a break between an education system divided along racial lines, and a new democratic education system based on equity, equality, and opportunity for all learners. In reality, the South African education system still remains deeply divided along racial lines, with poor, mostly black learners, being under-resourced by the state, while their richer, mostly white, counterparts are being taught in schools that have access to all the resources necessary to realise the right to basic education. As a result, the right to education in section 29(1)(a) of the Constitution has been heavily debated, and between 2010 and 2022, the South African courts have often been called on to interpret the right. In the process, a rich jurisprudence has developed on the core content of the right to basic education, with findings by the courts that the right includes an entitlement to a number of educational resources. These include access to school infrastructure, learner-teacher support materials, desks and chairs, scholar transport, teaching and non-teaching staff, and nutrition. This study examines the way South African courts, between 2010 and 2022, have interpreted and implemented the right to basic education to give effect to section 29(1)(a) of the Constitution. While South African courts have historically shied away from interpreting socio-economic rights to contain a minimum core content and have rather opted for a reasonableness approach, the same is not entirely true for section 29(1)(a). As stated above, courts have been willing to find that the right entails a minimum basket of goods and services without which the right cannot be realised. By examining some of the most important education rights cases during this period, the study proposes that there are five factors that have guided the courts’ interpretation of the right and has assisted in the courts finding that the right contains a minimum core content. These factors are the historical context of the right to basic education; the textual formulation of the right to basic education in section 29(1)(a) of the Constitution; the interrelatedness of the right to basic education and other rights within the Bill of Rights; subsidiary education policies, legislation, and regulations, and lastly, the role of international law. This study seeks to consider the extent to which each of these factors have played a role in courts’ interpretation of section 29(1)(a). The study also considers the implementation of these judgments and the role that the courts have played in realising the right to education for learners on ground-level. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Law, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
The use of assistive technology in inclusive education: understanding the experiences of students with learning disabilities at South African universities
- Maswana, Lindokuhle Ngcwelekazi
- Authors: Maswana, Lindokuhle Ngcwelekazi
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425160 , vital:72215
- Description: The primary purpose of this study is to examine the experiences of students with learning disabilities in accessing assistive technology at South African universities. The field of learning disabilities is relatively emerging in South Africa. Critical scholarly literature demonstrates that universal access, democratic participation and inclusion remains a challenge for students with learning disabilities in higher education. This research is informed by the Social Model of Disability (SMD) and the Universal Design for Learning (UDL), which are considered vital elements of disability inclusion and transformation in higher education. The social model of disability provides valuable insights into social barriers that continue to marginalise, discriminate and exclude those living with disabilities. This research is primarily qualitative using in-depth semi-structured interviews. Quantitative surveys were utilised to further complement the research. The unit of analysis in this study were students with learning disabilities, academic, library, disability unit, Student Affairs Services and ICT staff members. Two universities were chosen for this purpose: one with a dedicated disability unit and another one still in its infancy in establishing a disability unit. The findings indicate that the disability services offered to the students at the two institutions are qualitatively different. This study reveals glaring gaps at institutional level in the nature and extent of support services available to students with learning disabilities: lack of adequate resources including funding, inaccessible assistive technology, lack of training and expertise and staff attitudes in dealing with students with learning disabilities. The study found that after the students with learning disabilities disclose, they are neglected, and experience negative attitudes and stigma. The study showed that sometimes it is hard and expensive to get accommodations as a student with learning disabilities. The findings suggest that having a dedicated disability unit increases inclusion and awareness about available services compared to universities that do not have them. A concern was raised by the staff members that students with disabilities do not make use of the available assistive technology. This study calls for integrating the universal design for learning with assistive technology to enhance the inclusion of students with learning disabilities in South African universities. This will assist students with learning disabilities to achieve better academic outcomes and complete their tasks more efficiently and independently. This study recognises that the provision of disability services is a costly enterprise but service delivery needs to be fast-tracked regardless. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
- Authors: Maswana, Lindokuhle Ngcwelekazi
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425160 , vital:72215
- Description: The primary purpose of this study is to examine the experiences of students with learning disabilities in accessing assistive technology at South African universities. The field of learning disabilities is relatively emerging in South Africa. Critical scholarly literature demonstrates that universal access, democratic participation and inclusion remains a challenge for students with learning disabilities in higher education. This research is informed by the Social Model of Disability (SMD) and the Universal Design for Learning (UDL), which are considered vital elements of disability inclusion and transformation in higher education. The social model of disability provides valuable insights into social barriers that continue to marginalise, discriminate and exclude those living with disabilities. This research is primarily qualitative using in-depth semi-structured interviews. Quantitative surveys were utilised to further complement the research. The unit of analysis in this study were students with learning disabilities, academic, library, disability unit, Student Affairs Services and ICT staff members. Two universities were chosen for this purpose: one with a dedicated disability unit and another one still in its infancy in establishing a disability unit. The findings indicate that the disability services offered to the students at the two institutions are qualitatively different. This study reveals glaring gaps at institutional level in the nature and extent of support services available to students with learning disabilities: lack of adequate resources including funding, inaccessible assistive technology, lack of training and expertise and staff attitudes in dealing with students with learning disabilities. The study found that after the students with learning disabilities disclose, they are neglected, and experience negative attitudes and stigma. The study showed that sometimes it is hard and expensive to get accommodations as a student with learning disabilities. The findings suggest that having a dedicated disability unit increases inclusion and awareness about available services compared to universities that do not have them. A concern was raised by the staff members that students with disabilities do not make use of the available assistive technology. This study calls for integrating the universal design for learning with assistive technology to enhance the inclusion of students with learning disabilities in South African universities. This will assist students with learning disabilities to achieve better academic outcomes and complete their tasks more efficiently and independently. This study recognises that the provision of disability services is a costly enterprise but service delivery needs to be fast-tracked regardless. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
The use of creative-arts therapies in treating trauma-related mental health conditions in South Africa: perspectives from three practising creative-arts therapists
- Makube, Tshegofatso Bennia Basetsana
- Authors: Makube, Tshegofatso Bennia Basetsana
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425399 , vital:72235
- Description: Multiple factors contribute to the prevailing mental health conditions of South Africans. According to Kaminer and Eagle (2010, p.8), 75% of South Africans are trauma survivors, half of whom have experienced multiple traumas, some directly and some indirectly. However, many trauma survivors are not adequately treated due to the limited access and availability of mental health specialists in the country. Thus, mainstream medical treatments ought to be supplemented by alternative forms of therapy such as creative-arts therapy that cater to the wide demographic range of citizens in South Africa. This research aims to explore the efficacy of creative-arts therapies as a treatment for trauma-related mental health conditions in South Africa from the perspectives of three practising creative-arts therapists. The research is a qualitative study and uses Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to interpret the data. The research participants consisted of three accredited creative-art therapists practising in Music, Art, and Dance. The participants were interviewed using semi-structured, in-depth interviews which were conducted online. The interview data was transcribed and analysed using the IPA framework provided by Smith, Flowers and Larkin (2009). The results yielded three superordinate themes which were supported by eight subordinate themes. The results suggest that creative-arts therapies are underutilized in South Africa due to a lack of public awareness and general (mis)perceptions about mental health conditions. Furthermore, access to these therapies in formal settings is limited as they are not offered as treatment options in public health facilities, which negatively impacts the viability of creative-arts therapies practice in the country. Creative-arts therapies offer several unique benefits to individuals of all ages, backgrounds and abilities as they do not require prior artistic knowledge or experience to participate in treatment. In addition, they are non-verbal which helps to bridge the language and cultural barriers that often arise as a result of South Africa’s diverse cultural population. Finally, creative-arts therapies are an effective method of treating mental health conditions incurred through trauma as they focus on accessing stored trauma in the body or unconscious mind through a natural and non-judgemental platform of creative expression. As a result, they address the physical, emotional, psychological, and cognitive effects of trauma while empowering the individual. In conclusion, this research suggests that creative-arts therapies are highly effective in the treatment of trauma-related mental health conditions, particularly in a country like South Africa which experiences high incidents of trauma. They should be better integrated into public health care facilities so that they are accessible to the general public. This will result in an increase in the use of creative-arts therapies as a treatment option for mental health conditions, particularly those related to trauma. It would also help to address the limited awareness and poor perceptions of the nature of mental health, mental illness, mental health care and mental health care services. , Thesis (MMus) -- Faculty of Humanities, Music and Musicology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
- Authors: Makube, Tshegofatso Bennia Basetsana
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425399 , vital:72235
