List of Titles

Performance monitoring and evaluation for sustainable public service delivery: the case for the South African police service

Authors: Reddy, Michael
Date: 2012-04
Subjects: Performance -- Evaluation , Civil service -- Labor productivity
Language: English
Type: Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24399 , vital:62767
Description: The public service which is the delivery arm of government, has to rise constantly to the massive challenge of service delivery to ensure that government achieves its ideal of creating a better life for all in accordance with the people’s contract. The research analyzed the question: To what extent can monitoring and evaluation of performance provide sustainable public service delivery by the public sector? Against this milieu, the study examined the monitoring and evaluation approaches adopted by the governments of Mexico and Spain (international) and South Africa (local). Further, an analogous of both the international and local experiences was conducted in the study. The state of service delivery was examined by studying the South African Police Service. It was evidenced in the study that sustainable service delivery in the SAPS is influenced by various factors, such as performance monitoring and evaluation. Although the SAPS reported the successful achievement of certain performance targets relating to its planned activities and financial performance, it became clear that the performance monitoring and evaluation framework is not adequate to effectively address the service delivery expectations in the South African context. This thesis presents an inclusive and comprehensive approach towards performance monitoring and evaluation, which seeks to shape the South African Police Service’s current framework positively towards promoting sustainable service delivery. The features of this new proposed approach include the involvement and/ or meaningful consultation with the broad South African community, effective communication; promotion of accountability; professional and ethical standards; and expansion and development of the current and future leadership at all levels in the organization. Further, a call for greater regional and international cohesion is made, to benchmark best practices relating to performance monitoring and evaluation; this was found necessary, as a global effort is required to successfully prevent and realize a significant reduction in crime levels. The study finally presents an alternative In year Monitoring Model (IYMM) to manage the budget performance against the predetermined plan. It links the key performance areas, as contained in the cost centre’s business plan to the allocated budget; produces unique projected spending patterns (PSP) for each cost centre; thereby propelling departments from old paradigms of monitoring financial performance. The IYMM provides management with an excellent tool to monitor and evaluate performance during the year. The performance monitoring and evaluation approach and the IYMM developed in this study are flexible and adaptable, as it can be applied successfully in other government departments locally, regionally and internationally. The thesis thus proposes a pragmatic approach towards performance monitoring and evaluation that promotes sustainable service delivery in South Africa. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2012
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Studies on vine storage methods, planting techniques, paclobutrazol treatment, planting density and weevil management on sweetpotato (ipomoea batatas l.lam) cultivars promoted in South Africa

Authors: Hlerema, Igenicious Nicholas https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6111-404X
Date: 2019-09
Subjects: Sweet potatoes , Seed treatment
Language: English
Type: Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21580 , vital:49336
Description: Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L. LAM) is a major world staple food. It is a versatile, nutrient-rich crop well suited for production by emerging farmers, and thus a popular crop in subtropical parts of South Africa. The crop has several advantages such as producing more bioweight and nutrients per unit land area and per unit time than most other staple crops such as maize; adaptation to a broad range of agro-ecological conditions; and ability to compete and crowd out weeds, and affected by a relatively small number of pests and diseases. Root and vine yields achieved by emerging farmers are low and cultivation systems need to be optimized. The general objective of the research was to develop nursery practices that ensure a sustainable supply of sweetpotato planting materials and cultural practices that maximize yield, eating and nutritional quality of sweetpotato roots. The specific objectives were (i) to evaluate the effect of polyethylene and hessian bags on vine quality and vine survival period; (ii) to compare planting techniques and vine length; (iii) to determine the effect of paclobutrazol on storage root yield; and (iv) to evaluate the effect of Beauveria bassiana as biological control for sweetpotato weevil. The vine storage experiment aimed at identifying the best type of storage bags that keep the vines of “Bophelo”, an orange-fleshed sweetpotato cultivar in good quality for a longer period of time. The study involved two factors, viz storage bag type and storage period. The experiment tried to address (1) a sustainable seed system in sweetpotato and (2) production stimulated by cultural practises. Vines were stored in polyethylene bag without holes, polyethylene bag with 12 holes and dry hessian bag over 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 days at an ambient temperature of 250C. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was calculated to determine the cost-effectiveness of using the polyethylene bags with holes or without and the hessian bags. The results of the study showed that hessian bags store vines over a longer period (12 days) compared to the polyethylene bags without holes (6 days); however, hessian bags are more expensive. Polyethylene bags can still be used for transporting and storing vines if the farmer is within a short distance from the seed source and plants the vines within the 6 day period. Polyethylene bags with 12 holes are recommended since they allow maximum air circulation and extend storage period (9 days). Optimum planting techniques can help sweetpotato farmers to achieve optimal yields. Newly developed cultivars from the Agricultural Research Council have not been tested to determine the best planting techniques. A trial was conducted to investigate the effect of two planting orientations (horizontal and vertical) and different vine length (2, 3 and 4 subterranean nodes) of 3 released varieties, Blesbock, Bophelo and Ndou on storage root yield of sweetpotato. A factorial experiment was laid out in a randomised complete block design with three replications during two cropping seasons (2014/15 and 2015/16). The data collected in both experiments included total storage root yield, marketable storage root yield, and number of storage roots per size class. Significant differences were detected for the interaction of all factors on the number roots per size class, total storage root yield, and total average root weight. Vertical and horizontal planting per se showed no significance differences for all the sweetpotato root growth parameters such as total yield. However, the more the number of subterainian node the more yield we got for the commercial cultivar Blesbok. Paclobutrazol (PBZ) is a plant growth retardant hormone. This hormone might, therefore, be useful for sweetpotato growers to achieve higher plant populations per hectare because it would reduce the plant canopy. However, it should also be checked if the PBZ application does not affect nutrient content of roots and leaves, especially the beta-carotene content of the orange-fleshed cultivars. The objective of this study was, therefore, to determine the effect of PBZ on sweetpotato shoot growth, storage root yield and beta-carotene content of sweetpotato leaves and storage roots. The field trial was repeated over two seasons, namely 2014/15 and 2015/16 crop seasons. These field experiments were arranged as a split plot experiment. The main plots were allocated to four PBZ levels, laid-out as randomised complete block design, and treatment combinations of two cultivars (Bophelo and Blesbok) and two plants spacing (20 cm and 30 cm) were randomly allocated into the subplots. The PBZ levels applied were 0, 100, 200 and 300 mg of active ingredient per litre of water, sprayed 4 weeks after planting. Root yield and bioweight accumulation were recorded. In addition, a pot experiment was set up using cultivar Bophelo and 0 mg, 100 mg and 200 mg/l active ingredient of PBZ sprayed 4 weeks after planting. Leaf and root samples (150g and 400g of a composite sample respectively) were collected and analysed for total phenols, total flavonoids, vitamin C and beta-carotene. The field trial results revealed significant differences (P<0.05) in leaf and stem weight of the plants treated with different PBZ levels applied. The control (0 mg PBZ rate) had the highest leaf and stem weight. There were no significant differences in root yield among the PBZ levels. The results of leaf and root analysis for the Bophelo cultivar showed significant differences (P<0.05) in total phenols, total flavonoids, vitamin C and beta-carotene in leaf samples of the three levels of PBZ applied. The beta-carotene for the leaf increased at the 100 mg/l PBZ level. As the paclobutrazol level increased there was a reduction in the beta-carotene content for the roots from 18,91 to 13,97 to 10,77 mg/100g dry weight for 0 mg/l, 100 mg/l and 200mg/l, respectively. Application of PBZ to sweetpotato reduces the bioweight yield but does not have an effect on the root yield. Thus a higher plant density can be used to achieve higher yield and returns on investment. The leaves can be used as a relish and can be sold to supplement income. However, PBZ further reduces the beta-carotene content of the roots and is not recommended for use with orange-fleshed cultivars, where the objective is to enrich food with vitamin A. Sweetpotato weevils (Cylas puncticollis and C. formicarius) are notorious pests of sweetpotato. It causes severe losses in marketable root yield. The study tested the use of Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo Vuillemin) (Deuteromycota: Hyphomycetes) for controlling sweetpotato weevils. Experiments were conducted over two cropping seasons using four treatments: 1) dipping sweetpotato cuttings in solution of 1 g/litre B. bassiana before planting, 2) spraying with a registered chemical (Deltametrin) at 50 ml/100 litre of water starting 2 weeks after panting at biweekly basis for four months after planting, 3) spraying the leaves with B. bassiana (10 g/100 litre) starting 2 weeks on biweekly basis for four months after planting; and 4) control (sprayed with water). The research was arranged as split plot experiment, where the pest management treatments assigned to the main plots as per Latin square design and the three sweetpotato cultivars (Bophelo, Ndou and Blesbok) were randomly put in the subplot in each main plot. Spraying with B. bassiana significantly reduced the percentage of insect-damaged roots (9.95percent) compared to the control (22.48percent). Dipping sweetpotato cuttings in solution of 1 g/litre B. bassiana before planting did not significantly reduce the number of insect damaged roots (18.63percent insect damage). There was no significant difference between the chemical spray (8.2percent insect damage) and spraying with B. bassiana (9.95percent insect damage). The investigation indicated that B. bassiana can be considered as an alternative control method for the sweetpotato weevil. Use of biological control is less expensive and beneficial to reduce adverse effects on the environment and human health. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2019
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Secularization processes in Malawi and Great Britain: a comparative inquiry

