Employment and diversity in the cultural and creative industries in South Africa: research note
- Authors: Snowball, Jeanette D
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/71493 , vital:29858 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC188591
- Description: The publication of Richard Florida's (2002) The Rise of the Creative Class marked a growing international interest in the creative economy. There are several ways of understanding the creative economy, often divided into the cultural and creative industries. Cultural industries are those whose major outputs have some symbolic value, such as fine arts, film and craft, jewelry design, publishing and fashion. Creative industries are defined more broadly as those that have knowledge as their major input. In addition to cultural goods and services, these include things like software design and internet services. UNESCO (2009) provides guidelines for defining the cultural and creative industries and the ways in which they can be measured, but there is currently no international consensus. Nor is there likely to be, since different countries will have very different levels of involvement and focus that may shape what information is useful, for example, for shaping policy.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Snowball, Jeanette D
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/71493 , vital:29858 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC188591
- Description: The publication of Richard Florida's (2002) The Rise of the Creative Class marked a growing international interest in the creative economy. There are several ways of understanding the creative economy, often divided into the cultural and creative industries. Cultural industries are those whose major outputs have some symbolic value, such as fine arts, film and craft, jewelry design, publishing and fashion. Creative industries are defined more broadly as those that have knowledge as their major input. In addition to cultural goods and services, these include things like software design and internet services. UNESCO (2009) provides guidelines for defining the cultural and creative industries and the ways in which they can be measured, but there is currently no international consensus. Nor is there likely to be, since different countries will have very different levels of involvement and focus that may shape what information is useful, for example, for shaping policy.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2016
Enablers and barriers to involvement in commercialisation
- Authors: Chetty, Mary-Ann T
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Commercialism , Entrepreneurship , Technology transfer
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4720 , vital:20657
- Description: Universities are facing growing pressure to contribute towards innovation which has social impact and which contributes to economic development. Researchers mainly in the Science and Engineering fields are the primary sources of innovation outputs from universities and as such their involvement in commercialisation activities directly adds to the growth of innovative outputs from publicly financed research. Technology Transfer Offices (TTO) have been established at universities across South Africa to foster the involvement of researchers in commercialisation activities, to champion the innovation conversation within higher education institutions and to progress innovations from concept to application in society. This study focussed on understanding the factors which enable or create a barrier to the involvement of researchers in commercialisation activities at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. The key elements examined in this study include the researchers’ perception of enablers (monetary and nonmonetary incentives) and barriers to involvement at national, institutional and individual levels. This study undertook to understand the perceptions of researchers of enablers and barriers to involvement in commercialisation at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. Researchers in the two faculties of Science and Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology were approached to anonymously complete an electronic survey, the questions for which were developed from literature. The results from the survey were analysed using descriptive statistics and hypothesis testing. This study finds that a combination of incentives is necessary to enable researcher involvement and to lower barriers to involvement in commercialisation research. A set of recommendations based on the study are put forward on how such recommendations can be implemented.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Chetty, Mary-Ann T
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Commercialism , Entrepreneurship , Technology transfer
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4720 , vital:20657
- Description: Universities are facing growing pressure to contribute towards innovation which has social impact and which contributes to economic development. Researchers mainly in the Science and Engineering fields are the primary sources of innovation outputs from universities and as such their involvement in commercialisation activities directly adds to the growth of innovative outputs from publicly financed research. Technology Transfer Offices (TTO) have been established at universities across South Africa to foster the involvement of researchers in commercialisation activities, to champion the innovation conversation within higher education institutions and to progress innovations from concept to application in society. This study focussed on understanding the factors which enable or create a barrier to the involvement of researchers in commercialisation activities at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. The key elements examined in this study include the researchers’ perception of enablers (monetary and nonmonetary incentives) and barriers to involvement at national, institutional and individual levels. This study undertook to understand the perceptions of researchers of enablers and barriers to involvement in commercialisation at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. Researchers in the two faculties of Science and Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology were approached to anonymously complete an electronic survey, the questions for which were developed from literature. The results from the survey were analysed using descriptive statistics and hypothesis testing. This study finds that a combination of incentives is necessary to enable researcher involvement and to lower barriers to involvement in commercialisation research. A set of recommendations based on the study are put forward on how such recommendations can be implemented.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Enactivism as a powerful theoretical framework for research and tool to reflect on my own role as a supervisor:
- Authors: Schäfer, Marc
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/141102 , vital:37944 , DOI: 10.1080/18117295.2016.1243938
- Description: Enactivism, as an interesting and useful theoretical underpinning is gaining traction in Mathematics Education research. It forms the central theme of this paper whose aim is two-fold: first to describe and engage with how elements of enactivism informed a PhD study, both on a theoretical and analytical level, and second to reflect on the enacted role of the supervisor of this study. Despite the inevitable embodied relationship between the supervisor and the supervised PhD project, it is not often written about. This paper thus attempts to address this. The PhD study in question used constructs of enactivism such as autonomy, sense-making, emergence, embodiment and experience to design a pre-service mathematics education programme and then explored the growth of student teachers’ mathematical identity and disposition in their development of becoming mathematics teachers. The PhD supervision process was framed by the enactivist notion that learning and the construction of meaning and knowledge is co-created by the lecturer, the student and the particular context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Schäfer, Marc
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/141102 , vital:37944 , DOI: 10.1080/18117295.2016.1243938
- Description: Enactivism, as an interesting and useful theoretical underpinning is gaining traction in Mathematics Education research. It forms the central theme of this paper whose aim is two-fold: first to describe and engage with how elements of enactivism informed a PhD study, both on a theoretical and analytical level, and second to reflect on the enacted role of the supervisor of this study. Despite the inevitable embodied relationship between the supervisor and the supervised PhD project, it is not often written about. This paper thus attempts to address this. The PhD study in question used constructs of enactivism such as autonomy, sense-making, emergence, embodiment and experience to design a pre-service mathematics education programme and then explored the growth of student teachers’ mathematical identity and disposition in their development of becoming mathematics teachers. The PhD supervision process was framed by the enactivist notion that learning and the construction of meaning and knowledge is co-created by the lecturer, the student and the particular context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Encompassing the relative non-target risks from agents and their alien plant targets in biological control assessments
- Downey, Paul O, Paterson, Iain D
- Authors: Downey, Paul O , Paterson, Iain D
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/417940 , vital:71496 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s10526-016-9744-1"
- Description: Criticisms about the safety of biological control of alien plants has resulted in a risk-averse approach, where the risks posed by the agent are paramount and the risks posed by the alien plant are neglected. We argue that the risk associated with non-target damage from agents needs to be assessed relative to that of their target alien plants. A literature review of the non-target risks associated with biological control agents was undertaken in terms of the risk to native species from agents relative to the risk to native species from their alien plant targets. We then developed a framework that compares the consequence with the likelihood of non-target damage for both agents and their targets to provide an overall risk rating. Assessments of the risk of damage from both agents and their target alien plants will enable researchers, managers and policy makers to better assess the risks from biological control.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Downey, Paul O , Paterson, Iain D
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/417940 , vital:71496 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s10526-016-9744-1"
- Description: Criticisms about the safety of biological control of alien plants has resulted in a risk-averse approach, where the risks posed by the agent are paramount and the risks posed by the alien plant are neglected. We argue that the risk associated with non-target damage from agents needs to be assessed relative to that of their target alien plants. A literature review of the non-target risks associated with biological control agents was undertaken in terms of the risk to native species from agents relative to the risk to native species from their alien plant targets. We then developed a framework that compares the consequence with the likelihood of non-target damage for both agents and their targets to provide an overall risk rating. Assessments of the risk of damage from both agents and their target alien plants will enable researchers, managers and policy makers to better assess the risks from biological control.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Encouraging pro-environmental behaviour: energy use and recycling at Rhodes University, South Africa
- Mtutu, Paidamoyo, Thondhlana, Gladman
- Authors: Mtutu, Paidamoyo , Thondhlana, Gladman
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/67743 , vital:29136 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.habitatint.2015.11.031