- Description: Multiple factors contribute to the prevailing mental health conditions of South Africans. According to Kaminer and Eagle (2010, p.8), 75% of South Africans are trauma survivors, half of whom have experienced multiple traumas, some directly and some indirectly. However, many trauma survivors are not adequately treated due to the limited access and availability of mental health specialists in the country. Thus, mainstream medical treatments ought to be supplemented by alternative forms of therapy such as creative-arts therapy that cater to the wide demographic range of citizens in South Africa. This research aims to explore the efficacy of creative-arts therapies as a treatment for trauma-related mental health conditions in South Africa from the perspectives of three practising creative-arts therapists. The research is a qualitative study and uses Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to interpret the data. The research participants consisted of three accredited creative-art therapists practising in Music, Art, and Dance. The participants were interviewed using semi-structured, in-depth interviews which were conducted online. The interview data was transcribed and analysed using the IPA framework provided by Smith, Flowers and Larkin (2009). The results yielded three superordinate themes which were supported by eight subordinate themes. The results suggest that creative-arts therapies are underutilized in South Africa due to a lack of public awareness and general (mis)perceptions about mental health conditions. Furthermore, access to these therapies in formal settings is limited as they are not offered as treatment options in public health facilities, which negatively impacts the viability of creative-arts therapies practice in the country. Creative-arts therapies offer several unique benefits to individuals of all ages, backgrounds and abilities as they do not require prior artistic knowledge or experience to participate in treatment. In addition, they are non-verbal which helps to bridge the language and cultural barriers that often arise as a result of South Africa’s diverse cultural population. Finally, creative-arts therapies are an effective method of treating mental health conditions incurred through trauma as they focus on accessing stored trauma in the body or unconscious mind through a natural and non-judgemental platform of creative expression. As a result, they address the physical, emotional, psychological, and cognitive effects of trauma while empowering the individual. In conclusion, this research suggests that creative-arts therapies are highly effective in the treatment of trauma-related mental health conditions, particularly in a country like South Africa which experiences high incidents of trauma. They should be better integrated into public health care facilities so that they are accessible to the general public. This will result in an increase in the use of creative-arts therapies as a treatment option for mental health conditions, particularly those related to trauma. It would also help to address the limited awareness and poor perceptions of the nature of mental health, mental illness, mental health care and mental health care services. , Thesis (MMus) -- Faculty of Humanities, Music and Musicology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
The use of creative-arts therapies in treating trauma-related mental health conditions in South Africa: perspectives from three practising creative-arts therapists
- Makube, Tshegofatso Bennia Basetsana
- Authors: Makube, Tshegofatso Bennia Basetsana
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425388 , vital:72236
- Description: Multiple factors contribute to the prevailing mental health conditions of South Africans. According to Kaminer and Eagle (2010, p.8), 75% of South Africans are trauma survivors, half of whom have experienced multiple traumas, some directly and some indirectly. However, many trauma survivors are not adequately treated due to the limited access and availability of mental health specialists in the country. Thus, mainstream medical treatments ought to be supplemented by alternative forms of therapy such as creative-arts therapy that cater to the wide demographic range of citizens in South Africa. This research aims to explore the efficacy of creative-arts therapies as a treatment for trauma-related mental health conditions in South Africa from the perspectives of three practising creative-arts therapists. The research is a qualitative study and uses Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to interpret the data. The research participants consisted of three accredited creative-art therapists practising in Music, Art, and Dance. The participants were interviewed using semi-structured, in-depth interviews which were conducted online. The interview data was transcribed and analysed using the IPA framework provided by Smith, Flowers and Larkin (2009). The results yielded three superordinate themes which were supported by eight subordinate themes. The results suggest that creative-arts therapies are underutilized in South Africa due to a lack of public awareness and general (mis)perceptions about mental health conditions. Furthermore, access to these therapies in formal settings is limited as they are not offered as treatment options in public health facilities, which negatively impacts the viability of creative-arts therapies practice in the country. Creative-arts therapies offer several unique benefits to individuals of all ages, backgrounds and abilities as they do not require prior artistic knowledge or experience to participate in treatment. In addition, they are non-verbal which helps to bridge the language and cultural barriers that often arise as a result of South Africa’s diverse cultural population. Finally, creative-arts therapies are an effective method of treating mental health conditions incurred through trauma as they focus on accessing stored trauma in the body or unconscious mind through a natural and non-judgemental platform of creative expression. As a result, they address the physical, emotional, psychological, and cognitive effects of trauma while empowering the individual. In conclusion, this research suggests that creative-arts therapies are highly effective in the treatment of trauma-related mental health conditions, particularly in a country like South Africa which experiences high incidents of trauma. They should be better integrated into public health care facilities so that they are accessible to the general public. This will result in an increase in the use of creative-arts therapies as a treatment option for mental health conditions, particularly those related to trauma. It would also help to address the limited awareness and poor perceptions of the nature of mental health, mental illness, mental health care and mental health care services. , Thesis (MMus) -- Faculty of Humanities, Music and Musicology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
- Authors: Makube, Tshegofatso Bennia Basetsana
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425388 , vital:72236
- Description: Multiple factors contribute to the prevailing mental health conditions of South Africans. According to Kaminer and Eagle (2010, p.8), 75% of South Africans are trauma survivors, half of whom have experienced multiple traumas, some directly and some indirectly. However, many trauma survivors are not adequately treated due to the limited access and availability of mental health specialists in the country. Thus, mainstream medical treatments ought to be supplemented by alternative forms of therapy such as creative-arts therapy that cater to the wide demographic range of citizens in South Africa. This research aims to explore the efficacy of creative-arts therapies as a treatment for trauma-related mental health conditions in South Africa from the perspectives of three practising creative-arts therapists. The research is a qualitative study and uses Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to interpret the data. The research participants consisted of three accredited creative-art therapists practising in Music, Art, and Dance. The participants were interviewed using semi-structured, in-depth interviews which were conducted online. The interview data was transcribed and analysed using the IPA framework provided by Smith, Flowers and Larkin (2009). The results yielded three superordinate themes which were supported by eight subordinate themes. The results suggest that creative-arts therapies are underutilized in South Africa due to a lack of public awareness and general (mis)perceptions about mental health conditions. Furthermore, access to these therapies in formal settings is limited as they are not offered as treatment options in public health facilities, which negatively impacts the viability of creative-arts therapies practice in the country. Creative-arts therapies offer several unique benefits to individuals of all ages, backgrounds and abilities as they do not require prior artistic knowledge or experience to participate in treatment. In addition, they are non-verbal which helps to bridge the language and cultural barriers that often arise as a result of South Africa’s diverse cultural population. Finally, creative-arts therapies are an effective method of treating mental health conditions incurred through trauma as they focus on accessing stored trauma in the body or unconscious mind through a natural and non-judgemental platform of creative expression. As a result, they address the physical, emotional, psychological, and cognitive effects of trauma while empowering the individual. In conclusion, this research suggests that creative-arts therapies are highly effective in the treatment of trauma-related mental health conditions, particularly in a country like South Africa which experiences high incidents of trauma. They should be better integrated into public health care facilities so that they are accessible to the general public. This will result in an increase in the use of creative-arts therapies as a treatment option for mental health conditions, particularly those related to trauma. It would also help to address the limited awareness and poor perceptions of the nature of mental health, mental illness, mental health care and mental health care services. , Thesis (MMus) -- Faculty of Humanities, Music and Musicology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
The views and opinions of Rhodes University lecturers towards isiXhosa as a language of learning and teaching (LOLT) in higher education
- Authors: Nkunzi, Zintle
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424963 , vital:72197
- Description: This research sought to investigate how African languages function as a communicative tool in a university where English is the medium of instruction. The study's purpose is to provide a systematic review of research that has been carried out on language attitudes towards isiXhosa as a language of learning and teaching (LoLT) in higher education. The study reveals that South African higher education institutions such as Rhodes University mostly use English as the LoLT- a language which for most lecturers is not their first/home language but helps ease communication in a multilingual community. Rhodes University is characterised by multilingualism because the university community is made up of diversity in culture, language, and educational background of the people. Previously explored language attitude studies are based on students’ views and this study investigated RU lecturer views and opinions towards isiXhosa as a LoLT. The study focused on the importance and the need (if any) of isiXhosa in a multilingual higher education institution. The study reveal that language barriers are one of the difficulties, but academic cultural differences seem to play a crucial role that can impact on the learning and teaching outcomes. This can lead to negative experiences and the forming of stereotypical views. These views include how lecturers are and should be trained to teach mathematics, science, and academic studies in African languages. The SA higher education practices and language use (i.e., monolingual language policy) are one of the reasons that the implementation of indigenous languages in education policies in SA is fraught with difficulties due to several factors. Amongst the factors is the fact that indigenous languages are not yet fully developed as academic languages. The study further reveals that lecturers find it difficult to teach mathematical studies in isiXhosa because of lack of terminology in the language for academic purposes particularly at a tertiary level. Furthermore, existing literature highlights the importance of the use of code-switching which is a beneficial practice for lecturers in assisting their students who struggle with English as a LoLT at RU. The lecturer views towards isiXhosa as a LoLT at RU is not only on language barrier but also about the lack of development in the language use in spaces where only English is believed to be the best such as language for academics. The study also reveals an integration of Information Communication Technology in education and how language appears as a barrier. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Languages and Literatures, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
- Authors: Nkunzi, Zintle
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424963 , vital:72197