Authors: Gama, Billy Lickson
Date: 2013-12
Subjects: Secularization (Theology)
Language: English
Type: Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25644 , vital:64346
Description: The major purpose of the study was to critically examine the applicability of manifestations and factors of secularization in Britain to Malawi. In examining the manifestations and factors the study had to examine the process of secularization in Britain and its causal factors using theoretical frameworks and examine manifestations and causal factors of secularization in Malawi using field research work as a major source supported by the theoretical frame works of secularization. The study was guided by the key research question, “Are the manifestations and factors of secularization in Britain applicable to Malawi?” The question was supported by other follow up questions, namely, “What were the factors that contributed to the rise of secularization in Britain?” “What is the connection between Britain and Malawi?” “To what extent does secularization in Britain affect that in Malawi?” “Does Malawi have unique factors that are specific or are the same factors at work that have contributed to the process of secularization in Britain?” The conceptual framework for this research was derived from the literature on “secularization” from different scholars, in particular, the work of Dobbelaere (2002) whose analysis of secularization provided the theoretical frame work for this study. Learning from Dobbelaere (2002) the study used three types of secularizations, namely, societal, organizational and individual. Dobbelaere (2002:24ff) distinguishes the three types of secularization in a very simple way: individual secularization, the lack of individual practice, societal secularization, the loss of influence on society, and organizational secularization as the effect on religious organizations by changes in society. The methodological approach to the study was the mixed methods approach that involved three types of research methodologies: the qualitative, quantitative and case studies approaches. Data was collected through personal and focus group interviews. It was supported by secondary sources which include books, minutes of meetings in various institutions and the internet. The study notes that all the three types of secularization are being experienced in Malawi; societal secularization has been manifested by the removal of religious connected syllabus in schools, suspension of homosexuality laws and involvement of religious leaders in different immoral issues just like non-believers. Organizational secularization has been manifested by fights among religious institutions e.g. boarder disputes that have been given as case studies in chapter five and finally the individual secularization is being manifested in Malawi as membership records indicate that there is a big decline in church attendance and participation in religious activities. New knowledge that this study is proposing is that secularization is manifested in Malawi through the partial influence from Britain because of strong links between the two countries and the effects of modernization. The study further proposes that donor influences, Islam, lack of well educated religious leaders and African Traditional Religion are the unique factors of secularization in Malawi, while modernization, urbanization, industrialization are factors that are partially applicable to Malawi, and religious pluralism is fully applicable to both Britain and Malawi as a factor of secularization. Finally the study proposes that a proper training of religious leaders is vital for the sustainability of the church as it experiences the manifestations of secularization. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2013
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Clinical governance implementation challenges in the Department of Health, Mpumalanga, South Africa

Authors: Maduna, Patrick Hawkins https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4926-1661
Date: 2022-09
Subjects: Clinical competence , Evidence-based medicine , Health services administration
Language: English
Type: Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23600 , vital:58194
Description: Clinical governance (CG) is the system through which health authorities are accountable for continuously improving the quality of their services and safeguarding high standards of care by creating an environment in which clinical excellence flourishes. South Africa is one of the countries where CG has not been successfully implemented. This study sought to explore the CG implementation challenges in the Mpumalanga province, South Africa. The study objectives included the seven pillars of CG. The study was a qualitative and exploratory, using purposive sampling technique to select study participants. A total of twenty-two (22) individuals were selected for the study. Semi-structured interviews were used for data collection. Each interview was transcribed verbatim by the researcher. Confidentiality was ensured through the coding of interviewee names. The content analysis technique was used for data analysis, using the study objectives as themes. The study found general lack of understanding of the concept of CG, poor performance of clinical audits, sub-standard clinical performance and effectiveness, poor clinical risk management, poor patient and public involvement in patient care, lack of evidence-based practice and research, inadequate training and development of healthcare workers, and sub-standard health information management across the department. The researcher recommends that the CG policy be prioritised by the Mpumalanga DOH, that systems be put in place to facilitate policy implementation, and that the departmental staff establishments at all levels, prioritise healthcare professionals in key leadership positions. In conclusion, there are numerous challenges that confront the Mpumalanga Department of Health regarding the implementation of clinical governance, requiring urgent attention. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
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Human agency and development: re-politicizing human development

Authors: Ncube, Moreblessings
Date: 2008
Subjects: Political participation , Agent (Philosophy) , Citizenship
Language: English
Type: Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26625 , vital:65680
Description: This thesis presents a value-laden understanding of development that acknowledges that development is human centered. The study re-emphasizes that human development which has become a powerful element of current development discourse is not just a social, economic and technological challenge; it is also an institutional and political challenge. The study therefore analyzes the notion of human development with the intention of improving it by placing more emphasis on the aspect of politics and human agency the ability to act and be an agent of ones life. Politics here is understood beyond its usual institutional focus or identification with government, politicians and parliaments to include a much wider and much more important and dynamic range of activities found in all human groups such as institutions and societies. The study then demonstrates that since development is a process, individuals need to work collectively towards a common good so as to realize their development potential. This means creating a confederation of development where governments, citizens and non-governmental organizations work in partnership guided by a culture of collectiveness civic culture in order to produce more empowered citizens. The major argument in this study is the concern for citizens to effectively participate in areas that affect and impact on their lives and consequently be in a position to hold accountable institutions that affect their decision making capabilities. Hence human agency in this study signifies and can be justified as an important aspect of the process of participation leading to empowerment. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2008
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Code of conduct for learners: A strategy for enhancing positive discipline in selected township schools in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal

Authors: Zondo, Sindiswa Silindokuhle
Date: 2022-03
Subjects: School discipline
Language: English
Type: Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21736 , vital:51747
Description: Ddeleting thos one delete 2 , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, 2022
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In vitro investigation of the anti-hyperglycemic and chemical composition of Heteromorpha arborescens (Spreng.) Cham leaf extracts used in the management of diabetes mellitus

Authors: Abifarin, Taiwo Oluwafunmilola https://orcid.org/00000003-4994-4638
Date: 2021-09
Subjects: Diabetes
Language: English
Type: Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22798 , vital:52760
Description: Diabetes mellitus is currently a major threat all over the world. It is a chronic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose levels and disturbance in carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism which often times leads to several complications such as, atherosclerosis, diabetic nephropathy, retinopathy and neuropathy. Due to the side effects associated with synthetic oral hypoglycemic drugs, herbal remedies have become the alternative in the management of diabetes mellitus. Heteromorpha arborescens is one of the many plants used as herbal remedies for the management of diabetes mellitus in South Africa. In addition, the roots, barks and leaves are used in other parts of Southern Africa for the treatment of mental problems, asthma, cough, dysentery and tuberculosis. The roots are fed to malnourished children in Botswana and Swaziland. However, despite the high medicinal importance, there is little or no scientificinformation to prove this claim. Therefore, the basis of this study is to determine the chemical composition as well as perform and invitro investigation of the antihyperglycemic potential of H. arborescens leaf extracts to provide information that could validate the ethno-medicinal claims for the use of this plant in the management of diabetes mellitus. Phytochemical contents and antioxidant activity of the leaf extracts were determined. Phytochemical analysis of the acetone, ethanol, aqueous and blanched extracts of H. arborescens leaves indicated that the total phenol content of the extracts ranged between 15.10 mg GAE/g- 42.50 mg QAE/g, proanthocyanidin, 459-8402.1 mg QE/g and the flavonoid content, 109.24- 235.79 mg QE/g. In addition, alkaloids (7.65percent) and saponin (25.33percent) were present in significantamounts. Based on the IC50 values, the ethanol extract exhibited the highest total antioxidant activity (0.0125 mg/mL) with highest inhibition against DPPH and ABTS radicals (0.06 and 0.049 mg/mL respectively). Relatively high antioxidant activity may be attributed to the polyphenolic contents which possess hypoglycemic potentials. Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) of H. arborescens leaf extracts against Bacillus pumilus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Klebselia pneumoniae was also determined and results indicated considerable antibacterial activity in the acetone, ethanol and blanched extracts with MIC values ranging from 1.563-12.5 mg/mL; however, the aqueous extract was inactive against all the bacteria strains. The antibacterial activity of the leaf extracts could be advantageous against diabetic related infections. The cytotoxicity, anti-obesity and antidiabetic potentials of blanched, aqueous and ethanol extracts of Heteromorpha arborescens (Spreng.) Cham leaves were also investigated. The results revealed that both ethanol and aqueous extracts indicated considerable inhibition against α-glucosidase (IC50 of 627.29 ± 4.33 μg/mL and 576.46 ± 3.21 μg/mL respectively) while the blanched extract showed weak α- glucosidase inhibition (IC50; 855.38 ± 4.29 μg/mL). The aqueous extract showed the best α- amylase inhibition (IC50; 583.74 ± 5.87 μg/mL) among the assessed extracts. However, weak α- amylase inhibition was observed in the ethanol (IC50; 724.60 ± 4.33 μg/mL) and blanched extracts (IC50; 791.63 ± 3.76 μg/mL) of H. arborescens leaves. Some level of glucose utilization in both C3A and L6 cells was also observed for the aqueous and ethanol extracts which may be attributed to the relatively lower toxicity levels present in them, however, glucose utilization was very weak for the blanched extract, which may be due to higher level of cytotoxicity it possessed. Relatively weak lipase inhibition was observed for the ethanol (IC50; 699.3 ± 1.33 μg/mL), aqueous (IC50; 811.52 ± 3.52 μg/mL) and blanched extract (IC50; 1152.7 ± 4.61 μg/mL) as compared to orlistat (IC50; 56.88 ± 0.11 μg/mL). However, there was no reasonable reduction in lipid accumulation observed in all the extract treated cells. The results obtained suggest that H.arborescens leaf extracts can serve as a potential tool for the development of new strategies for the treatment of diabetes and obesity. However, further analysis is required to ascertain its anti- obesity potential. Also, caution should be taken in the use of the plant at high concentrations in order to ensure safety and efficacy. Analyses were also carried out to determine the nutritional and antinutritional constituents of the plant for possible inclusion in the diet of diabetic patients. Proximate analysis revealed the presence of 8.5 percent total ash, 4.92 percent crude fat, 8.41 percent moisture, 15.74 percent crude protein, 21.48 percent crude fiber, 40.95 percent carbohydrates and 271.04 kcal/100g energy value. Mineral analysis showed that H. arborescens leaves are very rich in K, Ca, and Fe. Considerable amounts of Mg, Mn, Na, P, Cu and Zn were also present. Vitamin analysis showed that the plant has a high content of vitamins A, C and E. The anti-nutrients evaluated were phytate, oxalate, saponin, and alkaloids, all of which were below toxic levels except for saponin which was observed in moderately high level. This study revealed that H. arborescens leaves are a good source of nutrients and mineral elements, (with low anti-nutrient content) that are highly beneficial to human health especially in diabetic individuals, therefore, encouraging its possible inclusion as a vegetable. Essential oil composition of fresh Heteromorphaarborescens leaves were also determined by Solvent-Free-Microwave-Extraction (SFME) and Hydrodistillation (HD) methods and the compositions of both mehods were compared in terms of their chemical compositions, yield, CO2 emission and energy consumption. Solvent Free Microwave extraction method indicated higher oil yield of 0.7 mL/200 g (0.35 percent) as compared to 0.59 mL/200 g (0.295 percent), lower energy consumption and CO2 emission as compared to the hydrodistillation method. In conclusion, H. arborescens leaves indicated considerable potential efficacy in the management for diabetes mellitus and may require further structural elucidation and characterization in order to identify the bioactive constituents. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
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Critical discourse analysis of election campaigns in Zimbabwe with specific reference to 2008 and 2013 election periods

Authors: Mugomba Moreen
Date: 2020-05
Subjects: Critical discourse analysis , Political manifestos -- Zimbabwe , Communication in politics
Language: English
Type: Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22083 , vital:51982
Description: Elections are a key aspect in all communities and in Zimbabwe they are held after every 5 years. Election candidates’ speeches. Linguistic manipulation is an influential instrument in politics and as such presidential candidates’ electioneering discourse is infested with persuasive linguistic elements. Therefore, this study analysed the generic structure of hard news and editorials as well as political manifestos. The nature of linguistic devices invoked for the enactment of political goals and objectives by Zimbabwean newspaper reports in English and Shona were analysed. The study looked at how presidential candidates express themselves to the electorate through language as well. The study demonstrated how newspaper reporters make linguistic choices to express similar content from contending politicians during election time. The study took a qualitative research methodology. Tools used to collect data were interviews and document analysis. Ten newspaper reporters were interviewed for their extensive knowledge of media situations. The newspaper articles which were based on political manifestos by two of the contending political parties, the MDC and ZANU PF were analysed. Systemic Functional Linguistics and Critical Discourse Analysis were used as theories of analysis. Findings from the study revealed the existence of certain linguistic devices that are used in the art of persuasion, as candidates campaign for political posts. Characteristic linguistic devices were observed in journalists’ reports. These devices include modals, verbs, pronouns, metaphors, repetition, anaphora as well as the use of “us and them” in both the speeches and news reports in English and Shona. The analysis showed a discrepancy between state and independent media as far as news representation of election events is concerned. It is recommended in this study that, there must be a balance in the presentation of politics in newspapers even if there is personal bias in linguistic choice on the part of individual journalists. A transition model into electioneering reporting came up. The proposed model looks into issues of cohesion in news reports. The study has contributed further insights into the nature, features and functions of political discourse. discourse is paramount in society and as elections are held, several persuasive elements and occasions come into play as contesting candidates try to garner votes. Election discourse is realised in the aspiring , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2020
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Pharmacological investigation of Citrus limon leaf extract and its efficacy as biofungicide against potato rot disease