- Description: Publisher version , The rapid expansion of student numbers, staff and support infrastructures in higher education institutions often result in increased demand for resources such as energy and paper. Promoting pro-environmental behaviour is critical if higher education institutions are to achieve sustainable resource use. Using surveys, reported energy use and recycling behaviour of staff and students in the Faculty of Education at Rhodes University, South Africa was explored. The results showed that self-reported pro-environmental behaviour was mediated by demographic factors and personal values such as ‘liking of aesthetic beauty and biodiversity’, ‘social relations’, ‘a varied life’ and ‘freedom’. Personal values, though key in shaping participants' attitudes toward the environment did not always translate into pro-environmental behaviour. Situational factors beyond the control of participants were cited as barriers to pro-environmental actions. Lessons from this study point to the need to carefully study the assumptions underlying intervention strategies aimed at promoting pro-environmental behaviour and to get rid of barriers to enable pro-environmental actions.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2016
Encouraging pro-environmental behaviour: energy use and recycling at Rhodes University, South Africa
- Authors: Mtutu, Paidamoyo , Thondhlana, Gladman
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/67743 , vital:29136 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.habitatint.2015.11.031
- Description: Publisher version , The rapid expansion of student numbers, staff and support infrastructures in higher education institutions often result in increased demand for resources such as energy and paper. Promoting pro-environmental behaviour is critical if higher education institutions are to achieve sustainable resource use. Using surveys, reported energy use and recycling behaviour of staff and students in the Faculty of Education at Rhodes University, South Africa was explored. The results showed that self-reported pro-environmental behaviour was mediated by demographic factors and personal values such as ‘liking of aesthetic beauty and biodiversity’, ‘social relations’, ‘a varied life’ and ‘freedom’. Personal values, though key in shaping participants' attitudes toward the environment did not always translate into pro-environmental behaviour. Situational factors beyond the control of participants were cited as barriers to pro-environmental actions. Lessons from this study point to the need to carefully study the assumptions underlying intervention strategies aimed at promoting pro-environmental behaviour and to get rid of barriers to enable pro-environmental actions.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2016
Energy management system for the diagnosis and control of an automatic guided vehicle
- Authors: Church, Stuart Michael
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Automated guided vehicle systems , Mechatronics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEng
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4798 , vital:20681
- Description: With the increase in electronic equipment implemented in various systems, as well as the increase in calculating power that these devices offer, designers are being empowered to make use of this power in real-time systems to diagnose and protect the systems themselves. This reasoning is too compounded by the focus on efficiency and safety in the design of complex systems, as well as the increasing expense and sensitivity of the electronic components themselves. With this in mind, this dissertation aims at developing a comprehensive measurement, control and reaction system for the electrical diagnosis and ultimately optimisation of complex electrical and electronic systems. This system will serve as a real-time diagnosis tool, which will enable the real-time diagnosis of various components in an electro-mechanical system, which can then be interpreted to determine the working state of the various components. Another sphere of this project will involve the accurate monitoring of the battery status as well as actively balancing the series connected batteries. The focus on the batteries will seek to prolong the life of the batteries, while being able to squeeze as much capacity out of them. The initial design and testing will be based on an AGV system implemented at VWSA, however a main goal throughout the design process will be modularity, i.e. the ease of implementation of this system in other systems. The key technologies used in the development of this system will still comprise of the components used in the original AGV, however new prototype components sourced from Microcare are used for the battery management system, while current sensors directly connected to the PLC’s analog input ports will be used for the active monitoring of currents distributed through the AGV.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Church, Stuart Michael
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Automated guided vehicle systems , Mechatronics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEng
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4798 , vital:20681
- Description: With the increase in electronic equipment implemented in various systems, as well as the increase in calculating power that these devices offer, designers are being empowered to make use of this power in real-time systems to diagnose and protect the systems themselves. This reasoning is too compounded by the focus on efficiency and safety in the design of complex systems, as well as the increasing expense and sensitivity of the electronic components themselves. With this in mind, this dissertation aims at developing a comprehensive measurement, control and reaction system for the electrical diagnosis and ultimately optimisation of complex electrical and electronic systems. This system will serve as a real-time diagnosis tool, which will enable the real-time diagnosis of various components in an electro-mechanical system, which can then be interpreted to determine the working state of the various components. Another sphere of this project will involve the accurate monitoring of the battery status as well as actively balancing the series connected batteries. The focus on the batteries will seek to prolong the life of the batteries, while being able to squeeze as much capacity out of them. The initial design and testing will be based on an AGV system implemented at VWSA, however a main goal throughout the design process will be modularity, i.e. the ease of implementation of this system in other systems. The key technologies used in the development of this system will still comprise of the components used in the original AGV, however new prototype components sourced from Microcare are used for the battery management system, while current sensors directly connected to the PLC’s analog input ports will be used for the active monitoring of currents distributed through the AGV.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Engendering the meaningful use of electronic medical records: a South African perspective
- Chipfumbu, Colletor Tendeukai
- Authors: Chipfumbu, Colletor Tendeukai
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Electronic records -- South Africa -- Management Information storage and retrieval systems -- Management , Medical records -- South Africa Medical records -- Data processing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18420 , vital:28635
- Description: Theoretically, the use of Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) holds promise of numerous benefits in healthcare provision, including improvement in continuity of care, quality of care and safety. However, in practice, there is evidence that the adoption of electronic medical records has been slow and where adopted, often lacks meaningful use. Thus there is a clear dichotomy between the ambitions for EMR use and the reality of EMR implementation. In the USA, a legislative approach was taken to turn around the situation. Other countries such as Canada and European countries have followed suit (in their own way) to address the adoption and meaningful use of electronic medical records. The South African e-Health strategy and the National Health Normative Standards Framework for Interoperability in eHealth in South Africa documents both recommend the adoption of EMRs. Much work has been done to establish a baseline for standards to ensure interoperability and data portability of healthcare applications and data. However, even with the increased focus on e-Health, South Africa remains excessively reliant on paper-based medical records. Where health information technologies have been adopted, there is lack of coordination between and within provinces, leading to a multitude of systems and vendors. Thus there is a lack of systematic adoption and meaningful use of EMRs in South Africa. The main objective of this research is to develop the components required to engender meaningful use of electronic medical records in the South African healthcare context. The main contributors are identified as EMR certification and consistent, proper use of certified EMRs. Literature review, a Delphi study and logical argumentation are used to develop the relevant components for the South African healthcare context. The benefits of EMRs can only be realized through systematic adoption and meaningful use of EMRs, thus this research contributes to providing a road map for engendering the meaningful use of EMRs with the ultimate aim of improving healthcare in the South African healthcare landscape.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Chipfumbu, Colletor Tendeukai
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Electronic records -- South Africa -- Management Information storage and retrieval systems -- Management , Medical records -- South Africa Medical records -- Data processing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18420 , vital:28635
- Description: Theoretically, the use of Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) holds promise of numerous benefits in healthcare provision, including improvement in continuity of care, quality of care and safety. However, in practice, there is evidence that the adoption of electronic medical records has been slow and where adopted, often lacks meaningful use. Thus there is a clear dichotomy between the ambitions for EMR use and the reality of EMR implementation. In the USA, a legislative approach was taken to turn around the situation. Other countries such as Canada and European countries have followed suit (in their own way) to address the adoption and meaningful use of electronic medical records. The South African e-Health strategy and the National Health Normative Standards Framework for Interoperability in eHealth in South Africa documents both recommend the adoption of EMRs. Much work has been done to establish a baseline for standards to ensure interoperability and data portability of healthcare applications and data. However, even with the increased focus on e-Health, South Africa remains excessively reliant on paper-based medical records. Where health information technologies have been adopted, there is lack of coordination between and within provinces, leading to a multitude of systems and vendors. Thus there is a lack of systematic adoption and meaningful use of EMRs in South Africa. The main objective of this research is to develop the components required to engender meaningful use of electronic medical records in the South African healthcare context. The main contributors are identified as EMR certification and consistent, proper use of certified EMRs. Literature review, a Delphi study and logical argumentation are used to develop the relevant components for the South African healthcare context. The benefits of EMRs can only be realized through systematic adoption and meaningful use of EMRs, thus this research contributes to providing a road map for engendering the meaningful use of EMRs with the ultimate aim of improving healthcare in the South African healthcare landscape.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Enhanced nonlinear optical responses of zinc diaminopyrimidin-2-ylthio phthalocyanine conjugated to AgxAuy alloy nanoparticles
- Bankole, Owolabi M, Osifeko, Olawale, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Bankole, Owolabi M , Osifeko, Olawale , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/240382 , vital:50829 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotochem.2016.06.025"
- Description: In this article, the photophysical and nonlinear optical (NLO) characterizations of diaminopyrimidin-2-ylthio phthalocyaninatozinc (II) (2) before and after conjugation to AgxAuy nano-alloys are discussed. Phthalocyanines-AgxAuy (2-AgxAuy) composites showed enhanced triplet state and nonlinear optical behaviour when compared to free phthalocyanine. Optical limiting (OL) responses of the samples were evaluated using Z-scan technique at 532 nm and 10 ns in dimethyl sulfoxide. Reverse saturable absorption (RSA), which is a direct consequence of triplet absorption of already excited molecules was observed as the dominant mechanism responsible for nonlinearity of the samples. By virtue of the magnitude of absorption coefficients and other NLO optical parameters estimated in this work, 2-AgxAuy composites were found to exhibit stronger optical limiting responses than unconjugated phthalocyanine. The large third-order susceptibilities of the composites make them suitable materials for attenuating modern laser radiations, and also found useful in various optical applications.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Bankole, Owolabi M , Osifeko, Olawale , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/240382 , vital:50829 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotochem.2016.06.025"