- Description: This research sought to investigate how African languages function as a communicative tool in a university where English is the medium of instruction. The study's purpose is to provide a systematic review of research that has been carried out on language attitudes towards isiXhosa as a language of learning and teaching (LoLT) in higher education. The study reveals that South African higher education institutions such as Rhodes University mostly use English as the LoLT- a language which for most lecturers is not their first/home language but helps ease communication in a multilingual community. Rhodes University is characterised by multilingualism because the university community is made up of diversity in culture, language, and educational background of the people. Previously explored language attitude studies are based on students’ views and this study investigated RU lecturer views and opinions towards isiXhosa as a LoLT. The study focused on the importance and the need (if any) of isiXhosa in a multilingual higher education institution. The study reveal that language barriers are one of the difficulties, but academic cultural differences seem to play a crucial role that can impact on the learning and teaching outcomes. This can lead to negative experiences and the forming of stereotypical views. These views include how lecturers are and should be trained to teach mathematics, science, and academic studies in African languages. The SA higher education practices and language use (i.e., monolingual language policy) are one of the reasons that the implementation of indigenous languages in education policies in SA is fraught with difficulties due to several factors. Amongst the factors is the fact that indigenous languages are not yet fully developed as academic languages. The study further reveals that lecturers find it difficult to teach mathematical studies in isiXhosa because of lack of terminology in the language for academic purposes particularly at a tertiary level. Furthermore, existing literature highlights the importance of the use of code-switching which is a beneficial practice for lecturers in assisting their students who struggle with English as a LoLT at RU. The lecturer views towards isiXhosa as a LoLT at RU is not only on language barrier but also about the lack of development in the language use in spaces where only English is believed to be the best such as language for academics. The study also reveals an integration of Information Communication Technology in education and how language appears as a barrier. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Languages and Literatures, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
The yield spread as a predictor for buy or sell signals for sectoral indices of the JSE
- Authors: Roeber, Christine
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Yield curve , Rate of return South Africa , Yield spread , Interest rate , Johannesburg Stock Exchange
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419687 , vital:71666
- Description: The predictive nature of the yield curve has been of interest to researchers for years. In this thesis, the evidence for the yield curve as a predictor is examine, specifically as a predictor for bear markets in the JSE stock market for 8 sub-sectoral indices. The study explores a dynamic market timing strategy for timing the South African stock market compared to a normal buy-and-hold strategy. First, probit models are estimated for each of the sectoral indices which did not prove to have tracked well all the bear market phases. Then a dynamic market timing portfolio is simulated against a buy-and-hold only strategy, the dynamic market timing portfolio proved to have outperformed a buy-and-hold strategy for almost all the indices. Thus, a Henriksson-Merton parametric model test which tests for market timing ability was done on these sub-indices. The research finds that the yield curve in South Africa is not a useful tool for a buy-sell strategy for most of the sub-sectoral indices of the JSE. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
- Authors: Roeber, Christine
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Yield curve , Rate of return South Africa , Yield spread , Interest rate , Johannesburg Stock Exchange
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419687 , vital:71666
- Description: The predictive nature of the yield curve has been of interest to researchers for years. In this thesis, the evidence for the yield curve as a predictor is examine, specifically as a predictor for bear markets in the JSE stock market for 8 sub-sectoral indices. The study explores a dynamic market timing strategy for timing the South African stock market compared to a normal buy-and-hold strategy. First, probit models are estimated for each of the sectoral indices which did not prove to have tracked well all the bear market phases. Then a dynamic market timing portfolio is simulated against a buy-and-hold only strategy, the dynamic market timing portfolio proved to have outperformed a buy-and-hold strategy for almost all the indices. Thus, a Henriksson-Merton parametric model test which tests for market timing ability was done on these sub-indices. The research finds that the yield curve in South Africa is not a useful tool for a buy-sell strategy for most of the sub-sectoral indices of the JSE. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
Thermal physiology of juvenile red roman seabream, Chrysoblephus laticeps after long-term exposure to low pH conditions
- Authors: Allison, Caitlin
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424323 , vital:72143
- Description: Climate change has caused a combination of effects on the physiology of fishes. Of particular concern are the effects of thermal variability and ocean acidification. Organismal energy budgets change throughout ontogeny and research into the metabolic scope during early life stages is particularly useful in identifying potential bottlenecks. The first part of this thesis aimed to assess the absolute aerobic scope (AAS, described as the difference between the maximum and standard metabolic rates) of individual juveniles from a protected population of the endemic, commercially important seabream, Chrysoblephus laticeps, across a range of ecologically relevant temperatures (T = 11, 14, 18, 22˚C) under present-day conditions (pH = 8.03, pCO2 ≈ 420 μatm) using intermittent flow respirometry. The second component sought to investigate how long-term exposure (from fertilisation to juvenile, ~100 days exposure) to high-pCO2/hypercapnic conditions (pH = 7.63, pCO2 ≈ 1400 μatm), would affect the AAS of juvenile C. laticeps over a range of temperatures. Lower pH conditions were predicted to cause a decrease in the AAS of treatment animals due to additional energetic costs of acid-base regulation. The findings of the first data chapter demonstrated that juvenile C. laticeps reared under current CO2 conditions are tolerant to a wide range of thermal conditions, and individuals with a broad aerobic scope will be the best suited to coping with enhanced thermal variability. In contrast to the expected outcomes of the second data chapter, juvenile C. laticeps reared under high pCO2 conditions displayed greater AAS at high and low temperatures when compared with specimens from high pH conditions. Whilst a high degree of individual phenotypic variation was observed in the metabolic response of both groups, this was reduced at the lower and upper extreme temperatures for high pH and low pH animals respectively. Notably, the variation in treatment animal’s SMR was significantly diminished across all temperatures tested, compared to only a localised reduction in the SMR of high pH animals at cold temperatures. This may be indicative of compensatory pathways affecting energy restructuring and thermally-governed physiological trade-offs under hypercapnia. Given these results, juvenile C. laticeps appear to be more resilient to ocean acidification than anticipated, potentially owing to intrapopulation metabolic phenotypic diversity. This is likely attributed to the parental lineage originating in the Tsitsikamma MPA, which is thought to boast greater phenotypic diversity as a consequence of the refuge that these conservation areas offer from exploitation. Owing to the restriction imposed by the availability of surviving, captive-reared juveniles, the sample size used in this study was relatively low. However, owing to the repeated-measures nature of this research the sample size was sufficient to offer suitable statistical power for the polynomial mixed model used in the analysis. Future research should incorporate both physiological and behavioural responses to multiple environmental stressors to better understand covariation between these two traits, and to detect any behavioural trade-offs that might arise through compensation. In addition, these trials should be repeated using offspring from outside of the MPA to compare whether the same level of resilience and metabolic phenotypic diversity would be present in an exploited population. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
- Authors: Allison, Caitlin
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424323 , vital:72143
- Description: Climate change has caused a combination of effects on the physiology of fishes. Of particular concern are the effects of thermal variability and ocean acidification. Organismal energy budgets change throughout ontogeny and research into the metabolic scope during early life stages is particularly useful in identifying potential bottlenecks. The first part of this thesis aimed to assess the absolute aerobic scope (AAS, described as the difference between the maximum and standard metabolic rates) of individual juveniles from a protected population of the endemic, commercially important seabream, Chrysoblephus laticeps, across a range of ecologically relevant temperatures (T = 11, 14, 18, 22˚C) under present-day conditions (pH = 8.03, pCO2 ≈ 420 μatm) using intermittent flow respirometry. The second component sought to investigate how long-term exposure (from fertilisation to juvenile, ~100 days exposure) to high-pCO2/hypercapnic conditions (pH = 7.63, pCO2 ≈ 1400 μatm), would affect the AAS of juvenile C. laticeps over a range of temperatures. Lower pH conditions were predicted to cause a decrease in the AAS of treatment animals due to additional energetic costs of acid-base regulation. The findings of the first data chapter demonstrated that juvenile C. laticeps reared under current CO2 conditions are tolerant to a wide range of thermal conditions, and individuals with a broad aerobic scope will be the best suited to coping with enhanced thermal variability. In contrast to the expected outcomes of the second data chapter, juvenile C. laticeps reared under high pCO2 conditions displayed greater AAS at high and low temperatures when compared with specimens from high pH conditions. Whilst a high degree of individual phenotypic variation was observed in the metabolic response of both groups, this was reduced at the lower and upper extreme temperatures for high pH and low pH animals respectively. Notably, the variation in treatment animal’s SMR was significantly diminished across all temperatures tested, compared to only a localised reduction in the SMR of high pH animals at cold temperatures. This may be indicative of compensatory pathways affecting energy restructuring and thermally-governed physiological trade-offs under hypercapnia. Given these results, juvenile C. laticeps appear to be more resilient to ocean acidification than anticipated, potentially owing to intrapopulation metabolic phenotypic diversity. This is likely attributed to the parental lineage originating in the Tsitsikamma MPA, which is thought to boast greater phenotypic diversity as a consequence of the refuge that these conservation areas offer from exploitation. Owing to the restriction imposed by the availability of surviving, captive-reared juveniles, the sample size used in this study was relatively low. However, owing to the repeated-measures nature of this research the sample size was sufficient to offer suitable statistical power for the polynomial mixed model used in the analysis. Future research should incorporate both physiological and behavioural responses to multiple environmental stressors to better understand covariation between these two traits, and to detect any behavioural trade-offs that might arise through compensation. In addition, these trials should be repeated using offspring from outside of the MPA to compare whether the same level of resilience and metabolic phenotypic diversity would be present in an exploited population. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
Towards interrogating the notion of a Black aesthetic in multi-cultural Africa
- Authors: Maina, Muhunyo
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425231 , vital:72221
- Description: Enbargoed. Expected release date 2025. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Fine Art, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
- Authors: Maina, Muhunyo
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425231 , vital:72221
- Description: Enbargoed. Expected release date 2025. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Fine Art, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
Using the indigenous technology of making oshikundu to mediate learning of the topic diffusion in Namibia
- Authors: Endjala, Alma Panduleni
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Culturally relevant pedagogy Namibia , Diffusion Study and teaching (Secondary) Activity programs Namibia , Ethnoscience Namibia , Pedagogical content knowledge , Social learning , Science teachers Education (Continuing education) , Oshikundu
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419726 , vital:71670