Authors: Ehiobu, John Meomikem
Date: 2021
Subjects: Potatoes -- Diseases and pests , Potato ring rot , Bacterial wilt of potato
Language: English
Type: Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23666 , vital:58278
Description: Potato, the fourth major staple and economic food crop is readily attacked by fungal pathogens. This is of public and economic importance. Interests have shifted from the age-old rot management by synthetic fungicide to botanicals due to the attended negative effects of the former. The bioactive molecules domicile in plants have been found to possess pharmacological properties against diverse pathogens of plants and animals. This study investigated the pharmacological properties of the Citrus limon leaf extracts of using different leaf solvent extracts and the potential utilization of these extracts in managing potato rot diseases. The tubers were purchased from selected supermarkets within Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality of the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. A survey study was carried out by using a well-structured designed questionnaire administered to selected supermarkets in three major towns namely; Alice, King Williams Town and Fort Beaufort. The questionnaires were randomly administered to 62 supermarket owners in each of the selected super markets. Rotten potato tubers were randomly collected from these supermarkets. On each occasion, the tubers were packaged in a sterile polythene bag and taken to the laboratory for isolation and identification of the pathogens associated with the disease (rot) using standard mycological techniques. Fresh leaves of Citrus limon were collected from a residential area within the study location, processed and extracted using water, ethanol and acetone solvents before analysing their phytochemical contents, antioxidant properties and antifungal activites against the rotten potato tuber pathogens at graded concentrations of 25g/l, 50g/l and 100g/l. Effects of different temperatures (10-40oC) on the tuber weight loss and mycelia growth were also evaluated. Analysis of the results revealed that the supermarket owners incurred economic loss of 43percentwith annual potato loss incurement of R1501- 2000. The losses occurred more in the warmer summer seasons. About 91percent of the respondents agreed to use any novel botanicals, as alternatives to the increasing artificial fungicides due to their high costs, toxic nature and the environmental hazard effects. Phytochemical results showed that the ethanol extracts yielded the highest total flavonoid quantification of 1052.58±39.44mg GAE/g, followed by phenols (209.72 ± 6.38 GAE/g), alkaloid (12.23percent) and saponin (5.53percent). There was no significant difference in phenol content between the acetone and ethanol; but a significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed for the aqueous extracts of C. limon leaf. The aqueous, acetone and ethanol leaf extracts also showed significantly high antioxidant capacity with the ABTS (67.85percent - 90.85percent), FRAP (128.26 - 182.12 mgRE/g) and DPPH (28.72percent - 33.64percent). The fungal pathogens isolated from rotten potato tubers were identified as Curvularia mebaldsii, Fusarium oxysporum and Penicillium species. The effect of C. limon leaf extracts on the isolates was concentration and extracting solvent dependent. For the aqueous solvent, the mycelial growth of Penicillium species were most inhibited with 95.82 ± 0.11percent, 89.1 ± 0.19percent and 74.81 ± 0.82 percent, followed by F. oxysporum with 76 ± 2.83, 76percent ± 5.95percent and 29.05 ± 3.17percent and Curvularia mebaldsii (68.46 ± 3.0percent, 63.76 ± 2.87 percent and 53.47± 3.64percent) respectively. However, the ethanol and acetone extracts at 100g/l concentrations displayed a 100percent growth inhibition against the three rot fungi. The effects 50g/l ethanol concentration also showed 100percent against both F. oxysporum and C. mebaldsii, but 90.97percent against Penicillium sp. The growth inhibition at 25g/l extract against F. oxysporum were 99percent and 96.52percent for acetone and ethanol extracts respectively, but 96.52percent and 85.57percent against C. mebaldsii and Penicillium sp. respectively. The effects of temperature on the average radial mycelial growth of fungal isolates at 10oC, 20oC, 30oC, and 40oC were 17.53 mm, 28.33 mm, 42.33 mm, and 34.50 mm respectively. The highest percentage weight loss of infected potato was 19.53percent at 30oC, while the lowest was 5.12percent at 10oC. The optimal temperature of maximum activities of the isolates was 30oC and this indicates that healthy potato tubers stored at 30oC will undergo faster fungal deterioration and spoilage than those stored at 10oC. The findings indicated that the ethanol and acetone extracts displayed significantly higher phytochemicals, antioxidant properties and in vitro antifungal activity against the potato rot disease fungal pathogens. Hence, the plant leaf could be considered as a potent bio-fungicides against potato rot disease. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
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Participation of smallholder farmers in the production of high-value commodities: The case of smallholder tobacco farmers in

Authors: Mugande, Unity
Date: 2021-09
Subjects: Farms, Small -- Zimbabwe , Sustainable development -- Zimbabwe
Language: English
Type: Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21533 , vital:48864
Description: Participation in the production of high-value export commodities is important in increasing incomes and in enhancing smallholder farmers’ livelihoods. However, the level of their participation may be limited by several factors. Despite the limiting factors, smallholder tobacco farming has gained popularity, especially for the Zimbabwean tobacco industry. Since the Fast Track Land Reform Programme (FTLRP), the tobacco industry in Zimbabwe has seen an influx of smallholder farmers who have since dominated the industry producing over half of the national total tobacco output. The participation by smallholder farmers in tobacco production can be influenced by many factors, the main being income realisation. However, for farmers to realise reasonable incomes, they should be able to produce reasonable levels of good quality tobacco otherwise their farming would be in vain. It has been shown in the literature that smallholder farmers can be constrained by several factors to produce high levels of produce and these factors may include one or more of the following; lack of capital, lack of productive assets, lack of tobacco production skills, lack of financial resources to finance productive activities properly, lack of access to land to expand production among others. Given this background, this study sought to assess the participation of smallholder farmers in tobacco production in terms of quantities and qualities produced given the differences in their productive capacities. The study utilised both primary and secondary data for analysis. Primary data were collected from individual farmers and contract firms’ representatives. The unit of analysis was the smallholder farmer. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires and a semi-structured interview guide for the contract representatives. Secondary data for the 2018 season were obtained from TIMB. Descriptive statistics, binary logistic regression analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were used to analyse the data. The descriptive statistics results showed that; the majority of the tobacco farmers had low levels of education and they relied mainly on farm incomes for survival. Concerning farm assets, the results showed that; on average, farmers own at least one of the following traditional assets; plough, scotch cart, cattle, storage facility, tobacco curing barn, (athough among the farmers some had indicated that they do not own curing facilities but used hired facilities to cure tobacco). Modern assets like tractors, ox-drawn ridgers and truck motor vehicles were owned by only a few farmers. The results further showed that contracted farmers were more productive and produced better quality tobacco than independent tobacco producers. The binary regression results showed that Ox-drawn ridgers, ploughs, having had a contract before, pricing, distance to the market, age of the farmer, type of curing facility, number of extension visits, number of bales produced and access to credit were significant factors influencing farmers’ participation in contract farming. However, four of the tested factors; tractors, cattle, number of hectares utilised for tobacco farming and number of years in tobacco farming were insignificant in influencing participation in contract farming. The results from the multiple linear regression analysis showed that the number of hectares utilised, the number of bales produced, market preferred, household size, tobacco production training, tractors, and type of curing facility were significant factors influencing the quality of tobacco produce. The other four variables that were tested; farmer category, type of energy used, being a member of a peer group and the number of years in tobacco farming; had no significant effect on the quality of tobacco produced by smallholder farmers. The study recommended that farmers should try and invest in commercial assets such as tractors, modern curing facilities, irrigation systems and other modern equipment that have potential to highly boost production rather than traditional assets like ox-drawn ploughs. The study also recommended that farmers should aim at maximising quantity per hectare of tobacco planted rather than planting larger crop areas they are unable to finance properly. Finally, it is recommended that farmers should get training on tobacco grading to avoid product quality loses that come with improper grading. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
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Development & evaluation of modified lignocellulose-clinoptilolite composites for water treatment