- Description: In this article, the photophysical and nonlinear optical (NLO) characterizations of diaminopyrimidin-2-ylthio phthalocyaninatozinc (II) (2) before and after conjugation to AgxAuy nano-alloys are discussed. Phthalocyanines-AgxAuy (2-AgxAuy) composites showed enhanced triplet state and nonlinear optical behaviour when compared to free phthalocyanine. Optical limiting (OL) responses of the samples were evaluated using Z-scan technique at 532 nm and 10 ns in dimethyl sulfoxide. Reverse saturable absorption (RSA), which is a direct consequence of triplet absorption of already excited molecules was observed as the dominant mechanism responsible for nonlinearity of the samples. By virtue of the magnitude of absorption coefficients and other NLO optical parameters estimated in this work, 2-AgxAuy composites were found to exhibit stronger optical limiting responses than unconjugated phthalocyanine. The large third-order susceptibilities of the composites make them suitable materials for attenuating modern laser radiations, and also found useful in various optical applications.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Enhancing clinical preparedness of basic midwifery students: perceptions of midwifery educators
- Authors: Vuso, Virginia Zanyiwe
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Midwifery -- Study and teaching Childbirth -- Study and teaching -- South Africa Nursing -- Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13204 , vital:27161
- Description: Since the inception of the student supernumerary status, both globally and in South Africa, nursing and midwifery educators have been concerned about the clinical competencies of their students. Student clinical competency levels in South Africa are critical to midwifery practice, especially as most litigation against the Department of Health in South Africa concerns negligence in midwifery practice. In addition, the litigations mostly involve newly qualified midwives, thus suggesting a link with practice competency levels. Several challenges exist in the academic and practice environments regarding student learning, practice and clinical preparedness. Lack of support during clinical placement and a lack of facilities for use during clinical practice modules are among these challenges. Some students, due to the challenges they face with clinical learning and practice, fail to meet the practical competencies for examination entry requirements. Consequently, some of these students have to repeat the year or exit the programme. The current study sought to identify how to assist midwifery educators in their activities to prepare students for clinical placement readiness. The first objective of the study was to explore and describe the perceptions of midwifery educators regarding the need for additional measures to enhance the clinical preparedness of basic midwifery students before they are allocated to the clinical areas. The second objective sought to make recommendations that would further assist the midwifery educators to clinically prepare midwifery students before being allocated and placed in different clinical areas. A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual research design was used for the study and the study was conducted at a nursing college in the Eastern Cape Province from August 2014 to January 2016. The research population consisted of midwifery educators at a nursing college and a purposive sampling technique was used guided by set criteria. Data were collected using focus group interviews. Four focus groups were used making a total of 17 participants. The principles applied for data analysis were those of Tesch’s method of data analysis, which were used to develop the themes and sub-themes. An independent coder assisted with the coding of the data for the purposes of trustworthiness. In addition, Lincoln and Guba’s model of trustworthiness consisting of the criteria of credibility, transferability, dependability and conformability was used to confirm the validity of the study while the ethical principles adopted were informed consent, justice, non-maleficence, privacy and confidentiality. The study found that the participants perceived numerous challenges that hindered the clinical preparedness of their students. These related to increased workload, lack of support from management and a lack of commitment on the part of students towards their studies. The participants also identified inconsistencies in clinical practice between the clinical midwives and the educators, and even among the educators themselves. This lack of consistency in turn causes confusion among the students and thus impacts negatively on their clinical practice preparedness. Based on these findings recommendations for clinical nursing practice, nursing education and research were made.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Vuso, Virginia Zanyiwe
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Midwifery -- Study and teaching Childbirth -- Study and teaching -- South Africa Nursing -- Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13204 , vital:27161
- Description: Since the inception of the student supernumerary status, both globally and in South Africa, nursing and midwifery educators have been concerned about the clinical competencies of their students. Student clinical competency levels in South Africa are critical to midwifery practice, especially as most litigation against the Department of Health in South Africa concerns negligence in midwifery practice. In addition, the litigations mostly involve newly qualified midwives, thus suggesting a link with practice competency levels. Several challenges exist in the academic and practice environments regarding student learning, practice and clinical preparedness. Lack of support during clinical placement and a lack of facilities for use during clinical practice modules are among these challenges. Some students, due to the challenges they face with clinical learning and practice, fail to meet the practical competencies for examination entry requirements. Consequently, some of these students have to repeat the year or exit the programme. The current study sought to identify how to assist midwifery educators in their activities to prepare students for clinical placement readiness. The first objective of the study was to explore and describe the perceptions of midwifery educators regarding the need for additional measures to enhance the clinical preparedness of basic midwifery students before they are allocated to the clinical areas. The second objective sought to make recommendations that would further assist the midwifery educators to clinically prepare midwifery students before being allocated and placed in different clinical areas. A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual research design was used for the study and the study was conducted at a nursing college in the Eastern Cape Province from August 2014 to January 2016. The research population consisted of midwifery educators at a nursing college and a purposive sampling technique was used guided by set criteria. Data were collected using focus group interviews. Four focus groups were used making a total of 17 participants. The principles applied for data analysis were those of Tesch’s method of data analysis, which were used to develop the themes and sub-themes. An independent coder assisted with the coding of the data for the purposes of trustworthiness. In addition, Lincoln and Guba’s model of trustworthiness consisting of the criteria of credibility, transferability, dependability and conformability was used to confirm the validity of the study while the ethical principles adopted were informed consent, justice, non-maleficence, privacy and confidentiality. The study found that the participants perceived numerous challenges that hindered the clinical preparedness of their students. These related to increased workload, lack of support from management and a lack of commitment on the part of students towards their studies. The participants also identified inconsistencies in clinical practice between the clinical midwives and the educators, and even among the educators themselves. This lack of consistency in turn causes confusion among the students and thus impacts negatively on their clinical practice preparedness. Based on these findings recommendations for clinical nursing practice, nursing education and research were made.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Enhancing Life Sciences Teachers’ Biodiversity Knowledge
- Authors: Tshiningayamwe, Sirkka A N
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/387991 , vital:68296 , xlink:href="https://www.ajol.info/index.php/sajee/article/view/152733"
- Description: In the last two decades, South Africa has made efforts to integrate biodiversity content in its Life Sciences curriculum; however its implementation lacks systemic coherence. This is due to ineffective professional development approaches. This paper provides insights into how Life Sciences teachers in the Eastern Cape can be supported through professional learning communities (PLCs) as a potential approach to enhancing their biodiversity knowledge. PLCs are communities that provide the setting and necessary support for groups of classroom teachers to participate collectively in determining their own developmental trajectories, and to set up activities that will drive their development. The case study presented in this paper is part of a broader qualitative PhD study which explored the functionings and conversion factors in biodiversity teacher PLCs in South Africa. Drawing on teachers’ and facilitators’ experiences and the observation of the PLC approaches, the capability approach was used to analyse the functionings and conversion factors that enhance teachers’ biodiversity knowledge. The paper highlights that for PLCs to be effective approaches for professional development, they need to be aligned to teachers’ valued functionings. It also reveals that different conversion factors enable teachers’ achievements of valued functionings in the PLC. The paper aims to contribute to wider policies on capacity building for teachers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Tshiningayamwe, Sirkka A N
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/387991 , vital:68296 , xlink:href="https://www.ajol.info/index.php/sajee/article/view/152733"
- Description: In the last two decades, South Africa has made efforts to integrate biodiversity content in its Life Sciences curriculum; however its implementation lacks systemic coherence. This is due to ineffective professional development approaches. This paper provides insights into how Life Sciences teachers in the Eastern Cape can be supported through professional learning communities (PLCs) as a potential approach to enhancing their biodiversity knowledge. PLCs are communities that provide the setting and necessary support for groups of classroom teachers to participate collectively in determining their own developmental trajectories, and to set up activities that will drive their development. The case study presented in this paper is part of a broader qualitative PhD study which explored the functionings and conversion factors in biodiversity teacher PLCs in South Africa. Drawing on teachers’ and facilitators’ experiences and the observation of the PLC approaches, the capability approach was used to analyse the functionings and conversion factors that enhance teachers’ biodiversity knowledge. The paper highlights that for PLCs to be effective approaches for professional development, they need to be aligned to teachers’ valued functionings. It also reveals that different conversion factors enable teachers’ achievements of valued functionings in the PLC. The paper aims to contribute to wider policies on capacity building for teachers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Entomopathogenic fungi as control agents of Thaumatotibia leucotreta in citrus orchards: field efficacy and persistence
- Coombes, Candice A, Hill, Martin P, Moore, Sean D, Dames, Joanna F
- Authors: Coombes, Candice A , Hill, Martin P , Moore, Sean D , Dames, Joanna F
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/417956 , vital:71497 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s10526-016-9756-x"