- Description: The Namibian Science curriculum acknowledges that indigenous knowledge (IK) is an important basis for learning science. Among the shared reasons is that it provides learners with access to abstract scientific concepts. As a result, teachers are encouraged to integrate IK into the teaching and learning of science. However, it seems that there are no explicit guidelines on how IK should be integrated into science classrooms. It is against this backdrop that this study sought to explore how the indigenous technology of making oshikundu (a non-alcoholic beverage) can be mobilised by Grade 8 Life Science teachers to mediate learning of diffusion in their classrooms. The study was underpinned by interpretive and indigenous research paradigms. Within these paradigms, a qualitative case study approach was employed. Four Grade 8 Life Science teachers from four different schools in Okahandja town, Otjozondjupa Region, Namibia, participated in this study. Additionally, an expert community member who was knowledgeable about the indigenous technology of making oshikundu was requested to demonstrate how to make it. In this event, the Life Science teachers had to identify the science concepts embedded in the practice. To gather data, this study made use of semi-structured interviews, workshop discussions, observations and journal reflections. Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory was used as a theoretical framework and Mavhunga and Rollnick’s topic-specific pedagogical content knowledge (TSPCK) was used as an analytical framework. The findings of this study revealed that the teachers’ understanding was positively influenced by the integration of IK which certainly assisted them to relate better to the concept of diffusion. This was validated when teachers extracted emerging science concepts from the indigenous technology of making oshikundu. The implication of this study is that expert community member presentations can greatly enhance sense making of science concepts. The study thus recommends that school-based teachers’ continuing professional development in collaboration with expert community members should be carried out to enhance both the teachers’ subject content knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge on IK integration. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Secondary and Post-School Education, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
- Authors: Endjala, Alma Panduleni
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Culturally relevant pedagogy Namibia , Diffusion Study and teaching (Secondary) Activity programs Namibia , Ethnoscience Namibia , Pedagogical content knowledge , Social learning , Science teachers Education (Continuing education) , Oshikundu
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419726 , vital:71670
- Description: The Namibian Science curriculum acknowledges that indigenous knowledge (IK) is an important basis for learning science. Among the shared reasons is that it provides learners with access to abstract scientific concepts. As a result, teachers are encouraged to integrate IK into the teaching and learning of science. However, it seems that there are no explicit guidelines on how IK should be integrated into science classrooms. It is against this backdrop that this study sought to explore how the indigenous technology of making oshikundu (a non-alcoholic beverage) can be mobilised by Grade 8 Life Science teachers to mediate learning of diffusion in their classrooms. The study was underpinned by interpretive and indigenous research paradigms. Within these paradigms, a qualitative case study approach was employed. Four Grade 8 Life Science teachers from four different schools in Okahandja town, Otjozondjupa Region, Namibia, participated in this study. Additionally, an expert community member who was knowledgeable about the indigenous technology of making oshikundu was requested to demonstrate how to make it. In this event, the Life Science teachers had to identify the science concepts embedded in the practice. To gather data, this study made use of semi-structured interviews, workshop discussions, observations and journal reflections. Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory was used as a theoretical framework and Mavhunga and Rollnick’s topic-specific pedagogical content knowledge (TSPCK) was used as an analytical framework. The findings of this study revealed that the teachers’ understanding was positively influenced by the integration of IK which certainly assisted them to relate better to the concept of diffusion. This was validated when teachers extracted emerging science concepts from the indigenous technology of making oshikundu. The implication of this study is that expert community member presentations can greatly enhance sense making of science concepts. The study thus recommends that school-based teachers’ continuing professional development in collaboration with expert community members should be carried out to enhance both the teachers’ subject content knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge on IK integration. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Secondary and Post-School Education, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
Uviwe Umthandazo
- Authors: Madinda, Viwe
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425344 , vital:72231
- Description: The discourse of identity and community are topics of interest to me. As a citizen living in post-apartheid South Africa, I am captivated by the re-emerging wisdom and knowledge of Nguni cultural philosophies and practices. My practice-based research is interested in a creative interpretation of these ancient philosophies and practices in the context of postcolonial life. The project in many ways re-members through observation of socio-political issues such as inequality, violence, and vandalism as reflections of internal challenges of the individual self in current reality. In essence, my discussion in this paper highlights the need for healing grief and loss for the well-being – physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual – of society. Self-definition is the core of any community and we see this in the philosophy of the African proverb umntu ngumntu ngabantu, ‘I am because you are’. ‘I am’ is a set of beliefs that construct the individual self; our life’s course then becomes a constant molding of the body and the world around us. The wisdom of ubuntu was, and is, a catalyst for many African cultures, as this law recognizes each individual as important and equal in the community. As a descendant of various indigenous clans originating in Africa the well-being and balance of my being is determined by how much I know about who I am. Consequently, being a part of the generation that is experiencing the transitioning phases from apartheid I question the ways we are dealing with the residue of coloniality concerning all aspects of self; the physical, emotional, and mental bodies of self. My creative work is a reflection of the exercises I implemented to cultivate selfhood as a way to participate in and control my reality as a marginalized member of society. The different chapters touch on many intersecting theories about tools for healing/soothing the self. The creative process experimented with the various concepts embedded in the expression ‘I am because you are’. In the process of this research, I learned that knowing yourself is one of the principles of ubuntu, which teaches me that I cannot be or give what I do not have. The themes I explore through the above expression are self-love, self-acceptance, and self-respect using a creative lens. This practice-based research proposes a concept; the act of love as a decolonial gesture. My exhibition Vuleka Mhlaba Ndinegene1 utilizes visual language to convey the need for more conversations on healing using natural elements, as a way to make a connection between self, the natural environment, and community. In the first and second chapters, the paper focuses on practices employed by artists such as Lhola Amira, Guadalupe Maravilla, Buhlebezwe Siwani, Tony Gum, Lina Iris Viktor, and Aida Muleneh, to relate the various approaches to re-member the severed connection between self, nature, and community. This study looks at theories on; holding space, sound healing, earthing, shadow work, astrology, and human consciousness. , Thesis (MFA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Fine Art, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
- Authors: Madinda, Viwe
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425344 , vital:72231
- Description: The discourse of identity and community are topics of interest to me. As a citizen living in post-apartheid South Africa, I am captivated by the re-emerging wisdom and knowledge of Nguni cultural philosophies and practices. My practice-based research is interested in a creative interpretation of these ancient philosophies and practices in the context of postcolonial life. The project in many ways re-members through observation of socio-political issues such as inequality, violence, and vandalism as reflections of internal challenges of the individual self in current reality. In essence, my discussion in this paper highlights the need for healing grief and loss for the well-being – physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual – of society. Self-definition is the core of any community and we see this in the philosophy of the African proverb umntu ngumntu ngabantu, ‘I am because you are’. ‘I am’ is a set of beliefs that construct the individual self; our life’s course then becomes a constant molding of the body and the world around us. The wisdom of ubuntu was, and is, a catalyst for many African cultures, as this law recognizes each individual as important and equal in the community. As a descendant of various indigenous clans originating in Africa the well-being and balance of my being is determined by how much I know about who I am. Consequently, being a part of the generation that is experiencing the transitioning phases from apartheid I question the ways we are dealing with the residue of coloniality concerning all aspects of self; the physical, emotional, and mental bodies of self. My creative work is a reflection of the exercises I implemented to cultivate selfhood as a way to participate in and control my reality as a marginalized member of society. The different chapters touch on many intersecting theories about tools for healing/soothing the self. The creative process experimented with the various concepts embedded in the expression ‘I am because you are’. In the process of this research, I learned that knowing yourself is one of the principles of ubuntu, which teaches me that I cannot be or give what I do not have. The themes I explore through the above expression are self-love, self-acceptance, and self-respect using a creative lens. This practice-based research proposes a concept; the act of love as a decolonial gesture. My exhibition Vuleka Mhlaba Ndinegene1 utilizes visual language to convey the need for more conversations on healing using natural elements, as a way to make a connection between self, the natural environment, and community. In the first and second chapters, the paper focuses on practices employed by artists such as Lhola Amira, Guadalupe Maravilla, Buhlebezwe Siwani, Tony Gum, Lina Iris Viktor, and Aida Muleneh, to relate the various approaches to re-member the severed connection between self, nature, and community. This study looks at theories on; holding space, sound healing, earthing, shadow work, astrology, and human consciousness. , Thesis (MFA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Fine Art, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
Visual representations of linear algebraic expressions: a case study in a Grade 9 after-school mathematics club
- Authors: Herbert, Sindisiwe
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424019 , vital:72116
- Description: Visualisation is commonly used as a tool in introducing algebra through visual or kinaesthetic sequences designed to prompt learners' development of a general rule for moving from a term's position to its output value. Fluency in both the concepts and the conventions of elementary algebra are essential to learners, as algebra forms the language in which many advanced mathematical ideas are encoded. Moreover, algebraic fluency is often associated with an ability to think abstractly about arithmetic processes. In many classrooms, however, research has shown that learners often focus on fluency in algebraic conventions rather than concepts, learning how to manipulate expressions without understanding the algorithms they are taught to follow. This trend can be linked to several causes, including teacher-centred mathematics classrooms in which learners are – whether implicitly or explicitly – encouraged to copy formulae and methods in order to ‘get it right in a test’ without necessarily grasping the underlying logical relationships. This case study, therefore, aimed to determine whether there was value in using visual, kinaesthetic models to broaden and deepen learners' use of algebra. To that end, in the context of an extra-curricular mathematics club that aimed to decentre the teachers and demand innovative ideas of the participants, six pairs of Grade 9 learners were tasked with creating visual representations of a linear algebraic expression using coloured building cubes. The responses to this task over the course of five assignments were many and varied and almost universally displayed a sustained internal logic that the learners were able to explain and develop. Most pairs began with a visual list of terms arranged in sets of towers, pyramids or, in one case, a spiral. At the end of the study, all but one of the pairs had settled on a Visual Expression, in which various colours were used to represent elements of the algebra such as the values of the coefficient, the variable and the constant term. The participants' representations grew in complexity over the course of the study and the conformity of the final responses showed that the club was a collaborative space in which learners shared ideas. However, the structure of the Visual Expressions and their own confessions of nerves about ‘getting it wrong’ in the interviews suggest that the participants were stuck in a mindset that led them to seek out and idealise the representation closest to the original algebra, even though that representation revealed little about the structural relationship underlying the expression. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Secondary and Post-School Education, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