Authors: Vala, Mavula Kikwe Remy
Date: 2012-12
Subjects: Lignocellulose , Lignocellulose -- Biotechnology
Language: English
Type: Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24521 , vital:63051
Description: Municipalities, mining, textile and many other industries release wastewater into water bodies. Thus, the entire ecosystem (biota and abiota) including drinking water is affected by polluted effluents. The growing environmental concern over water pollution (due to inorganic and persistent organic compounds) attracts a significant amount of research in the removal of pollutants from water. In this study, lignocellulose and clinoptilolite were modified for the preparation of composites, with high adsorption properties, suitable for the removal of pollutants. Grass (Kikuyu grass) material was first treated with boiling water in order to remove soluble compounds and then with sulfuric acid in order to free functional groups within lignocellulose. The lignocellulose obtained was then chemically modified with three different siloxanes (3-aminopropyl-terminated poly (di)methylsiloxanes) of different molecular weights. For clinoptilolite, impurities were removed by reflux in hydrochloric acid before chemical modification with siloxanes. Grafting of siloxanes onto lignocellulose and clinoptilolite as well as the preparation of composites were successfully achieved by means of dibutyltin dilaurate (catalyst) after reflux under nitrogen. The modified materials were characterized by FT-IR, XRD, SEM and TGA and results confirmed successful modification of the materials. Solid state 29Si and 13C NMR were used to investigate the nature of the composite prepared with siloxane NH40D (CNH40D). The investigation revealed a possible bond between the modified lignocellulose and the modified clinoptilolite in the composite. The sorptive and/or ion exchange properties of the materials prepared for the removal of pollutants from water were then investigated. Phenol red, used motor (engine) oil and cyanide were used (with regard to textile, oil spill and gold mining effluents respectively) to simulate water pollution in the laboratory. It was found that adsorption properties of lignocellulose were significantly increased after sulfuric acid treatment, suggesting the availability of lignocellulose functional groups as adsorption sites. When further modified with siloxanes, lignocellulose showed less efficiency in adsorbing phenol red. The general mechanism of phenol red uptake onto lignocellulose and clinoptilolite modified with siloxane or composites was: rapid initial adsorption, slow uptake, small rate increase and then equilibrium. The mechanism of phenol red uptake could be well represented by the pseudo second-order kinetic model with equilibrium being reached after a period of time, ranging between 1-5 hours. The linear Langmuir model was the best model for describing adsorption of phenol red onto lignocellulose modified with siloxanes and composites while the Freundlich model appeared to be best for clinoptilolite modified with siloxanes. The general mechanism of used motor oil uptake onto lignocellulose and clinoptilolite modified with siloxane or composites was: rapid uptake, equilibrium and the process occurs over a short period (10 min). The pseudo second-order kinetic model appeared to be the best representation of this adsorption. The linear Langmuir isotherms are the best fitted model for used motor oil uptake onto the adsorbents prepared. Adsorption of cyanide occurred very quickly (10 to 30 min). For lignocellulose and clinoptilolite modified with siloxanes, desorption occurred soon after adsorption and thus no kinetic model nor isotherms of adsorption were deduced. However, adsorption of cyanide onto composites could be represented by the pseudo second-order kinetic model. Nanofibres were fabricated by electrospinning of the modified lignocellulose and composites by blending them with PAN in a solvent mixture of DMF-DMSO. Nanofiltration was achieved by packing the nanofibres prepared into a pipette and filtering polluted water. Nanofiltration was assessed by measurement of the turbidity of water which dropped from 63 NTU for polluted water to 3.06 NTU for filtered water. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2012
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Assessment of the role of continuing professional development on the transformation of practice: a case study of the Advanced Diploma in District Health Management and Leadership curriculum

Authors: Ndawule, Luvuyo
Date: 2018-06
Subjects: Continuing education , Teachers -- Training of -- South Africa , Active learning
Language: English
Type: Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26672 , vital:65848
Description: This study is located in the field of education, within the domain of Continuing Professional Development CPD and curriculum. The study sought to assess the role of CPD in the transformation of health practice. The media’s complaints about poor service delivery within spheres of government, from local up to national level, triggered interest in a study of this nature. Since the Department of Health falls amongst the essential services, research on current public healthcare with the intention of transforming its practice was seen as imperative. An Advanced Diploma in District Health Management and Leadership ADDHM & L offered by Health Sciences at the University of Fort was used as a case. The healthcare practitioners who attended the stated programme were studied as a second case. The setting is in the public health care centres in the Department of Health within the Amathole region and Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality. An interpretive paradigm was used to ordain the study, the three sets of data were collected from various categories of participants such as graduates of the ADDHM & L programme, their workplace supervisors, as well as the facilitators of the programme. The last set of data was collected from the ADDHM & L documents. Interviews and questionnaires were used as data collection tools and thematic analysis was used for data analysis. The findings revealed that curriculum development and design has a strong bearing on formal continuing professional development programmes. For such programmes to be able to transform practice, the curriculum pedagogies should be designed and developed in such a way that the learning taking place is authentic in nature. It is this type of learning that will influence reflective practice and translation of knowledge. The findings also revealed that institutions of higher learning do play a crucial role in closing the gap that exists between theory and practice through designing programmes that are pedagogically aligned towards authentic learning. The learning instructions, the experiences, the expectations of the learner, the assessment forms that influence the nature of tasks and activities given by facilitators can either enable or hinder the ability to transform practice. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, 2018
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The role of the Department of Education in addressing the education of children living and working in the street in the Eastern Cape:

Authors: Mawisa, Nompumelelo Mavis
Date: 2011-01
Subjects: Street children , Social Conditions , Education
Language: English
Type: Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23337 , vital:57354
Description: A UNICEF report on the drastic effects of child labour in developing countries indicates there are 4040 million children under the age of 18 not attending school (1977). Many are street and working children who deserve the chance, but face parental neglect and poverty to attend school and become conscious and productive citizens. Non-formal education has been identified as an alternative to traditional schooling, in which children learn vocational trades or academic subjects, aimed at enhancing their lives. This alternative approach is considered non-formal education because it is typically short–term and non – degree granting. Though non-formal education can be used for rehabilitation purposes, it cannot replace ultimate schooling. All children want to graduate and compete in the job market. The main aim of this study is to determine the role of the Department of Education in addressing the education of children working and living in the street in the Eastern Cape. The children working and living in the street phenomenon is a major development problem that is experienced all over the developing world. A major cause of this problem in the Eastern Cape is drop–outs due to parental negligence and poverty. To assist children working and living in the street and those in conflict with the law, child and youth care centres in East London, King William’s Town and Queenstown have been established. However, they have not had a very noticeable impact on the magnitude of the problem. Potential for such an impact seems to lie in the domain of collaboration with other non-governmental organisations, other departments and education providers. This study evaluated the quality of education of child and youth care centres and non-formal education programmes in providing education to children working and living in the street, with a view to highlighting the difference that formal education in mainstream schools has, in relation to these centres. The descriptive survey design was used in this study. The sample comprised ten children working and living in the street three child and youth care centres in East London, King William’s Town and Queenstown, ten children working and living in the street in East London, three managers from these centres, and two managers from the Department of Education and the Department of Social Development. The study employed the purposive sampling technique. Data to answer the research questions were collected mainly through questionnaires and interviews. The following conclusions were drawn from this study regarding empowering of children who are working and living in the street: (1) children were acutely cognisant of their impoverished positions in society but were unable to alleviate their economic burdens due to poverty. (2) The lack of teacher training strongly impacted on the children’s self concept to achieve empowerment (3) Non-formal education programmes should be used temporary whilst children working and living in the street are being rehabilitated. Thereafter children should join mainstream schools where they can obtain certificates on completion of their studies. The age factor should be considered when administering non-formal education. (4) Parents were the most important stakeholders in facilitating the enrolment of children in schools and monitoring their attendance. (5) Collaboration of all relevant stakeholders in the education of children working and living in the street is key to their education. , Thesis (PHD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2011
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The escalation of gender war within post-colonial South African society: an interrogation of beauty’s gift by Sindiwe Magona, happiness is a four-letter word by Cynthia Jele and black widow society by Angela Makholwa

Authors: Goremusandu, Tania
Date: 2021-09
Subjects: Women and literature -- Africa , Women in literature
Language: English
Type: Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21927 , vital:51843
Description: The critical analysis of gender war in the African context is not a new venture but it is rather a significant discussion to the development of gender and feminist theories. The primary focus of this study is to investigate the limitations to empowerment that African women face at the hands of a post-colonial patriarchal society like South Africa, exacerbated by the oppression and subjugation employed by patriarchal and cultural norms. Thus, the research provides a comparative analysis of three contemporary novels by award winning South African women writers in African literature: Sindiwe Magona, Cynthia Jele and Angela Makholwa. These three dedicated women writers examine the different ways in which African patriarchy and culture oppress professional, educated women. Their work portray gender and / or female oppression and the stereotypes experienced by African women in the context of post-colonial, heavily patriarchal South African society. Therefore, this study interrogates the experience of South African women, as explored in the texts, revealing the literary expressions of gender oppression as well as the possibilities of empowerment. In addition, the texts are analysed through the lens of the Feminist literary criticism theory, Gender studies and African feminism. Through the examination offered by these theories, the study focuses on the experiences of South African women, as expressed by the female characters in the selected texts, through a critical analysis of female oppression and resistance and on the idea that gender is constructed socially and culturally in the African context. As this project reveals, the problem arising within post-colonial South African society is that women are still oppressed and are seen as passive and submissive. As a result, patriarchal perspectives combined with women’s economic dependence on men, make reaching self-actualization a challenging and even terrifying experience, and is often impossible for most women to achieve. Thus, there is a need to understand the experiences of these women so that effective and culturally sensitive interventions can be implemented. The emergence of these renowned female South African writers together with the emancipation of African countries from colonial supremacy has opened a space for women to compensate for and correct the stereotyped female images in African literature and in post-colonial societies. Most contemporary African writers such as Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Tsitsi Dangarembga, Neshani Andreas, Sindiwe Magona, Cynthia Jele and Angela Makholwa have shown that women are seeking empowerment and liberation. Therefore, this study seeks to highlight such experiences through its critical interrogation of the writings of selected South African women writers and the exploration of their gender-based themes in order to inform and or inspire women empowerment. It is intended to broaden and encourage further academic discussion in the fields of Feminism literary criticism, Gender studies and African feminism as well as women’s literature within the African context. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
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Radio broadcasting, policy and local language revitalisation in Zimbabwe

Authors: Mabika, Memory https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4499-6300
Date: 2014-01
Subjects: Broadcasting -- Zimbabwe , Broadcasting policy -- Zimbabwe
Language: English
Type: Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25789 , vital:64479
Description: The media as disseminators of news are considered the principal institutions that have the mandate to provide relevant information to the citizenry; from which members of the public get a better understanding of their society. Communicating in indigenous languages, in particular, facilitates interaction and the preservation of African languages. Studies have shown that radio is the most effective channel of mass communication which can help in the usage and preservation of indigenous languages. This is because it is affordable and accessible in more peripheral areas than other media. However, due to radio’s ideological and hegemonic functions, many governments in most African countries and in Zimbabwe, in particular, have continued to closely monitor and control its day to day running. Zimbabwe radio, due to the previous and current political contexts, has continued to create an atmosphere where minority languages are not given necessary recognition leading to their exclusion from most of the existing radio stations. This has come to threaten indigenous minority languages and to weaken the long established cultures. The research springs primarily from the desire to unearth the truth behind the failure by ILRBSs and government to protect indigenous languages in Zimbabwe, a sovereign nation. The electronic colonialism theory and globalisation approach (specifically its cultural globalisation strand) were utilised in this study. The research adopted a mixed method design. Data was collected using four instruments namely, Interviews, Focus groups discussions, questionnaire and document analysis. The study revealed that minority languages in Zimbabwe have never been developed beyond their oral use by speakers in their confined locations. This makes any effort to use these languages for broadcasting a serious challenge since speakers and non-speakers do not value these languages. The government’s stringent media laws and policies have made the usage of radio broadcasting in preserving indigenous languages an almost impossible task. The ambiguous BSA and its various vague policies are nothing but a fallacy to minority indigenous languages’ revitalization efforts. In addition, the existing education system is worsening this problem because of its failure to develop educational materials in minority indigenous languages. The study concludes with the observation that in multilingual and multicultural Zimbabwe, the language stance of the government, education system and the media particularly radio are destructive to indigenous languages preservation and revitalisation. In order to ensure effective indigenous languages preservation and revitalization in Zimbabwe, there is need to revise the various language policies enshrined the BSA and to open up the broadcasting landscape to reflect the multiplicity and diversity of voices existing in the country. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2014
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Investigation of pharmaceutical residues and polybrominated diphenyl ethers in selected river estuaries and canal in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