- Description: Entomopathogenic fungal isolates Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) strain G Ar 17 B3 and Metarhizium anisopliae (Metchnikoff) Sorokin (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) strain FCM Ar 23 B3 have been identified as effective control agents of the important citrus pest Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) wandering fifth instars under laboratory conditions. This study is the first report on the ability of these isolates to persist and reduce T. leucotreta infestation in commercial citrus orchards in South Africa. A reduction in pest infestation of between 28 and 82 % upon trial completion was reported. Both isolates were recovered from soil samples collected five months post-application with high host density and moderate to high soil moisture favouring recovery. Low soil moisture negatively influenced the persistence of both isolates and the control efficiency of B. bassiana. These results provide evidence and support for the future use of these isolates against T. leucotreta thus warranting further investigation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Coombes, Candice A , Hill, Martin P , Moore, Sean D , Dames, Joanna F
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/417956 , vital:71497 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s10526-016-9756-x"
- Description: Entomopathogenic fungal isolates Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) strain G Ar 17 B3 and Metarhizium anisopliae (Metchnikoff) Sorokin (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) strain FCM Ar 23 B3 have been identified as effective control agents of the important citrus pest Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) wandering fifth instars under laboratory conditions. This study is the first report on the ability of these isolates to persist and reduce T. leucotreta infestation in commercial citrus orchards in South Africa. A reduction in pest infestation of between 28 and 82 % upon trial completion was reported. Both isolates were recovered from soil samples collected five months post-application with high host density and moderate to high soil moisture favouring recovery. Low soil moisture negatively influenced the persistence of both isolates and the control efficiency of B. bassiana. These results provide evidence and support for the future use of these isolates against T. leucotreta thus warranting further investigation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Entrepreneurial mindset and entrepreneurial education as tools for sustainable SMES
- Authors: Mbanga, Nelisa
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship -- South Africa Small business -- South Africa New business enterprises -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11277 , vital:26905
- Description: Small and Medium Enterprises are the engines of economic development. In developing countries, they play an irreplaceable role in poverty alleviation through creation of jobs and contribution towards the countries’ gross domestic products. South Africa is faced with a challenge of high failure rate of SMEs despite the efforts by government to support and grow this sector. For a country to have a strong sustainable economy, sustainable and successful SME sector is necessary. Literature reviews have demonstrated that incorporating sustainability aspect into entrepreneurship improves the performance of businesses. Research on implementation of sustainability principles by SMEs is limited and SMEs have been left out in sustainability teachings and monitoring. The purpose of the study was to analyse the role played by entrepreneurial mind-set and entrepreneurial education on sustainability of SMEs. The research was conducted amongst 10 SME owners/managers with businesses located in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. Case study method using a semi-structured interview guide was conducted. Results were transcribed, analysed and interpreted. Results of the research demonstrated that SME owners/managers possess entrepreneurial mind-set, which is a necessity to run a successful business. There was also evidence that entrepreneurial education enhances entrepreneurial mind-set of SME owners/managers. SMEs owners/managers also demonstrated that they implement sustainability principles informally with no guiding documents. With regards to implementation of sustainability principles, there was no noticeable difference between SME owners/managers who had undergone entrepreneurship education and the ones who had not gone through entrepreneurship education. This highlighted the need to incorporate sustainability issues in entrepreneurship education courses. The study brings contribution towards building sustainable SMEs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Mbanga, Nelisa
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship -- South Africa Small business -- South Africa New business enterprises -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11277 , vital:26905
- Description: Small and Medium Enterprises are the engines of economic development. In developing countries, they play an irreplaceable role in poverty alleviation through creation of jobs and contribution towards the countries’ gross domestic products. South Africa is faced with a challenge of high failure rate of SMEs despite the efforts by government to support and grow this sector. For a country to have a strong sustainable economy, sustainable and successful SME sector is necessary. Literature reviews have demonstrated that incorporating sustainability aspect into entrepreneurship improves the performance of businesses. Research on implementation of sustainability principles by SMEs is limited and SMEs have been left out in sustainability teachings and monitoring. The purpose of the study was to analyse the role played by entrepreneurial mind-set and entrepreneurial education on sustainability of SMEs. The research was conducted amongst 10 SME owners/managers with businesses located in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. Case study method using a semi-structured interview guide was conducted. Results were transcribed, analysed and interpreted. Results of the research demonstrated that SME owners/managers possess entrepreneurial mind-set, which is a necessity to run a successful business. There was also evidence that entrepreneurial education enhances entrepreneurial mind-set of SME owners/managers. SMEs owners/managers also demonstrated that they implement sustainability principles informally with no guiding documents. With regards to implementation of sustainability principles, there was no noticeable difference between SME owners/managers who had undergone entrepreneurship education and the ones who had not gone through entrepreneurship education. This highlighted the need to incorporate sustainability issues in entrepreneurship education courses. The study brings contribution towards building sustainable SMEs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Environmental factors influencing ecotonal changes in an indigenous forest in the Keiskammahoek Forest Estate, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Kiva, Luthando
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Forest ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Forests and forestry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Forest conservation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2743 , vital:28071
- Description: This study investigates environmental factors influencing ecotonal changes in the Dontsa Forest Management Unit (FMU) of the Keiskammahoek Estate Forest which is located in the Amatole Mountains of the Eastern Cape in the Republic of South Africa. The patterns of forest edge movement were analysed to show trends of forest edge movement from 1975 to 1985, 1975 to 1992, 1975 to 2002, 1975 to 2014, 1985 to 1992, 1985 to 2002, 1985 to 2014, 1992 to 2002, 1992 to 2014 and 2002 to 2014 by digitizing and assessing the scale of forest edge movement using georeferenced aerial photographs. Belt transects were established in six sites that were selected on the basis of physiographic elements for determination of the driving forces of forest ecotonal changes. The results of the study show that the forest edge moved positive towards the grassland biome while in other sites there was contraction of the forest edge from 1975 to 2014. The findings of the study show that some forest patches moved with few individual pioneer species towards the grassland while indigenous species dominated in the ecotone area of the forest in other research sites. D whyteana, A latifolius, R melanophloes, A facultus, R prenoides, C aurea, C bispinosa, C inerme, and S martina are the plant species with high density in the forest ecotone while A latifolius, R prenoides, R melanophloes were highly distributed along the grassland area. The results also show that harvesting of Pinus patula and illegal harvesting of understory species are major factors that result in ecotonal changes of Dontsa FMU. The research sites adjacent to residential areas have experienced reduction of ecotone area as compared to the research sites in high altitude areas of the Amathole Mountains where there is less disturbance. The eastern facing aspect of the forest exhibited a high density of plants in the forest ecotone as compared to the west facing slope.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Kiva, Luthando
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Forest ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Forests and forestry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Forest conservation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2743 , vital:28071
- Description: This study investigates environmental factors influencing ecotonal changes in the Dontsa Forest Management Unit (FMU) of the Keiskammahoek Estate Forest which is located in the Amatole Mountains of the Eastern Cape in the Republic of South Africa. The patterns of forest edge movement were analysed to show trends of forest edge movement from 1975 to 1985, 1975 to 1992, 1975 to 2002, 1975 to 2014, 1985 to 1992, 1985 to 2002, 1985 to 2014, 1992 to 2002, 1992 to 2014 and 2002 to 2014 by digitizing and assessing the scale of forest edge movement using georeferenced aerial photographs. Belt transects were established in six sites that were selected on the basis of physiographic elements for determination of the driving forces of forest ecotonal changes. The results of the study show that the forest edge moved positive towards the grassland biome while in other sites there was contraction of the forest edge from 1975 to 2014. The findings of the study show that some forest patches moved with few individual pioneer species towards the grassland while indigenous species dominated in the ecotone area of the forest in other research sites. D whyteana, A latifolius, R melanophloes, A facultus, R prenoides, C aurea, C bispinosa, C inerme, and S martina are the plant species with high density in the forest ecotone while A latifolius, R prenoides, R melanophloes were highly distributed along the grassland area. The results also show that harvesting of Pinus patula and illegal harvesting of understory species are major factors that result in ecotonal changes of Dontsa FMU. The research sites adjacent to residential areas have experienced reduction of ecotone area as compared to the research sites in high altitude areas of the Amathole Mountains where there is less disturbance. The eastern facing aspect of the forest exhibited a high density of plants in the forest ecotone as compared to the west facing slope.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Environmental management in military activities of the South African National Defence Force
- Authors: Magagula, Hezekiel Bheki
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: South Africa -- South African Defence Force Military bases -- Environmental aspects Hazardous waste site remediation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5927 , vital:29430