- Authors: Herbert, Sindisiwe
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424019 , vital:72116
- Description: Visualisation is commonly used as a tool in introducing algebra through visual or kinaesthetic sequences designed to prompt learners' development of a general rule for moving from a term's position to its output value. Fluency in both the concepts and the conventions of elementary algebra are essential to learners, as algebra forms the language in which many advanced mathematical ideas are encoded. Moreover, algebraic fluency is often associated with an ability to think abstractly about arithmetic processes. In many classrooms, however, research has shown that learners often focus on fluency in algebraic conventions rather than concepts, learning how to manipulate expressions without understanding the algorithms they are taught to follow. This trend can be linked to several causes, including teacher-centred mathematics classrooms in which learners are – whether implicitly or explicitly – encouraged to copy formulae and methods in order to ‘get it right in a test’ without necessarily grasping the underlying logical relationships. This case study, therefore, aimed to determine whether there was value in using visual, kinaesthetic models to broaden and deepen learners' use of algebra. To that end, in the context of an extra-curricular mathematics club that aimed to decentre the teachers and demand innovative ideas of the participants, six pairs of Grade 9 learners were tasked with creating visual representations of a linear algebraic expression using coloured building cubes. The responses to this task over the course of five assignments were many and varied and almost universally displayed a sustained internal logic that the learners were able to explain and develop. Most pairs began with a visual list of terms arranged in sets of towers, pyramids or, in one case, a spiral. At the end of the study, all but one of the pairs had settled on a Visual Expression, in which various colours were used to represent elements of the algebra such as the values of the coefficient, the variable and the constant term. The participants' representations grew in complexity over the course of the study and the conformity of the final responses showed that the club was a collaborative space in which learners shared ideas. However, the structure of the Visual Expressions and their own confessions of nerves about ‘getting it wrong’ in the interviews suggest that the participants were stuck in a mindset that led them to seek out and idealise the representation closest to the original algebra, even though that representation revealed little about the structural relationship underlying the expression. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Secondary and Post-School Education, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
Vulamasango Singene: sociological analysis of a rural social movement
- Authors: Kirchmann, Gail Lynne
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425132 , vital:72213
- Description: This dissertation tests the claim made by a large membership-based organisation that it is a social movement. The organisation, Vulamasango Singene (VS) operates across the rural areas of large parts of the Eastern Cape Province. It has, for twenty years, advocated for the re-opening of land restitution claims for a specific category of forced removal known as “betterment”. This study provides an analysis of an organisation that has yet to achieve its objective in spite of sufficient financial resources, logistical and strategic support, numeric strength and the legal clarity of its demand. The research is situated within the framework of social movement theory. The study examined the origins, institutional infrastructure, demographic make-up, activities and culture of VS. These were analysed against four components that are identified in the literature as key characteristics of a social movement. These are: (i) informal networks (as opposed to structured and managed engagements); (ii) a plurality of actors (as opposed to a homogenous grouping); (iii) mobilising around issues of conflict; and (iv) sharing common beliefs and demonstrating solidarity. Data were gathered through an archival study and field research. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with a sample of VS’s leadership, and staff of the non-governmental organisation in which VS originated, as well as expert informants in the land reform arena. The findings with respect to each of the criteria were: (i) VS’s structure was rigid and internal communication was largely formal. (ii) There was almost no demographic or political diversity within VS. (iii) VS had, in the past, mobilised around issues of conflict, but there had been no mobilisation for ten years. (iv) While there was some evidence of sharing common beliefs and demonstrating solidarity, this was limited. The conclusion reached was that VS is not a social movement. This does not imply that VS is not an important democratic or representative organisation. It does, however, provide a theoretical position from which VS, and other organisations, can direct further action. The study touched on the relationship between northern donors, local professional NGOs and grassroots organisations in South Africa. Interactions among these institutions impact on the way that organisations and social movements develop. Comparisons with other similar organisations were made and similarities and differences were highlighted. It was suggested that, because of the importance of the issue, further research in this regard is necessary. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
- Authors: Kirchmann, Gail Lynne
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425132 , vital:72213
- Description: This dissertation tests the claim made by a large membership-based organisation that it is a social movement. The organisation, Vulamasango Singene (VS) operates across the rural areas of large parts of the Eastern Cape Province. It has, for twenty years, advocated for the re-opening of land restitution claims for a specific category of forced removal known as “betterment”. This study provides an analysis of an organisation that has yet to achieve its objective in spite of sufficient financial resources, logistical and strategic support, numeric strength and the legal clarity of its demand. The research is situated within the framework of social movement theory. The study examined the origins, institutional infrastructure, demographic make-up, activities and culture of VS. These were analysed against four components that are identified in the literature as key characteristics of a social movement. These are: (i) informal networks (as opposed to structured and managed engagements); (ii) a plurality of actors (as opposed to a homogenous grouping); (iii) mobilising around issues of conflict; and (iv) sharing common beliefs and demonstrating solidarity. Data were gathered through an archival study and field research. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with a sample of VS’s leadership, and staff of the non-governmental organisation in which VS originated, as well as expert informants in the land reform arena. The findings with respect to each of the criteria were: (i) VS’s structure was rigid and internal communication was largely formal. (ii) There was almost no demographic or political diversity within VS. (iii) VS had, in the past, mobilised around issues of conflict, but there had been no mobilisation for ten years. (iv) While there was some evidence of sharing common beliefs and demonstrating solidarity, this was limited. The conclusion reached was that VS is not a social movement. This does not imply that VS is not an important democratic or representative organisation. It does, however, provide a theoretical position from which VS, and other organisations, can direct further action. The study touched on the relationship between northern donors, local professional NGOs and grassroots organisations in South Africa. Interactions among these institutions impact on the way that organisations and social movements develop. Comparisons with other similar organisations were made and similarities and differences were highlighted. It was suggested that, because of the importance of the issue, further research in this regard is necessary. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
Year-end oversight in Local Government: a case study of water and sanitation service delivery at Amathole District Municipality
- Authors: Seoke, Duncan
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425206 , vital:72219
- Description: Poor service delivery is a challenge that has continued to plague the constitutional democracy of South Africa. Legislation has, in response, been passed to ensure efficient service delivery. Despite this legislation, municipal service delivery has been alarmingly poor, and reports on municipal performance and newspaper articles have corroborated this. On the causes of poor service delivery, the existing literature appears to have focused on financial mismanagement, corruption, and the incapacity of officials. Absent from existing literature are discussions on how municipal service delivery is affected by the lack of interrelatedness between municipal public resource management processes (such as revenue collection, expenditure management and oversight). This dissertation addresses this gap by examining the municipal public resource management processes from an oversight perspective. The study sought to analyse the effectiveness of year-end oversight at Amathole District Municipality (ADM) over water and sanitation services. This research aimed to study the year-end oversight over service delivery with reference to the Municipal Public Resource Management (MPRM) model. According to the model, effective service delivery includes inter alia effective oversight, as oversight forms part of the entire system of the municipal resource management cycle. Thus, for the MPRM model, oversight should be exercised on all these processes. The research was a desktop analysis that used both a qualitative and quantitative research methodology. The primary document analysed was the ADM Oversight Report (OR). This report is produced by the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) and reflects the year-end oversight conducted by the MPAC on the municipality's activities. In the analysis of the OR, it was concluded that the ADM MPAC had failed to conduct effective year-end oversight of W&S services. The efficacy of the ADM MPAC's year-end oversight was measured against guidelines for effective year-end oversight from the National Treasury and the MPRM model. The findings suggested that there were inefficiencies in the manner that the ADM MPAC exercised its year-end oversight. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
- Authors: Seoke, Duncan
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425206 , vital:72219
- Description: Poor service delivery is a challenge that has continued to plague the constitutional democracy of South Africa. Legislation has, in response, been passed to ensure efficient service delivery. Despite this legislation, municipal service delivery has been alarmingly poor, and reports on municipal performance and newspaper articles have corroborated this. On the causes of poor service delivery, the existing literature appears to have focused on financial mismanagement, corruption, and the incapacity of officials. Absent from existing literature are discussions on how municipal service delivery is affected by the lack of interrelatedness between municipal public resource management processes (such as revenue collection, expenditure management and oversight). This dissertation addresses this gap by examining the municipal public resource management processes from an oversight perspective. The study sought to analyse the effectiveness of year-end oversight at Amathole District Municipality (ADM) over water and sanitation services. This research aimed to study the year-end oversight over service delivery with reference to the Municipal Public Resource Management (MPRM) model. According to the model, effective service delivery includes inter alia effective oversight, as oversight forms part of the entire system of the municipal resource management cycle. Thus, for the MPRM model, oversight should be exercised on all these processes. The research was a desktop analysis that used both a qualitative and quantitative research methodology. The primary document analysed was the ADM Oversight Report (OR). This report is produced by the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) and reflects the year-end oversight conducted by the MPAC on the municipality's activities. In the analysis of the OR, it was concluded that the ADM MPAC had failed to conduct effective year-end oversight of W&S services. The efficacy of the ADM MPAC's year-end oversight was measured against guidelines for effective year-end oversight from the National Treasury and the MPRM model. The findings suggested that there were inefficiencies in the manner that the ADM MPAC exercised its year-end oversight. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