Authors: Ohoro, Chinemerem Ruth https://orcid.org/ 0000-0002-8167-6314
Date: 2021-09
Subjects: Marine pharmacology
Language: English
Type: Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21545 , vital:48878
Description: The increasing global pollution by contaminants of emerging concern due to industrialization, development, and improper handling of industrial and domestic waste is alarming. Some of these emerging contaminants are endocrine disruptors and persistent organic pollutants. Two groups of compounds (pharmaceuticals and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)) were considered for this study. Pharmaceuticals are drugs which we take to cure and nourish human and animal bodies, ranging from antibiotics, stimulants, psychiatric, to hormonal recipes among others. They are potentially toxic and comprise chemicals or active ingredients capable of disrupting hormones. They have been related to human and aquatic organisms' ecological risks, such as feminization and masculinization of fish, cancer, and disruption of the immune system. In recent times, pharmaceuticals are being tested in the Rivers of South Africa. PBDEs are human influential chemicals usually incorporated into products such as flame retardants, which can travel over a long distance. They are hydrophobic, lipophilic, environmentally persistent, and easily absorbed by aquatic organisms. About 209 congeners exist, and BDE- 17, 47, 66, 100, 153, 154, and 183 are frequently detected in the environment. The higher brominated congeners can debrominate to more toxic and lower congeners. Though they have low acute toxicity, their effect of interfering with the thyroid gland is long-term. They pose a risk such as immunological, neurological, carcinogenicity, and reproductive disruption. Water and sediment samples considered for investigation were collected from five different sites (Buffalo River Estuary, Sundays River Estuary, Swartkops River Estuary, Nahoon River Estuary, and Markman Canal stormwater). These sites are located in the two major cities hosting the two major Ports (East London and Port Elizabeth) in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Five sampling points were chosen for the collection of both water and sediment samples across three seasons that span from August to December in each of the mentioned sites. Nahoon River Estuary that was not sampled in winter seasons due to logistics and the global pandemic of year 2020; sediment sample was not collected at point NH5 for the spring season because of inaccessibility and topography of the sampling point. Ultrasonic extraction was utilized for sediment samples while SPE method with C-18 cartridges, was used to extract pharmaceuticals in water samples and for the purification of sediment extracts. A chromatographic column was employed for sediment purification. Analytes considered in this study were carbamazepine, caffeine, trimethoprim, sulfamethoxazole, and testosterone. Nahoon River Estuary and Markman canal were considered for investigation of water and sediments for PBDEs. The samples were processed for analysis immediately on arrival to the laboratory after being stored in an ice chest at 4 oC. Physicochemical properties of water samples were taken on site. The temperature ranges from 15.5-24.5 oC for Markman and 24.5- 26.6 oC. Nahoon River Estuary. There was a correlation among the congeners except for BDE-153, which do not correlate with BDE- 17, 47, and 183 in Markman. However, BDE- 153 correlated with BDE-66 in Markman. The Ʃ5PBDE for water and Ʃ6PBDE sediment for all seasons were BDL – 1357 ng/L and BDL – 408.14 ng/g, respectively. The PBDEs mean concentrations in Nahoon water samples ranges from BDL-247 ng/L (spring). The dominant congeners in Nahoon Estuary and Markman Canal samples were BDE- 17 and BDE – 66. The temperature and pH of Swartkops River Estuary range from 16.66 – 25.15 oC, and 8.1 – 10.4, respectively. The pH of the Estuary was higher than that of the Markman Canal. The concentrations of pharmaceuticals in water samples were below detection limit. However, carbamazepine gave the highest concentration in sediment samples (23.86 μg/kg). SLF was not detected in sediment samples. The range of temperature for Buffalo River Estuary was lower than the other sites (18.10 – 20.22 oC); however, the pH showed no difference. Human and ecotoxicological risks were estimated for Markman Canal, Nahoon, Swartkops, Buffalo and Sundays River estuaries. The concentrations obtained for the two classes of contaminants in this study showed that PBDEs in Markman Canal sediment could pose a potential risk to humans, while Nahoon River Estuary poses no risk from PBDEs. Furthermore, the concentrations of caffeine in surface water of Sundays Estuary indicates low ecotoxicological risk to aquatic organisms (fish). Also, carbamazepine and trimethoprim levels (BDL – 9.50 and 1.39-2.00 μg/kg, respectively) suggest a high risk to aquatic organisms (bacteria, invertebrate, algae) in sediment of Buffalo, Sundays, and Swartkops estuaries, as well as Markman Canal. The situation report shows that the estuaries and canal in East London and Port Elizabeth are polluted by organic pollutants such as pharmaceuticals and polybrominated diphenyl ethers. Measures has to be taken to monitor the pollution of these rivers that are of economic value to South Africa. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
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Exclusion of women in the church governance structures : The Case of the Baptist Church of Southern Africa in Cradock Region

Authors: Mbali, Nkosinati McGiven
Date: 2022-10
Subjects: Women in church work , Church and social problems -- South Africa , Cradock Baptist Church
Language: English
Type: Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23924 , vital:61567
Description: In every community there are women. However, they are often marginalized because they are perceived as being unable to make a meaningful contribution to various economic endeavours or society in general. Sometimes they are shunned by their own families, while even church communities have been known to treat women in thoughtless ways. As a result, their spiritual potential cannot be effectively tapped. The research has explored many experiences of women in the mainstream Baptist Churches of Southern Africa in Cradock Region in the Eastern Cape. The study delves into the barriers that prevent the full inclusion of women in church life and what churches are and/or should be doing to remove such barriers so that women can embrace all that a church has to offer and progress on their spiritual journey. The study also looks at the importance of systematic theology in the church and how it should be directed at enabling women to exercise their spiritual gifts. The study applied the theoretical framework that discussed what is faced by women in the church, providing in-depth literature and Biblical review, and examining selected individuals who contributed to the study on what is faced by women daily in their spiritual growth. It provided important insights into how involved the participants are in church activities and whether they face subtle or more overt discrimination. A few strategies were also considered aimed at improving conditions for excluded women in the church, not only through better physical access but also through greater acceptance by the church leadership and the membership as a whole. The findings from the study will not only help the churches that were the focus of the fieldwork to help their women members embrace church life more fully and exercise their spiritual gifts, but they will also provide important insights for the broader Christian church towards the potential of inclusive community that will contribute richly to the spiritual enhancement of their church, family and community. For the survey work, the researcher adopted a qualitative approach. The participants' sample consisted of adults with a range of women and men of the church. Supplementary input was solicited from women and men who understand the challenges presented by both parties – particularly when a lack of familiarity with certain physical conditions leads to an unthinking, and sometimes uncaring, attitude. The data has been collected using informal and semi-structured interviews and observation. Being able to exercise choice and having control over their lives and a sense of independence were singled out as being of great importance to the women participants, as these factors contributed to their well-being and satisfaction with life. Most of the participants reported that they were not warmly embraced by their churches, because of their gender, and they were able to lead a fulfilling life of worship. However, more could be done to enhance their participation in church affairs and to become role models for other church communities that are not as accommodating through a lack of knowledge, training and resources. The research only focused on the rural, white, Coloured, Indian and African residential areas in Cradock in the Eastern Cape. Therefore, the study will only focus on the Baptist Church of Southern Africa in Cradock Region and should ideally not be generalized to areas other than those selected for this study. There is much scope for more detailed research to be conducted on disability in other Christian churches to break down both physical and attitudinal barriers that prohibit many individuals' spiritual and emotional satisfaction and growth. Each Chapter has a unique contribution to advancing the central argument of the study with Chapter One introducing and painting a backdrop against which the problem of the marginalisation and exclusion of women in church leadership and structures must be understood. In Chapter Two the researcher reviews the relevant literature, gaining a deeper understanding of what knowledge already exists in the body of knowledge, identifying gaps and using the study to propose solutions for what might be done to mitigate the challenge. In an attempt to guide the study, an appropriate research methodology is suggested and discussed in Chapter Three. This chapter deals with what data needed to be collected and what instrument had to be used to analyse the data. The appropriateness of the research methodology is of the essence in deciding what path the study must follow to realise the objectives of the study and respond to the set research questions. In Chapter Four, the collected data is presented and analysed using the mechanisms proposed in Chapter Three. Finally, a consolidation of the findings is presented in a summary with recommendations of what mechanisms the researcher has distilled from the analysed data. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
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Effects of urban expansion on coastal vegetation ecosystems conservation and functioning in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, South Africa