- Description: This thesis presents research findings on current environmental management practices used by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). Two case studies are presented; the first is the Grahamstown Military Installation (6 South African Infantry Battalion) and the second the South African Army Combat Training Centre (42 Brigade). A combination of three sampling techniques, namely, the stratified, purposive and link-tracing (snowball) samplings were employed and structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews with key SANDF officials were used as primary data. In addition, secondary data sources in the form of inter alia the first and second editions of the Environmental Management Plan for Defence (2001 & 2008 respectively); the development and implementation of environmental education and training in the military: a joint United States-Republic of South Africa Environmental Working Group Project (2003); Overarching Strategic Statement for 2011; Integrated Environmental Management Information Series: Linking Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Management Systems (2004); The Department of Defence Strategic Plan (2010): Republic of South Africa and the South African Defence Review (2012) were studied. In addition, field observations were also carried out within the two military installations training areas between July, 2011 and November, 2013. Primary data on the conditions of training areas, waste removal after training exercises, pollution prevention measures, and rehabilitation efforts to restore degraded training ranges were collected. Furthermore, composite surface sediment samples and water samples were collected for analysis. A total of fifty-six surface sediments and thirty water samples were analysed for the concentrations of heavy metals using the ICP-MS. These attitudes and perceptions are predominantly positive. Statistical analysis (ANOVA) did not reveal any significant differences in responses, especially, between military ranks. However, sporadic significant differences were found in five of the statements in the questionnaire from respondents with different service periods. Furthermore, the emphasis placed on environmental protection within defence force activities worldwide has compelled the South African Department of Defence and Military Veterans (DoDMV) to regulate the management of the environment within its properties. Yet, these efforts have faced numerous challenges ranging from financial to human resource deficiencies. It was found that environmental management practices and programmes at different military installations vary significantly. Consequently, six environmental management programmes were identified at South African Army Combat Training Centre, while only one environmental management programme was identified at Grahamstown Military Installation. This programme is a collaborative effort between the SANDF/DoDMV and the Department of Water Affairs and Sanitation to eradicate invasive alien plant species. In the light of the analysis of official documents and interviews with respondents, it was established that the DoDMV does not have a budget for environmental management services and environmental management is yet to be incorporated into formal military training programmes. There is a severe shortage of environmentally qualified and knowledgeable personnel within the SANDF. Subsequently, all these drawbacks lead to the failure of the implementation of the Defence Force’s Environmental Management System (EMS) and inadequate management of the environment at military installations of the SANDF. Consequently, these challenges have severely compromised the commitment of the SANDF to honour its environmental management obligations. Such deficiencies tend to undermine the sustainable utilisation of the national assets entrusted to the Defence Force. Therefore, this thesis argues that environmental management programmes for the SANDF are based on a very weak foundation. This thesis proposes an ideal model for the successful implementation of the EMS and management of the environment at SANDF military installations. The analysis of water and soil samples led to the identification and quantification of heavy mental pollutants. The concentrations of heavy metals in water samples were varying between <0.01 to <0.05mg/l, but generally constant. Thus, no significant or meaningful statistical results were obtained. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to analyse the concentrations of heavy metals obtained in the sediment samples.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Magagula, Hezekiel Bheki
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: South Africa -- South African Defence Force Military bases -- Environmental aspects Hazardous waste site remediation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5927 , vital:29430
- Description: This thesis presents research findings on current environmental management practices used by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). Two case studies are presented; the first is the Grahamstown Military Installation (6 South African Infantry Battalion) and the second the South African Army Combat Training Centre (42 Brigade). A combination of three sampling techniques, namely, the stratified, purposive and link-tracing (snowball) samplings were employed and structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews with key SANDF officials were used as primary data. In addition, secondary data sources in the form of inter alia the first and second editions of the Environmental Management Plan for Defence (2001 & 2008 respectively); the development and implementation of environmental education and training in the military: a joint United States-Republic of South Africa Environmental Working Group Project (2003); Overarching Strategic Statement for 2011; Integrated Environmental Management Information Series: Linking Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Management Systems (2004); The Department of Defence Strategic Plan (2010): Republic of South Africa and the South African Defence Review (2012) were studied. In addition, field observations were also carried out within the two military installations training areas between July, 2011 and November, 2013. Primary data on the conditions of training areas, waste removal after training exercises, pollution prevention measures, and rehabilitation efforts to restore degraded training ranges were collected. Furthermore, composite surface sediment samples and water samples were collected for analysis. A total of fifty-six surface sediments and thirty water samples were analysed for the concentrations of heavy metals using the ICP-MS. These attitudes and perceptions are predominantly positive. Statistical analysis (ANOVA) did not reveal any significant differences in responses, especially, between military ranks. However, sporadic significant differences were found in five of the statements in the questionnaire from respondents with different service periods. Furthermore, the emphasis placed on environmental protection within defence force activities worldwide has compelled the South African Department of Defence and Military Veterans (DoDMV) to regulate the management of the environment within its properties. Yet, these efforts have faced numerous challenges ranging from financial to human resource deficiencies. It was found that environmental management practices and programmes at different military installations vary significantly. Consequently, six environmental management programmes were identified at South African Army Combat Training Centre, while only one environmental management programme was identified at Grahamstown Military Installation. This programme is a collaborative effort between the SANDF/DoDMV and the Department of Water Affairs and Sanitation to eradicate invasive alien plant species. In the light of the analysis of official documents and interviews with respondents, it was established that the DoDMV does not have a budget for environmental management services and environmental management is yet to be incorporated into formal military training programmes. There is a severe shortage of environmentally qualified and knowledgeable personnel within the SANDF. Subsequently, all these drawbacks lead to the failure of the implementation of the Defence Force’s Environmental Management System (EMS) and inadequate management of the environment at military installations of the SANDF. Consequently, these challenges have severely compromised the commitment of the SANDF to honour its environmental management obligations. Such deficiencies tend to undermine the sustainable utilisation of the national assets entrusted to the Defence Force. Therefore, this thesis argues that environmental management programmes for the SANDF are based on a very weak foundation. This thesis proposes an ideal model for the successful implementation of the EMS and management of the environment at SANDF military installations. The analysis of water and soil samples led to the identification and quantification of heavy mental pollutants. The concentrations of heavy metals in water samples were varying between <0.01 to <0.05mg/l, but generally constant. Thus, no significant or meaningful statistical results were obtained. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to analyse the concentrations of heavy metals obtained in the sediment samples.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Epistemological access in a science foundation course: a social realist perspective
- Authors: Ellery, Karen
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:1335 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1021309
- Description: This dissertation examines how educational practices of a multidisciplinary, integrated science foundation course, Introduction to Science Concepts and Methods (ISCM), at Rhodes University in South Africa, enable and/or constrain epistemological access to a range of mainstream science disciplines. Students in the ISCM course are mainly African, working-class, first-generation higher education learners whose home language is seldom English. This study is motivated firstly by poor success of working-class African students in higher education in South Africa in general and in the sciences in particular, and secondly by the need for closely theorised, empirical work to guide necessary transformational change that will contribute to equity and, thus, to greater social justice. Since I teach in ISCM and coordinate the programme in which it is located, I also have a personal and professional interest in improving my own practice. Conceptually the study draws on Morrow’s (2007, 2009) and various literacy theorists interpretations of the concept of epistemological access, which in this study is about becoming and being a participant in an academic practice by virtue of learning both the knowledge as well as the norms, values and beliefs that constitute the practice. Theoretically and analytically the study draws on Maton’s (2014a) Legitimation Code Theory (LCT) and on various aspects of Bernstein’s (2000) code theory work. Codes are the organising principles or ‘rules of the game’ of practices and code theory is premised on the idea that power and control in education systems manifest themselves through the structural and interactional aspects of educational practices, and therefore have the capacity to include or exclude. Analysing educational practices using code theory enables characterisation of the practices, highlights their underpinning principles, and allows for their effects to be considered. This layered approach to analysis indicates that a critical realist depth ontology serves as an underlabourer to code theory. The desired ‘effect’ of educational practices in this study, is students gaining epistemological access to science, or science disciplines, in higher education. The overall approach is a single, in-depth, qualitative case study with a primary focus on what is legitimated in ISCM educational practices (curriculum, pedagogy, assessment) and how students respond to these practices. A lesser focus is how ex-ISCM students are responding to educational practices in the first-year, first-semester Cell Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences and Physics mainstream courses, and whether they are attaining epistemological access. To examine educational practices in ISCM and mainstream courses data from document analysis, interviews, observations and critical reflections are analysed through developing external languages of description. The two LCT code dimensions of Specialisation (what or who specialises a practice) and Semantics (how meaning relates to context and empirical referents) are used to examine curriculum, Bernstein’s (2000) framing of the regulative and instructional discourses are drawn on in considering pedagogy, and an adapted cognitive process level model assists in analysing assessment practices. To examine student responses to educational practices Bernstein’s (ibid.) concept of acquisition of recognition and realisation rules is used. Since ISCM serves the dual purpose of developing scientific conceptual knowledge, as well as supporting student learning in an academic context, a complex picture of practices and underpinning codes emerges. Based on epistemological concerns of developing students as scientists, ISCM legitimates an epistemic-context knowledge code and a rhizomatic/worldly curriculum code. If students produce the legitimated epistemic-context scientific ‘text’, they have attained epistemic access. Based on axiological concerns of the learning context, ISCM also legitimates a learning-context knower code. By producing the legitimate learning-context ‘text’ of an autonomous, self-regulated science learner, students demonstrate they have attained learning-context access. Both forms of access are key for student success, and combined they constitute epistemological access. The findings of the study indicate that framing and legitimation of educational practices in ISCM, by most accounts, should be promoting epistemological access. When epistemological access is not attained in ISCM it is suggested this is likely due to both a code clash at the learning-context level and competing code demands between epistemic-context and learning-context concerns. Poor access in mainstream courses appears to be exacerbated by both a narrow-based knowledge code and little or no support for a learning-context knower code. The study concludes by outlining a two-tiered conceptual model of epistemological access in the sciences based on the mutually integrative components of epistemic- and learning-context access. Because of inequitable outcomes in science mainstream courses at Rhodes University based on race and/or class I argue for far-reaching transformative pedagogies throughout the faculty, and in the broader South African science higher education sector, that address and accommodate issues of diversity and difference. This should include, amongst other things, a weakening of epistemic relations to create space for a strengthening of learning-context social relations. This is not a suggestion to move away from a science knowledge code, which I argue is based on powerful knowledge to which all students must gain access, but instead a shift in emphasis to better support previously educationally disenfranchised students and to understand in a more rigorous manner what epistemological access means to them as individuals. In light of the recent disruptive and angry student calls for decolonisation of the curriculum, this is an urgent imperative.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Ellery, Karen
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:1335 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1021309
- Description: This dissertation examines how educational practices of a multidisciplinary, integrated science foundation course, Introduction to Science Concepts and Methods (ISCM), at Rhodes University in South Africa, enable and/or constrain epistemological access to a range of mainstream science disciplines. Students in the ISCM course are mainly African, working-class, first-generation higher education learners whose home language is seldom English. This study is motivated firstly by poor success of working-class African students in higher education in South Africa in general and in the sciences in particular, and secondly by the need for closely theorised, empirical work to guide necessary transformational change that will contribute to equity and, thus, to greater social justice. Since I teach in ISCM and coordinate the programme in which it is located, I also have a personal and professional interest in improving my own practice. Conceptually the study draws on Morrow’s (2007, 2009) and various literacy theorists interpretations of the concept of epistemological access, which in this study is about becoming and being a participant in an academic practice by virtue of learning both the knowledge as well as the norms, values and beliefs that constitute the practice. Theoretically and analytically the study draws on Maton’s (2014a) Legitimation Code Theory (LCT) and on various aspects of Bernstein’s (2000) code theory work. Codes are the organising principles or ‘rules of the game’ of practices and code theory is premised on the idea that power and control in education systems manifest themselves through the structural and interactional aspects of educational practices, and therefore have the capacity to include or exclude. Analysing educational practices using code theory enables characterisation of the practices, highlights their underpinning principles, and allows for their effects to be considered. This layered approach to analysis indicates that a critical realist depth ontology serves as an underlabourer to code theory. The desired ‘effect’ of educational practices in this study, is students gaining epistemological access to science, or science disciplines, in higher education. The overall approach is a single, in-depth, qualitative case study with a primary focus on what is legitimated in ISCM educational practices (curriculum, pedagogy, assessment) and how students respond to these practices. A lesser focus is how ex-ISCM students are responding to educational practices in the first-year, first-semester Cell Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences and Physics mainstream courses, and whether they are attaining epistemological access. To examine educational practices in ISCM and mainstream courses data from document analysis, interviews, observations and critical reflections are analysed through developing external languages of description. The two LCT code dimensions of Specialisation (what or who specialises a practice) and Semantics (how meaning relates to context and empirical referents) are used to examine curriculum, Bernstein’s (2000) framing of the regulative and instructional discourses are drawn on in considering pedagogy, and an adapted cognitive process level model assists in analysing assessment practices. To examine student responses to educational practices Bernstein’s (ibid.) concept of acquisition of recognition and realisation rules is used. Since ISCM serves the dual purpose of developing scientific conceptual knowledge, as well as supporting student learning in an academic context, a complex picture of practices and underpinning codes emerges. Based on epistemological concerns of developing students as scientists, ISCM legitimates an epistemic-context knowledge code and a rhizomatic/worldly curriculum code. If students produce the legitimated epistemic-context scientific ‘text’, they have attained epistemic access. Based on axiological concerns of the learning context, ISCM also legitimates a learning-context knower code. By producing the legitimate learning-context ‘text’ of an autonomous, self-regulated science learner, students demonstrate they have attained learning-context access. Both forms of access are key for student success, and combined they constitute epistemological access. The findings of the study indicate that framing and legitimation of educational practices in ISCM, by most accounts, should be promoting epistemological access. When epistemological access is not attained in ISCM it is suggested this is likely due to both a code clash at the learning-context level and competing code demands between epistemic-context and learning-context concerns. Poor access in mainstream courses appears to be exacerbated by both a narrow-based knowledge code and little or no support for a learning-context knower code. The study concludes by outlining a two-tiered conceptual model of epistemological access in the sciences based on the mutually integrative components of epistemic- and learning-context access. Because of inequitable outcomes in science mainstream courses at Rhodes University based on race and/or class I argue for far-reaching transformative pedagogies throughout the faculty, and in the broader South African science higher education sector, that address and accommodate issues of diversity and difference. This should include, amongst other things, a weakening of epistemic relations to create space for a strengthening of learning-context social relations. This is not a suggestion to move away from a science knowledge code, which I argue is based on powerful knowledge to which all students must gain access, but instead a shift in emphasis to better support previously educationally disenfranchised students and to understand in a more rigorous manner what epistemological access means to them as individuals. In light of the recent disruptive and angry student calls for decolonisation of the curriculum, this is an urgent imperative.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Equal pay for equal work
- Authors: Paul, Gary William
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Equal pay for equal work -- South Africa , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa , Pay equity -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5343 , vital:20830
- Description: The notion of Decent Work has been broadly advocated since 1999 by means of various International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions. Through these Conventions and as part of its Decent Work Agenda, the ILO strives to foster the creation of social and economic systems, capable of ensuring basic security and employment and adaptable to rapidly changing local and global economic circumstances. The Decent Work Agenda has been widely accepted as an important strategy to eradicate poverty and enable socio-economic development. It is submitted that the concept of Decent Work as contemplated by the ILO, firstly focuses on the payment of an income, which allows the working individual a good life. It secondly strives to ensure that everybody has an equal chance to develop themselves; that working conditions are safe; that there is no instance of child and forced labour; and that discrimination does not occur. The elimination of discrimination in the workplace is not only an ever-evolving pursuit, given that it continues to manifest in innumerable forms, but it has also proven to be an extremely pervasive pursuit as evidenced by the jurisdiction-specific literature review in this study. The jurisdictions focused on in this study are the United States of America, the United Kingdom and Australia. This study concerns itself with pay-related discrimination which strains ILO Conventions No 100 and 111. Convention 100 focuses on equal pay for equal work and Convention No 111 focuses on the elimination of all forms of discrimination in the workplace. In spite of extensive legislative developments in the various jurisdictions which form part of this study, enhanced by the creation of various practical mechanisms to enable the elimination of pay-related discrimination, the stubborn problem of discriminatory pay practices has survived structured and deliberate attempts to get rid of it. In South Africa, the amendment to section 6(4) of the Employment Equity Act, assented on 1 August 2014, specifically describes a difference in conditions of employment between employees of the same employer performing the same or substantially the same work or work of equal value based on any one or more of the grounds listed in section 6(1), as unfair discrimination. This amendment therefore seeks to prohibit such unfair discriminatory practices. Based on the newness of this amendment and the fact that courts have not yet delivered judgments arising from litigation related to this particular amendment, a sense of uncertainty exists with respect to the adequacy of the amended section 6 in the Employment Equity Amendment Act. If progress in the other jurisdictions in this regard is anything to go by, there is no reason to believe that the amendment to section 6 will be a panacea capable of addressing all alleged discriminatory pay practices.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Paul, Gary William
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Equal pay for equal work -- South Africa , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa , Pay equity -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5343 , vital:20830