“Rwanda cannot be exorcised”: representations of the trauma of the Rwandan Genocide in selected films and novels
- Authors: Jennings, Kathleen
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425067 , vital:72206
- Description: Although the Rwandan genocide (itsembabwoko in Kinyarwanda) has often been compared with the Holocaust, in terms of literary and cinematic narratives it has been largely underrepresented, with the notable exception of the release of the films Hotel Rwanda (2004) and Sometimes in April (2005), as well as novels such as Gil Courtemanche’s A Sunday at the Pool in Kigali (2003). However, although there is now a larger oeuvre of works on the subject, they are often not widely known or disseminated beyond their countries of origin. Of even greater concern is the fact that most cinematic narratives on itsembabwoko rely on Western narrative structures in their approach to storytelling. As a result, trauma in these narratives largely tends to focus on the experiences of Western protagonists or on Rwandan protagonists from a Western point of view. This tendency can be tied to the use of Western trauma theory in exploring the effects of the genocide on its witnesses and survivors, at the expense of arguably more relevant postcolonial trauma theory. This presents a problem in theorising the trauma of itsembabwoko, which occurred in a highly specific historical context involving the processes of colonization and decolonization, and in which the difficulties in unifying a population which had been split along socio-economic lines since pre-colonial times remained unresolved. Despite its shortcomings in the postcolonial African context, it would be a mistake to dismiss Yale trauma theory entirely, however, since theorists such as Cathy Caruth still provide valuable insights into the effects of trauma on both the individual and the collective. As a result, I have sought to find commonalities between the two schools of thought, so as to create a more nuanced view of itsembabwoko, its repercussions and the violence preceding it. In writing this thesis, I have selected mostly Rwandan authors, often survivors of the genocide, whose works provide an alternative view of Rwanda’s violent history to that presented in the works mentioned above. Given that the majority of the texts I focus on have been released more recently – mostly the mid-2010s – and are less well-known than their Western counterparts, they provide the opportunity to compare first-hand accounts with those that can only partially recreate the terror of anti-Tutsi violence in Rwanda. My analysis hopefully provides a new perspective on the dominant narratives which have shaped the way in which non-Rwandan (predominantly Western) audiences understand the genocide. The overall aim of this thesis, then, is to demonstrate the importance of placing the genocide and its resultant trauma in a broader historical context, with a view to establishing that it is shortsighted to ignore the impact of pre- and post-genocide trauma on the Rwandan people when discussing itsembabwoko. Though this has been achieved in socio-historical studies, such as Mahmood Mamdani’s When Victims Become Killers: Colonialism, Nativism, and the Genocide in Rwanda, very little has been produced on literary and cinematic representations of the genocide. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Literary Studies in English 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
- Authors: Jennings, Kathleen
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425067 , vital:72206
- Description: Although the Rwandan genocide (itsembabwoko in Kinyarwanda) has often been compared with the Holocaust, in terms of literary and cinematic narratives it has been largely underrepresented, with the notable exception of the release of the films Hotel Rwanda (2004) and Sometimes in April (2005), as well as novels such as Gil Courtemanche’s A Sunday at the Pool in Kigali (2003). However, although there is now a larger oeuvre of works on the subject, they are often not widely known or disseminated beyond their countries of origin. Of even greater concern is the fact that most cinematic narratives on itsembabwoko rely on Western narrative structures in their approach to storytelling. As a result, trauma in these narratives largely tends to focus on the experiences of Western protagonists or on Rwandan protagonists from a Western point of view. This tendency can be tied to the use of Western trauma theory in exploring the effects of the genocide on its witnesses and survivors, at the expense of arguably more relevant postcolonial trauma theory. This presents a problem in theorising the trauma of itsembabwoko, which occurred in a highly specific historical context involving the processes of colonization and decolonization, and in which the difficulties in unifying a population which had been split along socio-economic lines since pre-colonial times remained unresolved. Despite its shortcomings in the postcolonial African context, it would be a mistake to dismiss Yale trauma theory entirely, however, since theorists such as Cathy Caruth still provide valuable insights into the effects of trauma on both the individual and the collective. As a result, I have sought to find commonalities between the two schools of thought, so as to create a more nuanced view of itsembabwoko, its repercussions and the violence preceding it. In writing this thesis, I have selected mostly Rwandan authors, often survivors of the genocide, whose works provide an alternative view of Rwanda’s violent history to that presented in the works mentioned above. Given that the majority of the texts I focus on have been released more recently – mostly the mid-2010s – and are less well-known than their Western counterparts, they provide the opportunity to compare first-hand accounts with those that can only partially recreate the terror of anti-Tutsi violence in Rwanda. My analysis hopefully provides a new perspective on the dominant narratives which have shaped the way in which non-Rwandan (predominantly Western) audiences understand the genocide. The overall aim of this thesis, then, is to demonstrate the importance of placing the genocide and its resultant trauma in a broader historical context, with a view to establishing that it is shortsighted to ignore the impact of pre- and post-genocide trauma on the Rwandan people when discussing itsembabwoko. Though this has been achieved in socio-historical studies, such as Mahmood Mamdani’s When Victims Become Killers: Colonialism, Nativism, and the Genocide in Rwanda, very little has been produced on literary and cinematic representations of the genocide. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Literary Studies in English 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
Technological pedagogical content knowledge development: investigating secondary school teachers' integration and use of technology during emergency remote teaching in Endola education circuit
- Authors: Munyanyo, Johanna
- Date: 2023-10
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/423882 , vital:72101
- Description: The Covid-19 pandemic has created the largest disruption of education systems in human history. The closure of schools and other learning spaces has impacted billions of learners worldwide. The mitigative measures and many new standard operating procedures have brought restrictions and many challenges. The face-to-face traditional teaching method lost its value, and teaching shifted to distance through the integration of technologies. The integration of technologies necessitated the emergency remote teaching process, as it is one of the distance teaching modes that can make teaching possible even for less technologically privileged nations. Literature has shown that the integration and usage of technology during teaching support the development of technological pedagogical and content knowledge (TPACK) of teachers. This study, therefore, sought to investigate how the integration and use of technology during the emergency remote teaching of Covid-19 developed the secondary school teachers’ technological pedagogical and content knowledge. The study is underpinned by an interpretive paradigm, and a qualitative case study approach was employed. It was conducted in seven secondary schools in the Endola education circuit, Ohangwena region, with the purposeful participation of twenty-six secondary school teachers. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The study was informed by Vygotsky’s (1978) sociocultural theory together with the TPACK framework of Thompson and Mishra (2007) as both theoretical and analytical frameworks. The study's results showed that teachers made use of existing technological resources to sustain their teaching efforts during ERT. They encountered various challenges, including a lack of technological expertise (knowledge) among both teachers and learners. The shift to virtual instruction during ERT supported teachers in developing proficient technological pedagogical content knowledge. This research concludes that schools possess the necessary technological infrastructure to enable teachers to incorporate technology into their teaching methods. Furthermore, it highlights that teachers generally hold favourable attitudes toward integrating technology into their instruction. Nevertheless, it recommends that there is a need for improving both in-service and pre-service teachers’ training and support for effectively teaching in online and blended learning environments. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Secondary and Post-School Education, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10
- Authors: Munyanyo, Johanna
- Date: 2023-10
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/423882 , vital:72101
- Description: The Covid-19 pandemic has created the largest disruption of education systems in human history. The closure of schools and other learning spaces has impacted billions of learners worldwide. The mitigative measures and many new standard operating procedures have brought restrictions and many challenges. The face-to-face traditional teaching method lost its value, and teaching shifted to distance through the integration of technologies. The integration of technologies necessitated the emergency remote teaching process, as it is one of the distance teaching modes that can make teaching possible even for less technologically privileged nations. Literature has shown that the integration and usage of technology during teaching support the development of technological pedagogical and content knowledge (TPACK) of teachers. This study, therefore, sought to investigate how the integration and use of technology during the emergency remote teaching of Covid-19 developed the secondary school teachers’ technological pedagogical and content knowledge. The study is underpinned by an interpretive paradigm, and a qualitative case study approach was employed. It was conducted in seven secondary schools in the Endola education circuit, Ohangwena region, with the purposeful participation of twenty-six secondary school teachers. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The study was informed by Vygotsky’s (1978) sociocultural theory together with the TPACK framework of Thompson and Mishra (2007) as both theoretical and analytical frameworks. The study's results showed that teachers made use of existing technological resources to sustain their teaching efforts during ERT. They encountered various challenges, including a lack of technological expertise (knowledge) among both teachers and learners. The shift to virtual instruction during ERT supported teachers in developing proficient technological pedagogical content knowledge. This research concludes that schools possess the necessary technological infrastructure to enable teachers to incorporate technology into their teaching methods. Furthermore, it highlights that teachers generally hold favourable attitudes toward integrating technology into their instruction. Nevertheless, it recommends that there is a need for improving both in-service and pre-service teachers’ training and support for effectively teaching in online and blended learning environments. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Secondary and Post-School Education, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10
Composition Portfolio
- Authors: Bessey, Warren Gregory
- Date: 2023-04-10
- Subjects: Composition (Music) , Zulu (African people) Songs and music , Music Cross-cultural studies , uMkabayi kaJama , Nandi , Nobility South Africa Zululand History