Authors: Olatoye, Tolulope Ayodeji https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2249-9258
Date: 2021-07
Subjects: Sustainable development , City planning -- Environmental aspects
Language: English
Type: Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21556 , vital:48885
Description: Coastal urban expansion is on an upward trajectory, which poses serious threats to ecosystem functioning, human wellbeing and the general environment across the globe. It is on this premise that this study brings to the fore the growing complexity of environmental sustainability problems in a former apartheid space, as characterized by coastal urbanization and the intricacies of vegetation conservation. Consequently, literature utilized for this study reveals that urban expansion has led to an uncontrolled threat to the coastal ecosystem, culminating in soil erosion, environmental pollution through illegal dumping of solid waste, loss of coastal vegetation to other land use types, among others. Therefore, constant monitoring of these spaces is needed due to their fragility, as they are pivotal in the earth-atmosphere processes to the benefit of the entire humanity. To this end, the current study offers critical analysis and insights about the South African coastal ecological space. The essence of using BCMM in its consideration as an ecological space and former apartheid territory brings to the fore a scientific explanation of the spatial configuration and changes in the CVEs of the study area during the post-colonial era. In the course of investigating this study, the Urban Green Sustainability (UGS) theory was adopted in the course of selecting the review of literature, methodological approach and analysis of results. A mixed methodological approach (qualitative, quantitative and geospatial techniques) was explored in data collection and analysis. 254 copies of the questionnaire were returned and analysed for this research. Results generated revealed by the BCMM respondents confirms the occurrence of uncontrolled urbanization, deforestation and crop cultivation as major causes of coastal vegetation loss. In the same vein, the LULC classification results revealed that about 466 km2 of forest vegetation has been lost in BCMM from 1998-2018. Also, LULC classification results were validated by performing the Normalized Difference Built-Up Index (NDBI), Normalized Difference Vegetative Index (NDVI), Kappa’s coefficient (k), coefficient of determination (R2) and Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation (P) tests. The results also revealed that the built-up area had increased from 194 km2 in 1998 to 814 km2 in 2008. Further, all statistical tests revealed very good and highly correlated overall classification accuracies (of R2=0.89 and P=0.86) during the study period (1998 – 2018). This study makes a clarion call towards the rehabilitation of degraded coastal environments and proffers solutions towards the actualization of environmentally sustainable CVEs which offers optimal ecosystem services. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
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Marketing the Pentecostal churches in Zimbabwe: A critical study of selected churches in Harare

Authors: Hove, Charity https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5579-0992
Date: 2021-05
Subjects: Pentecostalism , Religion and sociology
Language: English
Type: Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21167 , vital:47216
Description: Pentecostalism has spread rapidly worldwide and continues to do so, thereby generating scholarly interest on how much church growth was attained through marketing. In Zimbabwe, it is evident that marketing communication has become an essential part of church activities to attract the society. In the case of Pentecostal churches, both church and marketing activities are interrelated, as seen through the increased usage of digital communication marketing strategies to attract followers, especially on social media. With effective marketing, people can be attached to a church, in the same way, they would be attached to a brand. In this regard, this study therefore examined whether fundamental marketing principles apply to the marketing of Pentecostal religiosity in Zimbabwe - focusing on how the churches, church services or products, and prophets are marketed. The study also explored how such church marketing attributes to the popularity of these churches and how ultimately the church marketing communication affects society. Theoretically, Pentecostal churches can utilise Porter’s Five Forces, Marketing Communication Mix, and AIDA Model to maintain a favourable marketing standing. With the presence of communication technologies and the media, the applicability of these marketing theories is effortless, hence the marketing of Pentecostal churches has flourished. This study used a qualitative research design and was conducted on three Pentecostal churches namely the Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries, United Family International Church, and Spirit Embassy (The Good News Church) in Harare, Zimbabwe. The data was gathered from the churches’ Facebook pages, websites, and newspaper articles reporting about the churches. In addition, interviews with church marketing personnel from each church, 30 church members and focus group interviews with 30 non-church members residing close to the Pentecostal churches were conducted. The findings reveal that the Pentecostal churches in Zimbabwe are actively involved in church marketing and have various marketing strategies as any business entity would. However, the churches’ image and efforts aimed at fulfilling social mandates are tainted by several marketing strategies which are used, especially on digital media. In addition, church marketing has promoted commercialised religion and the Pentecostal fraternity is certainly morphing into businesses at the expense of spirituality and religiosity, which is simply an epitome of secularising the sacred. Furthermore, it was established that the marketing strategies used are influential to target markets, such as church members, and the effects are adverse. Hence, this study recommends regulation of Pentecostal churches and proposes three models that illustrate regulation at government level, collective level, and individual level through policy regulation, collective action, and self-regulation respectively. This will encourage churches to conduct ethical church marketing and protect religious consumers. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, 2021
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Social policy and regional integration in SADC: a regional health care perspective

Authors: Maduna-Mafu, Nqobani
Date: 2020-12
Subjects: Regionalism , AIDS (Disease) -- Africa, Southern , HIV-positive persons -- Africa, Southern Africa, Southern -- Government policy
Language: English
Type: Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19848 , vital:43386
Description: The study examined the implementation of SADC health programmes, particularly the health protocol and its role to the advancement of health justice in the SADC region. Social driven regionalism involves member states adopting common policies in social policy areas that include; health, education and social protection. Therefore, the focus of this study was on regional integration-social policy interface and contribution towards socially equitable regional development with specific focus on health care provision. Since the 19th century development co-operation between countries has been informed by traditionalist views on regionalism, particularly the comparative advantage and the customs union paradigms. These anachronistic models have constructed a narrative suggesting that adopting trade-based regional integration schemes is a sustainable solution to fragmented markets and weak economies that are vulnerable to global economic trends. This antediluvian approach has produced forms of regionalism whose endeavour is the liberalisation of trade to the negation of human development. The SADC has experimented with this approach since the 1980s leading to the neglect of social policy and deepening human insecurity as shown by high mortality rates attributable to epidemics and low life expectancy in SADC member countries. Although neo-classical foundations are the socio-historical pivots of regional integration SADC has instruments that are centred on social actions aiming to promote citizens’ normative right to health. Thus, the fundamental strength with SADC regional social policy instruments is the incorporation of pro-poor commitments in systems of regional governance. While these social policies do not establish guarantees to the realisation of the right to health because they do have the politico-legal means to enforce such guarantees, they define regional agenda for justice in the context of deepening social challenges. This consequently makes the SADC region a site for norms that engender practices towards addressing the challenge of economic development and social transformation dichotomy. The existence of social policies arising from global health diplomacy means that the region has an opportunity to play a role as a vector for social justice through committing member states to equity and promoting social rights while providing brokerage needed for redistribution of public commodities. Using the qualitative approach, the study examined the implementation of SADC health programmes, particularly the health protocol, and the contribution to regional integration experience in the region. Narratives showed that SADC is facing enormous challenges in re-inventing regional co-operation towards health diplomacy. Although there is a confluence of factors militating against this form of regionalism, the fundamental contributory factor is lopsided regional integration favouring economic development ahead of social transformation. The architectural framework of SADC is trade-driven. Consequently, it lacks structures that can foster regional action on social questions that include; health infrastructure, health human resources, medical research and technology, vaccines production and procurement, regional health financing, civil society engagement towards achieving health justice in the region. The study has adopted the justice-driven regional health approach grounded on South to South co-operation principles and universalisation of health as the framework for understanding region and state-level interventions required to resolve intensifying social policy challenges including TB and HIV/AIDS. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management & Commerce, 2020
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Showing items 161 - 180 of 202

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