- Description: The notion of Decent Work has been broadly advocated since 1999 by means of various International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions. Through these Conventions and as part of its Decent Work Agenda, the ILO strives to foster the creation of social and economic systems, capable of ensuring basic security and employment and adaptable to rapidly changing local and global economic circumstances. The Decent Work Agenda has been widely accepted as an important strategy to eradicate poverty and enable socio-economic development. It is submitted that the concept of Decent Work as contemplated by the ILO, firstly focuses on the payment of an income, which allows the working individual a good life. It secondly strives to ensure that everybody has an equal chance to develop themselves; that working conditions are safe; that there is no instance of child and forced labour; and that discrimination does not occur. The elimination of discrimination in the workplace is not only an ever-evolving pursuit, given that it continues to manifest in innumerable forms, but it has also proven to be an extremely pervasive pursuit as evidenced by the jurisdiction-specific literature review in this study. The jurisdictions focused on in this study are the United States of America, the United Kingdom and Australia. This study concerns itself with pay-related discrimination which strains ILO Conventions No 100 and 111. Convention 100 focuses on equal pay for equal work and Convention No 111 focuses on the elimination of all forms of discrimination in the workplace. In spite of extensive legislative developments in the various jurisdictions which form part of this study, enhanced by the creation of various practical mechanisms to enable the elimination of pay-related discrimination, the stubborn problem of discriminatory pay practices has survived structured and deliberate attempts to get rid of it. In South Africa, the amendment to section 6(4) of the Employment Equity Act, assented on 1 August 2014, specifically describes a difference in conditions of employment between employees of the same employer performing the same or substantially the same work or work of equal value based on any one or more of the grounds listed in section 6(1), as unfair discrimination. This amendment therefore seeks to prohibit such unfair discriminatory practices. Based on the newness of this amendment and the fact that courts have not yet delivered judgments arising from litigation related to this particular amendment, a sense of uncertainty exists with respect to the adequacy of the amended section 6 in the Employment Equity Amendment Act. If progress in the other jurisdictions in this regard is anything to go by, there is no reason to believe that the amendment to section 6 will be a panacea capable of addressing all alleged discriminatory pay practices.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Establishing a waste management system for Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Authors: Myamya, Luyolo Ebenezer
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Waste minimization -- South Africa Sanitary engineering -- South Africa Environmental management -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11670 , vital:26949
- Description: Communities around the globe are confronted by environmental challenges such as waste management. These challenges are further aggravated by factors such the increasing volumes of waste, landfills that are running out of capacity and scarcity of suitable land to construct new landfill sites. The National Waste Management Strategy requires participation from all members of society including households, businesses, community organisations, nongovernmental organisations, parastatals and the three spheres of government, to promote practices that minimise the volumes of waste generated. The purpose of the research was to assess and investigate the current waste management practices at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), and recommend a waste management system. The research employed a quantitative approach, where participants were asked to complete a survey questionnaire. A literature review was conducted on waste management at higher learning institutions, with particular focus on the contribution that a university can make in alleviating some of the adverse effects of waste management. The outcome of the review highlighted some of the opportunities and barriers that can either disrupt or augment the process of implementing a waste management system. The results from the research revealed that CPUT does not conform to the hierarchy of waste management, and there is no waste management policy in place. The effect of this is that the stakeholders were not satisfied with the lack of leadership on waste related challenges. By developing a policy, providing leadership, conducting awareness campaigns and prioritising environmental challenges such responsible management waste, could improve the image of the institution in the eyes if its stakeholders.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Myamya, Luyolo Ebenezer
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Waste minimization -- South Africa Sanitary engineering -- South Africa Environmental management -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11670 , vital:26949
- Description: Communities around the globe are confronted by environmental challenges such as waste management. These challenges are further aggravated by factors such the increasing volumes of waste, landfills that are running out of capacity and scarcity of suitable land to construct new landfill sites. The National Waste Management Strategy requires participation from all members of society including households, businesses, community organisations, nongovernmental organisations, parastatals and the three spheres of government, to promote practices that minimise the volumes of waste generated. The purpose of the research was to assess and investigate the current waste management practices at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), and recommend a waste management system. The research employed a quantitative approach, where participants were asked to complete a survey questionnaire. A literature review was conducted on waste management at higher learning institutions, with particular focus on the contribution that a university can make in alleviating some of the adverse effects of waste management. The outcome of the review highlighted some of the opportunities and barriers that can either disrupt or augment the process of implementing a waste management system. The results from the research revealed that CPUT does not conform to the hierarchy of waste management, and there is no waste management policy in place. The effect of this is that the stakeholders were not satisfied with the lack of leadership on waste related challenges. By developing a policy, providing leadership, conducting awareness campaigns and prioritising environmental challenges such responsible management waste, could improve the image of the institution in the eyes if its stakeholders.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Establishing the links between performance improvement programmes, maturity and performance to facilitate improvement strategy formulation
- Authors: Ebrahim, Zahier
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade , Lean manufacturing , Organizational effectiveness
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6865 , vital:21155
- Description: The automotive components manufacturing sector is facing tremendous pressure to remain competitive in a global economy. The application of performance improvement techniques to optimise factor production inputs remains a key strategic mechanism to effect the necessary change towards competitiveness. The high failure rate of these programmes, however, is a risk factor that should be considered by manufacturing firms. The investment into the implementation of these programmes will yield no return if the organisational maturity profile is not considered. The expected gains may not materialise and the execution of critical projects may take much longer than required. It is for this reason that an approach towards selecting the correct Performance Improvement Programme to optimise the performance of companies is a business imperative. Through a better understanding of the relationships between Performance Improvement Programmes and Organisational Maturity Variables, implementation success rates can increase, leading to improved results and sustainability. The approach taken to this research was quantitative in nature. Various descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to the selected respondents from the Eastern Cape automotive sector. The respondents had a working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) and Six Sigma. The research instrument was administered through an online survey. The research sought to identify whether there was a relationship amongst the variables under the three identified constructs. The research also sought to establish whether there was a difference between the specific Performance Improvement Programmes’ and Organisational Maturity Variables’ relationships. This affirmed the use of a new framework that integrates the programmes on the basis of their relationship to Organisational Maturity Variables. The research also provided insight into the challenges of the industry from a performance perspective and linked these with the relationship between Organisational Maturity Variables and Organisational Performance Variables. This allowed the researcher to include this additional insight as a consideration in the integrated implementation framework developed as part of the research. The results show that good consideration should be given to the Organisational Maturity Variables as these variables are related to the successful adoption of Performance Improvement Programmes. The research also shows that Lean Manufacturing, Total Productive Maintenance and Six Sigma are related to an organisations’ maturity profile in different ways. These results support the integrated Performance Improvement Programme approach, using a common set of tools and selecting the necessary programme specific tools based on a firm’s maturity profile. The research affords industry a framework to aid in decision making considering the relationships tested as part of this research. The linkages between Performance Programmes, Organisational Maturity Variables and Organisational Performance Variables are now more specific in nature.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Ebrahim, Zahier
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade , Lean manufacturing , Organizational effectiveness
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6865 , vital:21155
- Description: The automotive components manufacturing sector is facing tremendous pressure to remain competitive in a global economy. The application of performance improvement techniques to optimise factor production inputs remains a key strategic mechanism to effect the necessary change towards competitiveness. The high failure rate of these programmes, however, is a risk factor that should be considered by manufacturing firms. The investment into the implementation of these programmes will yield no return if the organisational maturity profile is not considered. The expected gains may not materialise and the execution of critical projects may take much longer than required. It is for this reason that an approach towards selecting the correct Performance Improvement Programme to optimise the performance of companies is a business imperative. Through a better understanding of the relationships between Performance Improvement Programmes and Organisational Maturity Variables, implementation success rates can increase, leading to improved results and sustainability. The approach taken to this research was quantitative in nature. Various descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to the selected respondents from the Eastern Cape automotive sector. The respondents had a working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) and Six Sigma. The research instrument was administered through an online survey. The research sought to identify whether there was a relationship amongst the variables under the three identified constructs. The research also sought to establish whether there was a difference between the specific Performance Improvement Programmes’ and Organisational Maturity Variables’ relationships. This affirmed the use of a new framework that integrates the programmes on the basis of their relationship to Organisational Maturity Variables. The research also provided insight into the challenges of the industry from a performance perspective and linked these with the relationship between Organisational Maturity Variables and Organisational Performance Variables. This allowed the researcher to include this additional insight as a consideration in the integrated implementation framework developed as part of the research. The results show that good consideration should be given to the Organisational Maturity Variables as these variables are related to the successful adoption of Performance Improvement Programmes. The research also shows that Lean Manufacturing, Total Productive Maintenance and Six Sigma are related to an organisations’ maturity profile in different ways. These results support the integrated Performance Improvement Programme approach, using a common set of tools and selecting the necessary programme specific tools based on a firm’s maturity profile. The research affords industry a framework to aid in decision making considering the relationships tested as part of this research. The linkages between Performance Programmes, Organisational Maturity Variables and Organisational Performance Variables are now more specific in nature.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Estuarine species and habitat :distribution and connectivity