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/404940 , vital:70123
- Description: Excerpt from Introduction: My interest in the Zulu royal family intensified as I began to read many stories and have lengthy conversations with members of the Zulu royal family and others, including Dr Maxwell Shamase (University of Zululand), about Zulu history. I was struck by the power and prowess of Princess Mkabayi (1750-1843). The elders were said to be speechless when she spoke. According to Shamase, a common Zulu expression which references Mkabayi’s well-known verbal skill is Umuntu ukhuluma kome umlomo, and translates as [like Mkabayi] the speaker speaks clearly and leaves no room for misunderstandings and misinterpretations. I found her to be a brilliant strategist with a servant heart and one whom history had not given due credit, and I was inspired to bring her story to life by setting it to music. I wanted to explore whether or not the events surrounding Mkabayi led to a change of consciousness among the Zulu nation, and I used this as a theme for my symphonic work about her. The lives of Queen Nandi (King Shaka’s mother) and Princess Mkabayi (King Shaka’s aunt) made for fascinating stories I had been privileged to discover, and I felt they were South African treasures to be elevated and shared with the world. The two works listed above form part of my repertoire based on Zulu royal history which are collectively known as “The Royal Trilogy,” and I have come to think of them as part of a developing “urban classical repertoire”. The Royal Trilogy is a set of three compositions with 33 independent scenes linking historical events and people. It includes the following entitled symphonic works for full orchestra: Nandi iNdlovukazi yezi Ndlovukazi (hereinafter “Queen Nandi”), Inkosazane Mkabayi (hereinafter “Princess Mkabayi”), and iNkosi uShaka: Umbono, Isizwe, Isiphetho - King Shaka: A Vision, A Nation, A Destiny (hereinafter “King Shaka”). Nandi premiered on 22 September 2016 as part of “A Musical Tribute Celebrating 200 Years of the Zulu Monarchy,” and “Mkabayi” premiered on 6 September 2018 under a programme titled “Princess Mkabayi: Celebrating Heritage Month”. Both pieces were performed at the Durban City Hall by the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra with a mass Zulu choir (combination of the Clermont Community Choir, Prince Mshiyeni Choir, and Thokozani Choral Society) for socio-economic and ethnically diverse audiences. The final work, “King Shaka,” is expected to premiere in 2023. A future adaption of the Royal Trilogy is envisioned as an Afro Fusion Contemporary Ballet. , Thesis (MMus) -- Faculty of Humanities, Music & Musicology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04-10
- Authors: Bessey, Warren Gregory
- Date: 2023-04-10
- Subjects: Composition (Music) , Zulu (African people) Songs and music , Music Cross-cultural studies , uMkabayi kaJama , Nandi , Nobility South Africa Zululand History
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/404940 , vital:70123
- Description: Excerpt from Introduction: My interest in the Zulu royal family intensified as I began to read many stories and have lengthy conversations with members of the Zulu royal family and others, including Dr Maxwell Shamase (University of Zululand), about Zulu history. I was struck by the power and prowess of Princess Mkabayi (1750-1843). The elders were said to be speechless when she spoke. According to Shamase, a common Zulu expression which references Mkabayi’s well-known verbal skill is Umuntu ukhuluma kome umlomo, and translates as [like Mkabayi] the speaker speaks clearly and leaves no room for misunderstandings and misinterpretations. I found her to be a brilliant strategist with a servant heart and one whom history had not given due credit, and I was inspired to bring her story to life by setting it to music. I wanted to explore whether or not the events surrounding Mkabayi led to a change of consciousness among the Zulu nation, and I used this as a theme for my symphonic work about her. The lives of Queen Nandi (King Shaka’s mother) and Princess Mkabayi (King Shaka’s aunt) made for fascinating stories I had been privileged to discover, and I felt they were South African treasures to be elevated and shared with the world. The two works listed above form part of my repertoire based on Zulu royal history which are collectively known as “The Royal Trilogy,” and I have come to think of them as part of a developing “urban classical repertoire”. The Royal Trilogy is a set of three compositions with 33 independent scenes linking historical events and people. It includes the following entitled symphonic works for full orchestra: Nandi iNdlovukazi yezi Ndlovukazi (hereinafter “Queen Nandi”), Inkosazane Mkabayi (hereinafter “Princess Mkabayi”), and iNkosi uShaka: Umbono, Isizwe, Isiphetho - King Shaka: A Vision, A Nation, A Destiny (hereinafter “King Shaka”). Nandi premiered on 22 September 2016 as part of “A Musical Tribute Celebrating 200 Years of the Zulu Monarchy,” and “Mkabayi” premiered on 6 September 2018 under a programme titled “Princess Mkabayi: Celebrating Heritage Month”. Both pieces were performed at the Durban City Hall by the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra with a mass Zulu choir (combination of the Clermont Community Choir, Prince Mshiyeni Choir, and Thokozani Choral Society) for socio-economic and ethnically diverse audiences. The final work, “King Shaka,” is expected to premiere in 2023. A future adaption of the Royal Trilogy is envisioned as an Afro Fusion Contemporary Ballet. , Thesis (MMus) -- Faculty of Humanities, Music & Musicology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04-10
A critical analysis of the criteria applied in South Africa to distinguish an independent contractor from an employee for income tax purposes
- Authors: Mkhoma, Londekile Nosipho
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Independent contractor , Common law tests , Income tax
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61702 , vital:71827
- Description: The study set out to critically analyse the criteria used by South Africa to determine the distinction between independent contractors and employees. Comparisons are also drawn with the criteria used in the United Kingdom(UK) and New Zealand (NZ) to assess whether there are new ideas that can be drawn from these and help improve the criteria used in South Africa. This was motivated by the ongoing debates around this issue and the desire to make a contribution that might bring some new insights and clarity. Under South African tax legislation employers are only obliged to deduct income tax from persons identified as employees while on the other hand, they cannot deduct tax contributions from the money paid to independent contractors for services rendered. Furthermore, there is no statutory definition for the term “independent contractor” in the Income Tax Act of South Africa nor in the country’s labour legislation. The definition of this term has largely been established by the labour courts in instances where disputes have arisen around these matters. Using a doctrinal research method (including a comparative legal research), which is a qualitative research approach, articles, statutes, judgements, explanatory memoranda, and policy documents on the subject under investigation were analysed. It is submitted that the criteria used in the two countries used in the comparison are similar to the ones used in South Africa, with some variations. All three countries use similar tests to make their determinations and a survey of the UK and NZ’s case law indicates that the most preferred criteria are the multifactoral approach to determine the true nature of the relationship between employers and their employees. This approach has been found to be more flexible which allows it to accommodate the changes that are occurring in the world of work. In the South African context, the labour court has adopted a substance-over-form approach in making their determinations, arguing that the nature of the working relationship between employer and employee is a more important indicator than the mere contents of a written contract. The labour court has also used labour legislation mainly to assist in the interpretation of the distinction between independent contractors and employees. The study established that the criteria used in the UK is a bit more complex because workers are put in three different categories and the definition of employee is not 4 uniform in all the available statutes. In New Zealand the multiple factor approach is preferred just like in South Africa. In conclusion is submitted that the study established that there is nothing, other than the UK’s Mutuality of Obligation Test, that would assist in further clarifying the criteria used to classify employees or independent contractors in South Africa , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Mkhoma, Londekile Nosipho
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Independent contractor , Common law tests , Income tax
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61702 , vital:71827
- Description: The study set out to critically analyse the criteria used by South Africa to determine the distinction between independent contractors and employees. Comparisons are also drawn with the criteria used in the United Kingdom(UK) and New Zealand (NZ) to assess whether there are new ideas that can be drawn from these and help improve the criteria used in South Africa. This was motivated by the ongoing debates around this issue and the desire to make a contribution that might bring some new insights and clarity. Under South African tax legislation employers are only obliged to deduct income tax from persons identified as employees while on the other hand, they cannot deduct tax contributions from the money paid to independent contractors for services rendered. Furthermore, there is no statutory definition for the term “independent contractor” in the Income Tax Act of South Africa nor in the country’s labour legislation. The definition of this term has largely been established by the labour courts in instances where disputes have arisen around these matters. Using a doctrinal research method (including a comparative legal research), which is a qualitative research approach, articles, statutes, judgements, explanatory memoranda, and policy documents on the subject under investigation were analysed. It is submitted that the criteria used in the two countries used in the comparison are similar to the ones used in South Africa, with some variations. All three countries use similar tests to make their determinations and a survey of the UK and NZ’s case law indicates that the most preferred criteria are the multifactoral approach to determine the true nature of the relationship between employers and their employees. This approach has been found to be more flexible which allows it to accommodate the changes that are occurring in the world of work. In the South African context, the labour court has adopted a substance-over-form approach in making their determinations, arguing that the nature of the working relationship between employer and employee is a more important indicator than the mere contents of a written contract. The labour court has also used labour legislation mainly to assist in the interpretation of the distinction between independent contractors and employees. The study established that the criteria used in the UK is a bit more complex because workers are put in three different categories and the definition of employee is not 4 uniform in all the available statutes. In New Zealand the multiple factor approach is preferred just like in South Africa. In conclusion is submitted that the study established that there is nothing, other than the UK’s Mutuality of Obligation Test, that would assist in further clarifying the criteria used to classify employees or independent contractors in South Africa , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
A fraud investigation skills self-assessment framework for internal audit practitioners
- Authors: Labuschagne, Mario
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: fraud investigation , Auditing, Internal
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61465 , vital:70660
- Description: Globally incidents of fraud are on the increase, resulting in an expectation from users of internal audit services that internal auditors should accept responsibility for conducting fraud investigations. This expectation exists even though limited guidance pronouncements on how to conduct fraud investigations being available from the Institute of internal auditors (IIA) and internal auditors not always being equipped to conduct fraud investigations. This expectation also stretches beyond the current pronounced role and responsibilities of internal audit practitioners, according to the IIAs International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF) (hereafter, referred to as the Standards). Conducting fraud investigations without possessing the relevant knowledge and skills, introduces the risk that evidence collected may be considered inadmissible in a court of law. The research problem is stated as, “a dearth of adequate guidance pronouncements for internal audit practitioners exists, in respect of fraud investigations.” In response to the expectation, risk, and research problem, underpinned by the policeman theory and theory of inspired confidence, the primary research objective of the study was to develop a fraud investigation proficiency self-assessment framework for use by internal audit practitioners who are expected to conduct fraud investigations. The study’s research objectives were achieved by making use of an interpretivist research paradigm and a qualitative methodological approach. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews from authoritative internal auditors on the membership database of the Institute of Internal Auditors South Africa (IIASA). Findings confirmed the existence of an expectation gap and the lack of guidance contained in IIA guidance pronouncements and Standards. Developed from the findings, the thesis proposes a fraud investigation proficiency self-assessment framework. The proposed self-assessment framework lists 14 fraud investigation knowledge and skills measures in the form of statements that internal audit practitioners should use to assess their personal level of proficiency for conducting a fraud investigation. The results from the self-assessment should then be Page | vii used to guide an internal audit practitioner on whether to accept the responsibility for conducting a fraud investigation or to defer the investigation to a more proficient fraud investigator. The decision for accepting the responsibility to conduct a fraud investigation ultimately resides with the internal audit practitioner. The study concluded that an expectation from organisations exists for internal audit practitioners to conduct fraud investigations, even though limited guidance pronouncements are available to internal audit practitioners from the IIA for conducting fraud investigations. The study identified that the most prominent risk associated with a fraud investigation being conducted by a person lacking the required fraud investigation knowledge and skills was that of collected evidence being dismissed in a court of law and not being able to use the evidence against a perpetrator. It can, therefore, be recommended that internal audit practitioners should not conduct a fraud investigation if they lacked any of the proficiencies required. The study provides support for the development and use of the proposed fraud investigation proficiency self-assessment framework. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Labuschagne, Mario
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: fraud investigation , Auditing, Internal
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61465 , vital:70660
- Description: Globally incidents of fraud are on the increase, resulting in an expectation from users of internal audit services that internal auditors should accept responsibility for conducting fraud investigations. This expectation exists even though limited guidance pronouncements on how to conduct fraud investigations being available from the Institute of internal auditors (IIA) and internal auditors not always being equipped to conduct fraud investigations. This expectation also stretches beyond the current pronounced role and responsibilities of internal audit practitioners, according to the IIAs International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF) (hereafter, referred to as the Standards). Conducting fraud investigations without possessing the relevant knowledge and skills, introduces the risk that evidence collected may be considered inadmissible in a court of law. The research problem is stated as, “a dearth of adequate guidance pronouncements for internal audit practitioners exists, in respect of fraud investigations.” In response to the expectation, risk, and research problem, underpinned by the policeman theory and theory of inspired confidence, the primary research objective of the study was to develop a fraud investigation proficiency self-assessment framework for use by internal audit practitioners who are expected to conduct fraud investigations. The study’s research objectives were achieved by making use of an interpretivist research paradigm and a qualitative methodological approach. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews from authoritative internal auditors on the membership database of the Institute of Internal Auditors South Africa (IIASA). Findings confirmed the existence of an expectation gap and the lack of guidance contained in IIA guidance pronouncements and Standards. Developed from the findings, the thesis proposes a fraud investigation proficiency self-assessment framework. The proposed self-assessment framework lists 14 fraud investigation knowledge and skills measures in the form of statements that internal audit practitioners should use to assess their personal level of proficiency for conducting a fraud investigation. The results from the self-assessment should then be Page | vii used to guide an internal audit practitioner on whether to accept the responsibility for conducting a fraud investigation or to defer the investigation to a more proficient fraud investigator. The decision for accepting the responsibility to conduct a fraud investigation ultimately resides with the internal audit practitioner. The study concluded that an expectation from organisations exists for internal audit practitioners to conduct fraud investigations, even though limited guidance pronouncements are available to internal audit practitioners from the IIA for conducting fraud investigations. The study identified that the most prominent risk associated with a fraud investigation being conducted by a person lacking the required fraud investigation knowledge and skills was that of collected evidence being dismissed in a court of law and not being able to use the evidence against a perpetrator. It can, therefore, be recommended that internal audit practitioners should not conduct a fraud investigation if they lacked any of the proficiencies required. The study provides support for the development and use of the proposed fraud investigation proficiency self-assessment framework. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
A Literacy Project with community members: Designing translanguaging storybooks for a multilingual community
- Authors: Senekal, Ischke
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Literacy programs , Translanguaging (Linguistics) -- children's book , Multilingual -– society
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60916 , vital:69225
- Description: The purpose of this study was to establish a community-based literacy project that would design translingual storybooks accessible to all children and community members in terms of language, contextual relevance, and age appropriateness for a rural community in the Eastern Cape. Although multiple studies have been done worldwide, more research was needed on the impact community members thought it could have in South African society. This study's theoretical framework was drawn from Cen Williams's (1980) translanguaging. Williams (1980) viewed translanguaging as receiving information in one language (input) and relaying it in another language (output) to expand the competency of the two languages as well as ensure that deeper learning takes place (Wright & Baker, 2017). Translanguaging has evolved throughout the centuries. García and Wei (2014) describe it as a single repertoire that is being used since students integrate their languages and create a new language that they use to function in the world. A qualitative approach was used to answer the research question: "How can a translingual pedagogy enhance communicative repertories in designing community translingual storybooks?" A CPAR design was used to answer the research questions. Through workshops, focus groups, storyboards, and draw-and-talk, the researcher aimed to discover how a translingual pedagogy could enhance communicative repertoires by designing translingual storybooks. Lincoln and Guba's (1985) model of trustworthiness was used to guarantee trustworthiness by concentrating on credibility, transferability, dependability, confirmability, and reflexivity. Three main themes materialised from the data: using the mother tongue, isiXhosa, foundation to improve additional languages, interactive and structure-based strategies, and assets and drawbacks while creating resources with community members. The findings of this study indicated that multiple community members sometimes used their mother tongue to aid in the development of understanding additional languages, English and Afrikaans. They needed to learn the crucial roles they played in students' language development since they were the ones that could make those vital connections. The research participants needed an idea of the methods that could be used to design their translingual storybooks. They indicated that they wanted to work with other community members and wanted steps to follow to design these storybooks. The researcher had to present them with ideas of methods that fit their needs. The researcher knew that every study has assets and drawbacks depending on their view, the study's iii aims and goals, and the research question. It was found that the assets outweighed the drawbacks since the participants were an eager group of individuals. The research participants in this study come with a wide variety of knowledge about the needs of their community based on their experiences. They all have different job descriptions, but what brings them together is their desire to improve the community reading resources to improve their linguistic knowledge. The research participants designed the translingual storybooks at home and shared the data via WhatsApp. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, School for initial Teacher Education, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Senekal, Ischke
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Literacy programs , Translanguaging (Linguistics) -- children's book , Multilingual -– society
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60916 , vital:69225
- Description: The purpose of this study was to establish a community-based literacy project that would design translingual storybooks accessible to all children and community members in terms of language, contextual relevance, and age appropriateness for a rural community in the Eastern Cape. Although multiple studies have been done worldwide, more research was needed on the impact community members thought it could have in South African society. This study's theoretical framework was drawn from Cen Williams's (1980) translanguaging. Williams (1980) viewed translanguaging as receiving information in one language (input) and relaying it in another language (output) to expand the competency of the two languages as well as ensure that deeper learning takes place (Wright & Baker, 2017). Translanguaging has evolved throughout the centuries. García and Wei (2014) describe it as a single repertoire that is being used since students integrate their languages and create a new language that they use to function in the world. A qualitative approach was used to answer the research question: "How can a translingual pedagogy enhance communicative repertories in designing community translingual storybooks?" A CPAR design was used to answer the research questions. Through workshops, focus groups, storyboards, and draw-and-talk, the researcher aimed to discover how a translingual pedagogy could enhance communicative repertoires by designing translingual storybooks. Lincoln and Guba's (1985) model of trustworthiness was used to guarantee trustworthiness by concentrating on credibility, transferability, dependability, confirmability, and reflexivity. Three main themes materialised from the data: using the mother tongue, isiXhosa, foundation to improve additional languages, interactive and structure-based strategies, and assets and drawbacks while creating resources with community members. The findings of this study indicated that multiple community members sometimes used their mother tongue to aid in the development of understanding additional languages, English and Afrikaans. They needed to learn the crucial roles they played in students' language development since they were the ones that could make those vital connections. The research participants needed an idea of the methods that could be used to design their translingual storybooks. They indicated that they wanted to work with other community members and wanted steps to follow to design these storybooks. The researcher had to present them with ideas of methods that fit their needs. The researcher knew that every study has assets and drawbacks depending on their view, the study's iii aims and goals, and the research question. It was found that the assets outweighed the drawbacks since the participants were an eager group of individuals. The research participants in this study come with a wide variety of knowledge about the needs of their community based on their experiences. They all have different job descriptions, but what brings them together is their desire to improve the community reading resources to improve their linguistic knowledge. The research participants designed the translingual storybooks at home and shared the data via WhatsApp. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, School for initial Teacher Education, 2023
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- Date Issued: 2023-04