- Veldkornet, Dimitri Allastair
- Authors: Veldkornet, Dimitri Allastair
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Estuarine ecology -- Research -- South Africa Estuarine fishes -- Speciation -- South Africa , Aquatic plants -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PHD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45388 , vital:38604
- Description: This study explored the distribution of estuarine macrophyte genetic lineages, species and habitats in relation to environmental gradients at various spatial scales. A database was assembled to determine the area and species composition of different estuarine habitats. This can now be used to retrieve information as a baseline for further monitoring and conservation planning. Research has shown that macrophytes occur over a wide range of physiochemical conditions, suggesting that these species have great genetic and phenotypic variation to occupy broad niche ranges. In eight estuaries along the South African coast, sediment and groundwater characteristics were measured in quadrants spanning the salt marsh, ecotone and terrestrial habitats. The results suggested that, in the absence of competition and disturbance at the salt marsh-terrestrial boundary, salt marshes would be unaffected by sea-level rise; and they would migrate landward. However, disturbance at the landward margin of salt marshes has already resulted in changes in species composition and altered environmental conditions. This promotes the encroachment of terrestrial alien invasive plants, leading to a loss of connectivity. A holistic assessment of land-cover changes showed that only 28% of South African estuaries still remain in a natural state. The delineation of all estuaries needs to be consistent and inclusive of all estuarine physical and biological processes, to curb future changes. The research results have been used in national assessments of estuarine health; and they have made a significant contribution to estuary-management plans. In addition, three scientific articles have been published from the thesis; and two more are currently under review.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Veldkornet, Dimitri Allastair
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Estuarine ecology -- Research -- South Africa Estuarine fishes -- Speciation -- South Africa , Aquatic plants -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PHD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45388 , vital:38604
- Description: This study explored the distribution of estuarine macrophyte genetic lineages, species and habitats in relation to environmental gradients at various spatial scales. A database was assembled to determine the area and species composition of different estuarine habitats. This can now be used to retrieve information as a baseline for further monitoring and conservation planning. Research has shown that macrophytes occur over a wide range of physiochemical conditions, suggesting that these species have great genetic and phenotypic variation to occupy broad niche ranges. In eight estuaries along the South African coast, sediment and groundwater characteristics were measured in quadrants spanning the salt marsh, ecotone and terrestrial habitats. The results suggested that, in the absence of competition and disturbance at the salt marsh-terrestrial boundary, salt marshes would be unaffected by sea-level rise; and they would migrate landward. However, disturbance at the landward margin of salt marshes has already resulted in changes in species composition and altered environmental conditions. This promotes the encroachment of terrestrial alien invasive plants, leading to a loss of connectivity. A holistic assessment of land-cover changes showed that only 28% of South African estuaries still remain in a natural state. The delineation of all estuaries needs to be consistent and inclusive of all estuarine physical and biological processes, to curb future changes. The research results have been used in national assessments of estuarine health; and they have made a significant contribution to estuary-management plans. In addition, three scientific articles have been published from the thesis; and two more are currently under review.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Evaluating farmers' perceptions and the impact of bush encroachment on herbaceous vegetation and soil nutrients in Sheshegu communal rangelands of the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Tokozwayo, Sive
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Range management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Brush -- Control -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Communal rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2733 , vital:28066
- Description: Communal rangelands occupy 13 percent of the agricultural land in South Africa, and these rangelands serve as a source of feed to livestock. These areas are threatened by bush encroachment due to poor rangeland management. This study was conducted in Alice (Sheshegu communal area) and the objective was to assess farmers' perceptions and the impact of bush encroachment on herbaceous vegetation and soil nutrients. Structured questionnaires were used to assess indigenous knowledge of communal farmers on the impact of bush encroachment on rangelands. Fourty (40) respondents from households who owned livestock were randomly selected and interviewed at Sheshegu village. About 89 percent of communal farmers perceived that change of their grasslands to encroached savannas was caused by unreliable rainfall, prolonged drought, and poor rangeland management. Rangeland assessment was performed at four sites (Scattered, Moderate, Mixed and Dense bushland. 100mx50m were demarcated per site, and four 100m transects were laid parallel to each other, 30m apart. The step point method was used to determine both species composition and basal cover. Biomass production was determined by harvesting forage within randomly-paced a 0.25m2 quadrats. Aristada congesta and Eragrostis obtuse were the most dominating grass species in dense, mixed and moderate bushland. Scattered bushland was dominated by Themeda triandra. Biomass production increases with increase in bush density and basal cover improved from winter to summer season. Increaser grass species increase with the increase in bush density, this indicated that the rangeland was poorly managed and palatable species were being replaced by less palatable ones. Species composition of woody plants was determined within a 200m2 belt transect in all sites. Maytenus polycantha, Aloe ferox, Erehia rigida and lucas capensis were the most dominant woody species in Mixed bushland while Acacia karroo was most dominated in Scattered, Moderate and Dense bushland. Woody density showed no significant differences (P> 0.05) between Dense, Mixed and Moderate bushland. Woody plant density in all these sites exceed 2500 plants/ha, which showed that the rangeland was encroached with woody plants. Soil nutrient content was determined for each site. Five samples of soil were collected per site to test the effect of bush encroachment on soil nutrient composition. The concentration of nitrogen and soil pH increased with increase in bush density, while that of potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, sodium and sulphur showed no significant differences (P>0.05) across all homogenous vegetation units. The study revealed that Sheshegu communal farmers are aware of both negative and positive effects of encroachment on their community, and also argue that the government is not willing to support communal farmers in the process of reducing the spread of bush encroachment. It was concluded that the concentration of nitrogen and soil pH increased with increasing bush density and that bush encroachment had negative effects on herbaceous species. It was recommended that communal farmers should be formulating rangeland rules and regulations to manage rangeland resources. Rangeland rules and regulations should be based on the management of livestock management during grazing and harvesting of rangeland resources. The harvesting of woody and good timing of application of fire can also reduce the spread of bush encroachment. Veld resting and rotational grazing can also improve fuel load which is required for burning of woody plants. Furthermore, Department of agriculture should also provide workshops or training to communal farmers use different approaches or cheap ways of reducing bush encroachment and conserving rangeland resources.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Tokozwayo, Sive
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Range management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Brush -- Control -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Communal rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2733 , vital:28066
- Description: Communal rangelands occupy 13 percent of the agricultural land in South Africa, and these rangelands serve as a source of feed to livestock. These areas are threatened by bush encroachment due to poor rangeland management. This study was conducted in Alice (Sheshegu communal area) and the objective was to assess farmers' perceptions and the impact of bush encroachment on herbaceous vegetation and soil nutrients. Structured questionnaires were used to assess indigenous knowledge of communal farmers on the impact of bush encroachment on rangelands. Fourty (40) respondents from households who owned livestock were randomly selected and interviewed at Sheshegu village. About 89 percent of communal farmers perceived that change of their grasslands to encroached savannas was caused by unreliable rainfall, prolonged drought, and poor rangeland management. Rangeland assessment was performed at four sites (Scattered, Moderate, Mixed and Dense bushland. 100mx50m were demarcated per site, and four 100m transects were laid parallel to each other, 30m apart. The step point method was used to determine both species composition and basal cover. Biomass production was determined by harvesting forage within randomly-paced a 0.25m2 quadrats. Aristada congesta and Eragrostis obtuse were the most dominating grass species in dense, mixed and moderate bushland. Scattered bushland was dominated by Themeda triandra. Biomass production increases with increase in bush density and basal cover improved from winter to summer season. Increaser grass species increase with the increase in bush density, this indicated that the rangeland was poorly managed and palatable species were being replaced by less palatable ones. Species composition of woody plants was determined within a 200m2 belt transect in all sites. Maytenus polycantha, Aloe ferox, Erehia rigida and lucas capensis were the most dominant woody species in Mixed bushland while Acacia karroo was most dominated in Scattered, Moderate and Dense bushland. Woody density showed no significant differences (P> 0.05) between Dense, Mixed and Moderate bushland. Woody plant density in all these sites exceed 2500 plants/ha, which showed that the rangeland was encroached with woody plants. Soil nutrient content was determined for each site. Five samples of soil were collected per site to test the effect of bush encroachment on soil nutrient composition. The concentration of nitrogen and soil pH increased with increase in bush density, while that of potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, sodium and sulphur showed no significant differences (P>0.05) across all homogenous vegetation units. The study revealed that Sheshegu communal farmers are aware of both negative and positive effects of encroachment on their community, and also argue that the government is not willing to support communal farmers in the process of reducing the spread of bush encroachment. It was concluded that the concentration of nitrogen and soil pH increased with increasing bush density and that bush encroachment had negative effects on herbaceous species. It was recommended that communal farmers should be formulating rangeland rules and regulations to manage rangeland resources. Rangeland rules and regulations should be based on the management of livestock management during grazing and harvesting of rangeland resources. The harvesting of woody and good timing of application of fire can also reduce the spread of bush encroachment. Veld resting and rotational grazing can also improve fuel load which is required for burning of woody plants. Furthermore, Department of agriculture should also provide workshops or training to communal farmers use different approaches or cheap ways of reducing bush encroachment and conserving rangeland resources.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016